Thursday, March 10, 2016

JACOB & CO. – ASTRONOMIA SKY Edition


JACOB & CO.ASTRONOMIA SKY Celestial Panorama Gravitational Triple Axis Tourbillon Limited Edition NEW

The Triple Axis Tourbillon Goes Sidereal
360 degree Celestial Sky Panorama

As a sailor heading toward the seas driven by the celestial vault, I found my star: the Astronomia Sky,” says Jacob Arabo, founder of Jacob & Co. Just like mankind fascinated since the dawn of time by the observation of the night sky, Jacob & Co. drew its inspiration from the astronomical town clocks, which are true technical and aesthetic masterpieces.

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In 2014, Jacob & Co. had already stunned the watch industry with the launch of the Astronomia Gravitational Triple Axis Tourbillon

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This year, it takes the challenge even further with the Astronomia Sky by adding a never-before-seen complication: a sidereal display in three dimensions combined with an oval sky indicator and a 24-hour day and night display. To understand the complexity of this feat, each innovation will be examined individually.
Sidereal Time.
Sidereal Time

Covering the internal surface of the Astronomia’s case, the celestial dial accomplishes a full rotation in one sidereal year –which is the actual time it takes the earth to make one full rotation around the sun in relation to the xed stars. The blued grade 5 titanium dial features 18K gold stars as well as applied and hand-engraved and zodiac signs.

Oval Sky Indicator

Above this celestial dial is the Oval Sky Indicator, which shows the portion of the stars visible from the Northern Hemisphere. This indicator makes one full rotation in one sidereal day. A sidereal day is how long it takes for the earth to rotate once on its axis: 23.5640916 hours.

Day/Night Indicator

In the center of the satellite axis, a lacquered hand-engraved titanium globe rotates on itself inside a tinted half- domed sapphire, symbolizing night and day.

Satellites Race

Rotating around the watch are the four satellite arms, which rotate around the dial every 20 minutes, so when you look at the watch, it will never appear exactly the same.

On one of the satellites is the amazing triple axis gravitational tourbillon, which rotates on one axis in 60 seconds, on the second axis every ve minutes and around the dial every 20 minutes.

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On another satellite is the time (hours and minutes) subdial. Thanks to a clever differential gear system, the time display is always in the correct position while it rotates around the dial, in other words, the 12 is always up. On the third satellite is the Orbital Second Hand, an open-worked titanium wheel that rotates in 60 seconds with a second hand, and it also rotates around the dial every 20 minutes.

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On the fourth and final satellite is the patented “Jacob Cut” red moon, a spherical orange sapphire with 288 facets. This sapphire, the first of its kind in the modern jewelry industry, rotates on its axis every 60 seconds and turns around the dial every 20 minutes.

Optimized Setting

Jacob & Co. found a simple solution to the setting of this complicated timepiece. The Astronomia Sky has two bows and two wheels on the back of the watch, making setting easy. One bow is for setting the time and the day/ night indicator (both based on 24-hour solar time), while the other bow is for winding the mechanical movement. One of the wheels is to set the sidereal time, and the other wheel is used to set the oval sky indicator.

Jacob & Co., known for its unique and captivating complications, has done it again with the Astronomia Sky.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Collection: Grand complication
 
