Men’s luxury designer watches and brands

One of the most famous Breguet inventions is the pare-chute. When a watch falls or receives a blow, it is the balance between pivots that are the most likely to suffer, because of their slenderness. As early as 1790, Breguet made them shorter and gave them a conical shape. They are held in place by a small coupelle of a suitable shape, which is mounted on a spring blade. When the watch receives a blow, the pivot, rather than breaking, is dislodged and them returns automatically to its correct position, sliding on the sides of the coupelle. Also called the “elastic” balances suspension, Breguet’s para-chute is the ancestor of the modern Incabloc and all other shock-protection devices.

A. L. Breguet was the first to discover, through his oscillating platinum-weight watch, a formula which would produce a reliable automatic watch. Breguet sold one of his first self-winding watches to Queen Marie-Antoinette.

Inspired by a souscription watch, “La Tradition Breguet” salutes one of Breguet’s most important inventions, the pare-chute. Hand would mechanical movement, caliber 507DR, with straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance and Breguet overcoil.

A. L. Breguet was the first to discover, through his oscillating platinum-weight watch, a formula which would produce a reliable automatic watch. Breguet sold one of his first self-winding watches to Queen Marie-Antoinette.

Inspired by a souscription watch, “La Tradition Breguet” salutes one of Breguet’s most important inventions, the pare-chute. Hand would mechanical movement, caliber 507DR, with straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance and Breguet overcoil.

Ref. 7037BA/11/9V6

Metal: yellow gold / white gold
Calibre: 505SR
Lines: 14 ½
Caseback: sapphire
Case thickness (mm): 12.20
Case dimension (mm): 38
Jewels: 34
Water (m): 30

For 100 years, A. Lange & Söhne pocket watches were among the most coveted timepieces in the world – until World War II when A. Lange & Söhne was forced into a 50-year hiatus. In 1990, immediately after Germany was reunited, Ferdinand Adolph Lange’s great grandson Walter Lange re-established the Lange Brand.

Today, Lange is again crafting horological masterpieces “Made in Germany” – indeed,
A. Lange & Söhne watches are now every bit as precious and unique as in the grand old days.

A. Lange & Söhne is the German brand for exquisite mechanical timepieces characterized by unmatched technical ingenuity and the highest level of perfection in craftsmanship achievable by hand.

This watch here is new radiance for a perennial masterpiece.

A horological sensation, the new The GRAND Lange 1 by A. Lange & Sohne is very much in sync with the Lange claim of ‘State-of-the-Art Tradition’
Model in 18-carat gold.

(Reference: 115.022)

Movement: Calibre L901.2
manually wound, twin mainspring barrels, power-reserve indicator, patented outsize date

Sapphire-crystal glass and caseback
Crocodile strap
Dial: Solid silver
Case dimension:
Diameter: 41.9 mm
Height: 11.0 mm
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Frequency: 21’600 v/h
Number of Jewels: 53
Number of Parts: 365

Main Link : http://www.alange-soehne.com

Ever since the dawn of horology, people have been fascinated by the interaction of wheels, levers, and springs in timepieces. Therefore, it is not surprising that gifted watchmakers occasionally took a fancy to showcasing the wondrous inner choreography of their creations – much to the delight of their customers. These were the origins of skeleton watches, the challenging art of cutting openings into plates, bridges, and cocks until the limits of mechanical and functional feasibility are attained. The Patek Philippe Ref. 5180/1 salutes this fine art in a way that by far transcends the notion of the skeleton watch.

Patek Philippe offers connoisseurs of artisanal tradition such a transparent orchestration of time with the Ref. 5180/1, a skeletonized wristwatch featuring the ultra-thin self-winding calibre 240 movement with a 22K gold mini-rotor integrated into the plate. By affording a fascinating glimpse into the microcosm of hours, minutes, and seconds, it not only captivates the owner with an extravagant setting but also delivers metaphoric insights into the unfathomable fleetingness of time. However, it takes virtually infinite patience, uncommon artistic flair, and the ultimate in craftsmanship to arrive at this point.

Many hours are needed to fully skeletonize just the balance cock, and weeks of work must be invested to cut openings into the barrel bridge, the plate, both sides of the mainspring barrel, and numerous other parts of this watch with the objective of sculpting a breathtakingly transparent structure. As if this were not enough, the components are then embellished with exquisite engravings that give the elements an even more filigreed look and cause the incident light to literally dance along the polished bevels. Indeed, this is a fantastic stage for the ballet of rotating brass wheels. The pure beauty of the Ref. 5180/1 is accented by the “Patek Philippe Genève” signature that is hand engraved in the pierced plate around the circular opening that exposes the mainspring barrel. The opening itself is decorated with a Calatrava cross that is finished by hand down to the very last detail. The suspension system for the winding-rotor is in itself a lesson in tracery. The plate is pierced to such a degree that only a few delicately curved struts remain. The compact rhodiumed gold rotor that oscillates beneath them is engraved with arabesques on both sides.

