LOUIS VUITTON - Elite Traveler
LOUIS VUITTON - Elite Traveler
LOUIS VUITTON - Elite Traveler
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louis vuitton<br />
paris-based accessories legend—and now a style leader in ready-to-wear fashion collections for men and women—louis Vuitton is synonymous<br />
with excellence in craftsmanship and quality. In its first classic dress watch, louis Vuitton builds upon the Swiss watch collection it launched in<br />
2002.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
The new Tambour mysterieuse, an extremely complicated timepiece, was entirely created, developed and assembled in louis Vuitton’s watch-<br />
making workshop in Switzerland. Every one of the 115 components that make up the watch’s movement is handmade, and they combine to create<br />
a truly mysterious effect. The watch’s hands hover above a system of transparent sapphire discs, which reveal no trace of the inner workings of<br />
the timepiece. an eight day plus eight hour power reserve, a rotor that can be inlaid with the owner’s initials, and an unlimited number of ways<br />
to customize the timepiece with precious stones and metals make this watch the ultimate in exclusivity. The 42.5mm case is available in yellow<br />
gold, red gold, white gold or platinum, and is priced around $280,000.<br />
corporate contact: Specialist Guillermo calvo, (212) 872-2000; www.louisvuitton.com
maîtres du temps<br />
In 2005, Steven Holtzman founded maître du Temps with the aim of bringing master watchmakers together to create extraordinary timepieces.<br />
Three years later, three of the greatest watchmakers of today—christophe claret, roger dubuis and peter Speake-marin—collaborated to cre-<br />
ate an unprecedented collection for the brand in Geneva. and they channeled all of their efforts into a single watch, the chapter one. This year,<br />
dubuis and Speake-marin teamed with daniel roth and that partnership resulted in the chapter Two.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
The collaboration of three master watchmakers produced the chapter Two, a high-precision and technically innovative timepiece. The watch’s<br />
instantaneous big date triple calendar holds the distinction of being the most legible as well as the first unabbreviated triple calendar mechanical<br />
wristwatch ever. The shapely 18K red gold, tonneau case has a total of six sapphire crystals—three on the front and three on the back—to provide<br />
a clear view of the indications and movement within ($66,000).<br />
corporate contact: philip Horowitz, (818) 519-9189; www.maitresdutemps.com
mauboussin<br />
In 1827 monsieur rocher opened his jewelry store in paris. Soon, it was taken over by his associate, Jean-Baptiste noury, and the precious<br />
creations with an emphasis on great stones became known as items from the House of noury. In 1922, noury’s successor took over and the firm<br />
was renamed again for him: mauboussin. In the decades to follow, mauboussin located to place Vendôme, and its jewels won the affections of<br />
such prestigious clients as marlene dietrich. Its first watches debuted in the 1980s, and last year the brand opened its first U.S. boutique, on<br />
new york city’s madison avenue.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
The mauboussin watch collection is based upon four models: the delit, the delirante, the delicieuse and the life for Ever collection. The delicieuse<br />
chronograph, a feminine sporty watch, is encased in polished stainless steel. Its quartz movement is Swiss made and hands are rhodium-plated<br />
with superluminova centers. In this full pavé edition, 308 brilliant-cut white diamonds shimmer upon the dial, bezel and case (from $1,750 to<br />
$90,850).<br />
corporate contact: megan Hardwick, (212) 822-8167; megan@smapr.com; www.mauboussin.com
maurice lacroix<br />
What began in 1961 as a timepiece assembler for private label customers has become a global fine timepiece brand with a global presence<br />
today. maurice lacroix gained its independence in 2001, and in 2006 created its first manufacture movement, ensuring its position among haute<br />
horlogerie’s grandest brands. last year, maurice lacroix introduced a world first: memoire 1 is the first mechanical movement with memory.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
part of the masterpiece collection and featuring a movement designed and developed in-house, the le chronographe Squelette showcases the<br />
brand’s watchmaking expertise and modern design aesthetic. The openwork skeleton design of the 45mm steel timepiece keenly displays this<br />
