A Mammoth Launch - The HYT Skull Vida

Hot off the presses today is the launch of HYT's Skull Vida, a limited edition of just 5 pieces. The 'limited edition' in this case could also be referred to as 5 unique pieces, as the material reflects its own unique properties, and is a very unusual material to watchmaking.

The skull shaped sculpted dial is crafted from Siberian mammoth ivory thousands of years old. In fact, most of the mammoths that are being uncovered in the region are 15,000-30,000 years old and have been remarkably well preserved, having been frozen in place until now. Before any work can be done on the ivory, it has to go through a stabilization process so that it can adjust to the atmosphere. Specially trained artisans worked with the ivory, which given its age, had to be very carefully handled.

"Our first Skull collections fell within the tradition of Memento Mori, reflecting in particular the Mexican culture of Dia de los Muertos, where death is celebrated in the same way as life, in a celebratory communion of the passing of time," recalls Grégory Dourde, CEO of HYT. "However, we felt that we could go even further still by literally combining life and the unique flow of time with our fluid technology and a dial made from an authentic material, a true living sculpture. The Skull Vida was born from this all-encompassing, holistic vision." 

The Skull Vida comes in a 51 mm black DLC titanium case which highlights the creaminess of the ivory. It is powered by HYT's exclusive mechanical hand-wound movement which provides a 65-hour power reserve. The seconds are displayed in its left eye, the power reserve in its right. As usual, the entire artwork is surrounded by an HYT capillary specially folded into the skull shape, in which the separation point of two immiscible liquids indicates the hours. The strap, is a beige floral-embroidered fabric with a black DLC titanium deployant buckle.

Ideas for Mothers Day - Roberto Coin Pois Moi

Running out of time to select something that is just perfect for your Mom? How about Roberto Coin's Pois Moi Collection? The iconic collection may have just what you are looking for. 

With your choice of white, pink and yellow gold in bracelets, rings, pendants, and earrings with diamond pavé, choices abound. 

I love the squareness of the pieces, with their soft corners and retro "television shape" design, influenced by the '50s, however the final product is all modern.

Founded in 1977 in Italy’s Vicenza, Roberto Coin is a marvelous mix of centuries-old Italian craftsmanship and modern design techniques. The brand was originally created to make jewelry for other Italian brands, but was launched in 1996 as a world-renowned luxury brand of Italian designer jewelry.

Take a look at some of the options to choose from and see what inspires you.

White gold bangle with diamonds 4-Row Bangle Pave white diamond detail; 7.75 total diamond carat weight

White gold bangle with diamonds 7-Row Bangle Pave white diamond detail; 14.05 total diamond carat weight.

White gold ring with diamonds 2-Row Ring Pave white diamond panel. 2.03 total diamond carat weight.

White gold ring with diamonds 0.63ct Diamonds

Four row white gold bangle with black and white diamonds 4-Row Bangle Pave black diamond panel, dotted with round-cut white diamonds. 12.25 total diamond carat weight.

Two row white gold bangle with black and white diamonds 2-Row Bangle Pave black diamond panel, dotted with round-cut white diamonds. 5.49 total diamond carat weight.

White gold bangle with white diamonds One-Row Pave Diamond Bangle Pave white diamond top; 1.35 total diamond carat weight.

White gold ring with black and white diamonds 2-Row Ring Pave black diamond panel, dotted with round-cut white diamonds. 2.03 total diamond carat weight.

Rose gold bangles with white diamonds.

Four-Row Bangle Diamonds: - Weight (total): 7.73 CT, - Clarity: VS, - Color: G, - Cut: round brilliant

Single-Row Diamond Bangle Single row of pave white diamonds halfway around. 1.29 total diamond carat weight.

Two-Row Diamond Bangle Pave white diamond detail; GHSI; 0.28 total carat weight.

Yellow gold bangles with white diamonds.

Four-Row Bangle- Weight (total): 7.73 CT, - Clarity: VS, - Color: G, - Cut: round brilliant

Seven-Row Bangle

Four-Row Bangle

Show your love with Christophe Claret's Marguerite

Christophe Claret offers a spectacular gift of love with Marguerite. As part of their first collection of watches especially created for women, Margot, the new Marguerite model is clothed in over 600 diamonds. The red gold case measures a perfect 42.5mm, and the bezel and lugs are set with over 380 diamonds of varying sizes alone.

