How the Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Secret Blends Haute Joaillerie and Fine Watchmaking
The Rendez-Vous Secret is not designed to announce the hour. It is designed to guard it. Conceived as a rare meeting point between high jewellery and fine watchmaking, this creation transforms time into a private experience — revealed only at the wearer’s choosing.
Crafted by the jeweller-craftsmen of Jaeger-LeCoultre, the Rendez-Vous Secret draws inspiration from a historic Maison creation of the 1960s, reinterpreted today through contemporary techniques, exceptional gem-setting, and remarkable miniaturisation.
Inspired by Winter at the Vallée de Joux
The aesthetic spirit of the Rendez-Vous Secret is rooted in nature. Its palette and brilliance are inspired by the reflection of snow during winter in the Vallée de Joux. Light dances across white gold, diamonds, sapphires, and mother-of-pearl, creating a surface that feels luminous, crisp, and quietly powerful.
This is not nostalgia, but evolution: a modern expression of a vintage idea, refined through decades of expertise.
The Case: Precision in a Precious Form
The watch is housed in a 24 mm case, perfectly scaled to sit like a jewel on the wrist. At 9.85 mm thick, it maintains a refined profile while accommodating its concealed dial construction.
Material: White gold 750/1000 (18 carats), rhodium-plated
Water resistance: 3 bar
Every curve of the case is designed to support gem-setting while preserving softness and balance, ensuring elegance rather than excess.
The Dial: A Secret by Design
At first glance, the Rendez-Vous Secret appears as a high-jewellery bracelet watch. Only when opened does it reveal its white front dial, serene and understated. Time is indicated by graceful Florale hands, whose organic form echoes the femininity at the heart of the collection.
The display is intentionally pure, limited to hours and minutes, reinforcing the idea that this watch is about moments — not measurement.
A Masterful Composition of Gemstones
The Rendez-Vous Secret is a showcase of jewellery savoir-faire, brought to life through an extraordinary gem selection:
Mother-of-pearl, offering natural depth and soft iridescence
197 diamonds (≈ 11.09 carats) enveloping the piece in brilliance
1 diamond (≈ 0.13 carats) placed as a singular, intentional accent
The stones are arranged to capture light from every angle, evoking the shimmer of snow under winter sun — refined, never ostentatious.
Bracelet: Jewellery Without Interruption
The integrated 18-carat white-gold bracelet completes the illusion. Seamlessly executed, it reinforces the identity of the Rendez-Vous Secret as jewellery first and watch second. On the wrist, it feels fluid, balanced, and unmistakably precious.
The Essence of Time
With only hour and minute indication, the Rendez-Vous Secret distils time to its simplest form. There are no complications to distract, no excess to justify. Every element exists to serve elegance, discretion, and emotion.
Final Perspective
The Rendez-Vous Secret is not about telling time efficiently — it is about experiencing time beautifully. Inspired by heritage, shaped by nature, and executed with exceptional craftsmanship, it stands as a poetic expression of femininity, high jewellery, and fine watchmaking.
Girard-Perregaux at the Summit of Haute Horlogerie: Cosmos, Neo Constant Escapement & Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges
Few manufactures embody the union of invention, chronometric ambition and visual poetry quite like Girard-Perregaux. Founded in 1791, the Maison has consistently pushed the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking, not only in pursuit of precision, but also in the way time is architecturally expressed. In its latest high-horology statements, Girard-Perregaux presents three extraordinary creations that together form a manifesto of its savoir-faire: the Cosmos (Unique Piece), the Neo Constant Escapement, and the Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges. Each explores a different dimension of time — cosmic, constant, and architectural — yet all are unmistakably Girard-Perregaux.
Neo Constant Escapement
Luxury watch luminous hands and markers
Girard-Perregaux Three Bridges timepiece luxury watch
Cosmos: A Mechanical Universe on the Wrist
The Girard-Perregaux Cosmos returns in 2025 as a unique piece, reaffirming the Manufacture’s mastery of complex complications and poetic display. First introduced in 2019, the Cosmos stands apart for its ability to translate astronomical phenomena into three-dimensional mechanical theatre.
At the heart of this titanium-cased timepiece lies three major complications:
A tourbillon positioned at six o’clock, housed within a lyre-shaped cage and supported by a titanium Neo Bridge — a contemporary interpretation of Constant Girard’s historic arrow-shaped bridges.
A terrestrial globe at three o’clock, rotating once every 24 hours and offering a day/night indication, encircled by an hour ring inspired by Saturn’s rings.
A celestial globe at nine o’clock, mapping the Zodiac constellations and completing a rotation in a true sidereal day (23h 56m 4s).
The dial construction is equally evocative: a two-part surface combining Tahitian mother-of-pearl with a reduced-thickness layer of blue aventurine, allowing light to interact with shimmering mineral textures. The off-centred time display, rendered in black with white-gold hands and luminescent accents, ensures legibility amid the cosmic complexity.
Powering the watch is the in-house Calibre GP09320, a hand-wound movement finished to the highest standards, featuring circular graining, bevelled bridges and a power reserve of at least 57 hours. Even the act of winding becomes an experience, thanks to four rotating bows (“bélières”) on the case back, replacing a conventional crown.
The Cosmos is not merely a complication showcase — it is a miniature universe, engineered with scientific precision and poetic intent.
If the Cosmos speaks to wonder, the Neo Constant Escapement speaks to control — specifically, the pursuit of constant force, one of watchmaking’s most elusive goals. Building on the award-winning Constant Escapement concept that earned Girard-Perregaux the Aiguille d’Or in 2013, the Neo Constant Escapement represents decades of research distilled into a wearable chronometer.
Central to this innovation is a silicium blade, inspired by the physical phenomenon of buckling. Regardless of how much energy remains in the twin barrels, this blade delivers a perfectly uniform impulse to the balance wheel, ensuring stable amplitude and exceptional rate consistency until the very last moment of power.
The 2025 releases introduce two new executions:
A 45 mm pink gold version, combining advanced escapement technology with the warmth and gravitas of a precious metal case.
An ultra-limited carbon and silicium composite edition, restricted to just two numbered pieces, offering exceptional lightness, resistance, and a stealthy contemporary aesthetic.
Both are powered by the COSC-certified Calibre GP09200, an in-house hand-wound movement offering an impressive 7-day power reserve. The architecture of the dial places the escapement front and centre, beneath Neo Bridges, transforming mechanical regulation into a visual focal point.
The Neo Constant Escapement is not designed to impress through ornament alone — it is a demonstration of how deep scientific insight can redefine mechanical performance at the highest level.
Girard-Perregaux Three Bridges timepiece luxury watch
Cosmos Neo Constant Escapement luxury Swiss watch
Neo Constant Escapement mechanical watch movement visible
Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges: Architecture in Light
The Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges is perhaps the most emblematic expression of Girard-Perregaux’s identity. Rooted in the legendary Three Bridges Tourbillon of 1867 and immortalised by La Esmeralda in 1889, the bridges have evolved into a signature where structure and beauty are inseparable.
