Watches

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – June 28, 2018

Floyd Mayweather Bought an $18 Million Watch

Floyd Mayweather Jr. has no problem with showing off his purchased. In fact, he's personally shown us his cars, watches and gave us a tour of his mansion. Mayweather is also prone to displaying his luxury goods on his Instagram. Recently, he took the chance to stunt on the world with his one-of-a-kind Jacob & Co. The Billionaire watch.Jacob & Co. has this to say about the watch: "Created as a unique piece, The Billionaire truly epitomizes the brand’s passion for breaking boundaries. As the tourbillon caliber brings dynamism to its bejeweled enclosure, or the ballet of light of 260 carats of diamonds illuminates its exquisitely revealed heartbeat. The Billionaire is a dazzling representation of the courageous and rebellious Jacob & Co. spirit."https://www.instagram.com/p/BkiDdW-g0oi/?utm_source=ig_embedWhy does it have such a confident name? Because it's worth $18 million and you'll probably only see billionaires wearing it. This watch comes with 260 carats of diamonds, a tourbillon mechanical movement and an 18k white gold case.

By Andrew Nabors – June 05, 2018

Steve's McQueen's 1964 Rolex Heading To Auction

If you need a new timepiece, Steve McQueen's Rolex Submariner would make a nice father's day gift. The only watch Steve had engraved, he gave it to his stunt double after decades of working together. Stuntman Loren Janes worked with McQueen for 26 years, taking on roles in "The Towering Inferno", Papillon, The Thomas Crown Affair, and of course, Bullitt. Of Steve's 27 films, Loren took his place in 19 of them. So the back of this watch says: "TO LOREN, THE BEST DAMN STUNTMAN IN THE WORLD- STEVE"Staying friends to the very end, Loren stayed in contact as Steve went to Mexico in search of a cure for his mesothelioma. Loren lost his battle with Alzheimer's last year, so his son decided to have the watch restored by Rolex. After their home was destroyed in the 2016 California wildfires, Rolex decided to leave a trace of soot on the inside of the clasp. This shows the durability of their designs and offers a reminder of the tragic fire that destroyed Loren's home along with all his film memorabilia. Shortly before his death, Loren wrote a letter attesting to the authenticity, and it is accompanied by a detailed history from Rolex USA.Phillips is expecting the watch fetch an estimated $300,000 to $600,000.To learn more about this rare opportunity, click the link below for all the details from Phillips Auction House. Stay with us for all your celebrity automobilia.Learn More

