New watches in week 37: IWC, Vacheron Constantin, Roger Dubuis and Piaget

1) IWC Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G63

IWC has taken inspiration in one of the iconic models of their partner Mercedes-AMG. The Big Pilot’s Watch AMG G63 is named after the luxury SUV and comes in two versions, both taking new steps in case materials, namely 18K Armor Gold and ceramic matrix composite (CMC). Both alloys add more hardness to the case, which has exactly the same measures as the regular ones: 46.2mm by 14.4mm.

The dials are textured, and especially in combination with the carbon-look on the CMC-version it gives the watch a distinctive look, being in my opinion of the more attractive Big Pilot’s versions of recent date. Both versions are not limited.

2) Vacheron Constantin Metiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac

Vacheron Constantin has a strong following in Asia, and the more artisan-driven Metiers d’Art pieces are quite in demand. As per tradition Vacheron celebrates Chinese New Year with a limited edition Metiers d’Art, this year being “The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac”, to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon. Beautifully crafted, the Dragon is draped over the dial combining the crafts of engraving and enameling. Two 40mm versions are offered, in 950 platinum and in 18K pink gold, both in 25 pieces.

The Vacheron novelties do not stop here. In the Metiers d’Art range the Tribute to Explorer Naturalists is a 4-set limited edition of 10, paying tribute to 19th century scientific discoveries. Again, masterpieces of engraving and miniature enameling. On the more commercial and affordable side the launch of two new versions in the Traditionelle series is worth mentioning, both featuring a green sunburst dial in a 18k pink gold case.

3) Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph

Another Richemond brand with a strong ties in motor racing is Roger Dubuis. The affiliation with Lamborghini Squadra Corse started in 2017 and has already resulted in a series of watches, usually connected to racing versions of the Huracan. The new Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph has a different inspiration: the first road-going hybrid supercar by Lamborghini. The watch represents the fifth generation of chronographs by the Maison, and is powered by the new RD780 chronograph movement, delivering 72 hours of power reserve.

5) Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Midnight Blue

The Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept is the brand’s ultimate expression of ultra-thin watches. In Shanghai the Midnight Blue version is unveiled, and again the view of a 2mm (!) thin watch is mind-blowing. In line the former Altiplano Ultimate Concept releases, the Midnight Blue edition also features a cobalt alloy build with the characteristic open-worked dial design. Production numbers are not communicated but rest assured this mechanical masterpiece is for a very limited happy few…

Watches and Wonders Shanghai is open from 13th to the 17th of September, and the last two days for the general public.

IWC Pilot Novelties 2021

Article IWC has again proven the importance of the IWC Pilot’s collection, by presenting a variety of novelties. The 2021 collection focuses on 41 and 43 mm, a perpetual calendar, sand-coloured ceramic and a ground-breaking Shock Absorber. Let us examine a few of the beauties of this year. IWC Pilot’s Watch Mojave Desert We noticed the […]