Hublot Big Bang Sang Bleu II Limited Edition

Blue is the new black – at least if you ask watch manufacturer Hublot. And the new Limited Edition of the Big Bang Sang Bleu is also a true artistic sculpture on the wrist. The watch reinforces Hublot’s Big Bang Integral collection. The overall design and functionality of the Sang Bleu II are identical to previous models of this collection, but the colour scheme is a different one.
The introduction of the iconic, award-winning Big Bang design in 2005 paved the way for further successful collections such as the Classic Fusion or the Spirit of Big Bang with complications ranging from the most classic to the most complicated of watchmaking. This is one of the reasons why it continues to shape Hublot’s extraordinary DNA with constant growth.

From an ancient practice to a worldwide cultural phenomenon, tattooing has become an art form in its own right thanks to the work of visionary artists such as Maxime Plescia-Büchi, founder of Sang Bleu. And the Big Bang Sang Bleu II is the expression of Plescia-Büchi’s craft of geometry and dimensionality, implemented in the form of a timepiece. A watch, a sculpture, a work of art that tells the time – a fusion of different concepts to create a unique, timeless watch, brought to life by Hublot’s expertise in materials.

As already mentioned, the new Hublot Limited Edition is entirely blue – blue like the ink of the Tattoo Studio, which name it bears. Both, dials and bracelets come in this colour, emphasising the design of geometric lines that run across the hands, bezel and case. The bezel is not round but hexagonal and is fitted with the classic six H-shaped screws. And the alternating polished and satin-finished surfaces further emphasise the geometry of this Big Bang. The case of the Sang Bleu II is water-resistant up to 10 atm.
The skeletonized dial consists of different layers which together create a complex 3D effect. Reading the time display is a challenge and may require some practice. A central chronograph seconds hand extends across the entire diameter of the dial; the hours and minutes are indicated by arrow-shaped hands placed on square, dragon-shaped structures. Two hexagonal, rotating subdials are placed beneath several elements; at three o’clock you’ll find the chronograph minutes, at nine o’clock the running seconds. And between four and five o’clock there is also a small date window.

The 45-mm-case of the Big Bang Sang Bleu II houses an Unico in-house calibre. The HUB1240 automatic chronograph movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph and provides a power reserve of 72 hours. The movement can be seen through the sapphire case back, including the rotor which was designed by Buchi.

The Big Bang Sang Bleu II is available in two limited versions. Hublot offers 100 pieces of the King Gold version and 200 pieces of the Titanium version. Both models are presented on a blue rubber strap.

Two New Panerai Submersible 42 mm Watches

Panerai’s collection of professional diving watches is enhanced by two models in stainless steel, with an applied ceramic disc on the rotating bezel which gives these creations a sporty look, powerful and contemporary, suitable for any wrist since the case diameter is just 42 mm.

Strong, functional and tough are the new watches immediately recognisable Panerai as personalities. Both models have an AISI 316L stainless steel case, with the iconic device protecting the winding crown and the unidirectional rotating bezel for displaying the duration of the dive, and they are water-resistant to a depth of 300 metres (30 bar).

The difference between the two new Panerai Submersibles lies in their colour schemes. In the first the dial, the ceramic disc on the rotating bezel and the rubber strap are all black, with luminous white markers clearly legible under all lightning conditions and in complete darkness; the second stylishly combines a blue ceramic disc surrounding the dial and a blue rubber strap with a distinctively textured shark grey dial. In both models the small seconds hand, essential for checking that the watch is running during a dive, is Panerai blue and rotates in the subsidiary dial at 9 o’clock, symmetrical with the date at 3 o’clock.

Two neu Panerai Submersibles in cases 42 mm diameter – an impressive size, consistent with the Panerai DNA, but suitable for any wrist – express all the power and personality of the professional diving watches made by Panerai, which for many years supplied precision to the commandos of the Italian Navy.

