With the blink of an eye, we have almost come to the end of 2022. But before we conclude yet another amazing year, we are still in time to send our horological wishlist to Santa. Maybe our wishes will be heard this year?
As with Deployant’s traditions, each of the writers will be selecting three watches to be included in their wishlist. Here is Robin’s selection this year.
Robin Makes His Christmas Wishlist for 2022
MB&F LM101 Frost
The first watch on the list is the stunning MB&F LM101 Frost. It has always been the author’s dream to own a timepiece from MB&F, and the Legacy Machine series has caught on with him in recent years. There is just something about the collection, especially with the less complicated but equally compelling timepieces. The LM101 certainly is the best piece that encapsulates this.
Despite being a time-only watch with a power reserve indicator, the LM101 offers more than just complications. Here, we have a well-designed watch, with an intriguing balance wheel on the dial side and a highly exaggerated domed sapphire crystal. The finishing and attention to detail is also excellent, especially with the sublime movement that was produced in collaboration with the legendary Kari Voutilainen.
The Frost, with its warm red gold case and gorgeous frosted gold plate, is the author’s preferred version of the LM101. It is extremely elegant, and it adds a different touch to the watch. Then again, in all honesty, any other version of the LM101 is more than good enough.
Urwerk UR-102
Besides MB&F, Urwerk is another brand that had largely influenced and shaped the independent watchmaking scene in the late 90s and early noughties. The UR-102 (picture above is courtesy of Urwerk) is one of such early watches that had started it all.
There is just something quirky yet conversational with the UR-102. The watch is almost devoid of any indicators nor details; it just features a semi-circular arc, with a few markings and an aperture that displays the hour. The hour display aperture also acts as a minute hand of sorts, and taking reference to the picture above the time is approximately 8:42.
The minimalist take is certainly interesting. It is definitely polarising – some get the concept, and some do not. There are no right or wrong answers here, and at the end of the day, it is really all about how these watches are able to make one feel. The UR-102 certainly tugs the heartstrings of the author.
A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph
The last piece in the list is the superb A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph. Interesting enough, this piece also made it to the author’s wishlist in 2020.
Many would question why the 1815 Chronograph was selected, instead of the slightly more superior Datograph. Again, there are no right or wrong answers. The author personally prefers the cleaner look of the 1815 Chronograph, as the watch is not fitted with the big date window (and now, the power reserve indicator as well).
Beyond the dial, the movement is also another highlight of the watch. Much has been said about the finishing of A. Lange & Söhne watches, and the Calibre L951.5 certainly did not disappoint. The movement is finished lavishly, with all the different high-end finishing techniques that are expected from an haute horlogerie brand. The provenance, with its roots tracing back to the legendary Calibre L951.1, makes it rather special as well.
The 1815 Chronograph, especially in the configuration as shown in the picture above, is simply to die for. If the author is only allowed to get just one more watch for the rest of his life, this particular Lange might just be that timepiece.
Concluding Thoughts
The author’s selection today might be considered by many as “esoteric”. These three watches are very different on their own, each covering different aspects of the horological scene. But they certainly have very strong merits.
With that, we hope that the readers will enjoy the selection of the other writers (and the Chief Editor, of course). We thank everyone for the support over the years, and here’s wishing all a very blessed Christmas.
1 Comment
Thanks for the article Robin. My favourite is the LM101. As you say, there’s something about it that really represents everything that the LM collection is about. Plus it’s less complicated, which appeals to me.
Mind you, I saw the original UR-102 on Felix’s wrist when he was here in Singapore…I love that one, too…