new manual-wind movement with a 60-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock, protected by sapphire crystal on both sides. limited to 250<br />
pieces, the watch retails for $20,000.<br />
corporate contact: managing director Thomas Steiner, (800) 794-7736; thomas.steiner@mauricelacroix.com; www.mauricelacroix.com
mb&f<br />
maximilian Büsser and friends (mB&f) represents a new concept in the creation of boundary-breaking timepieces. a community of independent<br />
craftsmen, artists, designers and watchmakers—who all count themselves friends of founder maximilian Büsser—contribute their expertise to<br />
create highly complicated timepieces that defy the boundaries of traditional design. Büsser, previously head of Harry Winston Timepieces, has<br />
essentially created a concept laboratory that produces extremely limited editions that collectors covet.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
designed to openly display the three-dimensional horological engine, with the rotor and regulating system on top, the Hm3 is a timepiece in a<br />
class of its own. The uniquely designed watch, fashioned after the Thunderbird 2 spaceship, features two cones, one with hour and day/night<br />
indicator displays and the other with minutes. The timepiece is available in two versions—the ‘Sidewinder’ with cones perpendicular to the arm<br />
and the ‘Starcruiser’ with cones parallel to the arm—with a choice of a red gold or white gold case with titanium ($74,000).<br />
corporate contact: president mB&f north america Stephen Hallock, (888) 884-0838; sh@mbandf.com; www.mbandf.com
milus<br />
milus was created in 1919, and re-launched in 2002 with a focus on creating timepieces for clients with a taste for individuality. “Highly personal”<br />
isn’t just milus’ tag line, it’s how these timepieces were meant to be worn. already wearing the complicated creations are internationally acclaimed<br />
artists who set the highest demands on expressing themselves—Barbara Becker, Inna malikova, Jane monheit and dmitry malikov.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
This year the Zetios chronograph collection was expanded to include a Joaillerie version, a graceful yet sporty addition to the line. The 45mm<br />
case, housing the mechanical chronograph movement with automatic winding, features a white mother-of-pearl dial with clear chronograph<br />
counters at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The case is available in 18K red gold or stainless steel with a bezel set with 62 white, brilliant-cut diamonds<br />
($21,500).<br />
corporate contact: president and cEo of milus USa, Inc. doron Basha, (310) 424-5701; info@milususa.com; www.milus.com
milus<br />
With the TIRION TriRetrograde Seconds Skeleton, Milus honors the passage of time—highlighting that every second counts—with a dynamic and<br />
sportive timepiece.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
The TIRION TriRetrograde Seconds Skeleton combines intricate craftsmanship with an interesting interplay of hands. The focus of the dial is formed<br />
by the round inner skeleton area, which houses the retrograde seconds function with three seconds hands, divided into 20 seconds each, in the<br />
shape of an oscillating rotor. The 45mm case holds the triRetrograde complication, made possible by a Swiss mechanical movement that winds<br />
automatically, which is openly displayed in both the front through the center opening and the sapphire crystal window in the case back.<br />
VARiAtionS<br />
Available in titanium or a bi-color version of titanium and 18K red gold. The titanium version is available with a black leather, carbon-look strap<br />
for $13,500. The bi-color version, on a black alligator leather strap with rubber coating, is $16,900.<br />
Corporate Contact: Doron Basha, President and CEO of Milus USA, Inc., (310) 424-5701; info@milususa.com; www.milus.com
milus<br />
In the year 1919, Paul William Junod, an experienced watchmaker, well-trained in the tradition of his craft, dreamed of creating a solid yet elegant<br />
watch that would appeal to everyone. And now 90 years later, Milus continues the dream of its founder.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
The TIRION TriRetrograde Seconds Skeleton combines intricate craftsmanship with an interesting interplay of hands. The focus of the dial is formed<br />
by the round inner skeleton area, which houses the retrograde seconds function with three seconds hands, divided into 20 seconds each, in the<br />
