Article of the week
The New Patek Philippe Twenty~4 7340/1R Perpetual Calendar

Introduced in 1999, the Twenty~4 collection was Patek Philippe’s first dedicated line of feminine timepieces. The original model featured an Art Deco-inspired manchette (cuff) design, but in 2018, the brand unveiled the Twenty~4 Automatic, which is a round-cased iteration powered by an automatic movement. This year, Patek Philippe elevates the collection further by introducing a perpetual calendar complication, marking the collection's debut in the realm of Grand Complications.
Crafted entirely in 18K rose gold, the watch features a 36mm case with a slender profile of just 9.95mm, making it sit gracefully on the wrist. The case is meticulously finished with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, enhancing its refined aesthetic. Two dial options are available. The Ref. 7340/1R-001 features a silvery opaline dial with a vertical satin finish, evoking the texture of shantung silk that feature irregular texture, while the Ref. 7340/1R-010 presents an olive green sunburst dial for a more contemporary appeal.

Introducing The Unique Piece by Louis Moinet, The Geopolis Opal

Dial Craftsmanship, Twelve Opal Stones in a Rainbow Display

The Swiss company Louis Moinet has unveiled a new masterpiece with an exclusive design, presenting a watch with a dial that may be considered the first of its kind in the world of luxury watches. While other companies have offered watches with opal dials, Louis Moinet has taken this concept further by releasing a watch decorated with twelve opals in different colors, arranged to reflect the gradient of a rainbow.

This watch, the Louis Moinet Geopolis Opal Edition, embodies the brand's innovative spirit and represents a significant advancement in their craftsmanship. Previously, the company had introduced the distinctive “Cosmopolis” watch, encrusted with twelve different meteorites, which held a Guinness World Record for "the most meteorite inserts in a watch." Now, with the same level of craftsmanship and unique touch, Louis Moinet introduces the Geopolis Opal watch, featuring a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors.

Encased in a 18k red gold brushed and polished case that measures 40.7mm in diameter, and a domed sapphire crystal on the front unveiling the intricate beauty of the meteorite fragments, and a sapphire crystal on the caseback, with openworked lugs and 30 meters of water resistance. 

The design of the Geopolis Opal has been meticulously crafted to celebrate the splendor of the opal. Ten opals, delicately encrusted on small bases, stand out against the intense black of the onyx dial, forming a spellbinding rainbow. A larger opal disc takes pride of place at the center, while the twelfth gem nestles under the tourbillon cage.

The fragility and exquisiteness of opals demand meticulous cutting. Jean-Marie Schaller entrusted this delicate task to his friend, renowned gem cutter Daniel Haas. The process requires patience, precision, and skill. Each opal is carefully cut and polished by hand, reduced to discs just 0.5 mm thick.

The creation of the dial illustrates the expertise of master dial-makers, who faced the challenge of arranging the opals in such a way as to create the rainbow effect, The result is a unique dial in front of us that the company says that no one has presented anything similar before. These design coexist with the skeletonized hour and minute hands, filled with luminescent material, and a flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock enhancing the watch's overall allure.

Under the sapphire crystal caseback lies the manual-winding caliber LM135 movement, distinguished by its innovative "volte-face" system where two barrels are arranged upside down, releasing their energy at the same time, delivering a power reserve of 96 hours. The watch is paired with a black alligator leather strap, secured by a 18k rose gold pin buckle. The watch is a unique piece and price is upon request.

For more information please visit Louis Moinet website.

Technical specifications: Louis Moinet Geopolis Opal
  1. Case: 18k red gold Brushed and polished case, inner case in grade 5 titanium, domed sapphire crystal on the front and caseback, openworked lugs
  2. Diameter: 40.7mm 
  3. Water resistance: 30 m
  4. Dial: onyx dial, 12 opal discs, skeletonized hour and minute hands  with luminescent material, flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock 
  5. Movement: LM135 caliber, manual-winding, volte-face system, two barrels, 26 rubies
  6. Power reserve: 96 hours
  7. Frequency: 28,800 vph 
  8. Functions: hours, minutes
  9. Bracelet / Strap: black alligator leather strap, with 18k rose gold pin buckle
  10. Availability: Unique piece
  11. Price: Upon Request 

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