Posts Tagged ‘Limited Edition’
Linde Werdelin Announces Very First Ladies Watch – And She’s A Beauty!
It’s no secret that the luxury watch market is largely geared towards the male population, with many brands not even offering collections for women, or if they do, they are quite limited and often don’t seem to really embody the brand’s strengths like their male counterparts. Linde Werdelin looks set to buck this trend, however, with the announcement of their very first ladies watch, the gorgeous (and aptly named) The White Watch.
Staying True To The Brand
Linde Werdelin is one of our favourite up-and-coming brands to watch for a variety of reasons but especially because they have a strong, clear vision of how their timepieces should look and function, and they adhere to it religiously.
As such, we would expect that the look and style of their very first ladies piece should not differ dramatically from the design cues of their core, male oriented, collection and happily for us (and we’re sure for female consumers world-wide too), it doesn’t.
Based on the highly popular 3-Timer model, the new White Watch reinforces LW’s commitment to quality and understated style whilst all the while providing the wearer with a highly practical tool. Even more importantly is the fact that, unlike so many other brands, LW hasn’t “dumbed it down” for their ladies collection, which is absolutely fantastic to see. This is a timepiece for an intelligent, active woman with discerning tastes which does not compromise on the brand’s core offering.
Be assured though that this didn’t just happen by accident, it was most certainly a conscious decision on the behalf of the brand’s founders, Morten Linde and Jorn Werdelin, who have worked incredibly hard to build a strong identity for their young company. To reinforce this point Linde, LW’s Creative Director, states simply that; “I am very pleased that our designs although male marketed are appealing to women as well. Maintaining the brand’s DNA is very important for LW and The White Watch is no exception.”
Although The White Watch takes its design cues from the 3-Timer, there have been some subtle changes to reflect its more feminine status. While the strap mechanism remains the same, the white calfskin chosen for the new model has a reduced width which allows the watch to sit well on slender wrists. With white as the dominating colour the dial and calfskin strap match the details in colour on the screws and 24-hour bezel markings.
Powered by an ETA 2893 automatic movement complete with GMT function, the stainless steel case is definitely on the large side for a woman’s watch at 46mm across but we don’t think this is a timepiece that will sit especially large on the wrist, and given the current trends this sizing is more than acceptable.
The White Watch is limited to just 51 pieces worldwide and will be soon available at LindeWerdelin.com and authorised retailers and will retail at €4,680. If you are keen on this piece though our advice would be to register your interest now as we don’t think they will have any trouble selling out this collection.
The Final Word
In our humble opinions the result of LW’s first foray into the women’s market is nothing short of stunning. Linde Werdelin has somehow achieved the seemingly impossible task of making a timepiece look tough and delicate at the same time, all whilst remaining true to their brand DNA. Certainly it won’t suit all tastes and there will be those who say it’s not feminine enough and the like, but we believe this timepiece reflects exactly the attributes of a female LW wearer.
Sexy, tough and just downright cool.
To learn more about this great brand and to keep up to date with all their latest happenings be sure to check out of the official Linde Werdelin Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LWuniverse
1 Excellent Comment | Filed under New This Week, Watch News
Wow Watch Wednesday: The Greubel Forsey Edition Historique
It was with somewhat mixed emotions earlier this month that we learnt of the decision by master craftsmen Greubel Forsey to end the production of their breathtaking Double Tourbillon 30° Contemporaine models (which includes Vision and Secret models.) We say mixed emotions because on the one hand it is always a little sad to farewell such an iconic timepiece, however, at the same time one can’t help but be excited by the prospect of what amazing new invention will be unveiled to fill its place.
A Momentous Occasion
If you’re not familiar with the brand then you may not fully appreciate the significance of this decision to the company and its founders, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey. The fact is though that this particular line forms a major cornerstone of the brand’s history as it is the timepiece which catapulted Greubel Forsey into the spotlight when it was first launched back in 2004. The complexity, and ensuing success of this timepiece, formed the basis for the legitimacy of the inventions that followed.
However, Greubel Forsey is an inventor and an innovator first and foremost and as such the focus of their energy and investment dollars must always be on the future. Hence, whilst the decision has not been made lightly, it has most certainly been made for the right reasons and aficionados of the brand will most certainly reap the benefits of this shift in direction.
Before the brand boldly sets off to explore uncharted new territory, however, it is only fitting that this iconic collection is given a suitable send off. And so, to celebrate the end of the fairytale story of the Double Tourbillon 30° Contemporaine, the company has created two unique series, the “Edition Historique”:
• 11 pieces in 5N red gold, and
• 11 pieces in platinum.
The Edition Historique
The beauty of every Greubel Forsey timepiece is that the complexity is not just limited to the mechanics, although the inner-workings of the double tourbillon system are in themselves mindblowing. Still, it is the absolute, uncompromising attention paid to every intricate detail that makes these pieces truly special. For example, the Edition Historique features an exclusive new gold dial that integrates three sapphire-crystal plates. Providing the finishing touch these complex insertions are engraved and enhanced by 3D structured text.
