It’s another Tuesday, and we have an impressive selection of timepieces to discuss. However, this week is particularly special. We’re exploring a collection of watches that challenge conventions—some breathe new life into classic designs, while others completely redefine high horology. Consider it a masterclass in precision, creativity, and artistry, with each piece telling its own distinct story.
Certain watches draw attention with striking designs, while others radiate elegance through refined craftsmanship and technical expertise. Whether celebrating significant anniversaries that honour tradition or featuring cutting-edge complications that appear ahead of their time, this collection showcases remarkable ingenuity. Additionally, let us acknowledge the independent watchmakers who continually disrupt the industry, demonstrating that true artistry knows no bounds.
This week, we explore timepieces that set new standards—watches that fuse tradition with innovative mechanics, partnerships that combine performance with luxury, and expertly crafted masterpieces that challenge the boundaries of human craftsmanship. If you appreciate detailed skeletonized movements, striking collaborations, or artisanal quality, you’re in for a delight.
Absolutely, each of these watches carries a unique story. You’ll definitely want to catch every detail. Are you prepared to discover the best in watchmaking this week? Let’s dive in.
- Brand: Maurice Lacroix
- Model: Aikon Automatic Skeleton 39
- Reference: AI6007-SS002-030-1
- Diameter: 39mm
- Thickness: 11mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial Color: Blue Dial
- Calibre: ML115 (Automatic)
- Power Reserve: 38 Hours
- Water Resistance: 20 bar (200 meters, 650 feet)
- Price: USD $3,990
When it comes to balancing contemporary design with high-level craftsmanship, Maurice Lacroix knows exactly what it’s doing. The Aikon Automatic Skeleton 39 isn’t just another sporty-luxe timepiece; it’s an open invitation to witness the beauty of mechanics in motion. This watch doesn’t hide behind a traditional dial; instead, it proudly showcases its inner workings, allowing you to admire the intricate dance of gears, levers, and springs with every flick of the wrist.
Measuring 39mm, it finds the perfect balance—small enough for elegant wear yet substantial enough to stand out. Made from stainless steel, it embodies the signature Aikon style: defined lines, sleek and brushed finishes, along with the iconic six-arm bezel that lends a unique architectural flair. However, the real highlight? The fully skeletonized dial, where negative space integrates into the design itself. The combination of grey and silver shades creates a raw, industrial look, emphasizing that this watch is crafted for those who truly value mechanical artistry in its most authentic form.
Powering this visual spectacle is the ML115 calibre, an automatic movement based on the reliable Sellita SW200-1 but significantly modified to align with Maurice Lacroix’s design philosophy. With a 38-hour power reserve, it’s ready to keep pace with your daily routine—whether you’re suited up for business or keeping things casual. And with robust 20-bar water resistance (200 meters, 656 feet), it’s not just a pretty face; it’s engineered to handle more than a splash of adventure.
For less than $4,000, you acquire a luxury sports watch that does more than display time—it narrates a story. This piece draws admiration, sparks discussions, and serves as a reminder that what lies beneath is often as significant as what is visible.
- Brand: IWC Schaffhausen
- Model: Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team
- Reference: IW328210
- Diameter: 40mm
- Thickness: 10.8mm
- Material: Grade 5 Titanium
- Dial Color: Black with PETRONAS Green Accents
- Calibre: IWC 32111 (Automatic)
- Power Reserve: 120 Hours
- Water Resistance: 10 bar (100 meters, 330 feet)
- Price: USD $6,100
A watch imbued with motorsport heritage transcends its role as merely an accessory; it embodies speed, precision, and extraordinary engineering. IWC Schaffhausen, celebrated for its aviation timepieces, extends that same technical expertise to Formula 1 with the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team edition. More than just a tribute to racing, this watch is designed like racing machinery, expertly calibrated for peak performance both on and off the track.
A highlight of this product is its Grade 5 titanium case, recognized for its association with high-performance engineering. This material is not only remarkably lightweight, ideal for anyone seeking a watch that is easy to wear, but it is also durable enough to withstand harsh conditions. With a case diameter of 40mm and a thickness of 10.8mm, it achieves an ideal blend of wrist presence and everyday comfort, rendering it a versatile accessory for both trackside adventures and urban environments.
