Timepieces / Watches

Zenith Christophe Colomb Equation Of Time Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Apr 6th 2011 at 5:20PM

Zenith was nice enough to show me the follow-up timepiece to last year's Christophe Colomb - with its almost magical looking gyroscopic-style tourbillon. I am not sure of the name of this new for 2011 watch. It might be the Christophe Colomb 2, or perhaps the Christophe Colomb Equation of Time. That latter guess is because in addition to a new symmetrical dial, it has an equation of time complication which tells you the difference between the solar time and our calendar time. UPDATE: I was correct in my guess. It will be called the Christophe Colomb Equation of Time watch.

I do quite like the new dial. The guilloche machine engraved face frames the three dials nicely, and there is a nice mix between using all the space while the dial doesn't look busy. The movement is still manually wound with about two days of power reserve while the dial has a power reserve indicator, the time, an equation of time hand, and the spacey looking gyroscopically suspended escapement. Should be in 18k white and rose gold. Look out for more details on this impressive Zenith watch soon.

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

Tags: christophe colomb, equation of time, watch, zenith

Graff ScubaGraff Diver's Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Apr 6th 2011 at 12:01PM

Since when is it OK for a super high-end diamond seller and jewelry maker to make diving watches? Never, but Graff did it anyway. Not just that, but their audacity paid off because the ScubaGraff watch is a real horological winner. I love this thing. You can't tell on the dial, but the caseback has some Octopus tentacle images, while more are engraved in the metal work of the DLC black coated deployment strap (with a nifty micro-adjust feature).

Graff is being skimpy with details so I don't know pricing or the case size. The watch will be available in steel and gold, with a DLC black rotating diver's bezel. The case will be water resistant to 300 meters and have a helium release valve. I love the liquid blue dial and large easy to see hands. It wouldn't be a Graff without diamonds. Note the trapeze cut diamond as the 12 o'clock hour indicator. I believe it will be an emerald on the gold cased version. There is another precious stone in the crown. Inside the watch is an automatic movement with 50 hours of power reserve. There is also a unique 30 minute count-down timer on the dial, not sure how that is activated though. Really a cool diving watch from Graff - even if it is destined to be incredibly excessive.

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

Tags: dive, diver, diving, graff, scubagraff, watches

Patek Philippe Triple Complication Ref. 5208 Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Apr 6th 2011 at 9:01AM

Patek Philippe's most ambitious new item for 2011 is clearly the Reference 5208 Grand Complication watch. Building on a few platforms, they include a highly desirable trio of complication groups together in the Ref. 5208 making it a very choice piece this year. In platinum, the case is a generous 44mm wide - it is possible that gold versions will come in the years to come.

The dial design feels very contemporary by Patek Philippe standards. While sophisticated, in true Patek Philippe fashion they are able to include a wealth of information on the face without the dial looking cluttered or intimidating. The most cleverly integrated feature is the perpetual calendar which uses a link of window on the top of the dial to indicate the day, date, and month. Small windows in the chronograph subdials indicate the leap year as well as a day/night indicator. A moon phase indicator is built into the subsidiary seconds dial. An important element of the calendar system is that all the indicators instantly jump when they change as opposed to change slowly.

Gallery: Patek Philippe Grand Complication Ref. 5208 Watch

Tags: 2011, 5208, patek philippe, platinum, review, triple complication, watch, watches

Continue reading “Patek Philippe Triple Complication Ref. 5208 Watch”

Richard Mille Rafael Nadal RM 035 Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Apr 5th 2011 at 12:01PM

Chronofiable isn't a term I am familiar with, but allow me to thank Richard Mille for opening up the vault of obscurity once again and educating me. Apparently, when something is Chronofiable certified, is has gone through (and presumably survived) a battery of artificial aging tests - and that is exactly what the new Richard Mille RM 035 seems to have endured.

