Christophe Claret’s Soprano Tourbillon Minute Repeater Takes the Stage
Christophe Claret, known for creating complicated timepieces with tourbillons and repeater mechanisms, has released his most ambitious such model yet, called the Soprano. The watch’s signature features are its 60-second tourbillon, stepped “Charles X” bridges made of sapphire, and a musically accurate four-note minute repeater striking Westminster chimes on cathedral gongs.A traditional minute repeater tells the time audibly with two notes created from two small hammers striking two gongs: one for the hours, one for the minutes and a combination of the two for the quarter hours. A more complex type is the Clarion repeater, with three notes that can play a simple melody for the quarters. The most complex minute repeater is the Westminster, named for the distinctive tune played by the Big Ben clock at England’s Palace of Westminster, which strikes the quarters with four hammers striking four notes on four bells. The Soprano strikes these Westminster chimes on four

Virtual Ideas "Toxic" Linear Time Watch Concept
With linear time indicators that resemble syringes, the "Toxic" watch concept creation by Swiss Virtual Ideas is another neat idea by the watch design firm. Showing time on linear scales means that an indicator moves across a scale and then jumps back once it reaches the end. Look closely and you can see a telescopic arm that moves across the dial with a red strip for the indicator. It moves like a vial filling up or emptying at the arm extends and pushes in the indicator. It would have been cool for it too look like one side of the indicator was filling with a colored liquid. The telescopic arm would be difficult to manufacture but by no means impossible. I like how Virtual Ideas has pushed the envelope of watch engineering limits, but still within the range of possibility. Nevertheless, a watch like this would cost a lot. Recently, I discussed the Urwerk King Cobra watch with a similar liner time concept.The Toxic watch concept features a horizontally long rectangular case with soft

Watch Restoration
Hello guysI have an older Breitling that I'd like to get overhauled as the dial is a little faded and stuff. Any suggestions on very reputable watchmaker here in the US?Cheers and Happy New Year!

Pulled the trigger- 5905 Incoming- Blue Baby-Blue!
I can't believe I'm spending this much on a watch. But I'm a big guy- 6'4 and have other watches but I gravitate towards the best. There is little doubt that Patek is at the top of the heap when it comes to the world of watches.I've always worn larger watches- 42-44mm but have loved the style of Patek. Anytime I wanted to buy a Patek, I'd have an internal battle over buying their 39 and 40mm watches.I got a 5980 last year and while not a true 44mm, I really got used to the size. I sold my AP Grand Prix and some other pieces to make some room in the collection as my love for all things Patek deepend.I kept my eye out for the elusive Grail- a larger Patek that didn't cost upwards of 750k. A month ago my AD called and said they had a 5524- the Pilots watch. I declined as it was not a good time in my life as I was going through some busy time at work. But I regret that decision to this day. A Patek that is large and frankly I like the style of it.However I digress- fast forward

Patek Phillippe 5101P
I need your help. I am no Patek expert but i frequent this forum to admire all your stunning PP. Maybe not now but in the future for sure i will have a PP in my collection.I have a question in dire need of your suggestion. What would be the market value of the Patek Phillippe 5101P 10 days Tourbillon? I believe the retail is around $330K but not sure how collector or market value this piece. any help will be appreciated..gemnation/watches/Pat...101P-1465.html