By Edward Jones – June 01, 2018

duPont REGISTRY Couture Time 2018 Preview

By Roberta NaasToday’s watch brands are pulling out all the stops as they unveil new timepieces that run the gamut from classic to sporty, elegant and even three-dimensional masterpieces. With the Couture Time Show taking place this spring in Vegas, it’s a great time to zoom in on watches. Corum GOLDEN BRIDGE ROUND 39MMProving its technical prowess for women’s watches too, Corum deftly blends its jewelry expertise in this Golden Bridge Round 39mm watch. Crafted in 18-karat white gold, the piece is meticulously set with diamonds for a high-jewelry expression. The watch’s horizontal baguette movement is a manual windcaliber, CO 113, with 40 hours of power reserve. The watch is set with 76 Wesselton diamonds on the case and another 142 diamonds on the dial in leaf motif. In total, it boasts approximately 6 carats of diamonds. PRICE: $98,600. BUBBLE CENTRAL TOURBILLONA bold and alluring timepiece, the Corum Bubble Central Tourbillon watch, crafted in titanium, features an always-moving center tourbillon escapement. The tourbillon compensates for errors in timekeeping due to the effects of gravity when the watch is in certain positions on the wrist. Housed inside the famed 47mm titanium Bubble case, the complicated watch becomes a thoroughly modern and engaging timepiece. The hours and minutes are indicated via triangular markers and the tourbillon displays the seconds. The automatic movement offers 65 hours of power reserve. PRICE: $76,500. TITANIUM CASE SHOWNFOR MORE INFORMATION:CJW BRANDS954.279.122OCORUM-WATCHES.COM Arnold & Son DIAL SIDE TRUE BEAT (DSTB) A grand statement of haute horology, this Arnold & Son DTSB watch with off-centered hour and minute dial demonstrates the brand’s technical watchmaking prowess. Crafted in stainless steel, the 44mm watch is equipped with an exclusive in-house-made caliber, A&S6003, with true beat seconds indicated via a large sapphire dial (on the top left portion of the dial). Its mechanism is displayed dial side for added allure. The watch also features a domed white lacquered subdial at 4:00, and a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides for easy viewing of the complex mechanism. It offers 45 hours of power reserve and is finished with a hand-stitched alligator leather strap. PRICE: $30,750. HM DOUBLE HEMISPHERE PERPETUAL MOONElegantly crafted in 18-karat 5N rose gold, this 42mm Arnold & Son Double Hemisphere Perpetual Moon watch is a stunning rendition of time and the night sky. It boasts two of the biggest moon phase indications on the market: one each that displays the phases of the moon and the constellations as seen from the Northern Hemisphere and from the Southern Hemisphere. The moonphase is accurate for 122 years. The exclusive Arnold & Son mechanical hand-wound movement (A&S1512) is equipped with a “double barrel for 90 hours of power reserve. The magnificent translucent blue lacquer guilloche’ dial underscores the beauty of the night sky. PRICE: $31,000.FOR MORE INFORMATION:PROVIDENT JEWELERS561.747.4449PROVIDENTJEWELRY.COMARNOLDANDSON.COM Chronoswiss FLYING GRAND REGULATOR SKELETON OPEN GEARFor a more classical take on the Flying Regulator Open Gear watch, Chronoswiss unveils three versions of this skeletonized Sirius Flying Regulator Open Gear watch. Offered in either 18-karat 5N rose gold, stainless steel or black stainless steel, the watch features the off-center hours at 12:00, seconds at 6:00 and central minutes hand. Each version is created in a limited edition. The 44mm watch houses an automatic movement with stop seconds. It offers 42 hours of power reserve. It is offered on a horn back alligator strap and just 30 pieces will be made. PRICE: $8,93O. FLYING REGULATOR OPEN GEARIn a return to its roots, Chronoswiss unveils all-new regulator watches that are bold and modern statements of a watchmaking classic. This Flying Regulator Open Gear watch is a 41mm stainless steel timepiece with an innovative in-house made regulator movement (C. 299). The regulator dial depicts the hours, minutes and seconds are all displayed in different parts of the dial. The large minutes hand points to an outer minute track on the three-dimensional dial, while the hours are indicated via a raised, conical dial at 12:00 and the seconds also via a raised conical dial at 6:00. The open regulator train-wheel gear is also shown on the dial side. PRICE: $6,680.FOR MORE INFORMATION:BEAUGESTE, INC.212.847.1371CHRONOSWISS.COM Reservoir GT-TOURThe Reservoir GT-Tour watches are inspired by the era of Classic car races of the 1950’s and 1960’s. Each watch radiates with iconic accents from gauges found on the car dashboards. This version, crafted in black PVD 316L stainless steel, features a black sandblasted dial with a bold orange retrograde minute hand for incredible legibility. The Swiss-made watch features a jumping hour indication, and is powered by a mechanical automatic movement, caliber 2824 with an additional 97-part proprietary module built onto it to enable the jump hour and retrograde minutes. The screw-down crown and anti-reflective sapphire crystal ensures readability and water resistance to 50 meters. The watch is finished with a perforated leather strap to recall the steering wheel covers and vintage driving gloves. Just 371 pieces of this model will be made. PRICE: $3,900. AIRFLIGHT JETInspired by cockpit instruments from the fighter planes of half a century ago, the Reservoir Airflight watch features a black PVD-treated 316L stainless steel case and a black sandblasted two-level dial. The brilliant yellow accents harken to the on-board flight instruments. The jumping hour aperture is outlined in yellow and black, and the Super-LumiNova retrograde minute hand points to the minutes that are displayed using alternating white and yellow numerals. The “fuel indicator” at 6:00 is actually the power reserve indicator. There is also a date indication at 4:00 on the dial. Water resistant to 50 meters, the watch is finished with a black canvas strap with yellow stitching. PRICE: $4,050.FOR MORE INFORMATION:BEAUGESTE, INC.212.847.1371RESERVOIR-WATCH.COM

