Article of the week
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.

Auction Bvlgari’s One-of-a-Kind Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Sketch

A Golden Timepiece for the TimeForArt Auction, Featuring a Masterful Sketched Dial

This year, Bvlgari celebrates its 140th anniversary. For this special occasion, the Manufacture ventures into uncharted territory by introducing a series of watches with illustrated dials that reveal the movement’s back instead of a traditional dial, as if admired from the other side through an open case back. You can read the full article about these watches, featuring dials sketched by Fabrizio Bonamassa.

Now, the company has unveiled a unique piece with a sketched dial for TimeForArt, the first and only benefit watch auction supporting contemporary art and artists. 

The auction will take place on December 7 in New York City with Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo. This year’s 2024 edition of TimeForArt features unique contributions from 25 distinguished watch brands, ranging from cutting-edge independent watchmakers to renowned luxury brands. Each brand has introduced a one-of-a-kind piece, including Biver’s remarkable contribution to this auction.

This unique piece retains the iconic Octo case design and features a 43 mm satin-polished rose gold case (8.75 mm thick). The caseback includes special engravings, such as “Esemplare Unico 1/1” and the “TimeForArt” logo. It is water-resistant up to 100 meters.

The golden dial of this exceptional piece for TimeForArt showcases a sketch highlighting key elements of both the dial and the back of the movement. It skillfully blends the iconic chronograph display (GMT at 3 o’clock, a 30-minute counter at 6 o’clock, and small seconds at 9 o’clock) with a balance wheel depicted between 4 and 5 o’clock, the emblematic column wheel at 8 o’clock, and intricate finishing details on the bridges and gears.

The Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT watch features a mechanical, ultra-thin manufacture movement, just 3.30 mm thick. The automatic winding system incorporates a peripheral rotor made of platinum. The BVL318 caliber beats at 28,800 vph (4Hz) and offers a power reserve of 55 hours.

The bracelet is also crafted from rose gold, complementing this unique piece created exclusively for the TimeForArt auction. Its estimated price is USD 40,000–80,000, approximately AED 146,900–293,800.

Brands Participating in the Auction: The TimeForArt auction features contributions from a diverse array of prestigious watchmakers, including Anoma, Armin Strom x Franz Gertsch, Baltic, Biver, Breitling, Bulgari, Carl F. Bucherer x Hodinkee, Chanel, Chopard, Czapek, Dennison, Furlan Marri, HYT, Louis Erard, Massena LAB x Raúl Pagès, Maurice Lacroix, Perrelet, RESERVOIR, Ressence, Reuge x ECAL, Sartory-Billard, Speake-Marin, Toledano & Chan, UNIMATIC, and Zenith. Each brand has crafted a unique, one-of-a-kind piece to support contemporary art and artists, showcasing their innovative designs and commitment to creativity.

 

 For more information, visit Bvlgari official website.

Technical specifications: Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Sketch Timeforart Edition
  1. Reference: 104217             
  2. Case: satin polished rose gold case, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, caseback with special marking “esemplare unico 1/1” and “TimeForArt” logo
  3. Diameter: 43 mm
  4. Height: 8.75  mm
  5. Water resistance: 100 m
  6. Dial: Rose gold, sketch featuring key elements of the dial and the back of the movement, GMT at 3 o’clock, 30-minute counter at 6 o’clock, small seconds at 9 o’clock, balance wheel represented between 4 and 5 o’clock, column wheel at 8 o’clock
  7. Movement: ultra-thin in-house caliber BVL 318, automatic,  3.30 mm thick, peripheral rotor, Côtes de Genève, circular-graining finishes, 37 jewels
  8. Power reserve: 55 hours
  9. Frequency: 28'800 vph (4Hz)
  10. Functions:  hours, minutes, seconds, Chronograph, GMT 
  11. Bracelet / Strap: Rose gold bracelet with 3-blade folding clasp
  12. Availability: One of one 
  13. Price: Estimate USD 40,000 - 80,000

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