Today, some brands unveiled some technical pieces that will be exhibited in Baselworld. They are not all new, but still interesting. Girard-Perregaux, first, with its constant escapement. Thanks to this innovation protected by three patents, the escapement delivers constant energy to the regulator, whatever the energy left in the barrel, in order to ensure the perfect regularity – and thus optimal precision – of the watch.

Girard-Perregaux Constant Escapement

To address the challenge of constant force that has preoccupied horologists down through the ages, the escapement has been fitted with an intermediary device fitted with a silicon buckled blade six times thinner than a human hair. The blade stores up the energy by being repeatedly flexed to a point as close as possible to its unstable state or buckling point, before releasing the exact same amount of energy each time and then tirelessly beginning all over again. Girard-Perregaux is presenting a pink gold version in 2014.

Then, Maurice Lacroix, with a very surprising piece very, very close from the Breguet spirit ! Maurice Lacroix loves defying conventions. Its new Masterpiece Gravity is a perfect example of this attitude, since it is the first watch equipped with an assortment – balance roller, lever and escapement wheel – entirely made of silicon. Three times lighter than steel, this material is also more accurate, less energy-hungry and requires no lubricant. Like the oscillator, this innovation is clearly visible within a contemporary aesthetic composition accentuated by an off-centred hour and minute dial, as well as small seconds creating fascinating depth effects.

Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity

Then, the very mysterious brand Franc Vila, with a skeleton-worked movement. Built and cased-up in total suspension, the calibre is stabilised by a clever system of springs. Appearing to be levitating in a dial-free structure, it draws observers into a fascinating mechanical exploration infused with the expertise of the finest master-watchmakers.

Frank Vila Cobra Skeleton

These pieces make you dream, but budget remains the limit ? No problem, Epos is here. The latest opus in their Œuvre d’Art collection, this piece assembles different aspects of watchmaking in which the brand has worked for close to a century. This ingenious and fascinating Reference 3419 can be carried as a pocket watch, worn as a wristwatch, or time can be completely concealed. It is proposed as a limited series of 222 pieces for each rendition of the dial – dark grey, blue or silver. Its heart beats to the semi-skeletonised Unitas 6498 calibre. The beauty of the movement finishes can be seen through the transparent case back, while a foretaste of these mechanical wonders is given on the dial side, through an opening which reveals the balance wheel at 8 o’clock. Price shouldn’t exceed 2000 CHF.

Epos Œuvre d’Art Collection

Last but not least, depsite the Epos proposition, if budget remains a problem, then switch to Tf. Est 1968. The brand is defined by movement and a fun spirit. It puts a new twist on its famous watch-inspired cufflinks. This time all is revealed thanks to a tube in PPMA glass with sapphire treatment, made to withstand scratching and any other form of aggression. It reveals fragments of an authentic watch movement, vertically-mounted inside the tube. After all, vertical is in vogue! Of German quality, the clip closure is stable with a reassuringly frank click. The flowing, polished curves respect the most luxurious fabrics, whether a man’s shirt or a woman’s blouse. The model is proposed in steel, pink-gold plated and black PVD.

TF Est. 1968 Cufflink

More news about Baselworld on the Official BaselWorld Website.
Also check our post Hot News from Baselworld (20/02/14) on DreamChrono.