Posts Tagged ‘watches’
Weird Watch Wednesday: The Tuscar From McGonigle
John McGonigle © Harry Sk Tan
As you well know by now, we love introducing you to new and original timepieces here on The Watch Lounge. Well this week’s piece from Irish watchmakers McGonigle is so new and original that there aren’t even photos available yet! However, given this young brand’s success with their first piece, a superb watch featuring a stunning tourbillon complication which received critical acclaim for the purity of its design and function as well as for it’s high standard of workmanship and finish, this latest creation promises to impress.
McGonigle Watches
It’s not often you come across Irish watchmaking brothers, however, John and Stephen have forged quite a name for themselves in the exclusive circle of independent manufacturers. Whilst you may not immediately recognize their names, chances are you would have seen their work in some form or another. Both men spent many years working on complicated timepieces with some of the most prestigious brands in Switzerland, before deciding to launch their own brand, “McGonigle Watches” in 2007 at Baselworld.
The Tuscar
Now they have embarked on the next step of their journey with the announcement of their newest creation. Named the “Tuscar”, in reference to a group of rocks with a lighthouse that is often the first part of Ireland seen by those approaching by sea from the west, this new piece features the brand’s new time-only in-house calibre movement.
And believe us, this in-house caliber has some serious credibility.
“First-look” – A drawing of the new Tuscar from McGonigle © McGonigle
“To ensure the success of our new calibre, we teamed up with the legendary Alberto Papi, one of Switzerland’s finest designer constructors, to help refine our movement design and specifications.” says Stephen McGonigle.
That’s Alberto Papi, as in Renaud et Papi. Need we say more?
Retaining the qualities that were so successful in their tourbillon, including its distinctive design elements and transcendental levels of fine finishing, the brothers have taken these unique features and distilled them to their pure essence in the Tuscar.
According to John McGonigle, the intention was to create a “time-only watch with a high focus on excellent timekeeping; a substantial power reserve; solid reliability; and with superb finishing and decoration. The design had to have a clean coherent style and we wanted the principle mechanical elements visible on the dial side. To achieve all of that we had to develop our own movement from the ground up.”
Sounds amazing!
The Tuscar launches with a subscription-only limited edition series of 10 pieces called, “One of Ten”, featuring a white gold case and a transparent sapphire dial revealing all of the subtleties of the stunningly finished movement beneath.
The boy’s first creation, the McGonigle Tourbillon © Ian Skellern
As a subtle point of further differentiation each watch will be marked “One of Ten” rather than traditional method of individual numbering. This first series will be distinctive from the models to follow by virtue of materials used in the movement, the design and shape of certain bridges, the type of finish of individual parts and the engraving.
The Final Word
The McGonigle brothers are true independent watchmakers. The focus is completely on quality, originality and craftsmanship. Nothing is rushed and every step taken is well thought-out and planned in detail. These are watches that are created purely for the love of watch making by two exceptionally talented craftsmen.
If you are looking for a high quality, superbly finished timepiece than look no further, you’ve just found one of the most underrated brands in the industry.
To find out more visit McGonigle’s official website – www.mcgonigle.ie
Tuscar – Technical Specifications
Calibre: McG01 manual-wind mechanical movement
Double mainspring barrels connected in parallel
Power reserve: 90 hours
Balance: free sprung balance spring with Breguet overcoil
Balance frequency: 18,000 bph/3hz.
Balance diameter 12.8mm (large diameter for timekeeping stability)
Gold escape wheel (to function without oil)
Number of jewels: 31
Case
22k white gold case and crown
Case diameter: 42.5mm
Crystals: Anti-reflective treatment on both top crystal and display back
Water resistance: 30 metres/ 3ATM
Dial & Hands
Transparent sapphire dial
Flame-blued hand-polished steel and hand-polished gold hands
Strap & Buckle
Hand engraved 18k white gold deployant buckle.
