As 2014 draws to a close I await in eager anticipation to see what marvels will be released in the New Year. Although the world of horology is an exceptionally commercial industry there is still an enormous amount of creative talent out there. These pioneering watchmakers make my job an absolute pleasure and should be applauded for their wonderful designs. If 2015 is half as exciting, we are all in for a treat. Here are the rest of my personal highlights.
Van Cleef & Arpels Midnight Planétarium Poetic Complication
Although most people regard Van Cleef & Arpels as a jeweller they also produce some wonderful timepieces. The Midnight Planétarium Poetic Complication is a perfect example of their creative talents and near enough stole the show at SIHH earlier this year. What make this watch so seducing is the mind blowing façade with a miniature three-dimensional illustration of the six planets. It is certainly unlike any other watch I have ever seen and I feel would be the pride of anyone’s collection. At the heart of the timepiece is a highly complicated mechanical movement devised by renowned watchmaker Christiaan Van der Klaauw.
Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 ExoTourbillon Rattrapante
The name Montblanc is synonymous with a range of luxury goods like pens and timepieces. This year at SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie) they unveiled a new collection of watches called the Collection Villeret 1858. Although all the timepieces are beautifully crafted the most impressive piece by far is the ExoTourbillon Rattrapante. What makes this watch so unique is the sublime multi-layered grand feu enamel dial. This sensational feature works in harmony with the exposed tourbillon carriage (located at 12 o’clock). Beneath the stylish exterior lies an accomplished mechanical movement containing 426 handcrafted components.
Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Astrocalendaire
Cartier is renowned for the production of exquisite jewellery and beautiful timepieces. A wonderful example of this can be found in the Rotonde de Cartier Astrocalendaire. What makes this timepiece so special is the meticulously detailed multi-layered silhouette. The amazing dial not only displays an intricate perpetual calendar but also has exposed flying tourbillon carriage. Other features include an opulent 45mm platinum case, raised roman numerals and highly decorative crown. At the heart of the watch is an in house developed mechanical self-winding movement. The Calibre 9459 MC comprises 51-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon
Audemars Piguet is one of the most well respected watchmakers in the world of horology. Their exceptionally stylish Royal Oak series of watches have brought the company great commercial success. In January they unveiled a new exciting model at SIHH called the Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon. What makes this timepiece so enticing is the superb contemporary appearance. With this model they have designed a minimalistic open worked dial and experimented with high performance materials. Beneath the distinctive façade lies a twin barrel hand-winding tourbillon movement. The Calibre 2930 comprises 29-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
Emmanuel Bouchet Complication One
Although Emmanuel Bouchet isn’t necessarily a household name he is a watchmaker of distinction. Prior to establishing his own brand one of his greatest achievements was the creation of the marvelous Opus 12 for Harry Winston. The Complication One was recently presented at Salon QP to a very receptive audience. What makes this watch so eye catching is the amazing multi-layered dial. This fantastic feature is composed of sapphire crystal disks that seamlessly appear to float in mid air. Powering the watch is an intricate mechanical hand-winding movement. The Caliber EB-1963 comprises 64-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour.
