Louis Vuitton Paris-based accessories legend—and now a style leader in ready-to-wear fashion collections for men and women—Louis Vuitton is synonymous with excellence in craftsmanship and quality. In its first classic dress watch, Louis Vuitton builds upon the Swiss watch collection it launched in 2002. Collection Highlight The new Tambour Mysterieuse, an extremely complicated timepiece, was entirely created, developed and assembled in Louis Vuitton’s watchmaking workshop in Switzerland. Every one of the 115 components that make up the watch’s movement is handmade, and they combine to create a truly mysterious effect. The watch’s hands hover above a system of transparent sapphire discs, which reveal no trace of the inner workings of the timepiece. An eight day plus eight hour power reserve, a rotor that can be inlaid with the owner’s initials, and an unlimited number of ways to customize the timepiece with precious stones and metals make this watch the ultimate in exclusivity. The 42.5mm case is available in yellow gold, red gold, white gold or platinum, and is priced around $280,000.
Corporate Contact: Specialist Guillermo Calvo, (212) 872-2000; www.louisvuitton.com
Maîtres du Temps In 2005, Steven Holtzman founded Maître du Temps with the aim of bringing master watchmakers together to create extraordinary timepieces. Three years later, three of the greatest watchmakers of today—Christophe Claret, Roger Dubuis and Peter Speake-Marin—collaborated to create an unprecedented collection for the brand in Geneva. And they channeled all of their efforts into a single watch, the Chapter One. This year, Dubuis and Speake-Marin teamed with Daniel Roth and that partnership resulted in the Chapter Two. Collection Highlight The collaboration of three master watchmakers produced the Chapter Two, a high-precision and technically innovative timepiece. The watch’s instantaneous big date triple calendar holds the distinction of being the most legible as well as the first unabbreviated triple calendar mechanical wristwatch ever. The shapely 18K red gold, tonneau case has a total of six sapphire crystals—three on the front and three on the back—to provide a clear view of the indications and movement within ($66,000).
Corporate Contact: Philip Horowitz, (818) 519-9189; www.maitresdutemps.com
Mauboussin In 1827 Monsieur Rocher opened his jewelry store in Paris. Soon, it was taken over by his associate, Jean-Baptiste Noury, and the precious creations with an emphasis on great stones became known as items from the House of Noury. In 1922, Noury’s successor took over and the firm was renamed again for him: Mauboussin. In the decades to follow, Mauboussin located to Place Vendôme, and its jewels won the affections of such prestigious clients as Marlene Dietrich. Its first watches debuted in the 1980s, and last year the brand opened its first U.S. boutique, on New York City’s Madison Avenue. Collection Highlight The Mauboussin watch collection is based upon four models: the Delit, the Delirante, the Delicieuse and the Life For Ever collection. The Delicieuse Chronograph, a feminine sporty watch, is encased in polished stainless steel. Its quartz movement is Swiss made and hands are rhodium-plated with superluminova centers. In this full pavé edition, 308 brilliant-cut white diamonds shimmer upon the dial, bezel and case (from $1,750 to $90,850).
Corporate Contact: Megan Hardwick, (212) 822-8167;
[email protected]; www.mauboussin.com
Maurice Lacroix What began in 1961 as a timepiece assembler for private label customers has become a global fine timepiece brand with a global presence today. Maurice Lacroix gained its independence in 2001, and in 2006 created its first manufacture movement, ensuring its position among haute
horlogerie’s grandest brands. Last year, Maurice Lacroix introduced a world first: Memoire 1 is the first mechanical movement with memory. Collection Highlight Part of the Masterpiece collection and featuring a movement designed and developed in-house, the Le Chronographe Squelette showcases the brand’s watchmaking expertise and modern design aesthetic. The openwork skeleton design of the 45mm steel timepiece keenly displays this new manual-wind movement with a 60-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock, protected by sapphire crystal on both sides. Limited to 250 pieces, the watch retails for $20,000.
