Monday, July 27, 2015

CHRONOSWISS – “Ouroboros” Quarter Repeater for Only Watch 2015


CHRONOSWISS – “Ouroboros” Quarter Repeater for Only Watch 2015

Beauty and the Beast

As its second contribution for the Only Watch charity, Chronoswiss once more chose to excel in artistic craftsmanship. For 2015´s charity auction, the brand proudly presents a timeless interpretation of the ancient “Ouroboros” theme in a sophisticated quarter repeater wristwatch. Dating back to ancient Egypt, mankind has always been fascinated by this symbol of self-reflexivity and the eternal re-creation process.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...     BIG FOTO


This concept has been translated into a most intriguing timepiece with a high proportion of demanding craftsmanship. Set in a case made of solid white gold, the Ouroboros has been engraved by hand into a solid white gold dial. This is a time-consuming and extremely elaborate process which results in a three-dimensional serpent with a beautiful coating of patina.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...     BIG FOTO


In the very center of the dial encircled by the Ouroboros´s body, the white gold has been embellished with côtes de Genève in galvanic anthracite, further adding to the mysterious allure of the timepiece and exactly matching the color of the elegant alligator skin watch band. After the serpent has been engraved into the dial, the artisan still has to perform one demanding step in the creation process of this unique piece: the cutting of the Breguet thread.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...     BIG FOTO

The resuscitation of these historical, to a degree almost forgotten, handcrafts is something that is near and dear to Chronoswiss CEO Oliver Ebstein who founded a special workshop at the brand´s headquarters in the Swiss town of Lucerne in spring 2013. Here, ticking treasures like the “Ouroboros” are created by artists, partially with the aid of historical tools, such as an antique rose engine built in the year 1924 in La Chaux-de-Fonds.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...     BIG FOTO

While the dial as the “face” of the watch receives a lot of attention, the insides of the timepiece, which are visible through the transparent case back, also create a great amount of fascination. Technically speaking, the quarter repeater mechanism which is featured on Chronoswiss manufacture caliber is counted among the great complications. One little hammer strikes its gong to ring out the number of hours (“ding”), then two little hammers strike against two meticulously tuned gongs to ring out the number of quarter-hours (“ding-dong”). The sound of the “Ouroboros” is crystal clear, pure and truly beautiful – almost a contradiction to the beast on its dial.

About the Only Watch timepiece:

In its second contribution, “Ouroboros”, Chronoswiss pays tribute to the ancient symbol of a serpent eating its own tail, a metaphor for eternal re-creation. This fascinating timepiece is yet another example for artistic craftsmanship performed at Chronoswiss, the white gold dial having been engraved by hand.

-----------------------------------------------------------
 www.facebook.com - Chronoswiss Watches
------------------------------------------------------------------
 www.Chronoswiss.com

Saturday, July 25, 2015

SPEAKE-MARIN – MAGISTER Kennin-ji Project Unique Piece


SPEAKE-MARIN Cabinet des Mystères MAGISTER Kennin-ji Project Gold Unique Piece

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ....                 BIG FOTO

It has been made by hand with passion SPEAKE-MARIN & Kees ENGELBARTS

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ....                 BIG FOTO

The watch was made by Peter Speake-Marin, Kees Engelbarts, Eddy Jaquet, Christophe Sewers over an 18 month period.
With additional support from Gionibek Kudaibergen.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ....                 BIG FOTO


The Speake-Marin Kennin-ji-Temple MAGISTER Project engraving encompasses the grand box as well as the watch.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ....                 BIG FOTO


Kees ENGELBARTS uses an ancient Japanese technique called "MOKUME GANE, which literally means "wood grain metal".

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ....                 BIG FOTO

Fully engraved multi-level dial White gold motif  "Mystery Dragon" 

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ....                 BIG FOTO


Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ....                 BIG FOTO

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ....                 BIG FOTO

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ....                 BIG FOTO


-------------------------------------------------------
Technical details

Movement and finishing
Manually wound in-house Speake-Marin
Fully engraved
Caliber SM2 
Diameter: 32.60
Thickness: 6,25mm 
The balance wheel with Breguet overcoil (weight of balance is 0118gr inertia 25 mg.cm2)
Frequency: 21,600vph / 3Hz.
Double-ended swan neck regulators,
Power reserve: 72 hours,
Features 29 jewels and contains 211 components altogether.
Case:
White gold, fully engraved
Dimensions: 42mm
Case-back: circumference engraving  
Speake-Marin signature "Mystery Kennin-ji Project"
Functions: Hours, minutes
Dial and hands:
Fully engraved multi-level dial White gold motif  "Mystery Dragon" 
Hour and minute hands in heat-blued steel
Strap:
Hand-made, natural alligator leather black strap
Pin buckle in white gold

