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What does it take to keep one of the world’s most prestigious brands at the very top of high-end watchmaking? In this rare conversation with Rainer Bernard, Head of R&D for Watchmaking at Van Cleef & Arpels, we uncover the secrets behind their timeless craftsmanship, the values that have shaped their identity for over a century, and the vision guiding their future. This is more than an interview – it’s a masterclass in how heritage and innovation can co-exist without compromise. You will hear how the Maison balances exclusivity with global growth, why design remains at the heart of everything they do, and what leadership looks like inside one of the most respected luxury houses in the world. If you have ever wondered how an iconic brand preserves its magic while evolving for the 21st century, this is the interview you cannot miss. #vancleefarpels #VCAwatch #VCAPoeticComplications #hautehorlogerie #luxurywatches #ladieswatch #watchadvisor #wherethewatchesarethestars
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Inside Van Cleef & Arpels: Vision, Craft & Strategy –  An Exclusive Interview

October 2, 2025 2:44 pm

Guido Terreni, CEO of Parmigiani Fleurier, is reshaping the very definition of luxury. In this WatchAdvisor interview, he introduces the concept of “private luxury” — a refined, discreet, and no-show-off approach to elegance that speaks to true connoisseurs. Since taking the lead at Parmigiani, Terreni has transformed the Maison into one of the most admired names in Haute Horlogerie, celebrated for its clean design language, uncompromising craftsmanship, and timeless vision. He explains how Parmigiani is redefining luxury by moving beyond ostentation and focusing instead on exclusivity, refinement, and authenticity. Discover Guido Terreni’s creative philosophy, Parmigiani’s unique role in modern Haute Horlogerie, and why collectors are embracing this new vision of private luxury. #WatchAdvisor #wherethewatchesarethestars #Parmigiani #GuidoTerreni #ParmigianiFleurier #LuxuryWatches #SwissWatches #HauteHorlogerie #WatchCollectors #WatchInterview #WatchIndustry #RedefiningLuxury #PrivateLuxury #WatchmakingExcellence #CreativeWatchmaking #horology PremiumBeat LICENSE #7659435
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Guido Terreni on Private Luxury – How Parmigiani Fleurier Redefines True Elegance | WatchAdvisor

August 29, 2025 12:37 pm

Cartier is the icon of style — and much of that identity has been shaped and safeguarded by Pierre Rainero, the brand’s long-standing Director of Style and Heritage. In this WatchAdvisor interview, we talk to one of the most thoughtful and eloquent voices in the luxury world about the Maison’s incredible success, its timeless design philosophy, and the legacy that continues to inspire collectors around the globe. Pierre Rainero has played a key role in maintaining Cartier’s stylistic DNA while guiding the brand through decades of evolution. With his deep understanding of heritage and aesthetics, he offers rare insight into what makes Cartier one of the most admired names in haute horlogerie and luxury jewelry. #WatchAdvisor #wherethewatchesarethestars #Cartier #PierreRainero #CartierWatches #CartierHeritage #LuxuryWatches #SwissWatches #HauteHorlogerie #WatchCollectors #WatchInterview #WatchIndustry #LuxuryJewelry #CartierStyle #WatchmakingExcellence #DesignIcon #CartierSuccess PremiumBeat license #7538547
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Cartier: The Icon of Style – Pierre Rainero on Heritage, Design & Timeless Success | WatchAdvisor