Corporate Contact: Managing Director Thomas Steiner, (800) 794-7736;
[email protected]; www.mauricelacroix.com
MB&F Maximilian Büsser and Friends (MB&F) represents a new concept in the creation of boundary-breaking timepieces. A community of independent craftsmen, artists, designers and watchmakers—who all count themselves friends of founder Maximilian Büsser—contribute their expertise to create highly complicated timepieces that defy the boundaries of traditional design. Büsser, previously head of Harry Winston Timepieces, has essentially created a concept laboratory that produces extremely limited editions that collectors covet. Collection Highlight Designed to openly display the three-dimensional horological engine, with the rotor and regulating system on top, the HM3 is a timepiece in a class of its own. The uniquely designed watch, fashioned after the Thunderbird 2 spaceship, features two cones, one with hour and day/night indicator displays and the other with minutes. The timepiece is available in two versions—the ‘Sidewinder’ with cones perpendicular to the arm and the ‘Starcruiser’ with cones parallel to the arm—with a choice of a red gold or white gold case with titanium ($74,000).
Corporate Contact: President MB&F North America Stephen Hallock, (888) 884-0838;
[email protected]; www.mbandf.com
Milus Milus was created in 1919, and re-launched in 2002 with a focus on creating timepieces for clients with a taste for individuality. “Highly personal” isn’t just Milus’ tag line, it’s how these timepieces were meant to be worn. Already wearing the complicated creations are internationally acclaimed artists who set the highest demands on expressing themselves—Barbara Becker, Inna Malikova, Jane Monheit and Dmitry Malikov. Collection Highlight This year the Zetios Chronograph collection was expanded to include a Joaillerie version, a graceful yet sporty addition to the line. The 45mm case, housing the mechanical chronograph movement with automatic winding, features a white mother-of-pearl dial with clear chronograph counters at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The case is available in 18K red gold or stainless steel with a bezel set with 62 white, brilliant-cut diamonds ($21,500).
Corporate Contact: President and CEO of Milus USA, Inc. Doron Basha, (310) 424-5701;
[email protected]; www.milus.com
milus With the TIRION TriRetrograde Seconds Skeleton, Milus honors the passage of time—highlighting that every second counts—with a dynamic and sportive timepiece. Collection Highlight The TIRION TriRetrograde Seconds Skeleton combines intricate craftsmanship with an interesting interplay of hands. The focus of the dial is formed by the round inner skeleton area, which houses the retrograde seconds function with three seconds hands, divided into 20 seconds each, in the shape of an oscillating rotor. The 45mm case holds the triRetrograde complication, made possible by a Swiss mechanical movement that winds automatically, which is openly displayed in both the front through the center opening and the sapphire crystal window in the case back. VARIATIONS Available in titanium or a bi-color version of titanium and 18K red gold. The titanium version is available with a black leather, carbon-look strap for $13,500. The bi-color version, on a black alligator leather strap with rubber coating, is $16,900.
Corporate Contact: Doron Basha, President and CEO of Milus USA, Inc., (310) 424-5701;
[email protected]; www.milus.com
milus
In the year 1919, Paul William Junod, an experienced watchmaker, well-trained in the tradition of his craft, dreamed of creating a solid yet elegant watch that would appeal to everyone. And now 90 years later, Milus continues the dream of its founder. Collection Highlight The TIRION TriRetrograde Seconds Skeleton combines intricate craftsmanship with an interesting interplay of hands. The focus of the dial is formed by the round inner skeleton area, which houses the retrograde seconds function with three seconds hands, divided into 20 seconds each, in the shape of an oscillating rotor. The 45mm case holds the triRetrograde complication, made possible by a Swiss mechanical movement that winds automatically, which is openly displayed in both the front through the center opening and the sapphire crystal window in the case back. VARIATIONS Available in titanium or a bi-color version of titanium and 18K red gold. The titanium version is available with a black leather, carbon-look strap for $13,500. The bi-color version, on a black alligator leather strap with rubber coating, is $16,900.
Corporate Contact: Doron Basha, President and CEO of Milus USA, Inc., (310) 424-5701;
[email protected]; www.milus.com
milus The MEREA line for women derives its name from the star Mira, whose brightness varies regularly, and the collection playfully reflects this changeable nature. Collection Highlight Following the success of the MEREA TriRetrograde Seconds Skeleton last year, Milus has introduced the Joaillerie version of this beautiful watch with sparkling brilliant-cut diamonds. The retrograde seconds function is housed in a contoured, 18K red gold case. The three-layer dial has a movement base with a circular graining decoration, an iridescent mother-of-pearl overlay and a third layer inset with precious white diamonds. To add even more glamour, diamonds also grace the bezel, the bracelet attachments and the crown totaling 1.31 carats. An elegant white alligator strap secures the watch to the wrist. $34,900.
