Friday, March 19, 2010

MB&F- HM3 Horological Machine N°3 Starwinder

The horological Machine No3 (HM3) is so far outside existing timekeeping references that it may cause sensory overload. The mind first attempts to take in the kinetically active movement, paradoxically seen in all its glory on the top of the watch and partially circumscribed by a ring of large numerals. However before that information can be processed it is assailed yet again, this time by twin cones rising majestically from the sculptured three-dimensional case. No wonder many struggle to reconcile the reality that this dynamic sculpture is actually a highly technical wristwatch that tells the time and date.

Individualists demand choice, so HM3 is available in two versions: ‘Sidewinder’, with cones lined perpendicular to the arm and ‘Starcruiser’, with cones in line with the arm. Each version has its own very distinct visual characteristics and each offers its own angle on telling the time.

The twin cones respectively indicate hours and minutes, with the hour cone capped by a day/night indicator. An over-sized date wheel allows for large, legible numbers with the date indicated by a neatly engraved triangle on its perimeter.
However, it is the spectacular open-air theatre presented by the finely finished movement, with its swinging battle-axe shaped automatic rotor and fast oscillating balance wheel, which mesmerises the eye and astounds the senses.
Turning the watch over reveals the technical secret behind HM3’s inverted movement: two large high-tech ceramic bearings efficiently transmitting power up to the cones and date wheel.


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MB&F- HM1-TI

As much, if not more, art and sculpture as micro-engineering. HM1-Ti is an avant-garde three-dimensional timekeeping machine broken free from constraints imposed by traditional horology.

The relatively light weight belies the architectural volume of HM1-Ti's grade 5 titanium case, a case whose complex modular construction enables every part to be independently refurbished.

The radical three-dimensionality of the case construction may turn heads; however, the totally original and highly intricate movement inside, with its 376 parts and 81 functional jewels, ensures that HM1-Ti will turn minds as well.

HM1-Ti features hours and minutes on separate dials, a raised central one-minute tourbillon, a seven-day power reserve, four mainspring barrels and both automatic and manual winding.

Augmenting the more technical style of HM1-Ti is an open dial providing a visual feast of the superbly finished movement and allowing maximum visual access to the large diameter hour/minute synchronizing wheel and the mesmerizing raised tourbillon carriage.

The hours and minutes are indicated on their respective etched-sapphire bridges augmented by precision laser-cut applied numerals, while the seven-day power reserve on the right-hand dial is displayed by a rotating disk.

The challenge of applying a variety of multi-faceted fine finishes to the difficult-to-work titanium has been rewarded by the vibrant juxtaposition of light reflecting off the contrasting highly polished and matte-satin surfaces.

An extra-wide custom tapered strap, complemented by a bespoke white gold and titanium folding buckle, completes the timepiece and reinforces the highly technical nature of the case.

Exclusive is hardly the right word for an extremely limited edition of just 10 pieces.

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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Thomas Prescher- Qatar

The TEMPUS VIVENDI QATAR WATCH by Thomas Prescher features oversized 18-ct-gold case sizing 39 mm in diameter (including module) which is ornamented all over; its height is 13 mm, including module. Its caseback is visible through the crystal convex sapphire crystal showing the engraved automatic 180 carat gold rotor. The dial is made of laquer material while the figure, index plates and name plates are from 18-karat gold. The case is set with hand-cut and sewn alligator leather strap; and 18 karat buckle/clasp.
Water resistant is 1 ATM (10 meters).

The Qatar Timepiece is animated by automatic winding with 25 bearing jewels, frequency of 28,800 vph, Swiss lever escapement, flat balance hairspring, Incabloc shock protection as well as completely hand-engraved and gold plated decoration.

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Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Maurice Lacroix- Memoire 1

The Memoire 1 recently given birth in the 'Atelier de Maurice Lacroix' has incorporated a remarkable number of world firsts. Above all, the Maurice Lacroix creation is destined to become the first timepiece providing a mechanical memory function.

Drop a glance at the Memoire 1 and you will be caught by a whirlwind of emotions - the exceptional Grandes Complications watch demonstrates the powerful and unique visual appearance. It is characterized by the harmony of the pure and elegant design blending mirror-polished components with fine-brushed surfaces to smartly unite the different levels of the case and dial.

