Las Vegas: Horological Capital of the World?

elliot55 · 2015-02-21T16:34:23Z

Explore Las Vegas's luxury watch scene, featuring Jaquet Droz Bird Repeater, JLC a'Triptyque, and Tribute to Geophysic. Discover boutique experiences and rare timepieces.

elliot55

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

17 replies3638 views7 photos

Elliot55's exploration of Las Vegas's luxury watch boutiques offers a fascinating glimpse into the high-end horological retail landscape of 2015. His post highlights the unique experience of encountering rare and complicated timepieces in person, emphasizing how a physical interaction can profoundly change one's perception of a watch. This article captures the excitement of discovering exceptional watches and the distinct atmosphere of luxury shopping in a city known for its extravagance.

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I just got back from Las Vegas and must admit I was very impressed with some of the watch inventory in the land of milk and honey. Sometimes you just get lucky in this forsaken town - you never know what will turn up at some of the high-end shops...

There are a huge number of boutiques, each with some truly outstanding pieces. You've got Tourbillon over at Aria's "Crystals Shops", with some absolutely not-to-be-believed watches. Sure, we've all seen the JD Bird Repeater in pictures, but to actually see one of nine in the metal is very special...

Jaquet Droz Bird Repeater. One of Nine. Absolutely Stunning!

Ahem, can you see the price tag? Let me see, Bird Repeater or a house?

I did find it odd that the Harry Winston boutique was just across the way from Tourbillon, but given Swatch's recent purchase of the diamond dealer, I guess it makes a little bit of sense. And unlike some of the other boutiques, this HW didn't have a single Opus to speak of.

There is the Richard Mille boutique, which I frankly found quite pretentious. Which does not surprise me because I find the brand pretentious. Although I must admit, the new Bubba Watson with the green trim and g-force measurement is kind of cool.

Caesars has no shortage of watch boutiques in the Forum Shops part of the hotel. There's a Blancpain boutique, a Hublot boutique, Breitling, Cartier and Rolex all have stores, JLC is opening a boutique in about a week - not to mention one massive Tourneau.

But what really knocked me to the curb were a couple of pieces at the Jaeger LeCoultre boutique located in the Esplanade of the Encore Hotel...

JLC a'Triptyque - Hybris Mechanica - Main Dial

JLC a'Triptyque Hybris Mechanic - Main Dial / Bottom Dial

JLC aTriptyque Hybris Mechanica - Second Dial - Zodiac

This thing is a beast - clearly something you don't get a sense when you see it in pictures. I mean a true gargantuan. And of course, one of the most amazing examples of high-end horology anywhere! To experience it in the metal sucks the air out of your body. To be sure, I really could have spent a good couple of hours with this watch alone.

And one last limited piece before I go...

JLC Tribute To Geophysic in Platinum

This watch speaks for itself on every level. I mean, even the levels have levels. At 38mm's a wee bit small for me, but I think I want one anyway. Love the luminescent dots and let's not even get into the perfect weight of the platinum case. My good friend says this one is "absolument parfait".

Las Vegas is not for the faint of heart, nor for the faint of wallet. But if there is a watch you have lusted after and you've just got to try it on before actually pulling the trigger, I will say Vegas is a great place to find those very rare and almost never seen examples of what we all live for. And believe me, the people who work in these boutiques appreciate our knowledge more than you can imagine. When I was standing in the Jaquet Droz section of the Tourbillon store, I just happened to mention to the sales person how much I am impressed with the brand, particularly the Bird Repeater. The sales guy smiled and said, "Wait here..." and then returned with one of the most amazing timepieces I have ever seen. It was as exciting for him to share it as it was for me to see it up close and personal. Who would've thought Vegas could have been such a fun place!

Have A Great Weekend Everyone!

- Scott

Key Points from the Discussion

Las Vegas boutiques offer a high-end experience comparable to any in the world, though some international destinations like Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, or Dubai might offer an even broader selection.
The Jaquet Droz Bird Repeater features intricate automaton sequences, with three distinct bird movements and a subtle chiming mechanism designed for visual appreciation rather than auditory prominence.
The JLC a'Triptyque Hybris Mechanica is a truly massive and complex timepiece, whose impressive scale and intricate horology can only be fully appreciated in person.
The JLC Tribute to Geophysic in platinum is highly regarded for its perfect weight and the aesthetic appeal of its luminescent dots and dial, despite its 38mm size being considered small by some.
The Audemars Piguet boutique experience in Las Vegas was noted for its uninviting sales approach unless a customer displayed obvious wealth, contrasting with the more welcoming atmosphere at other luxury brands.
A collector noted seeing a JLC Tribute to Polaris in platinum at the JLC Boutique during a visit in mid-January, inquiring if it was still available during the author's later visit.

The Discussion

ED209

Feb 21, 2015

Thanks for sharing these pics. We were just in Vegas last weekend for Valentine's / President's Day weekend. Very cool to see that you found some special watches at JD, RM, and JLC. Besides Crystals and Forum Shops, there's also a lot of watch boutiques over at Venetian/Palazzo with VC, IWC, Cartier, Piaget, and many others. And of course at Wynn/Encore. Regards, ED-209

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Feb 21, 2015

Thanks for sharing with us here Scott! Vegas indeed has the heaviest timepieces :) The platinum tribute to Geophysic is also something I like. You correctly point out the nice heft on the wrist. Plus that geogphysic dial is to die for. Love your pics. Have a good weekend! Cheers Robin

DRMW

Feb 21, 2015

Vegas has some cool stores glad to hear you got to visit them. Since you were at The Shops at Crystals, did you check out the new AP boutique? The folks at BVLGARI there are knowledgeable as well. Cartier and Montblanc over at Palazzo/Venetian and Cartier at Wynn/Encore are friendly with lots to see. Here's a post from Sin City: If you get a chance, visit HK or Macau. They got some amazing stuff! -MW

amanico

Feb 21, 2015

Did you try the steel Geophysic? The platinum is very nice, but the steel is cool. About the size, on your wrist, I don't see the problem. This is part of its character! All the best, mon ami. Nicolas

GLau

Feb 22, 2015

did you hear the MR and see the movement of the birds ?? Thanks, Gordon

elliot55

Feb 22, 2015

... I was very impressed with the bird automatons - there are actually three different sequences; first sequence has the the bird on the right opening its wing about halfway before the bird on the left starts to feed the chicks. The second sequence has the bird on the right opening its wing the entire span, then the bird on the left starts to feed the chicks. In the third sequence the bird on the right does not open its wing at all and the chickling in the shell hatches. So, even the complicatio

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