The two new Panerai Submersibles are fitted with the OP XXXIV Manufacture calibre, an automatic movement with a power reserve of three days, the basic standard of the House’s movements. The calibre operates with 28,800 vibrations per hour and is responsible for displaying hours, minutes, small seconds and the date.

As well as the rubber strap, these Panerai Submersible watches are supplied with a spare strap of high-tech material, tough and water-resistant.

A New Tourbillon with Perpetual Calendar by Frederique Constant

Following the success of last year’s Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Manufacture, Frederique Constant now presents two new limited editions of the timepiece. Both versions feature a classic navy blue skeletonized dial and a case in either pink gold or stainless steel.
The occasion for these new watches is the opening of the new Manufacture building in Plan-les-ouates in the Swiss canton of Geneva.

The case of the Frederique Constant Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Manufacture consists of three parts and measures 42 mm in diameter.
The silver-coloured skeletonized dials are equipped with navy blue sub-dials and an outer ring in the same colour, giving the wearer a deep insight into the complex mechanics.
The watch’s perpetual calendar displays an annual calendar, the day of the week, the date and the month, with a minimum of corrections. The complication takes into account the number of days of each month, displays the year and does not need to be corrected even in leap years. Normally, the Perpetual Calendar would work for 400 years without a manual correction; only due to one exception of the Gregorian calendar, the complication has to be corrected on March 1, 2100.
The hour and minute functions are adjusted via the crown. At 12 o’clock the dial shows the months and leap year, at 3 o’clock the date and at 9 o’clock the days of the week. The tourbillon cage with its integrated second hand, which makes a complete turn every minute, is at 6 o’clock.

The Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Manufacture is driven by the FC-975 calibre. The automatic manufacture movement was equipped by Frederique Constant with a silicon anchor and escape wheel for greater precision. The use of silicon eliminates the problems caused by the effects of earth gravity when the movement is in a vertical position. In addition, the material is insensitive to temperature fluctuations.
Both versions come with a transparent case back through which the perlage and Geneva stripes of the movement can be admired.

Frederique Constant supplies the Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Manufacture with an alligator leather strap that resumes the blue colour used in the subsidiary dials and outer ring.

Sporty: The New Ones from Nomos Glashütte

It’s summer, it’s time for more outdoor sports again. And because things can get a little rougher than expected fast, Nomos Glashütte has designed the new neomatics to be extra robust. However, this has no negative effect on the wonderful design – the neomatics are as slim and clear as ever.

The new line includes two Tangente Sport models and one Club Sport model. They are all extremely robust and able to meet a wide range of requirements. Nomos has designed extra strong cases and reinforced the seals. Sapphire crystals protect the watches from shock, impact and of course, water. The watches resemble small, perfect safes, but their proportions always remain extremely pleasant.
With a diameter of 42 mm, the watches are relatively large. The cases are water-resistant up to 1000 feet, which is also displayed on the 6 o’clock position on the dial. Which translates into a water resistance of 30 atm. However, this does not make the Tangente Sport and the Club Sport diver’s watches; for this, it would need an appropriate bezel.

While the Tangente Sport is available in two colour versions – white silver plated and blue black – there is only one version of the Club Sport dial: a deep dark black. By using a larger amount of Super-LumiNova, Nomos Glashütte has given the hours and hands more luminosity than ever before. At three o’clock there is a large date window and at the 6 o’clock position Nomos Glashütte has placed the running second.

All watches are driven by the DUW 6101 neomatic date calibre. This automatic in-house movement provides a power reserve of 42 hours.

Nomos Glashütte has specially redesigned the bands on which the three models come. The link works of art made of solid stainless steel are robust, durable and super-flat. The 145 Bauhaus-look steel parts are screwed together by hand. Nevertheless, the straps are easy to install, shorten or lengthen with a simple screwdriver. An additional fine adjustment by means of a spring bar helps with readjustment.

