That’s right Australian aficionados and collectors, you did not misread the title, we have just received official confirmation today that the highly prized Chapter Two by Maitres du Temps is available right now in Australia. However, you will have to be quick, as there is only one!

Why Does This Matter To You?

It’s simple really.

One of the most common complaints we hear from our Australian readers is that a disproportionate number of the exceptional timepieces we feature here on The Watch Lounge never quite make it to their distant shores. As a result many are forced to venture overseas, when possible, to satisfy their cravings for high quality craftsmanship and unparalleled expertise.

However, all that is about to change, thanks in large part to the incredible vision of one man who will be opening a brand new luxury boutique in Sydney later this year (and no, that man is not me.)

Whilst we can’t divulge too many details, what we can tell you is that this man has a superb eye for quality and a strong desire to give sophisticated Australian consumers the opportunity to buy timepieces that have never before been seen in this country let alone been available for purchase.

Which brings us back to Maitres du Temps and the Chapter Two. For those of you not familiar with the brand we strongly recommend that you read the in-depth two-part special feature we published on the brand earlier this year in conjunction with their Founder Steven Holtzman (read Part.1 here and Part.2 here.)

Some of our Melbourne and Sydney-based readers may recognize the name Peter Speake-Marin (another famed independent watch-maker) who visited Australia recently and was also one of the watch-makers behind the Chapter 2.

Now on to the piece itself.

Images are for illustration purposes only and are not of the actual piece for sale.

The Chapter Two
The Chapter Two is the result of the collaboration of two master watch-makers; Daniel Roth, a veteran of the Swiss watch industry renowned for his incredibly complicated timepieces and Peter Speake-Marin, one of the industry’s best up-and-coming independent watch-makers.

The goal was to produce the most readable triple calendar wristwatch on the market through the use of two specially made (and deceptively complex) rollers which display the month and the date. The rollers and big date are instantaneous, so the custom built automatic movement was designed to store enough energy during the day to move all of the date functions at the same time, which by all accounts took a great deal of expertise and ingenuity to perfect.

Presented in a very attractive tonneau case, the Chapter Two features bright, diamond cut, solid gold hands, small seconds and a two-disc big date indicator at the 12 o’clock position, which finishes off the watch very nicely.

As with many high-end watches, it is the little touches that really set it apart. For example, the 22K solid-gold winding rotor has a beautiful basket weave pattern (panier guilloche) engraved upon it. What many people don’t know though is this exceptional finishing is thanks to the skills of a retired master engraver known to Daniel Roth, who was persuaded to help them out only three days before he was due to dispose of all his tools. What a way to finish a career!

Images are for illustration purposes only and are not of the actual piece for sale.

What You Need To Know
As the piece has arrived early it is being offered by the seller as a pre-sale piece ahead of the opening of their brand new, Sydney-based boutique later this year. The Australian retail price of the Chapter Two is $95,000 AUD (inc GST) and as we mentioned before there is only one available for sale in Australia, so if you are interested you must act quickly.

Please submit all expressions of interest to us via email and we will put you in immediate contact with the Sydney based seller.

Please feel free to email us also if you would like any further information and stay tuned for further updates on the pending announcement of Sydney’s newest luxury boutique.

The Final Word
This is a very unique opportunity to purchase an outstanding timepiece conceived and realized by two of the world’s greatest living watch-makers. For collectors and admirers alike this timepiece is an absolute must and will undoubtedly take your breath away every time you marvel at its mechanical complexity and superior craftsmanship.

If you are interested in acquiring this piece please email us now and we will gladly connect you with the seller.

After months of speculation and nail-biting suspense, horological devotees the world over breathed a collective sigh of relief earlier this week as the first images of MB&F’s hotly anticipated HM4 were finally released. Given the magnitude of the occasion we thought it only pertinent that we wait a few days before presenting you with our thoughts, so as to allow us sufficient time to fully appreciate the significance of this new timepiece.

So, the question on everyone’s lips; was it worth the wait? We think so.

