Introducing: Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT Aéronautique Navale

Since the 1950s, TUDOR has been officially supplying the Marine Nationale —French Navy— with reliable diving watches. The first Pelagos FXD model —"FXD" referring to the extra robust FiXeD strap bars of the watch case— was introduced in 2021, continuing the legacy of TUDOR and the French Navy. After years of use in the field, the Pelagos FXD platform has a proven track record of service. In 2024, the FXD family is expanding to meet the needs of the Aéronautique Navale —French Naval Aviation.

Insider: M.A.D.Editions M.A.D.1S Ice Blue & Purple. A Perfect Slimmer Pair.

Continuing to craft more accessible timepieces Max Büsser and the MB&F team debuted the fifth edition during Geneva Watch Days. The new M.A.D.Editions M.A.D.1S. is a slimmer watch now with a single time indication cylinder and also now powered by a Swiss-made movement. Here at WCL we’ve always been huge fans of the M.A.D.Editions that bring the MB&F magic closer to those that have to remain within a tighter budget when it comes to watches.

Posted on October 29, 2024 and filed under M.A.D.1, MB&F, M.A.D.Editions.

Experience: The Hakushu 12 Years Japanese Whisky. Refined Like a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony.

While Japanese whiskys have increasingly become more popular lately, there are still a few whiskys that still remain understated and very refined just like a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony on the wrist. The Hakushu 12 Years Japanese Whisky is distilled by the Suntory Distillery in Japan, the same distillery that gave the world the exquisite Yamazaki whisky, the Hibiki and the Suntory Whisky Toki.

Introducing: Panerai Radiomir Perpetual Calendar GMT Goldtech PAM01453

On October 24th, 1935, Panerai launched the first Radiomir prototype. Today, Panerai commemorates this milestone with the new Radiomir Perpetual Calendar GMT Goldtech PAM01453 celebrating the Radiomir's ensuring legacy. A Boutique Exclusive, this latest Perpetual Calendar timepiece combines cutting-edge timekeeping with the iconic Radiomir design.

Introducing: Panerai Unveils Six New Luminor, Luminor Due, and Quaranta Models on Bracelet

Panerai introduces six new metal bracelet creations in its Luminor, Luminor Due, and Quaranta collections. The new metal bracelets contribute to the brand’s enduring legacy of innovation in watchmaking. The new metal bracelet features a progressive ‘V-shape’ design that tapers from the case to the buckle, offering enhanced comfort.

Introducing: Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 XP 'TimeForArt' 2024. A Masterpiece with Straw Marquetry Dial.

Along with another 24 watch brands, Chopard showcases the full extent of its artistic genius through a one-of-a-kind timepiece. The new Alpine Eagle 41 XP for TimeForArt 2024 combines the pure lines of an iconic creation from the Maison with a dial featuring an exceptional Artistic craft perfected by the in-house workshops: straw marquetry.

From the Editor: My Honest Thoughts on the New Patek Philippe Cubitus Collection

When I saw the leaked Patek Philippe advertisement from Fortune magazine early last week, I wasn’t sure that Patek would be releasing such a watch. The new Patek Philippe Cubitus sums up all that is wrong with the watch industry and its growing pains. I’ve been a watch collector for 34 years and a marketer for 30 years. After I launched WCL in 2013, I never imagined what lies behind the watch industry and I’ve seen it all by now.

Introducing: Patek Philippe Cubitus Collection. Three Square-Shaped Watches Spoofed off of the Nautilus.

This past Thursday, October 17th, 2024, Patek Philippe presented the first new collection in 25 years, a collection that surprisingly took four years to develop. Called by Patek Philippe: “A completely new interpretation of the elegant sporty style” but in reality a square-shaped spoofed line off of the Nautilus collection that should’ve been called a line extension or a Square Nautilus.

Experience: The Rolex Submariner Book by Wallpaper*. The First Authorized History Book of this Icon.

Rolex has partnered with global design authority Wallpaper* to publish the first authorized history of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch. Written by author and watch expert Nicholas Foulkes, the 252-page book, Oyster Perpetual Submariner —the watch that unlocked the deep, is available in English and French. It is the first in a series of titles exploring the brand’s unique watches.

Posted on October 17, 2024 and filed under News, Rolex, Watch Goodies.

Introducing: MB&F LM Split Escapement Eddy Jaquet Classic Novels Unique Pieces (Live Pictures)

After four years, MB&F collaborates once again with master engraver Eddy Jaquet announcing a eight new Pièces Uniques inspired by the great classics of youth literature. You may recall their previous collaboration with Eddy Jaquet, launched in 2020 and inspired by the novels of Jules Verne; that first series of eight unique pieces would go on to win the prestigious GPHG Artistic Crafts Award in 2021. Now, MB&F is delighted to release a second series of eight unique pieces, this time inspired by classic novels.

