All posts in “luxury watches”

Bell & Ross BR-X1 Military

When designers come up with new concepts, inspiration can come from a lot of sources. There are some who consider nature as their muse, but some prefer to get their ideas from man-made sources. We just love how some experts draw influences from military machinery to create stylish pieces of mechanical art. Therefore, as the name suggests, the Bell & Ross BR-X1 Military watch aggressively flaunts a design that anyone from the armed forces would be proud to show off.

With only to 250 pieces in production, the chronograph sports a 45mm high-resistance titanium case and colors in khaki for that extra tactical touch. Meanwhile, Other materials used in its construction include black ceramic and rubber inserts as listed by the product page. The push buttons function as rockers and actually add a nifty tactile touch to the watch. Its 100-meter water resistance ensures that the timepiece can take a beating and come out smiling.

The case back is somewhat plain, except maybe for the tinted sapphire crystal window that gives us a glimpse of the rotor. Its skeletonized dial is protected under a layer of sapphire that’s been treated with an anti-reflective coating. Additionally, the Superluminova applique on the metal hands and indices improve visibility in low-light conditions. The Bell & Ross BR-X1 Military showcases a BR-CAL.313 automatic mechanical movement. The perforated black rubber strap is secured comfortably on your wrist via a PVD-coated stainless steel pin buckle.

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Photos courtesy of Bell & Ross

Montblanc TimeWalker Rally Timer Chronograph Counter

Over the years, the process of how people tell the time has evolved from analog devices to digital. As much as we’ve directed innovation to go digital, we continue to admire and craft mechanical timekeepers for their beauty and complexity. We’re at a point of extreme convenience, where it’s as simple as glancing on your mobile device to figure out the how many hours, minutes, and seconds have passed. However, the resurgence of retro design creates a demand for vintage products. Montblanc goes the extra mile and brings back a relic from the past with the Montblanc TimeWalker Rally Timer Chronograph Counter.

To commemorate the opening of its seventh classy boutique in the land down under, Montblanc decided to craft an elegant pocket watch. The item is reportedly limited to only 100 pieces to be sold worldwide. The inspiration for its design comes from the early days of road racing, particularly around the 1930s. It’s apparently a classy homage to the Minerva Rally Timer Stopwatch.

Montblanc details that the TimeWalker Chronograph Rally Timer Counter is virtually modular in nature. You can switch its configuration to function as a dashboard clock, a pocket watch, and even as a wristwatch. The 50mm case is grade-two titanium with a smooth satin texture. The timepiece flaunts a manual movement with a 50-hour power reserve. It’s likewise ready to brave the elements with a 30-meter water resistance.

Make it part of your collection

Photos courtesy of Montblanc

Richard Mille RM 12-01 Americas Boutiques Edition

Sometimes watchmakers look back to past models to draw inspiration for something entirely new. Yet, there could be instances wherein the previous designs have such an impact, that it would be a shame to mess with the formula. Instead, you have nostalgic rework done to upgrade everything the original stood for but keep its essence alive. A brand did just that with the Richard Mille RM 12-01 Americas Boutiques Edition that comes in four different versions. Additionally, each one ultimately gets just 18 pieces. With a starting price of $828,000, exclusivity does come at a high price.

Talking about its exclusive nature, each timepiece will only be available in Richard Mille boutiques across the Americas. Variations are as follows: Black Carbon TPT, white Quartz TPT, red Quartz TPT, and Gold Carbon TPT. This composite material is remarkably robust and is used in racing, aeronautics, and more. Moreover, the damascene finish adds another layer of style to the finished product.

You can admire the beautiful skeletonized automatic movement of the Richard Mille 12-01 Tourbillon that boasts a 70-hour power reserve. Since you’re going to pay top dollar for this limited edition timekeeper, its comforting to know that its grade-5 three-dimensional titanium bridges are can help it withstand over 5,000 G’s of force. To further suggest its sporty pedigree, the wristwatch is paired with rubber straps with a titanium clasp. This should be a good reason for collectors to visit the Americas to shop for the next item to add to their pricey catalog.

