August 2004 Timepieces/New Products Platinum Splendor This most precious metal makes the case for the finest timepieces When a new limited-edition or technically inventive watch is made, it’s likely to be cased in platinum. Remind buyers platinum watches also pass the true test of eternal time – they will not show wear like timepieces fashioned in other precious metals and can be handed down to the next generation in great shape, says Michael O’Connor, senior vice president of the Platinum Guild International. – by Michael Thompson This year, the Hermès Dressage is available in a moonphase model with date hand. The exclusive Vaucher automatic movement, made in cooperation with Hermès, is highly decorated and visible through the case back. The platinum model (shown) is $34,500 suggested retail. Hermès of Paris, New York City; (212) 835-6438. The newest look for the IWC Portuguese automatic features the maker’s caliber 50010 movement with Pellaton winding system and seven-day power reserve. This platinum edition, limited to 500 watches, is $31,000 suggested retail. International Watch Co., New York City; (212) 891-2461, www.iwc.ch. Harry Winston, New York City; (212) 245-2000. Harry Winston joins watchmaker Christopher Claret to produce this dual-sided Opus 4. On the front is a manually wound tourbillon and minute repeater under a transparent dial. On the other side of the reversible platinum case is a large moon display with date hand. Time is indicated on both sides. Eighteen pieces are made in platinum, and two others are platinum with diamonds. The Cartier Tortue model features two time zones and a perpetual calendar. It’s cased in 950 platinum with an 18k gold dial worked with silver guilloche. Cartier, New York City; (212) 753-0111, www.cartier.com. Omega’s skeletonized Central Tourbillon uses the once-per-minute revolution of the tourbillon to act as the central seconds indicator. The minute and hour hands are etched on separate sapphire discs to allow full viewing of the in-house Omega automatic movement. The case and bezel are platinum. Omega, Weehawken, NJ; (201) 271-4747, www.omegawatches.com.