Corporate Contact: Doron Basha, President and CEO of Milus USA, Inc., (310) 424-5701;
[email protected]; www.milus.com
milus The successful HERIOS TriRetrograde Seconds Skeleton line derives its name from the constellation Hercules—symbolizing courage, stamina and strength—and the collection embodies these characteristics in a striking way. Collection Highlight The HERIOS line has been updated with a refreshing white version of this sophisticated watch. The 41.7mm by 42mm, 18K red gold case, inlaid with 88 brilliant-cut diamonds, houses the intricate function. A retrograde seconds function—divided into three sectors of 20 seconds each—works clockwise in a ‘flying relay,’ starting at six o’clock, to give the impression of a graceful dancing movement. A white alligator leather strap completes the elegant look of the watch. $27,500. VARIATIONS It is available with an 18K white gold case and a bezel inlaid with 88 brilliant-cut diamonds, or with an 18K white gold or red gold case inlaid overall with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Corporate Contact: Doron Basha, President and CEO of Milus USA, Inc., (310) 424-5701;
[email protected]; www.milus.com
milus Combining watchmaking elements with sensual design, Milus has created an intricate addition to the cufflinks collection. Collection Highlight The “Kamasutra Butterfly” cufflinks combine the idea of movement with an element of playfulness, both important facets of the company. The 18K pink gold cufflinks, with a man and woman in the Kamasutra Butterfly position on a navy background, simulate a mechanical watch movement by using a 360-degree rotatable oscillating weight. To further enhance the craftsmanship of the cufflinks, skillful enamelling techniques were used: cloisonné to decorate the moving rotor and champlevé to apply the butterfly. $24,800.
Corporate Contact: Doron Basha, President and CEO of Milus USA, Inc., (310) 424-5701;
[email protected]; www.milus.com
Montblanc Montblanc has been known for generations as a maker of sophisticated, high quality writing instruments. In the past few years, the product range has been expanded to include exquisite writing accessories, luxury leather goods and belts, jewelry, eyewear and watches. The snowcapped peak of Mont Blanc, symbolized by a soft pointed star, adorns the beautiful creations of this brand, which is designing timepieces of increasing sophistication and complication. Collection Highlight In celebration of its Minerva movement maker’s 150th jubilee year, Montblanc introduced the special edition Villeret 1858 line of timepieces in 2007, which represent the company’s highest level of specialized craftsmanship and finishing. In the new Grand Tourbillon Heures Mystérieuses, limited to only eight pieces each in either white or rose gold, and just one piece in platinum, the tourbillon takes center stage, occupying an enormous part of the dial. Placed at 12 o’clock, the tourbillon functions in a case of its own, detached from the movement, making it as prominent as the time display below ($252,700).
Corporate Contact: U.S. Sales, (800) 995-4810; www.montblanc.com
Movado Since its founding in 1881, Movado has been a leader in watch design innovation, earning over 100 patents and more than 200 international awards over its history. Translated from the language Esperanto for “always in motion,” Movado has been a leader in movements. However, it is best known for its Museum Watch dial, which has become nothing less than an icon of modernist design. Collection Highlight Building on its signature minimalist design aesthetic, the brand’s new Movado Master moves the iconic Museum dial in a new direction. The solid stainless steel case, 44mm for men and 34mm for women, with black sapphire bezel frames the asymmetric matte black or white dial with custom luminescent hands. An off-center inner circle, expanding on the original’s circle-within-a-circle motif, has a detailed dot-grid pattern that matches the grooved rubber strap. It is also available with a diamond-set bezel for women ($2,995)
Corporate Contact: Michelle Wellington, (702) 414-3799; www.movado.com
Omega Omega was founded in 1848 and has taken its reputation as a pioneer literally. The brand’s timepieces are leaders in sports timing, precision technology and design, and have been worn by astronauts and deep sea divers on missions to explore new frontiers. With partnership agreements in pursuits such as golf, bob-sledding, yachting, athletics and swimming, Omega’s timepieces are constantly put to the performance test. Since 1932 Omega has been the official timekeeper of the Olympic games, and since 1995 the character James Bond has worn Omega’s Seamaster model. Collection Highlight The classic Seamaster watch, a staple of the Omega brand since its launch in 1970, received an innovative update this year. The Seamaster Ploprof 1200M, newly-equipped with the Co-Axial calibre 8500, is, as its name implies, water-resistant to an impressive 1,200 meters. One of the most seaworthy divers’ watches ever made, its features include a bi-directional rotating bezel, a bezel-release security pusher, an automatic helium escape valve and an oversized orange aluminum minute hand coated in white superluminova for optimum readability. The 55mm by 48mm stainless steel case is available with a matching metal bracelet or rubber strap ($9,000).
