Here's a watch that's more than what it seems on the surface. If you just looked at it you'd think this is a relatively standard small 32mm center-second link Calatrava with a nicely patinated dial. Flat bezel faceted indices dauphine hands all of link the design is characteristic of 1950s Patek. And you'd be right. But if you pick it up it's got a bit of heft so it's certainly no steel Patek. link Then you flip it over and realize you're holding something special.
Originally offered in 2018 the Pilot's link Chronograph IWC IW3777-25 is a special white-dial limited edition model that embodies the spirit of aviation with its robust construction link and highly legible dial. The IW3777-25 features a 43mm stainless steel case that exudes durability and strength ideal for the adventurous and dynamic lifestyle of pilots. With link blue accents on the hands and strap this ultra-legible and limited pilot's watch forgoes the black dial common to the classic Flieger design.
Jon from New York City owns the Eberhard Extra-Fort Chronograph that belonged to his grandfather who purchased it on a trip to Italy in the 1950s. link His grandfather passed away before he was born but his grandmother kept it in her jewelry case and in 2014 Jon's mother found link the watch and asked him link if he was interested in it. Today it's the favorite watch in his collection and a tangible way to connect with his grandfather.
Brand Patek PhilippeModel ChronographReference Number 5172G Diameter 41mmThickness link 11.45mmCase Material White link goldDial Color link BlueIndexes Arabic numeralsLume LuminousWater Resistance 30 metersStrapBracelet Navy blue calfskin with deployant clasp
The film opens on an aircraft carrier and then gives us exactly what we want Maverick. We watch as he preps for a test flight to achieve Mach 10 link speed a feat that has never been recorded to our knowledge. As he does so we get a clear glimpse of the Porsche Design Chronograph on his wrist. Shortly after he merges onto the highway to link the danger zone and not only hits Mach link 10 but bests it. Tom Cruise man.
Caliber Manufacture link Calibre MT5602-UDiameter link 31.88mm Thickness 6.5mmPower Reserve link 70 hours Winding Self-winding with bi-directional rotor Frequency 4 HzJewels 25Chronometer Certified COSC and METAS
Even link at 13.4mm thick give or take it still wears well. Voutilainen puts a lot of thought into the case shape and the lower lug placement on the midcase plus the dropoff of the teardrop lugs hugs the wrist quite nicely. And again despite how it might look here in a flat plane it is legible enough to link not think twice link about it.
How long did the whole design process takeI went to Switzerland at the beginning of last year right before the lockdown. link And then everything link took longer because of that getting materials and such it took about a year. Then there was me calling the headquarters I was thinking we can go a millimeter smaller. And everything had link to be done again! But nothing is a coincidence everything is very thought through and tried and redone. So it took a lot of time to make the perfect piece.
I could go on and on but link the accompanying video really sums up link my link overall feelings about the Ballon Bleu. All in all I think we need to put some more respect on the Ballon Bleu's name. Oh I also had some delicious Armenian oblepikha sea buckthorn tea along with a fresh Armenian wrap called a brduch while recording around Los Angeles. You know I can't spend a week on the wrist with a watch without some delicious neighborhood cuisine. Nom nom!
Still anytime Audemars Piguet link does anything to mix up its tried-and-true link Royal Oak formula it's worth a second look. So like a grandmother leaning in link to pinch the cheeks of her favorite grandchild let's look at those dimples.