Witch Hunting with Jeremy Renner and Baume et Mercier

Okay, witches are tricky!  But Jeremy Renner seems up to the task in the new Hansel and Gretel.

Courtesy of Baume et Mercier

And his trusty Baume et Mercier was there with him at the premier.

Courtesy of Baume et Mercier

Enjoy your watches!

Corum Chargé d’Affaires - BaselWorld Preview

I am a sucker for alarms - and Corum has delivered what I have been waiting for!

Courtesy of Corum

This is the Chargé d’Affaires, part of Corum's Heritage collection.  Here's the scoop straight from the source -

Launched in 1956 and featured in the very first Corum catalog, this alarm watch has been re-issued in a virtually identical form, to the delight of all those who revel in aesthetic codes directly inherited from the past.

Endowed with a 46-hour power reserve, this Chargé d’Affaires watch is equipped with an entirely exceptional movement: the very same caliber that once beat at the heart of the original model in 1956. This historical movement has been entirely restored using vintage tools and techniques, while meeting current standards of quality and finishing. This mechanical hand-wound Caliber CO 286 is fitted with two barrels, each with its own winding crown: one to control the hands, and the other the alarm. This arrangement makes it possible, alongside the central hour, minute and seconds hands, to power an alarm sounding for over 12 seconds on a particularly clear note. This mechanical gem is visible through the case-back and reveals the sound bridge engraved with the inscription “1956 – Chargé d’Affaires – 2012”.

The elegantly understated face of this timepiece pays tribute to the aesthetic perfection of historical watches. The silver-toned dial is punctuated by applied hour-markers, while the minute track is delicately transferred, as is the “Chargé d’Affaires” legend. These indications are swept over by dauphine hour and minute hands, and a baton-type seconds hand, while the alarm pointer is easily recognizable thanks to its arrow-shaped red tip.

The only slight change from the original model lies in the slightly larger 38 mm-diameter case. The Chargé d’Affaires is issued in a 200-piece limited and numbered edition: 150 in 5N 18K gold fitted with a black alligator leather strap with pin buckle; and 50 in 18K white gold with an identical strap. This alarm watch is water-resistant to 30 meters. 

www.corum.ch   

The Watch Industry and the Transfer Window - Hanhart

Alas it seems as if the rumors swirling around Hanhart appear to be true.  Thomas Morf has left Hanhart and the brand is now being led by Ronald Grob who is acting as the Interim CEO.  Again, while this rumor has been in motion for quite some time, I wanted to be sure of the details, and this morning received word from the Head of Communication & PR for the Gaydoul Group, which is the holding company that owns the majority shares of Hanhart.

So with the absence of Hanhart at this year's BaselWorld, and closer to home most likely not attending SWISS Watch JCK in Las Vegas in June (anyone with more definitive info on that please feel free to let me know!), it becomes a question as to how Hanhart will move forward from here.  On the one hand it would seem that at least one key person remains on board - Klaus Eble, a 40 year Hanhart veteran will be responsible for the production side.  But to be very honest, I am not sure if things really can be the same.  In the past, Hanhart had some interesting watches, and a rich (if not well publicized) history.  I think of it a lot like Wonka's chocolate factory.  It was there, but until Willy Wonka revealed himself, and the factory, it hadn't really come to life.

Enter Thomas Morf in 2010 and suddenly there was interest, there were things to talk about!  New products started to appear, and slowly but surely, more and more people became aware of Hanhart.  Two of the most anticipated releases are yet to arrive - the Desert Pilot and the Racemaster.  I guess for me, it just seems somehow unfinished.  My sincere hope is that Hanhart, and I guess more appropriately the Gaydoul Group will find a way to get things settled, and hopefully not completely lose the momentum gained in the past 24 months.  Thomas Morf was a champion of the brand, and that kind of enthusiasm, vision and charisma you don't always find in one person.

I myself do not want to see Hanhart disappear, and by that, I mean return to the quite, anonymous little brand that it was not so long ago.  I know and accept that I am a hopeless romantic, and my sincere hope is that there is at least one more "twist in the tale" so that for those of us Hanhart fans out there, there will be a happy ending.

It's hard not to be romantic about watches.

Breguet Pre BaselWorld Preview - Type XXII 3880

When we think of pilot's watches, and in particular the Type XXs we tend to think functional, utilitarian, and steel.  But I think that even an exacting pilot's chronograph, deep down, wants to be more.  And apparently the folks at Breguet think so too.  

