Watches NEWS
A Technical Perspective - The Mighty Return of Ultra-Thin Watches
Miniaturisation has always been one of the watchmaking industry’s main objectives. With the advent of complicated watches and the development of the wristwatch, this issue became critical. Fitting multiple functions into a single movement, which has to remain wearable, requires re-imagining space. This also led to the development of ultra-thin watches, guided initially by a desire for elegance, but also in the framework of constant improvement. Popular since the 1960s but slightly forgotten during the 2000s (with the trend for large timepieces), ultra-thin watches recently made a strong comeback – a trend that has sparked open warfare between Piaget and Bvlgari – amongst others.Modern history of the ultra-thin wristwatchThe concept of the ultra-thin wristwatch is nothing new but it's Piaget and the iconic Altiplano model that bring it into the spotlight. In 1957, Piaget introduced Calibre 9P; the thinnest mechanical movement ever created, it was fitted inside a watch
A Quintet Of Tantalising Black And Gold Watches
Although we all love the classical combinations like stainless steel and blue?or a silvery-white dial against a brown leather strap, it’s the striking contrast of black and gold that seems on the rise. Trends ebb and flow, and some might be a bit more persistent than others but the fact is, we’ve taken notice of the recent rise of watches in this distinct two-tone outfit. And although the combination is far from ‘never-been-done-before’, it makes for sensational watches when done right. And these five recently introduced watches have done things very right by not only combining colours but on occasion, also incorporating different types of materials to achieve the desired effect.?H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Concept Tourbillon VantablackWe start things off with the deepest black possible, as H. Moser & Cie recently introduced the Endeavour in rose gold and Vantablack. For the first time ever Moser combines the two in the Endeavour range in two models, this b
Introducing: The Habring2 Josef Regulator With Dead-Beat Seconds
Twenty years ago, Austrian couple Maria and Richard Habring (the latter being famous already for his previous work at IWC, including developing the 7750-based Doppel Chronograph, among other clever mechanisms) started their own journey, an independent watchmaking brand known as Habring2. Now one of the most respected indie watchmakers in their segment, one of the few brands to actually make watches and movements in Austria, Habring2 has decided to celebrate two decades of passion-fueled timepieces with two new models: a moon phase model that we’ll cover in a later article, and this new Josef watch, a regulator that does more than just display the time in split sub-dials.While some independent watchmakers are all about ultra-high-end finishing or record-breaking complications, Habring2 went another route. Far more pragmatic, slightly original but still very usable on a daily basis. This combination of originality, cleverness of construction and search for true reliability and serv
Introducing 2021 Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Collection (Live Pics, Price)
Celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, Ulysse Nardin enlarges and enhances its Marine Torpilleur collection with the introduction of complications and enamel dials. As the youngest member of the distinguished Marine Collection inspired by Ulysse Nardin's historic marine chronometers, the Marine Torpilleur picks up on vintage design cues but comes in a lighter, younger and more versatile package like the fast, manoeuvrable torpedo boats that inspired its name. A demonstration of Ulysse Nardin's impressive savoir-faire accumulated since 1846 and its revolutionary Silicium technology, the new Marine Torpilleurs introduce variety into the collection. The seven new Marine Torpilleurs are limited editions and will be unveiled during the 2021 edition of Geneva Watch Days.Background Marine TorpilleurAlthough Switzerland is landlocked, Ulysse Nardin has always felt the call of the sea. Founded in 1846 in Le Locle by Ulysse Nardin, the young clockmaker consolidated his reputation with prec
The new Tudor Black Bay Pro is ready to travel the world.
The Black Bay has been an immense success for Tudor, with countless iterations since it was first launched in 2012. What started as a handsome retro-diver morphed into much, much more. We now have multiple complications, Master Chronometer certification and a range of different materials to choose from. Tudor now moves the Black Bay more in the direction of a professional tool watch with its new Black Bay Pro. It retains its vintage appeal but combines it with a new manufacture movement, a fixed 24-hour bezel and a practical GMT indication.The Black Bay Pro has a 39mm wide stainless steel case with brushed and polished finishings. So far, nothing spectacular or groundbreaking, but then you get to the bezel. While there is already a GMT version of the Black Bay in the collection, this Black Bay Pro changes things up a bit. On top of the case is a fixed steel bezel with a black-filled 24-hour scale. This closely resembles the design of the first-ever Explorer II, ref. 1655 from the ear