BREGUET Presents The Classique Tourbillon 3358

Breguet presents the The dazzling shower of the Classique Tourbillon 3358 that is a crowning achievement of Abraham-Louis Breguet's inventions and inseparable from the Maison's technical expertise, this mechanism, as complex as it is poetic, reveals the gentle rhythm of its dance within a setting that sparkles brilliantly on the Classique Tourbillon 3358 timepiece. Surrounded by a dazzling array of diamonds that the tourbillon, this remarkable innovation patented in 1801 to counteract the effects of gravity on a watch’s movement, performs its coryphée-like magic, laying down its undulating beats, powered by the manually wound in-house calibre 187D. Positioned at the base of the precious face of the Classique Tourbillon, the ingenious regulator thus echoes the passage of hours and minutes, together tracing the silhouette of a harmonious lemniscate.

In the early years following his arrival in France, the Neuchâtel-born watchmaker honed his skills with great horologists such as Ferdinand Berthoud and Jean-Antoine Lépine. However, it was under the guidance of Abbé Joseph-François Marie that he developed a passion for science, particularly mathematics and physics. The Cartesian talent of Abraham-Louis Breguet guided him in all his mechanical endeavours and technical innovations, which he developed in his workshop on the Île de la Cité, in the very heart of Paris. Among these inventions, considered the foundation of modern watchmaking, is the "tourbillon regulator," a term borrowed from astronomy to describe a system that places all the elements of the escapement on a moving part that rotates on its own axis. The purpose of the tourbillon, as explained by Abraham-Louis Breguet when he patented his creation on June 26, 1801 (patent of 7 Messidor Year IX), is to counteract the harmful effects of Earth’s gravity that disrupt the precision of pocket watches, thereby mitigating discrepancies in timekeeping. 

The latest addition to the collection, this reference embodies two of the major forces born from the genius of Abraham-Louis Breguet to offer a timepiece as precise as it is legible: the performance of mechanics and aesthetics to enhance information retrieval. The technical spirit thus acts in tandem in this piece, operating within the manually wound in-house calibre 187D, which houses the tourbillon encircled by gold and diamonds, and in the mastery of several gem-setting techniques, like the hypnotic "snow" setting. The new Classique Tourbillon 3358 is powered by the calibre 187D, a manually wound movement crafted by Breguet in its workshops in L’Orient, in the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland. Assembled with  187 components and incorporating 21 jewels, this high-performance heart, equipped with a Breguet balance spring in steel, beats at the gentle frequency of 2.5 Hz, or 18,000 vibrations per hour. Once fully wound, it offers a power reserve of 50 hours.

The in-house calibre 187D featuring contemporary finishings, welcomes the "tourbillon regulator," created by Abraham-Louis Breguet over two centuries ago. Like a metronome that keeps time with a rotation completed in one minute, it ensures the watch’s precision regardless of its position. On the Classique Tourbillon 3358, it appears transparently at the bottom of the dial through a circular aperture framed by an elliptical polished gold ring. A ribbon of diamonds adorns the slightly curved gold bridge that holds it in place. On the back of this model, equipped with a sapphire glass, the main plate is adorned with a shimmering decoration, manually stippled using a diamond burr. The material is delicately hollowed out to reveal reflections and reliefs, creating an effect reminiscent of the Moon’s ashen surface. While the process is identical for all pieces, their final appearance is unique, thanks to the additional soul instilled by the artisans.

To beautifully accompany the rhythmic rotations of the regulator, the Maison has chosen to cover the centre of the dial with brilliant-cut diamonds using the jeweler’s snow-setting technique. Utilizing six different diameters, the artisans have set each precious stone on the gold disk in a random arrangement. Skilfully placed in tight rows to mask any trace of the supporting metal, the gems transform the face of the Classique Tourbillon 3358 into a dazzling landscape. Along the flange, ribbons of diamonds form arcs of circles emanating from the ovoid opening at 6 o’clock, converging toward a wide ring of natural white mother-of-pearl, off-centred at 12 o’clock. This iridescent ring bears the hour track composed of black Breguet numerals, which are swept over by two delicate Breguet-style open-tipped hands in blued steel. To perfect this luminous harmony, the 35mm case, crafted in 18K white gold and with a refined thickness of 9.3mm, features a bezel and lugs adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds. The crown, positioned on the fluted caseband, is topped with a rose-cut diamond.

