Latest watches: Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Ulysse Nardin
Whether you are after a timeless classic, a timepiece that takes after a stealth aircraft, or the evolution of a classic, here are the watches to watch.
Whether you are after a timeless classic, a timepiece that takes after a stealth aircraft, or the evolution of a classic, here are the watches to watch.
TIMELESS STYLE
VACHERON CONSTANTIN PATRIMONY SELF-WINDING
The appetite in Australia for luxury timepieces is expressed in the opening of the new Vacheron Constantin Sydney flagship and the fact that the Sydney-edition watch, part of the Métiers d’Art Villes Lumières collection, sold in a flash. In any case, a new home in which to browse supremely elegant watches such as the Patrimony Self-Winding, inspired by the 1950s and crafted in 18 carat yellow gold with a 40mm dial and a self-winding movement, its oscillating weight inspired by the Maltese cross, is something to celebrate. $45,600
STEALTH STYLE
ULYSSE NARDIN BLAST TOURBILLON BLUE & GOLD
Ulysse Nardin makes light work of truly haute horology. This new iteration of the Blast Tourbillon (the first was released three years ago at Watches & Wonders) takes inspiration from the shapes and lines of stealth aircraft. What’s entirely fascinating though, is the lack of a dial. This means the skeletonised calibre UN-172 movement is on full show (here too you’ll spy signatures from the collection such as the ‘X’ shape motif framed in a rectangle, and spot the flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock, set so it looks to be floating in mid-air). Here too is a feat of contrasts, found in the materials – rose gold and blue PVD titanium, the mosaic-like lugs and the satin finishes. But also in the certain pleasure of seeing such a powerful-looking timepiece, and at 45mm, a pretty big guy – sitting so handsomely on a plush blue velvet rubber strap. It has 50m water resistance and three-day power reserve. $104,500
EVOLUTION OF A CLASSIC
CARTIER TANK FRANCAISE
The Cartier Tank, essential in its lines and shape since its debut in 1917, can take reinvention. The Cartier Tank Française, until now unchanged since its launch in 1996, is the latest in the Tank story to receive a design evolution. It’s not a major overhaul, but a series of small yet noticeable (especially to eagle-eyed online watch communities) changes. There is a new integrated crown, brushed satin finishes on the bracelet, the introduction of sunray details on the dial. The large steel version is equipped with an automatic mechanical movement, and it comes in small and medium, pictured (and with or without diamonds) in yellow gold. $36,700
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