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Dimitri Tsilioris

Watches of the Week: 18/11/19 - 24/11/19


In the next instalment of our weekly series focusing on all the new watch releases of the past seven days, we have a pretty stacked line up that we know you're going to enjoy. We have new pieces from the likes of Vacheron Constantin, Armin Strom, Ressence, De Bethune and MB&F. Enjoy!


Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time with a Black Dial

Vacheron Constantin has unveiled a black-dialled variation of its recently redesigned Overseas Dual Time. The black dial features a sunburst satin-finish along with 18k white gold hour markers and hour/minute hands. The velvet finished flange and red highlights round off what is a very dynamic aesthetic. I'm surprised it took Vacheron Constantin this long to release a black dial variant of the Overseas Dual Time to be honest with you, and it looks fantastic. Available on a steel bracelet and delivered with a black Mississippiensis alligator leather strap and a black rubber strap, the Overseas Dual Time is available for $36,500AUD.


Armin Strom Gravity Equal Force

Armin Strom seemingly reinvent the wheel on a weekly basis and the manufacture's technical prowess is on full show here with its latest piece, the Gravity Equal Force. Encased in 41mm of steel, the Gravity Equal Force boasts an incredibly complex movement that basically takes the traditional mainspring barrel and adds a stop-work declutch mechanism with automatic winding to create a power delivery that is consistent to the balance. I love the idealistic and forward-thinking nature of Armin Strom, and I especially love the approachable price points of many of its watches. In the case of the Gravity Equal Force, it comes in at a very justifiable 16,900CHF.


A. Lange & Söhne Opens its First Boutique in Australia

At long last, A. Lange & Söhne has opened a boutique in Australia. Where, you may ask? Right here in Sydney! That means we now have unprecedented access to some of the best watches in the world. Located at 14 Martin Place in the centre of the city, the new boutique will cover an expanse of 164 square meters, split over three levels. There will be a large glass façade exposing the showroom to passers by, a VIP lounge overlooking the centre of the room, a wall that will exhibit hundreds of hand-finished components used in watches like the Tourbograph Perpetual "Pour Le Mérite”, the infamous Triple Split and the sublime Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon. The boutique will also feature the Experience Library, where customers will be able to learn more about Lange. We can expect the boutique to open its doors some time in December. Exciting!


De Bethune Maestri'Art DW5 Armilia

The Maestri'Art DW5 Armilia is De Bethune's latest unique masterpiece, inspired by the works of renowned artist and cartoonist, Francois Schuiten. Drawing creativity from his works in the graphic novel series, Obscure Cities, the Maestri'Art DW5 Armilia features an abundance of intrigue that is evident wherever you look. De Bethune has tasked one of the best artist-engravers in Switzerland, Michele Rothen, to work on the Maestri'Art DW5 Armilia. And boy oh boy, did he do a number on this one. The entire surface of the pink gold delta-shaped case is adorned with unique retro drawings and patterns that is absolutely compelling to look at. Anything but conventional the Maestri'Art DW5 Armilia's beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, and from my perspective this is a masterpiece. Priced at 190,000CHF and a true piece unique, the Maestri'Art DW5 Armilia will see no other iteration made, ensuring its exclusivity and highlighting just how special it is.


MB&F LM101 Palladium

The LM101 has long been one of my favourite pieces from MB&F, and now it has released a limited edition version encased in one of the world's rarest materials, palladium. Featuring a sunray dial that bursts with blues and greens contrasting wonderfully with the white sheen of the case, the LM101 Palladium combines the exquisite nature of a natural pairing with the audacious attempts of high-end complexity in watchmaking. The hovering balance wheel is the real spectacle here and is in no way overshadowed by the beauty of the dial, but instead all these aesthetic details seem to work in unison. This is a very interesting watch that personifies all that is great with MB&F: purity, passion and an eye for the bizarre. The LM101 Palladium is limited to only 18 pieces and will be priced at 55,000CHF.


Ressence Type 1DXB

We don't often features pieces from Ressence, but the watchmaker's latest release is one that definitely caught our eye. Made in collaboration with Ahmed Seddiqi and Sons, the Type 1DXB is something wholly different, and that's saying something considering the methods Ressence utilises to depict the passing of time. The Type 1DXB features an Arabic-stylised dial motif. Instead of having a close dial, it has been skeletonised and features a web of Arabic geometric patterns, creating a unique play on lighting and shadows. Limited to 19 pieces and priced at 22,500CHF, the Type 1DXB is certainly a piece that is attention-grabbing.


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