Before you read on though, we think it’s probably worth your while watching this video, just in case you don’t know what all the fuss is about:

The HM4 Thunderbolt
More than 3 years in the making the arrival of the HM4 Thunderbolt was arguably one of, if not the most, eagerly awaited launches of the 2010 horological calendar. A harmonious blend of micro-engineering and creative mastery, the HM4 all but obliterates the boundaries between artistic expression and conventional design.

Sadly, many will look at this piece and just see the $158,000 price tag and the outrageously non-conformist design, and dismiss both instantly as being completely impractical and therefore unattractive. And in truth, this is exactly the intention of the creator. The HM4 Thunderbolt has not been designed for the masses, quite the opposite in fact. It has been designed for individuals, and one individual in particular.

Maximilian Busser.

Last year when we first spoke to Max about his vision for MB&F and why he created the pieces he did, this is what he had to say:

“When I set out to create MB&F the main goal was very simple: to please MYSELF without caring about any commercial or marketing considerations… This selfish approach allowed me to explore territories that would never have been possible in a client-oriented environment.”

It is of the utmost importance, therefore, to keep this sentiment in mind when trying to understand the depth and beauty of this timepiece. It is not a traditional wrist-watch and it does not hold itself out to be. It is instead the melding of a childhood passion with a lifetime of knowledge to create an intricately complex masterpiece that is inspired by imagination.

A Personal Tribute
In Max’s own words, the HM4 is a very personal interpretation of what would happen if you crossed a piece of ultra high end horology with the world of aeronautics. It is a unique tribute to the world of aviation, as influenced by a childhood spent crafting model planes and dreams of one day taking to the skies.

And what a tribute!

Crafted from titanium and sapphire, the attention to detail is evident in every element of the sleek, aerodynamic case. The central sapphire case alone required over 150 hours of machining (that’s over 4 weeks of work) to perfect, and provides a magnificent view of the truly astonishing movement. The twin jet-engine like barrel displays take centre stage, providing the wearer with only the most basic indications required; the time and the remaining power. Twin crowns protrude from the opposing ends, each with their own special task, one for setting the time and the other for winding.     

In a rather unexpected twist (especially given the manner in which the HM3 Frog displays the time!) MB&F have chosen to use a very simple, very traditional pilot watch dial which seems to fly (no pun intended) completely in the face of the highly unconventional design. However, at the same time this choice of dial provides yet another link between Busser’s childhood passion for aviation and his present day perception, influenced by a lifetime of experience. In a sense Max is almost saying “although some things in my life have changed quite dramatically, I will always remain true to my foundations.” Or perhaps he just likes these sorts of dials!

The movement itself is another story again. Each of the 300-plus components – including the regulator and even the screws – was developed specifically for this revolutionary calibre. Horizontally configured dual mainspring barrels drive two vertical gear trains, transferring power to the twin pods indicating hours/minutes and power reserve. For the first time equal consideration is given to the movement and the case, both sufficiently complex so as to be deserving of each other.

So impressed were we by this ground-breaking movement that we dedicated an entire article to it, which you can read here.

The Final Word
In our very humble opinions this is by far the most personal offering from Maximilian Busser to date. He has laid himself bare in every aspect of this timepiece, drawing on influences from his childhood all the way through to the present day. One cannot help but stand in awe of the courage it takes for the artist to reveal themselves so personally through their creations, completely uninhibited by market expectations or consumer preferences.

For us the HM4 Thunderbolt represents the perfect blending of truly superior craftsmanship with completely unencumbered ideals. Regardless of whether you appreciate the end result or not it is undeniable that we are witnessing the realisation of one man’s dream.

And that is truly something special.

To learn more be sure to check out the official website: www.mbandf.com

Think of one of the most unique, innovative and just down-right cool timepieces you have ever seen and then imagine it dressed in all black. That’s exactly what super exclusive luxury watch-maker Manufacture Contemporaine du Temps (MCT) have done and the result, the all new Sequential One All Black, is nothing short of superb.

In fact, quite frankly, we think this is one of the most sophisticated and seductive timepieces we’ve ever seen. However, don’t take our word for it, read on and judge for yourselves.

MCT Watches
If you’re not familiar with MCT Watches then you have most certainly been missing out. Comprised of an extremely talented team of watch-makers led by their pioneering founder Denis Giguet, MCT’s first creation, the highly acclaimed Sequential One, became an instant hit with collector’s and connoisseurs the world over.

