Tag: Piaget

Spring Time – Stylistic Watches are a Motif for all the 365 Days

Just as the embrace of Chinese culture has become one of the fastest-growing phenomena of the 21st century, so too has the Chinese New Year – or the Spring Festival – established itself as an event of truly international proportions. Typically honoured in all of the largest cities around the world, citizens of every nationality now look forward to processions, street dances, and all the paraphernalia traditionally associated with the most important date on the Chinese calendar. 

Inevitably, this has not been lost on many of the world’s biggest brands, companies never known to miss out on a commercial opportunity. In particular, luxury precision watchmakers – ever mindful of the value of the Chinese and Hong Kong markets – have celebrated this Rabbit Year with custom limited edition timepieces.

Also Read: Time Warp: Six of the best – and quirkiest – watch dials on the market

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Harry Winston Emerald

Boasting octagonal-shaped cases, the Harry Winston Emerald watch collection features cases crafted in 18-karat white or rose gold. The 18mm models also boast a diamond-set bezel as a nod to the house’s “King of Diamonds” legacy. Available in mother-of-pearl, the dial is crowned with rubies in the form of an emerald cut. The standout from this collection comes with a red, classic alligator leather strap, which is a straight-out nod to traditional CNY festivities.

In celebration of 2023 being the Rabbit Year, IWC Schaffhausen has unveiled its Portugieser Automatic 40 Edition “Chinese New Year”. Housed in an ergonomic 40-millimetre stainless-steel case and featuring a striking burgundy dial and gold-plated hands and applique, a particular highlight is hidden at the back of the watch – the automatic winding mechanism’s gold-plated oscillating weight in the form of a rabbit.

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Memorigin Zodiac Series

The Hong Kong tourbillon brand Memorigin, meanwhile, is honouring its long-term commitment to promoting Chinese traditions through the launch of its Memorigin Zodiac Series. The periphery of the dial is designed in an auspicious fret pattern, while the indices are represented by rubies or blue sapphires. The watch is equipped with a manual-winding tourbillon movement that consists of 155 pieces of subassembly module and 18 jewels. In all, it has 40 hours of power reserve and a vibration frequency of 28,800 oscillations per hour.

Also Read: Buyer’s Guide: 7 impressive hyper-accurate tourbillon watches

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OMEGA Constellation Aventurine

Turning now to the OMEGA Constellation Aventurine, this features dials fashioned from natural Aventurine stone, meaning no two dials are ever alike, with options to choose bezels paved with diamonds or engraved with Roman numerals. The watch also features diamond-set bezels and skeletonised hour and minute hands, as well as dial-matching leather straps in red.

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Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Xiali Calendar

For its part, Parmigiani Fleurier has gone full-on Chinese with the launch of its Tonda PF Xiali Calendar, with its offer of a precision take on the Chinese calendar over the long haul said to be a world first. In order to deliver on this, the watch conceals an extremely sophisticated mechanism within an all-new movement – the Calibre PF008 – which facilitates the display of classical Chinese characters. As the Chinese calendar is not cyclical, the complication is mechanically programmed and extends across 12 years via an intricate cam system.

For its part, TUDOR has debuted new versions of its Black Bay line in steel and yellow gold with a fixed bezel. These Black Bay 31, 36, 39 and 41 S&G models, as they are known, proffer a unique aesthetic with their T-curved cases intermittently highlighted with polished yellow gold sections. Fitted with Manufacture Calibres, including reference MT5201, one of the marque’s new family of movements, these models are said to be at the very cutting edge of technical watchmaking refinement.

Also Read: 7 stunning dive watch models that blend beautiful form with true functionality

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Vacheron Constantin Metiers d’Art – The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac

Rounding off this month’s selection, Vacheron Constantin is looking to boost its appeal to the mainland and Hong Kong Haute horology aficionados and collectors by offering a customised rabbit-motif limited edition of its Métiers d’Art – The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac range for the Rabbit Year. The iconic representations appear on the dials and have to be etched directly into the metal, with the pattern remaining semi-embedded while standing out from its gold base thanks to a subtle array of accentuating reliefs designed to create an engaging depth effect.

