Ladies and gentleman, may we present the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15400 in stainless steel and 18K rose gold. This novelty marks the return of one of our all-time favorite Royal Oaks phased out in the 1990s and originally launched under reference 5402SA as a 'Two-Tone' Royal Oak Jumbo in 1976. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo 'Two-Tone' ref. 5402SA was only produced for a few years and only 951 were ever created. This new watch highly reminiscent of its predecessor will be available in 41 mm and in a 33 mm ladies size with diamond encrusted bezel. Later today, we will bring you more pictures and our full review with wristshot of this new timepiece.
Posts filed under SIHH
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver in Stainless Steel with White Dial and Display Case Back. Live Pics and Pricing.
Following the release of the other four Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Divers —stainless steel with black dial, forged carbon, black ceramic and white ceramic—, the Manufacture that turns 140 this year is releasing the Royal Oak Offshore Diver in stainless steel now with a striking white dial and a display case back. The Royal Oak Offshore Diver in stainless steel with black dial, like all its counterparts, will now be fitted with a display case back moving forward.
SIHH 2015: Live Coverage from Geneva, Switzerland. The Salon Opens at 8:30AM Geneva Time on January 19th.
We have arrived in Geneva, Switzerland for the 25th edition of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. With sixteen manufactures presenting the novelties for the year, this is one of the top watch events in the world. We will begin our coverage tomorrow January 19th, 2015 as soon as the Salon opens at 8:30am Geneva Time. Make sure you follow all our updates via Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter and here.
We are excited to see the novelties from all the brands but particularly from Audemars Piguet who is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year, Vacheron Constantin celebrating 260 years of uninterrupted history, Jaeger-LeCoultre, A. Lange & Söhne who wowed us last year with the amazing Terraluna, Panerai with their historical inspired timepieces, Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, Richard Mille, Greubel Forsey, IWC who had a wonderful repertoire last year with the revamped Aquatimer line, Roger Dubuis and Piaget amongst others.
Ladies and gentleman stay tuned for the best coverage of the SIHH 2015 starting tomorrow.
News: Pre-SIHH 2015 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Acoustic Research Episode 1. A Water-Resistant Minute Repeater Tourbillon Chronograph.
Exceptional engineering and the power of sound merge in one of the most innovative concept watches created by a Swiss haute horlogerie watchmaking house. The result of an in-depth eight year sound research program with three patents pending, this new Royal Oak Concept watch, a unique prototype, will be unveiled by Audemars Piguet at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie 2015 —SIHH— in Geneva. We will bring you live images once we get to see this watch in the metal at the SIHH during the week of January 19th, 2015.
Engineered within Audemars Piguet’s acoustic research lab, this new Royal Oak Concept is the first chiming watch so acoustically considered as to become a sound concept in its own right. It has been sonically developed through an ongoing acoustic study program in collaboration with the EPFL —Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne— and it took three years to transfer that technological study into a watch concept.
Experience: Eight of the Most Beautiful Movements Presented at SIHH and Baselworld 2014. Haute Horlogerie at its Finest.
So far, it has been a very exciting year with the amazing timepieces that have been unveiled at the SIHH in Geneva and Baselworld 2014. During these first four months of the year 2014, we have seen some exceptional timepieces that took our breath away because of their complexity, unique designs and functions; however, there are eight timepieces that we would like to showcase in this post, as we think that they have some of the most beautiful movements that are perfect examples of haute horlogerie at its finest.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 44mm Anthracite Dial ref. 26402CE. Just Stunning in Every Aspect.
This new sophisticated chronograph with its incisive design features a wealth of opulent detailing. Presented at the SIHH 2014 and also in 2015 in Geneva, this new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore in 44 mm ref. 26402CE.OO.A002CA.02 features a full ceramic case and bezel paired with an Anthracite dial with “Méga Tapisserie”, anthracite counter at 12 o’clock, anthracite counters with grey outer zone at 6 and 9 o’clock and red chronograph hands. The look of this new dial is accentuated by the silver flange with tachymeter scale. The ceramic case is round out by its titanium crown guards, titanium plots and black rubber strap with titanium pin buckle. As it is the norm with Royal Oaks and Royal Oak Offshores, the finish on the case is superb and the traditional vertical brushed finish is prevalent on both the bezel and the case in a remarkable way.
