There are a lot of Skull watches out there. I've even blogged about a few myself. But this new Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 052 Skull Watch is different. The watches actual inner workings are integrated into the skull design.
In the RM 052 the baseplate and bridges take the form of a grade 5 titanium skull. Richard Mille has pushed the concept further by integrating this into the movement. The upper and lower jaws hold the rubies of the tourbillon cage.
The back of the skull is actually the movement’s center bridge. The skeletonized baseplate and bridges were subjected to rigorous testing to insure their optimal strength.
The entire movement is connected to the case by 4 bridges that are inspired by the crossed bones from flags on pirate ships. The new case design, with its opened flanks, continues this visual allegory to the human skeleton.
The incredible drool-worthy timepiece is available in a Limited edition of 21 pieces, which includes 15 pieces in titanium and 6 unique set pieces in red or white gold.
above: two of the six Swarovski Crystal- embellished Frank Muller iPhone 4 cases costing $2,143 USD each
When Swiss watchmaker and jeweler Franck Muller created an exclusive case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s as part of their 20th anniversary celebration in early 2011, blogs like TechCrunch and Trendhunter reported on the very expensive ($1,340.) limited edition titanium iPhone cases inspired by the ornate Byzantine numerals symbolic of Franck Muller's watches.
above: the Crazy Family Watches by Franck Muller sport the same ornate arabic numerals as on the iPhone jackets
The 6 original models were designed to not only protect the iPhone from the shocks but also offer the special stateliness and playful spirit of Franck Muller watches and jewellery.
above: the first round of Franck Muller Jackets for the iPhone 4
Limited to 500 units each with a total of 3,000 units sold worldwide and sold through Japan's Softbank, the original models which run $1,339.58 USD. (105,000 Japanese yen), can be bought here.
As if those weren't special or expensive enough, add some Swarovski crystals and you've got "Sparkling Models" of the Franck Muller Jackets for the iPhone 4 and 4S with an even heftier price tag of $2,143.14 USD (168,000.00 JPY).
Below are all the jacket models in the collection with the front of the case shown on the left and the back of the case, on the right:
above: The newest HM3 Frog is the Chocolate frog. Red gold with Chocolate PVD coated titanium in a limited edition of 10 pieces
MB&F presents Horological Machine N°3 Frog. Haute horlogerie is (usually) a very restrained and serious business; however one of Maximilian Büsser main goals in creating MB&F was to bring a child's sense of awe and sense of playfulness into high-end watchmaking. There is no doubt that with the HM3 Frog, MB&F have certainly achieved that goal.
The protruding eyes of the (amphibian) frog enable it to see in many directions without having to turn its head. The bulbous domes of the HM3 Frog have the opposite, but no less important, feature of enabling the time to be easily seen from many angles without having to turn the wrist. The Frog differs substantially from HM3 in that it is the aluminum domes that rotate under the sapphire crystals in the Frog, whereas it is the hour and minute hands that rotate around their respective stationary cones on HM3.
The HM3 Frog is available in Grade 5 titanium with blued rotor, a limited edition of 10 in chocolate PVD-coated grade 5 titanium with red gold rotor, or a limited edition of 18 in black PVD-coated zirconium with purple rotor:
Rotating domes of this size and shape posed MB&F with a number of technical challenges. The hour and minute domes are machined from solid aluminium - chosen for its optimal strength to weight ratio. The domes weigh in at just over 0.5g. They are milled first from the outside and then the inside to arrive at a paper-thin wall thickness of just 0.28 mm, which reduces their energy requirements to an absolute minimum.
Even the fabrication of the semi-spherical sapphire crystal domes was incredibly demanding and only recently even possible at all. This is due to the fact that any slight imperfection in the sapphire might introduce a disconcerting magnification effect. The sapphire has to be shaped and polished to be perfectly uniform.
The Frog's unusual method of indicating time necessitated the development of a new gear train for the HM3 engine. This was because the aluminum hour dome of the Frog rotates in 12 hours compared to the 24 hour revolution of the HM3 hour hand. And as the oversized date wheel is driven from the hours, the gearing driving the date had to be reworked as well.
