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

BR Minuteur TOUrBILLON pink Gold (close-up)

Bell & Ross designs haute horlogerie for men to whom time is a true passion. Motivated to offer an outstanding measuring instrument with utmost sophistication, Bell & Ross has created the BR MINUTEUR TOURBILLON PINK GOLD

A Bell & Ross WATCH

As with all Bell & Ross watches, the BR MINUTEUR TOURBILLON PINK GOLD is first and foremost a measuring tool, focusing on readability, functionality, accuracy and reliability. Stemming from a desire to fit a timer function with independent reading to a high precision mechanism, it incorporates four watchmaking complications around a main timepiece. The combination of functionality and mechanical sophistication is what makes this watch unique. With the BR MINUTEUR TOURBILLON PINK GOLD, Bell & Ross has gone far beyond the traditional know-how of fine watchmaking to create the instrument of the future.

Opting for performance

Clearly visible in its carriage positioned at 6 o’clock on the main timepiece, the tourbillon is the be-all and end-all of precision. The role of the most noble watchmaking complications is the accurate compensation of measuring differences caused by gravity in the vertical position. The simplicity of the time display controlled by the tourbillon cannot overshadow the sophistication of the mechanism which is apparent through the glass. Utilizing the crème of Swiss watchmaking, the BR MINUTEUR TOURBILLON PINK GOLD has taken the consolidated skills of in-house engineers to meet the challenge of mechanical laws.

BR Minuteur TOUrBILLON pink Gold: the dial and its 4 complications

Opting for functionality

The watch incorporates a chronograph timer, which measures time lapses in hours and minutes from a chosen moment. The accompanying flyback function is a system for quickly resetting to zero and instantly relaunching.

This optimizes reactivity and accuracy when several time intervals have to be measured in succession.

This large counter displays two graduations for reading on two timescales.

• The external indexing provides traditional reading of sixty graduations symbolizing the minutes.

• Inside, ten sectors delimit the tenths of hours. This segmentation proves extremely advantageous for some professionals who calculate the length of their assignments in decimal mode. In addition to the time information, two small counters are located at the intersection between the main timepiece and the Timer Flyback.

• At the top, a power reserve indicator gives the remaining operating time on a scale of three days.

• At the bottom, an independent small second shows at a glance that the watch is working correctly.

Opting For Strength

The BR MINUTEUR TOURBILLON PINK GOLD owes its sophistication to the quality of its movement, its accuracy and performance, but its unique architecture is an equally attractive feature. Technology is brilliantly illustrated in its case through the carbon fiber of the dial and the aluminum of the movement bridges, which provide extra strength. Its angle rib structure also helps in maintaining solidity. And as the finishing touch to its superlative aesthetics, the BR MINUTEUR TOURBILLON is trimmed with pink gold. The high-tech measuring instrument is therefore converted into a priceless instrument.

An avante-garde instrument

With the BR MINUTEUR TOURBILLON PINK GOLD, Bell & Ross has succeeded in combining the ultimate precision of watchmaking with the beauty of a gold trimmed watch. The result is a landmark watch for lovers of rare, high performing instruments.

Source: www.bellross.com

Omega De Ville Co-Axial Chronometer for Ladies

Longer lasting than flowers, less fattening than chocolate

Love is meant to endure. Shouldn’t the present you give to express your love do the same thing? Chocolate is delicious but it will soon be eaten and forgotten (unless it has added unwanted pounds). Flowers are beautiful but before long, they will wilt and be thrown away (unless you gave artificial flowers which would be the wrong way to express your genuine affection).

OMEGA has some proposals for gifts which will last well beyond this Valentine’s Day. And the next. And the one after that. And the one after that.

She will cherish her De Ville Co-Axial Chronograph forever. It is at once elegant and sporty, blending OMEGA’s state-of-the-industry Co-Axial technology with extraordinary design. Its bezel is paved with 42 diamonds and it has a full chronograph function, a perfect complement for a busy contemporary lifestyle. And if she already has an OMEGA watch, remember our Fine Jewellery Constellation Griffes Collection which features rings and pendants whose timeless design was inspired by our famous watches.

