Tag Archive for: watches

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Overseas tourbillon skeleton: A breath of fresh air for an emblematic complication

Overseas tourbillon skeleton: A breath of fresh air for an emblematic complication

  • First tourbillon skeleton watch in the Overseas collection
  • Two versions in 18K 5N pink gold and Grade 5 titanium respectively 
  • First Vacheron Constantin all-titanium model with integrated bracelet
  • Manufacture Calibre 2160 SQ, redesigned and skeletonised with a new balance-spring featuring a Breguet overcoil

Geneva, 30 March 2022 – The tourbillon, one of the most emblematic Haute Horlogerie complications, joins the Overseas collection in a skeletonised version. Manufacture Calibre 2160 has been redesigned for the occasion in a contemporary, entirely openworked spirit. Available in 18K 5N pink gold and Grade 5 titanium – first Vacheron Constantin model made entirely of this metal- versions complete with integrated bracelets, this watch is accompanied by meticulous attention to the finishing of the movement and case.

Vacheron Constantin continues the travel spirit of the Overseas watches with this new tourbillon skeleton model, a first in this collection launched in 1996. Beautifully streamlined with its entirely openworked movement; sophisticated with its robust case; rigorously disciplined with its tourbillon-driven movement ensuring a comfortable over three-day power reserve, this timepiece is designed for the finest journeys – exactly as François Constantin, the tireless traveller who signed an enduring alliance with Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron in 1819, would doubtless have presented it.

The watch comes in two versions, one in 18K 5N pink gold and the other in Grade 5 titanium. The titanium model is the first by the Maison to be entirely made of this same metal – from crown to bezel and from bracelet to case. The self-winding Manufacture Calibre 2160 powering these timepieces has been entirely skeletonised in a contemporary spirit with a degree of attention to detail stemming from an authentic aesthetic quest celebrated through Vacheron Constantin’s “Anatomy of Beauty ®” 2022 theme.

A finely crafted movement, Manufacture Calibre 2160 SQ

The skeletonisation work carried out on self-winding Calibre 2160 has enabled not only a 20% reduction in the movement’s weight but also a complete rethink of its architecture. Its curvature is thus very slender, at barely 5.65 mm thick – a real technical feat considering the requirements linked to the integration of a tourbillon carriage. This thinness is notably due to the choice of a peripheral gold oscillating weight, which also enables a completely clear view of the rear of the movement. The work done on the baseplate and the four bridges can be clearly admired, with the NAC (N-acetylcysteine) surface treatment applied by electrolysis conferring an anthracite grey tint. This contemporary touch given to the movement blends perfectly with the classic haute horlogerie finishes in the form of hand-drawn flanks and hand-chamfering with polished bevels to accentuate the light playing across the components. The mainplate and bridges are also delicately decorated to create a finish of very fine, perfectly horizontal grooves. Such concern for details is a credo which holds that even the smallest part deserves the same meticulous attention as those that are perfectly visible.

The same NAC surface treatment can be found on the barrel, of which the drum and cover have been entirely openworked, creating a compass rose shape on the dial side – another original feature of Calibre 2160 SQ. To complete the openworking of this 186-component movement, the wheels have also been made lighter, while the tourbillon is held by a rounded-off upper bridge. The tourbillon regulator rotating once per minute operates at a rate of 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz) and serves as a small seconds indicator by means of one of the four screws used to secure the carriage and which is grey on the pink gold version and flame-blued on the titanium version.

For this new calibre, Vacheron Constantin’s watchmakers have also redesigned the regulating organ housed in the tourbillon carriage coupled with the escapement. A new balance-spring was designed in-house, equipped with a Breguet overcoil (terminal curve). By folding the outer spring coil towards the centre, outside its horizontal plane, this arrangement forces a flat development of the spring, thus ensuring enhanced isochronism.

The art of details

The sapphire crystal serving as the dial reveals all the details of the calibre, like a horological anatomy taking shape with each component. The hour-markers secured to this crystal are in rhodium-plated 18K 5N pink gold or 18K white gold, depending on the model. The same noble metals are used for the hands which, like the hour-markers, are coated with Super-LumiNova® ensuring perfect night-time visibility. The dial ring is available in black lacquered 18K 5N pink gold or in blue PVD-treated 18K white gold.

Particular care has been devoted to the finishing of the case and bracelet. The bezel ring is circular satin-brushed on the 18K 5N pink gold version and sandblasted on the Grade 5 titanium iteration. The case and bracelet of both models are vertically satin-brushed with polished angles on the bracelet links, whose shape is inspired by Vacheron Constantin’s Maltese Cross emblem.

Both watches feature the Overseas collection specific interchangeable strap system. They come with two straps in calfskin and rubber: black with two 18K 5N pink gold pin buckles for the gold model; and blue with an interchangeable titanium folding clasp for the titanium model.