Corporate Contact: Charles Laevens at OMEGA in New York, (212) 207-3333; www.omegawatches.com
Panerai In the 1930s, Officine Panerai was the official supplier of sophisticated, highly precise devices to the Italian navy, and these formed the seed of what would become a collection of watches designed for use in extreme and highly risky conditions. As of 1993, these bold timepieces were also made available to the public in limited editions. Panerai joined the forerunner to the Richemont Group in 1997, and its production of big watches took off. Collection Highlight The new P.9000 calibre, one of three new in-house movements by Panerai, is an automatic winding movement with a 72-hour power reserve and technical design akin to the brand’s existing four movements. The Luminor 1950 Submersible, a new model developed to house the p.9000 movement, is a 47mm titanium professional underwater timepiece. Taking its design inspiration from the details of historic dials, its features include a large bezel with stud and relief markers, and a dial with wide baton hands ($9,600).
Corporate Contact: Chad Warrick at Panerai in Beverly Hills, (310) 228-1515;
[email protected]; www.panerai.com
Parmigiani Michel Parmigiani mastered the crafts of restoring horological art objects and creating timepieces for some of haute horlogerie’s most highly regarded brands, before launching his own collection of fine timepieces in 1996. Just two years later, he introduced Calibre 110, the first mechanical hand-wound shaped movement with an eight-day power reserve, which was developed and crafted entirely by Parmigiani Fleurier. Now, with a line of women’s watches, sports watches and additional original calibers, Parmigiani produces about 4,000 timepieces per year. Collection Highlight Continuing in the partnership between Parmigiani Fleurier and high-end yacht builder Pershing, the brand introduced a new chronograph collection this year—the Pershing Zero-Zero-Two Chronograph, which has a smaller 42mm case. The highly feminine version, still in keeping with the maritime theme, has a blue mother-of-pearl dial, a small stylized octopus on the end of the chronograph hand and a starfish that rotates to mark the seconds. The timepiece is finished with 55 baguette-cut diamonds and 17 baguette-cut sapphires on the bezel and a white Hermès Epsom calfskin strap with blue stitching ($77,600).
Corporate Contact: Martha Lazaro, (305) 260-7770;
[email protected]; www.parmigiani.ch
Patek Philippe In 1839 two Polish immigrants, a salesman Antoine Norbert de Patek and a watchmaker François Czapek, joined forces to found Patek, Czapek & Cie in Switzerland. In 1844, Patek met the French watchmaker Adrien Philippe in Paris where the latter presented his pioneering stem winding and setting by the crown system. A year later, when Czapek decided to leave the company, its name changed to Patek & Cie. Finally, in 1851 when Philippe joined the company officially, it was rebaptized “Patek Philippe & Cie.” The brand began its modern era in 1932, when the company was purchased by brothers Charles and Jean Stern. Since then, Patek Philippe has remained a family owned firm led today by the Stern family’s third and fourth generations: Philippe Stern is president and Thierry Stern, his son, is vice president. Collection Highlight Following the success of its men’s Nautilus collection, the brand released a corresponding Nautilus ladies’ collection this year available exclusively in 18K white or rose gold. The redesigned case, in a smaller 32mm size, features the same porthole mechanism that fastens the bezel to the case band as the original Nautilus, but has gracefully curving, instead of straight, hinges. Available with or without diamonds on the bezel, the watch retails for $26,800 (without diamonds) or $33,700 (with diamonds).
Corporate Contact: Katie Reed, (212) 218-1240;
[email protected]; www.patek.com
Perrelet Abraham-Louis Perrelet lived in the Swiss Jura mountains during the 1700s, when winters were long and farmers sought refuge in their homes and kept busy by practicing new trades. Like his father, Abraham-Louis made tools, but quickly exclusively for watchmaking. From there it was a natural leap into watchmaking, and Abraham-Louis excelled at horological innovations, and was sought out for his expertise. What makes Perrelet a legend in this industry is his invention, in 1777, of the first automatic timepiece that used an oscillating weight (rotor) to wind itself just by the movements made by the wearer, like walking.