The latest iteration is housed in a 44 mm white gold case and limited to just eight pieces worldwide. Three black-tinted titanium bridges, more sinuous and contemporary than their 19th-century predecessors, appear to float within a sapphire “box” case that floods the movement with light.
Unlike traditional designs, the watch dispenses with a conventional mainplate. Instead, the bridges themselves provide structural integrity, supporting the gear train, barrel and tourbillon. Luminescent hour markers are mounted directly onto the case, while skeletonised white-gold hands ensure clarity without disrupting the airy, three-dimensional composition.
Inside beats the Calibre GP09400, a self-winding movement with a patented micro-rotor crafted in white gold. Ingeniously positioned beneath the barrel, the micro-rotor allows the movement to remain slim while preserving an unobstructed view of its architecture. With a minimum 60-hour power reserve, it is as technically refined as it is visually captivating.
This is horology as architecture — light, space and mechanics fused into a singular aesthetic statement.
Neo Constant Escapement
Cosmos Neo Constant Escapement luxury Swiss watch
Cosmos, Neo Constant Escapement
Three Visions, One Manufacture
Together, the Cosmos, Neo Constant Escapement, and Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges illustrate the extraordinary breadth of Girard-Perregaux’s expertise. From cosmic complication to constant-force innovation and architectural transparency, each watch represents a distinct philosophy, yet all share the same foundations: in-house mastery, uncompromising finishing, and a relentless drive to push Haute Horlogerie forward.
These are not merely timepieces — they are mechanical narratives, written by a Manufacture that has been shaping the future of watchmaking for over two centuries.
In a world increasingly driven by speed and spectacle, Patek Philippe’s Gondolo Haute Joaillerie collection stands as a reminder that true luxury often whispers rather than shouts. The references 7042/100G-010 and 7042/100R-010 are perfect embodiments of this philosophy—two watches that blend traditional handcraft, mechanical purity, and high jewellery into objects of quiet, enduring beauty.
While identical in form and function, the two references express distinctly different moods through their choice of precious metal: white gold for restrained elegance, and rose gold for warmth and romance.
A Canvas of Rare Handcrafts
At the heart of both watches lies one of Patek Philippe’s most poetic métiers d’art executions. The dial is entirely hand-engraved in a rhythmic arabesque pattern, then meticulously snow-set with diamonds of varying sizes. This technique creates a shimmering surface that appears almost textile-like—soft, fluid, and alive under changing light.
Every curve, hollow, and recess is engraved by hand before a single diamond is set. The result is not decorative excess, but visual harmony—an effect only achievable through hours of patient artisanal work.
Gondolo Haute Joaillerie diamond watch
Diamond-set Gondolo watch dial
White Gold vs Rose Gold: Two Expressions, One Soul
Ref. 7042/100G-010 (White Gold) The white gold version leans toward modern classicism. Its cooler tone amplifies the brilliance of the diamonds, giving the watch a crisp, architectural presence. It feels poised, refined, and quietly powerful—ideal for those who appreciate subtlety and understatement in haute joaillerie.
Ref. 7042/100R-010 (Rose Gold) The rose gold reference introduces warmth and sensuality. Against the soft blush of the case, the diamond-set engraving takes on a richer, more romantic character. It feels intimate and expressive, yet unmistakably Patek Philippe in its restraint and balance.
Together, the two references demonstrate how a change in metal alone can completely alter the emotional language of a watch.
Patek Philippe Gondolo worn on wrist
Haute Joaillerie diamond detailing
Mechanical Integrity Beneath the Diamonds
Despite their jewelled exterior, these Gondolo references remain deeply mechanical at heart. Both are powered by the calibre 215, a manually wound movement known for its slim architecture, classical construction, and exceptional finishing.
Visible through the sapphire caseback, the movement reveals Geneva stripes, polished bevels, and hand-finished details that uphold Patek Philippe’s most stringent standards. This is not jewellery hiding a movement—it is high horology dressed in diamonds.
Patek Philippe Gondolo Haute Joaillerie watch
Patek Philippe Gondolo collection
The Gondolo Case: Timeless Geometry
The rectangular Gondolo case, inspired by early 20th-century designs, provides the perfect frame for this artistry. Its proportions feel deliberate and balanced, reinforcing the watch’s jewellery character while remaining unmistakably horological.
The diamond-set bezel, lugs, and crown are integrated with restraint, ensuring that nothing overwhelms the overall composition.
A Collector’s Perspective
These watches are not designed to follow trends or compete for attention. They are created for collectors who understand that true luxury lies in craftsmanship, legacy, and emotion. Whether chosen in white gold or rose gold, the Gondolo 7042 represents a commitment to beauty that transcends time.
In an era of oversized cases and technical bravado, Patek Philippe reminds us that elegance—when executed at this level—remains the ultimate complication.
OVERSEAS SELF-WINDING HIGH JEWELLERY First fully gem-set model for the Overseas 35 mm self-winding
Two new Overseas self-winding 35 mm pieces in 18K white gold and 18K 5N pink gold, fully set with 1,430 brilliant- and baguette-cut diamonds.
Each model is presented with two additional, interchangeable straps in shiny alligator leather and rubber, with an interchangeable diamondset buckle.
The self-winding Manufacture movement, calibre 1088/1 with a 40- hour power reserve displays hours, minutes and central seconds, as well as the date in an aperture Vacheron Constantin opens a new chapter for the Overseas selfwinding 35 mm model, introducing two high-jewellery versions for the first time, in 18K white gold and in 18K 5N pink gold, powered by the Manufacture movement, calibre 1088/1. Originally created in 2023, the 35 mm Overseas case was conceived as a timepiece to suit all discerning wrists in any situation. Its more streamlined dimensions make it intrinsically comfortable to wear, while retaining all of the aesthetic codes and inherent functionality of its larger Overseas counterparts.
Vacheron Constantin Watch
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding High Jewellery
The dazzling craft of gem-setting
Vacheron Constantin has been on a quest for excellence in the art of gem-setting since the 19th century, when it added the craft to its repertoire of métiers d’art. At that time, timepieces were not only confined to a waistcoat pocket but were also worn as jewellery and fashion accessories. The new Overseas Self-Winding 35 mm
Overseas Self-Winding High Jewellery diamond watch white gold
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding High Jewellery diamond watch white gold
High Jewellery watch is adorned with a total of 1,430 diamonds (~12.58 cts) and combines two cuts: brilliant and baguette.
