Author: WatchMaster

Manufacture Royale 1770 Micromegas

Baselworld 2015 is all about excellence in watchmaking. And when it comes to excellence horology, you can be sure to hear of Manufacture Royale.

The Swiss luxury watch brand has delighted fans with a new collection at Baselworld 2015 called the 1770 Micromegas. The Micromegas collection stands out as one of the few which boast a dual tourbillion where each of the tourbillions has a different spin rate. One of the two tourbillions spins a full rotation every five seconds while the other makes a full rotation once every 60 seconds.

In terms of appearance, this new Manufacture Royale model offers the same build quality the Swiss brand have gotten their users used to but with a more reserved design than usual. The name of the new collection has interesting roots as well. It translates to “small large” and is inspired by a short story written by the French philosopher Voltaire. In fact, Voltaire was a watch aficionado during his day and even launched his own company in Ferney, France, with the first watch being produced in 1770, just eight years before he died.

The 1770 Micromegas collection will debut with three models, one that comes in a case made entirely of titanium, one with an 18k gold case or a third in an 18k rose gold case. The watches will have a diameter of 45 mm as swell as a thickness of 11.8mm, making them large timepieces. While Manufacture Royale has gotten fans used to unusual, sometimes flat out odd design for their watches, the Micromegas is one of the more restrained models.

While the two tourbillions don’t necessarily add anything to the timekeeping qualities of the watch, the brand’s respect for the art of manufacturing quality time pieces is kept alive in this Manufacture Royale model.

The Manufacture Royale 1770 Micromegas boasts the Manufacture Royale caliber MR04 automatic movement. It has a power reserve of over 80 hours allowing users to go well over 3 days without any intervention. The hands of the watch are made from blue titanium giving an interesting modern as well as a timeless look. The 18k rose gold Micromegas model comes with a white inner dial, the gold and titanium model comes with an orange dial while the all-titanium model boasts a blue dial. The inner dials have a LumiNova effect as well as a rubber lacquer which aid the visibility of the watch during darker conditions. The prices vary starting from $151,000 for the all-titanium model and maxing at $181,000 for the 18k rose gold model.

October 9, 2015
Rolex Oyster Perpetual

What list of Baselworld premieres would be complete without something from Rolex? This year it seems that Rolex premiered the 39mm Oyster Perpetual. This stunningly beautiful piece by Rolex is an instant classic and an affordable watch at just over $5,000. It offers all the build quality of Rolex as well as some interesting, traditional design elements that will make it a beautiful watch you will undoubtedly have for the rest of your life.

While the Oyster Perpetual is considered to be the “entry level” watch when it comes to Rolex, it is an absolutely paramount collection for the company, one which offers a lot of diversity for its potential users. The Oyster Perpetual collection is available in five case sizes, allowing as diverse a group of potential clients to find the model that best suits their needs. The 39mm model is the latest in the list, but it’s not just the size that sets it apart and makes it an important presence at Baselworld; it is also the numerous extra or updated features like the dark rhodium dial which boasts a beautiful sunray finish. This new Oyster Perpetual a model is produced with a fluted bezel while it offers an Oyster bracelet in place of the classic Jubilee alternative it got its users used to.

The case of the Oyster Perpetual is and looks as sturdy and durable as ever, boasting the same elegant lines that Rolex has gotten its fan base used to. The case is waterproof to a depth of 100 meters making the watch a perfect companion for just about any swimming trip. The case owes its durability to the high quality corrosion resistant 904L stainless steel. The winding crown also comes with Twinlock waterproofness before being screwed to the case.

The scratchproof, glare proof sapphire won’t just add to the durability of the watch but will also make visibility ideal regardless of weather conditions. The watch dial is easy to read and with no date function and little to no other details this basic watch is the very essence of what Rolex tries to achieve; a simple, elegant yet highly dependable machine that will be working perfectly for generations to come.

The 39mm Rolex Oyster Perpetual comes in three dial colors: dark rhodium, blue or red grape. This model along with the 26, 31, and 34 mm models uses the same movement, the Rolex caliber 3132. While it offers no date function, this highly precise, COSC certified movement does power three extremely precise hands.

September 10, 2015
Hublot Big Bang Unico 45 Italia Independent

Baselworld is the center of everything that has to do with watches; from manufacturers, to huge brands, famous stars and every new innovation that promises to change the way we perceive time and timepieces.

One of the biggest brands in the world when it comes to luxury watches, Hublot, has revealed one truly exceptional limited edition piece at this year’s expo, respectively the Hublot Big Bang Unico 45 Italia Independent model.