(Text: Joseff Musa)

Bare-faced Glory: The timeless allure of skeletonised dials

Even though they seem the very epitome of contemporary design, skeletonised dials have been around for centuries. Indeed, they date back to the eighteenth century when André Charles Caron – clockmaker to King Louis XV of France – first eschewed all the window dressings of a timepiece to afford clear views of the intricate machinery beneath. Since then, the open-worked aesthetic has charmed haute horology enthusiasts the world over, be it to exemplify a minimalist theme or spotlight avant-garde stylings. Below, we highlight seven superlative new examples of this transparent motif.

Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise

Bare-faced Glory The timeless allure of skeletonised dials watches gafencu cartier

First up is Cartier’s 100-piece Privé Tank Chinoise, the latest avatar of the iconic design first launched exactly a century ago in 1922. As its name suggests, it embodies a distinct Oriental allure. Ringed by a diamond-studded bezel and housed in a platinum case, its fascia is dominated by vertical and horizontal bars inspired by the traditional architecture of ancient Chinese temples. Peeking out beneath these stripes are the inner workings of the brand’s new 9627 MC manual-winding movement, the elaborate stylings of which can be better viewed through its transparent caseback.

H. Moser & Cie Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton

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Next to the table is the ultra sleek Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton from Swiss manufacture H. Moser & Cie. Blending minimalism and extravagance in equal measure, graceful anthracite PVD-finished bridges hold the hour-and-minute Funky Blue fumé domed subdial at 12 o’clock, contrasted beautifully with the timepiece’s pièce de résistance – a one-minute flying tourbillon – on the bottom half of its fascia. Visible underneath is the automatic calibre HMC 811 movement, which churns out a generous 72-hour power reserve.

Montblanc 1858 The Unveiled Secret Minerva Monopusher Chronograph LE58

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From Hamburg-headquartered Montblanc comes the 1858 The Unveiled Secret Minerva Monopusher Chronograph LE58. Available in a limited release of 58 pieces, this blue-on-steel creation pays tribute to the maison’s historic Minerva manufacture – a famed watchmaking facility known for its specialisation in precision-engineered chronographs and folded into the brand in 2006 – by ‘unveiling’ one of its handmade movements beneath its open-worked dial, in this instance, the MB 16.29 calibre. The traditional transparent caseback, meanwhile, has been replaced with a beautiful engraved relief of the aforementioned Villeret factory.

Piaget Polo Skeleton

Bare-faced Glory The timeless allure of skeletonised dials watches gafencu piaget

For a more slimmed down finish, though, look no further than Piaget’s latest Polo Skeleton. Unsurprisingly for a label that holds several records in crafting hyper-thin designs, its latest offering boasts one of the world’s thinnest mechanical movements: the skeletonised 1200S1, which measures a scant 2.4mm. Injecting an element of sparkle to proceedings, its 42mm white gold case is graced with a staggering 1747 brilliant-cut diamonds across its dial, bezel, case and bracelet. Deftly fusing high-end watchmaking with haute joaillerie know-how in one attractive package, this is a timepiece that will surely ensnare any passing gaze.

Chopard L.U.C Full Strike Sapphire

Bare-faced Glory The timeless allure of skeletonised dials watches gafencu chopard luc

Opting for a wholly transparent aesthetic, meanwhile, is Chopard’s new LUC Full Strike Sapphire. To fully enhance the chiming function of this minute repeater watch, its entire case has been fashioned from a translucent sapphire case, with its crystal gongs similarly crafted from that same material. At the heart of its skeletonised fascia beats the 533-part calibre LUC 08.01-L movement that boasts five new patents to achieve the clarity of its sounding of the hours, quarters and minutes.

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Monobalancier EX0953

Bare-faced Glory The timeless allure of skeletonised dials watches gafencu roger dubuis

A more outré example of the open-worked motif comes courtesy of Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur Monobalancier EX0953, whose sharp geometric lines and sand-blasted finishing gives it an almost industrial appeal. Housed in a 42mm Eon gold case ringed with 60 round-cut diamonds, it affords direct views of the RD 720SQ calibre movement underneath. The ruby accents of the mechanism, meanwhile, are perfectly accentuated with purple calf-leather straps.

Rebellion T-500 Titanium

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The final entrant on our list is none other than the T-500 Titanium by Swiss watchmaker Rebellion. Exuding an undeniable avant-garde aura, this rectangular timepiece’s see-through dial perfectly displays its unusual timekeeping mechanism. Under the curved sapphire dome, the 380-part manual winding vertical movement and six barrels that charge its jaw-dropping 420-hour energy reserve is on full display. Further underscoring its race car-esque appeal, the traditional hour-and-minute indicators have been eschewed in favour of two parallel rollers at the centre of its fascia. Available in the buyer’s choice of blue, red, orange, green or black, it’s the perfect choice for watch enthusiasts enamoured with a bit of experimental horology.

