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Posted on April 22nd, 2009
Adam Keith
For Patek Philippe in 2009, rose gold was clearly the dominant theme. From the stunningly lovely Ref. 5101R 10-Day Tourbillon watch to the sporty Aquanaut, the warm hue of this precious metal brought a new look of distinction to models across the collection spectrum. Quite possibly my favorite Patek Philippe timepiece within this “rose gold revolution” is the wonderful 5960R Annual Calendar Chronograph. Continue Reading… »
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Posted on April 6th, 2009
Adam Keith
Seeing what the independent watchmakers and other celebrated “loose cannons” in the horological industry are up to each year come Baselworld time is always a treat. A standout this year was complications maestro Christopher Claret (whose micro-mechanical wizardry has been behind an Opus of Harry Winston, the Maitres du Temps Chapter One and extraordinary watches from Corum, Ulysse Nardin and others) who I saw post-show leisurely discussing a most impressive rectangular watch that he wore upon his wrist. Continue Reading… »
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Posted on March 29th, 2009
Adam Keith
Breguet’s La Tradition Tourbillon watch was one of the most ravishing showstoppers on display at Baselworld 2009. While technically not a novelty for this year (it was debuted in 2007), the La Tradition Tourbillon is a true rarity, and to see it in the metal was a decided privilege for me. In contrast to the comparatively garish pyrotechnics of the uncharacteristically large (for Breguet) Double Tourbillon which has gotten the most attention of late, the La Tradition tourbillon is a statement of ingenuity and refinement straight from the page of Abraham-Louis himself. Continue Reading… »
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Posted on March 12th, 2009
Adam Keith
Exceptional exoticism is a hallmark of the Gerald Genta Octo watch collection, which reveals itself yet again in a dazzling new variation. The newly revealed Gerald Genta Octo Tourbillon Sunray watch presents a visual and sensual feast that defines horological luxury in every way, from the complex mechanical movement to the flawless execution of the finest details–of which there are many!
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Posted on December 31st, 2008
Adam Keith
Protecting the mechanical workings of watches from shock has been a preoccupation of horology since at least the 18th century, when Abraham-Louis Breguet invented the Parechute shock absorber for the balance. Glashutte Original has decided to make a feature of shock absorption technology, incorporating flexible Elastomer elements tastefully into the design of their Sport Evolution Impact watches.
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Posted on July 28th, 2008
Adam Keith
Ok, so you probably won’t take the lovely Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon down 3 feet underwater, much less 300 meters. But, isn’t it nice to know that you can? Fans of the elegant new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watch, complete with a beautiful sapphire bezel can now enjoy one of watchmaking’s holiest grails, presented within a polished white or red gold case, and a sporty fabric strap.
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Posted on June 12th, 2008
Adam Keith
Who says watchmaking’s star complication, the tourbillon, is appropriate only in dress watches? The Girard-Perregaux Sea-Hawk Pro 3000 “Challenger of Record” Tourbillon, which is a part of the brand’s BMW-Oracle collection, clearly begs to differ. This massive, beautifully finished timepiece showcases a flying one-minute tourbillon within a 44mm case crafted from 18K rose gold or titanium (considerably lighter than its gold sibling). As far from a wilting violet as can be, this luxurious leviathan can descend to a staggering 3,300 feet below the ocean’s surface, enduring crushing pressures that it’s owner could not hope to survive.
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Posted on May 22nd, 2008
Adam Keith
Milus has made quite an impression with its dazzling TriRetrograde watches, which encompass several models for both men and women. In each of these watches, a series of three alternating retrograde seconds sectors take turns playing out their role in the passage of time. This continuous dance of hands makes these dials some of the most animated of any luxury watches available today; for much the same reason that tourbillons are so fascinating Continue Reading… »
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Posted on May 21st, 2008
Adam Keith
It’s amazing how well suited certain metals are for a specific watch model. A perfect example is the stunning IWC Portuguese Tourbillon Mystère in 5N 18K rose gold. The combination of that deep, (nearly red) shade of rose gold with the slate gray dial is gorgeous, and exudes a decidedly powerful aura of luxury. This watch is certainly beautiful in white gold, but if you want Continue Reading… »
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Posted on May 15th, 2008
Adam Keith
The Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX3 Tourbillon GMT watch is a great example of the very dynamic concept toward haute horlogerie that this famed Swiss manufacture often takes. Certainly, Jaeger-LeCoultre has defined themselves through the decades with classical creations (i.e. the Reverso Classique, various Master Control watches, and certain ladies gem-set pieces) but there is no question that a desire to push the boundaries Continue Reading… »
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