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 – September 09, 2021

Graham Fortress Ltd: Left Field, But Logical

Presented by Graham Watches - The Graham Fortress is a chronograph equipped with a monopusher set within the crown. By placing the monopusher/crown on the left flank of the case, the watch breaks with convention. However, there is much sense in taking this unusual approach to chronograph design. What's in a name? The Fortress upholds Graham's fondness for aviation-themed product names. Perhaps its moniker doffs its hat to the Flying Fortress of the 1930s? Alternatively, the word 'fortress' may evoke thoughts of military strongholds or castles and, by default, elicit images of strong, castellated buildings and impregnable structures. All of these associations are consistent with the tough nature of this new Graham model. To really understand the watch brand from La Chaux-de-Fonds, a person has to think like Graham, ie don't subscribe to convention or accept mediocrity; be #bold and #brave. If a sign says 'keep off the grass', put on a pair of big boots and do a jig on the turf. If other brands choose to place push-pieces on the righthand side of the case, then break the rules and go for a leftfield approach. Indeed, as you look at the new Fortress from Graham you will note a monopusher located on the left flank of the case. This lone pusher, positioned in the top of the crown, starts, stops and resets the chronograph. It's a #one-stop shop for all of your stopwatch needs. By combining it with the crown it endows the case with a clean, uncluttered profile. But a leftfield design can also be eminently logical. A pusher on the left side of the case proves more #intuitive to use. When using a chronograph, the wearer observes the start of an event, actuates the stopwatch function and, thereafter, at the end of the event, halts the timer. The potential problem is the human factor, namely the time gap between seeing an event and pressing the push-piece. The shorter the gap between observation and pressing the pusher, the more validity the recorded elapsed time really has. The thumb is the fastest acting digit, hence with this design, a right-handed person will instinctively place their plumpest digit on the push-piece and press it with lightning-bolt alacrity. Another key benefit of positioning the combined crown and monopusher on the left is superior wearer comfort. Often when a watch is worn and the wearer flexes their wrist, the protrusions on the right flank of the case gouge the wrist, chafe the skin or inhibit free movement. The Fortress's leftfield approach causes no such problems. The blue sunray dial and the black grained dial feature #bold, luminescent hour and minutes which collaborate with ample, applied Arabic numerals, imparting meaning. The dial has two circular brushed counters, a small seconds display at 3 o'clock and a 30-minute chronograph register at 6 o'clock. A date display is located adjacent the monopusher/crown. Housed in a 47mm stainless steel case, the generous proportions of the watch confer impressive wrist presence, while the exhibition caseback affords sight of the Fortress's Swiss automatic movement. This rebellious firm doesn’t subscribe to slick marketing, it chooses to focus on making excellent watches, rich in character. Indeed, the Graham Fortress Ltd is a serious watch from a company who still knows how to have #fun. Visit Graham1695.com

By Edward Jones – September 08, 2021

TAG Heuer Launches the New Aquaracer Professional 300 "Ni...

TAG Heuer is resurrecting a 1980s classic with the new Aquaracer Professional 300 "Night Diver" and we couldn't be more than excited about this release. To create the design, TAG Heuer's design, engineering, and heritage teams all worked in unison to develop a worthy modern interpretation. As you can see, they did a phenomenal job. The 12-sided bezel remains, as does the dial's horizontal engraved linesto. The 43mm watch has a black DLC coating on the stainless steel case, bezel, crown, caseback, and clasp, giving it a more sturdy property and a wonderful visual befitting of the name. Speaking of the night, the new "Night Diver" will shine brightly in dark areas thanks to the fully luminescent dial that features green lume on the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock hour markers. If you plan on diving to deep depths where the sun cannot reach, the "Night Diver" will be water-resistant up to 300 meters or around 1,000 feet. Last, but not least, the heart of this new TAG Heuer is the Calibre 5 Automatic, which is a one-up on the 2018 version's quartz movement. The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 "Night Diver" is available online now with a price of $3,350. Source: TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 03, 2021

