Author: Constantin Reusberg

  • Armin Strom’s Tribute 1 Green Puts Nature on Your Wrist

    Armin Strom’s Tribute 1 Green Puts Nature on Your Wrist

    Armin Strom, the Swiss watchmaking wizard, has conjured up a new verdant masterpiece – the Tribute 1 Green. Inspired by the lush greenery of forests, this dress watch ticks all the boxes for elegance and sophistication. From its forest green main dial with a hand-engraved pattern to the matching Alcantara leather strap, this watch is nature’s beauty captured on your wrist.

    The 38mm stainless steel case boasts openworked charm with a motor barrel and a finger bridge, both appealingly visible through the anti-reflective sapphire crystals that safeguard the watch. The crown at 2 o’clock might require a slight change in your routine, but it’s worth it for the visual splendor.

    Inside, the manual-winding Manufacture Caliber AMW21 beats with passion powered by an impressive 100-hour energy reserve. Armin Strom’s spirited innovation comes to life through their patented equal force barrel, which pushes the boundaries of space efficiency. The movement’s 25,200 vibrations per hour (don’t try counting!) is a testament to the brand’s technical prowess.

    Finishing is where the Tribute 1 Green goes from ordinary to extraordinary. The watch case combines brushed and polished surfaces for striking contrasts. Not to be outdone, the finger bridge is painstakingly beveled and mirror-polished. Step inside, and you’ll find decorative craftsmanship in the form of Geneva stripes and circular graining – skills that still wow watch enthusiasts.

    And if you’re concerned about quality – fear not! Each watch is assembled not once, but twice, ensuring every tick is perfect. So why just admire nature when you can wear it with a touch of unique engineering? The Tribute 1 Green – it’s not just a watch, it’s a story of dedication, craftsmanship, and a little bit of Swiss magic.

  • Wilbur Unveils The NIGHT RIDER: A Supremacy in Limited Edition Timekeeping

    Wilbur Unveils The NIGHT RIDER: A Supremacy in Limited Edition Timekeeping

    Wilbur has never been shy about calling its creations machines rather than watches, and the new NIGHT RIDER takes that spirit to the extreme. Officially launched as a follow up to the LEO JW1.1, this piece dives into darker territory with a case crafted from black titanium and carbon fiber, punctuated by sharp flashes of blue and white. The result is something that looks less like a timepiece and more like a jet pack strapped to your wrist. And just in case you were wondering how many of these supermachines will be floating around, the answer is five. Yes, only five. If exclusivity were a sport, Wilbur just won gold.

    Jason Wilbur, the designer behind the brand, comes from the world of automotive and product design, and his watches reflect that background in every edge and layer. The NIGHT RIDER continues this language with an architectural, frame-like case that seems to be built for motion. Wilbur’s calling card is making watches that feel like they belong in a futuristic garage next to concept cars and spacecraft rather than in a leather-lined safe. The NIGHT RIDER carries that mission forward, but in a stealthier mood.

    The technical specs remain partly under wraps, which only adds to the mystique. We know the materials, we know the limited production, and we know deliveries begin October 1. But details like the movement, case size, and water resistance are still to come. Given Wilbur’s track record, expect a robust automatic movement and dimensions that are anything but shy. Comfort will be an interesting factor too – black titanium keeps weight down, but this is not a watch designed to vanish under a shirt cuff.

    The way to acquire one is as unconventional as the watch itself. There is no strolling into a boutique with a credit card. Allocation is by invitation only, making ownership less about transaction and more about admission into a very small circle. Collectors who get the nod will likely care less about resale and more about the bragging rights of owning something that only four other people on the planet can claim.

    Wilbur calls the NIGHT RIDER a supermachine, and for once the marketing hyperbole fits. It is not built for the faint-hearted or those who see watches as discreet companions. It is built for people who enjoy strapping a piece of futuristic architecture to their wrist and smiling every time someone asks, “What on earth is that?” With deliveries about to start, the NIGHT RIDER is poised to become one of the most eccentric, and certainly one of the rarest, launches of 2025. For most of us, admiring from afar will be the only option, but sometimes that is half the fun.

