Hublot LaFerrari Watch
The innovative timepiece speaks to car and watch enthusiasts alike.
May 23, 2013
—ROBERTA NAAS, ATimelyPerspective.com
While in BaselWorld, ATimelyPerspective.com posted on our Facebook page about the new Hublot LaFerrari watch—created to celebrate the partnership between Hublot and the sleek and stealth Ferrari brand. As those who love cars and watches know, the Ferrari brand has partnered with other watch brands before Hublot: Girard-Perregaux and Panerai are among them.
However, the relationship with Hublot may have been made with the idea in mind by both parties to create as something bold and uniquely different. The LaFerrari being the first example therein—created with input from both the car and watch sides. The question is, does it deliver what car and watch lovers want?
The new watch features a bold case shape that is designed to emulate the look of the stealth car. The materials used are high-tech, as is the technology. This watch holds a thus-far world record in the power reserve field. It offers a massive 50 days of power reserve—not 50 hours like many watches—50 days. Thus, one can wear this watch for just over a month and a half without having to wind it. The indication of power reserve is visible on a cylindrical readout.
The complex movement, which contains 637 pieces, includes 11 spring barrels lined up in the center of the watch and resembling a crank shaft; underscoring the automotive motif. With a full sapphire crystal, much of the movement is visible to the eye. Time (hour and minutes) is displayed on cylinders opposite the power reserve readout. The watch—which also houses a large 14.5mm flying tourbillon escapement—offers seconds on an aluminum cylinder attached to the tourbillon cage.
So, is the verdict in now? Is this what you expected from Hublot genius Jean-Claude Biver? Is this the new generation of Ferrari that everyone was waiting for? It should be noted that this world-first watch (remember 50 days of power reserve) created in a limited edition of 50 pieces retails for $345,000—certainly much less that the million-dollar car, but still a hefty figure.
Founder and editor-in-chief of ATimelyPerspective.com, Roberta Naas is a veteran award-winning journalist in the watch industry with more than 25 years of experience. She was the first woman watch editor in the US market—breaking in to an “all boys network” with a pioneering spirit that would be her signature to this day. Naas brings responsible, factual—yet always timely and insightful—reporting of the watch industry to the forefront.
Tissot Celebrates 160 Years with the Powermatic 80
The Swiss watch brand marks a milestone with a technologically advanced timepiece.
May 15, 2013
—ROBERTA NAAS, ATimelyPerspective.com
This year marks the 160th anniversary of Swiss watch brand, Tissot. To honor the milestone, the brand has been very busy, and this year unveils multiple new movements and a host of really cool new timepieces that move it to the next level of sophistication.
Among the new pieces is the Powermatic 80—an automatic watch with 80 hours of power reserve. The watch was made possible thanks to the revolutionary new caliber, the Powermatic 80 movement. To achieve this technical prowess, Tissot strongly reduces the consumption of energy of the watch. The oscillation frequency of the Powermatic 80 is therefore brought down from 4 to 3 Hz. A high-performance synthetic material is used in the construction of the escapement to reduce friction. Thanks to a reduction of the diameter of the barrel-arbor’s core, the mainspring is stretched, thereby increasing the power reserve even further. Finally, the precision is increased with a new and innovative balance.
Making the watch even better is the fact that it is a COSC-certified chronometer. It is available in two sizes appropriate for men and women—33mm and 41mm—and is crafted in steel, steel, and gold-plated, and in versions with diamond adornments. The watch, which looks great and offers superb craftsmanship and precision, retails for a wow price of $1,075 to $1,575 depending on the model.
Founder and editor-in-chief of ATimelyPerspective.com, Roberta Naas is a veteran award-winning journalist in the watch industry with more than 25 years of experience. She was the first woman watch editor in the US market—breaking in to an “all boys network” with a pioneering spirit that would be her signature to this day. Naas brings responsible, factual—yet always timely and insightful—reporting of the watch industry to the forefront.