Audemars Piguet and the Code 11.59 Automatic Chronograph

Audemars Piguet has introduced a new watch line called Code 11.59 at the beginning of this year. Once again, the watch manufacturer was faced with the challenge of setting new standards. From the very beginning, the company has been working with the best craftsmen, who perform their profession at the highest level. Nevertheless, Audemars Piguet is constantly trying to penetrate new fields of highest craftsmanship and to advance the technical perfection of its own procedures and production standards.
With 13 models, including four complications, code 11.59 represents one of the most comprehensive launches in the history of Audemars Piguet. Also, for the first time the Manufacture is presenting a collection designed for both men and women.

The selfwinding chronograph’s deep blue or black lacquered dial offers a perfect mirror finish. The pink or white gold case echoes the polished gold curved indexes and singular numeral at 12 o’clock as well as the raised logo and long stick hands. The chronograph counters are circled by gold threads with polished V angles, a difficult finishing on lacquered dials. At the 3 o’clock position you will find the subdial for the hours, at 9 o’clock the one for the minutes. The small second is placed at 6 o’clock and at 4.30 Audemars Piguet has lodged the date window. The latter blends in seamlessly in the background of the dial.
Audemars Piguet has lacquered the inner bezel – depending on the version – in blue or black. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal which was specially designed for this collection. It is complex, double curved and glareproofed and with its arched profile it embodies the watch’s contemporary design. The glass’s internal surface is shaped like a dome, while its external surface is vertically curved from 6 to 12 o’clock. Its shape perfectly integrates the extra-thin bezel and extends from edge to edge. The play of depth, perspective and light creates a unique visual experience.

The new in-house calibre 4401 symbolizes Audemars Piguet’s constant quest for innovation. This calibre is endowed with an instant-jump date indication, integrated column wheel chronograph and flyback function that enables to re-start the chronograph without stopping and resetting it first. It has 70 hours of power reserve, as well as a dedicated pink gold beautifully openworked oscillating weight invisible through the sapphire crystal case back. This calibre also presents reinforced chronometry.
The movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz or 28,800 vibrations per hour and consists of 367 individual parts.

The Selfwinding Chronograph is housed in a 41-mm-case with a water-resistance of 3 atm and is fitted with a hand-stitched large square scale blue or black alligator strap.

Suitable for Everyday Use: H. Moser & Cies New Watches

In January, H. Moser & Cie. launched two new watches that combine comfort and are designed for everyday wear. Their elegant, audacious and contemporary design evokes references to the industrial world. The two timepieces are part of the Pioneer family and come in sturdy cases. The Pioneer Tourbillon and Pioneer Centre Seconds adapt to any situation.

H. Moser & Cie. has equipped both models with red gold casings with DLC-finished titanium inserts. The cases have a diameter of 42.8 mm and are waterproof to 120 metres.

The Midnight Blue fumé dial is topped with a domed sapphire crystal that highlights the deep blue tones. The indices, tipped with a luminescent dot, are faceted, and the hands are partially skeletonized with Super-LumiNova tips, perfectly in line with the open, streamlined aesthetic.

The Pioneer Tourbillon is powered by the HMC 804 Manufacture Calibre. The automatic movement was developed by H. Moser & Cie. and is also manufactured in-house. It is equipped with a double flat hairspring, which reduces the effect of gravity on the mechanism and thus improves accuracy. H. Moser & Cie. designed the tourbillon as an interchangeable module, assembled and regulated independently of the movement, which allows easy servicing. The calibre HMC 804 provides a power reserve of 72 hours.
The Pioneer Centre Seconds is also powered by an automatic movement. H. Moser & Cie. designed and manufactured the HMC 200 also completely in-house.
Like all H. Moser & Cie. movements, these two movements are 100% Swiss Made and elaborately finished by hand. All of this is visible through the crystal sapphire case back.

A rubber strap provides the final touch, reinforcing the contemporary dynamic of this stylish model, with a bold touch of non-conformity. H. Moser & Cie. has created two stylish models with a contemporary dynamic.

The Pioneer Tourbillon is a limited of 50 pieces, the Pioneer Centre Seconds however, is not limited.

