Maitres du Temps – Fine Arts Chapter POCKET Watch Tourbillon "Chinese Zodiac"

Maitres du Temps – Fine Arts Chapter POCKET Watch Gold Tourbillon "Chinese Zodiac" - Unique Pièce

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

A NEW CHAPTER FOR 

MAÎTRES DU TEMPS – FINE ARTS
Pocket Watch – Piece unique

Maîtres du Temps continues its cultural approach to the conception of superlative timepieces with a merging of fine watchmaking and artistic expression. The next stage in the journey of Maîtres du Temps is the creation of a series of pocket watches, each a unique piece representing one of 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

By manufacturing wristwatches embodying the aspirations and talents of the world’s finest watch makers, Maîtres du Temps demonstrated its commitment to technical excellence. In the Fine Arts Chapter, the collaboration embraces the aesthetic elements, looking to the Far East and using the Chinese decorative arts to complement a decidedly Swiss entity, realizing the essence of an objet d’art.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Blending the two cultures, the Asian and the European, demanded a second, simultaneous blend, that of Art and Mechanics. The pocket watches embody the notions of both “Maîtres des Arts” and “Maîtres du Temps,” while also voicing a tenet close to the heart of Maîtres du Temps founder, Mr. Steven Holtzman: “Culture is like a bridge, one that connects the disparate elements of a civilization.”

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

For Mr. Fan Zeng, the artist undertaking this challenge, the occasion to work with Maîtres du Temps calls on his myriad talents as a renowned author, humanitarian, poet, and painter.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

According to the Chinese Concept of Masters, this polymath is regarded as “a perfect master.” As a champion of “returning to the classics and nature,” Mr. Fan Zeng recognizes in Maîtres du Temps a like-minded facilitator. Steven Holtzman says, “It is an honour and privilege for Maîtres du Temps to work with Mr. Fan Zeng, as he is the epitome of everything our brand represents.”

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

12 original paintings have been produced by Mr Fan Zeng to adorn the white onyx dials of watches that complement his technical specifications. It is yet another blend, one of simplicity and complexity.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The watch devised for this project shows only the hours and the minutes, yet its back reveals a power reserve indicator and a one-minute tourbillon.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Each dial highlights both the animal and the personality traits of the zodiac sign it represents. Mr Fan Zeng also includes human beings in the design, to better convey the spirit of each sign, from the delightful Year of The Pig and Year of the Rabbit, to the majesty of the Year of the Dragon.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Steven Holtzman says, “By collaborating with Mr. Fan Zeng, Maîtres du Temps has been able to bring about the perfect mixture of art, mechanics, and history on a grand level.” Mr Fan Zeng adds, “I believe that this watch will be a very important part of horological history.”

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

  Mr Fan Zeng
---------------------

Zodiac signs signification

The above images describe the harmony between man and nature.

- Horse symbolizes Speed.
Zhong Kui rides a horse to get rid of evildoers.

- Goat symbolizes Beauty.
A beautiful girl tends to her goats by Lake Baikal.

- Monkey symbolizes Friendship.
Monkeys in the forest also have feelings and befriend an old man.

- Roosters symbolize Joy.
Children play with young roosters in the spring breeze.

- Dog symbolizes Loyalty.
A child is waiting for the arrival of a guest with his dog.

- Pig symbolizes Harmony.
A child is playing tai chi with a piglet and everything is harmonious.

- Rat symbolizes Integrity.
See The Classic of Poetry: “Behold a rat! Its skin has a glossy sheen! Then know that man's demeanor is odious and mean!” It means that even a rat has a sense of shame. How can a man be shameless?

- Ox symbolizes Hard Working.
See Going Home by Tao Yuanming: “Country folk will come to tell me that spring has come, and that farming will begin in the western field.” It means that - farming starts when spring comes.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

- Tiger symbolizes Power.
A tiger is powerful.

- Rabbit symbolizes Prosperity.
In a year with a good harvest, children feed rabbits with vegetables.

- Dragon symbolizes Energy.
Sengyao, a famous painter, did not paint the eyes when he painted dragons. When he did paint the eyes, the dragon came to life and flew away.

