Category: Tourbillon

Hands-on – Bovet Recital 22 ‘Grand Recital’ – A Fascinating Astronomical Watch

Timekeeping is a child of astronomy. Everything related to the calculation of time and calendar indications has to do with the motion of the Earth, the Moon and, of course, the Sun. It is no surprise that some brands (a few brands…) use this to create complex yet fascinating watches. For its latest creation, Bovet gives a splendid horological recital conducting the Earth, the Sun and the Moon into a celestial ‘pas de trois’. Meet the captivating Bovet Recital 22 ‘Grand Recital’.

7 years ago

Hands-on – The new Green version of the MB&F HM7 Aquapod

When first launched in 2017, the MB&F HM7 Aquapod was quite a surprise… Imagine a jellyfish-inspired timepiece, with diving bezel, vertical movement with tourbillon, a decent water resistance and a design without a single angle, all in curves. Disruptive, provocative, unusual… A true talking piece. After the inaugural versions – red gold with black ceramic bezel and titanium with blue ceramic bezel – HM7 is back in a titanium case with a green sapphire crystal bezel, limited to 50 pieces (which makes a good occasion to look back at this very special watch).

7 years ago

Hands-on – Grönefeld Parallax Tourbillon with new Steel Hammered (Tremblage) Dials

What a difference a dial makes! When Grönefeld unveiled the Parallax Tourbillon in 2014, it was the third watch coming from the Horological Brothers, Bart and Tim Grönefeld. After the GTM-06 (Grönefeld Tourbillon Minute Repeater) and the One Hertz, they wanted to showcase a large tourbillon. One that would hover over the dial, or at least at the same level as the dial, so it would have all spotlights on the perpetual dance of a tourbillon. With the new tremblage dials, the emphasis still remains at the large tourbillon, while it also showcases the masterful art of hand-made tremblage.

7 years ago

Hands-on – The Carl F. Bucherer Manero Tourbillon Double Peripheral

When we talk about innovation in watchmaking, Carl F. Bucherer is probably not a name that comes up often enough – which is a shame, as we demonstrated in an in-depth video. The fact is that the Lucerne-based Manufacture is doing some pretty interesting things, particularly with peripheral automatic winding systems. This year at Baselworld, the company presented a new model that takes that concept an impressive step further: the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Tourbillon Double Peripheral. What double peripheral means? Let’s find out.

7 years ago

Hands-on – Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante Minute Retrograde

With the Villeret Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante Minute Retrograde, Blancpain introduces its first model ever with jumping hours and retrograde minutes. And that’s not all… There is much more than first meets the eye with this elegant Villeret watch. Its no-nonsense time display and clean, classic look incorporate technically challenging complications and superb craftsmanship. Let’s take a close look.

7 years ago

Hands-on – The Ferdinand Berthoud Edition 1785 – 5 Unique Pieces with Patinated Bronze Cases

50 shades of bronze… Bronze is trendy and has been mainly used to craft dive watches. Yet, Ferdinand Berthoud thought that this material could be used differently and could be an interesting playfield for its usually technical chronometer watches. At Baselworld 2018, the brand releases the Edition 1785, five unique pieces of the Chronomètre FB 1R, fashioned out of bronze and featuring different patina.

7 years ago

Baselworld 2018 – Schwarz Etienne “Ode au Printemps” Limited Edition Box Set

At Baselworld 2018, Schwarz Etienne unveils a limited-edition box set of three watches, which showcase the brand’s watchmaking mastery and expertise in creative artisan crafts. It will be part of a series to celebrate seasons (Ode aux saisons or Ode to seasons). Starting with spring (Ode au Printemps or Ode to spring), the first opus celebrates the awakening of life eloquently pictured with flowers and bees. The choice of the insect is not accidental as the coat of arms of La Chaux-de-Fonds, the city of Schwarz-Etienne, features a gold-coloured hive surrounded by bees. The special edition also aims at raising awareness for their preservation and protection.

7 years ago

First Look – The Zenith Defy Zero G – Fighting Gravity in a Modern Way

Hot on the heels of last year’s Defy El Primero 21, a high-frequency chronograph capable of measuring hundredths of a second,  and the Defy Lab, the most accurate watch on our planet with a pioneering oscillator, 2018 sees the launch of Zenith’s Defy Zero G. Equipped with its proprietary ‘Gravity Control’ module, the Defy Zero G fleshes out Zenith’s nascent Defy collection and stages a hypnotic, gravity-busting show on deck.

7 years ago

Baselworld 2018 – Carl F. Bucherer Manero Tourbillon Double Peripheral

Carl F. Bucherer already proved to have the capacity to develop impressive and modern technical solutions. For instance, they are one of the rare manufactures to rely on the concept of a peripheral rotor for the automatic winding system. Using this as a base for further developments, Carl F. Bucherer introduced the Manero Tourbillon DoublePeripheral with the new in-house calibre CFB T3000, a world first that combines a peripheral automatic winding system and a peripherally mounted tourbillon that appears to float.

7 years ago