The Frog may portray the time in a playful manner, but there is nothing but serious and meticulous attention to detail and care regarding the fine hand-finishing of the high-tuned engine purring within its lightweight high-tech titanium or zirconium case.
A close inspection of the case is rewarded with carefully thought out detailing including a figure 8 engraved around the domes that mirrors the form of the display back(revealing dual ceramic bearings); distinctive clover-head white gold screws; and an engraved arrow discreetly indicating the easy to read over-sized date.
above image courtesy of ablogtoread If the viewer's gaze manages to break away from the obiculate indications, it is likely to be arrested by the brightly-coloured 22K gold battle-axe winding rotor or the intricacies of the thoroughbred movement beneath.
the original HM3 in Grade 5 titanium with blue rotor:
The limited edition of 18 in black PVD-coated zirconium with purple rotor:
a limited edition of 10 in chocolate PVD-coated grade 5 titanium with red gold rotor
Case Grade 5 titanium/blue 22K gold rotor; limited edition of 10 chocolate titanium/22K red gold rotor; limited edition of 18 black zirconium/purple 22k gold rotor Screwed-down crown. Dimensions (exclusive of crown and lugs) 47mm x 50mm x 16mm . Number of case components = 53.
Movement Three-dimensional horological engine designed by Jean-Marc Wiederrecht/Agenhor . Powered by a Girard-Perregaux base. Balance oscillating at 28,800 bph 22K gold battle-axe shaped 'mystery' automatic winding rotor. Hour and minutes information transmitted via ceramic ball bearings to rotating domes. Number of jewels 36 (all functional) . Number of components = 304.
Functions Hour and day/night indicator on one dome (aluminium dome rotating in 12 hours). Minutes on second dome (aluminium dome rotating in 60 minutes) . Date around the movement.
Dials Rotating aluminium domes, stationary hands Sapphire crystals Domes and both display backs with anti-reflective treatment on both faces . Domes for indications in aluminium, 0.58g
Price ranges from $82,000 to $100,000 USD
And you gotta love the Horolobot!: all images and information courtesy of MB&F
Designer Dr. Romanelli (aka Darren Romanelli and DRx) is known for working with pre-existing brands and cultural icons to create special collaborative editions for such well-known brands as Levis, Disney, Warner Bros and Hello Kitty to name a few.
Most recently, he teamed up with the Bamford Watch Department, who customizes steel sports luxury watches by Rolex, Patek Philippe and Tag Heuer, to create a special "Dr. Romanelli" edition.
The Romanelli Rolex Milgauss features "scissors" as hands, a jagged second hand and his RX logo on the face.
The watch is not yet available for purchase. For more information as to its release, contact Bamford here
In 2001, Harry Winston launched the Opus series. The Opus concept was based on the idea of creating an exceptional timepiece each year in partnership with a gifted independent horologist. The partners work together as equals and collaborate to produce innovative and groundbreaking luxury watches.
Parmigiani Fleurier, the official partner of Bugatti since 2001, unveiled the second generation of its Bugatti models. The follow-up to the Bugatti Type 370 is a special first edition of 30 pieces, The Bugatti 372 made to accompany the release of the Bugatti Super Sport.
The Bugatti 372, Parmigiani's Super Sport Watch:
In 2004, Parmigiani revolutionized the world of watchmaking by placing the entire movement of its Bugatti Type 370 watch on a transverse axis, just like a car engine block. A pillar assembly connected the calibre's five plates and the train wheels cut in the shape of a car wheel.
The Bugatti 370:
In 2010, Parmigiani flips all the mechanical components of the new calibre Bugatti PF 372 onto a vertical axis, retaining the lateral time display so appreciated car drivers. *
In a world premiere, Parmigiani has successfully developed a 90° time setting system – the dial is positioned perpendicular to the display axis (hours/minutes) – by integrating a system of double pinions with bevel gearing. Like the complete movement, this unique and complex mechanical system, which allows the time to be displayed on the side, has been entirely designed and created in the workshops of the Fleurier manufacture (VMF).
Another key feature of the new Bugatti: its dynamometric crown. Perfectly integrated just above the profile, this is one of the essential technical components in terms of the harmony of the model's aerodynamic lines. To retract the winding stem from its housing and make it accessible for setting, a slight pressure is sufficient.