The Maltese cross motif on the bezel – a signature of the Overseas collection, inspired by Vacheron Constantin’s emblem – is highlighted by the radiance of 60 invisibly set baguette-cut diamonds (~ 2.28 cts). Invisible setting is particularly challenging for the gem-setter as it creates a seamlessly gem-covered surface on which the stones appear to float above the gold surface with no visible means of support. First, the gem-setter creates a framework of gold rails, only 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm thick, which forms a secure grid structure that remains hidden once the gemstones are slotted into it. After creating the frame, the artisan must cut a tiny V-shaped groove along both sides of each diamond, to match the position and dimensions of the rails with a tolerance of only 0.02 millimetres, thus ensuring that the stones sit flush, with no gaps, overlaps or visible metal. This setting technique is so meticulous that it can take several hours for just one stone.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding High Jewellery
Vacheron Constantin Watch
The serene beauty of the invisibly set baguette stones contrasts with the multifaceted sparkle of brilliant-cut diamonds on the dial and 18K gold bracelet. The dial is elegant and functional, displaying only the essentials of time and date, in order to maximise the visual impact of the snow-set diamond background – comprising 314 brilliant-cut diamonds (~ 1.65 ct). Combining artistry and precision, snow setting is another highly demanding technique, in which the gemsetter covers the entire surface of the gold dial base in diamonds of varying diameter, set in an order that appears to be random. In fact, the placement of every stone must be meticulously judged, to leave an absolute minimum of metal between the stones so that the entire surface refracts and reflects the light, like the effect of the sun on a sparkling field of snowflakes. Against this glittering backdrop, 12 baguettecut diamonds serve as hour markers. The lugs and 18K gold bracelet are also snow-set, with a total of 884 brilliant-cut diamonds (~ 6.95 cts), with each link of the bracelet set separately before being carefully assembled.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding diamond watch white gold
Blue alligator strap with white gold watch
White rubber strap with diamond buckle
High Jewellery Watch
Overseas 35 mm high jewellery pink gold timepiece
Overseas Self-Winding High Jewellery diamond watch white gold
One watch, three styles
Introduced to the Overseas collection in 2023, the 35 mm diameter case is designed not only to correspond with a modern aesthetic, but also to be suitable for any situation and comfortably worn by everyone regardless of wrist size. Its versatility is underlined by the easy interchangeability of its diamond-set gold bracelet and two straps that are delivered with the watch: one in white rubber and one in shiny alligator leather. Adding a vivid splash of colour to the otherwise monochrome palette of the watch, the white gold model comes with a brilliant blue alligator-skin strap, while the pink gold model is delivered with a fuchsia-coloured alligator-skin strap. Each is secured with an 18K white gold or 18K 5N pink gold pin buckle to match the case metal; set with 62 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.33 ct), the buckle may also be interchanged to fit another strap of the owner’s choice. As with all Overseas models, the owner needs no tool to easily and quickly change the bracelet, straps or buckle at will. Echoing the Maltese Cross motif found on the bezel the bracelets are outfitted with the easy-fit system inherent to the Overseas collection since 2016, a hidden micro-adjustment that provides the wearer with flawless comfort.
Vacheron Constantin’s self-winding calibre 1088/1
Calibre 1088/1 sets the pace for the Overseas SelfWinding High Jewellery, driving the hours, minutes, central seconds and date in an aperture. The central seconds is also outfitted with a stop-seconds function, ensuring to-the-second accuracy when setting the time. The 144-component automatic movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz and is equipped with a 40-hour power reserve. Visible through the transparent sapphire crystal case back, the movement is very finely finished and features visible Côtes de Genève decoration and bevelled bridges, as well as the Overseas collection’s emblematic 22K gold rotor adorned with a compass rose.
Technical data OVERSEAS SELF-WINDING HIGH JEWELLERY
References 4617V/215G – H039 (white gold)
4617V/215R – H040 (pink gold)
Calibre 1088/1
Manufacture calibre
Mechanical, self-winding
20.8 mm (9’’’) in diameter, 3.83 mm thick
Approximately 40-hour power reserve
4 Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
144 components
24 jewels
Indications Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Case 18K white gold / 18K 5N pink gold
35 mm in diameter; 8.43 mm thick
158 diamonds (~3.31 cts): 60 baguette-cut diamonds on the bezel (~ 2.28 cts) and 98 brilliant-cutdiamonds (~1.03 ct)
Screwed down crown
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Water-resistance tested at a pressure of 5 bar (approx. 50 metres)
Dial Fully set with 314 brilliant-cut diamonds (~1.65 ct)
Hour-markers
and hands 18K white gold/18K 5N pink gold hours and minutes hands, highlighted with blue Super-Luminova®
(Vacheron Constantin is not the owner of the Super-LumiNova® trademarks. These marks are owned by a third party)
12 baguette-cut diamond hour-markers (~0.32 ct)
Bracelet 18K white gold/18K 5N pink gold
884 brilliant-cut diamonds (~6.95 cts)
Self-interchangeable system integrated
Easy-fit system
Additional straps Brilliant blue alligator (white gold), fuchsia alligator (pink gold) – White rubber
Buckle Interchangeable 18K white gold/18K 5N pink gold pin buckle
62 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.33 ct)
Total of diamonds 1,430 diamonds for a total of ~12.58 carats (minimum guaranteed)
For years, the Aquanaut has represented Patek Philippe’s contemporary spirit — modern, confident, and unmistakably relaxed. But with Reference 5260/1455R-001, that narrative shifts dramatically. This is not merely an Aquanaut elevated with gemstones. It is a Grand Complication disguised as high jewellery, quietly rewriting what the collection is capable of.
At first glance, it dazzles. Look closer, and it listens.
A New Identity for the Aquanaut
The Aquanaut Luce line has always leaned toward elegance, but this reference takes a decisive leap into haute horlogerie. For the first time, Patek Philippe integrates a minute repeater into the Aquanaut family, placing one of the manufacture’s most revered complications inside a design language.
The result is a watch that challenges convention: technically elite, visually extravagant, and conceptually unexpected.
Luxury watch dial close-up
Sapphire back showing Patek Philippe caliber R27 movement
Gem-Setting as Architecture, Not Decoration
The visual impact of the 5260/1455R-001 is immediate — yet its brilliance is far from superficial.
The 38.8 mm rose gold case, bracelet, and dial are entirely transformed through meticulous invisible-setting. Hundreds of baguette-cut sapphires in a full chromatic spectrum flow seamlessly across the bezel, caseband, dial, and bracelet, punctuated by precisely placed baguette diamonds. The stones are not applied as embellishment; they are engineered as structural elements, aligned with architectural precision.
This level of gem-setting is among the most demanding métiers in watchmaking — each stone individually cut, calibrated, and mounted without visible metal, ensuring uninterrupted color transitions and flawless symmetry.
Despite its jewellery status, the watch retains unmistakable Aquanaut geometry: rounded octagonal lines, integrated bracelet flow, and balanced proportions.
Aquanaut Luce dial with diamonds and sapphire markers
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce Rainbow Minute Repeater watch
The Sound Beneath the Sparkle
Hidden beneath this kaleidoscope is the true heart of the watch: Patek Philippe’s self-winding minute repeater calibre R 27.
Minute repeaters represent one of the highest expressions of traditional watchmaking — translating time into sound through a complex choreography of racks, snails, hammers, and gongs. In the 5260/1455R-001, this acoustic complication is activated via a discreet slide in the caseband, preserving the watch’s elegant continuity.
Through the sapphire caseback, the movement reveals classic Patek Philippe finishing: • Geneva striping • Polished bevels • Circular graining • A 22K gold micro-rotor
Every component is finished to the standards demanded by the Patek Philippe Seal, ensuring both mechanical excellence and long-term reliability.