Collection Highlight The open-worked rotor spins around the entire dial to mesmerizing effect in Perrelet’s new Turbine collection, which transformed the P-181 automatic Double Rotor movement into a turbine with 12 titanium blades. The 44mm case is available in titanium or DLC-treated titanium on a black rubber bracelet with folding clasp ($6,600).
Corporate Contact: North America Managing Director Michael Goldstein, (954) 575-7980;
[email protected]; www.perrelet.com
Piaget Founded in 1874 in Switzerland’s Jura mountains, Piaget has always aimed for the stars when creating fine timepieces and jewelry. Its collections are wide ranging but always represent the highest degree of luxury and quality. What this company, a division of Richemont, does better than so many other manufacturers is continually innovate in the rarefied world of haute horlogerie, while also crafting incomparable gems and jewels that represent pure beauty. It’s a delicate balancing act that Piaget masters season after season, for men and women. Collection Highlight In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Piaget’s Polo line, the brand has launched four new timepieces, two chronograph versions and two automatic versions, all equipped with Piaget’s own movements. Constructed in titanium, a first for the brand, the 45mm timepieces are waterresistant to 100 meters. Along with its chronograph and flyback functions, the Piaget Polo FortyFive Chronograph features small seconds at 6 o’clock, a date display at 12 o’clock and a second 24-hour time zone at 9 o’clock on a choice of a silver or black dial ($17,900).
Corporate Contact: Lae Xavier at Piaget in New York, (212) 246-5283; www.piaget.com
PIERRE KUNZ
A watchmaker for more than 20 years, Pierre Kunz crafted complications for some of the industry’s leading brands in Switzerland. He also operated his own business restoring antique clocks, and constructed his own grand complications from start to finish—a master’s achievement. His namesake brand debuted when Franck Muller offered him the chance to create his own models within his group of collections. Now, within the facilities of “Watchland” overlooking the shores of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, Kunz devises new and exciting complications that become truly artistic timepieces. Collection Highlight Inspired by the direct voyage from the earth to the moon, the Pierre Kunz Second Time Zone watch features a play on graphic trends and a new design aesthetic including groundbreaking apertures and patterns. The fluted Empire-style case holds a sun-brushed dial that features a grande date at 6 o’clock, a cleverly positioned sector at 11 o’clock that sets the solar or lunar mode, and a retrograde time-zone. The Second Time Zone is available in two case sizes, 41mm or 44mm, and with a case of 18K white gold, 18K red gold or platinum ($26,500).
Corporate Contact: Greg Salcioglu, (212)989-3852 ext. 243;
[email protected]; www.pierrekunz.com
pierre kunz Writer Jules Verne’s masterpiece, “From the Earth to the Moon,” captures the delight of making the first steps towards an improbable achievement. The tale and its theme also serve as inspiration for Pierre Kunz’s own masterpiece, which is rich in complication and motion. Collection Highlight After creating a new approach to reading time, Pierre Kunz has launched an absolutely original, transparent design. Tahiti Moon, housed in a fluted Empire-style 41-mm case, is based on the principle of retrograde minutes and hours. Its see-through dial is embellished with a decoration that imitates delicate engraving at the level of the hands. The oval shape of the lunar section is an integral part of the dial that accentuates its curves. In balance, a metal and black Tahitian mother-of-pearl astral design displays scintillating stars at the top of the dial. The automatic timepiece reveals hours, retrograde minutes and moon phases, with a power reserve of 42 hours. It is presented on a hand-stitched alligator skin strap with matching overstitching. $16,000. VARIATIONS Tahiti Moon is available with a case of 18K white gold, 5N red gold, steel or platinum. The classic version comes with a dial comprised of white gold or red gold cartouche and blued hands, while a sports version has a black cartouche dial with red, orange, blue or yellow numerals and steel hands to match.
Corporate Contact: Greg Salcioglu, (212) 989-3852 ext. 243;
[email protected]; www.pierrekunz.com
pierre kunz Pierre Kunz’s Chronograph line is enhanced with a new addition that unites new watch-making technologies with a breathtaking aesthetic. Collection Highlight In the new Sport Chronograph, retrograde hours and minutes are indicated on two transparent sectors, which provide a glimpse into the movement’s bridges and escapement wheels. The hands travel over the arc of a circle, and they are propelled by a rack and pinion system. Hour and minute pointers take a pyramidal shape, and indicate day and night by being black in the morning and luminova white in the evening. The chronograph’s pushers reflect an ergonomic design that complements the texalium-printed rubber strap. $34,200 VARIATIONS The 44-mm case is available in classic steel or tinted steel. The watch’s dial can be made in texalium, anthracite gray, silver, red, or transparent Plexiglass through which the beauty of the mechanism can be admired.
