Grooming -- 3 days ago
Words: Charlie Thomas
One of the world’s most prestigious watch fairs kicked off yesterday, and we’ve been at the frontline experiencing the very best the horological world has to offer. Here are our highlights of SIHH 2015 Day 1…
BAUME AND MERCIER CLASSIMA Ref. 10214
Baume and Mercier have completely redesigned their popular Classima collection, with additions such as this, the steel Classima 10214. With its alligator strap and highly legible dial, the new Classima manages to reference classic timepieces of the past whilst simultaneously retaining a thoroughly modern aesthetic.
JAEGER-LECOULTRE MASTER CALENDAR METEORITE DIAL
One of the highlights of SIHH every year is when Jaeger-LeCoultre unveil one or two of their truly knockout watches. After witnessing their presentation on Monday morning though, one really stood out for us. The Master Calendar is nothing new for JLC, but it has now been updated with a meteorite dial in either slate or silver. It’s quite spectacular if you ask us.
VACHERON CONSTANTIN HARMONY COLLECTION
Celebrating their 260th anniversary this year, Vacheron decided to really push the boat out. They are of course the oldest watch brand in the world, having endured over two and a half centuries of horological perfection. To mark this momentous occasion, they have unveiled a new collection, titled Harmony. Based on a chronograph of the late ‘20s, this is a collection that will appeal to those of classic, impeccable style. We’re particularly fond of the Chronograph, which features a monopusher crown, pulsometric scale and 252 individual parts in the new Calibre 3300 movement.
RICHARD MILLE RM 19-02 TOURBILLON FLEUR
Despite only unveiling two new models at SIHH (we’re promised there is something big in the works, though), Richard Mille still managed to make a big impact on day 1 of the fair, largely because of this watch. The RM 19-02 is a nature-inspired piece, featuring a magnolia flower that dominates the bottom half of the dial. Amazingly, the magnolia flower opens out every five minutes, revealing a sultry flying tourbillon escapement that itself moves upwards by 1mm, replicating the natural movement of a real flower. We told you it was special!
RALH LAUREN AUTOMOTIVE COLLECTION
The last presentation of the day laid in the hands of Ralph Lauren, and they didn’t disappoint. With catwalk models displaying the new timepieces in action and inspiring videos featuring Mr Lauren himself, it was a great way to end the day. Of the four collections revealed, our favourite was the Automotive family, which was inspired by one of Ralph Lauren’s most cherished automobiles, the Bugatti Type 57 SC.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