This new anthracite dial is very unique in terms of color and depending on the angle at which the light hits it, it will vary from a deep grey, to a greyish blue and even to a deep midnight blue. The red accents along with the silvered outer zone on the chrono registers and the white and black markers make this dial a perfectly balanced one.
The beating heart inside this watch is the Audemars Piguet calibre 3126/3840 composed of 365 parts, 59 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 55 hours. As we have mentioned it before, this calibre is based off of the 3120 but with a Dubois-Depraz chrono module. The calibre is fully visible via the display case back on the watch.
On the wrist, the watch is just exceptional. Even though we consider ourselves Royal Oak Offshore purists and to us there's nothing more comfortable than the original 42 mm Offshore, we feel that the 44 mm case is just as comfortable. The wrist presence of this new anthracite dial Offshore is just out of this world and all we can say is that we were pleasantly surprised by how good this watch looks all around.
Sticker Price $41,700 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
SIHH 2014: Van Cleef & Arpels Presents the Pierre Arpels Heure d'ici & Heure d'ailleurs. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Created in 1949, the Pierre Arpels watch has epitomized Van Cleef & Arpels’ vision of masculinity. A perfect blend of sophistication and understatement, it is notable for an exceptionally thin case held by two unobtrusive central strap attachments. In 2012, the Maison reinterpreted this icon of watchmaking and has since enriched the collection with new models that reflect Pierre Arpels’ way of life. An aesthete, designer and businessman, Estelle Arpels’ nephew was also a socialite and a traveler: two facets to which Van Cleef & Arpels pays homage at the SIHH 2014 with this new timepiece the Pierre Arpels Heure d’ici & Heure d’ailleurs in an 18K white gold case measuring 42 mm in diameter. With this new Heure d’ici & Heure d’ailleurs timepiece, the Maison presents an understated and poetic interpretation of travel —the way that Pierre Arpels appreciated it.
For the first time, the Pierre Arpels collection welcomes a dual time complicated watch, reflecting Van Cleef & Arpels Poetry of Time. Developed in partnership with Agenhor —Atelier Genevois d’Horlogerie—, this exclusive automatic movement is distinguished by its double jumping hour and minute retrograde display on a beautiful white lacquer dial with 'piqué' motif on the center. The hour that acts as the reference —displayed in the aperture at the top of the dial— and the hour of the second time zone that appears in the lower aperture both jump at the same time, thanks to a single sector that synchronizes the two hour discs and the retrograde minute hand. When the latter reaches 60 minutes on the graduated scale, it returns to its starting position at the same instant that the hour display changes.
In order to maintain the thinness of the case —a distinguishing feature of the Pierre Arpels collection— the automatic movement is equipped with a platinum micro-rotor that takes up remarkably little space. By oscillating in two directions, it can supply energy continuously. The movement, which is visible through the display case back, is adorned with a snailed pattern on the bridges, the Van Cleef & Arpels hallmark and a blue lacquered design on the micro-rotor that echoes the 'piqué' motif on the dial.
The watch is fitted with a super glossy black alligator strap with pin buckle. The strap is very comfortable and nicely finished to match the exceptional look of this new timepiece.
On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size and with a very thin profile. The understated elegance of this timepiece is remarkable and the wrist presence incomparable. The Pierre Arpels Heure d’ici & Heure d’ailleurs is definitely a timepiece that embraces the principles of this Maison and a perfect example of 'haute horlogerie'.
Sticker Price $41,000 USD. For more info on Van Cleef & Arpels click here.
SIHH 2104: A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase. Live Pictures and Pricing.
During the SIHH 2014 in Geneva, A. Lange & Söhne officially unveiled the new Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase that gives the exactly calculated to 122.6 years moon phase display a shiny appearance on the dial. A patented method of coating the moon's disk gives this astronomical complication a highly detailed appearance. The moon is a fascinating celestial body. It determines not only the tides, but also affects the rhythm of life of many creatures and plants. A moon phase display is therefore highly appreciated by many watch lovers. This new watch is available in three different metals: platinum, 18K pink gold and 18K yellow gold.