Black hand-stitched alligator
What do you think? Leave a comment. | Filed under New This Week, Weird Watch Wednesday
Classic And Classy – The New Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph
We tend not to cover mainstream brands too often here on The Watch Lounge. It’s not that we don’t like them, indeed we admire many of their exceptional pieces, it’s just that we feel there are already a number of great sites out there that do a more than a sufficient job of covering these brands, like Perpetuelle, FratelloWatches and Ablogtoread. However, when we saw this stunning, stylish new piece from Longines we simply could not help ourselves. So enjoy!
Classic Style
Scheduled to be officially launched as part of Longine’s new collection at Basel World this year, the new Column-Wheel Chronograph exhibits all the characteristics an instant classic should. Subtle and refined in its style the dial looks superb and is clear and uncluttered, just as a chronograph should be. Presented in muted tones that provide just the right level of contrast, this new piece is an absolute pleasure to behold.
The polished stainless steel case is perfectly sized at 39mm, and also is available in rose gold. The brown alligator strap with buckle ensures this piece is both elegant and versatile. This is a watch that can be worn in the boardroom, on your yacht or even on the golf course, the choice is yours.
However, it’s not just timeless looks that this piece has going for it.
Technically Astute
At its heart beats the very exclusive L688.2 column-wheel chronograph movement launched in 2009. Mandated and financed by Longines, ETA developed this exclusive new automatic column-wheel movement for a wrist chronograph, designed to provide an exceptional degree of user comfort without comprising on accuracy or reliability.
For those of you who are after something a little sportier, there is also the Column-Wheel Sports Chronograph (pictured above) presented in a slightly larger 41mm stainless steel case with a black or grey ceramic bezel. Powered by the same movement, the Sports version is offered on your choice of rubber or steel bands.
No word on pricing as yet but expect it to be between $2,000 – $4,000.
The Final Word
Although Longines gives you two choices here the clear winner in our eyes is the classic Column-Wheel Chronograph. It is an exceptionally well-made timepiece and its distinguished yet refined style will ensure it’s never out of place on your wrist, regardless of the occasion. Plus it has the technical credentials to back up its classic good looks.
This is definitely one for the collection.
Van Cleef & Arpels et la montre pour femme : l’histoire d’amour continue
Quatre ans après la création des Complications Poétiques, Van Cleef&Arpels a annoncé, lors d’une conférence de presse dans son fief de la Place Vendôme, trois nouvelles évolutions de cette gamme majeure pour le joailler.
L’esprit reste inchangé : proposer aux femmes une nouvelle approche du temps, véritablement conçue pour elles, qui ne soit pas une émanation d’une approche masculine. D’ailleurs, Laurent Picciotto, créateur de Chronopassion et ambassadeur de la collection, n’y va pas par quatre chemins : « Trop longtemps, la Suisse a été mysogine et macho ». Au moins, les choses sont dites.
Au départ, il y a la manière de concevoir le produit : on ne part pas de la technique, mais de l’idée créatrice, et l’on voit ensuite si elle est réalisable. « Tout commence donc au bureau de design », souligne Louis de Meckenheim, Directeur Marketing Horlogerie chez Van Cleef&Arpels. « La conception débute avec les designers joaillers, puis on se rapproche de concepteur du mouvement pour savoir ce qui est réalisable, et ce qui risque d’être problématique », souligne-t-il.
La marque propose donc des variations poétiques autour du temps, matérialisées par des montres pour lesquelles la technique pure est reléguée au second plan. L’amour, la féérie, Paris, le ciel étoilé, sont autant de variations des Complications Poétiques qui permettent à chaque femme d’appréhender le temps selon sa propre sensibilité. « D’ailleurs, il serait bien difficile de définir le profil type de nos clientes ; nosplus jeunes ont moins de 30 ans ! » , s’amuse-t-on chez la joailler. De même, « alors que nous pensions offrir aux femmes une expérience d’achat isolée, on s’aperçoit que certaines de nos clientes reviennent année après année pour découvrir quelles nouvelles variations autour du thème du temps nous avons imaginées pour elle ». Aujourd’hui, Van Cleef&Arpels propose une vingtaine de références de ses Complications Poétiques, éditées en moyenne chacune à 100 exemplaires par an.