And he will love his De Ville 4-Counters Co-Axial Chronograph with its four sub-dials dramatically spread across the face of the watch. In a staggered row, from left to right, they feature the small seconds, a seven-day counter, the 12-hour counter and the 30-minute counter. Just above the centre of the watch is a window which shows the day of the week. Like the Ladies’ De Ville Co-Axial Chronograph, this COSC-certified chronometer is at once sporty and elegant.

Make this Valentine’s Day one to remember with an OMEGA De Ville Co-Axial Chronograph. It will still be expressing your feelings next Valentine’s Day (we can’t say the same about the flowers and the chocolate).

Technical Specifications – Omega De Ville Co-Axial Chronometer for Ladies

Movement
- Exclusive Omega calibre 3313
- Self-winding chronograph
- Officially certified chronometer
- Jewels: 37 Frequency: 28’800 A/h (4 Hz)
- Power reserve: 52 hours
- Exclusive features with:
o Co-Axial Escapement
o Column wheel chronograph mechanism
o Omega free sprung-balance
- Luxury finish

Case
- Stainless Steel
- Diameter: 35.00 mm
- Height: 12.46 mm
- Water resistant up to: 100 m (330 ft)
- Polished case with polished bezel set with diamonds
- Polished crown set with 1 diamond briolette, polished pushers
- Domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
- Polished screw-in caseback with sapphire crystal

Dial
- Shaded grey dial with white MOP oval subdials
- Applied polished 18Ct gold Omega, date window and subdial rings
- Applied polished 18Ct gold index with white Super-LumiNova oval dot

Hands
- Diamond-polished facetted 18Ct gold hour-minute hands; white Super-LumiNova
- Diamond-polished 18Ct gold chronograph subdial and small-seconds hands
- Diamond-polished rhodium-plated central chronograph hand

Bracelet
- Black alligator strap on polished foldover clasp

Omega De Ville 4-counters Co-Axial for gents

Technical Specifications – Omega De Ville 4-counters Co-Axial for gents

Movement
- Exclusive Omega calibre 3890
- Self-winding chronograph
- Officially certified chronometer
- Jewels: 33
- Frequency: 28’800 A/h (4 Hz)
- Power reserve: 52 hours
- Exclusive features with:
o Co-Axial Escapement
o Omega free sprung-balance
- Luxury finish

Case
- Stainless Steel
- Diameter: 41.00 mm
- Height: 15.90 mm
- Water resistant up to: 100 m (330 ft)
- Brushed case
- Brushed crown with polished embossed Ω; brushed pushers
- Domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
- Brushed screw-in caseback stamped with God Chronos medallion

Dial
- Grey dial with black subdials
- Applied brushed 18Ct gold Omega, date window, subdial top numerals (60 – 7 – 12 – 3) and index (no Super-LumiNova)
- Chrono 12-hour & 7-day recording to view upside down
- Transferred red “REC” in the 3 chrono subdials
- Transferred “Co-Axial Chronometer” in 9H subdial Hands – Brushed facetted 18Ct gold hour-minute hands; white Super-LumiNova
- Brushed 18Ct gold chronograph subdial and skeletonised small-seconds hands
- Brushed rhodium-plated central chronograph hand; red tip

Bracelet
- Brushed-polished 9-row stainless steel bracelet (Omega patented screw-and-pin system) with safety butterfly clasp incrusted with polished 18Ct red gold Ω;

PIERRE LANNIER - Flower collection - Ladies watch all stainless steel, water resistant 3 ATM. All chocolate coloured.

15 French jewellery, high jewellery and watch companies will take part at the “International Jewellery Tokyo” and “Tokyo International Watch Fair” to be held from 27th to 30th January 2010 in Tokyo Big Sight:

11 precious jewellery and high jewellery manufacturers, stone and pearl dealers on the French Pavilion, in the “International” Section,
2 costume and fashion jewellery manufacturers in the “Fashion & Costume Jewellery” Zone,
1 men’s jewellery manufacturer located in the “Men’s Jewellery” Zone,
1 watch manufacturer exhibiting in the “Watch” Section (Tokyo International Watch Fair).