shape of an oscillating rotor. The 45mm case holds the triRetrograde complication, made possible by a Swiss mechanical movement that winds<br />
automatically, which is openly displayed in both the front through the center opening and the sapphire crystal window in the case back.<br />
VARiAtionS<br />
Available in titanium or a bi-color version of titanium and 18K red gold. The titanium version is available with a black leather, carbon-look strap<br />
for $13,500. The bi-color version, on a black alligator leather strap with rubber coating, is $16,900.<br />
Corporate Contact: Doron Basha, President and CEO of Milus USA, Inc., (310) 424-5701; info@milususa.com; www.milus.com
milus<br />
The MEREA line for women derives its name from the star Mira, whose brightness varies regularly, and the collection playfully reflects this changeable<br />
nature.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
Following the success of the MEREA TriRetrograde Seconds Skeleton last year, Milus has introduced the Joaillerie version of this beautiful watch<br />
with sparkling brilliant-cut diamonds. The retrograde seconds function is housed in a contoured, 18K red gold case. The three-layer dial has a<br />
movement base with a circular graining decoration, an iridescent mother-of-pearl overlay and a third layer inset with precious white diamonds.<br />
To add even more glamour, diamonds also grace the bezel, the bracelet attachments and the crown totaling 1.31 carats. An elegant white alligator<br />
strap secures the watch to the wrist. $34,900.<br />
Corporate Contact: Doron Basha, President and CEO of Milus USA, Inc., (310) 424-5701; info@milususa.com; www.milus.com
milus<br />
The successful HERIOS TriRetrograde Seconds Skeleton line derives its name from the constellation Hercules—symbolizing courage, stamina and<br />
strength—and the collection embodies these characteristics in a striking way.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
The HERIOS line has been updated with a refreshing white version of this sophisticated watch. The 41.7mm by 42mm, 18K red gold case, inlaid<br />
with 88 brilliant-cut diamonds, houses the intricate function. A retrograde seconds function—divided into three sectors of 20 seconds each—works<br />
clockwise in a ‘flying relay,’ starting at six o’clock, to give the impression of a graceful dancing movement. A white alligator leather strap completes<br />
the elegant look of the watch. $27,500.<br />
VARiAtionS<br />
It is available with an 18K white gold case and a bezel inlaid with 88 brilliant-cut diamonds, or with an 18K white gold or red gold case inlaid<br />
overall with brilliant-cut diamonds.<br />
Corporate Contact: Doron Basha, President and CEO of Milus USA, Inc., (310) 424-5701; info@milususa.com; www.milus.com
milus<br />
Combining watchmaking elements with sensual design, Milus has created an intricate addition to the cufflinks collection.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
The “Kamasutra Butterfly” cufflinks combine the idea of movement with an element of playfulness, both important facets of the company. The 18K<br />
pink gold cufflinks, with a man and woman in the Kamasutra Butterfly position on a navy background, simulate a mechanical watch movement by<br />
using a 360-degree rotatable oscillating weight. To further enhance the craftsmanship of the cufflinks, skillful enamelling techniques were used:<br />
cloisonné to decorate the moving rotor and champlevé to apply the butterfly. $24,800.<br />
Corporate Contact: Doron Basha, President and CEO of Milus USA, Inc., (310) 424-5701; info@milususa.com; www.milus.com
montblanc<br />
montblanc has been known for generations as a maker of sophisticated, high quality writing instruments. In the past few years, the product<br />
range has been expanded to include exquisite writing accessories, luxury leather goods and belts, jewelry, eyewear and watches. The snowcapped<br />
peak of mont Blanc, symbolized by a soft pointed star, adorns the beautiful creations of this brand, which is designing timepieces of<br />
increasing sophistication and complication.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
In celebration of its minerva movement maker’s 150th jubilee year, montblanc introduced the special edition Villeret 1858 line of timepieces in<br />
2007, which represent the company’s highest level of specialized craftsmanship and finishing. In the new Grand Tourbillon Heures mystérieuses,<br />
limited to only eight pieces each in either white or rose gold, and just one piece in platinum, the tourbillon takes center stage, occupying an<br />