View the collection here

Photos courtesy of Richard Mille

The Rake Aerofusion Chronograph Molon Labe By Hublot

For those of us who appreciate and collect luxury timepieces, we often admire the design and complications featured by the watchmaker. Often times, these remarkable mechanisms initially draw our attention with their appearance and the materials used during its construction. One such example is the The Rake Aerofusion Chronograph Molon Labe by Hublot.

Modern craftsmanship relies on lightweight but robust materials such as titanium to ensure comfort. The metal is a favorite among engineers that are with the military and aerospace agencies. However, a bold and stunning approach is always a welcome distraction from conventional watch design. Such is the case with the Aerofusion Chronograph Molon Labe by Hublot for The Rake.

This striking and handsome timepiece is a bespoke production for the men’s lifestyle magazine that’s limited only to 25 units. Ownership of this classy chronograph commands an $18,000 price tag. This includes a 45mm case fashioned out of micro-blasted titanium that adds a black-brushed bronze bezel into the mix. The combination of colors lends an eye-catching contrast between the metals.

Nevertheless, you will still admire the skeletonized dial that comes with gold-plated hands and indices. This serves to showcase the Hublot Aerofusion Chronograph Molon Labe’s HUB1155 automatic caliber. The assembly pairs perfectly with the available options for either a brown or black calf leather strap with stylish stitching. Meanwhile, we think that the brown on brown combination should appeal to affluent steampunk enthusiasts.

The Rake

Photos courtesy of Hublot

ERA Prometheus Tourbillon Certified Millionaire Watch

We all know that in order for a wristwatch model to be a valid candidate for Haute Horlogerie, it needs to fall into a certain price point category. If you perform an extensive research, most of these timepieces on the list feature a tourbillon. Experts consider, this intricate component as the badge of precision and quality. Most of the items that tout this mechanism demand outrageous costs of ownership. However, that might soon change with the ERA Prometheus Tourbillon Certified Millionaire watch.

If you want to own a wristwatch that comes with a tourbillon, you must be ready to part with a ridiculous amount of money. Nonetheless, this is why most horology experts coined the term millionaire-level timepieces. The tourbillon mechanism was invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet. Its purpose is to combat the effects of gravity on the moving parts of a watch. This tiny but significant addition to our timekeepers not only improved accuracy but also raised the item’s level of luxury.

With the ERA Prometheus Tourbillon Certified Millionaire watch, you have the opportunity to own a top-class product for just under $1,000. It sports a 44 mm stainless steel case that’s 12.72 mm thick with a sapphire crystal cover and case back. The exposes dial flaunts its HZ3350A Tourbillon movement and the stylish sun-moon dial and GMT 24 timer on each side. The lavish package arrives with a black Hornback style leather strap with midnight blue stitching. Moreover, it perfectly matches the blue hands of the watch.

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Urwerk UR-111C

Even though select wristwatches might have outstanding complications, telling the time should be quite easy. All you need to do is check where each hand is pointing and you’re good. Therefore, the process should be inherently manageable. However, there are instances wherein a one-of-a-kind timekeeping device shows up and confuses the heck out of everyone. Nevertheless, these complicated items are amazing machines that were engineered to keep track of time in the most remarkable way. Take for example the Urwerk UR-111C and its alternative process of tracking time.

Instead of a circular dial used by conventional watch designs, the UR-111C depends on several complications to count the hours, minutes, and seconds. Adjustments are made via a special lever that swings out and a textured cylindrical roller that sits just below the running seconds’ window. You can turn the roller in either direction to set the timepiece appropriately.

So how does it work? Believe us, we were initially wondering as to how this stylish item works. Yet, after a careful and lengthy observation, we finally got the gist of how everything ties together. The topmost display uses cutting-edge optic fibers to project the rotating numerals—counting the seconds—closer to the sapphire panel.

The lower set of mechanisms of the $135.000 Urwerk UR-111C show the jumping hours on the leftmost cone, the running minutes on the rightmost cone, and finally a retrograde indicator in between to show the minutes via a helical cylinder. You can go for a brushed steel or matte gunmetal finish. Both variations are very rare with only 25 pieces for each variant.