6 Hot Watches from BaselWorld 2013
A Timely Perspective's Roberta Naas has a first look at some of BaselWorld's top timepieces.
May 09, 2013
Rolex Daytona with ice blue dial and brown CeraChrom bezel; like a A Timely Perspective on Facebook for more watch news>>
Christophe Claret Soprano with sapphire jewels; like a A Timely Perspective on Facebook for more watch news>>
—ROBERTA NAAS, ATimelyPerspective.com
Stay tuned on ATimelyPerspective for more BaselWord coverage>>
Founder and editor-in-chief of ATimelyPerspective.com, Roberta Naas is a veteran award-winning journalist in the watch industry with more than 25 years of experience. She was the first woman watch editor in the US market—breaking in to an “all boys network” with a pioneering spirit that would be her signature to this day. Naas brings responsible, factual—yet always timely and insightful—reporting of the watch industry to the forefront.
de Grisogono Makes Its Mark on Miami
The flash of de Grisogono comes to Miami.
May 07, 2013
The de Grisogono Tondo Tourbillon Gioiello S01 ($261,600) is cased in white gold pavéd with hundreds of white diamonds. Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., 305-865-8765
This May, de Grisogono is opening a free-standing boutique in Miami, bringing the brand’s unmistakable flair to town. While de Grisogono—led by talented founder and creator Fawaz Gruosi—is known for its use of black diamonds and offers exquisite jewelry, the company has also made a name for itself with its cutting-edge timepieces for both men and women. “I love to design for women; it is enjoyable to see their enthusiasm when they find something different that they love,” Gruosi says.
Among the more recently released women’s timepieces garnering attention in Miami is the Tondo by Night, with mechanical movement and a high-tech watch material that absorbs sunlight by day and shimmers by night. Another highlight at the new boutique is de Grisogono’s Tondo Tourbillon Gioiello collection. This spectacular Tondo watch features a manual tourbillon (at eight o’clock) for exotic elegance.
Bulgari’s Il Giardino Tropicale
Unveiled at BaselWorld 2013, this hand-painted, gem-adorned watch depicts a lush garden.
May 01, 2013
Bulgari’s Il Giardino Tropicale watch.
—ROBERTA NAAS, ATimelyPerspective.com
Here at BaselWorld 2013, spring is in full bloom—not only outside, but in the halls, too, as many watch brands unveil timepieces inspired by nature. One example is the stunning new Bulgari “Il Giardino Tropicale” Tourbillon timepiece. Not only does the watch beautifully depict a tropical garden on the wrist, but it also offers one of the most complicated feats in watchmaking—the tourbillon. The watch represents Bulgari’s first complication created expressly for women.
The new Il Giardino Tropicale di Bulgari celebrates nature via a hand-painted varnished dial set with gemstones that depict a luxuriant garden, complete with a colorful parrot. Exactly 61 diamonds grace the floral centers and accent the lush gardens and parrot. The vision is further enriched with a self-winding movement with tourbillion escapement supported by a sapphire crystal bridge—upon which the parrot is perched.
The dial painting uses transparent varnishes and glaze effects to add depth and shimmer. Because varnish dries rapidly, it demands quick but meticulous painting—a tricky proposition, considering anywhere from three coats of paint (for the flowers) to five (for the leaves) or even eight (for the parrot) are needed. Just 50 of this watch will ever be made.
Stay tuned on ATimelyPerspective for BaselWord coverage>>
Founder and editor-in-chief of ATimelyPerspective.com, Roberta Naas is a veteran award-winning journalist in the watch industry with more than 25 years of experience. She was the first woman watch editor in the US market—breaking in to an “all boys network” with a pioneering spirit that would be her signature to this day. Naas brings responsible, factual—yet always timely and insightful—reporting of the watch industry to the forefront.
Rado HyperChrome Court Collection
The brand nods to its involvement in tennis and ambassador Andy Murray with this new style.