August 15, 2025 11:13 am

#jaegerlecoultre #reverso #ladieswatches @jaegerlecoultre The 2025 JAEGER-LECOULTRE REVERSO Reverso One ‘Precious Flowers’ interpretations present an explosion of vivid enamel colours and brilliant-cut diamonds. Colourful bouquets of arums are created using the grand feu champlevé enamelling technique, a demanding five-step process that begins with the hollowing-out of the metal surface to leave only the outline of each flower or leaf. The shallow troughs are then filled with powdered glass enamel that must be fired at temperatures up to 800° Centigrade. Up to 10 coats of enamel and firings are necessary, one layer at a time, to achieve the desired tonal nuances, intensity and depth of colour. Requiring at least two years of rigorous training and experience to master this skill, an expert enameller knows almost instinctively the precise moment when the enamel must be removed from the kiln, to avoid flaws such as bubbles or cracks and – because pigments often change during the heating process – to acquire the desired colours. For designs that incorporate diamonds, gem-setting can begin only after the enamel work is completed. This task is made more difficult because a gem-setter requires soft metal, whereas the pink gold has become hardened by the extreme heat of firing; it also requires an exceptional level of precision since the slightest mistake could compromise countless hours of enamelling work. To set the diamonds on the ‘Precious Flowers’ cases, both grain- and snow-setting techniques are used. Grain-setting frames the dial and highlights the geometry of the cases, while snow-setting transforms the metal areas between the flowers and leaves of the enamelled motif. Using diamonds of different sizes, in arrangements that are determined by the shape of the area to be set, the snow-setting technique creates an almost unbroken surface of light and sparkle that amplifies the fresh colours of the enamel. To support the advancement of craft skills and sharing of ideas, Jaeger-LeCoultre has created a dedicated atelier within the Manufacture where all Métiers Rares™ (Rare Handcrafts) are performed: gem-setting, engraving and a wide range of different enamelling techniques. It is by working in such close proximity that the various specialised artisans in this atelier are able to have the necessary discussions and exchanges throughout the entire process of transforming unadorned metal surfaces into magnificent pieces of jewellery. In a lengthy and carefully orchestrated process, three different artistic techniques have been brought together to create the Green Arums model. The Green grand feu champlevé enamelling process alone requires 15 hours of meticulous crafting. Surrounding the flowers and foliage, a total of 409 diamonds (2.59 carats) have been patiently and expertly set using the snow- and grain-setting techniques – a process requiring 45 hours. Contrasting with the bright green tones of the enamel and adding depth to the motif, black lacquer is applied among the flowers and leaves. In a process demanding absolute precision, fragments of lacquered material are cut into the exact shape and size of the spaces to be filled and are then fixed into place. The Purple Arums interpretation offers a stunning cameo of purple, pink and green grand feu champlevé enamel, requiring a total of 30 hours to craft. The floral design wraps seamlessly around the case-sides, from the back to the bezel, covering curves and angles that add to the complexity of the artisans’ work, with snow-set diamonds covering the entire motif. With painstaking precision, a total of 637 diamonds (2.12 carats) are snow- and grain-set, requiring an additional 95 hours of work to complete. Fixed by shiny alligator straps that complement the enamel colours, these timepieces also highlight La Grande Maison’s technical watchmaking mastery, as they are run by the hand-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 846, a movement shaped by the Maison especially for the Reverso. REVERSO ONE ‘PRECIOUS FLOWERS’ – GREEN ARUMS Case: Pink gold 750/1000 (18k) Watch dimensions: 40 x 20 mm x 9.09 mm Calibre: Manually-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 846 Power reserve: 50 hours Functions: Hours and minutes Dial: Mother-of-pearl Caseback: Enamel, diamonds, lacquer Diamonds: 409 brilliant-cut diamonds for 2.59 carats Strap: Shiny green alligator Reference: Q3292434 Limited edition of 10 pieces REVERSO ONE ‘PRECIOUS FLOWERS’ – PURPLE ARUMS Case: Pink gold 750/1000 (18k) Watch dimensions: 40 x 20 mm x 9.09 mm Calibre: Manually-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 846 Power reserve: 50 hours Functions: hours and minutes Dial: mother-of-pearl Caseback: Enamel, diamonds Diamonds: 637 brilliant-cut diamonds for 2.12 carats Strap: shiny purple alligator Reference: Q3292435 Limited edition of 10 pieces #wherethewatchesarethestars #watchesandwonders2025
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JAEGER-LECOULTRE REVERSO One ‘Precious Flowers’. Sheer beauty. 2025 Premiere