MB&F x Eddy Jaquet Releases A Second Series of Eight Unique Pieces

The previous collaboration with Eddy Jaquet, launched in 2020 and inspired by the novels of Jules Verne; that first series of eight unique pieces would go on to win the prestigious GPHG Artistic Crafts Award in 2021. A few years later, MB&F announced a new collaboration reunited with their good friend and Master Engraver Eddy Jaquet.

The new deal is to release a second series of eight unique pieces, this time inspired by the great classic of youth literature. The Three Musketeers, The Jungle Book and Robinson Crusoe have just been completed; they will be joined by The Call of the Wild, The Last of the Mohicans, Moby-Dick, Robin Hood and Treasure Island.

The friendship between MB&F with Eddy Jaquet goes back to well over a decade, since he has been engraving the flowing script on their Legacy Machines – but that's just a tiny hint of his immense artistic talent. Eddy's transformative touch can turn a watch – in this case, the Legacy Machine Split Escapement – ​​into a rich storytelling tapestry. From a first list of 15 classic novels, Eddy selected eight that he then synthesized into entirely original illustrations. Like his Jules Verne series, none of the illustrations imagined by Eddy Jaquet are drawn from existing works of art; they are entirely conceived by the artist after reading the source books and viewing other creative works. Each engraving is an intricate tableau of the heroes, scenes and key moments from the novels, expressly designed to be interpreted through the medium of the LM Split Escapement.

Each novel is directly engraved on the LM SE movement's dial plate, modified to 18K white gold for this series of eight unique pieces. Each piece comes in a stainless steel case, with a slimmer bezel and openworked black subdials offering a fuller view of Eddy's masterpieces. Retail price of each unique piece is CHF 158,000 + VAT (USD 188,000 + tax).

Hermès Presents The ARCEAU Grand Tralala Brides et Mors Watch

Hermès presents the ARCEAU Grand Tralala brides et mors watch tracing equestrian motifs intertwine on a sparkling white or intense black dial, rose gold and diamonds. This precious 34 mm-diameter case reinterprets the design of the Grand Tralala silk scarf designed by French artist Virginie Jamin. A tribute to the Hermès equestrian tradition, the colourful bridles/and gleaming bits evoke the prestigious harnesses worn by the Royal Hungarian Bodyguard in the 19th century.

Created by Henri d’Origny in 1978, the Arceau watch embodies the Hermès style: its understated and timeless round shape set on a ‘stirrup’ highlights a singular nature composed of subtle details. Dotted with 64 diamonds and topped by a gemset crown, its rose gold case frames a spangled white lacquered or deep black dial. On the dial of the Arceau Grand Tralala, bridles and bits intertwine in the brilliance of rose gold and 110 diamonds, forming a graphic yet dainty decoration. Enlivened by a small bit-shaped seconds hand, the model is driven by a Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement revealed through the sapphire crystal case-back. Crafted in the Hermès Horloger workshops, a smooth chantilly or black alligator strap matches the dial colour.

Hermès creates objects. Objects shaped by the hands of artisans to make them true companions for those who wear them. Practical, functional and stemming from uncompromising expertise, they radiate the lightness of the unexpected. They make everyday life their playground, and each instant a uniquely special moment. For Hermès, time is also an object. Its inherent tension is translated by the house into a singular characteristic. Rather than measuring, ordering, and seeking to control it, Hermès dares to explore another time, designed to arouse emotions, open up interludes and create spaces for spontaneity and recreation.

