Latest news with #watches
Forbes
5 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
H. Moser & Cie's F1 Set Latest In The Hot World Of Race Watches
H. Moser & Cie's Streamliner Drivers Edition set. Formula 1 racing is hotter than tennis and golf these days, certainly in terms of watch sponsorships. Several brands are getting in on the action by sponsoring teams, race organizations, and individual races and, naturally, they are creating some great limited-edition watches to consolidate the connection. The fanbase for F1 is growing to include women and young people, thanks partly to Netflix's documentary series Formula 1: Drive to Survive, along with the upcoming movie F1, starring Brad Pitt. The H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Alpine Drivers Edition. One of the most recent watch collaborations to appear on the scene is a pair of racing models from H. Moser & Cie. The brand sponsors the BWT Alpine F1 team, which competes next on the track at the Canadian F1 Grand Prix in Montreal, June 13-14. The Streamliner model is the focus of limited editions associated with the team and the two newest come in a boxed set. The Streamliner Alpine Drivers Edition is a skeletonized version of the sophisticated chronograph developed by Moser's partner, high-end movement maker Agenhor. The V-shaped bridges evoke the triangulated suspensions of single-seater cars, the rotor (which you can see on the dial side) echoes the lines of an Alpine A110 wheel rim, and the central bridge is shaped like a driver's helmet. The blue and white colour codes evoke speed and Alpine's signature identity. It's an easy-to-read format, with no subdials but a central minute and seconds display, and a sophisticated flyback function. The case is steel with blue PVD treatment. The H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Alpine Mechanics Edition. The Streamliner Alpine Mechanics Edition is a smartwatch developed in close collaboration with the Alpine teams. Functions include a custom F1 mode, with countdown to the start and team alerts of the key moments for the Formula 1 season's races. It also has GMT, split seconds-chronograph and perpetual calendar functions. The two watches are themselves a team, as they are being sold together as a set for $70,000 in a presentation case (200 sets). Edouard Meylan, CEO of H. Moser & Cie, describes the pair as 'a genuine, in-depth collaboration based on engineering considerations and not just marketing factors.' TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Other racing themed watches to appear recently include the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph. It is one of several limited editions celebrating this year's commencement of TAG Heuer's F1 Sponsorship and Official Timer status, previously held by Rolex. CHF 1,750 (about $2,126) IWC Ingenieur SL Reference 1832 IWC made the watch that Brad Pitt wears in Apple TV's forthcoming F1, due in June. Pitt wears a prop watch based on the Ingenieur SL Reference 1832, which Pitt designed in a three-way collaboration with IWC and Cloister Watch Company, a design studio in New York City. $12,900 Richard Mille RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari Finally, Richard Mille has long sponsored McLaren and Ferrari F1 teams, with several special editions designed for drivers, teams or races. The most recent is the RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari. 75 pieces in microblasted titanium ($1,300,000) and 75 in Carbon TPT ($1,535,000). Design details were inspired by Ferrari engine blocks and crank cases.
Bloomberg
2 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Rolex Lovers Splash Out on Used Watches Before Trump Tariffs
Watch enthusiasts snapped up used Rolex SA and Patek Philippe SA timepieces at the end of April, splashing out before possible tariffs from US President Donald Trump. The watch dealer and trading platform Subdial often sees a flurry of activity after people get their paychecks at the end of each month. In April, the post-payday spike was 160% higher than normal trading levels, far above the average 112% bump experienced on other pay days over the past year.
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
How modern ceramic techniques are revolutionising high horology: Watches and Wonders 2025 showcased hardy new pieces from Audemars Piguet, Chopard, Chanel and IWC Schaffhausen
Scratch resistant, heat-resistant, non-corrosive – what's not to love about ceramics? Used by humankind for some 25,000 years – and by the watch industry since the 1970s – the material is now becoming a ubiquitous material for high horology, appearing on timepieces in a wide variety of textures, colours and finishes. Audemars Piguet and Chanel are among the brands releasing new-school ceramic pieces. An example from the latter is the J12 Bleu collection of nine watches in a deep blue, nearly black, hue. At Watches and Wonders 2025 , Zenith also jumped on the blue train for its 160th anniversary, releasing new versions of the Chronomaster Sport, Defy Skyline and Pilot Big Date Flyback in a striking bright blue ceramic. Advertisement Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Offshore Blue Nuit Nuage 50. Photo: Handout 'The properties of ceramics are very interesting, and you can play a lot with colours. I think clients are searching for this,' says Zenith chief products officer Romain Marietta, adding that the brand's uniquely developed hue allowed for a consistent shade over the whole watch. Zirconium oxide is the chemical name of the ceramic commonly used in the watch industry. Previously, its application was either dull or extremely shiny, but newer tools for processing the material have created more possibilities. 'Our suppliers now have more experience in mastering the material itself,' says Marietta, adding that one complexity is that the material shrinks by 30 per cent during the sintering process involved in its manufacture. 'Now, with better precision tools and better understanding, ceramic bracelets are tighter as they can be machined with smaller tolerances.' Zenith's releases this year also proved the brand could reproduce the types of finishes normally seen on other materials with ceramic. 'Polished, satin, microblasted and sandblasted [finishes are now more possible]. This [hi-tech] material is also relatively accessible, so we can create great-looking watches at a very interesting price point,' Marietta continues. He adds that much of the work is done by hand, and suppliers have become better at hand finishing. Zenith Defy Skyline 160th Blue Ceramic. Photo: Handout It's important to note that while brands work with ceramics in their watches, no brand has its own in-house ceramic case making and bracelet facility. Five major suppliers are Bangerter, Ceramaret, Comadur, Dexel and Formatech. As befitting a brand seeking the latest technologies and innovations, Marietta is excited about the future of ceramics. 'We feel the appetite of clients for something different, something surprising. We are also working on other components that have never before been made in ceramic. In the end it is not simple to sell a ceramic watch, because a lot of people prefer traditional materials. But if you appreciate colour, technique and things that are different, ceramic is a very cool material.'