April 1, 2025 12:00 am

#jaegerlecoultre #reverso #shahnameh @jaegerlecoultre Jaeger-LeCoultre presents a series of four new Reverso Tribute Enamel timepieces that celebrate the origins of the Reverso in the sport of polo, capture the power and beauty of the horse, and pay homage to one of the world’s greatest works of literature and art – the Persian epic poem, Shahnameh. In tribute to the history of miniature painting, which originated in Persia, the caseback of each piece features a miniature reproduction of an illustration from the magnificent edition of the Shahnameh dedicated to Shah Tahmasp created in the 16th century. Just as the Reverso was born from polo, these timepieces tell a story within a story – capturing not only the essence of the game that inspired its creation but also paying homage to polo’s ancient Persian origins through the artistry of miniature enamel painting. The new timepieces combine four traditional crafts: miniature enamel painting, paillonnage, grand feu enamel and guillochage, reaffirming the skill and talents gathered together in La Grande Maison’s in-house Métiers Rares™ atelier in the Vallée de Joux. Embracing this challenge, Jaeger-LeCoultre refined the ancestral enamelling technique, adapting it to the Reverso’s proportions and giving rise to some of the most intricate and evocative timepieces in its history. Over the decades, enameling has journeyed alongside the Reverso, continually evolving to celebrate different cultures and themes, ensuring that the art form remains at the heart of La Grande Maison’s creative expression. Dating back to 1936 and 1949, the Jaeger-LeCoultre museum holds two extraordinary examples of this craftsmanship: the Reverso ‘Indian Beauty’, depicting an Indian princess, and the Reverso ‘Rama’, representing the Hindu god Rama. These masterpieces mark the beginning of a rich artistic legacy that continues today with the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Shahnameh’. The term Persian miniature painting refers specifically to paintings made on paper using opaque watercolours, ink, silver and various forms of gold. Despite the name, they are not miniature in size but are generally “book sized”, to be bound in with illuminated manuscripts. Miniature painting flourished in Persia from the 13th century onwards, reached its apotheosis in the 16th century – when the Shah Tahmasp Shahmaneh was created – and also made its way to Mughal India. This rich tradition of finely detailed, miniature artworks is the reason why such paintings were commissioned to be enamelled on the back of Reverso watches, offering a unique way to preserve and showcase these masterpieces while embracing the art of miniature painting in a wearable form. Persian miniatures are characterised by a flattened, multi-layered style rendered in bright and pure colours, with great attention to detail in the subjects’ costumes and the background landscapes or architecture. Expressing the Maison’s vision of art and culture, the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Shahnameh’ series reinterprets Persian miniature painting through four exceptional crafts – enamel miniature painting, grand feu enamelling, paillonnage and guillochage – in a magnificent showcase for the talents and skills being nurtured in the Manufacture’s in-house Métiers RaresTM atelier. The first of many challenges in decorating the caseback was to miniaturise the original works – measuring 48 x 32 cm, drawn with the finest of lines and packed with tiny details – and reproduce them on a surface of 2 cm2. Moreover, the reproductions had to recreate the dreamlike feeling of a mythical world and the drama of the stories, and to replicate dozens of rich colours. The enamel paintings are further elevated by the craft of paillonnage, where delicate pieces of fine gold leaf (24k, 999/1000) are carefully cut to match the shape and size of the desired motif, a tribute to the traditional technique of using gold leaf in the original Persian miniatures to achieve a rich, lustrous gold hue. The paillons (fragments) are then meticulously placed by hand on the surface to be enamelled. This highly skilled work requires 100 hours of miniature enamel painting and paillonnage for the creation of each caseback. On the front dial of each watch, grand feu enamel is applied over a hand-guilloché base executed on a 100-year-old hand operated lathe – an evocative artistic response to the miniature paintings on the casebacks. The simplicity of the Reverso Tribute design codes places full value on the beauty of the guilloché pattern and the rich colour of the enamel. #wherethewatchesarethestars #watchesandwonders2025
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JAEGER-LECOULTRE Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Shahnameh’. Persian miniature painting. 2025 Premiere.

