Category: Grande Complication

SIHH 2019 – Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar with up to 65 Days of Power Reserve

Here’s a very special one… the new Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar comes with a normal power reserve of 4 days, however, put in so-called “Standby mode” and the movement switches to a lower frequency, and the power reserve has increased to no less then 65 days! That’s a great feature for when you want to store your perpetual calendar without having to set all indications all over again, when you decide to wear it after some weeks and up to two months. Let’s have a closer look at this spectacular timepiece that incorporates two gear trains, two escapements, and a perpetual calendar, and all that in a relatively small 42mm case.

6 years ago

SIHH 2019 – Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpetuel

In a bold move that underscores its technical abilities, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveils a grande complication watch featuring a staggering combination of complications: a multi-axis tourbillon driven by a remontoir d’égalité, a minute repeater with Westminster chime, a perpetual calendar… and more. Meet the new (and superb) Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpetuel – a.k.a The Gyrotourbillon 5.

6 years ago

Introducing – Vacheron Constantin “Mécaniques Sauvages” – A Collection of Grand Complications and Artistic Crafts

Defying the restraint and moderation that has settled over the watchmaking scene of late, it is refreshing to see such a magnificent display of mechanical luxury and grandiose craftsmanship. Unleashing a menagerie of majestic wild animals, Vacheron Constantin gives a riveting display of its inexhaustible creativity and mechanical expertise. Mécaniques Sauvages is a bespoke collection of unique pieces made in Vacheron Constantin’s very own customisation department – Les Cabinotiers – where horological fantasies spring to life. To give you an idea of what the watchmakers at Les Cabinotiers are capable of producing, think back to Reference 57260, a private commission delivered in 2015 with no fewer than 57 complications under its belt, making it the most complicated timepiece on our planet.

6 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2019 – Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication Phoenix

With SIHH 2019 fast approaching, brands are pre-releasing selected models to whet our appetites. Among them is Vacheron Constantin, which has released the first images of two unique pieces, Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication Phoenix and Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Tourbillon Sky chart we will introduce in a separate article. But for now, let’s look at the first model, a complex watch with no fewer than 15 complications.

6 years ago

In-Depth – Jacob & Co – The Method Behind the Madness

One of the most sensational watches presented at Baselworld 2018 is a creation by Jacob & Co. The uber-complex Twin Turbo Furious is a beast of a watch featuring an insane, staggering combination of complications: a double high-speed triple axis tourbillion; a decimal minute repeater; and a mono-pusher chronograph with reference time indication! For some, the discovery that the most complex watch of Baselworld was a ‘Jacob the jeweller’ creation came as a surprise, for others who have been following the brand, the Twin Turbo Furious is representative of the spectacular, mind-bogglingly complicated watches the brand is capable of producing.

6 years ago

Hands-on – HYT H2O: Going with the Flow

Two limited editions of the HYT H2O – one in a black DLC-coated case with bright green fluid, the other in a silver case with blue fluid – were unveiled during the 2018 SIHH watch salon. Exposed under a large sapphire crystal dome, the H2O models – an evolution of the HYT H2 – reveal the flow of time from every possible angle. With its original fluidic indication for the hours – which undergoes a fascinating retrograde phase – and a jumping minute hand, the novelty here is the refreshing design of the H2O. The dial, which has undergone a significant decluttering session, and the integrated strap conspire to make the watch more attractive, more streamlined and eminently wearable.

6 years ago

Buying Guide – 5 Mechanical Marvels from Baselworld 2018

On the contrary of most of the other buying guides we’ve published, the present one is more of a “wish list” or a “dream list” rather than a proper guide – or consider it a guide for those who already have everything they need and more. Nothing here is rational, it’s all about passion, ingenuity, creativity and impressive mechanics. From the thinnest automatic watch ever created to a signing automaton or an atomic sympathique clock, here the 5 most impressive mechanical creations we’ve seen at Baselworld 2018.

7 years ago

Omega’s High-Tech Olympic Timekeeping Instruments at PyeongChang 2018

Omega deploys an arsenal of sophisticated timekeeping instruments to decide the fate of athletes at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. Carting 230 tonnes of timekeeping equipment from Switzerland to Korea, Omega’s cutting-edge technology will be the ultimate judge of the Olympic victors, where split-second differences can make the difference between a gold and a silver medal.

7 years ago

News – Omega’s High-Tech Olympic Timekeeping Instruments at PyeongChang 2018

Omega deploys an arsenal of sophisticated timekeeping instruments to decide the fate of athletes at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. Carting 230 tonnes of timekeeping equipment from Switzerland to Korea, Omega’s cutting-edge technology will be the ultimate judge of the Olympic victors, where split-second differences can make the difference between a gold and a silver medal.

7 years ago