January 13, 2006

Rolex, schmolex! The Tour de l'Ile is the world's most complicated wristwatch, created to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Swiss watchmakers Vacheron-Constantin. Among it's many dials and features (on both sides) are sunrise/sunset time, a perpetual calendar, power reserve dial, second time zone, a tourbillon device and a representation of the night sky. More close-up pictures here.
posted by rocket88 18 years ago
  • That's awesome. I think it's beautiful, and amazing uncluttered-looking despite it's complexity. It must be unwearable, though.
  • That and the load-bearing tie, and you're ready for anything! Cool link.
  • That is phenomenal. And you can probably get one in the streets of Beijing starting next week.
  • If I was a watch-wearin' guy, I'd be all over that action. I appreciate the geektastickness of it tho.
  • One of the posts on that page said it costs a million francs? That's more than $5USD, right?
  • ho·rol·o·gy Pronunciation Key (hô-rl-j) n. 1. The science of measuring time. 2. The art of making timepieces.
  • This is pr0n for me. And good for Vacheron -- usually Patek Phillipe claims this prize. And Rolex, schmolex indeed. The most mediocre, plain vanilla, overrated timepiece in the history of timekeeping.
  • Good Lord. Tourbillon, minute repeater, display of the night sky... *drools, grows faint* I'm not much for materialism, but for fuck's sake, watches are my weakness.
  • Well, I love the watch--probably weighs a ton, but those photos suck.
  • nice design, I was expecting an ugly monstrosity but the face design is quite elegant. I dont wear the watch tho...
  • I have a 1964 Rolex Oyster. But I like this a lot.
  • Wish list!
  • Wow! That is one hideously ugly watch. I'll admit the night sky display is fun but this is "uncluttered-looking", "elegant", "nice design"? I've seen paintings of Elvis on black velvet that are more elegant.
  • And Rolex, schmolex indeed. Rolexes are popular among Chinese, because the pawnshops are willing to pay out as much as 85% of its value. Very good for gamblers and those who live on the edge. Edge of what, I can't really say...
  • James Bond, in parlous circumstances and without his trusty Walther, would slip his Rolex over his fist, making a handy knuckle-duster. I daresay, this Tour de l'Ile would add some heft to a punch.
  • I'd like to see the look on the face of the watch craftsman when you showed him a snap shot of his creation of five months stretched over some knuckles and about to collide with a boney chin.
  • Shiny!
  • I don't have a watch: I tell the time by making meaningless comments on MoFi and checking the "posted by" UTC information.
  • AH SHIT I MISSED WEAKEST LINK
  • Definitely not for wearing, since half the information is on the reverse. But it is a beautiful piece, and, being mechanical, appeals to the geek in us all.
  • a timely way he stares between the hands intent on setting a tourbillion into a poem like time, wheels fly miniscule intervals pass by
  • "AH SHIT I MISSED WEAKEST LINK" ah...a mirror might help... :)
  • I have a hard time understanding the desire to wear something on the wrist that costs more than the average car or house. I'll keep my Nixon El Dorado. It has one dial that tells me what day it is and a couple of hands that tell me what time it is and other than that it's a big chunk of hefty stainless steel.
  • And my daddy kept it up his ass for 3 long years...