Toward the end of the 1960s in Switzerland watch manufacturers were working to develop the world’s first automatic chronograph movement. Leading brands Breitling, Heuer-Leonidas, Dubois Depraz, Hamilton/Buren worked to develop a micro-rotor caliber, and in Japan, Seiko was working on its own automatic chronograph movement. Zenith, coupled wth partner Movado managed the development of an automatic chronograph movement, and showcased a working prototype in Geneva, naming it El Primero, meaning ‘the first’. A technological victory for the brand, and using a dry lubricant based on molybenum sulfate to deliver a high precision rate, and a power reserve of over 48 hours.
Monthly Archives: May 2018
Already a popular collection, CVSTOS Challenge Inkvaders transformed the famous Skull that was designed by Christian Nguyen into the exquisite and intimidating Pirate of the Caribbean. The limited edition series of about 10 to 20 pieces was crafted in a partnership between the brand and the famous tatoo artist. Nguyen, founder of the studio ‘Inkvaders’ in Geneva brings a beautiful artistic flair to these timepieces and certainly an identity that is recognizable by all.
When this company created integrated rubber straps for many of the luxury brands, Tudor, Patek Philippe, Rolex and Panerai timepieces, no one expected the launch of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 41mm rubber strap. Originally designed with gold or steel bracelets the new line of Rubber B products are being produced and manufactured in Switzerland. Top horological experts crafted these straps to fully integrate with the timepieces and also offer other unique aspects.
Hublot, a brand with unprecedented success, has redesigned one of the favorites, the Big Bang watch with the Unico manufacture movement, now on a smaller scale, 42mm, but with the same giant brilliance. The movement is the motor that drives and defines the brand, developed totally inhouse, and now with the further development taking it to a new level. These new proportions open a new door for the future and truly an iconic moment for the brand.
Graff was founded in 1960 and quickly built a strong reputation for quality and for being a renowned diamond jeweler. With such a strong foundation created for the brand, they launched a watch division in 2008 with timepieces inspired by diamonds and crafted with precious metals. The GraffStar collection was introduced in 2013 and then most recently the Slim Eclipse, crafted in titanium with a breathtaking black diamond-like carbon coating.