  • Buben&Zorweg Creates Bespoke ‘Jewellery Heaven’ Safe

    Buben&Zorweg Creates Bespoke ‘Jewellery Heaven’ Safe

    Buben&Zorweg, the masters of luxury safekeeping, have done it again. They’ve taken the concept of home security and added a splash of elegance with their latest creation – Jewellery Heaven. This bespoke safe, born from an architect’s vision and a client’s dream, blends seamlessly into a custom-built dressing area, combining aesthetics with high security. It’s like having a secret vault, but with better interior design.

    The Jewellery Heaven safe isn’t just any safe. Every corner and crevice was crafted around the client’s personal collection, ensuring that their treasure trove of jewelry and watches has a home as splendid as they are. Forget clutter – this safe is all about creating a refined, functional space for your most precious belongings.

    Inside, you’ll find custom-fit inserts and drawers lined in pearl-white velour leather – because nothing says luxury like velour. From rings and necklaces to watches, each piece has its own stylish home. And with jewelry busts, compartments, and earring displays all in matching premium finishes, your valuables aren’t just stored – they’re showcased.

    As if that weren’t enough, the upper section features a B&Z World Time Tourbillon clock, adding a pinch of horological prestige to the mix. Meanwhile, the lower section houses a TIME MOVER© board for 30 automatic watches. Talk about working overtime to keep your tickers running smoothly!

    The end result? A harmonious masterpiece that integrates flawlessly into any setting. Jewellery Heaven is more than a safe – it’s a statement piece that whispers luxury and craftsmanship in every detail. So, if you’re looking to keep your treasures secure and stylish, it might just be time to reach for the stars.

  • Panerai PAM05218: A Modern Echo of the Pre-Vendôme

    Panerai PAM05218: A Modern Echo of the Pre-Vendôme

    In Panerai’s history, the 5218-202/A Marina Militare holds a special place. Issued in 1993 only to the Italian Navy, it never reached civilians and later became known as the “pre-Vendôme.” With so few made, it turned into one of those elusive references collectors whisper about but rarely see.

    The new Luminor Marina Militare PAM05218 is Panerai’s nod to that piece of history. The watch keeps the muscular 44 mm Luminor case but trades the fragile PVD coating of the ’90s for a tougher DLC finish. It still looks stealthy, but now it’s ready to survive years of wear without flaking or fading.

    One of the charms of the original was something Panerai never planned: uneven lume. The numerals aged into a caramel shade, while the hands stayed pale green. Collectors called it “non-matching,” and Panerai has recreated the look on purpose with modern Super-LumiNova. The matte black engraved dial, warm numerals, and lighter hands strike just the right nostalgic chord.

    Under the caseback, the old Unitas-based movement has been replaced by Panerai’s in-house calibre P.6000. It keeps the hand-wound simplicity but delivers a 72-hour power reserve and modern reliability. The 300-meter water resistance remains intact, reminding us this is still a serious tool watch, not just a collector’s trophy.

    The calfskin strap with an oversized DLC buckle adds vintage character, while a rubber strap in the box keeps things practical. It’s a small detail, but the kind of flexibility collectors appreciate.

    The PAM05218 isn’t meant to replace the legendary 5218-202/A. Nothing can. But it does offer something valuable: the chance to experience the design and quirks of the pre-Vendôme era without the risks and price tag of a vintage piece. For Panerai fans, it’s both a history lesson and a watch you can actually wear.

  • Mauron Musy Returns Home with Newly Restored Manufacture

    Mauron Musy Returns Home with Newly Restored Manufacture

    Mauron Musy has taken a significant step at the start of 2025 by returning to its roots in St-Aubin, nestled within the Broye Valley. Housed in a beautifully restored former farmhouse – a structure that also moonlights as an old precision mechanics workshop – this is the birthplace of the brand first founded in 2013. The new Manufacture stands as a testament to Mauron Musy’s commitment to independence, authenticity, and precision.