MB&F New Collaboration: M.A.D.Editions x Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

MB&F presents a double-first on the M.A.D.Editions project with the first Limited Edition and first collaboration with an external creator introducing  the M.A.D.1 ‘Time to Love’, limited to 999 pieces, created with legendary French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac – who has infused the M.A.D.1 with his unmistakable style.

 

MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser has been an admirer of the artist's pop designs for many years: “Jean-Charles de Castelbajac represents five decades of creativity. Very early on, he was able to create a unique voice and style, then over the years pivot, reinvent himself and challenge the status quo. Today, at the age of 74, his message of love and life is more than ever an example for the new generation."

 

JCDC has indeed never been a conventional designer, always daring to disturb, disrupt, and promote artistic chaos – he started by making clothes out of recycled materials in the 1970s, being the first to upcycle in the fashion world, before it was even a thing ! JCDC has always had a multidisciplinary approach to his work, connecting different worlds, collaborating with artists such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Robert Mapplethorpe and Jean-Michel Basquiat. He is perhaps best known for his audacious creations like the teddy bear coat, his “poncho for two”, his Barack Obama dresses, and the robes he created for Pope John Paul II.
 

For the M.A.D.1 Time to Love, JCDC worked with his signature colors – red for passion, blue for hope, yellow for human warmth. The colourway is present on a newly-engineered rotor featuring angel wings, where one of the wings is heavier than the other two to optimize spinning. A bright green is also present and featured on the piece's hour disc; the numbers of the hour and minute rings are in Jean-Charles de Castelbajac's own handwriting.
 

Other details include a quote from the artist in French on the dial: “Ce trésor rare et précieux, c'est ta vie. Le temps vole de ses ailes blanches. is your life. Time flies with its white wings. You are the guardian of your time”). The crown features an engraving of an angel talking to the moon, a recurring theme in his art creations. Each timepiece comes with two straps – black and white – embroidered with 'Time to Love'.

 

Like with previous M.A.D.Editions, a portion of these M.A.D.1 watches will be reserved for those who have made MB&F possible: our Tribe members (owners of MB&F watches) and our Friends (suppliers) on a first come, first served basis. Half of the production will be totally open to the public, via a raffle giving access to purchasing the M.A.D.1 Time to Love.
 

Jolin Tsai is Maison Valentino New Brand Ambassador

Maison Valentino announced singer Jolin Tsai as its new brand ambassador, joining a community of global talents, she stars in the new Valentino L ’Ecole advertising campaign shot by Mert and Marcus in New York. Valentino Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli continues his quest of authenticity, inclusivity and individuality, by scouting personas, men and women, who embody the Maison values. Jolin Tsai enters the Maison’s world of values as a contemporary DI.VA. (*DI.fferent VA.lues = DIVAS. The contemporary Valentino DI.VA is a multifaceted character of codes and inner values. Pierpaolo Piccioli continues his conscious and progressive approach to create culture by forming an authentic relationship with DI.VAs, positioning them as a real cultural comeback). Her unwavering passion and dedication to music have allowed her became one of the most iconic figures in C-pop and an unreplaceable dazzling symbol on stage.

“I welcome Jolin Tsai in our Valentino Di.Va. project with the greatest pleasure. Her musical talent reverberates through her innovative and deeply inclusive approach, which is something that I always appreciate when it comes to performative arts. In her work I find a genuine freshness, a magic energy and I am always amazed by the incredible connections that music can create. Our community is enriched by a new human star.” - Pierpaolo Piccioli, Creative Director Maison Valentino. In her 25 years of music career, with a fearless commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing innovation, she has earned the prestigious title of “Queen of C-Pop” in Asia. She is an amplifier for different voices, different views and values. Breaking the conventions of the traditional regional ambassador campaigns, Valentino empowers local values through international personas that embody the vision of the Creative Director. “Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli aims to disrupt tradition, re-signify and bring a distinctive personality and value to each collection, much like how I approach each stage with a commitment to self-discovery and innovation. I look forward to collaborating with Pierpaolo to bring more creativity and surprises to the audience in the future.” - Brand Ambassador Jolin Tsai.