Since its relaunch, the Saxon manufacture has presented twelve models with such a complication. However, never before the moon phase display has been so prominent as it is in the new Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase. The popular astronomical display received a large stage on the dial. You can now clearly see how the moon phase display follows the actual phases of the moon in a remarkably realistic manner because it is linked to the continuum of the hour. Thus, it is — just like the moon itself— always on the move and in such small steps that you cannot detect this movement with the naked eye.
In addition, the moon phase indicator represents the time from new moon to new moon with an accuracy of 99.9978 percent. 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 3 seconds , the average synod lunar months. For simplicity, the cycle is therefore rounded in most classical moon phase displays to 29.5 days. This leads per cycle to a deviation of 44 minutes and 3 seconds, which adds up after two and a half years to one day. The much more accurately calculated seven-gear on the Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase reduces the deviation per lunar cycle to less than a minute. Once set up properly, you would have to correct the display by one day after 122.6 years. With a corrector push piece between 7 and 8 o'clock on the case band, the display can be adjusted.
The solid gold moon disc testifies the perfection claim of the Lange product developers. The result of extensive research and development work is a patented coating process that through an unparalleled color brilliance and sharpness of all the details meets the highest aesthetic standards. Due to interference effects —the superposition of reflections— all non-blue color components of the incoming daylight are absorbed. So is in the eye of the beholder an intensely blue color impression. The more than 300 stars of different size are cut so sharply drawn with a laser that they act like a miniaturized representation of the Milky Way.
With the combination of decentralized dial design, large date and technically advanced caliber, the Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase bears all the marks of the most famous family of watches from A. Lange & Söhne. The calibre with an impressive power reserve of 72 hours is only 4.7 mm thick thanks to the use of only one barrel. The case, available in yellow gold, rose gold or platinum has a diameter of 41.0 mm. With a balance spring developed and manufactured in-house, a three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver and intricately hand decorated parts, the Lange calibre L095.3 features all the classic elements of the timepieces from this manufacture.
Sticker Price 38,900 Euro for 18K Pink gold or 18K Yellow gold. 50,900 Euro for Platinum. For more info on A. Lange & Söhne click here.
SIHH 2014: A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Jewellery with Mother-of-Pearl Dial. Live Pictures.
In their 60 diamond-set —approximately one total carat— 18K white gold cases measuring 35 mm in diameter and 7.9 mm in thickness, the two new Saxonia Jewellery models constitute a fascinating combination of horological precision, superb artisanship and feminine elegance. The visible facets of all the members of the Saxonia watch family reflect the rich inner life of these timepieces. They represent a perfect embodiment of mechanical precision, sublime craftsmanship and well-balanced design. This also applies to the two new Saxonia models in white ref. 878.029 and brown ref. 878.038 dials. Both of these mesmerizing A. Lange & Söhne ladies’ watches are focusing on the very essence. With svelte hands and baton hour markers in rhodiumed gold, the scintillating white or brown inlaid mother-of-pearl dial indicates the hours and minutes, as well as the seconds on a subsidiary dial. Located at 6 o’clock, the subdial stands in equilibrium with the A. Lange & Söhne signature beneath 12 o’clock.
The cool gloss of 18K white gold emphasizes the graceful silhouette of the two-part case that sparkles with the exceptional fire of 60 brilliant-cut diamonds. Straps in white or brown crocodile leather match the color of the dial and amplify the glamorous charisma of these watches.
The manually wound manufacture calibre L941.2 inside the Saxonia Jewellery assures high timekeeping accuracy. When fully wound, it delivers a power reserve of 45 hours. The movement reflects the ambitious quest for aesthetic elegance down to the smallest detail. Surfaces lavishly decorated by hand as well as the Glashütte ribbing that adorns the three-quarter plate made of German silver manifest the pursuit of perfection as aptly as the screwed gold chatons and the hand-engraved balance cock. The sapphire-crystal case back reveals the movement as a showpiece of mechanical ingenuity, commensurate with the dazzling appearance of the watch.
For more info on A. Lange & Söhne click here.
SIHH 2014: IWC Aquatimer Chronograph '50 Years Science for Galapagos' Limited Edition of 500 Pieces and IWC Aquatimer Chronograph 'Galapagos Islands'. Live Pictures and Pricing.
