A guilloché Union Jack. A hand-lacquered UK map in silver leaf. A MAD edition lottery you can only enter in person. Hands On Horology lands in London on June 13th with special editions, exclusive launches and first looks across the show. Here’s a run down of some of the exciting watches you can discover at Hands On Horology.
Event Special Editions
M.A.D Editions has just dropped the M.A.D.2 LIVE, and Hands On Horology is the only place in the UK to put your name in the lottery for one. It’s part of their world tour where they’re visiting wristwatch events around the globe offering this silver and blue event exclusive model with a custom buckle bearing the initials of the city where the event is taking place. Learn more here. It’s CHF 2,900 (approx. £2,540).
Sartory Billard brings the SB10 Union Jack in a limited edition of just 5 pieces at €4,800 excl. VAT (approx. £4,150). It takes the 10th anniversary SB10 model and presents it with the British flag rendered in guilloché engraving at the centre of the jump hour watch. It has an oversized hour window at 6 o’clock while the minutes are indicated by a red marker on a sapphire disk that orbits the periphery of the display. It’s powered by the Joux-Perret G101A calibre.
Awake also show they’re Anglophiles with the Sơn Mài Frosted Leaf ‘Union Jack’, available in 50 pieces at £2,000, with 15 hours of Vietnamese lacquer work per dial and a miniature UK hand-chiselled in silver leaf. It’s the first time they’ve explored the concept of creating defined shapes with silver leaf lacquer opening the door to many exciting figurative motifs in the future. Inside is the La Joux-Perret G101 automatic movement.
While it’s not a watch, these WatchGecko x Hands On Horology are fun, colourful event exclusive accessories. If you are a priority pass holder, you’ll receive one on arrival to the show, which will serve as your wristband for entry. If you’re not a priority pass holder, there’s still the opportunity to win one by taking part in the Wrist Shot competition where several will be given away as prizes.
Unique Pieces
Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, reinterpreted on a moonphase. A food motif in white across jet-black enamel. These are the two one-of-one watches from The Dial Artist that will be going under silent auction at Hands On Horology on June 13th, with all the proceeds going to two incredible charities.
The Selten M1 Moonphase carries the Dial Artist’s take on Michelangelo, raising money for mental health charity Mind. The unique dial is housed in a 39mm case and powered by a modified Miyota 9015 movement. The minimalist display offers the perfect backdrop for the work of art that invites reflection and contemplation.
The RZE Resolute features a food motif in white over jet-black enamel, supporting London food distribution charity The Felix Project. It’s crafted from lightweight titanium, which is RZE’s specialty, bringing durable tool watch specs and an artistic design from The Dial Artist together in collaboration and harmony.
To enter, you have to be at Hands On Horology on the 13th to submit your bid on these creations with all proceeds going to their associated charities. Bidding for both watches will be open across both the morning and afternoon sessions.
First Looks and New Releases
Alongside special editions and unique pieces, Hands On Horology will be the first time that a suite of new releases will be on exhibition or available to see up close and hands-on in the UK, along with the chance to buy them. Here are some highlights.
Louis Erard will be displaying the Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin Time Eater III. Originally developed for a boutique opening, this will be the first time that the model will be available anywhere else on the market. It’s based on the popular WristMonster design with a regulator display with an eyeball hours and mouth seconds. It’s priced at CHF 4,450 (approx. £4,200) with two colours each limited to 178 pieces.
Formex is bringing several new releases with one of the most exciting being the new Aria, which debuts the FX01 movement, an ultra-slim micro-rotor calibre with 72-hour power reserve. It’s a very unusual watch from Formex and one that you should get hands-on with to truly examine and evaluate.
Heinrich will be previewing an upcoming stone dial version of the Helicoprion not yet released to the public at Hands On Horology featuring Tiger Iron stone, which will join the existing stone dial range of Lapis Lazuli, Carnelian, Amethyst and Red Tiger Eye. Alongside the preview, they’ll be showcasing their Helicoprion Buzzsaw MKII and Radiance Guilloché Wave showing a diversity of styles that ranges from dressy to industrial in the most extreme manner.
Kollokium will be on hand with their neubrutalist architectural designs. A rapidly growing collector darling, their innovative and unusual designs capture the imagination. They recently launched the new Projekt 02 Variant C with a stunning topographical display and vibrant turquoise colour scheme.
These are just a handful of previews as there are 45+ exhibiting brands each with something exciting to be discovered – read the full list of attendees here. Plus, Hands On Horology is about more than the watches though, offering you a chance to meet the people behind your favourite brands as well as fellow collectors and enthusiasts who share your passion. We look forward to seeing you there.
