Author: Constantin Reusberg

Czapek Unveils the Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R.: A Nod to Classic Robotics

Picture this: your watch winking at you with colored robot eyes every time you start, stop, or reset the chronograph. No, this isn’t science fiction. This is the latest marvel from watchmaker Czapek & Cie, introducing their newest masterpiece, the Antarctique Rattrapante R.U.R. It’s a perfect blend of literary homage and horological genius.

Inspired by the 1920-21 play ‘R.U.R – Rossum’s Universal Robots’ by the Czech playwright Karel Čapek, who also brought ‘robot’ into our vocabulary, Czapek’s new release is a limited edition stunner. Only 77 pieces of these ticking wonders will be produced, and they’re ready to jump off the shelf – or perhaps roll out on a conveyor belt, given their robotic roots – on the 5th of September at the Geneva Watch Days.

Under the hood – or should we say under the dial – is the upgraded Czapek SXH6 Caliber. The twist? You can see the split-seconds chronograph in action from the dial side. Plus, the robot head located at 12 o’clock adds a playful touch, with its eyes that change colors: yellow for start, red for stop, and blue for reset. It’s like having a smartwatch, but way classier and without all the constant notifications.

The watch also signifies a family affair, as Karel Čapek and François Czapek are distant relatives, making this not just a watch but a time-travel capsule looping literary history with futuristic flair. Geneva’s Beau-Rivage Hotel will host the unveiling, with perhaps a humanoid twist awaiting us in the showroom.

With Czapek embracing innovation yet maintaining a romantic tie to history, they continue to occupy a unique niche in the horological cosmos. What was once a journey from mundane to machine in the original R.U.R tale, Czapek turns into a journey from vintage to vanguard. Don’t miss out on this limited edition marvel that affectionately proves robots are more than just Androids or overly eager vacuum cleaners.

September 3, 2025
Stars Shine: Paul Dano and Lewis Pullman Suit Up with Jaeger-LeCoultre at Venice Film Festival

Ah, the glitz and glamour of the Venice International Film Festival – where stars are not just born, but accessorized! Recently, hearts and watches alike skipped a beat as Paul Dano and Lewis Pullman graced the red carpet at the 82nd edition of the festival, making an indelible impression. Their secret? It was all in the wrist, courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso Tribute Chronograph in pink gold.

Paul Dano had the audience bewitched at the premiere of “Wizard of the Kremlin” on August 31st, wearing his heart – and his time – on his sleeve. This Jaeger-LeCoultre masterpiece elegantly brings the beauty of both timekeeping and horological art to life. The Reverso Tribute Chronograph does not shy away from the spotlight, itself a watch with a double identity thanks to its two-faced nature, an homage to versatility if there ever was one!

Following hot on Dano’s heels (and showing no signs of jet lag), Lewis Pullman hit the “The Testament Of Ann Lee” red carpet the very next day looking effortlessly elegant. His Reverso Tribute Chronograph mirrored the stunning sunset of Venice almost as dazzlingly as the star-studded event itself.

Touted as an “exceptional complication reinvented,” this watch features two dials, each boasting their unique style, yet symbiotically presenting a harmonious dance between classic aesthetics and modern sophistication. One can only dream of telling time with such panache!

With its sunray black dial, gadroons, and famous “railroad” minute track, the Reverso Tribute Chronograph delivers all the compelling features characteristic of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Tribute line, proving luxury can indeed be worn on one’s sleeve – or rather, on one’s wrist.

From Hollywood excitement to Venice allure, both Paul Dano and Lewis Pullman demonstrated that looking suave isn’t just about the tux – it’s also about the timepiece. And when that timepiece is a Jaeger-LeCoultre, you know you’ve made a statement worthy of applause long after the credits roll.

September 3, 2025
Unveiling the Chief Skeleton: Favre Leuba’s First Skeletonized Masterpiece

In a spectacular nod to its 288-year history, Favre Leuba has just pulled back the curtain (or should we say crystal) on its brand-new Chief Skeleton, the first skeletonized watch from the brand famous for its rich heritage and daring innovation. This isn’t just a watch – it’s an open invitation to gaze into the heart of horology, where each tick and tock sings a ballad of mechanical genius.

The Chief Skeleton boldly steps into the ring with a movement developed hand-in-hand with AMT, built specifically to flaunt its bones through an open architecture design. In layman’s terms, it’s like giving your watch x-ray vision but in the chicest possible way. A semi-revealed barrel at 12 o’clock and a balance wheel at 6 o’clock serve as the beat-keepers of this visual symphony, all wrapped in a brushed and sandblasted finishing that oozes class.

