News & Updates
Latest News from the Swiss and German Watch Industries
Tourbillon Day - June 26th
On June 26, 1801, master watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet patented a new kind of regulator: the tourbillon.
Abraham-Louis Breguet only sold 35 tourbillon watches in his lifetime. This confidential figure in itself hints at the extreme complexity involved in producing this unique mechanism. While patented in 1801, its development took no less than 10 years of experimentation and research in the years spanning from 1795 to 1805.
At a time when timepieces were worn vertically in the waistcoat pocket, the master watchmaker devised a way of negating the effects of the earth’s attraction on the functioning of the oscillator and, on the basis of this, improving the chronometric accuracy of the movement. Then the idea came to him to incorporate the balance wheel and spring as well as the escapement (lever and escape wheel) in a mobile casing rotating on itself. Abraham-Louis Breguet devised the name tourbillon for this double rotation of the cage and its parts in reference to the long-forgotten notion of a planetary system.
Abraham-Louis Breguet only sold 35 tourbillon watches in his lifetime. This confidential figure in itself hints at the extreme complexity involved in producing this unique mechanism. While patented in 1801, its development took no less than 10 years of experimentation and research in the years spanning from 1795 to 1805.
At a time when timepieces were worn vertically in the waistcoat pocket, the master watchmaker devised a way of negating the effects of the earth’s attraction on the functioning of the oscillator and, on the basis of this, improving the chronometric accuracy of the movement. Then the idea came to him to incorporate the balance wheel and spring as well as the escapement (lever and escape wheel) in a mobile casing rotating on itself. Abraham-Louis Breguet devised the name tourbillon for this double rotation of the cage and its parts in reference to the long-forgotten notion of a planetary system.
Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Watch - The World's Thinnest Mechanical Watch
In 2018, Piaget re-claimed the title of the thinnest mechanical watch in the world with their Altiplano Ultimate Concept watch.
Measuring in at 2mm, the Altiplano Ultimate Concept showcased Piaget innovations, including a case that formed part of the movement, a unique, integrated winding crown, an ultra-thin crystal and, more importantly, new constructions for the barrel and energy regulation. This allows for a power reserve of more than 40 hours.
At the time, it was deemed as a concept only. However, in 2020, Piaget have added the Altiplano Ultimate Concept watch to their product offering as part of the 2020 Novelties. For more information, please speak to one of our staff in store.
Model number: G0A45501
Measuring in at 2mm, the Altiplano Ultimate Concept showcased Piaget innovations, including a case that formed part of the movement, a unique, integrated winding crown, an ultra-thin crystal and, more importantly, new constructions for the barrel and energy regulation. This allows for a power reserve of more than 40 hours.
At the time, it was deemed as a concept only. However, in 2020, Piaget have added the Altiplano Ultimate Concept watch to their product offering as part of the 2020 Novelties. For more information, please speak to one of our staff in store.
Model number: G0A45501
Breguet Novelty Release 2020 - A New Reine de Naples
On 5th May 2020, for the very first time, Breguet highlights the delicate oval shape of the dial of the Reine de Naples with pure, bright white grand feu enamel, complete with numerals in celestial shades.
The Reine de Naples 8918 features expertly applied grand feu enamel on its dial – a first for this collection. Against an immaculate background, the stylized Breguet Arabic numerals appear in blue enamel, as does the signature of the House and the words “émaillé Grand Feu” (grand feu enamel). The alligator leather strap, fitted with a folding buckle set with 28 diamonds, echoes these heavenly hues. 117 diamonds emphasize the circumference of the bezel and the dial flange of this composition in white gold. The Reine de Naples 8918 in grand feu enamel ticks to the rhythm of a self-winding manufacture caliber.
Model Number: 8918 BB 28964 D00D
The Reine de Naples 8918 features expertly applied grand feu enamel on its dial – a first for this collection. Against an immaculate background, the stylized Breguet Arabic numerals appear in blue enamel, as does the signature of the House and the words “émaillé Grand Feu” (grand feu enamel). The alligator leather strap, fitted with a folding buckle set with 28 diamonds, echoes these heavenly hues. 117 diamonds emphasize the circumference of the bezel and the dial flange of this composition in white gold. The Reine de Naples 8918 in grand feu enamel ticks to the rhythm of a self-winding manufacture caliber.
Model Number: 8918 BB 28964 D00D
Blancpain Manufacture Virtual Tour
Have you ever wanted to do a tour of the exclusive watch manufactures in Switzerland? Now you can, from the comfort of your own home. Step into and explore the world of Swiss Watchmaking via a virtual tour of the Blancpain manufacture in the Vallée de Joux.
Did you know, Blancpain has two separate manufacturing locations?
Village of Le Sentier:
Housing all the main specialised watchmaking activities from engineering to quality control along with component testing and approval, production and finishing, as well as movement assembly and final casing-up.
Village of Le Brassus:
Specialising in the design, creation and manufacture of high complications such as minute-repeaters, split-second chronographs, tourbillons and complex calendars.
Start your own tour of these world class manufacturers now.
Did you know, Blancpain has two separate manufacturing locations?
Village of Le Sentier:
Housing all the main specialised watchmaking activities from engineering to quality control along with component testing and approval, production and finishing, as well as movement assembly and final casing-up.
Village of Le Brassus:
Specialising in the design, creation and manufacture of high complications such as minute-repeaters, split-second chronographs, tourbillons and complex calendars.
Start your own tour of these world class manufacturers now.
Breitling unveils the new Chronomat Collection
Breitling has always been about instruments for professionals. So even during the quartz crisis, when everyone else was turning towards the thinner quartz watches, Breitling continue to do what it did best, manufacturing a robust and reliable mechanical watch. Thus, the Chronomat family was first born in 1984.
Paying tribute to the original Chronomat collection, the Chronomat 2020 collection features the distinctive Rouleaux bracelet with a butterfly style clasp.
Available in a range of eye-catching colours, Including the green and copper dials, the new Chronomat collection will become an iconic piece of this generation.
Should you wish to see these beautiful timepieces when they become available in store, be sure to sign up to our newsletter.
Paying tribute to the original Chronomat collection, the Chronomat 2020 collection features the distinctive Rouleaux bracelet with a butterfly style clasp.
Available in a range of eye-catching colours, Including the green and copper dials, the new Chronomat collection will become an iconic piece of this generation.
Should you wish to see these beautiful timepieces when they become available in store, be sure to sign up to our newsletter.
Shum's Watches & Jewellery Media Coverage
20th March 2020
Sunday Morning Herald, Executive Style