The Anatomy of Beauty ®

The Overseas tourbillon skeleton watch features architecture and finishes that are meticulous in every detail, reflecting the quest for excellence cherished by the Maison, whose 2022 “Anatomy of Beauty®” theme pays tribute to the extraordinary work of its artisans. This extraordinarily painstaking care is expressed through the designers’ aesthetic choices and preferences as well as in the meticulous finishing work performed by the artisans. All the components of a Vacheron Constantin watch benefit from this scrupulous attention, even those that remain invisible once the movement has been assembled. A keen eye will note the fine guilloché work on a dial or the gem-set minutes track; it will make out the contours of the Maison’s Maltese cross emblem on the links of a bracelet; it will notice the small flame-blued screw serving as a seconds indicator on a tourbillon carriage and the mirror polish of a minute-repeater hammer; it will appreciate the artisans’ delicate touch when chamfering a plate or rounding off a bridge; and finally, it will admire the miniature enamel painting depicting a ship tossed around by a stormy sea streaked with lightning. At Vacheron Constantin, concern for detail delicately shapes an anatomy of beauty in which nothing is left to chance.**********************

Sum-up

Several “firsts” characterize the new Overseas tourbillon skeleton model. It is the first timepiece in the collection equipped with a tourbillon movement in a skeletonised version. The new Manufacture Calibre 2160 SQ, featuring hand-crafted finishes characteristic of haute horlogerie yet in a contemporary spirit, is equipped with an original regulating organ featuring a balance-spring with a Breguet overcoil. The openworking of the barrel reveals a cover shaped like compass rose, a novel design for Vacheron Constantin. Available in 18K 5N pink gold and Grade 5 titanium, this latest version is the first Vacheron Constantin watch made entirely of this metal, including the bezel and crown. This breath of fresh air, which is entirely in keeping with the travel spirit of the Overseas collection, is accompanied by meticulous attention to the finishing of the movement and case. Each component is reworked and finished by hand, perfectly illustrating the Maison’s Anatomy of Beauty theme for 2022, which highlights all the richness and subtlety of the details featured in a Vacheron Constantin timepiece. Both versions come with two interchangeable leather and rubber straps.

TECHNICAL DATA

Reference
6000V/110R-B934
6000V/110T-B935

Calibre
2160 SQ
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
Mechanical, self-winding, peripheral rotor
31 mm (13½’’’) diameter, 5.65 mm thick
Approximately 80 hours of power reserve
2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour)
186 components
30 jewels
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece

Indications                                   
Hours, minutes, small seconds on tourbillon carriage (coloured screw)
Tourbillon                            

Case                                                
18K 5N pink gold / Grade 5 Titanium
42.5 mm diameter, 10.39 mm thick
Soft iron casing ring ensuring anti-magnetic protection
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistant tested at a pressure of 5 bar (approx. 50 metres)

Dial
Sapphire

18K 5N pink gold / 18K white gold hour-markers and hours & minutes hands highlighted with Super-LumiNova®

Bracelet
18K 5N pink gold bracelet / Grade 5 Titanium (half Maltese cross-shaped polished and satin-brushed links), secured by a 18K 5N pink gold / Grade 5 Titanium triple-blade folding clasp with push-pieces and comfort-adjustment system

Additional straps
Black / blue calfskin leather with white stitches
Black / blue rubber

Buckles
6000V/110R-B934: Each additional strap comes with a 18K 5N pink gold
6000V/110T-B935: Titanium Grade 5 interchangeable folding-clasp

Ref. 6000V/110T-B935 (titanium version) only available through the Vacheron Constantin Boutiques.

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Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep
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Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep

A powerful continuation of OMEGA’s diving legacy the watch, and a sapphire face with a conical loadbearing design inspired by a submersible’s
viewport.

In April of that year, three Ultra Deep watches joined explorer Victor Vescovo on a mission to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean. Originally recorded as 10,925 m (35,843 ft), the depth was later updated to 10,935 m (35,876 ft) and is the deepest any human or watch has ever dived. Two of the Ultra Deep watches were attached to the submersible’s robotic arm, while another was strapped to a data-gathering unit known as a Lander. Thanks to their ingenious build and design, all three watches completed the 12-hour dive without a problem and surfaced completely unscathed.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep

The New Watch in Titanium

Taking the next step in state-of-the-art ocean design, 2022 sees the release of seven new models: OMEGA’s Ultra Deep collection. Waterresistant to 6,000 m (20,000 ft), the 45.5 mm
range is led by a bold version crafted in sandblasted and forged grade 5 titanium. To achieve its unique personality, the watch features a brushed ceramic bezel with a Liquidmetal™ diving scale, along with the distinctive “Manta Lugs” and streamlined asymmetrical case that are reminiscent of the original Ultra Deep model. They support a striped NATO strap, in cyan and black, made from polyamide yarn, sourced from 100% recycled fishing nets. Fixed to the wrist with a loop and buckle in grade 5 Titanium.

Beneath the protuberant and domed sapphire crystal, the dial has been produced in black ceramised titanium with cyan numerals and a blued gradient on the central seconds hand. Turning the watch over reveals a grade 5 titanium caseback featuring a black laser-engraved Sonar emblem, with the iconic OMEGA Seahorse at its centre. The words “Divers’ watch 6000 m for saturation diving”” are included to reaffirm the watch’s adventurous credentials.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep

The New Watches in O-MEGASTEEL

Six models in the Ultra Deep collection have been built in brand new O-MEGASTEEL. This highperformance stainless steel alloy once again proves OMEGA’s leadership in the production of
advanced materials, with qualities that surpass the normal standard. O-MEGASTEEL is notable for its superior strength, whiter colour and incomparable shine. It also offers exceptional
resistance to corrosion for a longer-lasting appearance.

