2010 Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Collection: moon phase, complete calendar, column-wheel controlled flyback chronograph

A New Complete Calendar Moon Phase Flyback Chronograph

Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms Collection is home to the most rugged sports watches in all of Blancpain’s lines. For 2010 Blancpain expands the Fifty Fathoms domain of sport to embrace the complications of a moon phase and a complete calendar married with the traditional sport companion of a column-wheel controlled flyback chronograph.

This newest member of the Fifty Fathoms family, with its complicated 448-part movement, has been fitted with a host of Blancpain movement innovations. The moon phase complete calendar mechanism is drawn from the caliber F185 movement, offering the unique capability of risk-free setting of any indication regardless of the time of day or night. Other complete calendar moon phase mechanisms offered in the industry forbid setting of indications at certain times because of risk of damage to the delicate components of the calendar. Blancpain solved this problem with its unique design that frees the owner from worrying about whether it is safe to set the calendar indications. Setting itself is further facilitated by the incorporation of Blancpain’s patented under lug correctors that eliminate the need for adjusters on the sides of the case and which allow finger-tip setting in place of an adjusting tool.

The chronograph base is Blancpain’s classic vertical clutch column-wheel controlled flyback movement.

The stainless steel case is 45 mm in diameter and fitted with a blue colored sapphire unidirectional bezel and blue dial.

2010 Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Collection: moon phase, complete calendar, column-wheel controlled flyback chronograph

Technical Specifications

Ref: 5066F-1140-52B

FIFTY FATHOMS, Complete Calendar Flyback Chronograph, moon phases, under-lug correctors, blue dial, one-way rotating bezel, self-winding

Caliber
66BF8

Thickness
7,50 mm

Diameter
32,00 mm

Power-reserve in hours
40

Jewels
37

Components
448

Case
Steel

Thickness
17,40 mm

Diameter
45,00 mm

Water-resistance
30 bar (The water-resistance value expressed in metres corresponds to overpressure expressed in bars. Each bar corresponds to a 10-metre water column.)

Sapphire crystal back
Yes

Interhorn space
23,00 mm

Edox Chronorally

What rally driver has never dreamed of finally having a watch that would enable them to time their performance?

Edox has now made this dream come true with a collection wholly dedicated to the World Rally Championship (WRC). Developed exclusively for Edox, the new 36 calibre is a true revolution in the worlds of watchmaking and cars.

In addition to the standard displays, the new WRC Chronorally offers a plethora of new possibilities: stage timing with an accumulated stage time, recount/replay mode, countdown mode and chronograph.

All these functions are accessible by means of the pushpieces and the crown, which, with its outsize design, permits easy access for the gloved hands of a rally driver.

An instrument that is truly dedicated to the world’s best rally drivers and their co-drivers, the WRC Chronograph also boasts original car-theme details, with, for example, its raised caseback representing a wheel rim and its rubber wristband reproducing the contours of car tyres.

Edox has been taken on as the official timing partner for the WRC World Rally Championship for the next three years.

Edox Chronorally Backcase

Technical specifications

Functions:
hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, countdown, stage timing, accumulated stage timing, replay.

Caliber:
Edox 36, Soprod base.

Number of jewels:
12.

Movement size:
36 mm 16″.

Watchcase depth:
15.2 mm.

Watchcase diameter:
48 mm.

Finish:
polished and buffed.

Pushers:
red anodised aluminium pushpiece.

Water resistance:
100 metres / 10 ATM / 300 feet.

Dial:
black carbon.

Crystal:
treated anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

Strap:
genuine black rubber, structured.

Clasp:
stainless steel, engraved with the Edox logo.

VolnaTomic Atomic Central

Yvan Arpa is setting the watchmaking planet on fire with the VOLNATOMIC, an explosive collection in which traditional Swiss watchmaking embodied through a self-winding movement, a Large Date Dubois Dépraz calibre and Concepto tourbillon play with the concept of forbidden territory and nuclear danger by adopting the famous black and yellow color codes.

