Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Carbon Concept Tourbillon Watch Rocks SIHH 2008

Audemars Piguet has followed up their many coups in the realm of cutting edge haute horlogerie, by introducing the incredible Royal Oak Carbon Concept Tourbillon watch. Looking at this watch, and reading about its many intricate technical and constructive details, one can see how much Audemars Piguet has taken from its long history, both distant and recent.  It also shows how the prestigious brand is ever willing to press the edge to forge boldly forward.

For example, take the unique selector function, which draws upon the brand’s stunning Royal Oak Concept watch from 2002.  The employment of innovative movement materials, such as a carbon mainplate and eloxed aluminum bridges is right off the page of the brand’s Millenary MC12 Tourbillon watch.  The use of forged carbon for cases and movement bridges illustrates this brand’s commitment to high-tech horology, and the case of this watch follows the groundbreaking use of the material from last year’s acclaimed Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team Chronograph watch. 

The many technical elements of the Royal Oak Carbon Concept Tourbillon Chronograph Watch are almost overwhelming, when taken in totality–most striking to me is probably the amazing chronograph minute counter with its two vertical scales.  Impressive and unique!  This timepiece really is a dizzying compendium of the traditional (tourbillon, etc.) and the ultra-modern (cutting edge materials and futuristic no-compromise design).  Of course, the blending of traditional haute horlogerie with a daring sense of technical creativity and expression is something that has come to define the house of Audemars Piguet.  In this regard, it may considered ‘l’enfant terrible’ of “The Big Three”. (If you happen to be unfamiliar with that term, it refers to the legendary Swiss watchmaking triumvirate of Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet)

For a full description of this remarkable Audemars Piguet watch, please click here to read the brand’s press release.

Basel 2008: Hermes Releases New H-Hour Oxford Watch

Inspired by the Hermes Oxford belt, this Hermes H-Hour Oxford watch shows off a sporty version of the H-our watch, with its orange off-center line stretching throughout the watch, from the white Epsom calfskin strap through the dial. Introduced at Baselworld 2008, the quartz animated watch is available in white, black or brown dials, all featuring the orange stripe, and comes in two sizes, 21mm and 26mm.
As a fan of the classic Hermes scarves, I think the timeless shape of this watch reflects the brand perfectly, and even has a bit of surprise with the orange stripe. The “H” shape case isn’t overbearing or obvious branding which is a plus, as is the simplistic dial absent of numerals – perfect for those who enjoy luxury without flaunting it.

SIHH 2008: Piaget Limelight Paris-New York Diamond Necklace

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but it looks like they could also be Piaget’s best friend as well. At SIHH, Piaget unveiled this Limelight diamond necklace, cascading with diamonds from every millimeter of its 18 carat white gold setting. There are 632 brilliant cut diamonds totaling approximately 25.08 carats and 43 pear cut diamonds of approximately 7.8 carats to astonish every set of eyes that come upon it. The necklace is part of Piaget’s Limelight Paris-New York collection which highlights the contrast of both fashionable cities, as well as offering couture styled pieces that are incredibly breathtaking as well as supremely crafted and finished. Cheers to Piaget for designing this marvelous necklace that not only celebrates two of the world’s most unique cities, but also honors women with pieces that will beautifully adorn their décolletages.