GIRARD-PERREGAUX | Constant Escapement L.M.Girard-Perregaux introduces an authentic technical revolution in its Haute Horlogerie collection: a constant escapement. Thanks to this innovation protected by three patents, the escapement delivers constant energy to the regulator, whatever the energy left in the barrel, in order to ensure the perfect regularity – and thus optimal precision – of the watch. To address the challenge of constant force that has preoccupied horologists down through the ages, the escapement has been fitted with an intermediary device fitted with a silicon buckled blade six times thinner than a human hair. The blade stores up the energy by being repeatedly flexed to a point as close as possible to its unstable state or buckling point, before releasing the exact same amount of energy each time and then tirelessly beginning all over again. Girard-Perregaux is presenting a pink gold version in 2014.
MAURICE LACROIX | Masterpiece GravityBuoyed up by a formidable capacity to view the world from a different perspective, Maurice Lacroix loves defying conventions. Its new Masterpeice Gravity is a perfect example of this attitude, since it is the first watch equipped with an assortment – balance roller, lever and escapement wheel – entirely made of silicon. Three times lighter than steel, this material is also more accurate, less energy-hungry and requires no lubricant. Like the oscillator, this fascinating innovation is clearly visible within a resolutely contemporary aesthetic composition accentuated by an off-centred hour and minute dial, as well as small seconds creating fascinating depth effects.
GUCCI | G-Timeless Slim AutomaticCompletely updated, the G-Timeless Slim watches by Gucci Timepieces & Jewelry are back centre-stage with stylish new features. Proposed as three versions, they are now driven by a mechanical automatic movement for even more horological substance. A deliciously curved bezel surrounds the dial whose surface is decked out in Gucci’s iconic “diamante” pattern, in a larger design and now extending across the entire dial. A new minute circle accentuates the contour of the dial whose narrower hour-markers complete the look. Small seconds at 6 o’clock add to the dynamic character of this undeniably contemporary timepiece.
HYT | H1 Red2The first ever wristwatch to show time using a liquid, the H1 is back with a new red fluid, the result of over a year’s R&D. Stored in a reservoir under the dome at 6 o’clock, this liquid advances through a capillary as the hours go by, then returns to its initial position in a retrograde movement after completing one circuit of the dial. Located in the upper part of the watch, a haute horlogerie mechanism commands these fascinating fluid mechanics. It propels a cam which pushes a piston to activate the bellows which alternately compress and expand the reservoirs, one of which contains the red, water-based liquid and the other a transparent, oil-based fluid. Limited series of 50
JULIEN COUDRAY 1518 | Oeuvre JC 1588 SportWith this fourth collection, Manufacture Julien Coudray brings cars and watchmaking together in a most original way. The mechanical movement that beats inside this Oeuvre JC 1588 Sport reproduces on its oscillating weight the registration plate of its lucky owner’s car, making each timepiece truly one-of-a-kind. The harmoniously miniaturised number plate is crafted from solid 18K red gold and grand feu enamel. Fully hand-engraved and decorated, there are no limits to how it can be personalised, making it even more individual and exclusive. In an ultimate touch of refinement, the service indicator, shown in a window at 12 o’clock, reveals a drop of oil, reproduced in enamelled gold, after four years to remind the wearer that the watch must be serviced.
HALDIMANN | H3The H3 brings with it a world-first, being the only wristwatch ever to possess a central flying tourbillon and a minute repeater. Truly a work of art, this mechanical sculpture chimes the magical melody of watchmaking’s two most highly prized complications. Carrying on a family tradition of innovation since 1642, master watchmaker Beat Haldimann has created this watch to keep horological complications firmly at the centre of our attention. Seemingly weightless, the elegant flying tourbillon appears to float in the centre of the dial, completing one revolution per minute. The gentle sound of the minute repeater underscores the poetry of this mechanical masterpiece, which has been entirely imagined and crafted in the Haldimann family workshops in the Alpine city of Thun, thus continuing the tradition of this remarkable dynasty of watchmakers
VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY | Dive Master 500To mark the 25th anniversary of its watchmaking activities, Victorinox Swiss Army presents a limited, numbered series of its famous diver’s watch. For the very first time in brand history, this exclusive titanium model issued in a 500-piece limited edition houses a mechanical automatic chronograph movement. Built to resist and endure, this authentic diver’s instrument is water-resistant to 500 metres. To ensure impeccable visibility under water, it features generous luminescent indications not only on the hands and hour-markers, but also on the chronograph counter rings and in the 20-minute dial zone. The latter is echoed on the bezel bearing original marking, with a luminescent coating that seems no different from the others but actually turns blue in the dark.
ERNEST BOREL | Jules Borel Officially Certified ChronometerThis timepiece honours Jules Borel, the watchmaker who co-founded the company in 1856. Beneath an exterior that takes its style from the first wristwatches of the twentieth century beats an automatic movement whose timekeeping performance has been certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). This carefully crafted gem of precision and reliability resides in an 18K pink gold case, bringing the refinement of noble materials to the delicacy and elegance of classical horology.
FRANC VILA | Cobra FV 18E « Manual Suspended Skeleton »An immersion into the heart of an exceptional mechanism capable of making time stand still for just a moment. This model works true magic when the gaze alights on the skeleton-worked movement. Built and cased-up in total suspension, the calibre is stabilised by a clever system of springs. Appearing to be levitating in a dial-free structure, it draws observers into a fascinating mechanical exploration infused with the expertise of the finest master-watchmakers.
CLERC | Hydroscaph H1 ChronometerA powerful and innovative design. Water resistance to 500 metres. Unfailing security in the depths. In other words, a formidable exploring machine that has sailed through the merciless tests performed by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute, the watch industry’s highest benchmark for precision and reliability. Its name is Hydroscaph H1, a high-tech luxury diver’s watch that is bound to delight deep-sea adventurers
DA VINDICE GENEVE | The Vindex TourbillonThis new model from Da Vindice embodies an encounter between the tourbillon, a symbol of watchmaking excellence and traditions, and a resolutely 21st century design. Topped with the brand’s emblematic lily motif, the tourbillon sits majestically enthroned at 6 o’clock, while the dial reveals other beauties including generous Roman numerals standing out against an elegant guillocé background. The honeycomb motif adorning the sides of the tonneau-shaped case completes the total-black composition
TECHNOTIME | TT 738This thriving small company produces modules, mechanical movements, tourbillons and balance-springs. Technotime has been enjoying renewed expansion since 2003, when the manufacturer decided to launch into making high-end mechanical movements. The flagship of the brand based in Les Brenets is the TT 738 movement, featuring a blend of design and performance and designed to adapt to brand’ need for differentiation. The available versions include a retrograde date module and/or power-reserve indicator. Equipped with Technotime balance-springs, it may, depending on clients’ wishes, be chronometer-certified by the COSC. This mechanical gem is also available in a hand-wound version, the TT 718.