Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist. http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.luxist.com/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist http://www.luxist.com prods@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Producers) support@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Web Support) en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Breguet Marine Tourbillon Ref. 5839 High Jewellery Chronograph Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/15/breguet-marine-tourbillon-ref-5839-high-jewellery-chronograph-w/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/15/breguet-marine-tourbillon-ref-5839-high-jewellery-chronograph-w/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/15/breguet-marine-tourbillon-ref-5839-high-jewellery-chronograph-w/#comments In the watch world diamonds seem to make just about everything better. This Ref. 5839 Marine Troubillon High Jewellery watch is a diamond encrusted version of the Ref. 5937 from a few years ago. Breguet outfitted the watch case and dial with an impressive amount of diamonds, but still was able to retain that signature Breguet Marine watch look.

The 43mm wide 18k white gold case as about 11.77 carats of stones on it. One of the neatest parts is how Breguet was able to maintain the coined edge of the case using specially cut diamonds. Also not the unique pattern the diamonds create for the bezel. On the dial smaller diamonds are set in the middle of the dial and don't overshadow the hands. The dial itself is silvered 18k gold. Overall Breguet did a great job giving a men's jewelry watch a functional face.

Inside the watch is a Breguet caliber 554.4 manually wound tourbillon movement with the time and a chronograph complication. The watch has 50 hours of power reserve with special features that include a silicium balance spring and escapement wheel.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Breguet Marine Tourbillon Ref. 5839 High Jewellery Chronograph Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 15 May 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 58395839BB6D9ZU DDODbreguetdiamondshighmarinetourbillonwatch Ariel Adams Sun, 15 May 2011 12:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Napoleon Entering Cairo Statue Available At Rau Antiques]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/14/napoleon-entering-cairo-statue-available-at-rau-antiques/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/14/napoleon-entering-cairo-statue-available-at-rau-antiques/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/14/napoleon-entering-cairo-statue-available-at-rau-antiques/#comments There is an almost eerie quality to this one of a kind custom made statue depicting Napoleon Bonaparte as he enters Cario during his campaign in Egypt. The small statue was made by famed French artist Jean-Léon Gérôme as a smaller version of a larger bronze statue. It was made around 1897. The statue is done in an ancient style known as "chryselephantine." The inner part of the statue is wood, while it is overlaid with gold and ivory. Ivory is used for Napoleon's face to simulate a more realistic flesh like look. The statue is about 16 and a half inches high.

Gerome, the artist, favored such older Roman and Greek sculpting techniques. The original bronze statue was bought by the French government for public display. This work is an amazing historical reference as well as example of neo-classic revival in the 19th century that has since never been better. Price is $198,000 at Rau Antiques. Learn more here.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Napoleon Entering Cairo Statue Available At Rau Antiques originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 14 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cairojean-leon geromenapoleonsculpture Ariel Adams Sat, 14 May 2011 20:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Girard-Perregaux Cat's Eye Tourbillon Haute Joaillerie Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/14/girard-perregaux-cat-s-eye-tourbillon-haute-joaillerie-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/14/girard-perregaux-cat-s-eye-tourbillon-haute-joaillerie-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/14/girard-perregaux-cat-s-eye-tourbillon-haute-joaillerie-watch/#comments For half a million dollars you can get a lot of watches or this lovely new high jewelry watch from Swiss Girard-Perregaux. The Cat's Eye Tourbillon Haute Joaillerie timepiece has an 18k white gold case and is 32mm wide by 38mm tall in the typical Cat's Eye oval shape. It has a stunning amount of large diamonds all over it. According to Girard-Perregaux the watch required over 700 hours of work to create, containing over 20 carats of diamonds. The precious stones come in various cuts and are placed all over the case, crown, and dial.

Inside the watch is a Girard-Perregaux in-house made caliber GP09700-0006 manually wound tourbillon movement. The Tourbillon escapement is visible on the dial using a traditional GP style bridge. The movement has a power reserve of about three days. Attached to the strap is a gray satin strap with a white gold buckle... and more diamonds. Price for this very impressive haute joaillerie watch is $490,000.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews website aBlogtoRead.com.

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Girard-Perregaux Cat's Eye Tourbillon Haute Joaillerie Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 14 May 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cats eyediamondsgirard-perregauxhaute joaillerietourbillonwatch Ariel Adams Sat, 14 May 2011 12:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[DeLaneau Open Magic Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/13/delaneau-open-magic-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/13/delaneau-open-magic-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/13/delaneau-open-magic-watch/#comments Open Magic is the newest collection of luxury timepieces for women from DeLaneau. I have a deep level of respect for the brand and am waiting for them to hopefully design a men's watch - not sure if that will ever happen as they seem pretty dedicated to be a watch for sophisticate women, by a sophisticated woman. The Open Magic watch comes in a few styles. The main designer elements include the unique strap and lugs system. A gold coil connects to the satin strap - that on the other end has double straps. The attractive case is almost Bell Epoque and art deco in style.

The watch dial itself is done in black onyx with triangular segments in mother-of-pearl (or vice versa). It has dauphine style hands and diamond hour markers. Diamond are found all over the bezel and case - with varying amounts of stones available as the Open Magic watch is offered with about 1.56 carats of diamonds to 5 carats of diamonds. Inside the watch is a Swiss mechanical movement. Really a stunning item and worthy of the Delaneau name.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: DeLaneau Open Magic

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DeLaneau Open Magic Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 13 May 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> delaneauopen magicwatchwatches Ariel Adams Fri, 13 May 2011 12:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Chopard Happy Sport La Vie En Rose Watches]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/12/chopard-happy-sport-la-vie-en-rose-watches/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/12/chopard-happy-sport-la-vie-en-rose-watches/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/12/chopard-happy-sport-la-vie-en-rose-watches/#comments Chopard expands on its Happy Diamond Sport collection with a summer offering called the Happy Sport La Vie En Rose. The famous Edith Piaf song lends itself to these timepieces that have silhouette style roses on the dials - with or without diamonds. Perhaps this is also an unofficial watch from Chopard to its fans in France.