For the first time ever, IWC presents two new Galapagos models simultaneously that are dedicated to the research and protection of the archipelago. This newly presented IWC Aquatimer Chronograph '50 Years Science for Galapagos' ref. IW379504 is a jubilee edition limited to 500 watches that commemorates the Charles Darwin Research Station's 50 years of scientific work on the Galapagos Islands. Equipped with the reliable IWC in-house 89365 calibre, SafeDive system and flyback function, the chronograph is water-resistant to 300 meters and has a wealth of features designed to appeal to divers. Fitted with a rubber-coated stainless steel case measuring 44 mm in diameter and a black dial with midnight blue accents, this limited edition watch is just amazing. The blue accents provide the perfect amount of contrast and color to the blackness of the watch.
The matte black rubber coating on the stainless-steel case is a special feature for both of the Galapagos edition models. It is applied in a complex vulcanization process and gives the watches an attractive look and feel of their own. Meanwhile, the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition 'Galapagos Islands' ref. IW379502 is a special edition —not limited— and an annual tribute to the partnership, established in 2009, with the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Over 50 years, hundreds of scientists, students, teachers and volunteers from all over the world have been working on behalf of the Foundation at the Charles Darwin Research Station. The goal for the Galapagos scientific center is to research the indigenous fauna and flora and to save the Galapagos, a World Heritage site, from destruction. The Station trains national park guides, organizes seminars, publishes the findings of its research and collects donations. Traditionally, part of the proceeds from sales of the Galapagos editions has always gone to the Charles Darwin Foundation and this time is not different. Both the 'Galapagos Islands' and the '50 Years Science for Galapagos' are fitted with specially engraved solid case backs. While the 'Galapagos Islands' model features the engraving of the iconic black iguana from the Galapagos, the '50 Years Science for Galapagos' features a 50-logo of the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Sticker Price $11,200 USD '50 Years Science for Galapagos'. $11,100 USD 'Galapagos Islands'.
For more info on IWC click here.
SIHH 2014: IWC Aquatimer Chronograph ref. 3768. Live Pictures and Pricing.
The new IWC Aquatimer Chronograph presented at the SIHH 2014 two weeks ago is available in four different options with silver or black dial and on stainless steel bracelet or black rubber strap. The new IWC Aquatimer Chronograph ref. 3768 is fitted with a robust stainless steel case measuring 44 mm in diameter and a thickness of 17 mm. Powered by the calibre 79320, this chronograph features running seconds at 9, minute-chrono counter at 12, hour-chrono counter at 6 and day and date at 3 o'clock.
This watch just like all other new Aquatimers is fitted with an internal bezel with SafeDive system, screw-in crown and a solid case back.
The IWC Aquatimer Chronographs featured here are ref. IW376801 —silver dial— and ref. IW376803 —black dial. Both watches are fitted with a black rubber strap that is very comfortable and definitely a huge upgrade from the previous generation of IWC Aquatimer rubber straps. The strap features a texture similar to that on vintage tropic straps and is equipped with a pin buckle.
Sticker Price $7,000 USD Rubber strap. $8,000 USD Stainless steel bracelet. For more info on IWC click here.
SIHH 2014: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore New Safari and New Navy. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Last week at the SIHH 2014, Audemars Piguet unveiled six new models of the Royal Oak Offshore in 42 mm. With this new line-up, there are several models that will no longer be produced and that have disappeared from the Royal Oak Offshore line as we knew them. Within these new six references, there are two particular models that we need to talk about in depth, the new Royal Oak Offshore 'Safari' and the new Royal Oak Offshore 'Navy'.
The original Royal Oak Offshore 'Safari' and Royal Oak Offshore 'Navy' were released in 2007 both as models specifically designed to be worn on a hornback strap and with color combinations that were somewhat different to the more conventional designs available as part of the 'Themes' line at the time. This year, both models have not only undergone an important facelift with new ceramic pushers and crown, new designed crown guards, new display case backs, new pin buckle straps, new hour/minute hands, but also a completely new look on their dials with new colors and also more streamlined Arabic numerals that appear thinner than on the previous generation of Royal Oak Offshores.