Warning: not for sensitive souls!

Code diversion, creative irony and ostentatious provocation: Yvan Arpa is once again exploring forbidden territory. After lightning, rust and dust, all classic enemies of watchmaking, he is displaying the yellow and black colors seared into the collective consciousness as symbolizing danger and embodying a warning signal.

Nuclear technology, an explosive subject with strong negative connotations, is looking for enthusiasts, connoisseurs or initiates prepared to make light of threats and advocating atomic energy as epitomizing the very essence of matter.

VolnaTomic Crime Scene

The toxic skull atomic symbol and emergency exit signs appear on a black and yellow dial framed by a bezel with a striped pattern composed of either alternating matte or polished black finishes or by alternating colors, according to the Crime Scene, Radioactive and Atomic Central models.

The figurative elements on the watch, such as the warning triangle, the skull or the atomic propeller blade serve an aesthetic role as well as conveying a cleverly diverted symbolism.

According to Yvan Arpa, “the use of irony via diverted codes is typical of contemporary art and in certain offbeat circles, but never in watchmaking.”

VOLNATOMIC appeals to natural “transgressors”, drawing them into dangerous and forbidden zones in order to escape from a day-to-day, conventional and well-defined universe.

VolnaTomic Radioactive

Technical Specifications

Functions
Hours – minutes – small seconds at 6h – large date

Movement
Mechanical self-winding Dubois Dépraz calibre performing 28,800 vibrations per hour
42-hour power reserve

Jewelling: 21 jewels

Case
316 steel, satin-brushed and treated with a black PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating

Diameter : 46.5mm

Water resistance : 50 metres

Caseback : sapphire crystal adorned with toxic skull symbol and atomic symbol

Bezel: striped with alternating black, matt or polished finishes

Dial
Two-tone with graded shades of colour running from yellow to black

Hands: yellow for the hours and minutes, shaped like an atomic symbol for the small seconds

Crown: matte black with polished atomic symbol

Crystal
2.5 mm thick spherical sapphire, glare-proofed on both sides.

Strap
Genuine rubber with hand-sewn stitching, steel black PVD-coated double-pin buckle

Source: www.volnawatches.ch

F.P.Journe Vagabondage II limited edition of 69 pieces in platinum

The Long-Awaited Limited Series for Collectors

F.P.Journe presents the second chapter of the Vagabondage Limited Series, “Vagabondage II”, which will be produced in a limited series of 69 pieces in platinum and 68 pieces in 18K red gold, available from all authorized F.P.Journe points of sale around the world in December 2009.

It is essential to retrace the history of this creation, which has made its mark in the watchmaking history and represents the quintessence of anti-marketing. In 2004, for the 30th Anniversary of Antiquorum, François-Paul Journe created a unique piece to be sold at a Geneva charity auction in favour of the ICM, research institute for Brain and Spinal Cord diseases in Paris, www.icm-institute.org. This was an F.P.Journe Invenit et Fecit creation indeed, but with an unusual shape. For the first time, the Geneva Manufacture created a watch that was not round, with a flat Tortue-shaped case and a dial without the F.P.Journe signature.

Following that charity auction, for which 3 pieces were produced – one in rose gold, one in white gold and one in yellow gold, which sold for three times their value – a limited series of 69 pieces in platinum was launched with an 18K rose gold movement. This series was sold without promotion or publicity of any kind, and without any picture. Collectors went wild for it. A legend was born.

It goes without saying the Vagabondage II series has been long awaited by collectors. This second edition present a manually-wound movement and an original digital time display, with small second at 6, power reserve at 12. The 18K rose gold movement is visible through the dial in smoked sapphire crystal, also without the F.P.Journe signature.