The major trends are:

For Jewellery and High Jewellery

The trend is towards softness with rounded shapes in jewellery-high jewellery (links, disks, waves, metal or crystal balls, pearls), with lightness and transparency effects (open-worked jewellery, lace patterns, links, filigree). Large designs are seen alongside extra-dainty pieces.

Plays on contrasts (matt-shiny, polished-satin or sand finish), oppositions of materials, mixtures of colours and materials are very important.

The white metal and diamonds combination retains many fans but gold comes in lots of different colours too: yellow and, above all, pink as well as, more recently, green gold. Gemstones in a variety of shapes – cabochon, facetted, twisted, briolettes, pyramids, pears – choose shades of pastel or harmonized colours or, on the contrary, combinations of bright colours. Red, in every shade, from pale pink to deep violet, is amongst the star colours this season, with a special mention for rubies, which are being rejuvenated. Pearls and mother of pearl, particularly black, are also very fashionable.

Tie-necklaces, long and fine-chain necklaces set with a variety of patterns or beads made from different materials, chains with pendants or charms as well as multi-link necklaces made from chain of different sizes, colours and shapes are particularly highlighted.

Rings are opulent: wide engraved rings, big central stones surrounded by ribbons set with diamonds, precious or semi-precious gems, large solid or open-worked settings, decorated with gem-set patterns….

Simple shank, wide or narrow link chains decorated with charms, several rows of small chains, wide rigid cuffs engraved or richly set with gems, bracelets come in a wide range of designs.

Long and hanging, hoops, studs and sleepers, earrings come in a variety of styles too.

Men’s jewellery is also the object of particular attention with ranges ceaselessly renewed in terms of designs that are adapted to or inspired by their passions. Cufflinks are back, in more modern style.

PIERRE LANNIER - PL 9 - Elegant ladies timepiece with sparkling stones decorated case. All stainless steel. Water-resistant 3ATM.

For Watches

For city wear, evening wear, sports or leisure time, watches come in highly varied styles, adapted to each activity.

In cases, the round shape is popular along with the square or rectangle and, to a lesser extent, barrel, oval and even side shifted shapes. Dials are calming down, displaying only hour-symbols, figures or finely decorated with narrow stripes, discreet patterns.

New finish techniques (PVD, IP) soften the total black look which is still a major theme (case, strap and dial), using touches of colour. Black is also combined with white (steel, lacquer, ….) whilst gold plating, gold (yellow and, above all, pink) and silvered metal are enjoying renewed success.

Diamonds, gemstones or synthetic gems remain fashionable set onto cases, dials and straps.

Leather, skin or synthetic straps are making a big comeback. Metal design are varied in terms of style or shape, adorned with a variety of patterns and sometimes combined with leather.

Men’s watches come in extra-wide sizes, sometimes oversize and in dark colours, mainly black. Chronographs, automatic, multi-function models or with complications are very popular. Urban-chic style is seeing renewed success with ultra-flat, sober and elegant designs.

For ladies, the fashion is for designs more adapted to feminine wrists, in delicate, elegant lines: metallic case-strap sets come with links or bows, rigid reeds, thin straps ors multi-lace watchstraps, cuff-watches finely decorated with a variety of patterns (flowers, butterflies, …), jewel-watches. In addition to black, which is also fashionable, black and white, white and pastel shades are in the majority.

For Costume and Fashion Jewellery

Highly graphic, the collections celebrate nature and all its riches. Simple shapes highlight the radiant white mother-of-pearl with its many different shades, focusing on its iridescence. It is associated with Japanese pearls, palm wood, glass or amazonite in ingenious settings where the mother-of-pearl plays on the sober lines themselves highlighted by clever transparency, shades of blue and radiant reflections.

