The brand is launching watches to mark Cortina Watch’s anniversary.
China with its zero-Covid policy is second only to the United States among markets for Swiss watches, although the name of another Asian tiger economy is being heard more and more often. We're talking about Singapore — performance stats for July from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) rank the island state as the fourth most attractive market for Swiss watchmakers, up from sixth place in last year's results.
This is where Grand Seiko chose to open its third regional arm, Grand Seiko Asia-Pacific Private Limited. Singapore's largest retailers are competing with launches of limited editions by prestigious watch manufacturers. SHH Boutique's recent unveil has been followed by Cortina Watch: now it's this retail network's time to shine as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
The anniversary collection already includes "birthday presents" from Patek Philippe, Blancpain, Chopard and Moser & Cie. Now they've been joined by five unique pieces by Franck Muller. The Vanguard Revolution 3 Skeleton Cortina Watch 50th Anniversary Special Editions are based on the Vanguard Revolution 3 timepiece.
The first wristwatch to feature a tri-axial tourbillon which debuted in 2004. Apart from the familiar minute tourbillon with its carriage completing one full revolution every 60 seconds, this piece also has carriages which are in less of a hurry: they take eight and even 60 minutes to complete a revolution.
The one-minute and eight-minute tourbillons are coupled with two retrograde indicators which allow you to track their progress. The third retrograde scale at 12 o'clock is an indicator for the ten-day power reserve offered by the FM 2030 SMR-VS movement.
The traditional barrel-shaped case measures 46 mm in width × 55.9 mm in length and 13.7 mm in height. White gold is used as the case material, but it's almost impossible to imagine any other alternative.
The luxurious decoration is to blame for this: the gem-set watch is covered with precious baguette-cut stones. There's a choice of rubies, emeralds or diamonds — 225 stones on the case and another 20 one the buckle of the white or black strap, which is made of alligator leather.
The color of the scales on the dial of ruby and emerald editions match the tone of their surrounding gemstones, while the diamond-set editions offer greater diversity. The openworked details of the movement are black in one diamond model while the other two experiment with rainbow transitions.