Introducing: De Bethune DB Eight with Royal Blue and Chocolate Brown Dials

Today, De Bethune welcomes two new iterations of the DB Eight, the manufacture’s mono-pusher chronograph with an instantaneous minute counter at 6 o’clock. The new iterations include one with a polished white gold case and a royal blue dial ref. DB8REWS3, and the other in yellow gold with a rich chocolate dial ref. DB8REYS2. This collection represents Denis Flageollet’s vision for a chronograph in the 21st century and is an evolution in De Bethune’s exploration of the single-pusher chronograph.

Posted on June 11, 2024 and filed under De Bethune.

Insider: Cartier Crocodile Jewelry Watch. A Total of 404 Diamonds and 51 Emeralds.

The new Cartier Crocodile Jewelry watch is a perfect example of these high-jewelry watches. Combining diamonds with emeralds in a white gold case and bracelet, the Crocodile jewelry watch is more of a piece of high jewelry than a watch. High jewelry represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship, where master jewelers painstakingly create exquisite pieces that showcase the beauty of precious stones.

Introducing: Speake-Marin Openworked Dual Time Terracotta

Introducing the new Speake-Marin Openworked Dual Time Terracotta timepiece. The signature feature of the Openworked collection is the open-worked dial, which reveals the main components of the manufacture movement. The impressive display reveals the excellence of the micro-mechanics, set in a unique and striking architecture, adorned with ever-changing details and finishes. The large apertures and skeletonized bridges on the barrel and micro-rotor create a three-dimensional, multi-layered structure, further enhanced by the small seconds counter at 1 o’clock.

Introducing: Hublot Arsham Droplet. A 3-in-1 Convertible Watch and Objet d’Art.

Hublot and contemporary artist Daniel Arsham join forces to redefine the pocket watch and introduce a convertible 3-IN-1 watch that turns into a desk clock, a pocket watch, and even a pendant. Renowned for its innovative spirit, Hublot, has unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration. The result of this visionary partnership is the Hublot Arsham Droplet, a revolutionary timepiece that reimagines the classic pocket watch, blending antique form with futuristic materials and production methods.

Insider: H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine. An F1-Related Watch That's Not 'In Your Face'.

The first thing that comes to mind when someone talks about a watch created for a partnership with a Formula 1 team is a loud and over-the-top —most of the time loaded with team logos— watch in the colors of the team part of the partnership. However, then there are those watches like the H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Limited Edition that are not ‘in your face’ and are executed flawlessly when it comes to capitalizing on a motorsports partnership.

Experience: Auer Amandes Princesses. The World's Best Chocolate-Covered Almonds from Genève.

If you are a regular traveler to Genève, Switzerland, you already know that a trip to Geneva is never complete unless you’ve stopped at Auer Chocolatier near the Place du Molard. Auer Chocolatier was founded in 1939 and is located on Rue de Rive 4. This five-generation family-owned chocolate maker is best known for their legendary Amandes Princesses’ —princess almonds— that we can only describe as the world’s best chocolate-covered almonds.

Introducing: Audemars Piguet [RE]Master02 Selfwinding. A Tribute to Brutalism.

Following the footsteps of the [RE]Master01, launched in 2020 reinterpreting a rare chronograph from 1943, Audemars Piguet now presents a new limited edition within the [RE]Master series. The new Audemars Piguet [RE]Master02 ref. 15240SG is a tribute to ‘Brutalism’ in a 250-piece limited edition inspired by the reference 5159BA from 1960.

From the Editor: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ladies Quartz ref. 66270. What the New Mini Royal Oak Should've Been.

Today, Audemars Piguet presented a new version of the Royal Oak named the Mini in a 23 mm size and referred to it as a ‘comeback’. In AP’s words: “A glowing come back for the mighty Mini Royal Oak, offered for the first time in a 23 mm diameter and executed in a choice of 18-carat yellow, white or pink Frosted gold.” In reality, not really a comeback. If it’s a real comeback, it cannot be referred to as: “the first time for this size.” Not sure who’s now in charge of marketing at Audemars Piguet but they need to hire some new copywriters and quit being a one-trick pony.

Insider: The New Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Steel. Triangular Guilloché at Its Best.

A perfect addition for the summer is the new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph in stainless steel. This new collection seamlessly marries horological precision with a refined, sporty aesthetic, tailored to those who appreciate beauty in simplicity and find sophistication in sportive elegance. This new in-house chronograph from Parmigiani Fleurier is available in three different color combinations including —from left to right— Arctic Grey, London Grey, and Milano Blue.

Experience: Cartier Panthère de Cartier Backgammon. One of the Most Beautiful Sets Out There.

The Cartier Panthère de Cartier Backgammon set is our latest craving for the lavish lifestyle we enjoy as watch collectors. Living a lavish lifestyle involves indulging in luxury experiences and possessions like this top-of-the-line set that we consider essential. Enjoying the finest things that money can buy and the constant pursuit of the most extravagant pleasures is a huge part of the watch life.