To emphasize the diaphanous look and ultra-thin construction of the skeletonized calibre 240 movement, Patek Philippe went a step further with the Ref. 5180/1. The 39-mm case in 18K white gold is also reduced to an absolute minimum. On the dial side, it has a gently domed crystal, and the snap back with the sapphire-crystal window seals the other side. The 18K white gold casing ring is also pierced, leaving only 12 radial spokes that serve as hour markers. To highlight the aesthetic appeal of this magnificent timepiece, the periphery of the sapphire-crystal back is dyed blue in the zone beneath the casing ring. This charismatic indigo hue contrasts with the silvery gloss of the skeletonized movement, the golden brass wheels, and the luminous ruby-red jewels.

The Ref. 5180/1 is not a limited, special edition. It now belongs to the growing collection of exceptional Patek Philippe watches. However, because of the time and the rare artisanal skills required to craft these timepieces, only very few of them will be produced in the course of a year. Because the skeletonization and engraving work is purely manual, slight deviations from watch to watch cannot be ruled out. However, this is not likely to concern collectors of exclusive Patek Philippe watches.

Case: 18K white gold
Pierced casing ring in 18K white gold
Sapphire-crystal snap back with blue-tint periphery
Water-resistant to 3 bar
Dimensions: Diameter: 39 mm
Height: 6.65 mm
Width between lugs: 20 mm
Dial: Pierced casing ring with spokes for hour markers; the cutouts reveal the blued periphery of the sapphire-crystal case back
Blued leaf-shaped hands for hours and minutes
Bracelet: Supple Patek Philippe bracelet in 18K white gold with fold-over clasp in 18K gold, engraved inscription Patek Philippe Genève

Skeleton watch, Ref. 5180/1 in 18K white gold
Movement: Caliber 240 SQU
Ultra-thin, self-winding, mechanical movement, rhodiumed; skeletonized, engraved, and finished by hand
Diameter: 27.50 mm
Height: 2.53 mm
Number of parts: 159
Number of jewels: 27
Power reserve: max. 48 hours
Winding rotor: Integrated minirotor in 22K gold, rhodiumed, unidirectional winding
Balance: Gyromax
Frequency: 21,600 semi-oscillations/hour (3 Hz)
Balance spring: Flat
Functions: Two-position crown
– Pulled out: to set the time
– Pushed in: to wind the movement
Displays: Hours, minutes
Leaf-shaped hour and minute hands in blued steel
Hallmark: Geneva Seal

Information from: www.patek.com

For its first complete collection of aquatic chronographs, there could be no better route to mastery for Parmigiani Fleurier than allying its technical expertise with one of today’s biggest boatbuilders: Pershing.

In this new light, the look of the new aquatic timekeeper, especially innovative for Parmigiani Fleurier, took shape: its round and powerfully-shaped case, with stylistic emphases strongly identifying with the Kalpa line (a Parmigiani Fleurier emblem), a uni-directional rotary bezel, rubber chronograph push-pieces built into the loops, 200-metre (660 feet) water resistance, tachometer and rubber or leather straps made to measure.

The second collection of Pershing chronographs is non-limited edition but comes in four dial versions: Graphite, Silver, Blu Metal and Amaranth. This steel-only piece is inspired by the silvery reflections of Pershing yacht hulls, an emblematic, instantly recognizable colour of the Italian brand. The steel metal exhibits contrasts between the satin-finished loops and shiny watch middle band. It incorporates the new Parmigiani Fleurier “house” self-winding chronograph movement Calibre PF 334, fully developed by the Fleurier manufacture.

It is available in steel case and graphite, silver, blu and amaranth colour dials.

Parmigiani Fleurier SA is a Swiss brand of luxury watchmakers founded in 1975 in Fleurier, Switzerland by Michel Parmigiani. In 2006, Parmigini produced the Bugatti 370, a driving watch based on the Bugatti Veyron supercar, which won the 2006 “Watch of the Year Award” from the Japanese press.

Movement

Self-winding mechanical Parmigiani Fleurier Calibre 334, fully crafted
Hand-beveled bridges, with “Côtes de Genève” decoration
Vib/h: 28,800
Diameter: 13 1/4 ”’ / 30.00 mm
Height: 6.80 mm
Jewels: 68
Power reserve: 50 hours

Functions

Hour, minutes, central chronograph seconds, chronograph function with 12 hour counter and 30 minute counter, large date window
Tachometer scale display.

