Jaeger leCoultre Watches - Mastering the Elements

Jaeger leCoultre

Mastering

the Elements

For many years, Jaeger-LeCoultre has been trailblazing in the timepiece industry, releasing a series of hits covering a wide spectrum of the technical timepiece world. From diving watches to timepieces requiring no lubrication and limited maintenance, Jaeger-LeCoultre has pretty much run the gamut. Following up on last year’s big winner, the Gyrotourbillon II, this year the brand has created another winner in the Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon with perpetual calendar, a first for the brand, and a new Master Grande Minute Repeater with an amazing twoweek power reserve. Both pieces feature something radically new, a silicon escapement plated with a diamond coating that provides vastly better protection against fissures in the silicon and ensures reliability of the timekeeping to an even greater degree than ever before. As such, the efficiency of the movement immediately increases by 15% in terms of reducing wear and tear on the movement, thus providing a level of durability that is rarely found.

The Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar is indeed a site to behold. Consisting of a gaudy 401 parts, the Calibre 987 movement supports a two-level display with the top level showing the time and the bottom level containing the tourbillon spinning effortlessly in its cage. Jaeger-LeCoultre has also succeeded in reducing the weight of the tourbillon by housing it in a grade 5 titanium carriage allowing the tourbillon to weigh in at a feather-light 0.28 grams. The movement accounts for leap years in its perpetual calendar making this a timepiece truly worthy for the ages.

The Master Grande Minute Repeater, fitted with the Calibre 947R movement, not only provides a superior power reserve but is also a first in being fitted with a regulatortype display. Just as with the Calibre 947, introduced in 2005, the minute repeater emits a crystal-clear sound that is created by gongs with tapered ends and a square appearance.

The regulator concept has its origins in reference clocks that were once used to check reliability of time in other clocks. The basis of the regulator is that the reading of hours and minutes are done from different axes, thus making for optimal readability. In this piece from Jaeger-LeCoultre, the hour is read from a sub-dial at 12 o’clock while the minutes glide around the larger dial. The power reserve can be found between 7 and 8 o’clock while the two minute repeater gongs are displayed at 4 o’clock. Designed with a 44mm case in yellow gold and limited to 100 pieces, this is a must-have for any technical enthusiast.

The uniqueness of Jaeger-LeCoultre often lies in the fact that their technical expertise stands out even for sport and diving  atches. Since the 1960’s, the brand has excelled in creating robust watches to withstand the greatest depths, even being tested down to 1088 metres in Indonesia in recent years.

The brand has produced a number of new Navy SEAL watches for the true diving enthusiast in the renowned Master Compressor line. Namely, this year comes the introduction of the Master Compressor Diving Chronograph with alarm, Chronograph GMT and Pro Geographic.

The alarm version is an impressive piece modeled technically after the Memovox Deep Sea. This piece uses a Calibre 956 in-house movement housed in a 44mm grade 5 titanium case. To set the alarm, simply rotate the revolving and luminescent triangle on the ceramic finished bezel to the desired position. It is also water-tight to 300 metres. While it looks simple, it’s for that reason that this is such an indispensable piece for the sports enthusiast.

The chronograph GMT version takes that simplicity a step further in either a pink gold case (watertight to 300 metres) or a titanium version (watertight to 1000 metres). Using the concept of hometime/traveltime employed by other Jaeger-LeCoultre GMT watches, the second time zone can be read through a skeletonized hand and a day/ night aperture at 12 o’clock for easy use. The Calibre 757 self-winding movement contains a 65-hour power reserve, more than enough for anything you might underground water, on land or crossing time zones. And at 46.3mm and with its renowned compressor fins on the push pieces, this is a timepiece that makes a real splash.

Finally, there is the Pro Geographic version which employs the mechanical depth gauge similar to the Master Compressor Diving Pro timepiece that was released in 2007. Built in a limited edition of 300 pieces in pink gold with a ceramic bezel, the mechanical gauge uses the amount of pressure exerted on its PVD-plated head to provide a diver with a precise depth reading down to 40 metres. But more than previous pieces, this particular watch allows you to read the time anywhere in the world by positioning the city representing the time zone in the dial at 6 o’clock, triggering a 24-hour dial at 9 o’clock to display the time in the second city. In a way, this particular timepiece represents the very best of the Geographic and the diving watch ranges of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Cartier Watches - Elegance & Excellence

CARTIER

Elegance &

Excellence

In 2008, Cartier created its first piece mastered to the standards of the Geneva Seal with the Ballon Bleu Flying Tourbillon. This year, Cartier’s extensive investments in new factories and R&D have paid off with a series of new pieces centering on the continuation of exquisite finishing.