- Snake symbolizes Rhythm.
The snake understands music and dances to the rhythm.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

------------------------------------------

Technical Specifications

Collection: FINE ARTS

Model: POCKET WATCH – Pièce Unique
Pièce unique – each piece representing one of 12 signs of the Chinese Zodiac

Movement
Caliber SHC08
Manual winding mechanical movement
Dimensions: 32.8 mm x 6.36 mm
Number of components: 207
Number of jewels: 33
Power reserve: 60 hours
Tourbillon rotation: 60 seconds
Balance frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Finishing:  Côtes de Genève, perlage, hand beveling, polished screw heads, straight-grained steelwork
Case
18K Red Gold
Number of components:  23
Diameter: 46 mm
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Display back: sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
High polish and satin finishes
Dial
Miniature hand painting on white Onyx
Individual, hand-painted painting Mr. Fan Zeng - one of 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac.
Hands
Central hour and minutes hands
Power reserve indicator on the back side
One-minute tourbillion on the back side

Specifications may change without notice.

---------------------------------------
Contact

Maîtres du Temps Sarl

Rue Daniel Jeanrichard 18
CP 926
CH-2301 La Chaux-de-Fonds
Switzerland
Téléphone:        +41 32 911 17 17
Fax :                     +41 32 911 17 18
presscenter@maitresdutemps.com

-----------------------------------------------------

 www.facebook.com - Maitres du Temps

---------------------------------------------------------------------
www.Maitres du Temps.com

Bell & Ross – BR-X1 Skeleton Tourbillon SAPPHIRE Edition

Bell & Ross – Experimental BR-X1 Skeleton Tourbillon SAPPHIRE 45mm - 3 Colors Edition - Unique piece

EXTREME TRANSPARENCY

Bell & Ross began a new chapter in its history with the BR-X1 CHRONOGRAPH TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE in 2016.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The brand’s first completely transparent watch caused quite a stir by combining prestigious watches complications, technical performance and its signature design codes.

Three new unique pieces, two online exclusives

A skeletonized version of this exceptional BR-X1 is being unveiled at Baselworld, as part of a collection that underscores the bold creativity of Bell & Ross. Of the six new unique pieces created, three examples that marry transparency and color will be presented. Then by embracing sales innovation: two of the watches will be exclusively available online. This marks a real watershed moment in the Haute Horlogerie sector, once again proving Bell & Ross’ avant-garde spirit in e-commerce and the digital

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

As iconic as difficult to work with, sapphire is the embodiment of invisibility: a paradox of solidity and visual transparency. Scientists –who call it corundum– know it as the second hardest material on Earth after diamond, almost impossible to scratch. For watchmakers, creating a case from a block of sapphire is a true technical challenge.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

It requires long and complex machining, grinding and polishing processes and superior expertise. The case of the BR-X1 SKELETON TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE is made from five blocks of sapphire, which are carefully worked on before being assembled with the greatest precision.

Thanks to the transparency of its sapphire case, the BR-X1 CHRONOGRAPH TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE created a magical spectacle in 2016 when its chronograph movement, paired with a flying tourbillon that appears to float weightlessly, was revealed. Last year, Bell & Ross’ design studio pushed the limits even further when it decided to develop an entirely skeletonized tourbillon.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO






























The transparency of the sapphire case was complemented by a “lace” effect of the openworked bridges, which laid bare the secrets of the watch’s mechanical heart through an off-centered dial especially designed to reveal it all.

COLORS SUSPENDED INVISIBLY

Now, Bell & Ross has set itself a new challenge: to continue experimenting with extreme transparency while adding color. A number of monochrome movements have been individually produced, intended for the most discerning collectors.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

A single color has been used for the main plate, bridges, dial, hands and tourbillon cage, thus creating a customized face for each unique piece.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The first of these three exclusive pieces is black –the signature color of the Bell & Ross style since its creation and a reference to aircraft instruments. It offers the purest of contrasts with the transparent sapphire case and the translucent bracelet. The rubies in the tourbillon cage are the only touch of extravagance in this landscape of sublime purity.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The second version offers an interpretation of the refinement and nobility of a precious metal. All the visible metal components of the movement are made from solid pink gold. Like a jewel enclosed in a glass case.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The third BR-X1 SKELETON TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE honors the traditions of watchmaking with a movement inspired by the blued color of the hands on vintage timepieces. This deep blue, paired with the transparency of the case and bracelet, adds a modern dimension to the watch.

