Following an astonishing Monotourbillon release in 2021, this is the second dedicated launch between these two partners. This time, the iconic tattoo artist Dr. Woo steps back into Roger Dubuis’ most important room, the Manufacture itself, to lend his skillful touch to the Excalibur Monobalancier.
Limited to just 28 pieces, the voyage into this powerful Monobalancier watch begins on the dial, where three celestial bodies take centre stage. Between 10 and 11 o’clock, you’ll find the fiery rotation of the sun, laser-engraved with meticulous lines, shapes, and dots on a PVD black brass plate. Covering the calibre’s micro-rotor, the plate is in constant motion, churning quickly and hypnotically as the wearer moves their wrist.
Next is the Earth. Covering the barrel, between 4 and 5 o’clock, this revolving energy source is once again embellished with Dr. Woo’s delicate art and is ingeniously linked to the turning of the watch’s hands. This allows the disc to complete one peaceful turn every 6 hours and 40 minutes (or 3.6 rotations per day). Finally, the design journey passes via the moon. A slender crescent at 8 o’clock, adorned in fine circles and lines, and beautifully revealing the inner workings of the balance wheel beneath.
The new Excalibur Dr. Woo Monobalancier is housed within a sleek black ceramic case. This 42mm ceramic case is engraved with Dr. Woo’s symbolic language while the the timepiece ensures an impressive 72 hours of power reserve. The Excalibur Dr. Woo Monobalancier is powered by the automatic RD720SQ – a calibre already well-known for its performance. The micro-rotor, covered by the sun, is designed to minimise vibrations, while the remarkable inertia of its balance wheel maximises stability and reduces its sensitivity to shocks.
Complying with the Poinçon de Genève certification, the Excalibur Dr. Woo Monobalancier is designed like a contemporary work of art. Every single component is finished by hand, highlighting an exceptional standard of skill and passion.
Unveiling of the “Ultra Colour” Box Set by Mariam Yasin
The idea of high-frequency precision through frequencies of light and colour was first brought to life with the DEFY 21 Ultraviolet in 2020, which established a new design code for the DEFY 21 that ZENITH is now fully expressing with the DEFY 21 Ultra Colour box set.
Consisting of eight different iterations of the DEFY 21 and limited to only eight box sets, the Ultra Colour pieces are all crafted in entirely matte finished lightweight titanium, allowing the chromatics from within to shine through. The bridges as well as the oscillating rotor of the eight Ultra Colour pieces are monochromatically finished in eight different tones: Black, blue, violet, orange, pink, green, turquoise and khaki.
Visible through the dial as well as the sapphire case back, one can admire the singular El Primero 21 automatic high-frequency 1/100th of a second chronograph that’s at the peak of performance and precision, featuring two independent regulating organs and gear trains for the timekeeping and chronograph functions, operating at frequencies of 5Hz (36’000 VpH) and 50Hz (360’000 VpH), respectively.
The DEFY 21 Ultra Colour box set is made as a very limited edition of only 8 examples and is available exclusively from ZENITH physical and online boutiques around the world.
Ilaria Resta joining in August 2023 by Mariam Yasin
Audemars Piguet is pleased to announce that Ilaria Resta will be joining the company in August 2023 and will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer on January 1st, 2024. Ms. Resta will replace long-time CEO François-Henry Bennahmias, who previously announced his intention to leave the company after almost 30 years with Audemars Piguet. Ms. Resta brings over 26 years of international experience in leading major divisions of highly respected companies, most recently serving as President, Global Perfumery & Ingredients at Firmenich.
“We are delighted to welcome Ms. Resta as our new Chief Executive Officer. A visionary leader with a passion for craftsmanship, Ilaria will take Audemars Piguet into the future as we continue to develop our brand, blend tradition with innovation, and strengthen our direct connection to clients. Her proven record of delivering results through a clear strategic thinking based on deep consumer insights will keep AP’s legacy relevant for generations to come and ensure long lasting growth. Ilaria’s belief in the empowerment of teams and her accomplishments as an inspirational leader in corporate sustainability fully align with Audemars Piguet’s long-standing values as an independent family-owned company…”
Fly with the colours of the Big Bang Unico Sky Blue 42 mm on your wrist. A shimmering sky lends a light, playful hint of freedom to the ceramic of the case. A limited edition of just 200 pieces, the dial reveals the column wheel of the HUB1280 manufacture calibre, a self-winding chronograph movement with a 72-hour power reserve.The white luminescent hands and indices, which appear suspended, mark the hours spent in joyous reunions. Hublot’s six iconic screws stand out against the blue of the bezel, which is also made from polished and satin- finished ceramic. The new Summer edition of the Big Bang Unico comes with a Velcro strap with sports fastener, as well as its iconic lined natural rubber version with a titanium deployant buckle.
