Sandra‘s Closet

Horsehair marquetry and engraving weave a unique and precious equestrian face-off.

Framed by white gold, a pair of noble steeds sculpted in braided horsehair and engraved in rose gold highlight the union between Hermès style and expertise. Like yin and yang, the majestic horses in contrasting shades are revealed in the slender setting of the 45 mm round case, enhanced by protruding lugs.

Created in 2015 by Philippe Delhotal, the Slim d’Hermès expresses the ver yessence of Hermès: a singularity composed of rigorous discipline and a fine balance. Its sleek lines that are both modern and timeless highlight the remarkable handcrafted creations evoking the light-hearted, playful imagination typical of Hermès.

The cover and dial of this one-of-a-kind pocket watch reinterpret the Masan & Masan silk scarf motif by Thai designer Terawat Teankaprasith. The ancestral art of horsehair weaving – masan meaning «braided horse» in Thai – consists in collecting the prolific water hyacinth, drying it in the sun, then weaving it by hand to create objects such as baskets, hats, and or animal figurines.

Inspired by this oriental basket-making technique, the Slim d’Hermès Masan Masan combines engraving and horsehair marquetry in a subtle interpretation of the equestrian world cherished by Hermès. To create the weave on the cover and dial, the craftsman meticulously selects different shades of horsehair, cuts them and then glues them one by one, patiently composing the motif. Subtly combining brilliance and contrast, the engraver brings the second horse profile to life, forming reliefs and depths in gold created using traditional burins and chisels.

An expression of Hermès’ expertise both in watchmaking and in leather craftsmanship, this elegant and singular watch is powered by an ultra-thin Manufacture H1950 mechanical self-winding movement, fitted with a alligator cord strap highlighting its golden tones.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès
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To mark its 10th anniversary, Moritz Grossmann are launching their most ambitious project to date: the release of an interactive, online advent calendar of 24 unique watch pieces which are exclusively available at a global online auction with Christie’s. This is the first time ever that the auction house has offered such a large capsule collection of new and unique pieces.

About Moritz Grossmann
On November 11, 2008, Christine Hutter founded Grossmann Uhren using the distinguished name of the co-founder of the Glashütte watch industry and initiator of the German School of watchmaking in Glashütte, Moritz Grossmann. In doing so, she ensured that the legacy of the highly respected watch pioneer was revived after around 130 years. Since 2008, the company has been manufacturing watches to the highest standards in a classic yet contemporary design.

The common denominator of this collection is that every watch is unique, deriving from the most beautiful German craftsmanship.

The online auction runs until the 10th of December 2018 (Sale no. 16375).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Moritz Grossmann

During Baselworld 2014, I discovered an Italian watch brand that has extremely impressed me with their innovative designs. Apply a strap to an 18th century pocket watch, allowing it to be worn as a wristwatch: this is the simple idea behind GaGà Milano.

In 2004, the brilliant creativity of Ruben Tomella brought to life what was then to become the phenomenon of the next ten years. The name itself “gagà”, a well-known Milanese expression, refers to a man who loves to dress extravagantly, but with care. This idea led to the creation of those iconic watches that are all sharing common characteristics like the chronometric second hand at 12, which give the design its own identity. In the meantime, accessories such as sunglasses, bags, wallets and charms have joined the GaGà family.

It was a real pleasure meeting Ruben Tomella in person. Now, I am the very happy owner of a beautiful GaGà Milano watch in rose gold with purple dial and strap that is matching my new GaGà Milano sunglasses.

MANUALE THIN 46mm
5091.02 VT Rose gold plated case, 7,5 mm thickness, quartz watch, leather strap

During Baselworld, it is of course time for novelties again and some of my favorites you can enjoy below:

MANUALE FANCY EDITION
GW 29 FE White gold case, multicolor sapphire, black diamonds, rubber strap
(diamonds 5cts, sapphire 12cts)
LIMITED EDITION 29 pieces

MANUALE DIAMANTE GOLD 40mm
GR 49 BK LADY Rose gold case, black diamonds (11cts), black alligator strap
LIMITED EDITION 49 pieces.

MANUALE DIAMANTE GOLD 40mm
G199 08 LADY rose gold case 18ct, quartz watch, white diamonds, chocolate croco print strap
LIMITED EDITION 199 pieces

LAS VEGAS 48mm
5010 LV 01 Stainless steel case, manual winding movement, aged leather strap

GaGà Milano has currently opened 8 stores all over the world: four in Tokyo, one in Osaka, one in Hawaii, one in the center of Milan, in Corso Venezia 8 and a new store in Beverly Hills.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of GaGà Milano and © Sandra Bauknecht