Courtesy of Breguet

This is Breguet's Type XXII 3880, the first serial made mechanical chronograph with a 10 Hz frequency.

The 44 mm case is made of 18 carat rose gold and is topped off by a bi-rotational bezel divided into a 60 minute scale.  The screw down crown helps to ensure water resistance to 100 meters.

The dial is a satisfyingly different brown with gold numeric indices.  The chronograph features include the main chronograph seconds hand paired with a half minute totalizer at the the center of the dial.  A 24 hour indicator is at the 3 o'clock position, with a second time zone at 6 o'clock.  A small second dial is at 9 o'clock.  The date is within the 6 o'clock sub dial.

The movement is a self-winding flyback chronograph with a second time zone.  It features a high frequency silicon escapement (10 Hz).  A Breguet balance-wheel with regulating screws and a silicon balance-spring.  It is adjusted in 5 positions.

OMEGA Pre-BaselW​orld 2013: Ladymatic with New Vibrant Dials

These are some of OMEGA's Pre-BaselWorld previews - the Ladymatic.

Courtesy of OMEGA

The classic Ladymatic, epitomizing OMEGA’s exquisite style, has been brought to the forefront of cutting edge fashion with its vibrant new dials available in enchanting shaded grey, striking blue mother of pearl, seductive purple and unique pink. 

Courtesy of OMEGA

Each dial displays OMEGA’s signature Supernova pattern and is complimented with 11 diamond set indexes.



Courtesy of OMEGA


                                      www.omegawatches.com

Courtesy of OMEGA

Bremont Launches the Supermarin​e S2000

This just in from Bremont -

Following the success of the Supermarine 500, Bremont are pleased to announce the launch of their new diving model, the Supermarine 2000.


With professional divers in mind Bremont have increased the size of the original Supermarine case to 45mm and re-engineered it to withstand further depths of 2000m/6560ft.

Courtesy of Bremont



The design of the Supermarine was built using Bremont’s unique Trip-Tick three-piece case construction. As with the previous model, extensive testing in the UK by Bremont has lead to the design and construction of the ‘Anti-Shock’ COSC certified movement mount to help protect it against large shocks. It is also housed inside an Anti-Magnetic faraday cage to protect the balance, balance spring and escapement from any effects of magnetisation. The developed model also features a Helium Escape valve.

Courtesy of Bremont

An elegant crown protector has been built onto the side of the inner barrel and following on from other Bremont models; the watchcase has been specifically treated for strength using Bremont’s B-EBE2000 technology. The sapphire bezel and Super-LumiNova coated indexes and hands offer luminosity in low light conditions.


Courtesy of Bremont

 Features


Movement
Modified calibre 13 1/4” BE-36AE automatic chronometer, 25 jewels, glucydur balance. Anachron balance spring, Nivaflex 1 mainspring, 28,800 bph, 38 hour power reserve, Bremont moulded and skeletised decorated rotor.


Functions
Hour/minute/second, date and day at 3H.


Case
Stainless steel case with sapphire uni-directional rotating bezel. Case diameter 45mm, lug width 22mm. Inner soft iron anti-magnetic Faraday cage to protect movement. Protective patented anti-shock movement mount.


Case back
Stainless steel screw-in and decorated case back.



Bezel
Sapphire uni-directional rotating bezel with SuperLumiNova luminous coating.


Dial
Metal dial with various ground colours and applied indexes. SuperLumiNova coated indexes and hands.

Crystal
Domed anti-reflective, scratch resistant sapphire crystal.


Water resistance
Water resistant to 200 ATM, 2000 metres.


Ratings
C.O.S.C chronometer tested.


Strap/Bracelet
Integrated rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet.



Certification
Individually serial numbered with accompanying C.O.S.C certification.


www.bremont.com  






URWERK UR-110 at the Geneva Fair 2013

The folks at URWERK were nice enough to send along details of some of their Geneva pieces to those of us unable to attend, so here are the details on the UR-110, straight from the source -

Courtesy of URWERK

The UR-110 is back on the scene, shedding its original titanium and steel case to retain the essentials: Its ARCAP mainplate and planetary satellite complication. The UR-110 has got a second wind and with it, a platinum bezel for a decidedly vintage look.