Corporate Contact: Greg Salcioglu, (212) 989-3852 ext. 243;
[email protected]; www.pierrekunz.com
pierre kunz Pierre Kunz’s Infinity Looping has set the stage for a whole new chapter of watch-making. Compared to the black and red edition, this sporty style— ablaze with yellow details—carries another look entirely. Collection Highlight Like the original, this Insanity features a single hand indicating the hours and minutes around the dial, at a pace that will make heads turn. The tone-on-tone galvanic black dial sports yellow appliqués. Its 44-mm fluted Empire-style case features sapphire glass and a crown protector. The hand-stitched alligator strap accents the dial’s bright hand. Water resistant to 100 meters, this watch has a power reserve of 42 hours. $13,200. VARIATIONS The case is available in classic steel or Blaktop steel, with accents of red or green.
Corporate Contact: Greg Salcioglu, (212) 989-3852 ext. 243;
[email protected]; www.pierrekunz.com
pierre kunz Watchmaker Pierre Kunz decided to create a present for the precious women in men’s lives. With love as inspiration, the motif of a heart was revealed, and it is a strong symbol at the center of the Cupidon collection. “Love repeats its throbbing in time with the rhythm of our feelings, much as the heart of a clock etches out the rhythm of time,” the watchmaker says. Collection Highlight Cupidon has a heart gracefully positioned at the center of the dial, and a triple retrograde seconds seems to breath life into it. Each seconds arc represents love, passion or desire. VARIATIONS Four dial variations include enamel in red, blue, pastel blue, green, pastel green, or pink stainless steel; mother of pearl white, blue, green, pink or 18K; skeleton dial through the heart; or diamond or ruby 18K. $43,800.
Corporate Contact: Greg Salcioglu, (212) 989-3852 ext. 243;
[email protected]; www.pierrekunz.com
pierre kunz The art deco style defines many aspects of Pierre Kunz’s designs, and the watchmaker recently dedicated an entire series of timepieces to the aesthetic. Collection Highlight In the Exclusive Series Tourbillon, Pierre Kunz’s famous square tourbillon movement is housed in a most unusual square, fluted Empire-style case. An opening in the dial reveals the tourbillon cage and square balance—which was acclaimed as a world first in 2005. The dial itself is also enchanting thanks to its sun-brushed surface that creates a metallic effect around the tourbillon at 6 o’clock. The applied hour numerals have been styled to recall clocks of the art deco era, while the hands are calibrated on the principles of the time period’s architecture. Turn the timepiece over to see the fine craftsmanship within the skeleton bridge and its art deco engravings. The watch has a power reserve of 70 hours, and comes on a matching hand-stitched crocodile strap. $112,400 VARIATIONS The 41-mm case is available in 18K white gold, 5N red gold or platinum, and the watch’s hands may be blued, silvered or 5N red gold gilded.
Corporate Contact: Greg Salcioglu, (212) 989-3852 ext. 243;
[email protected]; www.pierrekunz.com
Ralph Lauren The uniting of two leading companies in the global luxury market, Polo Ralph Lauren and Richemont, resulted in the formation of the Ralph Lauren Watch and Jewelry Company, based in Geneva. The new brand’s first timepieces debuted this year at SIHH, consisting of three collections that exemplify the luxury and quality for which both brands are so well known. Collection Highlight A quintessential brand symbol is the basis for the new Ralph Lauren Stirrup Collection, which has a unique and easily recognizable case shape inspired by heritage equestrian style. For the ultimate in luxury, the timepiece comes in a limited edition platinum chronograph model, of which there are only 67 pieces, with a white enamel dial and an 18K white gold crown inset with a black onyx. The watch is also available in 18K white or rose gold, with optional pave diamond embellishments, on a calf or alligator strap in classic brown or black, or in a variety of bright colors ($12,000 to $68,500).