Mounted on each O-MEGASTEEL symmetrical case is a ceramic bezel with diving scale, as well as a protuberant and domed sapphire crystal, which is neatly bevelled and designed for maximum strength under pressure. A new crown guard is also integrated to the watch’s case, assuring protection when deep under water.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep

The choices include white or gradient-effect dials, which transition from grey-to-black or blue-to-black, and include a glossy finish as well as 18K white gold hands and indexes. Each piece includes a grade 5 titanium caseback with the same laser-engraved Sonar emblem and wording as the full titanium model.

Each design is completed by either a rubber strap or an O-MEGASTEEL bracelet. The rubber straps feature a technical diving suit structure on the upper surface, along with an O-MEGASTEEL
buckle. For the metal bracelets, OMEGA’s patented extendable foldover rack-and-pusher has been included, with a complementary length adjustment and an extra diver extension – perfect
for use around a thick wetsuit.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep

Depth Tested and Certified Driven by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8912, all watches in this collection are Master Chronometer certified at Switzerland’s highest standard of precision, performance and magnetic-resistance. What’s more, OMEGA’s Ultra Deep was ocean-tested at a depth of 6,269 m (20,567 ft) in the Mariana Trench in 2021.

The markings “For Saturation Diving” are included to meet the ISO 6425 standard for saturation divers’ watches which is certified by Switzerland’s independent testing body METAS – a premiere in the watch industry!

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HUBLOT CAMPAIGN WITH KYLIAN MBAPPÉ

HUBLOT CAMPAIGN WITH KYLIAN MBAPPÉ

Considered one of the world’s best footballers, Kylian Mbappé is in the prime of his life, a living embodiment of passion, success and the power of dreams. Multidisciplinary creative director Ezra Petronio captures the player’s excellence, applying an uncompromising, timeless yet contemporary aesthetic that eschews ostentation in the latest Hublot advertising campaign.

The global player Mbappé, renowned for his sporting intelligence, spirit and dedication, is a true icon of world football; and yet, it was on the intensity of his direct gaze and his openness that the internationally-acclaimed photographer chose to focus for the new campaign.

Mbappé, Ezra and Hublot are united by shared values including a long-standing respect for creativity, work, integrity and the quest for perfection.

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The UR-112 Aggregat Odyssey URWERK’s latest flash of brilliance

The UR-112 Aggregat Odyssey

URWERK’s latest flash of brilliance

Amid the calm and serene skies of Haute Horlogerie, an unidentified flying object is looming on the horizon. Could it be the announcement of an imminent upheaval? The intuition of an emotional cataclysm?

Flashing across the night sky, the new UR-112 Aggregat Odyssey appears in a shower of metal! The latest evolution of the UR-112 features a new titanium and steel fuselage. With this limited edition, URWERK – creator of ‘space opera’ watches – pushes its limits further than ever… to infinity and beyond!

Gleaming like Padme Amidala’s J-type 327; equipped with two large round eye-like windows like Archie; the ‘owl ship’ from Watchmen. Streamlined like a Klingon Bird of Prey. Grooved like the hull of the Battlestar Galactica. The UR-112 Aggregat Odyssée emerges from the URWERK shipyard in a limited edition, featuring an infinite number of flat, curved, grooved, sculpted, screwed and bonded surfaces, all incorporating advanced finishes alternating between matt and glossy, sandblasted and polished. This painstaking, meticulous work contributes to enhancing the two large cockpits where the rotating prisms representing the UR-112’s unique signature operate, akin to two advanced observation posts.

Sophisticated textures

The UR-112 Aggregat Odyssey is the successor to the UR-112 Aggregat Two-Tone. The upper part of this wrist spacecraft is suitable for polishing. The grooved steel cover opens vertically to give access to the secondary power reserve and digital seconds indications. It is mirror-polished on the top with a beadblasted edge. Its central titanium body is satin-brushed, grooved, sandblasted and beadblasted, thereby forming a field of functional microdots. The two steel wings of the UR-112 Odyssey fit into this central body.

Each zone, each space, each element has its own texture, its own finish, its own language. Martin Frei, co-founder of URWERK and head designer, said: “I am lucky enough to experience the birth of our creations first-hand – in the workshops and in close proximity with our watchmakers. I witness the final assembly. I see the material come to life, and even more importantly, finishes that existed only in my mind materialize before my eyes. Like the pencil strokes that draw and refine the outlines of the watch on paper, the traces of machining on the titanium and steel render its creative process visible. It then takes all the magic and mastery of the craftsman’s hand to transcript this emotion in the finished product, which is beadblasted, satin-brushed and polished. In the case of the UR-112, this was a particularly long and trying process, a real odyssey, which enabled us to convert the strength of the raw material into the refinement of the finished product. “

Digital sequence

The UR-112 belongs to the Special Project line. This is a departure from the founding concept of URWERK’s wandering-hour indication, on a whole new scale. There are no cubes, no carousel with arms, no 120-degree sector-type indication like on so many models that have marked the history of URWERK over the last 25 years. The UR-112 Aggregat Odyssey displays jumping hours and trailing minutes on prisms. Shifted to the front of the watch, they are visible in their large sapphire crystal housings. As the hours jump on one side and the minutes advance in five-minute increments on the other, an additional trailing indicator shows the precise minutes. Felix Baumgartner, co-founder of URWERK and master watchmaker said: “Once again we have let our guts speak for us in making a spaceship, a UFO that is a technical challenge. This UR-112 is pure madness in terms of the mechanics and the finishes. We will only be able to make a very limited number and there may be just five of them, but this is sheer unadulterated watchmaking pleasure!”