Forbes
3 days ago
- General
- Forbes
Formex Unveils Field Automatic Gen 2 With Titanium And Dial Variants
Field Automatic Gen 2 Formex has introduced the Field Automatic Gen 2, a refined update to its no-nonsense modern field watch. While the original was built for versatility and durability, the Gen 2 brings a few notable upgrades that further solidify its position as a tool watch for everyday wear. Lume The titanium case still measures 40mm across and is crafted from Grade 2 titanium, chosen for its light weight and comfortable wear. However, this version receives a major durability upgrade. A proprietary hardening process takes the surface from 145 Vickers to 900 Vickers in hardness, offering scratch resistance that exceeds even Grade 5 titanium, while preserving the soft matte texture and naturally warm tone of Grade 2. Dial construction has also changed. Each dial now features a two-part layout with a flat sunburst-finished center, recessed stencil-style numerals, and a sloped chapter ring. The numerals are filled with color-matched Super-LumiNova for improved legibility, and the beveled date window integrates smoothly into the design without breaking the symmetry. Three new color options debut with this version; Ice Blue, Coho Salmon, and Basalt Grey, each selected to introduce some fun while keeping legibility intact. Caseback Powering the Field Gen 2 is a Swiss automatic movement, protected behind a 150-meter water-resistant case. It also comes with the same tool-free strap change system Formex is known for. Leather strap variants include the brand's on-the-fly adjustable deployant clasp, while nylon and velcro options are available for more rugged use. Prices start at $870 USD which seems reasonable for a unique and well presented watch like this.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Patek Philippe And Rolex On The Block At New York Watch Auction: XII
Aurel Bacs auctioneering lot 18 for CHF 5.5 million during The Geneva Watch Auction: XXI. Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is gearing up for another extraordinary two-day event: The New York Watch Auction: XII. Slated for June 7 and 8, it comprises 144 lots that represent both legacy brands and independent watchmakers, with more than a few pieces being offered publicly for the first time. The lots may be previewed on June 4 through 6 at 432 Park Avenue, where the auction will take place. Patek Philippe Ref. 1518. There's plenty to draw a watch lover in, from the impressively preserved 18-karat yellow gold Patek Philippe Ref. 1518, which has remained in the same collection for close to 40 years, to a Rolex Daytona gifted to Formula One legend Jean-Pierre Jabouille on the occasion of his Grand Prix win in 1979. The Rolex , Ref. 6265, features a caseback engraving that reads, 'DIE TO DRIVE – RENAULT F1 -J.P.J. 79.' Another Rolex is up for sale: the Cosmograph Daytona 'Rainbow' – a gem-set stunner that features flawless sapphires and other gemstones, perfectly cut and fitted on the bezel without prongs. The lugs are set with diamonds and the dial features pavé diamonds. There are very few Rainbow variants in pink gold – and this one is in virtually brand-new condition. The first commercially sold Biver Carillon Tourbillon Minute Repeater is included in the remarkable auction lineup. Here crafted in titanium, it is a stunning representation of contemporary haute horology that melds classical craftsmanship with acoustical engineering, as evidenced by the carillon that features three hammers striking three gongs on three distinct notes. This numbered watch is the first piece produced after the original prototype, which was offered by Phillips in 2023. The prototype sold for CHF 1,270,000. Independent watchmaker F.P. Journe is well represented. The stainless steel Répétition Souveraine, an ultra-thin minute repeater with a translucent dial, is offered here by its original owner. Another, the unique Chronomètre à Resonance Piece Unique by Harry Winston x F. P. Journe combines elements of Harry Winston's Maximillian Busser-championed Opus One with Journe's signature visuals. This uber-dressy watch features a black dial and well-placed diamonds on the bezel, lugs and dial. Patek Philippe – a highly sought-after brand at auction (or anywhere) – is making numerous appearances. Note the pink gold chronograph, Ref. 530, which is one of only about 140 examples produced (and only 30 in pink gold) and the rare Ref. 570 with a three-tone dial and applied Breguet numerals. Coveted marques like A. Lange & Sohne, Omega, and Audemars Piguet are also on the roster. As a point of reference, the Geneva Watch Auction: XXI, held May 10 and 11 in Switzerland, was a distinguished event with 188 lots sold, totaling $52,196,552. The top lot was the Breguet Pendule Sympathique Clock No. 1, built by F.P. Journe and Techniques Horlogères Appliquées in 1991. It sold for CHF 5,505,000. More recent still, Phillips achieved a total of over $27 million at the The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XX, held May 23 to 25. This surpasses the pre-sale high estimate of $23,121,745. A possibly unique Patek Philippe Ref. 5970P-013 in platinum led the sale, achieving a hammer price of over $1.29 million.
