Category: Watches

Rare Patek Philippe watches headline upcoming Antiquorum auction

Antiquorum’s Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces auction is set to kick off in just ten days. As one might expect from an event of this calibre, watches to be offered include pieces from industry greats like Rolex and Richard Mille. But the true stand-outs, in our opinion, are the exemplary pieces crafted by horology legend Patek Philippe. Here are our top picks.

Patek Philippe Minute Repeating Pocket Watch

Unique yellow gold Patek Philippe pocket watch surfaces at Antiquorum

Why it’s important:  Crafted in the early 1900’s, this yellow gold pocket watch remains in exceptional condition and comes replete with its original box, certificate and archival extract. Featuring a delicate engraving on its satin-finished case, and engraved with the name of its original recipient, this watch is a true piece of horological history.

Estimated price: HK$468,000 – HK$700,000

Patek Philippe Ref. 5074 Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar in Yellow Gold

Limited 25-piece Patek Philippe Ref.5074 hits Antiquorum auction

Why it’s important: The Ref.5074 is well known to be the brand’s largest minute repeater wristwatch. Moreover, less then 25 pieces of this particular yellow gold model was ever made, making it a true collector’s item.

Estimated price: HK$2.6 million – HK$4 million

Patek Philippe Ref. 3970/2 Set of Four

Rare Patek Philippe set of four to go under the hammer

Why it’s important: One of the highlights of this auction, this lot offers not one, not two, but four versions of the Ref.3970/2 perpetual choronograph. Consisting of yellow gold, pink gold, grey gold and platinum models, these timepieces are equipped with bracelets in place of the traditional leather straps – a characteristic that heightens their rarity.

Estimated price: HK$4.8 million – HK$7.7 million

SIHH Highlights: Our favourite timepieces from the Geneva watch fair

Every year, a select band of haute horology enthusiasts set off, pilgrim-style, to explore the wonders of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), Geneva’s annual and highly-exclusive watch-fest.

SIHH Highlights

Set two months before the mighty Baselworld, the January-held SIHH gives all true chronographic aficionados their first opportunity to get a sense of how the year is likely to sit in the annals of all things timepiece.

And, if the 2018 event was anything to go by, the next 12 months are set to prove vintage for all those rightly mesmerised by fine mechanical movements. Overall, a staggering number of designs, with intricacy and intrigue matched in equal parts, made their debut in Switzerland’s second city. While it would be folly to try and list all of the event’s highlights in one brief article, a few items clearly merited particular mention.

JLC Reverso Tribute Duoface

Resurrected, re-invented classics always receive a warm welcome at the SIHH with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso Tribute Duoface proving no exception. Reviving the marque’s iconic flippable Reverso face – a feature that debuted back in 1931 – the new model fetchingly mounts that self-same flipping mechanism on twotoned leather straps by Casa Fagliano, the rightly-famed Argentinean bootmaker.

Its slate-grey front dial ably displays hours, minutes and seconds, while its silvered Clous de Paris guilloché back features an additional day-night indicator. With the words “Limited Edition – One of 100” etched into its caseback, it simply couldn’t be more of a collectors’ item.

Ulysse Nardin Diver Deep Dive

Ulysses Nardin, too, opted to immerse itself in its own regal past, taking its Diver Deep Dive model – one of the most famous manifestations of its legendary prowess in the nautically-engineered sector – to a whole new level. Water-resistant to 1,000 metres, this high-performance timepiece makes full use of the company’s proprietary UN-230 movement, while flaunting its maritime credentials through hammerheads on its crown guard, dial counter and caseback.

Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Grand Complication Ornementale

Vacheron Constantin, meanwhile, chose to revisit its more recent past with a comparatively swift upgrade to its 2005 masterpiece – the Tour de l’Ile. This fresh take – Les Cabinotiers Grand Complication ‘Ornementale’ – is simply audacious and boasts 16 unique complications.