Heart of the reactor

The central body of the case contains the driving and regulating components of the UR-13.01 caliber: a large barrel providing 48 hours of power reserve, coupled with an automatic-winding rotor. Pressing the two pushers on the sides of the watch opens the cover to reveal the power-reserve indicator and the spectacular small seconds. The latter is composed of a skeletonized silicon disk attached to a red anodized aluminum bridge, a typical URWERK design feature.

Spatio-temporal module

A long, thin rod stands out in the middle of this incredible vessel. Measuring several centimeters in length, it is possibly the longest component in contemporary watchmaking. To guarantee its lightness and rigidity, this cardan shaft is made of titanium and ensures the coupling with the display module, located at the front of the shell. It establishes this link thanks to a new succession of gears that drive the hours and minutes prisms via two 90° bevel gears. The black aluminum prisms featuring grooved sides are enhanced with Super-LumiNovaTM and are secured by planetary systems that ensure they rotate both on their axis and in space. This kinematic approach calls for absolute precision and contributes to endowing the UR-112 Aggregat Odyssey with a totally unique and unconventional design. So URWERK!

UR-112 Aggregat Odyssey

Limited edition

Price: CHF 250,000.00 (Swiss francs / excluding tax)

MOVEMENT

Caliber: UR-13.01 automatic
Jewels: 66
Escapement: Swiss lever-type
Frequency: 4 Hz; 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 48 hours
Materials Aluminum hours and minutes satellite prisms; titanium cardan shaft, silicon second wheel
Surface finishing: Circular graining, sandblasting, Côtes de Genève, polished screw heads
   
   
INDICATIONS

 

 Jumping digital hours and trailing digital minutes on satellite prisms; silicon digital seconds; power-reserve indicator

 
   
CASE  
Dimensions: Width 42mm; length 51mm; thickness 16 mm
Materials Titanium, steel
Glass Sapphire crystal
Water resistance Pressure tested to 3 ATM / 100 ft / 30 m
   

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Audemars Piguet – The 34 mm Royal Oak selfwinding in black ceramic returns

THE 34 MM ROYAL OAK SELFWINDING IN BLACK CERAMIC RETURNS WITH A SUBTLE DESIGN EVOLUTION FOR THE COLLECTION’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet has slightly evolved the 34 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding fully dressed in black ceramic on the occasion of the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary.

While the case’s design remains unchanged, the black dial benefits from the Royal Oak’s latest design evolution debuted in 2022 on several 34, 37, 38 and 41 mm Royal Oak models. The watch is also fitted with the Royal Oak’s dedicated anniversary oscillating weight.

MORE NUANCED DIAL DESIGN

Similarly to last year, this 34 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding timepiece adorns a black guilloché “Grande Tapisserie” dial contrasted with scintillating pink gold accents. Yet, it benefits from the refined dial design evolution debuting in 2022 on some of the Royal Oak models in 34, 37, 38 and 41 mm.

The logo now presents an applied Audemars Piguet signature crafted in 24-carat pink gold achieved through galvanic growth – a chemical process akin to 3D printing. Each letter is connected with links approximately the size of a hair and placed by hand on the dial with tiny legs almost invisible to the eye. This long-form signature appears at 12 o’clock without the AP monogram for added refinement.

While keeping with the Royal Oak’s aesthetic codes, the size and length of the faceted hour-markers and hands have been harmonised with the rest of the anniversary Royal Oak Selfwinding and Selfwinding Chronograph models across the collection for optimum visibility.

BLACK CERAMIC ILLUMINATED WITH PINK GOLD

Similarly to last year’s version, the watch’s black ceramic case and bracelet are embellished with 18-carat pink gold hexagonal screws, which secure the bezel onto the case, for a refined two-tone contrast. All the case and bracelet components have been finished by hand with the Manufacture’s trademark alternation of satin-brushing and polished chamfers, providing an ever-changing play of light.

“Born in Le Brassus, raised around the world.”  

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HUBLOT Introduces an Orange Carbon Edition of the Big Bang Unico Golf

HUBLOT Introduces an Orange Carbon Edition of the Big Bang Unico Golf

Hublot loves golf! Today, at LVMH Watch Week 2022, we’re extremely proud to introduce the Big Bang Unico Golf Orange Carbon, an entirely mechanical golf watch that can keep track of your score over the course of an 18-hole round.

In 2017 and in partnership with the most successful golfer of his generation Dustin Johnson, we introduced the world’s first mechanical golf watch, the Big Bang Unico Golf. Most golf watches are digital, but this innovative Swiss Made watch brought the joy of watchmaking mechanics to golfers’ wrists.