The daisy at the center of the dial  has overlapping petals and is accented by another 220 diamonds. Two fluttering butterflies, highlighted with orange Super-LumiNova appear to float around the daisy indicating the time. The butterflies are slightly different in color, the 'female' version is darker and indicates the hours, while the 'male' version is lighter and points to the minutes. At the heart of the flower is a glistening ruby all hovering over a white mother-of-pearl dial.

The magic doesn't stop there. Hidden beneath the numbers on the dial is a message that reveals itself when the pusher at 2 o'clock is pressed. The numbers disappear to reveal the phrase: “Il m’aime passionnément” (He loves me passionately). For even more personalization, the message can be customized to be whatever is desired, within the  given number of characters allowed.

The caseback isn't left out either and provides an opportunity to admire the movement’s oscillating weight sculpted like a daisy and set with eight rubies. The daisy shape also allows the owner to indulge in a game of 'He loves me, he loves me not', by holding the watch in a horizontal position, and with one or two shakes, the weight will move for a few seconds and then stop to reveal whether the answer is yes or no!

Available in red, blue and green, in a white or red gold case, each color is a limited edition of 30 pieces. 

Graff Princess Butterfly Secret Watch

The master craftsmen at Graff have managed to transform the soft beauty and elegance of a butterfly into a delicate and intricately jeweled ladies watch. On the outside, the sculptured butterfly silhouette is made up of diamonds and gemstones, all invisibly set, and reminiscent of the natural butterfly’s wings. 

Hidden under the wings is the 'secret', the watch. To reveal the time the wearer simply presses on one of the diamonds in the body of the butterfly, and the wings slide open revealing the watch inside. 

Crafted out of white gold, the case is set with 66 baguette diamonds and sapphires. There are four different variations; Full diamond, ruby, sapphire and diamonds with sapphire detail. The invisible setting, created in the 1930's, requires small grooves to be cut in the underside of each diamond or gemstone allowing them to slide onto a grid hidden beneath the stones. Not only that, but the color of the stones needs to be color-matched and sized precisely, so that they preserve the overall beauty and delicate curvature of the butterfly wings. 

Looks like Graff has managed to capture nature beautifully. 

Jacob & Co. The "Mystery of Muzo" Cuffs

Bring on the stunning emeralds! After almost two years of work, Jacob & Co.'s, "Mystery of Muzo" matching cuffs are complete. Featuring two envy worthy emeralds from the Muzo mines in Colombia, you know this is a mark of exceptional quality of the stones. One stone weighs in at 74.33 carats, the other at 70.57 carats, and the pear shape cut is the perfect complement to the art-deco inspired design of the cuff. 

Not to be content with just emeralds, the 18K white gold bracelets are decorated with 118.13 carats of round, brilliant cut diamonds wrapped around the edges and snaked around the upper half, as well as black spinel cut into geometric shapes and wrapped about the body of the cuff. 

Bold, exotic, and a piece unique, these cuffs will give any woman an air of mystery and seduction. Who will be that lucky woman?

Announcing the MB&F Legacy Machine N°1 (LM1) Final Edition

After six years of the Legacy Machine N°1, MB&F have launched the last in the series. To honor this legacy (pun intended), this is the first time the watch has been available in a stainless steel case, a very rare occurrence from MB&F. The dial of the 18 piece limited edition is in a rich dark chocolate brown, and includes the new balance bridge that was featured in the LM101 and LM Perpetual.

The 44mm case comes with the usual high domed sapphire crystal which floats over the movement and bridges. The three-dimensional horological movement was developed exclusively for MB&F by Chronode, with bridge design and finishing specified by Kari Voutilainen. Power reserve is 45 hours.

Legacy Machine No.1 is available in 18k red gold, 18k white gold, a limited edition of 33 pieces in platinum, a limited edition of 13 pieces for the M.A.D.Gallery Dubai in titanium and the final edition in stainless steel. The LM1 was also the base for two Performance Art editions with artists Xia Hang and Alain Silberstein.