Case in point is the Santos 100 Skeleton featuring Cartier’s own 9611 MC calibre. The Santos 100 has always been an example of elegant sportiness but this new version presents a more sleek side to the Santos than has ever been seen before. Instead of the traditional wide background with imprinted numerals, this Santos has no dial at all and the indices are made in steel allowing a perfect view inside the machine at the 138 hand-finished components. Add to this a 46.5 x 54 mm oversized case made of 950 platinum for ultimate purity and you have a piece of purely historic proportions.A Cartier ‘C’ logo has even been used as the balance pointer to the movement, making it unmistakably Cartier.

The chronograph may be considered a relatively simple complication by all standards but few have found a way to make it even more mechanically superior than can be found in the new Rotonde de Cartier Central Chronograph. Whereas the traditional two or three sub-dial chronograph reading on other pieces relegated the complication to a secondary importance, Cartier’s version is front and centre in the middle of the dial. 272 components power this Geneva Hallmark-standard finished 9907 MC caliber Cartier movement. The 42mm pink gold is very beautiful, especially when accentuated with the bright blue crown.

Finally among the men’s collection, Cartier couldn’t go through a year without a flying tourbillon. These extracomplicated movements have been a highlight of one Cartier piece for each of the last few years and this year’s version is no less stunning having been fit to a Tank Américaine pink gold case fitting a 9452 MC Cartier movement with Geneva Sealcertified finishing. This ingenious movement has everything, even going so far as  using the Cartier ‘C’ logo over the tourbillon cage as a seconds indicator. But while Cartier’s male models and self-designed movements are clearly making waves, no less important in Cartier’s heritage are the jewelry watch collections that have brought it acclaim the world over.

To add to the detailing, a Cartier ‘C’ logo has even been used as the balance pointer to the movement, making it unmistakably Cartier

Cartier is focusing on the Baignoire, a bracelet watch first developed in 1912 as one of the industry’s longest produced oval watches. At the time, the oval shape was unique in watch making. Over the years, the oval shape was fitted to other Cartier pieces before finally being christened with its current name in 1973. For 2009, Cartier is producing the Baignoire in both a large and a small model, partly as a tribute to its past but also to account for the growing demand for larger pieces among ladies. But with its soft shape and classic Roman numeral indices, it remains a testament to its originality.

The Baignoire comes in a number of references either with or without diamonds. The most elaborate version is the fully diamond-set large model with bracelet, dial and case in white gold. This is a very precious piece with 6.84 carats of beautifully- ut stones and maintains its classic technique with a manual winding mechanical movement.

Other less elaborate versions are also being presented for this year utiliz-ing pink gold, white gold, yellow gold and even canvas for those with a more casual persuasion. All in all, this Cartier collection represents the essence of what has made the brand so famous for the better part of two centuries. But with the increasing focus on in-house produced movements, it’s clear that better times are certainly ahead for Cartier.

TAG Heuer watches - Racing Forward

TAG HEUER

Racing Forward

Forty-five years after the creation of the first Carrera watch, TAG Heuer has built on the family as a centrepiece of its last three collections. As well as a symbol of style, the Carrera, and its successor, the Grand Carrera, introduced in 2007, is also rapidly becoming known as the symbol of technical excellence in the industry at its class. As such, it should be no surprise that the collection received the bulk of the brand’s attention in this year’s Baselworld presentation.

The Grand Carrera Calibre 36 RS Caliper Chronograph, winner of the 2008 Sportswatch of the Year Award, is the jewel in the crown and has now gone from concept watch to becoming part of the regular collection. It features breakthrough technology with its column wheel movement that produces 36,000 vibrations per hour and measures time to 1/10th of a second. It has a steel rim, black dial, and comes with either a leather strap or steel bracelet. There is also a sleek titanium version in all black.

The Calibre 8 RS is available with black, silver or brown dial, steel

bracelet or alligator skin strap or in a rose gold reference.

However, there is much more to the new Grand Carrera range than technical wizardry. The Calibre 6 RS has a 40 mm case and comes with a silver, brown, or black dial. With its date window positioned at 3 o’clock and a rotating small second system at 6 o’clock, decorated with “Côtes de Genève” finishing, this is a piece that combines classic style with dynamic technology.