Model: ASTRONOMIA SKY

Reference: 750.110.40.AA.SD.1NS 

Movement:
Exclusive Jacob&Co. Manual Winding JCAM11;
Diameter: 40mm;
Height: 17.15mm;  
Components: 395;
Material: Titanium;
Jewels: 42;
System: Triple Axis Gravitational Tourbillon;
Finishing
Plate and Bridges: Hand Angled and Polished, Flank Draw, Circular Graining, Polished Sink; Polished Screws;
Power Reserve: 60-Hours;
Frequency: 21’600 vib/h (3 Hz).
Functions:
SIDEREAL DISPLAY
Celestial Dial covering the internal surface of the inside case, representing the celestial vault through zodiac
signs.
A full rotation in 1 sidereal year 1.
Oval sky indication: Showing the portion of the stars visible from the northern hemisphere, a full rotation in 1
sidereal day 2 above the celestial vault.
Month indication: 12 months on sides of the celestial dial.
DAY AND NIGHT INDICATION
Lacquered hand-engraved titanium globe, rotating on 2 axes:
  • 1st Axis: A full rotation on itself in 24 hours;
  • 2nd Axis: Central Axe, travelling across the celestial vault in 20 minutes;
Inside a tinted half-domed sapphire, symbolizing night and day;
GRAVITATIONAL TRIPLE AXIS TOURBILLON
Rotating on 3 axes:
  • 1st Axis: in 60 seconds,
  • 2nd Axis: in 5 minutes,
  • 3rd Axis: Central Axe, travelling across the celestial vault in 20 minutes;
ORBITAL SECOND INDICATION
Rotating on 2 axes;
  • 1st Axis: in 60 seconds,
  • 2nd Axis: Central Axe, travelling across the celestial vault in 20 minutes
Open Worked Titanium Wheel and Hand indicating seconds;
HOUR & MINUTE INDICATION
Patented differential system
Rotating on a Central Axe, travelling across the celestial vault in 20 minutes;
THE JACOB CUT RED MOON
Weight: 1 carat; 288 Facets Orange Sapphire Patented Jacob Cut
Rotating on 2 axes:
  • 1st Axis in 60 seconds.
  • 2nd Axis: Central Axe, travelling across the celestial vault in 20 minutes.
Case:
Diameter: 47mm; Thickness: 25mm;
Material: 18K Rose Gold; Sapphire Apertures on Sides;
Case Back: 18K Rose Gold;
Bows: 18K Rose Gold lift-out Rotating “bows” for Winding, Time-Setting;
Two Wheels on Caseback Sides for Synchronization of the Sidereal
Time: Celestial Dial and Oval Sky Indicator;
Crystal: Unique Domed Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Treatment.
Dial and Hands:
Celestial Dial: Blue Grade 5 Titanium,
18K Gold hand-engraved and applied stars and zodiacal signs;
Hour and Minute Subdial: Titanium,
Hand Angled and Polished, Lacquered Indexes; Differential Gear System;
Hands: Hand Finished Blue.
Strap & Clasp: Alligator; 18K Rose Gold Folding Buckle.
Remarks: Water resistant to 30m (ISO 2281); 2-year warranty.

Limited Edition: 18 pieces; Individually Numbered Pieces.

* One sidereal year is the time it takes the earth to orbit the sun with respect to the fixed stars.
*Sidereal Day= 23.5640916 hours, it is the time it takes the earth to rotate on its axis (relative to vernal equinox).

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For media inquiries please contact:
Jacob & Co. Corporate Office
susan@jacobandco.com
+1.212.719.5887
Europe & Trade Press
press.gva@jacobandco.com
+41.22.310.6962
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Wednesday, March 9, 2016

ARNOLD & SON – NEBULA















ARNOLD & SON Royal Collection NEBULA NEW

Instrument Collection – NEBULA
Pre-BASELWORLD 2016


Arnold & Son blasts into outer space with radiating bridges
defining the harmoniously symmetrical Nebula

The three-dimensional, openwork movement and dial of the Nebula offer views into the very heart of the in-house manufacture calibre. Two mainspring barrels providing a healthy 90 hours power reserve at the top, find near-mirror symmetry with the small seconds display and dial-side balance below.

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It has long been a proven fact that when we consider a person’s face "beautiful" we are actually noticing facial symmetry because the human brain finds beauty in symmetry. And it's not just the visually balanced faces of people that we find attractive, but symmetrical faces in general – including those of timepieces. This goes a long way toward explaining the watch lover’s strong attraction to the refined Arnold & Son Nebula, which is symmetrical not only horizontally and vertically but also front and back.

