We all love a good watch, that's for sure. And what is “good” is pretty clear for most watches. A solid, easy-to-read design, attractive details, good ergonomics and a reliable mechanical movement. But sometimes you want a little more. Or much more, in the case of these six precision mechanical marvels. Each example shows dedication to craftsmanship, not only in watchmaking but especially in the finishing. In this first part of a series of two buying guides, we're highlighting some of this year's most beautiful movements we've ever seen!
Ferdinand Berthoud Birth of a Clock 3
Made entirely by hand, Ferdinand Berthoud's Naissance d'Une Montre 3 honors and protects the craft of artisan watchmaking. From the front it looks absolutely stunning, with an incredible three-dimensional asymmetrical layout. However, things look different on the back. The more symmetrical construction still impresses with its workmanship and impresses with its calm and attention to detail. The partial windows showing the back of the fusee and chain mechanism, the detailed engraving, the very fine shock absorber that holds the balance shaft… we could go on! Only 10 are made (2 watches per year), and that costs 850,000 francs.
For full details on this horological masterpiece, please check out our detailed story and video here.
Classic Breguet subscription 2025
The Breguet Classique Souscription 2025 is not only a highlight in the Maison's range of celebratory watches, but also one of the most beautiful watches of the year from any brand. With its white Grand Feu enamel dial and single hand, it is a homage to the 250th anniversary of the watchmaker name Breguet and is a remarkably understated watch from the start. Flip it over, however, and you're greeted by multiple stepped bridges, heat-blued screws, polished bevels, and a variety of other textures and finishing techniques. Engraved on the central column wheel is Abraham-Louis Breguet's explanation of the Souscription movement, taken from his advertising brochure. The Classique Souscription 2025 is not limited per se and costs 52,800 euros.
To find out more, please check out our detailed practical story here.
Patek Philippe Split Seconds Chronograph 5370R
Patek Philippe and chronographs are a match made in heaven, and one of the brand's best is the 5370 series. This 5370R split seconds chronograph was one of this year's standouts for several reasons. The chocolate and cream dial, for example, looks absolutely fantastic against the warm rose gold exterior. The in-house caliber CHR 29-535 PS consists of 312 individual parts, all of which are carefully handcrafted. The construction is truly fascinating and almost looks like a miniature city that you could get lost in for days. And it's not just pretty to look at, as it can split the chronograph seconds if desired using the pusher in the crown. However, this spectacle does not come cheap as it is available in retail stores 286,300 euros.
For more details on the wonderful 5370R, check out our handy story here.
David Candaux DC12 MaveriK
With the ongoing resurgence of high-end indie watchmaking, we're spoiled for choice when it comes to fine mechanical movements. One of the most impressive new movements we've ever seen is David Candaux's sculptural DC12 MaveriK. It features a double balance wheel construction with a special differential connecting the two. The differential can be seen from the front, while the two balance wheels perform their rhythmic dance on the back. Designed and assembled in-house, the symmetrical and curved C30 caliber uses titanium plates and bridges and is perfected by hand. The production is limited and the price is 98,000 francs without taxes.
For more details on the fantastic DC12 MaveriK, check out our handy story here.
Petermann Bedat Reference 1825
Another fine example of exquisite movement construction and workmanship is the new Reference 1825 from Petermann Bédat. It was recently introduced and follows the path of previous models and is Gaël Petermann and Florian Bédat's interpretation of the classic dress watch with small seconds. Even though the movement may not be the most complex in terms of construction and functionality, its workmanship is extremely high quality. The most striking element is the openwork, bell-shaped steel central bridge. The nickel silver plates and bridges have very wide Geneva stripes, polished gemstone inlays, beveled edges, etc. Various elements such as screw heads and balance cocks are polished black. Only 200 examples will be produced over a period of 4 years at a price of 75,000 francs.
You can read all the details in our handy story here.
Lang & Heyne Anton Manufacturing Edition
The Lang & Heyne Anton Manufacture Edition is a masterpiece of combining tradition and modernity. Featuring scalloped corners, a ribbed caseband, an onion-style crown and Lang & Heyne's signature three-hole construction, the Art Deco-inspired case sits beautifully on the wrist and houses a truly spectacular movement. The star of the show is the flying tourbillon escapement in the lower half, which partially cuts into the black zirconium oxide ceramic dial. Things get even more spectacular from the back, where individual finger bridges hold not only the tourbillon, but also other elements of the impeccably crafted movement. Limited to just five pieces, the price is 160,000 euros excl. VAT
Find out more about this wonderful watch from Lang & Heyne in our Anton vs. Georg comparison here.
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