Press Release: MB&F & L'EPÉE 1839 BASELWORLD 2017: DESTINATION MOON

SINGAPORE, 22 MARCH 2017 - Space isn’t empty, it’s filled by imagination!
Reality sucks! In the 1960s, science fiction had us flying through the air on hoverboards and our imaginations soared, but we ended up with non-hovering boards with wheels on solid ground. Science fiction promised us 3D TV and engineers delivered, but we took one look, felt queasy and out they went. Science fiction filled our imaginations with elegant ovoid-shaped rockets that would fly us to the moon and beyond. Again engineers delivered, but the rockets, although eminently practical, ended up being straight, uninspiring cylinders.

Some things are best left to the imaginations and MB&F’s Destination Moon does just that. It delivers just enough engineering for an eight-day clock looking like an exciting science fiction rocket from the 1960s, but with plentiful empty space allowing our imaginations to fill in the details.

Conceived by MB&F and built by L’Epée 1839, Switzerland’s premier clock maker, Destination Moon is the quintessential torpedo-shaped rocket of childhood dreams. But look more closely and you will see that its minimalistic form is evocative rather than definitive.

Destination Moon is available in 4 limited editions of 50 pieces each in black, green, and blue PVD, plus palladium (silver).

The Hour Glass is proud to be the exclusive retailer of MB&F in Singapore.

Press Release: Golden Balance For Glashutte Original.

SENATOR CHRONOMETER TAKES PRESTIGIOUS 2017 AUDIENCE AWARD

Thomas Meier, CEO  Glashutte Original

F P Journe And The Vagabondage III.

In 2004, F.P. Journe created the Vagabondage I (a jumping hour watch) for Antiquorum’s 30th Anniversary. Three pieces were initially produced for the auction, with proceedings going to charity. Due to requests from customers and collectors, Journe created a limited run of 10 pieces with baguette diamonds and 69 pieces with diamonds. This was then followed by the Vagabondage II (jumping hours & minutes) in 2010.

Francois-Paul Journe met the press at Malmaison by The Hour Glass.

Press Release: MB&F Proudly Presents A Pre-Baselworld Launch.

The Legacy Machine No.2

SINGAPORE, 20 FEBRUARY 2017 – First launched in 2013 in red gold, white gold and platinum, the Legacy Machine No.2 series is completed today with an LM2 Titanium limited edition.

For the 18 pieces of this very limited edition, the changes go beyond the grade 5 titanium: the most obvious feature is undoubtedly the striking bluish-green face – obtained thanks to the same CVD (chemical vapour deposition) technique used for the very popular LM1 M.A.D. Dubai.

Look a bit further and you’ll notice more modifications: the dual “flying” balance wheels are now secured by sleek, rounded bridges, polished to a mirror finish. Just like the polished bezel, which loses its previous brushed finish. Last but not least, turn the LM2 Titanium on its side and you’ll see that the case is a full millimetre slimmer.

Inside the LM2 Titanium, the dual regulator movement conceived for MB&F by award-winning watchmakers Jean-François Mojon and Kari Voutilainen. Two fully independent balance wheels and escapements, each beating at its own rate, and a planetary differential which continuously averages out the two rates to drive the hours and minutes.

The Hour Glass is the exclusive retailer of MB&F in Singapore.

Press Release: TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-01 Calibre Manufacture Chronograph Manchester United Special Edition.

Manchester United is now finally on TAG Heuer time!
Today, luxury Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer is unveiling the prestigious Heuer-01 steel and ceramic Manufacture Chronograph sporting the club’s colours.

Manchester, 8th February 2017 – Manchester United is off to a strong start this year with its official timekeeper, TAG Heuer. The watch manufacture is proud to unveil the first watches in the colours of the world's most famous football club today, alongside the players at Old Trafford.

Meet the prestigious Carrera Heuer-01 Manufacture Chronograph, an illustrious special edition in the club’s colours. With a large yet streamlined diameter of 45 mm, this sporty piece has a distinctly contemporary design. Its black skeleton dial and sapphire case-back invite you to admire the stunning mechanism of the Heuer-01 Manufacture Chronograph. 