enormous part of the dial. placed at 12 o’clock, the tourbillon functions in a case of its own, detached from the movement, making it as prominent<br />
as the time display below ($252,700).<br />
corporate contact: U.S. Sales, (800) 995-4810; www.montblanc.com
movado<br />
Since its founding in 1881, movado has been a leader in watch design innovation, earning over 100 patents and more than 200 international<br />
awards over its history. Translated from the language Esperanto for “always in motion,” movado has been a leader in movements. However, it is<br />
best known for its museum Watch dial, which has become nothing less than an icon of modernist design.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
Building on its signature minimalist design aesthetic, the brand’s new movado master moves the iconic museum dial in a new direction. The<br />
solid stainless steel case, 44mm for men and 34mm for women, with black sapphire bezel frames the asymmetric matte black or white dial with<br />
custom luminescent hands. an off-center inner circle, expanding on the original’s circle-within-a-circle motif, has a detailed dot-grid pattern<br />
that matches the grooved rubber strap. It is also available with a diamond-set bezel for women ($2,995)<br />
corporate contact: michelle Wellington, (702) 414-3799; www.movado.com
omega<br />
omega was founded in 1848 and has taken its reputation as a pioneer literally. The brand’s timepieces are leaders in sports timing, precision<br />
technology and design, and have been worn by astronauts and deep sea divers on missions to explore new frontiers. With partnership agreements<br />
in pursuits such as golf, bob-sledding, yachting, athletics and swimming, omega’s timepieces are constantly put to the performance<br />
test. Since 1932 omega has been the official timekeeper of the olympic games, and since 1995 the character James Bond has worn omega’s<br />
Seamaster model.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
The classic Seamaster watch, a staple of the omega brand since its launch in 1970, received an innovative update this year. The Seamaster plo-<br />
prof 1200m, newly-equipped with the co-axial calibre 8500, is, as its name implies, water-resistant to an impressive 1,200 meters. one of the<br />
most seaworthy divers’ watches ever made, its features include a bi-directional rotating bezel, a bezel-release security pusher, an automatic<br />
helium escape valve and an oversized orange aluminum minute hand coated in white superluminova for optimum readability. The 55mm by<br />
48mm stainless steel case is available with a matching metal bracelet or rubber strap ($9,000).<br />
corporate contact: charles laevens at omEGa in new york, (212) 207-3333; www.omegawatches.com
panerai<br />
In the 1930s, officine panerai was the official supplier of sophisticated, highly precise devices to the Italian navy, and these formed the seed of<br />
what would become a collection of watches designed for use in extreme and highly risky conditions. as of 1993, these bold timepieces were also<br />
made available to the public in limited editions. panerai joined the forerunner to the richemont Group in 1997, and its production of big watches<br />
took off.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
The new p.9000 calibre, one of three new in-house movements by panerai, is an automatic winding movement with a 72-hour power reserve<br />
and technical design akin to the brand’s existing four movements. The luminor 1950 Submersible, a new model developed to house the p.9000<br />
movement, is a 47mm titanium professional underwater timepiece. Taking its design inspiration from the details of historic dials, its features<br />
include a large bezel with stud and relief markers, and a dial with wide baton hands ($9,600).<br />
corporate contact: chad Warrick at panerai in Beverly Hills, (310) 228-1515; beverlyhills@panerai.com; www.panerai.com
parmigiani<br />
michel parmigiani mastered the crafts of restoring horological art objects and creating timepieces for some of haute horlogerie’s most highly<br />
regarded brands, before launching his own collection of fine timepieces in 1996. Just two years later, he introduced calibre 110, the first me-<br />
chanical hand-wound shaped movement with an eight-day power reserve, which was developed and crafted entirely by parmigiani fleurier. now,<br />
with a line of women’s watches, sports watches and additional original calibers, parmigiani produces about 4,000 timepieces per year.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
