ARMAND NICOLET – L08 Diamonds
Like a constellation of stars illuminating the night sky, the tasteful smattering of 74 Top Wesselton brilliant diamonds (totaling 1ct) on the bezel of the L08 uplifts its jet- black guilloche dial. Their shimmer and sparkle highlight the dial’s strategic openings, which provide enticing glimpses of Armand Nicolet’s manual winding calibre, the UT600 which is fashioned from a vintage calibre, the circa-1957 AN0711A.
The refurbished movement, revved up with Incabloc shock absorbers and swan neck regulators, is exposed partially on an open- worked dial showing its balance, lever, time-setting and winding systems, as well as exquisite Cote de Genève and Perlage finishing on rhodium-plated plates and bridges. Limited to 50 pieces in stainless steel with an alligator strap.
Non-bejeweled versions are also available in limited editions of 150 pieces in steel with silvered dial; 150 pieces in steel with black dial; and 150 pieces in steel with 18K rose gold crown and bezel, and grey dial.
OMEGA – Constellation
Omega is ’sharpening’ its claws this year. By this, we’re referring to the signature bezel “griffes” on the best-selling Constellation line, that’s undergone a glitzy facelift.
And echoing the immortal words of ex-brand ambassador and supermodel, Cindy Crawford, lasses the world over will be declaring ‘My Choice’ after setting eyes on the refreshed collection.
For starters, the “griffes” are softer and more refined. While it retains the inimitable constellation star at ‘6′, its feminine appeal is enlivened by striking dials in silver, champagne, black, brown and white mother-of-pearl that boasts a wave pattern radiating from the star. Elsewhere, it’s re-designed ‘mono rang’ bracelet with linear links is sporty and elegant all at once.
The collection comes in many different flavors – five case sizes and different combination of case metals with diamond studded options. But we’re sure of particular interest would be the 31, 35 and 38mm variants, which brandish the Marque’s famed Co-Axial manufactured calibers.
Launched a decade ago in 1999, the Co-Axial’s escapement calling card is its configuration that helps reduce friction among key components while ensuring accuracy and longevity. Fitted in the 31mm size is the Calibre 2500 with 48-hour power reserve.
The larger 35 and 38mm counterparts are anchored by the 8520 and 8500 calibres with 50-hour power reserve respectively. All models available in 18K red or yellow gold, bi-color (stainless steel with either 18K red or yellow gold), or stainless steel, with matching bracelets.
ARMAND NICOLET – LS8
Buoyed by the success of the L06 and L07 which were characterized by their open-heart dials, Armand Nicolet again takes a retrospective look at its legacy.
Digging deep into its archives to retrieve and rework original movements from 1957 to equip the LS8, components from the vintage calibers are fashioned into the manual-winding AN0711S with hours, minutes and small seconds functions.
Made up of 127 parts, the updated movement incorporates up-to-the- minute technical features such as the Incabloc shock absorber and swan-neck regulator.
But it is the aesthetic realm where this watch truly shines. Polished blued screws stand out against the rhodium plates a bridges beautifully finished with Geneva stripes and perlage.
The AN0711S framed by a skeleton dial, its rhythmic clockwork a lively visual spectacle that will charm legions of connoisseurs. Limited to 200 pieces each in stainless steel with silvered dial; stainless steel with black dial; and stainless steel 18K rose gold crown and bezel, and grey . Alligator straps with contrast stitching complete the handsome package.