The creators of the Memoire 1 endowed it with elegant design and exceptional functions. The timepiece united eye-catching styling with supreme readability and ease of use. The innovative mechanism allows the watch's wearer to benefit from its technical peculiarities.

The circular case of the Maurice Lacroix Memoire 1, crafted in white gold, reveals a unique and entirely new look. Its construction features several different levels. The screw-fitted bezel with a laterally mounted sapphire crystal provided with anti-reflective coating allows true watch aficionados to admire the movement of the seconds hand linked to the minutes. The timepiece has incorporated an innovative mode selection button that is integrated in the crown at 3 o'clock.

The dial of the Memoire 1 also spotlights a number of innovative features. Its multi-level construction creates perfect readability of its individual displays. The dial also features the skeleton section with an aperture at 6 o'clock that displays the movement behind and the memory mechanism for the seconds. The date display is worth special attention - it is based on the uniquely inclined disc, requiring a considerable amount of space, but makes the date to be seen at first glance.

The hours disc is one more noteworthy world first of the Maurice Lacroix Memoire 1. The designers of this transparent disc conducted detailed tests and decided not to make it from sapphire as it does not provide the necessary density and is too weak for this particular application. The brand's specialists had to find a different solution. Finally, they selected a mineral-based material that has already been successfully applied in pioneering industries, including the automobile branch and mobile phones' production. The material was given a special treatment to guarantee its great hardness and sufficient flexibility.

The hands of the Memoire 1 hold another surprise. The seconds hand is blued and mounted at the outer edge on the minutes ring, while the minutes hand is covered a white luminous coating demonstrating a blue radiance in the darkness. A skeleton hand at 3 o'clock marks the selected mode.
How does the mechanical memory function of the Memoire 1 work? When you press the button integrated into the crown, the mode switches from "Time" to "Chrono". The watch's hands and the hours disc instantly change their positions. If their previous function was showing the current time, they are now responsible for measuring time intervals.

When you press the button once again, the hands and the disk are back at their positions ready for time-telling. Even when the chronograph is switched on, it is still possible to shift back and forth between the modes, maintaining the information provided by one or the other function.

Simply speaking, the Memoire 1 is able to show elapsed time while 'remembering' the current time. One touch of a button makes the watch use the same two hands and the disc for showing the current time while 'memorizing' the elapsed time recorded by its chronograph. The memory function is a groundbreaking development as this new mechanical complication has never been developed before.

The memory function of the Memoire 1 is provided by the ML 128 manufacture movement that made possible the described-above one-of-a-kind connection between the time chronograph indications. The highly complex caliber is composed of 537 components for which Maurice Lacroix has submitted patent applications.

The Memoire 1 is coupled with the superb strap, fully integral with the watch case with help of a hinge system. It is produced from matte-finished alligator leather and fitted with a white gold buckle.

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Monday, March 15, 2010

Maurice Lacroix- Starside Sparkling Date

The award-winning Maurice Lacroix Starside timepieces present exceptional Swiss luxury watchmaking in tandem with whimsical and expressive feminine design. Alluring horological delights such as the moon phase indicator and full calendar with day and month weave their technical magic on dreamy dials showcasing striking contrasting metal finishes and scintillating diamond accents. Watches such as the Maurice Lacroix Starside Sparkling Date Limited Edition present creative new ways to display watchmaking complications, in which precious gemstones become the splendid ambassador of time's continual passage.

Movement is the automatic caliber ML127 with 30 jewels (with special complications module designed in-house by ML), blued steel screws, and personalized rotor.

Functions are: Off-centre indication of hours and minutes, retrograde date indication with diamond in a shaped window at 6 o’clock (patent pending), moon phase indication with eccentric disc revealed by a cabochon of moonstone at 3 o’clock (patent pending).

The case is done in 18kt white gold, measuring 38mm, bezel and lugs set with 82 Top Wesselton diamonds, crown set with 9 diamonds (2.15 carats); domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on inside; screwed caseback with sapphire crystal.

It is water resistant to 50 meters. The dial is lacquered in purple and black; hand-applied index marks and stars; stamped hours and minutes hands.
Limited Edition of 250 Pieces.