By Edward Jones – April 16, 2018

Pink Gold Roger Dubuis Excalibur Aventador S Watch

Roger Dubuis teamed up with Lamborghini to create the Excalibur Aventador S timepiece last year. Since then, the watch has been produced in a number of different variants, including a hot green one. Now, Roger Dubuis has released a new take on the watch, but this time it's in Pink Gold.The new watch was unveiled on their Instagram page in multiple posts. In the images and videos, we see the dial and various other pieces of the watch are made of brilliant pink gold. The result is a very sophisticated watch in terms of style and complexity. It features double sprung balances with differential, hand-wound mechanical caliber, 40-hour power reserve and more.Lamborghini Urus: World's First Super SUV Arrives in LAhttps://www.instagram.com/p/BhZUgA-jxGs/?taken-by=roger_dubuisIf this watch looks enticing to you, as it should, then you ought to act quick. Roger Dubuis is planning on only creating 28 examples of this watch, so hurry to your local Roger Dubuis boutique to secure yours.Find a Roger Dubuis Boutiquehttps://www.instagram.com/p/Bhjs9jRDvi9/?taken-by=roger_dubuis

By Edward Jones – March 21, 2018

Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Type 390 Watch Review

The Bugatti Chiron Sport gained a new friend in the form of an intricate and exquisite watch. The new Bugatti Type 390 watch by Parmigiani Fleurier was created with the Bugatti Chiron in mind. With both its design and mechanisms, Parmigiani Fleurier has successfully created a watch that allows a wearer to have the soul of a Bugatti Chiron Sport on their wrist.When customers are ordering their Chiron hypercar, they are offered a high-end customization service that allows them to create the Bugatti of their dreams. The Bugatti Type 390 watch was also designed with customization in mind, giving owners the ability to modify the exterior and appearance of the watch. The aspects of the watch that can be customized include the case, buckle, leather strap, strap edging, dial structure, indices, hands, decoration of case sides and color of the sapphire crystals that enclose the movement.A great example of Parmigiani Fleurier's abilities is on full display with the example they create to match the Chiron Sport that was unveiled at Geneva. Carbon fiber trim is found on the side of the white gold case, while a black nickel dial flange is contrasted with red luminescent materials. A red strap with black stitching continues the red/black theme that the subject car was shown in. Omega Speedmaster Racing ReviewThe one aspect of the Bugatti Type 390 that cannot be modified, is its movement. Parmigiani Fleurier notes that the heart of the watch, just like the engine of the Bugatti Chiron, "cannot be customized as it ensures the performance and reliability of the Bugatti Type 390."Parmigiani Fleurier's new Bugatti Type 390 watch is a perfect companion for and Chiron or Chiron Sport owner. Not only does the company give their customer the ability to make their watch a perfect match with their car, they give them a watch that's a downright masterpiece.Learn More[infobox subtitle="Bracelet: Alcantara StrapBuckle: FoldingMovement: PF390Power Reserve: 80 hoursFunctions: Hours, Minutes, 60-second Flying TourbillonCrystal: Four anti-reflective sapphires, magnifier on tourbillon cageWater Resistance: 30 m" bg="white" color="black" opacity="off" space="30" link="no link"]Bugatti Type 390 Technical Data

By Dylan Orluck – March 14, 2018

Omega Speedmaster Racing Review

The Omega Speedmaster is one of the most iconic timepieces in the history of horology. From the ocean depths to the highest mountain peaks, it's a watch that everyone can enjoy. This week we are featuring an Omega Speedmaster with an automotive focus, which is right up duPont REGISTRY’s alley.For our debut Watch Review, we are featuring the Omega Speedmaster Racing Co-Axial Chronograph 40mm. A modern watch that is often overlooked but still has the classic Speedmaster dial layout. It features the Co-Axial Calibre 3330 movement using silicon hairsprings, which will ensure accuracy and longevity. Caliber Omega 3330, the heart of the Speedmaster Racing.As you look at the watch's profile you will notice the domed crystal. It's a sapphire crystal that is not only scratch resistant but has anti-reflective treatment on both sides. Attached to the sporty rubber strap that says “Speedmaster” in bright yellow is a sturdy steel case that measures 40mm. This case is water resistant up to 100 meters or 330 feet, whichever you reach first. When you’re back on land the chronograph feature can help record lap times at the track. McLaren x Richard Mille Watch Revealed Omega seems to have been inspired by the Porsche Speedster font and bright coloring. A rare and unique car that, to the untrained eye, may resemble your average Porsche 911 in many ways. Much like this Omega Speedmaster Racing, if you take a deeper look you will notice that they aren’t your average car or timepiece. The Porsche Speedster took the average 911 and gave it a makeover based on the early 356 Speedsters. In this instance, Omega took an iconic watch that began production in the 50’s and gave it an automotive transformation for the dapper car enthusiast.[infobox subtitle="Technical DataBracelet: rubber strapBetween Lugs: 19 mmCase: SteelCase Diameter: 40 mmDial color: GreyCrystal: Domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sidesWater resistance: 10 bar (100 metres / 330 feet)" bg="white" color="black" opacity="off" space="30" link="no link"]Omega Speedmaster Racing Technical Data As you may already know, “car guys” and “watch guys” typically go hand in hand. We here at duPont REGISTRY will be focussing on a new watch every Wednesday from here on out. Let us know what you think of the Omega Speedmaster Racing Co-Axial Chronograph 40mm and what watch you would like to see us review next. View More Details

