HUBLOT – BIG BANG Unico "ALL BLACK" Chronograph

HUBLOT – BIG BANG Unico "ALL BLACK" Chronograph Limited Edition NEW

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The BIG BANG UNICO "ALL BLACK" has finally arrived !


Totally black, totally matt and totally faithful to Hublot's signature concept, it is the perfect fusion between the 100% manufacture movement and the iconic Big Bang design.

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And it's finally here. Launched last year, the hotly anticipated Big Bang Unico is now available in an All Black version as a limited edition of just 500 numbered pieces, in line with all of Hublot's All Black series.

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The watch is a perfect fusion of Hublot's very own unique "invisible visibility" concept, the iconic Big Bang design and the in-house movement - the UNICO, a chronograph movement with a column wheel and double clutch visible on the dial side, completely designed, developed and produced in the Hublot manufacture workshops.

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The design of the Big Bang Unico features a powerful 45.5 mm diameter case for a stylish mechanical look, and a bezel secured by 6 H-shaped screws with a new, subtle and more technical design (the head of each screw is now in relief, allowing the application of alternating polished and matt finishes). A notable feature is the design of the crown, which is screw-down with overmoulded rubber and decorated on the end with the famous Hublot screw "H". For the very first time since the creation of the Big Bang in 2005, the push-buttons are round. Each one is protected by a push-button guard integrated in the middle and finished like an engine piston.

 The sharp angles and intelligent sandwich system have been retained in the case design, but the strap attachment has been optimised: it features the now famous "One click" system which allows the wearer to switch between a wide choice of straps - each watch is supplied with a structured and ribbed natural rubber strap (also new) which perfectly matches the endpieces of the middle.

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Finally, the movement is revealed thanks to a skeleton dial featuring the famous indexes and Arabic numerals, redesigned to give them more volume (and hollowed out and filled with black SuperLuminova™ on the All Black version), as well as two counters "encircled" by a polished ring, one for the minutes positioned at 3 o'clock and the other at 9 o'clock for the small second; the date window is positioned at 3 o'clock. The hands have also been reworked, facetted on two levels and filled with black Superluminova™.

The UNICO manufacture movement is the brand's signature chronograph movement. And that is why it was chosen. It has been entirely designed, developed, machined and assembled by micro-mechanics, engineers and watchmakers at Hublot.

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This Flyback chronograph (a practical solution enabling instant restarting of the chronograph) is unique in the watchmaking industry, and features two push-buttons and a date indication. It is distinguished by the position of its mechanism with a horizontal double clutch and the famous "column wheel" visible on the dial side.

HUBLOT – BIG BANG Unico "Carbon" Chronograph
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Technical specifications

Reference 411.QX.1170.RX
Case
Carbon Fiber
Bezel
Carbon Fiber and Anodized Black Aluminium Lower
Bezel with 6 H-shaped Titanium Screws
Dial
Mat Black Dial and Rhodium-plated Upper Layer
Indexes with White Luminescent Satin-fi nished and
Microblasted Rhodium-plated Hands with White Luminescent
Movement
UNICO Manufacture Self-winding Chronograph
Flyback Movement with Column Wheel
Strap material
Black PVD Titanium with Carbon Insert Deployant
Buckle Clasp


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HUBLOT – BIG BANG Unico "ALL BLACK" Chronograph
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Technical specifications

Reference 411.CI.1110.RX
Case
Microblasted Black Ceramic
Bezel
Microblasted Black Ceramic and Anodized Black
Aluminium Lower Bezel with 6 H-shaped Black PVD
Titanium Screws
Dial
Mat Black Dial and Black-plated Upper Layer Indexes with Black Luminescent Satin-fi nished and Microblasted Black-plated Hands with Black Luminescent
Movement
UNICO Manufacture Self-winding Chronograph
Flyback Movement with Column Wheel
Strap material
Black PVD Titanium with Black Ceramic Insert
Deployant Buckle Clasp

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Its development required a completely original approach and thinking outside the box: the horizontal double clutch with integrated column wheel on the dial side for the central 60-second counter and the small 60-minute counter positioned at 3 o'clock. This simplification means greater reliability and flexibility in the chronograph's START STOP RESET functions, as well as enhanced function visibility for the wearer.

