In-Depth – Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 1L, An Instrument of Astronomical Complexity

The latest “experimental collection” unveiled by Ferdinand Berthoud during Baselworld 2019 unites the findings of two pivotal scientific minds of the Enlightenment. Closer in nature to an instrument than a watch, two limited editions of 10 pieces celebrate the genius of pioneers Ferdinand Berthoud and Jean-Charles de Borda, men whose discoveries and quest for chronometric […]

6 years ago

Hands-on – The New Frederique Constant Classics Moonphase Manufacture

Though relatively young (31 years old), Frederique Constant has proven to be one of the most creative brands in the field of “accessible luxury”. In three decades, the brand has managed to create multiple collections and to bring complications to the masses. Best of all, the brand even has some timepieces driven by its own […]

6 years ago

Hands-on – De Bethune DB28 Yellow Tones – Mellow Yellow

In a radical departure from De Bethune’s hallmark heat-blued titanium colour palette, the DB28 surprised us at Basel 2019 with its two-tone golden suit. The transition from cool cosmic blue to warm radiant gold raises the temperature on the DB28 and gives the watch an entirely different personality. Packed with six patented De Bethune technical […]

6 years ago

Baselworld 2019 – Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 1L with Complex Moon Display

After the inaugural tourbillon model (deployed in various editions here, here or here) and the recent addition of a complex regulator version, Ferdinand Berthoud continues with the evolution of its superb Chronomètre watch. Still powered by an in-house, hand-decorated tourbillon movement, still featuring the desirable and rare fusée-and-chain constant force device, the brand adds a moon display […]

6 years ago

Hands-on – Speake-Marin One&Two Academic Full Moon

The Speake-Marin One&Two collection was launched just two years ago. First, the brand’s signature case, the Picadilly, got a facelift – a tasteful redesign conducted with Eric Giroud. Secondly, the movements inside are worth a look. In addition to the Small Seconds model and its Openworked development, the brand added a GMT version at SIHH 2019. And there was a nice, astronomical watch next to it, the Speake-Marin One&Two Academic Full Moon.

6 years ago

Introducing – A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase “25th Anniversary”

Prior to the SIHH, A. Lange & Söhne announced a new limited edition celebrating the 25th anniversary of what certainly is its most emblematic watch, the Lange 1 – which was born in 1994 and part of the inaugural “relaunch” collection. However, the brand isn’t only celebrating one model but in fact the entire Lange 1 collection. This isn’t one watch that will be introduced but 10 models, all along the year. Based on this beautiful modern version, here’s the A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase “25th Anniversary”.

6 years ago

Introducing – Ulysse Nardin Marine Mega Yacht Watch – (Luxury) Ship Ahoy!

For a company that built its name as a purveyor of precision marine chronometers, Ulysse Nardin has a long-standing and authentic link to the sea. Combine this with the brand’s penchant for extravagant complications and showmanship and you get the Marine Mega Yacht, a watch that combines a flying tourbillon, a tide indicator, a moon phase indicator with miniature lifelike recreations of a ship’s features – anchor, chain, propeller, windlass and bow – directly on the dial! With a price tag of just over EUR 300,000, the platinum watch is a limited edition of just 30 pieces.

6 years ago

Introducing – Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon Swiss Serpentinite (Live Pics)

Launched in 2017, the Grande Seconde Moon allowed Jaquet Droz to incorporate a moon phase indication and a pointer date to its signature 8-shaped dial without altering its distinctive balance. It also created a striking sense of depth to this usually sleek watch. The brand now unveils an 88-piece limited edition with a stone dial. Using […]

6 years ago

Hands-on – Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual Enamel

Since its facelift in 2013, the Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual has appeared in various guises, including the sleek black dial version we saw in 2016. However, I think there is unanimous agreement that the 2019 white gold version with its blue enamel guilloché dial wins hands down. Released as part of a limited edition trilogy, including the Master Ultra-Thin Moon Enamel and Tourbillon models, the new members of the Master-Thin Enamel family stole the show. The watch we will be looking at today comes with a revised movement and display and indicates the phases of the Moon in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

6 years ago