Following up on the highly popular RM 027 Rafael Nadal watch is this RM 035 Rafael Nadal timepiece. The RM 035 follows suit with its much more costly cousin by having a black case that is made out of an exotic material. This time it is magnesium-aluminum for the 40mm wide by 48mm tall case. Inside is a relatively simple manually wound movement with a lovely skeletonized design. It is also extremely light at just 4.3 grams. According to Richard Mille, it has a new type of free-sprung balance wheel with variable inertial that offers improved movement rate results and durability.

The attractive design is made to be light but less expensive than the $525,000 RM 027. Available soon the RM 035 will retail for $85,000.

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

Tags: luxury watch, Richard Mille, RM 035 Rafael Nadal, watch

$2.7 Million Patek Philippe Watch Stars in Christie's Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Apr 5th 2011 at 10:01AM

An extremely important white gold Patek Philippe single-button chronograph from 1928, undoubtedly the only one of its kind, is expected to fetch up to $2.7 million at Christie's Important Watches sale in Geneva on May 16.

Created in 1928 on the eve of the stock market crash, the unique and complicated 1928 chronograph was a bespoke commission from one of Patek Philippe's most important patrons, though his exact identity is unknown.

The cushion-shaped wristwatch, with vertically positioned registers and Breguet numerals, is the only known example extant of a single-button chronograph by Patek Philippe made in white gold.

As such, it's perfectly possible that it could end up selling for more than $2.7 million, especially with the buoyant market for such horological masterpieces at the moment.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: auctions, bespoke, Christies, chronograph, Geneva, gold, most expensive watches, Patek Philippe, watches, white gold

The Classicist: Early Spring Style Starring the Volvo S60

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Apr 4th 2011 at 1:01PM

The new Volvo S60 R-Design, the marque's sportiest model ever, serves as the inspiration for The Classicist's latest installment of seasonal style (see the late winter edition here).

As previewed by our brethren at Autoblog at the Paris Auto Show, the S60 R-Design amps up what Volvo had already declared to be its first "naughty" model; ask anyone who knows us – we've always had a soft spot for naughty models. The car's snappy 300-horsepower 3.0-liter inline turbo six remains unchanged, but the R-Design designation adds some styling upgrades that give it an aptly more aggressive stance.

Tags: bags, cars and style, clothing, luggage, mens style, R A E N Optics, Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Cooper bag, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Red Wing, Red Wing Shoes, Red Wing Wabasha Boots, Rolex, Rolex Explorer, Rolex Explorer II, Scandinavia, Steve McQueen, Sweden, The Classicist, VO Vapen, Volvo, Volvo S60, Volvo S60 R-Design

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Junghans Max Bill Gold Chronoscope Anniversary Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Apr 4th 2011 at 12:01PM

The Max Bill watch is one of a few classically recognizable designs that has endured the test of time and still presents a timepiece you'd want to wear today. Produced by Junghans, the Max Bill collection was brought back (again) last year in a few really nice renditions of the classic that enjoyed a lot of modern conveniences - though the crystals are still curved plexiglass. For 2011 Junghans offers the Chronograph (Chronoscope) version of the Max Bill watch in an 40mm 18k gold case. The thin case frames the dial really well, and there are matching gold hands. Inside the watch is an automatic chronograph calibre J880.2 movement (so happy it is an automatic). In true 1960's style, the gold case with silvered dial is matched to a thin calfskin leather strap. All in all a perfect classic. Junghans will produce just 150 pieces in the limited edition Max Bill Chronoscope Gold Anniversary piece set. Price is 6,990 euros each. Now I just need to figure out what anniversary the watch is celebrating.

