Opera Time, for over a Million dollars !

Manufacture Royal Tourbillon

The Manufacture Royale has a motto: "E pluribus, unum", usually translated as "Out of many, one", which is the very essence of this young company whose roots go back to the time of Voltaire, and where the creativity of its founding aces combine to bring to lovers of beautiful timepieces an object which is simply unique. United in the search for perfection, these artists have pushed the limits of human creativity to deliver a work capable of increasing the fervor of those who love such objects, and even change one's idea about time in all its forms.

"Great minds think alike", said Voltaire, and Arnaud Faivre knows what that means. This not-so-young French entrepreneur, having already a full career behind him whilst working for the best in the industry, wished to take his art to another level and provide timepieces designed to satisfy the very demanding expectations of the real enthusiast. 

Having had the responsibility within the most prestigious firms of creating delicate hand-made watch parts, he has decided to launch his own brand. Although daily able to contemplate the most beautiful of objects, he has taken up the challenge of breathing new life into an undertaking dating back to the Age of Enlightenment and which almost everyone has either forgotten or never even knew: the workshop founded by Voltaire in Ferney, a village bordering Geneva but on the other side of the frontier. 

Driven by an unquenchable sense of perfection, and an equally consuming passion for the art of watchmaking, he has been joined by similar 'pure' spirits prepared to give their all - talent, time and technique - to a project that, in both concept and creation, takes that art to heights until now unimaginable. The idea is not to produce the next rare, exclusive watch, but to create a work of art in the full sense of the term; to produce an instrument whose objective qualities make it stand out from the crowd. In short, the idea is to push all the relevant concepts to their limits so that, starting from scratch, one can create the 'ultimate'.

A purely intellectual approach to horology where the strength and beauty of the object are the very essence of its nobility, of its pertinence, and of its durability.

This special Timepiece is worth USD $1.2Million, and it still seems priceless.

Geneva Motor Show, March 6th 2013 - The German automotive manufacturer Wiesmann

and the exclusive Swiss watchmaking company Manufacture Royale announce a special 

collaboration.

On the occasion of Wiesmann’s 25th anniversary in 2013, Wiesmann and Manufacture 

Royale intend to present a limited edition of 25 timepieces, exclusively designed for this 

partnership by Charles Grosbéty, the man behind all the Manufacture Royale creations.

ref: Manufacture Royal.

A Watch that tells the Weather ?

Génie 01

We rarely think twice about the technological complexity behind checking the forecast on our smartphones.

The Breva Génie 01 is the world’s first wristwatch with time, altimeter, barometer – for forecasting the weather – and power reserve indications provided by a fully mechanical movement, much of which is on display through the open dial and display back. The proprietary movement of the Génie 01 was developed exclusively for Breva by Jean-François Mojon/Chronode.

A dial side tour reveals a plethora of easy-to-read indications to keep the wearer fully informed about current time, altitude, remaining power in the mainspring, and a weather forecasting barometer.

Hours and minutes are displayed on a semi-transparent smoky-sapphire sub dial at 8 o’clock, with small seconds below 12 o’clock. A scale displaying altitude arcs around the top perimeter of the ‘dial’. Barometric pressure is indicated on a second semi-transparent smoky-sapphire sub dial at 2 o’clock, with icons providing scientifically based forecasts of likely weather conditions to come.

A 65-hour power reserve indicator at 4 o’clock is instantly recognizable thanks to its engraved compass rose – an icon found throughout Génie 01. At 6 o’clock, an anaerobic capsule measuring air pressure dominates the lower section, with another identical anaerobic capsule underneath it to maximize sensitivity to the slightest change in air pressure.

Three dual-purpose crowns on the case band provide power to, and allow setting of, the proprietary Breva movement. On the left at 9 o’clock, a two-position crown is dedicated to winding the watch and setting the time. On the top right at 2 o’clock, a knurled exterior ring adjusts the barometric pressure scale, while an inner pusher adjusts the position of the altitude indication.