And it’s not hard to see why.

The Sequential One is a complex masterpiece where each function is based on a combination of elements rotating on three dimensional axes, at different speeds and moments. It is more complicated than a tourbillion and each timepiece takes many days to assemble in MCT’s Geneva Atelier.

Conceived by Giguet and then designed in conjunction with another very famous player in the industry, watch designer extraordinaire Eric Giroud (read our exclusive interview with him here) the Sequential One represented the culmination of everything Giguet had learned during his time as the Head of Production at Harry Winston, overseeing the production of the famous Opus series (1 – 6).

A self-confessed passionate student of the last 200 years of Swiss high horology Giguet says he has a great respect for the watches made by his peers but at the same time acknowledges his ever present desire to create his own vision.

“I aim to ‘change the face of time’ by using new and quite unique movements and visual displays, always featuring a large and distinctive Hour indicator” he explains. “Many expensive watches have appeared with weird and wonderful designs but they often have very little functionality. Our customers tell us that they now want to buy “real” watches, not pure objects of fantasy.”

Even still, we can’t help but think there is something distinctively magical about this latest offering. Perhaps even…Black Magic?

The All Black Treatment
Available from June this year as a very special limited production model of just 20 pieces a year worldwide, we predict the Sequential One All Black will be an even bigger success with collectors than the original model.

Don’t believe us?

Well, the first 10 pieces for 2010 have already been pre-sold, so if you are considering adding one of these exceptional timepieces to your collection our advice would be not to wait too long. If you’re not yet convinced, read on and we think you might change your mind.

As you can see the distinctive case has received a carbon black DLC treatment using Gold as the base metal, resulting in an elegantly sculpted, sophisticated timepiece without compare. The black alligator leather strap, complete with dynamic red stitching, ensures that the Sequential One All Black fits snugly to your wrist, held in place by the unique MCT gold deployment buckle which is presented in a mix of gold and gold with black DLC treatment.

Just like the original model the stunning dial display comprises over-sized Hour numerals on 12 prism faces and a jumping, sapphire crystal dial, which combines with a single gold hand to indicate the Minutes. However, in this limited edition the prism faces have received a special dark coating which may seem like a minor detail but it really makes the large numerals stand out in contrast.

On the rear of the watch a sapphire exhibition case-back allows for unobstructed views of the breathtaking in-house designed and assembled movement which has been coated with Black DLC and contrasts superbly with the gold highlights.

It’s important to take a moment here to fully appreciate the significance of an in-house designed and assembled movement as it is rare these days that companies design such complex masterpieces themselves, preferring instead to outsource this task. However, for Giguet, this was never an option;

“The starting point for me in designing Sequential One was to develop and build an exclusive in-house MCT movement which we have called the ‘Jumping Sequential Hour’. It is rare for Swiss watch brands to have their own movement but for me it is a pre-requisite for any authentic, high horology company.”

As such, whilst some external suppliers were utilized to machine some of the parts required, the design and assembly process as well as quality-control testing was performed in-house by Denis and MCT’s own team of watchmakers, comprising head watch-maker Jérome Marcu, Baptiste Guye and Alexandre Bonnet. Therefore, for those fortunate enough to own one of these outstanding machines, they will have the peace of mind knowing that all servicing will also be conducted in-house by Jerôme and his highly trained team.

The Final Word
It is not often that we see limited edition re-imaginings of original models that really capture our imagination and cause us to re-examine everything we thought about their original incarnations. The MB&F HM 3 ‘The Frog’ is such a timepiece, as is the Urwerk UR-CC1 Black Cobra. Now, we have a third watch to add to this extremely exclusive list, the Sequential One All Black.

Never could we have imagined that MCT could do anything to this masterful timepiece to make us desire it any more than we already did (which was a lot for the record!) and yet they have. Not by making it more complicated or fancy, but instead by refining it and allowing its ever present elegance and sophistication to truly shine through.

What ever form of magic is at play here, black or otherwise, we have most certainly fallen under its enchanting spell.

