Richard Mille RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur

Video: Richard Mille RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur

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At the 2015 edition of the SIHH, Richard Mille introduced the stunning RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur.

The tourbillon is nestled within and concealed by a magnolia flower. Every five minutes, or on demand via a pusher, the flying tourbillon rises up from the movement as the flower opens. The petals of the flower are engraved in gold and hand-painted.

In this exceptionally aesthetic video, The Watches TV visits the Richard Mille workshop to discover the story behind the RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur.

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Breitling in-store display, Las Vegas

Sex Sells – But What, For Whom, And To Whom?

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When someone says “I’m no prude,” it is pretty easy to imagine what typically comes next: a prudish commentary on some aspect of modern society or youth culture. I like sex. There we go! To the point and leaves no doubt as to intent, I’d say. That said, I typically try to keep my interests in sex and watches somewhat distinct. But does the industry at large?

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Richard Mille’s Luxurious Paris Boutique, Complete With Handpicked Champagnes, Cigars . . . And Full Of Rare Wristwatches

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Richard Mille opened his new boutique in Paris. The chic new location just off the Champs-Elysées, whose vicinity is also home to Christie’s and several art galleries in addition to luxurious high fashion boutiques, showcases the now quite substantial collection well. This gorgeous boutique is home to amazing timepieces, while downstairs VIP guests can be treated to private showings while relaxing with a cigar and a glass of fine French champagne.

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The courtesy Porsche at Chopard's Hôtel De Vendôme in Paris

Hôtel de Vendôme In The Heart Of Paris: Now Owned By Chopard

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I recently had the chance to spend two nights at the Hôtel de Vendôme, which is situated as the gateway to Paris’ swankiest shopping square: Place Vendôme. I stayed there as a guest of Chopard on the way to Le Mans, and this is when I learned a very interesting fact: the beautifully appointed hotel housed within an eighteenth-century mansion now belongs to the Swiss brand.

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The two faces of the Vacheron Constantin Tour-de-l'ile

How Vacheron Constantin Celebrated Its 250th Anniversary In 2005

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As we approach Vacheron Constantin’s 260th anniversary, which is set to be celebrated on September 17, 2015, I would like to take a brief look at the epochal timepieces that the brand brought out in 2005 in honor of its first quarter century. Vacheron Constantin is one of the very few – and certainly the oldest – Swiss watch company to have manufactured its timepieces consistently without interruption over the entire course of its long lifespan.

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Breguet Reine de Naples Haute Joaillerie

Queen For A Day: Breguet Reine De Naples Haute Joaillerie

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The Breguet Reine de Naples collection launched in 2002 following the historic description of an “oblong (repeater) for bracelet.” This now-iconic feminine shape was resurrected 190 years after Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, commissioned Abraham-Louis Breguet to make the repeater for her royal wrist. The Reine de Naples’ oval-shaped case is a rare sight in watchmaking, but it serves to make one of the most memorable watches in production today.

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A gaggle of Rolex Submariners

Why I’ve Never Owned A Rolex – And Why I Might Yet

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Once in a while on the collector forums, a question is posed: is there anyone in the collector community who has never, ever owned a Rolex? As a general rule, respondents to these queries tend to express disbelief that such a creature could possibly exist given the quality and ubiquity of the brand’s watches. Well, folks, I’m here to tell you that such people do exist, and that I’m one of them. How could it be?

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Vianney Halter Antiqua perpetual calendar in white gold

Is Independent Creative Horology Dead?

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In the early 1990s, I was facing the same dilemma as today: should I buy modern or vintage? The problem was that the modern watches actually all looked vintage, right down to the sizes. There was something lacking, and watch shopping at times almost felt like perusing the yogurt section in a Soviet supermarket.

I’m obviously exaggerating here, but in general it seemed to me that creativity was more or less an afterthought.

Enter Vianney Halter in 1998 with the Antiqua Perpetual. And then what happened next: the birth of ICH (“independent creative horology”).

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Bulgari Head Over Tail Serpenti watch

Bulgari’s Beloved Serpenti: A Brief History

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Bulgari’s serpent theme, which began in the 1940s, has evolved into a creative symbol for the brand. Like a snake shedding its skin, since that decade dominated by war and recovery, the Bulgari Serpenti has metamorphosed, reinventing itself. However, the basic concept remains the same. In in both Greek and Roman mythology, snakes represented positive characteristics such as rebirth, healing, protection, strength, eternity, and seductiveness thanks to the elegance of the creatures’ soft, winding bodies.

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Slim d’Hermes Koma Kurabe "La femme aux semelles de vent" (photo courtesy Claude

Koma Kurabe: The Slim d’Hermès With Authentic Japanese Porcelain Enamel Dial

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La Montre Hermès announced its brand-new core collection called Slim d’Hermès at Baselworld 2015, which was an instant hit with critics and collectors alike. At the very same time this creative company co-announced a limited edition of 12 pieces decorated using a special artistic technique found in Japan. Called Koma Kurabe, the edition honors Kamo Kurabe Uma, a famous Japanese horse race. A talented Japanese artisan graces the elegant new timepieces with porcelain dials that reproduce scenes of the horse race that still takes place once a year in the spring when the picturesque cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

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