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The pallet fork and escapement wheel are fixed to a removable platform and are made from silicon, whose lightness provides a guarantee of performance. The movement's 330 components benefit from high precision and reliability, with several of them produced using LIGA technology.

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Its frequency of 4hz/28,800 vibrations per hour and its immaculate finish are also a guarantee of high chronometric quality. Finally, its automated production, which includes automation of the machining, stone fitting, oiling and numerous assembly operations also ensures consistent, controlled quality.
Its power reserve is around 72 hours.
In short, the entire piece has been conceived and designed to reflect Hublot's pure DNA: sport, performance and technology. No useless gadgets. The design is stylish, practical and rational.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre – Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon

 

Jaeger-LeCoultre – MASTER Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon Limited Edition NEW

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon limited edition in preparation for the 2014 SIHH

In 1907, Jaeger-LeCoultre laid the foundations of what was to prove a key element in the identity of its watches. That was the year when the association between Paris-based businessman Edmond Jaeger and Swiss watchmaker Jacques-David LeCoultre gave birth to the world’s thinnest pocket watch featuring a blend of aesthetic refinement and horological sophistication that only a Manufacture uniting the full range of skills under one roof could hope to achieve. Today, Jaeger-LeCoultre confirms its ability to anticipate the future of Fine Watchmaking by unveiling the Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon watch, the eleventh creation in the Hybris Mechanica collection and the first ultra-thin Grand Complication model.

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Eleven, the number standing for inventions and exceeding expectations. Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch. A new era – that of ultra-thin Grand Complications.
This watch capitalises on eight separate patents, six of which are entirely new. Its entire development process was governed by two watchwords – ingenuity and performance. Its quintessence lies in a successful bid to achieve extreme slenderness while making no compromises on reliability.
Hybris Mechanica Eleven is equipped with an original tourbillon, a high-performance new balance-spring, a peripheral automatic winding system, a retractable single pushbutton, as well as a new minute repeater equipped with a silent-timelapse reduction system. As the latest addition to an illustrious and fertile saga of Jaeger-LeCoultre striking watches, this model consolidates the brand’s leadership in this field. Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch resolutely confirms that excellence and surpassing existing limits are second nature to Jaeger-LeCoultre.

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Contrary to the classic tourbillon with a construction that tends to obstruct the view of certain components, the Manufacture wished to allow complete visibility of the heart of the watch. Avoiding ordinary solutions, Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmakers have developed and patented an all- new tourbillon. Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch is equipped with a world première in the shape of a flying tourbillon fitted with a flying balance-wheel. This technical feat ensures a full view of both balance-wheel and spring that may both be observed in motion from a radically different perspective. The gaze is captivated by the regular swinging of the balance-wheel, with the balance-spring fixed above it in a highly unusual stage-setting. This expressive and appealing construction also contributes to reducing the overall thickness thanks to the prodigious inventiveness of the master-watchmakers in the Manufacture.

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These substantial developments required rethinking the regulating organ and developing a new balance-spring specifically hand-crafted in the Complications workshop. All the characteristics of this new tourbillon are geared towards achieving extreme precision, watchmaking’s ultimate goal.
A concentrated blend of culture and expertise, the tourbillon of the Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch vividly epitomises perfect technical mastery. Yet above and beyond the art and science involved in making this outstanding timepiece, the process represents a human adventure strewn with all manner of obstacles that the watchmakers of the Manufacture take pride in overcoming. In each of these prodigious tourbillons, collectors of Jaeger-LeCoultre calibres will discern a combination of unflagging commitment and sheer talent.