By Edward Jones – March 07, 2018

McLaren x Richard Mille Watch Revealed

McLaren Automotive and Richard Mille have launched their first collaborative timepiece, the RM 11-03 McLaren Automatic Flyback Chronograph.Unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, this new timepiece is limited to just 500 examples and priced at $191,000. McLaren will also be limiting availability to mostly Ultimate Series clients.The RM 11-03 has a case made of Carbon TBT® that is interlaced in Orange Quarts TPT®, resulting in a visual that will mesh well with any McLaren automobile. Mirroring the shape of the McLaren F1's air snorkel are the titanium inserts, which also include the McLaren logo. Another touch that's similar to a McLaren automobile is the grade 5 titanium crown that's shaped like a McLaren wheel.View All McLaren 570S for Sale As for its inner workings, the RM 11-03 uses an automatic RMAC3 caliber mechanism with a flyback chronograph and 55-hour reserve.McLaren Senna GTR Concept Revealed: Track-Only Madness

By Edward Jones – March 02, 2018

McLaren and Richard Mille to Reveal Timepiece at Geneva

McLaren Automotive and Richard Mille have teamed up to create a new limited-edition timepiece that will be unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. They note that this timepiece will "focus on materials, details and design." To do this, it will utilize design cues and lightweight tech that McLaren uses when designed and building their vehicles.McLaren Senna in Full Carbon to Make Waves in GenevaFor right now, all we have is the teaser image that's featured up above, but the timepiece will be unveiled in its entirety on March 7. Check back with us for more information as it's released.View All McLarens for Sale

By Edward Jones – December 08, 2017

Turning Junker Mustangs Into Limited Watches

Mustang fans looking for a new watch need to look no further because your dream timepiece is right here. REC Watches, a watchmaker based in Denmark, has been taking Ford Mustangs that are destined to be scrapped and turning them into one-off watches that any pony car fan would adore.“Most people would just see a pile of metal, a ghost of a Mustang. We see something completely different – the soul of a car and a story that needs to be told,” said co-founder Christian Mygh. “I’m not cutting up Mustangs. I’m bringing Mustangs that are beyond repair back to life as a watch.”Both co-founders, Mygh and Jonathan Kamstrup, check salvage yards all around the world for Mustangs that can be turned into their specialty watches. Once a car is found, they look into the history of the car by talking to previous owners, gathering stories and pictures of the car's prime days. Once they have everything together they turn it all into a video that's dedicated to the car and the watches that come from it.The watches have been popular enough that Vaughn Gittin Jr., the Mustang Madman, wears one of these watches that includes carbon fiber body from his 700 hp World Drift Series Ford Mustang RTR.Timepieces created by REC Watches start at $1,495.

