M2 Luxury Watch Collection 2023
Oscar Wilde once mused, ‘I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.’ With this sentiment echoing through the halls of horology, we again bring to you some of the finest creations from a world where intricate mechanics meet pure artistry. From the visionary collaboration between Automobili Pininfarina and BOVET 1822’s Battista Tourbillon, to the rebellious spirit captured within the Richard Mille RM 66 Flying Tourbillon, these watches are not just timekeepers; they are the keepers of craftsmanship, precision, creativity and the spirit of innovation where every tick is a brushstroke on the canvas of time.
BOVET 1822 Battista Tourbillon
The Battista Tourbillon is a luxury timepiece resulting from the collaboration between Automobili Pininfarina and BOVET 1822. It features a double-sided 60-second flying tourbillon for precise timekeeping and a patented spherical rewinding system that provides a 10-day power reserve. Inspired by the Battista hyper-GT, the watch incorporates the E-Heart feature, which serves as both a visual icon and a functional element, showcasing the Big Date on the front and BOVET’s winding mechanism on the back The two-tone blue dials showcase Battista’s Triangolo pattern and symbolise the number “90,” paying homage to Battista Anniversario and Pininfarina’s 90-year heritage. The watch’s brand-new movement, developed in collaboration with the APF design team, places hour and minute hands in the centre and includes a grand date complication and redesigned tourbillon cage. With a 45.6-millimetre case and two large sapphire crystals, the watch offers a lightweight and transparent design, showcasing its stunning mechanism.
Richard Mille – RM 66 Flying Tourbillon
The Richard Mille RM 66 Flying Tourbillon is the rebellious rockstar of the watchmaking world, proudly displaying its fiercely irreverent attitude. This limited-edition timepiece, inspired by the electrifying world of rock music gives a bird to horological convention. With a flying tourbillon at 12 o’clock, the iconic ‘horns’ hand sign, masterfully crafted in 5N red gold, boldly emerges through an X-ray-like view. Richard Mille’s audacious craftsmanship is showcased in every detail, from the fast-winding barrel providing a 72-hour power reserve to the intricate grade 5 titanium movement, perfectly skeletonized. The fusion of Carbon TPT and precious gold in the case design adds another rebellious edge, reminiscent of punk rock belts. With only 50 pieces available, the RM 66 Flying Tourbillon Rock’n’Roll is a true celebration of irreverence and unparalleled artistry.
Philip Dufour- Simplicity
In the rarefied realm of haute horology, where the titans of watchmaking reign supreme, one intrepid artisan shines as a beacon of authenticity and craft: Philip Dufour. In a serendipitous twist, Dufour’s journey took an unexpected turn when his friend, Antoine Presuzio, urged him to create a timepiece tailored for the discerning Japanese market. Thus, Simplicity was born. Defying industry norms, Dufour fearlessly embraced the indie approach, eschewing mass production and choosing to meticulously craft every element from scratch. Inspired by vintage timepieces from the mid-20th century, Dufour’s movement design measures around 12 lines (34 or 37mm) in diameter, ensuring the gears and pivots echo the classic proportions he so admired. From its masterful hand-engraved dial to the white gold case, each Simplicity embodies Dufour’s unyielding commitment to artistic precision. Debuting to resounding applause at Basel, the Simplicity captivated the watch community with its understated elegance and impeccable timekeeping. Its success was undeniable, reaching far beyond Japanese shores, as collectors worldwide were drawn to the watch’s ethereal charm and technical prowess.
F.P. Journe – Chronomètre Souverain
The Chronomètre Souverain, a masterpiece precision chronometer wristwatch from the renowned watchmaker F.P. Journe, stands as a timeless ode to the horological heritage of the 19th century. Embodying the purest chronometric tradition, this timepiece draws inspiration from marine chronometers of old, fusing traditional craftsmanship with unexpected elegance. Encased in platinum, its 40mm diameter exudes sophistication, while the whitened silver dial adorned with 18K white gold appliqué numerals adds a touch of opulence. The slender 8mm profile houses an extraordinary manually wound 18K rose gold movement, characterised by twin barrels that deliver linear force to the escape mechanism, granting over 56 hours of continuous precision. With its left-subdial showcasing small seconds at 7 o’clock and the 56-hour power reserve indicator on the right at 3 o’clock, the Chronomètre Souverain is not just a timepiece but a manifestation of horological poetry.