April 1, 2025 12:00 am

#bovet #manufacture #behindthescene @Bovet1822 Who is Bovet 1822? Please read this description to discover the history of the family and brand Bovet and watch our behind the scenes video to discover Bovet in the year 2024... Enjoy our 4 K video and please share your thoughts with us by using the comments section... BOVET 1797 – 1839 Establishment of the BOVET Dynasty 1797 Edouard Bovet was born in Fleurier. He was the son of Jean-Frédéric Bovet. He followed his father’s footsteps and became a master-watchmaker. 1818 Edouard Bovet left London April 20 aboard the Orwell, ship of the “Compagnie des Indes,” on a voyage to China. He arrived in Canton, on August 16, where he quickly sold four watches for the sum of CHF 10,000 representing the equivalent of one million dollars today. 1822 The House of BOVET, a family business, was registered on May 1st, in London. Read more... 1835 The CHÂTEAU DE MÔTIERS was built in the 14th century, overlooking le Val-de-Travers and Fleurier. It was sold to Henri-François Dubois-Bovet. 1840 – 2000 BOVET’s Golden Age 1840 Frédéric Bovet left London and returned home to Fleurier, where he managed the watchmaking workshops that at the time employed 175 people. 1849 Edouard Bovet died in Fleurier at the age of 52, leaving his legacy in China. At that time, BOVET was a synonym of watch for the celestial (Chinese people), and used as a trade currency. 1855 During the Universal Exhibition held in Paris, BOVET won the gold medal in the category ‘luxury’ for a pair of enameled watches commissioned by the Emperor of China. Show less 1889 Fritz Bovet, Alphonse’s eldest son, filed a patent for a flyback chronograph equipped with a seconds-hand, minute-counter, and hour-counter that featured measurements of up to 24 hours. This ingenious mechanism offered the possibility of using the chronograph as a second-time zone. 1939 BOVET filed a patent for the Easel watch, which allowed the use of a pocket watch as a table clock. Another patent was filed for the Mono Split-Second chronograph, which today remains highly desirable among collectors. 1957 Henri-François Dubois-Bovet’s great grandchildren gifted the Castle of Môtiers to the state of Neuchâtel. 2001 – Present The Pinnacle of the Watchmaking Arts 2001 Pascal Raffy, a passionate collector of Haute Horology, became sole owner of BOVET Fleurier SA. 2006 Pascal Raffy bought the Castle of Môtiers, classified as a historical monument, from the State of Neuchâtel, and established the first BOVET’s assembly workshop. To continue the legacy of the Bovet brothers, he soon integrated the DIMIER 1738 Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Artisanale and BOVET Manufacture of dials. Show less 2007 To celebrate their mutual respect and admiration, the House of BOVET and Pininfarina established a partnership to create luxury sport timepieces that unites their passion for design and engineering brilliance. 2010 The House of BOVET premiered the patented Amadéo® convertible case, which allows you to transform your timepiece in a reversible wristwatch, table clock and pocket watch (or necklace watch) without the use of any tool. 2014 BOVET launched the Virtuoso II Caliber, the first movement not regulated by a tourbillon to be entirely developed and handcrafted in-house. 2015 Pascal Raffy unveiled two historical timepieces exclusively handcrafted by the BOVET’s artisans: the incredible Braveheart®, with 6 patents and an impressive 22-day power reserve, and the 19Thirty designed in homage to the pocket watches created by the Bovet family in the 1930s. 2018 Pascal Raffy’s commitment and dedication to the highest level of Haute Horology is both acknowledged and honored when the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève awards the Récital 22 Grand Récital, its most coveted award, the Aiguille d’Or. 2020 The Bovet Family welcomed Miss Audrey Raffy and her passion for Haute Horology, as she joined forces with her father Mr. Pascal Raffy to continue leading the pathway of Engineering Brilliance. Mr. Pascal Raffy was honored to receive the 2020 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève award for Mechanical Exception for the magnificent Récital 26 Brainstorm®️ Chapter Two and the Ladies’ Watch award for the beautiful Miss Audrey timepiece. https://www.bovet.com #wherethewatchesarethestars
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BOVET 1822. Behind the Scenes with Pascal & Keith. 95% in-house! Hard to believe...

August 1, 2024 4:22 pm

#bovet #worldtimer #daylightsavingtime @Bovet1822 The BOVET Récital 28 Prowess 1 is a result of over five years of development, featuring meticulous hand-finishing, hand-engraved bridges, and a limited production of only eight timepieces per year in 18 carat Red Gold, 950 Platinum, and Grade 5 Titanium. The BOVET Récital 28 Prowess represents a significant leap in solving terrestrial timekeeping problems, ensuring accuracy in global timekeeping. The World Time system The 24 rollers around the central dial each have four positions, all controlled through the crown – UTC, AST (American Summer Time), EAS (Europe and America Summer Time), and EWT (European Winter Time). Pushing the crown rotates each individual cylinder 90 degrees, so every time zone can be individually set for each of the four time periods of the year. This has never been possible with a world time timepiece ever before. The Tourbillon The movement powering the Récital 28 Prowess 1 is brand new, using BOVET’s patented double-sided flying tourbillon as a base. The tourbillon has been expanded – the escapement is completely on one side of the center fixation point, with the cage carrying the balance wheel and BOVET’s in-house balance spring on the other side, making it even more transparent and mesmerizing than before. The redesigned cage is the lightest BOVET has ever used, as well (62 components, with 39 being completely new), with a total weight of 0.35 grams). The Récital 28 Prowess 1 is housed in a brand-new size for BOVET’s trademarked Writing Desk case (46.30mm) to allow the tourbillon, which is in the 12 o’clock position, enough space at the widest part of the case. The Perpetual Calendar The date, leap year indication, and the month are on rollers, so when they get to the last day and month respectively, the date rolls back like a slot machine, with a special dampening system to stop it gently, while the other two roll forward. To safeguard this complicated movement, a patented Function Isolator was developed so that the perpetual calendar cannot be corrected during the “safety zone,” when the indications are in the process of changing. One more reason to stay up until midnight at the end of the month and especially at the end of the year to watch all the rollers move. On the back of the timepiece, BOVET has revealed the inner workings of the perpetual calendar mechanism for the first time ever, and it is a visual treat indeed. The Decoration and Finishing Each of the 744 components are hand-finished, the plate is decorated with perlage and Cotes de Geneve, and the bridges are hand-engraved as well. Of particular attention is the beveling of the major structures of the movement — the method used is called angle rentrant. A corner is rentrant when two chamfers meet on the inside. The intersection must be clean, with a single line formed at the meeting point. This type of corner is the most difficult to produce, and the sharper the point, the more difficult it is. It requires expert hands — at present, there is no machine capable of producing it. Case Type: Dimier "Writing Desk" case Diameter: 46.3mm diameter, 17.85mm thickness Material: 18K Red Gold/Platinum/Polished Grade 5 Titanium Water resistance: 30m Movement Caliber: R28-70-00X Type: High-watchmaking hand-wound manufacture movement Components: 744 Number of Jewels: 51 Frequency: 18.000 A/h (= 2.5Hz) Power reserve: 10 days Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds on the flying tourbillon; World time on rollers with UTC, AST (American Summer Time), EAS (Europe and America Summer Time), and EWT (European Winter Time); Perpetual Calendar with rollers for the date (retrograde), the month, and the leap year, disk for the day. Decoration All components hand-finished; special "Rays of Light" hand-engraving on the bridges; skeletonized perpetual calendar; 40 hand-done angle retrant. Dial Inner and outer ring in aventurine; rollers in black PVD #wherethewatchesarethestars
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BOVET 1822 The Récital 28 Prowess 1. Solving the terrestrial time problem with a world timer...