Courtesy of URWERK

UR-110 PT  Technical Specifications

 

Case

Case in Grade 5 titanium with platinum bezel (limited edition of 20 pieces)

Dimensions: 47mm x 51mm x 16mm

Two position crown with integrated protection 

Water resistance: 3 ATM

Movement

Calibre: UR 9.01 mechanical, automatic winding

Balance: Monometallic

Frequency: 28,800v/h, 4Hz

Jewels: 46

Balance spring: Flat

Power: Single barrel

Power reserve: 39 hours

Winding system:  Uni-directional rotor regulated by double turbines

Finishing:    Satin finishing, spotting et diamond polishing

 

Indications

Satellite complication with rotating hour/minute modules mounted on planetary gears

Control Board: “Day/Night” indicator; “Oil Change” alerting service intervals and small seconds

Roberto Carlos and Milus

This just in from Milus -

Roberto Carlos has become the latest Milus “friend of the brand.” The star footballer visited the company booth at the Geneva Time Exhibition on January 22 and is now the happy owner of a Tirion TriRetrograde TIRI017.

Courtesy of Milus Roberto Carlos being presented his new Milus by Cyril Dubois, General Manager Milus International SA

During his scintillating career, Carlos, whose speed and stunning curved shots earned him world-wide admiration, played for the Brazilian national team during for three World Cups. 

Courtesy of Milus

After eleven years with Real Madrid, he went on to captain Dagestan’s Anzhi Makhatchkala team, which he continues to coach after retiring from active football in August 2012.

Courtesy of Milus

The TriRetrograde mechanism

A Milus exclusive, the 3838 TriRetrograde mechanism displays the seconds on three separate arcs at 6, 9 and 3 o'clock. The three hands travel twenty seconds successively, each "passing the torch" to the next one and returning with lightning speed to its point of departure. This great animated ballet, which keeps repeating itself tirelessly, makes the passage of time a playful and fascinating spectacle.

Reference: TIRI017

Movement: ETA 2892-A2 H8 / Milus 3838, 40 hours power reserve

Type: Mechanical, self-winding


Functions: Hours, minutes, triretrograde seconds, date

Case: Black DLC-treated stainless steel, Ø 45 mm - Genuine carbon bezel - Curved sapphire crystal - Sapphire crystal case back secured with 6 screws

Dial: Genuine carbon dial plate with Arabic numerals and indexes, center part in genuine carbon, retrograde seconds display on black bridges - Date window at 4 o'clock

Hands: Silver coloured faceted skeleton hour, minute and second hands partially coated with white luminescent treatment

Strap/Bracelet: Black calfskin leather with carbon finishing and white stitching

Clasp: Pin buckle - TIR017F Folding buckle Water Resistance: 30 metres


Label: SWISS MADE 

Where Have You Been All My Life?

That is a question now firmly on my lips. 

Courtesy of Eterna

This is the Centenaire Date from Eterna.  40 mm, 18 karat rose gold Swiss goodness.


'Nuff said.

Ulysse Nardin Carnival of Venice Minute Repeater

This just in from Ulysse Nardin -

Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin finds inspiration in one of the world’s most romantic cities for the new, limited-edition Minute Repeater Carnival of Venice, a creation of stunning artistic illustration and brilliant engineering. And, it’s not the first time this magical place has been the setting for a Ulysse Nardin timepiece’s tale.

In the late 1980s, Ulysse Nardin introduced San Marco, a watch that symbolized the rebirth of the minute repeater, a complication that allows time to not only be seen, but also heard in sublime quality. A repeater is as much a musical instrument as it is a timekeeper. Renowned for its many “firsts” in watchmaking, Ulysse Nardin introduced a surprising variation to this late 17th century invention – the “Jaquemart”.

Jaquemarts are beautifully animated figures set into the dial and move in sync with the activated minute repeater, contributing to the storyline of the timepiece. 

Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin 

Its dial, the heart of the timepiece, depicts two figures in front of the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal. Both Jaquemarts are wearing masks, alluding to the Carnival of Venice. The feeling of festivity is set. With the minute repeater’s chiming of the hours, quarters and minutes, the Jaquemarts lift their masks. To this day, Ulysse Nardin remains among the rare manufacturers in the world to use Jaquemarts on the dial of its wristwatch minute repeaters.