Today, the Royal Oak Offshore that we have been referring to as the 'Navy' for the last seven years, will no longer be fitted with a white dial and blue counters, but with a navy blue dial with off-white counters, blue flange with orange tachymeter scale, orange chronograph hands and a gorgeous cobalt blue rubber strap. We really think that the new 'Navy' is more bold and way better looking than the original one. In only two weeks, we have already seen the positive reactions from Audemars Piguet collectors and we can already sense that this will become a hot commodity as soon as it hits the authorized dealers network. The reference number for this new model is 26470ST.OO.A027CA.01.
Now, let's talk about the redesigned Royal Oak Offshore 'Safari' ref. 26470ST.OO.A801CR.01. The 'Safari' will now have a more ivory-cream colored dial than its predecessor with brown Arabic numerals, milk chocolate brown chrono counters and a brown flange with white tachymeter scale. While the original 'Safari' has always been an iconic model in the Royal Oak Offshore collection, we think that the new dial is more appealing and less boring. The new 42 mm Offshores will no longer be fitted with folding clasps but with pin buckles and the new buckle on the brown hornback alligator strap on the redesigned 'Safari' looks and feels great.
While we consider ourselves purists when it comes to certain iconic watches, we really feel that the redesigned 'Safari' and 'Navy' are perfect examples of what reinvention and redesign in the watch industry should look like. With the new Royal Oak Offshore line, Audemars Piguet continues to prove why to "break the rules you first must master them."
Sticker Price Royal Oak Offshore 'Safari' $26,000 USD. Sticker Price Royal Oak Offshore 'Navy' $25,600 USD.
For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
SIHH 2014: IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000 ref. 3580. Live Pictures and Pricing.
The new IWC Aquatimer 2000 ref. 358002 is one of our favorite watches from the new Aquatimer collection. Fitted with a very robust and thick titanium case measuring now 46 mm in diameter —instead of 44 mm as its predecessor— and 20.5 mm in thickness, this new watch is definitely an upgrade from the previous Aquatimer 2000. Rated to a depth of a 2000 meters, this beautiful watch is fitted with a black dial, a rugged rubber strap and now with an in-house automatic movement calibre 80110 with 28 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 44 hours when fully wound.
This watch just like all the other new Aquatimers, is fitted with a chunky external rotating bezel that can be adjusted easily even when wearing gloves and, as the name SafeDive system suggests, offers the diver a very high level of security. Something that we have not explained on earlier posts regarding the new Aquatimers, is that what appears to be a second crown or valve on the left side of the case, is actually the drive wheel and drive pinion for the new SafeDive bezel system. In order to guarantee uncompromised water resistance, the watch is fitted with a solid case back with the only one motif that was thought appropriate for engraving: the classic diving helmet worn by deep-sea divers.
The 2014 Aquatimer collection from IWC Schaffhausen comes with inspired technical features, even more in-house calibres and a patented IWC bracelet quick-change system. The prototype was built in 1982 as a watch for mine clearance divers and designed by the legendary Ferdinand A. Porsche. The version for non-military use, the Ocean 2000, was the first watch with a pressure-resistance of 200 bar and was much coveted by collectors. Subsequent models, namely the GST Aquatimer and the Aquatimer Automatic 2000, were one thing above all: first-class diving instruments for professionals and ambitious amateurs. The new Aquatimer Automatic 2000 is a reliable backup system, even for the most exacting underwater missions.
Sticker Price $10,100 USD. For more info on IWC click here.
SIHH 2014: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 44mm White Ceramic ref. 26402CB. Live Pictures and Pricing.
In 2011 Audemars Piguet introduced the 44 mm Royal Oak Offshore collection with a 44 mm diameter case and a whole new design under ref. 26400. Three years later, the manufacture continues to beef up its 44 mm Royal Oak Offshore collection with a completely new timepiece featuring a white ceramic case, white ceramic crown and pushers and titanium guards and plots, all rounded out by a white rubber strap with a titanium pin buckle.
This new 44 mm Royal Oak Offshore features a silver dial with dark blue chrono counters and a dark blue flange. Depending on the lighting conditions, the counters and flange can go from a midnight blue to almost black looking. The reference number for this new timepiece in the 44mm Offshore lineup is 26402CB.OO.A010CA.01.
