The C2 Chronograph Black & White models feature 43 mm cases tastefully set with either white or black diamonds, symbolizing cosmic forces like good and evil or yin and yang. Both timepiece’s cases are made of steel and feature a handsome alligator skin strap fitted with lug-free attachments, complimenting each watch’s primary shade. Beating beneath either watch’s gleaming face is a 37-jewel movement working at 28,000 vibrations per hour. Above, the dial indications feature central hour, minute and sweep seconds hands, along with chronograph counters.

Sharp magazine’s Book for Men launch party featured a dedicated space displaying some exquisite timepieces. Party-goers were free to try watches from the likes of Zenith, Bvlgari, Ulysses Nardin and Concord.

Head to SharpForMen.com to preview the Book and order a copy.

Images courtesy of Paul Koziorowski

This 16.4-carat timepiece from the Swiss watchmaker boasts a total of 208 baguette-cut diamonds, with 32 of those on the dial alone. The white gold case, set with 62 of the diamonds adds a shimmering decor to the outer sides of the watch, as the sapphire crystal glass encases the expected look of a Concord face. An 18K white gold folding clasp fastens the end of the black vulcanized rubber strap, completing the illustrious look of the watch. Available by special order only.

This watch embodies luxury to nth degree. Featuring 403 invisibly set gems for 25.31 carats, the 38-jewel hand-wound timepiece looks nothing short of complete regality. It oscillates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, which can be seen through the transparent back. The case itself is 18-carat white gold set with 227 baguette-cut diamonds, at 20.17 carats. Also boasting a glare-proofed sapphire crystal cover, the sides are mounted with 18-carat white gold crown, set with 26 more baguette-cut diamonds. 100 more of the same diamonds outlay the dial, for an additional 1.4 carats, while 1.88 carats are found n the 34 carnelians also on the watch face. Even the usual black leather alligator strap has an 18-carat white gold folding clasp. It should come as no surprise: This is limited to just one piece worldwide.

Dedicated to French NBA Star Ronny Turiaf who underwent open-heart surgery at age 22, this timepiece is a celebration of champions, coupling quality athletic performance with a sleek, sporty design. In support of Turiaf’s Heart to Heart Foundation with a portion of the sales profits, the Heart2Heart brings another elegant watch into the Concord family. Both front and back are fitted with sapphire crystal, allowing for an interesting look at the internal intricacies. Densely black, the interior of the watch is highlighted with sparing blood-red accents. Add on the rubber-coated alligator leather strap and Turiaf’s signature on the backplate, and you have a true champion of a watch. Limited to 25 pieces.

Taking advantage of a new structure, Concord presents its C1 Tech by showing off the geometric order of its meticulous design. With four different time indications seemingly arranged in quadrants – dates facing seconds and a 12-hour clock facing a 30-minute timer – the rose gold-outlined dial is accentuated by it’s black surface and blue undertones. The display is cased behind glareproof sapphire crystal and PVD-treated stainless steel, all surrounded by 18-carat rose gold, for a high-security framework. Strap one on with the black rubberized alligator band sometime this fall.

The new Concord C1 Code Chronograph is designed to show off the intricacy of the mathematics of such a timepiece. Displaying the algebraic formulas for various parts of the watch right on the face, the mad scientist in anyone can certainly appreciate a rare look at watchmaking math. Case diameter and thickness, number of side screws, dimensions of the sapphire crystal are just a few of the formulas one can find etched into the underside of the crystal faceplate. A truly unique piece, as only 25 are being produced. Should be available any day now.

Photography by: Mario Miotti

The Concord C1 Quantum Gravity Tourbillon has more going for it than its long name, enormous case and astronomical price. It has something under the hood, and so it should for $480,000.

One, it’s a tourbillon, the most prestigious and difficult of all watch complications to produce. A tourbillon is always hand assembled, by master horologists only, and stands as a tribute to a brand’s watchmaking prowess. In a tourbillon, the escapement, consisting of balance wheel, hair spring and pallet forks, function inside a carriage (or cage) that rotates once every 60 seconds. The seconds hand in many tourbillons—and this one is no exception—is often therefore attached to the tourbillon cage.

Two, it’s the world’s first bi-axial tourbillon extended to the case side and anchored in the vertical position (including the seconds hand, which travels out there with it). The tourbillon was originally created for pocket watches in 1801 to compensate for the effects of gravity on the escapement. Because pocket watches were kept in the breast pocket, the tourbillon was designed to function in the vertical position. The Quantum Gravity is a tribute to this tradition. The biaxial rotation means it keeps better time.

Three, it’s big, but it ain’t heavy. Most of the movement components, including baseplate, bridges and large second wheel are made of lightweight aeronautical grade aluminum alloys. Much of the case is titanium, which is tougher and lighter than steel. This makes the watch highly wearable.

Four, this is the world’s first vertical liquid superluminova column-construction power reserve indicator. Why the big deal about power reserve? Aside from making the watch stand out like Shrek in March of the Penguins, it highlights the fact that the Quantum Gravity has intense power capability. Operating the watch requires a lot of torque to keep the tourbillion in motion through the long shaft from the mainspring through the gear train to the escapement. An extra-large mainspring barrel solves the problem, and gives the watch a three-day power reserve.

Finally, it’s the biggest, boldest, craziest tourbillon ever created—an extrovert’s dream come true.