25 years of creation, hundreds of years of expert craftsmanship.
Founded only 25 years ago, Parmigiani Fleurier is a young brand that draws its expertise from the art of restoration. This unique combination is at the heart of their timepieces with a contemporary style for enthusiasts seeking to combine modernity and high technical competency. In order to adhere to their principles and perfect each timepiece produced, the brand chose to create its own watch collections where more than 30 in-house calibers have been developed. With over 250 models, three flagship collections, and several awards, the history of Parmigiani Fleurier has been rich in expert craftsmanship and innovation since 1996. Parmigiani Fleurier’s attention to detail and technical accomplishments have resulted in more than thirty mechanical parts distinguished by two Chronograph Watch Prizes, one Innovation Prize, and one Travel Time Watch Prize.
An Interview with Guido Terreni, CEO of Parmigiani Fleurier
Born in Milan, Italy, Guido Terreni is the CEO of the prestigious haute-horology Swiss Maison, Parmigiani Fleurier, since January 2021. After graduating with a degree in economics from Luigi Bocconi University in Milan, he began his professional career in 1995 at the Danone Group. He then moved to Switzerland in 2000, where he joined the Watchmaking Division at Bulgari. He was appointed President of Bulgari Horlogerie in 2009, a position he held for eleven years. He is credited for transforming Bulgari into a premium watch brand and fully integrated manufacturer. The iconic Serpenti and Octo collections were created under his leadership, which resulted in 57 international watchmaking prizes, 7 world records in ultra-thin movements and included the prestigious Aiguille d’Or award at the GPHG. Guido Terreni embarked on a similar transformation when he joined Parmigiani Fleurier in January 2021. It is a real privilege and honour to have the opportunity to interview him for Katsbling.
Hi Guido, Welcome to Katsbling and a huge thanks for this opportunity to interview you. As a horology enthusiast and watch-collector, I have been aware of Parmigiani Fleurier for several years, more than a decade. And I am also aware of its eponymous founder Michel Parmigiani, who founded his namesake brand in 1996. The impression I have always had of Parmigiani Fleurier is that it is a quiet and understated watch brand that prefers to let its watchmaking do all the talking. Under your leadership, Parmigiani Fleurier has gained a new lease of life and blossomed into a modern haute horology powerhouse. I must admit, there is so much about the new Parmigiani Fleurier I am not aware of. In the ensuing questions, we at Katsbling and our reader-base would really love to learn more about your vision, achievements, and plans for Parmigiani Fleurier.
Kunal Khemka [KK]: Guido, when you joined Parmigiani Fleurier (PF) in January 2021, what was the first thing that you did? What was not working at PF? Please tell us a bit about your vision for PF, and how you set about implementing it.
Guido Terreni [GT]: I feel the same way where you said that the collectors are looking at the brand again. In 1996 it was highly coveted by the collectors, for the work that Michel (Parmigiani) did, the founder now. Because his interest in watch making is extremely pure and goes back to his roots of restoration and tradition as a watchmaking art. But in the last 10 to 15 years the brand lost a little bit of contact with the market, hence the customers. Probably because there were too many things, like too many CEOs who led the brand. The brand lost a little bit of appeal. As you have said rightly, when I was contacted to take over as the CEO of the brand, I felt it was a hidden gem. I felt that the industry was going towards convergence of taste to a few brands and few watches. My experience is usually to counter the trend of people of different watchmaking connoisseurs. And the clients who were really into watches who tend to look for something different. Something more personal. So independent brands became extremely interesting during the pandemic, especially for this kind of customer. I felt that Parmigiani had all the ingredients to succeed but needed a stylist’s direction, clear vision taking it back to its roots, which are values of understated deep knowledge and culture of watchmaking for men and women who do not need attention and are beyond hype. But they go for their personal choices, hence they are very educated customers.