July 17, 2024 12:36 pm

#hublot #hublotbigbang #watchesandwonders2024 @hublot @watchesandwondersofficial HUBLOT Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu Sapphire. Since 2016, the Hublot x Sang Bleu collaboration has seen the celebrated typographer, tattooist, artist, and founder of Sang Bleu, Maxime Plescia-Buchi, set down his indelible and distinct features, and stamp his three-dimensional geometry with both relief and depth onto Hublot watches. From the Big Bang in 2016 to Spirit of Big Bang in 2023, 2024 is once again making its mark. It has kept the Spirit of Big Bang, maintaining the 42 mm diameter and the soul of the barrel shape, while offering a different aesthetic finish. It is a watch that, even with its ultra-generous proportions and assertive shape, offers perfect ergonomics to suit all wrist sizes, both feminine and masculine. There's no change on the movement side, with the HUB4700, a skeletonized automatic chronograph with date at 4.30, 50-hour power reserve and its oscillating weight redesigned in the Sang Bleu style. The sapphire now extends from the dial – which already revealed the HUB4700 self-winding skeleton chronograph movement through the disc hands designed by Sang Bleu – to the case and the bezel, enhancing the watch’s organic design. The complexity of the design of the collection, plus the demanding geometry of Maxim Plescia-Buchi’s polygonal tattooing, meant that Hublot once again had to push back the boundaries of machining sapphire. Under the impact of the sapphire’s transparency, the purity of the Sang Bleu features, which remain sharp and methodical, expresses itself here in an ultra-light minimalist style, both visually and on the wrist. A fascinating and highly demanding material, whose total transparency required an absolutely perfect level of finish. Thanks to 3D machining and over 100 hours of work, the Spirit of Big Bang Sapphire Sang Bleu is practically as hard and scratch-resistant as a diamond (9 on the Mohs scale, compared to 10 for diamonds). The only remaining non-transparent elements are the crown, the push buttons, the screws on the case, the 6 H-shaped screws on the bezel, and the folding clasp, all cut out of titanium, and the components of the movement. Produced in a run of 100 pieces; making this a collector’s edition! HUBLOT Big Bang Unico Orange Ceramic. The Big Bang has introduced different variations of blue, grey and green. Then, in 2019, it presented a world first when the first brightly coloured ceramic was released: a vibrant red. The second of these achievements came in 2021, with a stunning yellow piece. But the Big Bang collector is not someone who is content with the status quo. Far from it! Hublot has therefore continued to innovate and develop new colors, the very latest of which is this orange. Developing an original ceramic color is as simple to say... as it is complex to achieve. The workload should not be underestimated: it requires in-depth research & development. Which additives are needed? In what proportions? What type of firing, at what temperature, and for how long? How can it be machined? Should it have a satin finish? Or polished? How resistant is it to impacts? What about scratches? What pressure? What chemical recipe? This is just a small part of the specifications that govern the development of a new ceramic. And every single aspect is exacting, as the standards guaranteed by Hublot for its ceramic are among the most stringent on the market. 100% internal expertise, patent-protected. The new Big Bang Unico Orange Ceramic follows in the footsteps of its predecessors. It offers a unique, perfectly uniform colour, whatever exterior component it is used to adorn. It is finished to a very high watchmaking standard, with a perfect mirror polish all over. A blend of high technology and savoir faire were necessary to achieve this level of excellence on all the components, due to their diverse shapes, thicknesses, and angles. Hublot has recreated the exact color of the ceramic for the indices, counters on the dial and hands, as well as for the integrated rubber strap. This strap features the patented "One-Click" system for quick, tool-free changes. This series is limited to 250 pieces. At its heart beats the Unico Chronograph Manufacture calibre. This is the very latest generation of the automatic flyback chronograph movement developed by Hublot. Guaranteeing a three-day power reserve (72 hours), it retains the same aesthetic signature: column wheel at 6 o'clock, bicompax layout (small seconds at 9 o'clock, 60-minute counter at 3 o'clock with integrated date), silicon escapement, and the always demonstrative and powerful skeleton architecture. The Unico sits inside the iconic Big Bang case. This version is 42 mm in diameter and features the famous 6 titanium 'H' shaped bezel screws and lugs on either side of the case that echo the design of a ship’s porthole. #wherethewatchesarethestars
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HUBLOT Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu Sapphire/Big Bang Unico Orange Ceramic. Watches and Wonders 2024