The manually wound Calibre Parmigiani 372 (power reserve of 10 days) was designed in two planes in order to match the contours of the new Bugatti watch. On the wrist, the watch movement is displayed at an angle of 30°. On the upside, the balance and escape wheel bridges form an arc reminiscent of the Bugatti oval. The screw balance, produced at atokalpa – the Parmigiani manufacture's bar turning facility – is perfectly visible, just like the central circular power reserve bridge with a 10-day graduated scale.
Striking aesthetic characteristics, the train wheels are once again cut in the form of car wheels, the plate and its 10 bridges, designed and decorated in line with Parmigiani's exclusive criteria, adopt the pillar system already used on the Calibre 370. A total of six sapphire crystals reveal the 337 impressive components of the new Bugatti Super Sport, which is water resistant to 10 metres. The carbon fibre hour wheel can be seen through the dial's openworked centre, and is an homage to the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport. The hands, applique indexes and counter are picked out in the same shade of orange used on the limited edition "world record" Veyron.
The profile, signature of the Parmigiani style
The highly tapered profile of the Bugatti Super Sport recalls the body of a wing, however the inspiration for the design lies in the iconic shape of the case lugs on a Parmigiani watch. Boasting the brand's characteristic curves the new Bugatti represents the decisive signature of the Parmigiani style.
Highly ergonomic on the wrist, the Bugatti Super Sport offers even greater comfort thanks to the two removable lugs incorporated at the front of the watch. Of a complexity rare in watchmaking, the design of the new Bugatti's 18 ct white gold case – created by Les Artisans Boîtiers, the Parmigiani manufacture's case production facility – reproduces the taut lines of the Bugatti Veyron's wings. Brushed or polished, inclined planes and bevels are brought to life by contrasting light effects to reveal its generous volumes. The watch's aerodynamic curves, which are reminiscent of those on the 1200 bhp Bugatti Veyron, are matched with an integral Hermès strap specially created for the occasion.
Parmigiani CEO Jean-Marc Jacot expressed delight that his company was able to produce this watch, and produce it quickly. He explained that in the fall of 2009 Bugatti approached him with the news the car company would have something very special to unveil at the Concours d’Elegance in 2010. The idea was for Parmigiani to also have something to show there in tandem. At the time, the watch was nothing more than a concept; to meet the challenge, he put more than forty of the manufacturer’s designers and engineers on the project full-time. “We have a lot to prove with Parmigiani because we are so young,” said Jacot. “And with this watch, we have proven how creative we can be.”
The Type 372, was officially released at the SIHH in January. Only thirty watches will be produced, each costing a retail price of $259,000. The first finished timepiece has already been reserved for the British executive who will be receiving the first Bugatti Super Sport car off the assembly line. When Jacot was asked if he thought the 1.6 million euros the man is paying for the Bugatti was enough to warrant receiving a free Parmigiani watch, he responded, “I wish I could, but this watch is too special to give away, even for 1.6 million euros.”
*based on an original idea by Bastien Leuba, a talented student at the Ecole d’Horlogerie in Le Locle.
Specs:
Model: Bugatti Super Sport, 30-piece special edition.
Movement
PF 372
Manual winding.
Power reserve 10 days.
Two-plane movement. "Gold black"-coloured plates and bridges.
Height 15.96 mm, width 25.00 mm, length 37.01 mm.
Vibration 3 Hz - 21,600 vib./h.
40 jewels.
Côtes de Genève, perlage, polished and bevelled angles.
2 series-coupled barrels.
Functions
Hour
Minute
Power reserve indicator
Exterior
Shaped case: 36.0 x 50.7 mm, height 22.7 mm.
Material: 18 ct white gold. Polished and satin finish.
Water resistance: 10 m.
Six anti-reflective sapphire crystals. Metallised front and top crystal on the outer edge.
Single dynamometric crown for time setting and winding.
Individual number engraved on the case-back.
Dial
Black Carbon face, fine polished and satin-finished EB applique marker, shaped and polished applique indexes at 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock, Bugatti "nail" motifs, delta-shaped hands with luminous coating. Leathers
Hermès alligator, deployant buckle in 18 ct white gold, polished finish.