F.P.Journe Vagabondage II limited edition of 68 pieces in 18K red gold, back

The 69 pieces in platinum feature white gold windows with blue hands, while the 68 pieces in 18K red gold have gold windows and hands.
Owners of a Vagabondage I will be given priority for the purchase of an identical limited number from the Vagabondage II series.

A third Vagabondage edition will very likely be created as new technical advances dictate. Each watch of the “Vagabondage” series will have an original digital display system.

F.P.Journe continually re-invents traditional watchmaking techniques and constantly works to produce novel time measurement instruments.

His peers the world over recognize his integrity in the realization of innovative pieces, his ingenuity, and his unique technical sense. A recipient of all the most prestigious horological prizes, F.P.Journe has been granted numerous awards at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie of Geneva, among them three influential “Golden Hand” awards.

François-Paul Journe is one of the last remaining Master watchmakers committed to defending the fundamental values of Haute Horology, as he pursues his quest to restore authenticity to the history and practice of time measurement.

Technical Specifications

Movement
Calibre 1509
Manual winding
Movement in 18K rose gold
30 jewels

Dimensions of the Movement
Overall diameter: 29.3 x 28.2 mm
Casing-up diameter: 29.3 x 28.4 mm
Overall height: 5.28 mm
Height of winding system: 3.13 mm
Diameter of stem thread: S0.90 mm

Balance
Four inertia weights
Flat Anachron microflamed spring
Mobile stud holders
Free sprung
Nivatronic laser-welded to collet
Pinned GE stud
Frequency: 21,600 v / h, (3Hz)
Inertia: 10.10 mg /cm2
Angle of lift: 52°
Amplitude: 0h dial up: > 260°
24h dial up: > 260°

Principal characteristics
1 minute constant force device, patented No EP 1528443
Digital indication of hours and minutes
Time adjustment via crown in position 2
Pallets escapement with 15 tooth escape wheel
Two position crown
Sub-second at 6h00
Power reserve at 12h00

Power reserve
40 hours

Decoration
High quality

Partly circular grained base plate and Geneva waves
Polished screw heads, chamfered slots
Pegs with polished rounded ends

Case
Flat Tortue shape 45 x 37.5 mm
Height 8.00 mm
Dial Smoked Sapphire

Limited Series
Platinum PT 950 69 pieces
White gold windows and blue hands
Rose gold 18K 68 pieces
Rose gold windows and hands

Number of parts
Movement without dial: 223
Cased-up on leather strap: 256

Source: www.fpjourne.com

Hublot BODE BANG

The partnership between the watchmaker and Miller began in November 2008 and in December 2009 Hublot debuted the “Bode Bang” limited edition watch designed by Bode together with the Hublot design team.

Miller visited the manufacturer’s facility and was fascinated by the know-how and meticulousness of the watchmakers and he set out to craft his own watch. His meeting with Jean-Claude Biver, the CEO of Hublot, led to an immediate mutual understanding. Both passionate, direct men with an expressive and unconventional manner of speech, they quickly found a host of shared values.

The talented, feisty and determined skier, and the inventive, exceptionally energetic boss both demonstrate great generosity through their involvement in supporting humanitarian causes. The creation of the Bode Bang is the fruit of this bond. Together, they decided to divert some of the watch’s royalties to the Turtle Ridge Foundation, founded by Bode Miller and his family in 2005 (www.turtleridgefoundation.org) to support those less fortunate in life, an ambition equally dear to Jean-Claude Biver.

