T
he art of watchmaking is unique and it is all about craftsmanship. There are some extraordinary creations in timepieces that are elegant, extravagant and exhilarating. Watchmaking is very much like art and this might be true but only if one considers it an industrialized and cooperative art, like filmmaking. Nevertheless, the imaginations of luxury watchmakers have birthed timepieces that are out of this world resulting to make them larger than life. This spread takes that idea and brings it to life, paying tribute to the efforts of the watchmakers. Combining both technicality and elegance, here are nine timepieces that truly define the art of luxury watchmaking:
HYT H3:
Known for their state of the art luxury fluidic watches, the HYT H3 defines the generalisation of traditional watches. Incorporating a linear design as the series’ trademark, the H3 is a step away from the usual circular face in previous ‘H’ watches. A capillary is located above a horizontal layer of 6 cubes –which contain each quarter of the day- that operates on a jump hour.
Patek Philippe Grand Complications Ref. 6300G-001 Grandmaster Chime:
A more classic take on its cousin, the blockbuster Grandmaster Chime Ref. 5175, legendary watchmaker Patek Philippe has unveiled a new reference of its 175th-anniversary giant. The 6300G-001 is a double-faced reversible wristwatch that includes the original 20 head spinning complications.
Bell & Ross BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon Sapphire:
Bell &Rosshas long been a brand fascinated with vintage aviation design. This admiration has been captured and reimagined in multiple forms through its BR series. With the BR-X1 Chronograph Tourbillon Sapphire, this dedication is encased in a 45mm case cut out from nine blocks of sapphire, adding a degree of technical complexity that one can feel as well as see – and see through.
Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Astromystèrieux:
The watch’s central display area is completely transparent, adding instead of taking away from the mysteries of its workings. With the word ‘mystery’ smack in its name, it is no wonder this piece by Cartier presents itself as another horological puzzle. The question this watch poses is how it is connected to the winding and setting mechanism, which is via the crown. As you can see, there appears to be no connection between the mechanical calibre and the crown.
Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari:
The original all-black watch was created as a tribute to Ferrari, with its design reminiscent of the iconic LaFerrari car’s V-shaped engine block. The watch’s movement runs on an astounding 637 components, coupled with a scratch resistant sapphire crystal face and a matte black finish for the titanium case. Black anodized cylinders with red accents along the 11 mainspring barrels reveal the time.
Franck Muller Vanguard Gravity:
Part of the Vanguard collection, the Vanguard Gravityembodies the company’s raison d’être of uniqueness in both technicality and design. Boasting peerless visual impact in a tourbillon watch (the tourbillon section is massive), the watch represents an evolution of the Cintrée Curvex aesthetic.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Quatour Cobalt MicroMelt:
Extremely resistant to the effects of time, the case is made using MicroMelt technology. Like precious metals that maintain their lustre forever, this new material promises to be eternal – while also adding an element of extreme durability. This process consists of melting the alloy down before a high-pressure gas stream is employed, atomizing the alloy and resulting in a powder.
Brietling Superocean Chronograph II:
Breitlings are noticeable all by themselves, but the 44mm Superocean Chrono is bolder than the rest thanks to the big bezel and fat hands and baton markers. It eschews subtlety without going overboard on drama, and it has the makings of a watch that will impress for decades. Breitling 13 Swiss automatic movement with 42-hour power reserve, functional chrono pushers, a rich leather strap with contrast stitching and a serious 500-meter depth rating.
Tudor Heritage Black Bay:
The Tudor brand was intended to be a more affordable alternative to Rolex and still made by Rolex, so it has the history behind it. The Black Bay has a larger presence than the Submariner, thanks to its 41mm diameter and prominent snowflake hands that have a unique look. The Swiss Tudor calibre MT5602 movement has a 70-hour power reserve, and the depth rating is 200 meters.