    In a bold move away from the traditional watchmaking centers, this Manufacture embodies the spirit of Mauron Musy with its independence. It’s not just a production site; it’s a haven where every step of the watchmaking process, from machining to final assembly, comes alive for the visitor.

    There’s vertical integration to marvel over. Each component of the watch case is crafted in-house, aided by an on-site R&D department. This level of integration guarantees technical precision and leaves the brand free to innovate at will.

    With exclusivity as a hallmark, Mauron Musy limits its production to just 300 timepieces per year. Each watch is crafted with fine attention to detail, ensuring every piece exudes exclusivity and artisanal excellence.

    Now, let’s talk innovation. The crown jewel of the Manufacture is the nO-Ring® technology – it’s the world’s first and only gasket-free mechanical sealing system in watchmaking. With 29 intricate components, this technological breakthrough keeps issues of polymer aging at bay, while offering waterproofing up to 300 meters.

    In case you were wondering, Swiss Crafted is more than just a tagline here; it’s a commitment. It indicates that 100% of each timepiece is crafted within Swiss borders. This approach not only strengthens regional know-how but also reduces the brand’s environmental footprint.

    For the first time ever, the Manufacture opens its doors to the public. Collectors and watch enthusiasts can get a firsthand experience of the brand’s ethos through immersive visits that showcase both technical mastery and human passion embedded in Mauron Musy.

  • Ressence and The Armoury Team Up for the Type 9 – A Masterpiece in Salmon

    Ressence and The Armoury Team Up for the Type 9 – A Masterpiece in Salmon

    Ressence has taken a leap from horology into haute couture in an exciting collaboration with menswear maestros, The Armoury. Enter the TYPE 9 ARM – a watch as refined and sophisticated as a well-tailored suit, available in an exclusive 20-piece run. Sleek in a 39mm case, it features a dazzling salmon-colored dial that would make any fish envious.

    This high-end timepiece marries Ressence’s modern watchmaking with traditional sartorial elegance. It’s housed in polished Grade 5 titanium, flaunts a beautiful fluted bezel, and wears a chocolate suede strap with the kind of confidence usually reserved for supermodels. Equally stunning is the price tag: USD 19,000 or HKD 148,200 – so start checking your couch for loose change!

    The TYPE 9 ARM embodies the best of both worlds – Ressence’s innovative ROCS 9 system sans a crown, combined with The Armoury’s design flair for proportion and detail. It’s limited to being sold only through The Armoury’s stores in Hong Kong and New York or online. Whether you’re dedicating it to telling time or to making a style statement, this watch ticks both boxes.

  • Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Poetic Dance Through Time: Jackie Wang’s Cinematic Artistry

    Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Poetic Dance Through Time: Jackie Wang’s Cinematic Artistry

    If someone told you that a peony could turn into a bird while accentuating luxury watches, you might reach for your morning coffee. But then there’s Jaeger-LeCoultre, partnering with animation whiz Jackie Wang to make the impossible sound irresistibly delightful. As part of their Made of Makers programme, the Swiss watchmaker is harmonizing horology and art in the most unexpected ways.

    At ‘The Dream Shaper’ exhibition in Shanghai, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveiled a breathtaking collaboration with animation director Jackie Wang. Known for weaving hand-drawn animation with emotional and visual storytelling, Wang ventures into the roots of cinema with her project ‘Drawn in Time’. By reimagining the ‘phenakistiscope’ – an early animation device – she brings Jaeger’s Rendez-Vous collection to life through five rotating discs of animated charm.

    Picture intricate discs spinning in harmony with celestial choreographies of birds, moons, and blooming flowers. It’s like watching time perform a synchronized ballet, and that’s not just poetic talk! Inspiration from watchmaking leaks into her work, as mother-of-pearl textures and guilloché patterns remind us of the quintessential roots of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s craftsmanship.