Introducing: HYT S1 Titanium 'Japan Limited Edition'. The First Open-worked S1.

HYT launches the S1 Titanium ‘Japan Limited Edition’, an edition of eight pieces marking the pre-launch of the S1 permanent collection, a radical new series of hydromechanical sports watches. This new watch is a striking first in a forthcoming series of sports watches made by HYT, the inventors of the hydromechanical wristwatch. This is also the first S1 to be open-worked.

Posted on October 16, 2024 and filed under HYT.

Introducing: TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana

Right on time for the SIAR 2024—Salón Internacional de Alta Relojería— in Mexico City, Mexico, TAG Heuer presents the new Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon x Porsche Panamericana. Speed, heritage, precision, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, all synonymous with TAG Heuer, Porsche and the Carrera Panamericana race that celebrates its 70th anniversary. This exclusive timepiece, limited to 255 pieces, captures the rich history of both TAG Heuer and Porsche.

News: A New IWC Schaffhausen Boutique Opens in Boston

IWC Schaffhausen announces the opening of its first boutique in Boston, the hometown of its founder, Florentine Ariosto Jones. The boutique offers a modern and welcoming environment with a touch of elegance and industrial design, allowing visitors to discover the world of IWC. An “Engineering Wall” provides insights into the making of watch movements and cases.

Posted on October 14, 2024 and filed under IWC, News, Watch Shopping.

Introducing: Jaeger-LeCoultre Signature Perfumes by Perfumer Nicolas Bonneville

Here at WCL, we are suckers for perfumes and if you’re one of an avid readers you know we regularly feature some of our favorite fragrances. In a totally surprising move, Jaeger-LeCoultre has just released three signature perfumes by perfumer Nicolas Bonneville. This is the result of the latest artistic collaboration under Jaeger-LeCoultre’s ‘Made of Makers; program.

Insider: CVSTOS Metropolitan Chronograph Sapphire Rhodium. A 50-piece Limited Edition.

The CVSTOS Metropolitan Chronograph Sapphire Rhodium ref. F00112.4286001 is a fantastic option for under USD 50K boasting a generous but very wearable sapphire crystal case, a rhodium-skeletonized finished movement, and a very convenient automatic 30-minute chronograph. This watch is limited to only 50 pieces which adds up to the exclusivity of owning this timepiece.

Experience: Artisans de Genève Ventura Daytona. The Adventure of Time Itself.

A tribute to the history of Venetian glassmaking, while capturing the very essence of chance that shaped this unique material adding it to a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116500. Aventurina in Italian means “by chance”. A stroke of destiny, a fortuitous meeting of copper and glass. Rose gold —also containing copper— was chosen. Sapphire too was selected, to echo the transparency of glass. Shaping these materials is no easy feat. Aventurine demands incredible precision to reveal its sparkle without losing its magic.

Introducing: Vacheron Constantin 20th Anniversary Patrimony 'Ora ïto'. A 100-piece Limited Edition.

A creation stemming from a long-running collaboration with French designer Ora ïto, a Vacheron Constantin “One of Not Many” talent. The new watch is a vintage-style monochrome timepiece in 18K yellow gold framing a tone-on-tone dial adorned with concentric circles and a calfskin leather strap featuring graphic motifs inspired by the 1970s. This new watch is available in a limited edition of 100 pieces.

From the Editor: My Thoughts on The Acquisition of Hodinkee by The Watches of Switzerland

Let me start by saying that I’ve never been the biggest fan of Hodinkee and I was never a regular reader of it even before I started Watch Collecting Lifestyle in 2013. Nevertheless, I do applaud what Ben Clymer was able to build in such a short period and how much he did to raise awareness in an industry that was slowly dying, especially among the younger generations. Ben is a master at getting the right attention from the right people at the right time.

Introducing: Richard Mille RM 65-01 McLaren W1 Split-Seconds Chronograph

Richard Mille reveals its fourth creation to emerge from its collaboration —ongoing since 2016— with the celebrated British supercar maker McLaren. The new RM 65-01 McLaren Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph W1 is a 500-piece limited edition and the most complex automatic chronograph ever released by Richard Mille.

Breaking News: The Watches of Switzerland Group Acquires Hodinkee

The Watches of Switzerland Group announces the acquisition of Hodinkee, uniting the leading watch retailer and the digital trailblazer to support Hodinkee’s continued operation as a leader in the watch community. With a history of stewarding brands, the Watches of Switzerland Group aims to utilize its leadership role in the industry to further Hodinkee’s mission of sharing the most engaging, educational, and entertaining watch content.

Posted on October 4, 2024 and filed under Watch Shopping, News.