Yule be lucky to get one of these rare watches in your stocking
It’s that time of year again when you’ve already spent weeks searching for the perfect Christmas gift for that person in your life who has everything. While the main function of a watch is to tell the time, you may want to change tack and go for something unusual, or even a little extravagant. When it comes to designer watches there are certainly some wacky offerings out there for 2020. But you’ll be lucky to get your hands on these very limited editions…
Audemar Piguet ~ Sonnerie Carillon
For something completely out of the box, it’s got to be Audermar Piguet’s Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie – part of the wider Code 11:59 collection. The da Vinci-esque timepiece features the new calibre 2956 movement. And it has to be pretty advanced as there are no numerals in sight on the dial.
The complex machinery, which was eight years in the making, strikes the hour, quarter-hour and minutes on request. This watches chimes using three gongs and hammers, which is most unusual.
And the dial, which is incredibly arty. If you think you recognise the artwork, you may well have seen her skills before on Piaget and Patek watches. Anita Porchet used hand-painted enamel and gold leaf and it was such a long process that there are only…. wait for it…. three available in the world!
Montblanc ~ Star Legacy Orbis Terrarum
Acknowledged most for its exclusive pens and fragrances, Montblanc has a fair few followers of its luxury watches. Following the original Orbis Terrarum offering six years ago, this year’s Star Legacy Orbis Terrarum in 18ct rose gold is the brand’s most luxurious world timer so far.
At 43mm diameter and 51mm lug to lug, this is a stunning watch that wears well but the weight is noticeable on the wrist as the rose gold replaces stainless steel. The case is polished and offers a rounded bezel, large crown and 26 jewels but the showstopper is the dial with its dual rotating discs and Autumnal colour scheme. Oceans are depicted by a guilloche pattern in browns between the hours of six o’clock day through to night.The continents are 3D whole the 24 world cities are printed in white, with London in red.
Boasting an anti-reflective coating, the sapphire caseback offers a real exhibition of the MB M29.20 calibre. secured by four external screws. A brown alligator strap with rose gold pin buckle completes the design.
Girard-Perregaux ~ Laureato Absolute Light
Limited to just 88 pieces, Girard-Perregaux has added a new edition to a collection that was launched in 2019. Juggling with light, the 44m watch is made all the more intriguing with a clear view of its skeletonised self-winding GP01800 movement. It’s possible to see hours, seconds and small seconds moving from all angles, all showcased within an octagonal case.
With a comfortable black rubber strap under brushed and polished titanium lugs, the watch is complete with a titanium folding buckle.
Piaget ~ Altiplano Tourbillon Infinitely Personal
For the ultimate in refined movement, Piaget’s Altiplano ultra-thin Tourbillon watch takes the biscuit. The stunning red offering features an unusual guilloche dial in red-tinted mother-of-pearl that exudes energy. Teamed with a red alligator strap, this watch screams for attention.
Sixty-four brilliant-cut diamonds adorn the 38mm 18ct white gold case, while the sun ray motif dial features white gold coloured hands and indexes. Under the Sapphire crystal case back, is the inhouse 670P ultra-thin mechanical movement.
If red’s a bit too flashy, there are other colours of dials to choose from including sunburst mother-of-pearl dials in red, white, blue, pink, red, or white, and hand guilloché radiating gold dials covered with sheer blue, green, teal or red Grand Feu enamel or diamond snow-paved dial. But what we like most about this mode, is how Piaget can match the dial’s shade from a photograph for a truly bespoke touch.
Want something weird and wonderful?
Our team here at Luxe Watches love a challenge. If you have your heart set on a new or pre-worn luxury watch we will do our utmost to source it for you, thanks to our sales teams in the UK and abroad. Do get in touch with us today if we can assist.