Jaeger-LeCoutlre is better known as the ‘Watchmaker of Watchmakers’ and we’ve seen some impressive timepieces from them in the past including the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpétuel we perused in 2019. The JLC Hybris Mechanica à Grand Sonnerie was first presented in 2009 in a limited edition of 30 pieces. Combining a striking mechanism with a Westminster chime, a flying tourbillon, and a retrograde perpetual calendar, this watch is a feat of horology of the highest order. Honored to be able to bring you these images and our thoughts on it.
De Bethune presented the DB Digitale —aka DBD— Evergreen Limited Edition on the first day of Dubai Watch Week 2023 instantly becoming a Middle Eastern icon thanks to its rich hue of green, drawing its inspiration from the profound symbolism of the color green in the extensive history and culture of the Middle East. Presented in a limited edition of only 20 pieces, the DBD Evergreen is one of our favorite editions from De Bethune.
Chopard reaffirms its commitment to the values of Haute Horlogerie promoted by the Fleurier Quality Foundation with a new timepiece certified following the specifications of this independent institution, known as the most demanding in its field. This L.U.C Qualité Fleurier model is the first watch to be awarded this label since Chopard became the sole custodian of the Foundation in 2022. It is also the first in the L.U.C Qualité Fleurier family to be crafted in Lucent Steel –Chopard's alloy featuring exclusive properties and produced with a recycling rate of at least 80%.
Whether it’s a special afternoon ritual at one of the St. Regis hotels, Napoleon’s way to celebrate a victory on the battlefield, or simply the coolest way to open a bottle of champagne, that’s exactly what the art of sabrage is about. Sabrage refers to the act of opening a bottle of champagne by sliding a saber over its neck. Now, while many believe that the saber slices the neck of the bottle or pushes the cork out, what in reality happens is that the slight impact of the saber on the seam of the bottle creates a chain reaction that makes the bottle release its pressure by breaking its top cork included.
The IWC Portugieser Automatic 42 ref. IW501705 is the latest in one of the most renowned collections from IWC. Fully revamped with a 42.4 mm case this new watch is available in stainless steel, 18K 5N gold, or 18K white gold with five different dial iterations including Silver, Sparkling Beige, Blue, and Horizon Blue —for 18K white gold model only— and Obsidian Black —for 18K 5N Gold. This is a sophisticated timepiece that showcases exquisite craftsmanship and technical prowess featuring a running seconds indicator at 9 o’clock, a 7-day power reserve at 3 o’clock, and a date aperture at 6 o’clock.
The Reservoir Sonomaster collection takes its inspiration from measuring instruments widely used in the world of sound or Hi-Fi. The new Reservoir Sonomaster Chronograph Vintage Bi-Retrograde Black and Beige features two retrograde hands that faithfully reproduce the hands of power measurements or VU meters from analog vintage stereo amplifiers. A tribute to the human quest for a ‘pure’ sound, a musical exploration full of audacity and intensity.
Blancpain presents the Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet and Chronographe Flyback models in full Red Gold. Featuring a 43 mm case and bracelet meticulously crafted from 18K red gold, these striking timepieces with a sunray dark blue dial exude opulence and grandeur, making a bold statement with their rich hue and imposing presence. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms made its debut in 1953 as the first true diver’s watch, designed as a tool for professional divers.
Perhaps one of the rarest birds we’ve run in the past decade is the Vacheron Constantin Kalla Lord ref. 35711 timepiece which features no less than 316 emerald-cut diamonds, including 26 set into the dial. All gemstones have been carefully matched for uniform clarity, color, and cut. Totaling 55 carats in all and forming 8,216 gleaming facets, they are mounted on 140 grams of solid 18K white gold. The watch crystal is made of corundum, the hardest natural substance after diamond, and an iconic watch from the early 1980s.
This year Vacheron Constantin decided to do a first in the Overseas collection and added an 18K pink gold case sunburst green dial Overseas Dual Time to the lineup. This hands-on review will tell you everything you need to know about this new watch after enjoying the watch outside of the watch show and in natural light. Without a doubt, this is the hottest watch release of 2024, and its refined look is unparalleled.
Introducing MB&F The Milimilians a bunch of collectible, alien-like creatures with heads modeled after our Horological and Legacy Machines. There’s Minimilian Frog with its pop-out eyes, Minimilian Thunderbolt with those aviation vibes, and Minimilian Aquapod with its chubby round face. Since kicking off in 2005, MB&F has rolled out over 20 different calibres in about 30 distinct case shapes, and now each one has its matching figurine. And yes, their name is a nod to a well-known member of the MB&F team.
Hublot is launching two Big Bang Unico and one Classic Fusion in partnership with the Argentinean Football Association —AFA. These watches celebrate the ongoing triumphs of one of the most legendary national teams in soccer/football. Some years are more important than others and for football fans, and supporters of the Argentinean team, 2022 was one of those years. On Sunday, December 18, 2022, Argentina and France finished level at three-all in the final but, in the end, it was Argentina that won their third World Cup 4-2 on penalties. This marked a historic moment not only for Argentina but also for Hublot.