Top Watch News This Week

A quick recap on the luxury watches released this week. Recently, We created duPont REGISTRY Watches as a new Instagram page dedicated to posting the newest and most exclusive luxury timepieces. Today, we have compiled a list of the top watch releases of the week from the best brands in the industry. Click any of the links below for more information on the current watches. Breitling Top Time Classic Cars Capsule Collection https://www.instagram.com/p/CTPgeWEL-KP/ Learn More Jacob & Co. Epic X Rose Gold Baguette https://www.instagram.com/p/CTQJmAyrb-Y/ Learn More URWERK UR-100 ‘ELECTRUM’ https://www.instagram.com/p/CTSCxb6LRE2/ Learn More 11 New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Models https://www.instagram.com/p/CTUn4zwLnQF/ Learn More MB&F x L'Epee 1839 ORB Table Clock https://www.instagram.com/p/CTVBE2bL1NK/ Learn More Hublot Big Bang DJ Snake https://www.instagram.com/p/CTVXSWDL0jr/ Learn More For more Watch news, Check out The Top 10 Watches To Start Your Watch Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 02, 2021

Hublot Releases The New Limited-Edition Big Bang DJ Snake

The brand ambassadors for Hublot share the same passion and drive to succeed no matter the sport or industry. American music artist and entrepreneur DJ Snake shares those similar values, which is why the duo's relationship continues after 3-years. Hublot is proud to announce the release of the all-new Big Bang DJ Snake, a vibrant new design that is limited to only 100-pieces. The 45mm Big Bang is presented in Titanium with an iridescent polished and satin finish, which provides a color-changing effect depending on the lighting. The skeletonized dial allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the in-house HUB1242 movement, capable of holding a 72-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. A transparent backcase provides a secondary view of the self-winding mechanism, while the outer case is engraved to signify the special release with DJ Snake. Alongside the head-turning case design, Hublot fits each example with a color-matched camouflage strap, as well as a traditional black rubber strap. The all-new limited-edition Hublot Big Bang DJ Snake is currently available through an authorized dealer for $26,200. Hublot

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 02, 2021

MB&F x L'Epee 1839 Release The New $33,550 ORB Table Clock

At first glance, the Orb looks like a futuristic model of an eye with its perfectly formed shiny sphere, and its dial taking the place of the iris and the pupil. While MB&F is known for creating exquisite timepieces that tie into the true meaning of horology, it does not limit the luxury watchmaker to only create something for the wrist. MB&F is proud to announce its newest collaboration release with iconic clockmaker L’Epee. The idea behind the Orb clock is the brainchild of German designer Maximilian Maertens, who started his artistic career at MB&F as an intern before setting up his own design studio in Berlin. The minimalistic structure is composed of four elytra (that’s the technical word for a beetle’s protective wing covers, in case you were wondering) that not only open up but can also swivel like a transformer to display the Orb in a variety of different positions. The shiny-white version is reminiscent of the first iPods with their lustrous curved cases, a surface that is particularly pleasing to the eye and the touch. Powering this state-of-the-art clock is a beautiful L’Epée 1839 hour-striking movement with an eight-day power reserve. In contrast to many of the other MB&F x L’Epée clocks, the movement is not perceivable from the outside. But the perfectly formed sphere invites the viewer into the mechanical heart of the piece and the discovery of the movement. Available in white or black, the Orb won’t be able to accompany its owners out into the field, but with its hourly striking mechanism, it is a beautiful reminder of the time as it passes for all desk warriors! https://www.instagram.com/p/CTVBE2bL1NK/ Media/Information Source: MB&F

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 01, 2021

Audemars Piguet Adds 11 New Models To The Royal Oak Offsh...