Breitling Presents Limited-Edition Chronomat 36 Victoria Beckham Collection

Breitling  unveiled the much-anticipated limited-edition Chronomat 36 Victoria Beckham collection at a star-studded dinner in Manhattan recently. The launch brought together a select list of VIPs, including the collection’s campaign star Annemary Aderibigbe, and top models including Frida Aasen, Lara Worthington, and Helena Christensen. Actor Katie Holmes was also in attendance, along with author and TV personality Derek Blasberg. Other notable attendees included Breitling ambassadors American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland and model Ronja Furrer. The night began with welcome aperitifs, followed by a sumptuous sit-down dinner featuring Indochine’s signature French-Vietnamese fare, followed by a night of dancing to DJ Elias Becker.

Just as coveted as the guest list was the new Chronomat 36 Victoria Beckham collection itself. Limited to just 1,500 pieces, the line effortlessly blends heritage and modernity, bringing together 140-plus years of Swiss watchmaking and Victoria Beckham’s always-on-point design style.

Powered by the Breitling Caliber 10, the Chronomat 36 Victoria Beckham collection retains classic Chronomat features including the metal rouleaux bracelet and raised rider tabs at the 15-minute marks, while introducing fresh new colorways inspired by Beckham's Spring/Summer 2024 palette: peppermint, midnight blue, dove gray, and sand.

The co-branded collection features the Victoria Beckham logo on the seconds hand and as a subtle inscription on the bracelet, with options for cases in stainless steel or yellow gold— an heirloom material revived by Breitling just for this collection. The dials also reference the limitation: “One of 400” for each of the stainless-steel pieces, and “One of 100” for each of the gold variations.

Their stunning campaign also made waves in the fashion world. Shot by legendary Italian fashion and portrait photographer Mario Sorrenti - a frequent contributor to Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar - it features rising-star model Annemary Aderibigbe. The campaign embodies the strength, sophistication, and touch of the unexpected that characterize both the archetypal Breitling and Victoria Beckham woman.

 

All the timepieces come in a specially designed, co-branded box. And for members of the fashion set who want something extra, a Breitling x Victoria Beckham travel pouch accompanies each piece crafted in gold. “Victoria Beckham is a brand that defines modern and quiet luxury,” noted Breitling CEO Georges Kern. “Everything is considered and elevated, but with an ease that can be worn from day to night.”

 

Victoria Beckham echoed his sentiments about the collaboration, revealing, “It was a real exchange. Working closely with Breitling’s expert craftsmanship and know-how and bringing in my aesthetic was exciting.” She also reflected on her personal vision for the collection: “This is the perfect watch for women who are looking for something versatile. It’s elevated and chic but still has a relaxed feel to it. The mix of masculine and feminine has always been how I like to dress myself, and I am quite a minimalist at heart.”

A. Lange & Söhne Celebrates The Year of Dragon with LANGE 1 Collection

A. Lange & Söhne expresses best wishes with several timepieces from LANGE 1 collection ushers into the Year of Dragon, on this occasion coinciding with both the Spring Festival and Valentine's Day. A. Lange & Söhne has curated iconic timepieces from the LANGE 1 collection. These intricately designed watches blend vibrant hues and harmonious proportions in an off-centre layout and meticulously record the ever-evolving days and months with a precision core, accompanying you through splendid moments and recording cherished memories.

