Haute Time’s Hottest Watches Of 2020 Part II

Despite the pandemic, many brands did not hold back when it came to releasing new models. What usually would be launched at one of the fairs or during a special event was now presented by Zoom- and Skype-meetings. Fortunately, this doesn't make the watches any less impressive, as the following five prove;

By Martin Green

Richard Mille Gives Color And Craftsmanship Center Stage With New RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman

In an ode to color, Richard Mille is presenting the successor of the RM 71-01. Inspired by the 1970s, the disco era, and Studio 54, the new RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman's showcase their craftsmanship in technicolor. Its collection consists of no less than ten different pieces, of which only seven will be made of each, which have all been given names that were fashionable in that era. Bianca, Donna, Grace, Diana, Jessica, Gloria, Liz, Jane, Carmen and Paloma, all feature intricate patterns of colored gemstones set on the dial, crown, and curved tonneau case of the watch.

Richard Mille RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire: How A Dash Of Transparency Makes Even A Great Watch Better

Richard Mille is not a brand that lacks impressive watches in its line-up. In fact, it is hard to pick a highlight out of such an imposing collection. However, when pressed, the RM 53-01 Tourbillon Pablo Mac Donough comes to mind, with its unique movement, suspended by tiny metal cables. It was introduced in 2018 and one of the highlights of that year's edition of the SIHH. But as a brand that likes to push the envelope just a little bit further, Mille now introduces an even more incredible version of this watch, the RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire.

Richard Mille Celebrates Ten Year Partnership With Rafael Nadal With Million-Dollar Tourbillon

Few brands have such long and strong relationships with their ambassadors as Richard Mille. The bond between the brand and Rafael Nadal, currently ranked world No. 2 in men's singles tennis by the Association of Tennis Professionals, is already in its tenth year and has resulted in quite a few breathtaking watches in the last decade. Another one will be added to this as well, as Mille and Nadal teamed up once again for the RM 27-04 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal, a 50-piece limited edition costing $1,050,000 each, which is available exclusively at Richard Mille boutiques worldwide.

Richard Mille Takes A Leap Into The Future With The New RM 72-01 Lifestyle In-House Chronograph

An important moment in the history of Richard Mille, as with the RM 72-01 Lifestyle In-House Chronograph, they launch the brands' first chronograph with it made entirely in its workshops in the Swiss town of Les Breuleux. It is a technical masterpiece that comes with quite a few novel features. While it does feature a traditional column wheel, it lacks a vertical clutch. Instead, it uses two oscillating pinions to transfer power to the chronograph. This comes with considerable advantages. One of them is that even when the chronograph runs, it has hardly a negative effect on the overall power reserve. Secondly, does this construction also require much less space. The height of the RM 72-01 Lifestyle In-House Chronograph can, therefore, be kept under 12mm, at a very impressive 11.68mm.

Watch of the Week: Richard Mille RM 35-02 Rafael Nadal

When you work with some of the world's most accomplished athletes, you can count on it that they will take your watches through their paces. For Richard Mille, this is exactly how he likes it, as it challenges him time after time again to take things to the next level. Nadal, who won 19 Grand Slam Singles titles, wears his Richard Mille also on the court. This means that the RM 35-02 not only needs to be very light but also very strong.

Richard Mille Launches A New Material In A New Watch

A new model by Richard Mille is always exciting but gets even more impressive when the brand makes it in entirely new material. Grey Cermet, as it is called, is as light as titanium and yet almost as hard as a diamond. It took Richard Mille, working closely together with the IMI Group, years to develop this material. It consists of a metallic zirconium matrix with ceramic inserted in it. As these are very different elements, combining them in a single material was particularly challenging. Especially since the use of nickel and cobalt, often used to combine these materials in a homogeneous matter, was not an option as they wanted to conform themselves to the REACH Standards. This ensures safety in production and the use of chemicals in the European industry.

Four Colorful Watches For These Dark Times

The times we are currently facing are challenging for many of us, and for a variety of different reasons. Yet no matter what the reason is, it is essential to maintain hope. Only then can we find the strength to come together, be creative, and work our way productively through the problems. Watches can then be seen as a trivial thing, but apart from being an industry by itself which fuels our economies, can they also serve as an inspiration. When we are capable of making mechanical watches that can measure time with an accuracy of 99.994% (the worst rating with which a watch can still be Chronometer-certified), it serves as a testimony that human ingenuity knows no bounds and that we can persevere. Therefor four mechanical timepieces that can not only inspire but also brighten our day with their colorful appearance.