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Collection grows with eleven news examples. The iconic Royal Oak Offshore Collection from Audemars Piguet continues to be a staple for the brand, with countless renditions growing in popularity throughout the watch community. The ability to between a function rubber strap or elegant metal-matching bracelet allows for versatility for each owner. Audemars Piguet is proud to release 11 new versions of the Royal Oak Offshore in both a 42mm and 43mm case size. With an array of precious metals and color combinations, the collection ensures the perfect Audemars Piguet for any watch enthusiast. The largest improvements to the collection feature flyback chronographs and a newly designed case. 42mm Royal Oak Offshore (Rubber Strap) Audemars Piguet Audemars Piguet The two new additions to the Audemars Piguet 42mm Royal Oak Offshore featuring rubber straps are styled using two head-turning color combinations with Megá Tapisserie dials. The new models are now available in Stainless-Steel as Light Blue and Titanium for Khaki Green. The two new Audemars Piguet 42mm Royal Oak Offshore are now available through an authorized dealer for $33,400. 42mm Royal Oak Offshore Diver Audemars Piguet The new addition to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver comes as a black and white precious metal version. The 42mm diver is presented in 18K White Gold with a black ceramic bezel that features a rotating inner bezel. The elegant black and white styling flow into the Megá Trapisserie design, which draws attention to the modest dial. While the sleek black rubber strap completes the sport model look, elegance finds its way into the matching 18K White Gold AP pin buckle. The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 42mm in white gold is limited to 300-pieces and is currently available through an authorized dealer for $59,100. 42mm Royal Oak Offshore (Metal Bracelet) While the Royal Oak Offshore is appreciated as an everyday watch with a sporty rubber strap, the metal bracelet is perfect for formal occasions. The collection features three new examples available in 18K Pink Gold, Titanium, and Stainless-Steel. The two precious metal chronographs are presented with Audemars Piguet’s iconic blue Megá Trapisserie dial, while the stainless-steel version comes in a sleek grey. Fitted with dial-matching pushers, the new 42mm examples display meticulous attention to detail to provide the highest level of quality for luxury watch collectors. The main focus lies within the bracelet, where Audemars Piguet equips each Royal Oak Offshore with a metal-matching bracelet and AP folding clasp. The all-new 42mm Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore is currently available through an authorized dealer starting at $37,500. 43mm Royal Oak Offshore (Rubber Strap) The Royal Oak Offshore is known for its presence as a large-scale luxury timepiece. For those watch collectors looking for a larger size, Audemars Piguet is now proud to offer five new examples to the 43mm collection. The new 43mm Royal Oak Offshore additions are presented on a rubber strap with an array of uniquely designed versions ranging from modest to head-turning. Available in 18k Pink Gold, Titanium, and Stainless-Steel, the collection ensure the perfect pick for any collector. The new Audemars Piguet 43mm Royal Oak Offshore Collection is currently available through an authorized dealer ranging from $38,200 to $57,200. Discover and shop all of the newest Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore models by clicking the link below. Shop Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Media/Information Source: Audemars Piguet

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 01, 2021

URWERK Launches The New Limited-Edition UR-100 'Electrum'

This 25-piece edition has a case made of an organic gold and palladium alloy. The horology specialists at URWERK Geneve incorporate precious materials to highlight its one-of-a-kind design and movement technology. The exclusive luxury examples produced out of Geneva, Switzerland acts as a blank canvas for the visions of the design team. URWERK is proud to announce the launch of its newest timepiece, the UR-100 ‘Electrum’. The UR-100 Electrum features a 41mm 18K 2N Electrum yellow gold case, which is known as one of the original precious metals to ancient Egyptians. MUST-READ: Makes And Movements: F.P. Journe Linesport Centigraphe Sport x Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge Deriving inspiration from the seating tiers of ancient greek theaters, the case incorporates detailed grooves to highlight the dial. The partially skeletonized dial allows for a closer look at the in-house UR 12.01 automatic movement, which provides a lengthy 48-hour power reserve and 30-meter water resistance. The transparent backcase displays the planetary turbine, and also includes engravings on the outer case to signify the limited-edition release. To complete the elegant styling of the 18K Electrum yellow gold design, URWERK adds a large-scale black leather strap with a matching buckle. The all-new limited-edition URWERK UR-100 Electrum is now available through an authorized dealer for $67,700. https://www.instagram.com/p/CTSCxb6LRE2/

