The Power List: 8 Exclusive Haute Horlogerie Timepieces At Second Movement

30 Oct, 2023

The Power List: 8 Exclusive Haute Horlogerie Timepieces At Second Movement

Featured Video

A Collector’s Delight — Arnold & Son Time Pyramid

In the world of horology, where timekeeping transcends the mundane and becomes an art form, a few select timepieces emerge so revolutionary in their charm, design, and appeal that they become memorable icons. Precise in their technology and breathtaking in their luxurious artistry, these pieces are worthy of claiming the spotlight in the repertoire of connoisseurs who won’t settle for anything less than the extraordinary.

So, exquisite pieces that let you do everything in the utmost luxury, from globetrotting to accompanying you on the grassy golf fields, here are eight haute horlogerie pieces, also some of the most expensive watches at Second Movement. They certainly deserve a spot in your collection.

IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar

The IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar embodies timeless elegance with a twist of mechanical genius. Its captivating essence lies within the harmonious dance of complications on its slate-coloured dial. Beneath the classical exterior resides the IWC-manufactured 52615 calibre movement, a mechanical marvel orchestrating a perpetual calendar complication. This complication, represented with impeccable finesse in sub-dials, is a symphony of date, day, month, year, and moon phase indicators, all performing in exquisite harmony. The moon phase aperture is reminiscent of a breathtakingly beautiful starry night sky with a double moon display and a star-decked backdrop.

The Perpetual Calendar complication is accurate to the point of diverging by just one day in 577.5 years. Each glance at this dial reveals not just the time but a testament to the art of precision watchmaking. This watch is more than an instrument for measuring time; it’s a masterpiece that adorns the wrist of those who appreciate the intricate choreography of life’s moments.

Czapek Antarctique Passage de Drake Deep Blue

Named after the Drake Passage, one of the trickiest passages on the sea to navigate with the excruciating combination of stormy seas and icy conditions of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, this Czapek Antarctique is curated to be a reliable companion while traversing such rough pathways on a journey.

Impressively simple in form and function, the watch can be a stunning companion for anyone looking for the extraordinary. The atypical trapezoid dial motif, called the Stairway to Eternity, creates an enchanting play of textures and shadows when combined with the 3D stamped surface. With the original double trompe l’oeil curve on the stainless steel case, this timepiece combines excellent craftsmanship with a simple yet memorable design concept.

Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Manufacture Edition in Black Gold

Skeletonised watches are a beauty to behold, and the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance is miles apart from the ordinary. The Resonance collection is one of the most mechanically impressive watches one can possess, with the complicated requirement to combine two watch movements into a single unit using two “independent mainsprings, gear trains, escapements, and balances”. This Manufacture Edition ticks all the boxes when it comes to combining this precise technology with stunning looks. From the stunning combination of dark black and brilliant rose gold to the intricate craftsmanship visible from the front, this timepiece is the perfect symphony of precision and beauty.

What sets this masterpiece apart is the mesmerising resonance phenomenon created by its twin balance wheels. These two beating hearts, calibrated to beat in perfect harmony, dramatically enhance the watch’s accuracy. Combined with the manual winding movement, the generous 48-hour power reserve adds convenience while ensuring you never falter in your style.

Arnold & Son Globetrotter

The Arnold & Son Globetrotter is a high-octane take on a travel watch. Its exceptional allure lies in the intricately hand-painted globe that graces its dial. The raised globe, held aloft by a graceful arch bridge, beautifully depicts the Northern Hemisphere as seen from space, its elegance magnified by the domed sapphire crystal glass. Furthermore, the convenient integration of the world-time function allows you to track time zones across the planet effortlessly.

The clean Roman numeral hour markers add to the sleek and stated look of the piece. The three-function crown allows for manual winding, adjustment of the local time hour hand, and convenient toggling between hours, minutes, and world time, both forward and backwards. This piece exudes intricate sophistication, a continued concept in the incredible range of Arnold & Son watches.