A highly demonstrative automatic winding system

In its absolute quest to optimise components, the Manufacture has conceived and developed an automatic winding system that captivates by its remarkable conception and execution. To provide more space and achieve record-breaking ultra-thin dimensions, the winding is handled by a oscillating peripheral weight with a platinum segment visible through narrow openings on the dial. This platinum segment takes advantage of the wearer’s wrist movements to revolve around the dial and wind the mainspring. It is fitted on a ceramic ball bearing mechanism specially developed for this device. It is also extremely effective and able to move freely in either direction. However only clockwise rotation actually winds the calibre. The sculptural purity of the perfectly integrated high-performance oscillating weight becomes an aesthetic element in its own right, thereby further enhancing the graphic power of the watch.
A minute repeater that barely skips a beat
Striking watches hold a place of their own within the realm of horology. They embody a highly daunting challenge for watchmakers seeking to achieve the purest sound, the most regular melody, along with unfailing precision and reliability.Due to their highly complex nature, minute repeater mechanisms represent prestigious watchmaking accomplishments. When in 1870 the Manufacture in the Vallée de Joux decided to create repeater calibres, it revolutionised this age-old art by endowing it with unprecedented precision and reliability thanks to its perfect match between hand and machine. Since then, the Manufacture has created and produced over 200 different calibres equipped with repeater mechanisms, making this one of its favourite themes interpreted through timepieces that have constantly explored the facets of this sophisticated complication. Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch stems from a new line of approach: a minute repeater movement entirely rethought and rebuilt to be ultra-thin.
A minute repeater strikes the hours, quarters and minutes on demand. 
When there are no quarters to be struck, a lengthy silent timelapse occurs between sounding the hours and the minutes. While there is always such an audible hiatus in the sequence, it is particularly audible when there are no quarters involved. To solve this problem, an innovative system reducing this silent timelapse was developed. It detects the absence of quarters to be struck and thus eliminates the marked pause between striking the hours and minutes. As a result, the appropriate high- and low-pitched notes seamlessly follow their appointed pattern without breaking the tempo.
Supreme expertise dedicated to pure sound
Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch benefits from the developments previously introduced in two exceptional models. To achieve a sound of perfect purity the transmission speed of the gong’s vibrations must be faster amongst elements diffusing the sound wave than in the gong itself. Sapphire is endowed with this very property. In 2005, the master-watchmakers of the Manufacture devised a system in which the crystal gong of the Master Minute Repeater was affixed directly to the sapphire crystal to which it transmitted the vibrations. Four years later, the development of Hybris Mechanica à Grande Sonnerie watch led to the replacement of traditional hammers by trebuchet hammers designed to ensure optimal energy transmission to the gongs. 

 

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Hybris Mechanica Eleven is equipped with two patented trebuchet hammers. They ensure stronger, cleaner striking on the two crystal gongs fixed to the sapphire crystal. This helps to amplify the sound diffusion. Fine Watchmaking connoisseurs will also take pleasure in the traditional architecture of this minute repeater, as evidenced in features such as the symmetrical position of the two hammers – a tribute to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s historical watches.
Hybris Mechanica Eleven is a testament to the unfailing commitment of the watchmakers at the Manufacture who developed specific instruments such as a sound box to match their exceptionally high standards. Each watchmaker serves as a guarantor of the sound and remains carefully attuned to ensuring the harmonious restitution of the music of time.