By Roberta Naas – November 15, 2017

duPont REGISTRY Fall Watch Guide 2017

duPont REGISTRY takes a dive into the fine watches for the Fall season of 2017. Watches from watchmakers around the globe are included in the guide below, written by Roberta Naas, veteran award-winning journalist in the watch industry with 30 years of experience. You can read more from her by visiting her website ATimelyPerpective.com.By Roberta Naas AUDEMARS PIGUETRoyal Oak ChronographCrafted in 18-karat rose gold with a blue Grande Tapisserie dial and large chronograph pink gold subdials, this Royal Oak Chronograph is a vision in blue and pink. The hand-stitched alligator strap is offered in a rich blue to match the dial. With a diameter of 41mm and a case thickness of 11 mm, this watch works under a suit jacket and with blue jeans. The gold applied hour markers and Royal Oak hands feature a luminescent coating for easy readability. The self-winding watch offers chronograph functions, small seconds, and date. The integrated column-wheel chronograph has a power reserve of 40 hours. Approx. $38,300. Royal Oak Offshore ChronographA master at creating luxurious sport appeal, Audemars Piguet pulls out all the stops in this Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph that brings together jet-black ceramic with 18-karat rose gold and bold red accents. The 44mm timepiece, which offers chronograph functions, date at 3:00, and hours, minutes and small seconds, is an intriguing mix of stealth and bold beauty. The rich black Mega Tapisserie dial with gold-colored flange is a startling look against the black ceramic bezel. Water resistant to 100 meters, the watch is powered by a self-winding movement with 365 pieces inside and offering 50 hours of power reserve. Approx. $45,900. Royal Oak Offshore ChronographCrafted in stainless steel, this 42mm Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph is a statement in gray. From the Mega Tapisserie dial to the exotic hornback alligator strap, the high-tech timepiece easily goes from office to outdoors. The brand’s in-house-made Caliber 3126/3840 that consists of 365 parts, including a cam chronograph mechanism and oscillating weight with ceramic ball bearing, powers the chronograph watch. The sapphire crystal and sapphire caseback – perfect for viewing the movement – are glare proofed. The watch, which is water resistant to 100 meters, is a singular statement of sporty chic. Approx. $26,000. Royal Oak Offshore DiverIf the bright tangerine orange Mega Tapisserie dial of this Royal Oak Offshore Diver doesn’t grab your attention, then maybe the technology behind the watch will nab you. A rugged yet boldly beautiful professional instrument, this watch dons an orange and blue color scheme perfect for the oceans. Water resistant to 300 meters, the stainless steel case features blue rubber-clad screw-locked crowns and is equipped with an orange rubber strap. The dial (with luminescent coated hands and markers) has a blue rotating inner bezel with diving scale and zone from 60 to15 minutes in orange. Powered by a 280-part self-winding movement, the watch offers hours, minutes, center seconds and date in addition to dive-time measurements. Approx. $19,900. Visit Website Carl F. BuchererManero FlybackAn elegant statement in luxury sport watches, this striking Manero Flyback Chronograph incorporates sophisticated colors and styling with state-of-the-art mechanics. Powered by the automatic CFB 1970 caliber, the flyback chronograph function means that the wearer need only push start and reset when timing an event; there is no need to push stop. This means the hand flies back to zero to start timing the next event with the smallest possible gap in timing of consecutive events. All of the chronograph functions operate without affecting the constant measuring of real time. The 43mm watch is crafted in stainless steel and is further equipped with date and tachymeter bezel for measuring speeds. The sapphire crystal is anti-reflective on both sides and there is a sapphire caseback. Water resistant to 30 meters, the watch is finished with a gray Louisiana alligator strap. Approx. $6,900. Patravi Traveltec BlackEasily one of the most coveted sport watches, the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi TravelTec now has a new version created in stainless steel with black DLC (Diamond Like Coating) for a stealth appeal. The automatic watch houses the CFB 1901.1 movement that indicates hour, minute, time in three zones, seconds, date and chronograph functions. The COSC-certified chronometer chronograph measures 46.6mm in diameter and is water resistant to 50 meters. The precision watch is finished with a screw-down crown, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides. The rubber strap is stitched and embossed. Approx.