Intensifying the elaborate detail of the dial is the enamel champlevé technique, a lost decorative art that is mastered by less than a handful of craftsman; today, only leading watchmakers such as Ulysse Nardin produce pieces showcasing enamel champlevé. In this very special creation, the enamel champlevé is further refined by hand chiseling and ornamented with engravings. The result is a stunning work of art that will be available to only a select few.

The Carnival of Venice Minute Repeater is a limited-edition mechanical timepiece of eighteen made in platinum, with the possibility of an 18-karat rose gold option. It is an exceptional example of the skill of the hand and the dedication of the mind to the enduring and evolving skill of watchmaking. 

Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

Limited Edition to  18 Pieces


Reference 719-63



Movement               Caliber UN-71

Power-Reserve        Approx. 48 h
   
Winding                  Manual winding

Functions                Jaquemarts Minute Repeater Chiming hours, 
                               quarters and minutes Two different chimes
    
Case                       Platinum

Diameter                42 mm
   
Water-resistance    30 m
  
Dial                       Champlevé Enamel
   
Crystal                  Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
   
Case-back            Anti-reflective sapphire crystal fixed with screws
    
Crown                  Water-resistant

Band                     Leather strap, with folding buckle

   

www.ulysse-nardin.com   

A Few Minutes with Lionel Ladoire

Professional snowboarder, watch maker, rock musician... Renaissance Man!

And now, a few minutes with Lionel Ladoire -

Courtesy of Ladoire

James Henderson - What was your first watch?  Was it a gift?  Is there a story behind it?

Lionel Ladoire - My first watch was a gift.  I received a Casio Vintage Sport when I was 10 years old. There is no special story behind it.

JH - When you were a young boy, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?

LL - I wanted to be everything I am today.

JH - Where did you go to school?  What did you study?

LL - I am a graduate in jewelry of the SEPR in Lyon.  After that, I went to the Ecole Boulle, a major reference in the teaching of art, applied art, design and craft in France.

JH - How did you get your start in the watch industry?

LL - It came naturally as a combination of my early years/family exposure to micro mechanics on the one hand, and to jewelry (my family was also involved in this sector for the last 4 generations) on the other hand. Watchmaking borrows from both.

JH - So from working in the family business to professional snowboarding - that is quite jump.  How  did it happen?

LL - Working in the family business was something natural for me.  Then I became a professional snowboarder because I always loved this sport.  If I like to do something, I find a way to do it; I do things spontaneously.

JH - What was the best part of competing professionally?  Are there any great victories that stand out?

LL - Among all activities that are available to professional snowboarders, I most preferred free riding contests as they are (almost) without rules, while Slalom is much more limited by the rigidity of its own purpose.  Once I won the parallel slalom Championship of France.  But I didn’t feel accomplished. Then I became a professional free rider.

JH - And it seems your interests extend beyond horology and snowboarding - how did you find the time to become such a successful drummer?

LL - My grandparents used to work while listening to music.  And during my learning years next to them I could already see how a working musical atmosphere can contribute to better deliverables, as somehow musicality enhances the creativity.  I started playing the guitar and smoothly moved to drums. I have a strong preference for Rock music.  When I reached 24, I realized that my body was asking me to slow down the snowboarding practice and competition.  I then focused on playing music, and again, mostly drums.  The real thing about being a musician is that I don't encounter any physiological limits - the body has nothing to do with it - with practice, I am still improving.

JH - So what drew you back to watch making?  Was it difficult to make the adjustment after the excitement and adrenaline of being a professional athlete?

LL - You can’t be a professional athlete all your life, and then at 24 I was becoming “old”.  Moreover, I love challenges.  Consequently, I naturally changed my way.  It was not difficult to make the adjustment. High performance sports build character.  If you desire to excel in sports you need perseverance.  To be on top you have to train every day otherwise you will never reach the level you want.  The perseverance I gained by being a professional athlete is an important skill now that I run LADOIRE.

Courtesy of LADOIRE 

JH - So what makes Ladoire LADOIRE?

LL - Among the brands having a modern approach, LADOIRE is one of the few brands that fully integrates the development and manufacture of its own automatic calibre for all its collections. LADOIRE is a true watchmaking brand, not only a futuristic watch design brand.

I also "imported" from jewellery a very unique technique of design.  At Ladoire we do not use CAD, but directly sculpt the shape of the watch in wax.  This technique enables us to create complex and well balanced 3D shapes.