Fun and feminine, the models are marked by bright, coloured animal themes (farm animals, multicoloured birds) and various takes on everyday objects to create timeless jewellery associating pewter, coloured resin, natural stones and Swarovksi strass…

For more information on the French watch, jewellery and high jewellery industry, visit the website: www.emotionfrance.com

Glashütte Original Pocket Watch No. 1

The rediscovery of a way of life

Elegant, handmade pocket watches have always been a symbol of style and sophistication. Worn on a chain, the first pocket watches were admired in the 16th century as masterpieces of watchmaking technology and miniaturization. For the first time, the portable watch made it possible for people to carry the exact time around with them, “on hand”, as it were. Over the centuries, artistically finished pocket watches made of gold were both a status symbol and a useful everyday object. Particularly as a fashion accessory for men, the pocket watch was the expression of a way of life that attached importance to using a precious timepiece to read the time.

With the launch of the Glashütte Original Pocket Watch No. 1, the established manufactory harkens back to this epoch and presents a timelessly elegant pocket watch with quarter-hour repetition, which comes in a worldwide limited edition of 25 pieces. This timepiece in rose gold captivates with its high standard of watchmaking, its innovative construction and aesthetic design. A historical watch by Julius Assmann, a famous pioneer of the Glashütte watchmaking industry, served as the model.

One particularly striking feature of this watch is the quarter-hour repetition, which announces the quarter hours and hours acoustically. Using one tone, the repetition first of all indicates the previous hours, and then, by means of a second and higher tone, the quarter hours which have elapsed since the full hour.

To operate the repetition, a slide is located on the case at 6 o’clock. This is moved by hand in the direction of 9 o’clock, thereby tightening the mainspring. When the final point of the winding has been reached the signal mechanism is activated automatically. The progress of the signal mechanism is regulated by a centrifugal governor visible on the wheel train side. The beating of the two hammers is made audible by means of two gongs of different lengths, which are passed around the piece beneath the wheel train.

Two blued steel hands dominate the dial: the slender minute hand and the hour hand in classic “poire” form turn on the central axis, while the second hand is located underneath the polished eye in a sub-dial area. The classic display is enclosed by a minute ring which, along with the black Roman numerals, stands out in clear contrast to the enamelled dial.

The watch is wound via the crown and the time is set using a two-level yoke winding mechanism. This is designed so that at the moment of winding the crown, the balance wheel is halted and the eccentric second hand jumps to “zero”.

The newly designed hand-wound calibre 84-01 from Glashütte Original permits a precise time display. A doubly non-reflecting sapphire crystal protects the calibre and gives an unobstructed view of the exquisitely decorated piece. With three quarter plate, screwed gold chatons, hand-engraved balance cock and swan-neck fine adjustment, it is a high point of the art of Glashütte watchmaking. This elegant timepiece has a power reserve of 36 hours.

Two hinged lids of polished rose gold protect the watch on both sides, with the name of the watch as well as the serial numbering from 1 to 25 artistically engraved by hand on the bottom of the rear lid. Worn on a robust chain of rose gold in a special waistcoat pocket, the new Glashütte Original Pocket Watch No. 1 is set to become a luxury accessory for today’s refined gentleman.

This special model will be available as of April 2010 when it will be officially presented during BASELWORLD 2010 (18 – 25 March).

Further information:
Amy Chia
The Swatch Group (U.S.) Inc. – Public Relations
P: 201 271 4644
E: amy.chia@swatchgroup.com

GREUBEL FORSEY Quadruple tourbillon à différentiel sphérique

Extraordinary choreography

Thanks to this uncompromising creation, Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey have reaffirmed themselves as authentic inventors, using the mechanical timepiece as their means of expression.

The Quadruple Tourbillon à Différentiel is a blend of art and technical innovation which encapsulates the very soul of its the two creators.

Transparent sapphire bridges were specifically chosen to allow unimpaired visual access to the perfectly choreographed aerial ballet of the four Tourbillons.