A technically accomplished pushbutton

Again as part of an effort to make the watch even slimmer while preserving an extremely pure aesthetic, this minute repeater is activated by a retractable single pushbutton for which the Manufacture has filed a patent. Hybris Mechanica Eleven is equipped with a discreet locking system at 8 o’clock. Actuating it brings out the pushbutton that triggers the minute repeater. Once the minute repeater is activated, the pushbutton returns to its initial recessed position, thus ensuring that nothing disturbs the flowing, elegant appearance of the watch.
The discretion, the user-friendliness and the technical feat represented by this retractable pushbutton are not the only advantages of this ingenious innovation. As opposed to the traditional slides used to activate the minute repeater function and for which the length of travel may vary according to the hour to be struck, this construction ensures a constant 2 mm travel distance that is enough to both wind the barrel and trigger the minute repeater.
Powerful aesthetic appeal pervading every detail Hybris Mechanica Eleven strikes the perfect balance between historical inspiration and avant-garde technology. It is nurtured by the distinctive elegance of early 20th century pocket-watches, which constituted the last incarnations of a cultural tradition before the wristwatch took over. Each detail of its refined design has its reason for being and serves two purposes in equal measure: establishing an aesthetic identity as well as ensuring the smooth functionality of the mechanism.

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The masterful movement with its consistently ultra-thin proportions is accommodated in a new case inspired by a “knife-shaped” 1907 pocket watch. Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch measures a stunning 7.9 mm thin (including the crystal) considering its 41 mm diameter. Of the various precious metals from which it could choose, the Manufacture has opted for white gold because of its excellent acoustic qualities. The bezel, the sides and the tapering lugs are all entirely hand- polished.
The hour-markers, the traditional black transferred minute circle and the silver-toned grained finish are distinctive style nods to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s historical pocket watches. Hybris Mechanica Eleven also features new longer Dauphine-type hands, meticulously crafted with a polished, grained finish accentuating the harmonious overall appeal of the watch. The 6 o’clock opening affords a dramatic view of the new ultra-thin tourbillon, while the small apertures on the outer part the dial provide an ideal ringside seat from which to observe to the rotations of the delicately snailed platinum oscillating weight.
Considerable care has been lavished on the finishing and the sophisticated details of the 4.8 mm thin mechanical automatic movement. The movement blank and the bridges are made of a copper-nickel-zinc Maillechort alloy, a reference to the noble tradition of Jaeger-LeCoultre pocket watches and a metal that acquires a delightful patina with the passing of time.
The haute horlogerie finishes, including Côtes de Genève on certain bridges, entirely hand- crafted and particularly meticulous bevelling featuring interior angles on certain parts, admirably reflect the vision pursued by the Manufacture and its sense of quality taken to extremes.
As a subtle reminder of the musical nature of this timepiece, the exact spot on the crystal where the gong heel is welded to the sapphire crystal is marked by a few musical notes. Issued in a 75-piece limited edition, Hybris Mechanica Eleven is powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 362 and has a 45-hour power reserve. It is crafted in ultra-white 18-carat gold and teamed with a high-end alligator leather strap secured by a white gold pin buckle.

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Technical Specifications

Reference: 1313520
 

Movement: 

Mechanical with manual winding
Calibre 362  

Jaeger-LeCoultre designed, assembled and decorated by hand
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour
471 parts

Diameter: 33,3 mm

Height: 4,8 mm
Power reserve: 45 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, 
Minute Repeater, Tourbillon
Dial:  

Silver-toned, grained
Traditional baton-type (transferred)
Hands: Dauphines

Functions

Hours, minutes
Minute repeater equipped with silent-timelapse reduction function
Flying tourbillon with flying balance-wheel
Automatic winding via a peripheral oscillating weight
Case:  

18K Extra-white Gold
Height: 41 mm
Width: 7.9 mm
Thickness: 7.3 mm
Finish: Polishe dlugs
Glasses: Sapphire
Sealing: Up to 3 bars
Bracelets: 

Black high-end Jaeger-LeCoultre Alligator leather
Clasp: 

Buckle in 18K white gold high-end pin buckle 18.0 mm

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JEANRICHARD – Aeroscope 208 Seconds Limited Edition