Naturally, the striking red of Manchester United is given pride of place: it features in the club logo at 9 o’clock, the TAG Heuer shield at 12 o’clock on the bezel, the hour, minute and chronograph central second hands, and the red alligator leather strap. This football-inspired piece, made entirely from black PVD-coated steel, features the date at half past three and boasts a black ceramic bezel with an engraved tachymeter scale. It is available with a red strap with black top-stitching or black strap with red top-stitching. The sapphire case-back highlights the Manchester United red devil decal logo. This clever contrast of red and black makes this watch a perfect tribute to that most illustrious of clubs, Manchester United.

Technical details
References : CAR2A1J.FC6416 with red strap
                     CAR2A1J.FC6400 with black strap Movement: TAG Heuer Manufacture Calibre Heuer 01 – Automatic Chronograph with date

Case:Diameter 45 mm – in steel with black PVD coating and black PVD steel horns
Black ceramic bezel with engraved black tachymeter scale. Red TAG Heuer shield at 12 o’clock Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Black steel PVD crown, with rubber coating for improved grip
Steel mushroom push buttons with black PVD coating
Sapphire case-back with red engraved Manchester United logo. 1000 numbered pieces.
Dial:  Skeleton - Date aperture at half past three
3 counters:

• -  Chronograph hour counter at 6 o’clock with black gold applique ring
• -  Chronograph minute counter at 12 o’clock with black gold applique ring
• -  Small second counter at 9 o’clock on a lacquered opaline black plate with red Manchester United
  decal logo
  Black gold applique indices with red lacquer - Minute track on the flange
  Hour and minute hands and chronograph central second hand in black gold with red lacquer
  Black gold chronograph hands and black gold small second hand
  The dial bears the inscriptions "CARRERA HEUER 01" and "CHRONOGRAPH" in grey letters, and "AUTOMATIC” — “TAG Heuer” logo at 3 o’clock

Water-resistance: 100 metres
Strap: Red alligator leather with black top-stitching (also available in black alligator leather with red top-stitching) on a rubber base
Black titanium folding buckle. Black TAG Heuer shield

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Pre-Basel Press Release: Golden Bridge Rectangle

Bridging refinement and watchmaking know-how Golden Bridge Rectangle

Corum enriches its unique and emblematic Golden Bridge with a new rectangular case shape

The new refined rectangular look of the classic Golden Bridge was created by renowned designer Dino Modolo, who enhanced the beautifully engraved and finished inline movement by adding an astonishing play of finely crafted geometry: 18- karat gold structures representing six Roman numerals surround the completely visible caliber, creating a harmonious nostalgic feel between the shapes, rivets, and materials that carefully remind the architecture of a bridge.

Following the design codes of Art Deco, the Golden Bridge Rectangle shows a timeless and discreet elegance, yet focuses on the functionality of its brilliant movement, leading the eye along the path of Caliber CO113’s energy transfer from spring barrel at 6 o’clock to the escapement at 12 o’clock.

Perfectly complementing the case and movement, the elaborate gold micro structures suspended between the panes of sapphire crystal add eye-catching brilliance while adhering to the rectangular shape dictated by the case.

“The Golden Bridge is the capstone of Corum’s collections, an illustration of Swiss horology at its best,” Corum’s CEO David Traxler said. “Its innovative aesthetic and unique movement construction are timeless. With this new Rectangle version, we wanted to go further with the architecture of the timepiece itself to create yet another classic edition of our signature haute horlogerie timepiece.”

Perfectly proportioned, the Golden Bridge fits beautifully on the wrist, and unlike its role model from 1980, thanks to modern technology this refined version is fully water- resistant to 30 meters/3 atmospheres.

Press Release: Vacheron Constantin – Appointments Effective As Of April 1st 2017

Juan Carlos Torres and Louis Ferla

Vacheron Constantin is delighted to announce the appointments of Juan Carlos Torres as non-executive President, and of Louis Ferla as CEO. They will be assuming their respective duties on April 1st 2017.