Jacob & Co – Gotham City Black DLC Titanium
From a superpowered alliance between Jacob & Co. and DC Comics, lands the Gotham City Black DLC Titanium watch, a timepiece that captures the very essence of the enigmatic Dark Knight. With only 36 pieces in existence, the watch’s architecture pays tribute to Gotham’s vertical darkness while infusing every component with symbolic meaning. From the rubber band-adorned crown resembling the Batmobile’s tires to the Bat emblem-shaped onyx dial, illuminated by a mysterious blue glow reminiscent of the BatSignal, the Gotham City watch is a masterful fusion of horology and heroism. The flying tourbillon cages, reminiscent of grappling hooks, and the highly advanced Calibre JCFM10 with twin triple-axis tourbillons at 5 and 7 o’clock, symbolise Batman’s arsenal of gadgets. Wrapped in black DLC matte titanium, evoking Batman’s strength and resilience, and featuring a signature drawing of Batman on the case back, this watch is a testament to the Dark Knight’s enduring legacy and philosophical complexity. “The world only makes sense if you force it to.” – Bruce Wayne/Batman, The Dark Knight Returns.
Urwerk – UR-120
The UR-120, affectionately known as “Spock,” is a horological masterpiece from URWERK that’s boldly going where no watch has gone before. Inspired by the iconic Vulcan salute from Star Trek, this cosmic wonder features a cool satellite display that splits open like a revelation, revealing rectangular studs that elegantly spin to display the hour unit. Crafted by the ingenious minds of Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei, the UR-120 is a new chapter in the evolution of the UR-110 collection, pushing the limits of technical advancement. Its celestial design boasts thought-out ergonomics with a smooth case that’s devoid of screws and notches. Inside this cosmic timepiece lies the powerhouse Caliber UR-20.01, a self-winding engine that navigates the time-space continuum with precision, guaranteeing a 48-hour power reserve. Aesthetically, the first series shines with a monochromatic allure, accented by golden shards that add a touch of celestial flair. Beam us up, URWERK.
Franck Muller – Curvex CX Giga Tourbillon
The Franck Muller Curvex CX Giga Tourbillon showcases an exquisite redesign of the iconic Giga Tourbillon, nestled within the elegant Curvex CX case. Its 20 mm Tourbillon steals the spotlight, occupying half of the skeleton dial, granting a serious sense of depth. Ingeniously engineered, the tourbillon cage employs lightweight titanium to ensure precise performance. The Curvex CX Giga Tourbillon boasts an impressive 4-day power reserve, made possible by the inclusion of four barrels. This feat is a departure from the norm, as traditional tourbillons typically rely on one or two barrels. The extended power reserve guarantees that the watch keeps ticking reliably, even during periods of rest. While the Curvex is jammed packed with technical achievement, the dial of the Curvex CX Giga Tourbillon is a work of art in its own right. The sunray brushing decoration adds a captivating radiance to the watch, with layers of lacquer further enhancing its luminosity and depth. It is a sight to behold, capturing the essence of fine craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Armin Strom – Zeitgeist
In the hallowed halls of haute horology, free pieces stand out quite as much as the “Zeitgeist” by Armin Strom – a remarkable timepiece celebrating the fifth anniversary of their resonance technology. With minimalist dial components and subtle decoration, the watch showcases the patented Resonance Clutch Spring, highlighting its ability to ensure consistent timekeeping. Crafted from a single piece of steel, this innovative spring quickly brings the balance wheels into resonance, enhancing shock resistance and precision. The Zeitgeist’s 43mm platinum case features sapphire crystal, anti-reflective treatment, and offers water resistance up to 50 metres. The hand-wound Calibre ARF21 ZG powers the watch, boasting a twin-second fly-back and 3.5 Hz frequency. This limited-edition watch is a very cool representation of the innovation still taking place in the world of watchmaking.
Rolex – Rolex 1908
Paying homage to the brand’s founder, Hans Wilsdorf, and the year he coined the iconic name ‘Rolex’, the 1908 Rolex Perpetual collection is a celebration of the brand’s rich heritage. The collection’s debut model showcases a 39mm slim case, available in 18k white or yellow gold, exuding sophistication with its polished finish and domed, fluted bezel. The design cues draw inspiration from the revered Oyster Perpetual of 1931, featuring applied Arabic numerals, small seconds counter, and baton hour markers. The intricate dial is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, revealing the heart of the timepiece – the new Rolex calibre 7140. This in-house automatic movement boasts the Superlative Chronometer certification and showcases Rolex’s cutting-edge technology, including the patented Chronergy escapement and Syloxi silicon hairspring. The result is a watch that epitomises the perfect harmony between classical aesthetics and the latest advancements in horology.