The 36mm wide watches are in steel or 18k rose gold (or steel with an 18k rose gold bezel). The loveliest models have rose colored sapphires set in the bezel - as well as diamonds mixed into the decor on the dial. Like all Happy Diamond watches, a few floating diamonds are sandwiched between two sapphire crystals and move around freely over the dial. The collection has a few dial styles and straps to choose from, presumably all in tones that will match rose colors. The entire Happy Sport La Vie En Rose collection will be limited to about 525 pieces total. Inside the watches are Swiss quartz movements. Look for them soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Chopard Happy Sport La Vie En Rose Watches originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 12 May 2011 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> choparddiamondshappyla vie en rosesportwatch Ariel Adams Thu, 12 May 2011 12:07:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Aperion Signature SLIMstage30 Speaker Bar Review]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/12/aperion-signature-slimstage30-speaker-bar-review/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/12/aperion-signature-slimstage30-speaker-bar-review/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/12/aperion-signature-slimstage30-speaker-bar-review/#comments Not being an audiophile, it takes a lot to impress me when reviewing a speaker system. I didn't think much of reviewing Aperion's new sound bar style speaker as it seemed like a pretty straight forward device. The idea of a sound bar (soundbar) style speaker is to offer an external speaker when using many of today's flat panel television sets because the native speakers they have usually aren't very good or get very loud. Rather than getting a more complicated and space intensive speaker set, a sound bar offers a total package in a thin speaker strip. At least that is the idea. Usually these compact devices have serious drawbacks in the interest of being small. What I found however is that Aperion loaded the Signature collection SLIMstage30 with a ton of features and options to make it one of the best and most comprehensive speaker systems I have ever used - all in a one-piece device.

Continue reading Aperion Signature SLIMstage30 Speaker Bar Review

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Aperion Signature SLIMstage30 Speaker Bar Review originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 12 May 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> aperionreviewsignatureSLIMstage30sound barsoundbarsoundmatterspeakersystem Ariel Adams Thu, 12 May 2011 09:31:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Jaeger-LeCoultre Launches Online Service To Personalize Reverso Watches]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/11/jaeger-lecoultre-launches-online-service-to-personalize-reverso/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/11/jaeger-lecoultre-launches-online-service-to-personalize-reverso/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/11/jaeger-lecoultre-launches-online-service-to-personalize-reverso/#comments A few years ago this would have never been something a high-end conservative watch brand like Jaeger-LeCoultre would have dreamed of doing. Traditionally, services like watch customization and personalization were to be done in a chic boutique with an authorized dealer over a glass of champagne and cookies. Now that model has changed and brands realize that people want to shop at home online.

The iconic Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso has a case that flips around to reveal a solid caseback - offering a perfect palette for personalization. The new Reverso customization website allows customers to pick a watch and create any number of custom engravings and art on the back of a Reverso watch. This includes a large number of pre-selected options, as well as truly customizable engravings and enamel work. Options include having initials, a special message, coat of arms, imagery, or anything else that fits on the space. You can even have precious stones set in the back of the watch case.

The website uses a Flash based application for navigation and is rather straight forward. Really a fun thing to play around with and choose your ideal personalized Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso watch.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews website aBlogtoRead.com.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Launches Online Service To Personalize Reverso Watches originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 May 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> customizationjaeger-lecoultrepersonalizationreversoreviewwatchwatches Ariel Adams Wed, 11 May 2011 12:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Certina DS Action Diver Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/10/certina-ds-action-diver-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/10/certina-ds-action-diver-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/10/certina-ds-action-diver-watch/#comments The best new Certina watches for 2011 were the "Action Divers." The name of the collection sounds as youthful as Certina wants the watches to be. Certina once made very impressive diving watches and are seemingly trying to return that image a bit. While intended to be for the mainstream buyer, these DS Action Divers are a nice watch and a good value that are also diving capable. They come in a few styles and colors, and on metal bracelets or straps. Size is just right at 43mm wide for most people. The dial is an amalgamated look from a range of successful high-end divers from brands such as Rolex and Omega. Certina sort of melded a few together to come up with this attractive look. The same concept applied to the steel case and bezel - not wholly original, but satisfying.

I love the clean integration of the date. None of the hour indicators needed to be removed, and the date disc is black to match the dial being placed between hour indicators. The watch case has a sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 200 meters. Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA 2824 automatic movement. Overall a great daily wear at a price that feels comfortable in the $800 - $1000 range.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Certina DS Action Diver Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 10 May 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> action divercertinadivedswatch Ariel Adams Tue, 10 May 2011 12:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Longines, Official Timekeeper Of Kentucky Derby, Gifts Watches To Race Winners]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/09/longines-official-timekeeper-of-kentucky-derby-gifts-watches-t/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/09/longines-official-timekeeper-of-kentucky-derby-gifts-watches-t/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/09/longines-official-timekeeper-of-kentucky-derby-gifts-watches-t/#comments Longines, now the official timekeeper of the Kentucky Derby and its home track Churchill Downs, recently was able to award the winners of the 2011 Kentucky Derby with a Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph watch. Longines recorded a winning time of 2.04 minutes as the running time for "Animal Kingdom" the winning horse. The Swiss brand rewarded the horse owner Barry Irwin, jockey Johnny Velazquez, and trainer Graham Motion each with the classically inspired timepiece. The link above will take you to a previous article that discusses the piece further along with Longines' involvement with them famous horse race. Participation with the well-known high-society event is important to the historic brand that is fighting for a larger share of the US high-end watch market. It is also part of an overall trend of watch brands taking more of a key role in popular US cultural events.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Longines Kentucky Derby 2011

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Longines, Official Timekeeper Of Kentucky Derby, Gifts Watches To Race Winners originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 09 May 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 2011kentucky derbylonginestimekeeperwatchwinner Ariel Adams Mon, 09 May 2011 21:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Breitling Navitimer Super Constellation Limited Edition Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/09/breitling-navitimer-super-constellation-limited-edition-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/09/breitling-navitimer-super-constellation-limited-edition-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/09/breitling-navitimer-super-constellation-limited-edition-watch/#comments Breitling is in to new and old aviation experiences. Going along with their current retro-kick, this new limited edition watch celebrates their restoration of a truly remarkable plane - the Super Constellation. There are only three remaining Lockheed Super Constellation planes around. Originally from the 1950s, the iconic looking dolphin style fuselage along with "triple tail" was designed for long-haul flights over the Atlantic ocean. It reminds of us a more romantic era when flight was for the few and jets were for the military.

The watch is based on the Navitimer with special branding, red and blue trim coloring, as well as a specially engraved caseback. The watch is truly about the plane itself, having an assortment of technical details about the plane on the case back. Limited to 1,049 pieces, the Breitling Navitimer Super Constellation is 42mm wide in polished steel and includes a Breitling Caliber 23 automatic chronograph COSC Chronometer certified movement. It sould be available soon and comes on a range of strap and bracelet options. Really one of the nicer looking limited edition retro style watches from Breitling that we have seen in the last year.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Breitling Navitimer Super Constellation watch

Breitling Navitimer Super Constellation Limited Edition Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 09 May 2011 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Ariel Adams Mon, 09 May 2011 12:07:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Hublot King Power Red Devil Watch For Manchester United]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/08/hublot-king-power-red-devil-watch-for-manchester-united/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/08/hublot-king-power-red-devil-watch-for-manchester-united/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/08/hublot-king-power-red-devil-watch-for-manchester-united/#comments For the third time Swiss watch brand Hublot and UK Football team Manchester United come together for a special limited edition watch. The two have been in a long standing partnership, and the fruits of their efforts should appeal to more than just sports fans. This new watch however should be a particular treat for Manchester United fans. For one thing, part of the watch comes from the actual Old Trafford stadium. Look closely at the hour markers - these applied elements are a bit green in tone. They are actually made of the famous grass from the stadium. Hublot experimented with how to do this and finally came up with a process that involves freeze drying and then lacquering segments of the grass. They almost look like "sod crystals."

