The most fascinating special watches!

Intro: Special watch

You have luxury timepieces and then you have 'special watches'. Urban Ace has compiled a list of downright fascinating watches. Special watches that stand out... not just because of their precision, craftsmanship or price but because they are watches with a story . Watches that are so special because of their innovation or because of their creativity... watches with a story that will knock you off your feet! In this article we dive deep into the world of the most special watches that the watch industry has to offer.

The revolution of special watches

Nowadays, watches are not just a timekeeper. Watches are an extension of your own self. With a watch, you want to say something. With a watch, you make a statement. But some watches are truly special! Take the 'Astronomia' by Jacob & Co. This watch is a rotating planetarium for your wrist, complete with a miniature earth that rotates on its axis in 24 hours and a tourbillon that makes a full rotation every 60 seconds. It is the perfect fusion of art and watchmaking. Over the years, watches have developed into art on your wrist. No longer just functionally knowing what time it is. No... with a watch, you have a piece of art on your wrist.

Special techniques and materials

All modern watches also contain new materials. The latest generation of watchmakers is experimenting with ultra-light materials such as carbon fiber and new composites. These materials also make it possible to create special ladies' watches or special men's watches . For example, watches that are lighter or smaller in size. This makes it possible to create new designs that look refreshing. Some avant-garde watch brands are now using 3D printing technology to create complex parts that were traditionally impossible to make. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for watch design.

1 Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300G

With 20 different complications, this is Patek Philippe's most complex wristwatch ever. It features five different chiming modes, including a grande and petite sonnerie, an alarm with time stop, and a date repeater. The case can be rotated to reveal two different dials.

2 A. Lange & Söhne - Zeitwerk Minute Repeater

This watch brand from Glashütte combines a digital time display with a minute repeater. The unique mechanical system shows the time via jumping digits, while it can strike the time with different tones for hours, quarters and minutes on request.

3 MB&F - HM9 'Flow'

Inspired by aerodynamic designs from the 1950s, this watch looks more like a miniature work of art than a timepiece. It features an intricate titanium case with glass domes that showcase the delicate movement.

4 Richard Mille - RM 56-02 Sapphire

A technical masterpiece made of sapphire crystal, through which the complete movement is visible. It features a unique cable system that keeps the movement floating in the case, inspired by suspension bridges.

5 Vacheron Constantin - 57260

With 57 complications the most complex watch ever made. This pocket watch includes a double perpetual calendar, a star chart, and various chronograph functions.

6 Van Cleef & Arpels - Midnight Planetarium

This astronomical watch shows the actual movement of six planets around the sun, each represented by gemstones rotating around the dial at different speeds.

7 Jacob & Co - Astronomia

The 'Astronomia' features a unique moving mechanism that rotates in three dimensions. The watch has a central rotating platform on which various elements rotate.

What is so special about your watch?

Yes, that is a question you should ask yourself before you buy a special watch. Because what you find important and special is different for everyone. You may find it important that you can read the time properly. Maybe you like a digital watch or not. Maybe you want a special dial or maybe you want a striking watch or a cool men's watch . We have made a list of what we think makes a watch special.

• The price; The price can make a watch special.
• The design; A watch can look special because of its design.
• Features; Special features can make a watch special.
• Materials; What materials were used in making your watch?
• Brand; Some watch brands are simply special.
• The Story; Some unique watches tell a story.
• Innovation; Sometimes the innovation or renewal of a watch can be called special.
• Limited edition; Sometimes only a few rare watches of a series are made.
• History; The history of the watch. For example, how old is your watch?

Perpetual calendar watch

A perpetual calendar is one of the most complex and prestigious complications in watchmaking. It is designed to automatically adjust for different month lengths and even leap years. This ensures that a watch always displays the correct date, without manual adjustment. Watches with a perpetual calendar have some advantages but also disadvantages. So if you want a special watch, you should pay attention to this.

Advantages of a special watch:

• Convenient; Never manually adjust the date again, even during leap years.
• Inheritance; These watches are often passed down. Generation to generation.
• Art; Special function in combination with a beautiful work of art on your wrist.

Disadvantages of a special watch:

• Cost; Due to the complexity of the mechanism, these watches are often very expensive to purchase.
• Maintenance; Requires regular maintenance to ensure accuracy, as even small errors can disrupt the operation of the calendar.

Minute repeater watch

A minute repeater is one of the most special techniques in a mechanical watch . A minute repeater uses sounds to indicate whether an hour, a minute or a quarter has passed. Thanks to these 'gong strokes' you know what time it is.

Advantages of minute repeater watch:

• Collector's value; Their rarity and complexity make minute repeaters sought-after pieces among watch collectors.
• Design; Minute repeaters are not just practical watches; they are works of art that combine technology and aesthetics.

Disadvantages of minute repeater watch:

• Cost; Due to the construction, these watches are extremely expensive to purchase!
• Maintenance; Requires highly specialized maintenance.
• Rarity; Not every watchmaker can make such a watch.

Conclusion unique special watches

Special watches represent the best that the watch world has to offer. They combine age-old traditions with modern new techniques, resulting in special watches that are both functionally and artistically valuable. Whether you are a collector, enthusiast or interested, these watches continue to fascinate and inspire!