November 2014 – WORLD OF LUXURY

Monthly Archives: November 2014

Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Tribute to Felix Baumgartner Timepiece

In October 2012 for the first time ever a man broke the sound barrier outside a vehicle when he jumped from a balloon that was floating on the edge of outer space. That man, Felix Baumgartner, was the inspiration for Zenith in creating the Christophe Colomb Tribute watch. Wearing the El Primero Stratos Flyback during the jump, it paid homage to an amazing feat.

The most spectacular aspect of this watch is the self-regulating gyroscopic module. This is the first time for this type system to be used on a timepiece, and it basically holds the escapement in a horizontal position no matter which way the watch is placed. This might not seem critical, but it happens to bring perfection to this watch, allowing the balance wheel and the hairspring to remain horizontal consistently, which results in almost perfect regulation.

Vacheron Constantin Showcases New Ballet-Inspired Timepieces

Vacheron Constantin has always stood by the brand philosophy of three very distinct values: aesthetics, perfect technique and finishing. So if you apply these values to the new ballet-inspired timepieces that are additions to the exclusive Metiers d’ArtHommage a l’Art de la Danse collection, you see the similar reflection in the daily life of a ballerina: studying, training, and performing. Each of these values for the brand and the ballerina help to create stunning timepieces, collectors pieces, artistic pieces.

The collection features exquisite work, using the ancient art of Grand Feu enameling to highlight the art of the classical dance, while also interpreting the magnificent work of the famous artist Edgar Degas. Each of these timepieces are crafted in an 18k white gold case, 40mm in diameter, sapphire crystals, sapphire backs, and water resistant up to 30 meters. At the heart of these watches is a Swiss in-house automatic movement, a caliber 2460 SC with 27 jewels, beating at 28,800 vph and a 40 hour power reserve.

Blue Cruiser Ulysse Nardin Freak Timepiece

Back in 2001 Ulysse Nardin introduced this series, and unveiled this year at Baselworld is the latest Freak Blue Cruiser, a part of that original series and just as stunning with design and character. From the initial series, the timepieces were revolutionary, introducing the first watch with dual direct escapement and silicon components. The brand continued to evolve this series and every new release improved the design as well as presented advanced materials being used in the components.

The foundation of this series concept has always remained true, maintaining no dial, no crown. Offering quality and reliability like you have come to expect of the brand, this timepiece does not disappoint. Featured in 45mm 18K white or rose gold, the watch beats with a brand powered manual-wind Cal UN-205 movement, providing a 7 day power reserve. The timepiece is equipped with a silicon escapement and hairspring, in addition to a flying tourbillion with a seconds indicator.

TAG Heuer Carrera MP4-12C Chronograph McLaren Watch

Taking inspiration from the namesake car, TAG Heuer Carrera MP4-12C Chronograph McLaren Watch is stunning, and spectacular. The new timepiece is part of the famous collection and such unique design on the dial has fans excited. Of course the timepieces are limited edition with only 1000 pieces being produced. The head designer for the car Frank Stephenson stepped in to provide creative input on the timepiece in order to have it reflect the car design as closely as possible.

The dial features a first time combination of sapphire and Carbon-fiber, which happens to be one of the favorites of the car design team. This latest timepiece has an entirely new look, the large circle sapphire window, sitting in the center of the black carbon-fiber dial, which shows the inside of the timepiece, the two Grand date wheels and the perpetual calendar wheel. The Sapphire crystal also allows the showcasing of the date window, and two sub-dials, which help to display the beautiful work of the brand.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Offers Three New Hybris Artistica Versions Of The Spherotourbillon Watch

The world of watchmaking has always been competitive and introduces so many wonderful choices for amazing timepieces. However, standing above the rest is the latest collection from Jaeger-LeCoultre, offering three new Hybris Artistica Versions of the Spherotourbillon watch. The real basis for these spectacular pieces is that this brand is one of the few true horological manufacturers that does extensive in-house production on almost every aspect of watchmaking.