The 48mm wide watch is based on the King Power collection and comes in two case materials. A limited edition version of 500 pieces comes in black matte ceramic, while a 250 piece limited edition will come in 18k King gold. Don't know what King gold is? Neither do I, but it is likely some new gold alloy that Hublot will be using on its King Power timepieces. One new element to the case design is the chronograph pushers that now have a special security bar over them for style and protection.

Inside the watch is a special chronograph movement for measuring soccer game halves. It is the HUB4245 skeletonized automatic chronograph with centrally mounted chronograph hands. Plus, the chronograph measures up to 45 minutes - the length of a football game half. The dial also has a bright red Manchester United Devil mascot figure that looks great with the overall theme. Attached to the strap is a new style of rubber bracelet with fun red strip in the middle. Each of the Hublot King Power Red Devil watches will come specially signed by Manchester United's own Sir Alex Ferguson - this is probably one of the best watches ever for a soccer team. Look for them soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews website aBlogtoRead.com

Gallery: Hublot King Power Red Devil Watch

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Hublot King Power Red Devil Watch For Manchester United originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 08 May 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 716.CI.1129.RX.MAN11hublotking powermanchester unitedred devilwatch Ariel Adams Sun, 08 May 2011 12:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Equipe Big Block Watch For 100 Years Of Chevrolet]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/07/equipe-big-block-watch-for-100-years-of-chevrolet/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/07/equipe-big-block-watch-for-100-years-of-chevrolet/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/07/equipe-big-block-watch-for-100-years-of-chevrolet/#comments Equipe watches has produced a special edition watch to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet. It makes sense that this is celebrated via a watch as Chevrolet was started by a man who was Swiss. Both out of Detroit, Equipe and Chevrolet come together for this unique version of the "Big Block" watch. The 12 o'clock indicator is the special 100 Years of Chevrolet logo, which the automobile brand's logo plated in gold.

The watch itself is in steel, in a rectangular shape is 42mm wide (49mm wide with the pushers). It has a Japanese Miyota quartz chronograph movement and attractive looking dial meant to please car-loving gear heads. The case itself is actually meant to evoke the look of an engine block, with the crown and pushers being pistons. The watch is attached to a rubber strap that looks like tire tread. Not sure on the pricing, but this watch was just released and should be available soon where Equipe watches are sold.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Equipe Big Block Watch For 100 Years Of Chevrolet originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 07 May 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 100big blockchevroletchevyequipewatch Ariel Adams Sat, 07 May 2011 12:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Ball Trainmaster One Hundred Twenty Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/06/ball-trainmaster-one-hundred-twenty-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/06/ball-trainmaster-one-hundred-twenty-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/06/ball-trainmaster-one-hundred-twenty-watch/#comments Ball's 2011 lineup of wrist watches includes a compelling mixture of both very modern watches, and those which are retro inspired. One of the latter is this Trainmaster One Hundred Twenty - a watch that is meant to celebrate 120 years of Ball watches. The story of the brand is linked to the American railroad industry. Ball watches were among the original innovators of an on-time and safe railroad system.

The Trainmaster One Hundred Twenty is a classic looking timepieces with modern components typical to the brand. The most noteworthy of which is the very shock resistant and antimagnetic case (here in 18k rose gold and 39.5mm wide), as well as use of tritium gas tubes in the hour markers and hands. These tubes are filled with a naturally glowing material for perfect darkness reading for about two decades before the light begins to dim.

The dial of the watch is slightly domed and comes in gray or silver with 18k rose gold hour markers and hands. The watch has a sapphire crystal and is attached to brown or black crocodile strap. Inside the Trainmaster One Hundred Twenty is a Swiss ETA 2892 automatic movement.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com

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Ball Trainmaster One Hundred Twenty Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 06 May 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ballone hundred twentytrainmasterwatch Ariel Adams Fri, 06 May 2011 12:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Tag Heuer Formula 1 Gulf Edition Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/05/tag-heuer-formula-1-gulf-edition-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/05/tag-heuer-formula-1-gulf-edition-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/05/tag-heuer-formula-1-gulf-edition-watch/#comments I have had a love affair with Tag Heuer Formula 1 watches for a long time. The most modern ones are the best Formula 1 watches ever in my opinion. A new special model for 2011 celebrates an historic partnership that Tag Heuer enjoyed, as well as the furtherance of the F1 collection. This is the Formula 1 Gulf Edition watch, which presents itself in a similar manner as the range of Tag Heuer Monaco Gulf watches does in partnership with Gulf Oil and auto racing.

The base watch is the steel 44mm wide Tag Heuer Formula 1 Big Date watch. It contains a Swiss quartz movement with the time, subsidiary seconds dial, and big date indicator. The dial is black with a light gray cross-hatching pattern. You then see the Gulf racing stripes (with a thinner orange bar) and the Gulf logo. I think the racing stripes and dial pattern are a really neat edition. Not only is the piece attractive, but it will be particularly attractive to Tag Heuer collectors. The watch will be available on a steel bracelet or rubber strap. I don't believe the piece is a limited edition, and prices should be in the $1,000 range when it is available in a few months.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Tag Heuer Formula 1 Gulf Edition Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 05 May 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> formula 1gulftag heuerwatchwatches Ariel Adams Thu, 05 May 2011 12:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Fortis Spaceleader Volkswagen Design White Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/04/fortis-spaceleader-volkswagen-design-white-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/04/fortis-spaceleader-volkswagen-design-white-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/04/fortis-spaceleader-volkswagen-design-white-watch/#comments Last year my favorite new Fortis watch was the Spaceleader. The futuristic chronograph watch was designed by the Volkswagen Design team and offered as a special limited edition of 2,012 pieces. I first wrote about the Fortis Spaceleader watch here. For 2011 Fortis is offering two additional limited edition versions of the Spaceleader Chronograph. Each have white dials and are great looking in a sort of "Omega Speedmaster evolved" sense. One model has a white rubber strap and the other models has a black rubber strap. The case is in polished steel and is "wrapped" by the strap structure. Fortis and Volkswagen really hit on a good design and I think these new color variations will be just as popular as the original Spaceleader watch. Inside the watches are Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic movements. Look for these timepieces soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Fortis Spaceleader Volkswagen Design White Watch

Fortis Spaceleader Volkswagen Design White Watch

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Fortis Spaceleader Volkswagen Design White Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 04 May 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> chronographfortislimited editionspaceleaderwatchwhite Ariel Adams Wed, 04 May 2011 12:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Gustafsson & Sjögren Stockholm Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/03/gustafsson-and-sjogren-stockholm-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/03/gustafsson-and-sjogren-stockholm-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/03/gustafsson-and-sjogren-stockholm-watch/#comments One of their loveliest creations, the Stockholm is the newest limited edition model from Swedish watch makers Gustafsson & Sjögren (GoS). It will be limited to just five pieces total. Four pieces will have rich mother-of-pearl dials and one model will have a blue lapis lazuli dial - each set in a 42mm wide steel case.

