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A fusion of creative forces

From racing legends to avant-garde artists, luxury watch brands are forging new paths by teaming up with like-minded collaborators for exciting new timepieces

Dylan Tan
Published Fri, Dec 13, 2024 · 06:00 AM
    • The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Oracle Red Bull Racing marks 20 years of high-speed triumphs.
    • The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Oracle Red Bull Racing marks 20 years of high-speed triumphs. PHOTO: TAG HEUER

    TAG Heuer x Oracle Red Bull Racing

    TAG Heuer has pulled out all the stops to celebrate two decades of Oracle Red Bull Racing with the limited-edition Formula 1 Chronograph x Oracle Red Bull Racing. As Oracle Red Bull Racing marks 20 years of high-speed triumphs, TAG Heuer honours this milestone with a timepiece that encapsulates the precision, power, and relentless drive that define both brands.

    At the heart of this watch lies a sleek 43 mm black DLC-coated case that exudes modernity and durability. Its striking asphalt-textured dial in Red Bull Racing’s signature blue is a nod to the speedways that have defined the team’s legacy. Accentuated by vibrant yellow and red highlights, the watch channels the energy of the racetrack. The bezel, crafted from steel with an aluminium insert and marked with a tachymeter scale, combines functionality with bold aesthetics.

    The 6 o’clock subdial, inspired by high-performance speedometers, features high-contrast markers evoking the start line where cars position in race. PHOTO: TAG HEUER

    The dial design is a tribute to precision racing. The 6 o’clock subdial, inspired by high-performance speedometers, features high-contrast markers evoking the start line. The 2 o’clock pusher, finished in red lacquer, adds a signature touch of dynamism. Even the case-back celebrates Oracle Red Bull Racing’s journey and is engraved with the team’s 20th-anniversary logo.

    Beyond its visual appeal, the chronograph is powered by a quartz movement, ensuring exceptional reliability. Designed for performance, it is water-resistant to 200 metres and secured with a textured blue rubber strap, offering both comfort and durability.

    The Le Regulateur Louis Erard x Vianney Halter II boasts Victorian steampunk aesthetics. PHOTO: THE HOUR GLASS

    Louis Erard x Vianney Halter 

    In the realm of haute horlogerie, few collaborations evoke as much intrigue as the partnership between Louis Erard and Vianney Halter. Their latest creation, Le Regulateur Louis Erard x Vianney Halter II, is a fascinating blend of steampunk allure and exceptional craftsmanship, a piece that celebrates creativity, individuality, and the joy of breaking the rules.

    This timepiece carries the unmistakable fingerprints of Halter’s revolutionary vision. Off-centre dials – one for hours, another for minutes, and a subdial for seconds – offer a deconstructed perspective of time, reminiscent of Halter’s ground-breaking Antiqua watch. 

    The intricate rivets on the dial and crown evoke a distinctly Victorian industrial aesthetic, further enhanced by Halter’s retro-futuristic ethos. The stainless-steel case, measuring 42 mm, provides a robust yet refined structure, and the domed sapphire crystal adds depth and clarity to the layered dial. The Swiss-made automatic Sellita SW266-1 movement ensures precision and reliability, with a 38-hour power reserve that underscores its practicality.

    More than just a watch, this regulateur is a piece of wearable art, designed to inspire those who dare to reimagine tradition while embracing innovation.

    Hublot unveiled the Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon SR_A at Miami Art Week recently. PHOTO: HUBLOT

    Hublot x Samuel Ross

    Hublot and acclaimed designer Samuel Ross redefine contemporary watchmaking with the Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon SR_A, unveiled at Miami Art Week recently. Limited to just 50 pieces, the watch marries cutting-edge materials with Ross’s bold design language.

    The 44 mm case features a striking grey honeycomb finish, paired with a sapphire dial revealing the intricate HUB6035 calibre – a self-winding movement with a 72-hour power reserve. Ross’s signature use of colour shines in the gradients of blue on the hands, markers, and perforated rubber strap, perfectly balancing artistry and precision.

    Constructed from frosted grey carbon with a two-tone bezel, the watch epitomises Hublot’s “Art of Fusion” motto by blending avant-garde aesthetics and watchmaking excellence. Delivered in a bespoke collector’s box, this timepiece is a true statement of modern luxury.

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