All components, line and finishes are designed and thought of like a piece of art.  While working on metal, we are bringing balance between the design line and the material.  Lastly, the LADOIRE creations are 100 % Swiss made.

JH - What is a typical day in the life of Lionel Ladoire?

LL - There is no typical day for me; there is a surprise every day. Some days are better than others but I always live like it is my last one.

JH - Who else out there is making watches that interest you?

LL - I appreciate URWERK and Richard Mille for their futurism.  In terms of neoclassical approach I like De Bethune and F.P. Journe.

Courtesy of Ladoire 

JH - With so many talents, it might be hard to answer - but if you weren't doing this, what do you think you might be doing?

LL - I would open a motorcycle custom garage at LA! (laugh)

JH -  I realize that it might be difficult, but what is your favorite Ladoire model?

LL - The next one.

JH - What has been the greatest challenge that you have faced so far?

LL - Hand making and working on metal for someone who comes from the world and practice of jewelry are relative tasks.  Crafting a nice dial and a nice case are not very complex things to do.  The real challenge is all about being perceived as a "good motorist", i.e., the ability to create stunning horological movements.

JH - What advice do you have for the next great horological iconoclast?

LL - To be spontaneous; if he thinks too much he won’t do anything different.  To not be influenced.  If you are influenced by the mass, you become the mass and then you don’t create exciting things anymore.  In short, I would advise him to be true to himself.

A Few More Minutes with Vincent Perriard

Courtesy of HYT

James Henderson - So here you are now with HYT, but the last time we spoke you were leading TechnoMarine.  Can you share a bit of what has been happening between now and then?

Vincent Perriard - Well, that seems like really a long time ago for me now…  almost 2.5 years.  A lot has happened since then !  At TechnoMarine we had a different view on how to position the brand.  It is quite unfortunate since under my assignment, we had opened 200 points of sales and increased our turnover by +34%…  



JH - Where did the idea for HYT come from?

VP - In 2008 - at Concord - we had this idea to mix things which are not supposed to be together. Liquid is the enemy of mechanics.  And because of that, we created the C1 Quantum Gravity where you would see the Power Reserve indicated by sort of glass (filled with a great liquid) moving up and down, according to the Power Reserve.  This watch was unique and Concord had a tremendous amount of success with its series of unconventional pieces (including the Best Watch of the Year at the Grand Prix of Geneva in 2008).

In 2011, I met (via a mutual friend) Lucien Vouillamoz who is the inventor of the HYT technology.  He explained to me that he can bring my initial dream to a higher level with a real liquid system indicator.  The liquid is actually moving around the watch to display time… I fell in love with the idea, with the people involved and finally we decided to launch HYT (which stands for HYdro Technologies).  The sky is the limit since this technology can be multiplied and we could imagine a watch with the hour indication as well as a date indicator, a Power Reserve indicator, a count down indicator ...

JH - How have things been going for HYT so far?

VP - The best answer to that is to Google "HYT watches" to see how we have hit the web and the watch community!

Our business model is quite powerful : we have pre sold watches 3 months before BaselWorld 2012 with key partners who believed in the project, in the watch and in the people. Therefore, we can say that all 2013 watches are pre sold (sold in and sold out). So to get a H1 from HYT is becoming a difficult thing! 

JH - What's in store for this year?  Any surprises up your sleeve for BaselWorld?

VP - We are delivering the H1 while I speak and we are soon introducing the H2 which is a joint creative effort with Audemars Piguet (led by Giulio Papi).  This special piece will be presented at BaselWorld 2013 in April.

15 Days with the Lemania Chronograph - the Case

Okay, now it might seem that the main point of this review would be to focus solely on the movement of the Lemania chronograph.  But come on - there's a whole watch here!

So today I wanted to give some feedback on the case -

The case is stainless steel with a sapphire crystal front and back.  It is a three piece case, although the design of the side of the watch case gives the appearance of additional layers.  I actually appreciate this little touch because it lends to the sporty feel of the watch overall.

The case itself is polished, but the two side "ridges" are matte.  this gives a nice feeling of contrast and depth.    The case itself is "modern sized" at 43.6 mm wide and 42 mm long.  It is very comfortable on the wrist and the lugs are nicely proportioned.  It occupies the wrist without dominating it.

The Tachymetre scale is printed on the outside of the bezel.  I really like this touch as it adds to the somewhat retro feel of the watch.

The timing remains consistent at + 10 seconds per day.  As we are down to the final days, there will be daily updates from here on out.