H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Tourbillon

The H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer (3804-1205) is a paragon of understated elegance, where refined simplicity conceals intricate sophistication. Its magnetic charm lies within the harmonious fusion of rugged resilience and timeless aesthetics. The simple dial layout in a Blue Lagoon Fumé hue draws you in from the first time you set your eyes on the watch, complete with a stunning brushed finish for a beautiful sunburst visual element. Adding to the simplicity of the dial are the darkened anthracite indices with luminosity.

But while the dial draws you in, the skeletonised double hairspring tourbillon sitting at six o’clock catches your attention like no other. This tiny opening gives you a peek into the beating HMC 804 automatic movement. Further adding to the mysteriousness of this extraordinary watch is the brand text inscribed in transparent lacquer for a very delicate and subtle yet remarkable addition.

Arnold & Son Tourbillon Chrono 36

The Arnold & Son Tourbillon Chrono 36 (1ETAS.B01A.C113S-G20A) is a masterstroke of horological ingenuity, and its open-faced dial is a captivating canvas that reveals the inner workings of this commemorative timepiece. This watch pays homage to its illustrious ancestor’s legendary creation, which debuted 240 years ago. This pioneering pocket watch, a milestone in horological history, was the first to bear the prestigious ‘chronometer’ appellation, signifying the highest precision.

And this modern reiteration is no less iconic than its inspiration. The skeletonised construction invites you to explore the intricate tourbillon mechanism lying beneath, while the dial’s frost finish and the brushed bridges at the top exude timeless elegance. The applied rhodium indexes create a striking contrast against the canvas, and the thin bezel further frames this masterpiece with understated sophistication.

Hublot Big Bang Unico Golf Sky Blue Carbon

The Hublot Big Bang Unico Golf Sky Blue Carbon embodies innovation and style designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life, both on and off the golf course. The striking feature of this watch is its case, crafted from blue carbon fibre—an ultra-light, robust, and aesthetically captivating material. It’s a testament to Hublot’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. With its intricate skeletonised design, the dial offers a window into the watch’s complex inner workings.

The unique Hublot Unico HUB1580 movement is a mechanical marvel that powers timekeeping and helps you stay on top of your golf games. More specifically, it features a unique golf counter that allows you to keep track of your strokes per hole, which can be operated with the help of buttons on the right of the case. Press the pusher at two o’clock to count your shots with the help of the counter at three, then press the pusher at four once you have holed your putt, which operates the hole counter at nine o’clock. The total score is counted with the help of a double window at six, while the pusher at eight resets all counters to zero for your next game!

Louis Moinet Tempograph Chrome

The Louis Moinet Tempograph Chrome is a masterpiece that stands as a testament to the brand’s heritage and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of design. At its core, the Tempograph Chrome is a stunning example of aesthetic innovation. The skeleton dial introduces a vibrant Moinet Blue hue, enveloping the intricate bridges and the inner flange. The Clou de Paris pattern gracing the outer flange and the off-centre dial at four o’clock adds depth and dimension to the watch’s design, making it a visual masterpiece that exudes elegance and creativity.

This extraordinary watch also signifies a pivotal moment for Louis Moinet. It marks the first time a Tempograph watch is encased in stainless steel. This case has been reimagined to house the exceptional self-winding calibre LM50. The movement, showcased on the dial, brings a unique complication—the 20-second retrograde—to life, gracefully resetting to zero every 20 seconds. Additionally, a tricolour disc at nine o’clock meticulously measures 60 seconds, thoughtfully segmented into three 20-second intervals.

Each element reflects meticulous attention to detail, from the graceful dewdrop hands to the iconic screws adorning the case. This brilliant combination of precision and artistry earned the watch a nomination for the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) awards in 2018. So, this timepiece is a must-have seeking extraordinary for collectors and connoisseurs seeking truly exceptional timepieces that redefine the boundaries of design and craftsmanship.

Conclusion

From Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance’s ingenious combination of two different movements in a single watch to the golf counter-equipped masterpiece from Hublot, these expensive watches redefine the boundaries of artistry and innovation. Timeless in their expression of creativity and impressive engineering prowess, these pieces are more than simple pieces of timekeeping. Ideal for extraordinary collectors looking to add something equally as exceptional, these eight timepieces are more than capable of grabbing that centre spot in your collection.