[KK]: Who are PF’s customers? Why should someone purchase a PF?
[GT]: Clients are extremely educated, and we talk to those who do not follow the trends. So here the public make their own choices and they are educated as they are the connoisseur. They do not believe in the ostentatiousness of luxury. These customers buy for their own self and do not care what people are saying about what they are carrying on their wrists. They usually have a lot of experience with taste and beauty and knowledge of the brand. And usually, it is not their first watch. When you buy a Parmigiani, you already have an experience with high-end brands because the prestige of the brand is very high. So keeping in mind to serve those customers with style that is pure, and it should be long lasting from the perspective of taste. They don’t have to be showy. Discretion and finishing should be at the highest level in the watchmaking culture including high watchmaking contents in the movements of the dials and cases. But it should not be on the face, it shouldn’t be apparent. There is a saying by Oscar Wilde that elegance is a beauty which is not meant to be shown. And I think this sentence is apt to describe the culture of the brand.
[KK]: How many watches does PF produce each year?
[GT]: We do not disclose this. It is confidential. It is a few thousands a year. It is not a mass production but also not a niche production because we are not talking in hundreds.
[KK]: In an industry dominated by ‘Hype,’ ‘Artificial Scarcity’ (whether real or manufactured), ‘games’ played by Brands and AD’s, how does PF fit in? What sets PF apart from other haute-horology brands?
[GT]: I don’t believe in building desirability by withholding the product to the customers. I believe luxury is meant to be enjoyed. Desirability should be built with the ideas, style, and craft that you have and should be expressed so that the customers can enjoy. The waiting list that we have is due to the non-anticipation of the success of the collection that we launched in 2021. The response was overwhelming, much higher than what we had forecasted. This is the reason why we have a waiting list. You have to plan the production a year in advance, and if you do not have the product that means you have underestimated your dimension. Being a brand, which is gaining a lot of appreciation in the recent couple of years, it is something very difficult to understand upfront, so we are chasing the demand. I don’t want to get into a competition with the dealers. The authorised dealers are your partners, and you should respect your partner. When you say that there are games which are being played, it is true. Because when you have watches only meant for boutiques and you have a multi-brand client who deals in the brand, you will be confused if you are a client and wouldn’t know why he cannot access a certain product if he is dealing with an authorised dealer which is not a boutique. This kind of activity is not interesting to us. We place the customer at the centre of what we want to do to solve this in terms of product.
[KK]: Which are your major and most successful markets? Are you looking at entering any newer markets?
[GT]: We have a very balanced distribution, and we have between 75 and 80 authorised dealers. And they are present in 26 countries. Though we are in the main markets, we are missing certain markets. We are looking for a location in Dubai. We are not in South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia. But the brand is very well distributed overall. The first market is Japan as they were the first to understand this understated style. Minimal but rich in finishing and execution. We are very balanced in Japan, USA and Europe, China and South Pacific and Middle East.
[KK]: Social media, such as Instagram, has had an enormous impact on the industry. It is easier for brands to communicate with customers. But it is also easier for customers to compliment or criticize a brand – more than ever before. How does all this affect PF? Do you feel social media has helped PF reach out more effectively to your customer base?
[GT]: Not only Instagram but every digital tool has the beauty of being directional. This is very interesting to me because clients can express their emotions, rather they are returning their emotions to us. I am very fond of reading the comments after watching a video on Instagram or in any way and form. Of course, it has to be respectful and constructive because you can express your opinions in many ways. But if you look at the comments, we have a sort of understanding of the temperature of the brand, is extremely positive as we have got a really great responses and it is very encouraging. It has set the bar very high because of the surprise that we have done with our new collection at the end of 2021 and has to be maintained and fulfilled with new ways of interpreting the style of the brand. This encouragement is something that pushes us to be even more creative.
[KK]: Please tell us a bit about PF’s ownership by the Sandoz Foundation? I think that including PF, there are seven other watchmaking entities. How does this ecosystem work? Do all of you work together? And individually, how vertically integrated in PF?