Asymmetrical balance

Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey have engineered the four Tourbillons together in a contemporary design, in which elegance and harmony are the dominant features.

In the same spirit, and owing to the impressive number of parts which make up the movement, an asymmetrically-shaped case was chosen. The asymmetrical form was also an aesthetic tribute to the asynchronicity of the four Tourbillons. To complement the homogeneous ensemble, the displays of the small second and the power reserve dials are semi-circular.

GREUBEL FORSEY Quadruple tourbillon à différentiel sphérique

With its sophisticated coalescence of technical Invention and artistic design, the Quadruple Tourbillon à Différentiel encapsulates the best in fine watchmaking.

Wearing a Quadruple Tourbillon à Différentiel is to enter the universe of Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey, and to share, appreciate and be empathetic to the essential values emanating from their Invention.

The GREUBEL FORSEY Quadruple tourbillon à différentiel sphérique, together with Invention Piece 3 and Double Tourbillon Technique were pre-selected in three categories in the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2009:

Quadruple Tourbillon à Différentiel Sphérique – Men’s watch

Invention Piece 3 – Design watch

Double Tourbillon Technique- Complicated watch

GREUBEL FORSEY Invention Piece 3

GREUBEL FORSEY Double Tourbillon Technique

Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde SW ROUGE

Three exceptional models by Jaquet Droz are expected to arrive in stores in September 2009!

True to its vanguard spirit, Jaquet Droz presents three flagship timepieces from Baselworld 09 – with a Numerus Clausus of 88 – that highlight the absolute black of the Grand Feu enamelled dial, the black matt of the rubber and the red gold of the case.

Grande Seconde SW ROUGE

In unveiling the Grande Seconde SW ROUGE, Jaquet Droz is giving the sports watch the recognition it so richly deserves. This new watch combines technical performance and ultimate elegance of design – red and black interact for dynamic visual impact – with the thrilling exuberance of high-speed sports.

Red gold is not only used for the case, but also for the three-dimensional ring circling both dials on this model, with its superb, masculine lines. Red gold gleams from the applied plates, the hollowed horns, the hands and the folding clasp – whose shining surface contrasts with the dark matt of the rubber strap – not to mention the dial, crown and fluted bezel with its deliberately assertive design. This beautifully balanced design is carefully thought out down to the last detail: the watch hands are tipped with a coat of Super-LumiNova.

Suggested Retail Price: 30’000 CHF

Jaquet Droz Les Douze Villes

Les Douze Villes

Twelve cities, like so many possibilities for different modes of existence, lifestyles and desires… Twelve destinations, each with their own history, secrets, memories and encounters… All twelve are displayed on one magnificent watch: Les Douze Villes, destined for those whose lives are characterised by the crossing of different time zones. For this timepiece, Jaquet Droz has chosen a black Grand Feu enamelled dial with its unique grain to harbour twelve interpretations of temporality within a mere few square centimetres.

Two apertures appear on the dial: the first, at 6 o’clock, indicates the selected city, and the second, at 12 o’clock, displays the local time. Perfectly centered, an imposing red gold hand marks the minutes, which advance at the same pace whether in Geneva, Moscow or Shanghai… Besides this poetic allusion to the universality of time, the watch features a jumping hours complication in its 43 mm red gold case. Inside, two independent plates in simultaneous motion display the time in the selected city by means of a complex mechanism.

Suggested Retail Price : 32’000 CHF

Jaquet Droz La Rattrapante

La Rattrapante

Taking the measure of Time in all of its dimensions… that’s the challenge facing the chronographe à rattrapante created for the prestigious Hommage La Chaux-de-Fonds 1738 Collection by Jaquet Droz. A masterpiece of the watchmaking art, the chronograph possesses a black Grand Feu enamelled dial that has long been a hallmark of the Manufacture, as well as a complex set of red gold hands whose perfect readability constitutes an impressive feat in itself. This chronographe à rattrapante, with its generously proportioned 45 mm red gold watchcase, can measure two events starting at the same time but of different durations: in turn, the chronograph hand and the rattrapante work together or compete under the supervision of the large date, proudly displayed in an aperture at 12 o’clock.