To learn more visit MCT’s official website – www.mctwatches.com

The unveiling of MB&F’s HM No.4 on July 7 is arguably one of the most highly anticipated events on this year’s holological calendar. After presenting the mouthwatering HM4 engine at Basel World earlier this year, speculation has been raging as to what could be in store for the brand’s die hard enthusiasts the world over.

The movement itself was 3 years and 311 parts in the making, all of which were created, even the balance wheel and hairspring, specifically for this piece. Now it gives us great pleasure to present to you the very first image of all the new HM No.4 (above). Precious few details can be gleaned from the picture other than we know we want one already!

It doesn’t help things when the brand’s founder and design visionary, Maximilian Büsser, declares that the Horological Machine No4 THUNDERBOLT will be the brand’s most radical creation to date… And if you think we’re exaggerating, why don’t you check out the most recent piece MB&F unveiled just over 2 months ago, known simply as ‘The Frog‘.

All we can say is bring on July 7!

Regular readers of The Watch Lounge would no doubt be familiar with the brilliance of the Dutch Master watch-making brothers Tim and Bart Grönefeld (if not, read about them here, here and here). Famed for their exceptional GTM-06 Tourbillon Minute Repeater (the most complicated wristwatch ever created in the Netherlands) the brothers also successfully launched the Grönefeld Boutique in Holland late last year, featuring the likes of Speake-Marin, Sarpaneva and Kees Engelbarts. Now it gives us great pleasure to share their newest creation with you, the Grönefeld One Hertz 1912.

Consistently exceeding expectations
As we have come to expect from such accomplished craftsmen the 1912 is as brilliant as it is unassuming. Classic good looks belie just how complicated this timepiece is, making it exceptionally attractive to true connoisseurs of Haute Horology.

Presented in a 43mm stainless steel case complete with polished bezel and center band and hand-finished straight graining, the resplendent dial displays an hour and minutes sub-dial, a seconds sub-dial, a power reserve indicator and a setting and winding indicator (more on that later). Just looking at this piece one can’t help but be drawn in by its subdued aesthetic beauty, which to the untrained eye would seem to be the main feature of this piece, yet it has so much more than that to offer.

You see, this timepiece is the first and only mechanical wristwatch with independent deadbeat seconds ever produced.

What does that mean exactly?
Well take a second to look down at the superb timepiece on your wrist right now. Chances are that if you are reading this it is of the mechanical variety, be it manual wound or automatic. Now, if you are fortunate enough to have a seconds hand, you will notice that it sweeps through its 60-second journey around the dial.

The seconds hand on the One Hertz 1912, however, does not sweep. It ticks.

Yes, we know what you’re thinking, why would you want it to tick, isn’t that the hallmark of a cheap quartz watch? Ordinarily, yes. In this case, however, it is a celebration of mechanical complexity and ingenuity. You see the driving force behind the concept of dead beat seconds is accuracy. From the wearer’s point of view it is far easier to precisely track the passing of seconds using this sort of display than the common sweeping seconds hand.

So why is this such an achievement?
Well consider this, in order for the seconds hand to be as accurate as possible the supply of power has to be consistently delivered. Therefore, the friction of the mechanism has to be absolutely minimal so it does not interfere with the escapement. To overcome this challenge, the brothers developed a dead beat seconds mechanism that is driven from its own secondary gear train with its own power supply. This means then that the seconds are driven from one mainspring barrel and the hours and minutes from another.

What makes it even more special, however, is that the two mainspring barrels are wound simultaneously from the same crown, meaning that there is no need for secondary crowns or additional winding. As a finishing touch the 1912 also features a highly innovative “push to set, push to wind” function, with the selected mode selected indicated on the dial at 3 o’clock. A power reserve indicator above the deadbeat seconds dial monitors the life-cycle of the 60-hour power supply.

Presented on a hand-sewn, matte black alligator leather strap the 1912 One Hertz will be available in a highly limited production of just 12 pieces.