[GT]: The brand was originated by the Sandoz family foundation. Michel Parmigiani is a living legend of restoration. During his monumental restoration work, he had the chance to restore the private collection of the Sandoz family, which is a beautiful collection of hundreds of pieces, which is really fascinating. And during his work to restore, he got to know the family very well. The family asked him if he was in agreement in launching a brand under his name and they would back him up financially. This was in 1996. Michel had a very specific idea of what kind of brand he would like to do. He would like to have a brand of exceptionalism in Horology, rooted in all the history of watchmaking, which he had restored 25 years before, which is now almost 50 years of restoration. A restorer does everything from repairs to anything, be it a screw or a barrel. He approached making of the brand holistically to master all its components. The family supported it, but when you are building an industrial capacity, you have to fulfil them with the production. So, the brand was pushed to do more volumes than the idea of the brand that Michel had in mind was necessary. From the financial standpoint it got complicated. So, it was decided in 2003-2004 to open up production to other brands, because other brands were looking for movements. You might remember there was a crisis at the end of the 90s. There wasn’t much capacity to build high horology. Many brands were interested in the Parmigiani movement. I came to know about this from my previous company (Bulgari) because Bulgari was purchasing Parmigiani movements. Then it was decided to spin off. It wasn’t a Parmigiani movement anymore. It became a Vaucher movement (Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier) which is a facility known for its beautiful movements, and it does very important brands in the industry. To do movements you need also the escapement, which is a strategic component, with the spiral, the regulating organ. It was decided to develop a manufacture of regulating organs which is Atokalpa, is together with Elwin, which does screws, pivots, all the decolletage for very important brands too. And then Les Artisans Boiters was the case maker, and Quadrance & Habillage was the dial maker. So, all these companies are under the property of the Sandoz foundation together with certain strategic partners, and they serve Parmigiani but also other companies of the high-end world of watchmaking.
[KK]: Please tell us a bit about your different model families? What sort of watch and movements / complications are a priority to PF? And do you have plans to introduce newer model families and newer complications in the future?
[GT]: Well, in the relatively recent history, because Parmigiani was born in 1996, we are talking about under 30 years – for a watchmaking brand is not a long period. The brand was built on the first aesthetic line that was the Toric. The Toric is for sure something that is present in the brand and that we will for sure work in the future, because it is part of our origin. But when I joined, I didn’t choose the Toric as the first line to work on. I chose the Tonda. The Tonda was enjoying an interesting momentum with the Tonda GT, which was the predecessor of the Tonda PF. And the Tonda PF was my interpretation of what should have been those values of understatement and of educated luxury what we wanted to give to the client of today. Today the collection is built on the Tonda PF that has different executions because it depends on the movements that you have. So, the core family of movements are the Micro-rotor, which is the ultra-thin two-hander movement on which we have added a couple of complications, with world premieres, one which is the GMT Rattrapante which uses this Micro-rotor movement as an engine. And the second one this year, the Minute Rattrapante, which is the second world premiere which we did.
Then we have a very beautiful movement which is also a two hander which is that you see on the Automatic 36 mm. This is a double barrel automatic winding movement, and this is also a very important engine because it powers the Calendars that you know with the Xiali, the Chinese, and then the Hirji Calendar with the Islamic Calendar, and then the Gregorian Calendar. We also have the Chronograph, which is a very beautiful chronograph and in my opinion one of the best in the industry. It’s an integrated chronograph with column wheel. It’s 5 Hz, so 36000 V.P.H., so it measures 1/10th of a second. It is a beauty from a finishing point of view and from a construction point of view. This powers the chronograph, and it has a manual version in gold which has also a rattrapante function in the chronograph. I consider this a piece of art because it is a totally skeletonised chronograph with two column wheels, one for the chronograph and one for the rattrapante functions and decorated in an exquisite way. It has also the signature of Michel on it because when you do such a beauty you have to sign it. And that powers the high-end part of the collection. Then we have a Tourbillon also which is a Micro-rotor ultra-thin tourbillon which is very beautiful movement with the tourbillon at 7’o clock which is a typical position for us that refers to the hour in which Michel was born, which was 07.08 in the morning.
[KK]: What do you see as your most significant achievement at PF? Any watchmaking awards under your leadership?
