Category: High-end Watches

First Look – AkriviA “Rexhep Rexhepi” Chronomètre Contemporain, The New Face of Tradition

Rexhep Rexhepi is one of the most talented watchmakers in the industry. The founder of AkriviA is often presented as the future of independent watchmaking. There are probably no better ways to understand AkriviA than to pay a visit to the brand’s Atelier in Geneva old town. There you’ll discover a handful of detail-obsessed watchmakers bent over their bench, magnifying glass screwed to the eye, working with a set of ancient machine and tools, using century-old gestures. AkriviA watches are impeccable, handmade like in the old days, elevating the watchmaking art to the highest level. But do not be mistaken, the time has not stopped there. The faces of these skilled craftspeople are surprisingly young. AkriviA watches are modern creations infused by fresh, dynamic and passionate watchmaking minds…

7 years ago

Baselworld 2018 – Carl F. Bucherer Manero Tourbillon Double Peripheral

Carl F. Bucherer already proved to have the capacity to develop impressive and modern technical solutions. For instance, they are one of the rare manufactures to rely on the concept of a peripheral rotor for the automatic winding system. Using this as a base for further developments, Carl F. Bucherer introduced the Manero Tourbillon DoublePeripheral with the new in-house calibre CFB T3000, a world first that combines a peripheral automatic winding system and a peripherally mounted tourbillon that appears to float.

7 years ago

First Look – Patek Philippe 5270P Perpetual Calendar Chronograph with Superb Salmon Dial

The perpetual calendar chronograph is a combination of complications that ‘belongs’ to Patek Philippe. The 5270 continues a long tradition initiated in 1941. It was introduced in 2011 with a in-house movement as the successor of the 5970, itself an evolution of the 3970 (read our article about the different generations of the 5270 here). It is now available for the first time in the noblest of all metals, platinum. And it comes with a truly stunning salmon dial that – as often with salmon dials – is elegant, unostantatious but with that very special twist.

7 years ago

Baselworld 2018 – Grand Seiko Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Calibre 9S with Three New High-Beat Limited Editions

While the inaugural timepiece made by Grand Seiko dates back to 1960 – a watch that was recreated last year, with a faithful re-edition – another extremely important date in the history of the brand is 1998. Indeed, twenty years ago, Grand Seiko introduced caliber 9S, an entirely new movement designed from scratch to deliver high precision and excellent durability. Today, the entire Grand Seiko mechanical collection is built around this movement. For its 20th anniversary, the brand launches three special movements, a new case and a unique dial. Meet the Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 Calibre 9S 20th Anniversary ref. SBGH265 – SBGH266 – SBGH267.

7 years ago

Baselworld 2018 – Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic – The New Thinnest Automatic Watch (and Tourbillon) at 3.95mm

Game on! The race between Bvlgari and Piaget to prove who can manufacture the thinnest watch in the world continues. At Baselworld 2017, Bvlgari introduced the Octo Finissimo Automatic, a true luxury sports watch with a bold design and the thinnest automatic movement on the market. At the SIHH 2018, Piaget trumpeted not one, but two world records: the thinnest mechanical watch ever and the thinnest automatic watch. Baselworld 2018 has opened its doors and Bvlgari sets two new records in a single watch: the world’s thinnest tourbillon watch and the world’s thinnest automatic watch. Meet the new Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic – and yes, it is paper thin, at 3.95mm thick.

7 years ago

Baselworld 2018 – MB&F Teams Up with L’Epée to Create The Fifth Element, A Unique “Horological Weather Station”

We were already aware that the folks at MB&F have the ability to surprise us. And guess what, they do it again. Their latest creation, made with clockmaker L’Epée, is actually not only a clock. “The Fifth Element”, as they name it, is an intergalactic horological weather station enabling accurate weather forecasting even when the power goes down. Four separate elements combine in a mothership to create an entity much larger than the sum of its parts: The Fifth Element. Intriguing, isn’t it?

7 years ago

Hands-on – HYT H0 Gold Blue Fluid

Yellow gold watches divide opinion, but they are definitely back in style, in particular with more modernly designed and bold watches – which is quite an anachronism but can definitely bring an impressive result. A case in point, at SIHH 2018, HYT unveiled yellow gold versions of its H0, taking the model to new territories.

7 years ago

Hands-on – The De Bethune DB27 Titan Hawk V2 – Taking “Entry Level” To A Whole New Level

It’s a long road back to redemption for independent watchmaker De Bethune but so far, all signs suggest they are well and truly on the right track. The latest indication comes in the form of the new DB27 Titan Hawk V2 (DB27TIS1 V2), a fitting follow-up to the original model that launched the DB27 collection in 2012 – later seen in a matte version. Slightly more understated than its elder siblings, the new DB27 Titan Hawk V2 offers a lightweight titanium case, complete with the brand’s trademark floating lugs, but pairs it with a cleaner-looking dial. There’s no more central date display but we do get a seconds hand instead. And that’s not all that’s changed.

7 years ago