Audemars Piguet – Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon
Part of the 2023 collection, the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Flying Tourbillon with Smoked Green Aventurine Dial watch showcases a cool smoked green enamelled aventurine dial, featuring a gradient effect that transitions from a lighter tone at the centre to a deep, intense hue at the periphery. Housed in a two-tone 41mm pink gold and black ceramic case, the design exudes modernity with its multifaceted architecture, sleek lugs, and slim bezel. The combination of black ceramic and pink gold adds a contemporary touch. The flying tourbillon, positioned prominently at 6 o’clock, captivates with its pink gold-toned balance wheel, and the openworked golden rotor reveals the meticulously crafted in-house calibre 2950 movement. This limited-edition masterpiece, initially launched exclusively in South-East Asia in June 2023, is a testament to Audemars Piguet’s ongoing artistic creativity.
A.Lange & Söhne – Lange 1 Time Zone Platinum
A highly welcomed addition to the Lange 1 collection, this special timepiece features a 41.9mm platinum case, which not only adds an air of luxury but also ensures durability and longevity. The watch is powered by the hand-wound caliber L141.1 movement, showcasing the precision of German watchmaking. This movement comprises 448 total parts, including 38 jewels and a hand-engraved balance cock, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail. The updated 24-hour display, indicated by rotating disks at the centre of the main dials, enables easy tracking of two different time zones. The city ring, adjustable via a pusher at 8 o’clock, operates a complex mechanism with 67 components, making it both functional and impressive. Additionally, a Daylight Savings Time indicator for the reference city adds a practical touch to the timepiece. The rhodium-coloured dial, coupled with a black alligator strap and platinum buckle, complements the watch’s understated elegance.
Glashütte Original – PanoInverse Limited Edition City Engraved Dial
The Glashütte Original PanoInverse Limited Edition City Engraved Dial is a timepiece that distils beauty out of the urban sea. Building on the legacy of the PanoInverse XL series, which was introduced by Glashütte Original fifteen years ago, this latest iteration, the PanoInverse Limited Edition showcases a 42mm platinum case, meticulously crafted with a combination of brushed and polished surfaces. The double-sided anti reflective sapphire crystals allow aficionados to marvel at the manually wound calibre 66-12 movement from both the front and back. A small seconds sub-dial is perfectly positioned at 6 o’clock, and the power reserve indicator finds its usual place on the right side of the dial, in keeping with the PanoInverse design philosophy. The movement is adorned with screw-mounted gold chatons, ruby jewels, blued screws, and polished steel components. The captivating “butterfly” bridge, consisting of two hand-engraved balance cocks, is ingeniously positioned in a cut-out area on the lower right part of the dial. And while all this is going on, the true theme of the timepiece is held together by an intricate laser-engraved image of a high-density urban landscape, akin to the iconic cityscape of Manhattan, capturing the spirit of urban modernity. On the reverse side, a three-dimensional city block comes to life with intricate details, including billboards, signs, and even playful elements like a graffiti artist spraying the Glashütte Original logo.
Hublot – Big Bang Integrated Automatic Tourbillon Full Carbon Texalium
This sleek timepiece showcases sheer engineering genius via a 43mm carbon fibre case cloaked in an ultra-protective Texalium coating – a proprietary combination of fibreglass fabric with an aluminium surface, granting the watch a high level of durability and a striking silvery sheen. The integrated strap is also artfully constructed from carbon fibre and Texalium, resembling a metallic bracelet, yet weighing a mere 26 grams. The openworked dial reveals the dance of the tourbillon at 6 o’clock, showcased against an ethereal backdrop of sapphire bridges and a meticulously designed lattice-patterned baseplate. The micro-rotor, featuring the iconic Hublot branding, elegantly performs its winding magic at noon, while Super-LumiNova-treated hour indices and skeletonized hour and minute hands ensure readability, even in dim lighting conditions. Powering this horological tour de force is the in-house HUB6035 calibre, a masterpiece comprised of 282 components and 26 jewels. With an impressive 72-hour power reserve, the watch offers enduring performance to match its tough exterior.
Omega – De Ville Central Tourbillon Master Chronometer
While this year might well be the year of the Seamaster, OMEGA has many more strings to their bow including the breathtaking De Ville Central Tourbillon Master Chronometer. This 43mm stunner boasts a case forged from Sedna and Canopus Gold. At its core lies the hand-wound caliber 2640, a true work of art displayed through a sapphire crystal case-back. Glimmering 18k Sedna Gold plates and bridges, lovingly adorned with a frosted finish, pay homage to the golden age of watchmaking while exuding an air of sophistication while a meticulously shaped skeletonized cover plate at three o’clock, sports an integrated detent spring. The pièce de résistance though is the tourbillon carriage in sultry black ceramic titanium. Not only does it boast one-minute tourbillon glory, but it also pulls double duty as the second hand and a constant gentle reminder of Omega’s trailblazing spirit in the realm of tourbillon wristwatches.