continuing in the partnership between parmigiani fleurier and high-end yacht builder pershing, the brand introduced a new chronograph col-<br />
lection this year—the pershing Zero-Zero-Two chronograph, which has a smaller 42mm case. The highly feminine version, still in keeping with<br />
the maritime theme, has a blue mother-of-pearl dial, a small stylized octopus on the end of the chronograph hand and a starfish that rotates<br />
to mark the seconds. The timepiece is finished with 55 baguette-cut diamonds and 17 baguette-cut sapphires on the bezel and a white Hermès<br />
Epsom calfskin strap with blue stitching ($77,600).<br />
corporate contact: martha lazaro, (305) 260-7770; martha@parmigianiusa.com; www.parmigiani.ch
patek philippe<br />
In 1839 two polish immigrants, a salesman antoine norbert de patek and a watchmaker françois czapek, joined forces to found patek, czapek<br />
& cie in Switzerland. In 1844, patek met the french watchmaker adrien philippe in paris where the latter presented his pioneering stem winding<br />
and setting by the crown system. a year later, when czapek decided to leave the company, its name changed to patek & cie. finally, in 1851 when<br />
philippe joined the company officially, it was rebaptized “patek philippe & cie.” The brand began its modern era in 1932, when the company was<br />
purchased by brothers charles and Jean Stern. Since then, patek philippe has remained a family owned firm led today by the Stern family’s third<br />
and fourth generations: philippe Stern is president and Thierry Stern, his son, is vice president.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
following the success of its men’s nautilus collection, the brand released a corresponding nautilus ladies’ collection this year available exclu-<br />
sively in 18K white or rose gold. The redesigned case, in a smaller 32mm size, features the same porthole mechanism that fastens the bezel to<br />
the case band as the original nautilus, but has gracefully curving, instead of straight, hinges. available with or without diamonds on the bezel,<br />
the watch retails for $26,800 (without diamonds) or $33,700 (with diamonds).<br />
corporate contact: Katie reed, (212) 218-1240; katie@patekusa.com; www.patek.com
perrelet<br />
abraham-louis perrelet lived in the Swiss Jura mountains during the 1700s, when winters were long and farmers sought refuge in their homes<br />
and kept busy by practicing new trades. like his father, abraham-louis made tools, but quickly exclusively for watchmaking. from there it was a<br />
natural leap into watchmaking, and abraham-louis excelled at horological innovations, and was sought out for his expertise. What makes per-<br />
relet a legend in this industry is his invention, in 1777, of the first automatic timepiece that used an oscillating weight (rotor) to wind itself just by<br />
the movements made by the wearer, like walking.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
The open-worked rotor spins around the entire dial to mesmerizing effect in perrelet’s new Turbine collection, which transformed the p-181<br />
automatic double rotor movement into a turbine with 12 titanium blades. The 44mm case is available in titanium or dlc-treated titanium on a<br />
black rubber bracelet with folding clasp ($6,600).<br />
corporate contact: north america managing director michael Goldstein, (954) 575-7980; michael@perreletusa.com; www.perrelet.com
piaget<br />
founded in 1874 in Switzerland’s Jura mountains, piaget has always aimed for the stars when creating fine timepieces and jewelry. Its collec-<br />
tions are wide ranging but always represent the highest degree of luxury and quality. What this company, a division of richemont, does better<br />
than so many other manufacturers is continually innovate in the rarefied world of haute horlogerie, while also crafting incomparable gems and<br />
jewels that represent pure beauty. It’s a delicate balancing act that piaget masters season after season, for men and women.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of piaget’s polo line, the brand has launched four new timepieces, two chronograph versions and two<br />
automatic versions, all equipped with piaget’s own movements. constructed in titanium, a first for the brand, the 45mm timepieces are water-<br />
resistant to 100 meters. along with its chronograph and flyback functions, the piaget polo fortyfive chronograph features small seconds at 6<br />
o’clock, a date display at 12 o’clock and a second 24-hour time zone at 9 o’clock on a choice of a silver or black dial ($17,900).<br />