The Grand Carrera Calibre 8 RS Grande Date GMT is slightly larger and targets the world traveller. With a dual time watch located at 6 o’clock on the dial and a distinctive date window at 12 o’clock, this watch is all about style. The Calibre 8 RS is available with black, silver or brown dial, steel bracelet or alligator skin strap or in a rose gold reference.

Finally, the 43mm Grand Carrera Calibre 17 RS Chronograph uses two rotating systems with a small second at 3 o’clock, and a chronograph minute at 9 o’clock. Like the Calibre 8 RS, it also has a black titanium and a rose gold version, the latter described  by Jack Heuer himself as “one of the most beautiful chronographs ever designed by TAG Heuer.”

Aside from the Grand Carrera, the Monaco is also very much in vogue this year. Iconized in the 1970 film classic “Le Mans” by legendary actor Steve McQueen, the new Monaco Twenty Four Concept Chronograph is a fitting testament to the collection.

Inspired by the Le Mans race, it carries an oversize “24” at 12 o’clock and the blue and orange colour scheme of Gulf Oil, the same colours Steve McQueen wore in his 1970 film. Like the Grand Carrera, it incorporates technology from GT racecars, including extreme shock protection.

The Monaco Calibre 12 Chronograph Gulf has also been created in a limited edition of 5,000 pieces with the Gulf Oil logo or unlimited without the logo. With a sapphire crystal front and back, the Calibre 12 has two sub-counters located at three and nine o’clock, one a second hand and the other a minute counter. The Monaco also includes a ladies version this year with the Monaco Watch Lady Grande Date. Only slightly smaller than the men’s watches at 37 x 36 mm, it is still a big watch with excellent readability and features thirteen diamonds on its white mother-of-pearl dial.

TAG Heuer watches - Time is Still On

TAG Heuer embraces individuals who soar beyond their limitsin their chosen careers. It is small wonder then that TAG Heuer’s long association with the best athletes in the world has created a distinct class on their own. After TAG Heuer Ambassador Kimi Räikönnen was crowned F1 champion in 2007, it was Lewis Hamilton’s turn in 2008.

Hamilton has always been driven but the championship has only increased his appetite for success. “I am only 24, I am not thinking that far ahead to be honest. As a racer, the finish line marks the start of the next race. I am not going into the 2009 season thinking I am world champion and everything is going to be easy. It is the start of the new season and the slate has been wiped clean.”

Hamilton was also recently photographed by world famous artist Tom Munro. Munro is considered the top fashion and celebrity photographer of his generation and Hamilton was thrilled to have worked with him. “It is always really interesting to be photographed by someone who is clearly at the top of their field. A leading photographer is as dedicated to their work as I am to racing, and you could tell that with Tom Munro.”

Yet for Hamilton, time is still on his side. As an accomplished fan of such fashions as TAG Heuer and BOSS says, “Everything in my life is about time, whether on or off the race track. On the race track we are constantly pushing to find those extra hundredths of a second per lap that over a longer period of time can mean the difference between winning and losing, there is a huge amount of effort that goes into this process. Off track, I have a lot of engineering, promotional and training activities and they are all scheduled, so I make sure that when I have time away from this I make the most of it with my family and friends.”

Cartier Watches - Cartier Roadster Review and On Sale

For those who have always wanted a Cartier Roadster there is now a more “affordable” option. The Roadster S is not inexpensive by any means, but does offer a lower entry point to timeless brand. 

Cartier has done a great take on the classic Roadster, while managing to have the Roadster S stand on its own. This Roadster is 46mm including the crown. It sounds quite large until you consider how far the crown sticks out and the case design. The Roadster S will wear much smaller than most 46mm watches on the market. 

Cartier did an amazing job on the dial. The Roman numerals are easy to read and the quality of the dial is as to be expected from Cartier. The date wheel is black, this works quite well with the over all design of the dial. Noticeably missing compared to other Roadster’s is the date magnifier, many might prefer this better. The sapphire crystal is hardly noticeable do to the AR coating. The sword styled hands are applied with Super-LumiNova. Cartier went with a high polished case, contrasting nicely with the satin finished bezel. The Roadster S is powered by Cartier’s Calibre 049 and the watch is water resistant to 100m.