While its front dial – resplendent with a minute repeater, tourbillon, perpetual calendar and sunrise/sunset indicators – is fulsome enough, its true beauty can be found on the caseback, where a dizzying array of astronomical complications await. At its very epicenter lies a fascinating sky chart, richly encircled by season, zodiac and moon phases indices.

A. Lange & Sohne 1815 Tribute to Walter Lange

Despite such worthy contenders, the timepiece that truly topped the tribute list was A. Lange & Söhne’s 1815 Homage to Walter Lange. More than just a touching homage to the brand’s late chairman, it’s also a fastidious reinvention of the jumping seconds complication, an innovation first introduced more than 150 years ago.

VCA Lady Arpels Planetarium

Moving from the celebratory to the more outré, this year’s SIHH featured a timely treat for watchloving women the world over in the sprightly form of Van Cleef & Arpels’ Lady Arpels Planétarium. This diamond-studded 38mm white gold watch features miniaturised models of Mercury, Venus and the Earth, all orbiting around a centrally-set ‘sun’ in real time.

Richard Mille RM 53-01

For its part, Richard Mille opted for something a little more gentlemanly, with its RM53-01 Tourbillon Pablo Mac Donough proving an apt ode to the world of that true Sport of Kings – polo. Created in partnership with Donough, one of the sport’s finest practitioners, the RM53-01 is supremely smash-resistant and boasts a striking suspended tourbillon in its open-faced dial.

MB&F and Stepan Sarpanova MoonMachine 2

Overall, though, if pushed, it would have to be conceded that the most unconventional timepiece on show came courtesy of Stepan Sarpaneva, an independent Finnish watchmaker, and MB&F, one of Switzerland’s more progressive ateliers, and took the unmistakable form of the MoonMachine 2.

Acknowledged as experimental high-end watchmaking at its very best, its futuristic open-worked dial and distinctive trapezium-style bezel was only topped by its projected moon phase display, something of a first in the world of haute horology – and something that proved an apt reward for the many who found their way to the 2018 SIHH in search of something truly timeless.

 

Text: Tenzing Thondup

Car-Watch Collaborations: The latest chapter of horology’s hottest trend

The collision between two of mankind’s greatest passions – motoring and watches – was a surprise to almost no one. After all, both were dedicated to pushing boundaries, setting records, and, most importantly, inciting that incurable burst of adrenaline in their enthusiasts. In recent times, though, the pace of new car-watch collaborations hitting the market has revved up significantly.

This hot horology trend has yielded some true standouts. Take, for example, Bulgari’s casual yet sporty Octo Retro Maserati GranSport, which is perfect for everyday wear. (Check out our extended review of this watch here.)

Bulgari's Octo Retro Maserati GranSport
Bulgari’s Octo Retro Maserati GranSport

On the more extreme end of the spectrum is the Excalibur Aventador S from Roger Dubuis. Modeled on the engine of a Lamborghini Aventador, it was crafted from the self-same carbon fibre favoured by the Italian supercar maker – a relatively new material in the world of haute horlogerie. It’s the perfect example of how car-watch collaborations have spawned innovative new techniques.

Lamborghini and Roger Dubuis' Excalibur-Aventador S
Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur-Aventador S in partnership with Lamborghini

Equally grandiose avant garde is Hublot’s Techframe Ferrari 70 Years King Gold Tourbillon Chronograph. This particular timepiece was created in celebration of Ferrari’s 70th anniversary. With just 70 pieces made, it’s a true collectors’ piece.

Hublot's Techframe Ferrari 70 Years King Gold Tourbillon Chronograph
Hublot’s Techframe Ferrari 70 Years King Gold Tourbillon Chronograph

This brings us to the newest kids on the car-inspired watch block: Tag Heuer’s Formula 1 Aston Martin and Carrera Heuer 01 Aston Martin. Launched last week at the International Geneva Motor Show, these models were unveiled after an announcement that Tag Heuer was now the Official Partner, Official Timekeeper and Team Performance Partner for the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team.