“BODE BANG” Technical Specifications

Case
“Big Bang” diameter 44.5 mm in sandblasted black ceramic

Bezel 
Sandblasted black ceramic with 6 H-shaped steel black PVD screws, sunken, polished and blocked

Crystal
Sapphire with anti-reflection treatment and Bode Miller’s signature at 9 o’clock

Bezel lug
Black composite resin

Lateral inserts
Black composite resin

Back 
Sandblasted black ceramic with sapphire crystal

Crown
Steel black PVD, with natural black rubber insert

Push-pieces
Steel black PVD, rectangular, with natural black rubber insert

Water-resistance
100 m or 10 ATM

Dial
White with black nickel applique indices and numerals

Hands 
Faceted matt black

Movement
HUB4100 Mechanical chronograph with automatic winding

Calendar 
Trapezoid aperture at 4.30, white background, shiny black numeral

Power Reserve
42 hours

Strap
Adjustable black rubber with clasp in steel black PVD

Clasp
Steel black PVD

Limited Edition
250 numbered pieces 01/250 – 250/250

Source: www.hublot.com

LINDE WERDELIN Oktopus Moonphase Complication

With a titanium case and a rose gold bezel and details on the dial, the new Oktopus Moonphase has been designed in a classic yet innovative way to show seven phases of the moon from new to half and full. The moon phases are entirely made out of Super LumiNova enhancing the effect and placed along 4 and 8 o’clock to maximize dial legibility.

Based on a Frédéric Piguet automatic movement, the complication is built on the date function to also provide a countdown to the next full moon, read on the moonphase dial. “This allows us to simplify a complicated function like the moonphase and make it easier for the user”, says Morten Linde creative director and co-founder of LW. While encompassing the same case dimensions as the rest of the Oktopus models, the Moonphase bears a sapphire crystal case back, which reveals the skillfully crafted Frédéric Piguet movement and the rotor bearing the AG and LW logos. It has been tested to withstand the pressure of 888 meters and the integrated helium escape valve at 9 o’clock ensures the watch endures the pressure during resurface time.

“Linde Werdelin’s launch of its first complication is an important step for us. We are very pleased to continue our collaboration with Svend Andersen and also start using a Frédéric Piguet movement for our watches” says Jorn Werdelin managing director and co-founder of LW.

On the decision to have the moonphase complication on a divers’ watch, Morten says, “moonlight creates the perfect conditions for after-hours sports activities and particularly diving. More and more people these days enjoy sports under the full moon. This is one of the reasons why we wanted to produce a moonphase complication for our diver’s watch. One can plan their next diving trip by checking when the next full moon is going to be, then clip the Reef for a safe dive.”

Limited to 29 pieces, connoting to the days before the next full moon, the Oktopus Moonphase will be available for deliveries in the fall 2010 on LindeWerdelin.com or from any LW authorized retailer.

Technical Specifications

Limited to 29 pieces

Size
46mm (w) by 49mm (l) by 14mm (h)

Movement
Automatic mechanical Frederic Piguet movement caliber 1150, Linde Werdelin & Andersen Genève personalized oscillator
72 hour power reserve / 28 jewels / 28,800 bpm
Moonphase complication by Svend Andersen with luminous photorealistic moon phases and moonphase countdown, manually adjustable by second crown position

Case
Titanium grade 5, microbille finish
3.00mm screw on case-back with sapphire crystal
Rose gold unidirectional turning bezel with 10 minute markings & Super LumiNova marker at 12 o’clock
3.8mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Screw in crown with LW logo
Helium escape valve at 9 o’clock

Dial
Black matt dial
Arabic numerals rose gold plated applied indexes with Super LumiNova

Hands
Rose gold plated, diamond cut rhodium plated with applied Super LumiNova

Water Resistance
888 m/2913 ft

Strap
Black alligator strap with titanium ardillon buckle

US Retail Price
$21,700

Source: LindeWerdelin.com

MARVIN Malton 160 Round

In tribute to its 160th anniversary, Marvin has derived creative inspiration from the powerful soul of its timeless watchmaking codes in launching the first series of an iconic Malton 160 collection. The name Malton dates back to 1906, when the brand launched an exclusive collection that was to earn international fame.

This spirit has inspired the beautiful simplicity of the round case, the elegance of the broad dial opening, the understated decoration, as well as the refined manner of interpreting the four movement variations. The latter comprise a Dubois Dépraz 14070 regulator-type self-winding movement; a selfwinding ETA 2897 movement with power-reserve display; an SW 200 three-hand self-winding
movement with date display; and finally a two-hand Ronda 7004B quartz movement with small seconds and a large date display.

