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LUXE TREND 49
FANTASY TIMEPIECES
There is a singular excitement to see technological tours-de-force that combine innovation, tradition and imagination. At the extreme high-end of horology, these watches represent a new baroque aesthetic that will appeal to collectors and investors of timepieces, but also to dreamers who are fascinated by such creations.
Dolce & Gabbana Nabucco
After Alta Moda, Alta Gioilleria and Alta Sartoria, D&G introduced Alta Orologeria. A collection of 4 timepieces inspired by classic opera roles. Nabucco, named after the Verdi Opera character, is one of the D&G timepieces. Inside each heavily bejeweled exterior beats one of three classic high complications: an automatic tourbillon, a tourbillon with a monopusher chronograph, and a tourbillon with a minute repeater. These calibers were not manufactured by D&G, but rather in Switzerland by Manufacture Hautes Complications (MHC), a company that specializes in high-complication movements. The collaboration with MHC offers DG the necessary technical expertise to bring these timepieces to life. The 44mm Nabucco’s MHC-manufactured micro rotor-powered tourbillon at 6 o’clock competes for attention with the hand-sculpted and engraved Archangel Michael at the top of the bezel. Each D&G watch has extravagant carvings, some taking up to 8 months to complete and perfect.
Price: 195,000 Euro
De Bethune DB25 Quetzalcoatl
How do you illustrate an ancient deity that allegedly controlled the Cycle of Time, but also influenced agriculture and also protected jewelers and goldsmiths? De Bethune enlisted the talents of master engraver Michèle Rothen to engrave the DB25 Quetzalcoatl solid-gold dial with a coiled, feathered serpent surrounded by hour indexes in the shape of ancient Mesoamerican temples.
The DB25 Quetzalcoatl contains the brand’s Calibre DB2005 manual movement that features 6 days of power reserve.
Price: $135,000
Bexei Dignitas
The Bexei Dignitas is a hand-wound timepiece with a unique aesthetic and a compellingly beautiful movement. Aaron Becsei is a third generation watch and clockmaker, born into a family whose business was a clock and watch repair shop. After graduating from the School of Technical Sciences of Budapest, Becsei began creating his own pieces.
The Dignitas is designed to be customized in several ways, from the case detailing, dial, hands and even some parts of the movement. Bexei is quite SexeiThe Dignitas is also offered with a Tourbillon and a Power Reserve model.
Price: 38,500 Euro
Récital 20 Astérium by Bovet
Bovet’s Récital 20 Astérium includes a flying tourbillon with a night sky chart, perpetual calendar, and a celestial array of astronomical functions, all with a 10-day power reserve!
At 46mm in diameter and built around the concept of the sidereal year, it follows the actual orbital period of the Earth around the Sun — 365.25 days. The watch’s calendar function is visible from the case-back. In addition to an annual calendar of the outer bezel, there are the signs of the zodiac with corresponding constellations, and indications for the seasons, solstices, and equinoxes.
On the front we also see Bovet’s patented double-face flying tourbillon. The movement is the 17DM02-SKY — a hand-wound caliber that operates at a frequency of 18,000vph. The Bovet Récital 20 Astérium will be made in either red gold, white gold, or platinum case configurations which can be further customized.
Price: $350,000