Urwerk UR-111C

Photos courtesy of Urwerk

Endeavor Perpetual Moon Concept by H.Mosier & Cie

The majority of luxury wristwatches sport elaborate complications. Often times, these are visible through a skeleton movement. Paying big bucks for a top-notch timepiece usually means that owners want to see how everything ties together intricately. However, we are also fans of minimalist designs that offer a more subdued approach to timekeeping. The H.Mosier & Cie Endeavor Perpetual Moon Concept is an understated beauty that flaunts dark new secret.

We’re not talking about the remarkable moon phase complication located on the 6 o’clock area of the wristwatch. In fact, it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it innovation on the dial that appears to be intentionally missing any indices. According to the brand, the coating is actually the darkest man-made material used by the military and scientists called Vantablack. Equally important, it apparently absorbs 99.9% of light to focus your attention directly on the unlumed hands. This pairs elegantly with the black alligator leather straps

H.Mosier & Cie reveals that its lunar phase complication is exceptionally accurate that it only deviates by a day every 1027 years. Likewise, it’s something you would love to leave as a family heirloom for generations to come. The Endeavor Perpetual Moon Concept is equipped with a hand-wound HMC 801 calibre movement that touts a 7-day power reserve. Additionally, maintenance is almost effortless thanks to the brand’s interchangeable escapement system.

H.Mosier & Cie

MB&F HM9 Flow Watch

As anticipated, Max Büsser has finally unveiled his latest horological machine, the MB&F HM9 Flow, a combination of elements taken directly from the ingenious mindscape of Büsser himself, drawing from vintage cars, aircraft, sci-fi comic books, films, and TV shows.

The $182,000 watch is the latest avant-garde design from the boutique shop. It was made possible thanks to the the brand’s past achievements with the HM4, HM6, and Legacy Machine No. 2, although apparently the HM9 Flow was years in the making.

“Because we spent so many years working on the LM2, which is one of the only movements with two balance wheels and a differential, we were able to take [the double flying balance wheel concept] into account,” according to Büsser.

What is this, exactly? Is it just a watch? Is it a retro-futuristic timepiece? Or is it an embodiment Büsser’s most precious sensibilities as a child, wrapped neatly on your wrist? It probably doesn’t matter in the end, though, because it’s just plain gorgeous and thought-provoking. It’s always nice when something comes out and reinvents everything that has come before it and will ever come afterwards, and this is one of those things.

More importantly, the HM9 Flow is an example of an impossible thing made possible. It features a multipart case that’s so complex thanks to its extreme angles and voluptuous curves that the experts MB&F collaborated with said it could not be made. But “impossible” simply won’t do for Büsser, so new manufacturing techniques were pursued to be able to develop what you see above.

But again, what is it? A fancy shmancy watch with an irregular shape? Or maybe an new kind of experience altogether? Who cares? Sometimes, experience defies description.

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Photos courtesy of MB&F

Longines Conquest V.H.P. GMT

Smartwatch adoption is steadily growing as manufacturers introduce new features and improve battery life. The number of functions, designs, and gimmicks are probably the biggest reasons why wearables slowly make their way into hearts. Yet, some of us remain steadfast and opt to go for the tried and true performance of analog watches. We have to realize that there just some conveniences that are included when using a smartwatch. The Longines Conquest V.H.P. GMT is a welcome and stylish compromise.

For example, as long as your device’s location services are active, adjusting the time zone is close to automatic. However, unless your regular wristwatch comes with a built-in time zone adjustment complication, you have to manually tweak it each time you travel. Longines understands that some individuals refuse to migrate over to wearables, so it came up with an innovative function to benefit its globe-trotting clientele. The advanced tech is integrated into the new Conquest V.H.P. GMT.

This elegant quartz movement timepiece keeps a special aperture on its dial that responds to the camera flash on your smartphone. Owners can download a companion app that triggers a sequence of flashes that instruct the wristwatch to make the necessary adjustments to match the location’s time zone. In essence, the Longines Conquest V.H.P. GMT is a contemporary timepiece that secretly uses some cutting-edge tech to make timekeeping during travel a breeze.

Longines Conquest V.H.P. GMT

Photo courtesy of Longines

Richard Mille Tourbillon Adventure Sylvester Stallone RM 25-01

The beauty of the craftsmanship featured by luxury watches is amazing to behold. Intricate inner workings intentionally exposed for the owner to marvel and enjoy. Normally, these models are for formal occasions—preferably with a matching attire to complete the ensemble. For those discerning few that are in the market for somewhat more rugged, maybe even better illustrated as something that Rambo might wear if he was going to an upscale event, the Richard Mille Tourbillon Adventure Sylvester Stallone RM 25-01 is the timepiece that you should own right now.

