Never before has a watch brand taken over the entirety of the historic bank building that today houses Cipriani 42nd Street for an entire month, let alone build an entire two-story building inside the cavernous hall. Patek Philippe, however, did exactly that – and so much more. July 13 marked the opening of the 10-day …
Those familiar with Breguet’s great history know that its founder, Abraham-Louis Breguet, was watchmaker to French royalty. In fact, he made the first women’s wristwatch back in the early 1800’s – for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples and sister of Napoleon Bonaparte. The request was for a “thin, oblong repeater watch with a silver dial and Arabic numerals, mounted on a wristlet of hair woven with gold threads.” Abraham-Louis Breguet received the request in 1810 and delivered the watch in December 1812, according to brand archives. Unfortunately, that watch has since been lost, but not its memory. It was just about a decade-and-a-half ago that Breguet honored that first wristwatch with a dedicated collection: Reine de Naples – and for 2017, some new models are offered, including the “Mini” ref. 8928.
When looking at the independent watchmaking scene, what other watchmaking companies than Laurent Ferrier and URWERK could be more different. On one side is the essence of classicism, of traditions and of high-end, hand-finished watchmaking. On the other side is the very definition of bold creativity, avant-garde display and futuristic design. Who could have imagine that one day, these two could find an agreement on creating a watch. But as with magnetic fields, opposites attract each other. And the result, to be auctioned at Only Watch 2017, is a stunning unique piece made by Laurent Ferrier and URWERK, named the Arpal One.
For its 2017 edition, Only Watch is attracting more and more brands, which want to participate to this charity auction. Absent from the previous edition, Audemars Piguet is back in the long list of manufactures, with a unique piece based on quite an impressive watch: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Black Ceramic. And now, it adds some color to its previous monochromatic look, as featured with a bright blue dial.
In the world of watches, it’s rather common to have watches “placed” in movies (sometimes, it’s a bit more than just that however). That’s a practice named “product placement” and, in certain measures, it seems to help selling watches (do you feel the irony here…?) However, the story here is much cooler than the usual “watch in a movie” and has been dictated by passion, and with one of the coolest watches around. So, what could well be the watch worn by Iron Man / Tony Stark a.k.a Robert Downey JR in upcoming movie Spider-Man Homecoming? And why this choice?
This year, the charity auction Only Watch 2017 will of course feature unique wristwatches but, new for this 7th edition, some special projects too, lead by some of industry leaders or greatest watchmakers. As an example, the first production piece of the revolutionary Agengraphe movement is to be auctioned at Only Watch 2017 – Meet Carpe Diem, a table chronograph designed with HEAD students.
After the unique Patek Philippe 5208T for Only Watch 2017 we just introduced to you, you might think that you’ve seen the best of the upcoming charity auction… but you’d be wrong, as F.P.Journe will have a unique Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante (the first split-seconds he ever created), with the usual tantalum / blue chrome combination. And that is quite something!
Only Watch 2017, the biennial charity auction, just unveiled its highly special pieces… and because we know that many of you will ask for it, here is the big one, the unique, titanium Patek Philippe 5208T, made for the 7th edition of Only Watch.
Slate grey and pink gold is a combination that definitely works. Warm, contrasted and highly elegant, this is no surprises that a brand such as Vacheron Constantin, not shy in creating elegant watches, already chose this color scheme in the past. Yet, today, they are pushing it a few steps further, as the Traditionnelle Collection receives the slate grey / pink gold treatment on 6 of its models.
Bulgari celebrates its Roman heritage once again with a new secret watch. The culture, art, architecture and history of Rome has been a source of inspiration for the Maison’s designers for years, who are always seeking out modern ways to reimagine this classic legacy. Today, the superb Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon receives a special treatment, with the Monete edition.