Round-UpStronger Together: Watch Out For These Interesting Brand Collaborations

Collaborations in the watch world aren’t new but they are important to maintain visibility and also for brand building. In fact, when two different companies come together, the product achieved is often unique as it provides a fresh perspective in terms of design, ideation, and execution. It’s almost like one is getting the best of both worlds in one creation and even for brands this is a fruitful exercise as it helps maintain a certain freshness in their offerings. And when it comes to the horological landscape, perhaps the best-known associations are those of watches and cars, but of late, one is also witnessing a rise of two watchmaking firms collaborating on creating timepieces that are imbued with their respective horological finesse as was evident with the unique timepieces, shortlisted for this year’s Only Watch auction to be held later in November. While Frederique Constant and Christiaan van der Klaauw joined forces to produce the Tourbillon Planetarium—a 42mm astronomical timepiece, H. Moser & Cie. Have once again partnered with MB&F to produce a unique work of art—the Streamliner Pandamonium—which will be unveiled closer to the event. They had first collaborated in 2020 to release the extraordinary Endeavour Cylindrical Tourbillon—a perfect crossover, exhibiting the watchmaking prowess of both the independent watchmakers.

Here, we have listed a few interesting collaborations that celebrate the bonhomie between brands that has translated to producing some remarkable and edgy timepieces.

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition  

A partnership that dates back to early 2021, this association not only celebrates the coming together of two greats in their respective spheres but also working towards a common goal—attaining supreme precision as a result of their collaboration. And this is evident in the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition—a timepiece featuring all-green ceramic components, scratch resistance that is seven times stronger than stainless steel, and exquisite details inspired by British luxury sports car manufacturer, Aston Martin’s legacy. It’s no secret that crafting watches in coloured ceramic is no mean feat and this was no different, especially replicating the British racing green hue. However, this has been achieved by following a meticulous process, stretching over 18 months and the results are stunning.

Girard-Perregaux have chosen their iconic Laureato model for this special edition and the watch is available in two sizes—38mm and 42mm, limited to just 188 and 388 pieces respectively. It exudes an understated elegance even though it’s a sports watch and the best part is there is no obvious branding on the dial so that one can admire the beautiful cross-hatch pattern and the Aston Martin logo featured on the exhibition caseback. The larger model (42mm) is equipped with the Calibre GP01800, while the smaller one (38mm) is driven by the Calibre GP03300—both self-winding movements with a power reserve of 54 hours and 46 hours respectively.

Girard-Perregaux Laureato

₹26,50,000

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Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin

Now this is a partnership that cannot get more Swiss in nature, after all one can be assured of quality when a watch brand like Hublot joins forces with the iconic Nespresso—both experts at the art of fusion. This has resulted in the development of the Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin—the first watch in the world to incorporate used coffee grounds from the capsules into watch straps available in a limited edition of 200 pieces. And that’s not it… The recycled aluminium from the capsules is used in the case, the bezel, the crown, and the pusher. This 42mm timepiece contains 28 percent recycled aluminium, which comes from Nespresso coffee capsules, anodised in vibrant green, then satin-finished and polished. The crown and pusher have also undergone the same treatment to have uniformity in colour, while the bottom of the case and the container are both made from recycled titanium. Even the titanium deployant buckle of the rubber strap, with its decorative recycled aluminium cap, and the sport buckle of the Velcro strap are also in the same anodised green colour. It took Hublot one whole year of R&D, working closely with Nespresso, to finally brew the perfect timepiece, which aims at sustainable solutions for the watch industry in the long run.

The Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin is the first watch in the world to incorporate used coffee grounds from the capsules into watch straps available in a limited-edition of 200 pieces

This 42mm timepiece contains 28 percent recycled aluminium, which comes from Nespresso coffee capsules, anodised in vibrant green, then satin-finished and polished

The crown and pusher have also undergone the same treatment to have uniformity in colour, while the bottom of the case and the container are both made from recycled titanium

Even the titanium deployant buckle of the rubber strap, with its decorative recycled aluminium cap, and the sport buckle of the Velcro strap are also in the same anodised green colour

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Oris Big Crown x Cervo Volante