April 24, 2013
—ROBERTA NAAS, ATimelyPerspective.com
With its involvement in tennis and its recent pick-up of winning player Andy Murray as an ambassador—whom ATimelyPersepctive interviewed here—Rado is right on point with its HyperChrome Court Collection of watches. The new line is inspired by the three surfaces on which professional tennis is played: hard, grass, and clay courts.
All watches are black and feature colors of the courts. The hard court is represented by a brilliant blue model, grass by a green accented piece, and clay by a bold orange. The dial features hands and markers that are SuperLuminova to glow in the dark.
The watches are made of scratch-resistant matt high-tech, lightweight ceramic, and sandblasted for a winning look. Each houses an automatic chronograph ETA 2894-2 caliber with 42 hours of power reserve and lack oscillating rotor. When ATimelyPerspective was in Key Biscayne recently at the Sony Open with Rado, we had the chance to get up close and personal with these watches and they are grand slam winners. Our personal favorite? The clay orange.
Stay tuned on ATimelyPerspective for BaselWord coverage>>
Founder and editor-in-chief of ATimelyPerspective.com, Roberta Naas is a veteran award-winning journalist in the watch industry with more than 25 years of experience. She was the first woman watch editor in the US market—breaking in to an “all boys network” with a pioneering spirit that would be her signature to this day. Naas brings responsible, factual—yet always timely and insightful—reporting of the watch industry to the forefront.
Omega Sponsors Planet Ocean Film
A Timely Perspective shares an exclusive interview with director Yann Arthus-Bertrand.
April 20, 2013
A shot of Shark Bay from the Planet Ocean documentary.
—ROBERTA NAAS, ATimelyPerspective.com
Recently, Omega undertook one of the most worthy global projects—footing the bill to create a top-notch 90-minute documentary, Planet Ocean, about the world’s oceans. To create this important documentary (which is being offered free for educational purposes), the brand turned to world-renowned conservationist and photographer, Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Arthus-Bertrand then brought on board director, Michael Pitiot. Arthus-Bertrand produced the aerial portions of the documentary, while Pitiot handled the marine portions. Omega sponsored a special screening of the film earlier this week in Miami and Thursday evening in Los Angeles, where Josh Duhamel (who narrated the landmark film) joined the event.
Here, Bertrand shares his thoughts on the ocean and the documentary, which took a full year to create. [Read more on ATimelyPerspective.com]
Founder and editor-in-chief of ATimelyPerspective.com, Roberta Naas is a veteran award-winning journalist in the watch industry with more than 25 years of experience. She was the first woman watch editor in the US market—breaking in to an “all boys network” with a pioneering spirit that would be her signature to this day. Naas brings responsible, factual—yet always timely and insightful—reporting of the watch industry to the forefront.
Up Close and Personal with the Richard Mille RM 028 Diver
The attention-grabbing watch comes equipped with cutting-edge diving technology.
April 17, 2013
—ROBERTA NAAS, ATimelyPerspective.com
Last week in St. Barth’s we had a wonderfully rich and unique experience accompanying Richard Mille at the Voiles de St. Barth’s regattas—for which Richard Mille is the main sponsor. We wanted to bring you up close and personal with the really cool new Richard Mille RM 028 that we had the luxury to try on, play with, and indulge in for a while.
Decidedly individualistic (but then, all Richard Mille timepieces are), this 47mm Diver’s watch is created in titanium with bronze colored PVD for a super sharp look. Called the RM 028 Brown PVD, this watch has the same technical characteristics of its predecessors: titanium with DLC coating, skeletonized automatic RMAS7 movement, rotor with variable geometry. But it packs an even more powerful punch in its burnished and sandblasted bronze PVD case. Especially when accented with a bright orange strap. Yes, this will get anyone’s attention.
The three-part case of this watch renders it water resistant to 300 meters and meets the diver’s watch ISO norms 6425. The bezel is also composed of three sections—assembled with 22 torque screws for perfect adjustments. What is truly special about this patented unidirectional bezel is the fact that it cannot be accidentally moved during diving thanks to an ingenious system that requires the wearer to press on two arrows simultaneously to move the bezel. The highly technical feature could be a life saver under water. The entire piece was approximately a year and a half in the design and development stages. While it was unveiled in 2012, it is now fully available on the market—for a bold but beautiful price of $95,000.