A Dial That Redefines Legibility
Despite the density of gemstones, the dial remains remarkably legible — a testament to thoughtful design rather than excess.
Diamond paving forms the base, while multi-colored sapphire hour markers subtly guide the eye. Rose-gold hands, delicately set with gems, glide effortlessly across the surface, allowing time to remain readable without disrupting the artistic composition.
This balance between function and ornament is rare — and difficult to execute at this level.
More Than a Watch, Less Than Jewellery — Exactly Where It Should Be
The Ref. 5260/1455R-001 occupies a unique space in Patek Philippe’s universe. It is not meant to replace traditional minute repeaters, nor does it seek to compete with classical complications housed in Calatrava or Grand Complication cases.
Instead, it expands the brand’s vocabulary.
This watch speaks to collectors who understand that modern haute horlogerie is no longer confined to restraint alone. It acknowledges that complexity can be expressive, that tradition can coexist with audacity, and that technical mastery does not need to whisper to be legitimate.
Why This Watch Matters
The importance of the 5260/1455R-001 lies not only in its price or rarity, but in what it represents:
A new chapter for the Aquanaut
A rare fusion of Grand Complication and haute joaillerie
Proof that Patek Philippe can innovate without abandoning its core values
It is a reminder that the most powerful luxury watches are not always the loudest — but sometimes, they literally chime.
EyesOnTime Perspective
In a world where gem-set watches often prioritize spectacle over substance, the Patek Philippe 5260/1455R-001 does the opposite. It earns its brilliance through craftsmanship, its presence through complexity, and its relevance through courage.
This is not an Aquanaut you wear casually. This is an Aquanaut that changes the conversation.
Much like ZENITH, the Middle East moves with intention, driven by a shared belief that progress belongs to those who dare to look ahead. The DEFY Skyline Skeleton Middle East Edition is born from that spirit, capturing the region’s architectural clarity, its light, and its unmistakable energy.
Across the Middle East, innovation rises from landscapes shaped by desert horizons and dynamic skylines. It is here that ZENITH presents the DEFY Skyline Skeleton Middle East Edition, a limited edition of 100 pieces that reflects the region’s golden warmth and its continuous pursuit of modernity.
Created for a region shaped by open horizons and bold architectural lines, the DEFY Skyline Skeleton Middle East Edition reflects the interplay of light and structure that defines its identity. The 41 mm faceted steel case, framed by the signature twelve-sided bezel, catches and sculpts the light with the same precision found in the region’s bold architectural silhouettes. Beneath the surface, the golden-toned openworked dial reveals the geometric structure of the El Primero 3620 SK high-frequency automatic movement, beating at 5 Hz and displaying 1/10th of a second, a hallmark of ZENITH’s mastery of precision chronometry.
The watch’s design echoes the architectural identity of the Middle East skylines defined by clean angles, vertical ambition, and wide horizons where light shapes every contour. The dialogue between gold and steel across the star-pattern openworked dial mirrors this balance between structure and openness, creating a piece that feels both refined and resolutely contemporary.
True to the DEFY Skyline philosophy, this edition includes ZENITH’s interchangeable strap system, allowing an effortless transition between the integrated steel bracelet and an additional patterned rubber strap, crafted for comfort in every environment.
The DEFY Skyline Skeleton Middle East Edition is a limited edition of 100 pieces, available exclusively through ZENITH boutiques across the Middle East.
Zenith interchangeable strap steel bracelet
Stainless steel twelve-facet bezel close-up
DEFY SKYLINE SKELETON
Reference: 03.9304.3620/07.I001
Key points: El Primero automatic high-frequency movement. 1/10th second indicator ·
Skeleton dial with golden tone. Stainless-steel case and bracelet. Screwed-in crown. Fully interchangeable strap system. Limited edition of 100 pieces, available exclusively in the Middle East. Movement: El Primero 3620 SK Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz) Power reserve: 60 hours Functions: Hours and minutes in the centre.1/10th of a second indicator at 6 o’clock. Finishes: Special oscillating weight with satined finishings Price: 11’900 CHF Material: Stainless steel Water resistance: 10 ATM Case: 41mm Dial: Skeleton dial with a golden tone and an Indo-Arabic small seconds counter
Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1 Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with SuperLuminova SLN C1 Bracelet & Buckle: Stainless steel bracelet. 2nd bracelet black rubber with starry sky pattern. Stainless steel
folding clasp
Few watchmakers approach evolution with the mastery of A. Lange & Söhne. Each variation of the LANGE 1 family holds on to the essence of the original while introducing new layers of refinement. The LANGE 1 DAYMATIC HONEYGOLD is a perfect example of this philosophy—an automatic expression of a modern icon, newly presented in HONEYGOLD®, a warm, exclusive gold alloy reserved for the manufacture’s most exceptional pieces.
This special edition, limited to 250 watches, blends architectural dial design, mechanical sophistication, and precious materiality in a way only Lange can achieve.
A Dial Reimagined: A Mirror Image with Purpose
The LANGE 1 DAYMATIC maintains the visual balance and asymmetry that defined the original LANGE 1—yet it introduces a clever twist. The entire dial layout is reversed, offering a fresh perspective without compromising the fundamental identity of the model.
Where the traditional LANGE 1 carries a power reserve indicator, the DAYMATIC replaces it with a retrograde day-of-week display. This clean and intuitive complication sweeps across the left side of the dial, resetting back to Monday in a crisp retrograde motion at the start of a new week.
To enhance the perception of depth, the watch features for the first time a slightly recessed hour-and-minute circle, adding subtle three-dimensionality to the warm brown 925-silver dial.
HONEYGOLD®: Exclusivity in Material Form
A defining characteristic of this edition is its 750 HONEYGOLD® case—A. Lange & Söhne’s proprietary gold alloy, known for its rich, honey-like glow and heightened hardness compared to conventional 18k gold. It is reserved only for the manufacture’s most exclusive releases, ensuring rarity beyond the limited production number.
Paired with the brown dial, the honey gold case creates a harmonious, understated luxury that feels unmistakably Lange: warm, refined, and confident without excess.
An Automatic Heart: The Essence of the DAYMATIC
Unlike the manually wound LANGE 1, the DAYMATIC is defined by its self-winding movement. While the brand’s website highlights the watch as the automatic counterpart to the LANGE 1, the ethos remains the same: precision, tradition, and horological integrity.
The automatic construction gives the DAYMATIC a different daily rhythm—perfect for collectors who appreciate the LANGE 1 design philosophy but prefer the practicality of a watch that stays powered through regular wear.
Subtle Refinements, Lasting Character
A few design details elevate this edition even further:
A slender bezel emphasizes the elegance and openness of the dial
The large date display—a signature of the LANGE 1—remains prominent at 11 o’clock
Balanced sub-dials maintain legibility and harmony despite the mirrored architecture
The warm brown strap integrates naturally into the overall color palette
These refinements are subtle, yet collectively they give the DAYMATIC a unique identity within the broader LANGE 1 family.
Limited to 250 Pieces
Exclusivity is central to the appeal of the HONEYGOLD series. This LANGE 1 DAYMATIC edition is strictly limited to 250 pieces, making it not only a design milestone for the manufacture but also a collector’s opportunity that will not come again.