Juan Carlos Torres joined Vacheron Constantin in 1981 and has been CEO since 2005. He will be stepping down from operational management to take up his new responsibilities as non-executive President on March 31st 2017.

Johann Rupert, Richemont Executive Chairman, says: “Juan Carlos Torres has been a guiding force for Vacheron Constantin since our acquisition of the Maison. He has been responsible for its significant development. I thank him for his efforts over his long and successful career at the Maison.”

Louis Ferla, the current Managing Director Sales & Marketing at Vacheron Constantin, will be taking up his post as CEO on April 1st 2017: “It’s an honour for me to lead Vacheron Constantin, a Maison whose expertise has been passed on from generation to generation since 1755. This transition side by side with Juan Carlos Torres will enable us to perpetuate the spirit of excellence that drives our Manufacture.”

Juan Carlos Torres: “I’m thrilled to be handing the reins to Louis Ferla, and I wish him as much joy as I have experienced over these 36 years within the Manufacture. Louis will be actively upholding and promoting the values of our Maison, that we have been defending for almost three centuries.”

About Louis Ferla

A Frenchman with a Swiss wife and two children, Louis Ferla has spent 17 years in Asia, mainly China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as four years in the Middle East. He began his career in the Richemont group in 2001, where he successively served Alfred Dunhill as Area Sales Manager in Hong Kong and General Manager in Taiwan. In 2006, he was appointed General Manager Taiwan for Cartier International, before taking charge of the Middle East region and India as Regional Director, and becoming CEO for China. In 2015, he served as International Business & Client Development Director of Cartier International, before joining Vacheron Constantin. Louis Ferla is a graduate of the École supérieure de commerce et development 3A in Lyon, and of the National Taiwan University in Taipei.

Pre-Baselworld Press Release: Blancpain New Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe

Bathyscaphe welcomes a new addition to the family 

The vintage-inspired Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, first presented in 2013, is extending its range by introducing a 38 mm timepiece attired in abyss blue.

The new three-hand 38 mm Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe model appears in a blue shade particularly cherished by Blancpain in that it recalls the depths of the ocean. Various key characteristics of this timepiece are nods to the first Fifty Fathoms editions. Setting the perfect finishing touch, the steel bezel features a blue ceramic insert and hour-markers in Liquidmetal®, an alloy known for its deformation resistance and its long-term stability.

Press Release: Breitling Racing Team

MIKA BRAGEOT AND HIS “SKYRACER”: A FANTASTIC PAIR FOR THE BREITLING RACING TEAM

A newcomer in the Master Class category, young French pilot Mika Brageot is now flying the Breitling colors in the Red Bull Air Race at the helm of his high-performance “Skyracer” with its truly extraordinary appearance. The new generation Breitling Racing Team.

Press Release: URWERK UR-T8

UR-T8 Bi Color

URWERK, the independent watchmakers renowned for their watchmaking virtuosity and extra-terrestrial designs, have again transformed our concept of the wristwatch with their new UR-T8.

Press Release: Montblanc Celebrates The Spirit of Racing at SIHH

Jérôme Lambert, Guey Lun Mei, Charlotte Casiraghi, Hugh Jackman

Montblanc ambassadors Hugh Jackman, Charlotte Casiraghi and Guey Lun Mei join luxury Maison for an evening dedicated to the glory days of motor racing and the instruments of victory.  

Press Release SIHH 2017: Panerai.

Pam 700

1) PANERAI LAB-IDTM  LUMINOR 1950 CARBOTECH 3 DAYS – 49mm
MOVEMENT Hand-wound mechanical, P.3001/C calibre, executed entirely by Panerai. FUNCTIONS Hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve indicator on the back, seconds reset. CASE 49 mm, carbotech. DIAL Deep black with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers. Small seconds at 9 o’clock. POWER RESERVE 72H. WATER-RESISTANCE 10 bar (~100 metres).