May 27, 2024 3:04 pm

#Hublot #bigbang #watchesandwonders2024 @hublot @watchesandwondersofficial Hublot's tenth Manufacture Piece (MP) revisits the fundamentals of watchmaking: no dial, hands or oscillating weight, instead a roller display, a circular power reserve and an inclined tourbillon automatic winding by two linear weights. This Hublot MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium will be no exception. With its rounded angles, sleek design and sapphire crystal of an unparalleled complexity, it houses a movement which is no less sophisticated. A fusion of form and substance. The mechanical and aesthetic power are inseparable – one of the key concepts guiding the MP collections. And at the point where they intersect, the Manufacture offers a bold reinvention of the classic watchmaking complications. These are avant-garde pieces which are resolutely disruptive in their movement, display and complications. But they are neither concepts nor exercises in style. Like all the other MPs, the MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium is a complete, accomplished and practical watch that will soon adorn the wrists of a select few collectors. Instinctively, we seek to characterize the piece in the time-honored way... Firstly through the figures, which make for impressive reading: 592 components, 5 years of R&D, 2 linear weights, 1 inclined tourbillon, a circular power reserve, for a model to be produced in a limited edition of just 50 pieces. Next, its indications. Here, things get a little more complicated: The MP-10 has no hands. In their place are four constantly rotating displays: the hours and minutes in the upper third of the dial, combined with an invisible magnifying glass; the circular power reserve in the central third, with a very clear green zone and red zone; and the seconds in the lower third which are indicated directly on the tourbillon cage. It is made from monobloc aluminium, suspended and inclined, and a patent application is pending for this unique mechanical configuration. The piece has no dial: Hublot has fused the calibre with the dial. The movement is the face and soul of the watch. The gaze is drawn directly to the mechanism to read the time. The MP-10 features a highly architectural design and a particularly expressive movement built around volume and depth. Yet, this in no way interferes with reading. Instead, it makes it simpler. The time is read from top to bottom, fluidly and naturally. The power reserve is particularly expressive, with a two-tone disc (red and green) set coaxially to the hours and minutes. This design eliminates the traditional space constraints, which are usually dictated by a central display in a horizontal plane. The MP-10 can be easily read vertically: hours, minutes, power reserve then seconds. The movement of the eye is fluid and natural. The indications are aligned. They share the same white lacquer typography on black aluminium rollers. For each indication, the current time is read via a red triangular marker. Its winding system follows the same logic. A traditional movement is formed of a flat dial paired with an oscillating weight on the case-back side. However, this type of construction is incompatible with the MP-10. The piece has no dial or hands, it is not flat, and it is read vertically. So, how is it wound? The engineers at Hublot retained the weight principle but verticalised it, just like the movement, then duplicated it. On either side of the central architecture sit two blocks of white gold, arranged on a vertical axis along which they are free to move. To prevent them from colliding with the banking, Hublot developed a system of shock absorbers. These two vertical weights engage a rack and are able to wind the movement bidirectionally – an exclusive Hublot development for which a patent is also pending, that gives the MP-10 a power reserve of more than 48 hours. The watch is wound manually via the crown at 12 o'clock, while the time is set using a second crown nestled on the case-back side to preserve the fluidity of the design. The exterior is finally on a level with the movement. While the case construction is simple (two pieces, middle and case-back in shiny micro-blasted titanium), the sapphire crystal atop it is Hublot's most complex to date, and combines inclined planes on three axes. The same applies to the integrated rubber strap – also the most refined ever designed by the Manufacture. Until the next Manufacture Piece ... #wherethewatchesarethestars
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HUBLOT MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium & more presented at Watches and Wonders 2024.