JEANRICHARD – Aeroscope "208 Seconds" Limited Edition NEW

JEANRICHARD Honors Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger
To Commemorate the 5th Anniversary of the “Miracle on the Hudson”
& Launches “208 Seconds” Aeroscope Timepiece

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New York, NY (January 15, 2014) – Last night, Swiss luxury watchmaker JEANRICHARD honored its brand ambassador, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger to commemorate the 5th Anniversary of the landing of Flight 1549 on the Hudson River with the launch of the special edition “208 Seconds” Aeroscope watch. The event, which took place at Tourneau TimeMachine 57th Street and Madison Avenue in New York City, celebrated how the American hero saved 155 people in only 208 seconds on January 15, 2009.

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“We are privileged to have worked with Captain Sullenberger on our new “208 Seconds” Aeroscope”, said Bruno Grande, COO of JEANRICHARD. “The watch showcases the importance of time, Sully’s inspirational achievement in seconds of great urgency, and his efforts since then to continue to help change and improve people’s lives and support organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Rory Staunton Foundation. This is very much in line with JEANRICHARD’s values and philosophy of life.”

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“In situations such as those on January 15, 2009, one can only rely upon your training, preparedness and the knowledge that you are serving a cause greater than yourself”, said Captain Sullenberger. “The “208 Seconds” Aeroscope I was able to design with JEANRICHARD also symbolizes the values of personal responsibility and I am grateful for their support of my philanthropic work.”

208 seconds made Captain Sullenberger a hero and the watch's automatic chronograph movement perfectly embodies the spirit and respect that the Captain and JEANRICHARD have for time. The 208 seconds are represented by a subtle marked white and red timeline on the timepiece’s black dial.
 
Available on a black Barenia® calfskin strap, the JEANRICHARD “208 Seconds” Aeroscope is a re-interpretation of the old aviators’ watches, and with its titanium cushion-shaped case shares a man’s most enduring dream with style. Part of the proceeds of the watch will go to The American Red Cross and The Rory Staunton Foundation, two of Captain Sullenberger's philanthropic endeavors.

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Throughout the event guests also participated in a social media challenge, where they were tasked to take a wrist shot of the new “208 Seconds” Aeroscope and post it to their Instagram account. The “Best Shot” will be re-grammed today, January 15th, through the brand’s Instagram account (@JRwatches). The winner will receive a “208 Seconds” Aeroscope watch.

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 In addition, guests were able to have a sneak peek at the rest of the JEANRICHARD collections, featured in a special exhibit on display at Tourneau TimeMachine until February 28th. The exhibit showcases the brand’s four core collections, Terrascope, Aquascope, Aeroscope and 1681 and delves into the inspirations behind them through earth, water, air and the brand’s history and fire of passion for watchmaking. An installation of memorable timepieces that have experienced extraordinary adventure and represent the brand’s values and Philosophy of Life can also be viewed during this special JEANRICHARD display.

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These include the timepiece high-wire artist Nik Wallenda wore while crossing the Grand Canyon, Captain “Sully” Sullenberger’s newly released “208 Seconds” limited edition watch and a Terrascope watch worn to the top of Mt. Everest.

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Frederique Constant - Classics Manufacture Worldtimer Stainless-steel bracelet

Frederique Constant - Classics Manufacture Worldtimer Stainless-steel bracelet  Limited Edition NEW

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The World Just Became a Brighter Place:

The Classics Manufacture Worldtimer

For the past 12 months, the Classics Manufacture Worldtimer from Frederique Constant has proven to be an unrivalled success. Each of the two models launched in 2012 has lived up to the expectations of appreciative watch aficianados right across the globe. The world of watchmaking has indeed been a brighter place since these two unique and visually spectacular timepieces entered the horological stage.

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Both models are powered by the FC-718 Manufacture caliber, with 26 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve, one of the most technically advanced ever produced by the Swiss watchmaking giant. 