corporate contact: lae Xavier at piaget in new york, (212) 246-5283; www.piaget.com
pierre kunZ<br />
a watchmaker for more than 20 years, pierre Kunz crafted complications for some of the industry’s leading brands in Switzerland. He also oper-<br />
ated his own business restoring antique clocks, and constructed his own grand complications from start to finish—a master’s achievement. His<br />
namesake brand debuted when franck muller offered him the chance to create his own models within his group of collections. now, within the<br />
facilities of “Watchland” overlooking the shores of lake Geneva and mont Blanc, Kunz devises new and exciting complications that become truly<br />
artistic timepieces.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
Inspired by the direct voyage from the earth to the moon, the pierre Kunz Second Time Zone watch features a play on graphic trends and a new<br />
design aesthetic including groundbreaking apertures and patterns. The fluted Empire-style case holds a sun-brushed dial that features a grande<br />
date at 6 o’clock, a cleverly positioned sector at 11 o’clock that sets the solar or lunar mode, and a retrograde time-zone. The Second Time Zone is<br />
available in two case sizes, 41mm or 44mm, and with a case of 18K white gold, 18K red gold or platinum ($26,500).<br />
corporate contact: Greg Salcioglu, (212)989-3852 ext. 243; info@pierrekunzusa.com; www.pierrekunz.com
pierre kunz<br />
Writer Jules Verne’s masterpiece, “From the Earth to the Moon,” captures the delight of making the first steps towards an improbable achievement.<br />
The tale and its theme also serve as inspiration for Pierre Kunz’s own masterpiece, which is rich in complication and motion.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
After creating a new approach to reading time, Pierre Kunz has launched an absolutely original, transparent design. Tahiti Moon, housed in a fluted<br />
Empire-style 41-mm case, is based on the principle of retrograde minutes and hours. Its see-through dial is embellished with a decoration that<br />
imitates delicate engraving at the level of the hands. The oval shape of the lunar section is an integral part of the dial that accentuates its curves. In<br />
balance, a metal and black Tahitian mother-of-pearl astral design displays scintillating stars at the top of the dial. The automatic timepiece reveals<br />
hours, retrograde minutes and moon phases, with a power reserve of 42 hours. It is presented on a hand-stitched alligator skin strap with matching<br />
overstitching. $16,000.<br />
VARiAtionS<br />
Tahiti Moon is available with a case of 18K white gold, 5N red gold, steel or platinum. The classic version comes with a dial comprised of white<br />
gold or red gold cartouche and blued hands, while a sports version has a black cartouche dial with red, orange, blue or yellow numerals and<br />
steel hands to match.<br />
Corporate Contact: Greg Salcioglu, (212) 989-3852 ext. 243; info@pierrekunzusa.com; www.pierrekunz.com
pierre kunz<br />
Pierre Kunz’s Chronograph line is enhanced with a new addition that unites new watch-making technologies with a breathtaking aesthetic.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
In the new Sport Chronograph, retrograde hours and minutes are indicated on two transparent sectors, which provide a glimpse into the movement’s<br />
bridges and escapement wheels. The hands travel over the arc of a circle, and they are propelled by a rack and pinion system. Hour and minute<br />
pointers take a pyramidal shape, and indicate day and night by being black in the morning and luminova white in the evening. The chronograph’s<br />
pushers reflect an ergonomic design that complements the texalium-printed rubber strap. $34,200<br />
VARiAtionS<br />
The 44-mm case is available in classic steel or tinted steel. The watch’s dial can be made in texalium, anthracite gray, silver, red, or transparent<br />
Plexiglass through which the beauty of the mechanism can be admired.<br />
Corporate Contact: Greg Salcioglu, (212) 989-3852 ext. 243; info@pierrekunzusa.com; www.pierrekunz.com
pierre kunz<br />
Pierre Kunz’s Infinity Looping has set the stage for a whole new chapter of watch-making. Compared to the black and red edition, this sporty style—<br />
ablaze with yellow details—carries another look entirely.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
Like the original, this Insanity features a single hand indicating the hours and minutes around the dial, at a pace that will make heads turn. The<br />
