Three for Three: 3 Mechanical Marvels For $300,000
Last week, we brought you a look at a few million-dollar and more than half-million dollar diamond watches that were unveiled thus far this year – a perfect story for women. Now, we present a close up look at three hot watches that were unveiled earlier this year that are true mechanical marvels for men.
Each of these watches is so outstanding that we can’t decide where to start, so we will start with the classic and move to the multi-dimensional pieces. But understand that each of these watches is a masterpiece in its own rights.
Easily one of the most alluring watches that will steal hearts this year — and a few dollars from your wallet – is the A. Lange & Sohne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon. Retailing for just about $323,000, this German made watch is the epitome of elegance, sophistication and technical prowess. The watch combines three coveted complications and five important functions in a neat platinum package with a stunning black dial that shows off a ton of information in a strikingly elegant manner.
Powered by the Caliber L952.2, comprised of 729 parts and offering 50 hours of power reserve, the watch is chocked with a column-wheel chronograph with a jumping minute counter and flyback function, outsized date and perpetual calendar with instantaneously jumping calendar with moon displays. Yes, that is a “wristful.” The watch also offers a one-minute tourbillon with stop-second function so the watch can be set to within one second of accuracy. The tourbillon is not visible from the dial side, but can be viewed via the transparent sapphire caseback.
The perpetual calendar on this A. Lange & Sohne watch is accurate, without adjustment, until the year 2100, and the moon phase indication is accurate for 122.6 years. The balance beats at a slower rate than many watches — 18,000 semi oscillations per hour vs. the brand’s typical 21,6000 – to allow for stopped chronograph times to respond in approximately 1/5 of a second. The features on this watch are so many that it is an absolute must-see in person. But hurry, just 100 pieces are being made for worldwide consumption.
Looking for something classic but with a twist? Check out the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon. It is the equivalent of a round peg in a square hole – but in the most luxurious of mechanical terms. Retailing for approximately $300,000, the watch celebrates the 85th anniversary of the legendary rectangular Reverso case that was first invented in 1931 for polo players. The reversible case has made this watch a true icon and over the years the brand has offered many different complex versions. This year’s watch, however, is a true celebration piece.
Being built in a limited edition run of 75 pieces, the Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon houses the brand’s beloved three-dimensional, multi-axis Gyrotourbillon (first unveiled to the world in 2005) powered by the manually wound Caliber 179. The Gyrotourbillon has been born anew, reconfigured and slimmed down (by about 30 percent) to fit into the Reverso with elegant ease—no easy feat considering the incredible list of features and functions this watch possesses. Among them: a two-cage multi axis tourbillon, a perpetual calendar accurate for 100 years, retrograde power reserve inductor, month display and leap year indication. The tourbillon completes an external rotation once per minute and an internal rotation once ever 12.6 seconds. The reverse side of the Reverso watch depicts the meticulous hand finishing and engraving of all of the tiny movement parts. It also offers a dual time display, day/night indicator in 24-hour mode and a small seconds hand driven by the tourbillon.
Thinking you want your $300,000+ to go for something a bit more outrageous? Stop looking. Meet the MB&F Horological Machine HM6 Space Pirate. The watch is, indeed, a space-age machine – looking as though it belongs in outer space and measuring up to all the expectations of incredible mechanics.
Neatly placed on all four corners of the three-dimensional case is a round 360-degree sphere encased in sapphire crystal domes. It is these spheres that indicate the hours and the minutes. Other spheres spin horizontally and regulate the winding system in the case. In the middle of the machine is a center dome that allow for viewing of a stunning 60-second flying tourbillon. As if all of this wizardry wasn’t enough, the flying tourbillon features a protective retractable shield that – when closed – helps to protect the tourbillon from UV lights that can age the lubricating oils.
A total of 475 finely finished parts compose the complex movement, which was three yeas in the development stages. The entire space ship like watch somehow fits the wrist with incredible ease and comfort. Beware; you may not ant to take it off. With the HM6 Space Pirate, you have a choice. This watch is created in limited editions of 50 pieces in grade 5 titanium, 18 pieces in titanium and rose gold and 10 pieces each in 18-karat rose gold (approximately $372,000) or in platinum (approximately $402,000). The platinum version, with stunning blue accents – stole my heart immediately. It may steal yours, as well. In fact, each and every one of these watches could sway the heart and boggle the mind.
Photo Credit: Haute Time. Follow Haute Time on Instagram to catch all of the new releases as they happen.