$13,600. Visit Website Cuervo y SobrinosHistoriador Tradicion ChampagneCelebrating its 135th anniversary this year, Swiss brand Cuervo y Sobrinos unveils a remake of a vintage masterpiece that is faithful to the original 1950’s design found in the historical archives in Havana. The new Historiador Tradicion Champagne watch offers stunning classic appeal thanks to the bubble shaped crystal and finely decorated dial. In fact, the dial features a grid-shaped “frappage” motif, with trapezoid markers at 3:00 and 9:00, intermixed with eight raised circular markers and a Cuervo y Sobrinos cartouche at 12:00. Even the brand name on the dial is written in a vintage style script. The 40 mm stainless steel automatic watch offers 42 hours of power reserve and is created in a limited edition of just 882 pieces. The sapphire caseback has a coin center motif with the dates 1882 and 2017 on it, and the crystal is printed with the watch number on it. Approx. $3,850. Robusto Day-Date “Churchill” Limited EditionIn his day, Winston Churchill, cigar aficionado, was a loyal customer of the Cuervo y Sobrinos boutique in La Habana. Now, the brand continues to pay homage to the statesman with its fourth edition of the Robusto Churchill collection: Robusto Day-Date Churchill Limited Edition. The three-part case features an innovative crown system inspired by an antique pocket watch – complete with a unique key system almost integrated into the case. The stunning white ceramic dial is lacquered in marbled grey anthracite for a crackle effect – giving the 43mm watch a vintage appeal. Just 200 pieces will be made, all numbered on the dial at 6:00. The Swiss made automatic movement has a power reserve of 38 hours. Approx. $4,340. Visit Website Eberhard & Co. Chrono 4 130In honor of its 130th anniversary this year, Eberhard & Co., founded in 1887, celebrates its Swiss watchmaking heritage with several new limited edition Chrono 4 timepieces. The Chrono 4 has a unique and patented design that features four counters horizontally across the center of the dial depicting minutes, hours, 24 hours and small seconds. There are three new dial versions of this watch, including the argente silver one seen here with alluring azure’e finishing and blue accents. The watch offers luminescent applied indices, an outer tachymeter scale and date at 12:00. The sword-shaped skeleton hands have luminous points. The chronograph push buttons are drop-shaped for ergonomic appeal. Approx. $6,600. Chrono 4 130 Edition LimitéeThis Limited Edition Chrono 4 130, Reference 31130, is also created in an edition of just 130 pieces. The highly technical mechanical chronograph with a patented, registered design offers the four counters arranged in a horizontal row on the dial for daring appeal. Powered by the EB.251 121/2” caliber with ETA 2894-2 base, the automatic movement displays minutes, hours, 24 hours and small seconds in the four counters, while the date is shown at 12:00. The rotor has a circular design finished in a Cotes de Genève pattern and featuring the number 130 in blue. Crafted in steel with a satin and polished finish, the 42mm watch is water resistant to 50 meters. The alluring black dial is opened in the center to allow for viewing of the partially skeletonized movement. Approx. $10,640. Visit Website GrahamGraham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd., LillyRecalling the whimsical and often glamorous illustrations of 1940’s military plane art, Graham brings the pin-up life to the wrist on the dials of its newest Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd series of watches. There are four pin-up girls being offered, each in a limited edition of 100 pieces. This 44mm stainless steel watch features Lilly prominently on the dial. It was believed that paintings on the fighter planes helped to boost morale, a concept that seems right on target on the wrist. The watch is powered by an automatic chronograph movement, and offers day, date and sub-seconds dial. Lilly is perched at 3:00, as though sitting on the nose of a plane. Each watch has a serial number at 9:00 and is water resistant to 100 meters. Approx. $5,450. Graham Chronofighter Vintage GMTInspired by the original historical timepieces used in military aviation, Graham unveils the Chronofighter Vintage GMT watch in army green. The automatic chronograph with GMT timing/second time zone indication is a statement in form and function. With sunbrushed radial gradient khaki green dial and matching green calf leather strap, the bold chronograph with big date makes a powerful statement. Crafted in steel, the 44mm watch features a ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel with GMT scale, chronograph with fast-action start/stop trigger, domed sapphire crystal and see through sapphire case back. With hands and markers in luminous material, the watch is water resistant to 100 meters. Approx. $6950. Visit Website HublotBig Bang FerrariThe newest addition to the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari line, a Ferrari-inspired collaboration that began six years ago, is the Big Bang Ferrari King Gold watch which brings together luxury and mechanical prowess. The dial, which allows for viewing of the movement inside, resembles the autos that inspired it, with a minute counter and date window at 3:00 designed to emulate a tachymeter. The date indication takes the yellow color of Ferrari, while the famed Prancing Horse logo at 6:00 brings the