The watch represents a new collaboration between the Swiss luxury watchmakers and Italia Independent. The series comes in two colors, which truly manage to give the watches a distinct character as well as a stylish and fresh appearance.

Another key aspect of these Hublot Big Bang Unico watches is the Texalium material used to make the majority of the bezel and casing. The design of the watch can be considered quite bold, particularly the blue model. The texalium material provides an interesting and new pattern which only reinforces the quality and uniqueness of the watches.

While the build quality is as high as can be, the watches are certainly fashion oriented so the light blue and cool grey can certainly be great accessories for trendy clothes all year round.

The collaboration with Italia Independent reinforces the fashion element of the watch, adding an air of youth and exuberance to the watch. For people who haven’t heard of Italia Independent, it is an eyewear brand which produces pieces for both men and women. While their products aren’t addressed to an entirely luxury market, a good amount of attention is given to design and quality. The watch is meant to bring together the hip and young market of Italia Independent with the luxury oriented expertise of Hublot.

Texalium, the main innovation when it comes to the technical aspect of the Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent is a material much alike carbon fiber. It is a fiberglass material with a high degree of flexibility, particularly when it comes to weave thickness. It has a thin aluminum coating on its surface which gives it its unmistakable look and texture.

Another distinctive feature that makes this watch truly stand out is the series of studs inserted on the belt. The studs come in titanium for the light blue model and black titanium in the gray model.

The model is a 45 mm version of the Hublot Big Bang with a Hublot movement. The watch is water resistant up to 100 meters.

August 4, 2015
Radomir Tourbillion GMT Oro Rosso

Radiomir 1940 Tourbillon GMT Oro Rosso is an exclusive special edition watch that has been created using red gold and sophisticated complications in order to celebrate luxury sports watch manufacturing. The watch is a great pick for collectors and those who want to wear something more unique, with a design that is not as widespread as that of other watches. The mechanism uses a Tourbillion regulated which has been designed to eliminate any influences of gravity on the pocket watches. The watch uses a mechanism that is distinct from the classic choices and thanks to its revolutionary technology the watch is protected from most types of errors.

Some of its functions are: the GMT 24 Hour function, indicating the time in another time zone chosen by the wearer while using a distinct central hand, there is also an AM/PM indication and a system that allows easy adjustment of the hour hand without it interfering with the minute hand.

The watch might seem pretty big for some and should only be chosen if you want a bulky watch that stands out as it comes with a diameter of 48 mm. It has been created entirely with red gold which has been made with a high percentage of copper; however, in the production process, platinum has been added in the mix to prevent any future oxidation due to the high level of copper. The watch has a design that is both modern and timeless featuring polished elements with superb sapphire glass crystal over the satine soleil brown dial. All these are elements that make this watch extremely desirable, both by watch aficionados and collectors. The watch is water resistant up to fifty meters, which makes it perfectly safe to get wet but wearers should completely avoid diving if they are wearing it. The fact that it is a limited edition is great news for someone who would consider to buy a watch as an investment because it’s value will greatly increase in time.

Although it has a unique design, the Radomir Tourbillon GMT Oro Rosso is an excellent display of craftsmanship and is set to show the wearer’s distinct style and personality.

July 9, 2015
Panerai Radiomir 3 Days GMT Oro Rosso

A superb watch that has been created to show a simple design with a more glamorous feel, the Panerai Radiomir 3 Days GMT Oro Rosso is a must have for any man who wants to be in tone with the latest fashion trends.

The watch is made with red gold which is actually a mix of gold, copper and other metals such as platinum, offering a distinct appearance while being malleable enough so that the watchmakers add more intricate details and fine elements in it. The percentage of copper has been customized in order to offer this watch a certain red hue that is distinct to this particular collection while the platinum prevents the metal from becoming oxidized. Another reason why the producers chose this material is the fact that it has a high resistance and it’s perfect for watches that need to pass the test of time, especially an elegant model such as this Panerai Radiomir 3 Days GMT Oro Rosso.

The Panerai is a hand-wound mechanical watch that has been equipped with the classic Panerai P.3001 calibre which has been created entirely by the brand. It is 6.3 thick and contains 21 jewels while the dial measures around 47 mm. As functions the watch comes with the usual: hours, minutes, small seconds, date, but more features such as a second time zone, a power reserve indicator on the back and a seconds reset button, which will prove to be extremely useful. The case is made from polished red gold and has a removable wire loop strap attachment and allows a screw down winding crown. The dial has been created with brown luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers while the date has been added at 3 o’clock and seconds at 9 o’clock. The sapphire crystal is formed of corundum with an anti-reflective coating and a 1.4 thickness. It also comes with a beautiful personalized alligator strap that is very comfortable and has been adorned with a lovely polished red gold buckle. Water resistance is for 50 meters which means this is not the watch you want to take with you while diving but it’s no problem if it gets wet from rain or swimming.

