Watch Insider: 17 Ultra-Technical Timepieces


Swatch Sistem 51

This watch is a breakthrough: a mechanical, automatic movement consisting of only 51 parts, and selling for around 150 Euros. Proof that anything is possible as long you really want to get it done. How cool it that? More info here.

Swatch Sistem 51

 

TAG Heuer MicroPendulumS

Another avant-garde invention brought to us by the pioneer of high-speed timekeeping.

TAG Heuer MicroPendulumS

Ulysse Nardin Stranger

Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night,” as performed by a chiming watch. I think the Chairman of the Board would approve. Click here for more details.

Ulysse Nardin Stranger

This article was originally published on May 7, 2014, and has been updated with additional material and links.

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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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