Archive for September, 2007
Wyler Geneve Paris-Beijing adventure
Some time ago, I reported on the Wyler-Geneve Paris-Beijing drive. The 16,000 drive was being undertaken in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 1907 Wyler-Geneve Peking-Paris race.
Here is an extract of what I wrote:
The 1907 race came into being as a result of a challenge by the French newspaper, Le Matin. It set what it assumed to be an insurmountable challenge for that time: whether anyone would be able to drive a car from Peking to Paris. Five teams turned up at the start, but only two managed to complete the challenge. The winner was Prince Scipione Borghese, who made the trip in an Itala.
As part of the events marking the 100th anniversary, the Automobile Club of Italy has taken up the challenge to make the return journey (ie from Paris to Peking) in exactly the same vehicle used by Prince Scipione Borghese.
And what was this information doing on a blog about watches, in the first place? To begin with, watchmakers Wyler-Geneve were one of the partners in the event, and released this special tourbillon (availability, eight pieces) to mark the event.
Anyway, long story short, the Itala has arrived in Beijing. It arrived on Friday, 21 September, having taken 62 days, 1 hour, 41 minutes and 37 seconds on the trip. And it arrived in one piece; no breakdown anywhere, the only diversion being some emergency repairs while in Mongolia.
Congratulations to the team, and to Wyler Geneve for its support.
Via Timezone.
Botta Uno
I am excited to write about the Uno. This is precisely the sort of thing I like to see from watchmakers.
Uno is manufactured by the German watchmakers, Botta. I have never owned any of their watches, but that will change.
I am much taken by the concept of using a single hand to tell the time. The Uno does it superbly, and what I most like about it, is that it does it without any fuss whatsoever. No bells and whistles, no loud colours, or anything like that. Well, I suppose, if the watchmaker has deemed that only one hand is sufficient to tell the time, he is hardly likely to go crazy with all sorts of props, is he?
This watch doesn’t cost the earth; you can get it for around $1,000.
Some specs: Automatic ETA caliber 2824 (there’s also a quartz variant, but let that pass). Stainless steel case. Water resistant to 50m.
Via Timezone.
Cartier Ballon Bleu
I have been ignoring all the latest models being released by Cartier (I don’t like them much), but this one is definitely worth a mention.
The Cartier Ballon Bleu has everything I most like in a watch: simplicity, clarity and understated elegance. There is probably a lot more to it, but using their website requires a great deal more patience than I have at the moment. I just wanted to see the watch and read some data about it, but instead I am having to watch a slow movie etc etc. Some of us just do not have the time for that.
Eberhard 120th Anniversary
Eberhard is about to celebrate its 120th anniversary, and it is doing so in the time-honoured fashion of watchmakers all across the land: it is unveiling a new chronograph.
So far, so predictable. But to create a little more anticipation than normal in the run-up to the launch, Eberhard has kindly released a photo of the display back.
There. Make of that what you will. It suppose it will be a fun game trying to guess what the chronograph looks like, and then, when it is finally unveiled, ascertaining how far off the mark you were.
The watch will be unveiled to adoring gaze on 1 October 2007 at the Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome. Never mind if you can’t make it. Watch and Marvel will be on hand to bring you all the news.
Aston Martin Limited Edition Watch by Jaeger LeCoultre
The Aston Martin Limited Edition Watch by Jaeger LeCoultre is really making waves. The unique thing about it is that it also serves as a key to the 510 horsepower Aston Martin DBS, ie using the controls on the watch, you can unlock and start the engine of a 510 horsepower Aston Martin DBS. All very cool, but as Jason over at Professional Watches points out, you have to buy the car (circa $332,000) before you can buy the watch. Thinking about it, I suppose it makes sense. Not much point having the watch without the car to go along with it. How else would you be able to convince people of its special powers if you don’t have an Aston Martin DBS to demonstrate with?
Milus Merea Tri-Retrograde Seconds Skeleton
I love watches with retrograde display (see definition), and as such, I’m very pleased with this from Milus: the Milus Merea Tri-Retrograde Seconds Skeleton, recently unveiled at Baselworld 2007. I mean, how many things can a watchmaker do with a watch?
First, the retrograde display. There are three, and they all relate to the seconds function. The retrograde seconds appear in three sectors of twenty seconds each. Simply astounding, although some may think it makes the watch seem rather too busy. I don’t think so - the sectors integrate very well into the design, I had to look hard to identify all three.
Next, the skeletal appearance of the dial. Even this alone would have sold the watch, without the tri-retrograde concept. The unique look of the dial is achieved by a three-layer concept. According to Milus, ‘The metal surface is coated with a white or grey mother-of-pearl layer, and adorned with an artistically forged lattice of numbers.’
Oh, and just in case you hadn’t realised, this is a ladies’ watch.
Some specs. Movement: Mechanical Swiss quality movement in exclusive special version. 37 rubies. Water resistant to 30m. The watch comes in the following variations: stainless steel, red gold with or without diamonds, and white gold with and without diamonds.
Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal 1907
I must have been looking the other way, but in the past few days, one of my favourite watchmakers unveiled a truly wonderful creation: the Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal 1907 does not depart much from the traditional Vacheron Constantin look we know and love, but in this model, there is clear evidence of daring and a lot of unfettered creativity. Yes, it features an 18k rose-gold case, almost standard with most marvellous watches nowadays, but it is the Grand Feu enamelled dial that wins all the awards with me.
This model has been released in a limited edition of 100 pieces, and it commemorates the 100 years since the presentation of the first Chronomètre Royal.
Some specs. Movement: Calibre 2460 SCC, automatic mechanical. 27 jewels. Power reserve:40 hours. Water resistant to 30m.
Via Timezone.
Edox for Koenigsegg Racing Chronograph
Only 30 pieces available, so this is just one to admire from afar. I am talking about the Edox for Koenigsegg Racing Chronograph. This enchanting watch was created by Edox,for the automobile makers, Koenisegg.
