While the geometrical and avant garde case design of the octogonal Royal Oak might have captured our imaginations since the 70s, the legacy of Audemars Piguet’s watchmaking primacy goes beyond Genta’s winning design. Indeed, vintage Audemars Piguet Calendar watches have have long been recognized by collectors for their…
“With the new Da Vinci collection, IWC Schaffhausen has returned to the round case that was so successfully establishedvby the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar in 1985. It meansvwe are bidding farewell to the tonneau case and reaffirmingvour commitment to the classic proportions the brandvstands for,” …
No need to beat around the bush… Some subjects don’t really need to be debated. The new A. Lange & Söhne Tourbograph Perpetual Pour le Merite is a superlative watch, a proper masterpiece, mixing all the technical marvels of one of the best manufactures in the world (because for once, it’s outside Switzerland), with a strong respect to traditions and a devotion to what is (to me, at least) the most important in a watch; precision. Yes, you could say that the Tourbograph Perpetual Pour le Merite blows things out of proportion but still, whatever the critics will be, we all must admit that this watch is, in every aspect, mega.
As we’ve seen yesterday, the story behind the IWC Da Vinci has been eventful and longer than many thought. If the first edition dates back 1969, it’s really in 1985 that the Da Vinci obtained the recognition we know today, with one iconic version, the Ref. 3750 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, conceived in the mind of genius Kurt Klaus. For 2017, there’s a new Da Vinci collection, which takes inspiration in that vintage model. And this might be the main reason why we heard many collectors praising one edition in particular, the one we believe to be the cornerstone of the 2017 range, the IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph in Steel.
Over several decades of existence, the IWC Da Vinci has drastically evolved and has seen dozens of versions and style. Yet, even if this watch is certainly not as popular as the Portugeiser or the Big Pilot’s Watch, it has been the field for multiple innovations and milestones for the brand. Before we go hands-on with the latest version of the Da Vinci, in what we think is the key model of the 2017 collection, the Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, as a tribute to the famous 1985 watch created by legend Kurt Klaus, a short history of the IWC Da Vinci would be more than useful.
The first and arguably most important watch fair of the year is over but the dust has barely settled. This was not only my maiden trip to SIHH but also to Switzerland and as you can imagine, it was an exciting experience for me. As per Deployant tradition, I am here to present to you my top 5 picks from SIHH 2017. The watches were selected for…
By Martin Green
Ever since its introduction in 2008, the Fine Watchmaking Collection has been Cartier’s calling card when it comes to complicated pieces. Many of them unique and never done before. For the SIHH 2017 Cartier is expanding the collection with new models, as well as some varieties of existing models. It is not a surprise that many of them are focussed on the brand’s unique, mysterious movement, that has become one of the pillars of the Fine Watchmaking Collection.
Audemars Piguet’s latest and greatest. Essentially the same Royal Oak, but in a rainbow plethora of colors. From black to lime green, some may question if their design ideas were a result of offshoring. That said, there is one piece that turned heads at SIHH. The Frosted Gold collection for ladies.…
By Martin Green
Ever since its creation, the Audemars Piguet has kept the Royal Oak steady on the path evolution, yet at SIHH 2017 they surprised everybody with an unexpected revolution by introducing the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in ceramic. Although ceramic is not a new material for the brand, crafting an entire watch and bracelet from it is.
Back in September 2016 we told you about the launch of the revamped Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Chronograph Perpetual Calendar. An update to one of the brand’s more iconic models, the new ref. 5000T boasted a re-designed dial and an improved movement. At the time however it was only available in a platinum case, unlike its predecessor which was also available in rose gold. At SIHH 2017, Vacheron Constantin completes this evolution with the official unveiling of the ref. 5000T-000R, featuring a gorgeous 18K 5N pink gold case.