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The New Patek Philippe Twenty~4 7340/1R Perpetual Calendar

Introduced in 1999, the Twenty~4 collection was Patek Philippe’s first dedicated line of feminine timepieces. The original model featured an Art Deco-inspired manchette (cuff) design, but in 2018, the brand unveiled the Twenty~4 Automatic, which is a round-cased iteration powered by an automatic movement. This year, Patek Philippe elevates the collection further by introducing a perpetual calendar complication, marking the collection's debut in the realm of Grand Complications.
Crafted entirely in 18K rose gold, the watch features a 36mm case with a slender profile of just 9.95mm, making it sit gracefully on the wrist. The case is meticulously finished with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, enhancing its refined aesthetic. Two dial options are available. The Ref. 7340/1R-001 features a silvery opaline dial with a vertical satin finish, evoking the texture of shantung silk that feature irregular texture, while the Ref. 7340/1R-010 presents an olive green sunburst dial for a more contemporary appeal.

Introducing Blancpain X Swatch: Five Oceans, Five Timepieces

Blancpain X Swatch delves deep into the five oceans, producing five mechanical watches

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Swatch, a brand notorious for its innovation, and Blancpain, esteemed for its luxury and precision, have undertaken a voyage to the deep blue, unveiling a collaboration of ocean-themed watches set to sail on September 9.

This union gives birth to five unique timepieces, infused with the attributes both brands cherish: the sturdiness of Swatch's bioceramic design and Blancpain's legacy of Fifty Fathoms.

Yet, in a market ever-evolving, how will this collaboration fare? Last year saw the MoonSwatch revolution, propelling Swatch to heights previously imagined. Nick Hayek Jr., Swatch's CEO, attributed its success not to meticulous business planning, but rather to sheer passion.

However, opinions diverge on the impact of the Blancpain x Swatch collaboration. While it promises to elevate Blancpain's visibility, it might not produce the same tremor as its MoonSwatch predecessor due to factors like price point and brand recognition.

The ocean's depths are unpredictable, as is the watch industry. While this collaboration promises a deluge of craftsmanship and innovation, only time will tell if it manages to make waves.

Five Oceans, Five Timepieces

Representing each of the world's five oceans, these mechanical marvels do more than just tell the time. They are embodiments of the deep-sea's beauty, with each watch encapsulating the colors and charisma of the oceanic nudibranchs.

1. Arctic Ocean Model**: With an understated beige dial set against a fiery red Dendronotus Frondosus-inspired NATO strap, this model revives memories of the "NO RADIATIONS" era, a pivotal time in Blancpain’s history.



2. Pacific Ocean Model**: Vivid shades of the Chromodoris Kuiteri nudibranch adorn this variant, coupled with a handy date indicator.

3. Atlantic Ocean Model**: Reflecting the tumultuous spirit of the Atlantic, it dons a Glaucus Atlanticus-inspired blue palette.

4. Indian Ocean Model**: An infusion of effervescent green reminiscent of rich marine expanses with the Nembrotha Kubaryana making a subtle appearance.

5. Antarctic Ocean Model**: Mimicking the frozen terrains, a gray gradient dial features an intricate water contact indicator, encapsulating the essence of military diving chronicles.

Innovative Mechanics and Materials

The Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Collection is more than just its aesthetic allure. Fitted with the SISTEM51 mechanical movement, this Swatch invention boasts an entirely automated production, a 90-hour autonomy, and an anti-magnetic composition, courtesy of its Nivachron™ hairspring.

Further exemplifying Swatch's penchant for innovation is the Bioceramic—a meld of ceramic and biosourced material. Durable and distinctively matte, the Bioceramic graces every watch's case, bezel, crown, and buckle.

Blancpain: A Watchmaking Maverick

Rooted in the Swiss Jura since 1735, Blancpain's heritage is a testament to masterful watchmaking. Its rapport with the marine world, as highlighted by the Fifty Fathoms' prominence, is unparalleled. This latest collaboration with Swatch is a continuation of that rich legacy, with a modern touch.

Watch specifications:
  • Diameter: 42.3 mm
  • Thicknes: 14.4 mm
  • Material: Bioceramic
  • Dial color: blue, yellow, beige, green, white
  • Water resistance: 91 m
  • Movment: Sitim 51, automatic mechanical
  • Function: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
  • Power Reserve: 90 hours
  • Price: about $400
  • Availability: September 9


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