Sports Watch: Ball for BMW TimeTrekker

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Ball for BMW TimeTrekker. Introduced in 2015, its Calibre Ball RR1102-C automatic movement is Chronometer-certified and it is housed in a 44mm diameter case in stainless steel which is water-resistant to 200m / 660ft. The crown is screwed-in. There are 14 micro-gas tubes on the hour and minute hands including the dial for enhanced night reading capability. It features the day and date displays and is anti-magnetic to 4,800 A/m. Available in either a black or blue dial and with either a rubberized leather strap with pin buckle or stainless steel bracelet. Priced at SGD4,200 inclusive of tax. Photo: TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2015. Special thanks to Performance Motors and BMW Group Asia.

Ball for BMW TimeTrekker. Introduced in 2015, its Calibre Ball RR1102-C automatic movement is Chronometer-certified and it is housed in a 44mm diameter case in stainless steel which is water-resistant to 200m / 660ft. The crown is screwed-in. There are 14 micro-gas tubes on the hour and minute hands including the dial for enhanced night reading capability. It features the day and date displays and is anti-magnetic to 4,800 A/m. Available in either a black or blue dial and with either a rubberized leather strap with pin buckle or stainless steel bracelet. Priced at SGD4,200 inclusive of tax. Photo: TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2015. Special thanks to Ball Watch, Kelvin Wong, Philippe Antille, Xing Xian, Performance Motors and BMW Group Asia.

The Ball for BMW timepieces are designed by Magali Métrailler (who was formerly a designer from Jaeger-LeCoultre).

The one model we like in particular from this collection is the Ball for BMW TimeTrekker because of its details.

For example, we particularly enjoy the hour index at 12 o’clock because of its pastel creamy beige colour which is different from the rest. The colour difference is not very obvious with the other hour indexes under normal lighting conditions.

When it turns dark, then that is the time when the Ball for BMW TimeTrekker shows its true colours, literally. Its hour index at 12 o’clock has a red luminescence while the rest of the micro gas tubes are in blue.

The BMW branding is subtle and found at the 3 o’clock position, right after the day and date displays.

Other subtle hints of the BMW link include the textures on the dial reminding one of the link with BMW and even the crown which is like the control button found in BMW automobiles.

In total darkness, this is what the Ball for BMW TimeTrekker displays: the pastel creamy beige bar index at 12 o’clock is now red and the rest of the hour indexes are in blue, even for those at 3, 5, 6 and 7 o’clock as there are small micro-gas tubes there, close to the edge of the dial. Do note that there is only one long micro-gas tube bar index at 4 o’clock (even though it seems like there is a small one at the edge of the dial. We apologise but this was what came out in our photo). In total, there are 14 micro-gas tubes on the dial: 12 for each hour index and two for the hands: one each for the hour and minute hands. The sweep seconds hand does not have a micro-gas tube. Ideally, we think there ought to be one for the sweep seconds hand. The green luminescence come from the unidirectional bezel and these are emitted with charged SuperLuminova. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2016.

In total darkness, this is what the Ball for BMW TimeTrekker displays: the pastel creamy beige bar index at 12 o’clock is now red and the rest of the hour indexes are in blue, even for those at 3, 5, 6 and 7 o’clock as there are small micro-gas tubes there, close to the edge of the dial. Do note that there is only one long micro-gas tube bar index at 4 o’clock (even though it seems like there is a small one at the edge of the dial. We apologise but this was what came out in our photo). In total, there are 14 micro-gas tubes on the dial: 12 for each hour index and two for the hands: one each for the hour and minute hands. The sweep seconds hand does not have a micro-gas tube. Ideally, we think there ought to be one for the sweep seconds hand. The green luminescence come from the unidirectional bezel and these are emitted with charged SuperLuminova. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2016.

The BMW logo becomes more apparent on the case back; on the sapphire crystal in particular.

The unidirectional rotating bezel is in pure ceramic and in a black chrome finish.

Magali Métrailler designed the Ball for BMW TimeTrekker and the other timepieces in the Ball for BMW collection. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. 2014 BaselWorld.