A PIONEER IN E-COMMERCE AND 
THE DIGITAL WORLD

For the first time, Bell & Ross offers modern collectors the opportunity of purchasing two unique Haute Horlogerie pieces online.

The black version of the BR-X1 SKELETON TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE will be available exclusively online from the Bell & Ross e-boutique.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

“We have started a very successful partnership with Mr Porter for a year now and we are especially proud of this new project. Always ahead of its time, Bell & Ross marks a turning point by breaking – once again – the traditional watchmaking codes and shows that high-end luxury and digital can combine perfectly”

Carlos Rosillo
C.E.O. Bell & Ross

--------------------

MR PORTER

The blue version will be available from 21st March on MR PORTER, the award-winning online destination for men’s style, which has been a Bell & Ross partner for a year.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

“We are thrilled to partner with Bell & Ross on this unique project to launch an exclusive version of the new BR-X1 Skeleton Tourbillon Sapphire. This exceptional timepiece is a true rarity and an achievement in design and manufacturing. We are excited to make such a special watch available for the first time to our customers, anywhere in the world”

Toby Bateman
Managing Director at MR PORTER

This online sales concept will be launched along with a unique experience and an exceptional service: all customers purchas-ing a watch will have the chance of visiting the Swiss manufacture where these two unique pieces were made, and meet the designers.

This special initiative serves to strengthen Bell & Ross’ links to e-commerce and the digital world. One of the first watch brands to create a website, back in 1999, Bell & Ross once again led the way in 2008 by opening an online European boutique, fol-lowed by an American one the following year with 300 product references in its virtual catalogue.

E-commerce, therefore, became a vector for sales and a tool for forging closer ties with customers and fans of the brand. The strong community spirit was further reinforced in 2009 with the creation of an official forum and partnerships with various forums for enthusiasts.

Last year, the Bell & Ross website was completely redesigned to improve the ergonomics and user experience, enabling the brand’s devotees to directly share their photos using the UGC (User Generated Content) method. This new website fosters privileged and personalized relationships, and has a presence in more than twenty countries (Europe, USA, Australia, and now Asia).

This March, Bell & Ross will embark on a new stage in its digital adventure by offering two unique Haute Horlogerie pieces for sale online.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

And the story continues for the BR-X1 SKELETON TOURBILLON SAPPHIRE collection, with new versions featuring other colors inside their invisible showcases, demonstrating Bell & Ross’ mastery of sapphire as a watchmaking material.

------------------------------------------

Technical Specifications

Collection: Experimental

Model: BR-X1 Skeleton Tourbillon SAPPHIRE  45mm

• - BLACK Edition  - Unique piece (e-boutique only ) - Ref: BRX1-SKTB-SABLK
  

• - GOLD Edition  - Unique piece - Ref: BRX1-SKTB-SA4N

• - BLUE Edition  - Unique piece (MR PORTER e-boutique only) - Ref:  BRX1-SKTB-SABLU

Movement
Calibre BR-CAL.288
Hand-wound skeletonized flying tourbillon
252 components,  
Jewels: 20 jewels,
Frequency: 21,600 vph
Power reserve 4-day (100-hour )
Case
Diameter 45 mm
SAPPHIRE
Dial
Skeleton
Skeletonized at 12 o'clock.
Superluminova ® indices.
Metal skeletonized Superluminova ® -filled hour and minute hands.
Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating.
Functions
Hours and minutes.
Flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock
Strap
Translucent rubber.Buckle: pin. Satin-polished steel.


--------------------------------
Press release - 2018
----------------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Bell Ross
---------------------------------------------------------------
www.Bell&Ross.com