The LANGE 1 ingeniously merges classic stylistic elements with innovative technology. When it made its debut on 24 October 1994, it instantaneously captured the spotlight, henceforth becoming the cornerstone and emblem of Lange's legacy. Saxon manufacture perpetually upholds the brand's ethos to “Never Stand Still”, consistently enriching the aesthetics and functionality of timepieces, along with groundbreaking advancements in watch movements. Every stride in innovation, from the traditional three-quarter plates, blued steel gold chatons secured with screws to balance cock engraved by hand, embodies indispensable elements of German watchmaking.  In this momentous Year of the Dragon, steeped in profound significance within Chinese culture.“The Chinese New Year not only stands for honouring traditions, but also for celebrating what is yet to come,” A. Lange &  Söhne CEO Wilhelm Schmid emphasises. “This exciting interplay also defines our art of watchmaking. And like a dragon, it cannot be tamed. By following our ambition to ‘never stand still‘, we go our own way. The appreciation of our ever-growing community of collectors in China is a particular driving force. I therefore express my best wishes to them for the Year of the Dragon.” A. Lange & Söhne celebrates the Chinese New Year by honoring it with two 18K yellow gold timepieces, the LANGE 1 and the LANGE 1 TIME ZONE, embodying the auspicious dragon which symbolizes prosperity and the radiant allure of gold. With its unique dial configuration and outsize date, the LANGE 1 inspired the entire watch industry with fresh impetus. Crafted with an 18K yellow gold case paired with a solid silver champagne-coloured dial, its precision instantaneous switching of the jumping outsize date occurs at midnight. Furthermore, within the LANGE 1, the escapement has a balance wheel with eccentric poising weights and an in-house balance spring positioned beneath the balance cock engraved by hand, beating at a frequency of 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour. The dependable twin mainspring barrel is reserved in the timepiece, providing a power reserve of up to 72 hours.

The LANGE 1 TIME ZONE combines the superb legibility of its exceptional functionality with sophisticated craftsmanship. The timepiece features easily legible, ring-shaped day/night displays and a practical daylight-saving time indication. The classic off-centre dial configuration features two time indications, an outsize date display, and a power-reserve indicator. It also includes an adjustable city ring, allowing the wearer to easily set the time for a second time zone. Its dial indicates home time and the current time in a second time zone at a single glance, to celebrate the New Year with friends around the globe.

The GRAND LANGE 1 MOON PHASE featuring 18K pink gold and an argenté-coloured dial and the diamond-set LITTLE LANGE 1 MOON PHASE captivate with the alternating brilliance of the moon and envelope heartfelt emotions. A spacious stage has been reserved for the moon phase indication on the dial. It provides vividly realistic proof of how closely the moon phase display tracks the actual orbit of our planet’s companion. The patented coating of the lunar disc renders a lifelike portrayal to this astronomical indication. The diamond-set LITTLE LANGE 1 MOON PHASE is equipped with an argenté-coloured guilloched dial and a bezel set with 56 brilliant-cut diamonds, creating a radiant frame for the captivating dial. The lunar discs, also designed in argenté tones, are accompanied by two golden moon motifs, replicating the lunar orbit with precision through astronomical complication. The accuracy of the timepiece‘s moon phase display spans 122.6 years. Only after this short eternity, the deviation from the synodic lunar cycle would add up to one day, provided the watch runs without interruption for that duration. Each precise second ticking by marks the passage of treasured years that loved couple spent together.

 

Simple yet extraordinary, the GRAND LANGE 1 and LITTLE LANGE 1, fashioned in 18K white gold with grey dials, expertly interpret understated and minimalistic designs, featuring Lange’s signature outsize date display in a gold-framed double aperture, and the distinctive "UP/DOWN" power-reserve indication. Gently bevelled chamfers on the GRAND LANGE 1 assure balanced transitions from the circular textured subsidiary dials to the granularly textured main dial. The dial of the LITTLE LANGE 1 is adorned with a twisted concentric circle pattern, lending a subtle sheen to its grey hue and accentuating its sleek, pure, and captivating charm. Like the lovers, growing together in the ordinary, become stronger with time.

Hermès Presents ARCEAU Costume de Fête Inspired By Polish Folk Culture

 

Hermès Presents the ARCEAU Costume de Fête, graced with pearls, sequins and coloured leather, the Arceau watch appears decked out in festive finery inspired by Polish folk culture. The Arceau watch created in 1978 by Two versions – one in white gold, the Henri d’Origny mingles classicism with other in rose gold – set with 82 diamonds singularity. Its round shape set on a stirrup feature a dial combining craft techniques as lends itself to infinite expressions of creative as they are demanding, expressed creativity and expertise. Framed by this case through colours varying according to with asymmetrical lugs, the Arceau watch two respective palettes.

