Welcome back to MR PORTER x Haulogerie: Watch Picks of the Week, our weekly edition where we feature six of our favourite watches currently available on MR PORTER. In this week's instalment, we'll be highlighting some amazing watches from the likes of Ulysse Nardin, IWC, Cartier and Girard-Perregaux. Enjoy!
Ulysse Nardin Blast Automatic Tourbillon Skeleton
Ulysse Nardin’s ‘Blast’ watch comes from its ‘Executive’ collection, and is a striking example of the kind of modern, innovative design with which Ulysse Nardin has become universally associated in recent years. Set on a rubber strap with a case made from 18-karat rose gold and titanium, it is powered by an in-house movement that is showcased beneath a skeletonised dial. It is certainly worthy of close inspection for the flying tourbillon at six o’clock (note the silicon balance spring, anchor and escapement wheel – Ulysse Nardin has always been at the forefront of silicon’s usage in watchmaking) and the micro-rotor at 12 o’clock, made from platinum and coated in rose gold. The two elements are highlighted within the X-shaped dial design, the brand’s signature motif.
Cartier Tank Américaine Automatic
Cartier watches are true investment pieces that become family heirlooms. Demonstrating impressive watchmaking skill, this Swiss-made automatic 'Tank Américaine' reference is built with an elongated 18-karat pink gold case, faceted sapphire cabochon crown and dark-brown alligator strap. The classic dial features black Roman numerals, an easy-to-read date window and the house's signature sword-shaped blued steel hands.
Chopard Mille Miglia Racing Colours Chronograph
Chopard's 'Racing Colours' collection commemorates its 30th anniversary as the official timekeeper for the legendary Mille Miglia race. Limited to just 300 pieces, this stainless steel watch has a 'Speed Yellow' dial, referencing the Belgian contenders, and perforated leather strap lined in grooved rubber to resemble Dunlop tyres from the '60s, while the oversized numerals and tachymeter scale recall those seen on vintage dashboards. It's powered by a COSC-certified automatic chronograph movement that's developed and assembled in house.
IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide
In creating the 'Portugieser Yacht Club' watch, IWC was able to capture the interplay the moon and the sun have on the earth's tides. Within its 18-karat red gold case, the blue dial features low- and high-tide indication and a double moon-phase aperture for the northern and southern hemispheres with integrated display of neap and spring tides. The rubber and textile strap underscores its maritime influences.
Girard-Perregaux 1966 Date and Moon Phases
Girard-Perregaux's '1966' collection is named for the year it won the Neuchâtel Observatory Centenary Prize for its technical innovation and precise chronometry. Engineered in Switzerland with an in-house-built GP03300-0115 automatic movement, this stainless steel watch has a silver opaline dial with an easy-to-read date display and moon-phase indicator. It has a black leather strap and features an exhibition case back that reveals the engraved Côtes de Genève finish.
TAG Heuer Autavia Automatic Chronometer
'Autavia' is a portmanteau of 'automobile' and 'aviation' - TAG Heuer's watch was originally designed after a dashboard clock produced in the '30s for instrument panels used in both industries. It's maintained a reputation for precision ever since, and this latest automatic model is fitted with arguably the watchmaker's best-known '5' calibre. Classic explorer's timepieces inspire the earthy palette - it's made from bronze and has a smoked green dial, on which the coated hands and numerals illuminate by night.
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