Watches and movies

The latest video clip from The Watch Library deals with the 100-year long relationship between cinema and timepieces.

 

 

 

New releases – Formex Essence Ceramica Skeleton COSC

The full-ceramic 41mm case features the patented Case Suspension System that absorbs shocks and enhances comfort with four integrated springs allowing the watch to dynamically adapt to wrist movement. The patented micro-adjustable ceramic clasp allows for fine-tuning the fit while the watch is on the wrist. The COSC-certified automatic movement is a sketetonised version of the Swiss made Caliber SW200-1SC. Prices from CHF 3'970.-

New releases – BA111OD Chapter 4 Skeleton Tourbillon Ice White

Designed and manufactured in the Jura Arc, the watch combines an openwork architecture with cutting-edge engineering. Its 40mm stainless steel case, distinguished by its signature 4 o’clock crown, showcases an open dial that reveals the movement within. The tourbillon, positioned at 7 o’clock, is a tribute to one of the most revered complications in watchmaking. This hand-wound skeletonized movement, developed by master watchmaker Olivier Mory, offres a 100-hour power reserve. Prices from CHF 6'400.-

 

Watches at auction

Here are a few highlights from the upcoming auctions held by Phillips.

 

Geneva, 10-11 May

This pink gold Rolex Ref. 8171 comes with its original guarantee and COSC certificate. It features a crisp and well-preserved 38 mm case crafted by Favre-Perret, and an untouched dial aged to an ivory hue. Estimate: CHF 350,000-700,000

 

The Vacheron & Constantin minute repeater Ref. 6448 was produced in three unique examples. This platinum version with diamond indexes has remained within the same family since its creation in 1961. Estimate : CHF 120,000-240,000

 

Hong Kong, 24-25 May

This rare version of the Patek Philippe Ref. 3448 – the world’s first self-winding perpetual calendar – does not feature the moon phase indication at 6 o’clock. Only four such examples in yellow gold are known to exist. Estimate : US$ 150,000-300,000

 

This Rolex Cosmograph Ref. 6263 features the UAE Quraysh Hawk emblem and the Arabic script signature of the Ministry of Defense. Only a handful of these special commissions exist. Estimate: US$ 150,000-300,000

 

 

New releases – Solar Aqua Asgard

The brand born from the merger of the Swiss brand Aqua and the North American brand Solar introduces this limited edition of 300 pieces. Water resistant to 200 m, the 42 mm black 316L steel case features a PVD black coating and a forged carbon bezel. The open dial in the central area allows a view of the Swiss Peseux movement, customized for Solar Aqua. Positioned outside the central counter, the hour hand has a trapezoidal shape that mirrors the peak of Mount Asgard, the Canadian mountain, famous for its two flat-topped peaks and named after the realm of the gods in Norse mythology.

New releases – Benrus Type 2

Just over 100 years after its founding, the independent New York brand reissues its iconic tool watches. First issued in the early 1970s, the Type 2 makes its return with a classic 39.5 mm steel case, and with the 41.5 mm bronze case seen here, water resistant to 200 metres. Its sapphire back offers a view of the Swiss automatic movement based on the ETA 2892 caliber. The dial features the traditional military 12/24 hour format with small triangles marking each hour.

Watches & Cars - Vacheron & Constantin / Horch (1939)

ENGLISH (il testo italiano è in fondo alla pagina)

This 1:18 diecast model reproduces the Horch 855 Roadster, introduced in 1939. A part of the Auto Union Group, which also included Audi, the German manufacturer was mostly known for the luxury cars that introduced 8-cylinder engines in series production.

The extravagantly expensive 855 Roadster was produced in less than ten examples a few months before World War II broke out. This video clip features the life-size car that inspired the model's creators, on display at the 2014 Salon Retromobile in Paris.

It is safe to assume that the owners of such vehicles did not wear ordinary timepieces. This Vacheron & Constantin Ref. 4072 chronograph might have been a decent match, as its production started more or less at the same time Horch introduced its dream car, and the Geneva brand enjoyed a flattering reputation among well-off gentlemen of the time.

The beautifully finished, indelible silvered dial of this example does not feature the tachymeter scale that allows for speed measurement, but the buyer probably did not mind – he got all the information he needed from his car’s dashboard.

The movement is Caliber 434, an upgrade of Caliber 22 that the well-known chronograph specialist Valjoux made exclusively for Vacheron & Constantin.

 

ITALIANO

Questo modellino metallico in scala 1:18 riproduce la Horch 855 Roadster del 1939. Il fabbricante tedesco, membro del gruppo Auto Union di cui faceva parte anche Audi, era noto soprattutto per le auto di lusso che introdussero i motori a 8 cilindri nella produzione di serie. Eccezionalmente costosa, la 855 fu prodotta in meno di dieci esemplari alcuni mesi prima che cominciasse la Seconda Guerra Mondiale. Questo video mostra l'esemplare autentico che ha ispirato i creatori del modellino, esposto a Parigi durante il Salone Retromobile del 2014.
Si può immaginare che i proprietari di vetture come questa non indossassero orologi qualunque. Il cronografo Ref. 4072 di Vacheron Constantin si può definire un abbinamento appropriato. La produzione cominciò più o meno nello stesso periodo in cui Horch lanciò la sua Roadster da sogno, e la Casa di Ginevra godeva di una reputazione lusinghiera presso le classi abbienti del tempo.

Il quadrante argentato indelebile e splendidamente rifinito di questo esemplare non possiede la scala tachimetrica indispensabile per misurare la velocità, ma al compratore probabilmente non interessava poiché poteva leggere queste informazioni sul cruscotto della sua auto. Il movimento è il Calibro 434, raffinata versione del Calibro 22 che Valjoux, noto specialista dei cronografi, destinava esclusivamente a Vacheron & Constantin.