As all other 44mm Royal Oak Offshores, this watch is fitted with a display case back that allows for full view of the Audemars Piguet calibre 3126/3840 composed of 365 parts, 59 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 55 hours when fully wound. The case back is also made of titanium and fitted with a anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal.
On the wrist, the watch wears exactly like all other 44 mm Royal Oak Offshores but slightly lighter due to the full ceramic case with titanium guards. We are confident, that this new Royal Oak Offshore 44 mm will be as popular among men as it will be among women, regardless of its 44 mm size. We've seen a trend in the past five years where ladies have gone all the way from 32 mm watches up to 41 mm. Therefore, going up another 3 mm in size is really not much of a big deal. This watch is also available in black ceramic with titanium guards and black dial for the exact same price.
Sticker Price $41,700 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
SIHH 2014: Experience the Cartier Pavilion. Elegance, Creativity and the Largest Number of Novelties Unveiled by Any Brand.
This year at the SIHH 2014 Cartier presented the largest number of novelties of any brand present at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie and also had the largest pavilion of all, taking over a whole corner of the salon at the Palexpo in Geneva. Cartier presented a total of 103 new watches, 12 unique pieces and 5 new calibres. Their pavilion was elegantly decorated with light colored walls with red accents, beige wood, glass displays and very opulent but tasteful looking in general.
Some of the most fascinating pieces that were presented this year and that took the center stage included the following: the Ballon Bleu Flying Tourbillon in 39 mm available in 18K rose gold and 18k white gold, the Pasha Tourbillon Chrono 46 mm in 18K rose gold, the Rotonde de Cartier Day & Night with Retrograde Moon Phase, the Rotonde de Cartier Astrocalendaire, the Rotonde de Cartier Earth and Moon, the Tank Louis Cartier Sapphire Skeleton, the Tank Must de Cartier Two Tone Skeleton, the Rotonde de Cartier Tourbillon Chronograph 8-day power reserve, the L'Heure Envoutee de Cartier, the Calibre de Cartier Diver and the Tortue amongst others.
We have put together all these live pictures for your viewing pleasure so you can pretend you came along. Our live pictures of some of the novelties are very close and personal so just enjoy them.
For more info on Cartier click here.
SIHH 2014: Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days Destro PAM 557. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Following the big success of the Luminor 1950 3 Days ref. PAM 372 reviewed here launched two years ago and following its simple vintage inspired lines, Officine Panerai presented the Destro —left-handed— version of this watch during the SIHH 2014 last week in Geneva.
The new Luminor 1950 3 Days Destro ref. PAM 557 comes with the exact same specifications as its predecessor but with the crown and crown protector on the left side of the case. The reason for this choice lies in the history of Panerai, which more than 70 years ago produced examples designed for commandos who preferred to wear the watch on the right wrist, with the compass and depth gauge on the other wrist. The biggest difference between these two watches —besides the obvious crown positioning— is the vintage looking untreated natural calf strap fitted on the new Destro. Since we had our PAM 372 with us during our meeting with Panerai last week, we decided to take some side-by-side shots of the two siblings for your viewing pleasure.
Just like on the PAM 372 the watch is supplied with a second interchangeable strap —we ignore the look or color of it at this point—, a second plexiglas and a steel screwdriver.
Sticker Price $10,600 USD. For more info on Panerai click here.
SIHH 2014: A. Lange & Söhne 1815 in 38.5 mm. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Last week A. Lange & Söhne presented the new 1815 with a 38.5 mm case. The 1815 is a watch with all the unmistakable hallmarks of the A. Lange & Söhne style, the 1815 embodies the paradigmatic ideals of a sleek mechanical timekeeping instrument. Thus, it follows the horological standards upheld by Ferdinand A. Lange, whose birth year is reflected in its name. “Medèn ágan – nothing in excess” is one of the wisdoms of antiquity that advocates moderation and modesty at the entrance to the Temple of Delphi. Ferdinand A. Lange, the founder of the German precision watchmaking industry, may well have adopted it as the motto of his life. As a congenial expression of principles, it also characterises the style of his legendary pocket watches. They comply with his tenet that “each piece be as simple as possible and serve its purpose steadfastly and reliably”. This product philosophy also applies to the 1815. Each detail of its timeless design and each of the 188 parts of its manufacture movement derives its aesthetic appeal from the combination of functional integrity and immaculate craftsmanship.