Four Top Tourbillons That Take Your Breath Away

While a tourbillon is, in general, a complication that will put most watch connoisseurs in awe, there is quite a difference among them. The most traditional ones feature a bridge on both sides, in between which they do their mesmerizing dance. A flying tourbillon lacks the front bridge, which allows you to see more of the intricate parts that make a tourbillon work. As the tourbillon is such a popular complication, many brands have made it a focal point for their technical creativity, which has resulted in watches that truly take your breath away.

4 Watches That Make A Big Impression

While the tides of the current trends are flowing more into the direction of smaller sized watches, does this not mean that larger watches have become unavailable. Since the trend towards more substantial timepieces started, they have proven that they are here to stay. The following four watches show that size matters, especially when you want to make a big impression.

Full Swing: Golf Watches Designed In Collaboration with Golfers

If you look at the top-ranked golfers, you’ll see that almost all of them are ambassadors of luxury watch brands, dutifully wearing select timepieces during trophy ceremonies and press appearances. And if you’re a regular follower of professional golf tournaments, you will have no doubt noticed the heavy presence of watch sponsorships at the events. However, some timepiece brands are taking the partnership with the sport beyond just product placement into product development. Here are three golf watches designed in collaboration with golfers developed to be worn during gameplay.

New Year, New Chances; Four Sports Watches That Inspire You To Reach Your Goals

Often people use the beginning of a new year as the moment to start new habits. With many new years resolutions made, a lot of people want to adopt a healthier lifestyle and become more active. To offset the calorie-rich month of December, there are many sports to consider that will help you reach your goals. Especially watch enthusiasts might feel a bit naked to do so without a watch on the wrist. So while you make a positive lifestyle change, you can also use it as an excuse to pick up a watch specifically designed for the sport you practice and start 2020 with a new watch as aswell.

Haute Time’s Hottest Ladies Watches Of 2019

The time that ladies watches where smaller men's watches with diamonds added is long gone. Today they often unite several different crafts into a single creation, being a driving force of the Métier d'arts and quite frequently powered by sophisticated, mechanical movements. In some form follows function, yet always with an elegant touch, while others do it the other way around. This makes the world of women's watches so incredibly diverse, as perhaps even more with men's watches are the only boundaries the imagination and capabilities of the maker. That this result in exceptional watches was also proven this year with these stunning creations;

New Year, New Decade, New Watches to Covet

In less than a week, we will be welcoming not only a new year but the start of a new decade. As we say goodbye to the 2010s and usher in 2020, there are already a handful of freshly announced watches on our wish list. Here are four new watches to covet in the coming new year.

Haute Time’s Hottest High Complications Of 2019

Few can afford them, but we all love them; the most complicated watches that the watch industry has to offer. For many brands, these watches serve as a way to show their technical prowess, and sometimes to develop technologies that we later see in less complex watches. Many of these highly complicated watches take years to develop and months to make. Their numbers are always quite limited, but they leave countless watch connoisseurs around the world in awe. This year the following watches did just that;

Hip Hop’s Top Watch Connoisseurs And Their Amazing Collections

Overcoming adversity is one of the main ingredients that makes hip-hop such a highly popular genre. Many of the leading artists worked their way up from very modest beginnings, using their considerable talents to translate their struggles and experiences into music that inspires millions. They gave a voice to people who had none, and are a shining example that faith and hard work can make dreams come true. As they realized their own dreams, they also gained the ability to build impressive watch collections. Many of hip-hop's finest have shown that they have bold taste in watches, and combine this with a great understanding of quality and heritage, as the following four artists show:

Haute Time’s Hottest Tourbillons Of 2019

Also in 2019, the tourbillon ruled supreme as one of the most popular complications in Haute Horlogerie. Throughout the year, many new interpretations of the tourbillon where launched. Somewhere completely new creations, while other varieties of watches that we are already familiar with. The following four were for us among the hottest ones introduced in 2019;