WT'MB&'F?

Holy Horological Machines Batman!! I was expecting something amazing when MB&F teased us with the movement for their HM7, but this one just blew me away. 

Looking like a cross between a spaceship and a submersible, the design was actually inspired by jellyfish. Eric Giroud is the designer of the striking piece, and along with a team of 49 people, the first water resistant Horological Machine was conceived.  

Not to be content with just the shape of the watch, with a unidirectional rotating bezel that seems to orbit around the edge of a see through spaceship, the watch also contains a central flying tourbillon and a vertical movement between its domed sapphire top and bottom. Super lume comes courtesy of Black Badger creator James Thompson.

The MB&F HM7 Aquapod comes in two variations, 33 pieces in titanium, and 66 in red gold, both are delivered on rubber straps. 

Another one for the shopping list!

Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos 568 at SIHH 2017

I've been looking for a table clock for quite some time and haven't been able to find anything that quite suits my style...until now. Jaeger LeCoultre has again partnered with Australian designer, Marc Newson, to create the Atmos 568. It is a beautiful, minimalist clock that reminds me of the skeleton clocks that my parents had, but reinterpreted for the modern world. 

The clock stands at just under 10" high, and is housed in a Baccarat crystal case, so you can gaze at the movement that appears to float inside the case.

I love the new feet that give the clock better stability. The previous version sat on a pedestal that gave me the sense that it looked more like an award than a clock.

Blue details highlight the dial, and you will also notive that the clock features the month and a moonphase. The Atmos 568 has been added to the regular collection.

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.

Blancpain Villeret Métiers D’Art Ganesh

It's all in the details. When you are incorporating a Hindu deity on the dial of your watch, you need to make sure the details are respectful, and this watch from Blancpain certainly does that. The black patina of the dial is displayed using a shakudō technique, which originates from Japan, along with fine engraving and damascening, which incorporates inlaying different metals into one another - typically gold or silver, into a darkly oxidized steel background - to produce intricate patterns. This piece definitely reflects the artistry of the watchmakers and is a beautiful way to honor the revered God Lord Ganesha. 

Favorite watches of 2016 - Fiona Kruger Petit Skull.

I have been a big fan of Fiona Kruger and her work since I first saw her pieces in 2014. Since then she has grown in strength and is really making an impact on the world of watches, throwing all the usual conventions on their heads. A young Scottish female watch designer, whoever heard of such a thing! The PETIT SKULL Series launched this year is produced as a limited edition of 18 pieces. The multilayered guilloché layers are just killing me with their gorgeousness!