Amidst all the classic Patek Philippe & Audemars Piguet references added to our database, here’s something different: the 2016 Bell & Ross BR 01 92 Burning Skull.
The Bell & Ross BR 01 92 ‘Burning Skull’ was shown to dealers and journalist at BaselWorld 2016, but it was under embargo until recently. This new version of Bell & Ross’ iconic ‘Skull’ range features a micro-blasted stainless steel case with tattoo-style engraving on both the bezel as well as the sides. The engravings are hand-filled with black lacquer for optimal contrast. A limited edition of 500 pieces, the Bell & Ross BR 01 Burning Skull comes with both a brown alligator and a ‘ultra resistant’ black synthetic strap.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus in platinum (reference 5711/1P-010) was added to our database today – including pricing information.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1P-010 is easily one of the most sought-after Patek Philippe’s, with only a handful said to be produced each year – only available to those with not only deep pockets, but also exceedingly strong connections with Patek Philippe our their local representatives. It is not listed on the Patek Philippe website nor is it listed in their catalogs, enhancing its elusive and mythical status among collectors.
Word on the 5711/1P-010 first appeared around mid-2013, with sources indicating that the first pieces were delivered around the end of 2012. The idea for a modern platinum Nautilus is said to have come from either Thierry Stern directly or -alternatively- from an anonymous buyer who ordered a batch, but ended up not taking them [all].
Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1a-010 vs 5711/1p-010
Aside from its platinum case and bracelet, there are a few subtle differences in the dials when comparing the 5711/1P-010 with its stainless steel counterpart. The color is a more saturated blue and the date window is framed. The ‘Patek Philippe’ and ‘Geneve’ text are both done on a flat plane instead of over the regular striped pattern of the dial – the photo’s by WatchesBySJX illustrate this very well. In addendum to the words by SJX, I think it must be noted that the same is seen on the white dial 5711/1A-011 and other recent Nautilus’ like the 5980/1AR-001.
IWC Portugieser Chrono-Rattrapante Milano Boutique Limited Edition
This afternoon IWC surprised many with the introduction of the IWC Portugieser Chrono-Rattrapante IW371215 ‘Milano Boutique’, a limited edition of 100 pieces in honor of the Milan IWC Boutique.
The introduction of the Portugieser Chrono-Rattrapante IW371215 marks the return of the 76240 movement, a hand-wound version of IWC’s famous split-seconds movement – it had been last used in the 2006 ‘Italia’ limited edition IW3712-14. The dial, featuring both a tachymeter as well as a telemeter scale, is inspired by the 2004 Barozzi IW3712-12 limited edition, which featured a similar design, though with the addition of the retailers logo.
The Portugieser Chrono-Rattrapante IW371215 features a closed case back engraved with 01/100 and the Milanese ‘Biscione‘.
Last night Omega added four new models to its popular Planet Ocean line of watches. Including these four ceramic-cased ‘Deep Black’ versions, the total of 2016 Planet Ocean watches now stands at 36 – and I have just updated our database to feature every single one of them.
Omega introduced the third generation of the Seamaster Planet Ocean at BaselWorld 2016, but somehow only today managed to update its website to reflect the changes made to the collection, allowing me to finally fill in some gaps and add a few that escaped my attention earlier.
2016 Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 43.5mm
OK, don’t worry. If my own social media feed is any hint, I fully understand if by now you can’t read another word on the new Planet Ocean – so I’ll try and keep it short.
While perhaps a bit underwhelming at first sight, Omega went over the collection quite thoroughly with a gentle update of the design, a reconsideration of the case sizes and -of course- a METAS-certified movement in every single one of them. The addition of the ceramic-cased ‘Deep Black’ versions is a nice touch, though hardly unexpected considering the fact that the Dark Side of the Moon has been a hit for years.
Our full Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean database now stands at 145 separate watches. I’m missing a handful I guess – mainly the jeweled-versions of the early years. CLICK!
In the last couple of days I’ve been updating our IWC watch database – adding prices, refining descriptions, and adding new (and old) watches to our existing catalogue.
With a total of 556 IWC watches currently in our database, we’re slowly getting there – yet there are many missing – most notably many limited editions and dealer / country specials. Do you own a Portugieser Rattrapante ‘Cortina’, a 5021 Pisa or another IWC that’s still missing? Please email me with pics & description and I’d love to add it.
But back to what we do have. I did a full list of IWC Laureus models before, but it’s now updated with the 2016 Portofino Moonphase. While I suspect both the title as well as the pic sorta gave it away, today I’ve compiled another cool list – all IWC Tribeca Film Festival watches.
IWC is an official ‘Festival-Time’ partner of the Tribeca Film Festival since 2013. It has since made it a habit to release a limited edition watch in honor of the festival each year. For the first three years, these limited editions were accompanied by a unique watch auctioned off to benefit the cinematic arts – note that it could very well be the case that the 2016 1/1 watch is yet to be released.
Click the links below for information -most of them including prices-, pictures and detailed info;
IWC introduces its second collaboration with Boesch: the IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph Boesch. The sumptuous mahogany body of the Boesch 620 Rimini served as the main inspiration.