Two renowned creative talents – designer Sébastien Perret and watchmaker Jean-François Ruchonnet, a name well known to collectors – have infused it with a truly distinctive spirit. This new alliance
dedicated to Marvin will doubtless give rise to other iconic collections.

Produced in the finest watchmaking workshops, the Malton 160 round watches are water-resistant to 50 metres and guaranteed for two years.

Technical Specifications

Movement
Dubois-Dépraz Calibre 14070, regulator, date, 29 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, automatic Swiss made
ETA 2897, power-reserve indication, 3 hands, 21 jewels, 42-hour power reserve, automatic Swiss made
Sellita SW200, date, 3 hands, 36 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, automatic Swiss made
Ronda 7004 B, 2 hands, small seconds, big date, quartz Swiss made

Case
Round 42 mm
Steel or two-tone steel and PVD pink gold

Crystal
Shock-resistant sapphire

Dial
Grained opaline or black

Strap
Genuine leather

Water resistance
5 ATM (50 metres, 160 feet)

Guarantee
Two years

Source: www.marvinwatches.com

The First Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox watch (1950)

Brand enthusiasts and watch collectors had almost given up hope: the legendary Memovox, which had left an indelible mark on some of the brightest hours of the last 60 years, finally celebrates its comeback. Jaeger-LeCoultre waited until the first decade of the 21st century to issue a contemporary version of the Master Memovox, one of its most emblematic creations and symbolic of an action-oriented world.

The Grande Maison in the Vallée de Joux also proposes a second model inspired by this landmark watch: the Master Memovox International, introduced for the brand’s 125th anniversary in 1958 and also known as the Memovox Worldtimer. This timepiece, which has an alarm disc featuring different towns and regions, is produced in two limited editions in 18-carat pink gold and in steel. And in keeping with the traditions that have guided Jaeger-LeCoultre since its foundation, these new versions of the legendary watch are fitted with the company’s Calibre 956, which is the direct descendant of the first automatic alarm watch movement introduced in 1956.

Constantly improved, it still represents the ultimate in accuracy, robustness and reliability.

The man of action’s watch

The Memovox was born in the early 1950s, when people were trying to forget the trauma of World War II and to build new societies. As the world was looking towards the conquest of space, to go ever higher and faster became the slogan. In this context, time became increasingly valuable and mankind in every sphere of activity was required to control it and every other aspect of existence.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Worldtime (1960)

The invention of the first automatic movement with alarm function, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 815, was part of this historical context and it’s not a coincidence that it bears the signature of the company that has consistently perceived and expressed the signs of the times.

This inherent quality of Jaeger-LeCoultre is accompanied by an extraordinary long-term vision, and as incredible as it might seem in an era characterised by fleeting trends, the 2010 Master Memovox models are fitted with a descendant of this legendary movement which has been unremittingly improved by the factory’s engineers and watchmakers to meet the latest technical requirements. This is a rare example of a movement that’s still in production more than 50 years after its creation.

Under the changing designations marking each improved version, it has contributed to the success of such iconic round watches of the Master Control product line as the Master Grand Réveil and the Memovox Deep Sea.

The latest generation of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s automatic alarm movement, Calibre 956, constitutes the mechanical heart of these two models. Introduced in 2008, it demonstrates all the qualities required of a mechanical movement of the 21st century in terms of accuracy, reliability and robustness. It has a large free-sprung balance and a winding rotor on ceramic ball bearings that needs no lubrication or maintenance. Its gear wheels have a new kind of tooth profile that ensures smoother transmission. Calibre 956 has a frequency of 28,800 vph and a power reserve of 45 hours. Finally, it is equipped with a rapid date-change mechanism.

