As the second wave of the pandemic recedes, life is buoyed by hope for better days. This is the time to toast innovation and avant-garde design with exclusive watches perfect for a celebration. By Mitrajit Bhattacharya
#TnLPicks: Festive watches for men!
1. Chronomètre FB 1RS.6
As part of a new business model, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud is set to communicate the total number of units for each calibre it makes. The FB-T.FCRS calibre is the first skeleton movement produced, and it will be limited to 20. This regulator-type chronometer movement with tourbillon and fusee-and-chain transmission is inspired by Marine Clock No. 8, produced by the master watchmaker in Paris in 1768. Through the opening visible at 2 o’clock, a large-diameter sapphire disc indicates the hours, while minutes are read on the dial offset to 12 o’clock.
2. “Les Matinaux” Sunray Silver (festive watches)
The introductory collection of Trilobe, Les Matinaux (‘The Mornings’ in French), is quirky and fun. The patented display, comprising three devices representing the hours, minutes, and seconds located on the same plane as the dial, is a conversation starter. The timepiece comes in a plethora of colours: while the green sunray dial is stunning, the silver is more mature. The “X-Centric” self-winding integrated mechanical calibre with a 48-hour power reserve is encased inside either a 40.5mm or 38.5mm 316L stainless steel case. The watch is water-resistant up to 50m.
3. Tambour Spin Time Air Vivienne (festive watches)
In 2017, Louis Vuitton unveiled Vivienne, a character inspired by its iconic monogram flower that journeyed through the company’s many crafts and, at Watches and Wonders 2021, landed in the Tambour Spin Time Air Vivienne. Instead of a central hand, this innovative watch uses 12 rotating and tilting miniature Viviennes—in pink gold and hand-applied rich black—to display the hours. The LV 89 calibre is lodged at the centre of the case between two sapphire crystals. Two monogram flowers layer the dial, both in pink gold snow-set with diamonds in black.
4. Escape II Icy Blue Platinum
The Purnell Escape II collection was presented this year in platinum. Under the sapphire crystal dome lies a mechanism featuring a double ‘Spherion’—a high-velocity triple-axis tourbillon. The Spherion’s inner cage makes a full revolution in just eight seconds, the second cage takes 16s, while the outer cage rotates in 30s, which makes it the fastest triple-axis tourbillon in the world. A rare icy blue finish adds to the novelty.
5. Twenty-One Three Hands Tour Auto
For the third year in a row, Rebellion is the official timekeeper for the Tour Auto Optic 2000, which will mark its 30th edition this August. To celebrate the event, the Swiss watchmaker has proposed a 20-piece limited edition, which wears the colours of the French flag. Its dial flaunts a cockade—blue, white, and red—adorned with the race logo. The time data come alive in a decor inspired by the two-spoke steering wheels of vintage sports cars. The watch with a 46.95mm steel case is worn with a rubber strap—available in blue or white.
All prices on request.
Related: These Luxury Watches Are Crafted With Recycled Materials
Mitrajit Bhattacharya
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