Thursday, August 11, 2016

ARNOLD & SON – John Arnold 23/78 Chronometer watch 1781
















ARNOLD & SONJohn Arnold 23/78 Chronometer 1781 Pocket Watch NEW

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John Arnold’s 23/78 Chronometer Sets a World Record 
at Sotheby’s Auction

A testament to the ingenuity of one of the greatest watchmakers that ever lived: On the 7th of July 2016 in London during the second part of Sotheby’s series of auctions dedicated entirely to English Watchmaking, a new world record was set for a John Arnold chronometer, fetching £557,000 GBP ($722,318 USD), more than multiple times its original estimate.

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Completed in 1781, the John Arnold pocketwatch numbered 23/78 is unique for a number of reasons. It features several inventions by John Arnold and other outstanding features including a pivoted detent escapement with a “double S” balance, a cylindrical balance spring, and a clever temperature compensation mechanism.

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Lot 38, a John Arnold watch
circa
1781, sold for $722,318 at the Sotheby’s auction
 
© Sotheby’s


Furthermore, it is the only known example to have survived in its exact original condition without ever having undergone any restoration, with all parts including the silver case, enamel dial and movement perfectly intact and untouched.

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This extraordinary result achieved at Sotheby’s auction is an attestation to the pivotal role John Arnold played in advancing precision chronometry.

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John Arnold rapidly established a reputation for outstanding mechanical expertise and was the first watchmaker to produce a jewelled ruby cylinder escapement. He showcased this in an exceptionally small half-quarter repeating watch mounted in a ring, which he offered to King George III.

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George III of the United Kingdom


His growing fame attracted an affluent clientele. He could easily have lived comfortably, making exquisite repeating watches and calendar watches. But John Arnold was relentlessly driven by the greatest watchmaking challenge of his age: to build a timepiece that would enable ships to navigate safely, transform science and roll back the boundaries in astronomy. That challenge was precision, and Arnold made it his passion.

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Between 1770 and 1790, he painstakingly refined the art of watchmaking, introducing decisive improvements that heralded the arrival of chronometry. It is to him we owe a series of trailblazing inventions that included a detent escapement, a helical balance spring, terminal curves that make the helical balance spring isochronous, the first-ever use of gold for balance springs, and a range of bimetallic balances that offset errors caused by temperature fluctuations.

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Arnold’s chronometers were used by some of the greatest explorers and navigators of his time on their epic voyages. His regulators and their continual refinement bear witness to the colossal progress of science and astronomy across Europe.

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Lot 38, a John Arnold watch
circa
1781, sold for $722,318 at the Sotheby’s auction
 
© Sotheby’s


Arnold was also heir to a series of exceptional English watchmakers, each of whom advanced the art of watchmaking in his own way: George Graham, Thomas Tompion, Thomas Mudge and John Harrison. Arnold, however, was the first to usher watchmaking into the modern era by designing high-precision, reliable watches that were also relatively easy to manufacture. In its report on Arnold’s pocket chronometer No. 2 in 1780, the Board of Longitude had this to say:

“So far as this watch has been tried, it must be acknowledged by all, that it is superior to every one that had been made before it. Nothing therefore seems to remain but for … Mr. Arnold … to make other watches … to entitle him to the second reward offered by Parliament for improvements in this branch of mechanics, and also to the universal approbation and applause of his fellow-citizens.” (2)

(2) The Monthly Review or Literary Journal, vol. 58 (London, 1780)


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Main technical characteristics

John Arnold, London

A HIGHLY IMPORTANT LARGE SILVER CONSULAR CASED POCKET CHRONOMETER OF "THE BEST KIND" AND THE ONLY KNOWN EXAMPLE TO SURVIVE IN ITS ORIGINAL STATE WITH DOUBLE ‘S’ BALANCE 1781, NO. 23/78

Movement:   
Gilded full plate movement with Arnold pivoted detent escapement,
free-sprung ‘S’ balance, blued steel helical spring, decoratively pierced and engraved balance cock, fusee and chain, turned pillars Movement signed John Arnold, London, Inv. et Fecit London No. 23/78
Dial:   
White enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer minute ring,
large subsidiary seconds, blued steel hands
Dial signed and numbered 78
Case:   
Plain polished double bottomed silver case, the back opening to
reveal fixed cuvette with winding aperture,
maker’s mark ITP incuse for John Terrill Pain and hallmarked 1781
Diameter 73 mm

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For more information about the Sotheby’s auction, please find here the link: www.Sothebys.com
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Wednesday, August 10, 2016