 

(Text: Tenzing Thondup)

The best of Watches and Wonders Geneva 2022

Once known as the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), Watches and Wonders is undoubtedly one of the most hotly anticipated watch fairs each year. For its first 2022 outing – held in Geneva earlier this month – 38 internationally acclaimed brands showcased their latest products to almost 22,000 visitors. Celebrating the spirit of innovation and precision engineering, hundreds of watches were on display, with the seven below deserving special mention.

Cartier Masse Mystérieuse

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(Photo courtesy of Cartier)

First on our list is Cartier’s Masse Mystérieuse, a stunningly sleek skeletonised design. Crafted from 950 platinum, this innovative watch is a study in minimalism, with half of its open-worked fascia remaining wholly transparent, while the other half reveals the inner workings of the Calibre 9801 MC automatic movement floating underneath. Adding a splash of colour to proceedings is the ruby cabochon crown, while a charcoal grey alligator leather strap completes its almost industrial appeal.

Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept

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(Photo courtesy of Piaget)

Similarly open-worked is Piaget’s Altiplano Ultimate Concept. The brand is known for crafting super-slim designs – it holds several records for the thinnest timepieces in existence – and this new creation is a tribute to a model first presented four years ago that measures a scant two millimetres thick. To deliver this streamlined look, Piaget has fused the traditional four-layer structure (bezel and crystal, dial, movement and caseback) into one complex construct. Elsewhere, several touches nod to the exact moment this watch was dreamt up.

Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Chronograph 0 Oxygen LE290

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(Photo courtesy of Montblanc)

Achieving different heights of invention, Montblanc has crafted a timepiece to withstand some of Earth’s harshest conditions – atop Mount Everest. The 44mm titanium case of the 1858 Geosphere Chronograph 0 Oxygen LE290 is literally devoid of all oxygen in a bid to avoid fogging and oxidation at extreme altitudes and sub-zero temperatures. Then there’s the bidirectional bezel, which marks the cardinal points to ensure climbers keep their bearings. To prove that this isn’t just all promotional hype to boost sales, the brand has partnered with acclaimed Nepalese mountaineer Nimal Purja – scaler of the world’s 14 highest peaks in just six months and six days – who will wear the watch on his next Everest ascent.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht_Master 40

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(Photo courtesy of Rolex)

Rolex’s new gem-set Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 40 is inspired by the multitudinous colours of the aurora borealis. Equipped with a 40mm waterproof Oyster case in white gold, the latest avatar of this iconic timepiece comes burnished with the cutting-edge calibre 3235 movement and has been paired with the latest Oysterflex bracelet for optimum comfort and durability. A dazzling design, it’s sure to ensnare any passing gaze thanks to the shimmering blue, grey and pink diamonds and sapphires that stud its bezel.

Patek Philippe Ref. 7130R-014 Ladies’ World Time

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(Photo courtesy of Patek Philippe)

Also treading a precious path, Patek Philippe has unveiled the new Ref. 7130R-014 Ladies’ World Time. Dominated by an all-green motif, this 36mm vintage-inspired creation sees its rose-gold bezel and buckle adorned with 62 and 27 diamonds respectively for a glimmering allure. The self-winding Calibre 240 HU movement, in addition to tracking home time, allows users to view all 24 time zones simultaneously in a ring around its dial – a convenient feature for the post-covid jet-setting fashionistas indeed.

Chopard L.U.C Full Strike Sapphire

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(Photo courtesy of Chopard)

Gentlemen in search of a modern statement timepiece might give Chopard’s L.U.C Full Strike Sapphire an admiring look. Created to mark the L.U.C collection’s 25th anniversary, its claim to fame is a fully transparent design that affords 360-degree views into the internal workings of its calibre L.U.C 08.01-L movement as well as the chiming minute-repeater complication. Limited to an exclusive five-piece release, this see-through effect has been achieved by crafting many of its parts from robust sapphire crystal.

