One of the most fascinating developments within the world of horology is the diverse range of materials now used. Long gone are the days when consumers only had a choice of stainless steel and gold. Presently many brands are experimenting with various lightweight alloys and carbon composites. There are also numerous watchmakers who have achieved some very exciting results by using sapphire crystal, bronze and meteorite. One thing is for certain consumers are totally spoilt for choice these days. Here are five interesting timepieces that I am sure will appeal to a wide variety of buyers.
4N Sapphire Planet
4N is a Parisian based luxury watch brand established by renowned designer François Quentin. Currently the company has only produced one timepiece called the Sapphire Planet. Dimensionally the watch exudes generous proportions and has a wonderful sapphire crystal rectangular case measuring 52mm x 37mm x 16mm. What makes this timepiece so distinctive is the beautifully handcrafted open work dial. This characteristic displays hours and minutes in a digital format via 3 rotating disks. Powering the watch is a highly complicated mechanical movement containing 78-jewels and 514 individual parts. This amazing watch will be limited to only 3 pieces and priced at: $312,555.
Bausele Terra Australis
Bausele is an Australian brand that manufactures all of their watches in Switzerland. The company is the brainchild of French designer Christophe Hoppe, who now resides in Sydney. At Baselworld 2015 they unveiled their most ambitious and original model to date called the Terra Australis. Dimensionally the watch exudes masculine proportions and has a generous diameter of 46mm (excluding the crown). What makes this timepiece so distinctive is the unusual combination of materials like carbon fiber, steel and ceramic. Other features include a unique large crown (containing natural Australian elements) and a durable kangaroo/rubber strap. Powering the watch is a 25-jewel mechanical Swiss made Soprod A-10 self-winding movement.
Berkbinder & Brown T46 V2 (variant 2) Bronze Tool Watch
Berkbinder & Brown is a small independent watchmaker owned by Ted Brown and located in Lake Bluff, Illinois, United States. Interestingly the brand derives it name from Ted’s grandfather’s South Dakota hardware store. The T46 V2 (variant 2) Bronze Tool Watch is the company’s flagship model. With a solid bronze case measuring 46.3mm x 13mm the watch has a cool masculine appearance. What makes this timepiece so impressive is the sleek black dial with contrasting large white numerals. Other features include a fixed industrial style bezel with 12 rivets, offset crown and discreet date window (located at 4 o’clock). Powering the watch is a 25-jewel mechanical Swiss made ETA 2824-2 self-winding movement.
Ennebi Fonsdale Tritone 47mm
Ennibi is a traditional watchmaker situated in the beautiful Tuscan city of Prato in Italy. Dynamic technical designers Alessandro Bettarini and Luciano Nincheri launched the brand in 2004. The Fonsdale Tritone 47mm is a stylish watch and a good representation of their work. With durable grade 5 titanium case measuring 47mm the timepiece is designed to make a bold statement. What makes this watch so eye catching is the cool matt black dial with a three dimensional sculpture of a submarine. The timepiece also features a rotating bezel and is water resistant to a depth of 1,000 metres. Beneath the robust exterior lies a 17-jewel Swiss made Unitas 6497-1 mechanical hand-winding movement.
R&D Genève SA Forged Carbon Flying Tourbillon
R&D Genève SA is a progressive watch brand situated in Plan-Les-Ouates, Switzerland. The company was only established recently and exhibited for the first time at Baselworld in 2015. Probably their most ambitious and exclusive timepiece is the wonderful Forged Carbon Flying Tourbillon. This watch is well proportioned and has a diameter measuring 44mm. What makes this timepiece so striking is the matt black textured carbon case and unique crown locking protection system. This detail gives the watch a really cool industrial appearance. Other features include a minimalistic black dial, which perfectly exposes the rotating flying tourbillon. At the heart of the watch is a refined Swiss made 19-jewel mechanical hand-winding movement.