This horological beast is ready to accompany you to any adventure. The look itself automatically gives it away as a wristwatch for the outdoors. However, don’t let its roguishly-handsome aesthetics fool you, for underneath its military-inspired façade lies a luxury pedigree.

It is something apparently for the macho men (at least those with a cool $1 million to blow away). The wristwatch sports a 50.85 mm x 23.65 mm titanium and carbon TPT case, which also bears an elegant damascene pattern. You also get a removable bezel that can be interchanged from the default bidirectional option and a compass via a bayonet mount system.

Other notable features include a mounted spirit level and a hermetically-sealed compartment that holds around five water purification capsules. The Richard Mille Tourbillion Adventure Sylvester Stallone RM 25-01 will see a limited production run of 20 pieces.

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Ulysse Nardin Executive Tourbillon Free Wheel Watch

Crafting a modern luxury watch mainly requires the use of top-notch materials such as leather, precious metals, and synthetic gemstones. Once all of its components are assembled, it gets extensively tested for accuracy. Furthermore, it gets certified when it meets the strict standards required by its marque. Owners have the privilege of wearing these horological masterpieces and admire its intricate complications through a scratch-resistant window usually made of sapphire. A remarkable example would be the Ulysse Nardin Executive Tourbillon Free Wheel.

The wristwatch flaunts a fantastic design that showcases the stellar craftsmanship of its dial beneath a stunning dome of sapphire. Moreover, you can witness a unique arrangement where some of the movement’s components are relocated above the dial’s surface. Available in rose and white gold, each particular variant sports a corresponding dial surface: a honeycomb for the white and black slate for the rose.

You get an unparalleled view of the all the exposed complications and flying tourbillon thanks to its one-of-a-kind crystal cover. Powering this classy timepiece is an in-house UN-176 manual movement that boasts a seven-day power reserve.

Both models of the Ulysse Nardin Executive Tourbillon Free Wheel watch carry a carbon black alligator strap. The rose gold version commands a $96,000 price tag, while the white gold is the range topper at $99,000.

Visit Ulysse Nardin to know more

Photos courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special

Not often do you find a luxury wristwatch that comes in colors other than various shades of gold, silver, or even greyish titanium. We know that unless it’s a modern take on the design, other colors might not really fit the motif. However, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special manages to pull it off anyway.

The brand is apparently known for the aircraft instruments and timekeeping devices. It supplied these to pilots when aviation was still in its infancy. This particular chronograph draws inspiration from Zenith’s rich aeronautic legacy packaged into a fancy wristwatch.

Its 45mm case is fashioned from Bronze for that distinct weathered look. Next is a blue oily nubuck leather strap with a protective rubber lining and white stitching. This is to keep it from fraying on the sides. Once adjusted to the size of your wrist, a titanium pin buckle is there to keep it perfectly snug. Moreover, the oversized textured crown on the side completes the ensemble and oozes a classy vintage vibe.

Flaunting a stylish matte blue dial combined with gold-plated hands, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special ticks away with an automatic El Primero 4069 movement. The details don’t stop there as we move over to the solid titanium case back that bears an intricate engraving of the brand’s classic logo. Just like the names says, this timepiece is definitely “extra special.”

Zenith

Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic 10436

Each watchmaker follows a certain style that sets it apart from the others. Modern brands often flaunt bold designs and bulkier cases. On the other hand, classic approaches often give birth to stunning masterpieces. Following the latter philosophy, the Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic 10436 as a prime example of the phrase “less is more.”

This minimalist gentleman’s wristwatch touts a polished stainless steel case with a satin finish. It’s round body measures 40mm in diameter and 10.3mm thick. The watch is paired with an elegant alligator leather strap that’s dyed in black.

It’s supposedly based on the Clifton 1830, but minus the gold and with an automatic winding mechanism. Moreover, you can consider it as an ideal entry-level luxury wristwatch with a $2,990 price tag—compared to the $14,350 cost of the limited edition model that inspired its design.