Synched on their Global Ambassador Jackson Yee’s exclusive new single, two souls, are drawn together by an irresistible force with the new campaign unveiled by Jaeger-LeCoultre. As they ascend, their love knows no limits, transcending earthly boundaries and reaching for the skies. The most powerful stories are written in time. Jackson Yee's journey mirrors this rise, as he remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of his crafts. Off-screen, his commitment to the causes he supports elevates communities and inspires change.
Frédéric Arnault, CEO of LVMH Watches Division, announces the following appointments within the Watches Division, effective from September 1, 2024. These executive changes at Hublot and TAG Heuer are part of an elevating and upgrading strategy of the Maisons to support the growth of the LVMH Watches Division.
From the time of its first watch in 1960, Grand Seiko has used the lion, as a powerful symbol. Embodying the dignity of the regal creature, with all of its imposing and fierce presence, this model’s strong appearance recalls the animal’s powerful forelimbs, claws, and mane. The lugs, intended to evoke lion claws, have a bold and distinctive shape and appearance, and the case rests firmly yet comfortably on the wrist.
Not to be mistaken with the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is not only Dubai’s most iconic building but also the most luxurious hotel in the world. Located steps away from the Jumeriah Public Beach and the Souk Madinat, the iconic white sail-shaped building hides a level of luxury accommodations and decor splendor within its walls that has no parallel. The Burj Al Arab is the only hotel in the world with seven stars and the fifth tallest hotel in the world sitting on a man-made island and connected to the Jumeriah beach by a private curving bridge.
The Chopard L.U.C XPS Forest Green is a remarkable timepiece that embodies elegance and craftsmanship. Its sleek and understated design makes it perfect for any occasion, from formal events to everyday wear. The ultra-thin case houses a sophisticated movement that is both precise and reliable. The clean dial showcases the time and running seconds with clarity, while the slim profile ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist.
Walter Lange would have turned 100 years old on July 29, 2024. By reestablishing Lange Uhren GmbH on December 7, 1990, he not only succeeded in reviving his family's extensive watchmaking tradition after being forced to stop for over 40 years but also paved the way for the resurgence of Saxon precision watchmaking founded by his great-grandfather in 1845.
The new Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Automatic 36 Rose Gold Set showcases a stunning Grain d'Orge hand-guilloché sand gold-hued dial, harmoniously blending sumptuous elegance with delicate craftsmanship. Meticulously crafted from 18K pink gold and adorned with shimmering diamonds, this timepiece captures the essence of Parmigiani Fleurier's renowned lightness and sophistication.
With its Diver collection, Ulysse Nardin celebrates the boundless spirit of adventure. The independent and integrated Manufacture fuses avant-garde designs, technical ingenuity, and time-honored craftsmanship in its exceptional timepieces. The new Ulysse Nardin Diver Atoll is a 100-piece limited edition that charts a brand new course to sun-drenched, undiscovered climes, enriching the Diver 39 mm with an astonishing stone-cut dial of chrysocolla.
Czapek & Cie announces the release of the latest iteration of its most recent horological marvel, the Place Vendôme Complicité Stardust Cobalt. This exquisite timepiece, limited to just 13 pieces of the 100 comprising the first edition, is the result of a collaboration with renowned watchmaker Bernhard Lederer. It embodies the perfect fusion of stunning beauty and masterful engineering.
The Zenith DEFY Extreme Carl Cox edition is a limited edition of 100 pieces available exclusively from Zenith boutiques and via their online store. This watch is yet another special edition created by Zenith honoring one of the best EDM —electronic dance music— DJs in the world, Carl Cox. The first watch created with Carl Cox in mind was the Zenith DEFY El Primero 21 Carl Cox pictured below.
Every time we travel, we end up meeting new watch collectors who decide to open the doors of their homes to us and share their world and passion for watches and other indulgences. Some of them are OK with us documenting these visits and sharing them with our readers, and others are way too private to even allow us to take any pictures of what they are sharing with us.
Today has been an interesting day with the news coming from Richemont regarding some very high-level changes to CEO positions at Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels; changes that also affect Vacheron Constantin and Jaeger-LeCoultre as of September 1st, 2024. While Catherine Rénier is set to leave her post as CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre and become CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, Louis Ferla, currently CEO of Vacheron Constantin will succeed Cyrille Vigneron as Chief Executive Officer of Cartier, effective September 1, 2024.
Today July 2, 2024, Richemont announced that Louis Ferla, currently Chief Executive Officer of Vacheron Constantin will succeed Cyrille Vigneron as Chief Executive Officer of Cartier, effective September 1, 2024. Mr. Vigneron, who has decided to retire after eight successful years at the helm of the Maison, will assume the position of Chairman of Cartier Culture & Philanthropy effective the same date as Louis Ferla becomes CEO of the brand and work with Ferla to ensure a smooth transition.
Richemont announced today that Catherine Rénier, currently Chief Executive Officer —CEO— of Jaeger-LeCoultre, will succeed Nicolas Bos as Chief Executive Officer of Van Cleef & Arpels, effective September 1st, 2024, and will report to him following his recent appointment as Richemont’s CEO.