Timeless Classics

Images and substance courtesy of Schiffer Books

Approximately 4 years agone successful 2020, I began processing a conception for a peculiar publication astir modern formal watches for Schiffer Publishing. This is the 7th publication I person produced for them truthful they were receptive to proceeding much astir my idea. Generally, I similar immense oversized concern watches with diameters implicit 50mm. I consciousness these styles of timepieces marque a precise bold connection and contiguous a larger canvas for Avant Garde watchmakers to enactment with. Theoretically, this works good with casual attire but has superior drawbacks with ceremonial wear. I discovered this first-hand erstwhile attending gala balls and sporting a meal suit. Ultimately, each my watches were protruding done my cuffs and looked a spot unsightly. After respective discussions with superior collectors, it was evident they were encountering the aforesaid issues. Therefore, I pondered what benignant of timepieces would beryllium perfect for black-tie events.

Originally ‘Modern Dress Watches’ was the moving rubric for my 9th publication (7th with Schiffer) but that was subsequently changed to ‘Timeless Classics’. Before penning this publication my cognition of formal watches was precise limited. Essentially accepted benignant timepieces with plain 3 manus dials and humble lawsuit sizes had ne'er appealed to me. In general, they were precise blimpish and devoid of panache. As I immersed myself into this task I discovered a myriad of breathtaking designs from the crème de la crème of watchmakers. As good arsenic precious metals similar golden and platinum brands were present experimenting with much extremist materials. For example, titanium, sapphire crystal, c and adjacent bronze person filtered into the market.

With ‘Timeless Classics’ I person tried my champion to springiness a broad overview of notable modern formal watches disposable connected the market. As good arsenic featuring firm brands  (LVMH, Richemont, Swatch) I person besides acknowledged elegant offerings from smaller lesser known independents. However, the communal taxable is exceptional artistry, craftsmanship and mechanical genius. Every enactment successful this publication displays tremendous plan merit and is worthy of being included successful this edition. Here are 5 of my highlights (with existent exerts from the book) that exemplify this constituent perfectly.

DC7 D.Candaux & Saturno

The DC7 Genesis is 1 of David Candaux caller exclusive models that is made to order. With a lawsuit measuring 44mm, the timepiece exudes generous proportions but inactive is suitable to deterioration with ceremonial attire. Probably the astir absorbing variant is simply a collaboration with renowned creator Mikki Saturno for ‘Only Watch’. This is simply a biennial foundation auction of luxury timepieces made by the finest watchmakers for probe into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. What makes this unsocial 1/1 portion truthful bonzer is the hand-painted dial that is inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. Other features see are refined skeletonised hour/minute hands and biplanar flying 30° tourbillon denotation located astatine 12 o’clock. Beneath the modern façade lies a blase hand-winding movement.

Fabergé Compliquée Peacock Arte

Impressively the Compliquée Peacock Arte won Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (High-Mechanical award) successful 2015. This latest summation is simply a collaboration with a specializer successful miniaturist creator André Martinez. The ticker is precise tiny by contiguous standards and has a demure roseate golden lawsuit measuring lone 38mm. These proportions should entreaty to a wide demographic including the unisex market. What makes this timepiece truthful stylish is the sensational hand-painted dial depicting a peahen alongside the iconic peacock. Other refined features see achromatic mother-of-pearl rotating hr ringing and infinitesimal track. Beneath the extravagant façade lies a Swiss-made mechanical movement. The Calibre 6901 comprises 38-jewels and oscillates astatine a frequence of 21,600 vibrations per hour.

GENUS GNS Dragon

The GNS Dragon is 1 of the astir exclusive timepieces that GENUS has produced to date. If you are searching for a formal ticker with a modern twist this exemplary is the perfect choice. Dimensionally the timepiece has a well-proportioned luxurious 18 Karat achromatic golden measuring 43mm x 18.8mm. What makes this ticker truthful desirable is the exquisite skeletonized dial. Hours are displayed connected 12 outer indices (peripheral and axial rotation) and minutes transitioning betwixt 2 counter-rotating discs. There is besides a fantastic 18 Karat roseate gold, stylized dragon, which is meticulously hand-engraved. Powering the ticker is manual winding mechanical question manufactured astatine the brand’s Geneva workshop. The Calibre 160W-1.2 comprises 26-jewels and oscillates astatine a frequence of 18,000 VPH.

Patek Philippe 5303R Minute Repeater Tourbillon

5303R Minute Repeater Tourbillon is simply a sensational formal ticker that volition entreaty to superior collectors. Patek Philippe authorities this caller expansive complication was created explicitly for connoisseurs of striking watches. This timepiece is presented successful an extravagant 18-karat  42mm rose-gold lawsuit that features white-gold intarsias engraved with foliage motifs. What makes the ticker truthful desirable is the majestic transparent skeletonized dial with tiny 2nd counter. Other good details see achromatic unfastened worked hour/minute hands and printed numerals. At the bosom of the ticker is simply a blase mechanical hand-winding tourbillon movement. The Calibre R TO 27 PS/252 comprises 28-jewels and oscillates astatine a frequence of 21,600 vibrations per hour. 

Voutilainen Starry Night Vine

The Starry Night Vine combines Japanese accepted creation with Swiss Haute Horlogerie. The effect is an bonzer formal ticker with an perfectly beauteous appearance. For this unsocial 1/1 watch, Kari Voutilainen has teamed up with legendary Japanese lacquer shaper Mr Kitamura and Mrs Anita Porchet. What makes this timepiece truthful peculiar is the exquisite dial with an illustration of the entity supra a vineyard. The miniature artwork progressive meticulous techniques of good lacquering that took hundreds of hours to execute. This full splendour is housed successful a luxurious 18 Karat Palladium 39mm golden case. Powering the ticker is refined successful location mechanical hand-winding movement. The calibre comprises 30-jewels and oscillates astatine a frequence of 18,000 vibrations per hour.