Tag Heuer's Formula 1 Aston Martin and Carrera Heuer 01 Aston Martin
Tag Heuer’s Formula 1 Aston Martin and Carrera Heuer 01 Aston Martin

At the event, Britain’s much-loved motoring company also revealed a brand new Vantage GTE boasting Tag Heuer’s signature colours. The car is set to compete in the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans race in June.

The Tag Heuer-Aston Martin relationship is just the latest in a series of car-watch collaborations, but if their new timepieces are anything to go by, it may just be one of the most fruitful.

Year of the Dog Watches: Top timepieces inspired by the Lunar New Year

As Chinese New Year wraps up, we look back at the best timepieces inspired by the Lunar celebrations. Here are our favourite Year of the Dog watches to look out for.

1) Breguet’s Classique 7145 Chow-chow

Breguet Classique 1746 Chow-Chow

At first glance: Breguet’s take on Year of the Dog watches is the Classique 7145 Chow-chow boasts a guilloche dial featuring a hand-engraved black Chow-chow – one of China’s quintessential breeds.

What’s inside: This extra thin (2.5mm) watch holds a self-winding calibre 502.3 movement

Why it’s special: Only eight pieces of this limited-release Chow-chow edition were made. Of those, only ONE will be sold in Hong Kong! A must-have collector’s piece.

2) Chopard’s L.U.C XP Urushi

Chopard LUC XP Urushi Akita

At first glance: The Akita canine gracing the dial of this limited-edition watch is a nod to 2018’s zodiac mascot. It was crafted using traditional Japanese Urushi and Maki-e lacquering techniques.

What’s inside: The compact 18-carat rose gold case is home to a self-winding mechanical L.U.C calibre 96.17-L movement.

Why it’s special: The extremely detailed lacquer work on the dial was created especially for Chopard by Kiichiro Masumura, the renowned Japanese artist.

3) Vacheron Constantin’s ‘The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac’ – Year of the Dog

Vacheron Constantin Metiers d'Arts Year of the Dog watches

At first glance: The latest addition to Vacheron Constantin’s annual ‘The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac’ series boasts a rather unusual ‘hidden’ dial. The engraved dog dial face hides four sub-dials: hours, minutes, day and date.

What’s inside: Calibre 2460 G4 movement powering four sub-dial complications.

Why it’s special: Available in platinum and rose gold, only 12 pieces of each are up for grabs.

Want to explore more Lunar New Year specials? Why not take a look at our round-up of CNY fashion trends here. 

Watches for Women: Tracking the growth of female-driven watch designs

The age of the woman is dawning. No longer tied to their hearths and homes, the fairer sex has ventured into the wider world – independent, educated and determined. Womankind has also shown herself to be an economic force to be reckoned with. Within the last decade, even the world of haute horology has seen a female shift, as ‘power ladies’ turn their attention to the traditionally male territory of high-end watch collecting.

Exploring the latest watches for women

This, in turn, has forced watchmakers to take stock of their products and rethink their approach to crafting watches for women. The result is a slew of women’s timepieces that balance beautiful looks with intricate mechanics. We’ve perused the latest offerings and picked seven outstanding models.

Among the more classical pieces to emerge is IWC’s Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36 Edition “150 years”. Launched as part of the high end watch brand’s 150th anniversary Jubilee celebrations, this model harks back to the classic ‘90s yellow gold Lady Da Vinci. Although its bezel is bedecked with over 200 white diamonds, the model retains an aura of understated elegance. There are two versions available; white gold and rose gold. Both are part of a limited 50-piece release.

IWC's Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36 Edition “150 years”
IWC’s Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36 Edition “150 years”

Another vintage-style timepiece is Girard-Perregaux’s Laureato 34mm Royalty. In this instance, the Laureato collection’s signature octagonal bezel gets the diamond treatment – 56 diamonds to be precise. On the reverse side, the sapphire crystal caseback reveals a delicate quartz calibre GP013100-0004 movement. It’s a thoughtful touch – Girard-Perregaux was the first to miniaturise a quartz calibre enough to fit in a ladies watch back in 1975.