The combination of an iconic complication, precious proprietary gold alloy, and limited availability ensures that this model will hold a special place in the lineage of the LANGE 1.
Why the LANGE 1 DAYMATIC HONEYGOLD Matters
This release speaks to A. Lange & Söhne’s ability to evolve an icon without rewriting its identity. It represents:
A new perspective on a legendary dial layout
The debut of honey gold in the DAYMATIC line
The heritage of Glashütte craftsmanship
The practical elegance of automatic operation
A rare, collectible statement piece within the LANGE 1 family
In the world of fine watchmaking, it’s rare for a brand to push forward while holding so steadfastly to tradition. The LANGE 1 DAYMATIC HONEYGOLD achieves exactly that.
The LANGE 1 DAYMATIC HONEYGOLD is a masterclass in subtle innovation. It respects its lineage, introduces meaningful design updates, and stands out with a material exclusive to the manufacture. For collectors seeking a Lange that feels familiar yet refreshingly different, this limited edition offers a compelling, beautifully executed answer.
For the seventh of its Grand Exhibitions across the world, Patek Philippe has chosen one of its leading historic markets: Italy. From October 2 to 18 2026, the public and devotees will be able to immerse themselves in the world of the last remaining independent family-owned Genevan watch manufacture.
They will discover a decor of more than 2,500 square meters, taking them behind the scenes of Patek Philippe itself. The largest exhibition ever organized by the manufacture, this event will be accompanied by the launch of several limited editions.
As heir to a noble Genevan tradition, Patek Philippe has always placed great importance on sharing its passion for fine watchmaking, particularly by means of exhibitions. Fourteen years ago, Patek Philippe launched a new concept of Grand Exhibitions open to the public, offering free admission and encouraging closer acquaintance with its creations, heritage, philosophy and breadth of expertise. In the course of the six editions organized to date these events have increased in size and scope, welcoming a total of some 165,000 visitors. After Dubai in 2012, Munich in 2013, London in 2015, New York in 2017, Singapore in 2019 and Tokyo in 2023, Patek Philippe has chosen Milan for its seventh Grand Exhibition. Historically, Italy represents a key market for the brand – a market of connoisseurs, treasuring rare handcrafts and able to appreciate all the technical excellence and painstaking workmanship contained in a timepiece. Italian customers, born into a culture that unites respect for tradition and artisan skills with a flair for design and fashion and an avant-garde spirit, are also perfectly placed to understand the “tradition of innovation” that has guided Patek Philippe since 1839.
Current Patek Philippe collection exhibit watches close-up
Hand engraving crafts at Watch Art Grand Exhibition
An exceptional decor
Open from Friday 2 to Sunday 18 October 2026, the Patek Philippe WATCH ART grand exhibition Milan 2026 will be held, as were the previous exhibitions, in surroundings emblematic of the host city. The 2026 edition of WATCH ART will take place in the Palazzo delle Scintille, newly renamed the CityOval, at the heart of the CityLife district, Milan’s new, exclusive business and residential quarter. The last historic bastion of this new quarter, the Palazzo delle Scintille has been completely renovated as part of this zone’s urban regeneration. Beneath a dome rising to 30 meters at its highest point, the WATCH ART grand exhibition will occupy some 2540 square meters of the total 4,000 square meters of exhibition space that the CityOval represents, located at its center, Patek Philippe will offer devotees and the general public the most spectacular decor ever conceived for its Grand Exhibition. Divided into different themed areas, the exhibition will offer the visitor a total immersion in the Patek Philippe universe and the chance to discover the brand’s most renowned Geneva addresses: the historic headquarters in the Rue du Rhône, the manufacture at Plan-les-Ouates and the Patek Philippe Museum.
Watch Art Grand Exhibition display at CityOval Milan
Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition Milan 2026 signage
The entire current collection and Rare Handcrafts collection
The Patek Philippe WATCH ART grand exhibition Milan 2026 will bring together some 500 timepieces and objects illustrating a wealth of different types of expertise. In particular, visitors may admire the manufacture’s entire current collection, with its lavish choice of watch families and models for men and for women, spanning every watchmaking segment from the style icons to the most technically complex mechanisms.
A dedicated Rare Handcrafts Watch Art Grand Exhibition Milano 2026 collection (including dome table clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches with miniature painting on enamel, cloisonné enamel, hand engraving, micro wood marquetry, hand-executed guilloché work and gemsetting) will be on show, along with demonstrations by artisans before the visitor’s eyes.
The jewels of the Patek Philippe Museum
The exhibition will also present a selection of timepieces belonging to the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva and exceptionally allowed to travel for the Milan event. Those from the “Antique Collection” (sixteenth to early nineteenth century) will include some of the oldest watches in the world and numerous technical and aesthetic masterpieces illustrating the entire history of horology. The pieces from the “Patek Philippe Collection”, tracing the manufacture’s rich heritage.
Entrance to Patek Philippe Grand Exhibition Milan 2026
Patek Philippe rare watches on display Milan exhibition
An exceptional reunion of horological masterpieces
One room will present the vast collection of movements designed and built entirely by Patek Philippe, with a new area devoted to the steps involved in producing the parts and another dedicated to research and development. A large place will be reserved for the complicated watches, one of the manufacture’s strongholds and a space entitled “Master of Sound” showcasing the striking watches, including the most complex of all, the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime with 20 complications, and the Sky Moon Tourbillon. Visitors will also have the chance to meet Patek Philippe master watchmakers, who will carry out demonstrations on a variety of movements.
A fine array of limited editions
Similarly to its predecessors, the grand exhibition WATCH ART Milan will be accompanied by the launch of various limited editions in every segment of the Patek Philippe collection.
Favre Leuba introduces two new interpretations of the Deep Raider Renaissance series, spotlighting distinctive natural materials: the Deep Raider Renaissance Meteorite and the
Deep Raider Renaissance Malachite.
These editions mark the first time in the brand’s 288-year history that stone dials have been
used, bringing meteorite and malachite into the collection as expressive and technically
demanding elements. While both models draw aesthetic inspiration from the 1964 Deep
Blue, the Renaissance collection embraces the modern design language established in
2024. Together, these uncommon materials bring visual complexity and material storytelling
into one of the maison’s hallmark collections.
Stainless steel Deep Raider Renaissance timepiece dial
Super-LumiNova indices on meteorite dial
Deep Raider Renaissance Meteorite: A Dial Formed Beyond Earth
The meteorite version brings a new material into Favre Leuba’s history: Muonionalusta iron
meteorite from northern Sweden. Composed of iron and nickel, with kamacite and taenite, it
displays the distinctive Widmanstätten pattern formed over millions of years and revealed
through precise slicing and acid treatment.
Preparing a meteorite for watchmaking is delicate work. Each sample is assessed for
stability before being cut into thin sections, as its high iron content can make it brittle.
Craftsmen carefully finish each plate to preserve its extraterrestrial texture while ensuring
durability. Adding to its complexity, the watch features a two-part sandwich dial. A perforated
top layer sits above a base plate coated in Super-Luminova, allowing light to pour through
the cut-out indexes and creating bright, highly legible hour markers.
