Welcome back to the next Watches Of The Week, my weekly series where I feature all of the notable watch-related news and releases of the past seven days. In this week's edition, I'll be featuring some incredible watches, including the new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Hypebeast Monobalancier, a new M.A.D.1 GMT edition, as well as an insane new piece from independent watchmaker H. Moser & Cie. Happy reading and I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Hypebeast Monobalancier
Partnering with the premiere destination for all things contemporary culture and lifestyle in Hypebeast, Roger Dubuis has created the Excalibur Hypebeast Monobalancier. Crafted in a white ceramic case with a matching bezel and crown, the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Hypebeast Monobalancier's white palette is offset by navy blue elements, Hypebeast's signature colour, throughout the bridges visible through the openworked dial.
The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Hypebeast Monobalancier is powered by the calibre RD720SQ, which has some mechanical and aesthetic improvements, like an increased power reserve of 72 hours, an optimised rotor to minimise vibrations and the doubling of the balance wheel inertia to improve stability and shock-resistance. Finishing is, of course, exceptional throughout.
Brand: Roger Dubuis Model: Excalibur Hypebeast Monobalancier Reference: RDDBEX0987 Case: 42mm Case Material: White Ceramic Water Resistance: 100m Calibre: RD720SQ Price: Price On Request Verdict: An interesting take on one of Roger Dubuis' most popular models. Awesome contrast of colours.
MB&F M.A.D.1 "GMT Milano"
MB&F has unveiled the latest variation of its acclaimed M.A.D.1. Made in collaboration for the Italian retailer GMT Italia, the new M.A.D.1 "GMT Milano" features a different coloured aesthetic compared to the original M.A.D.1 GMT. As opposed to reds and blacks, the M.A.D.1 "GMT Milano" instead has rather earthy tones in creams and greens, offset by the high polished look of the steel components.
The M.A.D.1 "GMT Milano" by the Miyota 821A which has been reworked to display the rotor on the front, which in itself has also been reworked to display like a three-armed battle axe, much like the pieces on MB&F's other more expensive collections. The new M.A.D.1 "GMT Milano" is available through GMT Italia and is limited to only 30 pieces.
Brand: MB&F Model: M.A.D.1 "GMT Milano" Reference: - Case: 42mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Water Resistance: 30m Calibre: Miyota 821A Price: CF2,900 Verdict: Subtle colour differences but a still completely outrageous and other-worldly experience. Brilliant!
Franck Muller Double Mystery Tourbillon Hom Nguyen
Made in collaboration with the talented artist Hom Nguyen, the new Franck Muller Double Mystery Tourbillon is a beautiful harmony of craftsmanship and horological prowess. The artist applied his technique directly to the matte black dial, making for a truly personal and very special display.
Franck Muller provided his own flex here, too. Instead of hands, the time is indicated on rotating discs, a triumphant feature of the famous Double Mystery complication. And of course, at the bottom of the dial is that stunning tourbillon, rounding off a very captivating and very interesting piece of haute horlogerie.
Verdict: Distinct, unique, supremely complicated and beautifully executed.
H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis
H. Moser & Cie is no stranger to ruffling feathers. And in the independent maison's latest release, that sentiment is definitely apparent. Introducing the new Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis, a completely against-the-grain take on the worlds of modern and traditional watchmaking.
The new H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis is housed in a grey micro blasted steel case, with a pixelated 3D-printed titanium bezel and crown. And like the externals of the piece, the H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis' dial is super avant garde. It has been treated with Vantablack and has been engraved with a unique QR code, offering its owner the priority purchase of future limited editions as well as other benefits. Powering the H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis is the atelier's HMC 200 movement, visible through the sapphire caseback.
Brand: H. Moser & Cie Model: Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis Reference: 1200-1238 Case: 40mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Water Resistance: - Calibre: HMC 200 Price: CF27,000 Verdict: Moser continues to march to the beat of its own drum, and in the instance of the Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis it does justifiably so with great aplomb.