MIDO – BELLUNA Heures & Minutes Décentrées
















MIDO BELLUNA II Heures & Minutes Décentrées NEW

A subtle interplay of finishes for an exceptional model

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A distinguished, sensuously curvaceous face. A design that is both classic and original. The new Belluna Heures & Minutes Décentrées is a tribute to refined watchmaking. Protected by a steel case with polished rose PVD treatment, the finish of its grained silver dial contrasts superbly with the sunray hour and minute counter and the snailed seconds counter. These two off-centred counters, combined with the scrolling date at 7 o’clock, combine to create the exclusive nature of the Belluna Heures & Minutes Décentrées. With its small seconds complication, this automatic timepiece will appeal to men and women who appreciate rare and timeless watches.

Inaugurated in 1871 to promote the arts and science, London's Royal Albert Hall is now one of the most renowned concert halls in the United Kingdom. Built in a style true to the Victorian era, this huge red brick monument consists of a series concentric circles. A curvaceous, rounded architecture impressively dominated by a central glass dome. Just like this magnificent building, the Belluna range displays perfectly harmonious forms and embodies classic, timeless elegance.

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Between tradition and modernity, the new Belluna Heures & Minutes Décentrées encapsulates Mido's watchmaking excellence. Its unique design makes this an exceptional timepiece that is both traditional and original, and is certain to appeal to both men and women. Inspired by the harmonious curves of the Royal Albert Hall in London, its radiant grained silver dial features two counters. The first, at 10 o'clock, indicates the hours and minutes. The second counter, at 4 o'clock, marks the seconds. Without a doubt, these two off-centre counters make this model truly distinctive. Not to mention the scrolling date window at 7 o’clock. The refinement of the Belluna Heures & Minutes Décentrées truly shines through the subtle interplay of finishes: the sunray hour and minute counter contrasts with the snailed seconds counter. Both are surrounded by a nickel-plated ring. A cartouche in the first quarter of the dial displays the name of the model in French – the language of watchmaking par excellence.

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Featuring an automatic movement with petite complication, the Belluna Heures & Minutes Décentrées is available with a stainless steel case with rose PVD treatment. With a diameter of 40 mm, it is fitted with a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective treatment on both sides. Enthusiasts of fine watchmaking mechanics will endlessly admire the finely decorated automatic movement, which features an oscillating weight adorned with Geneva Stripes and the Mido logo, through the transparent case back. Water-resistant up to a pressure of 5 bars (50 m/165 ft), the Belluna Heures & Minutes Décentrées is supplied with a brown crocodile-style leather strap integrated into the case, and a folding clasp.

Two other versions of this model are available.

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TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Model: BELLUNA II Heures & Minutes Décentrées
Stainless Steel with rose PVD treatment 40mm

Ref: M024.444.36.031.00

Movement    
Automatic ETA 2825-2, 11½’’’,
Ø26 mm, height: 6.60 mm, 25 jewels, 28,800 A/H,
ETACHOCS and NIVACOURBE shock-absorber, NIVAFLEX NO mainspring,
NIVAROX 2 balance-spring, gilded NICKEL balance wheel.
Finely decorated elaborate movement with polished screws,
decorated oscillating weight with Geneva stripes and Mido logo.
Function HM-Ss-D.
Adjusted on 3 different positions for a high accuracy.
Min. 38 hours power reserve.
Case   
Stainless steel 316L with rose PVD treatment, Ø 40 mm,
3 pieces, sapphire crystal with an anti reflecting treatment on both sides, screwed case back,
transparent case back to see the finely decorated and elaborate movement,
engraved serial number, water-resistant up to a pressure of 5 bars (50 m / 165 ft)
Dial   
Silver, grained, nickel-plated counter rings, sunray hour and minute counter,
snailed seconds counter, applied polished indexes, date at 7 o’clock.
Hands   
Leaf-shaped.
Strap   
Brown calfskin with crocodile look, integrated into the case,
folding clasp in 316L stainless steel with rose PVD treatment.

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press.mido.ch
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www.Mido.ch

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

EDOX – GRAND OCEAN Slim

EDOXGRAND OCEAN Slim NEW

An Ocean of style

Celebrate the spirit of the sea with this new timepiece of sheer elegance from boutique Swiss watchmaker Edox.

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The Grand Ocean Slim is a beautiful addition to the prestigious Edox Grand Ocean collection and one that is suit-ed perfectly to those who prefer the “dress watch” look and feel in their chosen timepiece.

