March 2014 – WORLD OF LUXURY

Monthly Archives: March 2014

Montblanc Meisterstuck Heritage Perpetual Calendar Watch Priced at $10,000

A flagship timepiece that was crafted as a tribute to the brand’s famed fountain pen, the Montblanc Meisterstuck Heritage Perpetual Calendar Watch helps to celebrate the 90th anniversary for the pen. A true reflection of the craftsmanship the brand produces, this piece captures that same quality the pen has always represented and delivers it for a remarkable price. Being the most affordable timepiece currently on the market with these features, it is anticipated by many.

The timepiece features one of the most recognized and respected complications in the horological world. The pricing of course is part of what makes this watch so sensational, but quality and reliability will not be sacrificed. The stainless steel and red gold versions are slightly more than the Montblanc Meisterstuck Heritage Perpetual Calendar, each of them is quite reasonable considering the mechanical brilliance inside, and the aesthetic beauty on the outside.

Parmigiani Fleurier Pershing Samba Madeira Watch

The brand has been respected for over a decade because of the high level of quality, the excellence demanded in design and the perfection that must be found in the inner working of each timepiece. The latest edition the brand has crafted is the Parmigiani Fleurier Pershing Samba Madeira Watch, and is a technical masterpiece. Celebrating the heritage of Brazil and incorporating the rhythm of the Samba, this piece is as much a work of art as it is an exquisite timepiece.

The color of the country is reflected in the shading, and the design image of the guitar is brilliant. The intricate detail on the guitar is amazing, including the delicate six strings that are hand placed and are the thickness of a human hair. The tourbillon movement oscillates and actually brings the guitar to life. The actual colors of the Brazilian flag are incorporated into the timepiece, the green and yellow as well as dark blue, with the dial featuring wooden marquetry patterns.

Perpetual Calendar Manufacture Ulysse Nardin Watch

Many brands are starting to turn to in-house movements rather than using outsourced ones, the new Ulysse Nardin Perpetual Calendar Manufacture Watch is a prime example of that action. The trend is certainly taking the horological world by storm, and is a remarkable advancement for everyone. This brand featured an in-house module with a base of Swiss ETA automatic in a previous collection, but this fully in-house movement is slated for the limited edition set.

Previously the brand reserved the in-house movements for their higher-end timepieces, like the tourbillons, minute repeaters, and high-complication pieces. The debut of this latest collection using the caliber UN-32, will be the first step in taking all movements in-house. The brand caliber UN-32 is also COSC Chronometer certified, and takes into account leap years so that the timepiece will not have to be adjusted till 2100.

Vacheron Constantin Openworked Patrimony Traditionelle 14-Day Tourbillon Unveiled at SIHH 2014

Creating a remarkable combination of classic tradition and modern technology, the Vacheron Constantin Openworked Patrimony Traditionelle 14-Day Tourbillon unveiled at the SIHH 2014 captures the attention of collectors and timepiece afficianados. The art of openworking started back in the early part of the 19th century and this timepiece is such an amazing example of the artistic craft, showcasing the engraving and skelentonization.

The breathtaking beauty of these timepieces has to be seen to truly be appreciated. Capturing dramatic three-dimensional effects that double thanks to the 2260 SQ architecture developed by the brand, and the Gothic inspiration in the design features impressive depth complimented by components that feature some exquisite destructured lines. The tourbillon was born around the same time as openworking, but the brand has truly mastered these craftsmanship skills to bring these timepieces to life.

Panerai Radiomir 1940 Limited Edition Chronograph

The brand has introduced many watches previously, but the Panerai Radiomir 1940 Limited Edition Chronograph is a spectacular new design that has been presented in three amazing metals, red gold, platinum and white gold. Each of the designs is complete with its own unique dial, and to capture the essence of the era, the retro style combines hands and classic case to complete the timepiece aesthetics. The inner workings of this masterpiece feature a modified Minerva movement that is superior to all the previous movements.

The three special watches all share similar characteristics, however they are each very unique and stand alone with what each brings to the table. The designs were crafted with 45mm cases, and each feature a sub-seconds dial sitting at 9 o’clock, and a minutes totaler at 3 o’clock. The creative vintage style tachymeter scale circles the edge and allows the sub-dials to be very well situated. Really focusing on the unique aspect of the timepieces, the new models use plexiglass crystals instead of the sapphire crystals, a throwback to the original that was crafted for the Royal Italian Navy.

A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst Watch: A Mouthful of Masterwork

An exclusive collectors piece that was debuted at the “Watchers & Wonders” Haute Horological Exhibition in Hong Kong is brilliant in artistry, design, and technological advancement. The A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst Watch has been described as A Mouthful of Masterwork, and is not only impressive, but absolutely stunning.

The 41.9 mm platinum case is fitting for such a beautiful creation. The brand signature in addition to the edition serial numbers are on the case back, hand engraved and presented in the limited edition 15 pieces worldwide. The exclusive collection will be featured at only a few select boutiques, and distributors, making it in high demand. The timepiece combines two classic complications with the brands most sought after design, and the layout is marvelous. Astutely arranged, the calendar displays featuring the patented peripheral month ring offer a plethora of information at a simple glance.

Konstantin Chaykin Lunokhod Prime Watch

A timepiece that has been described as one of the most interesting pieces in the world has been crafted and created by the only high-end watchmaker in Russia. Konstantin Chaykin Lunokhod Prime is such a remarkable timepiece, made entirely in Russia, manufactured in Moscow. Amazing as it may seem, the creator of this masterpiece comes from a scientific background and has no training in watchmaking or horological design.

Luxury watchmaking requires so much in terms of exquisite unique design, and brilliant technological excellence, but to do all this in a region of the world far from Swiss watch making tradition makes it even more astounding. The Russian craftsmanship is very unique in that it is mainly self-taught and strays from classic watchmaking methods. The brand creates their own path for crafting timepieces; they are not good at following directions.