IWC first collaborated with Busch in 2009, when it introduced the Aquatimer Chronograph Busch in celebration of the 80th birthday of the boat builder. Now the two Swiss companies have once again put their heads together, leading to the Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph Boesch IW390504.
The IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph Boesch is a limited edition of 150 pieces. It is said to be inspired by the Boesch 620 Bimini, which explains the rich brown tone of the dial and the -real- mahogany inlaid in its case back. As all other IW3905 models, the case measures 43.5mm across, housing the self-winding caliber 89361 chronograph movement.
A huge surprise to many, today word got out that the Citizen Group acquired Frederique Constant, including its sister brands Alpina and Ateliers de Monaco.
Frederique Constant was founded by the Dutch Aletta and Peter Stas in 1988. Launching its first collection in 1992, its main focus has always been classically styled luxury wristwatches at an accessible price. In 2004 the brand introduced its own in-house movement. Frederique Constant currently produces some 150.000 watches annually with a staff of 170 persons in six offices worldwide. It has approximately 3000 points of sale.
Citizen on the other hand goes back to 1918, when its forerunner Shokosha Watch Research Institute was established. In 1924 it completed its first pocket watch, while in 1931 the first wristwatch was introduced. It employs approximately 19.000 people. I am not aware of the number of watches sold annually; in Japanese yen, it amounts to almost 180 billon (1.4 billion EUR).
While continuing Frederique Constant as a family owned company has been a quiet wish according to Aletta and Peter Stas, their kids developed their own desires and ambitions – Piet-Jan in sustainable energy, Eline in the medical field. Impressed by the Citizen Group and its innovative spirit, in a letter to their partners Mrs. and Mr. Stas quote three big advantages they see in this new Japanese-Swiss partnership:
“High-tech collaboration in development of electronic, mechanical and hybrid calibers. We look forward to combîning Frederique ConstanVs high-end Manufacture capability with Citizen’s long history in revolutionary solar, radio and ultra-thin caliber innovations.”
“Citizen and Bulova have a tremendous distribution organization in the Americas. Frederique Constant and Alpina will greatly benefit from the sales and marketing power in the Citizen Group.”
“Accelerate growth with the support of a strong strategic watch industry partner. Frederique Constant secures its long-term continuity with the financial, HR, and strategic strengths of the Citizen Group.”
On the other hand, it has been a well-known fact that a number of Japanese watch comglomerates have been trying to expand their business to get a firmer grip on the luxury market. In the Citizen press release, Mr. Toshio Tokura, chief executive officer of Citizen Watch Co., Ltd, indicates that “With the acquisition of Frederique Constant, the Citizen Watch Group will be able to augment its portfolio of brands and occupy the space in the markets where some of our competitors operate and further expand the presence of the Citizen brand in the market.”
I’m looking forward to see what this move will bring. Of course, our Frederique Constant page is updated to reflect this new chapter in their short but interesting history.
Hot off the press and now uploaded to our ever expanding watch database: the MB&F Legacy Machine LM1 Alain Silberstein.
Max Büsser and Alain Silberstein introduced their first collaboration back in 2009 – the Horological Machine N°2.2 HM2.2 Black Box. Today the two horological creatives launch their second collaboration, this time taking on the LM1 – the brands first watch of its critically-acclaimed Legacy Machine collection.
While Alain Silberstein seems all but forgotten with the larger crowd, his name still brings a smile to the face of those who appreciated the fun yet distinguished and intellectual approach of his now defunct, eponymous watch brand.
Check out the three different versions in our database: the Legacy Machine N°1 LM1 Alain Silberstein in black titanium, in regular titanium and in red gold.
In a surprise move, Panerai just introduced a number of new and upgraded watches – including a completely new family (Luminor Due) and its second Carbotech watch.
The new Luminor Due collection mixes signature Luminor elements with the sleeker looks of the Radiomir 1940 collection, resulting in a watch that is slimmer than most -if not all- other Panerai’s with the crown guard. For now, Luminor Due holds for watches: PAM 674, 675, 676 and 677 – just click the references for more information and prices.
The latest Carbotech is the PAM 661. The 2015 version of Panerai’s Carbotech had the Luminor Submersible style case, which features an external rotating bezel. The new version has the classic Luminor 1950 case, yet it is still fitted with the Submersible style dial. Find out more details -including price- right here.
Discontinued are the 499, 312 and 359 – they’re newer versions are the 1499, 1312 and 1359. The movement is updated from P.9000 to P.9010, the case is slimmer and the seconds hand is done in a vibrant blue.
Last but not least, Panerai also introduces the PAM 672. Shamelessly similar to the earlier PAM 604, the watch now also features a (laser-) engraved movement.
To the surprise of many, it turned out that the revamped Overseas collection that was introduced at SIHH 2016 was not yet fully complete: enter the Vacheron Constantin Overseas World Time!
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas World Time adds another complication to the Overseas collection, courtesy of its caliber 2460 WT. It is available with either blue, silver or brown (predominantly) dial. The stainless steel case measures 43mm across and features a see-through case back.