Each Deep Raider Renaissance Meteorite timepiece comes with a certificate of authenticity
to ensure that the meteorite used in the timepiece is ethically sourced. No two dials look
alike.
Stainless steel Deep Raider Renaissance timepiece dial
Green malachite dial close-up texture
Deep Raider Renaissance Malachite: Natural Patterns With Technical Discipline
The malachite edition highlights the brand’s focus on specialty materials and careful
finishing. The dial is crafted from genuine malachite, a semi-precious mineral known for its
vivid green tones and flowing, concentric patterns. Because every slice of this mineral forms
in irregular layers, each dial carries a one-of-a-kind visual identity. Working with malachite
requires careful handling due to its softness and natural veins.
Favre Leuba selects only stable, visually appealing sections of stone before passing them to
artisans who cut the material into thin plates, reinforce it where necessary, and polish it at
low temperatures to maintain its structural integrity. No two dials look alike.
Engineering The Icon: Craft, Performance & Precision
Both editions share the technical framework of the Deep Raider Renaissance. They adopt a
40 mm stainless-steel case with 300-meter water resistance, a ceramic unidirectional-
rotating bezel, and a sapphire crystal. Inside, the automatic FLD02 movement delivers a 68-
hour power reserve and can be viewed through a transparent caseback. Decorative
elements such as Côtes de Genève finishing, blued screws, and a skeletonized 4N-toned
rotor engraved with the Favre Leuba emblem underscore the attention given to mechanical
design.
With the Malachite and Meteorite models, Favre Leuba continues developing a longstanding
design lineage while exploring dial materials that connect terrestrial geological formations
and cosmic origins.
Deep Raider Renaissance Malachite: Technical Specifications
Case: Stainless steel with a unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel with lume dot insert at 12
o’clock, water-resistant to 30 ATM, double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective
coating, sapphire crystal caseback, and screw-in crown with embossed monogram.
Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 12.69mm
Movement: FLD02, self-winding with a 68-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency,
24 jewels, Côtes de Genéve, blued screws, perlage, Soleillè, Diamanté and Cerclé
Functions: Unidirectional Diving Bezel, date window
Dial: Each dial is carved from genuine malachite, a semi-precious mineral known for its vivid
green tones and flowing, concentric patterns. No two dials look alike.
Strap/Bracelet: Available in both integrated three-link steel bracelet with brushed and
polished finishes secured with a butterfly clasp with engraved logo and a FKM Rubber strap
secured with a pin buckle with logo
Price: Rs 2,99,000 (Bracelet)
Rs 2,89,000 (Strap)
Deep Raider Renaissance Meteorite: Technical Specifications
Case: Stainless steel with a unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel with lume dot insert at 12
o’clock, water-resistant to 30 ATM, double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective
coating, sapphire crystal caseback, and screw-in crown with embossed monogram.
Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 12.69mm
Movement: FLD02, self-winding with a 68-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency,
24 jewels, Côtes de Genéve, blued screws, perlage, Soleillè, Diamanté and Cerclé
Functions: Unidirectional Diving Bezel, date window
Dial: Made of Iron meteorites, composed mainly of iron and nickel, containing the metallic
phases kamacite and taenite. The fragment used in this watch originates from Sweden and
reveals its crystalline pattern through precise slicing, lapping and acid treatment. Features a
two-part sandwich dial. It consists of a top layer, with perforated indexes, positioned over a
base layer coated with Super-Luminova, resulting in bright, luminous hour markers. No two
dials look alike.
Strap/Bracelet: Available in both integrated three-link steel bracelet with brushed and
polished finishes secured with a butterfly clasp with engraved logo and a FKM Rubber strap
secured with a pin buckle with logo
Price: Rs 3,49,000 (Bracelet)
Rs 3,39,000 (Strap)
Both the Deep Raider Renaissance Malachite and Meteorite will be available exclusively at Ethos in India from early December.
Following the success of the ‘JURASSIC WATCH ’ editions, AWAKE unveils ‘THE DEADLY WATCH’, the second opus of the ‘A Tribute To The Seventh Art project, which consists of a long-term artistic tribute, through the Métiers d’Art, to the cult films that marked our youth and will always resonate in our adolescent hearts.
‘THE DEADLY WATCH’ is limited to 88 pieces and draws inspiration from the graphic and aesthetic codes of one of Quentin Tarantino’s most iconic films, released in 2003: KILL BILL Vol. 1.
Key points of ‘THE DEADLY WATCH’
– Opus N°2 of the ‘Tribute to 7th Art’ project:‘THE DEADLY WATCH’pays tribute, through Métiers d’Art, to Quentin Tarantino’s graphic and aesthetic masterpiece, released in 2003: KILL BILL. A limited edition full of details, perfectly in tune with Awake’s creative and unbridled spirit, revisiting this masterpiece of the Seventh Art – €1,650 excluding tax.
– Only 88 ‘crazy’ pieces: which will soon adorn the wrists of watch and film enthusiasts around the world, for whom wearing a watch is a true statement of style and personality. 88 pieces as a nod to the hysterical Yakuza of ‘Crazy 88’ and one of the most iconic fight scenes in modern cinema.
– Unique handcrafted dials: taking inspiration from the graphic and aesthetic codes of the cult film, master lacquer artists have created new colors exclusive to this special edition. Using the ancestral techniques of Vietnamese Sơn Mài lacquer, the dials offer unique brilliance and hues thanks to multiple layers of lacquer and natural pigments. This work combines precision and creativity, is entirely handmade, and requires around ten hours per dial.
– A compendium of details for enthusiasts:from the name of this edition itself, to the colors of the dial, leathers for the strap, Katanas applied at 6 o’clock and engravings on the case back: everything in this ‘THE DEADLY WATCH’ edition has been designed and crafted to satisfy the thirst for detail of both watch and film enthusiasts.
– AWAKE luminous signature:Based on a complex and exclusive construction of hour markers and hands coated with Super-LumiNova® BGW9, this limited edition offers a subtle play of light and dark that magnifies the brilliance and reflections of the lacquer, transforming the space between the sapphire crystal and the dial into a veritable chamber of light reflection.
– Handcrafted bracelets:inspired by the famous leather outfit worn by Beatrix Kiddo, the heroine played by actress Uma Thurman.
– Reliability and Accuracy: ‘THE DEADLY WATCH’ is equipped with our automatic La Joux-Perret G101 calibre offering 68 hours of power reserve and standing out thanks to its tungsten rotor, custom-designed for AWAKE. The whole is elegantly encircled by a polished and micro blasted ring, engraved with multiple symbols and nods to Quentin Tarantino’s cult film.
Red splatter on lacquer dial close-up
THE GOLDEN TICKET
2 of the 88 future owners of a ‘THE DEADLY WATCH’will be drawn at random and win an exact replica of the legendary Japanese sword from ‘The Bride’. Forged, in the film, by Master Hattori Hanzo in his Okinawa forge, this katana embodies the purity of traditional craftsmanship and the relentless determination of its user !