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 945

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(Photo courtesy of Jaeger LeCoultre)

Last on our list of wow-inducing Watches and Wonders Geneva highlights comes courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 945, which literally looks to the skies for its inspiration. Simply brimming with complications, this master class in high-end watchmaking features a zodiac calendar, minute repeater and sky chart with a celestial vault. At 12 o’clock is the gorgeous celestial flying tourbillon, which makes one full cycle circumambulation for each day. Crafted in Galaxia pink gold or Atomium white gold with just five of each available, it’s a guaranteed collector’s item.

Bloomin’ Marvellous: A cornucopia of spring-inspired jewelleries

As cool weather gives way to warmer climes and the seductive scent of spring begins to emerge, it’s time to turn our attention once more to that most consistently alluring of seasonal trends – floral jewellery.

Indeed, Mother Earth has long inspired the leading haute joaillerie maisons of the world, leading to the creation of some truly stunning garden-themed creations – Chopard’s decadent Red Carpet Collection 2021 choker and the Manhattan Party necklace by Bulgari, to name but two.

It would be folly, however, to assume that such flower-inspired jewellery has only recently become in vogue. Indeed, such adornments date back to many ancient civilisations, and have traditionally been worn in such elaborate ceremonies as Indian weddings. More recently, this trend has been adopted by the West, with summer brides opting for veils adorned with floral headpieces in a bohemian chic style.

Today, however, the floral fad is used not just for weddings but for every imaginable occasion, great or small. What’s more, they come in a riot of hues, shapes and sizes, making them just the perfect addition be it to subtly enhance your outfit of the day or grab attention at your chosen soiree.

Also Read: Flower Power: Sparkling high-end jewellery inspired by nature

Auspicious in Red: Jewellery to take you from Chinese New Year to Valentine’s Day!

In China, and a lot of other Asian nations, red is the most auspicious shade of all. Whether you’re going with the festive mood or prepping for Valentine’s Day, there is no better way to flaunt the lucky, lovely vermilion than with these fine red-hued, high jewellery creations.

In the photos: David Morris Rubia necklace; Garrard and Company High Jewellery earrings; Cartier Phaan ring and Les Oiseaux Libérés earrings; Piaget Extraordinary Lights ring; Harry Winston Dual Hearts ring; Valani Atelier x Gemfields Vela earrings; Chopard Paradise Collection ring; Lydia Courteille One of a Kind La Vie en Rose earrings; Graff ruby and diamond ring.

Double Digits: Mesmerizing multi-finger rings…

No longer do statement rings solely need to grace a single finger. In fact, thanks to a spur of beautiful creativity from the world’s leading haute joaillerie houses, they can now span across the hand, ranging from between-the-finger creations that peek out between the gaps of your digits to attention-grabbing numbers that meander across multiple fingers.

Such bejewelled pieces need not be overly ostentatious, though. In fact, some designs are purposefully demure, as aptly demonstrated by Chanel’s rose gold Extrait de Camelia transformable ring or Yoko London’s elegantly minimalist diamond-and-pearl creation. At the other end of the spectrum, however, are eye-catching jewellery fronted by dazzling gemstones of every imaginable hue. Take, for instance, Dior’s Dior et Moi black opal design, whose kaleidoscopic colouring is sure to ensnare any passing gaze. Then there’s the gorgeous leaf-like Plumage ring from British designer Stephen Webster, which features a plethora of emeralds and diamonds across its three-finger span.

A true showstopper, though, is luxury jeweller Piaget’s Mediterranean Garden ring. Featuring roses adorned with some 200 brilliant-cut diamonds, the purple and pink spinels add a welcome splash of colour to the attention-grabbing two-finger design.

 

Also Read: Men’s jewellery is back in style – Top trends here!

 

 

The full version of this feature appears on Gafencu Magazine’s January 2022 print issue as ❝Double Digits❞ by Tenzing Thondup. Download the free app (iOS, Android) for digital editions of the magazine.

 

Flower Power: Sparkling high-end jewellery inspired by nature

Since time immemorial, humans have been enamoured with all things floral. Embraced as symbols of everything from new life and fertility to passion and romance, their natural beauty has entranced and enchanted at every turn. Small wonder, then, that they are a constant, never-ending source of inspiration behind the timeless creations of countless high-end jewellery brands.

Floral Trend 

In fact, so strong is this floral love affair that many iconic marques have actually adopted their own flower emblems. Take, for instance, Dior and Piaget, who have both selected the rose as their blossom of choice and unveiled entire collections dedicated to the thorny blossom. Elsewhere, there’s Chanel and the camellia, Chaumet and the hydrangea, and so forth.

