Results for Saint-Imier

Sound Investments: The Genius of Patek Philippe Minute Repeaters 2.

When it comes to debate on whether Patek Philippe reigns supreme in the study and creation of minute repeaters, even critics fall silent. Discover why here.

Sound Investments: The Genius of Patek Philippe Minute Repeaters 1.

Patek Philippe minute repeaters are representative of the Genevan watchmaker's prowess in micro-mechanical engineering and art, this is how it happened.

Longines Introduces the Ultra-Chron High-Beat Diver

Historically a prominent participant – and winner – at observatory chronometer trials, Longines once had a stable of extra-precise, high-frequency movements, though the calibres have been long discontinued as were the chronometer competitions. Several decades later the watchmaker from Saint Imier pays homage to that history by reviving the Ultra-Chron, which is based on its namesake 1968 original but with a newly-developed high-beat movement contained within vintage-inspired, cushion-shaped case matched with a similarly retro steel bracelet. Initial thoughts The vintage Ultra-Chron is a good basis for a remake as it avoids being yet another vintage-inspired diver with a round case. While the design isn’t new, the cushion case distinguishes it from the competition, offering enthusiasts something less common. Personally, I like the functional, 1970s style of the Ultra-Chron; the red accents lend the watch the feel of an instrument. But going by how Longines has expanded the palette of the Legend Diver, additional, modern colours for the Ultra-Chron are a possibility (and a certainty if it sells well). But the new Ultra-Chron is notable not just for its style. Though the Longines catalogue has an impressive tally of historical remakes, all of its Heritage models to date contain standard movements identical to those found in the brand’s other models. The Ultra-Chron, on the other hand, stands out for the high-beat calibre that was developed specially for it (though t...

In-Depth: The Longines Observatory Chronometer Cal. 360

In the field of precision timekeeping, one inevitably encounters Longines with its multi-facetted and remarkably rich history. The unwavering persistence of the firm’s celebrated régleurs and its long lineage of in-house chronometer calibres fostered Longines’ reputation for excellence in precision timekeeping, far beyond the borders of Switzerland. The Saint Imier-based manufacturer ventured into precision chronometry as early as 1888, amidst the dawn of observatory chronometer competitions in Switzerland, when its cal. 21.59/60-based chronometer obtained an observatory-issued Bulletin de Marche, or rate certificate. And after almost a century of steadfast participation in prestigious chronometry trials, the last Longines timepiece subject to observatory-governed testing, a cal. 262 based chronograph (movement no. 14’701’394), received its certificate in 1972. The Neuchâtel observatory announced its first chronometer contest on December 5, 1865. Eight decades later this Longines advertisement portrayed the observatory chronometer contests as an uphill battle, referencing the record of N=5.00 obtained by the wristwatch-sized cal. 15.68Z in 1945 at Neuchâtel. Towards the end of the 1950s, a pure-bred competition calibre named the cal. 360 became Longines’ final masterpiece in the hard-fought race for glory in precision. A proven workhorse that won countless prizes and accolades at both the Neuchâtel and Geneva observatory competitions, the cal. 360 was a pu...

VIDEO: Longines and ski timekeeping, a match made in the mountains a very long time ago…

When you visit the heart and home of Longines, at Saint Imier in the Switzerland’s Jura valley, the brand’s link with skiing is immediately demystified. This is a skiers paradise, and in the early days of the sport’s timekeeping in the 1920s, the Longines watchmakers would not have had to travel far to test their latest … ContinuedThe post VIDEO: Longines and ski timekeeping, a match made in the mountains a very long time ago… appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

VIDEO: The 3 Longines watches that had people talking at Baselworld 2017

It’s Longines’ 185th anniversary this year, as you might have seen so it’s no surprise that the key heritage pieces were very strong at Baselworld. As we’d hoped, the new Lindbergh Hour Angle model – which I developed strong feelings for after a visit to the Longines headquarters in Saint Imier earlier this year – did … ContinuedThe post VIDEO: The 3 Longines watches that had people talking at Baselworld 2017 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

First Look – The New Cimier 47° North Collection, a Fun and Accessible Field Watch

Like so many brands, Cimier faced challenges during the quartz revolution but re-emerged in 2003. Celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2024, the brand launched the 711 Heritage Chronograph, and the recent colourful POP editions reintroduced the name to a new audience, offering affordable, well-built mechanical watches. In 2025, Cimier builds on that momentum with the […]

First Look – The Bright and Colourful New Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph POP Collection

Presented in 2024, the Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph is a modern reinterpretation of one of the brand’s 1960’s models, the Faux Chronographe, a simplified and affordable take on the chronograph watch. Produced in large quantities, it allowed users to measure short time intervals by initiating and halting the independent central seconds hand. If the modern […]