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The true genius of these Classics Manufacture Worldtimer models, however, lies in the simplicity with which all the amazing features can be accessed. As well as the hour, minute and second hand displays, an extra-large date counter at the 6 o’clock position and a 24-hour disc with day-night indicators circling the hour and minute indexes, both models also display around the outside of the dial the time in 24 of the world’s greatest cities, all at the same time.

How many crowns do you think it takes to adjust that amazing array of features? Three? Four?

Frederique Constant’s extraordinary team of engineers and designers have somehow managed to make all functions of the watch accessible through a single crown!

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Both of the new models are presented with highly-polished, three-part stainless steel cases, convex sapphire crystals and the exceptionally popular see-through case back. As robust as they are good looking, these watches are water resistant to 50 metres beneath the sea.

The FC-718MC4H6B features a lustrous silver dial with a simple yet rich “guilloche” decoration at the centre. Gleaming, hand-polished, black oxydised hour and minute hands and hand-applied Roman numerals provide a striking contrast to the silver dial.  

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Technical specifications

Reference  FC-718MC4H6B
Case 
Polished stainless steel 3-parts case,
Diameter of 42 mm
Convex sapphire crystal,
See-through case back
Water-resistant to 5 ATM
Movement  
FC-718 Manufacture caliber,
Automatic with date adjustable with the crown, and worldtimer function, adjustable with the crown.
Perlage & Circular Côtes de Genève decoration on the movement
Number of jewels: 26 jewels,
Power reserve: 42-hour
Dial 
Silver dial with central “guilloché” decoration
Hand polished black oxydized hands
Date counter at 6 o’clock
24H disc, with day-night indication
City disc with 24 cities
Date Сounter at 6 o’clock
24H disc, with day-night indication
City disc with 24 cities
Strap 
5 links polished stainless-steel bracelet, with butterfly buckle with pushers
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The second of the two new models is the FC-718WM4H6B. This model features an incredibly detailed silver world map at its center, giving the watch that real “wow” factor.  The hour and minute hands are a beautiful midnight blue colour; the hour indexes are luminous.

To give these two new models an extra-bright and sporty look, they are finished with a unique, highly polished stainless steel bracelet, featuring a five-link design and butterfly buckle with pushers.

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Technical specifications

Reference FC-718WM4H6B
Case 
Polished stainless steel 3-parts case,
Diameter of 42 mm
Convex sapphire crystal,
See-through case back
Water-resistant to 5 ATM
Movement  
FC-718 Manufacture caliber,
Automatic with date adjustable with the crown, and worldtimer function, adjustable with the crown.
Perlage & Circular Côtes de Genève decoration on the movement
Number of jewels: 26 jewels,
Power reserve: 42-hour
Dial 
Silver dial with world map in the center and luminous indexes
Hand polished blue hands
Date counter at 6 o’clock
24H disc, with day-night indication
City disc with 24 citiesDate 
Сounter at 6 o’clock
24H disc, with day-night indication
City disc with 24 cities
Strap 
5 links polished stainless-steel bracelet, with butterfly buckle with pushers

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BREVA - Génie 02 Limited Edition

BREVA - Génie 02 Limited Edition NEW

Génie 02 Terre: Altitude with Attitude!

The Breva Génie 02 Terre combines the stunning sophistication of a beautifully crafted mechanical timepiece with the practicality of a fully functional, high-performance mechanical altimeter. Whether your passion is trekking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking or just relaxing while enjoying the fresh air and stunning views, Génie 02 Terre helps keep you on time and on track.

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Génie 02 Terre is 100% Swiss-made, from inception to realization. The superbly finished proprietary movement, much of which can be fully appreciated through the open dial and display back, was developed exclusively for Breva by award-winning movement constructor Jean-François Mojon (Chronode).

