The Roundup: the “Baby You’re A Firework” Edition

Each week, EWC will be gathering horological industry news, cultural conversations and moments surrounding our favorite topic: timepieces. Happy Friday; here’s what’s on our watch.

Happy Independence Day to everyone stateside. Consider this your (gentle) reprieve from backyard barbeques and hotdog eating contests, and allow us to quench your horological thirst. 

Wimbledon Watchspotting

The Championships has already begun, with two days of Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Singles matches, Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Doubles as well as Mixed Doubles. The celebrities are already filling the courtside boxes. 

Football legend David Beckham quite literally stole the spotlight from the stands of the tournament flaunting a new custom birthday gift from Tudor. For the Hall of Famers milestone 50^th lap around the sun, the Maison created a piece unique Diamond-Set Black Bay Chrono with a black lacquer dial and diamond indices as well as a case, bezel, and bracelet set with round diamonds.

Meanwhile Russell Crowe sported a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘Tiffany,’ and Eddie Redmayne selected a bold Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades, a natural extension of his partnership with the brand. Nick Jonas, always a fan of vintage, opted for a vintage Rolex Day-Date in 18k yellow gold with a diamond-set black dial, and John Cena continues to sport his recent fav, the  Rolex Explorer II Oystersteel (which he recently wore to the New York premiere of Head of State last week). 

Rolex Goes Atomic

Speaking of the Crown, Rolex has entered the realm of atomic clock technology with the launch of Rolex Quantum in Neuchâtel, Switzerland just outside of Geneva. The ambitious project marks Rolex’s first foray into the field of atomic timekeeping with a focus on the development and commercialization of optical atomic clocks.

It’s Like Glamping for Watch Geeks

Jaeger-LeCoultre has just opened a retreat in Vallée de Joux. Le Chalet, a beautifully restored 19th-century Swiss alpine farm building, offers clients an immersive brand experience in the historic watchmaking region. From an exclusive stay for friends of the brand, to multi-course dinners, why not make your cheese and eat it too on Mont Tendre? 

Too Hot to Handle

Independents Louis Erard and Konstantin Chaykin are back at it with their second collaboration: the Time Eater Tourbillon. Two years ago, the duo unleashed their first beast, and it quickly garnered the nickname the “time eater” thanks to its monstrous design. Now, the pair is back with two new regulator versions.

Tiffany & Co. just relaunched its iconic Atlas watch collection in collaboration with La Joux-Perret. Here, three different sized models in white or Tiffany Blue celebrate the eponymous clock that founder Charles Lewis Tiffany installed above the entrance to his store at 550 Broadway in 1853.

Van Cleef & Arpels celebrates nature with its new Fleurs d’Hawaï line of high jewelry watches. The collection comes in partnership with the Maison’s work with The King’s Foundation, supporting the preservation of historic gardens and woodlands across the UK.

A relatively simple timepiece from Greubel Forsey? The operative word is relatively. Yes, the brand is known for its ultra complex designs, but this Limited Edition Balancier Contemporain goes back to basics in terms of mechanics. Like its predecessors, you get the more accessible 39.6mm by 12.25mm proportions as well as the level of decoration and finishing you expect from the Maison. According to the brand, this stainless steel version marks the end of production for this movement and the Balancier Contemporain product family.

Hublot’s Classic Fusion Essential Series goes taupe offering a warm counterpart to the Essential Grey editions. The model is offered in two sizes (42 mm and 45 mm) sold as an online-exclusive marking the fourth edition in the brand’s Essential monochrome series.

IWC Schaffhausen gets complicated with a new limited edition Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph combining a flying minute tourbillon with a retrograde date display and a flyback chronograph. The model maintains an ultra-luxe presence with an 18-carat Armor Gold case and an Obsidian-colored dial.

Tudor continues to double down in the world of pro-cycling with a new yellow version of its Pelagos FXD Chrono. This model honors Swiss cycling legend and five-time Tour de France winner Fabian Cancellara ahead of this year’s edition. Here, the yellow color scheme is a nod to the memorable jersey of the race.

Oh, La La

Speaking of France, Paris Couture kicks off next week, and we have our sights set on spotting some interesting watches on and off the catwalk. In the meantime, have a beautiful holiday weekend to all who celebrate!