This Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Platinum Orange Ceramic (ref. 232.93.44.22.99.001) looks like an extremely expensive crossover between their flashy Seamaster Planet Ocean chronograph that the brand has introduced almost three years ago and a tad fresher Co-Axial GMT model. From the latter, it gets basic design and the Cal. 8615 automatic movement, and the former supplied this beautiful artifact with its ostentatious orange-and-polished-metal color scheme. The expensive part is delivered courtesy of mirror-polished and sand-blasted platinum, lots of it.
platinum
F.P. Journe 10th Anniversary Tourbillon Limited Edition
Based on their limited edition F.P. Journe Special 30th Anniversary Tourbillon that was released in October 2013, the 2014 F.P. Journe 10th Anniversary Tourbillon was produced to celebrate two landmark events in its short biography: the 10th anniversary of their first boutique in Tokyo, Japan and the opening of the tenth F.P. Journe boutique in Beirut, Lebanon. Predictably, the timekeeper’s total production was limited to just ten pieces, with only one of them going to each of their shops around the world.
Chopard L.U.C 1963 50th Anniversary Chronometer
ere is a nice update from Chopard. Re-established back in 1963 by a goldsmith Karl Scheufele III, the company rose to its former glory like a ballistic rocket. A pair of limited-edition Chopard L.U.C 1963 50th Anniversary Chronometers (refs. 161963-5001 and 161963-9001) marks the semi-centenary of the luxury brand.
A. Lange & Sohne Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase in Rose Gold (Ref. 139.032)
A. Lange & Sohne, an elite German watchmaker as well as a jewel in the crown of the Richemont Group (just for context, their portfolio also includes such gems as IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Panerai,) has recently launched its new masterpiece. The A. Lange & Sohne Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase (Ref. 139.032) features a familiar design of its face with lots of off-centered sub-dials and the signature big date indicator, which is now powered by a new version of their gorgeous Caliber L095 hand-wound movement.
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-Day Tourbillon (Ref. 89000/000P-9843)
Offered at almost $380,000 and crafted from expensive Platinum 950 alloy, the 2013 Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-Day Tourbillon (Ref. 89000/000P-9843) with its modest styling and compact size is a quintessence of inconspicuous consumption. With its moderately oversized case and a time-proven, bullet-proof reliable mechanism, it is a trinket for the kind of people who would prefer a vintage Rolls-Royce to a brand new Koenigsegg.
A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst (Ref. 140.048) in Platinum
First unveiled back in 2009, the gorgeous “digital” Zeitwerk has already survived a number of limited editions. Now, the German brand reintroduces the timekeeper as A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Handwerkskunst (Ref. 140.048) adding to the mix a new dial that successfully combines rhodium-plated white gold and their signature “German silver” alloy: the centuries-old mixture of copper, nickel, and zinc that allows you to make a greyish-white metal that is easy to work with and, when finished properly, looks great, too.
Omega Hour Vision Co-Axial Skeleton Platinum
The 2011 Omega Hour Vision Co-Axial Skeleton Platinum (ref. 431.93.41.21.64.001) has the usual solid dial swapped for a sapphire one that offers a super view at its skeletonized co-axial movement.
Chaumet Dandy Chronograph XL El Primero
The 2011 Chaumet Dandy Chronograph XL El Primero automatic features a mid-sized precious case and an iconic Zenith movement beating at an impressive speed of 36,000 vibrations per hour.
Grand Seiko 130th Anniversary Commemorative Limited Edition
Celebrating its 130th year in business, the Japanese jewelry and precision instruments-maker has presented its new Grand Seiko 130th Anniversary Limited Edition (refs. SBGW033, SBGW040, and SBGW039) collection, which is going to be available both in Europe and North America. Looking like it’s having the legendary Patek Philippe Calatrava line of minimalistic dress watches in its fine crosshairs, the new Commemorative Edition makes a subtle, but very firm stress on the “Grand” part of Grand Seiko brand.
Panerai Radiomir 3 Days Platino (PAM 373)
Although most timepieces from Panerai tend to be of that “any shape as you like as long as it is cushion” style, the new Radiomir 3 Days Platino (PAM 373) stands out from the crowd with its rather unusual dial layout that pays homage to vintage timepieces of the pre-WWII era.
F.P. Journe Octa UTC Automatic
F.P. Journe, one of the most refined and innovating Swiss manufactures, has recently presented its new Octa UTC Automatic model that allows you to set secondary time by simply choosing one of 24 geographical zones.
Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 2 Hand-Wound
This new Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 2 may not be as expensive as a Bugatti Veyron, but it surely costs more than an average Rolls-Royce.
De Bethune DB28 Hand-Wound in Titanium
Officially revealed earlier this month (the brand will possibly show off the new model at SIHH 2011 event, but don’t quote me on that), this new De Bethune DB28 features a combination of a brilliantly designed mechanism with an absolutely outrageous exterior finish. However, outrageous in a good way: compared to many wristwatches that were offered during the last couple of years by many other ‘inspiring’ and ‘ambitious’ brands, the DB28 looks like a hand-made Bugatti Veyron near a bunch of mass-produced sports cars dressed in plastic wide-body kits.
Grieb & Benzinger Blue Sensation regulator chronograph
The German customizers are at it again! Right after the introduction of their bespoke hand-crafted Grieb & Benzinger Blue Wave 18-karat rose gold mono-pusher chronograph, they now offer another unique timepiece for another well-paying customer: the Grieb & Benzinger Blue Sensation regulator chronograph. Based on an antique Patek Philippe hand-wound movement that was originally built more than 120 years ago for Tiffany & Co, an American jewelry and silverware company founded in 1837, the unique timekeeper features the German brand’s signature heavily skeletonized movement and open-worked dial. And it is also meticulously engraved on just about any surface where a skilled hand of an artisan was capable of leaving even a single dent in precious metal.
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine for Venezuela
Vacheron Constantin has issued an ultra-limited edition of its super-slim Patrimony Contemporaine (ref. 81180) model devoted to the Latin American Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Presented in a finely-crafted rose gold (or even platinum) case 40 millimeters in diameter and also slim at less than 7 millimeters, the timepiece looks like one of the best options that are currently available for those searching for a dress watch, which is as elegant and understated as it is expensive.