Back in January 2015, we brought you the news fresh from the SIHH 2015 in Geneva regarding the launch of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15400SR.OO.1220SR.01 'Two-Tone'. Today, we bring you our usual live images with as many macro shots as possible so you can see its beauty for yourself. This Royal Oak needs like introduction as we reviewed its stainless steel predecessor here. The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'Two-Tone' powered by the in-house automatic calibre 3120 is fitted with the largest case ever made on a Royal Oak measuring 41 mm in diameter. 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.
Posts filed under SIHH 2015
SIHH 2015: Experience Jaeger-LeCoultre at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. A Photo Essay.
Today, we bring you these images we took at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015 of the beautiful Jaeger-LeCoultre pavilion. Following an astronomical theme for both their novelties and the decor and layout of their pavilion, the Jaeger-LeCoultre set up appeared more welcoming and harmonious. With a large circular pendant lamp at the center of the pavilion and with all their novelties set up around the comfortable sitting area, the design of the Jaeger-LeCoultre pavilion capitalized on Mies Van der Rohe's ''less is more" approach. Tastefully done with a telescope at the end of the room and a celestial screen, this is for sure one of our favorite spots at the SIHH 2015.
SIHH 2015: Experience Audemars Piguet at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. A Photo Essay.
Following last year's theme, Audemars Piguet presented a slightly redesigned pavilion with a very sleek, modern, and minimalist design that revolves around the natural beauty of the Vallée de Joux. The pavilion included their now traditional sleek light wood displays, polygonal blocks, ultra modern furniture, rocks, inspiring images of the Vallée de Joux and several very senior watchmakers on duty including our good friend Francisco Pasandin —Conservateur Adjoint Expert en Horlogerie Ancienne.
At the pavilion, we were able to experience this year's novelties that included the amazing Royal Oak Concept Acoustic Research Episode 1, the Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph, the Diamond Punk, the new ladies Millenary line, the Royal Oak Offshore Self-Winding Tourbillon Chronograph, the new Royal Oak Offshore Diver with Silver/White dial and the Royal Oak 'Two-Tone' amongst others.
SIHH 2015: Experience A. Lange & Söhne at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. A Photo Essay.
Today, we bring you these images we took at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015 of the beautiful A. Lange & Söhne pavilion. With an over-sized representation of the new Zeitwerk Minute Repeater in platinum, the German manufacture from Saxony welcomed all the visitors to their pavilion. Meticulously executed and in full functioning order, the gigantic Zeitwerk 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 celebrating the 200 years of F. A. Lange. Champagne, Radeberger German beer and the traditional pretzels where served all day long. Now enjoy the pictures and pretend you came along. For more info on A. Lange & Söhne click here.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1. Live Pictures and Pricing.
This year at the SIHH 2015, A. Lange & Söhne presented a new iteration of the Lange 1. This new Lange 1 includes a slimmer bezel, a bigger balance wheel and some minor typography changes that are really hard to even notice. Here's our review of the A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1 to see if you can spot the differences. Some of the main differences have to do with the thickness of the ALS font, the size of the letter 'I' after Glashütte and even the font on the 'Doppelfederhaus' writing at 6 o'clock. Ever since the first collection of the new era was presented in 1994, the Lange 1 has been the face of A. Lange & Söhne. Largely unchanged as regards its design, the second generation is endowed with a new manually wound calibre and a precisely jumping outsize date. It advances by one day exactly at midnight and therefore always delivers a doubt-free reading. Fitted with a very traditional case size measuring 38.5 mm in diameter and 9.8 mm in thickness, the Lange 1 is a watch that reflects Lange's DNA flawlessly.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down 18K Pink Gold Black Dial. Live Pictures and Pricing.
