only watch 2009

Hermes Alligator Skin Table Clock

Filed under: Gadgets, Timepieces / Watches

For Only Watch 2009 French luxury goods house Hermès has come out with something a bit different than all the unique wristwatches on offer: a beautiful table clock finished in the world's finest saddle-stitched burgundy alligator skin, over several layers of leather. The 1930s-inspired clock has a stainless steel chassis measuring 175 mm high by 150 mm wide and 37 mm thick, with an easel back also covered in saddle-stitched alligator. It features black nickel indexes and hands, and comes in a red lacquer case. The clock's movement is a Swiss mechanical 8 day power reserve caliber 51 with 15 jewels, beating at 18,000 bph.

Tags: alligator, clock, France, Hermes, Only Watch, Only Watch 2009, OnlyWatch, OnlyWatch2009

Ulysse Nardin Freak "Black Out" Watch For Only Watch 2009

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The gentle changes to the Ulysse Nardin Freak transforming it into a one-off unique timepiece for the Only Watch 2009 auction are subtle, but make for a pleasant reminder that the Freak is a great watch. A few years ago Ulysse Nardin released the Freak which showcased a number of technological firsts including broad use of silicium for various parts of the movement including the tourbillon escapement. The watch blends the movement and dial for impressively legible dial that turns the balance wheel and escapement, including a gear train into the minute hand. The watch is a fantastic design and offers a great view into watch mechanics while seeing the time. Is it just me, or do the "spokes" in the balance wheel look like small Eiffel Towers?

Another interesting feature of the watch is that is does not have a crown. This is not the only crownless mechanical timepiece out there, but it is one of just a few. Winding the manually wound movement and setting the time is done via the bezel. The "carrousel" tourbillon movement has a seven day power reserve. This particular Freak watch for Only Watch 2009 is done in black with red toned hands, and a black alligator strap - while the case is done in 18k white gold.

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

Tags: freak, only watch 2009, OnlyWatch2009, timepiece, ulysse nardin, UlysseNardin, watch