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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!