For over ten years, the Datograph Up/Down has been the benchmark in chronographs. Its assets include the oversized double-digit date, the high-speed flyback switching mechanism for the chronograph and a patented, precisely-jumping minute counter. The Datograph Up/Down also indicates the power reserve of the mainspring. Two weeks ago at the SIHH 2015, A. Lange & Söhne unveiled the new Datograph Up/Down in 18K pink gold with black dial ref. 405.031. The new Datograph Up/Down in 18K rose gold was a watch that all hardcore Lange collectors were waiting to see one day. Fitted with a 41 mm diameter case, the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down is one of the most iconic chronographs of all time and one of Lange's staple timepieces. Previously only available in platinum with black dial, this new timepiece is one that we are happy to see being added to their line-up.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Rotonde de Cartier Chronograph. Live Pictures and Pricing.
The Rotonde de Cartier Chronograph was introduced at the SIHH 2015 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie two weeks ago and is definitely one of those watches that offers wonderful value for your money. Fitted with a perfectly sized case in stainless steel measuring 40 mm in diameter —also available in 18K white gold with blue dial, blue alligator strap and in a limited edition of 500 pieces— and with a classic looking silvered guilloché dial with Roman numerals and minute chapter ring, the new Rotonde de Cartier Chronograph is a true 12-hour chrono in all the sense of the word. Powered by the same in-house chronograph calibre 1904-CH that powers the Calibre de Cartier Chronograph, this watch offers excellent value for the money.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Rotonde de Cartier Flying Tourbillon Reversed Dial. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Continuing with our coverage of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015, with our hands-on reviews and live pictures, we now bring you another amazing novelty from the French Maison established in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier. The new Rotonde de Cartier Flying Tourbillon Reversed Dial is another exceptional creation by the team lead by Carole Forestier-Kasapi. This new timepiece is fitted with a generous 46 mm 18K white gold case, beaded 18K white gold crown set with a blue sapphire cabochon, 18K white gold sunray guilloché dial, blued-steel sword-shaped hands and a black alligator strap with double adjustable folding 18K white gold buckle.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon. Live Pictures and Pricing.
This year at the SIHH 2015, Cartier the French Maison that is very well known for their very high end jewelry creations, presented a handful of novelties that will continue to position the brand as one of the top haute horlogerie houses. While most of these novelties are not necessarily the most affordable from a pricing standpoint, there are for sure exceptional when it comes to watchmaking. In 2010, Cartier offered a new vision of traditional tourbillon design with the Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon watch. For the first time, this complication was no longer limited solely to its function, which consists of guaranteeing better timekeeping and reducing the effects of gravity, but instead was fully incorporated into the aesthetics of the watch. Indeed, unlike classic tourbillons which rotate around their own axis, the Astrotourbillon is distinguished by its elongated cage that enables the balance to make a complete circle of the dial in a minute, thus marking the seconds and evoking a star. In 2012, on the back of research led by the innovation programme responsible for the ID One and ID Two concept watches, which explore, among other areas, the performance of materials never before seen in watchmaking, Cartier decided to use carbon crystal for the Astrotourbillon, thus making it the first Cartier movement available for purchase to benefit from this incredible technical advancement.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Rotonde de Cartier Grande Complication Skeleton. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Along with seven other new models that were presented by Cartier at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015 in Geneva, this exceptional complication was also unveiled. The new Rotonde de Cartier Grande Complication Skeleton ref. W1556251 showcases one of the most sophisticated movements in fine watchmaking with a perpetual calendar, a flying tourbillon and a minute repeater all housed in a generous and elegant 45 mm platinum case. Fitted with a pusher instead of a lever to activate the minute repeater mechanism, the new Rotonde de Cartier Grande Complication Skeleton is definitely one of the watches that takes the central stage at the SIHH this year. The Rotonde de Cartier Grande Complication watch is an incredible feat of watchmaking. 