Press Release: A. Lange & Söhne......Blue Moon

Blue Moon

Superbly precise: moon-phase watches by A. Lange & Söhne

Five timepieces with moon-phase displays are showcased in front of impressive

star atlas images from the “Harmonia Macrocosmica” by Andreas Cellarius.

In English, the term blue moon refers to the second full moon within a given calendar

month, a rare phenomenon that on average occurs only every two and half years.

Most mechanical moon-phase indications must be corrected by one day “once in a

blue moon”. This is because for simplicity’s sake, they round the period of time between

two new moons down to 29.5 days even though it is actually 44 minutes and 3

seconds longer.

Fascinating on both sides: The RICHARD LANGE PERPETUAL CALENDAR “Terraluna” with its orbital moon-phase display in front of a celestial rendering by Andreas Cellarius.

A. Lange & Söhne moon-phase watches are much more precise. Most of them reproduce

the lunar month with an accuracy of 99.998 per cent. The new GRAND LANGE 1

MOON PHASE is one example. Its display only needs to be corrected by one day every

122.6 years. But Lange’s product developers demonstrated that precision can be further

enhanced: The orbital moon-phase display of the RICHARD LANGE PERPETUAL

CALENDAR “Terraluna” presented this year is calculated with such accuracy that it

takes 1058 years to deviate by one day. Additionally, it shows the constellation of the

moon relative to the earth and the sun.

Since 1994, the manufactory has developed 15 calibres with moon-phase displays.

Five models from the current collection that feature this and other complications were

photographed against fascinating backdrops: depictions of the universe from the “Harmonia

Macrocosmica” set the stage for the highly precise timepieces. They come from the

magnificent sky atlas created by German-Dutch mathematician and cartographer Andreas

Cellarius in 1660*. The scenography emphasises the affinity between astronomy

and horology: in timepieces with astronomical complications, watchmakers have always

attempted to emulate the progression of celestial bodies as accurately as possible.

From today’s perspective, Cellarius’ rich illustrations make it clear how fundamentally our

view of the world has changed in the course of the past two millennia: it evolved from

Ptolemy’s geocentric standpoint that placed the earth in the middle of the cosmos to the current

model of an expanding universe.

The Legacy Machine, the LM101.........

Luxury watch retailer The Hour Glass recently hosted a dinner while Max Busser was in town to show us his latest addition to the family of Legacy Machines, the LM101. The embargo was lifted yesterday and I am pleased to share some images of this amazing watch. The LM 101 movement is developed in-house with Kari Voutilainen.

The LM101 comes in a smaller case of 40mm and here is a comparison with the 44mm LM2 that Max brought along. 

The hour and minute subdial is at the 2 o’clock position with the power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock. A huge balance wheel sitting on a V shaped arch bridge oscillates at 18,000vph above the dial. The DNA of the Legacy Machines is evident in this creation, without the complications. At a more wearable size and a lower price point, this is a watch that a collector can start his collection of MB&F timepieces with.  More info can be found here: http://mbandf.com/machines/legacy-machines/lm101/#/collection

A view of the dome shape crystal. Unfortunately the light was poor and it’s a challenge for me to take a good shot. I hope to take pics again when the watch is available in future.

It is indeed an aesthetically pleasing movement with well finished bridges and gold chatons. This movement is developed entirely in-house. Only 30 pieces each in white and rose gold will be manufactured per year. It retails at S$85,200.

Max in a discussion with interested guests.

 My thanks to The Hour Glass for hosting this dinner. It was great meeting Max again and truly a an enjoyable evening seeing the LM101 close-up!   

         

Jaeger-Lecoultre SIHH 2014 collection.

A private dinner was held by Jaeger-Lecoultre to showcase their SIHH 2014 Novelties. The event held last month saw an overwhelming turn out of Boutique customers and watch aficionados alike. Hope you enjoy this photo essay….

Venue: Flutes Restaurant at the National Museum

The restaurant was tastefully decorated for the event

The JLC Master Ultra Thin 1931 "Chocolate" with matching strap.....a hot favorite with collectors

  

Three fabulous Reverso Ultra Thin from JLC fans. 

                                   

The Master Ultra Thin Date

JLC's ladies collection  

The Master Compressor Ceramic

The Master Ultra Thin

The very lovely Master Ultra Thin Jubilee from a collector  

Jaeger-Lecoultre's MD for South East Asia Alexis de Laporte addressed the guests.

Wrist shot of two Gyro 2 from the proud owners of the watch.

  

The Master Grande Tradition a Quantieme Perpertual  8days. Amazing skeleton work!

The JLC Master Ultra Thin Grand Feu

The Master Grande Tradition Tourbillion Cylindrique Quantieme Perpertual.

Many thanks to JLC for the wonderful evening!

IWC showcased SIHH 2014 Novelties …

Members of the media, IWC enthusiasts and watch aficionados were invited to view the latest SIHH 2014 collection in Singapore. This year IWC focus on their Aquatimer series.

The evening started with cocktail and an assortment of delectable canapes

Members of the Press from the region were in attendance. 

Jimmy T is the emcee for the evening.

The attentive audience

The Edouard d' Arbaumont, MD South East Asia IWC proceed with the introduction of this year's watches   

The Aquatimer Choronograph ref 3768

Unveiling the 2014 collection! 

Ref. IW376803 in SS/black rubber strap

The Aquatimer Chronograph Edition "Galapagos Islands" and the "50 Years Science For Galapagos" 

The Aquatimer Deep Three

The Aquatimer Automatics 2000

The Aquatimer "Expendition Charles Darwin" 

The Aquatimer Automatic Ref IW329003 

IWC staff with members of media