Noble understatement permeates the finesse of the watch, which is available in 18K yellow, pink and white gold. Its 38.5-millimetre case diameter addresses the preference of many watch connoisseurs. The larger version with a diameter of 40 mm will continue to be available. With its two-tier design and the subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, the solid-silver dial is reminiscent of Lange’s historic pocket watches. This look is emphasized by a gently contoured bezel and the slender lugs. A railway-track minute scale, black Arabic numerals and blued-steel hands accentuate the classic appearance of the watch and enhance the legibility of its silver face.
The lavishly hand-decorated hand wound calibre L051.1 epitomizes Lange’s acclaimed watchmaking artistry with its full unobstructed view via the display case back. The new 1815 showcases classic design and intrinsic values. Many traditional Lange hallmarks are visible through the sapphire-crystal caseback: the three-quarter plate made of untreated German silver, a hand-engraved balance cock, a screw balance, a whiplash spring, screwed gold chatons, and thermally blued screws are manifestations of haute horlogerie at its very finest. This fine calibre composed of 188 parts and 23 jewels —five of which are in screwed gold chatons— provides a power reserve of 55 hours.
The new A. Lange & Söhne 1815 is pure class and one of the best examples from this manufacture from Saxony. The new 1815 will be available in 18K yellow gold, 18K pink gold and 18K white gold.
Sticker Price $27,100 USD for 18K Yellow and 18K Pink Gold. $28,400 USD for 18K white gold. For more info on A. Lange & Söhne click here.
SIHH 2014: Panerai Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante Destro 8 Days Titanio PAM 579. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Every detail of the Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante Destro —Left-Handed— 8 Days Titanio ref. PAM 579 tells a piece of the history of Panerai watches. The new Special Edition, a unique edition limited to 300 units, reunites many of the characteristics designed and developed in the course of the thirties and forties for the Panerai watches made for the commandos of the Royal Italian Navy, integrating them perfectly with the technical solutions and materials of high quality modern sports watchmaking. The Luminor 1950 47 mm case of the new chronograph has a detail which has a striking effect on the design of the watch, derived from some of the historic models: the winding crown and the device for protecting it are fitted on the left side. The reason for this choice lies in the history of Panerai, which more than 70 years ago produced examples designed for commandos who preferred to wear the watch on the right wrist, with the compass and depth gauge on the other wrist. To keep the shape of the device protecting the crown aesthetically pure, the push-piece which controls all the chronograph functions is positioned on the right side of the watch, at two o’clock.
In spite of the case diameter of 47 mm, a classic size of the period models which were worn over the diving suit, its weight has been substantially reduced through the choice of titanium, a material which among other things is strongly resistant to corrosion and is also hypo-allergenic. Other elements which have their roots in the history of Panerai are the domed sapphire crystal protecting the dial and the matte tobacco brown sandwich dial formed of two superimposed plates enclosing the ecru luminous substance, visible through the holes cut in the upper part corresponding to the indexes. This structure, combined with the legendary cleanness of the dial design, ensures the greatest clarity and legibility even under the poorest lighting conditions.
Through the transparent back the hand-wound P.2004/9 movement can be seen, revealing details of its original construction with large brushed finish bridges, chamfered and polished angles and screws with a mirror-polished finish. With its three spring barrels, the movement is supplied with a constant force for eight consecutive days and the power reserve indicator is on the back of the movement, so as to keep the design of the dial as minimalist as possible.
The Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante Destro —Left-Handed— 8 Days Titanio ref. PAM 579 is the chronograph, which has a single push-piece to operate the starting, stopping and zeroing of the time interval being measured. Fitted with a column wheel, a component used in the most sophisticated movements because it provides the greatest accuracy, the chronograph also has a friction clutch, which avoids any uncertainty in the movement of the chronograph hand. The 30-minute chrono counter at nine o’clock stands out immediately because the hand does not move continuously but in jumps as it clicks forward one position for every minute that is recorded. The P.2004/9 calibre is also fitted with the device for zeroing the seconds hand at 3 o'clock whenever the crown is pulled out to guarantee the most accurate time setting. The Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante Left-Handed 8 Days Titanio ref. PAM 579 is supplied with a strap of natural leather and a second strap made of rubber, as well as the screwdriver for replacing the buckle and the special tool for changing the strap. The watch is water-resistant to 100 meters.
