Proud to be the world’s number one luxury watchmaker, Montres Breguet has quickly ascended to that position after being acquired by the Swatch Group in 1999.

Breguet features its “Breguet the Innovator. Inventor of the Tourbillon” watch exhibit with the second stop in their U.S. tour – at the Tourbillon Boutique in Chicago.

The luxury watch exhibit features a fascinating retrospective of the most iconic mechanism ever created in modern watchmaking. The highly anticipated showcase has traveled across both Europe and Asia first opening in Geneva earlier this year.

Offering the most expansive contemporary collection of tourbillon wristwatches plus rare historic pocket watches, the Breguet watch exhibition presented a unique look into the brand’s horological legacy and it’s contributions to the future of watchmaking.

Today, the luxury watch brand continues to pay tribute to its founder and the innovation that changed timekeeping forever. “Breguet, the Innovator. Inventor of the Tourbillon,” is truly a testament to the legacy of A.-L. Breguet and the impact of the tourbillon on his standing in European society.

The final stop in the Breguet U.S. tour will be New York City, from November 8th – 17th at the Breguet Boutique – 711 Fifth Avenue.

Abraham-Louis Breguet (A.-L. Breguet) was awarded the patent for the tourbillon on June 26, 1801 and is well recognized as the father of contemporary horology. The exhibit takes attendees back to the original tourbillon and its significance in today’s luxury watch industry.

This genius technological invention neutralized the effects of the Earth’s gravity in pocket watches. The result was the tourbillon offered tremendous precision in mechanical timepieces.

One of the priceless timepieces available for viewing at the “Breguet the Innovator. Inventor of the Tourbillon” watch exhibition is a tourbillon repeater chronometer that dates back to 1812.

This legendary perpétuelle pocket watch with “à toc” quarter repeater is widely known as the “No. 5.” Also on display is the 5377 ultra-thin tourbillon that was introduced by Breguet at Baselworld earlier this year.

If you are in the market for a Breguet luxury watch or any other luxury watch brand, please contact The Life of Luxury.

Jaquet Droz

Luxury watchmaker Jaquet Droz has introduced The Loving Butterfly, a distinctive, original watch in support of the 5th annual Only Watch event.

For almost three centuries, highly respected Jaquet Droz has set time under the banner of wonder, excellence, and constantly renewed creativity. A truly unique and masterful, luxury watch brand.

For many years, Jaquet Droz has been a partner of Only Watch which is a charity event that aids the fight against muscular dystrophy. The proceeds of the Only Watch event sale will benefit the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy.

Jaquet Droz will offer The Loving Butterfly watch. This stunning luxurious looking watch is published as a single original and will ultimately be auctioned in Monaco on September 28, 2013.

The watch represents an historical design that was drawn by one of the legendary automata, produced by Pierre Jaquet Droz in the 18th century. The Swiss watchmaker resurrects the fascination of the Enlightenment period for architecture and botany, with a cherub riding in a carriage pulled by a butterfly.

The Loving Butterfly watch is an echo of the values defended by Jaquer Droz: the right to innocence, the power of the imagination as well as confidence in one’s own dreams. This design with its romantic and poetic naturalism decorates the face of the Petite Heure Minute.

Jaquet Droz craftsmen combined their best skills to create this unique piece. Engraved and then painted, the gold decor was first worked like a bas-relief before being applied to the Grand Feu enamel dial.

In addition, The Loving Butterfly has an exposed oscillating weight. The Only Watch name is engraved on the case back to remind the owner of the special charitable event, supporting the Muscular Dystrophy cause.

We applaud the unique philosophy of generosity by Jaquet Droz. The Swiss watch brand is already synonymous with virtuoso watchmaking, the event also embodies Jaquet Droz’s philanthropic values, its support for cutting edge medical research and continued trust in a bright and serene future.

If you are interested in purchasing a watch from the entire Jaquet Droz collection, please contact The Life of Luxury using the below form:

Photo: Glashütte Original

Glashütte Original just launched its latest women’s luxury watch collection named “Pavonina.”

Located in the German town of Glashütte, luxury watchmaker Glashütte Original has been producing the best in luxury timepieces for more than 165 years.

To celebrate the launch of Pavonina, Glashütte Original held an exclusive VIP event at the Waterfall Mansion in New York City. It was a fun, 1920’s theme party and everybody had a wonderful time.

The luxurious mansion is located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York city and was fully illuminated in royal purple, the chosen theme color of the evening’s event.

Greater than 200 VIP guests were in attendance people attended the launch party dedicated to the new luxury watch. Dieter Pachner who is the Global Vice President of Sales, welcomed party guests to an exclusive preview and the brands significance.