Thanks to its tachymeter function, the rattrapante can also measure the speed at which the wearer travels in kilometres/hour or the equivalent, an additional complication used to seize Time in all of its various forms, at the very same instant…

Suggested Retail Price : 42’000 CHF

The New HUBLOT Big Bang “Red Devil 2”

Hang Zhou, 25 July 2009 – For Swiss watchmaker Hublot , there are today so many reasons to organise an event in China: the opening of their shop in Hang Zhou, the launch of the second edit ion of the Red Devil Bang, together with the Manchester United team and, last but not least, the opportunity to make a gesture in support of the HOPE Foundation, through a one million $ challenge.

Hublot is continuing its activity in the Chinese market with an event which turned out to be both spectacular and generous. The watchmaking brand has invited several of the best Red Devils players to take up a challenge that would test even the most finely-honed shooting skills. This has taken place on the same day as the opening ceremony of their first shop in Hang Zhou at the prestigious department store “Hang Zhou Tower”. The aim was for Paul Scholes, Ji-Sung Park, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra to shoot the ball from the shore of the “West Lake” into a target placed 16 metres away, on a boat. For each goal scored, Hublot promised to donate the sum of $250,000 to the HOPE Foundation, a notfor-profit organisation who raises funds to help children in China and Hong Kong, by setting up education programs (www.hope-ef.org). Jean-Claude Biver, Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill, CEO of Manchester United, were there to cheer on the four players! In a festive spirit, the enthusiastic players finally couldn’t make it, even though Rio Ferdinand hit the target board very close to the hole. Sir Alex Ferguson couldn’t resist to make an attempt himself – wearing his “every day” shoes ! -, and his legendary talent didn’t lie as he was the one who kicked the closest to the goal ! David Gill also tried, and then Jean-Claude Biver, after a attempt on the grass, boarded on a boat to bring symbolically the ball in the hole and to offer the Foundation $10’000, in addition to the 100’000 promised. The cheque was donated to the famous founders and representatives of Hope Foundation, the actress Miss Lee Xing Jie and the singer Miss Xu Ru Yun.

After a committed season of cooperation and partnership, Hublot and the Red Devils used this event to present a new edition of the Big Bang in the colours of the reigning English champions. With a 45 minute counter at 9 o’clock, the “Red Devil” logo at 3 o’clock, and a new rose gold case fitted on a rubber Alligator strap, the series is limited to just 99 pieces!

This new model will delight fans of both Manchester United and Big Bang with its sporty yet sophisticated appeal.

Technical specifications

Case
“Big Bang” diameter 44.5 mm in 5N gold, with satin-finish end pieces

Bezel
Black, satin-polished ceramic with 6 titanium H-shaped screws – sunken, polished and blocked

Crystal
Sapphire crystal with interior/exterior anti-reflection treatment

Bezel lug
Black composite resin

Lateral inserts
Black composite resin

Back
Gold 5N with sapphire crystal, interior anti-reflection treatment with opaque Manchester United logo

Crown
5N gold with black rubber insert

Push-pieces
5N, rectangular with black rubber insert

Water-resistance
100 m or 10 ATM

Dial
Matt black microblasted with red index appliqués markers, yellow motion-work, 45-minute counter with yellow figures at 9:00, red Red Devil logo in the counter at 3:00

Hands
Brilliant black with yellow luminescent feature, red chronograph hand

Movement
45-minute counter mechanical chronograph with automatic winding, Hublot HUB45 calibre

No of components
252

Rubies
55

Bridges
Polished, satin-finish with chamfered edges

Screws
Black PVD

Calendar
Rectangular aperture at 6:00 with yellow date

Oscillating weight
Tungsten carbide with dimpled surface coated with black PVD

Bottom plate
Sand-blasted; rhodium-plated

Barrel
With reinforced spring

Escapement
Glucydur balance spring

Power reserve
42 hours

Strap
Adjustable black Gummy alligator

Clasp
5N gold and black PVD deployant clasp

Limited Edition 99 numbered pieces 01/99 – 99/99

Invention Piece 1 White gold case

Honoring the first invention

The Invention Piece 1 embodies Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey’s wish to honor the Double Tourbillon 30° and to raise the bar yet another notch by opening up whole new vistas for their first major invention. Both the architecture of the movement and the display of information symbolize the four years of meticulous research that the Inventor Watchmakers have devoted to developing the new mechanism.