Toutefois, que l’on ne s’y trompe pas : si la poésie dégagée par la montre reste ce qu’il y a de plus important, la technique n’est pas en reste. Un argument qui ne manquera pas de séduire le public masculin, bien souvent présent aux côtés de leur moitié pour l’achat des modèles les plus aboutis. Ainsi, la plupart des modèles présentés aujourd’hui, sur base ETA notamment, comportent des mouvements à rattrapante. A aiguille rattrapante ? Assurément, non. L’aiguille n’existe pas dans les Complications Poétiques. On parle de baguette magique, de papillons, d’étoiles, d’ailes de fée. Chez Van Cleef&Arpels, on ne regarde pas l’heure, on regarde le temps. Et ça n’a rien à voir.
« Nous avons voulu créer des montres qui accompagnent nos clientes dans l’évolution de leur vision du temps », analyse Louis de Meckenheim, Directeur Marketing Horlogerie. « A 30 ans, on n’a pas le même rapport au temps qu’à 60 ans. Nous avons donc conçu nos modèles de façon à ce qu’ils puissent offrir différents niveau de lecture du temps, pour rester en harmonie permanente avec la vie de nos clientes ». La collection est donc pensée pour accompagner leur propriétaire tout au long de sa vie. Chaque cliente découvrira au fil du temps une foule de détails conçue par Van Cleef&Arpels : du rubis qui ne se dévoile qu’une fois par an un certain jour de mai, en passant par les vibrations des papillons des secondes, ou au fugace baiser des amoureux, chaque montre recèle un nombre infini de détails qui se dévoileront au fil du temps.
En conclusion
Difficile de ne pas adhérer à la présentation faite par Van Cleef&Arpels de ses Complications Poétiques 2010. C’est aujourd’hui une collection mature, d’une exécution remarquable et d’une cohérence sans faille. La marque tire le meilleur parti à la fois de son ADN joailler et horloger. Chaque pièce propose un univers poétique inédit, subtil, d’une élégance rare, et est dotée d’une vraie personnalité propre, tout en s’intégrant avec harmonie dans une collection complète. A se demander pourquoi la montre pour femme n’a pas toujours été pensée comme cela… .
Weird Watch Wednesday: Chopard L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon
In a highly competitive market, such as the luxury watch industry, participants need to evolve constantly, trying new things and finding new ways to get the upper hand on their competitors. Sometimes these new concepts are beautifully executed and work out well and sometimes they just fail dismally. Fortunately for high-end luxury watchmaker Chopard their latest creation, to be presented at Basel World later this month, sits firmly in the first category.
A Podium Finish
Exquisitely different from anything the brand has attempted before, this new piece only serves to reaffirm Chopard’s impressive capabilities as a watchmaker. True to the brand’s motor racing themed heritage, the shape and design of new Engine One Tourbillon is reticent of an engine block. In fact, almost everything about this new piece has been inspired by motor racing in some way or another.
The manually wound L.U.C 1TRM tourbillon calibre is COSC-certified and has been made completely in-house by Chopard and specially shaped to fit within the unique case. It is equipped with a 60-hour power reserve and is mounted within the case on shock-absorbing blocks much like a race car engine. Three lever-arms inserted into the middle of the case hold it in place and ensure absolute stability.
As the name suggests the piece features a tourbillon complication, which is exposed on the stunningly simplistic dial, sitting just below the power reserve indicator. The tourbillon cage completes one revolution every 60 seconds and the bridge has been beautifully skeletonized, maximizing the visual appeal of this highly desirable novelty.
Subtle Yet Distinctive
The distinctive case is crafted from titanium and measures 35.4mm in width by 44.4mm in length. Showcasing a striking combination of polished and brushed surfaces, the sides of the piece reveal contrasting brushed flanks and strongly curved lugs, creating a case that is both aesthetically pleasing as well as comfortably fitting. Adding to that comfort is a hand-sewn black alligator strap with a titanium buckle, a welcome change from the rubber straps many luxury brands have been favoring on their high-end sports pieces.