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Besides the evident careful attention to balance, the powerful allure of the Nebula also derives from the meticulously calculated proportions and ratios of diameter versus height and the size and placement of every gear and wheel. Rather than being an assembly of disparate components – case, dial, and movement – Nebula was designed from the ground up to be completely holistic, with all components blending harmoniously into one. The "dial" actually acts as a bridge in supporting some of the intricate gearing.

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The movement bridges − there are no less than ten in this complex calibre, compared to four in a standard watch − form the dial.

The name "Nebula" (Latin for "cloud") was selected because with its bridges distinctively radiating from the perimeter of the dial toward the centre, the sculptural movement looks like an inverted, exploded star. Nebulae, an astronomical term describing a cloud of cosmic gas and dust, are formed from the debris of exploding stars and constitute the regions in our universe in which new stars are born . . . new stars like the Nebula.
 ------------------------------
www.Nasa.gov

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The Crab Nebula
©  NASA, ESA, J. Hester, A. Loll (ASU)

Highly legible central hours and minutes rotate above the movement that was conceived and developed from the outset to be openwork rather than have superfluous material skeletonized as an afterthought. Dial side, symmetry at top to bottom is provided by the two mainspring barrels, which provide a very healthy 90 hours of power above, and small seconds plus the oscillating balance wheel below. Seven of the skeletonized and chamfered triangular bridges with polished edges fixed around the perimeter of the movement and radiating inward offer a contemporary take on traditional English movement architecture.

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Not only is all of the movement visible and highly decorated, all of the most technically interesting and animated mechanisms, including the barrels, gear train, balance and escapement, and winding mechanism, can be appreciated from the dial side without having to turn the timepiece over.

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A&S5101
Manufacture Arnold & Son calibre,
skeletonized NAC (base plate) & palladium (bridges)
treated movement

© Arnold & Son

But that’s not to say the underside of the movement is something to be overlooked. The view through the display back reveals even more of the superlatively hand-finished movement, with its skeletonized and chamfered main plate with polished edges, solid 18-karat gold chatons and gears featuring polished chamfers.

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A&S5101
Manufacture Arnold & Son calibre,
skeletonized  black ADLC (base plate) & NAC (bridges)
treated movement

© Arnold & Son

The Nebula is available in a 41.50 mm, 5N red gold or stainless steel case, with a sapphire crystal display back for viewing the superbly hand-finished movement.

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Technical characteristics:

Reference: 1NEAS.B01A.D134A  Stainless steel 
Reference: 1NEAR.S01A.D135A  18-karat Red Gold

Calibre: A&S5101
Exclusive
Manufacture Arnold & Son mechanical movement, 
Fully skeletonized and symmetrical, hand-wound,
24 jewels, diameter 31.50 mm, two mainspring barrels, screwed balance wheel,
thickness 4.04 mm, power reserve 90 h, 3 Hz / 21,600 vph, adjusted to 5 position

Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds
Movement decoration: 

NAC-treated bridges and black ADLC-treated main plate (stainless steel model) or palladium-treated bridges and NAC-treated main plate (red gold model) with haute horlogerie finishing, chamfered
bridges with polished edges and brushed surfaces, chamfered wheels with A&S three-spoke design and polished edges, gold chatons, screws with bevelled and mirror-polished heads
Dial: 
Anthracite-coloured (stainless steel model) or light grey (red gold model) chapter ring
Case: 

Stainless steel or 18-karat red gold (5N),
41.50 mm diameter, 8.73 mm height,
cambered sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides,
sapphire crystal display case back
Water-resistant: 30 m /100 ft
Strap: 

Hand-aged anthracite calf leather (stainless steel model), hand-
stitched brown or black alligator leather (red gold model)


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Press release
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 ARNOLD & SON SA
Marketing & Sales
Boulevard des Eplatures 38
CH – 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds
Switzerland
 

info@arnoldandson.com
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Backes & Strauss – The Princess Elizabeth
















Backes & Strauss Royal Collection The Princess Elizabeth - Unique Piece NEW


ROYAL COLLECTION ǀ UNIQUE PIECE

The Princess Elizabeth is the first of two very unique pieces that Backes & Strauss has crafted in 2016 to celebrate the 90th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

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The main feature of the Princess Elizabeth is its extraordinary dial, depicting Princess Elizabeth’s youthful profile. The gold dial has been hand-engraved by Backes & Strauss’ master engraver and enamelled using the Grand Feu technique with “XC” at twelve o’ clock.

