Over the last few years watchmakers have experimented with a range of new materials. In fact if a substance can be milled into a pliable shape then it is considered fair game. Some of my favourite choices are the more industrial materials like carbon or lightweight alloys. These composites are exceptionally lightweight and therefore brands are able to produce larger watches. However there are still many consumers that prefer more traditional metals. Certainly gold has a unique luxurious quality that is desired by many. Here is a beautiful selection of exclusive timepieces that perfectly illustrate this point.
Louis Moinet Vertalor Tourbillon
Louis Moinet is an exclusive watch brand situated in the picturesque location of Saint Blaise, Switzerland. The modern day company pays homage to inventor of the chronograph and is owned by the charismatic Jean-Marie Schaller. Recently the brand won the 1st prize in the International Chronometry Competition for their phenomenal Vertalor Tourbillon. This watch has a generous 47mm 18-karat white gold case, which is composed of 59 parts. What makes this timepiece so exceptional is the sublime blue (“Côtes du Jura” ®) decorated dial. Other features include “Gouttes de Rosée” (Dew Drop) hour/minute hands and an exposed tourbillon. Powering the watch is a refined 19-jewel mechanical hand-winding movement.
Arnold & Son Time Pyramid Guilloché
Arnold & Son are a high-end watch label based in the heart of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The company is inspired by the works of John Arnold (18th Century English Watchmaker) and is owned by Manufacture La Joux-Perret S.A. The Time Pyramid Guilloché is one of their latest and most exclusive offerings. With an 18-karat red gold case measuring 44.6mm, this watch is designed for the connoisseur. What makes this timepiece so impressive is the fastidiously hand decorated gold guilloche open worked dial. Other fine details include vibrant blue hour/minute hands and an ornate bottom mounted crown (located at 6 o’clock). At the heart of the watch is an in house skeletonized 27-jewel mechanical manual winding movement.
Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon With Three Gold Bridges
Girard-Perregaux is a luxury watchmaker situated in the idyllic location of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Even though the company has historic roots dating back to 1791 it is now part of the Sowind Group. The Tourbillon With Three Gold Bridges is one of their most impressive and opulent offerings. This timepiece displays traditional proportions and has an extravagant 18-karat white gold that measures 41mm x 11.1mm. What makes this model so enticing is the minimalistic open worked dial with exposed tourbillon carriage. This sensational characteristic gives the recipient an intimate glimpse of the mechanical workings of the watch. Beneath the polished veneer is a sophisticated self-winding movement.
BUBEN & ZORWEG Tourbillon One
BUBEN & ZORWEG is an independent luxury goods manufacturer located in Gröbming, Austria. Over the last two decades the company has created a variety of products ranging from intricate clocks to fine mechanical wristwatches. The Tourbillon One is probably the brands most complicated timepieces to date and is limited to 25 pieces worldwide. Dimensionally the watch exudes large proportions and has 18-karat rose gold case measuring 48mm. What makes this timepiece so distinctive is the part skeletonized ivory dial, with open worked hour/minute hands. Other features include raised gold indexes and an exposed tourbillon (located at 6 0’clock). At the heart of the watch is an accomplished 49-jewel hand-winding movement with a power reserve of 144 hours.