    The Made of Makers project doesn’t stop at watches – it explores cross-disciplinary art by inviting geniuses like Wang to create at the crossroads between tradition and innovation. It’s an attempt to shake off the dust of classical art forms and give them new life and context alongside the brand’s storied timepieces. And in case you’re wondering, Wang’s five discs don’t just spin a good yarn; they explore concepts of feminine strength and evolution, capturing the essence of the Rendez-Vous collection.

    By blending East-meets-West design and age-old craft with contemporary storytelling, Jackie Wang breathes motion and soul into still images. Whether it reflects a woman’s journey or captures the essence of watchmaking genius, ‘Drawn in Time’ challenges us to see tradition in motion. It’s a metaphorical poke in the ribs to say, ‘Hey, time is art!’

    So, if you find yourself near Shanghai, swing by ‘The Dream Shaper’ exhibition and scope out the phenakisticopes in action – or as I like to call them, time’s hypnotic dance floors. As Jackie Wang’s discs twirl at a dainty 0.75 revolutions per second, Jaeger-LeCoultre reminds us that in the realm of watches and art, you really can make time fly.

  • Introducing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Horse’

    Introducing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Horse’

    If you’re into watches that are a perfect blend of art, history, and technical wizardry, then you might want to hold on to your hats – or your horses in this case. Jaeger-LeCoultre has just pulled the wraps off its latest masterpiece: the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Horse’. This horological marvel celebrates the 2026 Lunar New Year with a dash of grandeur and a sprinkle of tradition.

    Yes, it’s a watch, but to merely call it that would be underselling the whole affair. Imagine a majestic horse galloping across an art piece, not just for aesthetic pleasure but to encapsulate significant cultural symbolism. Unveiled for an audience anticipating the upcoming Chinese Zodiac year, this limited-edition timepiece – only 10 pieces produced – isn’t just for keeping you punctual; it’s for showing off your cultural savoir-faire.

    Let’s give you a quick backstory. The Reverso was born out of practicality in 1931, originally designed with a swivel case to help polo players keep their watches intact. It’s like wearing armor, but for your wrist. Fast forward to today, and it remains a canvas for anything from art to engravings, making each piece, well, a piece.

    The horse-themed watch is the fourth installment in a series saluting the Chinese Zodiac, following the Tiger, Dragon, and Snake. Jaeger-LeCoultre isn’t horsing around here – this is a certified collector’s item.

    Flip the watch over, and you’ll meet a hand-engraved horse seemingly trotting out of the engraved clouds. This visual treat is surrounded by a black Grand Feu enamel background, accentuating all the shiny bits of our equine friend. Details are so meticulously crafted that even the horse’s mane and hooves would make a real horse jealous. To get the texture just right, the artisans employed a technique known as modeled engraving. In layman’s terms, it means the artist spent about 80 hours wielding tiny chisels to breathe life into this metallic wonder.

    The watch dial matches the caseback with its glossy black Grand Feu enamel. Enamel is known to be temperamental – think of it as the diva of watchmaking materials – yet Jaeger-LeCoultre has mastered it to ensure two perfectly uniform surfaces.

    Inside this stunner lies the Calibre 822, a manually wound movement offering a 42-hour power reserve. It’s all artisanal, all the way, produced entirely within the hallowed halls of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Swiss Manufacture.

  • Jaeger-LeCoultre Celebrates the Year of the Horse with Artistic Reverso Watches

    Jaeger-LeCoultre Celebrates the Year of the Horse with Artistic Reverso Watches

    In the bustling world of luxury watches, Jaeger-LeCoultre has once again trotted out a winner with its latest limited edition: the Reverso Tribute Enamel ‘Xu Beihong’ series. These timepieces gallop into the spotlight right in time for the Lunar Year of the Horse, showcasing top-notch craftsmanship and a nod to both Chinese and horological cultures.

    The iconic Reverso design, with its sporty yet elegant flip-over case, was born on the polo grounds in 1931. Polo players required a watch that wouldn’t be smashed to bits during play, and the Reverso delivered with its unique swiveling design. Fast forward to today, and the Reverso has gracefully retired from polo, now more likely to be spotted at high teas than high-stakes chukkas.