The automatic alarm-watch

From the early 1950s, Jaeger-LeCoultre considered that rapidly changing lifestyles in which success meant wasting no time demanded an alarm function that was utterly reliable. Minds focused on reaching business objectives had to rely on a mechanical memory that would provide timely – and audible – reminders. The Memovox or “voice of memory” thus set out to conquer the public in 1950. It was fitted with a Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 489.

The success of this revolutionary model encouraged the company’s watchmakers to pursue the development that in 1956 resulted in the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 815 – the first automatic movement with an alarm function. From that moment on, the pioneers of modern civilization could concentrate on their missions, for even the winding of their watches was taken care of by a mechanism they could rely on completely. All they had to do was to wear the watch. This was when parking metres first appeared in city streets, and in some of the alarm-watch models the letter P replaced the alarm hand while a discreet ring announced it was time to feed the meter.

Winning unanimous public approval and eagerly sought after by collectors several decades later, this remarkable invention led the way for numerous improvements and new features.

In 1959, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 825 added a date aperture at 3 o’clock. In 1970 the Calibre 916 replaced its swinging weight by a 360° winding rotor and increased the balance frequency from 21,600 vph to 28,800 vph, which has become the norm for precision watches.

In 1989, the company introduced its first movement featuring an alarm function along with a perpetual calendar: Calibre 919 comprised no fewer than 350 parts, including a bronze gong, which is unique in watchmaking. In 2005, the Master Grand Réveil was fitted with two types of alarm. The wearer could choose between an audible ring, or, when in a meeting, a more discreet vibration. And since 2007, the Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm, powered by Calibre 912, has featured a world time function as well as a digital display of the hour and minute to which the alarm has been set.

A face of timeless beauty

While the movement has retained its essential mechanical characteristics, the styling has remained true to the watchmaking expression of supreme elegance. The flowing lines of the 40mm case, the refinement of the lugs, the choice between pink gold or steel combine to highlight the absolute purity of the silvered dial where graceful hands point to the hours, minutes and seconds. The numerals 6, 9 and 12 enliven the face of the watch, while the 3 gives way to the date aperture.

The alarm disc of the Master Memovox carries the arrow pointing to the alarm time, whereas in the Master Memovox International, the disc shows the representative cities and regions of our planet, just like the International model created for the 125th anniversary of the company. The solid case-back, struck with the new Master Control logo, ensures water resistance at a pressure of five atmospheres.

Representing watchmaking in its purest form, the two Master Memovox models are available in 18-carat pink gold or steel, with the International version being issued in strictly limited series of 250 and 750 respectively.

After all, such long-held dreams deserve to carry the inimitable scent of genuine exclusivity.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Memovox Rose Gold

Master Memovox: technical characteristics

Movement:
• mechanical automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 956, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand
• 28,800 vibrations per hour
• 45-hour power reserve
• 268 parts
• 23 jewels
• 7.45 mm high

Functions:
• hours, minutes, seconds
• date, alarm

Dial:
• silvered with numerals and hour-markers

Hands:
• rhodium-plated or gold-plated

Case:
• ø 40 mm, thickness: 14 mm
• solid back with new engraved “MASTER CONTROL” logo
• water resistance: 5 atm

Strap:
• alligator leather with folding clasp

References:
• Q1412430, 18-carat pink gold
• Q1418430, steel

Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox International

Master Memovox International: technical characteristics

Movement:
• mechanical automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 956, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand
• 28,800 vibrations per hour
• 45-hour power reserve
• 268 parts
• 23 jewels
• 7.45 mm high

Functions:
• hours, minutes, seconds
• date, alarm

Dial:
• black with numerals, hour-markers and transferred city names

Hands:
• rhodium-plated or gold-plated

Case:
• ø 40 mm, thickness: 14 mm
• solid back with new engraved “MASTER CONTROL” logo
• water resistance: 5 atm

Strap:
• alligator leather with folding clasp

References:
• Q1412471, 18-carat pink gold
• Q1418471, steel

Eberhard & co. TAZIO NUVOLARI EDITION LIMITÉE GRAND PRIX TN

A MARRIAGE OF TRADITION AND MODERNITY

On the occasion of the next International Basel Fair, Eberhard & Co. will present as special preview the new “Tazio Nuvolari Edition Limitée Grand Prix TN” in 18 ct. red gold.