Starting point:
Since the brand was created in 2019, art and cinema have always been at the heart of our approach and are part of a constant desire to push the boundaries of creativity. The brand’s positioning in the fascinating world of Métiers d’Art takes AWAKE’s vision to a whole new level: that of traditions and craft techniques that elevate the craftsman to the rank of artist, part of a cultural heritage whose beauty and poetry we want to pass on.
AWAKE’s ambition is to be a bold and contemporary new approach to exceptional craftsmanship, reinterpreting ancestral techniques to draw out their essence in the service of creativity. For the second time and after the ‘JURASSIC WATCH ’, we put the expertise of our artisans at the service of the 7th Art, to pay tribute to movies that shaped our childhood, marked our adolescence and nourished our imagination and creativity!
Reminiscence, you’ve got us.. again !
‘THE DEADLY WATCH’ is a collaborative project, peppered with references, bringing together craftsmen and technicians to offer you an artistic and horological interpretation of a film that left its mark on millions of viewers in the 2000s. This highly exclusive edition is inspired by the multiple film genres that KILL BILL explores – kung fu movies, gore, epic films, spaghetti westerns and anime – and appeals to both the watch enthusiast and the film fan in us, allowing us to delve into the past and stir our nostalgia!
Our master lacquerers made countless attempts to mix pigments and reinterpret, within the tiny space of our dials, the graphic and aesthetic codes of Q.Tarantino’s cult film, this edition pays tribute to. An exclusive and, it must be said, a bit crazy edition to celebrate in our own way a masterpiece of cinema that tackles themes of revenge and personal justice, betrayal and loyalty, power and female autonomy, ethics and morality.
‘THE DEADLY WATCH’ in detail:
The name of this limited edition ‘THE DEADLY WATCH’ is a first nod to the team of assassins working for the cruel Bill, who is relentlessly pursued by the heroine Beatrix Kiddo: The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad! A ‘deadly’ name for a truly badass watch that features a dial crafted entirely by hand in our Hanoi workshops, using traditional Vietnamese Sơn Mài lacquer techniques. Its unique colors, inspired by the aesthetic codes of the film KILL BILL and the world of Q.Tarantino in general are obtained from organic materials and create an intense ensemble with striking reflections and powerful symbolism:
– Yellow: is associated here with happiness, energy and purity of the soul. All these things were torn away from the heroine Beatrix Kiddo, plunging her into a blind quest for vengeance.
– Red: is associated with danger, anger, revenge, the heroine’s extreme passions, whether love or hate, and of course blood. Our master lacquerers came to smear the dial by hand with small splashes of blood using red pigmented lacquer.
– Black: on the dial’s outer rim refers to the overall atmosphere of the film, the smell of gunpowder lingering in the air after the initial shootout, the absence of light in Beatrix Kiddo’s heart, and the mystery surrounding her character, also known as ‘Black Mamba’.
– The AWAKE logo is stamped in black pad printing to contrast with the yellow of the dial, and uses a ‘Western’ font, a recurring feature in Tarantino’s works and inspired by a genre dear to the American director: the ‘spaghetti western’.
– at 6 o’clock: another applique, also in pad printing, refers to the two iconic katanas used by Bill and « The Bride » and takes us back to the cult scene in the Okinawa forge, where Hattori Hanzo agrees to come out of retirement to forge a blade ‘destined to kill Bill’, embodying the purity of traditional craftsmanship and the relentless determination of its user.
A case back full of details:
‘THE DEADLY WATCH’ is equipped with our La Joux-Perret G101 automatic calibre, a guarantee of excellence and performance offering 68 hours of power reserve, distinguished by its tungsten rotor featuring elegant contrasts between recessed and raised surfaces, and refined finishing techniques. The whole is encircled by a ring with polished and micro-bead-blasted finishes and engraved with multiple details that will delight both watch enthusiasts and film lovers :
– The name of this edition ‘THE DEADLY WATCH’ as well as the brand’s motto ‘Artisanship, Awakened’ are engraved at 12 and 6 o’clock respectively, in a ‘Western Spaghetti’ font, inspired by a genre dear to Q. Tarantino and omnipresent in his cinematography, echoing the logo on the dial.
– The quotation “I’m gonna kill Bill” borrowed from the strong and independent heroine Beatrix Kiddo, who is betrayed and left for dead, then embarks on a quest for vengeance to regain control of her life, is subtly engraved at 9 o’clock.
– The numbering of this edition: for even more fun, we have chosen to number 88 copies and precede the number with the word ‘Crazy’! A playful nod to the ‘Crazy 88’ wearing black masks and black suits typical of the Yakuza.
– Finally, we also engraved four M16 bullets, recalling the film’s opening shootout in a small chapel lost in the middle of the desert. Only ‘The Bride’ survives her injuries and has only one goal: to take revenge !
Handmade straps inspired by The Bride’s outfit :
Handcrafted by master saddlers at Bouveret in Franche-Comté, France, the straps used on ‘THE DEADLY WATCH’ are inspired by the famous yellow and black leather outfit worn by the heroine Beatrix Kiddo, itself inspired by Bruce Lee’s cult films, dear to Q. Tarantino. For the sake of realism, we have selected a supple, durable, fine-grained matte black Barenia calfskin leather and paired it with a yellow calfskin lining – yellow topstitching on the top and red on the bottom. Each strap requires 60 steps to ensure comfort and durability. Equipped with ‘presto’ pumps and mounted on our hollow pin buckle made from recycled 316L steel. Dimensions: 115×70 or 115×80 / 20x16mm.
GOLDEN TICKET:
In KILL BILL, Quentin Tarantino pays tribute to Japanese sword cinema by featuring a katana forged by the legendary Hattori Hanzo. This sword, wielded by the heroine, becomes the symbol of her quest for vengeance. To prolong the pleasure of this limited edition and play the nostalgia card to the full, two of the 88 owners of a copy of ‘THE DEADLY WATCH’will be randomly selected and will win an exact replica of the legendary Japanese sword from ‘The Bride’: Maru 1045 sharpened & engraved steel blade – Sharkskin & black synthetic leather handle – Laser-cut, blackened metal guard – Lacquered and gilded wooden scabbard.
Thickness: 11.80mm including glass / 10.90mm excluding glass.
Water resistance: 5 ATM (50m).
Métier d’Art dials: using traditional Vietnamese Sơn Mài lacquer techniques and inspired by the graphic codes of the film KILL BILL, the dials offer unique brilliance and colors thanks to multiple layers of lacquer and natural pigments.
Indexes and hands: exclusive AWAKE construction with Super-LumiNova® BGW9.
Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
Case back: Screw-down case back, sapphire crystal.
Movement: La Joux-Perret G101 automatic. Power reserve: 68 hours.
Decorations: Personalized tungsten rotor with alternating brushed, micro-blasted and polished finishes, and embossed lettering. Laser-engraved bezel ring featuring the name of this edition, motifs and a quote from the film, as well as the limited edition number.
Straps: Handcrafted in matte black Barenia calfskin lined with yellow calfskin – yellow and red topstitching – 115x70mm or 115x80mm / 20x16mm – 316L recycled steel pin buckle.