Like a butterfly spreading its wings, LeDIX, the first creation from Celsius X VI II, has taken flight after four years of research and development. Is it a pocketphone- watch or a watch cell phone? It is above all a resolutely novel nomadic object that pushes the boundaries of imagination.
At first glance, LeDIX is a clamshell cell phone with an integrated tourbillion watch. As streamlined as a sports car, this aerodynamic creation is made from polished and brushed grade 5 titanium discreetly enhanced by inserts. It is the ultimate expression of contemporary elegance.
The exclusive mechanical movement, developed under the technical supervision of Celsius X VI II, has what it takes to appeal to the most demanding watchmaking connoisseurs: a flying tourbillion equipped with exclusive shock absorbers and more offset than any existing model; a modern design focusing on transparency; as well as fine watch finishing and decoration. The stage setting chosen for this movement ensures peerless visibility and aesthetic elegance.
When LeDIX opens its wings, an attentive listener perceives a gentle noise that micromechanical devotees are sure to appreciate. It comes from the patented winding system of its horological component. Housed within the hinge, this Remontage Papillon (Butterfly Winding) is activated with each opening, thereby adding three hours of power reserve to the total 100 hours – a major innovation that elevates this nomadic object to an extraordinary, fusional dimension.
This state-of-the-art communication device comprises a range of features that take micromechanics well beyond its usual boundaries, including: a mechanical battery-ejection system; a main connector protected by a mechanical-locking flap; and screen-flap closing cushioned by a set of spring mounted ball bearings.
The electronic communication platform combines high performance with extreme reliability. Designed in collaboration with renowned French company, recognised as a global benchmark in the field of customised connected lifestyle devices, it embodies the most demanding quality standards.
Its interface, which deliberately focuses on the essential mobile functions, makes LeDIX the ultimate personal phone, specifically designed for the pleasure of escaping from daily routine. This approach targeting durability, quality and simplicity involved a number of challenges, such as handling interferences with the moving watch components, or with the metal casing - itself a token of nobility and superior resistance.
The fusion of haute horologerie with the world of mobile technology led to some innovative features, such as the mechanical whisper of time constantly accompanying every communication.
Accessories:
“LeKit” - the no-hands kit secured by a tie-pin style clip: “LaBase” - the docking station: “LaChaîne”, the innovative chain system: Le Holster: and “LeCoffret”: the presentation box, all devised and designed by Celsius X VI II.
They are crafted in noble materials and equipped with mechanical components reflecting the brand's fundamental concept. Leather items, such as “LeHolster”: the holster-type pouch, are made from top-quality hand-sewn hides. LeDix and its ecosystem herald a new and prestigious mechanical world.
LeDIX is available in two limited editions: · LeDIX Origine, limited edition of 18 in grade 5 titanium with ebony inserts · LeDIX Véloce, limited edition of 28 in black PVD-treated titanium with carbon fibre inserts Technical Specifications for LeDIX
General features: · Clamshell mobile phone · Around 600 mechanical parts, including 330 in the watch movement alone · Structure entirely milled from a block of grade 5 titanium · High-end watchmaking finishes: polishing, satin-brushing, Clous de Paris hobnail pattern, shotblasting
Mechanical Movement: · Patented mechanical hinge (Remontage Papillon), serving to harness and store the kinetic energy generated by the user. On this specific model the energy is then used to activate the mechanical system · 100-hour power reserve. Each opening and closing of the clamshell phone generates an additional 3 hours of power reserve · Flying Solitaire tourbillion visible on both sides. World’s most off-centered tourbillion (36 mm) · Regulating organ mounted on shock-absorbers (4 springs) · Movement integrated within water-resistant box in aluminium treated with GL coating of titanium and ceramics to ensure extreme resistance
