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Exceptional models
Espace Connaisseur
Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse is the ultimate destination for all epicureans. Here, the Espace Connaisseur at the Les Ambassadeurs boutique presents the most demanding watch lovers with 30 to 50 of the most exclusive pieces in Fine Watchmaking. Martin Frey assists clients in this elegant and refined setting over a glass of champagne.
HYT H0
CHF 39’000.–
“All HYT watches are distinguished by their ultra-futuristic style. Since its inception, the brand has used liquids to display the time in an almost philosophical approach: just like a fluid, time flows and must be mastered to make the most of it. Yet this manually-wound piece is equally intriguing in terms of its technical characteristics; despite its movement requiring nine times more energy than a standard movement, it has a 65-hour power reserve. The diameter of the capillary is just 0.8 mm – another demonstration of the manufacture’s technological skill. The inner walls of this capillary have been coated to prevent fluid deposits from leaving traces. What I find most fascinating about this brand is its constantly forward-thinking approach.”
Greubel Forsey Double Balancier
CHF 376’950.–
“I think this manufacture represents the holy grail of independent Fine Watchmaking. The finishes on its creations are so perfect that not a single imperfection can be observed, not even under the microscope. This is in particular thanks to the polishing, which is done entirely by hand. The dial reveals two slightly inclined balance wheels linked by a spherical differential that harmonises their interactions and halves the margin of error. This extremely complicated manually-wound movement provides the piece with optimum accuracy. This limited edition of 33 pieces has a 72-hour power reserve. Acquiring such a timepiece almost constitutes a life philosophy in its own right.”
“I have noticed increasing interest from clients in our multi-brand offering. The Espace Connaisseur is the perfect place for me to share my passion for grand complications with them.”
Martin Frey, Espace Connaisseur manager for the Zurich boutique
Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre Chronographe
CHF 46’000.–
“Duality is one of the most omnipresent characteristics in Jaeger-LeCoultre’s creations. This classic-style watch illustrates the brand’s leitmotiv with two independent barrels offering a 50-hour power reserve for both the hours, minutes and seconds, and the chronograph. The latter is activated by pressing a single push-piece, used to start, stop and reset all the hands, including the one indicating the tenths of a second at 6 o’clock. Meanwhile the power reserves are indicated at 7 o’clock for the classic time indications and 5 o’clock for the chronograph. Furthermore, the movement’s beautiful mechanism can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back.”
Bovet Tourbillon Edouard Bovet
CHF 371’560.–
“With this distillation of its considerable expertise, the manufacture pays homage to its founder Edouard Bovet’s first journey to China in 1818. The proudly independent Bovet brand has been run since 2001 as a family business by Pascal Raffy and produces all its manually-wound movements in-house. The dial displays two additional time zones, with a reference city indication for each one. This is completed by a tourbillon at 6 o’clock. On the case back, the piece displays the power reserve indicator, and the hours and minutes synchronised to the local time display. The engraved movement is also inscribed with the individual number of this limited edition of 60 pieces. Its platinum Amadeo case gives four timepieces in one: two wristwatches, one pocket watch and one table clock.”
A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange
CHF 224’500.–
“Thanks to its ‘Terraluna’ perpetual calendar, this manually-wound piece can accompany its owner without adjustment until the year 2100, and can also indicate the position of the Moon in relation to the Earth and the SUN. This extraordinarily accurate indicator doesn’t need to be adjusted for over 1,000 years! The 14-day power reserve at 6 o’clock is another considerable asset, demonstrating the solidity and reliability of the German brand’s creations. The fine hand finishes – the fruit of one of watchmaking’s most demanding assembly and inspection processes – are beyond compare. All of these treasures are contained within a white gold case 16.5 mm thick.”
Breguet Tourbillon Messidor
CHF 164’700.–
“This manually-wound model instantly enthrals with its skeletonised dial, which highlights the beautiful movement and its tourbillon in all their sophistication. This complication was one of Abraham-Louis Breguet’s most brilliant inventions. He obtained the patent for this new type of regulator on 7 Messidor year IX according to the republican calendar in effect in France at the time (editor’s note: equivalent to 26 June 1801). The finishes are also of an exceptional quality and can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back. The platinum case adds a luxuriously discreet dimension to the timepiece. This watch highlights the brand’s legendary history.”