News & Updates
Latest News from the Swiss and German Watch Industries
6th October 2020
OMEGA launches the Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary
310.32.42.50.02.001
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In 1970, OMEGA received the coveted “Silver Snoopy Award” from the astronauts at NASA, recognising the brand’s unique contributions to space exploration, as well as the Speedmaster’s vital support during the rescue of Apollo 13.
Exactly 50 years later, a special timepiece has been created in the occasion’s honour. Combining animation with watchmaking art, this incredible Snoopy tribute has taken the OMEGA Speedmaster to new realms of design. Our favourite beagle plays a prominent role within the timepiece, first appearing as an embossed silver medallion on the blue subdial at 9 o’clock. Here, he is shown wearing his famous spacesuit, in the exact style of the silver pin that NASA astronauts give to award recipients. The dial itself is also silver and laser-engraved with Ag925. It includes two more blue subdials, as well as blue PVD angle-shaped hour markers and hands. On the caseback, the fun really begins! This time, Snoopy has gone into orbit, thanks to his animated black and white Command and Service Module (CSM) on a magical hand. When the chronograph seconds hand is in use, Snoopy takes a trip around the mysterious far side of the moon – just like the Apollo 13 crew – with the lunar surface being decorated on the sapphire crystal using a unique micro-structured metallisation. In the distance, a vision of our home is included. This Earth disc rotates once per minute, in sync with the watch’s small seconds hand, and symbolises the precise rotation of the Earth. The iconic quote, “Eyes on the Stars”, is included within the black universe. The NAIAD LOCK keeps all caseback engravings in the correct, upright position, including the date in 1970 that OMEGA received the Silver Snoopy Award, as well as a tribute to the imperilled Apollo 13 mission that same year. Showing OMEGA’s superb attention to detail, the watch’s blue nylon fabric strap matches the other blue elements of the watch, and even features the trajectory of the Apollo 13 mission, embossed on the lining. This strap is attached to a 42 mm case in stainless steel, which is inspired by the 4th generation Speedmaster style (the first watch worn on the moon in 1969). The tachymeter scale, with the iconic “Dot over Ninety”, is shown in white enamel on a blue ceramic [ZrO2] bezel ring. In a superb display of watchmaking skill, the Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary watch is driven by the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861. This ground-breaking movement has taken the legendary Moonwatch calibre to new standards of excellence, with anti-magnetic innovation, as well as Master Chronometer certification from the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). The timepiece comes with OMEGA’s full 5-year warranty, and will not be a limited production. Eager fans will receive the watch in its own Apollo 13 presentation box, with a microfiber cleaning cloth, a brochure, and a magnifying glass to help you get up close to the details. |
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29th September 2020
Breguet - Classique Double Tourbillon Quai de L’Horloge
5345PT/1S/7XU
Mechanical virtuosity with aesthetic mastery: Breguet presents its new Double Tourbillon
The new Classique Double Tourbillon Quai de l’Horloge model houses a monumental movement in the proportions of a watch. Working with very limited space, the Breguet Manufacture has built a complex and harmonious universe that seemingly defies the laws of physics. Like a delicately chased sculpture, the entire exposed mechanism pivots around its axis at the rate of one full turn every 12 hours. It is propelled by two independent tourbillons, which each complete a full rotation per minute.
The expertise of the art of watchmaking is never without aesthetic virtuosity at Breguet. Each component is hand-finished, while the back of the movement is engraved with the “House on the Quai”, the Parisian building where Abraham-Louis Breguet fulfilled his life’s work. Stylised and rounded, the barrel bridges in steel take on the form of the letter B. All the components are meticulously straight-grained, chamfered, and even satin-brushed by hand. A true signature of the House, the hand-engraving on a rose engine (guilloché work) finds a new field of expression on the movement. Laid bare as it is, the caliber exposes the inner flank of the caseband, from which the hand-engraved Roman numerals stand out echoing in their design those of the sapphire hours chapter.
