Ulysse Nardin’s links with the sea are as deep as the ocean itself. The Swiss Maison was a pioneer in watchmaking innovation from 1846 when the brand cemented its reputation for incomparably accurate marine chronometers; robust navigational instruments that allowed sailors to calculate longitude at sea. Now Ulysse Nardin is reaffirming its status as a watchmaker destined to rule the oceans with the arrival of the Diver X Skeleton.
Posts filed under Watches & Wonders 2021
W&W 2021: Louis Vuitton Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon 'Poinçon de Genève' Sapphire
In a new illustration of Louis Vuitton’s watchmaking expertise, the Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon ‘Poinçon de Genève’ Sapphire features a case entirely crafted from a block of sapphire. A true technical and artistic feat, this completely transparent creation —the first of its kind in the history of watchmaking to be stamped with the Geneva Seal— launches a new era, displaying in minute detail every part of its skilfully open-worked manufacture movement, powered by a flying tourbillon.
W&W 2021: A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar
The new A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar is totally focused on the eponymous complication. Its integration into the prominent dial layout of the Lange was made possible thanks to a peripheral month ring created especially for this design. The new timepiece comes in a 41.9 mm 18K pink gold case with a grey silver dial or in a limited edition of 150 watches in 18K white gold with a solid pink gold dial.
W&W 2021: A. Lange & Söhne Little Lange 1 Moon Phase. As Beautiful as a Starry Night.
Thousands of tiny stars seem to sparkle on the dark-blue dial of the new A. Lange & Söhne Little Lange 1 Moon Phase in its 18K white gold case with or without diamonds on its bezel. It is coated with dark-blue gold flux that shimmers with a copper hue. A white gold moon accurately orbits along its course beneath the iconic Lange outsize date. The second version with diamonds features a bezel set with 56 brilliant-cut top Wesselton VVS diamonds —1.2 carats— creates a radiant frame for the fascinating dial.
W&W 2021: A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split Blue Dial. A Feat of Horology.
When A. Lange & Söhne presented the Triple Split Chronograph in 2018, it was lauded as a global premiere by the international trade press. The only split-seconds chronograph in the world to date that can measure additive and comparative times for as long as twelve hours is in a league of its own. Now, it is followed by a model with a pink gold case and a blue dial. The Triple Spit in pink gold with a blue dial Introduced in 2018, the Triple Split is the world’s only mechanical split-seconds chronograph that allows the measurement of intermediate and reference times for durations of up to twelve hours.
The former edition in white gold with a grey dial is now followed by a second version in a limited edition of 100 timepieces in 18K pink gold —43.2 mm in diameter— with a blue dial and rhodium-colored subsidiary dials. Despite the wealth of displayed information, an ingenious material and color concept makes it easy to clearly assign each of the ten hands to a specific function. There is no other watch in the world that compares with the Triple Split. It is a logical evolution of the Double Split introduced by A. Lange & Söhne in 2004. With a precisely jumping rattrapante minute counter, it was no doubt already an impressive milestone in the development of modern rattrapante mechanisms conceived by the Saxon watchmakers.
Stopping times of up to twelve hours are possible with the Triple Split that alone is a rarity in a mechanical chronograph. The extension of the rattrapante function to the hour counter offers a multitude of further possibilities. For instance, the Triple Split can compare the times of two opponents in a Formula One race, a Tour de France stage, or a marathon. The time measurement is started by pressing the chronograph pusher at 2 o'clock. The pairs of hands now run synchronously until they are separated by pressing the rattrapante pusher at 10 o'clock to perform a lap-time measurement. The three rhodium hands will then stop to display the lap time. All the while, the previously concealed chronograph hands in gold-plated steel or pink gold continue the time measurement. As soon as the rattrapante pusher is pressed again, the rattrapante hands catch up with the chronograph hands and from then on run together with them again.
The movement is also endowed with a flyback function that involves all three hand pairs as well. Thus, the chronograph can be reset to zero by pressing the chronograph pusher at 4 o’clock during an ongoing time measurement. Releasing the pusher instantly starts a new time measurement.
In the starting position, the three rhodiumed rattrapante hands are superposed on the respective chronograph hands. The time measurement is started by pressing the chronograph pusher at 2 o'clock. The pairs of hands now run synchronously until they are separated by pressing the rattrapante pusher at 10 o'clock to perform a lap-time measurement. The three rhodiumed hands will then stop to display the lap time. All the while, the previously concealed chronograph hands in gold-plated steel or pink gold continue the time measurement. As soon as the rattrapante pusher is pressed again, the rattrapante hands catch up with the chronograph hands and from then on run together with them again.