Press Release: Exclusive Presales Of The New Da Vinci Watches

Schaffhausen, 16 January 2017 – For the first time ever, IWC Schaffhausen is offering presales of selected references from the new Da Vinci collection, which the Swiss watch manufacturer will officially unveil to the global public at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) trade fair in Geneva in mid-January. Timepieces will be available to order during the trade fair and can be collected in IWC boutiques or by online purchase on NET-A-PORTER.com.

“In the age of the Internet and e-commerce, watch lovers no longer want to wait several months for the new models. So, for the first time ever, we are now offering customers the chance to buy a limited number of selected references from the collection as of the day of their world premiere,” explains Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen. Orders can be placed at IWC.com and collected from an IWC boutique as of late January, or purchased from the online fashion specialist NET-A-PORTER, with whom IWC has been collaborating for the past few months. Regular sales will commence in April 2017.

Update by Omega: OMEGA's Mechanical Tribute To The Digital Age Sells Out In 4 hours, 15 minutes and 43 seconds!

OMEGA's mechanical tribute to the digital age sells out in 4 hours, 15 minutes and 43 seconds!

All 2012 pieces of Omega's new #SpeedyTuesday were snapped up at record speed, as watch enthusiasts around the world rushed to secure the brand's latest Limited Edition Speedmaster.

For the very first time in its history, the Swiss watchmaker OMEGA promoted sales of a new timepiece online and the response was extraordinary.

Breaking News: Omega Offers Its New Limited Edition "SPEEDY TUESDAY" Via Instagram

 Retail price: SGD$8400

For the very first time, the Swiss watchmaker OMEGA is offering online sales of a new timepiece. Expanding the reach from its global network of boutiques, the brand is excited to connect to its online community in a new way.

Press Release: Pre SIHH 2017 Ronde Louis Cartier XL Flame Gold Watch.

Which artistic craft has Cartier mastered to create a dial with the luminosity of enamel and the precision of a miniature painting? This Ronde Louis Cartier watch pioneers a new technique in watchmaking: flamed gold, the latest addition to the repertoire of Cartier craftsmanship.

  

Photo Essay: The Last Post Of The Year Dedicated To Fellow Collectors.

This GTG, organised by a fellow collector happened many months ago. Some of you couldn't make it so here are the pics. I am posting it now because I wanted this to be the last post for 2016... Happy New Year guys!!

Event Report: The Romain Gauthier Freedom Collection.

A few weeks ago, Romain Gauthier presented his updated version of the Logical One to a group of watch aficionados at L'Atelier by The Hour Glass. 

Note: The Logical One won the "Best Men's Complication" prize in GPHG 2013 

Meet The Master Watchmaker From Seiko.

Last month, Master Watchmaker Satoshi Hiraga was specially invited to be present at an exhibition held at Seiko’s VivoCity store. Mr Hiraga has over 27 years of working experience in Seiko. He is one of very few who is ‘Gold Meister’ certified to work on Grand Seiko complications. I was honoured to be given the opportunity to witness this Master Craftsman demonstrate the assembly of a Grand Seiko Hi-beat 36000 movement.

Montblanc Introduces Bronze Into Its Latest 1858 Collection.

Montblanc introduces bronze into its latest 1858 collection. 

SIHH will soon be held from 16th to 20th January 2017. Most watch companies are geared up and ready for this yearly event and Montblanc is no exception. David Cerrato (Managing Director, Watch Division) was here last week to introduce three new watches, inspired by Minerva timepieces from the 1930s.

His last visit was covered here.

David Cerrato (Managing Director, Watch Division)

Presentation by David Cerrato

Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition

The champagne dial has a sunray finishing to match its bronze case. The magnificent cal MB M16.29 used here is also housed in an earlier model that won the Chronograph price at the prestigious GPHG this year. In this new model, the base plate and bridges are plated in red gold to compliment the overall look of the watch. The sapphire crystal display case back shows off the beautiful movement. 

I prefer the understated look of a bronze case over a gold case.