Words to describe the Roadster S would be sporty, dressy, beautifully finished, and unmistakably Cartier. 

Pros - New take on classic design, price point, high quality craftsmanship

Consideration - Exhibition caseback would of been a nice added touch :)

But recenly there are two kind of Cartier Men’s Roadster Automatic Chronograph Watch beeing overed by prices lower than ever before. Maybe you like to know it further :..(before time runs out ..)

1. Cartier Men’s W62025V3 Roadster Stainless Steel Automatic Watch

    At lower prices than ever before.

2. Cartier Men’s W62019X6 Roadster Automatic Chronograph Watch

    At lower prices than ever before.

Chopard Watches - Celebrities, Cars and Classics

CHOPARD

Celebrities, Cars

and Classics

Over the past decade, Chopard’s collections have become increasingly eclectic. Starting with the Happy Diamonds for women over three decades ago, the brand has diversified with the sporty Mille Miglia and later expanded its own technical expertise in the L.U.C collection with in-house developed and manufacturer movements.  For 2009, the key theme of the collection is to build on those pillars. As always, Chopard is coming out with a limited edition version 1000 GT Miglia for the 2009 Mille Miglia race, complete with a tire-track inspired rubber strap, chrono movement and open case back. New for this year is the use of a new strap design modeled after a 60’s-era Dunlop tire tread.

The  44mm speed black version has also been created for those looking for a more sporty edge. This version uses a black diamond-like coating (DLC) on the steel along with a rose gold and crown to give the watch a more sturdy look. Finally, a titanium version has been added to the collection with an impressive horizontal guilloche dial for extra class and sportiness.

In the L.U.C collection, the brand has continued along the path of technical mastery with the new L.U.C Lunar Big Date. Accurate on the moonphase for both the northern and southern hemispheres for 122 years and COSC certified, this piece utilizes every bit of technical sophistication that has been gained by the brand over the last decade since it leapt headlong into technical watchmaking.

Also for this year, the L.U.C includes a new twist of sorts with a lady tourbillion version. This piece is truly feminine as demonstrated by the use of 8.6 carats of white diamonds on the dial yet at the same time, utilizing all of the technical expertise of an L.U.C 4T mechanical hand wound movement with nine-day power reserve.

Additionally, the ladies collection includes a number of new Happy Diamonds pieces. One such piece is the new Happy Sport Chrono using a chocolate brown ceramic case with 18-carat rose gold bezel and pushers to go along with a brown rubber strap. This particular piece takes fashion and luxury to a new level. Also new is the Happy Sport Mini Square, available in either leather strap or steel bracelet. While this watch would only barely classify as sporty due to its petite and classical appeal, it does offer an attractive everyday-wear alternative to the Chopard fan.

Chopard has always been for good causes, and this year the brand is coming out with a new timepiece dedicated to family friend Sir Elton John and the AIDS Foundation that he created. An unspecified percentage of the proceeds from the twenty-five pieces sold  in this limited edition will go directly to the foundation’s efforts to combat the deadly disease.

Of course, just because it’s for a good cause doesn’t mean the watch is a slouch. The 42mm case housing a COSC-certified chronomoter chronograph movement has lots on top too. Since Chopard is famous for its use of precious stones, their use of 1.50 carats of black diamonds on the dial, 2.8 carats of black diamonds on the bezel and 3.50 carats of white diamonds on the rest of the case and the lugs is a tell-tale sign that this is unmistakably a Chopard timepiece.

CHANEL Watches - Staying True to Itself

CHANEL

Staying True to Itself

Enduring theme was “Black is Beautiful”, Chanel had long figured that out. A specialist in black and ceramic pieces for years, the brand already had a following of its own fans who crave the brand’s simple black and white inspired designs. Hence, all that was left was to add a bit of a technical edge to what they already had. So, the J12 Intense Black came on the scene.

Created in partnership with watchmaking legend Audemars Piguet, this J12 with automatic three-hand AP 3125 movement combines aesthetics and function in one dark package. With a bracelet in 18-carat white gold set with 502 baguette-cut ceramic insets, an 18K white gold bezel with 48 ceramic insets in baguette-cut ceramic, 78 more insets on the side of the case and 96 more on the dial, this piece really has it all.

For those looking for something just a little less intense, there’s an animal of a different sort in the white and black J12 Haute Joaillerie. Combining diamonds and 18K white gold with deep black scratch-proof ceramic, the J12 Haute Joaillerie is the envy of any jewelry watch fan. The watch contains a dizzying 20 carats with more than 400 diamonds of the highest quality.