The dial side is dominated by a sub-dial at 8 o'clock displaying hours and minutes, and the precision altimeter sub-dial at 2 o'clock displaying meters (or feet). Arcing around the top of the dial is the large-scale altitude indicator, which displays up to 5,000 meters (or 16,400 feet), with small seconds below.
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At 4 o'clock, an indicator shows when the air valve is open or closed (it must be open to indicate the altitude), below which is the 65-hour power reserve indicator.
In pride of place at the bottom of the dial, the top of one of the two aneroid capsules measuring air pressure (from which the altitude is derived) is visible, with a high-precision arm multiplying by 200 times the expansion and contraction of the capsules and relaying the air pressure to the two altitude indications.

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Three chevron-engraved crowns wind, set, adjust and operate the functions of Génie 02:
       a. 9 o'clock: Two-position crown both winds the movement and sets the time.
       b. 2 o'clock: A screw down rotates both the altitude's precision-scale and large-scale to adjust for variations in air pressure, which affect altitude readings.
       c. 4 o'clock: Screw down crown either seals air out of the movement or allows it in (for altitude function). Longevity and reliability of the timepiece are maximized by means of an osmotic Teflon membrane that filters any moisture and humidity from any air before it enters the movement. Just above the crown, a white indicator on the dial marked ‘SEALED' warns when valve is unlocked.

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Turning the Génie 02 over, the complexity of beautifully finished 415-component movement can be more fully appreciated. The movement is framed by the names of prestigious ski resorts − Aspen, Vail, Las Lenas, Gstaad, St Moritz, Zermatt, Courchevel, Cortina, Kitzbuhel, and Lech − along with their altitudes, engraved around the perimeter of the caseback. When winding the movement you can see the rotation of the cap of the mainspring barrel.
The name ‘Breva’ is inspired by ‘La Breva’, a warm southern wind that contributes to the agreeably mild microclimate around Lake Como in northern Italy. Like its namesake, Breva blows a refreshing breeze through the often-stuffy world of Swiss haute horlogerie by creating timepieces that monitor your environment.
Génie 02 is a limited edition of 55 pieces in titanium G5 and is available with either meter or feet calibrations.

Génie 02 in detail

High performance mechanical altimeter: Paradoxically, an altimeter doesn't really measure altitude at all: it measures air pressure. In 1928, German inventor Paul Kollsman revolutionized the aviation world when he invented the world's first accurate barometric altimeter.

An air pressure altimeter is in fact a barometer developed specifically to display altitude rather than barometric pressure. Pressure in the earth's atmosphere is a result of the weight of the air pulled down by gravity. The higher the altitude, the less atmosphere above so less pressure exerted.

Aneroid capsules:  The aneroid capsules in the Génie 02 were especially developed to Breva's specifications to optimize their precision and use in a wristwatch.  The capsules are made from a special non-magnetic memory-metal (Breva patented invention), which is lighter and stronger than aluminum and has twice the ductility of steel. The capsules are exposed for long durations to high temperature and pure oxygen to maximize thermal conductivity and oxidation resistance.

Génie 02's aneroid capsules were developed specifically for registering air pressure for altitude readings rather than barometric pressure, and are different to those used on the Génie 01.

A lever, clearly visible on top of the aneroid capsules, transmits the combined height of the capsules through a complex system of gears and racks to the two − precision and large-scale − altimeter indications. The gearing for these two displays has been carefully calculated to optimize both precision and legibility.

Adjusting for changes in air pressure: Atmospheric pressure can change with the weather and this can affect altitude readings. When bad weather approaches, air pressure can fall causing the altimeter to confuse this decrease in pressure with an increase in altitude.
In order to compensate for weather or temperature induced barometric pressure variations, the altimeter should be calibrated by using a known altitude or a known pressure value. A known altitude can typically be taken from a specific landmark on a topographic map. But if a known altitude is not available, a known pressure value will suffice. Barometric pressure is measured several times per day and can usually be obtained from aviation weather reports.

