Elite Traveler July-August 2017

elite traveler JULY/AUG 2017 25

Porsche DesignMonobloc Actuator Chronograph

One of the most unexpected watches at Baselworld this year came from Porsche Design. True, a watch from Porsche Design that is inspired by a Porsche car is not usually groundbreaking, but this chronograph had everyone buzzing. The exclusive, patented and world-first chronograph movement is completely unique and was four years in the making. Instead of pressing a pusher to activate the chronograph, it is initiated by moving part of the case using a rocking mechanism. This rocking mechanism is inspired by the part of the car engine responsible for steering, which also uses a rocker arm. Here, the rocker is linked to the movement and when activated, the rocking part of the case actually slides over the sapphire crystal, which is flat and has an extra-hard coating so there’s no scratching from debris when it moves. Aside from being very cool, and quite satisfying to click, it’s tightly sealed, which means you can activate the chronograph underwater, which is fairly rare. In this limited edition piece, the Porsche 911 RSR is the inspiration for the matte black carbon dial and red details. At nine o’clock there’s a flag disc which shows if the movement is working. Porsche DesignMonobloc Actuator 24-hour Chronotimer, limited to 251 pieces, $7,800, available online at porsche-design.com

BRAND PROFILE FRANCK DUBARRY

After founding and selling TechnoMarine watches, originally known for pairing diamond-set cases with plastic bands, Franck Dubarry created his eponymous company, keeping his playful and creative vision. Here, he combines French design with Swiss watchmaking, eschewing traditional design codes, which allows him to be more innovative. Contact Nadège Levy, sales coordinator, nadege@franckdubarry.com, franckdubarry.com 1. Crazy Balls For his return to horology, Franck Dubarry decided to make a splash with a cheerful complication. Twelve balls sit at the hour markers in a channel, held in place by magnets. As your wrist moves, they rotate around the dial. Shake your wrist, and they’ll crash into each other. Another shake will snap them back into place. $5,350 in 18K rose gold with gold balls 2. Revolution GMT This watch showcases Dubarry’s affinity with Argentinian street art, as seen on the hand-painted Fileteado Porteño motif on the dial. The case is engraved with curved lines for more drama. The automatic watch shows hours, minutes, date and has a 24-hour GMT hand. $22,600 in 18K rose gold with black vanity dial 3. CrazyWheel The subdial showing the hours is placed on the minute hand, which is itself a rotating bridge. This means the hour subdial moves around the face of the watch as the minutes pass. A mechanical differential keeps the hour dial horizontal, so you don’t have to turn your head upside-down to read the time. $9,500 in titanium with red wheel

In addition to its innovative chronograph, it also has a GMT hand