May 9, 2024 3:54 pm

#bulgari #octofinissimo #watchesandwonders2024 @bvlgariofficial @watchesandwondersofficial BVLGARI OCTO FINISSIMO ULTRA COSC new world record and COSC chronometer certification Consider the significance of a 1.70 mm thickness - a ninth world record that introduces a novel standard in watchmaking. This new Octo Finissimo Ultra is not only the thinnest mechanical watch ever produced: it is also the world's thinnest COSC chronometer. This milestone reflects a rigorous process, underscored by a commitment to reevaluate, and transcend the conventions of traditional high watchmaking, propelling venerable craftsmanship into a contemporary context. The outcome is notable: the unparalleled design of watch becomes evident upon first glance, prompting reflection on the innovation behind its creation. How is this even possible? The journey to this record was formidable, beginning with the task of reconciling extreme slimness with robustness. Creating the world's thinnest mechanical watch isn't possible by building solely on existing concepts. It requires a paradigm shift, starting anew from the ground up. This is precisely what Bvigari accomplished with the unveiling of the Octo Finissimo Ultra and its remarkable thickness of only 1.80 mm in 2022. Emboldened by this achievement and convinced the limits had not been reached, Bvlgari's R&D department, in collaboration with Concepto (experts in complex mechanisms), decided to push the envelope further still. Like a sprinter achieving a new personal best, each fraction of improvement demanded exponential effort. Surpassing already historic achievements is a testament to the power of innovation, determination and the ability to question established norms. Given that the limits of movement slimness had already been reached with the Octo Finissimo Ultra, achieving an even slimmer profile for the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC involved a rework of the case by optimizing the sapphire crystal. Through patient, meticulous incremental steps, the engineers were able to shave off that critical tenth of a millimeter - and establish a new world record. In terms of the overall structure, the case back serves as the mainplate, upon which the 170 components of the manually wound BVL180 manufacture caliber are assembled. These components are selected using 1/10-micron optical measuring systems, so as to be able to select the parts that are closest to the perfect dimension, in order to exceed the precision of production resources. This COSC-certified mechanical movement introduces another layer of complexity and marks a first for the Ultra line. The challenge of ensuring adequate rigidity for a watch measuring 40 mm in diameter and just 1.70 mm thick was met by crafting case back/mainplate from particularly dense, hard and ultra-resistant tungsten carbide. Moreover, to maximize the use of the watch's surface area, the hour and minute dials, the large barrel - with a 50-hour power reserve - and the escapement cleverly play with the circular geometry of the bezel opening, adjusting it ever so slightly. An exceptional watch needs an exceptional case: with the case dedicated to the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, Bulgari reinvents the experience of setting and winding its watch. If you don't want to use traditional methods, you can place your watch in the dedicated case, equipped with a digital display. The desired time is then programmed, and the adjustment cycle launched at the touch of a button. In a matter of seconds, the watch is perfectly adjusted and wound with impeccable precision. It's like having a watchmaker at home. As a hallmark of its era, the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC (104081), a new milestone in the history of watchmaking, is being introduced in limited series of 20 pieces. #wherethewatchesarethestars
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BVLGARI Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC (Only 1,70 mm thick!!) presented at Watches and Wonders 2024.