tone-on-tone galvanic black dial sports yellow appliqués. Its 44-mm fluted Empire-style case features sapphire glass and a crown protector. The<br />
hand-stitched alligator strap accents the dial’s bright hand. Water resistant to 100 meters, this watch has a power reserve of 42 hours. $13,200.<br />
VARiAtionS<br />
The case is available in classic steel or Blaktop steel, with accents of red or green.<br />
Corporate Contact: Greg Salcioglu, (212) 989-3852 ext. 243; info@pierrekunzusa.com; www.pierrekunz.com
pierre kunz<br />
Watchmaker Pierre Kunz decided to create a present for the precious women in men’s lives. With love as inspiration, the motif of a heart was revealed,<br />
and it is a strong symbol at the center of the Cupidon collection. “Love repeats its throbbing in time with the rhythm of our feelings, much as<br />
the heart of a clock etches out the rhythm of time,” the watchmaker says.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
Cupidon has a heart gracefully positioned at the center of the dial, and a triple retrograde seconds seems to breath life into it. Each seconds arc<br />
represents love, passion or desire.<br />
VARiAtionS<br />
Four dial variations include enamel in red, blue, pastel blue, green, pastel green, or pink stainless steel; mother of pearl white, blue, green, pink<br />
or 18K; skeleton dial through the heart; or diamond or ruby 18K. $43,800.<br />
Corporate Contact: Greg Salcioglu, (212) 989-3852 ext. 243; info@pierrekunzusa.com; www.pierrekunz.com
pierre kunz<br />
The art deco style defines many aspects of Pierre Kunz’s designs, and the watchmaker recently dedicated an entire series of timepieces to the<br />
aesthetic.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
In the Exclusive Series Tourbillon, Pierre Kunz’s famous square tourbillon movement is housed in a most unusual square, fluted Empire-style case.<br />
An opening in the dial reveals the tourbillon cage and square balance—which was acclaimed as a world first in 2005. The dial itself is also enchanting<br />
thanks to its sun-brushed surface that creates a metallic effect around the tourbillon at 6 o’clock. The applied hour numerals have been styled<br />
to recall clocks of the art deco era, while the hands are calibrated on the principles of the time period’s architecture. Turn the timepiece over to see<br />
the fine craftsmanship within the skeleton bridge and its art deco engravings. The watch has a power reserve of 70 hours, and comes on a matching<br />
hand-stitched crocodile strap. $112,400<br />
VARiAtionS<br />
The 41-mm case is available in 18K white gold, 5N red gold or platinum, and the watch’s hands may be blued, silvered or 5N red gold gilded.<br />
Corporate Contact: Greg Salcioglu, (212) 989-3852 ext. 243; info@pierrekunzusa.com; www.pierrekunz.com
alph lauren<br />
The uniting of two leading companies in the global luxury market, polo ralph lauren and richemont, resulted in the formation of the ralph<br />
lauren Watch and Jewelry company, based in Geneva. The new brand’s first timepieces debuted this year at SIHH, consisting of three collections<br />
that exemplify the luxury and quality for which both brands are so well known.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
a quintessential brand symbol is the basis for the new ralph lauren Stirrup collection, which has a unique and easily recognizable case shape<br />
inspired by heritage equestrian style. for the ultimate in luxury, the timepiece comes in a limited edition platinum chronograph model, of which<br />
there are only 67 pieces, with a white enamel dial and an 18K white gold crown inset with a black onyx. The watch is also available in 18K white<br />
or rose gold, with optional pave diamond embellishments, on a calf or alligator strap in classic brown or black, or in a variety of bright colors<br />
($12,000 to $68,500).<br />
corporate contact: Jim miller at ralph lauren in new york, (212) 606-2100; www.ralphlauren.com
ichard mille<br />
richard mille’s passion for watchmaking is only challenged by his passion for formula 1 racing. and the sport’s influence on his timepieces,<br />
which debuted in 2000, is unmistakable. from the launch of his first timepiece, the rm-001-1 tourbillon, of which only 17 pieces were created,<br />
mille has adhered to a creative philosophy that places greatest value on no-frills design, accurate construction, and use of new materials like<br />
metallic and non-metallic alloys, ceramics, carbon nanofiber and silicium to achieve absolute reliability.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