The movement is also endowed with a flyback function that involves all three hand pairs as well. Thus, the chronograph can be reset to zero by pressing the chronograph pusher at 4 o’clock during an ongoing time measurement. Releasing the pusher instantly starts a new time measurement.
The Lange calibre L132.1 is a movement that stands out with its three-dimensionality, complexity, and architecturally pleasing design. It highlights the finissage that is typical of the individual Lange components. Overall, 567 tiny parts are perfectly adjusted for flawless interaction. This complexity is not a show, it is mechanically necessary to enable this unique Triple Split function. The creation of a mechanism that makes it possible to collectively or separately control three hand pairs represented a formidable technical challenge for Lange’s developers. Even a simple rattrapante mechanism has two hands attached to arbors that run one inside the other. In the calibre L132.1, this pairing exists three times. During the assembly of the movement, the multiple function axes call for the utmost precision and virtuosity.
A glance through the sapphire-crystal case back reveals the chronograph movement that is finished to the strictest Lange standards and adjusted to assure the perfect interaction of column wheels, clutches, rockers, levers, springs, and jumpers. Five gold chatons, traditionally secured with screws on bridges decorated with Glashütte ribbing as well as the hand-engraved balance cock round off the stylish prominence of the movement. Thus, the Triple Split is an exceptional timepiece, not only technically but also as regards its flawless artisanship; in the chronograph class, it plays in a league of its own.
The A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split Blue Dial is available in a limited edition of 100 pieces.
Sticker Price $164,400 USD. For more info on A. Lange & Söhne click here.
W&W 2021: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Precious Flowers. Four Models with Flower Motifs.
As a canvas for artistic expression, the double-sided case of the Reverso One offers an opportunity for the artisans of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Métiers Rares —Rare Handcrafts— workshop to unleash their skills in the art of decoration. For 2021 the Maison introduces four sparkling new Reverso One models that unite the codes of fine watchmaking, artistic crafts, and High Jewellery to bring fresh color, sophistication, and glamour to the collection.
W&W 2021: Cartier Pasha de Cartier Chronograph 41 mm
With its distinctive codes, chained crown, and extraordinary design, the Pasha has been a watch for those who think big since its creation in 1985. Successfully relaunched in 2020, the new Pasha de Cartier watch is sophisticated in terms of watchmaking functions and design details that combine to strengthen and maximize its ergonomic appeal: interchangeable straps, sapphire case back, a new crown, and personalized engraving.
W&W 2021: Cloche de Cartier. Shaped like a Bell and Also Can Turn into a Desk Clock.
After the Crash, the Tank Cintrée, the Tonneau, and the Tank Asymétrique, the new Cloche de Cartier is the fifth capricious creation from the Cartier Privé line. The Privé collection celebrates and explores the Maison’s mythical models through numbered, limited edition watches. The Cloche —French for bell— shape appeared in Cartier pieces in 1920.
W&W 2021: Arnold & Son Luna Magna. The Largest Moon Ever Created in Relief for a Wristwatch.
In a starry sky, a large moon alternates between light and dark as it moves through its phases. Here, Arnold & Son presents its first three-dimensional moon made of marble and aventurine. Showcased on an aventurine glass dial, the moon changes majestically and with astronomical precision. It is the largest moon ever built into a wristwatch, and a creation that benefits from the first-class watchmaking and decorative techniques of the Arnold & Son Manufacture.
W&W 2021: Patek Philippe Calatrava 'Clous de Paris' ref. 6119 in Rose Gold and White Gold
A new design and a new movement for one of Patek Philippe’s most important classics. The famous Calatrava with the guilloched hobnail bezel is one of the most inimitable examples of the typical Patek Philippe style. It now comes in a new version with a decidedly contemporary look, a slightly larger diameter at 39 mm, and a dial with applied hour markers. This sleek, slender, and elegant men’s wristwatch in rose or white gold also has a totally new manually wound Patek Philippe movement with a power reserve of 65 hours.
W&W 2021: Patek Philippe Annual Calendar ref. 4947/1A. First Time in Stainless Steel.