The indices and hands do not feature any lume, which unfortunately makes it practically unreadable in low light conditions. Night visibility aside, a quick flip to the caseback reveals a sapphire window that gives the user a view of COSC automatic movement.

Overall, the Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic 10436 is a remarkable timepiece that can easily match classy outfits. You can always swap its default strap with other compatible selections to match more casual affairs.

Baume & Mercier

Photo courtesy of Baume & Mercier

Panerai L’Astronomo Luminor 1950 Tourbillon Moon Phases Equation of Time GMT Watch

Let’s face it, we are all innately curious about the sky. We want to know what’s beyond our planet and what lies across the vastness of space. This is exactly what pushed a notable polymath who hailed from Florence, Italy to study more about our solar system. In honor of the Galileo Galilei, A watchmaker crafted a luxurious and exquisite timepiece to commemorate his achievements. We can’t help but agree that the Panerai L’Astronomo Luminor 1950 Tourbillon Moon Phases Equation of Time GMT is a fitting tribute anyone could ever ask for.

You are probably thinking that the name of this 50mm watch is certainly a mouthful. However, the features that are within its classy body are numerous as well. According to watch experts, what makes it outstanding is the distinction of being the first model to tout an innovative mechanism that shows that date via a special method.

Furthermore, a special treat awaits the owner that’s only visible through the case back. You’ll find an intricate moon phases complication that’s astounding to see in motion. The exceptional timepiece relies on a P.2005/GLS (Galileo Luna Scheletrato) skeletonized movement.

Customization options are plentiful for the L’Astronomo Luminor 1950 Tourbillon Moon Phases Equation of Time GMT. You can select the case material, the band, the color of the hands, and the engraving. Panerai can even configure the moon phase complication’s appearance to match how our planet’s satellite appears from any geographical coordinate you want.

Visit Panerai to know more

Photos courtesy of Panerai

Limited Edition REC P-51 RTR Mustang Watch

Imagine what it would feel like to wear a Mustang on your wrist. That’s not a typo — timepiece company REC has unveiled the new limited edition P-51 RTR, crafted with carbon fiber parts taken from world champion drift racer Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s 2017 Mustang RTR.

Each timepiece incorporates pieces of Gittin Jr.’s demon drifter, and REC is only putting 350 pieces up for sale. But keep in mind you’re not just getting a run-of-the-mill luxury watch. Every time you put this on your wrist, it’ll remind you of what masterclass-level design looks like. Plus, you’ll chew on the fact that only 349 other people in the world have what you have: a watch forged from a car that helped Gittin Jr. show the world his formidable drifting skills.

The attention to detail REC has put into the P-51 RTR is remarkable. From the crown that features Mustang’s iconic tail-light shapes to RTR’s signature neon green triangular headlights to the rotor meant to evince a custom RTR trim. Such design elements demonstrate a level of sophistication that can’t be matched. REC could’ve easily produced a tacky car/watch hybrid, but thankfully it executed this one perfectly. So, as a result, the watch boasts a very subtle design, but it doesn’t skimp on its Mustang flair.

It’s not all about looks, though. You also get a power reserve of over 48 hours, a casebook glass mineral crystal, and a calf leather strap with a quick-release system. These make the watch as functional as it is beautiful. You have to act fast if you want the P-51 RTR, as only 66 pieces will be sold online. It retails for $1,895.

REC P-51 RTR MUSTANG WATCH

Bovet Récital 22 Grand Récital Watch

With two Récitals in its name, a mind-boggling astronomical display at its heart, and a price tag of half a million dollars, the Bovet Récital 22 Grand Récital Watch is sure to capture attention.

More than just a time-showing wristpiece, the handcrafted Swiss watch displays with perfect accuracy the movements of the Earth, Sun, and Moon. On the back of it, is a perpetual calendar, while a manually-wound caliber with 472 components, flying tourbillon, and a nine-day power reserve, ticks at the heart of this haute horlogerie timepiece.

Fitted with Super-LumiNova illumination, a water resistance of 30m, and a full-grain alligator strap, the Récital 22 Grand Récital arrives in your choice of 18K red gold or 950/1000 platinum, each limited to just 60 units.

Learn More From Bovet $469,800-$502,200