Jaeger-LeCoultre or “La Grande Maison” has, just like some of its sister brands inside the Richemont Group, seen some changes at its head recently. A new CEO, Catherine Rénier (previously at Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels), often means a new strategy. Rather discreet until now, we thought the SIHH 2019 was the right time to […]
My last list — a trio of well-priced SIHH offerings — could be neatly broken down into a loose theme of air, sea and land. But this trifecta, covering the much broader $10,000 – $35,000 price bracket, is much less easily pigeon-holed. But if I had to find commonalities I could well go with elegant shapes. The Piaget Polo S A case of a simple change making a big difference, I like this rich green take on the sporty Polo S so much more than I would have expected. It’s an absolute cracker, and a real change in personality from the blue. The Cartier Santos de Cartier Chronograph Next up, from Cartier, the masters of shaped watches, is the new Santos de Cartier Chronograph. This is a bit of a funny pick for me, as chronographs, especially more dressy ones, aren’t typically my bag. But there you go, the combination of beefed-up Santos case (not that it needed beefing) and unusual chronograph system won me over. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds There’s not much new or novel here to win me over. It’s not a new watch, or even a new case. It’s simply a new colour — rich red…
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Materials innovation is looking like quite a thing in 2019 and for you, the watch buyers, that has to be good news: more aesthetic choices and (hopefully) better performance. Which brings us to IWC’s new Top Gun Double Chronograph Ceratanium. Ceratanium? It’s a naturally matt-black finish, but differs from PVD/DLC in one crucial respect: rather than a coating, it’s integral to the base material (its name being a contraction of ceramised and titanium). It’s the product of five years R&D within IWC, and is made by first milling the parts (case, pushers and crown) from a titanium alloy, then subjecting them to intense heat. The composition of the alloy triggers what IWC calls a “diffusion” process, which transforms the structure of the alloy’s surface into ceramic. The result is a best-of-both worlds material – as light and unbreakable as titanium, and as hard and scratch-resistant as ceramic. What’s more, being part of the material itself, the finish cannot chip or wear off as a coating might. To the eye it looks deeply black, with neither sheen nor texture, but seeming to absorb every last suggestion of light. In the hand, the watch feels light yet very substantial. Although Ceratanium isn’t…
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Having given the Santos new wings in 2018, Cartier expands the bestselling men’s collection in 2019 with the addition of a chronograph. Thicker, wider and infinitely sportier, the new Santos de Cartier Chronograph has found an elegant solution to replace the classic two-pusher chronograph configuration with a modified version of its automatic 1904-CH MC calibre. Presented in three versions – solid 18k pink gold, steel and yellow gold bezel, and steel with a black ADLC bezel – we have selected the stylish pink gold model for our hands-on review.
The launch of the Code 11.59 collection is a crucial moment for Audemars Piguet. There has been no product launch of this magnitude over the past 20 years for the brand. In this respect, the Code collection presentation was the perfect opportunity to introduce a long-anticipated development that was announced a few years ago: the Audemars Piguet Calibre 4400, an in-house, integrated chronograph movement – by no means a small achievement since chronographs are extremely difficult to develop.
In our final live video chapter from the SIHH 2019, we talk to Gregory Dourde, CEO of HYT, the brand that proved that water could be introduced inside a watch to spectacular effect. Gregory Dourde selects two models for the video – the H0 Time is Precious and the H1.0 – and reveals how philosophical […]
As part of the Pre-SIHH 2019 novelties, IWC presented a new pilot’s chronograph with multiple reasons to fall in love: the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire Bronze. “Vintaged”, smaller than previous Pilot’s Chrono, equipped with a new manufacture movement and with a cool green dial/bronze case combination, it made quite an impression on us. However, bronze isn’t for everyone… And good thing is that the SIHH 2019 brings this same watch in a more classical material. Meet the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire 41mm Also in Steel IW387901.
Nicolas Baretzki, CEO of Montblanc, describes 2019 as a year that “will complete a chapter we started writing in 2015”. Referring to the full integration of Montblanc and Minerva, the brand will be “reworking all the product lines from a Minerva approach”. Focusing on two product lines, the Heritage Collection inspired by Minverva chronographs from […]
Vacheron Constantin’s very own customisation department – Les Cabinotiers – has created a one-of-a-kind timepiece that perpetuates the brand’s longstanding tradition of combining sophisticated horological complications. Following the release of the Mécaniques Sauvages animal-themed collection, the Grande Complication Phoenix, and the Minute Repeater Tourbillon Sky Chart, Vacheron gives yet another display of the virtuosity of its watchmakers and artisans grouped in the Les Cabinotiers, where bespoke fantasies come to light. The latest unique piece shared by the brand is this Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar fitted with a totally revisited and ultra-thin movement: Calibre 1731 QP.
It’s a new year and a new colour for Piaget’s sporty Polo S. After the more sombre tones of 2017’s Black ADLC / Rubber Limited Editions, Piaget is livening things up with a green dial and complementary dark green alligator leather strap. It’s a bold choice but one that really seems to work for this model. I’m not sure it will be enough to win over the Polo S’ more vocal critics but you never know.