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.

Pre-Basel - Angelus Releases the U21

In 2016 Angelus released three highly technical watches that joined the U10 Tourbillon Lumiere in the relaunch of the brand. The U20 was released featuring a stunning truly minimalist movement that seemed to float between the crystals. Very much a cutting edge work of art.

For 2017, two new versions of the U20 have been released. The U21 features a carbon fiber main plate, and is set into a 42mm carbon fiber and red gold case. There is no bezel on this watch, in order to allow the wearer to gaze at the movement from the side of the case, as well as above. This is by no means an easy feat to accomplish.  

On the dial, the skeletonized bridges are solid gold and the flying tourbillon sits proudly at 6 o'clock. 

Finished to the highest standard of haute horlogerie, the Angelus U22 is available in a limited edition of 18 pieces. 

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.

Ressence Releases the Type 1 Squared for SIHH 2017

I was first introduced to the unusual Ressence by Elizabeth Doerr who whisked me over to their booth at Baselworld, to show me the incredible new timepiece debut. I stared at it, trying to fully understand how it worked, but after a quick explanation, it made complete sense. The brand, founded by Benoit Mintiens, has since been developing more interesting and unique pieces which still hold fascination for watch collectors. The newest addition, a dress watch, slimmer and smaller than the other pieces, is housed in a 41mm polished steel cushion shaped case, another first for the brand.

Hours, seconds and the day are displayed on rotating discs on the dial, with the minutes are displayed along the outside edge, so the watch is constantly in motion. Another thing you might notice is that there is no crown. How do you wind the watch or change the time you might ask? Turn the watch over and there is an ingenious system that includes a retractable lever on the case back. 

The watch comes in four different dial colors, blue, ruthenium, silver and champagne, and with easily changeable straps, so there are color options for both men and women.

MB&F to Debut the HM7 at SIHH 2017

MB&F has announced they will release a new horological machine next week for SIHH in Geneva. In anticpation of this, here is a sneak peek of the movement and an insight on what is to come. 

HYT Releases the Skull Pocket Watch for SIHH 2017

HYT isn't your 'normal' watch brand, they fall into the category of a niche brand that thinks out of the box. For those who aren't familiar with the way the watch works, there is a capillary that contains two liquids, one of which has color. This liquid moves along the capillary to indicate the time. Not an easy feat to produce (they have developed 7 patents for it), but HYT has succeeded. 

Now HYT unveils its first ever pocket watch, the Skull Pocket to add its Skull Collection. Set in a new case, the first ever Skull and mechanical light source combination, exclusive finishes, and just 8 pieces available: the Skull Pocket marks a turning point in the development of HYT's fluid-based watchmaking technology.

Hermes Birkin Bag

If you were ever going to get a luxury handbag, you might as well make it an Hermes Birkin, and while you are at it, how about a Rouge Braise 35CM in Shiny Porosus Croc with Palladium. Might as well do things properly!