[GT]: Well, I think the first achievement is really to have generated this desirability around the brand in such a small amount of time. And this was a sort of alignment of the stars because it wouldn’t be possible to do such a work today, two years later, because we were in the middle of the pandemic in 2021 when I joined the company. And the capacity of the industrial manufacturing sites were free, because nobody was purchasing components and there was lot of time that could be dedicated to development and manufacturing. Coming out with a collection in only seven months from its designs, I started immediately when I entered the company, and presenting it end of August – beginning of September, and shipping into the market at the end of October, is something unprecedented. Really I would say that without the skills and manufacturing capacity of the Horlogères of the Foundation, it would never been possible to do such a beautiful development in such a small time. And this I think is the greatest achievement. Now to continue to surprise and excite all the horophiles that are interested into the brand you need to continue to have ideas and creativity. The Skeleton that we launched last year, the GMT Rattrapante. These are all ways to endure all the pleasure of the brand and have different forms of experiencing it, where collectors can enjoy themselves in more than one purchase.
[KK]: How much of a role does Michel Parmigiani (founder of PF) have in PF? And if so, what does it include? Do PF’s watchmakers have the opportunity to gain experience from him?
[GT]: Michel is very important in the sense that he embodies the brand, through his values, he is like a father. He gave his values to the brand 27 years ago. It is really important to me to breathe his value to understand his way of thinking. But he is an Honorary President, he is not operationally speaking active. But he follows what we do. I see him, he lives next door. I see him very often. And where he was active was in very high-end projects, like the La Rose Carree, which was the pocket watch which we did for the 25th anniversary of the brand at the end of 2021, where he led, together with his daughter, she is also in the company, a small pool of artisans at the highest level to this massive piece which starts from Grand Sonnerie from the late 19th century and has been restored. We did this piece which is extremely a tribute to his life and to the brand.
[KK]: What is your favorite PF timepiece and PF complication? Which ones do you wear?
[GT]: I wear the Micro-rotor in steel, which is my favorite, because it is at the origin of everything, and it is the founder of the style. But I am also very very attached to GMT Rattrapante which was the first world premier that we did last year- it also is very original and sets the tone of the future complications.
[KK]: What do you like to do in your free time? Especially when you want to unwind from the PF watchmaking workshops where the next complication is being invented. Favorite Cuisine? Favorite wine?
[GT]: My passion is, when I have some spare time, I try to motorbike. That’s how I think about riding and nothing else, so it’s a sort of meditation. In Switzerland, the Alps, you have such beautiful roads to drive, and it’s beautiful. That’s one of my biggest passions. In food, I am Italian, so I love Italian food. It has to be good, first. But when I travel, I love to eat local. I love to travel; I love to discover the food while I am traveling and experience things that I am not acquainted with. And in terms of wine, I love the red wines of Piedmont, the Barbarescos, the Barolos, wines that are very high in the taste. But also, some Sicilian Chardonnays are not so bad.
[KK]: Katsbling – as a major online luxury platform in the Middle East – comprises a large and sophisticated market for luxury timepieces. These include customers ranging from beginners to the savviest connoisseurs. And your responses and insights have been the most valuable to us. And we would like to thank you very much for your valuable time. I learnt a lot talking to you. I wish you all the very best for entering the Dubai market.
[GT]: Thank you, thank you, Kunal. It’s been a pleasure.
Discover the gold Breitling watches whose cases and bracelets are crafted either from 18k gold or from an eye-catching combination of gold and stainless steel.
For Men
NAVITIMER B01 CHRONOGRAPH 41
For 70 years, Breitling’s original pilot’s watch is Breitling’s most iconic timepiece and one of the most recognizable watches of all time. This new Navitimer captures its most classic features, while enhancing them with modern refinements: 18k red gold case and metal strap, and is powered by Breitling’s B01 Manufacture, in-house movement.
PREMIER B01 CHRONOGRAPH 42
This Premier B01 Chronograph 42 combines pure elegance and sophistication with its 18k red gold case and gold metal strap. Featuring distinctive vintage-Premier details, including the smooth fixed bezel, twin-register dial, streamlined rectangular pushers and applied Arabic numerals, this Premier B01 Chronograph 42 also features the self-winding movement—the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01.
NAVITIMER B01 CHRONOGRAPH 46
The new Navitimer features a flattened slide rule and a domed crystal create the illusion of a more compact profile. The slimmer silhouette on the oscillating weight enhances the open-caseback view of the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01. The watch comes in a range of sizes, two case materials (stainless steel or 18-karat red gold), a choice of straps (semi-shiny alligator or seven-row metal bracelet) and updated dial options.