At 4 o’clock, a second crown on the right has a knurled locking ring that rotates 90° to lock/unlock an air valve. When unlocked, the valve opens and allows a small amount of air to equalize air pressure inside the case with the exterior air pressure. Longevity and reliability of the timepiece are maximized by means of an osmotic Teflon membrane that filters any moisture from any air before it enters the movement. Just above the crown, a red indicator on the dial marked ‘SEALED' warns when the valve is unlocked. 

The technological and visual feast continues through to the back of Génie 01. A circular scale engraved around the perimeter of the caseback provides a scale providing correlations between altitude and air pressure, as the altitude affects air pressure as well as the weather.

Through the sapphire crystal display back, it is the vibrantly oscillating balance wheel that first catches the eye; however a more carefully inspection unveils yet more of the beautifully finished movement. When winding the movement you can see compass roses rotating on the cap of the mainspring barrel.

The name ‘Breva’ is inspired by ‘La Breva’, a warm southern wind that contributes to the agreeably mild micro climate around Lake Como in northern Italy. Breva Watches breathes a refreshing breeze through the often-stuffy world of Swiss haute horlogerie.

Génie 01 is a limited edition of 55 pieces in white gold and 55 pieces in 4N pink gold.

" Pride of Baltimore ", Classico Cloisonné - Ulysse Nardin.

For 2013, Ulysse Nardin leads its Classico Cloisonné collection with the new Pride of Baltimore, drawing inspiration from the history changing use of Baltimore Clippers during the War of 1812. 

In a clever attempt to compensate for the modest size of the US Navy, President James Madison issued Letters of Marquee and Reprisal to private ship owners, enabling them to act as privateers, or legal pirates, of Great Britain’s merchant vessels. The captains and crews of these topsail schooners set into action, crippling approximately 1,700 British merchant ships by way of capture or sinking. As well, the Baltimore Clippers barged through the British naval blockade of the US coastline, including the Chesapeake Bay, reaching the shores
with weapons and other artillery needed to fight America’s Second War of Independence.

To be a successful privateer, superior sailing performance of a Baltimore Clipper was mandatory, and it was Captain Thomas Boyle of the Chausser who became recognized as one of the most famous American privateers. Returning to Baltimore after the capture of the HMS St. Lawrence, Boyle’s most famous seize, the Niles Weekly Register applauded the victory by naming Chausser, her captain and crew the “Pride of Baltimore.”

Ulysse Nardin salutes the Pride of Baltimore with a timepiece that unifies superior mechanical watchmaking with the art of enameling.

Slicing through the sea, the Pride of Baltimore is beautifully depicted in lifelike detail – a result only achievable through superior enameling skill. In the process, opaque, transparent or translucent colors and tones are derived from the proportions in which the elements are mixed in order to get amalgams, the composition of which is often a secret. Remarkably, each segment is divided by a gold wire segment that prevents the liquid powdered enamel to flow into other melting chambers. Over 500mm of fine gold wire is needed to make the
cloisons, a practice that requires 50 working hours and 26 processes to complete each cloisonné dial. 

The Pride of Baltimore is an exquisite representation of artistic discipline by the hands of masters from enamel-dial specialist, Donzé Cadrans S.A. Ulysse Nardin’s relationship with the famed enamel-dial manufacture dates back to the 1980s when Rolf Schnyder purchased Ulysse Nardin; together, unparalleled enamel-dial timepieces have been produced for more than 25 years. To continue its quest for independence while demonstrating its passion for the art of enameling, Ulysse Nardin acquired Donzé Cadrans in 2012, creating, yet again, another unrivaled in-house capability.

The Pride of Baltimore is available in a limited edition of 30 pieces each in 18-karat white or rose gold, and measuring 40 mm in diameter. The self-winding watch is powered by the UN 815 caliber that has been COSC Chronometer certified and has a power reserve of 42 hours, and is water resistant to 50 meters. 

