Every year a watch writer hopes that the world of horology will exceed expectations. Even though the last 12 months presented many mechanical delights I am optimistic that 2015 will be even better. I know that many brands are having a challenging time and the main groups have suffered lower than anticipated profits. Nevertheless from what I have seen so far at SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie) it hasn’t impacted on the overall creativity. Here are five wonderful timepieces that perfectly illustrate my point.
Richard Mille RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur for women
To most people Richard Mille is synonymous with lightweight high performance watches for elite sportsmen. However the company is now producing a range of exquisite timepieces for the female market. A wonderful example is the RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur for women. What makes this watch so delectable is the open worked dial with four handcrafted colour petals (surrounding the tourbillon carriage), which move at the push of a button. Other distinctive features include a diamond encrusted tonneau shape case, sculpted green leaves, small sub dial and a black alligator strap.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept watch
For a long time I have been an admirer of luxury Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet. They have enjoyed enormous global success with their marvelous series of Royal Oak watches. Following the success at last years show they have just unveiled another exciting concept watch with a sensational multi layered dial. Dimensionally the timepiece has a well-proportioned 44mm titanium case, which should appeal to fans of the brand. What makes this timepiece so extraordinary is the revolutionary acoustic minute repeater mechanical tourbillion movement.
Montblanc Villeret Tourbillon Cylindrique Geosphères Vasco da Gama
Montblanc is world renowned for its luxurious range of timepieces and writing instruments. This year at SIHH 2015 they have just unveiled the astonishingly beautiful Villeret Tourbillon Cylindrique Geosphères Vasco da Gama. What makes this timepiece so special is the three-dimensional dial with two rotating globes. This characteristic displays the time in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Other features include an opulent 47mm 18-karat gold case, exposed tourbillon carriage and delicate gold hour/minute hands.
Parmigiani Fleurier SA Bugatti Révélation
Many watchmakers have had successful partnerships with car manufacturers. However in my opinion Parmigiani Fleurier SA’s association with Bugatti has yielded some of the best results. For SIHH 2015 they have produced a special version called the Bugatti Révélation. What makes this timepiece so amazing is the contemporary 18-karat rose gold case with an intricate lattice grill. This sublime feature opens to reveal the highly complicated vertical mechanical movement. Other stunning details include ergonomic arch lugs (with sapphire crystal windows) and a high quality tobacco colour leather strap.
Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon Skeleton
Although most people associate Cartier with expensive jewellery they now have made a huge impact into the world of horology. Their latest offering is a marvelous timepiece called the Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon watch. With a generous 18-karat white gold case measuring 47mm x 15.5mm the timepiece is designed to make a bold statement. What makes this watch so attractive is the minimalistic skeleton dial exposing the sophisticated tourbillon mechanical movement. Other fine details include three dimensional Roman numerals, delicate blue steel hands and ornate trademark blue sapphire set crown.