Each of the exhibition rooms in the mansion celebrated a different aspect of women. For example, one room presented a series of ten black and white portraits featuring prominent women of the 20th century, pioneers who brought changes for the roles and perception of women.

The Pavonina Collection from Glashütte Original took its creative inspiration from the decade of the 1920’s, back when women liberated themselves from the constraints of society during those times.

Glashütte Original is proud to be an authentic high-end luxury watch designer and represents for modern and ingenious, high-quality timepieces that are natural expression of Germany’s excellence in engineering and manufacturing.

If you’re interested in learning more about the new women’s luxury watch Pavonina collection from Glashütte Original, please contact The Life of Luxury using the below form:

Photo: Breguet

Last week on June 26, was the “Tourbillon Day” which celebrates the anniversary of the patent of the iconic tourbillon watch.

Back on June 26, 1801, Abraham-Louis Breguet patented the revolutionary tourbillon mechanism, which neutralized the effects of gravity. The result was amazing precision in future mechanical timepieces.

This incredible watchmaking invention was an engineering feat and truly recognizes Abraham-Louis Breguet as one of the most innovative figures of all time.

So to celebrate “Tourbillon Day, luxury watch brand Bruget held events its luxury boutiques in New York City, Las Vegas and Bal Harbour. Bruguet guests had the unique opportunity to view the luxury brand’s extensive collection of tourbillon timepieces, as well as take part in a champagne toast.

A tribute to honor the innovative work of Abraham-Louis Breguet has been created by titled, “Breguet, the innovator. Inventor of the Tourbillon.”

This incredible exhibition highlights the lasting legacy of the Abraham-Louis Breguet, plus the impact he made with the tourbillon in modern watchmaking. The exhibition started in Geneva, Switzerland back in January. It’s a worldwide tour throughout 2013. For the U.S. the following exhibition dates are scheduled:

· Breguet Boutique Rodeo Drive: Oct 3-19, 2013
· Tourbillon Boutique Chicago: Oct 24-29, 2013
· Breguet Boutique Fifth Avenue: Nov 7-17, 2013

During Baselworld 2013, Breguet launched its new, ultra-thin Tourbillon 5377 watch. The stunning timepiece features a slim case that measures only 7mm in thickness. The dial is in both 18K gold and silver. It also houses a movement that’s only 3mm thick! However, the most impressive component of the watch aside from the tourbillon is a periphery rotor which oscillates around the side of the case allowing the wearer an unobstructed view of the movement.

The new Tourbillon 5377 watch by Breguet will be available for sale in 2014.

If you have always desired to own a luxury watch, please contact The Life of Luxury by using the below form:

Photo: Jaquet Droz

Almost 250 years ago, Jaquet Droz introduced its very first humanoid automata. The well respected tradition lives on and is intact, along with the emotion.

Honoring Baselworld 2013, Jaquet Droz presents Charlie, its latest automaton. Charlie now becomes the newest addition to Jaquet Droz’s highly regarded family tree of automata.

In Versailles, France in 1775, in front of the most refined and powerful royal court of Europe, Pierre Jaquet-Droz presented three creations which astonished nobles and courtesans: an organ player, a draftsman and a writer.

Photo: Jaquet Droz

Stunningly realistic, the cutting-edge automata were initially driven by mechanisms of impressive complexity to recreate realistic human movements that gave the luxury brand from La Chaux-de-Fonds an amazing boost.

Charlie now becomes the newest addition and was just presented at BaselWorld 2013. Charlie is a truly charming diplomat and programmed to make four-minute performances presenting the brand’s new line of luxury watches.

Standing 1.65-meter-tall, this authentic sculptural work offers meticulous proportions and becomes the ideal brand ambassador for Jaquet Droz.

If you would like to purchase a luxury watch like luxury watchmaker Jaquet Droz, contact The Life of Luxury. Stay on top of all the latest luxury watch news by following this luxury blog.

Photo: Breguet

Breguet has long been a leading luxury watchmaker. Abraham-Louis Breguet initially desired to constantly improve the accuracy and reliability of his watches through numerous inventions, ranging from the perpétuelle selfwinding watch to the tourbillon.

The Classique Chronométrie 7727, packed with new discoveries and technological inventions, is a prime example as the achievement of several years of research into high frequency, magnetism and new materials.

With the patent of November 7, 2010 protecting the magnetic pivot, Breguet has set a new milestone in watchmaking history. The magnetic field crossing through the balancestaff keeps the balance stable.

These silicon parts allow the frequency of the Classique Chronométrie to be increased to 10 Hz, enabling the measurement of a 20th of a second. The Classique Chronométrie is also equipped with twin 180° symmetrically deploying balance springs, thereby balancing out their respective forces exercised on the balance-staff as well as contributing to the stability.