The Final Word
It really is hard not to be impressed by the outstanding craftsmanship and mechanical accomplishments of Tim and Bart Grönefeld. In our opinion this is what true watch-making is all about. Elegant, refined pieces designed to last lifetimes that have no need to broadcast their exemplary technical credentials. This is a piece that will most certainly appeal to collectors, who undoubtedly will take great pleasure in the knowledge that to most people this is just another timepiece, albeit a rather attractive one.

For the lucky few however, the connection will be personal, an intimate understanding of a most brilliant yet unassuming timepiece.

For more information check out their official website: www.gronefeld.nl/

As if you needed another reason to be completely enthralled by Swiss watch-maker Urwerk. Be careful though, this one bites! Officially announced yesterday the mind-blowing UR-CC1 has shed its grey gold skin to unveil a lethal black cobra beneath. As dark as it is mesmerizing, the UR-CC1 in black AlTiN will entrance you with its aggressive style and baffling mechanical complexity. Not for the faint hearted, this is one timepiece that must be approached with respect and caution.

Superbly Complex
The stealth-like styling and relatively simple display of this truly sensational piece from Urwerk mask just how superbly complex the mechanism actually is. Holding the piece face on you confronted with two very unusual but nonetheless simplistic looking indications: jumping hours and retrograde minutes. You see, on the UR-CC1 the hours and minutes count down the time by moving linearly.

To the uninformed that sounds like a rather unremarkable statement. Right now you’re probably looking at the clean, yellow dials and thinking “sure, it looks cool, but should I really be that impressed?” The answer is a resounding yes because the mechanism you see in front of you is so deceptively complex that it took the brilliant team at Urwerk more than three years of research and development and ten prototypes to overcome the technical challenges involved in indicating the hours and minutes in a linear fashion.

Why?
We’re glad you asked!

There were three main engineering challenges standing in the way:

• The movement could develop enough energy to operate the imposing minute cylinder, which is much heavier than a traditional hand, but where to find the additional energy to function the jumping hour cylinder?

• A toothed rack moves vertically to rotate the minutes, but how to ensure that it operates smoothly in all positions, despite the varying effects of the immutable laws of gravity?

• Having solved the power issues related to operating the jumping hours, how to ensure that there is enough energy available for the world-premiere digital seconds?

Still, these seemingly insurmountable challenges were not enough to deter the team from achieving their goal, and here’s how they did it.

Let’s Get Technical
A toothed rack/lever, visible through a display panel on the side of the “Black Cobra” transfers energy from the movement to the minute cylinder. The honeycomb structure of the lever offers the two seemingly contradictory properties of lightness and rigidity. Rigidity to accurately convey the profile of the triple cam to the minute cylinder, and extremely light/low mass so as to consume as little energy as possible and so that position, gravity and shocks have minimal effect.

The mechanism used is reminiscent of those seen in automata. A toothed segment at the end of a rack exactly moves up and down following the path drawn by the triple cam – a path that has been plotted from 104 reference points. Each of the three cams drives the rack for exactly 60 minutes. At precisely 60 minutes the rack drops on the cam provoking the opposite tooth-end of the rack to fall, which triggers the retrograde mechanism and rotates the minute cylinder. And all of this happens in just 1/10th of a second!

The energy released by the retrograde mechanism is recovered and used to power the rotation of the jumping hour cylinder. Visible through a display panel in the side of the case, a 12 pointed star and positioning spring are the only distinguishable components of this innovative mechanism for recycling energy.

Two essential elements, the disk for the digital seconds and the honeycombed rack, anchor the “Black Cobra” in cutting-edge technology. Photolithography was the only method able to provide the degree of accuracy and low mass required by these two critical components – the seconds’ disk weighs just 0.09 of a gram!

The Final Word
Felix Baumgartner, Urwerk’s ingenious Master watch-maker sums it up by saying; “We have created a monster that is hungry (for energy) so we have ensured that all forces can be recycled and reused. It is a very delicate balance as we work within fixed constraints, i.e. available force, mass, and current production technology, and then we go beyond our capabilities.”

…wow.

A special thanks to Urwerk for making all this excellent technical information available to us so that we could share it with you. Make sure you jump on their Facebook Page to get all the latest updates from this truly amazing company!

