Jacob & Co. presents an intriguing multiple time zone watch with the second time zone displayed on flaps, the Epic SF24.

Though not often regarded as a technical watchmaker, New York jeweller Jacob & Co. has just unveiled the Epic SF24. This shows one time zone on the main dial, and a second time zone, along with the city, on flaps at 12. These flaps work just like those on flip clocks from the eighties in which the flaps of the digital display flip downwards as the time advances. Inside is a Concepto base movement with a module developed for Jacob & Co. by an external specialist.  The 45 mm case is available in either titanium or rose or white gold. More details to follow at Baselworld 2013. – SJX

Beat Haldimann introduces his first watch without a tourbillon at Baselworld 2013, the H11 Central Balance Pure. This has the balance wheel at the centre of the movement, below the hands.

Best known for his central flying tourbillons, Beat Haldimann recently unveiled his first wristwatch without a tourbillon. The H11 Central Balance Pure is unusual because it has the balance wheel in the centre of the movement, which means the balance wheel sits directly below the hour and minute hands. And the balance wheel is suspended above the main plate of the movement by a balance cock, with the escape wheel and lever below, followed by the gear train. The only other components visible on the main plate are the ratchet wheels for the barrel.

Beat Haldimann makes almost the whole movement himself, just like for his tourbillon watches. With the H11 one can see how the concept is similar to the central tourbillons Haldimann makes, in which the tourbillon carriage rotates on the same axis as the hands. Though it has an elegant and novel movement layout, I find it slightly underwhelming. The 39 mm case is platinum and the retail price is CHF56,000 including 8% Swiss VAT, which works out to about USD60,000. – SJX

Oris has just announced a limited edition two time zone watch dedicated to the storied Royal Flying Doctor Service, the aeromedical organisation providing care to people in rural and remote areas across the vast Australian continent.

Established in 1928, the Royal Flying Doctor Service is one of the world’s largest aeromedical organisations. Equipped with 61 aircraft, it serves those living in the vast Australian outback who have no access to medical care. As its official partner, Oris has created this 2000 piece limited edition dedicated to the RFDS. The Oris Royal Flying Doctor Service limited edition has two crowns. One is at four o’clock to set the time, while the other is at two o’clock and adjusts the inner rotating 24 hour bezel which indicates the second time zone. And it also has an orange pulsometer scale on the outer track of the dial.



The steel case is 44 mm and waterproof to 100 m. Inside is the Sellita SW220. It is available on leather strap or bracelet, and priced at CHF1750 (about USD1900) and CHF1950 (about USD2100) respectively. – SJX