What distinguishes this watch is its impressive power reserve. Featuring IWC’s 32111 calibre, it boasts an exceptional 120-hour power reserve—that’s five complete days of autonomy, so you won’t need to wind it every morning. Combine that with a 10-bar water resistance (100 meters, 328 feet), and you have a timepiece that’s as durable as the aerodynamics of an F1 car.
Next, consider the aesthetic allure. The black dial, highlighted by the iconic PETRONAS Green, provides a dynamic contrast that’s striking yet subtle. It embodies a sleek, bold, and effortlessly cool vibe—mirroring the spirit of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS team. The overall design is sporty and sophisticated, making it ideal for those who value motorsport and elegant watchmaking. Priced at USD $6,150, this IWC Pilot’s Watch is more than a commemorative timepiece—it’s a tribute to the relentless pursuit of precision and innovation. Whether you’re a die-hard F1 fan, an aviation enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates exceptional craftsmanship, this watch excels in every aspect.
- Brand: MB&F
- Model: Legacy Machine Perpetual Longhorn
- Diameter: 44mm
- Thickness: 17.5mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial Color: Skeletonized Black Dial
- Calibre: LM Perpetual by Stephen McDonnell
- Power Reserve: 72 Hours
- Water Resistance: 3 bar (30 meters, 100 feet)
- Price: USD $207,000 ( Limited Edition – 20 Pieces )
- Brand: MB&F
- Model: Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Longhorn
- Diameter: 44mm
- Thickness: 18.2mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial Color: Skeletonized Black Dial
- Calibre: Dual chronograph system by Stephen McDonnell for MB&F
- Power Reserve: 72 Hours
- Water Resistance: 3 bar (30 meters, 100 feet)
- Price: USD $207,000 ( Limited Edition – 20 Pieces )
When MB&F unveils a watch, it transcends mere timekeeping—it’s an audacious challenge to horological norms. The Legacy Machine Perpetual Longhorn and Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Longhorn exemplify this spirit. With only 20 pieces each produced, these watches not only explore the limits of mechanical intricacy but also embody a bold, rebellious style.
Both models showcase a 44mm stainless steel case, representing a notable departure from MB&F’s usual preference for precious metals. The steel not only enhances wearability but also conveys a rugged, industrial aesthetic that beautifully complements the skeletonized black dials. Moreover, the “Longhorn” nickname pays tribute to the elongated, curved lugs that prominently extend from the case, creating a striking presence on the wrist.
The LM Perpetual Longhorn showcases MB&F’s partnership with renowned watchmaker Stephen McDonnell. His LM Perpetual movement innovatively redesigns the conventional perpetual calendar, addressing typical issues such as misalignment or jamming during date adjustments. The dial arrangement features an orchestra of suspended subdials hovering over a captivating mechanical scenery, where gears and levers are completely visible. While featuring an innovative design, this watch is also extremely functional. Its intuitive pushers facilitate easy adjustments, and with a 72-hour power reserve, there’s no need for daily winding. More than a perpetual calendar, it redefines the capabilities of such a complication.
On the other side of the spectrum is the LM Sequential Flyback Longhorn, a truly unique chronograph. Once more, Stephen McDonnell introduces revolutionary innovation with a dual chronograph system that elevates timing capabilities significantly. In contrast to conventional chronographs, this model enables independent or simultaneous operation of both counters, offering features like a lap timer, split-seconds, or even cumulative timing. What makes this piece even more impressive is the addition of a flyback function elevates this piece, making it MB&F’s most sophisticated chronograph. The movement resembles a breathtaking mechanical sculpture, with the exposed gears, wheels, and column wheels that glide beneath the domed sapphire crystal. Similarly to its Perpetual counterpart, it features a 72-hour power reserve for dependable functionality and boasts a water resistance of 100 feet, enhancing its durability.