Also read: Rainbow hues in high-end jewellery for the colourful customer

Featuring a startling array of colours, shapes and sizes, this nature-inspired leitmotif is flexible to the extreme. Some flower designs are subtle, demure, and perfectly suited for everyday wear. However, the other end of the spectrum accentuates precision jewellery-making at its very finest, using a smorgasbord of precious and semi-precious gemstones and skilled craftsmanship to portray all the inherent beauty of flowers in truly dazzling style.

 

Also read: Talented Hong Kong jewellery designers you have to checkout

Time To Go Green: Luxury watches with colour

Blue fascias were the timely tendency of 2020, but this year, it is verdant-fronted creations that have captured the imagination of haute-horology enthusiasts. Indeed, many high-end watch manufactures have favoured green as the primary colour of choice for their elegant wrist adornments. From minimalist creations to jaw-dropping, jewel-studded designs, we spotlight seven standouts that exemplify this latest trend.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph Ref. 5968G

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Kicking off our list is renowned Swiss luxury watchmaker Patek Philippe’s Aquanaut Chronograph Ref. 5968G-010, the latest addition to its octagonal-shaped Aquanaut collection. The first model to feature a white gold case, its dial is burnished in an attractive khaki green with matching strap. Under the hood beats a Calibre CH28-520 C self-winding flyback chronograph, an ingenious mechanism that allows the user to time new events while the watch is still running, all with the push of a button at four o’clock. Water-resistant to 120m, it is also available with a midnight blue or black dial.

IWC Portofino Chronograph 39

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The next entry comes courtesy of Schaffhausen-based IWC, whose Portofino Chronograph 39, as its name suggests, is 39mm in diameter and shows a sporty slenderness of just 12.7mm. It nevertheless retains a dressy appeal, thanks to a mirror-polished case and elegant alligator-leather strap. The green dial comes equipped with rhodium-plated hands, while a hacking seconds sub-dial in the bottom half of its fascia is balanced with a 30-minute scale at 12 o’clock. Powering it all is a Calibre 79350 movement that bequeaths a 44-hour power reserve to the watch.

Breitling Top Time Ford Mustang

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Embodying a racing aesthetic, meanwhile, is Breitling’s Top Time Ford Mustang, inspired by the eponymous motor developed by legendary US automaker Caroll Shelby in 1964. Fitted with a self-winding Calibre 25 chronograph movement, its viridescent dial is emblazoned with the car’s logo and three contrasting black sub-dials, all ringed with a black tachymeter scale. In keeping with its historic inspiration, brown racing-themed leather straps complete the vintage appeal.

OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra

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For a more minimalist design, a look at one of OMEGA’s slew of new Seamaster Aqua Terra creations wouldn’t go amiss. Among the ten 38mm models introduced this year, one comes with a dark-green dial and another with a sun-brushed light-green face. For this latest update, the marque has introduced a new small seconds sub-dial at six o’clock with a date aperture within – a first for the collection. This is pretty much the only overt ornamentation on its fascia, save for sleek hour markers, the brand’s logo and, of course, the requisite ‘Seamaster’ sign.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36

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Delivering a tropical flourish for fashionistas is the latest Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 from famed manufacture Rolex. Here, the dial is fronted by a gorgeous olive-green palm-frond motif, then enhanced by a chic Oystersteel case with a matching bracelet. One of a trio of 36mm models debuted by Rolex this year, it comes equipped with the new Calibre 3235 movement that churns out a robust 70-hour power reserve.

Chopard Happy Sport Golf Edition

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Another green femme-focused timepiece takes the form of Chopard’s Happy Sport Golf Edition. Blending athleticism and gem-crafting with deft flair, its frosted emerald-esque face is punctuated with five bezel-set diamonds that float freely beneath its sapphire crystal cover. In a nod to the sport that inspired it, the stones are joined by a floating golf club and ball as well. Playful yet sophisticated, it offers a choice of two bezel designs – polished rose gold or diamond-studded.

Piaget Limelight Gala High Jewellery Black Opal

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Finally, taking the top spot on our list is Piaget’s gorgeous Limelight Gala High Jewellery Black Opal. Its 36mm x 28mm dial is crafted from a rare Australia-sourced black opal, whose crystalline facets shift from green to blue as the light catches it. If that weren’t enough, the intriguingly seashell-shaped case is further adorned with a staggering 83 marquise-cut emeralds and 91 brilliant-cut diamonds running along the entirety of the bracelet. Unapologetically bold and attention-grabbing, it is the perfect amalgam of haute horology and high-end jewellery-making, and exemplifies the green hue that has so captivated watch lovers this year.