Dial

Four dial colours to choose from: Graphite, Silver, Blu Metal, Amaranth
“Côtes de Genève” decoration
Tachometer display on ring.

Hands

Parmigiani Fleurier “Delta” shaped, with luminous material in the center.

Case

Steel
Polished and satin finish
Ovoid rubber chronograph push-pieces
Uni-directional rotary bezel
Water resistance 200 meters or 660 feet
Case-back engraved with illustration of a Pershing yacht.

Strap

Steel, with satin-finished central links and deployant safety clasp
Natural rubber with adjustable deployant buckle

The world’s oldest watch manufacturer in continuous operation since 1755 and founder of the spirit of technical and precious Haute Horlogerie, Vacheron Constantin has been making horological history for over 250 years. From the beginning, it has concentrated on building and consolidating its tradition for technical and aesthetic excellence. This is best illustrated by its timepieces, whose hand-finishing is of an exceptional quality.

On July 5th, 1819, François Constantin sent a letter from Torino to Jacques-Barthélémy Vacheron which contained what was to become the brand’s motto: “Do better if possible, which is always possible”.

Excellence, therefore, is the watchword at Vacheron Constantin, the founder of the spirit of technical and precious Haute Horlogerie. The Manufactory’s craftsmen and women continue to design, develop and produce exceptional timepieces in keeping with the brand’s three guiding principles: technical mastery, harmonious and inspired design, flawless and outstanding finishing.

Vacheron Constantin’s timepieces surpass the technical criteria of the Poinçon de Genève, the highest standard of finishing and decorating of mechanical movements. Geneva’s finest horological traditions – enamelling, piercing, engraving and engine-turning – are safeguarded in Vacheron Constantin’s Les Métiers d’Art.

Vacheron Constantin introduced a bouquet of watches highlighting its technical mastery and refined aesthetics. We bring you one of these outstanding releases that confirm the brand’s position as a leader in Prestige Watchmaking.

The Malte Collection proudly bears the name of the emblem of the House of Vacheron Constantin – the Maltese Cross. The Malte Collection is one of the pillars of the brand – confirming with “force” its strengths. The watches in the Collection represent the symbiosis of contemporary design and technical horology incarnate in its powerful identity.

Platinum and Gold
Manual Winding Movement
Calibre 1790 R
Hours and minutes on regulator display, small seconds at 6 o’clock, tourbillon and power-reserve
Frequency: 18,000 v.p.h.
Number of jewels: 27
Power reserve: 45 hours approx.
Watch’s diameter: 40 mm x 50 mm
Transparent caseback
The water resistance of the watch is tested at a pressure of 3 BAR
Folding clasp

http://www.vacheron-constantin.com

Baume et Mercier is Swiss Watchmaking company founded in 1830. It is owned by Richemont, and with Cartier and Piaget they make up the core of the group. This company is represented in 75 countries and produces around 200,000 watches a year.

Baume & Mercier was born in 1920 from the alliance of two men, William Baume and Paul Mercier. The history of the brand goes back in time when the Baume brothers founded their manufacturing business in 1830 in the Swiss Jura Mountains.

“Accept only perfection, only manufacture watches of the highest quality”. The original slogan of the Baume brothers is carried on today in Baume & Mercier watch production workshops. Surely, the contrast of the rigorous and precise Baume with the artistic and free thinking Mercier has brought together the best of form and function in the distinct Baume & Mercier timepieces. Baume & Mercier watches have a rich and storied tradition in Swiss watchmaking and are designed and crafted according to the strictest criteria and Swiss traditions.

The Phi symbol has been the logo of Baume & Mercier since 1964. It is equal to 1.618033 and is known as the “golden number”. It embodies the search for perfect proportions. In the past, artists would use this number to realize their own work of art. Baume & Mercier aspires to incorporate the symbolic form of Phi to evolve a perfect watch design.

Personality, elegance and constant renewal for a brand that finds its creative inspiration in its heritage, since 1830. The Baume & Mercier watchmaking house continues to distinguish itself and surprise with a successful combination of watchmaking expertise and technological innovation.

Baume & Mercier’s history has been marked by a series of fruitful associations: men of charismatic personalities who have worked together in perfect harmony, driven by a single aim – to create watches of the highest quality.

The Baume & Mercier design studio has set itself the firm objective to create innovative watches that remain in step with the times and impose themselves as timeless classics. The Baume & Mercier brand is currently distributed in five continents.

