Posts Tagged ‘New’
Wow Watch Wednesday: Jaeger-LeCoultre Haute Joaillerie Collection
We like to think we know our place here at The Watch Lounge, and that place typically takes us far away from the more mainstream brands. However, when we saw the gorgeous new Haute Joaillerie collection from master-watchmakers Jaeger-LeCoultre, we simply could not resist. Take one look at the photos and we’ll think you’ll understand why. If you have been looking for a sophisticated, elegant gift for that someone special than you may have just found it (assuming that it is, that you can choose just one!)
Decorative Art
According to the highly respected Marque this year’s new Haute Joaillerie models tell the tale of an enchanting time in which watchmaking magic is admirably expressed through that of the decorative arts.
Undoubtedly there is a little bit of PR fluff in there but we have to say that this is one of the most balanced collections we have seen in some time. For the most part the timepieces retain a level of mechanical complexity that will satisfy the true aficionados of the brand, including complications such as tourbillions and power reserves, whilst at the same time showcasing the exceptional talents of the craftsmen who have transformed these blank canvases into genuine works of art.
The exceptional attention to detail and hand-finished touches are apparent in every facet of these timepieces, and in conjunction with the creative yet mildly constrained designs, they come together to form a truly stunning range, offering potential clients a somewhat varied assortment of luxurious Haute Joaillerie pieces to choose from.
Certainly we won’t go as far as to say that there is something for everyone here, but for true lovers of aesthetically inspired timepieces this new collection certainly warrants a closer look.
The Final Word
Jaeger-LeCoultre will always hold a special place in our hearts, for no other reason than that they are, in our humble opinions, one of the best luxury watch manufacturers in the world. They craft sensational timepieces which are renowned for both their quality and complexity, and carry a name that is held in the highest esteem the world over.
The focus of this new Haute Joaillerie collection, as the name suggests, is primarily on the pieces’ superb aesthetic features. However, unlike so many other jewellery collections, you can be absolutely certain that you are buying both a work of art and an exceptionally well made timepiece.
And for us, that makes all the difference.
Check out the full collection at Jaeger Le-Coultre’s official website: www.jaeger-lecoultre.com
What do you think? Leave a comment. | Filed under New This Week, Wow Watch Wednesday
Wow Watch Wednesday: The Haldimann H8 Sculptura
Like many of you we love complicated timepieces. The only problem is, sometimes they’re just too, well, complicated. The delicate feats of engineering ingenuity are overshadowed or worse still, concealed completely, by overzealous aesthetic touches which mask the inner beauty of the complex mechanism they overlay. However, one man is taking a stand.
And that man is Beat Haldimann.
Redefining Horological Art
Although it has been a couple of years now since he first presented his stunning creation, the Haldimann H8 Sculptura, is undoubtedly one of the most simplistically magnificent timepieces we have ever laid eyes upon. This timepiece completely redefines the concept of a watch as a piece of art, and ensures that the superbly crafted complication, a one-minute flying tourbillion in this case, remains the centre of attention at all times.
Literally.
There are no tricks, no concealed hands or laser engraved sapphire crystals, the dial is as completely pure and untouched as it appears in the photos. The central focus is unequivocally the stunning flying tourbillion complication, contrasting superbly against its sleek, black backdrop. Utterly mesmerizing the H8 Sculptura is not so much a tool for measuring the passage of time but rather a celebration of exquisite craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to traditional techniques.
As with all independent watch-makers the H8 Sculptura is a deeply personal piece, offering the patient observer a brief insight into the philosophy of its creator. Through the expression of this piece Haldimann has elevated the timepiece from its traditional function of time-keeping and transformed it into a portable personal piece of horologic art – a sculpture in fact.
To fully appreciate the concept it may help to think of the timepiece as a special exhibit in a museum. The beautifully crafted case serves as the display cabinet, impeccably designed to allow observers the best view possible of its precious contents. The tourbillon can be gazed upon from any angle thanks to the low level of the bezel and the convex crystal, granting the undoubtedly speechless admirer uninterrupted viewing pleasure of Haldimann’s masterful craftmanship.
Available in a 39 or 42mm platinum case, the H8 Sculptura can be specially ordered and then collected in person from the very hands of its creator, Beat Haldimann at his atelier in Thun, Switzerland.
The Final Word
Truly the H8 Sculptura is in a league of its own. Come anywhere within its proximity and the eye is irresistibly drawn to the hypnotic rotation of the tourbillion, spinning in constant harmony, completing a full rotation every 60 seconds. Stare at it long enough and you’ll soon realize that observing the passage of time is naught else but a foolish pursuit. It’s almost as though Haldimann is saying to us, ‘let us observe beauty, whilst we still can…”
Want to learn more? Check out the official website: www.uhren-atelier.ch
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
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