Category: Metiers d’Arts

Kees Engelbarts Pushes “Skeletonized” to Another Level with the Psychedelic Tourbillon

Few might know Kees Engelbarts here. It is true that is work will always remain confidential, however for very good reasons (that we’ll explain). He himself says that he can only produce 6 to 8 watches a year, all hand-made, unique, mostly commisioned pieces. But, believe us, Kees Engelbarts’ work must be discovered. His latest piece, the Psychedelic Tourbillon, is a perfect demonstration of what proper skeleton watches are. 

7 years ago

Handwerkskunst according to A. Lange & Söhne – Interview with CEO Wilhelm Schmid

The other day I had the distinct pleasure of spending a few days with A. Lange & Söhne in Florence, Italy. The main purpose was the launch of the Lange 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst and four new blue dial version (Lange 1, Lange 1 Daymatic, Saxonia and Saxonia handwound), all of which we already showed you last weekend. The team at Lange organized several ‘field trips’ to various handcrafts, like lithography, fabric weaving and printing, among others, and we visited one of the most prestigious winemakers from Tuscany (the region in which Florence is located.) Wilhelm Schmid, the brand’s CEO, tells us more about Handwerkskunst and handcrafts, plus I’ll share wrist shots of a group of Lange collectors whom I accidentally ran into. Be warned… LOTS of photos!

7 years ago

Introducing – A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst (Live Pics)

A few days ago, we showed you a new watch introduced by A. Lange & Söhne, the 1815 “Cuvette” Limited Edition. Well, this was not the only novelty the Saxonia-based brand had to show us in this month of September 2017. Be prepared, because what Lange just launched is both impressive, complex, demonstrative, rare and superbly executed. Here is the “Handwerkskunst” edition of the highly respectable A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar. And those who are experienced with the brand know what is hidden behind this quite barbarian German word…

7 years ago

Only Watch 2017 – The Artistic Armin Strom Manual Made With Painter Hunt Slonem

For Only Watch 2017, the 7th edition of the biennial charity auction, Armin Strom is also part of the 49 partners that are coming with unique pieces or special projects. This year, the modern Swiss watchmaker presents a unique timepiece, which is a fusion between art and watchmaking. The art of watchmaking meets up with the expressive painting of an American artist. Here is the Artistic Armin Strom Manual Made With Painter Hunt Slonem.

8 years ago

When Sci-Fi and Tradition Meet – The URWERK UR-210 Amadeus

When you think URWERK, you immediately have in mind Sci-Fi, space-crafts, ultra-modern design, sharp and bold shapes, unusual display of the time and haute-complication. Like them or not but admit it, URWERK watches are not standard. They create strong emotions on us, in a way or another. However, tradition and ancestral techniques are not words that you would usually place next to URWERK… Until the brand came with this unchained watch, mixing a century-old craftsmanship with their signature bold design, the URWERK UR-210 Amadeus.

8 years ago

Introducing – Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Villes Lumières Beijing Edition

Today we are taking a closer look at the Métiers d’Art Villes Lumières collection – and one model in particular – which once again sees Vacheron Constantin flexing its creative muscles. Available exclusively from Vacheron Constantin boutiques, the collection is comprised of four references, three of which are dedicated to Paris, Geneva and New York respectively, while the fourth is the newly announced Beijing model that is the focus of our article today.

8 years ago

Jaquet-Droz unveils new enameling paillonné collection – hands-on with live pics and pricing

On a mission to perpetuate rare artistic crafts, Métiers d’art and various sorts of enameling are familiar themes at Jaquet Droz. It has become a tradition for the brand to unveil exquisite paillonné enamel limited editions every year. This year, these are rendered in blue and red, one of the most delicate colors to work with. Paillonné enameling is an 18th century technique that was used by Pierre Jaquet-Droz himself. The new models are bringing together historic ‘paillons’ (tiny motifs or paillettes made from gold leaf) and modern elements.

8 years ago

Substance matters – Fortis Rolf Sachs 2.4ml Limited Edition

A blank canvas is soulless before the first stroke of a brush. A block of marble is only lifeless rock, until that first strike of the hammer and chisel. Everyday things like for instance air, are meaningless on their own. Obviously we need air to survive, but it is still… air! Until we decide to perceive or display it otherwise, at which point it can become art. Art heavily relies on this principle, and so does watchmaking. And it is even possible to combine art and watchmaking in one. We go hands-on with a perfect example of these blending worlds; the Fortis Rolf Sachs 2.4ml L.E.

8 years ago

Substance matters – Fortis Rolf Sachs 2.4ml Limited Edition

A blank canvas is soulless before the first stroke of a brush. A block of marble is only lifeless rock, until that first strike of the hammer and chisel. Everyday things like for instance air, are meaningless on their own. Obviously we need air to survive, but it is still… air! Until we decide to perceive or display it otherwise, at which point it can become art. Art heavily relies on this principle, and so does watchmaking. And it is even possible to combine art and watchmaking in one. We go hands-on with a perfect example of these blending worlds; the Fortis Rolf Sachs 2.4ml L.E.

8 years ago

Dolce & Gabbana Makes Its Debuts In The World of Haute Horlogerie

Dolce & Gabbana makes its debut in the world of Haute Horlogerie… Clearly, this was one of the things we did not expect to see when running around Baselworld. Among the presentations surrounding the watch and Jewelry fair, the Italian fashion powerhouse was showcasing its watch collections in the exclusive settings of the luxurious Hotel des Trois Rois. Continue reading if you are up for something… Let’s say, different!

8 years ago