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 31, 2021

Jacob & Co. Releases The New Epic X Rose Gold Baguette

The way to add some flare to a Jacob & Co. sports model timepiece is with a baguette diamond bezel. Jacob & Co. is known for creating extremely exclusive timepieces with meticulous craftsmanship incorporated into each example. Seen as works of art, collections like the Astronomia seem to be occasional dress watches to make a statement. Jacob & Co. took the approach to create a daily wearable sports watch with the Epic X Collection, which is endorsed by professional athletes like soccer star Lionel Messi. Jacob & Co. is proud to present its newest addition to the sport model collection, the Epic X Rose Gold Baguette. The Epic X Rose Gold Baguette is presented as a skeletonized 44mm featuring 26 baguette-cut diamonds embedded into the bezel. While the inner workings of the JCAM02 movement are visible from all angles, the technology adds a sense of comfort with its 48-hour power reserve and 50-meter water resistance. The new Jacob & Co. Epic X Rose Gold Baguette is finished using an openwork n honeycomb’ rubber or alligator leather strap with a matching 18K Rose Gold Tang Buckle. The Jacob & Co. Epic X Rose Gold Baguette is currently available through an authorized retailer with a price upon request. https://www.instagram.com/p/CTQJmAyrb-Y/

By Edward Jones – August 31, 2021

8 Grail Watches From Industry Insiders

Presented by WatchBox Mike Manjos: Patek Philippe 5970Pmmanjos@wbgcorporate.com Without a doubt, the Patek Philippe 5970 is one of the finest Perpetual Calendar Chronographs ever made and regarded by many as the perfect Patek Philippe watch. The 5970 was produced from 2004 to 2011, the shortest production period for any Patek Perpetual Calendar Chrono. This Patek Philippe 5970P is platinum with a beautiful black dial. Equipped with a chronograph, am/pm indicator, perpetual calendar with day date, month, year, and leap year functions, it is one of the most technical examples on the market. Shop Patek Philippe CQ Gottlieb: Patek Philippe 5960Rcq@wbgcorporate.com Originally released in 2006, the 5960 is Patek Philippe’s first automatic chronograph with an annual calendar. The 5960 is unique for its chronograph hand that also serves as a center seconds hand. The 5960-010 features an elegant 40.5mm Rose Gold case, which houses a contrasting black dial equipped with chronograph, date, power reserve, center seconds hands, and am/pm indicator functions. The Patek Philippe 5960R is finished with a black large-scale crocodile strap and matching rose golf folding clasp. Shop Patek Philippe Peter Bell: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Dual Time 26120st.oo.1220st.01pbell@wbgcorporate.com From the famous Royal Oak collection with the immediately recognizable hexagon design bezel secured by 8 screws, the Dual Time in Stainless Steel continues to grow in popularity within the watch industry. Ever since its introduction in 1972, Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, with its unusual octagonal porthole bezel with hexagonal screws, has been a favorite of watch aficionados for its old world style with a modern twist. The crisp white and black dial features the ability to set and hold two separate time zones, while tracking the Royal Oak’s power reserve with an indicator located at 9 o’clock. A matching stainless steel bracelet and iconic AP fold-over clasp completes the timeless styling of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Dual Time. Shop Audemars Piguet Armand Johnston: Greubel Forsey Balancier Sport GF09Xarmand@govbergwatches.com The Greubel Forsey “Balancier” perfectly embodies our fundamental principles. Every detail of the “Balancier” carries the unmistakable stamp of a true Greubel Forsey timepiece, the watchmaking Maison’s values are manifest in the refinement and purity of its lines and dial, the inventive architecture of its balance wheel, the sharp profile of its hands, and the engraving on the reverse of the timepiece. The 45mm sport model features a titanium case that surrounds its blue dial, which includes functions like hours, minutes, small seconds, and a power reserve indicator. Alongside the luxury brand name of Greubel Forsey, the Balancier Sport GF09X is limited to only 18 pieces. Shop Greubel Forsey Bill Comfort: Patek Philippe 59901rbcomfort@wbgcorporate.com Patek Philippe presents the Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph Reference 5990/1 in a generous rose gold version contrasting with the sunburst blue dial featuring an embossed horizontal pattern and applied hour-markers. The baton-style hands are in rose gold with a luminescent coating. This new model combines three highly sought-after complications: a self-winding flyback chronograph, an easy-to-use Travel Time function (dual time-zone), and a date display, coupled with local time. The Patek Philippe 59901R features a self-winding in-house movement equipped to hold two timezones: local and home time indication. The 40.5mm Rose Gold sport model holds a 120-meter water resistance, protecting the desirable Sunburst Blue dial from any outside forces. A matching rose gold bracelet and Nautilus fold-over clasp completes the luxury-styling of the Patek Philippe 59901R. Shop Patek Philippe George Mayer: FP Journe Jade tourbillon platinum braceletgeorge@govbergwatches.com While the challenges of producing dials in stone are well known to other manufacturers, mostly these are produced in circular disk making the cutting action simpler and minimizing the risk of stress points from corners. F.P. Journe being F.P. Journe took a different approach. While ideally the stone dial would be cut from one piece, due to the configuration of apertures on the dial, it would not be possible due to the small amounts of material around the tourbillon and the offset dial, as well as the constant risk of fracture during cutting. The two crescent shaped pieces above and below are still very complex with numerous curves and differing radii, as well as the screw holes which have to be drilled, making for what one can imagine is a nerve wracking experience for the maker as well as numerous failed attempts along the way, before a perfect example is produced. But all of the hard work pays off when one sees the illuminating effect created by the light passing through the ethereal green tone of the jade as well as the unique signature each dial has due to the veining within the stone. While it is impressive when viewed from afar, it takes on a whole new dimension when admired through a loupe. This particular example is further distinguished by the matching solid platinum bracelet which gives a watch known for its simplicity and compact nature, a suitably substantial feeling on the wrist making the owner abundantly aware of the importance of the work of art they are wearing. Shop F.P. Journe Josh Thanos: A. Lange & Söhne Datograph 403.035jthanos@wbgcorporate.com The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Flyback was introduced at the 1999 Baselworld as the world’s first chronograph based on the classic column-wheel principle with precisely jumping minute counter and patented oversized date. It stops events with a duration up to 30 minutes with an accuracy of one-fifth of a second. The precisely jumping minute counter allows easy reading of the stopped time. The flyback function allows the chronograph to be instantaneously reset to zero during an ongoing measurement by simply pressing the chronograph button. As soon as it is released, a new timing cycle begins, hence eliminating the need to stop a measurement and reset the stop hand before starting a new timing. The patented oversized date in the twin gold-framed window ensures excellent legibility. The movement consists of 405 parts, the plates and bridges are made of untreated German silver and finished with circular graining and Glashütte ribbing. The balance bridge is manually engraved with a master’s personal free-hand technique, making each Datograph a one-of-a-kind watch. Shop A. Lange & Söhne Jason Mane: De Bethune DB28 Tourbillon DB28TIS5C6PNjasonm@govbergwatches.com De Bethune is revisiting its classics and reasserting its identity codes through the DB28 collection, a strongly identifiable timepiece endowed with the signature House style features and conveying its resolutely avant-garde vision of the watchmaking art. The wearer comfort of the DB28 stems from the surprising lightness, and to the presence of “floating lugs”, a patented system that easily adjusts to the size of the wrist and its various movements. Shop De Bethune

