100 / 218
100 | Homes & Estates
generally remain in five-figure territory — is sometimes
overlooked, but the venerable brand is represented
in the super-premium market. “With half-million dollar
Rolexes, you’re basically paying for the jewelry settings,
which requires an enormous amount of skilled labor,”
explains Adams. The “rainbow dial” alone, a bevel set
with 36 sapphires of graduating shades, takes a full
two weeks to set, and the diamond-studded Rolex
Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow can
set you back $100,000.
The most coveted watches on the market
combine ancient techniques with innovation, such as
the RM 50-03 McLaren F1 Split Seconds Tourbillon
Chronograph. A partnership between Richard Mille
and famed British automaker McLaren, the stunning
watch is made mostly of high-tech materials borrowed
from the automotive and aerospace industries. “It’s so
light, you can barely feel it on your wrist,” says Adams
of the timepiece that weighs just 1.4 ounces, but costs
$980,000. He says of its admirers, “It’s for the type of
person who wants art on his wrist, but something that
reflects his passion for automation.”
Blue is a color that is currently “in” right now,
but Adams reports vintage watches with blue dials
do not age well. Now being employed is a multi-layer
lacquering process, similar to the technique used on
luxury automobiles, a labor-intensive procedure with
no room for error. Bluing can also be achieved by
heating steel or titanium, but must be done at precise
temperatures for just the right amount of time, requir-
ing a skilled hand.
Today’s ultra-luxury watches — featuring pric-
es that can exceed those of a Ferrari or Rolls-Royce
— incorporate new technologies, but are primarily
valued for their artisanal qualities. “These watches
are for people who appreciate an obsessive level
of effort put into perfecting this kind of refinement,”
says Adams.
Bovet Amadeo Fleurier 43
Bovet 1822 Amadeo Fleurier Monsieur
Bovet Year of the Rooster Edition
PHOTOS COURTESY BOVET