We developed a module for our Unico movement so that through three apertures, the watch showed golfers which hole they were on, how many shots they’d taken on that hole, and their cumulative score for the round. The Big Bang Unico Golf Orange Carbon continues the story, casing the ground-breaking Hublot MHUB1580 automatic movement in zesty, lightweight orange carbon.

The 45mm Big Bang Unico Golf Orange Carbon is simple to operate. The shot-counting mechanism is activated by a yellow putter-shaped pusher at 2 o’clock, which also advances the yellow stroke counter visible through an aperture at 3 o’clock. When it’s time to move to the next hole, another putter-shaped pusher at 4 o’clock resets the shot indication to zero and advances the hole indication at 9 o’clock by one hole. The cumulative score goes up by one with every recorded shot, and is shown through an aperture at 6 o’clock.

At the end of a round, the display can be reset to zero via the pusher at 8 o’clock. This pusher can be locked by rotating it 45 degrees to avoid accidentally resetting your score during a round. And because the watch is skeletonised, revealing the movement’s inner workings, every operation is visualised by an intriguing dance of precisely choreographed moving parts – just like a good golf swing.

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A Piece of Your Time: What Does It Mean to Gift a Woman a Watch?

A Piece of Your Time: What Does It Mean to Gift a Woman a Watch?

From as far back as the 16th-century, watches have been a luxury that holds far more sentimental value than merely telling the time. Today, giving a watch as a gift still contains a great deal of meaning. If that gift is from a man to a woman, it’s even more significant. 

If you’ve received one of our high-end, luxury timepieces as a gift from the special man in your life you might be wondering what it signifies. To offer some insight, we’ve outlined just some of the wonderful reasons men have bought their girlfriends, fiancées or wives a Backes & Strauss watch.

THE GIFT OF STYLE

Wristwatches have been a must-have fashion accessory since they became popular at the beginning of the 20th century. As small as they are, they say a lot about the wearer, and classic designs can complement even the most dedicated follower of fashion.

Our timepieces have been designed to be worn for decades, and tie into changing tastes in the world of what’s in vogue. When you’re given the perfect watch, you’re getting the result of careful thinking about your specific taste and lifestyle. You’ll hopefully receive an accessory that complements your overall style and makes you look that much more fabulous.

Whether it’s a streamlined chronograph or a frothy rose gold timepiece with a delicate strap, every Backes & Strauss watch has a character of its very own. Just like you do. The person who purchased your watch will have considered the essence of you, and your watch should express this.

THE GIFT OF PRACTICALITY

Even the sumptuous, diamond-encrusted, handcrafted masterpieces we create are utilitarian items. However advanced we may be technologically, people still need watches!

It’s good to stay organised, and this means keeping track of time throughout the day. But as many women can agree, it’s not always the most straight forward task to root around in your handbag to find your cellphone! A quick glance at a beautiful timepiece on your wrist is much easier and far more satisfying. Plus, it provides a subtle yet constant reminder of the special person who gifted you your watch too.

THE GIFT OF LUXURY

There’s nothing that can quite compare to unboxing a luxurious gift and Backes & Strauss makes this part of the process especially enjoyable. The sumptuousness of our designs extends into how our pieces are packaged, and we make sure every second you spend with one of our items counts!

Like jewellery, there is the exquisite suspense in sliding the box open to reveal what’s inside and then the pure joy at the thing of beauty you find. Whether it’s a birthday gift, a present for the holiday season or just because, when you gift a woman a watch, you’re also gifting her a symbol of opulence and splendour.

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

Another significant metaphor that comes into play with a watch gift is that of giving someone time. This is a commodity we all wish we had more of with the ones we love. Watches can even become treasured heirlooms, handed down to the next generation of powerful women in the family to mark important milestones. In that sense, the strong sentimental value of your watch has no time limit – it is to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Wearing your new gift may even help you be more on time! After all, it elevates you and makes you look more polished and professional. This goes a long way towards readying you for the challenges you face every day.

THE GIFT OF A DAILY REMINDER

There’s nothing throwaway about the gift of a watch. After all, they’ve been carefully designed to be worn, used, and enjoyed each day. They’re also one of the only things that can be worn all the time and giving someone a timepiece means they’ll think of you more often.

A wristwatch will remind a woman of the person who gave it to her every time she puts it on, each time she looks at it during your day or night. And then once more when she takes it off before a shower, bath, swim, or to get a good night’s rest.

For betrothed couples, watches can make a poetic, romantic gift symbolising the couple’s time together. Classic timepieces are ideal as an anniversary gift as they signify the past, present and future. A man who gives you this kind of present is communicating the depth of his commitment and his abiding affection for you.

If you’re not yet betrothed and have received something of this calibre from the man in your life, it almost always means that he’s committed to you. It signifies the depth of your relationship and cements the idea that he would like to share every second, minute and hour together.

A PERSONAL, UNIQUE GIFT

What makes the perfect wristwatch such an ideal gift for women is the fact that so much care and attention goes into choosing it. You’ll treasure not only the handcrafted excellence that defines our pieces but how personally meaningful it is too. It tells you that the giver values your wants and needs and deepens your relationship with recognition of your individuality.