Through the sapphire caseback, this magnificent beast bares its two calibers: the polished, gold-finished FLS01 and the robust anthracite-flavored FLS02. Imagine gears and bridges intertwining in a dance of engineering excellence, their movements bringing a poetry of mechanical magic to life. Enhancing this is a rotor that’s as functionally brilliant as it is aesthetically striking, echoing Favre Leuba’s dedication to both performance and visual pleasure.

The skeletonized dial, meanwhile, strips away the superfluous, turning the Chief Skeleton into a pure theater of time. Engraved hour markers and polished hands with fine sandblasted detail keep things sophisticated yet visible. Think of it as the Aladdin’s Cave of watchmaking: all treasure, no clutter.

For those who appreciate a little splash of personality, the Chief Skeleton wears its iconic cushion-shaped casing and comes in a variety of dashing colors: from serene blues to enigmatic blacks and greens, inviting wearers to match their mood to their wrist with effortless style.

The strap? Oh, it’s an FKM rubber charmer designed for adaptability, with a quick-change system that lets you swap it faster than you can say ‘chronometer’. Sprinkle in some SuperLuminova magic on the markers and hands, and you have a dazzling night performer that ensures you’re never late, even in the darkest hour.

Ultimately, the Chief Skeleton is a tribute to Favre Leuba’s enduring pioneering spirit – an intricate masterpiece binding their storied past with a bold vision forward. So go ahead, celebrate the art of time with Favre Leuba’s latest mechanical magician, a must-have for any collector with a taste for history and style.

September 3, 2025
Surreal Reflections: Revolve Debuts in Silver Shine

There are watches, and then there are watches that take you on a journey through time and imagination. Enter the world of Exaequo Melting Watch’s new Revolve Silver Edition, where the boundary between timekeeping and art blurs rather elegantly. This release adds a new sheen to the iconic “melting” watches, inspired by surrealist aesthetics, with dazzlingly polished silver-effect steel.

The Swiss brand, a master of melding art with horology, continues its love affair with Surrealism, that delightful art movement which tells us reality is just one perspective. Beginning their journey with the metaphorically melty Classic line, they now bring an edgy twist with Revolve – featuring unconventional, asymmetric cases inspired by surrealist sketches discovered deep in their archives.

The latest Revolve iteration, in striking silver, presents three fresh styles. Fashioned from polished silver-effect steel, the cases measure 33 x 51.2 mm and house three captivating dial designs: a simple white with bold black numerals, or a choice between cool blue and midnight black options, all under a mineral glass gaze. The hands, enrobed in black luminescence, ensure that this watch shines (literally) in low light, making sure that time is reflective both of light and surreal style.

Turning the hands behind the dial is the trusted Ronda 762-AJG3 movement – a hallmark of precision. Coupled with a black silicone strap boasting a stainless steel deployant clasp, it’s as much about comfort as it is about daring design. Water-resistant to 3 ATM, this timepiece bends not just perceptions of time, but also possibilities in extreme conditions.

For Exaequo Melting Watch, bringing surrealism into the modern world isn’t just about stylish watches. Their pieces invite us to see time as fluid, subjective, and altogether more personal than the humdrum tick-tock could dream of. The new Revolve in Silver is a statement piece, redefining how we perceive time – a bit bent, a tad twisted, and every bit magical.

September 3, 2025
Golden Threads and Wired Minds: The Marvel of Louis Erard x Wire Art’s Fil d’Or

Hold onto your wristbands, folks! Louis Erard has teamed up with Wire Art Switzerland to introduce a new horological masterpiece: the Fil d’Or. This latest collaboration invites collectors to delight in a watch face that’s practically a gold-thread sculpture. Each of the 2,320 micro-threads of 24K gold on the dial is thinner than the hair you’re losing while reading this! Art meets tech in a dazzling trompe-l’oeil motif, creating a playful dance of light, depth, and texture.

The creative minds of Sylvie Villa and Mark Miehlbradt have taken machines once used for microchip bonding and given them a new job: carefully placing each golden thread with the precision of a Swiss chocolatier crafting pralines. The process sounds like a mission from a sci-fi flick – laser-etched baseplates, micro-soldered connections, and calibration down to the micron level.

The Fil d’Or is encased in a sleek 39 mm stainless steel Noirmont case and accompanied by a chic beige leather strap. It’s as if the watch dial has put on its best evening attire and paired with freshly manicured, rhodium-plated hands. And for the final dose of exclusivity, only 99 of these mini-masterpieces will be gracing the wrists of the lucky few. It’s not just a watch; it’s wearable art!

September 3, 2025
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Grande Tradition Calibre 985: When Precision Meets Elegance

In the dazzling universe of horology, precision and beauty often play a delicate waltz, each trying to outdo the other. Enter Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Grande Tradition Calibre 985, where engineering artistry and aesthetic elegance join hands. With its meticulously crafted complications crammed into three distinctly suave models, this timepiece isn’t just telling the time – it’s redefining it.

