Ladies and gentlemen, the Marie-Antoinette

This is the watch I’m writing about and it might be the most beautiful watch I’ve ever seen. Mind you that this is the official reproduction started in 2004 and finished in 2008. To look at it up close is amazing – all of the complications are hidden, like a Mac. It actually couldn’t be set by hand. In fact, a master watchmaker had to set it if it wound down, which means this wasn’t a sports watch. The rock crystal is striking and that riot of gears was recreated, piece by piece, from only a few images and a description of the watch by an English collector. I’ve got some more images but I thought I’d put this one up as a treat to you guys. It was actually an honor to be in the same room with the old girl.

Click the image to see it in more detail.

If you want to learn more about the M-A – at least until my book comes out, head over to TheWatchQuote.