grand sonnerie

Bulgari Gerald Genta Octo Grand Sonnerie Tourbillon Watch

I can't wait to see the whole line of new Bulgari version Gerald Genta watches at Basel. To explain what I mean by Bulgari Gerald Genta watches read here. One of the higher-end high-end watch will be this new Octo Grand Sonnerie Tourbillon. This is going to be one very expensive watch, though the dial is surprisingly simple - at least compared to the last watch that I believe had the same, or slightly different movement. That was the Gerald Genta Arena Metasonic watch that goes for $900,000. Given the almost identical features between the two watches, it is more than likely that they share movements. Small differences involve the display of the time, and the dials on the dial. Bulgari gave this Octo Grand Sonnerie a retrograde hour dial and the minutes on a disc. Looks cool, but might prove a pain to read. Then you have four subdials on the face that look like automobile gauges (purposefully done that way). These include power reserve indicators for the watch and the sonnerie (chiming mechanism). Whether you have a grand or petite ("little" as seen on this dial) sonnerie (sort of a volume control), as well as a "chimes" or "silence" indicator (basically an on or off function for the sonnerie).

You have to admit this this is one of the most logical, user friendly dials that you've ever seen a grand (grande) sonnerie watch. The other side of the 43mm wide 18k white gold watch case (not visible in this dial) liked has a series of pushers (or alike) on it. This is a pretty neat looking watch in the Octo watch line with lots of nice details and an open caseback that is sure to reveal the ultra complex manually wound mechanical watch movement. Price will easily be in the astronomical range, and no doubt that this watch will be part of a very limited edition.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2010, Bulgari, Bvlgari, Gerald Genta, GeraldGenta, Grand Sonnerie, GrandSonnerie, Octo, watch

Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Watch Set Safe

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I recently spoke about how the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Grand Sonnerie watch and set (the most complex wrist watch in the world that comes with two other watches) was going to arrive in a safe as the presentation box. Well here is what that safe is going to look like, and there will be only 30 of these made. Each safe will be specially made by the German luxury safe company Doettling. Trust me that this is not even the most impressive watch safe that they have done. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica set safe will be made to look like a travel chest, but don't expect to move the 1,800 pound, six foot tall safe around with you easily.

Inside the safe is a watch lover's dream. Well, if you only own a handful of watches that is, and they are all happy being around Jaeger-LeCoultre branding. The innards of the case don't let you forget who "inspired" this horological refuge. The three watches in the Hybris Mechanica collection are prominently displayed in lit cubby holes, while eight watch winders flank the exhibit. The rest of the safe is reserved for other things, but you'll have to include them in between all the books and observation equipment that Jaeger-LeCoultre throws in the mix. Look at the pictures in the gallery and you'll notice various magnifying glasses as well as tools for your watch, plus other items likely hidden about.

The whole experience is pretty impressive for the select few who not only can afford the this ultimate trio of complex wristwatches, including the Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie (26 complications with a total of 55 complications for all three watches), but who place their orders now and can think of a suitable place in [one of] their homes for heavyweight safe to "live." The Jaeger-LeCoultre Hyrbis Mechanica watch set will cost you between $2.5 - $3 million depending on the exchange rate. The first of the 30 sets will be delivered in the fall of 2010 with the final orders being finished in 2014.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com

Gallery: Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Safe