April 8, 2024 12:00 pm

#streamliner #hmoserandcie #wherethewatchesarethestars @HMoserAndCieWatches Made of steel and measuring 39 mm in diameter, the cushion-shaped case of the H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Small Seconds Blue Enamel model is still water-resistant to 120 m (393 ft) and inspired by the curves and roundness of the first high-speed trains of the 20s and 30s, from which it takes its name. However, its proportions have been reworked to give it more elongated lines, made possible by the smaller dimensions of the new calibre HMC 500. Integrated into the case, the steel bracelet is elegantly arced to extend the curves of the case. Highly complex in construction, it has extremely fluid lines, based on organic forms. The links, all unique and articulated, are the height of subtle sophistication, and supple flexibility. To accentuate the steel of the case and bracelet, H. Moser & Cie. has chosen a Grand Feu enamel dial. Named "Aqua Blue", it reinterprets the brand's renowned signature fumé finish with the artistic flourish of a master craftsman. Starting with a pattern engrained onto a gold base, as if hammered, three different colour pigments are washed, finely crushed, then applied to create an ombré effect. Careful work and limitless patience are required for the master enameller to painstakingly apply the pigments, adding them one by one so that the colours oxidise and meld together when heated in the furnace, without any pixellation. A translucent "Grand Feu" enamel dial must be fired twelve times in total to create the fumé effect, where the lighter shades in the centre gradually deepen. Each dial is unique. Steel applique indices punctuate the edge of the dial, which features no logo. To display the hours and minutes, the three-dimensional hands made from two sections feature inserts with Globolight®, an innovative ceramic-based material containing Super- LumiNova®. The offset small seconds is displayed at 6 o'clock on a lacquered sub-dial with a circular pattern, offering a beautiful contrast with the base dial. Driving the Streamliner Small Seconds Blue Enamel model, the new automatic calibre HMC 500 is 100% Moser, 100% Manufacture-made. It is the smallest movement H. Moser & Cie. has developed in the 21st century. Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie., reflects on the development of this movement: "Our starting objective was to have a movement that was slim yet high performance. We then spent a great deal of time working to optimise the dimensions, which is why we decided to integrate a micro-rotor for the first time in our history. Made from solid platinum, this micro-rotor is mounted on a ball bearing, equipped with a bi-directional pawl winding system, and offers sufficient barrel torque to provide a power reserve of 74 hours. We have had to develop new smaller, slimmer components and mechanisms which could then be integrated into the available volume. The escapement was also miniaturised, whilst ensuring its performance remained unchanged, a technical feat made possible thanks to the expertise of our sister company, Precision Engineering AG. Because of the volume, the torque and the winding system, this was no easy task, but the result is a movement which will serve as a base for our small cases, and will enable us to introduce new complications, by combining it with modules developed in-house or in collaboration with our partner Agenhor". The calibre HMC 500 features open bridges with a highly contemporary finish, decorated with the traditional Moser stripes and an anthracite grey coating. The company hallmark is proudly showcased on the micro-rotor. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – STREAMLINER SMALL SECONDS BLUE ENAMEL Reference 6500-1200, steel model, Aqua Blue fumé dial, integrated steel bracelet Case Steel topped by a slightly domed sapphire crystal Diameter: 39.0 mm Height without sapphire crystal: 9.3 mm; Height with sapphire crystal: 10.9 mm See-through case-back Screw-in crown adorned with an "M" Water-resistant to 12 ATM / 120 m / 393 ft Dial Aqua Blue fumé "Grand Feu" enamel with hammered texture Applique indices Hour and minute hands with Globolight® inserts Lacquered small seconds sub-dial with a circular pattern Movement Automatic calibre HMC 500, partially skeletonised Diameter: 30.0 mm or 13 ¼ lignes Height: 4.5 mm Frequency: 21,600 A/h (= 3 Hz) 26 jewels Automatic bi-directional pawl winding system Solid platinum micro-rotor engraved with the H. Moser hallmark Power reserve: minimum of 74 hours Original Straumann® hairspring Finish with Moser stripes Functions Hours and minutes Small seconds at 6 o'clock Strap/bracelet Integrated steel bracelet Folding clasp with three steel blades, engraved with the Moser logo Price 29.900 CHF including taxes in CH
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H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Small Seconds Blue Enamel. Aqua Blue Fumé Dial. The Saga Continues.

November 21, 2023 5:52 pm

#bvlgari #eternalcity #rome #lvmh @bvlgariofficial We invite you to join us on a journey where we discover BVLGARI. No one less than its charismatic and succesful CEO Jean-Christophe Babin will tell you the story. Surprise, innovate and reinvent have been part of BVLGARI’S vocabulary since it was founded in Rome in 1884. Jewelry, watchmaking, accessories... Combining classicism and modernity, its creations are infused with an emotion that is unique to the excellence of Italian design. The sensuality of its shapes, the sharpness of its lines, the sparkle of colored stones... In order to blend Dolce Vita and creativity, BVLGARI broke free from conventions very early in its history. A sensitivity to color which enables the House to combine precious and semi-precious stones in a way that brings its extraordinary pieces to life. Bulgari’s extraordinary success stems from this unquenchable desire to preserve its heritage while also looking energetically to the future. By nurturing its hallmarks, it invents new ways to express its creativity. The House’s figurehead is its historic boutique on Via Condotti in the Eternal City, which has borne witness to this dazzling journey. Jean-Christophe Babin told us: “BVLGARI stands for the magnificent and contemporary Italian high Jeweler, master of colored gemstones. An amazing story started almost 140 years ago by Sotirio Bulgari. This foundation has been enriched over 3 generations of creative BVLGARI family members who have decade after decade created epochal and timeless masterpieces borrowing inspiration from 2700 years of greco-roman tradition. Its bold, audacious, architectural and contemporary design inspired by the Italian arts exemplifies the quality, craftsmanship and excellence of the brand through an innovative style that nevertheless remains timeless and faithful to BVLGARI’S identity.“ Enjoy our 4K-video and don't forget to answer the three questions and/or tell us about your personal experiences you had with BVLGAI. Why? Please watch the video.... #wherethewatchesarethestars
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BVLGARI & Watches. It all started in 1919! The breathtaking story told by CEO Jean-Christophe Babin.

October 29, 2023 11:28 am