SUPER AVI B04 CHRONOGRAPH GMT 46 P-51 MUSTANG
The Super AVI P-51 Mustang features large, highly legible Arabic numerals on the dial and bezel. Knurled bezels provide optimal grip and top-stitched calfskin straps give a nod to the seams found on classic flight gear. The engine of the Super AVI is the COSC-certified Breitling Manufacture Caliber B04 movement, which provides 70-hours of power reserve.
For Women
SUPER CHRONOMAT AUTOMATIC 38 ORIGINS
With ceramic rider tabs and crown, and the rubber rouleaux bracelet, the Super Chronomat 38 Origins features small-scale gold and lab-grown diamonds. These precious materials are traceable from their origins—a detailed in a provenance record that comes with your watch in a blockchain-backed NFT.
NAVITIMER AUTOMATIC 35
Available in a variety of materials including stainless steel and 18k red gold, the 35 mm case Navitimer Automatic 35 features a beaded bezel and a range of elegant dial colors, as well as diamond-set white mother of pearl. The Navitimer Automatic 35 is powered by the Breitling Caliber 17, a COSC-certified chronometer.
CHRONOMAT 32
The stylish modern-retro inspired Chronomat 32 is available in cool stainless steel to goes-with-everything bicolor, or even luxurious 18k red gold. Women craving extra sparkle can opt for diamond-set bezels, indices, and colorful dials. Featuring Breitling’s iconic and comfortable “Rouleaux” bracelet with a butterfly clasp, the Chronomat 32 is powered by the Breitling Caliber 77, a COSC-certified SuperQuartz™ chronometer.
On the occasion of the Cannes Film Festival, Chopard achieves the peak of jewellery artistry by reinventing the miracle of the Red Carpet Collection every year. Emotion, creativity and technical excellence are the hallmarks of this 2023 edition, through which the Maison demonstrates its affinity with the Art. For the 76th Cannes Festival, Caroline Scheufele has designed no less than 76 Haute Joaillerie masterpieces, an array of fascinating works reflecting the boundless curiosity of Chopard’s Co-President and Artistic Director.
Each piece of jewellery in the Red Carpet Collection highlights the talent and expertise of the Maison’s Artisans. To express Caroline Scheufele’s creative spirit, they explore the ultimate in innovation: from employing new materials such as titanium to using novel stone-cutting techniques. From design to volumes, from gold craftsmanship to precious stone mastery, these gifted Artisans combine their talents in giving life to this collection – symbolizing the quintessence of classic jewellery-making know-how and carefully preserved tradition.
Chopard respects nature and works exclusively with the most exceptional gems. The Maison is the gold standard on the Haute Joaillerie scene in terms of expertise and a selective approach to precious stones – with only the most extraordinary inspiring the jewellery creations in the making with their colour, volume, transparency and unmistakable aura. From discoveries made around the globe, Caroline Scheufele discerns the treasure to which her imagination gives life. The next Red Carpet Collection is set to reveal some unprecedented gems.
German luxury fashion house, MCM makes a spectacular debut in Dubai, unveiling an innovative fusion of fashion, culture and the arts through a conceptual presentation celebrating the brand’s heritage DNA. Highlighting renowned singer Sohyang and the notorious Ambiguous Dance Company, the energetic performance took guests on a journey through the brand’s heritage from past to future for the first time.
The Fashiontainment Show took place in Dubai, a global capital for cultural innovation, diversity and modernism, within the iconic Dubai Mall. Highlights includes Alex from @supercarblondie, Zeynab El Helw, Deema Al Asadi, Ola Farahat, Sami Slimani, Kris Fade and the Twins Hadban who were styled in MCM’s latest collections.
The Global Summit of Women invited MCM to bring the Fashiontainment performance to their Gala Dinner later that evening, as well as the Museum of the Future for hosting an impromptu performance during the Future Experts Series: Metaverse, Web3 & AI.
I had a total ‘bucket list’ moment recently as I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore so many of Iceland’s breathtaking landmarks. I couldn’t have asked for better companions to join me on my adventures than my Mont Blanc 1858 Iced Sea timepieces. The second I stepped foot on this beautiful picturesque land, I quickly understood how the mysteries of the ice could be so inspiring.
