Cover Double-wristed at IAMWATCH
Double-wristed at IAMWATCH
1 / 1
The independent watchmaking event saw MB&F, Urwerk, Ulysse Nardin, and Krayon unveiling their latest timepieces
The inaugural IAMWATCH was a blast if you love haute horlogerie, as imagined by micro brands. A veritable who’s who of the industry, from Max Büsser of MB&F to Konstantin Chaykin to even Jean Arnault himself representing Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta, the event in Singapore attracted enthusiasts from all over the world, eager for the opportunity to come face-to-face with the makers of their favourite timepieces.
And this wasn’t a meet-them-and-run type of situation. With the dress code being resort casual and double-wristed, the atmosphere was deliberately informal and fun—one could easily approach Rexhep Rexhepi and strike up a conversation with the talented watchmaker without fear of his minders pulling him away mid-sentence.
Amidst a setting charged with anticipation, four watchmakers unveiled their latest creations.
MB&F LM Split Escapement Eddy Jaquet
Above MB&F LM Split Escapement Eddy Jaquet Jungle Book
MB&F LM Split Escapement Eddy Jaquet Jungle Book
1 / 1
Since you asked for it, here comes the second literary-inspired series with master engraver Eddy Jaquet. While the first series featured works by Jules Verne, the new series of eight unique pieces of the MB&F LM Split Escapement takes inspiration from beloved classics Robinson Crusoe, The Three Musketeers, The Last of the Mohicans, The Call of the Wild, Moby Dick, Treasure Island, The Jungle Book and Robin Hood.
Each 40mm dial plates are engraved in great detail, showcasing the incredible skill of Jaquet who has worked with the likes of Kari Voutilainen, Stepan Sarpaneva and Jean-François Mojon. In order to maximise the available engraving space, the date and power reserve sub-dials are openworked, while the bezel is slimmer.
Read more: MB&F's Maximilian Büsser celebrates 10 years of Legacy Machines
Urwerk UR-150 Scorpion
Above Urwerk UR-150 Scorpion
Urwerk UR-150 Scorpion
1 / 1
Urwerk’s satellite timekeeping system has been reimagined with a flying wheel and pinion positioned between the satellites and the base movement. The new system, replacing the Maltese crosses, deciphers and follows the ‘guiding thread’ of the cam.
To properly showcase the action of the retrograde hand, the minute display has been expanded from 120° to 240°. The retrograde system is the most ambitious yet for Urwerk. The weights are the greatest ever used and the speed and inertia the most intense, necessitating the creation of an unprecedented means of controlling the various dynamic forces at play. This is achieved using a speed regulator fitted to the flywheel, a mechanism usually used for regulating the chiming sequence on a minute repeater. This helps to create a smooth motion when the hand snaps back from “60” to “0” at the top of the hour.
The case, in titanium and steel, has been redesigned too with a more contemporary flair. Viewed from the side, it has an arched profile, with the case, sapphire crystal and minute hand sharing exactly the same curve.
Read more: Urwerk’s Felix Baumgartner on the joy of independent watchmaking
Krayon ‘Anywhere Arborea’
Above Krayon ‘Anywhere Arborea’ recreates Henri Rousseau’s ‘The Virgin Forst at Sunset’ on the dial
Krayon ‘Anywhere Arborea’ recreates Henri Rousseau’s ‘The Virgin Forst at Sunset’ on the dial
1 / 1
With the Krayon Anywhere, one gets a poetic rendition of the day/night indicator. Along the periphery of the dial is a ‘track’ that is white on the upper half (indicating ‘day’) and dark in the lower half (for ‘night’). A sun symbol also moves along this ‘track’ to further illustrate the change from day to night.
The new ‘Anywhere Arborea’ elevates this with an interpretation of Henri Rousseau’s The Virgin Forest at Sunset on the dial. The magical scene is recreated through hand-painting by a Swiss artist. Owing to the technical complexity of its creation, only 15 pieces will be produced.
Ulysse Nardin Freak One Navy Blue
Above Ulysse Nardin Freak One now comes in navy blue in a nod to its marine timekeeping past
Ulysse Nardin Freak One now comes in navy blue in a nod to its marine timekeeping past
1 / 1
Meet your new Freak, in navy blue that acknowledges Ulysse Nardin’s history as a creator of historical marine chronometers and a disruptive force in modern horology. Matching this new colour is the Superluminova coating for the hour and minute indicators as well as the hour markers that glow in blue, and the blue rubber strap.
Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
