At the SIHH 2011, Vacheron Constantin has presented its new hit: the highly-customizable Quai de l’Ile Retrograde Annual Calendar (ref. 86040/000R-I0P29). Sporting a unique modular case design, the Quai de l’Ile not only allows you to build a real Frankenstein of a timekeeper combining all sorts of materials and textures but also makes it easier to always keep the piece in a mint condition simply by replacing scratched or dinged parts while servicing it.
rose gold
Grieb & Benzinger re-imagines a 120-years-old Tiffany watch
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.
The Bling Thing: Breitling Chronomat 01 Diamondworks
Breitling has issued a diamond-set version of its cash-cow: the Chronomat automatic chronograph. The Chronomat 01 Diamondworks is available in white gold and rose gold cases and bears enough diamonds either to rebuild the Republic of Haiti or to finance a manned mission to Mars. Thankfully, the chronograph is delivered in two versions with a more modest one having the use of diamonds limited only to its signature diving bezel.
Bye, ETA: Breitling Navitimer Gets an In-House Caliber
As the name implies, the new (or, rather, upgraded) Breitling Navitimer Caliber 01 Limited Edition has undergone a complex heart transplant procedure with its mass-produced ETA-based cal. B26 movement changed in favor of their latest in-house Caliber B01. Visually, however, this is still the same good old Navitimer that hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts around the globe love so much.
Chronoswiss Sirius Triple Date CH 9341 R in rose gold
The Chronoswiss Sirius Triple Date (ref. CH 9341 R) may be a nice choice for those looking for a vintage-styled timepiece if what they want is a timekeeper in a compact, deliciously slim body offering an easy to read dial with a classic layout and a bare minimum of complications limited to a full calendar and a moonphase indicator. Or, putting it in a more digestible form, it’s a great choice for a person in search for a classic watch with modern guts!
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine 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.