Dials epitomize the art and skill of the knife and watch maker's use of Damascus steel. The hour indicator ring, hands, subsidiary seconds hand, and crown are all in Damascus folded metal. The dial makes for a lovely presentation of this aesthetic, and is still very legible. Inside the watches are restored vintage movements, being manually wound Alpina 592R Swiss calibers. Over the dial is a sapphire crystal and each of the watches will be fitted to an alligator strap. For the lapis lazuli dialed model GoS will place a blue alligator strap. Overall these are finely makes pieces and quite rare - a fantastic example of "out of the box" thinking independent watch makers.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Gustafsson & Sjogren Stockholm watches

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Gustafsson & Sjögren Stockholm Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 03 May 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> GosGustafsson SjögrenStockholmwatchwatches Ariel Adams Tue, 03 May 2011 12:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Bertolucci Volta II Watches]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/02/bertolucci-volta-ii-watches/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/02/bertolucci-volta-ii-watches/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/02/bertolucci-volta-ii-watches/#comments Coming in loads of colors and styles. The Volta II collection is a bright new range of women's pieces from watch brand Bertolucci. More playful and decorative than the original Volta range, the Volta II has an off-centered dial for the time, and other a pair of hears or clover designed as the seconds hand. The hearts or clover on the dial spin around whimsically as the time passes. Inside the watches are Swiss quartz movements.

The cases are large at 42mm wide (for women) and comes in either steel or 18k rose gold. The watches themselves come in a large variety of colors. All have diamond studded bezels and more diamonds as well as other precious stones on the dials. The watch is matched to a colored alligator strap. Pretty fun pieces that still say "luxury watch" when worn.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Bertolucci Volta II Watches originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 02 May 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bertoluccicollectionvoltawatchwatches Ariel Adams Mon, 02 May 2011 12:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Wrist Regalia: What It's Like To Wear Ultra Luxury Watches]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/01/wrist-regalia-what-its-like-to-wear-ultra-luxury-watches/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/01/wrist-regalia-what-its-like-to-wear-ultra-luxury-watches/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/05/01/wrist-regalia-what-its-like-to-wear-ultra-luxury-watches/#comments Anyone who claims that timepieces are merely for telling the time simply hasn't worn enough nice watches. Even before watches were able to measure the time in a halfway decent manner they were made out of precious materials and dutifully decorated. It seems that the timepiece and luxury have been cooperating since the very beginning. It was not until the 20th century that the watch became mainstream through mass production - and even modest wage earners could afford one. Rather than destroy the elite status of having a watch, all this did was strengthen the high-end watch market as timepieces at this level needed to try even harder to separate themselves from their distant, more affordable cousins.

Writing about very expensive timepieces and the world that conceives them has been an interesting journey for me as one with no elite upbringing or sense of entitlement to the "nicest things life has to offer." This have given me a unique perspective on wearing luxury watches and the people that consume them.

Continue reading Wrist Regalia: What It's Like To Wear Ultra Luxury Watches

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Wrist Regalia: What It's Like To Wear Ultra Luxury Watches originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 01 May 2011 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> experiencehigh-endluxuryultrawatchwatcheswearing Ariel Adams Sun, 01 May 2011 12:06:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Nivrel Deep Ocean Diver Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/30/nivrel-deep-ocean-diver-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/30/nivrel-deep-ocean-diver-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/30/nivrel-deep-ocean-diver-watch/#comments German based Nivrel is finally back with a new dive watch for 2011. It is called the Deep Ocean (not a super creative name by today's standards), and has a nice sporty, yet conservative look. While Nivrel quality is high, their prices are very fair compared to some of the competitors. A few years ago Nivrel has a really awesome lineup of dive watches. Those seemed to have gone away in favor of more classic pieces, but for 2011 Nivrel couldn't hold back their sport collection any longer.

As a tool watch the 43mm wide steel Deep Ocean is an attractive piece. It has a carbon fiber dial and combo of applied Arabic and circle hour markers mixed with sword hour and minute hands. Each of them slathered in SuperLumiNova luminant for darkness viewing. The watch is made in Germany and has 500 meters of water resistance and a sapphire crystal over the dial. I love dive watches and enjoy that Nivrel has offered a sober utility watch with just a hint of style - perfect for today's conservatively dressed guy who wants a watch that hints to an active sense of adventure. The watch comes in a metal bracelet along with a rubber strap. Inside the Deep Ocean is a Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic movement.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Nivrel Deep Ocean Diver Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 30 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> deep oceannivrelwatchwatches Ariel Adams Sat, 30 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Chaumet Dandy Chronograph El Primero Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/29/chaumet-dandy-chronograph-el-primero-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/29/chaumet-dandy-chronograph-el-primero-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/29/chaumet-dandy-chronograph-el-primero-watch/#comments Aside from having an interesting and artistic dial, this special limited edition Chaumet Dandy contains a high-beat Zenith El Primero automatic chronograph movement. Zenith sometimes offers El Primero movements to good brands, and having one in a designer Chaumet is a sweet deal for watch lovers and fashionistas alike.

This piece is in all platinum, and has the Chaumet Dandy cushion style case. The dial is fascinating and done in Grad Feu blue enamel. The design is meant to look like Chaumet store fronts - which was designed by J.M. Wilmotte. I like the matching blue stitching on the black alligator strap. This rare piece will be limited to just 12 watches in the limited edition set.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Chaumet Dandy Chronograph El Primero Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> chaumetdandyel primerowatch Ariel Adams Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:04:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Jessica Alba Models For Piaget Jewelry]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/28/jessica-alba-models-for-piaget-jewelry/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/28/jessica-alba-models-for-piaget-jewelry/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/28/jessica-alba-models-for-piaget-jewelry/#comments Piaget, a high-end Swiss watch and jewelry maker, has recently signed on actress Jessica Alba to be the new face of their Possession watch and jewelry collection. Piaget chose Alba because of her beauty, and known dedication as a working Hollywood wife and mother. Piaget is interested in capturing a more mature and family focused demographic with their new Possession marketing campaign and felt that Jessica was the perfect person to evoke that image. Look for her in various Piaget marketing campaigns coming up soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Jessica Alba Models For Piaget Jewelry originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> jessica albajewelrypiasgetpossessionwatches Ariel Adams Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:54:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Casio Baby-G Watch For Married To The Mob Designer]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/28/casio-baby-g-watch-for-married-to-the-mob-designer/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/28/casio-baby-g-watch-for-married-to-the-mob-designer/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/28/casio-baby-g-watch-for-married-to-the-mob-designer/#comments Casio's latest special edition women's watch is this special Baby-G piece made in collaboration with fashion brand Married to the Mob by Leah McSweeney. Casio's durable G-Shock and more feminine Baby-G collection of pieces have proved to be highly malleable designs when it comes to creating special models.