Laureato 34mm Royalty from Girard-Perregaux
Laureato 34mm Royalty from Girard-Perregaux

Meanwhile, Richard Mille’s Gem-Set Black Ceramic timepiece ambitiously melds diamonds and black ceramic, a first in the world of fine watchmaking. Black TPZ ceramic’s exceptional scratch resistance and hardness means embedding the diamonds into its surface is a complex and delicate affair. The effort definitely pays off. The black ceramic’s matte finish perfectly offsets the shining diamonds, heightening its overall effect.

Richard Mille's Gem-Set Black Ceramic
Richard Mille’s Gem-Set Black Ceramic

Audemars Piguet has opted for a no-diamond policy with its Ladies’ Millenary Frosted Gold Opal Dial. Instead, this timepiece features a beautiful off-centre white opal dial and matching small seconds sub-dial. These only take up half the real estate of its 39.5mm oval face. The remaining surface space is open faced, showcasing the watch’s tailor-made calibre 5201 movement. A frosted pink gold bezel and Polish mesh bracelet finishes off what is one of our favourite watches for women in recent years.

Cartier's Crash Radieuse
Cartier’s Crash Radieuse

Cartier’s Crash Radieuse also foregoes gemstones. Its curious wavy shape was introduced over 50 years ago, and remains a Cartier classic. The yellow gold bezel is lined with black gadroons, while distorted Roman numerals dot the dial. This 50-piece limited edition timepiece runs on an 8970 MC hand-wound movement created for Cartier by Jaeger LeCoultre.

Watches for women also stretch beyond flashy dress models. Tag Heuer’s new Formula 1 Lady introduces a sporty alternative. Boasting a quartz movement and tonneau shape similar to its male counterpart, it’s a great mix-and-match option for any occasion. All aspects of this design can be customised, including its dial, bezel, hands and flange. There are even switchable straps available in multiple colours.

Hublot's Big Bang One Click Sapphire
Hublot’s Big Bang One Click Sapphire

Hublot’s Big Bang One Click Pink Sapphire 39mm is another sporty option found on the higher end of the market. Its no-nonsense HUB 1710 self-winding movement and large hour markers are dressed up with a diamond-studded bezel. The case’s eye-catching pink hue is achieved thanks to a delicate mixture of aluminium oxide and titanium oxide. A matching pink structured rubber strap completes its athletic look.

The indomitable rise of high-end female collectors has breathed new life into a previously stagnant segment of the haute horology world. It has driven watch manufacturers to question existing design practices. It’s pushed them to pursue avenues of mechanical craftsmanship previously reserved for men’s timepieces. Best of all, it has given us a continuous crop of beautiful yet complex watches for women to choose from.

Text: Tenzing Thondup

Planetarium Watches: Capturing the beauty of our cosmos in a wrist-sized package

Planetarium watches have long been star attractions in haute horology circles. Given humanity’s enamourment with the almost otherworldly nature of our cosmos, who could say no to the option of carrying a mini solar system on your wrist? Although they may seem like a modern creation, planetarium watch mechanisms existed long before its current wristwatch form.

Passement's 1765 Louis XV Tellurian Orrery Clock
Passement’s 1765 Louis XV Tellurian Orrery Clock

In days before the Age of Enlightenment (a.k.a. the 18th century), the use of planetariums were limited exclusively to those of a scientific bent exploring the secrets of the solar system. But as humanity become more informed and cultured, the uppermost strata of society began to take a benign interest in these fascinating mechanisms.

They spawned a series of intricate timepieces that tracked the progression of celestial bodies – a novel and cutting-edge idea at the time. French watchmaker Passement’s 1765 Louis XV Tellurian Orrery Clock, commissioned by the French royal court, was one such example. This table-top clock featured an accurate representation of the Earth and moon revolving around the sun.