Ever mindful of all that has left its mark on history, Eberhard is once again inspired by Tazio Nuvolari, myth of motor sport, to whom it dedicates an exclusive chronograph that is distinguished by the untarnishable value and incomparable nobility associated with the intrinsic elegance of gold.

The new gold version of “Tazio Nuvolari Grand Prix” retains the distinctive characteristics of the steel one, created and produced with a deliberate philosophy, based on the instrumentation of the vintage racing car, which reflected the demands of essentialness, distinctness, ease of reading, precision, weatherproofing and shock resistance, all indispensable requirements that are also featured in the new edition of the watch. The driver’s seat of the extraordinary vehicles, in which the much celebrated driver achieved many victories, was in fact one of the sources that inspired Eberhard’s technicians, both on the aesthetic and functional levels.

Produced in a limited edition of 123 pieces, “Tazio Nuvolari Grand Prix Or” has a tough case of generous proportions (Ø 43 mm), a case back secured by 8 screws, upon which the autograph of the driver is engraved in red and, on the outer part, an elegant circular-grained finish matching the kilometers per hour tachometer scale on the flange.

The dial, enhanced by the brilliance of the refined “Black Or” finish, is readily visible, thanks to the generous diameter of the two counters, the large Arabic numerals and the luminous hands that make for maximum legibility.

Adding to the obviously sportive character of this model, the interplay of black and red chosen as the dominant colors, endows the watch with a particular toughness: the black provides the background for the dial on which the Arabic numerals stand proudly and for the ceramic bezel, while the red enhances the small details on the dial and the miles per hour tachometer scale engraved on the bezel. The final touch is provided by the black alligator strap that comes alive with the vivacious splash of its red stitching.

This is a timeless, charming proposal with which Eberhard & Co. pays homage once again to the passion for motor cars which has always been associated with the passion for measuring time, creating the perfect combination. So “Tazio Nuvolari Grand Prix Or” becomes synonymous with passion, strength and speed, all fundamental characteristics of the essence of sports racing and its long and deep-rooted tradition, cleverly incorporated in this exclusive chronograph by Eberhard & Co.

Technical Specifications

Reference:
30067. Limited Edition to 123 pieces

Movement:
base ETA 7750 13 1/4”
Mechanical chronograph with automatic winding.
Two counters:
- counter “30 minutes” at 12 o’clock
- counter “12 hours” at 6 o’clock

Case:
18 ct. red gold 5N – Ø 43,00 mm. – thickness 13,00 mm.

Case back:
locked by 8 screws – inner part polished, with engravings;
circular-grained bevel.

Strap attachment: 21,00 mm.

Water-resistance:
3 atm.

Crown:
screw-in, personalized “E”

Push-buttons:
rectangular

Bezel:
in black ceramic, with red tachometer scale in miles/h, engraved.

Glass:
sapphire, non-reflecting treatment on the internal part.

Dial:
black, with Black Or treatment (9 ct.)
Arabic numerals, luminescent, with red profile.
The central seconds hand, the small, luminescent counters’ hands as well as the counters’ contour, the inscription “Edition Limitée Grand Prix TN” and
the carapace “TN” are all further details in red color.
Black flange with Black Or treatment (9 ct.) and circular-grained finish.
Tachometer scale in km/h.

Hands:
bâton type, luminescent.

Strap:
in alligator, black with red stitching; red gold-plated buckle, personalized “E&C”.