concept full circle. Powered by the Hublot UNICO movement, the watch offers flyback chronograph function. The iconic star spoke design of the rotor, inspired by the Ferrari wheel rims, is visible via a sapphire caseback. While the watch is available as limited edition in all metals offered, only 500 pieces of this King Gold version will be made. Approx. $42,200. Techframe Ferrari Tourbillon Chronograph in TitaniumThis highly creative Hublot Techframe Ferrari Tourbillon Chronograph celebrates the partnership of these two luxury brands, as well as the 70th anniversary of Ferrari. The open-worked case of this timepiece is conceived of at the Ferrari Design Center in the same way they design the cars. This is the first non-automotive item created by the historic brand. Hublot in its Swiss workshops then crafts the case. Combining strength, performance and precision, the new watch is offered in three versions, each with just 70 pieces being made. This Titanium version is lightweight yet durable. The 45mm case is made of micro-blasted titanium and is water resistant to 30 meters. The watch features the Ferrari logo on the crown and the Ferrari red lever for the pushbutton of the chronograph is made in anodized aluminum. Powered by the 253-part HUB6311 manual wind movement, the tourbillon chronograph offers 115 hours of power reserve. Approx. $127,000. Visit Website MTM WatchMTM 3-GERLooking for true form and function? MTM Watch offers an exquisite timepiece that is a deft blend of craftsmanship and technology, the MTM 3-GER watch. Powered by the automatic chronograph ETA 7750 COSC-certified chronometer movement, the 46mm titanium 3-GER is a must-have collectible. Skillfully refined in a limited production, the MTM 3-GER watch is offered in four distinct finishes: Black true DLC, Gray Sandblast, Brushed Silver and Gold Plated. Each watch is developed, engineered, and assembled in the United States. The 3-GER watch offers certain customizable elements, such as its bezel, hands, dial, calendar, bracelet links and ball bearings, to name a few. With these options customers can create their own unique watch. The 3-GER is also equipped with a spring-loaded raised bezel that can be elevated 1mm above the sapphire crystal for added protection, or level down for a thinner more elegant profile. $9,000 to $10,000 depending on customized options. MTM 3-GERThe MTM 3-GER's most unique element is its bracelet. Exclusive and patented, the ball bearing titanium bracelet is the only bracelet in the world made using ball bearings instead of traditional pins. The bracelet is a patented construction using high-tech CNC machined links that are connected with ball bearings to ensure high standards of quality, performance and smooth ergonomic comfort. The ball bearings on the bracelet are also interchangeable and can be ordered and customized with Blue “Spinel Sphere crystals” or “Red ruby jewels” giving each watch the ultimate revolutionary touch of elegance and value. Each 3-GER watch is water resistant to 200 meters and comes with a three-year warranty attesting to its standards of craftsmanship. $9,000 to $10,000 depending on customization. Visit Website OrbitaPiccoloOrbita’s patented Rotorwind technology is the force behind the brand’s beloved Piccolo series of automatic winders. Designed to fit in small spaces, each individual Piccolo is covered in elegant black leatherette and is offered in a variety of face panel options in terms of colors and materials. When you purchase three individual Piccolo winders, Orbita offers an elegant outer wood storage compartment with a felt-lined tray on top for convenient storage of the individual winders. Additional compartments can also be purchased ($195), as they are stackable for optimal space conservation. Made in the USA. Individual Piccolo winders: $395. Milano 12Sleek and edgy, the Milano 12 from Orbita offers cutting-edge style for winding of 12 of your favorite watches. With a carbon fiber faceplate and 6mm thick tempered glass doors against a 10mm thick smoked tempered glass case, the Milano 12 is a display piece and a conversation starter, as well as a functional device. The Milano 12 sits atop four feet and houses 12 of Orbita’s acclaimed watch winders with patented Rotorwind technology. Brushed nickel hinges and a nickel lock finish the stealth, contemporary look. An A/C adapter powers Milano 12. Approx. $12,995. Visit Website ReservoirGT Tour 371 SEDesigned to emulate vintage car gauges and dashboard instruments, the Reservoir Swiss Made GT Tour 371 SE watch brings the automotive spirit to new heights. The dial displays time in a decidedly different manner. The mechanical automatic movement, caliber 2824-2, is equipped with a proprietary module featuring another 97 components that enables it to display the time via a red-orange retrograde minute hand and a jumping hour at 6:00 that emulates the RPM gauges. Like the Reservoir logo inspired from the fuel jerrican, the power reserve indicator beneath the jumping hour recalls a fuel gauge. Crafted in black PVD 316L stainless steel with a satin finish, the watch features an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 