a successful partnership between richard mille and formula 1 driver felipe massa spawned the introduction of a new limited edition model<br />
this year—the rm004-V2 felipe massa, limited to 40 pieces. The manually-wound watch with split-second chronograph bears the colors of the<br />
Brazilian flag on its inner bezel, a red crown and a carbon nanofiber baseplate, which was first used in the rm006 tourbillon model in 2004. The<br />
48mm by 39.7mm watch is available in red gold (25 pieces), white gold (10 pieces) and titanium (5 pieces) and retail starting around $220,000.<br />
corporate contact: Barbara Simonian at Westime in Beverly Hills, (310) 271-0000; www.richardmille.com
odolphe<br />
more than 25 years ago, rodolphe started designing timepieces for some of Switzerland’s greatest watch brands. finally, the designer shares his<br />
personal vision of watch design in his namesake collection of timepieces. He dedicated more than seven years to the refinement of the classic tonneau<br />
shape to create the 53-mm case that represents his Instinct range of watches. a bezel and wide visible crowns are hallmarks of all the models<br />
in this series.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
The latest addition to the Instinct line, the Instinct 5053 chronograph Two Time Zone, contains a movement innovation. The double time zone display<br />
consists of one main time zone with chronograph on the right plus hour, minute, small second, 60” counter and 30’ counter, a day/night indication<br />
and date aperture; while beside it sits a smaller second time zone with its own day/night indication. The watch’s red gold case has a sapphire crystal<br />
case back to reveal its automatic movement ($31,400).<br />
corporate contact: Irena Vereshchagina, (212) 463-8898 ext. 285; irena@franckmullerusa.com; www.rodolphewatch.com
oger dubuis<br />
a passionate collector of fine watches, carlos dias dedicated himself entirely to creating luxurious timepieces in 1993 and founded his own com-<br />
pany in 1995. It was four years later that the brand name roger dubuis first appeared on his timepieces, since dias wanted to wait until he had a<br />
full-fledged manufacture for the creation of a prestigious brand. Today, roger dubuis is under new leadership and a member of the richemont<br />
group of luxury companies. and though its timepieces for men and women cross boundaries to cater to many tastes and styles, they each bear<br />
the brand’s signature elements: innovative design, playing into current trends, exclusivity (all highly complicated watches in precious metal are<br />
limited to editions of 28 pieces), the poinçon de Geneve symbol and high-end technical know-how.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
The name Excalibur instantly brings legends of strength and heroism to mind, and those characteristics were exactly what the watch designers<br />
of roger dubuis intended to summon when they created the company’s tenth collection and gave it that moniker. a generous diameter of 39mm<br />
or 42mm, a band secured by triple lugs, a refined crown guard and fluted bezel are iconic features of the Excalibur case. one of the bestselling<br />
Excalibur models, the double Tourbillon, was given a sculptural update in the form of the Skeleton double Tourbillon. The black manual-winding<br />
mechanical skeleton movement, visible inside the 18K white gold case, was reworked preserving only a few simple lines ($246,000).<br />
corporate contact: Jeff politis, (888) 732-2847; us@rogerdubuis.com; www.rogerdubuis.com
olex<br />
more than 4,000 watchmakers in 100 countries make rolex what it is today—simply the leading luxury watch brand. a rolex often marks a con-<br />
sumer’s first foray into the world of fine timepieces, yet it is also the make of the models that can garner the highest bids from collectors and<br />
connoisseurs at international watch auctions.<br />
ColleCtion HigHligHt<br />
The brand’s trademark oyster perpetual datejust rolesor collection, created 60 years ago, added the datejust II rolesor to its roster this year.<br />
Subtly redesigned with a 41mm case, a first time offering in that size, the watch is available in a choice of yellow or white rolesor—rolex’s sig-<br />
nature combination of stainless steel with yellow or white gold. as with the entire collection, the datejust II is a self-winding, officially-certified<br />
Swiss chronometer and is waterproof to 100 meters (from $7,525).<br />
corporate contact: carla Uzel, (212) 758-7700 ext. 318; cuzel@rusa.com; www.rolex.com