Artya Coup de foudre

A new contemporary dimension in the art of watchmaking

At the crossroads where the sanctified traditions of fine craftsmanship encounter the bold novelty of contemporary art and where the creative talent of the artist forges with the watchmaker’s dexterity to craft a unique masterpiece, a matchless work of art is magically born: “Artpiece 1/1″, an exceptional timepiece, part of the first Artya collection of 360 unique pieces 1/1.

“Coup de foudre”, a second collection featuring watchcases literally struck by lightning.

Artya: a Time for Art

Artya’s supreme mission is to fundamentally change the watchmaking syntax through the grammar of contemporary art.

The workshop’s initial assignment, the Artpiece 1/1 collection, heralded a new era, pioneering the appreciation of beauty, thereby relegating the context of time to the back seat. Emotion, creativity and intuition fuel the whole concept.

This avant-garde venture sets a new direction away from the current trend in watchmaking which perceives contemporary art as a device for advertising campaigns or an easy solution to enhance the aesthetics of some dials.

Here, the boot is firmly on the other foot: According to Yvan Arpa: “Imagination running wild leads the artist, and the watchmaker has no choice but to follow”.

Initiated by art, this approach is based upon the know-how and expertise of craftsmen and watchmakers, collected over centuries.

The Artya workshop has introduced unprecedented processes in watchmaking, implementing techniques harvested from the field of art.

Once upon a time… The beginnings

Deeply immersed in the contemporary art scene, Yvan Arpa, with his unequaled experience of watchmaking, gained at Sector No Limit, Baume & Mercier, Hublot and Romain Jerome, conceptualized the idea to blend art into a timepiece, to transform this everyday ustensil into a piece of art, through creating a composition to be worn on the wrist, half-way between a painting and a sculpture.

To fulfill this endeavor, he called upon a painter that he knows well and has been close to for two decades, Dominique Arpa-Cirkpa, his spouse. He entrusted her with the dials of the Artpiece 1/1 collection. Alarmed at first by the constraints of size and materials, she quickly imposed her own
creative vision and artistic touch by exploring different media and means such as various colours, paste, bristles, brushes, and knives, to create incomparable works of art.

These dials embody aspects of miniaturized paintings. As a boundless expression of the intricate precision that commands watchmaking, they turn into true works of art reigning supreme on the wrist of the aesthete, the enthusiast or the collector.

Artpiece 1/1 – 360 unique pieces

Each piece in the “Artpiece 1/1″ collection is unique. Created by the artist, crafted by the watchmaker, these one-of-kind artistic creations are each distinctly made, none can be doubled or replaced.

Difference, not conformity, is their hallmark.

“Coup de foudre”

Obeying the artist’s whim and imagination, the watch-case from the “Coup de foudre” collection are struck by lightning and undergoes thermal combustion, moulding, engraving and various drastic processes that are handcrafted in the Artya workshops.

Technical Specifications

Movement
Entirely manufactured and assembled by master watchmakers in Switzerland, the self-winding mechanical movement’s balance oscillates at 28,800 vibrations per hour

Endowed with incredible precision, the movement is fitted with noncircular square-shaped gears around the works of Mr. Pascal Winkler, an eminent HES Professor of microtechnical engineering at the HEArc located in Le Locle, Switzerland

Case
Engraved, moulded and put through a series of severe batterings, the case is crafted in stainless steel grade 316

” Artpiece 1/1″ Satin-finished black PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)
“Coup de foudre” embossed, defaced, tortured and struck by lightning i.e.100,000 volts, 200,000 volts, 500,000 volts and even 1,000,000
volts

Dial
Each dial is a unique work of art. Hand decorated according to 17 specific artistic techniques up to now unexploited in the watchmaking field. They combine collage, application of dyes and pigments, forging, etc.

Strap
The hand-sewn strap is made of high-tech rubber combined with processed “Alzavel waterproof” calfskin or with “Crazy frog” tanned
toad skin.

Water-resistance
up to 50 meters

Warranty
24 months

Source: www.swisstime.ch