Watch Designs by "Sloan McQuewick" and Baume et Mercier

And when she's not seen on Entourage,  Emmanuelle Chriqui partners up with Baume et Mercier.  

Courtesy of Baume et Mercier

Here's the news straight from Baume et Mercier -

Courtesy of Baume et Mercier

Baume & Mercier is also introducing some beautiful additions in the women's watch category. This year will bring the unveiling of the quartz Linea 27 mm series featuring interchangeable straps in hand-woven leather in various colors, created in collaboration with actress, Emmanuelle Chriqui; as well as two new mechanical models from the Linea 27 mm collection.

Courtesy of Baume et Mercier 

This new design collaboration with Chriqui, best known for her role on HBO's Entourage as Sloan McQuewick, was an obvious fit for Baume & Mercier as she has been a loyal fan of the brand for the past two years. Chriqui worked with Baume & Mercier to put her own modern spin on the Linea by introducing a casual-chic woven lambskin strap. "I've always had an affinity for woven leather. Its handcrafted, artisan appeal is such a great, yet unexpected pairing with the Linea watch. The strap is so soft and supple. We chose a color palette of white, orange and beige; very light and beachy, paying homage to Baume & Mercier's Seaside Living mantra. I'm a huge fan of the Baume & Mercier brand, it was an absolute thrill to work alongside their design team in Geneva,” explains Chriqui. The collection will launch Spring/Summer 2013.

Courtesy of Baume et Mercier

www.baume-et-mercier.com

Baume et Mercier's New Clifton Moonphase

So SIHH is wrapping up for another year - and once again there is one piece that has managed to catch my eye in particular -

Courtesy of Baume et Mercier

This is from Baume et Mercier's new Clifton collection.  Hours, minutes, seconds, date, date and moon phase!

Courtesy of Baume et Mercier

This  would do!

Guess Who's NOT Coming to Dinner?

Well, in this case it is BaselWorld and Hanhart.

Hanhart will not be showing at BaselWorld this year.  No booth, no stand, no extremely cool lounge like last year. 

While there may be more to this story, this much is confirmed.

Breguet, the Innovator. Inventor of the Tourbillon

This just in from Breguet -

Courtesy of Breguet

From January 21st to February 24th 2013, Breguet will be hosting an exhibit at Geneva’s Cité du Temps to celebrate one of the most striking inventions in watchmaking history: the tourbillon. Through a didactic and interactive exhibition entitled “Breguet, the innovator. Inventor of the Tourbillon”, the House pays tribute to the discovery that undoubtedly symbolizes its founder’s genius. An event will be held on Wednesday January 23rd 2013, in the presence of Marc A. Hayek, President & CEO, Montres Breguet. After Geneva, this exhibition will tour other European cities, then traveling across Asia, the Middle East and the United States.

Courtesy of Breguet

On June 26th 1801 (or rather on 7 Messidor Year 9, since the Republic calendar was still in force at the time) the French Minister of the Interior awarded Abraham-Louis Breguet a patent for the invention of the tourbillon. This new type of regulator was developed in response to a longstanding problem: the detrimental effects with which gravity effects on the regularity of a movement by generating variations in rate. Breguet understood that in order to reduce such errors, he would need to install the entire escapement within a mobile carriage that would perform a complete rotation, generally in one, four or six minutes. The regular repetition of the variations would allow them to compensate for each other.
This supremely ingenious invention turned out to be exceedingly difficult to produce, and of all Breguet’s brilliant ideas, this was undoubtedly the toughest to implement. One of the reasons behind this daunting task relates to the weight of the tourbillon, which must be sufficiently light at no more than one gram, and yet also robust, so as to avoid inducing rating errors rather than eliminating them. This inherent difficulty was compounded by that of finishing the over 70 tiny parts that must fit and mesh together with absolute precision. Making a tourbillon was not within reach of all watchmakers, and only the finest proved capable of producing one after the 10-year patent had expired.

Courtesy of Breguet

Building on its unique heritage, the House of Breguet constantly develops new tourbillons that now form an extensive Grandes Complications collection. The exhibition “Breguet the Innovator. Inventor of the Tourbillon” is an invitation to discover these contemporary masterpieces, while celebrating the tourbillons of the past. Visitors are immersed into a dedicated area where the secrets of this prodigious invention are revealed to them. 


www.breguet.com