This month has ushered in a wave of major new timepiece releases, each showcasing the ingenuity and finesse that define our curation philosophy.
New Timepieces to Know This Fall
MB&F Carves Another Edition with Master Engraver Eddy Jaquet
One of the most captivating—and exclusive—pieces to come from MB&F in the last few years was its recent collaboration with master engraver Eddy Jaquet. The company has just announced a new edition of eight one-of-a-kind watches themed around classic literature, including Dumas’ The Three Musketeers, Kipling’s The Jungle Book and Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. Like the last edition, which featured the collected works of Jules Verne (and collected the GPHG Artistic Crafts award along the way), the engravings will decorate the dial plate of the LM Split Escapement.
Such a canvas provides ample room for Jaquet’s flowing and expressive style, but it also imposes limitations. The variable thickness of the plate obliges Jaquet to utilize different techniques depending on the area. A look at Jaquet’s work will tell you that his artistic take on literature will be in a far different league from any illustrations ever associated with these works.
Naturally, the quantity of eight pieces cannot hope to satisfy MB&F’s global distribution. However, since a piece from the previous edition found its way into the hands of a local collector, we are hopeful prompt inquiries may be met with success.
Urwerk Resets it Satellite System
A sense of drama has always been a hallmark of Urwerk’s watching style, typically experienced when the numbers on its “satellite system” change in unison at the top of the hour. With its latest watch, the UR-150 Scorpion, drama at the change of the hour is brought into high relief. The mechanical sting of this scorpion is accentuated by a retrograde minute hand , which snaps back to pick up a new satellite, just as they all rotate to show the next hour, all within 1/100th of a second.
This improved system is housed in a rounded case, another unusual move for Urwerk. The more organic lines contrast with distinctive ribbing on the crown and along the case sides that exude the brand’s accustomed aggressive flair. All in all, the UR-150 is a refreshing update to Urwerk’s design and mechanical philosophies, and makes an accessible introduction to the brand, or a highly tempting addition to your collection.
The UR-150 Scorpion will be available in two versions: titanium and steel ($103,000) as well as blackened steel and titanium ($105,000). The 50 pieces oof each version will be produced through 2025. As always, early inquiries will greatly influence allocations.
H. Moser’s Latest Collaboration Yields a Classic Chronograph
Working with collector-driven design studio Massena Lab, H. Moser has released a limited run of bi-compax chronographs heavily influenced by the mid-20th century “golden age of watches.” The Endeavor Chronograph Compax has all the elements of the classic models, including those made by Moser in the 1940s, that are prized by collectors: clear arabic numerals, two registers and a tachymetric scale along the bezel. To this Moser has added its Funky Blue Fumé dial treatment and classic logo. The edition comprises just 100 pieces.
A Natural Color for Ulysse Nardin’s Freak One
With its long roots in seafaring and marine chronometers, it seems entirely appropriate for Ulysse Nardin to cloak its most well-known complication in its signature Navy blue. The Freak ONE NAVY BLUE takes the latest version of its groundbreaking carrousel tourbillon, considered by some to be the first advanced superwatch of the modern era, and gives it a highly attractive livery in carbon black and Navy blue dial and strap. Elegant, with a subtle nod to the sea, this is a watch that will have even the classically minded looking at the Freak’s revolutionary design.
Contact the Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry team today to inquire about any of these brands or to ask questions about our other rare timepieces.