Every year at this time (while families prepare to enjoy the Christmas festivities) watch writers reflect on all the amazing timepieces that have been unveiled in the last 365 days. I can honestly say that 2014 has been a memorable time for the world of horology. As well as brands releasing a broader range of affordable offerings, they have presented some absolutely extraordinary creations. Therefore it is exceptionally hard to narrow the selection to a mere ten timepieces. Ultimately any list is subjective and down purely to individual preference. Here are my personal highlights.
Louis Moinet SA Dragon Tourbillon
Louis Moinet SA are one of the most exciting and exclusive watchmakers in the industry. This year at Baselworld 2014 they unveiled a range of exquisite timepieces including the marvellous Dragon Tourbillon. What makes this watch so fabulous is the intricate engraved dial depicting a fossilised dragon. This meticulous detail is a perfect example of fine Swiss craftsmanship and is integral to the overall success of the design. Powering the watch is a sophisticated manual-winding mechanical tourbillon movement. The caliber comprises 19-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
Greubel Forsey Diamond Set Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain
The Diamond Set Tourbillon 24 Secondes Contemporain is possibly the most opulent watch Greubel Forsey have ever produced. Earlier this year I had the great fortune to try on this extraordinary watch and was completely bedazzled. What makes this timepiece so incredible is the sublime multi-layered dial garnished with 270 diamonds. This characteristic works perfectly compliments the exposed tourbillon carriage. At the heart of the watch is complicated 40-jewel manual winding movement, which oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
MB & F Horological Machine No°6 ‘Space Pirate’
Maximilian Büsser informed me about the release of the Horological Machine No°6 ‘Space Pirate’ quite a few months ago. Generally I am a huge admirer of all their timepieces but in my opinion this is most ambitious and impressive. With a whopping 49.5 mm x 52.3 mm x 20.4 mm titanium case the watch is clearly designed to make a bold statement. What makes this timepiece so amazing is the futuristic façade with ten domed sapphire crystal windows. Japanese sci-fi cartoons of the 1970’s have inspired this extraordinary detailing. Beneath the robust exterior lies a phenomenal twin turbine movement containing 475 separate components.
Piaget Altiplano 38mm 900P
Luxury brand Piaget is renowned for their amazing range of distinctive slim line watches. Amazingly the Altiplano 900P has a diminutive case size measuring on 38mm x 3.65mm. These proportions should undoubtedly appeal to classical masculine buyers and potentially the unisex market. What makes this timepiece so astounding is the beautifully crafted open worked dial. This characteristic subtly showcases the intricate mechanics of the watch. Beneath the ultra-thin exterior lies a bespoke manual-winding mechanical movement. This calibre comprises 20-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
Richard Mille RM 36-01 Sébastien Loeb
Richard Mille is widely associated with his exclusive range of luxury timepieces designed for elite sportsmen. The wonderful RM 36-01 Sébastien Loeb derives its name from the French Rally driver and was unveiled at SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie) earlier this year. What makes this watch so extraordinary is the industrial style skeletonized dial. Beneath the extremely lightweight case (constructed from carbon, ceramic and titanium) lies a formidable mechanical manual winding movement. The Calibre RM36-01 contains 37-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
