Watch Insider: 17 Ultra-Technical Timepieces


On my blog, Watch-Insider.com, I assembled this list of 17 “techie” watches, all released within the past few years, that have most fascinated me in the area of technical innovation and watchmaking prowess. This list of ultra-technical watches will be updated whenever we stumble upon a new extraordinary watch. Here are 17, with photos and very brief descriptions. Leave a comment at the end of this post if you want to add your own favorites.

The listing is in alphabetical order rather than by order of preference or by price.

A. Lange & Söhne Grande Complication

Here is the Saxon manufacture finally showing off all of its expertise in one timepiece — a hyper-complicated watch executed in a very traditional way. Click here for more detail on the watch.

A. Lange & Söhne Grande Complication

Antoine Martin Slow Runner

Master watchmaker Martin Braun “slows down” time in a fascinating manner in this watch.

Antoine Martin Slow Runner - front and back

Blancpain Tourbillon Carrousel

Admittedly I am not a fan of this watch’s design, but its technical innovation — the combination of a tourbillon and a carrousel — is stunning.

Blancpain Tourbillon Carrousel

 

Breguet Classique Chronométrie 7727

The watchmakers at Breguet show the rest of the world the extent of their horological creativity. Click here for more detail.

Breguet Classique Chronométrie 7727

 

Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hours Calibre 9981 MC

This is a fascinating “see-through” watch with an exceptional movement.

Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hours Calibre 9981 MC

Girard-Perregaux Constant Escapement

It took Girard-Perregaux quite some time to industrialize its constant escapement, but the watch in which it finally appears is very cool, indeed.

Girard-Perregaux Constant Escapement

 

Hublot MP-05 La Ferrari

A watch that only Hublot would build and sell, this one is as crazy as it is fascinating. Click here for Hublot’s take on the La Ferrari and here to see some live shots of the watch taken during its debut at Baselworld 2013.

Hublot MP-05 La Ferrari
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  1. Carl Dreher

    When I saw the first drawings of the Girard-Perregaux Constant Escapement, I was stunned. For those who have studied the history of precision mechanical horology, this is a breakthrough escapement. The incredibly clever decoupling of the escapement force from the winding spring is a milestone achievement.

    Sadly, many theoretical escapement advancements have not turned out to improve time keeping. Some have been let down by tiny flaws in the rest of the time-train, and others by sensitivity to vibration, temperature and position. On the other hand, some simple, lever-action escapements have shown excellent results by virtue of superb craftsmanship and attention to detail. (And months of regulating!)

    I hope that future tests will confirm the accuracy of this remarkable design. PLEASE, Girard-Perregaux, have the faith and courage to put it to the test so we can see how well this performs in different temperatures, positions and power levels.

    Reply
  2. meir barac

    And what about Jaeger LeCoultre? Arn’t they nit enough complicated? !

    Reply
  3. Richard Driscoll, ASA, AAA

    Why can you state the price of the Swatch, but neglect to state the prices of the other watches you review. It’s a really important facet to reviewing a watch, and a disservice to your readership (in my opinion) – I’m not just and appraiser, I’m a collector of complicated watches.

    Reply
  4. Peter U.

    The watch that caught my eye is the Girard-Perregaux Constant Escapement .Though it is a bit odd that the watch is so large and yet the time dial is so small . Is the line with the bars a Power Reserve Indicator on the watch ? I already know that I can’t afford it because of the brand , which I am familiar with . Never the less it is still nice to know the price for curiosity sake . That is why after I post this comment I will find out the price for myself on the internet.

    Reply
    • Peter U.

      Oh my goodness , I knew that this was an expensive watch but did not imagine how expensive !!!
      The price for this watch is $100,000 . I sure have expensive taste don’t I ? Even if I won the lottery I think that I would pass on this watch and buy a Devon watch instead for $10,000 . That is watch that I bet no one here is familiar with ?

      Reply
  5. Like the old saying goes, “If you have to ask the price. You cannot afford it.”

    Reply
    • gold watcher

      That’s true, but it’s slightly humorous considering that I could buy 3 nice cars for the price of one of the these watches.

      Reply
  6. Richard Driscoll

    Why can’t you post prices for these delightful technical works of art? Don’t you think it would be helpful to all of us collectors? What’s the big secret?

    Reply
  7. Debashish

    Love that TAG Heuer MicroPendulum S! I think it is fabulous!

    But where is the picture of Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra > 15,000 Gauss?

    Reply
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