Category: High-end Watches

Hands-On – A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Annual Calendar, Lange’s “Entry-Level” Complication Watch

Over the last few years, A. Lange & Söhne has been making its popular 1815 collection more of a focus, introducing several exceptional models, like the insane Tourbograph Perpetual Pour le Merite unveiled at SIHH 2017. While that model may have stolen the spotlight (and with good reason), today we’re giving some much needed hands-on attention to another great watch presented by the brand at the show; the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Annual Calendar, which is the brand’s most accessible “complication watch”.

8 years ago

Watches and Formula 1 – Episode 6 – McLaren & Richard Mille

McLaren: the winningest (is that a word?) constructor in Formula 1 after Ferrari, the second longest running team in the sport (with a continuous participation since 1966), producer of many memorable cars, host of legendary driver line-ups, and delivering championship contending cars through most of their history. Hitting a dry spell since 2015 though, the team has the resilience to get back on top, although talks of a McLaren-Honda split refuse to go away. As far as their timing partner is concerned though, relations seem much calmer. Richard Mille is a cutting-edge watch manufacturer, using the most advanced technology and exotic materials, and indeed is very similar in many ways to the image of this major F1 team.

8 years ago

Behind-the-Scenes – How Urban Jürgensen detail-obsessed watchmakers manufacture hands, turning raw material into works of art

The Swiss/Danish high-end watch manufacturer has just unveiled its new “ateliers” in the center of Biel / Bienne. The brand was already headquartered in the city and it is now based in a superb 1920 mansion, which has been tastefully renovated to provide the perfect setting for its detail obsessed craftsmen. We took the opportunity of our recent visit to their new home to take a close look at the way they manufacture hands. If fine craftsmanship and a meticulous attention to details are evident with the brand’s watches, it is nonetheless captivating to see their watchmakers at work – because without doubt it is one of the last and very few places where things are still made this way…

8 years ago

In-Depth Review – RJ-Romain Jerome Skylab 44 Red – Bold & Architectural

You cannot accuse RJ-Romain Jerome of being boring, even though you might not be a fan of the brand like I am. Fact of the matter is, the Geneva based brand does unorthodox things but every now and then hits a sweet spot that should entice even the doubters! The need for a Pièce Unique Pokemon watch is debatable of course, but any doubt can be swayed with the simple question of: why not? Well, that is the question we will hope to have answered by extensively reviewing the RJ-Romain Jerome Skylab 44 Red. We already covered it as it was first released back in december 2013 but we now give you the full rundown.

8 years ago

Only Watch 2017 – Unique Black-and-Yellow Fabergé Visionnaire Chronograph (with revolutionary movement)

At Baselworld 2017, a brand that is definitely more known for its jewelry pieces and historical eggs made for Russian Empire, Fabergé, came with what certainly was the most impressive piece of the show: the Visionnaire Chronograph and its movement created by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht and his team at Agenhor. Revolutionary might sound cliché however, it’s exactly what this watch is, in terms of technical solutions and display. For Only Watch 2017, Fabergé has created a unique black-and-yellow version of this watch, which also happens to be the very first “for delivery” piece to come out of the manufacture.

8 years ago

Only Watch 2017 – Carl F. Bucherer Manero Peripheral Only Watch Unique Piece

While some brands have decided to go bold and loud for Only Watch 2017, others have chosen discretion, subtlety and elegance. Based on the technically impressive and desirable Carl F. Bucherer Manero Peripheral we reviewed here, the brand introduced a unique version with special dial, nice surprise on the back and an great experience for the future owner. Here is the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Peripheral Only Watch 2017 Unique Piece.

8 years ago

Women’s Watch Wednesday – Breguet Reine de Naples Mini ref. 8928, a Watch Fit for a “Petite” Queen

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.

8 years ago

Only Watch 2017 – Introducing the Laurent Ferrier X URWERK Collaboration Piece: Arpal One

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.

8 years ago

Only Watch 2017 – The unique blue dial Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Black Ceramic

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.

8 years ago