The Mighty Chronograph
In a remarkable case of self-one-upmanship, A. Lange & Söhne’s presented the radical new Triple Split: the world’s first triple rattrapante chronograph. That is, it can measure two concurrent events for up to 12 hours by splitting the second, minutes, and the hours. Given that, until now, a rattrapante chronograph has only ever been able to time two events of up to 30 minutes in duration, it’s an astonishing feat of watchmaking from Lange. Just 100 Triple Splits will be sold — all in 18-carat white gold.
Talk to the smartphone...
Another first in mechanical watchmaking, the new Ressence Type 2 e-Crown Concept incorporates digital technology that allows for the mechanical timepiece to be set from a smartphone, automatically adjusted to new time zones, and reset at the tap of a button. As its name suggests, this watch is a design study and not for sale. But it does offer a fascinating glimpse into the future of watchmaking — an age-old industry that should be the first to understand why moving with the times is so important.
On trend
Reinterpretations and reissues of vintage models are a favourite among watch enthusiasts today. And we think Jaeger-LeCoultre has scored a home run with the new Polaris Memovox, a limited-edition homage to the original Polaris in this, the legendary model’s 50th year. With its faux-aged markers and beautifully simple 42mm case, it’s a refreshingly honest take on a watch we all know and love. Well done Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Start as you mean to go on
Among the raft of pieces revealed by IWC Schaffhausen to mark its 150th anniversary, the intriguing IWC Tribute to Pallweber Edition ‘150 Years’ was our favourite. It’s a faithful reinterpretation of Josef Pallweber’s ‘digital’ display pocket watch — which he patented in 1883 and subsequently licensed to IWC — but for the wrist. Three separate rotating discs display the minutes and the hours in two windows, while a traditional sub-dial displaying the seconds sits below. Presented in an elegant 18-carat gold case, and with a contrasting black alligator strap, it’s one of the most beautiful timepieces we’ve ever set eyes on.
Take two
Ok, so this watch wasn’t strictly revealed at SIHH, rather at Agenhor just outside Geneva. But we simply couldn’t leave it out. For those who weren’t entirely convinced by the innovative design of Singer Reimagined’s debut timepiece, the Track1 Chronograph, we reckon the updated ‘Geneva Edition’ — presented in a subtle, almost aged-looking, yellow gold — should sway you. The new dial is both clearer and more conventional in its design (and in no way is that a bad thing), while the immensely complicated AgenGraphe movement still resides beneath. Oh, and it costs 72,000CHF before taxes…
Photos: Singer Reimagined / IWC Schaffhausen / Jaeger-LeCoultre / Ressence / A. Lange & Söhne