Sinn 936: An Elegant Tool Watch

Watches, designed as serious tools and instruments, can also be elegant, and Sinn is here to prove it. Its new chronograph, the 936 is no exception of that rule. It is highly functional while sporting a cool bicompax arrangement of the counters.
The chronograph 936 is a reliable time measurement instrument equipped with Tegiment-Technology and Magnetic Field Protection, because that’s how Sinn doe it. The dial is designed to increase clarity and readability.

The in-house chronograph movement SZ05 focuses on the stopwatch minute display with 60-second scale at 3 o’clock and running seconds at 9 o’clock. The advantage of this is that it does away with the necessity of adding stopwatch minutes, as is required with conventional 30-second stopwatch minute displays. Optimum readability is also ensured in the dark, as the indices, hour and minute hands are coated in luminous white.
This Sinn chronograph boasts clear design aesthetics expressed through elegant details such as the skeletonised hour and minute hands – both of which are rhodium coated and matt brushed. The counter rings for the stopwatch minutes and seconds have an iridescent effect, caused by a fine cental groove. The dial is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

The Sinn 936 sports a stainless steel case which is partly polished, partly satinised. It measures 43 mm in diameter. The case back is screwed and the crown is also screwable which results in a water-resistance of 10 bar and a resistance to low pressure as well.

The 936 is powered, like mentioned before, by the in-house SZ05, a chronograph automatic movement. It works with 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour, is shock resistant and anti-magnetic.
The watch can be purchased with a leather or silicone strap as well as with a stainless steel bracelet. Prices vary from 2.890 bis 3165€.

Hublot Big Bang Depeche Mode „The Singles“ Limited Edition

Hublot and Depeche Mode are releasing a collector’s edition series of 55 unique Big Bang watches, inspired by each of the band’s 55 singles. All net proceeds from the sale will benefit charity: water. Hublot and Depeche Mode work together since 2010 – always for the benefit of the NGO.
One of the most influential, beloved and best-selling musical acts of all time, Depeche Mode have sold over 100 million records worldwide and have played to more than 30 million fans since their formation in 1981. And, in their 37-year career, Depeche Mode have released an incredible 55 singles, from „Dreaming of Me“ in 1981 to last year’s release of „Cover Me“.
In tribute to this achievement, the Swiss watchmaker Hublot introduces a collection of 55 unique pieces of its Big Bang Unico Model. „We are greatly honoured and moved by Hublot’s support of charity: water with this new collection of watches commemorating all of our singles,“ says Martin Gore, Depeche Mode’s main songwriter and founding member. Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, is also thrilled about the collaboration: „Depeche Mode are iconic in the history of contemporary music. We identify with their passion, stronger now than ever, and with their constantly growing creativity. We are lucky enough to share many values with them, including the commitment to the activities of the charity: water NGO.“

As previously mentioned are all 55 models unique pieces, basing on Hublot’s Big Bang. Each of the watches features, on its dial, a disc that partially shows the image of the record cover it represents, which is reminiscent of the very first model produced by the partnership between Hublot and Depeche Mode. The back of each watch features the entire cover of the single as well as the charity: water logo.
The case has a diameter of 45 mm and is made from polished black ceramic. They are water resistant up to 10 atm.
All  Big Bang Depeche Mode „The Singles“ watches are powered by UNICO movements. Produced by the Hublot manufacture. The automatic calibre HUB1242 is a flyback self-winding movement chronograph; it works at a frequency of 4 Hz and provides a power reserve of 72 hours.

Jedes Modell ist mit einem Armband in einer speziellen Farbe ausgestattet.
Die Kollektion ist mit dem UNICO Werk aus Hublots eigener Manufaktur ausgestattet. Das Kaliber HUB1242 ist ein Automatikwerk mit Flyback-Chronograph und bietet eine Gangreserve von 72 Stunden. Es arbeitet mit 4 Hz oder 28.800 Halbschwingungen pro Stunde.