Founder and editor-in-chief of ATimelyPerspective.com, Roberta Naas is a veteran award-winning journalist in the watch industry with more than 25 years of experience. She was the first woman watch editor in the US market—breaking in to an “all boys network” with a pioneering spirit that would be her signature to this day. Naas brings responsible, factual—yet always timely and insightful—reporting of the watch industry to the forefront.
Cinema on the Wrist: Konstantin Chaykin
Powerful new Russian-made watch pays homage to the history of movie-making.
April 11, 2013
Konstantin Chaykin's Cinema model mimics an old movie projector.
—ROBERTA NAAS, ATimelyPerspective.com
We don’t often cover the world of Russian-made watches, but today we do because one top watchmaker brings cinema to the wrist. Konstantin Chaykin, known for his incredible pieces, unveils the Cinema watch, which—with the push of a button at 9:00—features an animated depiction of a man galloping along on a horse.
The incredible watch pays tribute to Eadweard Muybridge, inventor of the zoopraxiscope (circa 1879), which is credited as being the first movie projector of sorts. It features a wheel with a series of pictures on it that could project an animated image. In the new Cinema, Chaykin has built such a projection aperture into the timepiece in a round disk at 6:00 beneath the dial. The animation can run for up to 20 seconds and is created using a disc with 12 images on it.
The round aperture in which the animation appears is at the base of the rectangular watch—with the entire case designed to resemble old movie cameras. The watch houses the Konstantin Chaykin Caliber KCM01-1, made totally in-house. It is a manually wound movement with 48 hours of power reserve. It is equipped with separate mainspring barrels for the timekeeping and the animation, each wound by turning the crown in a different direction. It should retail for around $65,500.
View this video to see the animation (a series of rapidly spinning images) in all its fast glory.
Founder and editor-in-chief of ATimelyPerspective.com, Roberta Naas is a veteran award-winning journalist in the watch industry with more than 25 years of experience. She was the first woman watch editor in the US market—breaking in to an “all boys network” with a pioneering spirit that would be her signature to this day. Naas brings responsible, factual—yet always timely and insightful—reporting of the watch industry to the forefront.
Limited Edition Cartier Croc Watch
An artful timepiece that embraces a majestic Florida native offers reptilian refinement.
April 08, 2013
Rotonde de Cartier Crocodile watch ($161,000).
A brand ripe with innovation, creativity, and technical prowess since its inception in 1847, Cartier has built its reputation as both a true manufacturer of haute horlogerie timepieces and as a master of the arts—with a wealth of “firsts” when it comes to designing watch dials. In 2012, Cartier brought us marquetry wood, straw, and stone mosaic dials that captured hearts with stunning renditions of nature’s finest, with animals realized using hundreds of pieces of these materials interlaid. Now, the brand continues with those beautiful artistic dials, along with new renditions.
Besides adding granulation as a dial technique this year, Cartier has unveiled a natural agate cameo dial with a crocodile motif. The limited-edition Rotonde de Cartier Crocodile watch houses Cartier’s proprietary flying tourbillon escapement, produced in-house with the seconds display demonstrated via the C-shaped tourbillon carriage. The visible tourbillon escapement sits on the dial above 6:00 and is surrounded by a crocodile motif in smoky blue and white.
Above the tourbillon is the deftly etched image of the crocodile (a symbol Cartier has long been using). The process for making this dial is similar to creating cameos on shells. In this instance, the artist starts with a thin sheet of blue agate and etches the design into the stone. As layers are peeled away to create the form, different colors of the stone emerge—offering the smoky white hue and darker blue depths. It takes approximately 80 hours to make a single dial, requiring strict attention, painstaking tiny relief etching strokes, and an incredible amount of patience. As such, only 20 pieces will be made. The Rotonde de Cartier Crocodile watch retails for $161,000.