The J12 Diamonds and Black Ceramic timepiece underlines Chanel’s strength in combining exquisite materials. The case is made of steel and black ceramic while the bezel showcases the beautifully arranged 24 baguette-cut diamonds in addition to more diamond indices on the dial. Equipped with a high-precision quartz movement, even the cabochon and bracelet are fashioned out of black ceramic.

Not everything in Chanel is quite so dark this year. There is lots of white too as can be seen in the J12 with mother-of-pearl and white ceramic. Alternatively, there is the Première White Gold and Diamond, built with 18k white gold to dim the luster of its 3.5 carats of diamonds. In all, 589 diamonds sparkle on the case, dial and bracelet of this piece. Finally, there’s the Fil de Camélia in white or yellow gold. 

The unmistakably Chanel flower-shaped piece with blossoming petals is presented in 18-carat white gold and is set with 338 diamonds for a total weight of 38 carats. With an elegant black satin strap and high precision quartz movement, the expression of femininity come through loud and clear.

The whole spectrum of  catalogue of Chanel timepieces explores its stewardship in bold design. At the same time, it makes a clear statement that Chanel is indeed a force to be reckoned with when it comes to fine timepieces.

CORUM Watches - Showing Its Black Side

CORUM

Showing Its Black Side

In  line with the tremendous transformation that has occurred at Corum over the last half-decade, few would come to Basel expecting anything lessthan great developments from the brand. And while the dark clouds were swirling in the skies above,  orum took a positive step forward for the coming year by introducing its killer piece, the 007.

No, it’s not James Bond, but rather another 007, the Calibre CO 007. Distinctly elegant in its design yet powerfully contemporary, this new linear movement is encased in a unique baguette shape, made from sturdy titanium components, with its state-ofthe- art system secured by a row of trian- gular casing clamps to heart of case. With the 007 comes the Ti-Bridge, a 750-piece limited edition that is the crown jewel of the new collection, a titanium version of the unique bridge movement pioneered by Corum.

A material preferred for its lightness and strength, titanium provides an enormous challenge as it is difficult to use it as part of a machine. The CO 007 movements are all cut from grade 5 titanium, with the bridges in satin-finish and the large size barrel in a snailed finish. This calibre is powered with a 72-hour power reserve and comes equipped with a balance oscillating at the speed of 4 Hz.

The curved tonneau-shaped case of 42.5 mm and 41.5 mm is topped by a large convex sapphire crystal with a satin- finished case back. The large rectangular window and the PVD-coated crystal allows an intriguing view of the elements at work, along with a set of two titanium “cross bars”, screwed to the integrated flanges that signifies the aesthetic element of the whole structure, and the openworked Superluminova for optimum visibility at night.

For those looking for something a bit more feminine, Corum pays homage to the female fan of technical watches with the Golden Bridge Lady. Even at a glance, the Golden Bridge Lady embodies the enduring superior design of Corum. The case uses gold, diamond and sapphires in combination for extra luxury and is available in 18K red or white gold. The glittering 108 diamonds of the curved case are combined with 72 more set diamonds on the two horizontal flanges.

Not to be left out, of course, is the Admiral’s Cup series. This perennial best seller comes in this year with a new GMT 44, a succesful combination of the kinetic, youthful sporting drive with an element of aesthetic elegance. With a rather softer angle, thinner case and re-defined line, this fine timepiece offers a second time zone display appearing on the rim and pointed out by an unmistakably red arrow.

This piece is available in steel, red gold, or a red gold/steel combination, with a choice of genuine crocodile leather strap or a bracelet. Black was the star colour in Basel this year (as Corum CEO Antonio Calce correctly predicted last year in this magazine) and Corum picks up on that with the Admiral’s Cup Black Challenge. This piece uses black to instill an element of mystery in its design. The two models, in black or white dial, feature the emblematic twelve-sided case. A wonderful timepiece on the wrist of a discerning gentleman, the 44 mm diameter case is fashioned using a black PVD surface treatment, an exceptionally hard material coating. The twelve nautical pennants have been made monochromatic to enhance the deep shade of the black dial.

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Watches - MORE THAN JUST TELLING TIME

Aston Martin ..On!!!