Last month we told you about a brand new timepiece created by luxury watch-maker Richard Mille for superstar tennis player Rafael Nadal. What makes this piece truly special (besides the $500k+ price tag) is that Nadal will actually wear it for every single match he plays, not just at charity events or for press conferences.

Official Debut
Earlier this week the all new RM 027 Tourbillon made it’s official debut on court at the 2010 Roland Gaross Tournament and judging by the look on Rafa’s face he could not be happier with his new watch even going as far as to say:

“It is an honor for me that someone like Richard has chosen me as one of his ambassadors. I know that he has worked very hard to be able to create this very special watch. I am honored and I am sure it will be a special and successful partnership.”

All indications so far suggest that he’s right, with the announcement of this incredible new partnership creating a huge buzz all over the internet. We were even asked for our thoughts by the New York Times!

Whilst Rafa may be very humble about being selected as an ambassador, this would seem to be a very intelligent move by Richard Mille. The luxury watch industry is highly competitive and so it is a constant battle to attract the attention (and the bank accounts) of your target market, regardless of what you have created in the past.

This piece may not be for everybody but it does showcase the extraordinary talents of Mr. Mille and in doing so gives a stunning endorsement to the other pieces in his collection. In addition, this bold move has created a huge buzz both in the industry itself as well as among the general population, generating invaluable publicity for the brand.

Although some of this can be attributed to the hefty price tag of $525,000 attached to the highly limited edition of just 50 pieces, the real hype relates to the fact that Rafa is actually willing to wear the watch during games. As any tennis enthusiast will tell you any perceptible shift in weight can really throw off a player’s whole technique.

To combat this Mille has created what is quite possibly the most expensive watch ever made without the use of traditional precious metals like gold or platinum. The RM 027 RN is one of the lightest tourbillion watches ever designed and weighs in at a meager 20g (including the strap). To make this possible the movement base-plate is crafted from titanium and LITAL alloy and the case is a special composite, containing large amounts of carbon.

The Final Word
Regardless of your personal opinions on the design or materials used, it has to be acknowledged that the fact that Mille was able to create such a delicate mechanism that is robust enough to be worn on the wrist of one the most active athletes in the world (and function reliably!) is truly remarkable.

Will it sell more watches though? Only time will tell.



Recently we told you about the exciting new partnership between Swiss watch-maker Hublot and the FIFA World Cup (if you missed it you can read all about it here plus check out our exclusive interview with Hublot CEO JC Biver here.) Now Hublot has released the first images of the inaugural, official FIFA World Cup Watch.

Take a look and let us know what you think!

Classic Fusion Between Sport And Luxury
Presented in Hublot’s newly introduced “Classic Fusion” case, the watch is fashioned almost entirely from 18ct pink gold and is luxuriously understated. Keeping with the monotone theme the satin-finished matching pink gold dial features a subtle tone-on-tone drawing of the prestigious FIFA World Cup Trophy at 6 o’clock.

A larger illustration of the world’s most prestigious sports prize is also engraved on the watch’s solid gold case-back, hiding the automatic winding HUB1112 movement from view.

Available in a limited number of just 100 numbered pieces the very first Hublot World Cup watch will be presented on an adjustable black Alligator Gummy strap.

The Final Word
To be honest at first we were a little surprised at just how simple and understated the all new Hublot World Cup timepiece is. However, now that we’ve had a little time to reflect on it we’re really starting to understand and appreciate its appeal, which much like the World Cup itself, is global. The classic design is timeless and at the same time all encompassing, providing the perfect blend of sport and luxury.

Although it may not suit our tastes completely we do think it is a very good first timepiece to celebrate the World Cup.

The question is; what do you think?

A while ago we introduced you to the truly exceptional, one-of-a-kind Minute Repeater 2 timepiece from master craftsmen Grieb & Benzinger Platinum. Now, it gives us great pleasure to announce the all new Benzinger Boutique Collection, a unique combination of pure beauty and intricate craftsmanship designed to completely enthrall the wearer.

Think we’re exaggerating? Read on and decide for yourself.