Christiaan van der Klaauw's Satellite du Monde
Christiaan van der Klaauw’s Satellite du Monde

In more modern times though, planetarium watches have been shrunk down to portable sizes thanks to advents in watchmaking technology. Many of these advancements can be attributed to the works of one man – Christiaan van der Klaauw. The Dutchman – a giant in the world of haute horology – started his eponymous brand over 40 years ago, specialising exclusively in designing astronomical complications.

His Satellite du Monde, released in 1996, was the first real planetarium wristwatch. The rather busy dial featured an astrological complication which indicated, in real time, where noon was falling on our planet.

CVDK Planetarium - the world's smallest planetarium watch
CVDK Planetarium – featuring the world’s smallest planetarium complication

Three years later, he wowed the world by unveiling the CVDK Planetarium, the smallest planetarium complication ever made. Miniaturised down to sub-dial size, the beautiful face showed the real-time orbits of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn around our sun.

Aside from in-house designs, his atelier has lent its expertise to other timepiece manufacturers. One such example is the custom-made mechanism that adorned Van Cleef & Arpels’ Lady Arpels Planetarium which was unveiled at SIHH earlier this year. (Read our feature on this watch and other SIHH highlights here.)

Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Planetarium
Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Planetarium

That’s not to say that CVDK holds a monopoly over planetarium watches. Other brands have also attempted to put these astrological complications into their designs. One brand that’s reaped fantastic results is Girard-Perregaux. In addition to having not one, not two, but three flying tourbillons, its Planetarium Tri-Axial Tourbillon features a mini-Earth that completes one rotation every 24 hours.

Girard-Perregaux Planetarium Tri Axial
Girard-Perregaux Planetarium Tri Axial

Planetarium watches don’t often surface on the market. They’re extremely complicated, time-consuming and difficult to produce. But when they do emerge, they’re lauded by the haute hologerie world and watch enthusiasts without fail.

Text: Tenzing Thondup
Images: Antiquorum, CVDK, Van Cleef & Arpels, Girard-Perregaux

Choose a Chopard gift to drive an arrow through the heart this V-Day

Classic or quirky, a Chopard gift is designed to win hearts every single time.

Chopard Gift of Love

The ‘most romantic day of the year’ is fast approaching, so if you are still wondering what to gift your significant other, we have a fail-proof tip for you: You can’t go wrong with Chopard.

Swiss luxury brand Chopard has embraced the universal sign of love, the heart emblem, as their own. As Artistic Director Caroline Scheufele puts it, “If I were to associate Chopard with an object, it would be a Big Heart.”

Chopard’s latest odes to love are their jewellery collections: Happy Hearts and Happy Diamonds. The dainty designs are perfect V-Day gifts and the moving hearts on some designs add a touch of enigma so well-suited in matters of the heart!

Those looking to gift something a little different can check out Chopard’s watch collections. While the Happy Sport 36mm with changeable straps is designed for the many moods of a modern woman, the L.U.C XP is a must-have accessory for a gentleman’s wardrobe.

It’s not easy to predict affairs of the heart, but it’s safe to say that a Chopard gift will create the right impression anytime!

SIHH 2018: Our top five favourite watches from the prestigious watch event

SIHH – one of the most prestigious events in the calendar for watchmakers – sees industry specialists and watch lovers alike troop down to Geneva each year to witness the freshest crop of timepieces. Apart from releasing new models, the event is also an effective platform for predicting the latest trends of the year.

This year was no different. But among the titans of the horology world, a few stood out for a variety of reasons. Here’s our round-up of the top five timepieces that you need to watch out for!

SIHH 2018

Triple Split by A. Lange & Söhne

Full credit goes to A. Lange & Söhne for creating the world’s first mechanical split-seconds chronograph that simultaneously measures additive and comparative times for as long as twelve hours. With Triple Split, the haute horology house has outdone its previous record-holder Double Split. With precise rattrapante minute and hour counters, the Triple Split multiplies the measuring range of the rattrapante function by a factor of 24. Simply put, the Triple Split is accurate enough to compare the times of two opponents in a Formula 1 race down to the second.