Slimmed down luxury: Exquisite, ultra-thin timepieces

The high-end watch industry is seemingly enamoured with the adage ‘bigger is better’, as new designs are launched to one-up the competition in terms of dial size and depth. However, those seeking a subtler, more streamlined aesthetic need not despair – several haute-horology brands have drawn back the curtain on more minimalist wrist adornments. Here, we spotlight seven slender timepieces that are more than worth a thorough perusal.

Omega De Ville Trésor Power Reserve

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First up on our list of ultra-thin watches is Omega’s De Ville Trésor Power Reserve in 18K yellow gold. The model that debuted back in 1949 has now been updated to feature a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock and a small-seconds sub-dial resting diametrically opposite. While retaining the understated vintage elegance of the original, it comes equipped with an up-to-the-minute movement – the hand-wound Master Chronometer Calibre 8935. Delivering a robust 72-hour power reserve, it nevertheless manages to pack everything into a 10.07mm-thin case.

 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin

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Audemars Piguet has also released new interpretations of a classic design in the form of the Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin. When its predecessor was launched at the 1972 Baselworld fair, it pretty much birthed the luxury sports watch category. These latest versions, however, are somewhat more sophisticated, thanks to the 1,102 brilliant-cut diamonds punctuating their case, bezel and bracelet. Available with a light blue or black dial in a white or pink gold case, its slimness may be attributed to the self-winding Manufacture Calibre 2121 movement within, whose thickness measures just 3.05mm.

Also Read: The best watches from the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve

Montblanc Heritage Pythagore Small Second Limited Edition 148

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Rounding out our trio of timeless classics made contemporary is Montblanc’s Heritage Pythagore Small Second Limited Edition 148, which was inspired by the historic ’40s-era Minerva Pythagore calibre 48. With that movement as a reference, the engineers at Montblanc developed an all-new, hand-wound 4.07mm Manufacture Calibre MB M14.08 for the new creation, replete with an impressive 80-hour power reserve. Available in blue with a white gold case or ‘burnt caramel’ encased in pink gold, both avatars are limited to a release of just 148 pieces.

 

Panerai Luminor Due

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Similarly upscaling an athletic model in a streamlined form is Panerai, with its new Luminor Due boasting an automatic P.900 calibre movement that’s just 4.2mm thick. To ensure this mechanism remains tamper-proof, Panerai has equipped a Safety Lock crown-protection device on the side of its square-shaped bezel. Fitted with a three-day power reserve, this elegant blue-and-steel timepiece comes furnished with a navy sun-brushed dial punctuated with a small seconds sub-dial and a date aperture at nine o’clock and three o’clock respectively. A blue alligator-skin strap rounds out its sporty feel.

Also Read: Miss Time – The wonder that is the world of women’s watches…

Ressence Type 1 Slim Red

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Introducing a splash of scarlet to proceedings is Antwerp-headquartered independent manufacture Ressence’s striking Type 1 Slim Red. Unlike traditional dial layouts with hour and minute hands rotating around a central axis, the Type 1 Slim Red’s fascia displays the Ressence Orbital Convex System to tell time. In layman’s terms, it features three separate indicators for hours, seconds and week days. Distinguished with a bold red dial and matching rubber strap, the new model has been slimmed down by some 20 percent since its 2019 debut.

Hermès Slim d’Hermès La Source de Pégase

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Elevating colourful dials to literal works of art, Hermès has unveiled the Slim d’Hermès La Source de Pégase, powered by a 2.6mm-thin mechanical self-winding Manufacture Hermès H1950 movement. Drawing on the craft skills of miniature painting, straw marquetry, enamelling and hand-engraving, the delicate dial features a majestic winged horse rearing to strike a rock with its hooves. Two avatars of this vibrant design – a reinterpretation of the eponymous Hermès silk scarf designed by French artist Pierre Marie – are on offer: a yellow Pegasus dial with white strap and an all-blue version. With only 12 of each version to be produced, they’re sure to fly quickly to the hands of discerning collectors.

Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept

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Rounding out our list is Piaget’s Altiplano Ultimate Concept “Tribute to La Côte-aux-Fées”. A past master at creating slim designs, the brand almost defies the laws of physics with a timepiece measuring just 2mm thick, roughly the equivalent of a HK$1 coin. The Calibre 900P-UC movement is directly machined onto the cobalt alloy case – which is fronted by an intriguing open-worked dial – in order to achieve this incredible slimness; just 0.12mm separates the workings from the wearer’s skin. A tribute to cutting-edge watchmaking, it proudly claims the title of 2021’s thinnest watch.

Also Read: Unusually shaped watches that bring a fresh perspective on timekeeping

 

 

(Text: Tenzing Thondup)

Wrist Candy: Five dazzling high jewellery watches to add to your collection

Although the world of haute horology is, today, a male-dominated sphere, the industry actually owes the rise of wristwatches to demand from the fairer sex. During the late 19th century, when pocket watches were still the norm, it was women who had began adorning their wrists with fashionable gem-studded timepieces. Today, high jewellery watches blend the best of haute horology and high jewellery traditions in utterly stunning expressions that make for captivating timepieces that ensure all eyes are firmly on you…

gafencu magazine luxury lifestyle Five show-stopping high jewellery watches to add to your collection jaeger lecoutre reverso purple arums

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Purple Arums 
The line between art and watchmaking is often blurred when it comes to high jewellery watches, and renowned Swiss horologist Jaeger-LeCoultre plays with this amalgam exceptionally well with its latest Reverso, Purple Arums. Taking inspiration from decorative jewellery worn in the ’20s, the 40mm self-winding wristwatch, powered by the watchmaker’s patented Calibre 846 movement, introduces a truly unique Reverso iteration replete with the model’s iconic double-sided rectangular case. Its vivid floral design seamlessly flows across the rotatable case front, exhibiting a high level of  craftsmanship that required a painstaking 95-hour process of gem-setting, enamelling and engraving to create.

gafencu magazine luxury lifestyle Five show-stopping high jewellery watches to add to your collection vacheron constantin egerie

Vacheron Constantin Égérie
Staying with manual-winding chronographs, Vacheron Constantin celebrates the multiple facets of femininity through its new Égérie self-winding diamond-pavé models. Presented at the Watches & Wonders 2021, the ultra chic and elegantly versatile 35mm jewellery watch is truly worth of being added to the collection of any discerning fashionista. Featuring the maison’s signature off-centre display and asymmetrical geometry (artfully interlace two circles), a total of 574 round-cut diamonds punctuate the dial as well as the watch’s bezel, flanks and lugs, imparting an added sparkle to proceedings. 

gafencu magazine luxury lifestyle Five show-stopping high jewellery watches to add to your collection piaget limelight gala precious

Piaget Limelight Gala Precious Sunrise
The next entry on our list of stunning high jewellery watches comes courtesy of Swiss luxury watch and jewellery maker Piaget. The Limelight Gala Precious Sunrise is an automatic movement that features an eye-catching 32mm 18K white gold case and a bezel set with 32 brilliant-cut blue sapphires and 10 brilliant-cut diamonds, all of which were carefully sifted through to create the seamlessly flowing gradient that outlines the snowy, diamond embellished dial mixed with different-sized gemstones — a true beauty for the modern-day woman. 

gafencu magazine luxury lifestyle Five show-stopping high jewellery watches to add to your collection fank muhller double mystery peony

Franck Muller Double Mystery Peony
Next up, a marriage between haute horology and haute couture comes through a combination of technical innovation and the art of watchmaking – the intricately detailed Double Mystery Peony from Swiss horology brand Frank Muller. The 42mm mechanical complication, powered by a 42 DM PEONY D 2R CD movement, boasts a gorgeous gem-studded dial replete with 662 brilliant-cut diamonds and precious stones, all of which were painstakingly hand-set. Further accentuating its avant-garde aesthetics are the hour and minute indicators, which are placed on rotating discs at its centre. 

gafencu magazine luxury lifestyle Five show-stopping high jewellery watches to add to your collection cartier libre

Cartier Libre Baignoire Turtle
Rounding out our list of high jewellery watches is luxury maison Cartier’s limited-edition Libre Baignoire Turtle watch. Taking inspiration from its 2019 Baignoire predecessor, just 30 pieces of this masterclass in jewellery watchmaking will be produced. Playful, sophisticated and all-but-guaranteed to ensnare any passing gaze, its geometric motif is punctuated with anthracite, buff-topped sapphires and pavé diamonds that together call to mind the scaling of a turtle’s shell.