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

Tags: chronoscope, gold, junghans, limited edition, max bill, watch

McGonigle Tuscar Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Apr 3rd 2011 at 12:03PM

The McGonigle brothers are probably my favorite Irish independent high-end watch makers. They may be the only independent high-end Irish watch makers! Their new watch is the Tuscar, and after being rumored a bit, the Tuscar is here - and very pretty. It is impossible to look at the Tuscar and not think of Greubel Forsey timepieces - no doubt the two brands share a similar style and ethos, though McGonigle certainly has their unique style. The Tuscar watch is available in red gold (and seemingly white gold or platinum) as a very limited edition set. They claim only 20 pieces will be made.

Being just over 42mm wide, the case serves as a fitting frame for the elaborately designed skeletonized in-house made McG01 movement. The movement is manually wound with 90 hours of power reserve and displays the time with a subsidiary seconds dial. The movement is more simple mechanically than their first timepieces, and focuses on the beauty of the movement. This will also likely be a more affordable watch than their previous tourbillon based model.

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

Tags: mcgonigle, tuscar, watch

Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver Black Sea Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Apr 2nd 2011 at 12:01PM

One of Ulysse Nardin's new Maxi Marine Diver watches for 2011 is the Black Sea. It isn't wildly different from anything we've seen before, but furthers the brand's exploration of dark watches and vulcanized rubber. The case is in steel that is coated with vulcanized rubber. The matte tone has a smooth texture and offers a unique look - plus it won't scratch things that rub up against it. The entire watch is done in black tones save for the bold red accents on the dial. The hands and hour markers make a hip statement against the black background. I wonder if Ulysse Nardin was debating between "Black Sea" and "Red Sea" for the name.

Otherwise this is another Maxi Marine watch with a (I believe) 43mm wide case and rubber strap (with black metal segment). Inside the watch is a Swiss automatic movement, that has the time, subsidiary seconds dial, date, and power reserve indicator on the dial. Really a handsome and cool looking diver watch. The Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver Black Sea watch will retain for $12,900.

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

Tags: black sea, maxi marine, red, rubber, ulysse nardin, watch

Piaget Celebrates Polo in Palm Beach

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Apr 1st 2011 at 2:01PM

Renowned Swiss watchmaker Piaget took over Palm Beach and Wellington, Florida recently to celebrate the brand's longtime commitment to the sport of polo.

Among the posh events was a garden party presenting the band's newest collection at the Flagler Museum, and an intimate field-side dinner at the International Polo Club Palm Beach to present the new Pilarà-Piaget polo team.

The festivities concluded with the final match of the Piaget Gold Cup at the Polo Club, attended by American Beauty actress Mena Suvari and followed by an exclusive champagne reception outside the 7th Chukker.

On display for the first time in the U.S. were the latest editions to the Piaget Polo FortyFive collection including two new models in rose gold and titanium, one featuring Piaget's manufactured chronograph movement and the other equipped with Piaget's in-house perpetual calendar movement.

Audi's polo team won the Gold Cup and each of the victorious players got to take home a Piaget
Polo FortyFive watch.

Gallery: Piaget Polo in Palm Beach

Tags: equestrian, events, Flagler Museum, Florida, Mena Suvari, Palm Beach, Piaget, Piaget Polo, polo, sports, watches

Hysek Lady Stealth Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Apr 1st 2011 at 12:02PM

The only things stealthy about this watch is that it is a watch. For artistic purposes Hysek created a complex metal case (available in steel, gold, or two tone - and even with decorated engraved surfacing). At 37mm wide, the actual watch dial itself is tiny - being in the middle of the case between the bezel and some deep skeletonization. This small space requires (for practicality) a Swiss quartz movement. The design is fascinating, I don't know how good it will look on female wrists, but it is fascinating. Note the articulating lugs meant to wrap the long 51mm tall case over smaller wrists. The strap is tapered alligator. Why did they call it the "Lady Stealth" watch? No idea - isn't the point of something like this to get noticed?

