Monthly Archives: November 2018

hublot big bang one clic calavera catrina collection

BIG BANG ONE CLICK CALAVERA CATRINA

PARTY OUTFIT

Calaveras and Catrinas parade through the streets of Mexico to pay a visit to the dead. Their sophisticated make-up has inspired a set of limited edition watches by Hublot.

The Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities, listed by UNESCO as part of humanity’s cultural heritage in 2008, are a constant source of inspiration for Hublot. The brand launched the Big Bang One Click Calavera Catrina at the 11th SIAR, the luxury watchmaking trade show in Mexico City. Like the joyful festivities celebrating the dead, but also life, these limited edition watches are bursting with bright colours, helped by the 42 sapphires sparking on the bezel. On the dial, the image of a skull in the same eye-catching colours stands out against the lacquered black or white background. The hour and minute hands are open-worked, so that we can enjoy the festive design to the full. There are no figures or hour markers to disturb the display, but just a discreet minute track. The 39mm-wide case is as colourful as children’s sweets and available in three different materials. 100 pieces are made of black ceramic, and the same number come in steel. The other 50 watches are made of King Gold, an alloy of copper gold and platinum developed by Hublot.

hublot big bang one clic calavera catrina collectionAll the Big Bang One Click Calavera Catrina watches are powered by a self-winding movement, the calibre HUB1710. Once fully wound, it provides 50 hours of power reserve.

Price on request www.hublot.com

By Dan Diaconu

omega seamaster worldtimer caseback

SEAMASTER AQUA TERRA WORLDTIMER CHRONOMETER

TRAVELLING FIRST CLASS

For the 15th anniversary of the Aqua Terra collection, Omega has launched a luxury watch for demanding travellers, including a world-time complication.

The first watch by Omega with a world-time complication has taken shape in a limited edition of just 87 pieces. The Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer Chronometer shows the time in major international cities in the 24 time zones using a specific colour code. London, in red, represents GMT. Cities that change to daylight saving time are in red and those using standard time all the year round are shown in blue. Around a hand-enamelled, coloured globe over a sapphire crystal, a two-colour revolving ring shows the time in the different cities. The time is set very easy using the crown.

omega seamaster worldtimer casebackThe Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer Chronometer comes with a brown leather strap and a platinum folding clasp. Like all recent Omega watches, it has a 5-year guarantee.

Price: 48,800 CHF omegawatches.com

By Dan Diaconu

zenith defy zero g siar collection

DEFY ZERO G SIAR

CARIBBEAN SUITE

Symbols of death are seen everywhere in popular culture in Central America. They now feature on the latest striking creations made by Zenith.

During SIAR 2018 (Salón Internacional de Alta Relojería), Zenith presented three unique models of the Defy Zero G, named Skull, Pirates and Virgen de Guadalupe. Along with the colours of the Mexican flag on an open-work dial, all three share impressive engravings that begin on the bezel of the 44mm-wide case and then flow onto the case back and strap. The first watch shows the symbol of the national festivities celebrating the dead, the Día de los Muertos. The second takes us to the Caribbean, the favourite haunt of pirates, with a skull and crossed swords. The last model is decorated with a Catholic icon that can be seen in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. The engravings were made with a chemical engraving process using a laser.

zenith defy zero g siar collectionPrice on request zenith.com

By Dan Diaconu

louis moinet spacewalker closeup tourbillon

SPACEWALKER

ZERO GRAVITY

With four exceptional limited editions Louis Moinet commemorates history’s first spacewalk.