Fashion designer Married to the Mob is an energetic urban themed clothing and fashion brand for young women who thrive on asserting their unconventional sides with hip, rebellions looks. According to McSweeney, there had been demand for a special Married to the Mob themed Baby-G watch for some time. Produced in limited quantities, the Married to the Mob Baby-G watch is based on the existing Casio ref. BG5600 line and is here called the BG5600MOB-4. It has a metallic pink/purple design with Married to the Mob branding on it. The LCD screen is done in a silvered style, while the gold toned case back has the signature Married to the Mob "lips" logo
engraved on it. Further Married to the Mob (MTTM) branding is on the strap. It is a very fun looking watch that will appeal to brand enthusiasts as well as others who enjoy the power purple look on the case and strap.

The watch itself has a series of functions found in most Baby-G watches including the time, calendar, stopwatch, alarms, world time, and more. The watch will be available at select Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Macy's stores starting about now for the price of $99.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Casio Baby-G Married to the Mob watch

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Casio Baby-G Watch For Married To The Mob Designer originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> baby-gcasiomarried to the mobwatchwatches Ariel Adams Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Groomstars.com Review - Formal Gifts For Men]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/27/groomstars-com-review-formal-gifts-for-men/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/27/groomstars-com-review-formal-gifts-for-men/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/27/groomstars-com-review-formal-gifts-for-men/#comments The website Groomstars.com is founded on an interesting idea - that being the concept that men are hard to shop for (especially when it comes to gifts for special occasions). As the name of the site implies, the focus of the site is offering gifts for the men who participate in weddings (not like routinely or anything). Along with the fact that guys are not super easy to shop for, most gift websites usually have items that either appeal only to women, or are gifts guys don't normally want. Groomstars strives to offering an enticing selection of male-minded gifts, and like many other gift based websites, Groomstars also features most (if not all) of their products as being personalized.

Featured products including a range of decent quality pens, holders, valets, watch cases, clothing accessories, hobbyist goods, nice tools, and other things men usually like, but wouldn't normally buy for themselves. I actually appreciate the selection a lot. It is as though someone waded through most of the obvious (and many non obvious) gifts a man would like and presented them in an easy to navigate place.

A lot of people will likely enjoy the site when shopping for groomsmen, a best man, the father of the bride - or anyone else who may be a friend, boss, or relative. Prices aren't cheap, but part of what you are paying for is the curated content. One such item that is nice is the Groomstars Striped Wedge Wood Watch box. It contains space for a few watches and related accessories, while the inside is cloth lined to prevent scratching. It comes in a nicely veneered closing box case with a personalized plate near the push-button opener. The inside is lined with soft cloth and quality is better than you might expect (or perhaps I simply have jaded expectations). Their watch boxes also come in a few different finishes and retails for $265 - all of course available for purchase online.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Groomstars watch box

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Groomstars.com Review - Formal Gifts For Men originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> boxcasegiftsgroomgroomstarsmenpersonalizedwatchwedding Ariel Adams Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:04:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Christiaan van der Klaauw Real Moon 1980 Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/26/christiaan-van-der-klaauw-real-moon-1980-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/26/christiaan-van-der-klaauw-real-moon-1980-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/26/christiaan-van-der-klaauw-real-moon-1980-watch/#comments Probably best known for his "astrological" watches, Christiaan van der Klaauw presents a stunning new model for 2011 called the Real Moon 1980. The "1980" segment of the name refers to the fact that the highly limited watch is meant to be an homage to a clock that he constructed in 1980. The piece is stunning, and contains a few complications that I personally have not seen before.

The movement starts with one of Christiaan van der Klaauw's base CK1094 automatic movements with the Real Moon module on it. Note the sophisticated looking highly customized automatic rotor that has a realistic looking piece of the moon on it. The movement complications include the time, date, month, moon phase on turning orb, solar and lunar eclipse hand, and declination of the sun indicator. Wow, talk about yet another way to construct a fascinating astrological complication timepiece.

The solar and lunar eclipse hand indicates if there is a solar or lunar eclipse going on somewhere on earth - this dial is near 3 o'clock. Using the Christiaan van der Klaauw logo, the sun declination indicator has the logo rise and lower to show the relative position of the sun on the horizon based on the time of year. The dial with two hands at 9 o'clock are used for the calendar functions.

A modern looking dial gives way to a classic looking case. It is 40mm wide and offering in 18k white or rose gold - with matching alligator strap. Christiaan van der Klaauw will also offer a platinum version with an all hand-made dial as a limited edition of just 8 pieces. Look for these stunning new Real Moon 1980 watches soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Christiaan van der Klaauw Real Moon 1980 Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> christiaan van der KlaauwReal Moon 1980watchwatches Ariel Adams Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Watch For Winner Of Kentucky Derby]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/25/longines-column-wheel-chronograph-watch-for-winner-of-kentucky-d/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/25/longines-column-wheel-chronograph-watch-for-winner-of-kentucky-d/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/25/longines-column-wheel-chronograph-watch-for-winner-of-kentucky-d/#comments Longines is now the official timekeeper and timepiece maker of the Kentucky Derby and its track Churchill Downs. For this year's esteemed horse race Longines will present one of their newer Column-Wheel Chronograph watches to the winner of the race.

Longines - part of the Swatch Group - worked with ETA (also part of the Swatch Group) to develop a special movement for Longines that captured the classic nature of the traditional watch brand. The movement is an automatic chronograph, but one that uses a historic column-wheel transmission system in the movement. Column-wheel chronographs are those found in many of the best chronograph movements.