Sticker Price $22,500 USD. For more info on Panerai click here.
SIHH 2014: Experience the A. Lange & Söhne Pavilion. A Gigantic Perpetual Calendar "Terraluna" as the Centerpiece.
With an oversized representation of the new Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar "Terraluna" in white gold, the German manufacture from Saxony welcomed all the visitors to their pavilion. Meticulously executed and in full functioning order, the gigantic "Terraluna" was a display that you just couldn't miss. Inside the pavilion, a celestial vaulted ceiling adorned the room where amazing timepieces were on display. Champagne, German beer and the traditional pretzels where served all day long. This year at the SIHH 2014, A. Lange & Söhne wowed everyone with 14 watches across their different collections and in a variety of metals including:
Grande Lange 1 Moon Phase in platinum, 18K pink gold and 18K yellow gold. Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar in 18K pink gold. 1815 Tourbillon in 18K pink gold and in platinum. 1815 in 38.5 mm in 18K pink gold, 18K yellow gold and 18K white gold. Lange Zeitwerk Striking Time in 18K pink gold. Saxonia Jewellery in 18K white gold with diamonds and mother-of-pearl dials. Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar "Terraluna" in 18K white gold and 18K pink gold.
Now enjoy the pictures and pretend you came along. For more info on A. Lange & Söhne click here.
SIHH 2014: A. Lange & Söhne Lange Zeitwerk Striking Time in Pink Gold. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Up until now only available in platinum or 18K white gold, this year at the SIHH 2014, A. Lange & Söhne presented the Lange Zeitwerk Striking Time in 18K pink gold ref. 140.032. Three high-pitched chimes and one lower-pitched tone are the sounds with which this fascinating watch announces each passing quarter and full hour. The first A. Lange & Söhne wristwatch with a chiming mechanism is now also available in pink gold. A. Lange & Söhne amazed the watch collecting world when it presented the Lange Zeitwerk Striking Time three years ago. Now, the resonant masterpiece with precisely jumping numerals is also available in pink gold with a silver dial and pink gold hands. With a case measuring 44.2 mm in diameter this watch has perfect proportions and a striking design.
In the Lange Zeitwerk Striking Time, key chiming mechanism components are visibly integrated into the dial design. The black-polished steel hammers can be seen on either side of the subsidiary seconds dial: one on the right for the quarter hours and one on the left for the full hours. The two gongs, embedded in a recess between the dial and bezel, are also readily recognizable. Every 15 minutes, the mechanism triggers the striking of one of the two gongs. The chiming mechanism can be deactivated to prevent any disturbance during the night or at a meeting with a push piece at 4 o’clock that raises the hammers and silences the watch.
The heart of the Lange Zeitwerk Striking Time, the L043.2 manufacture calibre, fulfills all those expectations that watch connoisseurs legitimately associate with the name A. Lange & Söhne: its assets include the lavish decoration of all movement parts by hand as well as the balance wheel with eccentric poising weights and a proprietary Lange balance spring. This amazing calibre is composed of 528 parts, 78 jewels, two screwed gold chatons and provides a power reserve of 36 hours when fully wound.
With its precisely jumping numerals display, the new member of the Lange Zeitwerk family also represents lucid design and crisp legibility. The large numerals of the adjacent hour and minute indications enable the current time to be read clearly. In fractions of a second, the patented constant-force escapement advances the numerals minute by minute until the full hour when all three numeral discs jump forward simultaneously by exactly one increment. The Lange Zeitwerk Striking Time enriches the exciting interplay of numbers with a unique tone in a quarter-hour cadence for the wearer’s listening pleasure. In all a fantastic complication with exceptional wrist presence.
Sticker Price 48,500 Euro. For more info on A. Lange & Söhne click here.
