Cartier Santos 100 Squelette - Same Leopard, Different Spots.

In the next few weeks, a few dozen of the worlds most luxurious watchmakers and their invited guests will converge on Geneva, Switzerland for the SIHH. At the 2009 edition of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, Cartier will be unveiling it's latest Limited Edition timepiece - the Cartier Haute Horlogerie Santos 100 Squelette. (Squelette being French for skeleton - for obvious reasons.)

Cartier craftsmen designed a watch that showcases an open-worked movement in a 46.5mm Santos 100 case, with beveled bridges that also serve as a transparent Roman numeral dial. A sapphire crystal and exhibition case back allow you to view the finely carved Cartier caliber 9611MC movement as if it were floating with blued steel hands marking the passing minutes and hours.

Each movement is individually numbered. The Cartier Haute Horlogerie Santos 100 Squelette displays a subtle brushed finish contrasted by polished surfaces on the case edges and screw-decorated Santos bezel. The faceted palladium crown is set with a sapphire cabochon. An alligator leather strap completes this fine timepiece.

We will have to wait for SIHH for pricing and availability, but it's only a few weeks away. We can all wait that long, right??

Brand Review - Jaquet Droz

Pierre Jaquet Droz (1721-1790), creator of watches, clocks and automatons (automated miniatures based off complicated movements). He built some of the most beautiful watch mechanisms of his time. His work was commissioned by the wealthiest of his time including Queen Marie Antoinette. Some consider his works as the first computer. He was also the first watchmaker to establish an organized watch manufacturing factory in Geneva, Switzerland.

Today, through the use of exotic materials such as ceramic, gold, and handmade enamels, those complications are still being interpeted today along with some of the most beautiful case and dial designs. From the Grande Seconde with it's highly reliable self-winding double-barrel mechanical movement.and large second hand sub-dial. To the Les Deux Fuseaux 18k WG w/ multi-function Aventurine dial - a limited edition of 8 pieces.

Of course, the cost of these works of art does not come cheap. Jaquet Droz timepieces start at around $12,000.USD and sky rocket from there. They are one of, if not the most luxurious collection in the Swiss based - SwatchGroup which purchased Droz in 2004. There are no celebrities that endorse the brand. They don't offer up scantily clad supermodels in glamorous full color ads (unfortunately for us). They simply rely on what got them to where they are today - fine craftsmanship, superior materials, and premiere design.

With only a few dozen authorized Jaquet Droz dealers in the World, you may be hard pressed to ever see one in person. If you get the chance, take the time to immerse yourself in what may be the most beautifuly constructed timepiece, ever.