After a total of approx. 435 Legacy Machine N°1's it's bittersweet, but these will be the last new pieces in the series. 

I'm holding my breath for what comes next!

Pretty in Pink from Sutra

Pink is everywhere this spring and jewelry is no exception. Houston-based jeweler Sutra Jewels has paired pink opal and pink spinel along with diamonds and 18K pink gold, to bring us the The Angel Skin and Pink Spinel Collection from their Sutra Signature collection.

The new Sutra Signature line offers a refined element of glamour into a women’s daily style choice that transitions her from black denim to black tie. Each piece encompasses design elements of graceful rhythm and lightweight flexibility, all inspired by concepts of feminine movement. 

Designer Arpita Navlakha, brings together ageless design, construction and mood , creating a hybrid of cutting edge trend and timelessness which is the essence of Sutra. 

7 ctw pink opal
1 ctw spinel
1 ctw diamond
18k rose gold

17.5 ctw pink opal
3.5 ctw spinel
7 ctw diamonds + rose cuts
18K white gold

Artist Jeff Koons Collaborates with Louis Vuitton

French fashion house has announced a collaboration with Jeff Koons which will launch on 28 April 2017. 

The 51-piece collection of handbags and scarves are based on Koons' Gazing Ball paintings, a series of hand-painted reproductions of works by the old masters. Koons' paintings included a blue glass gazing ball 'floating' on a painted aluminum shelf attached to the front of each painting, so that the viewer could be brought into the painting itself.

The collections featured artworks include the Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Van Gogh's Wheat Field with Cypresses and Peter Paul Rubens' Tiger Hunt. Each bag has the original artists name in bold letters on the front. As usual, Louis Vuitton's monogram logo is included, but an additional logo is made up of Jeff Koons initials, plus a hanging tag of his highly recognizable inflatable rabbit sculpture. 

"Pushing its know-how to new limits, Louis Vuitton has employed the most advanced techniques and craftsmanship to faithfully reproduce the artworks on the canvas of the bags," said the French fashion house.

"By re-presenting these celebrated pieces on Louis Vuitton bags, Koons once again invites viewers to consider these works anew, opening the museum to the world and encouraging us to experience the old masters in novel ways."

Now you can have your art and take it with you wherever you go!

New from Arnold & Son - the DBG Skeleton

Arnold & Son takes great pride in making sure that their movements are as exceptional as their exterior suggests, even if you cannot see them. In this piece, the DBG, which is an acronym for Double Balance GMT, the movement is now unveiled, so the wearer cannot enjoy its beauty, depth and fine finishing.  

The GMT function is perfect for travelers, and for those who just love to know the time in another zone of the world.  

Based on the original DBG that launched in 2012, the movement of the DBG Skeleton needed to be somewhat redesigned to allow for the dial to be removed and maintain its complete symmetry.

At this time, the watch is only available in a red gold case.  

Turquoise Treats at Louboutin

A visit to Louboutin is always filled with delight and full shopping bags, and this visit is no different! Ready for spring and a change in the weather are some fabulous iridescent spikey peep toe pumps in cream and turquoise. Just what the doctor ordered to send those winter blues packing! 

Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor – Baselworld 2017

With Baselworld launching tomorrow, more new watches are being released, and now we have the Insight Micro-Roto from Romain Gauthier. For this timepiece, the hour, minute and small second indications are powered by a beautifully hand-finished, in-house calibre built from the ground up and boasting bidirectional micro-rotor made from 22k solid white gold, which is visible not only from the back of the dial, but also from the front. 

The name Insight refers to the highly visible movement within the case, allowing the wearer to gain an insight to the beautiful movement, finishing, and the rotor. 

Two versions of the case watch have been released, one in red gold and one in platinum. Each are available with a choice of three with oven-fired dials, white enamel, black enamel and blue enamel.

Each dial/case version is issued in a limited edition of 10 pieces. 

Pre-Basel Angelus Releases the U22

The Angelus U22, much like the U21, is based on last years release of the U20 Ultra Skeleton Tourbillon. This version has carbon fiber and titanium case, giving it a very contemporary and sporty look, and the materials also contribute to reducing the weight even further, to a mere 54 g.