The third notable debut: one of the biggest successes of the manufacture in a totally new version is the new Ref. 4947/1A-001 Annual Calendar. The very first version of this queen among useful complications with a round case in steel and a metal bracelet. Patek Philippe invented the ingenious Annual Calendar mechanism that was patented in 1996. It requires only one manual correction per year and so far has been available in various ladies’ and men’s models in three gold colors and in platinum.
W&W 2021: Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Tourbillon Sky Chart Leo Constellation
Vacheron Constantin presents the Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Tourbillon Sky Chart Leo Constellation Jewellery watch, a single-piece edition adding an artistic dimension to the technical prowess of its Calibre 2755 TMRCC. The Manufacture's craftsmen, gem-setters and guilloché specialists have adorned an extraordinarily complex timepiece with a creative and original evocation of the Leo constellation.
W&W 2021: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Nonantième. Celebrating 90 Years of this Iconic Watch.
Ninety years ago, Jaeger-LeCoultre created the Reverso, an ingenious solution for polo players who wished to protect the glass of their watches while playing matches. With its swivelling case and distinctive Art Deco lines, it was to become a classic of 20th-century design. The Maison soon began to introduce new aesthetic variations of the Reverso but, for the first 60 years of its life, no mechanical complications were introduced; the Reverso remained a simple, time-only watch.
W&W 2021: Armin Strom Pure Resonance Sky Blue 3-Piece Limited Edition
In preparation for Watches & Wonders Shanghai starting tomorrow, Armin Strom presents the Resonance Sky Blue 3-Piece Limited Edition. Armin Strom carefully maintains a pared-down approach that keeps the brand’s style of watchmaking focused on its essence. How concentrated that style may be, this special-edition head further in that direction, squarely placing emphasis on the watch’s most remarkable feature: the visible dual balances oscillating in resonance. The special blue dial and the matte hand decorated finish are highlighting the Swiss German style of this timepiece.
W&W 2021: Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Regulator Perpetual Calendar. Levels in So Many Ways.
acheron Constantin presents the Les Cabinotiers Regulator Perpetual Calendar unique piece for Watches & Wonders 2021. Just as if the new Les Cabinotiers ‘Planetaria’ wasn’t impressive enough, the oldest watch manufacture in the world drops this impressive complication cloaked in 18K white gold with a 42 mm case and a bezel set with 44 baguette-cut diamonds —approximately 2.9 carats.
W&W 2021: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon 18K Pink Gold ref. 6000V
After a steel version in 2019, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas tourbillon model now is cloaked in 18K 5N pink gold. A tourbillon, a blue lacquered dial with a sunburst satin finish and an interchangeable bracelet/strap system accompany this material that is both refined and modern. This new model, presented at Watches & Wonders 2021, is part of the theme of the Maison for 2021 entitled Classic with a Twist.
W&W 2021: Patek Philippe ref. 5236P. Totally New Perpetual Calendar with One-Line Day-Date-Month Aperture.
For Watches & Wonders 2021 Patek Philippe introduces a totally new perpetual calendar with an innovative patented one-line display that displays the day, the date, and the month on a single line in an elongated aperture beneath 12 o'clock. This new in-line perpetual calendar premières in an elegant platinum case with a blue dial. As classic grand complications par excellence, perpetual calendars have always been prominently featured in Patek Philippe’s collections.
W&W 2021: Louis Vuitton Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon with In-House Automatic Movement
Further enriching the range of timepieces conceived, developed, and produced in La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, comes the new Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon featuring a 46 mm case whose shape is an extrapolation of those of the Tambour Curve Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève, launched last year. This acclaimed, high-impact design presents a modern, contemporary look with a luxury that is all about understatement.
W&W 2021: Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K Yellow Gold. First Gold Watch for the Brand.
Tudor is launching a unique new version of its popular Black Bay Fifty-Eight model in solid 18K yellow gold with an open case back. Just like with the new Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925, the release of a watch in gold marks another two firsts for a Tudor divers' watch. Among other aesthetic nods to this historical watch, this model offers a case 39 mm in diameter in keeping with the characteristic proportions of the 1950s.
W&W 2021: Zenith DEFY 21 Spectrum as Colorful as a Rainbow
Zenith continues to express the theme of high-frequency chronometry through light and colors in the scintillating DEFY 21 Spectrum bejeweled collection. While brightly colored dials have recently enjoyed a comeback in watchmaking, Zenith has taken an unexpected and novel approach in the DEFY 21 Spectrum series, by incorporating striking colors everywhere but the dial.