The new Classique Double Tourbillon Quai de l’Horloge model houses a monumental movement in the proportions of a watch. Working with very limited space, the Breguet Manufacture has built a complex and harmonious universe that seemingly defies the laws of physics. Like a delicately chased sculpture, the entire exposed mechanism pivots around its axis at the rate of one full turn every 12 hours. It is propelled by two independent tourbillons, which each complete a full rotation per minute.
The expertise of the art of watchmaking is never without aesthetic virtuosity at Breguet. Each component is hand-finished, while the back of the movement is engraved with the “House on the Quai”, the Parisian building where Abraham-Louis Breguet fulfilled his life’s work. Stylised and rounded, the barrel bridges in steel take on the form of the letter B. All the components are meticulously straight-grained, chamfered, and even satin-brushed by hand. A true signature of the House, the hand-engraving on a rose engine (guilloché work) finds a new field of expression on the movement. Laid bare as it is, the caliber exposes the inner flank of the caseband, from which the hand-engraved Roman numerals stand out echoing in their design those of the sapphire hours chapter.
26th August 2020
Breguet - A Retrograde date model enters the Tradition Collection
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BREGUET TRADITION QUANTIÈME RETROGRADE 7597
The Tradition collection takes its inspiration from one of the most significant pieces of Breguet’s history: the subscription watch. Purposefully simple and stripped-back, its fully visible movement unveils a perfectly symmetrical design. In the new Tradition Quantième Rétrograde 7597 model, it also features a retrograde date display, a complication that the watchmaker was one of the first to develop, and which it has bestowed on some of its most famous creations. This novelty features an hours chapter with Roman numerals, bordered by a delicate engine-turned Clous de Paris pattern, which serves as a backdrop for blued Breguet hands. In the interests of balance, a retrograde date section is positioned between the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock and a skillfully curved hand indicates the date moving in the vertical plane, fitting in with the ultra-architectural movement. A patented mechanism provides for a fine adjustment of the date hand. The latter is multi-tiered, allowing it to fly over the movement components. At 10 o’clock, a screw-in corrector allows users to set the date safely. Available in white gold and rose gold: White gold: 7597BB/G1/9WU Rose gold: 7597BR/G1/9WU |
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26th August 2020
BREITLING RELEASES THE ENDURANCE® PRO
Designed to be both a lightweight watch for athletes and a casual, everyday sports chronograph, the Endurance Pro perfectly blends high precision & innovative technology with a vibrant & colorful design. It is the ultimate athleisure watch. Designed for men and women whose active lives blend a professional mindset with a sporty lifestyle, the Endurance Pro is equal to the challenges of a rigorous workout but fashionable enough for everyday wear. The Endurance Pro features an ultra-light Breitlight® case, a robust material 3.3 times lighter than titanium and 5.8 times lighter than stainless steel. Non-magnetic, thermally stable and hypoallergenic, Breitlight® is highly resistant to scratches, traction and corrosion. It also has a touch that is warmer than metal and a slightly textured effect accentuating the originality of the design. Exclusive to Breitling, it is 100% Swiss-made. Offered with a set of colorful dial and rubber straps fitting a Breitlight® double tang-type buckle, the Endurance Pro can also be paired with one of Breitling’s colorful Outerknown ECONYL® yarn NATO strap. Powering the Endurance Pro is Breitling’s Caliber 82, a COSC-certified SuperQuartz™ chronograph delivering exceptional precision.
26th June 2020
Tourbillion Day
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.
17th June 2020
Girard-Perregaux first Australia virtual event goes live!
Last month, Wednesday 17th June, we held an exclusive virtual event to showcase the hidden beauty of Girard-Perregaux. A representative from our Switzerland manufacture, Isabelle - Brand Manager APAC, also showcased some of the brand's most prized haute horlogerie pieces.
During the event, we also got to see for the first time heritage pieces from the manufacture, with special guest presenter Willy - Curator of the Heritage - explaining the history and workings of these pieces. These pieces define the exquisite craftsmanship that is now iconic in our collections today.
During the event, we also got to see for the first time heritage pieces from the manufacture, with special guest presenter Willy - Curator of the Heritage - explaining the history and workings of these pieces. These pieces define the exquisite craftsmanship that is now iconic in our collections today.
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
5th May 2020
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.
16th April 2020
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