The lively, joyful embodies the Hermès style and highlights equestrian motif is inspired by Polish original forms of craftsmanship. Miniature folk culture. Illustrator, typographer and painting, leather marquetry and sequins graphic designer Jan Bajtlik’s imagination reinterpret the Costume de Fête silk scarf is nurtured by traditional Krakow costumes designed by Warsaw-born artist Jan Bajtlik. and ornaments. His characters, animals and flowers draw on his native country’s popular art of paper cut-outs (wycinanki).

Miniaturised to dial size, the horse comes to life at the hand of Hermès artisans. Brightly coloured beads take shape on a sculpted metal base that is uniformly painted, a process punctuated by innumerable layers of micro-paint successively applied with a brush.

Emerging from this floral decoration, the spirited steed is revealed through equally meticulous piece of work: leather marquetry. Slim tesserae cut from different coloured leathers previously trimmed to just 0.5 mm thick are individually juxtaposed on the dial. This patient craftsmanship is complemented by delicately applied sequins. Six tiny, precisely selected shiny discs are pierced and sewn together with copper wire. As a final touch, the details of the harness are meticulously hand-painted on the leather.

Housed in a case measuring 38 mm in diameter, the Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement reveals the finishing and the ‘sprinkling of Hs’ pattern adorning its bridges and oscillating weight through the sapphire crystal caseback. A sakura pink or electric blue Swift calfskin strap complements the lively tones of these two watches, respectively issued in 24-piece editions.

Bell & Ross Presents The New Limited Edition of BR 05 Artline Dragon Watch

While the Maison has built its reputation on producing efficient instrument watches designed for professionals, Bell & Ross has never held back from giving free rein to creativity. This is the BR 05 Artline’s mission: a unique variation within the BR 05 line allowing for a freer range of artistic expression. The Maison aims to offer watches with ornate finishes: an ambition clearly expressed in the version embellished with gadrooning. “We wanted to launch a watch that was dressy and decorated. The BR 05 had potential, with a case with ample space for embellishment”, Bell & Ross’ Creative Director Bruno Belamich noted at the launch of the first Artline model.

2024 will be the Year of the Dragon. According to Chinese astrology, those born under the Dragon have a character that is active, strong-willed, confident, enterprising and lucky. The new BR 05 Artline Dragon watch takes on this bold personality, with exclusive laser engraving reminiscent of a tattoo.  Now, Bell & Ross is going further. Part of the Maison's philosophy is pushing one's limits. The BR 05 Artline Dragon moves into a whole new field by adopting graphic codes linked to the art of tattooing. Playing on light and shadow through the relative fineness and thickness of each stroke, this line work is crucial to transcending the realm of drawing to that of a metal tattoo.

Designed to celebrate the strong symbolism of the Chinese dragon on the advent of this new year, the BR 05 Artline Dragon is deliberately created as a rare piece – not only because of its character, but also the complexity of its design. This exceptional timepiece will only be produced in a limited edition of 99 pieces. The BR 05 Artline Dragon is on sale exclusively in Bell & Ross boutiques and e-boutiques.

JAEGER-LECOULTRE Presents The Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘DRAGON’

JAEGER-LECOULTRE paying a majestic homage to the crafts of enameling and engraving by presenting the REVERSO TRIBUTE ENAMEL ‘DRAGON’. The signature swiveling case of the Reverso was conceived as an ingenious solution to the problem of protecting the dial and glass of the watch when worn on the polo field. However, soon after its launch in 1931, the Reverso was adopted by tastemakers from all walks of life, transcending its original sporting purpose. Moreover, it quickly became apparent that the blank metal of the case back was an ideal canvas for artistic expression, offering limitless potential to craft timepieces of rare beauty. In 2023 Jaeger-LeCoultre adds a new chapter to this story of craftsmanship and artistry: the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Dragon’. Created to coincide with Chinese New Year, the new timepiece pays tribute to the Year of the Dragon, and to the talents of the master enamellers and engravers in the Métiers Rares™ atelier of the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre.  Swiveling the watch case to its reverse side reveals a majestic dragon surrounded by golden clouds. Engraved into the pink gold case metal, the dragon seems to leap out from the background of glossy black Grand Feu enamel. The polished surfaces of the dragon’s body, the fine details of its scales – highlighted with black rhodium and the contrasting sandblasted texture of the clouds catch and refract the light to enhance the illusion of movement and power. To maximise the sense of volume and depth, the master engraver used a technique called modelled engraving, an exacting skill that requires absolute focus and remarkable dexterity. Adding to the challenge, the engraver’s work began not, as is usual, with a bare metal surface but with one that already had its coat of Grand Feu enamel, thus requiring an unprecedented accuracy of gesture to avoid all risk of damage to the pristine enamel. Using 10 differently sized chisels to sculpt the metal step by step, the master engraver devoted 80 hours to the creation of this masterpiece. 

The dial of the Reverso Tribute Enamel features the same opaque black Grand Feu enamel as the case-back. The elegant simplicity of the Reverso Tribute dial, with its faceted appliqué hour-markers, chemin de fer minutes track and Dauphine hands, places full value on the beauty of the glowing black background. The apparent simplicity of the pure black enamel is deceptive because in Grand Feu enameling, the outcome of the firing process is never entirely predictable. To create a black of such depth and richness requires five or six layers of enamel, with each new layer followed by firing and cooling – representing no less than 24 working hours (16 hours for the case-back and eight hours for the dial) over the course of many days. This was followed by half a day of polishing to achieve a perfect, uniform shine. That the two surfaces are perfectly matched in colour and purity is testament to a degree of skill that can be acquired only through many years of experience. Jaeger-LeCoultre remains one of very few watch Manufactures to have its own in-house enamellng atelier, safeguarding and advancing this ancient craft. Created to celebrate the Chinese Zodiac Year and made only to order, the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Dragon’ is testament to La Grande Maison’s vision of culture and creativity, where the artistic crafts live in perfect harmony with the technical expertise of the Manufacture’s watchmakers.

Hermès Presents ARCEAU Belles du Mexique

Hermès Presents ARCEAU Belles du Mexique -  An ode to joy and movement. A dial where time dances and gives life to the mischievous, colourful Arceau Belles du Mexique. There are two core elements in any dance: movement and rhythm. The Arceau Belles du Mexique watch pays tribute to the men and women who perpetuate the tradition of the hat dance. Originally from Jalisco, the central Mexican region on the shores of the Pacific, it features these dancers, renowned for the relative immobility of their torsos contrasting with frantic footwork. They are depicted from above on a Hermès silk scarf released in 2017. The virtuoso design celebrates dance, movement and exhilaration.

The Arceau Belles du Mexique watch places this motif inside in a round, 38 mm-diameter white gold case. The dancers’ agility is showcased, as seven of them arranged around the hours and minutes are mobile and whirl freely in step with wrist movements. Watchmaker choreographer Hermès thus stages a show combining body movement mastery with total freedom of expression - the very definition of a choreography whose gestures are codified and that each dancer executes according to his or her own sensitivity. This free, colourful circle dance is performed around a ring of 23 diamonds surrounding the central hours and minutes hands.

Like the seven others surrounding them, these dancers are entirely hand-crafted. Their relief is created by successive individual layers of paint. All fourteen dancers are then applied to the base of a painted dial. The seven central figures are mounted on a free axis that makes them twirl at the slightest movement. The other seven catch and hold the light emanating from a bezel set with 82 diamonds. They are the motionless spectators of a central scene where the hat dance vies with the dance of time for the privilege of ticking off the hours and minutes. Beneath the stage beats a self winding movement that perpetually charges the watch with new energy. The poet Virgil was so right when he wrote that spirit endows matter with movement.