Space is a regular source of inspiration for Louis Moinet. The Sideralis took us on an interstellar journey. The Meteoris models included meteorite debris in the dials. And for the SpaceWalker, the brand recalls the exploit of one of the pioneers in space travel: the cosmonaut Alexey Leonov. Almaz 2, his codename during the perilous mission, was the first man to leave his space vehicle in 1965, for a spacewalk lasting 12 minutes and 9 seconds. Giving this zero-gravity adventure material form, an almaz, the Russian word for “diamond“, plays the role of a satellite for the impressive tourbillon with a 13.59mm-wide cage hanging above the dial. This mechanism is set against an aventurine background that becomes translucent on contact with light. The main visual attraction in this limited edition is focused on the time elements placed in a small disc at 6 o’clock. Two of Louis Moinet’s signature dewdrop-shaped hands move around a sapphire crystal with the watch mechanism on display. The elements are housed in an artistic and colourful representation of a starry sky and a nebula cloud.

louis moinet spacewalker closeup tourbillonAll the SpaceWalkers include the hand-wound LM48 calibre, generating a healthy power reserve of 72 hours. The mechanism is visible through the sapphire glass caseback.

Price on request www.louismoinet.com

By Dan Diaconu

breguet classique grande complication 7637 caseback

CLASSIQUE GRANDE COMPLICATION 7637

LYRICAL EXPERIENCE

This model perpetuates the tradition of expertise at Breguet. Noble materials set off a flagship complication providing crystal-clear chimes whenever you wish.

The minute repeater, a complication first developed in the 18th century, tells you what time it is without you having to looking at the watch and even in the dark. How does it work? A press on a dedicated monopusher launches a sound mechanism with three different tones. The watch then chimes the hour, the quarter hour and the minutes. So when it is 2.37, you will hear two deep chimes, followed by two tones with a different sound and finally seven higher-pitched chimes. The world has changed a good deal since its invention, but this watch complication still symbolises excellence and is a much sought-after prize among fans of luxury watches. The complication is only made by a handful of firms, including Breguet, which is perpetuating expertise developed by the brilliant French-based watchmaker of the same name. The Classique Grande Complication 7637 epitomises this tradition. On the dial, we find all the brand’s signature elements, such as the blued “moon” tip hands above a hand-engraved silver guilloché dial with a chapter ring featuring Roman numerals. Two time indications round off the display: at 3 o’clock, a 24-hour disc with a day/night indicator, and at 9 o’clock, a running seconds sub-dial.

breguet classique grande complication 7637 casebackTurning the watch over, you can see the hand-decorated and engraved hand-wound movement through the sapphire caseback (40 hours of power reserve).

Price: 230,400 EUR breguet.com

By Dan Diaconu

tag heuer carrera senna caseback

CARRERA CALIBRE HEUER 02 TOURBILLON AYRTON SENNA EDITION

TO THE MEMORY OF A CHAMPION

Ayrton Senna, a legendary figure in Formula 1 racing, was constantly seeking perfection during his career. Just like TAG Heuer with these two new models!

1991.A face and a slogan symbolising the TAG Heuer spirit appeared in magazines and on billboards. A photograph of Ayrton Senna, then at his peak, along with the potent phrase Don’t crack under pressure. The Brazilian driver symbolised top-level car racing and is still a reference today, years after his tragic death on the Imola racetrack. To pay him a new homage, the brand has released the chronograph Carrera Heuer 02 Tourbillon Special Editions Ayrton Senna.

tag heuer carrera senna casebackPrice: 5,750 EUR (chronograph) – 19,100 EUR (tourbillon) tagheuer.com

By Dan Diaconu

hublot ricardo guadalupe safety car

Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO: “Ferrari and football continue to be our most important partnerships”

Interview conducted during the Finali Mondiali which took place on the world-famous Monza racetrack from 2 to 4 November 2018

Alain Carrier: In the past, Panerai and Girard-Perregaux created Ferrari-stamped timepieces yet which had but little success. But, for 6 years now, Hublot’s partnership with Ferrari has been experiencing unprecedented success. What has made the difference?