The Benzinger Boutique Collection
Offered in white gold, pink gold and steel on request these stunning new timepieces are mostly based on manually wound movements from Unitas and showcase the extraordinary talents of Jochen Benzinger and Georg Bartkowiak. Characterized by hand-skeletonized movements, genuine hand-guilloché dials and technical modifications such as the striking position of the hour and minute displays above the dial, the Boutique Collection represents a superb combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern design.

We’ve picked out some of our favorites which we think you’re going to love too. First up is the aptly named and extremely desirable ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Collection:

The White Dragon (Beauty):

White mother-of-pearl dial, hand-created and applied dragon, white leather strap, diamond bezel, 18K White gold case, 42 mm, movement set with pavé diamonds, €32.500,00.

The Black Dragon (Beast):

Black sterling silver dial, hand-created and applied dragon, black hand-sewn alligator leather strap, 18K White gold case, 42 mm, oignon-style crown, hand-skeletonized, hand-engraved and hand-guilloché movement with flame-blued screws; black and gold finish, €20,500.

However, if you are a true connoisseur of skeletonized dials than you cannot go past the phenomenal Fancy Blossom collection. Presented in three different variations (Cherry Blossom, Coffee Blossom and Ice Blossom) these are no longer timepieces, they are superb works of art!

The Coffee Blossom

Movement completely skeletonized, engraved and engine-turned by hand, 18K White gold case with leather strap, 42 mm, diamond bezel, €25.500,00

The Final Word
It seems like more and more we are seeing a return to the traditional values of exceptional craftmanship, quality and individuality in the watch industry as high-end consumers continue to raise their expectations and demand highly-customized, unique pieces.

Whilst the new Boutique collection is designed to be more accessible (relatively speaking) than the Grieb & Benzinger Platinum series, you can be almost guaranteed you will not see a similar piece on anyone’s else wrist given the highly limited production numbers (approximately 100 pieces a year maximum). Beautifully executed, every piece in the collection demonstrates the standard of quality and attention to detail that Benzinger are renowned for.

Plus gentleman if you treat yourself to a Black Dragon and your lovely partner to a White Dragon everybody wins. Same goes for you too ladies!

If you would like to know more get on to the official Benzinger Boutique website: www.benzinger-boutique.com

What You Need To Know (A Quick Summary):

• The general public doesn’t appreciate or understand your passion for fine timepieces. We do and so do your fellow readers.
• Send us an email with a brief bio on yourself with some pictures of you and your watch (minimum size is 540 x 340 pixels).
• We’ll publish it on the site and share your passion with the (informed) world.

The Problem
Let me set the scene for you; you’re at a party/board meeting/special function, etc. and you’re feeling (and looking) good. You’ve lovingly chosen one of your favorite pieces from your collection, selected specifically to complement your attire and convey just the right message to your peers. Understandably you’ve already received several compliments on your exceptional timepiece, not to mention your fair share of admiring (jealous?) stares and then out of nowhere the inevitable question comes:

“Why would you spend that much on a watch? It just tells the time.”

The wind is instantly knocked out of you as though someone has just struck you with great force in the sternum. You take a step back trying to maintain your balance as the world begin to spins around you, your blood literally starts to boil in your veins. You gasp for air, internally dialogging at a furious rate trying to make sense of this completely nonsensical statement:

“Just tells the time? Are they mad!?”

At one time or another we’ve all been there and experienced this most distasteful of scenarios and invariably we’ve all wasted the next 5 to 10 minutes of our life trying to explain the rich tapestry that is our passion. On the rare occasion we’re able to break through and thus welcome another fellow enthusiast into the fold, truly a joyous occasion. More often than not, however, we’re simply met with glassy-eyed, non-comprehending stares or polite (and infuriating) nods.

The Solution?
Here’s what we propose: don’t waste your time telling people who will never understand why you’ve chosen the watch you’re wearing and what significance it holds for you.

Tell us.

Send us an email with a brief biography about yourself and your watch along with some pictures (minimum size is 540 x 340) and we’ll publish them here on the site so that you can share your passion with fellow enthusiasts from around the world who will actually understand and appreciate your story. And feel free to tell us about more than one, if you have a collection than share that too!

As long as you keep sending your stories through we will publish at least one new reader profile every week.

So what are you waiting for, send us an email now and share your passion with the (informed) world!