Using the altitude to navigate in the mountains: An altimeter used in conjunction with a topographic map can help verify location and aid navigation. A barometric altimeter as found in the Génie 02 is often more reliable and more accurate than a GPS receiver for measuring altitude. GPS altimeters may have difficulty in finding a signal, e.g. in a deep canyon or beside a steep cliff, and may give inaccurate measurements if available satellites are near the horizon.

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Génie 02 in detail (continued)

Mountains are good for you: Studies by the University of Innsbruck in Austria, which is ranked 3rd worldwide for mountain research, showed that people who holiday or spend time at moderate altitudes had lower blood pressure and pulse rates, lost weight and slept better. So as well as the pleasure of pure mountain air and breathtaking scenery, spending time in the mountains is great for your health as well.
Mountain air is charged with negative ions that refresh and rejuvenate. The negative ion concentration on mountains is typically 2000–4000 negative ions per cubic cm compared to 100–200 negative ions per cubic cm in a typical low altitude indoor environment.
Negative ions are invisible, odorless, tasteless molecules that we inhale in abundance in environments like mountains, waterfalls, and beaches. Once in our bloodstream, negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of serotonin (the mood chemical), helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost daytime energy levels. So strap on your Génie 02 and get out there!


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Profile of Breva founder, Vincent Dupontreué

Breva founder Vincent Dupontreué was born just outside Paris in 1977. He had a precocious entrepreneurial spirit that had him making and selling bracelets on the beach in Corsica during holidays when just 11 years old and building and selling skateboard ramps with his brother at 13. A job working in a bespoke men’s clothing store at 18 led, a few years later, to the position of sales manager at Ermenegildo Zegna. Vincent Dupontreué quickly decided he wanted to run his own boutique and when that wasn’t a possibility – he was still only 22 years old – he set up his own fashion brand, called ‘Vincent Dupontreué’.

After seven successful years Vincent Dupontreué sold his fashion brand, did an MBA in Lausanne, Switzerland, and ran an art gallery for a couple of years.

On his 33rd birthday in 2010, the desire for a nice watch ignited his entrepreneurial spirit once again and he decided to launch his own high-end Swiss brand. A beautiful weekend on Lake Como in Northern Italy provided both the inspiration for the name, Breva –  ‘La Breva’ is a warm southern wind contributing to the agreeably mild micro-climate around Lake Como – and the idea of creating a mechanical timepiece that forecast the weather.

In 2013, after three years of research and development, Vincent Dupontreué launched Breva with the Génie 01, the world’s first mechanical wristwatch displaying time, altitude, weather forecasting barometric pressure and power reserve. This was followed in 2014 by the Génie 02, which features a fully functional precision mechanical altimeter, as well as time and power reserve indications.

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Technical Specifications

Movement:
Proprietary movement developed exclusively for Breva by Jean-François Mojon/Chronode
Diameter: 36 mm
Number of components: 415
Number of jewels: 45
Balance frequency: 3 Hz
Dual aneroid capsules specifically developed to derive altitude from air pressure
Power reserve: 65 hours
Functions:
Hours, minutes, small seconds, large-scale altitude indicator,
Precision-scale altitude indicator, power reserve indicator,
Air pressure valve, equalizer seal indicator, altitude scale adjuster.
Case, dials and strap:
Case material: titanium G5, with altitude calibrated in either meters or feet.
Dimensions:  44.7 mm x 15.6 mm
Number of components: 69
Crowns: 
Winding setting crown at 9 o'clock,
Altitude adjuster at 2 o'clock, air valve at 4 o'clock
Crystals: 
sapphire crystal and display back treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides.
Dials: 
Grained and galvanically-treated Nickel silver,
indexes and numbers in three-dimensional Super-LumiNova
Altitude scales: available in metric (meters) or imperial (feet) measurements
Water resistance: 30m
Air valve with Teflon moisture-resisting osmosis membrane
Strap and buckle: 
Natural rubber strap with titanium tang buckle.

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