SIHH 2018

Reverso Tribute Duoface by Jaeger-LeCoultre

Continuing its partnership with celebrated Argentinian polo bootmaker Casa Fagliano, Jaeger-LeCoultre launched a 100-piece limited-edition Reverso Tribute Duoface mounted on signature Casa Fagliano two-tone cordovan leather straps. Taking off from the Duoface concept, the watch features two contrasting dials with different time zones.

Painstaking craftsmanship marks its every aspect, from the hand-applied hour markers with Dauphine hands to the Art Deco-inspired minute track. The handcrafted leather strap, with its unique patina and finishes and the words “Limited Edition – One of 100” etched on its case back seal the deal for this understated masterpiece.

SIHH

Diver Deep Dive by Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin carries on its love affair with the sea with the Diver Deep Dive, its most robust diving watch yet, with water resistance up to 1000 metres! Like its immediate predecessor, the Diver Deep Dive is powered by in-house calibre UN-320, featuring an escape wheel configuration and a patented silicium lever. Nautical influences are obvious in the choice of colour and design: 15 blue hammerheads swim on the dial, with a bright red one on the crown guard and another one on the dial counter. There’s even a hammerback stamped on the caseback!

SIHH 2018

Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication ‘Ornementale’ by Vacheron Constantin

Inspired by what was the world’s most complicated wristwatch in 2005: the famous Tour de l’Île by Vacheron Constantin, the makers have recreated their stupendous feat yet again in Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication ‘Ornementale’. Displaying 16 separate complications in a relatively miniature package, the timepiece highlights Vacheron Constantin’s tour de force in both miniaturising and engineering. The complications are mostly astronomical, and features – in addition to hour and minute counters – 11 other functions such as minute repeater, equation of time, tourbillon, perpetual calendar, etc.

Lady Arpels Planétarium by Van Cleef & Arpels

In keeping with Van Cleef & Arpels’ elaborate creations, the Lady Arpels Planétarium – a part of the maison’s Poetic Astronomy Universe – simulates the planetary system on the limited surface of a wristwatch! Our most dazzling watch on the list, all its features, from the diamond-bedecked bezel and strap to the miniature planets made of precious stones revolving on the bright blue dial, are designed to inspire awe. But the most arresting part of the watch lies in its concept of imprecision. Devoid of hands, the watch revels in a state of perfect imprecision. While other watches seek to divide time to its minutest fraction, this one is a reminder of the enigma of time.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

 

Binge Watch: Seven standouts from Macau’s Masters of Time exhibition

Exploring the 450 watches of Masters of Time

Duty-free retailer DFS opened its ninth Masters of Time luxury watch exhibition in Macau in extravagant fashion. There were interactive pop-ups, whisky and caviar tastings, and live performances by Hong Kong songstress Jade Kwan and violin DJ Olivia Dawn.

But even without the flash and panache, it’s clear that DFS has its ear to the ground, following the latest haute horlogerie trends in a bid to give high-end watch collectors exactly what they’re looking for.

Over 450 pieces from 30 luxury brands were assembled for this year’s showcase, which runs until 28 February at T Galleria by DFS inside the Shoppes at Four Seasons.

Unique timepieces on show at Masters of Time

Christophe Chaix, Senior Vice President of Global Merchandising at DFS, says there is no real equivalent to Masters of Time. “Of course there are trade shows like Baselworld and SIHH, but there is no other exhibition like this in the world dedicated to the end consumer,” Chaix says.

His confidence is not misplaced. In just nine years, the annual exhibition has become one of Asia’s premier watch events, drawing collectors from China, Singapore, Australia and beyond.