The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon
Famous for its steamy mineral-rich water and soft white silica mud, both of which have healing effects on the skin, I had the chance to enjoy the benefits of the Blue Lagoon. I could witness the dial of my Mont Blanc 1858 Ice Sea Green come to life, that green glacier dial that gives the impression of looking into the depths of glacial ice – a deep emerald green color thanks to iron oxides captured in the ice, as I gazed onto the perfectly lush surroundings of the resort.
The Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel
We visited the fourth-longest lava tube in Iceland, those frozen ice stalagmites are absolutely breathtaking! A journey into the Lava Tunnel was a unique opportunity to experience the inner workings of a volcanic eruption as one walks in the path of lava that flowed 5.200 years ago. When we got as far as we were going all the lights switched off for us to have a moment of perfect darkness and silence. Although I’m not such a fan of closed spaces, thankfully the Super-Luminova® feature on the hands, indexes, and the dots at 12 o’clock on the bezel, all glowing in a luminescent shade in blue low light.
The Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls
These incredible waterfalls hang over a massive cave that you can go inside to explore. The only access inside is by stepping on river rocks on the righthand side of the stream and using the stone facade inside to grip embedded in the stone wall which you can grab onto for balance. Although I was in rougher terrain at this point, I was confident that my Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea’s durability with its scratch resist dial and rubber strap option would get my though this adventure safe and sound.
Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon -Icelands most Iconic Natural Wonder
The display of icebergs, ‘museum of ice the icebergs’ as they call it, with its impossible turquoise glow, contrasted by photogenic streaks of black ash from various volcanic eruptions- the creaking, groaning, and crashing sounds at the glacier’s edge- are otherworldly and unforgettable.
Similar to Mont-Blanc mountain’s largest glaciers – the Mer de Glace, the grey glacier pattern dial on my Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Grey artistically replicates those emblematic grey Icelandic glaciers reflecting the mineral deposits that have been captured in its structure for millennia.
The Ice-studded black ‘Diamond Beach’
We were escorted by ATVs to the Diamond Beach, also known as Breiðamerkursandur, a beach located on the south coast of Iceland. The beach is famous for its black sand and icebergs that wash up on the shore, resembling sparkling diamonds. I never seen anything quite like this before! The shimmer and shine upon the black sands reminded me of the process of creating the Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea glacier dials through a special technique called gratté-boisé as the base and gives each dial the impression of genuine depth and luminosity.
The ‘Feather River Canyon’
Last but definitely not least, we passed through Iceland’s most picturesque canyon – where Games of Thrones was filmed! The combination of blue waters, earthy rocks, shimmering ice and even sprouts of green summarized the entire experience into one outstanding location. I must say that I was throughly impressed with my Montblanc Iced Sea timepieces. Not only we’re they the perfect aesthetic fit for my Icelandic adventure, they were reliable, durable and stood the ‘test of time’ with each timepiece undergoing the highly commended Montblanc Laboratory Test; ensuring that each watch is shock, magnetic, temperature, and water-resistant (approx. 30 bar) and that its fasteners are reinforced for enhanced security.
Can’t wait for my next adventure! Where should I head off to next?
Roger Dubuis brings a new masterpiece into the world of watchmaking as it unveils the Excalibur Monobalancier (MB) Titanium, a remarkable blend of material mastery, expressive design, and horological expertise. Crafted from titanium Grade 5, the hyper- modern timepiece is a strikingly light variation of the iconic original Excalibur MB, boasting peak levels of comfort, aesthetics, and performance. 33% lighter than stainless steel and legendary for its strength-to- weight ratio, the space-age metal boasts many innate benefits: from its soft and hypoallergenic nature, to its high anti-corrosion and anti-magnetic properties.
Powered by the automatic RD720SQ, it features a calibre already well-known for its breathtaking performance. The micro-rotor is designed to minimise vibrations, while the remarkable inertia of its balance wheel maximises stability and reduces its sensitivity to shocks. Finally, the advanced mechanics of the diamond-coated silicon escapement wheel paired with diamond-coated silicon pallet-stones ensure an impressive 72 hours of power reserve, bringing even more practicality and comfort to the wearer.
Over the past ten years, the Maison’s focus on miniaturisation led to such elevated technical mastery that the watchmakers were able to take on a new challenge developing and playing with its aesthetics. Completely skeletonised, this traditionally highly functional element is now an integral part of the design of the timepiece, enhancing the architecture of the calibre, enriching visual perception and bringing further lightness too.