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It is interesting to note that this process uses the English Blythe enamel, applied over various layers at 900 degrees Celsius. The temperature is rigorously controlled to achieve a royal purple hue, a skill for which the enameller requires decades of experience to perfect.

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The second piece, the Queen Elizabeth, will be unveiled at a special event in October to be held in Japan.

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Technical details

Case: 18k White Gold 28 diamonds – 3.95 cts
Size: 37 mm
Dial: Gold
XC at 12 o’ Clock, Portrait of Princess Elizabeth II: Grand Feu enamelling technique using English Blythe Enamel
Crown: One Ideal Cut diamond “The Jewel in the Crown” - 0.09 cts
Hands: Sword-shaped hands with superwhite luminova
Movement: Automatic movement
Display: Hours, minutes & seconds
Strap: Jewellery bracelet in 18k White Gold set with 136 diamonds – 18.57 cts
Total Carats: 165 diamonds – 22.61 cts

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CONTACT
For further press information, please contact  Florence Bull:
Florence Bull: T. +44 (0) 207 629 5714 
E fb@backesandstrauss.com
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Backes & Strauss
76 Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 5EE
TEL: +44 (0) 207 518 2585
Email: info@backesandstrauss.com
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Tuesday, March 8, 2016

AUDEMARS PIGUET – Royal Oak Offshore Diver Chronograph



AUDEMARS PIGUETROYAL OAK Offshore Diver Chronograph NEW

For the past 140 years, Audemars Piguet has been crafting exceptional timepieces where its uncompromising methods, rare craftsmanship and innovation are all reflected in their unique nature.

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Exclusively available through Audemars Piguet boutiques, the new Royal Oak Offshore Diver Chronographs boast funky colours and daring new design elements. Blackened white gold hands and hour-markers stand out against bright, high-contrast tangerine, lime, citron and blue dials. The diving function indicator has been highlighted for better readability at depths of up to 300 metres.

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It solid stainless steel case measuring 42mm diameter is equipped with glare proofed sapphire crystal and caseback, black ceramic push-pieces and screw-locked crowns. Inside beats a self winding manufacture movement that guarantees a power reserve up to 50 hours when fully wound.

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The “Méga Tapisserie” pattern dial indicates basic time and chronograph functions. This timepiece features a rotating inner bezel for calculating dive timings. Each Royal Oak Offshore Diver Chronograph comes fitted with a matching rubber strap with stainless steel pin buckle.

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Through caseback, one can easily admire the 22K oscillating weight and decorations of the 3124/3841 Manufacture Calibre. Each and every component is produced with exquisite craftsmanship and finishing, perfectly showcasing the brand’s commitment in traditional high-end watchmaking.

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Waterproof to 300m, this piece offers a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour while the movement provides a minimum 60 hours of power reserve to the watch. Such a masterpiece is the perfect representation of sport performance in Haute Horology and embodies the brand’s philosophy,
 To break the rules, you must first master them.


The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver Chronograph is priced at $27,900.

