At Baselworld 2009 TAG Heuer unveiled the Aquaracer 500. The numeric designation reflects guaranteed water resistance to 500 meters. The 43mm watch features an automatic helium release valve and a sapphire crystal and case back in a case that took 4 years to develop. A cyclops lens magnifies the date at 3, and luminescent markers on the numbers and hands improve legibility in low or no light. Steel models feature a steel and rubber bezel. Buckles feature a push-button clasp and diver’s extension. Bracelets offer half-links providing a wider range of adjustment. An ETA automatic caliber 2836-2 ticks below the dial.

Continue reading »

For 2009 Lange’s classic 1815 is enlarged to 40mm and fitted with a new manual winding movement that fills the case. Though updated for modern tastes, the 1815 remains a classic three-hand watch. The 1815?s name reflects the birth year of company founder Ferdinand Adolph Lange. The solid silver dial features Lange’s traditional railway-track minute scale, Arabic numerals, and small seconds at 6 o’clock, reminiscent of Lange pocket watches of days gone by.

This Urwerk Ref. 202P Special Edition Twin Turbine Regulation, Automatic was created in 2009 in a limited edition of 20 pieces. This platinum black PE-CVD and titanium chronometer wristwatch indicates the time digitally using a patented revolving satellite complication with telescopic minute and hour orbiting satellites, moon phases and day & night indication.

Continue reading »

Antiquorum will also offer this Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Type 370 Piece Unique. Made in 2007, the 18k white gold case is specially constructed with diamonds. You may view a video preview of this piece by clicking here.

Another exceptional minute repeater included in the December sale is the International Watch Company “Grand Complication,” No. 50/50, Ref. 3770 produced in 2008. The 18k pink gold timepiece on matching bracelet is a minute-repeating, self-winding wristwatch with square button chronograph, registers, perpetual calendar and moon phases.

Antiquorum will hold its Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces sale at its New York headquarters on December 7. Highlights of the sale include a Vacheron Constantin minute repeating perpetual calendar, a unique Parmigiani Bugatti Type 370, an IWC Grand Complication No. 50/50, an Urwerk Ref. 202P Special Edition, and a Patek Philippe Ref. 3970P. Find images and a video link inside.

Continue reading »

Glashütte Original has created this “1 of 1? Senator Chronometer for Only Watch 2011. The 18k red gold case is perfectly sized at 42mm. On tap are panorama date, day/night indication, and a stop-seconds feature with innovative minute detent. Of course the case houses a 58-jewel certified chronometer movement visible through a sapphire case back. Find the wish price and wallpaper inside.

Continue reading »

Breguet presents a unique creation specially made for Only Watch 2011. A patented music box-type mechanism enables this one-of-a-kind white gold Réveil Musical watch to play a unique tune, Castle in the sky, either on demand or at a pre-set time. An original dial bearing a child’s hand completes a full rotation to touch the adult hand appearing on the flange, symbolizing inter-generational solidarity and support for research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Continue reading »

Though it did not appear in Breguet’s press materials, the Classique 5967 was shown as a new model for 2009, and based on my conversations in Basel, this watch was very well received. During our meeting with Breguet, we learned that their in-house guilloché shop has been expanded, and this watch wears the first pattern developed in-house. Called Art Deco Damier, the name refers to a chess board, and it creates a rich, three-dimensional feel.

Continue reading »

Jaquet Droz presents two new tourbillons based on the brand’s emblematic Grande Seconde models. Available in white gold with a Côtes de Genève dial (ref. 34240) or in red gold with a Grand Feu enameled dial (ref. 33200), this 43mm diameter watch features a tourbillon carriage crafted from sapphire crystal. Find wallpaper images inside.

Updated- USA list price added.

Continue reading »