Among Oris’ associations with partners who work towards responsible sourcing of raw materials is their collaboration with Cervo Volante. An initiative by biotechnology engineer Kadri Vunder Fontana, and biologist Conny Thiel-Egenter, Cervo Volante’s objective is to take waste, specifically deer skins, and transform them into beautiful, hard-wearing and ultimately sustainable footwear and accessories. Through their ‘Change for the better’ campaign, Oris partnered with them to create sustainable deer leather straps. The first of Oris’ watches to reflect this association is the Big Crown Pointer Date ‘Oris X Cervo Volante’ edition of three different watches with gradient dials inspired by Alpine colours. These watches run on the automatic calibre 754, which is based on the Sellita SW 200-1, and offers a power reserve of about 38 hours. Aside from the gradient dials and straps made from responsibly-sourced leather, these watches present all the goodness of the Pointer Date series that has made it a success for the brand, with its analogue date display and classic aviation-watch staples, including large Arabic numeral markers and a big time-setting crown.

The first of Oris’ watches to reflect this association is the Big Crown Pointer Date ‘Oris X Cervo Volante’ edition of three different watches with gradient dials inspired by Alpine colours

Aside from the gradient dials and straps made from responsibly-sourced leather, these watches present all the goodness of the Pointer Date series

Oris Big Crown Shop the Collection

Maurice Lacroix Aikon #Tide

Rooted in the philosophy of perpetuating a circular economy, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon #Tide range of watches is stylish and sustainable, perfect for those who want an eco-friendly timekeeper on their wrist. The watch is made from #Tide’s revolutionary composite material, developed from ocean-recovered plastic and glass fibre, and is twice as hard as standard plastic and five times more resistant. These are probably the brand’s ‘brightest, funkiest range of watches, offered in an array of eye-popping colours’. Here, the case, bezel, caseback, crown, end-piece, and buckle of these 40mm timepieces are all made from upcycled composite material and each version is water-resistant to 100m. The model is also endowed with the Easy Strap Exchange system, allowing the wearer to swap the strap for an alternative without the need for tools and customise the watch according to their preferences.

Rooted in the philosophy of perpetuating a circular economy, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon #Tide watches are vibrant, stylish and sustainable timekeepers

The watch is made from #Tide’s revolutionary composite material, developed from ocean-recovered plastic and glass fibre, and is twice as hard as standard plastic and five times more resistant

Maurice Lacroix Aikon #Tide Shop the Collection

Le Chronographe Monopoussoir Louis Erard x Massena LAB

Louis Erard are known for producing some of the most quirky timepieces, thanks to the fantastic collaborations that are part of their brand portfolio. The independent Swiss watchmaker has partnered with the creative horological studio Massena LAB, to launch the Le Chronographe Monopoussoir Louis Erard x Massena LAB—produced in a limited series of 178 pieces only. Available in two variations—rhodium-plated or a gilded dial, this timepiece revisits 19th century fine watchmaking, however, engineered in the most contemporary fashion. The watch comes in a 43mm polished stainless-steel case, which is water-resistant to 50m and is presented on a black grained leather strap. This frames an impeccably-finished dial where there is absolutely no compromise on the detailing. It features a rhodium-plated outer flange and counter with a circular satin-finish and diamond-cut corners, a rhodium-plated or 2N gilded lower plate with a grained finish, a silver opaline 30-minute counter with black transfers at 12 o’clock, and the Louis Erard symbol and Massena logo at six o’clock. The blued steel leaf-shaped hands lend a touch of sophistication to this handcrafted timekeeper, which enhances its exclusivity. The watch face is protected by a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. So, while this is a complex mechanism, the brands have ensured that this watch has been crafted in a manner which sits easy on the eye and is also simple to use, thanks to a single pusher to start, stop, and reset the chronograph.

The Le Chronographe Monopoussoir Louis Erard x Massena LAB is produced in a limited series of 178 pieces only and is available in two variations—rhodium-plated or a gilded dial

The watch comes in a 43mm polished stainless-steel case, which is water-resistant to 50m and is presented on a black grained leather strap

This is a complex mechanism but the brands have ensured that the watch is simple to use, thanks to a single pusher to start, stop, and reset the chronograph

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