Herea re several of the key features of the new 7727 Classique Chronométrie 10Hz Luxury Watch by Breguet:

Case in 18-carat rose gold with a finely fluted caseband. Sapphire-crystal caseback. 41mm diameter.
Welded lugs with screw bars. Water resistant to 3 bar (30m).
Dial in 18-carat gold, silvered and engine-turned in six different patterns.
Individually numbered and signed BREGUET.
Hours chapter with Roman numerals.
Small seconds at 12 o’clock and 10ths of a second at 1 o’clock.
Breguet open-tipped hands in polished steel.
Hand-wound movement with stop seconds. Numbered and signed BREGUET. Cal. 574DR, 14 lignes, 45 jewels.
Power reserve of 60 hours with an indicator at 5 o’clock.
Double barrel. In-line Swiss lever escapement in silicon. Double silicon balance-springs at 180°. 10Hz frequency.
Magnetic pivots. Adjusted in six positions.
Leather strap with a triple-blade folding clasp.

Also available in a white-gold case: reference 7727BB/12/9WU

Grieb & Benzinger

What makes luxury watchmaker so unique, is their watches are limited to a single, never-to-be-repeated piece. The German company has done it once again with a stunning luxury timepiece.

The new Black Tulip Sabudha Imperial luxury watch from Grieb & Benzinger has an interesting story behind it, as the motivation is the third anniversary of luxury magazine Simply Abu Dhabi which is the only English luxury magazine in the emirate of the same name.

The Black Tulip Sabudha Imperial timepiece is an exceptionally decorated wristwatch that was inspired by the majesty, mystery and magic of the Middle East. The luxury watch prominently spotlights a re-imagination of the most mythical jewel in the world.

The watch is carefully decorated using irreplaceable nineteenth-century guilloché tools and handmade with skills that cannot be found beyond Grieb & Benzinger’s workshop in Germany.

It is hand-wound and draws attention to the bezel set with black gemstones, which are not black diamonds, contrary to what might be expected. Since black diamonds are very commonly seen these days, Grieb & Benzinger decided the bezel was to be set with incredible black spinel gemstones, aligned perfectly with invisible settings and glittering with a deep, ethereal intensity.

Since Simply Abu Dhabi is one of the only publications to be distributed to the Royal Palatial Homes and Offices of the ruling families of Abu Dhabi, it made sense to use gemstones with a royal association.

The watch has a stylish open-worked design that was influenced by Arabic style and in particular inspired by the artistry of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

The Black Tulip Sabudha Imperial is truly a one-of-a-kind luxury watch. The retail price is currently not available but expect it to be in the six-digit range.

88 Rue Du Rhone

The watch brand 88 Rue Du Rhone, offers a new and unique type of luxury with high quality, modern timepieces to a new generation of urban watch-lovers.

88 Rue Du Rhone co-founders are the Bernheim Brothers (Elie and Pierre), who are grandsons of a reputable watchmaker.

The original mission of Elie and Pierre was to create a luxury watch brand from the ground up with stylish, high-quality and value-minded timepieces. The brothers saw an unfulfilled niche and drove to meet it.

88 Rue Du Rhone started in the summer of 2012 and was recently named the official time partner of the BAFTA – the British Academy of Film and Television Art. The watch brand is ready to launch their new 2013 Swiss watch collection – Double 8 Origin. The luxury timepiece collection is offers quartz and automatic Swiss-made movements.

The two Bernheim brothers will also participate in this year’s Baselworld and introduce its Double 8 Origin collection, which consists of timepieces ranging from 29mm to 45mm. All pieces are recognizable through their refined and sophisticated design where the number 8, encompassing the ideology of good fortune and luck, is inherent throughout the entirety of the collection.

The Double 8 Origin was designed with a stronger focus on chronographs both in ladies and men’s models.

Longines

The Swiss luxury watch house, Longines, is preparing to introduce a new line of timepieces during one of the top business trade shows of Switzerland, the Baselworld 2013.

The Conquest Classic collection, all fitted with self-winding calibres, symbolizes the true elegance and classical beauty that have helped make Longines’ reputation and success throughout the world. As a partner of the most prestigious Thoroughbred horse racing in the world, the watch is dedicated to race-goers who share the excitement of the parade rings at Chantilly, Hong Kong, Royal Ascot or Dubai racecourses.

The company founded in 1832, known for its Aviators watches and winged hourglass logo, is proud to be the oldest trademark in the world. Longines plays a large role in aeronautics and in the field of sports timekeeping, while offering quality craftsmanship and performance.