Ricardo Guadalupe: Several parameters. One of them is that, at Hublot, we haven’t limited ourselves to watches. We initiated this partnership across all levels and all fields where Ferrari has a foothold. As such, we’re with them for Formula 1. We’re also present in dealerships around the world. Each dealership has a Hublot clock or a display case containing a Hublot product. We’re also present on all Ferrari-organized events. And that’s over 200 a year! From the 60-year celebrations of the brand in the USA to the 30-year ones in China. Besides this, we work with a great many Ferrari clubs too.

And, we also work hand-in-hand with the teams on the products. All the designs were made with the Ferrari team and supervised by Flavio Manzoni. In the end, we’ve succeeded where the others failed: by selling Hublot – Ferrari watches to Ferrari car owners.

All these parameters have ensured our collaboration is a great success. And this is why our partnership has been renewed and continues.

Alain Carrier: Techframe is an exclusive timepiece with a tourbillon fashioned in carbon, titanium and gold. Are you going to release this model without the tourbillon to target the general public?

Ricardo Guadalupe: It’s a product which we worked on to commemorate Ferrari’s 70th anniversary and it’s a watch which is not part of any of our collections. For a watchmaking brand, it’s vital to pursue its iconic lines. For us, our two cornerstones continue to be Big Bang and Classic Fusion. Big Bang is a really typical product with a strong identity; Classic Fusion is a bit more “sensible” and corresponds more so to the Hublot entry point. To embark on a third line would be rather complicated.

Techframe is a one-off exercise which experienced commercial success in spite of the fact it’s incredibly high-end with its tourbillon chronograph.

Next year will be the 90th anniversary of Scuderia Ferrari and, of course, the Formula 1 team. We’re planning on presenting something totally new.

One shots with really unique models as regards style and design continue to interest us for the future.

hublot ricardo guadalupe safety carAlain Carrier: Between football and automobile, which sector is most attractive for Hublot?

Ricardo Guadalupe: Ah, it’s difficult to say but with Ferrari we can see things concretely because we create Ferrari models and we see what we sell. Whereas with football, we can’t have the same idea because this sport is used more so to promote the brand. During the World Cup this year in Russia, we had twenty minutes’ visibility through the sign the fourth official brandished during player changeover and during the announcement of extra play. Twenty minutes’ visibility, it’s enormous because we’re reaching billions of people. If even only one person out there knows that Hublot is a watch brand, it’s still really positive.

Of course not everyone can afford to own a Hublot but here the approach is totally different. The aim is to make Hublot known throughout the world and to make it a brand that allows you to dream. We talk to young people through football. If some become successful in their lives, then maybe in five or ten years, they may choose to buy a Hublot. Football is a vector for communication focusing on prestige, perfect for targeting potential customers.

In the end, for Hublot, both worlds, football and automobile, complement each other really well.

Alain Carrier: Are you approached by other sports to become their sponsor?

Ricardo Guadalupe: Of course! We’re frequently approached but we’ve made choices. We pursue our route with our two cornerstones, football and Ferrari, where we make almost two thirds of our sponsoring investments. However, we have forged relationships in other spheres which we enjoy working with like music through Depeche Mode and the piano virtuoso Lang Lang as well as with Nicky Jam, a modern-day reggaeton icon in the United States and in Latin America. Hublot has also partnerships in the world of art and lifestyle with collaborations with Richard Orlinski, Berluti and Italia Independente. However, Ferrari and football continue to be our most important partnerships.

www.hublot.com

rolex oyster submariner 2018 blue

OYSTER SUBMARINER

THE REFERENCE

Often copied, seldom equalled, it sails across the waves of fashion. We take a closer look at the mythical Submariner watch, a must-have for all fans of the brand with the crown logo.