    This special tribute series honors the legendary Chinese artist Xu Beihong, known as the pioneer of modern Chinese painting. His love for horses shines through miniaturized versions of his works, now immortalized on the casebacks of these watches. Each piece in the collection captures the spirit of Beihong’s horses with remarkable detail, compacted onto a 2 cm² canvas. A mighty feat indeed!

    Jaeger-LeCoultre’s in-house Métiers Rares atelier marries traditional enameling with other refined crafts to execute each piece. On the dial side, a palette of symbolic colors and intricate guilloché patterns interact with layers of sumptuous grand feu enamel.

    Of the three watch models – ‘The Running Horse’, ‘Two Horses’, and ‘The Standing Horse’ – each tells a unique story. The dials glow with colors that have significant meanings; from the resilience of pine green to the serenity of distant mountain blue, through to the warmth of crimson dawn orange. These watches don’t just tell time; they tell a tale.

    With a strict run of only 10 pieces per design, these equine-inspired timekeepers represent the pinnacle of artistry in watchmaking. With prices as high as the peaks in a Chinese landscape painting, these masterpieces are not just watches—they are horological art.

    Rev up your engines, horse lovers and watch aficionados, because these watches are a canter and a leap above the rest. As Jaeger-LeCoultre says, they fuse fine watchmaking with decorative arts, proving that the craft and the heart are intertwined. Talk about horsing around with elegance!

  • Trilobe’s New Trente-Deux Collection: A Testament to Parisian Craftsmanship

    Trilobe’s New Trente-Deux Collection: A Testament to Parisian Craftsmanship

    Brace yourselves, watch enthusiasts, because Trilobe has just dropped the mic with their latest collection – the Trente-Deux. Seven years after the brand’s bold debut, they’re back at it again, but this time with home-court advantage. Designed, developed, and crafted right in their Parisian workshop, this collection is jazzing up the scene with sophistication and a touch of rebellious charm.

    The star of the show is undoubtedly the X-Nihilo calibre – Trilobe’s first-ever manufacture movement. Talk about coming out swinging! It’s got a 42-hour power reserve, which means it’ll be your time-telling wingman from sunrise to a few hours past midnight. And if you’re a fan of balance – in life or movements – you’ll appreciate how it spotlights a magnified balance wheel. It’s like the watch version of a ballerina’s pirouette, minus the tutus.

    Now, let’s talk steel. The Trente-Deux boasts a sophisticated bracelet that hugs your wrist as snugly as your favorite sweater on a chilly day. Satin-brushed and polished links play a game of visual tag, catching the light with every move, while the whole ensemble says, “We go together like cheese and wine.”

    But wait, there’s more. The case is a marvel of modern design – seven parts come together to form a silhouette worthy of its own runway. Asymmetrical fins? Check. Mirror-polished grooves? Double check. It’s a symphony of angles and finishes that subtly incorporate Trilobe’s motif – a wink to the brand’s unique style.

    The dial keeps things fresh, featuring that iconic off-center time display, but reimagined for a new era. It’s all about extremes – a circular chapter ring blends satin-brushed and mirror-finished segments, creating a harmony of textures that’d make even the most seasoned watch collector do a double-take. With its thin yet expansive design, it’s all about precision here – a masterpiece masked as a mere time-teller.

    Peek through the sapphire caseback, and it’s like staring into the soul of the watch. You’ll see the inner workings seemingly float, accentuated by a “Paris – France” engraving that’s oozing with old-world charm. Seriously, it’s like a time capsule that took a detour through modern-day Paris.

    So, whether you’re a watch aficionado or someone looking to invest in a piece of Parisian horological artistry, the Trente-Deux collection is waving like a red flag at a bullfighting tournament. It’s passionate, it’s innovative, and it’s daring – just as you’d expect from Trilobe’s latest venture.