Credits: Article and images by Ian Skellern @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/01/12/15-watches-from-2023-id-love-to-own-if-money-no-object-and-one-im-most-likely-to-buy/
——————————————————————————————–
Simon Brette Chronomètre Artisans
When I first met Simon Brette and he explained the watch he planned to develop in partnership with the best artisans he could find, I had doubts that it would look cohesive.
However, those doubts were dispelled a year later when I had a chance to see his first prototype. It was just sensational.
Unfortunately for many serious collectors, the series sold out long before it was even officially launched. However, as this is only a dream list of watches I’d love to own, the fact that the Chronomètre Artisans is practically impossible to buy is neither here-nor there.
And it wasn’t just a small group of those who appreciate fine independent watchmaking that thought it was a great watch, the Chronomètre Artisans Subscription Edition took the Horological Revelation prize at the 2023 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
Price: CHF 50,000 (sold out)
Further reading: Chronomètre Artisans Subscription Edition by Simon Brette: Sensational, Superlative, and Simply Sublime Independent Watchmaking at its Very Best
For more information, please visit https://simonbrette.com/en/product/timepiece-chronometre-artisans-subscription/
Ulysse Nardin Freak One Ops
It’s hard to believe but the Ulysse Nardin Freak was originally launched over 20 years ago (in 2001). This was a time when wild concept-type watches were extremely rare. Max Büsser, then head of Harry Winton’s watch division launched the Opus 1 by François-Paul Journe that same year, and it was relatively tame Opus compared to those that followed.
There was Urwerk and Vianney Halter back then, but in terms of crazy innovative watches, that was it. The Freak One blew everyone away. It also took the Iconic watch prize at the 2023 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
At the 2023 Dubai Watch Week, Ulysse Nardin launched a new Freak: the Freak One Ops. And while kaki green wouldn’t have been among my choices for a watch color – especially such a distinctive watch – I thought that the green worked surprising well.
Another surprise was the fact that thanks to the lugs allowing the strap to hang straight down, the 44mm case was quite comfortable and didn’t look out of place on a small wrist.
Price: $66,500
Further reading: Ulysse Nardin Freak One Ops Reporting for Duty in Military Green
For more information, please visit www.ulysse-nardin.com/usa_en/2403-500-8a-3a
Oscillon Fundamentum
There are 5 rough categories of mechanical watches:
1. As affordable as possible (e.g., Swatch)
2. ‘Relatively’ affordable higher quality (e.g., Omega/Rolex)
3. top tier bigger brands with nicely finished movements (e.g., AP, Patek, VC, JLC))
4. Rarer superbly finished watches by independents (e.g., Dufour, Voutilainen, Ferdinand Berthoud, Petermann Bédat, Greubel Forsey)
5. And at the top of the (or my) list, there are extremely rare nearly fully handmade watches
In that highest echelon of watches as handmade as possible, using only traditional tools and techniques with no components made with CNC machines, I can only thing of 3 contenders: the Greubel Forsey Hand Made 1, Vincent Deprez’s Tourbillon Classique, and the Oscillon Fundamentum.
While the two former are virtually unobtainable, as far as I’m aware the Oscillon Fundamentum is still within reach (though you will have to wait). It’s a relatively simple looking and unassuming watch, and for me that’s what makes it so desirable.
And at only 38mm in diameter, it’s the perfect size for my small wrists. Santa didn’t put one in my stocking last Christmas, but there’s always hoping for the next.
Price: CHF 155,000
Further reading: Oscillon Fundamentum: Sublime Handmade Simplicity: The Ultimate Sleeper Watch
For more information, please visit https://oscillon.swiss/#fundamentum
——————————————————————————————–
Credits: Article and images by Ian Skellern @ Quill & Pad. See the original article here - https://quillandpad.com/2024/01/12/15-watches-from-2023-id-love-to-own-if-money-no-object-and-one-im-most-likely-to-buy/