Each piece will be fitted with a strap in a colour specific to each model, completed with cuff straps in the same hue, and rock-and-roll inspired rubber studs.
A Roland JP-08 synthesiser will accompany each timepiece.  The Roland JP-08 is a limited-edition synth module from the Roland Boutique series, paying homage to the legendary Roland Jupiter 8 synth, used by Depeche Mode throughout the years.

Sneak Peek: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time

Time flies. It’s not long till Christmas and after that the SIHH and Baselworld next spring will be just around the corner. Vacheron Constantin is among the first watch manufacturers giving a sneak peek on what to come. Fans and admirers can look forward to the new Overseas Dual Time. This watch is equipped with an in-house movement, featuring two different time zones.
This watch is dedicated to combine a particularly user-friendly handling with high performance and practicality. The Overseas collection embodies a modern lifestyle resolutely open to the wider world and the new Dual Time joins the adventure equipped with the eponymous function presenting a complication much favoured by globetrotters.

The Overseas Dual Time model is designed to ensure reliable, pleasant and elegant wear in every circumstances. its new mechanical self-winding movement, the Vacheron Constantin calibre 5110 DT, stems from several years of development and enables simultaneous reading of two timezones by means of coaxial hands. This 234-component movement oscillates at a frequency of 4 Hz and has a comfortable 60-hour power reserve thanks to its twin barrel that also ensures its high regularity and accuracy.
The hours hand indicates the local timezone corresponding to the user’s current location, while the hand tipped with a triangular arrow shows the time in a reference timezone, generally known as „home time“. The Overseas Dual Time features a 12-hour display along with a day/night indication set to home time, and a pointer-type date display, adjusted and secured via a pusher at 4 o’clock and synchronised with local time.
Both time zones are adjustable via the crown. In position one you have the local time, in position two the home time. The translucent lacquered dial is adorned with luminescent gold hands and hour markers as well as a double graduation bearing the minutes and second scales.

The dual time calibre is housed in a 41 mm-diameter steel case which is water-resistant to 150 metres. The new Overseas model continues a tradition of elegant, relaxed watches designed to offer their owners a combination of comfort and user friendliness. The bezel is evoking Vacheron Constantin’s famous Maltese cross emblem.
There will be three different versions: two in a stainless steel case with a blue or argenté coloured dial, one in a pink gold case, also with an argenté coloured dial.
Presented on a stainless steel bracelet with half Maltese cross-shaped polished and satin-brushed links, the Overseas Dual Time is delivered with two additional straps matching the shade of the dial

Classic and Functional: The Ulysse Nardin Classic Sonata

Ulysse Nardin combines classical beauty with pure functionality in its Classic Sonata. With this watch, mechanical complications are designed with the wearer in mind, the goal being a perfection fusion of form and function.

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The Classic Sonata features a classic design, because isn’t simplicity the ultimative form of sophistication? And the mechanic complications this watch comes with are pared down to their most essential form which makes this timepiece an ideal travel companion.
On the dial between 12 and 2 o’clock the alarm function is placed which wakes the user with a pleasant cathedral cime – an obvious upgrade to your usual smartphone alarm. In the center of the counter, the „countdown“ display of the last 12 hours allows to select a wake-up in the morning or in the afternoon. And a small display between 10 and 11 o’clock shows if the alarm is activated or not.
The Dual Time function ensures, that both home time and current time can be viewed simultaneously. Time zone adjustment can be made both forwards and backwards, just by using the pushers to change the position of the hour hand.
At the 4 o’clock position Ulysse Nardin has placed a big date in a double window. The dial is protected by a anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

UlysseNardin_Classic_Sonata_1

 

The Ulysse Nardin Classic Sonata is powered by the in-house calibre UN-67. This automatic movement drives hours, minutes and seconds, the alarm function and the Dual Time function as well as the big date. It also guarantees a 42 hour power reserve when fully wound.

The Classic Sonata is available in two editions: in eternal black and a rose gold case or in stainless steel with blue markers. The cases measure 44 millimetres in diameter and are water resistant to 30 metres. The sapphire crystal case back allows to look inside the movement with its beautiful complications.
Bot versions feature  a black alligator strap.