Corporate Contact: Jim Miller at Ralph Lauren in New York, (212) 606-2100; www.ralphlauren.com
Richard Mille Richard Mille’s passion for watchmaking is only challenged by his passion for Formula 1 racing. And the sport’s influence on his timepieces, which debuted in 2000, is unmistakable. From the launch of his first timepiece, the RM-001-1 tourbillon, of which only 17 pieces were created, Mille has adhered to a creative philosophy that places greatest value on no-frills design, accurate construction, and use of new materials like metallic and non-metallic alloys, ceramics, carbon nanofiber and silicium to achieve absolute reliability. Collection Highlight A successful partnership between Richard Mille and Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa spawned the introduction of a new limited edition model this year—the RM004-V2 Felipe Massa, limited to 40 pieces. The manually-wound watch with split-second chronograph bears the colors of the Brazilian flag on its inner bezel, a red crown and a carbon nanofiber baseplate, which was first used in the RM006 tourbillon model in 2004. The 48mm by 39.7mm watch is available in red gold (25 pieces), white gold (10 pieces) and titanium (5 pieces) and retail starting around $220,000.
Corporate Contact: Barbara Simonian at Westime in Beverly Hills, (310) 271-0000; www.richardmille.com
rodolphe
More than 25 years ago, Rodolphe started designing timepieces for some of Switzerland’s greatest watch brands. Finally, the designer shares his personal vision of watch design in his namesake collection of timepieces. He dedicated more than seven years to the refinement of the classic tonneau shape to create the 53-mm case that represents his Instinct range of watches. A bezel and wide visible crowns are hallmarks of all the models in this series. Collection Highlight The latest addition to the Instinct line, the Instinct 5053 Chronograph Two Time Zone, contains a movement innovation. The double time zone display consists of one main time zone with chronograph on the right plus hour, minute, small second, 60” counter and 30’ counter, a day/night indication and date aperture; while beside it sits a smaller second time zone with its own day/night indication. The watch’s red gold case has a sapphire crystal case back to reveal its automatic movement ($31,400).
Corporate Contact: Irena Vereshchagina, (212) 463-8898 ext. 285;
[email protected]; www.rodolphewatch.com
Roger Dubuis A passionate collector of fine watches, Carlos Dias dedicated himself entirely to creating luxurious timepieces in 1993 and founded his own company in 1995. It was four years later that the brand name Roger Dubuis first appeared on his timepieces, since Dias wanted to wait until he had a full-fledged manufacture for the creation of a prestigious brand. Today, Roger Dubuis is under new leadership and a member of the Richemont group of luxury companies. And though its timepieces for men and women cross boundaries to cater to many tastes and styles, they each bear the brand’s signature elements: innovative design, playing into current trends, exclusivity (all highly complicated watches in precious metal are limited to editions of 28 pieces), the Poinçon de Geneve symbol and high-end technical know-how. Collection Highlight The name Excalibur instantly brings legends of strength and heroism to mind, and those characteristics were exactly what the watch designers of Roger Dubuis intended to summon when they created the company’s tenth collection and gave it that moniker. A generous diameter of 39mm or 42mm, a band secured by triple lugs, a refined crown guard and fluted bezel are iconic features of the Excalibur case. One of the bestselling Excalibur models, the Double Tourbillon, was given a sculptural update in the form of the Skeleton Double Tourbillon. The black manual-winding mechanical skeleton movement, visible inside the 18K white gold case, was reworked preserving only a few simple lines ($246,000).
Corporate Contact: Jeff Politis, (888) 732-2847;
[email protected]; www.rogerdubuis.com
Rolex More than 4,000 watchmakers in 100 countries make Rolex what it is today—simply the leading luxury watch brand. A Rolex often marks a consumer’s first foray into the world of fine timepieces, yet it is also the make of the models that can garner the highest bids from collectors and connoisseurs at international watch auctions. Collection Highlight The brand’s trademark Oyster Perpetual Datejust Rolesor collection, created 60 years ago, added the Datejust II Rolesor to its roster this year. Subtly redesigned with a 41mm case, a first time offering in that size, the watch is available in a choice of yellow or white Rolesor—Rolex’s signature combination of stainless steel with yellow or white gold. As with the entire collection, the Datejust II is a self-winding, officially-certified Swiss chronometer and is waterproof to 100 meters (from $7,525).
Corporate Contact: Carla Uzel, (212) 758-7700 ext. 318;
[email protected]; www.rolex.com