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Unlike many “dress watches” though the Grand Ocean Slim has an excel-lent water resistance rating (100m), so the wearer has nothing to fear from the odd splash or two.

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Edox has kept the Grand Ocean Slim to a sleek 41mm in diameter.

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The dial is uncluttered and classy, with a cute date display window at 6 o’clock in keeping with the minimalist design.

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Powered by a quartz movement based on the Ronda 714, the Grand Ocean Slim will deliver unerring accuracy without you having to lift a finger.

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The gold sheen of the stainless steel case and bezel is complemented per-fectly by a natural rubber strap, an eye-catching combination.

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Since its founding in 1884, Edox has been one of the world’s lead-ing watchmakers, introducing many timekeeping innovations. It is the Official Timekeeper of the Dakar Rally, Extreme Sailing Series and World Curling Federation.

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TECHNICAL FEATURES

Model: EDOX GRAND OCEAN Slim

REF. 56002 357R NIR - Black dial
REF. 56002-3C-BUIN - Blue dial

Calibre   
Edox 56 (based on Ronda 714 quartz)
Functions   
Display of hours, minutes and date
Case   
Stainless steel 316L, pink PVD coating
Diameter:  41 mm
Water resistance:  100 meters /10ATM
Glass   
Scratch-resistant anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Strap   
Genuine leather strap
   
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Press Release
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CH - 2714 Les Genevez
Tel +41 (0) 32 484 70 21
Media contacts: info@edox.ch
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Monday, August 8, 2016

A. Lange & Sohne – SAXONIA Moon Phase Gold

A. Lange & SohneSAXONIA Moon Phase White Gold NEW

Moon over Saxony
The new SAXONIA MOON PHASE 
is the star of a global photography project

Unveiled at the SIHH in January, the SAXONIA MOON PHASE is now becoming available at points of sale. It pairs an accurate moon-phase display with the striking Lange outsize date. A photo shoot against a Saxon backdrop in the moonlight aptly expresses the perfect combination of precision and aesthetics. The portrayal kicks off an international online event.

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Astronomy, photography, and space travel are the three key disciplines that have given us close-up encounters with the moon. But, despite the latest insights, it has lost none of its allegorical fascination. After all, the magical appeal that science took away from the moon was given back to it by art across the centuries – with numerous oeuvres in literature, music, painting and photography.

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It this context, photography plays a double role: With faithful depictions or artistic interpretation, it can enlighten or enchant. In 1865, Lewis Morris Rutherfurd, the pioneer of astrophotography, created the first detailed image of the moon in his Manhattan observatory. Some forty years later, legendary camera artist Edward Steichen created "The Pond – Moonlight", a milestone in artistic lunar photography that was sold at auction in 2006 for 2.9 million US dollars.

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The same title would also befit the photograph that shows the SAXONIA MOON PHASE in front of the Rakotz Bridge in Saxony's Rhododendron Park in Kromlau. In the silvery light of the full moon, the bridge and its mirror image on the water's surface blend to become a perfect circle.

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The picture constitutes the launch of a worldwide online project in which twelve horology bloggers and web journalists in twelve cities manifest their photographic involvement with the watch. The underlying theme is a bridge in the light of a full moon. The first full-moon photo shoot in Saxony will be followed by further photo sessions in Copenhagen, London, Tokyo, Paris, Sydney, New York, Oslo, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Rio de Janeiro, Shanghai and Warsaw.

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With the moon-phase display of the SAXONIA MOON PHASE, A. Lange & Söhne succeeded in fusing precision and aesthetics in an ingenious ensemble. Its seven-stage transmission is designed with such accuracy that the display only needs to be corrected by one day every 122.6 years.
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The deep blue hue of the solid-silver lunar disc is the result of a patented coating. Its 852 stars are cut out with a laser beam. The outsize-date display in the gold-framed twin aperture visually counterbalances the subsidiary seconds dial that also incorporates the moon-phase display.