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Technical Specifications

Royal Oak Offshore Diver Chronograph

Reference: 26703ST.OO.A027CA.01 Blue dial    BIG FOTO
Reference: 26703ST.OO.A070CA.01 Orange dial  BIG FOTO
Reference: 26703ST.OO.A051CA.01 Yellow dial    BIG FOTO
Reference: 26703ST.OO.A038CA.01 Green dial    BIG FOTO

MOVEMENT:
Manufacture Calibre 3124/3841
Selfwinding Remontage Automatique
Total diameter: 29.92 mm (13 ¼ lignes)
Total thickness: 7.16 mm
Number of jewels: 59
Number of parts: 364
Minimal guaranteed power reserve: 50 h
Type of oscillating weight: Monobloc in 22-carat gold
Frequency of balance wheel: 3 Hz (= 21,600 vibrations/hour)
    Stop balance when setting time
    Cam chronograph mechanism
    Oscillating weight with ceramic ball bearings
    Bevels of the bridges are diamond graved
    Inverted snailing on bridges
FUNCTIONS:
Chronograph
Rotating inner bezel with dive-time indication
Hours
Minutes
Small seconds
CASE:
42mm Stainless steel
Stainless steel case, glare proofed sapphire crystal and caseback
Black ceramic push-pieces and screw-locked crowns.
Water-resistant to 300m
DIAL:
Dial with “Méga Tapisserie” pattern
  •  Reference: 26703ST.OO.A027CA.01
        Blue dial with “Méga Tapisserie” pattern, blue counters, white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands (yellow minutes hand) with luminescent coating, blue rotating inner bezel with diving scale and zone from 60 to 15 minutes in yellow.
  •  Reference: 26703ST.OO.A070CA.01
        Orange dial with “Méga Tapisserie” pattern, black counters, blackened gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating, black rotating inner bezel with diving scale and zone from 60 to 15 minutes in orange.
  •  Reference: 26703ST.OO.A051CA.01
        Yellow dial with “Méga Tapisserie” pattern, black counters, blackened gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating, black rotating inner bezel with diving scale and zone from 60 to 15 minutes in yellow.
  •  Reference: 26703ST.OO.A038CA.01
        Green dial with “Méga Tapisserie” pattern, black counters, blackened gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating, black rotating inner bezel with diving scale and zone from 60 to 15 minutes in green.
STRAP:
Rubber strap with stainless steel pin buckle
(Blue, Orange, Yellow, Green).

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Audemars Piguet (Marketing) SA
Route de France 16 - Case postale 16
1348 Le Brassus - Switzerland
Phone : + 41 21 642 39 00
Fax : + 41 21 642 34 02
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Monday, March 7, 2016

Franck Muller – Vanguard Tourbillon Skeleton
















Franck MullerVanguard™ Tourbillon Skeleton NEW

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Following the success of the Vanguard™ Collection, Franck Muller is pleased to introduce the new Vanguard Gravity - a true symbol of technological avant-garde, teamed with a sporty approach, combining perfect lines while evoking the remarkable power of its mechanism.

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A new concept of tourbillon cage is demonstrated by its innovative elliptical shape and structure in aluminum. The bridge and the pillars of a traditional tourbillon have been turned into a magic and harmonious elliptical circle with diameters of 21.2mm and 7.7mm. An eccentric balance of 14mm further characterises this unconventional tourbillon.

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The rubber on the inside of the strap effortlessly takes the form of a daring wrist and makes this model even more harmonious. The strap comes in a variety of finishes including nylon and alligator. They create absolute harmony with the iconic Cintrée Curvex case.

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Wholly in-house designed and manufactured, the Vanguard Gravity is available in titanium, stainless steel and 18-carat gold. This sporty collection offers a dynamic choice of colorful variants for the bridge.

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Directly inspired by the universe of astronomy, the Gravity collection is truly the demonstration of a futuristic journey.

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Inspired by the dynamic Vanguard™ collection, the Yachting Collection develops a new creative vision of time with its nautical details. The Yachting watch features all the seafaring details: from the deep blue to the wind rose adorning the dial everything reminds us the sea world.

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The distinct Vanguard™ numerals perfectly complement the audacious design of the dial and enhance its high legibility. Sporting an automatic movement or a mechanical one, the line is available in titanium, 18-carat gold and stainless steel and is further seen in four variants – classic, chronograph, tourbillon and Gravity tourbillon. This timepiece is the ideal sporty watch for the owners of a yacht as the two universes share the same elegance and technical features.

Each watch comes with a rubber and alligator strap.

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