Last week was dominated by Watches & Wonders 2022. It was a stellar showing, with maisons like Patek Philippe, Zenith, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Rolex flexing their horological might and putting on a display unlike anything we've seen in a very long time. This week we're back in action, revealing some surprising new novelties, including watches from Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Bremont. Enjoy!
Check out my top twelve favourite picks of Watches & Wonders 2022 here.
Richard Mille RM 47 Tourbillon
Limited to only 75 pieces and priced at 969,000CHF, the new Richard Mille RM 47 Tourbillon is a celebration of Japanese artistry meeting haute horlogerie savoir faire. Sporting the crest of the Asano clan, a family who originated from Hiroshima and embodied the Bushido spirit, which is the Samurai code of ethics which is still so prevalent in modern Japanese society. Hand-carved by master engraver Pierre-Alain Lozeron and painted by his wife Valérie Lozeron, the Richard Mille RM 47 Tourbillon's samurai illustrates the different aspects of ancestral Japanese culture, exemplified by its finish in yellow gold. The remarkable contrast between the artistic side of the Richard Mille RM 47 Tourbillon comes to life when you look at the tonneau-shaped case, comprised of yellow gold and black TZP ceramic. The movement features a tourbillon, as well as a baseplate and skeletonised bridges made of titanium, all finished to the impeccable standards one would expect from a million-dollar watch.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin "RD#3"
New from Audemars Piguet is the Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin "RD#3". Measuring 39mm across and 8.10mm in height, the Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin "RD#3"'s steel case represents the first "Jumbo" model to be fitted with a self-winding flying tourbillon. Powering the Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin "RD#3" is Audemars Piguet's Calibre 2968, which in itself measures a super-thin 3.40mm in depth. The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin "RD#3" is not a limited edition piece and will be priced at 157,500CHF excluding taxes.
Patek Philippe 5470P 1/10th Second Monopusher Chronograph
Patek Philippe unveiled its ultra-complicated 5470P 1/10th Second Monopusher Chronograph just after the doors of Watches & Wonders 2022 closed. The Patek Philippe 5470P 1/10th Second Monopusher Chronograph features a 1/10th of a second chronograph by way of an additional chronograph mechanism equipped to the first Patek Philippe made CH 29-535 PS chronograph calibre which was constructed in 2009. The Patek Philippe 5470P 1/10th Second Monopusher Chronograph is encased in platinum and comes strapped to a navy blue calfskin strap embossed with a hand-stitched fabric pattern. The total cost for this new bit of haute horlogerie tech? An eye watering 380,000CHF.
Bremont MBIII Rapha Special Edition
New from Bremont is the MBIII Rapha Special Edition. Made for the Rapha Cycling club members, the new MBIII Rapha Special Edition is a highly robust bit of kit that marries the worlds of form and function in a package that is undeniably cool. Made from DLC treated titanium, the 43mm MBIII Rapha Special Edition has all of the hallmark traits of being a versatile, durable and battle-tested sports watch that is as subtle as it is effective.