Jaeger-LeCoultre has crafted three fresh versions of the Master Grande Tradition Calibre 985, each carrying its own unique charm. You have your choice between two platinum models and one in pink gold, showcasing the ever-enthralling flying tourbillon equipped with a 1776-born helical hairspring. It’s like meeting a historical celebrity perfectly poised for the modern era. Bonus points – it’s also got a perpetual calendar and moon phase display. Time-wise, these features tick on without needing tinkering for up to 122 years. Plan your calendar invites accordingly.

What makes Calibre 985 truly shine (besides the bling-bling bezel with 3.4 carats of diamonds on one version) is its heart – the tourbillon. Staying true to the watchmaking tradition, it comprises 83 parts yet weighs just a feather-light 0.386 grams. And thanks to the specially shaped hairspring, this watch can face gravity and magnetism without batting an eyelash.

Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s metaphorical workshop, the skilled artisans ensure every component is a testament to precision. These tiny pieces of utmost craftsmanship come together to serenade time in seamless harmony. The finishing touches? Think blued screws and sunray engraving dancing like lightweight gymnasts over a timepiece that is precision incarnate.

Each of these watches is a fine display of meticulous watchmaking, offering a jaw-dropping view through a sapphire crystal case back. Yes, these guys get into some behind-the-scenes magic that’s worth the peek.

For a watch world where every second counts, the Master Grande Tradition Calibre 985 isn’t just counting – it’s celebrating each tick. Whether it’s keeping company with your evening tux or just making Tuesday feel a tad more iconic, it’s clear: in the timekeeping universe, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Grande Tradition is not afraid of being the maestro.

September 3, 2025
M.A.D.1S ‘Grow Your Dreams’: Where Art Meets Time

In the land of horology, where precision dances with creativity, the announcement of the M.A.D.1S ‘Grow Your Dreams’ collaboration is like finally finding that missing sock—the excitement is palpable! This unique collaboration between M.A.D.Editions and the British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori makes us wonder if we’ve ever truly appreciated colors or dreams before now.

Yinka Ilori is known for weaving a tapestry of vibrant hues and imaginative designs in his work, quite literally injecting life into everyday objects. His first foray into the world of watchmaking gives rise to a limited edition that has wristwatch enthusiasts and art lovers alike drooling (might be best to wipe that chin).

What makes the M.A.D.1S ‘Grow Your Dreams’ stand out is not just its aesthetics. Sure, the watch dazzles with its colorful time display and a finely textured aluminium baseplate, but don’t get lost in the dazzle! At its core, this watch is a horological masterpiece, retaining the admired specs of the M.A.D.1S model with a 42mm case and a Swiss-made LaJoux-Perret movement. The rotor, now re-engineered with a tree motif, embodies the theme of growth and innovation.

Ilori’s contribution is freshly embodied in details like numerals that seem to leap off the dial. Each of the three themes—Sun, Nature, and Water—is a reminder of the beauty in simplicity and the world around us. With 400 pieces each, these timepieces make sure exclusivity meets collectibility, and all this enchanting art becomes an inseparable part of your wrist.

Of course, securing one of these beauties isn’t a stroll down the park. The raffle for these wrist candies opens on September 2nd at 2PM CEST, and like any good raffle, it’s chock-full of anticipation and suspense. Unlucky in previous raffles? This time, your odds have doubled—not a bad deal, huh?

With a price tag of CHF 3,200 + VAT, owning one of these limited editions might mean putting off buying yet another series of uninspired socks, but let’s be honest—this piece of artistry is totally worth as much excitement as a child at an amusement park.

May the odds and the artistic winds blow in your favor! Here’s to dreamers and watch enthusiasts who know that sometimes, the best way to tell time is to watch it grow.

September 2, 2025
Old Soul: A Time Machine Wristwatch by Vianney Halter and Massena LAB

Hold onto your monocles, folks, because Vianney Halter and Massena LAB have just zapped us with a blast from the horological past, present, and – if you squint hard enough – the future, all rolled into one fantastic timepiece named Old Soul. Marrying steampunk vision with a vintage Minerva movement from the moth-eaten belfries of the 1920s, this watch is not just a wrist candy; it’s a spirited reincarnation of old-world craftsmanship.

This limited-edition creation, much like your grandma’s vintage cookie jar, holds treasures untold. The Old Soul is driven by the Minerva 17’22 caliber, a classic movement originally deployed in pocket watches, now given a new lease on life by the wizardry of Vianney Halter. Picture this: a master time-traveler movement from the 1920s, spinning at a leisurely 18,000 beats per hour, now reimagined with a mysterious minute disc that swirls effortlessly above a sumptuous multilayered dial.