First Look – A New Closed Salmon Dial For The Bovet Dimier Récital 15

In Bovet’s cosmos of extravagant complications, dramatic staging and lavish decorative flourishes, the new Dimier Récital 15 looks positively demure. Unlike earlier editions produced by Bovet since its release in 2014, the mechanisms powering the jumping hours, retrograde minutes and double-second complications are not revealed on the dial, which is now interpreted in a lovely […]

Improving upon history with the Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph

The Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph is a great example of a brand embracing its past but knowing where to look forward.The post Improving upon history with the Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Hands-On With The Chunky But Funky Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph

You may have never heard of Cimier, but in the early 1970s, the brand produced over 1.5 million watches annually. Unfortunately, despite developing a quartz movement, Cimier struggled during the Quartz Crisis. Eventually, the company reopened its doors in 2003 after mechanical watches had become “cool” (again), opened the Watch Academy in 2010, and started […] Visit Hands-On With The Chunky But Funky Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph to read the full article.

Is the Bovet Dimier Récital 27 a world timer, GMT, or better than both?

Buffy figures out whether the Bovet Récital 27 is the ultimate high-end travel watch.The post Is the Bovet Dimier Récital 27 a world timer, GMT, or better than both? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

First Look – The Cool Vintage-Inspired Cimier 711 Heritage Chronograph

The origins of Cimier can be traced back to 1924 when Joseph Lapanouse founded his watch company in Holstein, near Basel. A few years later, watches began to be sold under the name Cimier. Among these, the Faux Chronographe, a simplified and affordable take on the chronograph watch, emerged as a huge commercial success. The […]

The Oris ProPilot X Calibre 400 Laser uses biomimicry instead of paint

Oris has been experimenting with their dials, and have cooked up something really special.The post The Oris ProPilot X Calibre 400 Laser uses biomimicry instead of paint appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

From podium to pandemonium – Carlos Sainz chases down $500,000 Richard Mille thief

After delivering one of the drives of his career and scoring a podium in front of the Tifosi, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz found himself in a highly uncomfortable situation just hours after the podium celebrations. With the perpetrators reportedly posing as fans waiting for a signature upon his arrival to the Armani Hotel, the three … ContinuedThe post From podium to pandemonium – Carlos Sainz chases down $500,000 Richard Mille thief appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Hey, HODINKEE!: Arabic Numerals, Pop Culture Collabs, Requiem For The Pocket Watch, And Why You Can Paint A Car But You Can't Paint A Dial

So many pockets, so few pocket watches.

Review: Bovet Dimier Récital 29 – Balancing Luxury and Restraint

We bring you the low-down and our honest thoughts on the Bovet Dimier Récital 29, the first of the series to have a stainless steel case.

Bovet Introduces the 19Thirty Dimier UAE Edition

The largest watch retailer in the Middle East, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. A family-owned business since its founding, Seddiqi is marking the occasion with several limited-edition watches, including the Bovet 19Thirty Dimier UAE Edition. Based on the 19Thirty Dimier, a time-only wristwatch with a long, seven-day power reserve, the UAE Edition is dressed in a striking combination of black and yellow, with its most distinctive feature being an unusual take on the “California” dial. Instead of the usual Roman and Arabic numeral combination, its dial combines Hindu and Arabic numerals, in a nod to the culture of the region. Initial thoughts Typically a classical-looking watch, the 19Thirty Dimier is very different in the UAE Edition. Recalling racing chronographs, the yellow and black livery is sporty, which works well with the simplified dial that removes some of the elements found on the standard version. The simpler dial design is appealing, although the white print on the base plate feels out of place against all that yellow; a consistent black-and-yellow theme throughout would have been a bit more pleasing. Despite the bright colours, the 19Thirty Dimier is an elegantly-proportioned watch, with a fairly large case but one under 10 mm high. And it is powered by an in-house movement, which like all of Bovet’s movements, is well executed and technically interesting. The cal. 15BM04 inside is simple in function – it has only t...

Bring a Loupe: A Paint-Splattered Submariner, A Beautiful Omega Chronomètre, And An 'RCO' Paul Newman Daytona

Our weekly look at vintage watches from around the web.

Why it’s so challenging to paint a Franck Muller dial

Editor’s note: Franck Muller are known for their incredibly complex movements, wonderfully curved case designs, and brightly coloured dials. But did you know that each Franck Muller dial is hand-painted? That’s right, there is a dedicated dial painter with a very steady hand, who is responsible for adding that characteristic splash of colour to the … ContinuedThe post Why it’s so challenging to paint a Franck Muller dial appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

VIDEO: Not for the faint-hearted – Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang Sapphire Rainbow

If anyone was ever to charge me with a unreasonable love of extravagant, gem-set statement watches, the evidence would be easy to find, and damning (Your Honour, I would point to evidence here, here and here, the prosecutor might say). And if I were to continue using the courtroom metaphor, and was allowed to call … ContinuedThe post VIDEO: Not for the faint-hearted – Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang Sapphire Rainbow appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Paint It Black

Santos Dumont; ‘Paint It Black’ !