The gift of wristwatch shows that a lot of thought has gone into the present and that the giver is interested in you and wants to know what you like. As complex a process as this is, it’s simplicity itself and is evidence of a deep and abiding connection between two people.

Giving something as personal and meaningful as a Backes & Strauss wristwatch requires the giver to make a calculated risk because he has to understand you to buy you something you’ll love. It’s a way to establish even more of an emotional tie between a couple and is about your beloved taking a more active role in your life.

Many literal and figurative meanings can be ascribed to the gift-giving of a watch. But at the end of the day, it’s up to you to decipher what the intention is behind it. However, it’s a pretty safe assumption that if someone has taken the time to try and figure out what kind of timepiece would suit you and your needs best; he’s been hit by Cupid’s arrow!

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OYSTER PERPETUAL LADY-DATEJUST THE AUDACITY OF EXCELLENCE
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ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Lady Date-just the audacity of excellence

ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Lady Date-just the audacity of excellence

“A classic designed for a lady”. So might some describe the Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust. Maybe they’re right. If “classic” means perpetuating tradition with a blend of elegance and precision, grace and resistance, beauty and technical performance. If being “a lady” means constantly pursuing a higher standard with unyielding determination. Then indeed the Lady-Datejust is a classic designed for a lady.

OYSTER PERPETUAL LADY-DATEJUST THE AUDACITY OF EXCELLENCE

OYSTER PERPETUAL LADY-DATEJUST THE AUDACITY OF EXCELLENCE

1957. THE BIRTH OF AN ICON.
Audrey Hepburn was captivating Hollywood, Sylvia Earle obtained her Master of Science, Françoise Sagan was shaking up the literary landscape, Pat Smythe reigned supreme in equestrian sport, and fashion designer Adèle Simpson had New-York clamouring for her latest creations. Women were changing.

No less ladylike than their mothers, they were enjoying new, active lifestyles. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, understood this: the modern woman wanted to manage her time to control her destiny. She needed as much precision as men. And so was born, in 1957, Rolex’s classic women’s watch: the Lady-Datejust. A watch of smaller proportions built on unwavering standards of excellence. A watch for women that was every bit as reliable as a man’s. With this innovation, the brand had broken new technical ground in terms of the case size, while also obtaining COSC chronometric certification for this small model.

The Lady-Datejust was inspired by audacity. It addressed not only a technical challenge but a cultural one, too: this watch would serve to further women’s independence. An uncompromising creation, combining elegance and accuracy on the wrist of a modern, graceful and accomplished woman. A symbol of assertiveness expressed in exquisitely feminine form.

Incorporating several decades of watchmaking innovations, the Lady-Datejust has established itself as the ultimate classic women’s watch: a piece of technical prowess
made for women who believe in themselves.

OYSTER PERPETUAL LADY-DATEJUST THE AUDACITY OF EXCELLENCE

OYSTER PERPETUAL LADY-DATEJUST THE AUDACITY OF EXCELLENCE

AN AUTHENTICALLY MODERN CLASSIC

Adopted by women whose steadfast determination has led them to remarkable achievements, the Lady-Datejust graces the wrist of the marine biologist Sylvia Earle, the golf champion Annika Sörenstam, and the singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. As pioneers in each of their fields, they portray a new image of femininity: engaged, modern and in permanent pursuit of excellence.

Inspired by their legacy, the next generation is bringing renewed vigour to disciplines across the spectrum. Whether it be the prodigious pianist Yuja Wang, the tennis champion Garbiñe Muguruza, the biologist Emma Camp working to protect coral reefs, or the sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar, these women are the new faces of
contemporary femininity.

FEATURES OF THE LADY-DATEJUST
• Classic timeless elegance
• Instantaneous date with Cyclops lens
• Many variants (large selection of dials, bezels and bracelets)
• Superlative Chronometer certification, specific to Rolex
• International five-year guarantee
• Self-winding mechanical movement, COSC certified
• Power reserve of 55 hours
• Syloxi hairspring in silicon
• High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers
• 28 mm Oyster case, waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet)

WATCHMAKING KNOW-HOW AND TECHNOLOGY CONCENTRATED IN A SMALL WATCH 28 MM OYSTER CASE A SMALL CASE FOR A GREAT WATCHMAKING ACHIEVEMENT

OYSTER PERPETUAL LADY-DATEJUST THE AUDACITY OF EXCELLENCE

OYSTER PERPETUAL LADY-DATEJUST THE AUDACITY OF EXCELLENCE

The Lady-Datejust’s Oyster case, 28 mm in diameter and guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness and elegance. The middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, a particularly corrosion-resistant alloy, or from 18 ct gold. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only certified Rolex watchmakers to access the movement.

The Twinlock winding crown, fitted with a double waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. The crystal, with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of
the date, is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the Lady-Datejust’s movement.