A quick look at the dial and you could be forgiven for thinking you had just opened the bonnet of an expensive sports car. The satin central section and vertically striated outer sections work together to create the impression of engine rocker covers and provide a very unique look without cluttering or over-complicating the dial. The power reserve indicator sits on a slightly elevated area at 12 o’clock, looking every bit the gas-gauge it has been designed to emulate.
As a an added touch the hour markers and indices are located directly on the shaped sapphire crystal, as opposed to the dial which is the more common practice, and this in turn creates an appealing three-dimensional effect while at the same improving the overall legibility of the exceptionally refined dial.
As the brand is celebrating its 150th birthday this year, the L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon will be offered in a limited production of just 150 pieces and the price is expected to be in excess of $100,000.
The Final Word
There are many things to love about this new piece from Chopard. Its original design, the fact the movement is made completely in-house, the adherence to the brand’s racing heritage, the list goes on. But what truly impresses us, however, is the fact that the brand has been willing to try something bold and different and has really pulled it off.
This watch doesn’t need to use cheap tricks and bright colors to stand out, it is its simplicity that makes it truly distinctive.
Hublot and Depeche Mode Raise Over $600,000 For Teenage Cancer Trust!
Mr Biver with the members of Depeche Mode – © Hublot
It’s always great to see big companies giving back and no one does it quite like luxury watch manufacturer Hublot. Lead by their charismatic CEO, Jean Claude-Biver, an industry legend in his own right well known for his generosity, the brand teamed up with rock ‘n’ roll superstars Depeche Mode to raise money for teenagers with cancer. And raise money they did, combining their efforts to generate over a staggering US$620,000! What’s even more amazing is that they were able to raise this much money in the space of just a few short months!
Fighting For Good
Back in December 2009 Hublot and Depeche Mode pledged their support to the Teenage Cancer Trust which provides support services to teenagers with cancer in the areas of special care, research, family support and specialized diagnoses. A very worthy cause we are sure you will agree!
In order to maximize the amounts of funds raised, the two partners devised and executed a series of events which would prove to be hugely successful.
First, Hublot announced the creation of twelve exclusive boxes each containing twelve exclusive Big Bangs, designed in conjunction with Depeche Mode, with each one displaying one of the group’s iconic album covers on the dial. As an added touch each box also included vinyl and digital versions of the album, a framed gold CD and signed photos. Amid much fanfare these unique pieces were then sold at a special auction that ran from the 6th to the 24th of February.
The special edition Depeche Mode Big Bangs – © Hublot
It didn’t stop there, however. A charity concert was hosted by the group on the 17th of February at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Fans from all around the globe flocked in to show their support, selling out the concert in just 40 minutes! Following the concert was a VIP reception hosted by Hublot where attendees could purchase raffle tickets for their chance to win a Big Bang Zirconium. Much like the concert tickets, these sold out in minutes.
All in all, this resulted in the two partners raising in excess of $US620,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust!
Hublot CEO, Jean-Claude Biver, was ecstatic with the outcome saying;
“This joint project has proven to be a tremendous success! The result is amazing and we are so proud to have been part of this historical charity event. Depeche Mode have committed themselves with such enthusiasm to this project! It has been a humbling experience to join them on this journey. They are fans of Hublot and I am proud to associate our brand with their music and for a cause as important as the Teenage Cancer Trust…when you are passionate and successful in what you do, you should share and give to those less fortunate! This is exactly what Depeche Mode has done and I am proud that Hublot could help them achieve this. ”
Jean-Claude Biver signing the cheque for over $US620,000 – © Hublot
The Final Word
What more can be said, this is simply an amazing outcome! Two superstars have come together to combine their unique talents and leverage their global popularity to help raise not only funds but also awareness of those less fortunate or who are dealing with extremely difficult conditions. This is an occasion to be applauded resoundingly and at the same time held up as an example to others.
Hopefully the incredible success Hublot and Depeche Mode have achieved will inspire other luxury manufacturers around the world to take up the fight also, and pool their considerable resources towards making a positive difference in the world.
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