The Submariner, the first watch to be watertight down to 100m, has been a big hit with fans of underwater adventure since its launch in 1953. It came to wider public notice when Sean Connery wore the watch in Dr No, the first James Bond film, in 1962. Since then, Rolex has added features to the timepiece in line with technological developments, and enthusiasm for the unmatched reference in its category rightly shows no sign of waning. While its design features have changed little, the use of new materials is what really attracts attention to each new model. Today, the round hour markers and distinctive hands are coated in Chromalight, a long-lasting, high-density luminous material. The unidirectional revolving bezel features a disc made of Cerachrom, a tough, scratch-resistant ceramic. Each new model launched by the brand improves the robustness and readability of the diver’s watch.

rolex oyster submariner 2018 blueAs for the mechanism, the automatic movement is continually enhanced too, ensuring faultless accuracy. The calibre 3135 comes with a bi-directional rotor for optimal energy conservation in the anti-magnetic Parachrom hairspring. As an extra guarantee of accuracy, the Submariner has the Superlative Chronometer certification, combining COSC and Rolex standards.

Price from 6,850 EUR

By Dan Diaconu

tissot visodate heritage collection part 2

VISODATE HERITAGE

BEYOND FASHION

Looking for an elegant, affordable and simple watch with its own personality? The Tissot Visodate Heritage has all the assets to meet your needs. Let’s take a closer look.

First launched in the 1950s, Tissot gave a new lease of life to the Visodate in 2010, retaining the original logo and unusual typography, among other features. Its strong points? A clear display for the hours and minutes, as well as the day and the date. The same features can be found in the 2018 versions, named the Visodate Heritage. The dials are black, deep blue or silvered white and protected by a curved, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The watches come with a leather or steel strap. All the models have a 40cm-wide case with the automatic calibre ETA 2836-2, including a rotor displayed through the sapphire crystal glass.

tissot visodate heritage collection part 2To suit today’s tastes, there is a whole host of colour combinations on the dial and the case with golden or silver figures. The straps play on different textures. The leather strap is either smooth or embossed, dark brown or natural. The Milanese mesh strap remains an elegant and timeless alternative.

Price: 290 to 350 EUR (quartz) – 570 EUR (automatic) www.tissotwatches.com

By Dan Diaconu

breguet reine de naples 8908 closeup

REINE DE NAPLES 8908

KINGDOM OF MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND DIAMONDS

The new, majestic and elegant Reine de Naples watch was first presented a few months ago. It features all the femininity of the Breguet collections with an oval body and a mother-of-pearl dial delicately enhanced by two rows of diamonds.

In 1808, Caroline Murat, nee Bonaparte (1782-1839), the younger sister of the Emperor Napoleon (1769-1821), became Queen of Naples (Reine de Naples in French). Two years later, she commissioned her official watchmaker, Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823), to make one of the world’s first wrist watches. The timepiece was paid for in 1811 and delivered to the queen in 1812, according to the carefully preserved archives at the Breguet Museum in Paris. It was oblong in shape and included a strap plaited with golden threads. Although the watch itself disappeared sometime in the 19th century, a description of it inspired the brand based in L’Abbaye, Switzerland, to create a collection in 2002. The Reine de Naples 8908 has been added to the collection this year.

breguet reine de naples 8908 closeupThe new model, like its illustrious predecessor, has an oval silhouette made of rose gold and measures 36.50 by 28.45mm. As in many Breguet models, the watch case is lined with fine fluting. A winder crowned with a cabochon ruby could be found at 4 o’clock. Two rows of diamonds, with a total of 129 gems, cover the bezel and chapter ring. This is the precious for the calibre 537DRL2, an automatic movement providing 45 hours of power reserve and partially visible through the sapphire crystal.

The watch dial is also oval in shape and covered in Tahiti mother-of-pearl, beautifully reflecting the rows of sparkling diamonds. A golden guilloché disc takes up a large part of the dial and includes hour markers featuring black Roman numerals and a couple of Breguet blued steel “moon” tip hands. Near 6.30 is a small seconds sub-dial, decorated like a nautilus shell. The upper part of the dial opens onto a fan-shaped moon-phase counter, along with a power reserve indicator with a fine blue hand.

Price: 35,200 CHF breguet.com

By Sharmila Bertin