The LM Perpetual Longhorn and the LM Sequential Flyback Longhorn reflect MB&F’s innovative spirit, yet they express it through distinct approaches. One reimagines the perpetual calendar, while the other transforms the chronograph. However, both feature bold execution, avant-garde design, and impressive mechanics. Priced at USD $207,000 each, these are more than mere timepieces—they are artistic creations perfect for collectors who value the blend of engineering and creativity. While traditional watchmaking focuses on preserving heritage, MB&F aims to redefine it.
- Brand: Oris
- Model: Divers Sixty-Five 60th Anniversary Edition
- Reference: 01 733 7772 4034-Set
- Diameter: 40mm
- Thickness: 11.5mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial Color: Black Dial
- Calibre: Oris 733-1
- Power Reserve: 41 Hours
- Water Resistance: 10 bar (100 meters, 330 feet)
- Price: USD $2,500
Sixty years is a long time in watchmaking, and when Oris celebrates such an anniversary, they do it with flair. The Divers Sixty-Five 60th Anniversary Edition pays homage to the brand’s inaugural dive watch from 1965. However, it’s more than just a reissue; this watch combines nostalgic appeal with contemporary dependability, ensuring it’s an everyday diver that is both stylish and practical.
With a diameter of 40mm and a thickness of only 11.5mm, this watch features ideal proportions for a modern dive watch, ensuring a comfortable fit while maintaining its functional tool-watch essence. The stainless steel case is both timeless and sturdy, and the black dial keeps the design looking sleek and easy to read. The large hour markers and hands, which are coated in luminous material, exude a pronounced retro charm, yet they offer excellent visibility whether you are diving or enjoying the last light of sunset.
The Oris Calibre 733-1 powers this anniversary edition, based on the Sellita SW200-1 movement, and offers a 41-hour power reserve—sufficient to keep things running smoothly between wears. While it may not be a hardcore saturation diver, the 10-bar water resistance (100 meters, 330 feet) ensures it’s more than capable of handling swimming, snorkelling, and everyday activities adventures.
What makes this edition special isn’t just its history—how it bridges the past and present. Priced at USD $2,500, it offers a vintage-inspired aesthetic without the fragility of an actual vintage watch. Whether you’re a longtime Oris enthusiast or simply seeking a well-built dive watch with a story to tell, the Divers Sixty-Five 60th Anniversary Edition is a testament to the fact that great design never goes out of style.
- Brand: Greubel Forsey
- Model: Hand Made 2
- Diameter: 41 mm
- Thickness: 12.8 mm
- Material: White Gold
- Dial Color: Silver, Hand-Finished with Open Worked Sections
- Calibre: Hand-Wound Tourbillon Movement (Entirely Handmade)
- Power Reserve: 72 Hours
- Water Resistance: 3 bar (30 meters, 100 feet)
- Price: USD $703,000
Some watches stand out as true masterpieces. The Greubel Forsey Hand Made 2 is one such creation—a timepiece shaped not merely made, embodying an extraordinary attention to detail. In an age dominated by automation and mass production, this watch is exceptional, boasting over 95% of its parts meticulously handcrafted, including the bridges, screws, and even the hairspring. What does this mean for craftsmanship? It takes around 6,000 hours—almost three years—to complete just one watch.
With a diameter of 41mm and a thickness of just 12.8mm, the white gold case is both elegant and substantial, encasing a dial that transports you to another realm. The meticulously hand-finished silver dial, featuring its detailed open-worked sections, showcases the captivating movement of the hand-wound tourbillon—a mechanical wonder that embodies the essence of this remarkable watch. Every bridge, bevel, and polished edge is crafted with unparalleled precision, highlighting Greubel Forsey’s status as a leader in haute horology.
Beyond its artistry, the Hand Made 2 is no mere delicate artifact. With a 72-hour power reserve, it delivers exceptional performance, while the 3-bar water resistance (30 meters, 100 feet) ensures durability. But let’s be honest—this isn’t a watch that you take near water. It’s a piece of horological history, crafted for collectors who appreciate the true value of handcrafted pieces perfection.
Priced at USD $703,000, this isn’t just an ultra-high-end timepiece—it represents a commitment to the finest watchmaking traditions. The Greubel Forsey Hand Made 2 transcends trends, aiming to redefine craftsmanship itself. For lucky owners of this rare masterpiece, each moment becomes a treasure to appreciate.