Conquest Classic is available in three sizes. The ladies’ models have a diameter of 29.50 mm and show the hours, minutes and seconds as well as the date; they are available in steel, rose gold or in a combination of steel and rose gold. The black or silvered dial has applied 12, 6 and 9 numerals, lending this model a truly sporty look.

The various versions are also available with a diameter of 40.00 mm. The mother-of-pearl dial set with 12 diamonds lends the ladies’ models an extra air of refinement, and in some models the bezel is also set with 30 diamonds. These models are fitted on black alligator straps or steel or steel and rose gold bracelets, each to match the dial. All straps and bracelets have a folding safety clasp.

With a diameter of 41 mm, the chronographs are fitted with an L688 column-wheel movement specially developed and produced by ETA exclusively for Longines. The case is either in steel, steel and rose gold or rose gold alone.

The silvered or black dial shows the hours and minutes, with a small seconds at 9 o’clock, date and chronograph functions: a centre sweep seconds, a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock. These chronographs are fitted on a black alligator strap or a steel or steel and rose gold bracelet, all having a folding safety clasp.

Backes & Strauss

The second generation of luxury timepieces from Backes & Strauss pushes the boundaries of technique and design to create an ultra thin new era watch.

Piccadilly Renaissance Collection by luxury watchmaker Backes & Strauss is a sort of rebirth collection. The new watches offer greater excellence with the distinctive reborn sleek and slim look.

The new Backes & Strauss luxury collection offers a truly modern haute horlogerie watch for gentlemen.

Known for their ultimate quality and design, Backes & Strauss watches are highly respected around the world. It’s the perfect blend of creativity and quality.

The Piccadilly Renaissance Collection of luxury watches are extremely slender, just 6.1 mm in depth. They are crafted in either 18kt white or rose gold. The elegant watch cases are either lavishly set with the finest ideal cut round brilliant diamonds in two or three rows, or Classic, without diamonds on the
case.

These extraordinary slim watches from Backes & Strauss proudly represent both British elegance and European style. The timepiece’s Roman numerals are hand set on a choice of dial colours to match alligator skin straps with an 18kt white or rose gold buckle.

Each distinctive timepiece has a single diamond hand set in the crown, the Backes & Strauss signature “Jewel in the Crown.”

The mechanical movement of the watch is just 2.5 mm in depth. It’s decorated and fully revealed through a stylish, transparent case-back of sapphire crystal.

Please use the <em>Contact Form</em> below to submit your Backes & Strauss watch request. We will promptly get back to you.

Audemars Piguet

The luxury watch market continues to stay strong across the world. Digital Luxury Group is a Luxury industry market intelligence firm and they just released the results of the haute horlogerie category (18 brands) of the WorldWatchReport.

The data used as a basis of this luxury watch industry report were derived from analyzing watch-related search queries searched on the major global search engines.

Results show that for the haute horlogerie category, global interest in 2012 increased by 7% over the prior year. The findings also determined that the world’s most popular watch brands and models remained consistent as compared to 2011.

The preview report from Digital Luxury Group tracked online interest in the following watch brands: A. Lange & Söhne, Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, Bovet, Breguet, De Bethune, Frank Muller, Girard-Perregaux, Glashütte Original, Greubel Forsey, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Jaquet Droz, Parmigiani, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, Roger Dubuis, Ulysse Nardin and Vacheron Constantin.

http://www.audemarspiguet.com/images/watch_images/standup/large/25865ST_OO_1105ST_02.png
Audemars Pigue Royal Oak

There were six key findings highlighted in the WorldWatchReport by Digital Luxury Group. They are as follows:

1) Highest-end category of luxury watches, haute horlogerie, experienced a 7% year over year increase in brand interest.

2) China shows very strong interest in the luxury watch market, accounting for 31% of global demand. That number is twice that as the U.S. market. Brazil, Russia, India, China, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan accounted for almost half of the worl’d interest at 47%.

3) Global demand is down to two of the largest mature luxury watch markets – U.S. down by 10.6 percent and Japan is down by 11.7 percent.

4) The top haute horlogerie watch brand is Patek Philippe with 23.6 percent of brand interest share, followed by Jaeger-LeCoultre at 12.7 percent, Vacheron Constantin at 12.6 percent, Audemars Piguet at 9.2 percent and in 5th place is Breguet at 7.7 percent.

5) Richard Mille brand became the fastest growing haute horlogerie brand with 61% growth over last year)5. Vacheron Constantin followed with 26% and Patek Philippe came in at 10.2%

6) Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak remains at the top of the list for the most sought-after haute horlogerie watch model. Following its lead last year, the luxury watch brand experienced a 5% increase in online interest over the last year.

Source: Forbes