A legendary watch since 1973
In 1973 the Riviera revolutionised the aesthetic watch-making characteristics by being equipped with a dodecagonal case. 12 sides for twelve hours, or the geometric expression of a clever dose of innovation, classicism and creativity. Today a highly contemporary design that highlights the pure lines of this legendary watch, indissociable from Baume & Mercier’s history.

Size : XXL (43 mm)
Case : steel, rotating bezel
Movement : automatic
Function/Complication : chronograph, tachymeter
Strap : black sailcloth, orange stitching
Clasp : triple folding security
Dial : black , black counters
Numerals/Index : Superluminova-coated Roman numerals
Hands : Superluminova tipped
Date : at 3 o’clock
Crown : screw-down
Caseback screw-down
Crystal : scratch-resistant sapphire
Water-resistant : 200 meters

http://www.baume-et-mercier.com

Since its creation in 1832, Longines is based in Saint-Imier, a small town in Switzerland. Longines always enjoyed a close and trusting relationship with the village that saw it grow and take its place among the worlds leading horological houses.

Longines focuses to produce classically styled timepieces which combine the best modern Swiss watch making technology with designs that recall the elegance and style of earlier times. It played a pioneering role in numerous technological advances, having a dominant presence particularly in aeronautics and in the field of sports timekeeping all of this, whilst constantly affirming all around the world that “elegance is an attitude”.

On May 20th 1927, Charles Lindberg made aviation history with the first non-stop transatlantic flight. As the official timekeeper of the International Aviation Association, Longines duly entered his flight in the record books. Shortly afterwards, close collaboration between Longines and Lindbergh led to the Longines Hour Angle watch. Conceived and designed by Charles A. Lindbergh, it served to determine exact longitude during long-distance flights.

The 18 carats pink gold round case, diameter 40.00 mm, of this gent Moon Phase chronograph size from The Longines Master Collection, houses a L678 self winding mechanical movement with 42 hours power reserve. Its scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects a silver “barleycorn” patterned dial featuring 9 Arabic figures, a central 60 second chronograph hand, a moon phase display with 12 hours timer at 6 o’clock, a second subdial with a 24 hour indicator at 9 o’clock, a 30 minute timer with day and month display at 12o’clock.The date is shown by a circle ring on the dial and indicated by the half-moon central hand. This Longines Master Collection model has a transparent back case with a sapphire crystal. It comes with a dark brown Alligator strap. Water resistant to 30 meters (~ 100 feet).

http://www.longines.com

Maurice Lacroix is a brand of Swiss watches from the Canton of Jura. The name “Maurice Lacroix” does not refer to an actual person, but was invented for marketing purposes.

In 1975, the company laid the groundwork for its successful corporate history by introducing its first watch under the name of Maurice Lacroix in Austria. Maurice Lacroix now stands for decades of experience in the production of high-quality watches.

The Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT and the Luminor 1950 Titanium Tourbillon GMT are equipped with the Calibre P.2005, a movement with a tourbillon escapement, the greatest technical expression of mechanical horology: a complication notable for the difficulty of its construction and the accomplishment of which is the result of the outstanding craftsmanship of master horologists and the most advanced electronic technology.

The special feature of the regulating organ perfected by Panerai lies in the fact that the tourbillon cage rotates on an axis at right angles to the axis of the balance wheel and that it makes two rotations per minute: this rotation, which is faster than usual, ensures greater accuracy, providing the best compensation for the irregular rate caused by the effect of the force of gravity.

The fascinating motion of the tourbillon, which attracts the attention of everyone who looks at it, can be admired from the back of the watch, while on the dial side there is a little circular blue indicator on the Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT, or an ecru indicator o the Luminor 1950 Titanium Tourbillon GMT, within the seconds counter at 9 o’clock, which travels twice as quickly as the seconds hand because it moves at the speed of the tourbillon cage.

Movement: hand-wound mechanical, Panerai Calibre P.2005, completely manufactured by Panerai, 16¼ lignes, 9.1 mm thick, 31 jewels, 6-day power reserve, 3 spring barrels, Glucydur® balance, 28,800 alternations/hour (4Hz). KIF Parechoc® anti-shock device.

Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, second time zone, power reserve indicator on the back, 24h indicator, Tourbillon.

Case: diameter 47 mm, AISI 316L brushed steel or brushed titanium.
Bezel: polished steel or polished titanium.
Back: see-through sapphire crystal.
Device protecting the crown: (protected as a Trade Mark) brushed steel or brushed titanium.
Crystal: sapphire, made from corundum, 2 mm thick. Anti-reflective coating.
Water-resistance: 100 metres.
Strap: alligator with PANERAI personalised brushed steel or brushed titanium large-size buckle.

* Officine Panerai is not the owner of the Trade Marks Glucydur®, KIF Parechoc®.