Early September played host to two heavyweight watch events in the form of Geneva Watch Days and Watches and Wonders Shanghai, bringing multiple heavyweight limited-edition releases with a focus on ultra-fine craftsmanship
By Sharan Sanil
Vacheron Constantin Métiers D’art The Legend Of The Chinese Zodiac—year Of The Snake
The Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac—Year of the Snake features a stunning 40mm case in either 18K pink gold or platinum, with intricate hand-engraving and Grand Feu enamel work on the dial, depicting a cobra unfurling on a rock; echoing the darker-hued, yet similar dial from 2012’s release. The timepiece’s standout feature is the unique disc-type display, replacing traditional hands with apertures for hours, minutes, day, and date. Powered by the in-house calibre 2460 G4, it boasts a 40-hour power reserve, with the look being completed with an alligator leather strap. Each version is limited to just 25 pieces.
Mad Editions Mad 1s
The MAD1S is MB&F’s latest effort to bring its bold, mechanical artistry to a more accessible market. To achieve a reasonable price point, previous editions used the reliable Japanese Miyota movement, chosen for its unidirectional rotor that spins faster than most Swiss movements, adding a playful dynamic. The design, however, never compromised: the cylindrical case, dual discs for time display, and striking rotor on top all remained. Now, the MAD1S introduces a slimmer 42mm case with a Swiss La Joux-Perret movement, offering a streamlined 15mm height. Limited editions are still offered via a raffle to ensure fair access.
Laurent Ferrier Classic Auto
Easily the most ‘sober’ of the watches on this list, the Laurent Ferrier Classic Auto is a beautifully balanced composition of the marque’s Classic Micro-Rotor and Sport Auto. The case shape, hands, and dial indices call to the Classic Micro-Rotor, but the movement, crosshair dial detail, and date aperture are borrowed from the Sport Auto—resulting in what may be one of the first daily-driver watches available today. The salmon-esque dial features immaculate vertical and circular satin-brushing, while the 40mm stainless steel case is perfectly proportioned. Powered by the automatic LF270.01 calibre with a 72-hour power reserve, this model comes with an exhibition caseback and is limited to just 20 pieces.
A Lange & Söhne Datograph Handwerkskunst
The A Lange & Söhne Datograph Handwerkskunst boasts a 41mm yellow gold case and a black-rhodiumed dial adorned with intricate tremblage engraving, giving it a textured, three-dimensional effect. The rhodiumed sub-dials and carefully chamfered Roman numerals further enhance its refined aesthetic. Powered by the manually wound L951.8 calibre, it delivers a 60-hour power reserve, featuring a flyback chronograph and outsize date. The watch is completed with a hand-stitched dark brown alligator leather strap. Limited to just 25 pieces.
De Bethune Db28xs Aérolite
The De Bethune DB28xs Aérolite features a 39mm black zirconium case with a striking blue meteorite dial, enhanced by a random guilloché pattern that evokes the raw power of the universe. The watch combines art and science, drawing from De Bethune’s previous models like the DB28XP Météorite, and is powered by the miniaturised DB2005 calibre. This lightweight movement improves shock resistance without sacrificing chronometric precision. Finished with a sleek leather strap, this timepiece was released in an annual limited production run, giving it that extra bit of exclusiveness.
Reproduced with permission from Mansworldindia.com