The Chesapeake region represented significant importance in the shaping of the United States, and Ulysse Nardin beautifully conveys its history in the Pride of Baltimore, securing its space in its archive of achievements.

Technical Data 

Ref. 8150-111-2/BALT 18ct white gold
Ref. 8156-111-2/BALT 18ct rose gold
Limited Edition to 30 pieces
Movement UN-815, COSC certified
Power reserve Approximately 42 hours
Winding Self-winding movement
Functions H/M/s
Diameter 40 mm
Dial Enamel cloisonné, «the Pride of Baltimore » motif
Crown Water-resistant
Water-resistance 50 m
Crystal Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Case -back Open case back with sapphire crystal fixed with screws
Bracelet Leather

ref: http://www.ulysse-nardin.ch

Audemars Piguet Art, LeBron James passion.

Royal Oak & Millenary

One of the finest Swiss luxury that time assisted with beautiful creations, who is adorned by art.

Seizing an era by mastering timeless creations, Audemars Piguet is a well know Luxury Brand known today matched by few.

In 1875 Jules Louis Audemars, decided to join forces with Edward Auguste Piguet, in order to develop and craft watches equipped with complex mechanisms. They shared a passion for watchmaking and a mastery of the art of precision that still characterizes the company today.

Today, Audemars Piguet is still the oldest fine watch-making manufacturer never to have left the hands of its founding families. This gives the company an independent streak that allows it to go its own way and follow its own unique vision.

Branding and marketing has always presented its weight when it came to old fine luxury watch-making and today's unique vision. Over a period of a decade, from well rounded celebrities Arnold Shwarzenneger,  Shaquille O' Neal, Messi and now the current Ambassador of AP, LeBron James were a part of this creative process.

                                                        LeBron James, Audemars Piguet

LeBron James, 28, became the youngest player in NBA history to win four MVPs after receiving 120 of 121 first-place votes by league media members and analysts. The lone other first-place vote went to Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. It was the second time a player fell one vote short of an unanimous MVP selection, with Shaquille O’Neal also receiving 120 of 121 first-place votes in 1999-2000. “It’s probably a writer out of New York that didn’t give me the vote,” James said during Sunday’s award ceremony in Miami. “I know the history between the Heat and the Knicks. So I get it.”

Critics and buzz formed strong arguments if some of these Brand Partnership was a perfect alliance for a Brand like Audemars Piguet. Taking a basic perspective that some of the Ambassadors have a little understanding of such a complicated masterpiece creator, yet an ardent believer of fine art.

Within the mix, an advocate may pose a question ' Was AP, looking to Partner for believing or Partnering with a credible personality who would share a decent understanding of the value, excellence and the true tradition of fine Swiss craftsmanship' ? 

Critics and buzz are not here to stay either with time, as some evolve faster than others. 

Critics were on top of things with Hip-hop artist and record-business entrepreneur Jay-Z and 130-year-old Swiss luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet in New York City where unveiled a limited edition of 100 timepieces to celebrate Jay-Z’s 10th anniversary in the music business. The watches—a special version of the brand’s Royal Oak Offshore chronograph—have a small “10” in diamonds on the dial. They come in stainless steel, rose gold, and platinum, and retail for $23,500 to $69,500. The project was two years in the making; Jay-Z was apparently and actively involved in the design.

Once again drawing attention to speculation, one would argue the schooling of Jay-Z in the filed of designing and watch making craftsmanship.

But with some proceeds given to charity by Audemars Piguet, it has annual U.S. sales of about $40 million, who has given more than $5 million to U.S. charities, most of them directed at women or children.

Following such staggering numbers of success, Partnership from a movie actor, soccer player and a champion basketball player, putting aside hip-hop music and charity it seems passion meeting Art is a fine conclusion. Without any reservations to the critics and buzz, all is well that continues great. 

Women’s Luxury Watch Trends, 2013.

Cartier’s limited edition Crash series.