Limitation: One unique piece
--------------------------------------------
www.Kenninji.jp
------------------------------------------------------
Kees ENGELBARTS
----------------------------------------------
Information & media contact: press@speake-marin.com
-----------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - SpeakeMarin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.Speake-Marin.com

Friday, July 24, 2015

Jaeger-LeCoultre – Master Ultra Thin Squelette














Jaeger-LeCoultre MASTER Ultra Thin Squelette  Limited Edition NEW


Master Ultra Thin Squelette:
a close encounter between the watchmaking art and Rare Handcrafts
(Métiers Rares®)

Lightness as a means of focusing on essentials. Daring to bare, yet attired in the most dazzling finery. Such are the messages delivered by the Mater Ultra Thin Squelette collection comprising four watches that cause a sensation by revealing themselves in their entirety to the admiring gaze. 

Enbodying the inventiveness and the alliance of 180 fine skills

Both inside and outside, the areas upon which the master artisans have lavished their talents – right to the very core of each model – reveal their innermost soul. Through the beauty and expertise it expresses, the Mater Ultra Thin Squelette follows in the wake of the Hybris Artistica collection, embodying the inventiveness and the alliance of the 180 fine skills safeguarded by Jaeger-LeCoultre under its own roof. In its turn, Mater Ultra Thin Squelette watch pursues a mission of carrying the observer to the heart of skeleton work, or the art of empty space raised to an absolute art form.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...         BIG FOTO

























Ultra-thin horology has been a longstanding tradition at Jaeger-LeCoultre since 1907. The Grande Maison has chosen to associate it with other spheres of excellence, skeleton working, engraving, enamelling and gem-setting. Combining them is a daring choice.

Jaeger-LeCoultre plays in this instance with the extremely reliable Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 849ASQ to nurture emotions. As if infiltrated into the heart of the labyrinth, the gaze wanders (and wonders) among the gear wheels. It traces its path along the hand-engraved bridges, finely chamfered in even the most apparently unattainable corners to which the artisan has nonetheless managed to give a special glow. The eye moves across a millimetre-accurate decor having called for extreme precision and dexterity, noting the fascinating light effects created by dedicated Haute Horlogerie finishes.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...         BIG FOTO

























All around the movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre has devised an elaborate stage-setting for the hours and minutes bearing its inimitable style signature. Harmony and clarity, both fundamental principles of the Grande Maison, are embedded in the genetic heritage of this new creation. The Manufacture has treated the Mater Ultra Thin Squlette to a dial divided into 12 zones, each delineated by hour-markers crafted in keeping with the noblest watchmaking traditions. Reading the time thus becomes both easy and pleasant. In the same way, the minute circle crowning the movement, revealed like a rare object, also demonstrates this ever-present concern for functionality.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...         BIG FOTO





























The Rare Handcrafts (Métiers Rares®) featured on both the front and back of the watch are the very essence of these models presented in four different interpretations. Each Mater Ultra Thin Squelette watch represents perfectly thought-out, seamless integration of design, watchmaking artistry and exceptional expertise.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...         BIG FOTO



































Master Ultra Thin Squelette and the art of enamelling

Enamelling is an art: that of colour born from fire that gives it a unique intensity and immutability over time. Envisaging enamel to adorn the Mater Ultra Thin Squelette watch represented a sizeable challenge, since the combination of this eminently delicate technique with the skeleton working of the movement – and all within an ultra-thin 3.6 mm thick case – is an authentic feat.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...          BIG FOTO







































The white or pink gold is first adorned with a guilloché motif that gives a distinctive rhythm to the overall aesthetic of the watch. The artisan then applies the enamel to the dial surface and proceeds to the successive firing operations that reveal the chosen shade: a strongly pigmented deep blue for the white version, or a frosted chestnut brown to match the pink gold of the case. The back of the enamelled Mater Ultra Thin Squelette watch provides a mirror image of the sequenced hour-zone design, highlighted by the energy of the colour. These two models are issued in 100-piece limited series forming a contemporary and highly distinctive field of expression.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...          BIG FOTO








































Master Ultra Thin Squelette and the art of engraving on mother-of-pearl and gem-setting

Using mother-of-pearl and diamonds on a men’s watch is a strong aesthetic choice in itself. It is proven to be a judicious one when the watch is held in the palm of the hand, where it becomes clear that radiance is the guiding thread in the gem-set Mater Ultra Thin Squelette. This principle begins with the light that plays across the watch components that are engraved or finished according to a palette of techniques creating subtle contrasts. Then comes the shimmering iridescence of mother-of-pearl. Each of the hour zones is adorned with natural white mother-of-pearl that is hand-engraved to texture this delicate material. This technique also gives a unique rhythm to the dial via a kinetic effect.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...          BIG FOTO
































