wrist-bound luxury

September 28, 2025

The world of haute horology continues to dazzle with creations that merge centuries-old craftsmanship with modern ingenuity. The newest masterpieces revealing skeletonised movements that show the poetry of mechanics to gem-set dials that shimmer like sculptures in motion, and complications that defy convention, chart the evolving landscape of high watchmaking. The curated selection of models featured here—from reimagined icons to bold debuts—are set to redefine luxury this season.


mechanical mastery

Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface is a singular creation that fuses mechanical mastery with refined aesthetics in the grand tradition of Vacheron Constantin’s watchmaking. Its open sapphire dial lays bare the intricacy of Calibre 2757 S—a technical marvel housing nearly 700 components. Within, three of horology’s most demanding complications come together: a single push-piece split-seconds chronograph, a minute repeater, and a tourbillon regulator with a spherical hairspring. Encased in 45 mm of 5N pink gold, every component is meticulously hand-finished, visible through both the transparent dial and case-back. More than a timekeeper, it is kinetic art in motion.


gem-set artistry

Frank Muller’s Cintrée Curvex Cut Flower captures the fleeting perfection of a bloom, translating it into a high jewellery timepiece where fine watchmaking meets gem-setting artistry. Its 31 × 43 mm rose gold case frames an openwork dial, where gears, bridges, and springs form a mechanical bouquet alive with motion. Diamond flowers, sculpted with the Curvex Cut technique, shimmer with organic depth as light dances across each facet. At its heart, the in-house MVT FM 1540-CS1—crafted from 153 components—ensures precision. Both ephemeral and eternal, this creation reflects beauty preserved at its peak, a radiant union of horology and art.


time laid bare

For the first time in its 288-year history, Favre Leuba presents a fully skeletonised timepiece: the Chief Skeleton. Building on the momentum of the Chief Tourbillon, this debut showcases the brand’s iconic cushion-shaped 40 mm case and a meticulously open-worked manufacture movement developed with AMT. Offered in two variations—gold-finished with a brushed and polished case, or anthracite-finished within a DLC-coated black steel case—the watch highlights every crafted detail. The multi-layered movement reveals a semi-exposed mainspring barrel at 12 o’clock and a balance wheel at 6, while finishing techniques such as snailing, satin brushing, and sandblasting add depth. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a 41-hour power reserve, the Chief Skeleton embodies Favre Leuba’s modern artistry and horological precision.


game time

Brietling’s NFL Team Editions—the Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 and the Endurance Pro—marks the occasion of the watchmaker’s multi-year global partnership with the National Football League as the official luxury timepiece partner. The Chronomat GMT 40, powered by the COSC-certified Caliber 32 with dual-time functionality, features team-coloured dials, contrasting GMT hands, and engraved case-backs, making it the perfect travel companion for devoted fans. The Endurance Pro, crafted from ultralight titanium, comes in 32 colourful variations with team logos on the sub-dial, a pulsometer scale, and the NFL Shield engraved on the case-back. Powered by the COSC-certified SuperQuartz™ Caliber 82, it combines sporty precision with bold team spirit, embodying the passion of the game.


perpetual grace

Vacheron Constantin has expanded its Overseas collection with two new interpretations of the Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin. Crafted in pink gold with a golden-toned sunburst satin-finished dial or in white gold with a rich burgundy lacquer dial, both models feature 41.5 mm cases, 18K gold bracelets, and interchangeable rubber straps for versatile styling. Despite its sporty elegance, the case measures just 8.1 mm, housing the Manufacture’s ultra-thin self-winding Calibre 1120 QP/1—an enduring expression of the Maison’s mastery. Inspired by the Maltese cross, the Overseas line embodies sophistication, versatility, and the spirit of exploration. The pink gold model offers refined harmony with a subtle blue-minutes track, while the white gold edition contrasts cool metal with burgundy depth, each balancing elegance and dynamism.


celestial bohème

Montblanc has unveiled the 36mm Bohème Perpetual Calendar, crafted in Le Locle and Villeret, blending traditional horology with modern artistry. Available in solid rose gold or bi-metal construction, the case houses the Calibre MB 29.15, a perpetual calendar movement accurate until 2100 with a 42-hour power reserve. The dial features four elegantly arranged sub-dials floating over a sparkling micro-diamond field, evoking a night sky. A stamped filé d’étoiles outer ring adds celestial depth, while a watercolour-inspired moon phase at 6 o’clock enriches the design. Sixty brilliant-cut diamonds encircle the bezel, doubling as a minute track. Legible floral numerals, rose gold-coated leaf hands, and handwriting-style indicators add refinement. Three interchangeable calfskin straps complete this highly technical yet feminine masterpiece.


time in orbit

Born on the racetrack, the TAG Heuer Carrera has now ventured into space with the Carrera Astronomer, a bold evolution that fuses cosmic inspiration with racing heritage. Its avant-garde moonphase complication, powered by the new Calibre 7 with a 50-hour reserve, displays seven lunar stages at 6 o’clock, advancing daily at 1 a.m. in perfect rhythm with the moon. The case-back depicts an observatory and Victory Wreath, honouring exploration and excellence. Three 39 mm models define this launch: a stainless-steel edition with silver dial and black moonphase disc; a 500-piece limited edition with turquoise Super-LumiNova® accents on a grey strap; and a two-tone steel-and-rose-gold version, also limited to 500. Together, they reimagine time as celestial rhythm, not just precision.

Compiled by Swapan Kumar Das