Montblanc 1858 Automatic Dual Time

This Montblanc 1858 Automatic Dual Time comes in a steel case with bronze bezel and crown. It is powered by the Calibre MB 29.19, this automatic movement features a dual time complication with a home time indication and a day/night display below 12 o'clock. The date is cleverly placed in the subdial due to the size of the movement. It looks better without the 6 o'clock partially cut off, like in other watches.  

Montblanc did a great job here by providing a vintage style strap keeping with the vintage look. Every little detail counts!

  

This will make a great travel watch. 

Montblanc 1858 Automatic

And finally Montblanc 1858 Automatic in steel and bronze combo just like the Dual time. A simple, pure and classic time only watch. 

The cathedral-shaped hands are filled with beige Super-LumiNova for all the three models.

Engraved caseback!

SJX trying on the chronograph :)

Many thanks to Montblanc for preview of the above watches! 

Up Close With The Tudor Pelagos LHD..

Recently, I attended the preview of Tudor's latest release - the Pelagos LHD ( Left Hand Drive). It was made especially for lefties and divers who are used to wearing their watches on the right and diving instruments on their left. Like the other Pelagos in the collection, it comes with a depth rating of 500m which is suitable for professional diving. Tudor enthusiasts will recall that there was another older Left-handed Tudor Sub (ref 9401) made in 1981.

The Pelagos has gone "Destro"! I like the configuration and the fact that the crown doesn't "dig" into my wrist. 

Event Report: The Junghans Collection.

 In 1861 Erhard Junghans founded Zeller & Junghans in Schramberg. By 1903 Junghans was the largest clock factory in the world. The factory started making wristwatches during the 1930s. The present Junghans collection consists of Pilot watches, Chronographs and classics from the past.      

Watches of Switzerland recently acquired the dealership of Junghans watches in Singapore. Christine Laube, International Sales Director of Junghans was here recently to meet the press over lunch and to introduce the latest collection.

Press Release: L.U.C XP Urushi – Year of the Rooster

L.U.C XP Urushi – Year of the Rooster

Hands-on With Longines Timepieces.

The Longines Avigation Type A7 1935

Press Release: TUDOR’s Bronze Diving Watch Wins The “Petite Aiguille” Prize at the 2016 GPHG

Geneva, November 10th 2016 – TUDOR’s vintage inspired bronze diving watch wins the “Petite Aiguille” Prize at the 2016 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. This prize is the third award TUDOR receives in four years participating in the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.

Montblanc: Watchmaking Class with Master Watchmaker Julien Miribel.

It's been a while since I’ve attended a watchmaking class. So, when Montblanc offered me an opportunity to attend one conducted by Fine Watchmaker and Trainer, Julien Miribel, I jumped at the chance.

Event Report: Michel Parmigiani's visit to Singapore.

Michel Parmigiani and Theodore Panos (Country Manager, Parmigiani)

Last month, The Hour Glass and Parmigiani Fleurier held an exhibition retracing 20 years of Parmigiani Fleurier’s milestones in watchmaking. Michel Parmigiani, the founder of the brand was specially invited to grace the event. The event was held at The Hour Glass Boutique at Tang Plaza. Enjoy the highlights of the event..

Press Release: Panerai Pre-SIHH 2017 Models.

TWO NEW SPECIAL EDITIONS DEDICATED TO A RARE WATCH OF THE 1930S, AVAILABLE WITH THE BLACK DIAL OR AN ORIGINAL SHADED BROWN DIAL RECALLING THE APPEARANCE OF THE VINTAGE MODELS TRANSFORMED BY TIME.

RADIOMIR 3 DAYS ACCIAIO – 47mm

In the late 1930s, Panerai made a number of Radiomir watches with a special 12-sided bezel, engraved with the words “OFFICINE PANERAI – BREVETTATO”. This inscription referred to the patented luminous substance Radiomir used on the dial, and it suggests that the watches were used not for military operations but for presenting to the authorities of the Royal Italian Navy, which was evaluating new instruments for underwater missions. The new Radiomir 3 Days Acciaio models are two Special Editions from the Panerai Manufacture in Neuchâtel, which for the first time reproduce all the fundamental characteristics of these vintage watches, respecting their identity and giving collectors the opportunity to appreciate a fascinating chapter in the Panerai story.