Finally, the fire of the brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel sets the crowning touch to this masterfully sophisticated design. The Mater Ultra Thin Squelette gem-set version flaunts its charms on each of its surfaces. On its 38 millimetre-diameter case measuring just 4.7 millimetres thick, the slender caseband has been meticulously hand-engraved. Finally, the back of the watch provides an identical replica of the watch face. The hour zones are also adorned with engraved mother-of-pearl, forming a glowing ring around the skeleton movement visible through the sapphire crystal. The Mater Ultra Thin Squelette gem-set version comes in a graphic white gold or a warm pink gold version. Each model is issued in a 100-piece limited series.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...          BIG FOTO
































 





-------------------------------------------------------
Technical Characteristics

Model: Mater Ultra Thin Squelette

References
18 ct Pink gold version:
Q13425SQ, limited edition of 100
Q1342501, limited edition of 100  
References
 18 ct White gold version:  
Q1343501, limited edition of 100
Q13435SQ, limited edition of 100

Movement
•    Mechanical manually-wound movement,
Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 849ASQ
•    33-hour power reserve
•    119 components
•    19 jewels
•    1.85 mm thick
Dial
•    Openworked, enamelled – or Openworked, engraved mother-of-pearl
Hands
•    Leaf-type
Functions
•    Hours, minutes
Case
Diameter : 38mm
•    Pink gold
•    Pink gold set with brilliant-cut diamonds
•    White gold
•    White gold set with brilliant-cut diamonds
Strap
•    Alligator leather, pin buckle 16.0 mm

* Available in Jaeger LeCoultre boutiques
-------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Jaeger-LeCoultre
--------------------------------------------------------------------
www.Jaeger-LeCoultre.com

HUBLOT – Classic Fusion House of Mandela Special Edition
















HUBLOTClassic Fusion House of Mandela Special Edition NEW


























Hublot pays tribute to Nelson Mandela

Official presentation of the Classic Fusion House of Mandela,
in collaboration with the House of Mandela, the foundation created by the family of the famous defender of human rights.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                   BIG FOTO






























His name is synonymous with freedom, hope and dignity. The father of today's democratic and multi-racial South Africa. He became the country's first black President in 1994. Nelson Mandela, also known as "Madiba" –who passed away in 2013 at the age of 95 –was, without a doubt, one of the world's most influential spokesmen on human rights. His name is now revered all around the world.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                   BIG FOTO






































Today, in collaboration with the House of Mandela foundation created by the family of the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Hublot has decided to pay tribute to him by unveiling the Classic Fusion House of Mandela. It is a homage both to his exceptional character, and to the legacy that he has left to not only his family, but humanity as a whole.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                   BIG FOTO

































The House of Mandela aims to commemorate the life and philosophy of Nelson Mandela. Amongst its many charity projects, the Mandela family contributes to the education of South African children. A portion of the profits generated by the sale of these timepieces will also be donated to help the foundation achieve this goal.

Ricardo Guadalupe commented: "It is an honour for us to have been able to create this piece as a tribute to such an important figure as Nelson Mandela, who has made a lasting mark on the history of humanity. The Classic Fusion House of Mandela is a way for us to ensure the philosophy and actions of this great man continue to live on."

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                   BIG FOTO






































Crafted in 18K King Gold, the Classic Fusion House of Mandela is available in two models: a 45 mm diameter men's model and a 42 mm diameter women's model with a bezel set with 35 diamonds (totalling 1.15 carats). This special edition is limited to 95 pieces –a reference to Nelson Mandela's age at the time of his death. The dial bears the totem of the Mandela family, a bee with outstretched, branched wings which symbolise the various branches of the Mandela family tree.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                   BIG FOTO

































This insect was not chosen at random: it is inspired by Nelson Mandela's Xhosa name, Rolihlahla, which translates as "he who is brave enough to fetch the honey from the honeycomb" or "challenge the status quo". The bee also represents courage, sharing, and compassion, which are values shared by the family.
The piece is completed by a black alligator strap.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...                   BIG FOTO

































 




--------------------------------------------------
Technical details

Model: Classic Fusion House of Mandela  Special editions limited to a total of 95 pieces

Reference: 511.OX.0200.LR.MDL15 (45 mm version)
Reference: 542.OX.0200.LR.1204.MDL15 (42 mm version with diamonds)

