The great watch makers have unveiled their newest models for 2009. It is impossible to say which aspect of these fine pieces is most striking: their precision, their appearance or the artistry that goes into their manufacture, based on techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation.
Nautilus, by Patek Philippe
The best credentials that the Nautilus, the new line of ladies’ watches, could possibly have is the fact that it is made by Patek Philippe, the house that boasts the not insignificant record of having manufactured the twenty watches that have fetched the highest prices when sold at auction. With achievements like this, the Swiss watchmaker established in 1839, has consolidated its reputation on the basis of its technological innovations and the brilliance of its designs.
The 2009 Nautilus is a woman’s version of the 2006 men’s model. It is finished in both white and pink colored 18k gold with tiny diamonds gracefully inlaid along a diameter of just 32 mm. Another detail that must be pointed out is that the watch is waterproof down to a depth of 60 meters, which was what made the first Nautilus model such a hit when it was launched for the first time in 1976. On the other hand, the bracelet and case have been further refined, the rectangular hands pointing out the gold, luminescent numbers, and the clasp is equipped with a very effective safety device which makes the model an excellent alternative for both casual and formal wear.
Master Grande Tradition, by Jaeger.LeCoultre
Jaeger LeCoultre, the watchmaker that in 1844 was responsible for developing the first model capable of measuring down to the micron, presents its Master Grande Tradition collection for 2009, which incorporates two big manufacturing advances: firstly a movement with a perpetual calendar and the fusion between the first minute repetition, with two weeks winding reserve, and the visual display of the regulating mechanism. The brand’s confidence in the precision produced by these technological developments is such that it has produced a new quality mark exclusive to this line: the 1000 Hours Chrono. This mark is reserved for the collection’s most exclusive models, of which only 400 will be made.
These characteristics are enhanced by the watch’s delicate design, with a case made of precious materials, a bezel with refined details and components made according to the strictest requirements of master watch making. And all this without mentioning the hand finished details added by the Jaeger LeCoultre workshops, considered to be among the most exquisite in the world of watch making.
Classique Grande Complication, by Breguet
In 2009 Breguet, the house that invented the tourbillion regulator mechanism, produced a new version of its Classique Grande Complication model, made in pink gold and comprising 570 parts working in perfect synchronization. This timepiece features a hand wound mechanical movement, which can run for 50 hours, a maroon colored crocodile skin strap and 69 rubies. It also has a mechanism based on two tourbillions that work independently. These are responsible for showing the hour, while the minute display is under the control of a conventional hand.
Lange Zeitwerk, by A. Lange & Söhne
People who know about watches consider the Lange Zeitwerk to be a new icon of watch making. And this is not without reason: this model stands out for the originality of the way that it shows the hours and minutes that are displayed in two apertures. The first, located where the number 9 appears in traditional watches, indicates the hour. The second, situated in the number 3 position, shows the minutes. The result is a quirky combination of mechanical and digital, which has balanced lines and an ideal size: 41.9 mm in diameter. Watch devotees can select this model with a case crafted in four different colors of gold: white, yellow, pink and platinum.
Senator Chronometer, by Glashütte Original
The Senator Chronometer’s cornerstone is found in it’s manually wound caliber, thanks to which the time can be set easily and with great accuracy. This is one of the many technological advances in this timepiece by Glashütte Original, a German company that has dedicated itself to producing watches following traditional master watch making values. Thanks to this philosophy, the Senator has the classical appearance of a pocket chronometer, but with contemporary features like the power reserve indicator, polished hands and an improved panoramic date display which changes exactly on the stroke of midnight. These characteristics coupled with the tradition and name of its maker, ensure that the Senator Chronometer is not just a collector’s piece but also one that has earned a place in this selection of luxury watches, designed for connoisseurs. |
