We all talk about the ‘Holy Trinity of Watchmaking’ composed by Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet, and for years I have debated if it should be called the ‘Holy Quartet of Watchmaking’ instead. Since it seems unfair to drop Audemars Piguet out of the trinity and include Jaeger-LeCoultre in its place, I think that making it a quartet seems more fair and reasonable.
From the Editor: Why I Think the Patek Philippe ref. 5270P-014 Lacquered Green Dial is an Absolute Grail
As we are five days away from Watches & Wonders 2023, I’d like to talk about one of the ultimate showstoppers at last year’s edition of Watches & Wonders. As I wonder what will Patek Philippe present this year, I can’t stop thinking about the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5270 in platinum with green lacquered dial. Without a doubt, the reference 5270P-014 is an absolute grail in my book and here’s why.
Experience: Smythson Oxblood Camouflage Burlington Cardholder & Passport Holder. One of the Sexiest Camo Patterns on Leather.
A couple of years ago camouflage patterns became a thing, and most of the high-end leather goods manufacturers decided to jump on the bandwagon, some sooner rather than later. While it took Smythson of Bond Street a little longer than most, the Oxblood Camouflage Burlington Cardholder and Passport Holder are must have if you like camo leather goods. Since we’ve talked about Smythson a few times here at WCL, we don’t need to tell you much about their history but instead, focus on the cardholder and passport holder we have here.
Introducing: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 43 ref. 26420CE. Let's Nickname it 'The John Player Special'.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore and AP has decided to celebrate with a few new releases in the collection. After the great release of the all-black all ceramic Royal Oak Offshore 42 reference 26238CE.OO.1300CE.01. we published here yesterday, now comes a new version of the Royal Oak Offshore 43 mm reference 26420CE.OO.A127CR.01 also cloaked in an all-black ceramic case but with 18K yellow gold accents on its strap plots, crown guards, and dial.
Experience: Hibiki 17 Years Old Kacho Fugetsu Limited Edition Japanese Whisky. Unique, Harmonious and Ultra Rare.
Hibiki was introduced in 1989 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Suntory Distillery and since then, this whisky has been the paragon of the Art of Japanese Whisky. Not only it is one of Japan’s most highly awarded blended whiskies, but it is also among the most prestigious whiskies in the world. Hibiki 17 years old was first introduced in 2015 as a harmonious blend blessed with the riches of Japanese nature and craftsmanship.
Introducing: Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Sonatina Peaceful Nature. A Trilogy with a Crane, a Kingfisher, and a Koi.
Inspired by Asia’s centuries-long artistic tradition of depicting the natural world, Jaeger-LeCoultre enriches the Rendez-Vous Sonatina ‘Peaceful Nature’ series with three new timepieces all cased in 18K pink gold measuring 38.2 mm in diameter and set with 160 diamonds on the caseband and bezel—approximately a total of 1.86 carats. An exquisitely feminine expression of time that celebrates both precision and artistry, Jaeger-LeCoultre enriches the Rendez-Vous Sonatina series with three new timepieces. A limited edition of 10 pieces each, the Rendez-Vous Sonatina “Peaceful Nature” trilogy is a joyful ode to nature and its special place in the Asian artistic tradition.
Introducing: Patek Philippe ref. 5270P-014 Lacquered Green Dial
The Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5270 was originally launched at Baselworld 2011 to replace the iconic Patek reference 5970 and for Watches & Wonders 2022, Patek Philippe is presenting a new iteration in platinum —in addition to the Salmon dial and diamond baguette set— sporting a gorgeous green lacquered dial. With a platinum case measuring 41 mm in diameter the new reference ref. 5270P-014 has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated.
Watches & Wonders 2020: Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Limited Edition 1858
The Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph is one of the technical pillars of the Maison. In this new version, Montblanc reinterprets a historical Minerva chronograph with its calibre 13.20 from the 1930s. Like on the original timepiece, the 1858 Monopusher Chronograph features a black dial with a beige-colored railway track, as well as two counters at three and nine o’clock.
Eye Candy: Greubel Forsey Diamond Set Balancier Contemporain. A Perfect Watch for Ladies that Appreciate Horological Masterpieces.
And just because ladies also appreciate the horological masterpieces of Greubel Forsey, the brand released this diamond-set Balancier Contemporain earlier this year. This highly original creation is distinguished by its 39.6 mm case diameter —a first from Greubel Forsey which generally makes much larger timepieces—, that represented a challenge not only by making sure that the case was big enough to house the large balance wheel within a limited space, but also to achieve optimal proportions and an attractive three-dimensional construction by safeguarding the emblematic aesthetic codes of Greubel Forsey.
Insider: Tudor Heritage Advisor ref. 79620TC Cognac Dial. Hands-on with a Very Functional Timepiece Fitted with a Mechanical Alarm.
About 90 years ago, Hands Wildorf had the idea of making a watch that his sales agents could sell at a more modest price than his Rolex watches without compromising the quality and reliability of a Rolex timepiece. Therefore, he decided to form a separate company named Tudor Watch Company, today, that company, continues to put out amazing watches that won't break the bank like the Tudor Heritage Advisor ref. 79620TC we are reviewing here.