Bells and whistles

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Bells and whistles  - Editorial
1 minute read
Historical models reinvented, two new tourbillons and new launches at SIAR in Mexico.

There has been a bounteous watch harvest since the industry returned from its summer holidays and it seems to be in line with the uptick in the industry’s health, at least as far as exports are concerned. Last week alone we saw two new triple calendar models from Vacheron Constantin that take their inspiration from the brand’s historical collection, as well as a typically crazy new watch from Richard Mille. The RM 70-01 tourbillon was designed especially for Alain Prost, has a unique mechanical odometer function and, for every customer of the 30-piece limited edition, comes with a bespoke road bike developed in partnership between Prost, Richard Mille and Italian bikemaker Colnago.

With its latest launch Bulgari once again sets the bar very high. After bringing us the world’s thinnest minute repeater, the brand now wows us with a Grande Sonnerie model in the Octo case, which has been redesigned especially for this unique piece. The Octo Grande Sonnerie has a self-winding movement with grande and petite sonnerie, minute repeater, Westminster chime, tourbillon and twin power reserve indicators for the movement and the chimes. Find out all about it in our article today. I also had the chance to try the Octo Finissimo Skeleton for a couple of days last week and you can read my impressions on Friday. In a busy few weeks, Bulgari is also expected to launch a limited series at the SIAR in Mexico, which starts tomorrow (read my preview article tomorrow).

Later this week you can look forward to a new model from Urban Jürgensen with an interesting concept behind it. Like many smaller independent brands, Urban Jürgensen works with a handful of select retailers around the world but can find it difficult to reach customers in countries where it has no physical presence. Since online sales at this level of luxury require a special approach, the brand has set up a concierge service to serve these customers. But with the new watch, the brand takes things a step further in terms of design and retail concept. Find out more on Wednesday.

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