Since the movement for the U20/U21/U22 was designed from the beginning to be minimalist and skeletonized, it is devoid of any superfluous materials. The openness of the dial, with no bezel, allows the wearing to enjoy the three dimensional movement from every angle. 

A flying tourbillon sits at 6 o'clock, and takes advantage of all the codes of haute horlogerie. 

Available in a limited edition of 18 pieces.  

Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Papillon Automate

Out of the house of Van Cleef & Arpels is another stunning work of art that one can forget also tells the time. The dial is full of soft shades of blues, greens and mauves, and is reminiscent of a scene from Monet's garden. Resting on top of the dial set with round and pear-cut diamonds, blue and mauve sapphires, champlevé and paillonné enamel, and a mother-of-pearl, plique-à-jour, is a blue enameled butterfly. Not a static butterfly by any means, this butterfly beats it wings during each hour, more frequently so when worn. Since Van Cleef & Arpels know how the owner of the watch will love the movement of the butterfly, the wings can also be activated on command by pushing the button on the side of the case, and they will then beat five times consecutively. 

The diamond set white gold case measures 38 mm and the crown is set with an additional diamond. The watch has a blue alligator strap and a diamond set white gold pin buckle.

Imperiali Genève Emperador - The Most Prestigious Cigar Cabinet Ever Made

Inspired by watchmaking, but all about the enjoyment of your cigar. That's the premise of Imperiali Genève's Emperador, the million dollar cigar chest. On the outside, it is impressive, and measuring 27" wide, almost 18" wide, and just under 12" high, you aren't going to miss it. The exterior is black lacquer with gold details, and a tourbillon with a black guilloche dial sits atop the chest. 

To open the chest you will need your personal security code. Each of the letters of the word IMPERIALI surrounding the tourbillon also feature numbers, and you press these to enter your secret code. Inside are a multitude of additional features, 24 gold wrapped cigars, each in an individual glass sleeve, a self-regulating humidity system, along with a laser-guided guillotine cigar-cutter, a table lighter and an electronic ashtray, all displayed on a tray that takes up the lower portion of the chest. 

More than two years of work went into the development of the chest, and is a collaboration of about 100 craftsmen. 

Annual production will be limited to 12 units.

Pre-Basel - Arnold & Son HM Falcon

Arnold & Son has just released a the HM Falcon Unique Piece as part of their Métiers d’Art collection. The hand painted falcon is set on a mother-of-pearl dial and the artist uses delicate nuances of colors and tones, using tiny brushstrokes and texturing gradually to build-up the entire image, which results in a stunning finished design, full of depth. 

Human love of falcons goes back many centuries. In ancient Egypt, the falcon was deified as Horus, the god of the sky and kingship. In other civilizations and cultures, the falcon symbolizes vision, agility and victory. Falconry can also be traced back to early China, where records indicate they were being used by humans to hunt. They were also used as royal gifts in the Heian dynasty in China, dating back to 2205 BC.

The unique piece comes with an ultra-thin A&S1001 manufacture movement with over 90 hours of power reserve; and is housed in an 18-karat rose gold case, with a brown alligator strap. The case can also be adorned with a diamond set bezel if desired.

Loewe Releases their Fall Winter 2017/2018 Campaign

With the Fall Winter fashion shows in full swing, Loewe has released the corresponding new print campaign featuring supermodel Gisele Bundchen. The campaign, shot by legendary photographer Steven Meisel, shows Gisele in a wide brimmed hat with a sliced loaf of bread with their swirling logo on the slices. Also featured in the released images are Gisele wearing a check dress in front of hanging silk ribbons, plus another of their Puzzle handbag with a cloud print. 

Loewe ready-to-wear show will take place in Paris on March 3.

Green with Envy - The Kerbedanz Tree of Life

Not many people are familiar with a small but exceptionally talented watch brand called Kerbedanz. They create small batch high end watches, which are filled with references to cultural and ethnic values that are represented in the finishing on the components of the mechanical movements, as well as on the surfaces and reliefs of the dials. 