5 ATM. The bold black dial with orange accents is complemented by a black perforated leather strap with red/orange stitching for true auto-inspired appeal. Approx. $3,400. Tiefenmesser BronzeOffering a totally different look and feel than its auto-inspired sibling, the Reservoir Tiefenmesser Bronze watch has a vintage appeal that is at once timeless and classic, drawing inspiration from submarine instruments. Like all watches in the Reservoir lineup, the Tiefenmesser displays time via a jumping hour and retrograde minute hand. In this instance, though, the 43mm case is crafted in solid bronze with a satin finish. The bronze case surrounds a white dial with black minute track and light blue accents. The long minutes hand is pale blue, as are the jumping hour numerals. The power reserve indication, instead of being shown in hours, is depicted using circles that turn red as the power reserve winds up. Finished with vintage-style brown leather strap for classic appeal. Approx. $3,700. Visit Website Roger DubuisExcalibur Spider Pirelli Automatic SkeletonAfter entering into an agreement earlier this year with Pirelli, Roger Dubois unveils some pretty exciting timepieces that incorporate used Pirelli racing tires from winning cars only. Such is the case with this Excalibur Spider Pirelli Automatic Skeleton watch in block and bold yellow - one of the official colors of the Pirelli logo. The 45mm case is black DLC titanium with Block DLC crown overmolded with bold yellow rubber. The automatic skeletonized movement consists of 167 finely finished components and a micro-rotor. The strap is made of a black rubber base with an inlay of winning Pirelli motorsport tire rubber There is a unique Pirelli tire motif on the inside of the strap. This yellow version is one of a trilogy of three that includes a blue one because the winning tires of the Monaco GP Fl race in 2016 had the blue Pirelli code, and a red one to honor Pirelli's other official logo odor. All the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Pirelli limited editions carry the Hallmark of Geneva certification. Just 88 pieces of each will be made. Approx. $66,500. Excalibur Spider Carbon Skeleton Flying TourbillonTaking its a!reody avant-garde style to new heights, Roger Dubois introduces the revolutionary Excalibur Spider Carbon Skeleton Flying Tourbillon. Focusing on performance and design, the futuristic-looking watch deftly brings together lighter weight materials, higher power reserve and a skeletonized flying tourbillon. The 45mm case is made of multi-layers of carbon and titanium, overmolded with red rubber. The fluted carbon bezel is a great contrast with the bold red markings. red rubber overmolded crown and red minute track on the carbon flange. The bi-color strop is mode using a rubber base and red RubberTech fabric inlay. The watch is powered by the brand's Skeleton Flying Tourbillon PAD509S0 caliber with 179 parts and 90 hours of power reserve. it is the first movement in the industry entirely made of carbon and it holds the Poincon de Geneve certification. Just 88 pieces will be made. Approx. $190,003. View Website VorticAmerican Artisan Series, SpringfieldVortic is pairing cutting edge technology with beautiful, authentic, quality watch movements and other watch parts made more than 100 years ago. This unusual approach represents an effort to preserve an important part of United States watchmaking history in a functional way. The American Artisan Series is a line of fully American Made wristwatches powered by restored, U.S.-made pocket watch movements. Each complete watch consists of the original movement, dial and hands from a vintage (1880’s – 1950’s) pocket watch made by one of the original great American watch companies. Contrasting to that history, every watchcase is a 3D printed case. Models such as "The Chicago," "The Boston," and "The Springfield" are named after the location of their original manufacturer (Elgin, Waltham, Illinois, etc.). Every watch is one-of-a-kind. "The Springfield 051" shown here (MSRP $2,095) has a 49mm 3D printed titanium case with “Bronzed” finish. Also available in 46mm. Prices range from $995 to $3,995. American Artisan Series, Museum GradeWhile every piece in the American Artisan Series is one-of-a-kind, the “Museum Grade” goes a step beyond this, offering a new level of customization. Usually commissioned by customers, Museum Grade watches feature a case that is 100% customized for the movement inside of it. Where "standard" American Artisan Series pieces use a relatively standardized case design in 46mm and 49mm, one-off Museum Grade cases are designed from the ground up in virtually any size desired. Any customization requests, from precious metals, to aesthetic design features, sizes, etc., are possible. The 36mm watch shown here features a 0size pocket watch movement made by the Waltham Watch Company of Waltham, Massachusetts in 1898. Vortic cast a unique Sterling Silver case around it and created a one-off solid silver crown. Prices range from $2,995 to $9,995. Visit Website

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