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 31, 2021

Breitling Unveils The New Top Time Classic Cars Capsule C...

Support the pioneers of the performance automotive industry with Breitling's new chronograph collection. In the watch world, timepieces are appreciated for a magnitude of reasons, whether it’s price, exclusivity, age, movement technology, or precious materials used. One of the best reasons behind selecting the perfect timepiece is a story. Breitling is proud to tell three historic tales with its all-new Top Time Classic Cars Capsule Collection, a series of three uniquely designed watches commemorating America’s most iconic classic muscle cars. The new Breitling collection is inspired by the three icons of American car culture, the Chevrolet Corvette, the Ford Mustang, and the Shelby Cobra. Styled as the original chronographs used by early-era racers like Carroll Shelby, the Breitling Top Time is presented in a 42mm (Ford Mustang/Chevrolet Corvette) and 40mm (Shelby Cobra) design. Each uniquely crafted dial incorporates the colors and liveries that help shape the brands into leaders in the automotive manufacturing and motorsport industries. These disruptive chronographs with a motoring twist stand out for their bold dial colors with orange and yellow or red and blue touches and racing-themed watch straps in calfskin leather. Engraved stainless-steel casebacks showcase each car’s logo in impressive detail, and the chronograph pushers punctuate the dial. All three watches are water-resistant up to 100-meters. The all-new Breitling Top Time Classic Car Capsule Collection is now available through an authorized dealer for $5,550. Media/Information Source: Breitling

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