Welcome to another edition of The Sunday Horophile Times, our weekly summary of the hottest news from the watch world as well as a list of recommended horological reading from across the web.
NEWS:
Jaeger LeCoultre, Howard Parr and National Ovarian Cancer Awareness
It’s always great to see our favorite brands giving back; it’s even better when watch collectors start such initiatives. Here’s the story of Howard Parr, a fellow TimeZone.com moderator.
(original news taken from timezone.com)
“Last night marked the debut of a joint campaign by Jaeger-LeCoultre and the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance to raise awareness of this deadly disease. The two organizations will work together in 2014 to educate women about ovarian cancer and raise critical funds to support the Alliance’s programs.
The inspiration for this project came from Howard Parr, an acclaimed photographer and watch expert who lost his step-mother to ovarian cancer. Throughout her treatment, Howard’s mother continued to enjoy the activities she had always loved: As grim prognosis repeatedly threatened to dim my step-mother’s future, Libby Parr saw only more life ahead. In fact, she lived more vigorously than ever. Her unwavering vision was transformative, and moved me to capture the aspirational lives of women living beyond ovarian cancer. These women love fully, laugh uncontrollably, and live eternally. That passion for life inspired Howard to photograph ovarian cancer survivors engaged in their favorite activities. The resulting prints are black and white with a single detail accented in teal–the color of ovarian cancer awareness. Ten limited-edition prints will go on sale in summer 2014 with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Alliance.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre / Ovarian Cancer National Alliance partnership kicked off on May 15th at the Alliance’s Teal Gala, a benefit and awards dinner in New York City. The event honored four individuals and one company that have advanced women’s interests and worked to help women with ovarian cancer. One of the highlights of the evening was a live auction featuring one timepiece from Jaeger-LeCoultre: a Grande Reverso Lady Ultra Thin featuring an engraving of the Alliance logo and a unique teal-colored alligator leather strap. “I witnessed firsthand with my mother the passion for life that women display when fighting ovarian cancer. Howard Parr captured this beautifully in his photographs. We could not be more proud to associate our name and our efforts in raising awareness about the ‘silent killer’ alongside the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.” Philippe Bonay, President Jaeger-LeCoultre North America, expressed.
The partnership will continue in September 2014–National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month–when Jaeger-LeCoultre will host two events featuring Howard Parr’s photography at the Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutiques in Beverly Hills and South Coast Plaza, California. The Manufacture will donate 10 percent of sales for seven days following each event to the Alliance. In addition, Jaeger-LeCoultre has created ten unique teal- coloured alligator leather straps (five women’s, five men’s) for sale in the fall of 2014; 10 percent of the sales from these watches will be donated to the Alliance.
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer, taking the lives of 14,000 women in the United States each year. There is no effective early detection test for ovarian cancer; the Alliance encourages women to learn the symptoms and risk factors associated with the disease. Funds raised by the Jaeger-LeCoultre partnership will help the Alliance educate women and health providers about this disease and serve as a voice for women with ovarian cancer.”
Two New Treasures Added To Breguet’s Collection of Historic Timepieces
Breguet has recently acquired two significant and historic pieces made by Abraham-Louis Breguet.
First up as this incredible pocket watch, which happens to be the very first our-minute tourbillon and the third tourbillon watch ever made by Abraham-Louis Breguet. Known as the No°1176, this pocket watch also features an échappement naturel (or natural escapement) designed by Breguet in 1789. Having belonged to Count Potocki, one of the most notable Polish figures of the Age of Enlightenment, this prestigious piece was acquired for 821,000 Swiss Francs at a recent Christie’s auction in Geneva.
The second piece is the Bregeut pocket watch No°4039. Originally sold to the Duke of Berwick in 1825, the watch is an extra-slim repeating timepiece. Highly innovative for its time, the watch also features the “caliber 21”, an additional complication of the date indication, as well as an engine-turned silver “guilloché” dial and the emblematic Breguet hands.
Breva Génie 01 Platinum L.E.
The original mechanical barometer/altimeter watch Breva Génie 01 (which we reviewed here) takes on a cool new platinum look, complete with a blue tinted glass for the barometric dial at 2 o’clock and blue accents throughout.
Limited to 12 pieces, you can find more information on the Breva Génie 01 Platinum on www.breva-watch.com
Glashütte Original Senator Manual Winding Skeletonized Edition
German watch brand Glashütte Original have just announced their latest piece, the Senator Manual Winding Skeletonized Edition. A classically styled skeleton, it features Glashütte Original’s in-house caliber 49-18, hand-skeletonized and engraved.
More information on http://www.glashuette-original.com
Breitling #FlyBreitling2014 Video Contest
How cool is this? Breitiling are offering the chance to fly in an Albatros L-39C with the Breitling Jet Team, the world’s first and largest civilian flight team.
All you have to do is submit a video that best captures the spirit of aviation.
Head to Breitling’s Facebook page to submit your video for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Submissions end on June 12, 2014. Good luck!
RECOMMENDED READING:
The Hodinkee boys give us an up-close and personal look at the breathtaking Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillon Openworked
http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/hands-on-with-the-vacheron-constantin-malte-tourbillon-openworked
In typical Watch Anish flair, the stylish team provides us with a lust worthy photo-shoot of the URWERK UR-105M (which we reviewed when it was released here) in the old town of Geneva:
http://watch-anish.com/urwerk-ur105-hands-perfect-armor-wrist/
The fellas at Fratello Watches give us a hands-on look at the über-cool TAG Heuer Monaco V4 Tourbillon:
http://www.fratellowatches.com/the-belt-driven-tag-heuer-monaco-v4-tourbillon/
Earlier this week I posted a review of one of my Baselworld 2014 favorites, the H. Moser & Cie Venturer Small Seconds (you can check it out here). For another take on this new collection and some stunning live photos, check out this review by Monochrome:
http://monochrome-watches.com/hands-on-with-the-h-moser-cie-venturer-small-second/
Watchonista present a look into the life of the fascinating and inimitable Jerome, owner and founder of the DeWitt brand:
http://www.watchonista.com/2914/watchonista-blog/news/universe-jerome-de-witt
