Review – Baume HRS Limited Edition Automatic – When Richemont goes Microbrand-Like

When you hear the word Baume, most would assume it’s referring to Baume & Mercier, a popular luxury watch brand dating back to 1830 and now part of the Richemont Group. And they’d be partially correct. Baume is an offshoot of Baume & Mercier with Marie Chassot (Product Marketing Director for Baume & Mercier) coming in as the lead, along with several other executives from the parent company. Baume is, however, very much an independent company with different design philosophies and strategic guidance, and a strong focus on sustainability.

6 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.

6 years ago

Hands-on – Breguet Tradition Chronographe Indépendant ref. 7077

While the chronograph is certainly one of the most popular complications, most people do not realize that it is among the most complex mechanisms to develop and assemble. While most chronographs are based on a timekeeping “engine”, on which a second gear train engages to drive the chronograph, some folks found this idea inefficient (and […]

6 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.

6 years ago

Hands-on – Frederique Constant Classics 24H – An Unusual (and affordable) Approach to Consulting the Time

There is no stopping the steady flow of models emerging from Frederique Constant, all steeled for battle in the mid-price arena. The latest Classic Automatic 24H, equipped with a 24-hour function, joins the well-populated Classics collection and will retail for under EUR 1,000. My first take on the newcomer was that this was a practical GMT watch, designed for men on the move. But where was the additional hand to read the second time zone? FC’s new watch is a bit of a mind teaser and presents a different way of reading the hours based on a 24-hour format. Instead of the standard hour hand advancing in 12 increments of one hour twice a day, the hand is slowed down to half its regular speed to read the 24-hour disc on the dial. Once you have got your mind around the fact that the hour hand makes one rotation a day and not two, things start to make sense.

6 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2019 – HYT H20 “Time Is Fluid” (Hands-On)

Since 2012, HYT has measured time in a non-conformist way, uniting esthetics, technology and somehow philosophy. Time is fluid and its flow is displayed by liquids moved by a mechanical movement (To learn more about the company and its innovative, patented technology, you can watch our recent video here.) Presented in 2018, the H0 and H20 models express the flow of time with smooth curves, fluid shapes and virtually no straight lines. It showcases the brands raison d’êtrein a striking way. The fluidic time indication is presented in full glory, under an impressive cloche-like sapphire crystal. This allows a 360° visibility of the time and of the mechanical movement’s architecture.

6 years ago

Review – Urwerk UR-111C – Reimagining Time

As part of the brand’s ‘Special Projects’ line, the UR-111C is Urwerk at its best, a mature watch that soars with mechanical ingenuity and a design ethos straight out of Blade Runner. Although it does not bear the hallmark satellite hour hands we have come to associate with the brand, the UR-111C is packed with imaginative displays (jumping hours, linear retrograde minutes, optical fibre-augmented seconds) and a look and feel that is 100% Urwerk.

6 years ago

Introducing – MeisterSinger City Edition 2018 – 58 Different Watches Representing Major World Cities

MeisterSinger is following up on last year’s No. 01 City Edition, which represented 45 different cities in an equal number of limited edition watches. The company is known for having single hand dials that actually make up their entire portfolio, which is unique among watch brands. They’re now bringing 58 City Edition pieces for 2018 to represent 58 different cities or countries around the world, from New York to Munich to The Hague.

6 years ago

Hands-on – Glashütte Original PanoMaticCounter XL

German watch manufacturer Glashütte Original has always done things its own way. Its watches are characterised by classic designs that invariably incorporate a quirky modern twist or two, appealing to connoisseurs and iconoclasts alike. Just look at the PanoGraph if you’re not sure what I mean. For whatever reason, however, Glashütte Original doesn’t always attract the same level of media attention as some of its peers, which means there are quite often hidden gems to discover. One such model is the PanoMaticCounter XL, which we’re taking a closer look at today.

6 years ago