The Tree of Life - a worldwide symbol of immortality - is no exception and depicts an ancient, flowering tree planted in a mossy undergrowth.The 18K yellow gold case and lugs are literally covered with emeralds, 540 in total. The stunning dial features enamel in the background which reflects a myriad of green, and a yellow gold tree with diamond accents which was designed, manufactured and hand decorated by Kerbedanz.

Only 41 pieces will be made, and each one is set on a green alligator strap. 

Let's see what they have in store for us at Baselworld 2017.

Pre Basel 2017 - Harry Winston Avenue Classic Cherry Blossom

You just can't help getting excited about what's new from Harry Winston, and I already see that a little something has caught my eye. With spring looming in just a few weeks, Harry Winston has released the Avenue Classic Cherry Blossom.

Set in an 18K white gold case, the soft blue-green dial is crafted from mother-of-pearl with a delicate cherry blossom design set with 29 brilliant-cut pink sapphires and 39 brilliant-cut diamonds on white gold branches. An additional 39 brilliant-cut diamonds adorn the case. The movement is quartz, which does nothing to detract from the beauty of the design, and the whole effect is completed with a green-blue alligator leather strap.

Unique Piece from Angelus Watches

In 2015 Angelus was revived and released it's first watch. Not wanting to copy anything that was produced in the early days of the brand, they took inspiration from their multi dial alarm clocks and made a watch that just couldn't have been made when the brand originally existed - the Angelus U10 Tourbillon Lumiere. The spectacular piece had two massive openings one for the retro 70's-square-tv-style dial, and the other to highlight the massive floating tourbillon.

Now in 2017, a special unique piece has been released with an unexpected addition, paying tribute to the old tradition of Mexican Calaveras, used mainly to celebrate . The colorful skull has been added to the dial side, while Día de los Muertos. 

Priced at $118,500, this is the first unique piece from the Angelus U10 art collection.

Show A Little Timely Love for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day will soon be here and the gift dilemma is in full swing. Here are a few beautiful options for the gift of time for her.

 

Harry Winston Premier Precious Love - Limited Edition of 14 Pieces

If you want to show how much you love your partner everyday, this is a stunning piece to make that happen. The dial is exquisite with ten heart-shaped rubies and 47 brilliant-cut diamonds set over a white mother of pearl latticework frame, over a pink mother of pearl background. The minute and hour hands are set into the center of a flower made of overlapping hearts, and below is another heart, outlined with six of the ten heart-shaped rubies.

The white gold case measures 36mm and is also set with 57 brilliant-cut diamonds, and is topped off with an pink satin or an alligator leather strap with white gold buckle, and adorned with 17 brilliant-cut diamonds. 

Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Astorite - Limited Edition of 28 Pieces

If your valentine prefers a more minimalist dial, then this may be the one. The 35mm 18kt red gold case is set with 232 diamonds, and the dial is taken from a pale pink rare gem called Astorite. The minute and hour hands are set into a white mother of pearl sub dial at 12 o'clock. 

The watch is available on a hand-made grey satin strap with an 18kt red gold buckle.

de Grisogono New Retro

If rubies are the winner, then this is the watch for you. Simply stunning in color from top to bottom, the pink gold case is set with 70 baguette cut rubies, and the dial has an additional 60. Continuing the glorious color combination, the ruby galuchat strap also has a pink gold folding clasp set with another 112 rubies. The crown set at 12 o'clock adds to the symmetry of the design. 

Audemars Piguet Diamond Outrage

This white gold watch comes with outrageous spikes covered in either white diamonds or blue sapphires, equaling about 65 carats worth of stones. To tell the time you open one of the spikes to reveal the dial. It might contain a quartz movement, but at this point, who cares! It's edgier than most watches out there, but all I can say is, it works for me!

Urwerk's UR-106 Flower Power Limited Edition of 11 Pieces

Continuing the theme of something a  little different, lets take a look at the Urwerk UR-106 Flower Power. There is no doubting that this is an Urwerk, however the recognizable shape has been transformed into a dazzling diamond encrusted watch instead of the snake skin pattern we usually see. The single block steel case is set with 239 Top Wesselton quality diamonds, plus the dial's central flower in white gold set with 30 brilliant-cut diamonds (0.184 ct), and a further 3 small flowers in white gold set with 6 brilliant-cut diamonds (0.522 ct).