OYSTER PERPETUAL LADY-DATEJUST THE AUDACITY OF EXCELLENCE

OYSTER PERPETUAL LADY-DATEJUST THE AUDACITY OF EXCELLENCE

PERPETUAL CALIBRE 2236 A MOVEMENT AT THE FOREFRONT OF WATCHMAKING TECHNOLOGY

The Lady-Datejust is equipped with calibre 2236, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A consummate demonstration of technology, this movement carries a number of patents. It offers outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability. The oscillator of calibre 2236 has a balance wheel with variable inertia regulated extremely precisely via gold Microstella nuts. It is held firmly in place by a height-adjustable traversing bridge enabling very stable positioning to increase shock resistance. The oscillator is also fitted on high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, designed and patented by Rolex.

Calibre 2236 is fitted with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor, which ensures continuous winding of the mainspring by harnessing the movements of the wrist to provide constant energy. It offers a power reserve of approximately 55 hours.

The movement of the Lady-Datejust will be seen only by certified Rolex watchmakers, yet it is beautifully finished and decorated in keeping with the brand’s uncompromising
quality standards.

SYLOXI HAIRSPRING AN EXCLUSIVE HAIRSPRING FOR OPTIMUM STABILITY

Calibre 2236 incorporates a Syloxi hairspring in silicon, which is patented and manufactured by Rolex. Insensitive to magnetic fields, the Syloxi hairspring provides great stability in the face of temperature variations and remains up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks.

The Syloxi hairspring found in calibre 2236 has a geometry that guarantees the regularity of the movement in any position. It also includes a paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus
escape wheel.

A SINGULAR WATCH IN EVERY WAY

The quintessentially classic watch, known for its timeless and inimitable style, the Lady-Datejust has, over time, unveiled a variety of bezels and dials that reflect as much the personality of its wearer as the model’s ability to renew its own elegance in fine detail. It beckons its owner to shape its own future.

DIALS, BEZELS AND CASES

Multiple dial variations are possible on the Lady-Datejust. They are available in a wealth of materials, colours, motifs and markers – indices, Roman or Arab numerals – with numerous gem-setting options for the hour markers or the dial itself. Among the iconic champagne-colour, silver, white, pink and diamond-set dials, the dial in mother-of-pearl
stands out for its singularity. Domed, fluted or gem-set, the bezel of the Lady-Datejust is available in three different designs, each conferring its own distinctive aesthetic.

MOTHER-OF-PEARL DIAL NATURAL ELEGANCE

Mother-of-pearl is by its nature full of mystery and surprises. Depending on its origin, it can be pink, white, black or yellow. It differs in colour, intensity and structure according to the part of the shell from which it is extracted. At Rolex, mother-of-pearl is never artificially coloured. Instead, particular know-how and skill are devoted to simply highlighting its natural beauty and preserving the original hues. As all mother-of-pearl dials are unique pieces, an identical dial will never be found on another wrist.

GOLD AND OYSTERSTEEL

The Lady-Datejust is available in several metal alloys: Oystersteel, 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold, and in a Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and yellow, white or
Everose gold).

GOLDS BY ROLEX

Whether yellow, white or Everose, the 18 ct gold of the Lady-Datejust shines with a special radiance. Rolex has its own foundry and develops its gold alloys from the purest
raw materials. From casting to the shaping and polishing of the gold, everything is carried out in the Rolex workshops with meticulous care to ensure impeccable quality. Everose gold, an exclusive 18 ct pink gold alloy developed and patented by Rolex, owes its unique hue to its exclusive composition.

THE GEM-SET LADY-DATEJUST

In 2021, Rolex introduced a new sparkling version of its Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust. This entirely gem-set version in 18 ct yellow gold is draped in glittering diamonds. The case is entirely set with 158 brilliant-cut diamonds on the case sides and lugs, while the bezel features 44 brilliant-cut diamonds. This new Lady-Datejust is fitted on a President bracelet set with 596 brilliant-cut diamonds. Its dial is paved with 291 brilliant-cut diamonds.

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HUBLOT LOVES ASPEN SNOWMASS

HUBLOT LOVES ASPEN SNOWMASS

Hublot takes on the (Black) Diamond and pays tribute to 75 years of Aspen Snowmass with the Classic Fusion Aerofusion Aspen Snowmass Limited Edition

Aspen Snowmass is an enigma. A destination steeped in history and community, it also moves with speed and draws visitors the world over. It is hard to make time stand still in America’s most iconic and adventurous mountain town, but that’s exactly what Swiss luxury watchmaker Hublot and Aspen Snowmass have achieved today.

In honor of the 75th Anniversary of Aspen Snowmass, Hublot: The Official Resort Partner and Official Timekeeper of Aspen Snowmass, has kicked off the resort’s auspicious 75th anniversary (taking place in January 2022) ahead of time, by launching a limited-edition commemorative timepiece to celebrate the Diamond Anniversary (that is fondly termed “The Black Diamond Anniversary” in acknowledgement of the mountain’s famed downhill terrain).

Aspen Snowmass – home to four mountains, two towns and one unforgettable experience at the confluence of nature, culture, and recreation – and Hublot – renowned for The Art of Fusion, have combined forces to design a piece that speaks to the DNA of both the mountain and the Swiss luxury Maison.