June 11, 2015
Rolex Lady Datejust

The first watch in the Datejust collection was created in 1945 and symbolized a new post war era through its glamorous feel and amazing intricate details. The model came with waterproof mechanism and an elegant date design. Just as the first model, the new model is a symbol of opulence and offers a lot of exquisite features. In the 1950s a new model appeared which resembled the original but was designed especially for ladies, carrying a sort of sophistication undone before, not to mention a high level of functionality. The Lady Datejust nowadays is similar to both models designed for different sexes and has become an iconic watch for those who wish to retain an elegant look. The Lady Datejust is a smaller watch, just right for a delicate wrist. It measures a 26 mm case which is enhanced with various elements that will make it more than just a watch, almost a jewellery piece. Its elegant design is enhanced by the subtle shimmering colour that not only brings a sense of opulence but also manages to capture the sophistication of the elegant female that will be lucky enough to wear it.

The watch has been crafted in 118 carat gold but it is also available in other combinations from steel to platinum. Whatever the personality of its wearer is, they will be able to find something those suites them right as Rolex manages to create something for the minimalists but also something for the more glamorous wearers. The watch’s two tone bracelet is a celebration of superb craftsmanship as it adds even more beauty to an already perfect design. Actually the metal bracelet with the semi-circular three piece links was first introduced in 1956 in order to give the watch its refined look. Since then, the bracelets may have changed quite a bit but they still retain that refined feel they originally had. For its production, Rolex has used the finest materials and each watch is created with passion for watchmaking and for the finest details. It is a perfect gift to someone close to one’s heart, whether they are family or a significant other.

May 15, 2015
Breitling Chronomat Airborne

The Breitling Chronomat Airborne was first designed for the Italian air force’s acrobatics team, the “Tricolori” and since then, the watch has become one of the main reference point when it comes to aeronautical chronographs, as it is an extremely useful tool for those working in this field.

The Breitling Chronomat is also known to have saved the company as it was released in a time when mechanical chronographs were not as popular since the quartz watches just started being produced. However, the beautiful Breitling Chronomat Airborne was an incredible hit and everybody wanted to wear one. The watch, however, was designed for pilots and included a few interesting features to help them during their flights; however, the general population found it extremely pleasing. Since then, the watch has been recreated to fit a more modern crowd and some of its updates have been recently presented. The bezel is simpler, the Arabic numerals are gone and the watch has a rougher feeling; the rubber inserts certainly show that the brand is moving in a new direction, a direction that will focus on more modern designs. The dial has also been redesigned and is now available in two colors: a black classic shade and a more silver beige color. It is very minimalistic but watchmakers wanted to keep a sort of aged feeling so they added a few elements to suggest that. The watch comes with a 41 or 44 mm dial measure so that it fits everyone. The strap also comes in two styles, military style or pilot style.

The power reserve on the watch is minimum 70 hours and a chronograph with 1/4^th second, 30 minutes and 12 hours. The watch has a steel case and it’s water resistant to 300 meters. It also features a cambered sapphire crystal with glare proof on both its sides.

It’s safe to say that Breitling managed to make a lovely homage watch for a younger crowd while maintaining the timeless feel older watches used to have. It is an excellent accessory for someone who wants something sporty and casual but also something that will last for generations as the Breitling Chronomat Airborne is definitely made to last.

April 11, 2015
Breitling Cockpit B50

The Cockpit Breitling B50 is definitely the ultimate instrument for the modern pilot as it has been especially created to cater their needs as it features a beautiful and very contemporary looking titanium case. The watch has been created to help pilots in their missions as it offers extremely interesting features such as an ultra-readable display, great user friendly interface and a lot of useful functions such as an electronic tachometer or a device that records flight times. The watch also features SuperQuartz movement which has been researched and perfected for aviation purposes.

Cockpit Breitling B50 is definitely not a simple watch, the dial is filled with all sorts of elements but they all come wrapped in a timeless design with an aeronautical theme which will definitely make it fashionable forever. It comes with two types of straps, a rubber strap and the other, a beautifully designed metal bracelet. Breitling has been creating new types of movement based on their research in thermocompensated quartz movement, which they were already using. These are incredible watches for those who have a great passion for horologic technology but also for those who love collecting interesting and unique designs, and the Cockpit Breitling B50 is for sure a unique design.