Set in a steel case, the Ref. L2.733.4.72.2 Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph is extremely classic in its execution and design. The case is 39mm wide in steel, with a brown alligator strap. The exclusive movement inside of the watch is the mechanical caliber L688.2 which provides the tricompax chrono subdial layout. The dial design is extremely classic. In fact the entire watch is more or less a recreation of a classic Longines watch design. The dauphine hands have thin strips of lume, and there are applied hour and minute markers. For a bit of nostalgia the piece is very nice, price is $2,850.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Watch For Winner Of Kentucky Derby originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> colum wheelkentucky derbyL2.733.4.72.2longinesprizewatchwinner Ariel Adams Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Edox Ladies Royal Lady Luxury Chronograph Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/24/edox-ladies-royal-lady-luxury-chronograph-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/24/edox-ladies-royal-lady-luxury-chronograph-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/24/edox-ladies-royal-lady-luxury-chronograph-watch/#comments There is no coincidence that this Edox watch sounds as though it was named after a boat. The "Royal Lady Luxury" is meat to be a yacht themed ladies piece from the Swiss brand that comes with a relatively affordable price. The Royal Lady Luxury Chronograph watch is 36mm wide in steel with blue segments in the bezel and a mother of pearl dial. The look is stately and bold. Attractive, but not in too girly a manner.

Inside the watch is a Swiss Ronda quartz chronograph movement. I like the steel outlined chronograph subdials on the face against the mother of pearl. The case is attached to a white rubber strap and retails for $2,100.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Edox Ladies Royal Lady Luxury Chronograph Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 24 Apr 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 10405 357B NAINblueedoxladiesladyluxuryroyal Ariel Adams Sun, 24 Apr 2011 12:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Girard-Perregaux 1966 Blue Chronograph Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/23/girard-perregaux-1966-blue-chronograph-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/23/girard-perregaux-1966-blue-chronograph-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/23/girard-perregaux-1966-blue-chronograph-watch/#comments Girard-Perregaux's 1966 Chronograph watch gets bathed in blue for this 1966 Blue Chronograph version of the attractive retro-inspired timepiece by the high-end Swiss brand. The 40mm wide case in in 18k white gold with a sunburst style metallic blue dial that is very attractive. Blue just happens to be quite trendy in 2011 for watches. The chronograph subdials engravings are "snailed," which results in pleasantly contrasting visual with concentric circles. It also helps with legibility when wanting to see the chronograph info easily.

On the dial the hands and hour indicators are applied and in 18k white gold. Inside the watch is an in-house made Girard-Perregaux GP030C0 automatic column wheel chronograph movement that is decorated and visible through the caseback window. The watch will come either on a black alligator strap, or an all 18k white gold metal bracelet. Prices for the 1966 Blue Chronograph are $29,700 on the strap and $51,850 on the gold bracelet. Look for this attractive watch soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Girard-Perregaux 1966 Blue Chronograph Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 23 Apr 2011 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 1966bluechronographgirard-perregauxwatchwatches Ariel Adams Sat, 23 Apr 2011 12:04:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Longines Master Collection Retrograde Moon Phases Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/22/longines-master-collection-retrograde-moon-phases-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/22/longines-master-collection-retrograde-moon-phases-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/22/longines-master-collection-retrograde-moon-phases-watch/#comments Watch dials that make use of a number of retrograde hands that display a lot of information are hard to pull off. They simply end up making dials look cluttered and really hard to read. So when a brand designs a watch with a dial that has a few retrograde hands, and it looks good - then there is reason to take notice. I first noticed the good looks of the Longines Master Collection Retrograde Moon Phases at Baselworld 2011 where it was being debuted. It immediately "spoke" to me, and I think others will like it as well.

Longines will offer the watch in a 41mm wide or 44mm wide steel case with a black or silvered dial. The dial is engraved with a decorative pattern. Inside the watch is a Swiss automatic movement that has four retrograde hands. These are for GMT time, the date, day, and seconds. The watch also has the time, moon phase indicator, and a day/night indicator. Really a lot going on, but it isn't intimidating to look at. The watch is available on a black or brown alligator strap with a price of 3,500 Swiss Francs.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Longines Master Collection Retrograde Moon Phases Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> collectionlonginesmasterretrogradewatchwatches Ariel Adams Fri, 22 Apr 2011 12:06:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Mo Eden Digit Timepiece Ring]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/21/mo-eden-digit-timepiece-ring/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/21/mo-eden-digit-timepiece-ring/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/21/mo-eden-digit-timepiece-ring/#comments You don't need to be limited to the wrist when wishing to wear something to display the time - and I am not just talking about pocket watches. Alternative options include pendants and rings. Watch rings have been around for a while, but never cease to fascinate me. I really want to see how people pull these off. A new ring watch is the Mo Eden "Digit." This model is the #26 - most of them are custom made for the customers.

This model is done in 18k white gold and is covered in diamonds. There is a sapphire crystal that is facet cut over the dial which allows you to see the watch face easily. You can get the Digit rings with various colors stones and styles. Mo Eden will make the watch with a quartz movement or a small manually wound mechanical movement. Price for the Digit # 26 is about $16,000.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Mo Eden Digit Watch Ring

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Mo Eden Digit Timepiece Ring originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> digitmo edenringwatch Ariel Adams Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Piaget Altiplano Full Pave Dial Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/20/piaget-altiplano-full-pave-dial-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/20/piaget-altiplano-full-pave-dial-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/20/piaget-altiplano-full-pave-dial-watch/#comments For a truly elegant watch you can always rely on the Piaget Altiplano. It looks good on both men and women, and comes in a variety of styles - each in a thin, round case. For 2011 the Altiplano gets a full pave (diamond covered) dial with matching diamond covered bezel. The diamonds are brilliant-cut and applied in a concentric circle pattern. Depending on the model, the pieces will have between 574-735 diamonds on them.

What are the two versions? Piaget offers the Altiplano Pave Dial watch in a 34mm wide or 38mm wide 18k gold case. The 34mm wide version is clearly a women's model, while the 38mm wide version is for either men or women. There are so many diamonds on the dial that the sheer level of the sparkle is almost distracting! Piaget even had to apply their logo on the bottom of the sapphire crystal as there was no room on the bejeweled face. Still, the dials are legible thanks to the white gold baton style hour markers and dauphine hour and minute hand. The design offers a pleasing mix of jewelry and minimalism.

There are more diamonds on the buckle of the white or black alligator strap. As is the case with all Altiplano watches, this one is very thin. The Piaget made calber 430P manually wound movement is just 2.1mm thick, and the case is not that much thicker. Showy, but still elegant, the Piaget Altiplano Pave Dial watch is a great item for special occasions or when you are try to be less than subtle on a first date.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Piaget Altiplano Full Pave Dial Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> altiplanopavepiagetwatchwatches Ariel Adams Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:08:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Hublot Big Bang Leopard Watch for Your Wild Side]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/19/hublot-big-bang-leopard-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/19/hublot-big-bang-leopard-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/19/hublot-big-bang-leopard-watch/#comments Hublot Big Bang Leopard Watch
Hublot's main intent behind their women's pieces is to shock and tantalize. I find it fascinating that they employ a very unique approach to making women's watches versus men's watches, as many brands have women's watches that are just mini versions of their men's collection.

