Another week down, another round-up of all the latest watch releases in our regular series, Watches of the Week. In this instalment we have the newest pieces to be released from the likes of Ulysse Nardin, Glashutte Original and TAG Heuer, a boutique opening down in Melbourne as well as a massive rebranding of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. Enjoy!
Ulysse Nardin Hourstriker Phantom
Created in collaboration with the renowned high-end French audio firm, Devialet, Ulysse Nardin's Hourstriker Phantom epitomises the age of experimentation in watchmaking. Interestingly enough (and probably of no small coincidence), Devialet was co-founded by Emmanuel Nardin, a descendent of the Ulysse Nardin family. The Hourstriker Phantom features a thin membrane underneath the watch that doubles as an amplifier, enabling the Hourstriker Phantom to pump out a whopping 85 decibels. A pretty cool feat of engineering if you ask me. Limited to 85 pieces and priced at 72,500CHF.
Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date
Available with either a galvanised grey dial or a green graduated dial, Glashütte Original's Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date epitomises the brand's lust for producing timepieces that are out of the ordinary and really quite unique. Sitting within the 40mm steel television-shaped case is a dial that's both legible and really quite enjoyable to look at. An abundance of information meets you, and the recessed chronograph pushers tempt you to see what else the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date can tell you. Available on either a leather strap or a steel bracelet ($19,100AUD and $20,900AUD, respectively), the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date is available now.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 16 Max Verstappen Special Edition 2019
Formula 1's Max Verstappen is a cold-hearted killer when it comes to plowing down his opposition in one of the world's fastest pieces of machinery. Steely eyed and hyper focused, Max Verstappen is a racing enigma. So I think it just that he has a watch made for him. Introducing the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 16 Max Verstappen Special Edition 2019, an automatic variation of the brand's iconic timepiece. Sitting fairly large at 44mm and fitted with a black ceramic bezel atop the steel case, theTAG Heuer Formula 1 Calibre 16 Max Verstappen Special Edition 2019 looks and feels to be your ideal timing piece when trying to lap your mate down at your local race park. Limited to only 333 pieces and priced at €3,100.
REC Watches RJM Bluebird
Marking the end of the era of the REC RJM collection and commemorating the RAF pilots and their infamous blue uniforms is the RJM Bluebird. Inspired by the PT879, also known as the "Russian" Spit, the RJM Bluebird features a stunning sunburst blue dial that was stamped out of an actual Spitfire aircraft. Limited to only 334 pieces with each piece costing $2,095AUD, the RJM Bluebird is an affordable way to get your hands on a literal piece of history.
RJ Arraw Spider-Man Tourbillon
Featuring a central flying tourbillon and drawing inspiration from everybody's favourite superhero, the Arraw Spider-Man Tourbillon is RJ's latest invention commemorating Marvel's widespread influence across the globe. Like Spiderman's ability to weave intricate webs to entangle his enemies, the Arraw Spider-Man Tourbillon's central tourbillon looks like a spider-web that has just been shot out of Spiderman's wrists. Available in two variations, a red version made out of a carbon composite mixed with red fibreglass and a black version (named the Arraw Spider-Man Stealth Tourbillon) that has a case made out of black and grey marbled carbon composite. Both are limited to 10 pieces, with the red version priced at $97,700USD while the black version will be priced at $92,000USD.
Tissot Gentleman
Appealing to the masses is Tissot's forte, and the Gentleman certainly seems to continue along that vein. With its brushed and polished steel case, optional dial colours (blue, black and white) and an automatic movement, the Gentleman ticks a lot of the right boxes for many would be purchasers. Sure, it lacks the pedigree and heritage of a more expensive brand, but for a watch costing $775USD it leaves little room for complaint. It's as distinct as you'd want your watch to be, and with an innate ability to be dressed up or down, the Gentleman does hold a certain stigma of being that "perfect" affordable watch. I want one.
Vacheron Constantin Opens its Doors Down Under
Finally, after many a decade waiting, Vacheron Constantin has officially opened its first boutique in Australia. Located at 88 Collins Street in Melbourne (Damn -- wish it was in Sydney!), the new boutique will be the latest hot-spot for all fans and collectors of Vacheron Constantin to congregate. Having one of the three 'holy trinity' watchmakers opening an actual boutique in Australia is awesome, and it really brings to light just how far our watch community has come. I've been told we'll be getting a range of new pieces for the boutique, along with nine exclusive pieces from the Les Collectionneurs collection from November to January to celebrate the new boutique opening.
From SIHH to Watches & Wonders Geneva
Transitioning from a previously heavily industry-focused event that was SIHH to something that is a bit more lighthearted and welcoming that is Watches & Wonders Geneva marks the 30th anniversary of the illustrious and highly coveted event. The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) shed some more light on this transition: "Exhibitions, walking tours, initiations to watchmaking, and visits to manufactures, along with boutique presentations, museum open houses, conferences, conversations with industry players, and more will make up a rich and varied program that is open to everyone." Exciting!
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