Sophisticated aesthetic meets high technicality, these extraordinary timepieces sharpen your look with ease and precision.
Rado True Thinline Deep Web
“Extraterrestrial, extravagant, extreme, exclusive and exciting” are the words Austrian fashion designer Flora Miranda used to describe this collaborative work with Rado. Not unlike a blank canvas for self-expression, Miranda crafted her True Thinline to become the ethereal Deep Web. One sapphire crystal disc with a metallic coloured web pattern sets atop another to offer a mesmerising way of reading time.
The balance of light and dark results in a design that is compelling and absolutely timeless in its appeal. The automatic movement distinguishes this model from the others in the series, while the need to ensure there is enough momentum to power the overlapping discs makes it slighter thicker than the rest. Topping it all off, the Rado True Thinline Deep Web was recently awarded the 2019 Good Design Award from The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design.
Hermès Slim d’Hermès Cheval Ikat
A bona fide piece of fashionable art, the watch dial of the two Slim d’Hermès Cheval Ikat models take centre stage allowing the creative streak of the Parisian firm to roam free. Framed by a gold case, the Slim d’Hermès watch incorporates the traditional technique of Ikat weaving that reveals the graceful image of a galloping horse embroidered with gold threads. One glows with the soothing luminescent of rose gold, while the other hints a night sky lulled by the silvery sparkles of white gold. It’s complemented by a black- or Chantilly-coloured alligator strap.
Driven by the Manufacture Hermès H1950 calibre, the two thin baton-type hands – which stand out against the white or blue dial – sweep over the horse’s body to display the hours and minutes. This slim self-winding movement, in the 39.5 mm-diameter case, beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations an hour and delivers a power reserve of 42 hours.
Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 8
Encased within the 44mm bronze case of the Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 8 is a smoked green nephrite jade dial, a first for Montblanc. The precious stone is adorned with beige Arabic numerals coated with Super- LumiNova, 18-carat rose gold-plated l hour-and minute-hand, and small seconds at 9 o’clock and a chronograph minute counter at 3 o’clock. The Montblanc emblem is situated at 12 o’clock, a tachymeter scale at the centre and a telemeter on the exterior of the dial. The red accents accentuate the striking aesthetic, while enhancing readability during day or night.
Powered by calibre MB M16.31, the slow-moving (18,000 semioscillations per hour) screw balance pushes the power reserve of this watch to a sufficient 50 hours. It is secured on a matching green alligator strap with beige stitching.
Piaget Altiplano tourbillon watch
These two stone marquetry tourbillon watches from Piaget’s Atiplano line feature one with malachite and the other with lapis lazuli adorning its dial deftly created by Hervé Obligi, a talented artist who specialises in decorative arts.
As the artist explained: “One of the hardest challenges is to make the colour of the stone truly vibrant by creating graphic effects on such a small surface.” Exhibited in a 41mm Altiplano case that wraps snugly around the wrist, the ultra-thin (4.6mm to be exact) mechanical hand-wound tourbillon Calibre 670P displays a patented arbor winding system with setting wheel. With a power reserve that spans a comfortable 48 hours, the flying tourbillon and off-centred hour indication make the watches more exciting and appealing. Irrespective of its 42 components, each of them weighs merely 0.2g.
Bell & Ross BR V2-93 GMT Blue
As it continues its marriage between historic traditions and present-day codes, Bell & Ross has launched three classic and contemporary watches that are driven by the reliable Swiss mechanical movement with automatic winding and outfitted with a NATO strap with practical closure system. If there’s one thing we’re sure of, it’s that the cool design of this BR V2-93 GMT Blue is suitable for all modern travellers.
The characteristic Vintage series 41mm round steel case includes an integrated protection for the screw-down crown. The blue sunray dial is a nod towards air travel, while upon closer inspection you’ll notice that the second hand is finely crafted in the silhouette of an aircraft. In addition, the two-tone bi-directional rotating bezel means that the second time zone can straightforwardly be read thanks to the striking red GMT hand. Two words to sum up this watch? Functional and legible.
This story first appeared in the March 2020 issue of Men’s Folio Malaysia.