One of Hublot's more noteworthy lady's line piece for 2011 is the Big Bang Leopard -- a new look for the 41mm Big Bang that is influenced by Hublot's appreciation of leopard print skin designs that exist in elsewhere in pieces such as one particular Rolex Daytona from a few years ago with a similar leopard print dial and strap. Hublot takes the concept and applies it to their 41mm wide Big Bang collection watches. If are drawn to the look, the piece is actually rather cohesive. The strap is actually leopard print denim with a matching dial style. On the dial are 18k red gold hands and yellow diamond hour markers.

The case itself is 41mm wide and done in 18k red gold. A large size for many women, but small for many Hublot timepieces. Around the bezel are jewels means to compliments the leopard print. There you'll find a mix of smoked quartz, andalusites, and citrine stones -- all in baguette cuts. Inside the watch is an HUB4300 automatic chronograph movement. No doubt the piece is highly polarizing, but you know the right person will be able to pull off the look wildly.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Hublot Big Bang Leopard Watch for Your Wild Side originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> animal printbig banghublotleopardleopard printluxurywatchwatches Ariel Adams Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Vacheron Constantin Historiques Aronde 1954 Watch Hands-On]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/16/vacheron-constantin-historiques-aronde-1954-watch-hands-on/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/16/vacheron-constantin-historiques-aronde-1954-watch-hands-on/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/16/vacheron-constantin-historiques-aronde-1954-watch-hands-on/#comments What a strange bird. This is the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Aronde 1954 watch for 2011 (and I suppose also for 1954). This retro revival has the name of an avian and "wings" on the side of the case. This is 1950's era watch design experimentation in full force. My favorite part of the watch is the dial - that has vertical or horizontal lines that go in a few directions.

The oddly shaped case is however comfortable on the wrist. It is 31.20mm wide by 44.50mm tall. It has a curved sapphire crystal and is done in 18k pink gold. Inside the Aronde is a Vacheron Constantin made caliber 1400 AS manually wound movement. The alligator strap is very high-quality and brand lovers will appreciate the Maltese Cross buckle. While interesting, aside from being a vintage redo, there isn't much to say about the Aronde watch. It will not satisfy all people's tastes, but that is OK. Enough retro watch lovers will appreciate the historic design and Vacheron sense of quality to peck these timepieces up.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Vacheron Constantin Historiques Aronde 1954 Watch

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Vacheron Constantin Historiques Aronde 1954 Watch Hands-On originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 1954arondehistoriquesreviewvacheron constantinwatchwatches Ariel Adams Sat, 16 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[DeWitt Academia Quantième Perpetuel Sport Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/15/dewitt-academia-quantieme-perpetuel-sport-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/15/dewitt-academia-quantieme-perpetuel-sport-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/15/dewitt-academia-quantieme-perpetuel-sport-watch/#comments "Sport" and "perpetual calendar" (they use the french "Quantième Perpetuel") usually aren't terms you hear in the same sentence when discussing high-end mechanical watches. But to be ballsy, that is what DeWitt did with the Academia Quantieme Perpetuel Sport watch. The amazingly loud design of the case and dial is sporty and bold. Certainly not for everyone, a good amount of people will appreciate the architectural complication that the design offers.

The watch isn't new, but this red bathed version is. Logically this watch should not look good. If you explained the concept of it to someone on paper, you'd be describing a mess. Though it does in fact seem to be greater than the sum of its parts. It comes across as cool - certainly more so that the original Academia Quantieme Perpetuel watch.

Continue reading DeWitt Academia Quantième Perpetuel Sport Watch

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DeWitt Academia Quantième Perpetuel Sport Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> AC.7888.030A.M095academiacalendardewittquantiemesporttitaniumwatch Ariel Adams Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Ellicott Majesty Automatic Chronograph Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/15/ellicott-majesty-automatic-chronograph-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/15/ellicott-majesty-automatic-chronograph-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/15/ellicott-majesty-automatic-chronograph-watch/#comments One of Ellicott's new watches this year is the Majesty Automatic Chronograph and I think it does a good job of mixing regality and sport - a good watch to bear the "Majesty" name. The watch is a mixture of DLC black coated steel and 18k rose gold. The colors mix nicely and I quite like the cushion/tonneau style case shape. Ellicott seems to like large pushers and elements on their watches to make them a bit cartoony. As such you have large chronograph pushers on the left of the case and solid looking crown. The dial is bold, but still highly legible. I've always like the brand's signature hands and the chronograph function is integrated well. At 42mm wide, the case isn't actually all that large in person. Inside the watch is a Swiss automatic with an 18k gold rotor. The shiny black alligator strap rounds out the look - nice piece Ellicott.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Ellicott Majesty Automatic Chronograph Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> chronographellicottmajestywatchwatches Ariel Adams Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:09:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Graff BabyGraff Collection Watches]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/14/graff-babygraff-collection-watches/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/14/graff-babygraff-collection-watches/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/14/graff-babygraff-collection-watches/#comments Cute watches such as this are deceptively expensive. Graff does amazing things with precious stones and this one is charming and extremely feminine. The cases of these BabyGraff watches by Graff are 21mm wide in white gold. The straps or bracelets are very thin and done to emphasize the bracelet like quality and delicate nature of the design. If you opt for a strap they are matching galuchat (stingray) or lizard skin. The more luxurious models have the full diamond and precious stone bracelets that match the motif of the case and dial.

The cases are available in a few styles that emphasis either only diamonds, or diamonds and rubies, sapphires, or emeralds. The time is displayed via a pair of dauphine style hands and a Swiss quartz movement. There is a triangular cut stone in each as the 12 o'clock marker, and more more hour indicators in a small flange ring around the dial. I appreciate the extra effort used to make the as legible as possible. What is also interesting is that the watches feature an array of stone cuts, including baguette, princess, trilliant, trapeze, and triangle. Look for them soon where Graff watches are sold.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Graff BabyGraff Collection Watches originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> babygraffdiamondsgraffwatchwatches Ariel Adams Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Tiffany & Co. Makes San Francisco Giants World Series Ring]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/13/tiffany-and-co-makes-san-francisco-giants-world-series-ring/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/13/tiffany-and-co-makes-san-francisco-giants-world-series-ring/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/13/tiffany-and-co-makes-san-francisco-giants-world-series-ring/#comments Tiffany & Co. has produced the World Series championship rings for the San Francisco Giants. While they won the MLB World Series in 2010, the baseballs stars are only now getting their rings now. Previously they were given inexpensive "decoy" rings - which was seen as a joke.