Press Release: TAG Heuer AQUARACER Premier League Special Edition.

April 2016: TAG Heuer is immensely proud to have been chosen by the Premier League as its Official Timekeeper and Official Watch, the first in its history.

Press Release: IWC Schaffhausen Continues Its Official Partnership With The Singapore International Film Festival.

Yuni Hadi (SGIFF Executive Director) with Matthieu Dupont (Managing Director of IWC Southeast Asia)

Singapore, 1 November 2016 – Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen is delighted to be supporting the Singapore International Film Festival once again in the role of Official Festival Time Partner for the 27th edition of this well-established regional film event held from 23 November to 4 December 2016. 

IWC Schaffhausen is renowned not only for its luxury watches, but also for its long-standing passion for the world of filmmaking. The partnership between IWC and the SGIFF commenced in 2015 and demonstrates the brand’s ongoing commitment to the film industry. This November, IWC Schaffhausen resumes the role of sponsor and partner of the 27th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF). At this year’s film festival, IWC Schaffhausen will present the IWC Filmmaker Award to the acclaimed Vietnameseborn French film director, Tr`ân Anh Hùng. Presented with the aim of honouring exceptional personalities in the film industry who excel in their field, this award will be the first of its kind in the South East Asian film industry for IWC, and will be presented during the inaugural “For the Love of Cinema” gala dinner event, which IWC will host on 26 November 2016 in Singapore.

“The Singapore International Film Festival is not only based in a region rich in culture and talent, it also attracts strong international attention because of its diversity. At IWC Schaffhausen, our strong belief in the art of storytelling has led the brand to support filmmakers and film festivals over the years. We are pleased to continue our support for a festival that recognizes and honours the hard work of filmmakers in the region, further accentuating our ever increasing commitment to the world of filmmaking and the South East Asian region,” says Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen.

Both the IWC Filmmaker Award and the “For the Love of Cinema” gala dinner follow a long tradition of the brand’s commitment to and support of the film industry, as evidenced by its established partnerships with the Tribeca Film Festival, the Dubai International Film Festival, the Zurich Film Festival, the Beijing International Film Festival and the BFI London Film Festival. “It fills me with much pride to continue this meaningful partnership with the SGIFF in line with IWC’s long-standing dedication to filmmaking. This year, we are taking our commitment to another level by presenting the IWC Filmmaker Award at the first ‘For the Love of Cinema’ gala dinner for IWC in the South East Asian region,” says Matthieu Dupont, Managing Director of IWC South East Asia.

Ms Yuni Hadi, SGIFF Executive Director, adds, “The Singapore International Film Festival champions South East Asia’s stories in film, and the passion and craftsmanship of our region’s cinema talents. We are very excited to work with IWC Schaffhausen again this year, and also share the stage in honouring Tr`ân Anh Hùng with the IWC Filmmaker Award this year. Since his debut feature ‘The Scent of Green Papaya’ in 1993 – the first Vietnamese film ever to be nominated for an Academy Award – Tr`ân continues to evolve in his presentation of a diverse filmography to great acclaim, and challenges audiences in his depictions of human relationships. Conferring him with the award is a testament of IWC Schaffhausen’s recognition of the independent cinema auteurs in South East Asia and their pursuit of excellence.”

The 27th SGIFF will be held in Singapore from 23 November to 4 December 2016. Alongside several commitments that testify to its passion for the film industry, IWC Schaffhausen has established close and long-standing relationships with internationally acclaimed actresses and actors as well as renowned filmmakers and other influential figures in the movie business. Hollywood stars Cate Blanchett, Rosamund Pike and Dev Patel are among those celebrities who not only represent IWC on the red carpet, but are also personally engaged in joint projects such as films and photo shoots. Apart from this, IWC timepieces are also coveted accessories in countless movies and TV series.