In that time, discerning women collectors have become one of the industry’s fastest-growing segments. No longer satisfied with simple watches in frilly decorative packaging, the fairer sex is now demanding mechanical complications on par with their male counterparts. And Masters of Time has risen to the challenge.

4. Jacquet Droz Lady 8

One of the best models from its selection of women’s watches is Jaquet Droz’s Lady 8 Flower, a perfect blend of beauty and complexity. Fitted with a self-winding mechanical movement, the design’s centrepiece is a lotus perched atop a blue sapphire-studded bezel. A press of the button opens its petals to reveal a faceted diamond briolette rotating on its axis.

Another women’s watch that may appeal to collectors is Breguet’s individually numbered and signed Tradition 7038, the first model for ladies in its Tradition collection. Although slightly on the large side at 37mm, it owes its unmistakable femininity to a diamond-set bezel, mother-of- pearl dial and white alligator leather strap.

5. Breguet's Tradition Dame 7038

While complex timepieces for ladies are still relatively rare, Masters of Time is a horological treasure trove for the discerning male collector.

Classic craftsmanship never goes out of style, and Jaeger-LeCoultre is playing to its strengths with the Master Gyrotourbillon 1. Boasting a dual-axis tourbillon movement, this elegant timepiece also shows the date and includes a perpetual calendar and an equation of time complication. The dial’s intricate mother-of-pearl lacework and aventurine stone marquetry evoke images of a clear night sky.

Heritage watches also feature prominently at Masters of Time this year, such as Ulysse Nardin’s Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon. Paying tribute to the brand’s nautical history, the handcrafted marquetry on its pine oak dial imitates a ship’s deck, while the arching minute hand resembles a ship’s boom. Add to that a visible flying tourbillon and this 18-piece model is a guaranteed conversation starter.

6. Ulysse Nardin's Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon

Another homage timepiece is Blancpain’s limited-edition Tribute to Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec. The original Fifty Fathoms debuted in 1953 as the world’s first automatic diving watch, and fortunately, the current model retains that vintage vibe while still meeting modern divers’ needs with its uni-rotational bezel and water tightness indicator.

As far as contemporary timepieces go, sports watches are all the rage. In particular, partnerships between luxury car manufacturers and horology houses have spawned some interesting timepieces. Several are on show at Masters of Time, including Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur Aventador S (featured in Gafencu’s November issue) and Hublot’s Techframe Ferrari 70 Years King Gold Tourbillon Chronograph.

8 Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02T Automatic Chronograph 45MM

The true feather in DFS’ cap, though, is the special edition Carrera Calibre Heuer 02T Automatic Chronograph 45mm from Tag Heuer. This one-of-a-kind timepiece was created especially for Masters of Time, with its hands, hour markers and strap all outfitted in the luxury retailer’s signature red.

Sadly, this watch is no longer on the market, having been snapped up by an eager collector before the exhibition even began.

With so many watches on display, it’s hard to characterise Masters of Time in a singular way. Suffice it to say, a trip to the exhibition is an illuminating lesson in the sheer diversity that exists in the world of modern watchmaking.

Text: Tenzing Thondup
Images: DFS

Shawn Mendes headlines Connected Smartwatch launch in Tokyo

One look at the hordes of screaming teenage fans standing outside Emporio Armani’s Aoyama, Tokyo boutique last week and one might have assumed that a pop star was inside. And that guess would be absolutely correct. Canadian singer Shawn Mendes was actually on site promoting the Italian label’s newest gadget: the Connected Smartwatch.

Mendes, who was tapped as brand ambassador for the hi-tech gadget, proudly showed off his timepiece at a live press conference in the store before rubbing elbows with local celebrities and mingling with his fans.

Emporio Armani’s Connected Smartwatch doesn’t just blend new technology with the brand’s signature style, it also emphasises flexibility and usability. Compatible with both Android and iOS phones, its Saved Faces app allows wearers to choose from eight different face designs to be matched with one of 11 strap options. The watch is now available at https://www.armani.com/ as well as select stores worldwide.