HANDS-ON: Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph WT

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph WT is, in marked contrast to the Polaris Automatic, a complex beast indeed, with (as you could probably guess) both chronograph and world time functionality in the one case. It’s not the first time we’ve seen this complication-combo, as the very impressive Calibre 752 pops up in sportier parts of their collection. But while previous incarnations have been quite modern in their style, the bi-compax chrono and world time are well suited to the old-world inspired looks of the Polaris. Nothing vintage about the case though – this 44mm titanium number is thoroughly modern. And, sure, all the extra information on the dial does complicate the cleaner design codes of the Polaris line, but the key features are there: the range of varied dial finishes, the applied trapezoid markers, the black and ocean blue colouring. And all that extra dial detail makes for a much richer on-the-wrist experience. With its functional design, wearer-friendly lightweight case rated to 100m, solid 65 hours of power reserve and undeniable charms, the Polaris Chronograph WT is a strong option for fans of JLC’s complex offerings who crave a more classic look.

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8 years ago

SIHH 2018 – Patrick Pruniaux of Ulysse Nardin, On The New Collection

The SIHH 2018 has closed its doors yesterday, however we still have some videos to share with you. One of them concerns Patrick Pruniaux, the recently appointed CEO of Ulysse Nardin, who is presenting the new collection… And there were some novelties, which look at many of the brand’s specialities: innovation, heritage and erotic watches (parental advisory, explicit content…)

8 years ago

The IWC Tribute to Pallweber Edition 150 years, Now Also in Stainless Steel (SIHH 2018)

Prior to the SIHH 2018, back in December, IWC introduced a series of 4 watches, including one very surprising watch. A stand-alone piece, not included in any of the existing collection, the IWC Tribute to Pallweber is a watch specifically created for the 150th Anniversary of the Schaffhausen-based brand. This re-edition of one of the greatest pocket-watches IWC ever made is now available in steel, still with the same digital hours and minute display.

8 years ago

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph With Smoked Dial (SIHH 2018)

Now that the big stress linked to the opening of SIHH 2018 is gone, it is time for us to look at less important novelties. Alongside the RD#2 (the thinnest automatic QP ever), Audemars has many other watches to show in the 2018 collection, including this one, a new version of the Royal Oak Chronograph with a smoked slate grey dial. Nothing revolutionary here, just a cool looking watch – but not for every pocket though.

8 years ago

HANDS ON: How to update an icon – Cartier’s Santos de Cartier 

It’s a tricky task upgrading a storied and legendary watch such as the Santos — you must innovate while appearing to be unchanging. It’s a job that Cartier have pulled off with aplomb at SIHH 2018. The new Santos is the star in their masculine line-up, a sensitive update that brings the design very much up to date. But first, a quick origin story. The Santos claims the enviable title of the first modern wristwatch, made by Louis Cartier in 1904 for Brazilian aviator, bon vivant and (apparently) all-round cool guy Alberto Santos-Dumont. The watch quickly caught on and has had pride of place in Cartier’s line-up ever since. So what’s new in 2018? Well, let’s start with the insides. The 1847 MC movement (first appearing in the Clé) has been newly added to the line, adding some anti-magnetic clout into the mix. The case, in medium or large versions, is – by and large – unchanged. There has been some refinement to the shape of the bezel, but all the core elements are (thankfully) untouched. The real story, believe it or not, is the straps. The Santos debuts the brand new QuickSwitch system, a solution to the humble (and…

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8 years ago

IWC Portugieser Hand-Wound Eight Days Edition 150 Years (SIHH 2018)

IWC is celebrating a major milestone this year and has been previewing pieces from the epic “150 Years” collection that are now presented in full at SIHH 2018. So far, we’ve seen some exceptionally complicated pieces, like the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Edition 150 Years and the Portugieser Constant Force Tourbillon Edition 150 years, which highlight the company’s technical prowess. Today, however, we’re looking at something a little more modest, the Portugieser Hand-Wound Eight Days Edition “150 Years” (Ref. 5102).

8 years ago

SIHH 2018 – Chabi Nouri of Piaget, On The New Collection

Records are made to be broken. But the record, or actually the two records, that Piaget just set will most likely not be broken anytime soon. First, there was the Altiplano Ultimate Automatic 910P, which is now the thinnest automatic winding watch in the world, and then there’s the 2mm thick Altiplano Ultimate Concept. Piaget’s charming CEO Chabi Nouri talks with us about these two stunners and the highlights of Piaget’s ladies collection.

8 years ago