Case
"Classic Fusion"
18K King Gold, polished and satin-finished
Diameter: 45 or 42 mm
Bezel: 
18K King Gold engraved with the “Mandela” signature,
6 polished and locked titanium screws, and 35 diamonds (1.15 carats) for the 42 mm version
Crown: Polished 18K King Gold with Hublot logo 
Crystal:
Sapphire with interior/exterior anti-reflective coating.
Case-back:
Satin-finished 18K King Gold engraved with the words “Special Edition,
1 OF 95” and the African continent, as well as “It’s in our hands” on the sapphire crystal with an
interior antireflective coating
Water resistance: 5 ATM or around 50 meters
Dial:
Satin-finished 18K King Gold engraved with the “House of Mandela” logo
Hands and Indexes:
18K King Gold and polished and faceted 5N Gold
Movement
HUB 1112 self-winding movement (45 mm)
HUB 1110 self-winding movement (42 mm)
Date: Window at 3 o'clock
Jewels: 21
Power reserve: Approximately 42 hours
Strap:
Semi-matt black alligator leather with black stitching and black rubber
Polished and satin-finished 5N gold
Clasp: 
Polished and satin-finished 5N gold with deployant buckle in black PVD-coated steel

-------------------------------------
HUBLOT SASwitzerland
T +41 (0)22 990 90 00
F +41(0)22 990 90 29
Press Contact: Annabelle Galley E-mail: a.galley@hublot.ch
-------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Hublot
-----------------------------------------------------
www.Hublot.com

Thursday, July 23, 2015

ORIS – Big Crown ProPilot Calibre 111


ORIS Big Crown ProPilot Calibre 111 Power Reserve 10-day

Flying higher
Oris’s movement programme reaches new heights with the introduction of Calibre 111 into the Big Crown ProPilot line

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...            BIG FOTO

Oris is delighted to introduce the Big Crown ProPilot Calibre 111 – a functional pilot’s watch that brings togeth er the company’s landmark in-house developed Calibre 111 movement with its iconic Big Crown ProPilot family. It’s the first time the innovative Calibre 111 has featured elsewhere in the Oris collection and demonstrates the company’s continuing ambitions to revive its watchmaking heritage.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...            BIG FOTO

The launch of Calibre 111 is a significant moment in Oris history. Last year, the independent Swiss brand began rebuilding its industrial in-house movement programme with Calibre 110. The unveiling of Calibre 111 in 2015 signals the next chapter in Oris’s long watchmaking tradition, which began in 1904

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...            BIG FOTO

Oris Calibre 111 is hand-wound and features a 10-day power reserve, a patented non-linear power reserve indicator and a date function.

Like its precursor, Calibre 111 is a hand-wound movement with a 10-day power reserve and a patented non-linear power reserve indicator. Oris has added a date function in a window at 9 o’clock, creating a trio of complications not seen in a watch before.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...            BIG FOTO

The watch’s design takes its cues from the aviation-inspired Big Crown ProPilot collection. It has a multi-piece 44mm case made from satin-finished stainless steel, and a coin-edged bezel inspired by jet engine turbines. The non-linear power reserve indicator on the dial has been designed to look like an airplane fuel gauge. The watch also features a screw-in stainless steel crown and is water-resistant to 10 bar, or 100 metres.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...       BIG FOTO


It’s important to be able to read a pilot’s watch at a glance, which is why Oris has equipped the Big Crown ProPilot Calibre 111 with an anti-reflective coating on the inside of the sapphire crystal to minimise glare. In addition, the watch features Arabic numerals and hour and minute hands filled with highly legible Super-LumiNova®.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...            BIG FOTO


The Oris Big Crown ProPilot Calibre 111 displays its innovative in-house developed movement through a crystal case back.

The Big Crown ProPilot Calibre 111 has a smooth anthracite dial and applied numerals. It’s also the only timepiece in the Big Crown ProPilot collection to be fitted with a genuine Louisiana crocodile leather strap. The watch is also available with either a textile strap or a stainless steel bracelet.

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...            BIG FOTO

The Big Crown ProPilot Calibre 111 is another sign of Oris’s eagerly anticipated return to movement manufacturing, and serves as another reminder of the company’s belief in making quality, industrially manufactured, high-functioning watches for ‘real people’.

Oris - Movement Calibre 111

Click on the mouse wheel to see the large size ...            BIG FOTO


------------------------------------------------------
Technical Specifications

Oris Big Crown ProPilot Calibre 111

Ref. 111 7711 4163, Ø 44.00mm

·    Calibre 111, movement fully developed by Oris
·    Hand-wound, 3hz, 21,600vph, single barrel
·    10-day power reserve, patented non-linear power reserve indication at 3 o’clock and small seconds and date at 9 o’clock
·    Multi-piece satin-finished stainless steel case and screw-in stainless steel crown.
Water resistant to 10 bar/100m
·    Sapphire crystal top glass with anti-reflective coating inside
·    Anthracite dial with applied Arabic numerals Super-LumiNova®, hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova® inlay
·    Dark brown Louisiana croco leather strap with stainless steel folding clasp.
Alternatively available with textile strap or stainless steel bracelet
·    Luxurious wooden box
·    Swiss Retail Price CHF 5,200.00 

----------------------------
Press Release
-------------------------------------------
 www.facebook.com - ORIS
--------------------------------------------------------------------
www.Oris.ch