Last January Cartier released the Santos Dumont Skeleton in Pink gold, which is a really sweet watch, but in 2011 the more edgy Santos Dumont Skeleton, was also presented, in a totally black case, with a black alligator strap. As someone that really likes black watches, this model kept me awake for quite some time. […]

Flying Six IWC Pilot’s Watch Le Petit Prince 20th-Anniversary Editions

To mark two decades of collaboration with the estate of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, IWC introduces five Pilot’s Watch models in the Le Petit Prince collection, available in 5N gold and steel. The collection spans multiple case sizes and complications, ranging from 36mm to 43mm, and includes both time-only and chronograph executions. The sixth novelty in […] Visit Flying Six IWC Pilot’s Watch Le Petit Prince 20th-Anniversary Editions to read the full article.

First Look – The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Le Petit Prince, Now in White Ceramic

The Le Petit Prince editions have long been easy to spot within IWC’s Pilot’s Watch lineup; just look for the deep blue dial inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s famous novella. With the new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Le Petit Prince unveiled at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, the brand gives this familiar formula a new […]

Introducing – The Platinum Edition of the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Tourbillon Le Petit Prince

IWC forged a fruitful partnership with the heirs of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in 2006, the famous French author of Le Petit Prince, who was also a pilot and adventurer. The first Big Pilot’s Watch to seal the relationship appeared in 2013, setting the flight path for the Le Petit Prince sub-collection with retro styling and […]

Introducing – The Blue Ceramic IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Le Petit Prince

More than 80 years after its initial release, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s novel Le Petit Prince or The Little Prince remains as popular as ever. As one of the most active brands in the field of pilot’s watches, and knowing Saint-Exupéry’s career as an aviator, IWC has long partnered with The Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation […]

Artisanal Humour in the Hermès Slim d’Hermès Flagship

A clever play on words, the Slim d’Hermès Flagship features a hand-painted dial depicting the flagship Hermès store in Paris as a sailing ship. Executed with a gold appliqué and miniature painting on an aventurine-glass dial, the “flagship” transforms the famous store at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré into the hull of the ship with sails billowing above it. As is often the case with Hermès’ métiers d’art watches, the dial is based on a scarf bearing the same motif designed by Dimitri Rybaltchenko, an artist based in Paris who’s a longtime designer for Hermès. Initial thoughts Both the motif and presentation of the Flagship encapsulate what Hermès does well. It’s typical Hermès – whimsical, elegant, and finely executed. And it’s not just about aesthetics: the depth and detail of the dial decoration is outstanding. Beyond the dial decor, the Flagship also incorporates subtle touches that reflect an attention to detail, like the spinning star disc on the dial and the slightly retro yellow gold case. Slim and witty An aventurine glass base serves as the base for the dial decoration. The store building is a solid gold appliqué that’s hand-engraved with a burin to fill out the fine details of the structure. It’s then painted by hand to add colour to the windows and “Hermes” logo. The rest of the dial, including the sails and starry sky, is done in miniature painting, specifically acrylic paint applied by hand and then baked in an oven to set...

Introducing – Travel Around the World in Eight Days with a Set of Eight Timepieces by Louis Moinet

Creativity lies at the core of Louis Moinet, evident in every timepiece released by the brand since its inception in 2004. Drawing inspiration from various sources, including space-age exploration and Jules Verne’s imaginative Voyages Extraordinaires, the team at Atelier Louis Moinet in Saint-Blaise has continually thrilled enthusiasts with emotionally evocative and artistically crafted horological wonders. […]

Review: Hermès’ Super Hero “Super H” in Miniature Painting

Capturing the spirit of Hermès well with its whimsical yet artisanal dial, the Slim d’Hermès Minuit au Faubourg features a miniature painting depicting “Super H”, a caped superhero over the streets of Paris with the Eiffel Tower visible in the background. Because it is Hermès, the superhero is a horse and the location is 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the brand’s original store. Like many of Hermès métiers d’art creations, the dial is inspired by a scarf. Here the motif is replicated in “micro-painting”, sometimes known as “cold enamel”, a technique that employs acrylic paint, much like larger-scale artwork. Initial thoughts Despite being one of the most desirable luxury brands – its shares trade at a higher valuation than any of peers – Hermès maintains a whimsical streak that is evident in many of its creations, including last year’s Space Derby depicting jockeys racing robot horses across the stars. The prices are serious and quality, high, but some products possess a subtle humour. The Minuit au Faubourg, which translates as “midnight at Faubourg”, is exactly that. A superhero horse with a luminous “H” signal in the night sky – there are few other brands that can credibly pull off something similar. This is a testament to the careful curation of the Hermès brand. But despite the comic book theme, the dial is executed entirely by hand. Although miniature painting in acrylic doesn’t have the cachet of enamel, indeed it is typ...