One of the brand’s most striking creations, the Chroma editions embody ZENITH’s technical mastery and daring avant-garde spirit, seamlessly combining high-frequency chronometry with vibrant, expressive design. Following the resounding success of the 2022 DEFY 21 Chroma in white ceramic and the 2023 Chroma II editions in white and black ceramic, this bold fusion of cutting-edge engineering and artistic vision now returns in two new DEFY Extreme limited editions.
Beyond its remarkable technical prowess, the DEFY Extreme collection has always served as a platform for creativity and bold design expression. With the Chroma limited editions, the innovative ZENITH 1/100th of a second chronograph demonstrates how colour can be explored without limits, even on the world’s most advanced high-frequency chronograph.
Zenith Defy Extreme Chroma white edition titanium watch
Titanium case and black ceramic bezel detail
The two ZENITH DEFY Extreme Chroma editions combine titanium and ceramic, accentuated by a distinctive spectrum of colours. Their angular 45mm case comes either in microblasted titanium or in brushed and polished titanium, while the dodecagonal bezel, pusher protectors and crown are crafted in black micro-blasted titanium or white ceramic. The interplay of materials and finishes accentuates the DEFY Extreme’s architectural geometry, reinforcing its bold and dynamic character. Engineered for performance, it offers water resistance up to 20 ATM, making it ready for the most demanding conditions.
Inside the DEFY Extreme Chroma beats a unique version of the automatic El Primero 9004 calibre, whose bridges are PVD-coated in a spectrum of colours. This mechanical rainbow is partially revealed through the openworked black or white dial, where the markers and printings mirror the movement’s chromatic palette in a seamless gradient. Each movement displays its own distinctive colour composition. This vivid spectrum also extends to the tips of the subsidiary dial hands – for the chronograph hours and minutes at 9 and 3 o’clock, the chronograph power reserve at 12 o’clock, and the small seconds at 6 o’clock. On the reverse side, the polychrome theme continues with ZENITH’s signature star-shaped rotor, rendered in a striking blue hue for the black edition and electric green for the white edition.
From a technical standpoint, the El Primero 9004 sets itself apart through its ability to measure elapsed times to 1/100th of a second – a remarkable achievement made possible by two independent escapement systems, each with its own barrel and regulator. The first beats at 5 Hz (36,000 vph) to ensure precise timekeeping, while the second operates at an astonishing 50 Hz (360,000 vph) to drive the chronograph. The central chronograph seconds hand completes one full rotation of the dial every second, allowing readings of elapsed time accurate to 1/100th of a second.
Like all DEFY Extreme models, the Chroma editions feature a quick-change strap system, easily operated via push buttons on the back of the case. For enhanced versatility, each watch comes with three strap options: a black or white embossed rubber strap with folding buckle, a titanium bracelet with matching finishes, and a black Velcro strap.
The DEFY Extreme Chroma is released in two limited editions of 100 pieces each, available at ZENITH boutiques, online, and through authorized retailers worldwide.
DEFY EXTREME
Reference: 97.9113.9004/33.I200
Key points: 1/100th of a second chronograph movement. Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second for the chronograph hand. Screwed-in crown. Sapphire dial. Black rubber and additional titanium bracelet and Velcro strap. Fully interchangeable strap system. Movement: El Primero 9004 Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz) Power reserve: 50 hours Functions: 1 escapement for the watch (36,000 VpH – 5 Hz)
1 escapement for the chronograph (360,000 VpH – 50 Hz) Finishes: “Rainbow” PVD-coated bridges and special blue colored oscillating weight with satined finishings Price: 19’900 CHF / 21’600 Euros / 20’600 USD Material: Microblasted titanium Water resistance: 20 ATM Case: 45mm / Thickness : 15.4 mm / Lug to lug : 51 mm Dial: Black openworked Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with “Rainbow” varnish. Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with colored varnish. Bracelet & Buckle: Black rubber with folding clasp, additional titanium bracelet and black Velcro strap.
DEFY EXTREME
Reference: 95.9114.9004/69.I203
Key points: 1/100th of a second chronograph movement. Exclusive dynamic signature of one rotation per second for the chronograph hand. Screwed-in crown. Sapphire dial. White rubber and additional titanium bracelets and Velcro strap.. Fully interchangeable strap system. Movement: El Primero 9004 Frequency: 36,000 VpH (5 Hz) Power reserve: 50 hours Functions: 1 escapement for the watch (36,000 VpH – 5 Hz)
1 escapement for the chronograph (360,000 VpH – 50 Hz) Finishes: “Rainbow” PVD-coated bridges and special green colored oscillating weight with satined finishings Price: 19’900 CHF / 21’600 Euros / 20’600 USD Material: Titanium and white ceramic Water resistance: 20 ATM Case: 45mm / Thickness : 15.4 mm / Lug to lug : 51 mm Dial: White openworked Hour markers: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with “Rainbow” varnish. Hands: Rhodium-plated, faceted and coated with colored varnish. Bracelet & Buckle: White rubber with folding clasp, additional titanium bracelet and black Velcro strap
Underlining the timeless appeal of classical design, Jaeger-LeCoultre presents the Master Control Classic, inspired by a 1995 Master Control reference, in a limited edition of 500 pieces.
Set in a 36mm steel case – just two millimetres larger than its historic predecessor – the Master Control Classic is faithful to the original in every aesthetic detail, exuding vintage appeal with its cool, silvery-white colour palette and minimalistic design. The steel case is complemented by a classic silver-coloured sunray dial, with elongated triangular indexes and luminescent dots marking the hours, along with Dauphine hands.
The blued central seconds hand provides a subtle touch of colour. Fastened with a pin buckle, the warm brown ostrich strap, accented with lighter stitching, enhances the vintage appeal of the Master Control Classic.
Blued central seconds hand close-up
Silver sunray dial with Dauphine hands detail
While aesthetically faithful to the historic reference, the Master Control Classic is fitted with the latest version of the self-winding Calibre 899. A Jaeger-LeCoultre mainstay since its introduction almost two decades ago, Calibre 899 has been repeatedly updated to incorporate the latest performance-enhancing technology and today offers a power reserve of 70 hours.
The caseback bears the emblem that set the early Master Control models apart, a mark of their ‘1000-hour Control’ certification, and takes inspiration from the original medallion design of the 1990s. Behind this emblem lies a proprietary protocol, a stringent test of the fully cased watch – not just its movement – which established a new standard of precision when introduced in 1992 and has continually evolved alongside technological advances.
In paying homage to an historic model introduced 30 years ago, the limited-edition Master Control Classic celebrates the enduring appeal of elegant simplicity and classical design codes.
KEY FACTS:
Inspired by a historic reference: capturing classical proportions and restrained aesthetics in a 36mm steel case
Manufacture mainstay: showcasing the latest version of Calibre 899 with a 70-hour power reserve
Limited edition: celebrating the collection’s heritage with a caseback bearing the emblem of the earliest Master Control models, attesting to their ‘1000-hour Control’ certification and recalling the original medallion design of the 1990s