From the Editor: Hands-on with the New MB&F LM Sequential Flyback. A Platinum 33-Piece Limited Edition.

The Legacy Machine Sequential EVO, conceived by Stephen McDonnell, was MB&F’s first-ever chronograph. A ground-breaking dual chronograph that not only fixed the inherent flaws of conventional chronograph design but also offered a combination of timing modes that was unique. Now comes the new MB&F LM Sequential Flyback where Stephen McDonnell decided to go above and beyond by adding a Flyback function via the pusher at 8 and 4 o’clock respectively.

Posted on May 28, 2024 and filed under MB&F, News, From the Editor.

Introducing: Richard Mille RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal. Only 11.5 grams Without its Strap.

In 2010, the Richard Mille RM 027 Tourbillon was born as the answer to a challenge. It proved the prelude to an exciting adventure, the quest for remarkable lightness and superlative performance. With the RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal, this Richard Mille saga has reached a climactic conclusion. This 80-piece limited edition watch weighs 11.5 grams excluding its strap and can withstand a G-Force of 14,000Gs, for a two-fold record for a manual winding tourbillon watch.

Introducing: Ulysse Nardin Diver NET OPS and Diver X SKELETON OPS

Continuing on this journey, this year, Ulysse Nardin introduces two ultra-dynamic creations with a trendy and sporty-chic style: the Diver Net OPS and the Diver X Skeleton OPS, as in “operations.” Following the launch of two Freak Ops in 2023, these new edgy models enrich the brand’s “Ops” capsule collection and celebrate its indomitable in-house watchmaking, while adding an adventurous twist to the Diver lineage.

Insider: Santos de Cartier Dual Time. One of the Best Looking Santos Out There.

The Santos de Cartier collection received a major facelift in 2018, and since then the brand has continued to include new models and new complications within this collection. The Santos de Cartier holds a significant place in the brand's history as one of the earliest wristwatches designed for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904. This timepiece features a distinctive square case with rounded corners, visible screws on the bezel, and a clean, minimalistic dial.

Introducing: Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Geographic

Up until now, the JLC Polaris collection included a three-hand automatic model, a Memovox alarm reference, a chronograph, and a Perpetual Calendar. Today, La Grande Maison is expanding the Polaris collection with a new dual-time complication. With its distinctive style, the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Geographic captures Jaeger-LeCoultre’s spirit of elegance in contemporary sporting style, allowing travelers to roam the world, simultaneously reading the time in two time zones. 

Insider: IWC Portugieser Hand-Wound Tourbillon Day & Night with Antipodean Display

The IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Day and Night ref. IW545901 is a sophisticated timepiece that showcases exquisite craftsmanship and technical prowess. This watch features a one-minute flying tourbillon that graces the black obsidian lacquered dial at 6 o’clock. Then, at 9 o’clock a day and night spherical indicator —referred to as Antipodean Display by IWC— adds an artistic and intriguing touch that is somewhat reminiscent of De Bethune's spherical moon indication.

Insider: Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph Rattrapante. A 30-Piece Limited Edition.

Released in a highly coveted limited edition of 30 pieces comes the new Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph Rattrapante. A high-frequency and double-column wheel split-seconds chronograph that is cased in a generous 18K rose gold case measuring 42.5 mm in diameter and 14.4 mm in thickness. Even though solid gold movements are rarely seen in the watch industry, now Parmigiani Fleurier is equipping some of their watches with solid gold movements and such is the case of the new Toric Chronograph Rattrapante.

Introducing: Byrne Gyro Dial Meca Watch. The Timepiece with Rotating Cardinal Indexes.

A new model has just been released adding to Byrne watch’s Gyro Dial collection while rethinking its entire aesthetic, while amplifying its singular interpretation of timekeeping. With a new case diameter of 38 mm that is slimmer at 12.5 mm thick, sleeker taking inspiration from the rear of a Porsche 911, and lighter thanks to its Grade 5 titanium construction, the Gyro Dial Meca watch is the first watch to mechanically change its face thanks to four small cuboids positioned at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock and pivoting synchronously every evening at midnight or when the wearer wishes.  

Posted on May 15, 2024 and filed under Other Brands, Byrne, News.

Insider: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar. Best Perpetual Money Can Buy.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar got an upgrade for Watches & Wonders 2024. The new Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar is still powered by the same automatic calibre 868 but now it provides a higher power reserve of 70 hours when compared to the 43-hour one on its predecessors. Its well-balanced proportions still maintain the same size at 39 mm in diameter and 9.2 mm in thickness.

Insider: Zenith DEFY Extreme Diver. Titanium Case, Ceramic Bezel, and Interchangeable Strap System.

Taking inspiration from the legendary Zenith DEFY A3648, the brand has just presented the new DEFY Extreme Diver in two iterations cased in titanium with a blue or black dial. It additionally features an interchangeable strap system; it comes with a titanium bracelet, an FKM cordura-like rubber strap, and an extra-long strap made of recycled fishing nets.

Posted on May 13, 2024 and filed under Zenith.