In this Invention Piece 1, the creative Greubel Forsey twosome has rearranged the volumes and surfaces of the timepiece according to a new technical and aesthetic structure. The latter places the Double Tourbillon 30° at the centre of a semi-circular hour and minute display, thereby visually reinforcing the link between the mechanism responsible for measuring the time and its “symbolic” indication.

Compared with the Double Tourbillon 30°, the movement driving the Invention Piece 1 has been profoundly modified to off-center the double cage by shifting it slightly to the left and distinctly higher. This position freed up space to place the object of the invention at the very center of the highly original hour and minute display. Two triangular indicators – a red one for the hours and a blue one for the minutes – enable the observer to follow the passing of time on the mechanism’s two concentric semi-circles.

To facilitate read-off, the 12-hour and 0-minute markers are aligned at the traditional 12 o’clock position.

Invention Piece 1 Red gold case

Magnificently evoking the mechanical genius of the Invention Piece 1, the various speeds of rotation of these different elements give an idea of the complexity of the mechanism: whereas the outer cage takes four minutes to perform a complete rotation and the inner cage just 60 seconds, the double hands turn in 24 hours for the hours display and two hours for minutes.

Around the tourbillon with its indicators, the absence of a dial reveals the frosted nickel silver bridges that are clearly visible on three distinct levels.
This opening provides a view of the concentric gearing serving to drive the hour and minute indicators. The off-centred small seconds and power-reserve displays are reminiscent of a miniature solar system.

While the case with its signature Greubel Forsey lugs is immediately recognizable, this Invention Piece 1 expresses its unique nature, reinforced by an unexpected detail: directly engraved on a plate appearing on the case-back, a unique message from the Inventor Watchmakers will forever accompany the owner of this exceptional timepiece.

388 parts contribute to the smooth running of the movement driving the Invention Piece 1, including 128 for the double cage that weighs just 1.17 grams.

The Invention Piece 1 is produced in a single edition comprising three versions of 11 watches each, a number chosen for its symbolic value representing the Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey partnership.

Invention Piece 1

Technical Specifications

Mechanical hand-wound movement, GF Calibre 02n

Off-centered Double Tourbillon 30°, Outer Tourbillon 4-minute rotation indicator, Inner Tourbillon 60-second rotation indicator, hours and minutes display,
seconds display, power-reserve indicator. Patented DT30° mechanism

Unique edition of 33 pieces

Movement
Movement dimensions
Diameter: 36.4 mm
Thickness: 12.72 mm

Number of parts
Complete movement: 388 parts
Tourbillon cage: 128 parts
Weight of the cage: 1.17 g

Number of jewels
38
Olive-domed jewels in gold chatons

Power reserve
72 hours

Barrels
Series-coupled fast-rotating double barrel (1 turn in 3.2 hours), equipped with a slip-spring to avoid excessive tension

Balance wheel
Free sprung balance with white gold mean-time screws (10.7 mm diameter)

Frequency
21’600 vibrations/hour

Balance spring
Phillips terminal curve
Geneva-style stud

Main Plates
Spotted and frosted nickel silver

Bridges
Frosted and gold-finished nickel silver
“Message from the Inventor Watchmakers” text in relief on a gold plate

Gearing
Involute circle profile
Conical gearing with corrected profile

Inner Tourbillon
Inclined at a 30° angle, 1 rotation per minute

Outer Tourbillon
1 rotation in 4 minutes
Hand-bevelled and open-worked cage pillars
Solid gold counterweight plate