The face of the Old Soul is a treat for the eyes. Three distinct dials host hours, minutes, and seconds, while the outer chapter ring gleams in rhodium plating like a silver surfer riding the waves of time. And with a design nod to the late 19th century’s railroad track style, it’s a delightful merging of steam-powered aesthetics and futuristic whimsy.

What has us positively giddy is the intricate technical sorcery employed to exhibit this watch’s innards. Imagine telescreens projecting the movements of the Minerva, visible (thanks to the sapphire case back) and as tangible as a handshake with history.

And the watch exterior? Hold onto your whiskers because it sheds its stainless-steel skin like a mechanical phoenix! The 42mm case gleams with mixed polished and brushed finishes, setting off the stepped-lug design that’s more timeless than a Swiss chalet.

Wearing the Old Soul feels rather like strapping a narrative of time-twisting alchemy onto your wrist – a narrative curated by Vianney Halter, who plucks notes from sci-fi realms and engraves them lovingly into each tick-tock of this collectible.

The Old Soul’s debut is poised to pocket-pick 47 lucky collectors at a time and place deserving of its lavishness: Geneva Watch Days 2025. In time-honored tradition, price inquiries are as forthcoming as winning lottery numbers – by request only!

Old Soul isn’t just a watch; it’s a temporal journey in stainless steel, a pocket of steampunk imagination that lets its wearer become a gatekeeper of horological history.

September 2, 2025
Favre Leuba’s Chief Chronograph: Racing Green and Dune Editions Rev Up Enthusiasm

Favre Leuba is back at it again with a dynamic duo that’s sure to make your wrist feel like it’s at the starting line of a Grand Prix or leisurely strolling through sun-kissed dunes. Say hello to the Chief Chronograph British Racing Green and Dune editions. These aren’t just watches; they’re stories wrapped around your wrist!

Now, when you hear British Racing Green, you might think of thundering engines and open roads. This edition channels that exact spirit with its vibrant dial that plays a cheeky game of peekaboo with light, shimmering between lively green and a shadowy hunter tone. It’s like your dial had way too much espresso and now refuses to sit still. For those who prefer their adventures a bit sandier, the Dune edition serenely invites you to a palette reminiscent of golden landscapes with warm rose-gold accents elegantly brushing its surfaces.

Ah, but the beauty lies not just in the dials. The soul of these chronographs houses the automatic caliber FLC02, crafted with the prowess of a Swiss watchmaking ballet, without the overpriced ticket. The movement is impressively swiss (cue the cowbell), promising precision without sacrificing drama—thanks to its elegant column-wheel chronograph setup.

Flip these beauties over and the sapphire crystal back reveals a spectacle of engineering finesse. It’s like a tiny watchmaking opera going on under your nose: Geneva stripes, perlage, and heat-blued screws make sure that even peeking at the back of your wrist is a treat.

The case design, inspired by Favre Leuba’s cheeky 1970s spirit, boldly stands at 41mm with just the right amount of wrist hug. And while they look bold, they’re not chunky; thanks to a deftly integrated bracelet and a sleek rubber strap option, these watches are as versatile as they are gorgeous. Whether you’re dressing up or preparing for a spontaneous beach adventure, they’re with you.

September 2, 2025
WatchTime New York Celebrates 10 Years of Ticking in the Big Apple

New York City is about to turn its clocks to horological-party mode as WatchTime New York gears up for its 10th anniversary from October 17 to 19, 2025. Set in the historic Gotham Hall, this famed event has all the glitz of Times Square and the sophistication of a Patek Philippe.

This year, a record-breaking 44 luxury watch brands will transform Gotham Hall into a treasure trove of timekeeping delights. Think of it as a giant ticking candy store for horological enthusiasts, featuring everything from novelties to rare creations just waiting to meet their next proud owner.

Not just a show, but also a sensational social affair, WatchTime New York is rolling out an exclusive watch enthusiast VIP dinner complete with wine pairings. A limited number of tickets ensures a night of mingling with fellow collectors, watchmakers, and the industry’s top brass.

The event isn’t just about ogling beautiful watches; it’s a platform that unites brands and buyers, fostering connections as intricate as a tourbillon. It’s about face-to-face engagement, much like how a manual-wind watch works—interactive and relying on a personal touch.

Organized by WatchTime, a media titan in the watch world, this event has cemented itself as a cornerstone of NYC’s Watch Week, attracting attention globally and spinning off similar events. Over the years, it’s morphed from a lovely gathering to a dynamic hub for collectors around the world. Remember, this show is not just a tick on the calendar but a must-stop for anyone serious about their wrist game.

Throw in exclusive whiskey tastings and more exhibitor spaces than ever before, and it’s clear: this isn’t just about watches—it’s about lifestyle, passion, and a hefty dose of awe.

September 2, 2025