CHRONO CHRONICLES

In this month's watch world round-up, we take a closer look at some slender watchmaking, pop culture phenomena, and a new dial on an old favourite.

- COLIN GOMEZ

VERDANTLY PERILOUS

The Louis Vuitton Escale Cabinet of Wonders Snake's Jungle, as do the other two pieces in the collection, maps the journey of Louis Vuitton through the realms of artisanal craft. Limited to just 20 examples, it depicts a scene of remarkably beautiful savagery. A reticulated serpent resplendent in jewelled hues of blue and green rears its head, forked tongue and fangs menacingly extended. The object of its attention is an orb of gold and nephrite jade hovering above and forming the monogram of Gaston-Louis Vuitton.

LOUD AND PROUD

An edgy design, colours that pop, a skeleton tourbillon, and a fiveday power reserve-the Classic Fusion Tourbillon Orlinski, much like everything else Hublot and Richard Orlinski put out, doesn't go unnoticed. The best-selling contemporary French artist whose polarising works can delight or dismay. A watchmaker whose seemingly singular purpose is to make a statement. A match made in heaven or hell, depending on where you stand. One thing's for sure though, you looked.

SPACE ODYSSEY