From their finely-crafted chainlinks to their exquisitely-designed dials, well-made timepieces can rival fine artworks in quality and appearance.
To realise an artisan watchmaker’s vision and transform a timepiece into a masterpiece, one needs talent, enthusiasm, and perseverance. Check out these two brand-new luxury watch releases that conflate art and horology.
Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team
In keeping with the upcoming Formula 1 season, IWC has unveiled The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff, another unique timepiece.
First seen off the racecourse on the wrist of Toto Wolff, CEO of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, the timepiece is specifically designed to endure the extreme strains of motorsport.
The 44mm watch, which is dressed in a PETRONAS green colour scheme, is made from the case to the crown using Ceratanium®, a patented material that combines the properties of ceramic and titanium.
It has a black, stamped, and grainy dial with glowing triangular hands that make it easy to read in low light.
The watch’s inclusion of IWC’s patented SPRIN-g PROTECT® shock absorber system is one of its noteworthy features. The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL, which was first released in 2021, is a system that uses a cantilever spring to improve movement shock protection. Made of bulk metallic glass (BMG), this spring absorbs and disperses high g-forces from physical impacts while cushioning movement inside the case.
The 32101 Manufacture calibre, which has a 120-hour power reserve, is the engine of the new timepiece. A tinted sapphire glass caseback reveals the blackened movement, which comes with a black rubber strap in addition to an integrated green one.
With only 100 units available globally, the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team limited edition is priced at US$102,000 (~RM455,685). For enquiries, visit the IWC official website.
Hublot’s Big Bang Unico Magic Ceramic Limited Edition
Hublot has introduced the first multicoloured ceramic watch in history with the Big Bang Unico Magic Ceramic Limited Edition.
This most recent accomplishment, known as “Magic Ceramic,” took years to perfect and is yet another example of Hublot’s inventiveness.
Both colour reproduction and a thorough understanding of the material are necessary to create multicoloured ceramic.
As each pigment must withstand varying temperatures during the baking and moulding processes, it is difficult to consistently produce a homogenous and perfect result.
The new reference features a dark grey ceramic bezel with pop art-inspired blue circular patterns, and comes in a 42mm microblasted and polished black ceramic case.
The matte-black dial features an openworked design that provides insight into the inner workings of the HUB1280 UNICO Manufacture calibre. With a flyback function and a rate of 28,800 vph, the self-winding chronograph movement has a power reserve of about 72 hours.
The Big Bang Unico Magic Ceramic is a coveted piece, especially with only 20 pieces available worldwide, each retailing at US$33,000 (~RM147,386). For information on the watch’s availability, visit the Hublot website.
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