It’s not unusual to find a watch-winding device or a presentation watch-safe on board a superyacht these days, and it wasn’t surprising to see a number of watch-collecting superyacht owners at Baselworld 2013 in search of some new season gems. There were many fine novelties on show and we’ll be bringing you a full round-up in the next issue of SuperYacht World, which will include some superb pieces from DeWitt, HYT, Urwerk and Arnold & Son and Corum. For now, here is a taster of some of the wrist-candy on offer at Baselworld.
Hublot MP-05
The Ferrari-inspired Hublot MP-05 boasts 637 components and a staggering 50-hour power reserve. Eleven central barrels ensure the record-breaking power reserve and also give the watch its distinctive feel – part-engine, part-steering column. The only surprise is that it’s not powered by petrol. Limited to 50 pieces. Price: CHF300,000.
Ulysse Nardin Classico Serpent
Limited to 88 pieces and celebrating the Chinese year of the snake, Ulysse Nardin’s Classico Serpent is the first fruit of the firm’s tie-up with the Donzé Cadrans house of specialist enamalers. Tiny cells are carved onto the face with a chisel before being filled with enamel. Price: €36,900.
MB&F MegaWind
Our friends at MB&F never let us down: a development of the striking HM3, the red gold MegaWind sports similar raised beady-eyes to show the time. You can also see the scything rotor in action, and as it moves it reveals the mechanism beneath. A white gold version is also available. Price: CHF79,000.
Jaquet Droz The Charming Bird
What should a 275-year-old watch company do to celebrate its heritage? Jaquet Droz has answered that question by creating a thoroughly modern watch which has as its centrepiece a traditional technology: a performing automata. Incredibly, the songbird flaps its wings, moves its head and tail, and chirps – using miniaturised techniques from 18th-Century objet d’art. A price is yet to be fixed and it will be limited to 28 pieces.
Chopard L.U.C. Engine One H
This sporting watch from Chopard takes its cue from a finely tuned supercar: the design is inspired by the cylinder heads of an engine block and it sports intake-like grooves in the face. The power reserve and second displays are are a further nod to a car’s cockpit instruments. Limited to 100 pieces, it costs £56,270.
Hautlence HL2.3
With its unique half-trailing hours chain, Hautlence’s HL2.3 constantly engages the eye – the hour change, which lasts a few seconds, means that the wearer can fully appreciate the watchmaker’s magic. It comes in black titanium in a limited edition of 28 pieces. Price: CHF180,000.