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Technical Specifications

Model: SAXONIA Moon Phase 

Reference: № 384.026 18-carat White Gold

Movement: Lange manufacture caliber:  L086.5
Movement measures:
Diameter: 30.4 millimetres; height: 5.2 millimetres
Number of movement parts / jewels: 325/40
Escapement:  Lever escapement
Oscillator:
Shock-resistant screw balance, balance spring manufactured in-house     
with a frequency of 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour, precision   
beat-adjustment system with lateral setscrew and whiplash spring
Power reserve:  72 hours when fully wound
Functions:
Hours and minutes; subsidiary-seconds dial with stop-seconds    
mechanism; outsize date; moon-phase display
Case measures:
Case: 18-carat White Gold
Diameter: 40.0 millimetres; height: 9.8 millimetres
Dial: Solid silver, argenté
Hands: Rhodiumed gold
Strap:
Hand-stitched crocodile strap, black
Clasp:
Lange prong buckle in white gold

Case versions: 
Reference: № 384.032 18-carat Pink Gold

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Contact information for the media
Arnd Einhorn, Director Press and PR
* Tel.: +49 (0)35053 44 5505
* E-mail: presse@lange-soehne.com
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Saturday, August 6, 2016

H. MOSER & CIE. – ENDEAVOUR Perpetual Calendar Funky Blue Edition

H. MOSER & CIE. ENDEAVOUR Perpetual Calendar Funky Blue Titanium DLC Limited Edition NEW

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BOLD AND MODERN FOR A STRIKING LOOK: H. MOSER & CIE. PRESENTS
THE
ENDEAVOUR PERPETUAL CALENDAR FUNKY BLUE IN TITANIUM

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H. Moser & Cie. has produced a limited edition of just 10 pieces, boldly combining DLC treated titanium and the striking shades of its sky-blue fumé dial, in what looks set to become one of their iconic dials. Introducing the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Funky Blue in titanium, a model that once again embodies the very essence of H. Moser & Cie.: the creation of exceptional timepieces with a respect for tradition but with modern, unique designs.

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Since the start of the year, H. Moser & Cie. has repeatedly revisited its perpetual calendar, with some surprising results. As a leap year, 2016 also marks the 10th  anniversary of the legendary calibre HMC 341 that drives the H. Moser Endeavour Perpetual Calendar. Often described as the most streamlined and legible perpetual calendar on the market, this model is now available in an exquisite range of colour and material combinations.

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H. Moser & Cie. has broken new ground with a brazenly bold version that combines the scintillating black of DLC-finished titanium with the electric blue of its sky-blue fumé dial. The result is an urban, contemporary piece with shifting tones, designed for an elegant clientele in search of a modern touch. Only a lucky few will have the chance to see it adorning their wrist, with just 10 pieces available from H. Moser & Cie. authorised retailers starting in June.

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The very first owner of an Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Funky Blue in titanium is none other than former German football star Karl-Heinz Riedle. A world champion in 1990 and bronze medallist in the 1988 Olympic Games, Karl-Heinz Riedle boasts an impressive record. An elite sportsman, perfectionist and watch aficionado, H. Moser & Cie. was an obvious choice for him.

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TECHNICAL FEATURES

Model: ENDEAVOUR Perpetual Calendar Funky Blue EDITION

Reference: 1341-0505 Titanium model with DLC treatment, sky-blue fumé dial,
alligator strap with carbon-effect matte finish, limited edition of 10 pieces

Case
Titanium with DLC treatment, three-part
Diameter: 40.8 mm
Height: 11.1 mm
Curved sapphire crystal
See-through curved sapphire crystal case-back
Crown adorned with an "M"
Engraved on the movement side with the inscription "1/10" on the case
Dial
Sky-blue fumé with sunburst pattern
Appliqué indices and leaf-shaped hands
Month indicated with a small arrow-shaped centre hand
Sub-dial for seconds
Big date display
Movement
Mechanical hand-wound in-house calibre HMC 341
Diameter: 34.0 mm or 15 lignes
Height: 5.8 mm
Frequency: 18,000 Vib/h
28 jewels
Power reserve: minimum 7 days
Stop seconds
Double barrel
Interchangeable Moser escapement, Original Straumann Hairspring® with stabilised Breguet overcoil
Pallet fork and escapement wheel made from gold
Movement and components hand-finished and decorated
Functions
Perpetual calendar
Big date display
Month indicator via central hand
Hours and minutes
Off-centre seconds dial
Power reserve indicator on dial
Leap year cycle indicator on movement side
Strap
Hand-stitched black alligator strap with carbon-effect matte finish
Solid titanium DLC-treated pin buckle, engraved with the Moser logo.

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Press release 
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CONTACT
Nathalie Cobos, T +41 76 319 03 09, press@h-moser.com
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H. MOSER & CIE.
MOSER SCHAFFHAUSEN AG
Rundbuckstrasse 10
CH-8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall
Switzerland
TEL.          +41 52 674 0050
FAX          +41 52 674 0055
E-MAIL      info@h-moser.com
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