If there is a brand with every type of music in its DNA, it’s well and truly Raymond Weil. Its Jasmine, Parsifal and Nabucco collections offer a wealth of watchmaking Christmas gifts that are an ideal way to spoil opera enthusiasts. What could be more chic than watching a performance of Puccini’s Turandot with a luminous cerise coloured Jasmine watch on the wrist? It would be just as original to demonstrate admiration for the powerful music of Verdi while wearing the super virile, sombre Nabucco Rivoluzione II chronograph, whose sophisticated materials and modern look will delight younger opera fans.
On a more contemporary note, this autumn Raymond Weil launched the “Music Special Editions” collection in collaboration with internationally renowned young musicians. The Freelancer Electro Music, dedicated to English singer-songwriter, Labrinth, is a 42mm steel and pink gold PVD-coated automatic timepiece bearing the graphic signature of the artist along with an “equalizer” motif on the dial. The Freelancer Cello, in titanium with a grey dial, features details referring to the cellist duo Cello for whom it was created, with cello strings, bow, bridge and scroll all enhancing this chronograph. For guitar enthusiasts, bear in mind the 39mm Maestro Guitar in steel, equipped with an RW4200 automatic movement and dedicated to Miloš Karadaglic. In addition to pleasing those who receive it as a gift, these three watches also support charities.
Hublot’s 2014 Limited Edition Depeche Mode watch stems from the same charitable philosophy. This chronograph housed in a 44mm steel Big Bang case displays a grey openwork dial revealing the automatic HUB 4214 movement, guaranteeing a 42 hour power reserve. Finished with a matching grey bracelet bearing a Clous Pyramide (pyramid hobnail) motif, this timepiece is completely in sync with the English new wave group created in 1979. Its singer and guitarist, Martin Gore was in Paris at the beginning of the year for the launch of this watch, which is part of a fund-raising drive for clean drinking water. A great souvenir gift for anyone who attended the group’s 2013-14 Delta Machine Tour.
Rolling Stones fans already in possession of a complete set of albums and a panoply of related memorabilia will find it hard to ignore Zenith’s initiative in launching the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 this spring, to commemorate the rock group’s concert at the Letzigrund=attn FR= stadium in Zurich. The El Primero 4061 automatic movement, beating at a rate of 10 vibrations per second, may be viewed through the traditional dial opening, as well as through the sapphire crystal back of this 250-piece limited edition, engraved with the logo of the famous band. On the dial, the red sticking out tongue also lights up the grey 12-hour chronograph counter.
On a more traditional note, the Baume & Mercier “Un violon sur la sable” Classima watch celebrates the summer music festival in Royan bearing the same name – which the brand has been partnering for the past four years – and especially the Young Talent Competition which is part of the event. Music lovers and violinists will find an elegant, classical charm in this 200-piece limited edition, further enhanced by the two “f” sound holes of the violins positioned in the centre of the black dial, as well as by the copper-toned hands, hour-markers and Roman numerals.
If for you the words “music box” conjure up visions of outdated, crank-operated ancient wooden objects grating out doleful tunes, the most recent creations made by Reuge – in collaboration with MB&F – will open your and even propel you into the future. On the MusicMachines 1 and 2, powerfully evoking intergalactic spaceships made from high-tech materials, the winding keys looks like jet engines. The classic pin-studded cylinders are still there, producing melodies amplified by sound boxes and soundboards. The themes from Star Wars and Star Trek, along with music by Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones, the Clash and Led Zeppelin, fill any rooms housing these exceptional objects. And when it comes to another Reuge musical box, the equally designer Arche, all you have to do is take part in our December competition to have a chance of winning one!
