Another week down, another round up of all the latest watch releases in the regular series, Watches of the Week. It's a lighter week than last, but sometimes it's about quality over quantity, right? In this week's edition, I'll be featuring new watches from Audemars Piguet, Longines as well as two magnificent tourbillons from none other than Speake-Marin.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin RD#3
Audemars Piguet released the second instalment of its acclaimed Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin RD#3. This particular model measures 37mm across and is clad in a stainless steel case with fine brushing and polishing throughout. The case is super thin, as the name implies. And at 8.10mm you'd be hard pressed to find a thinner tourbillon.
The Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin RD#3 reference 26660ST.OO.1356ST.01 also features a stunning plum-coloured petite tapisserie hand-guilloché dial with white gold hour markers and hands with luminous coating (much like the original Royal Oak from 1972). The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin RD#3 is powered by the maison's in-house calibre 2968 which features an automatic extra-thin flying tourbillon and a power reserve of 50-hours. Damn spectacular.
Brand: Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak
Case: 37mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 50m
Calibre: 2968 Price: CHF165,400 Verdict: Small in diameter and in thickness. But not in stature. That's for sure.
Longines Master Collection 190th Anniversary
To celebrate its 190th anniversary, Longines has released a trio of exceptional dress watches. There is a stainless steel model, an 18k yellow gold model as well as an 18k rose gold model. Each reference features a 40mm case in its own respective metal, with the stainless steel model featuring a sandblasted silver dial, the yellow gold a vertically brushed grey dial, and the rose gold a grained anthracite dial. Each model has a vintage Longines logo, beautiful leaf shaped hands and Breguet stylised hour numerals. Availability shouldn't be an issue for the stainless steel model, but each of the gold models are limited to 190 pieces. Brand: Longines Model: Master Collection 190th Anniversary Case: 40mm Case Material: Stainless Steel/Yellow Gold/Rose Gold Water Resistance: 30m
Calibre: L888.5 Price: CHF2,150/CHF10,800 Verdict: A fitting tribute to commemorate almost a decade off of a well deserved bicentenary celebration. Stainless steel for me.
Speake-Marin Openworked Tourbillon V2
Speake-Marin has unveiled two beautifully contemporary tourbillons in the form of the Openworked Tourbillon V2. Available in either a black DLC titanium case or a pink gold case, the new Openworked Tourbillon V2 is actually available in four variations. In both metal options, you can opt to purchase a 38mm or a 42mm case, both with pricing upon request. The Openworked Tourbillon V2 is powered by the proprietary calibre SMA05 which was developed by the "Le Cercle des Horlogers", a workshop in Neuchâtel. It's made up of 309 components, features a flying tourbillon and is mostly visible through the inverted dial. Really very special. Brand: Speake-Marine Model: Openworked Tourbillon V2 Case: 38mm/42mm Case Material: Black DLC Titanium/Pink Gold Water Resistance: 30mCalibre: SMA05 Price: Pricing upon request. Verdict: Beautiful in style and in execution.
Watches of Switzerland - An Extraordinary Journey
Watches of Switzerland celebrated its 25th year since the family-owned retailer first opened its doors. To commemorate this momentous occasion it has released a beautiful campaign aptly titled 'The Journey'. Sam van der Griend, the Manager Director of Watches of Switzerland said the following about this defining milestone for himself and the company: “It is an extraordinary moment to be achieving another milestone at Watches of Switzerland in our 25th Anniversary. Our family is very proud of what the business has become, and for the contributions made to it by our wonderful clients and members of staff. We have no doubt the next 25 years will be just as extraordinary.”
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