The phone: · Mechanical battery-ejection system, Clous de Paris hobnail pattern · 7 main sapphire parts, some featuring two radii of curvature · Technology developed in cooperation with a French company, renowned for the high quality and reliability of its platforms. Every platform is tested to meet the highest standards. · Platform Made in France, 2.75G GSM-GPRS-EDGE : Triband 900/1800/1900MHz · User interface deliberately simple, user friendly and designed to optimize the ergonomics · Screen AM-OLED : 2.2" QVGA 320x240 262k colours · Photo / Video : 3.2Mpix camera, Autofocus, Flash, Digital Zoom · Music : MP3, AAC, AAC+, Music Player. Stereo, 3D sound · Video streaming, video capture and playback, progressive download · Bluetooth 1.2 Profile : AADP, AVRCP · MMS, Java application, 2Go internal memory (SD card), Browser open source · Battery: Li-Ion 770mAh, >3.5 hours talking time, 240 hours of power reserve in standby mode · Multi-lingual interface, including: French, English, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, Arabic
Ecosystem of accessories: · “LeHolster”: Minimum of 2 hand-stitched leather accessories designed by Celsius X VI II and made by specialized craftsmen · “LeKit”: Mechanical Hands-Free Kit in leather and polished /satin-brushed metal. This “tie pin” accessory includes an ingenious system ensuring the wires do not tangle · “LaBase”: Mechanical Docking Station in wood, leather and polished and satin brushed metal to recharge and synchronize the phone. A mechanical system enables easy docking and undocking of the phone · “LaChaîne”: Chain equipped with mechanical components: belt attached with spring-mounted beads and mechanically linked to the phone.
THE GENESIS OF CELSIUS X VI II The founding concept behind Celsius X VI II was born in 2005 in the mind of Thomas Pruvot, a mechanical engineer specialised in industrial design, during a flight from Paris to Hong Kong. Frustrated at losing the time display when he had to switch off his cellphone, he had the idea of adopting a mechanical solution inspired by watchmaking. Thomas soon produced some sketches and showed them to a childhood friend.
Romaric André, who had just graduated from business school, proved an ideal partner thanks to his entrepreneurial mindset and a capacity to take the inherent risks. Both launched into the adventure with a confidence tinged with naïvety. Their early stages were more akin to an artistic approach than to a business start-up. They spent most of the time devising the mechanised cellphone of their dream, fine-tuning it in step with meetings they arranged with specialists from the various fields involved. Building on their youthful energy, their primary aim was to appeal to people rather than to prove the potential profitability of their scheme. At that time, Thomas was still in paid employment and so it was up to Romaric to handle the various administrative procedures. While some people were sceptical and funding the endeavour was no easy task, other encounters proved fruitful. Personal conviction enabled the pair to stand firm in the face of obstacles and to find means of bouncing back.
Alejandro Ricart, a friend Romaric had met while studying at a university in the United States, was contacted during 2007, at one of the critical moments of the project in gestation. He joined the team, thus contributing the professional skills acquired in a Barcelona consulting company, as well as the fruit of an aristocratic family background. He was one of those who approved and even reinforced the decision to aim for a firmly prestigious, uncompromisingly top-quality product strategy.
The team managed to attract the attention of an independent risk capital company which suggested that it should first and foremost broaden its field of competence. Edouard Meylan thus began the fourth member to join the adventure at the start of 2008. In addition to his family roots in the Swiss fine watch industry, he also brought with him a wealth of marketing and sales experience acquired in Asia with a distributor in this sector.
The group thus formed features a particularly valuable range of complementary talents, further backed by the enthusiastic support of eminent figures that later became the Executive Board Advisors, including Hugues-Olivier Borès, a strategy and marketing consultant well known in watchmaking circles, as well as telecommunications expert Jean-Marie André. Finally, Richard Mille, won over by the youthful team’s determination to pursue absolute perfection, agreed to sit on the future company’s Board of Directors. This impressive set of human factors, along with the interest generated by the innovative nature of the project, finally convinced Sofinnova Partners to invest in Celsius X VI II. The support of this European leader in the financing of young tech companies is a well-deserved token of recognition of the multiple resources engaged in the venture. The good news of their backing was confirmed in mid-2008 and ever since, Thomas, Romaric, Alejandro, Edouard and their partners have been unswervingly and entirely committed to gradually giving shape to their dream of a micromechanical cellphone.
The incredible drool-worthy timepiece is available in a Limited edition of 21 pieces, which includes 15 pieces in titanium and 6 unique set pieces in red or white gold.