With the start of a new baseball season the team now gets their ring. Plus, one extra ring was made that will be raffled-off by the Giants for charity. The Tiffany & Co. made World Series ring is everything a star athlete could hope for. The ring is mostly in 18k white gold, with some yellow gold accents. It has 77 diamonds on it, which are placed in various spots on the ring. There is about 1 carat worth of stones. The top of the ring has the San Francisco Giant's "SF" logo, surrounded by the statement "World Champions." On one side (shank) of the ring is a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge with "2010." The other shank will have the name of the ring recipient engraved on it.

Really a nice ring overall and very handsome. This is the first ever ring Tiffany & Co. has made for the MLB World Series. Though Tiffany & Co. has been enlisted in the past to create championship rings for other sports such as football.

As mentioned, Tiffany & Co. has produced one extra San Francisco Giants World Championship ring that will be raffled-off to support the Giants Community Fund. The raffle for the SF Giants championship ring can be found here, and will last until July 26, 2011. As I am in San Francisco I can freely say, "Go Giants!" And thanks Tiffany.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Tiffany & Co. Makes San Francisco Giants World Series Ring originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 2010baseballchampionshipgiantsmlbringsan franciscoSFtiffanyworld series Ariel Adams Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:40:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Striking Time Watch Hands-On]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/13/a-lange-and-sohne-zeitwerk-striking-time-watch-hands-on/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/13/a-lange-and-sohne-zeitwerk-striking-time-watch-hands-on/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/13/a-lange-and-sohne-zeitwerk-striking-time-watch-hands-on/#comments One of the most interesting "evolutionary" watches from A. Lange & Sohne in 2011 is this Zeitwerk Striking Time. I call it an evolutionary piece as it builds on the original Zeitwerk by adding a striking mechanism. What that does it automatically sound a special chime on the hour and at each quarter hour mark. Basically the hammers seen on the front of the dial strike the gong that goes around the dial each fifteen minutes. Watches with hammers and gongs on the dial are very very rare - and that is perhaps one of the coolest features of this watch.

Continue reading A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Striking Time Watch Hands-On

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A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Striking Time Watch Hands-On originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> langereviewsohnestriking timewatchzeitwerk Ariel Adams Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Christophe Claret Adagio Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/12/christophe-claret-adagio-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/12/christophe-claret-adagio-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/12/christophe-claret-adagio-watch/#comments Now with three watches bearing his name, Christophe Claret - master watch maker and designer - is able to boastfully indicate he is a real watch brand. The oft-cited and relied upon movement making genius makes his work look easy. Producing highly limited super high-end watches with a distinct character and focus on complicated functions. Interestingly enough, between his Dual Tow and 21 Blackjack watches, the Adagio feels downright straight forward.

Looking like a follow-up to the Shabaka watch that he made for Jean Dunand, the Adagio has a sort of space-age Egyptian design to it, and comes in a 44mm wide case in either 18k rose or white gold, or in platinum. Aside from telling the time, the watch has a second timezone in 12 hour format with a day/night indicator, a big date, a subsidiary seconds disc, and a minute repeater. The beautiful dial comes in a series of materials including the pictured onyx, ruby, jade, lapis lazuli, and more.

Powering the watch is a Christophe Claret made SLB88 manually wound movement that is visible through the open case-back. Each Adagio watch style will be limited to just 8 pieces, from prices ranging from 268,000 - 318,000 Swiss Francs.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

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Christophe Claret Adagio Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> adagiochristophe claretwatchwatches Ariel Adams Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Ulysse Nardin Lady Diver Watch New Colors For 2011]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/12/ulysse-nardin-lady-diver-watch-new-colors-for-2011/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/12/ulysse-nardin-lady-diver-watch-new-colors-for-2011/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/12/ulysse-nardin-lady-diver-watch-new-colors-for-2011/#comments This is possibly one of the best values in a women's jewelry watch. For about $15,000 you get a gold watch with diamonds, a nice mother-of-pearl dial, and a Swiss mechanical movement. It helps that it is pretty fun looking as well. For 2011 Ulysse Nardin adds a few new colors to their Lady Diver watch collection. Colorful watches are a big deal this year as well. Seen here are purple, red, and blue version of the watch.

For me the color trend is interesting. It used to be that a high-end item needed to look really serious. As though to spend a lot of money you needed feel some elated sense of purpose. At some point people got a lot less scared when it came to charging a lot for an item and realized that people with money will pay for nice looking fun things. It doesn't matter than you can get a pink watch for $50 or $50,000 - it is all about how the buyer feels when they get it and wear it. For that reason I think it is OK to have a baby blue luxury watch.

The Ulysse Nardin Lady Diver watch is 40mm wide (large for a lady's wrist). Inside the watch is a UN-810 automatic movement. The dial has a wave texture on it, and diamond hour markers. While the dial is actually a bit simple, it is legible and does help keep attention on the design of the case. There are more diamonds on the bezel and still more on the middle lug section. If these colors are too much for your tastes but you still like the Lady Diver, there are more simple toned white or black version - and those with different dials. Look for the 2011 Lady Diver blue, red, or purple watches soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Ulysse Nardin Lady Diver Watch New Colors

Ulysse Nardin Lady Diver Watch New ColorsUlysse Nardin Lady Diver Watch New ColorsUlysse Nardin Lady Diver Watch New ColorsUlysse Nardin Lady Diver Watch New ColorsUlysse Nardin Lady Diver Watch New Colors

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Ulysse Nardin Lady Diver Watch New Colors For 2011 originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 2011colorslady diverulysse nardinwatchwatches Ariel Adams Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Hublot Big Bang All Black Carbon Fiber Watch]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/11/hublot-big-bang-all-black-carbon-fiber-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/11/hublot-big-bang-all-black-carbon-fiber-watch/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/04/11/hublot-big-bang-all-black-carbon-fiber-watch/#comments Now that Hublot has the internal ability to make carbon fiber you are going to start seeing more and more impressive pieces like this. The Big Bang All Black Carbon Fiber watch doesn't just have carbon fiber inserts, but a case that is entirely make out of carbon fiber. The 44.5mm wide Big Bang case looks adept in Carbon fiber in the "All Black" guise - especially as the dial is also in carbon fiber.

While I tend to find carbon fiber gets stale as a design element quickly, it really looks good here. The fact that the case is light weight and entirely made out of carbon fiber is a big plus. Inside the watch is a Hublot HUB4100 automatic chronograph movement. Look for this Big Bang All Black Carbon Fiber watch soon - price is 18,900 Swiss Francs or 15,500 Euros.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Hublot Big Bang All Black Carbon Fiber Watch

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Hublot Big Bang All Black Carbon Fiber Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> all blackbig bangcarbon fiberhublotreviewwatchwatches Ariel Adams Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST Luxist