Similarly the bezel with beveled relief ensures the final edition of this iconic series has its own subtle yet original look. It is undeniably a new interpretation of the style of the earlier models while still retaining the intrinsic design features of a Greubel Forsey timepiece.
Like the other Greubel Forsey timepieces, the Double Tourbillon 30° expresses the inventive thinking of its creators, constantly seeking to challenge convention and create things of true magnificence. Visually, you will also discover the 3D structured text on the dial and engraved hand-decorated curved plates affixed to the sides of the case extolling the philosophy and skill of these master artisans.
The Final Word
You don’t have to search these pages long to discover that we are completely enamored with Greubel Forsey, and with good reason. Whilst the time has come to bid farewell to a legend we believe that a more than fitting tribute has been created to mark this momentous occasion in the short history of this superb Atelier.
We can say with absolute confidence that this special edition, unlike many others, will exponentially increase in value over time and would most certainly make an invaluable addition to your collection, both for its artistic beauty and mechanical complexity, as well as for the historic milestone it represents.
That’s assuming you can get your hands on one. Make no mistake, these will sell out. Fast.
To find out more visit the official Greubel Forsey website: www.greubelforsey.com
Ateliers deMonaco Officially Announces In-House Minute Repeater
High-end new comer Ateliers deMonaco yesterday officially announced the introduction of their very first, fully in-house developed and manufactured Minute Repeater: the Carré d’’Or Squelette Grand Tourbillon Répétition Minute TB-RM1. An exceptionally attractive and complicated piece, this latest invention grants Ateliers deMonaco entrance to a very exclusive club, made up of just a few select watch makers around the world, that have the ability to design and manufacture such a complication in-house.
This bold move reinforces the brand’s commitment to quality and high-end innovation and further raises the standard for excellence they set themselves when they first launched in 2008.
A Work Of Art
Although the first, completed watch was actually “unofficially” on show at the Geneva Time Exhibition, the official launch has been delayed till Basel World as a result of the time required to make each masterpiece.
And its not hard to see why.
All you need to do look at this new piece from the Monaco based manufacturer and it is immediately evident the attention to detail and level of craftsmanship required to create a timepiece of this standard. It is truly a work of art.
The square shaped case is fast becoming Ateliers deMonaco trademark and this particular model has received some extra special attention with the beautiful hand cut open dial affording the wearer an obstructed view of the superb in-house movement and patented XP 1 minute tourbillon.
Broken into seven main parts the case features curve shaped 18k gold side panels and an ultra light titanium core. The activation mechanism for the minute repeater is also made of titanium and integrated into the side panel at the 9 o’clock position. Ensuring the stunning mechanism can be appreciated from as many angles as possible the sapphire crystals on both the front and back have received multi-layered anti reflection coating.
In total there are 55 parts that make up the exquisite case, each of which has brushed, polished and assembled by hand. At 46 x 50 MM it’s certainly not a small watch but then again, why would you want to hide away something as spectacular as this?
The ornately hand-engraved movement © Ateliers deMonaco
Stunning Inside And Out
Unlike some other brands that spend all their time on decorating the case and leave the movement relatively untouched and hidden away behind the dial, Ateliers deMonaco ensures that their Caliber receives equal attention from the artisans (as you can see in the above image).
Showcasing another one of the brand’s signature trademarks the TB-RM1 movement is hand engraved on the front and back and features a sunbeam pattern carved into the main plate of the movement (which, by the way is made of Ruthenium or as its more commonly known, black gold).
The movement is manually wound and offers a respectable 48 hour power reserve. Other highlights include a custom made, hand engraved tourbillon cage with a sapphire bridge for the tourbillon, silicium escape wheel and silicium lever. The speed of the tourbillion is regulated by 18k gold weights and thanks to the beautifully complex Minute Repeater complication the chiming hours, quarters and minutes are available on command.
The watch is presented on a hand-stitched, alligator leather strap with an adjustable 18k gold folding buckle. Offered in a highly limited edition of just 8 pieces worldwide, the Carré d’’Or Squelette will come in a special box that has been designed as a resonance instrument, allowing for the amplification of the Minute Repeater’s chimes.
Set to be revealed to public at Basel World 2010, expect the price to be well over US$100,000.
A close up view of the hand engraved tourbillon with sapphire bridge © Ateliers deMonaco
The Final Word
Although Ateliers deMonaco is a relative new-comer to the high-end luxury watch industry it is clear that the brand is committed to making extraordinary pieces that stand apart from their competitors. Rather than looking for cheaper alternatives, as many brands have been forced to do in these turbulent time, they are investing the capital required to create a truly first class manufacturer.
Expect to see many more spectacular pieces from this ambitious brand in the years to come.
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