SimplyAbuDhabi V

Three Masterpieces In an exclusive preview in Singapore, select guests from Rolls-Royce Motorcars had the exclusive opportunity to marvel at two world firsts in the BLUE DANUBE which is a unique skeletonized minute repeater split- seconds chronograph and the BLUE WHIRLWIND, a unique tourbillon minute repeater. No to forget the spectacular and legendary BLUE SENSATION which is supposedly the only split-seconds skeletonized regulator chronograph in the world, again by the genius at GRIEB & BENZINGER. Each of these unique watches is based on a rare Patek Philippe caliber, which has been fully disassembled, modified and recreated in the typical style of GRIEB & BENZINGER. More than twelve months of lavish restoration using classic horological crafts were invested in order to create these one-of-a-kind pieces in solid platinum cases, with a combined total value of 1,200,000 euros / US$ 1,500,000. Unforgettable highlights among these watches are the refined guilloché, hand-skeletonization and beautifully in scripted hand-engraving as well as the skeletonized Sterling silver dials, with original Breguet frosted finish. Once again G&B prove that the complicated masterpieces are just as much objets d’art as well as luxury time pieces. Like the most desirable and elegant works of art, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa or van Gogh’s Sunflowers, the timepieces by GRIEB & BENZINGER Platinum are truly one-of-a-kind, which will undoubtedly make them a valuable investment, as well as the ultimate lifestyle accessory. The BLUE DANUBE is a unique skeletonized minute repeater split-seconds chronograph powered by a base movement that was made in about 1890 and fully restored. Keeping in mind that this movement is already about 120 years old, the detailed restoration of the more than 400 components of this movement required intense attention. The result, housed in a 43 mm-diameter solid platinum case, is doubtlessly a sensation and a tribute to historic watchmaking. It retails for about 350,000 euros or US$450,000. The BLUE WHIRLWIND is a unique tourbillon minute repeater based on the legendary Patek Philippe Caliber R TO 27 PS. This very same movement recently caused a giant sensation as it sold within a one- of-a-kind Patek Philippe Tourbillon Minute Repeater in stainless steel, which was donated to the ONLY WATCH charity auction in Monaco 2011. The result was literally sensational: the hammer fell at 1.4 million Euros. This is a really breathtaking timepiece as it is the world’s first watch powered by a visible tourbillon movement by Patek Philippe. In addition, a mysterious wheel visible on the back replaces the original gold drive wheel for the tourbillon. Who else could be brave enough to rework such a movement? With a value of 650,000 euros (about US$850,000) this is without any doubt a highlight for all true watch connoisseurs. The third one-of-a-kind piece, BLUE SENSATION, is the only split-seconds skeletonized regulator chronograph in the world, with a base caliber that was manufactured in 1890 and fully restored and technically modified. With a 49-millimeter diameter and a total weight of 230 grams, it is the grand father among these three ultra-luxurious watches – although the most affordable one with a value of 200,000 euros (US$ 260,000). These astounding timepieces are once more confirmation of GRIEB & BENZINGER’s detailed concept, which includes the masters’ outstanding abilities to create such astonishing watches and the world’s heaviest platinum watches. In fact, this is not just restoration, it’s art at its finest and only for one lucky collector worldwide. For more information please visit: www.benzinger-boutique.com