SIHH 2014 – My Favourite Watch In Each Category Part 2

A fair number of you seemed to have read and enjoyed the last article, so here is the conclusion to it! Hopefully it will be just as interesting…

Complication Piece

The first entry to this category has possibly the longest name in the watch industry, deep breath, the Jaeger – LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Cylindrique a Quantieme Perpetuel. Phew, I think I got that all correct. Encased within the 42mm pink gold case is an automatically wound movement, featuring a flying tourbillon with a cylindrical balance spring. And of course a perpetual calendar, to those uninitiated this particular complication shows the day, date, month and year as well as moon phases. Classical watchmaking, with really innovative features make this watch utterly astounding.
Cartier has been releasing some really nice pieces during SIHH, the one that has caught my eye the most is the Cartier Rotonde de Cartier Astrocalendaire. It has the same complications as the JLC mentioned before, but the way in which it has been executed is completely different. It is very refreshing to see such a different layout, the best way I can describe it is that it is similar to an amphitheatre or sports stadium, where the flying tourbillon with the Cartier ‘C’ takes centre stage. The three tiers emanating from the centre house the day, month and date, yes the year is omitted in this particular piece. There is however a leap year indicator on the back. Stunning visuals on this watch, I am sure it will take a bit of time to get used to when trying to read the perpetual calendar, it doesn’t really matter. A truly stunning piece.

So which is my winner?

I dare say, this was also a crazily tough category to try and judge, but I came to a conclusion, finally! The winner here for me, is the ‘Terraluna’ it is simply brilliant, the finishing, the accuracy and the overall styling really appeals to me. I am not saying either of the other watches are inferior pieces, the ALS is just my preferred one. So there you have it.

On a secondary note, one watch that did not quite make the cut but I am giving a special mention to is the Montblanc Meisterstuck Heritage Perpetual Calendar, this is Montblanc, being helmed by Jerome Lambert (formerly of Jaeger – LeCoultre) showing what they can do. A self winding perpetual calendar (I know, I know), all for under $13,000 in a stainless steel case. I know this watch will need adjusting, but not till 2100, and it looks pretty good on too. Lots of bang for the buck!

It would appear that I have missed out the Outrageous Category, I fear that will have to come later on in the week as I have whittled on too long about all these Perpetual Calendars! Until next time!