Welcome to the next instalment of our weekly edition where we feature some amazing watches from the coffers of the premier men's online fashion destination in our MR PORTER x Haulogerie: Watch Picks of the Week series. In this week's column, we'll be highlighting some incredible horological examples from the likes of Vacheron Constantin, Cartier and IWC. Enjoy!
Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Complete Calendar
"They have a talent that no machine could ever replace," says Vacheron Constantin of its master watchmakers - expertise has passed down from generation to generation since the maison was founded in 1755. Manufactured in Switzerland, this polished 18-karat pink gold 'FiftySix' watch features luminescent hands and indices, a calendar with displays for date, day and month and a precision moon-phase indicator so accurate it only needs adjusting once every 122 years. It's fitted on a leather strap and has an exhibition case back revealing the calibre 2460 QCL/1 automatic movement that's engraved with the Hallmark of Geneva.
IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide Chronograph
In creating the 'Portugieser Yacht Club' watch, IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN 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.
Ulysse Nardin Freak X Automatic
Ulysse Nardin's 'Freak X' watch forgoes traditional hour, minute and second hands for a totally distinctive approach to timekeeping. Requiring a material rare to any Haute Horlogerie collection, silicon, for the balance wheel, escapement wheel and anchor, it has what's called a 'flying carousel baguette' rotating around its own axis, with Superluminova bridges and indices. This 43mm model is crafted from sandblasted titanium with a navy openwork leather strap and is powered by an automatic in-house UN-230 movement.
Laurent Ferrier Classic Micro-Rotor
There's much to appreciate about Laurent Ferrier's 'Classic Micro-Rotor' watch, from the understated and refined sunburst-brushed dial and 18-karat white gold case, to the intricate inner workings of the automatic FBN 229.01 calibre. The latter showcases the house's technical mastery, with hand-polished details and natural escapement, which is often deemed one of the truest to Mr Abraham-Louis Breguet's creation in modern times. The brown leather strap complements the blue and silver palette.
Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier
Cartier was dubbed the 'King of Jewellers' back in 1847 and has upheld that title ever since - the iconic French house even creates exclusive pieces for the British royal family. A stellar example of its fine watchmaking expertise, this classic 'Ballon Bleu' reference has been manufactured in Switzerland with a polished 18-karat pink gold case that houses a reliable automatic movement. It features a silver guilloché dial, blued steel hands and protected spinel that's topped with a sapphire cabochon. The chocolate alligator strap gives it an unmistakable air of refinement.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Skeleton
Girard-Perregaux says its all-black 'Laureato' timepiece is "an ode to fine mechanics" - the skeleton dial allows you to see the impressive open-worked components that are all hand-detailed at the watchmaker's Swiss workshop. It's powered by a precise calibre GP01800-0006/022/1041 automatic movement with a 54-hour power reserve and housed in a sleek 42mm ceramic case with a matching bracelet strap. View the oscillating weight through the anti-scratch sapphire glass crystal on the case back.
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