Designed in artful collaboration, the alpine-white skeletonized timepiece takes on the iconic Hublot Classic Fusion model. This limited edition of 30 pieces made of black ceramic with a white ceramic bezel features the Aspen tree leaf on the second hand and high shine brilliant titanium, a homage to the silver mining heritage of the Rockies and Aspen township. The limitation is stamped on the back of the timepiece along with the 75-year commemorative logo: the piece is a true collector’s item for 30 lucky few.

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Girard-Perregaux – Tourbillon with three flying bridges Aston Martin Edition

Girard-Perregaux – Tourbillon with three flying bridges -Aston Martin Edition

  • New Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges – Aston Martin Edition celebrates the shared passions of the two luxury brands
  • This is the first timepiece to be offered after Girard-Perregaux was announced as Official Watch Partner of Aston Martin in February
  • World premiere – black calf leather strap featuring Girard-Perregaux’s exclusive Rubber Alloy
  • Just 18 Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges – Aston Martin Edition will be made

La Chaux-de-Fonds – Switzerland: The first timepiece borne of the recently announced partnership between Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin has been revealed today. The Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges – Aston Martin Edition unites the watchmaking expertise of Girard-Perregaux with Aston Martin’s unique knowledge of luxury and performance.

Both brands demonstrate a passion for refined craftsmanship and have been working together, sharing their understanding of design, materials and technology. This latest model celebrates the iconic Three Bridges pocket watch from the 19th century in a decidedly contemporary way, down to the smallest details, including the strap. The latter is a world premiere, presented in black calf leather and featuring Rubber Alloy, an innovative rubber insert injected with white gold. The design of the strap is intended to evoke thoughts of Aston Martin racing cars of the past.

Upholding Girard-Perregaux tradition, this model skilfully plays with proportions and shapes much to the delight of aesthetes.The 44 millimetre case of the Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges – Aston Martin Edition is formed of Grade 5 titanium, a strong, hypoallergenic alloy selected by Aston Martin for its
lightweight properties. It is suffused with black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon), bestowing the watch with a stealthy appearance. Interestingly, titanium ore was discovered in Great Britain, the home of Aston Martin, back in 1791 by an English clergyman, William Gregor, in the same year Girard-Perregaux was founded.

A sapphire crystal ‘box’ is positioned front of house, as well as to the rear, coaxing light to illuminate the case interior, thereby augmenting readability. The movement eschews a mainplate, sitting between both panes of sapphire crystal and seemingly floating in mid-air. Three bridges, an iconic signature of Girard-Perregaux, span the dial and are formed of titanium with black PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) treatment and polished angles. The design endows the timepiece with an airy appearance, affording breathtaking views of movement components ordinarily hidden from view. While Girard-Perregaux has a long history of making the invisible visible, in this instance it has ventured off-piste, creating a watch whose movement appears to levitate within the case. This is achieved by paring back the movement, causing the mainplate to seemingly disappear, thereby creating the illusion of the movement flying within the case. It was this particular characteristic that led to the term ‘Flying Bridges’.


The cage of the tourbillon, positioned in the lower portion of the dial, is ‘lyre-shaped’, a characteristic found on all the company’s tourbillons dating back to the 19th century. A blued hand affixed to the cage imparts the running seconds. The tourbillon cage, measuring a mere 10mm in diameter, is composed of 79 components which collectively weigh only 0.25 grams. This remarkably low figure helps mitigate energy consumption.

The barrel, positioned at 12 o’clock, is openworked, affording partial views of the mainspring. A white gold micro-rotor, positioned beneath the barrel, energises the mainspring and, unlike most automatic watches, it grants unobstructed views of the movement. The car company’s name is engraved on the vertical flank of the micro-rotor and is filled with white luminescent treatment which appears blue in restricted light. Likewise, the indexes and hands are also treated with white luminescent treatment and, once again, emit a blue glow in dim light.

Patrick Pruniaux, CEO of Girard-Perregaux, said, “We are delighted to partner with Aston Martin, entrusting their team with arguably our most iconic timepiece, delivering a fresh perspective on Haute Horlogerie. Rarely do we work with others to reinterpret the Three Bridges, however, on this occasion, we have made an exception, mindful of Aston Martin’s prowess for design.

“When viewing the design of an Aston Martin, you will note the firm’s distinctive front grille, first seen on the DB Mark III of the late 50s. Likewise, the scoops and side strakes found on the company’s modern-day models are functional elements, intended to improve airflow while enriching the overall appearance of each car.”

“At Girard-Perregaux we share a similar philosophy. For example, when the Maison released the now-legendary Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges in 1867, it transformed three functional elements into attractive aesthetic features and demonstrated an approach that we continue to employ today. Finally, this latest partnership provides a fascinating chapter in Girard-Perregaux’s 230-year history.”Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer adds: ‘The greatest of the challenges we faced with the design of this new timepiece were those of scale, as you can imagine. We had to consider lines and proportion on a far smaller scale than we are used to in the realm of automotive design. That said, good design is good design, whether it is a watch or a car, the principles remain the same. I’m delighted with the finished watch and congratulate everyone who worked on this project as this collaboration has produced a timepiece of great beauty.

The Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges – Aston Martin Edition, a limited edition of 18 pieces, is immediately available worldwide in all authorised Girard-Perregaux retailers.

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