Category: Novelty

SIHH 2019 – Santos de Cartier Large Model now with Gradient Blue Dial

The revamped Santos was the star of the SIHH 2018 for Cartier and for multiple reasons, it was a success. Well designed, well equipped, well executed and relatively fair when it comes to the price, Cartier gave this iconic shape a slightly sportier (or let’s say more modern) touch and some nice details, such as a clever strap/bracelet system. Just before the SIHH 2019, this model appears now in the collection with a new dial. White is too shy for you? The new gradient blue version might be the answer then.

7 years ago

Review – RGM Classic Enamel PS-801-CE, The Pride of the “American Made” Watch

When you think of great American watch companies, brands like Hamilton and Waltham come to mind. Neither of those are American anymore, with Hamilton ending US production in 1969 after being acquired by the Buren Watch Company in Büren an der Aare, Switzerland. Hamilton ultimately became part of the Swatch Group and remains a popular […]

7 years ago

Introducing – The British-Made Garrick Regulator with Engine-Turned Dial

British watchmaker Garrick has just unveiled a new version of its popular Regulator timepiece, complete with gorgeous engine turned dials. Launched in 2016, the initial run of Regulator watches was limited to just 15 pieces. Since then, it’s proven itself to be one of the independent brand’s most popular models. Now, it seems Garrick has finally bowed to the pressure of repeated requests for more watches to be made, much to the delight of brand’s devoted following we’re sure.

7 years ago

Introducing – Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One Ceramic Black And Blue

Presented at Baselworld 2018 – when Jaquet Droz and the rest of the Swatch Group was still exhibiting at the Basel-based fair – the Grande Seconde Skelet-One was a surprisingly modern take on the classic 8-figure on the dial of the watch, the signature design of the brand. Launched in three inaugural versions, two in gold […]

7 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2019 – Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronomètre with New Slate-Grey Guilloché Dial (Hands-On)

Master watchmaker and restorer Michel Parmigiani unveiled his first watch in 1996, the Toric. Distinguished by its knurled bezel and harmonious proportions, the Toric was reinterpreted in a more contemporary key in 2017 with the Toric Chronomètre, and again in November 2018 with a tasteful hand-guilloché dial. The impeccable elegance of this dress watch is given yet another wardrobe update with this Pre-SIHH 2019 Toric Chronomètre model with a slate-grey guilloché dial. Apart from the different colour on the dial, the 2019 model is not covered by the Qualité Fleurier seal but another certification.

7 years ago

Introducing – The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5015 now in a Titanium & Black Dial Version

As a watch itself and also an entire collection, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is one of the most iconic dive watches of the lot – and the modern version is the worthy descendant of what was one of the earliest dive watches ever created. Its reputation is thus immense. Modern-day versions were usually more on the luxurious side, with polished cases and beautiful finishes. Today, the brand unveils a new version that has a more “tool-watch” attitude. Meet the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5015 now in Titanium.

7 years ago

Hands-on – Fugue Chronostase, Making a Case for Modularity

Modularity has become a big thing in the watch industry, with more and more embracing the concept of customisation (at least for some very high-end brands) and interchangeable strap/bracelet system – think Vacheron Constantin, Maurice Lacroix or Cartier. Yet, in the end, you have the same watch on a different strap. Certainly a nice first […]

7 years ago

Independent Watchmaking – The Entirely Hand-Engraved Kees Engelbarts Organic Skeleton Ref. 1867 (Hands-On)

Kees Engelbarts’ latest creation is a compendium of his skills fusing his love affair with a millenary Japanese metalworking technique, his mastery of engraving, and his radically artistic approach to skeletonisation. Engelbarts’ Organic Skeleton Ref. 1867 is a unique handmade work of art enlivened with textures, engraved surfaces, partial views of the movement and psychedelic […]

7 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2019 – Introducing the Cartier Libre Jewellery Collection – Freedom of Shape and Colour

Cartier manages to fuse a unique touch of French sophistication with a very liberal attitude towards design. Cartier’s love affair with fascinating shaped watches has lasted for a century and you’d be hard pressed to find a straightforward round watch chez la Maison. Unusual shapes, like the square Santos, the rectangular Tank, the barrel-shaped Tortue, or even the weird and wild 1967 Crash watch inspired by a Baignoire Allongée model that was purportedly mangled and melted in a car crash, have been and still are very much an identity trait of the brand.

7 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2019 – Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Capitole in Rose Gold / Brown Dial

Since the SIHH 2017, Parmigiani has relaunched the Toric collection, bringing it back not only in hyper-complex editions but also in more simple versions, like the Toric Qualité Fleurier and the Toric Chronomètre – two watches with time-and-date displays, which were re-editions of Michel Parmigiani’s first watch. However, PF doesn’t forget its high-end collection and as part of the pre-SIHH 2019 novelties, the brand introduces a new version of the superb and original Toric Capitole, now in Rose Gold / Brown Dial – with a combination of chiming complication and wandering hours.

7 years ago