Tick-Tock, lets take a look at the key trends in women’s timepieces to emerge from launches at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie

Luxury has a distinct definition when it comes to watches. A handcrafted horological heirloom can cost millions, and connoisseurs would pay for it willingly. As the exhibitions unveil the latest, and the best, in watch making, the timeless classics retain their position at the top of the list of favorites.

As The Guardian reports, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie held in January 2013, saw a considerable rise (10%) in the number of visitors compared to the previous years. The number of visitors is predicted to increase also at the Baselworld Trade Fair, taking place this week.

The question is – does an increase in the number of visitors translates into the increase in the sales of luxury watches? The statistics from the Swatch Group archives can perhaps give you an indication. Swatch’s gross sales increased by 14% in 2012 from 2011; this increase is set to continue through 2013.

“ These trends also give a hint of the market that these manufacturers are targeting – Asia ”

A luxury timepiece interests a buyer, not because it’s made from gold or it’s studded with diamonds (though these have an effect on the value too) but because of its history, craftsmanship and exclusivity.

The reputed watch houses showcased some of their finest horological creations at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. The show also brought to the foray the trends in luxury watches for women that would dominate 2013. Interestingly, these trends also give a hint of the market that these manufacturers are targeting – Asia.

Historians opine that the wristwatch was essentially created for the female, as pocket watches were too masculine. A watch for a woman is as much an accessory as a utilitarian piece. The luxury timepieces at the Salon were some of the best examples of this attitude.


Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Haute Joaillerie

Fit for a princess: Gold dials studded with diamonds, gold bracelets with diamond-adorned clasps, gold bezels embellished with diamonds – a fascination with valuable metal and precious stones seem to be all the rage in women’s luxury wristwatches.

The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Haute Joaillerie is the prime example, paved with almost 800 diamonds, it pays a further tribute to the Maison’s expertise in jewellery. The gems take over the entire surface of the dial and invade the bezel and the outside of the bracelet.

Rose gold is all the rage for the new-age femme fatale. The hint of rosy hue adds just the right dose of feminine beauty to the pieces crafted from this gold/copper alloy. And the manufacturers do know how to use this attraction.

“ A fascination with valuable metal and precious stones seem to be all the rage in women’s luxury wristwatches ”

A slim, cute masterpiece: Beautiful and brilliant, the Piaget Altiplano Ultra Thin Skeleton, set with diamonds and rubies, is perhaps the best example of this trend. Though marketed for men, this little beauty is more appropriate for today’s women. Slender watches are in vogue and attract both male and female clientele.

Big, chunky dials with many functions may have been in fashion for quite some time but things are changing. The preference for slim watches, especially in Asia, has prompted Swiss manufacturers to come up with thin watches and small dials.


Piaget Altiplano Ultra Thin Skeleton

Flowers and butterflies: Again, the target market of the watchmakers is what encourages the accommodation of flora and fauna inspired designs in fine, high-end women’s watches today. Lilies and tulips, butterflies and snakes, strawberries and kiwis – new-age wristwatches for women feature them all.

Imagination is not limited to the real world for watchmakers. The effect of the Oriental is obvious – dragons and fairies are common motifs on the pretty little things. Watch houses have understood that ingenuity coupled with creativity can make their watches sell.

“ Lilies, tulips, butterflies, snakes, strawberries and kiwis – new-age wristwatches for women feature them all ”

Bold and bright: Almost every watch house present at the Salon had a wristwatch that conformed to one of the most popular trends of the day – colored dials. Pinks, blues and greens were visible everywhere! And it was not necessarily a single color. Vibrant reds, yellows and oranges adorned nice little orchids on some watch dials.

It was the Poetic Wish from Van Cleef & Arpels that was the focus of the day when it came to colored high-end wristwatches. The miniature painting, set with gold-engraving, gem-setting, and mother-of-pearl sculpting on the dial is sure to take your breath away.
ref: luxury society.com.