The brand showcases around 1300 different movement and holds 350 patents. While they do supply a number of Swiss watchmakers, they have under their roof skilled craftsman who possess and practice over 180 talents. This latest collection is a testament to the artistic abilities and features the skills of these experts, while also breathing new life into the brands most iconic timepieces.

IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph “Ocean Racer”

For anyone that follows yacht races they know that the Volvo Ocean Race is the most demanding sporting event in the world. The around the world race is held every three years and this one will begin in Alicante, Spain. IWC is celebrating their role this year as the official timekeeper for the race with the new Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph “Ocean Racer” special edition.

During the next nine months the crews will battle on the course of four oceans and five continents, covering over 38,739 nautical miles. The longest leg of the race stretches from Auckland, New Zealand to Itajai, Brazil, over 7800 statute miles. In addition to the grueling distance, the crews will face waves up to 100 feet in height, wind speeds up to 70 miles per hour and extreme conditions that make this one of sailing’s toughest trips.

Breitling Creates Special Anniversary Navitimer Honoring Partnership with AOPA

This partnership has spanned a period of 60 years and began when the group selected the watch makers Navitimer as the official timepiece for their group back in 1954. Recognized by the industry for their on board chronographs that were placed on World War II fighter planes, this original timepiece featured a circular slide rule which provided the support needed for navigation-related calculations. This piece is still a favorite for aviators.

Keeping with tradition, Breitling created this special anniversary timepiece to honor not only the AOPA’s anniversary, but also to show the respect for this marvelous Navitimer watch. Featuring the groups logo on the dial, it is strikingly similar to the 1954 release. If members are so inclined they can have their name and membership number engraved on the case back. You can order the custom timepiece online, where it can be personalized, and also a portion of the proceeds will fund the scholarship program.

Blancpain Villeret Pulsometer Flyback Chronograph Watch

A wonderful new timepiece introduced by Blancpain is the Pulsometer in the Villeret collection. A classsic style that features the new high-beat automatic caliber and the flyback chronograph function. Following the namesake, the cambered enamel dial showcases the scale and allows the owner to check a heart rate simply and with ease. Certainly the timepiece is suited perfectly for medical professionals, it is an exquisite choice for anyone.

The elegant timepiece is perfect fit for the 43.6mm red gold case. The new made in-house automatic movement was crafted in Le Brassus, Switzerland and is beating at a frequency of 36,000 vph, and a diameter of only 13 lignes. Comprised of 322 parts, a silicon balance spring included and equipped with a vertical clutch, this watch is precision at it’s best. One of the highlights of this piece is the beautiful scale that surrounds the outer periphery of the dial.

Audemars Piquet Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph Watch In Platinum

If you are looking for a timepiece that is rare, uncommonly exquisite and previously came in gold, and titanium, then look no farther than the Audemars Piquet Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph watch in Platinum. Certainly this watch should be sitting among the most treasured pieces every crafted, and while not the most exclusive, still one of the most amazing.

A very stunning aspect of this timepiece is the metallic blue dial and deep midnight blue strap, allowing for it to be worn for formal and casual affairs. The watch features perlage polishing on the in house movement, and one of the most elegant of the brand stock is displayed on the 3Hz balance wheel. Using a modern black-colored anodized aluminum bridge over the tourbillon and other black aluminum bridges throughout the movement to hold the mainspring barrels in place, the brand really embraces the sporty armor look and couples it with elegance and flair.

A. Lange & Sohne Langematik Perpetual in White Gold

Marking the launch of the first Russian boutique in Moscow, A. Lange & Sohne introduces the Langematik Perpetural in White Gold. Following two previous versions, one in pink gold and the other in platinum, this latest beauty is complimented with a black dial, and features the date, day of the week, and the month. This series was the world’s first timepiece with self-winding movement.

Similar to the other models, this new timepiece showcases a dial made of solid silver, this one with a black lacquer finish that provides a lovely backdrop for the luminous hands and rhodiumed-gold appliques. The inside of the watch offers the proven automatic Sax-O-Mat calibre L922.1 that of course has the patented zero-rest mechanism. The 38.5 mm case has an exquisite polished finish and brushed side, and is only 10.2 mm thick.