MORE THAN

JUST TELLING TIME

Keeping time, lap seconds, minute repeaters, splitseconds  and calendars are normal functions for any timepiece. It’s very rare for a watch to extend beyond the functionality of timekeeping. But with the creation of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s new AMVOX2 DBS Transponder timepiece, functionality in a watch is being brought to a new level with a feature that can even lock and unlock your Aston Martin vehicle from a distance.

It was four years ago that Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin decided to enter into a long-term cooperation based on their shared vision of luxury, quality and attention to detail. The AMVOX2 DBS marries the horological and automobile expertise from the two brands and it has undoubtedly become the most accomplished expression of the synergy. By integrating the transponder circuit into the body of the watch, Jaeger-LeCoultre has created a timepiece that is entirely functional yet discreet. It is a masterpiece of miniaturization and engineering that does not only function as a chronograph but as a key. Available only for the Aston Martin DBS, the watch-slash-transponder makes the ultimate car accessory.

The AMVOX 2 DBS Transponder builds on the AMVOX2 Chronograph, first introduced in 2006. The original timepiece was a revolution in watchmaking, with a start, stop  and reset mechanism operated by pushing on the sapphire crystal face of the watch instead of through push buttons. To emphasize the Aston Martin DNA in the watch, a suspended metallic grey DBS symbol, an Aston Martin emblem discreetly placed on the movement operating indicator and ruthenium gray bridges, satin finish and a black dial all evoke the DBS instrument panel. The outer dial ring also has an opening that reveals the internal mechanisms of the chronograph and transponder functions, allowing the brake calipers behind the wheels of the DBS car to be exposed.

The AMVOX2 DBS Transponder incorporates a miniature transmitter to lock and unlock the Aston Martin DBS, while  aintaining the functions of the now famous push-piece-free chronograph system. The driver only needs to press the “open” position on the watch glass (between 8 and 9 o’clock) to activate the door opening system. Doing the same thing on the “close” position (between 3 and 4 o’clock) will lock the vehicle.

Van Cleef & Arpels Watches - Poetry in Motion

Van Cleef & Arpels

Poetry in Motion

Over the past few years, the highlight of the Van Cleef & Arpels collection has been the Poetic Complication pieces. This year, there several six new pieces in that collection to add to the allure of the brand. Une Journée à Paris, true to its name, presents a unique invitation to stroll the city of lights. The Parisian highlights are shown through a set onyx disc which serves as the background and represents a 24-hour cycle superimposed with seven feminine silhouettes and a child who strolls in a carefree and stylish manner. The disc appears from behind the mother-of-pearl dial, and emerges in turn and then disappears again, returning again 24 hours later. In either pink or white gold, the watch is set with round cut diamonds and contains an automatic movement.

Midnight in Paris marks the first Poetic Complication piece for men. The jeweler mixes white gold, diamonds and an aventurine glass to create the Midnight Tourbillon Aventurine. Copper crystals and iron are used to give the glass a scintillating reflection of light, which was a discovery from the 16th century by a Venetian glass maker. This material is rarely used yet adds a mysterious aura to the watch.

Inspired by the jeweler’s Les Jardins collection, four gardens have been presented on four different dials for the Quentièmes de Saisons Les Jardins. French, Mediterranean, Zen and British gardens have been replicated on genuine 800-degree processed enamel dials combined with mother- of-pearl, each in limited editions of 100 pieces. Using the same movement as the previous Seasons complication watches, the landscapes on the dials change daily.

Complimenting the Les Jardins collection for women, the jeweler also created the Les Jardins Midnight collection, featuring four garden inspirations in eight different watches, each produced in a limited edition of eight pieces. French, English, Asian and Italian gardens are each represented in two versions of the watches, one using a tourbillon movement while the other, a basic automatic movement.

The Midnight Jardin à la Française was inspired by the Vaux-le-Vicomte, the 17th century château that inspired Louis the XIV’s Versailles. On the tourbillon version, three diamond fountains shimmer on the dial, contoured with both baguette diamonds and diamonds in pave-setting, while on the automatic, a more classical design with swirling lines and a diamond set index stand out on the blue grey fired enamel dial.

The Midnight Jardin d’Extrême Orient features Japanese and Chinese gardens with a platinum case that can be set with baguette or round diamonds on the customer’s order. The Midnight Jardin Italien de la Renaissance, inspired by Greek and Roman antiquities, features diamonds and yellow sapphires on its tourbillion version.