578 components, 5 years of development, 15 weeks of production at the Manufacture, 10 weeks of decorating and finishing and 5 weeks of assembly. The result is measured in millimeters. A thickness of 5.49 mm for a self-winding mechanical movement that brings together three of the most prestigious fine watchmaking complications: a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater and a flying tourbillon. Of all Cartier watchmaking creations, this timepiece is the most complex.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Officine Panerai Radiomir 1940 Equation of Time 8 Days PAM 516 and Luminor 1950 Equation of Time 8 Days PAM 601. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Continuing with our hands-on reviews of all the novelties presented at the SIHH 2015, here we have a pair of new timepieces from Panerai that are very special. We are talking about the new Officine Panerai Radiomir 1940 Equation of Time 8 Days in stainless steel PAM 516 and its counterpart the Luminor 1950 Equation of Time 8 Days also in stainless steel PAM 601. Both watches display the sophisticated complication called the “equation of time” via a linear indicator on the dial located at 6 o'clock. The difference between the mean time indicated by a watch and the true time indicated by the solar meridian is called the “equation of time” and it is the result of the combination of the Earth’s inclination and its elliptical orbit. The linear equation of time indicator displays this difference in time and it is set automatically when the date and the month are set on the watch. The date and month are indicated at 3 while the running seconds are at 9 o'clock.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Vacheron Constantin Harmony Dual Time. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Last week while we were still in Geneva reporting live from the SIHH 2015 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie we told you that this year, Vacheron Constantin is celebrating its 260th anniversary and to commemorate such important milestone, they released nine fascinating timepieces —seven of them in a new collection called the Harmony collection featuring cushion shaped cases. Since we have already presented you the three new Vacheron Constantin Harmony Monopusher Chronographs here and the two new Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art Mécaniques Gravées here, well then now its the turn to talk about the new Vacheron Constantin Harmony Dual Time of which three different models are available —two for men and one for women.
Insider: Richard Mille RM 61-01 Yohan Blake 'All Black'. Only 100 Pieces of this Exceptional Timepiece.
While we were at the SIHH 2015 we were fortunate to run into this amazing new timepiece from Richard Mille and work on this hands-on review with tons of live pictures like we like it. The new Richard Mille RM 61-01 Yohan Blake 'All Black' is the new version of the first Yohan Blake Richard Mille watch with green and yellow flying bridges and flange inspired by the Jamaican origins of the legendary track runner. The new iteration of this exceptional timepiece, features the same case construction as its predecessor but this time in an 'all black' color scheme with black and white flying bridges. Fitted with a tripartite case measuring 50.23 L x 42.70 W x 15.84 T made of TZP black ceramic —bezel and case back— with a matte finish and a middle case of NTPT carbon, a material composed of multiple layers of parallel filaments obtained by dividing carbon fibers. These layers, with a maximum thickness of 30 microns are impregnated with resin, then woven and finally heated up at a pressure of 6 bars. Assembled with 20 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and washers in stainless steel the watch is water resistant to 50 meters.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art Mécaniques Gravées 14-Day Tourbillon and Métiers d'Art Mécaniques Gravées. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Following up with our SIHH 2015 of Vacheron Constantin's novelties presented last week at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, we bring you two exceptional creations from the manufacture that is celebrating its 260th anniversary this year. Vacheron Constantin enriches its Métiers d'Art collection with two new timepieces equipped with entirely hand-engraved movements. At the heart of a platinum case, calibres 2260/1 and 4400/1 are adorned with acanthus leaves, an inexhaustible source of inspiration since Antiquity. Métiers d'Art Mécaniques Gravées is a further demonstration of technical and artistic excellence.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the Vacheron Constantin Harmony Monopusher Chronographs. Live Pictures and Pricing.
This year, Vacheron Constantin is celebrating its 260th anniversary and has just released nine fascinating timepieces —seven of which are part of what is now called the Harmony collection and all fitted with cushion shaped cases— that include three monopusher chronographs that are out of this world.