The movement is calibre B50, hence the name of the watch, and uses a system to adjust in case temperature affects the accuracy. It also comes with an incredible feature, the fact that it uses rechargeable batteries, which not only means a lot of flexibility for the user, but also a bigger life span for batteries and the way the batteries are charged is pretty awesome itself. The watch uses a magnetic connector that can be attached to the left side of the case and charged through the AC adapter or even your computer through USB port. The chronograph is 1/100^th second with a maximum of 99 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds. There is also a flight time chronograph a second time zone and an alarm feature. The calendar is digital and perpetual and the water resistance of this watch is 100 meters or 330 feet. The case is made out of black titanium with black screws on the back, offering the watch its futuristic look paired with the bidirectional bezel with compass scale. The crown is non-screw locked with two gaskets and integrated push piece and the watch features a campered sapphire with glare proof on both sides. Its diameter might be considered pretty big for some, at about 46 mm, but it’s an excellent choice as it offers a wide range of features for its size.

March 18, 2015
Rolex Datejust Two Tone Diamond

It’s hard not to be in awe when you first lay eyes on the superb Rolex Datejust Two Tone Diamond. The watch has been created to mimic perfection itself as it comes with an exquisite selection of materials and an absolutely grand design. It is a self-winding watch that has won many awards both for its amazing mechanism and its superb design. With its classic style the Datejust offers the benefit of an incredibly sophisticated watch that is made with modern characteristics in a more vintage look. Due to its overall look the watch is extremely easy to invest in as it will be a classic choice for generations to come.

With its Jubilee bracelet the watch makes even more of an appearance, not to mention the effortless cool feeling it gives its wearer. The jubilee bracelet on the Datejust is a light and extremely beautiful bracelet that gives the watch a sense of royalty. Intertwined with gold and silver, the two tone bracelet makes a great support system for the exquisite diamond watch. Those who want to buy it can also opt for an Oyster bracelet but if you want your Rolex to be a dress watch the Jubilee is definitely much more suitable than the former, especially on a watch made with diamonds.

The diamonds have been incrusted in the design of the watch, first on the outer ring of the watch case and secondly, as hour markings inside the bezel. This offers the watch an extremely glamorous feel and makes it more of an investment rather than just a watch you can wear to special occasions. Inside, the dial features a beautiful and very sophisticated mother of pearl color that goes absolutely beautifully with the rest of the design and the color scheme chosen for this particular watch. The watch also features luminous hands and magnifying glass over its date, at 3 o’clock. The watch is also water resistant, but those who wear it should avoid diving as it is only resistant to about 100 meters due to its Twinlock screw down crown system.

Overall this is an incredible watch that has very good potential as an investment, not to mention the fact that it looks absolutely amazing. The Rolex Datejust Two Tone Diamond is a definite buy for someone who wants something special as an extravagant gift to themselves or an outstanding gift for someone they love.

February 20, 2015
Patek Phillipe World Time Rose Gold

The beautiful Patek Phillipe World Time in Rose Gold is definitely an exquisite choice for those who want to tell time in style. The watch comes with an intricate design that was perfected for years before its release. One of its main elements is the lovely moon phase display at the center of the dial and the ability to tell time everywhere on earth. Crafted in rose gold, this superb timepiece will certainly complement an incredible outfit.

The watch movement is mechanical with self-winding mechanism and it uses the Caliber 240 HU. The watch features a 24 hour and day night indication for each of the time zones so it can be a fascinating experience just to tell time by using this superbly crafted timepiece. It has been created using a sapphire crystal case on the back and front and it is water resistant to 30 meters, which means that it can get wet but diving with it is definitely not a good idea. The watch comes with a fold over clasp and a leather strap that is extremely comfortable to wear. Those interested in wearing this particular piece should know that it has a diameter of 27.5 mm and a height of 3.88 mm with a power reserve of minimum 48 hours. The watch was also created featuring an incredible 239 parts and features 21 600 vibrations per hour.

Owning a watch like this is an experience in itself and with its superb mechanism and amazing design it has achieved cult status among watch aficionados. Not many can afford it but for those who can, it can be the ultimate expression of luxury and the epitome of sophistication. Despite its complex mechanism and very rich design with extremely sophisticated functions, the watch has been created to offer its wearer a great experience and an incredible level of user friendliness. So, those who want to obtain such a watch should not be alarmed by its complicated look, it only seems that way, but the watch is very easy to use and read. In the middle, the famous dial with each cities is seen, each standing for the different 24 time zones. For the traveler, this is an incredible watch, as it takes away the strain of calculating a different time zone while wearing it because it shows the exact time in the chosen city. This way you can ensure that you enjoy your travelling and focus on what is important while letting your watch deal with the time.

January 24, 2015