Magali Métrailler designed the Ball for BMW TimeTrekker and the other timepieces in the Ball for BMW collection. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. 2014 BaselWorld.

What is worth noting is that all the Ball for BMW models are equipped with the Amortiser shock absorber system.

What this means is that you can actually wear these Ball for BMW watches to play golf thanks to the Amortiser which protects the movement from all the shocks experienced.

After all, this is a sports watch.

Greubel Forsey Robert Filliou Art Piece: Art Lesson

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Greubel Forsey Robert Filliou Art Piece. Introduced in 2015, this work of art pays tribute to Robert Filliou (1926 to 1987). Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2015 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie.

Greubel Forsey Robert Filliou Art Piece. Introduced in 2015, this horological work of art pays tribute to Robert Filliou (1926 to 1987). Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2015 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie.

At the 2015 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie held in Geneva, Greubel Forsey introduced their Art Piece 1 paying tribute to Robert Filliou (1926 to 1987).

Who was Robert Filliou? Well, this Frenchman was described as a filmmaker, sculptor and Fluxus artist. Fluxus artists are described as those who combined different artistic media notably during the 1960s and such works are known to be non-commercial and anti-art.

Why did Greubel Forsey want to create a timepiece paying homage to Filliou? Well, it was for the Chapaeux! Exhibition “… which reactivates the Galerie Légitime of the Fluxus artist”, states the brand.

This “Chapeaux! A Tribute to Robert Filliou” exhibition brought together 14 contemporary artists as part of the FIAC or Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain in Paris which was produced by the Time Art Gallery Greubel Forsey and curated by Raphael Cuir.

By all accounts, Filliou must have been an extraordinary artist, especially after knowing that the good folks at Greubel Forsey made such a concerted effort to create a tribute piece for him.

Interestingly, the watch does have a certain character about it. On the dial side, it is “stamped with the principle of equivalence” that was important to Filliou – “well made, badly made, not made”.

Greubel Forsey decided on “badly made” simply because it contrasts with their obsession for high quality craftsmanship.

The magnifier on the side of the case allows one to have an unobstructed view of Wigan’s unbelievable micro-sculpture – the miniature replica of Filliou’s Couvre Chef(s) d'oeuvre that was created in 1965 where playing cards seem to be spewing out from a bowler hat. Photo: © Greubel Forsey

The magnifier on the side of the case allows one to have an unobstructed view of Wigan’s unbelievable micro-sculpture – the miniature replica of Filliou’s Couvre Chef(s) d’oeuvre that was created in 1965 where playing cards seem to be spewing out from a bowler hat. Photo: © Greubel Forsey

For those familiar with Greubel Forsey timepieces, especially those made in collaboration with the amazing micro-artist Willard Wigan, they will be familiar with the magnifying system found at the side of the case.

This magnifier will allow one to have an unobstructed view of Wigan’s unbelievable micro-sculpture. In this particular example, it is the miniature replica of Filliou’s Couvre Chef(s) d’oeuvre which he (Filliou) created in 1965 whereby what seems like cards are spewing out from a bowler hat.

Sketches of the Greubel Forsey Robert Filliou Art Piece used on the brand’s invitation card for the 2016 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. Try spotting the bas reliefs of Greubel Forsey personnel involved in this artistic adventure.

Sketches of the Greubel Forsey Robert Filliou Art Piece used on the brand’s Christmas and New Year greeting card. Try spotting the sketches (side profiles) that became bas reliefs of Greubel Forsey personnel involved in this artistic adventure which is also found on the rear of the Robert Filliou Art Piece. What we discovered through this card is the fact that Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey personally initiated supporting the Adenium Foundation, a non-profit charitable organisation founded on 19 August 2010. Its aim is to implement social, educational and humanitarian projects, wherever possible, for the development, benefit and well-being of children worldwide.

On the case back of Art Piece 1, you’d have to look closer and discover the bas-relief profiles of those who embarked on this artistic adventure.

Is this watch “badly made” in any sense? The layman, us included, will probably beg to differ. This Robert Filliou Art Piece 1 looks good, seems to have been made with a a strong character and stands out for its expressiveness.

For us, it is definitely a piece of horological art.