Inspired by the Vacheron Constantin Chronograph ref. 3306 from 1928, these new creations are fitted with elegant cushion shaped cases and powered by the very sophisticated calibres 3300, 3200 and 3500 with Maltese cross on the column wheel. These creations vividly reflect the excellence of the Manufacture in terms of both horological expertise, with new watches bearing the Hallmark of Geneva, and of artistic crafts embodying the unique skills cultivated by the Maison. All three chronographs additionally feature a convenient power reserve indicator at 6 o'clock.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Vision. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Commemorating its 10th anniversary this year, Greubel Forsey presented just a few novelties at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015 in Geneva. One of those novelties that received a lot of attention —in addition to his project in collaboration with Philippe Dufour called 'Naissance d'une Montre'— at the SIHH 2015 was the new Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Vision. The rationale behind the creation of this new watch was to present their third invention in a case that is as slender as possible and yet able to accommodate the inclined tourbillon cage. It was the lateral projections of their asymmetrical models that gave them the idea for an original solution. By incorporating a dome —with flat top for ergonomics and wearing comfort— into the sapphire crystal on the back of the timepiece, they created enough extra volume to allow the tourbillon cage to overlap the reference surface of the rear bridges. The dome is a new and intriguing element that directs attention to the lower bridge of the tourbillon.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Richard Mille RM 51-02 Tourbillon Diamond Twister. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Here we are now presenting you the second and last novelty presented by Richard Mille this year at the SIHH 2015 in Geneva. The new Richard Mille RM 51-02 Tourbillon Diamond Twister is a high jewelry tourbillon that takes all of its cues from the swirling form of a spiral comprised of diamonds emanating outwards the tourbillon in 14 rays as a spiral vortex like that of the milky way, paying homage to the meaning of the word 'tourbillon' in English that stands for 'whirlwind'. Each spiral ray of the new Richard Mille RM 51-02 Tourbillon Diamond Twister is perfectly set with flawless diamonds and black sapphires around the case. Fitted with the classic tripartite tonneau-shaped Richard Mille case in 18K white gold measuring 47.95 mm L x 39.70 mm W x 12.60 mm T, the bezel side and the case back had to be perfectly assembled around the middle case to prevent any damage to the black sapphires. The dial made of 18K white gold, features 270 diamonds in its twister and hour/minutes hands with luminescent tips.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Mystère Rétrograde. Live Pictures and Pricing.
For watch lovers, one of the most fascinating aspects of the new IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Mystère Rétrograde just unveiled at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015 is the unusual presentation of the flying tourbillon, consisting of 82 parts, as a “12” indicator that appears to come to life. Fitted with a robust 44.2 mm case in platinum, after the 31st day of the month, the retrograde date display automatically jumps back to the 1st; in shorter months, the hand can be directly advanced using a rapid-advance system until it reverts to the 1st. The 7-day power reserve display indicates how much energy remains in the IWC 51900 calibre. To mark the 75th anniversary of the Portugieser watch family, IWC has given a timepiece swathed in mystery an additional touch of luxury.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month 75th Anniversary Edition. Live Pictures and Pricing.
The digital perpetual calendar is one of IWC’s most outstanding technological advances. With the new Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month “75th Anniversary” edition ref. IW397201 just released at the SIHH 2015, the Portugieser watch family now includes a model featuring a digital display for the date and month. This exclusive timepiece packs a wealth of IWC watchmaking expertise into its 45 mm case. Equipped with a perpetual calendar, digital large date display, leap year display, chronograph with flyback function and the IWC in-house calibre 89801 calibre with its efficient double-pawl winding mechanism and quick-action switch. This calibre provides a power reserve of 68 hours when fully wound and is fitted with 51 jewels and solid gold oscillating weight.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New IWC Portugieser Grande Complication. Live Pictures and Pricing.
One of the most sophisticated watches in the world was presented by IWC at the SIHH 2015 in Geneva. The new Portugieser Grande Complication ref. 3776 brings together many of watchmaking’s most significant achievements in a massive yet elegant 45 mm case either in 18K red gold ref. IW377602 or platinum ref. IW377601 of which 250 pieces are available respectively. This new complication brings with it the perpetual calendar, which is mechanically programmed until 2499 and requires just three adjustments in what would normally be leap years —2100, 2200 and 2300— but are not. Further complications include the perpetual moon phase display, chronograph and minute repeater. When activated by the repeating slide, the latter chimes out the precise time in harmonious tones. A total of 20 functions are made possible by the interplay of 659 individual mechanical parts. Despite its complex construction and numerous controls, the case is water-resistant to 3 bar. Several design modifications further enhance the value of the model in the new collection.