Displays
Hours and minutes
Small seconds
72-hour power reserve on a sector

Habillage
Case
In gold or platinum with convex sapphire crystal, 3 versions in series of 11 each
Transparent back with convex sapphire crystal
Raised engraving of the name of the Invention on a hand-punched background
Gold security screws
Hand-engraved individual number

Case dimensions
Diameter: 43.5 mm
Thickness: 16.64 mm

Water resistance of the case
3 ATM – 30 m – 100 ft

Crown
Gold with engraved and black lacquered GF logo

Hands
Hours (red triangle) and minutes (blue triangle)
Small seconds
Power-reserve pointers in flame-blued steel

Strap
Hand-sewn black or brown alligator leather with gold folding clasp, hand-embossed with the Greubel Forsey initials

Milus ZETIOS Chronograph Joaillerie

Mechanical precision in its most elegant form

New York, NY – July 2009 – The tradition-rich Swiss brand Milus is extending the ZETIOS Chronograph range with Joaillerie versions. This distinctive timepiece with stopwatch function positively radiates with powerful classiness and is a heavenly combination of tradition and the jeweller’s craft at its best.

The individualistic, sporty-classic design and the harmony of form and material together with dedicated perfectionism distinguish the ZETIOS Chronograph Joaillerie and make it an exceptional and absolutely reliable companion. The practical functions of the watch are superbly housed by the eye-catching impressive 45-mm diameter case. The brilliant-cut diamonds are a stunning sight that sparkle of a thousand fires from the outer bezel.

The distinctive crown – integrated into a finely curved protective housing and flanked by the two buttons that operate the stopwatch functions add a further dimension. Rounded connecting elements join the case to a strap of finest alligator leather in white.

A curved sapphire crystal protects the stylish dial made of white mother of pearl. Positioned at 12 o’clock, the large date is displayed to its full advantage. The prominently placed counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock merge perfectly into the white mother-of-pearl outer ring of the hour and minutes display. Here, stylishly placed and easily readable, are the applied Arabic hour numerals.

Every detail of the chronograph clearly expresses utmost elegance, sporty dynamism and precision.

The screwed-down case back with round sapphire crystal viewing window offers a look into the inner life of this exclusive watch, in particular the skeleton oscillating weight in the form of the Milus logo with the engraved brand symbol in the centre. A mechanical Swiss quality chronograph movement with automatic winding guarantees technological perfection and reliability.

The classical form and the sporty character of this exclusive model complement each other in a consummately homogenous appearance. The ZETIOS Chronograph Joaillerie – a graceful timepiece that captivates its sophisticated wearer with the individual personality of its dynamic, powerful elegance.

Technical Specifications

Movement:
Mechanical Swiss quality movement – automatic chronograph.
Skeleton oscillating weight in the form of the Milus logo with the engraved brand symbol in the centre.

Case:
Stainless steel or 18K red gold 5N, diameter 45 mm.
Curved sapphire crystal.
Polished case back screwed down with 6 screws and with round sapphire crystal viewing window.
Protected crown with embossed Milus logo in relief.
2 rectangular buttons.

Diamonds:
62 white diamonds set in the bezel – 1.14 carats
Top Wesselton
IF-VVS, brilliant-cut

Functions:
Large date at 12 o’clock
3 counters: small seconds counter at 3 o’clock
Minutes counter at 9 o’clock and hour counter at 6 o’clock.

Water-resistance:
To 30 m (100 ft)

Dial:
In white mother-of-pearl.
Counters at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock.
Outer zone with applied Arabic numerals and with minutes index; applied date window.

Hands:
Polished stainless steel (models in stainless steel) or Polished stainless steel
Electroplated 5N (models in 18K red gold).

Strap/Clasp:
Stainless steel versions:
Stainless steel bracelet or alligator leather strap in white; buckle or folding clasp in stainless steel.

18K red gold versions:
Alligator leather strap in white; buckle or folding clasp in 18K gold; all with special strap connectors for smooth wearer-comfort.

For more information, please visit www.milus.com