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

Tags: furtif, hysek, lady, stealth, watch

Girard-Perregaux 1966 Tourbillon 220th Anniversary Limited Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Mar 31st 2011 at 12:01PM

Simple tourbillon watch lovers are probably thrilled with the offerings this year. Many brands are releasing uncomplicated (relatively speaking), classic tourbillon based watches - and here is Girard-Perregaux's entry. The watch is meant to celebrate the 220th anniversary of the brand that began in 1791. They call it the 1966 Tourbillon with Gold Bridge 220th Anniversary Edition watch - it looks lovely in a 40mm wide 18k gold case with a warm dial with blued steel hands and Breguet style Arabic numerals. The tourbillon has a bit of a unique look with one of Girard-Perregaux's iconic "golden" bridges over the tourbillon. Extremely classic and handsome. The movement is the in-house made GP 9610 that is manually wound and has 48 hours of power reserve. On the back of the watch are some special commemorative engravings for this special Anniversary Edition watch. Girard-Perregaux will produce just 50 1966 Tourbillon 220th Anniversary edition pieces - look for them soon.

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

Gallery: Girard-Perregaux 1966 Tourbillon LE watches

Tags: 1966, anniversary, edition, Girard-Perregaux, tourbillon, watch, watches

Backes & Strauss The Piccadilly Princess Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Mar 30th 2011 at 12:01PM

British watch brand Backes & Strauss sort of specializes in timepieces decorated with large, luxurious diamonds. This piece is The Piccadilly Princess, set with 327 ideal cut diamonds, this is the new dream watch for diamond loving ladies. Available in 18k rose or white gold the round case has a bezel set with 27 diamonds, with more diamonds set on the dial with a mother-of-pearl center and Roman numerals. There is another large diamonds in the crown.

Inside the watch is a Swiss automatic movement with a platinum rotor. What really makes the watch special is the bracelet which is comprised of four connected strands of diamonds set in gold. The entire watch is said to have 23.34 carats of stones on/in it. Based on other Backes & Strauss watch The Piccadilly Princess is north of $500,000 and perhaps close to the $1,000,000 border.

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

Tags: backes strauss, piccadilly princess, watch

The World's Top Luxury Toys for Men

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 29th 2011 at 2:01PM

What are the world's top luxury toys for men? Uber-luxe German publisher teNeues has the answer with its newest super-sized volume, Luxury Toys: For Men. The awesome Aston Martin One-77, so named because of its limited 77-example run and $1.7 million pricetag, appears on the cover.

Other supercars that make the cut, including the Audi R8 GT, Rolls-Royce Ghost, Jaguar XKR Special Edition, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition, and Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible. Quite the garage.

Covering transportation, style, accessories and dream vacations, the massive 220-page volume features 138 giant full-color photographs and text in English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian. Not based merely on price, the selections show how "emotion and finesse can be combined with spectacular aesthetic purity."

Tags: Aston Martin, aston+martin+one-77, astonmartinone-77, Audemars Piguet, Audi R8, books, Hublot, jets, luxury books, luxury cars, luxury goods, luxury toys, Luxury Toys For Men, mens luxury, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Rolls-Royce, supercars, teNeues, watches, yachts

Continue reading “The World's Top Luxury Toys for Men”

Girard-Perregaux 1966 Full Calendar In White Gold Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Mar 29th 2011 at 12:01PM

The only difference here from last year's 1966 Full Calendar watch is it being in 18k white gold for 2011. The new colors look sharp, but these are the only real changes. The 1966 Full Calendar watch from Girard-Perregaux gets a nice "tuxedo timepiece" demeanor with its white or black case matched to the white gold case (that is 40mm wide). I first wrote about this range here with a hands-on look at the palladium version. The elegant dial is easy to read and has an annual calendar and moon phase indicator thanks to the in-house made GP033M0 automatic movement. While the white dialed version has some nice blue accenting, the black dialed version tries to do this in red - but I don't like it. I think the "31" marker of the date should have been white. The red is distracting, and a splash of color has already been added to the dial via the gold moon and stars in the moon phase indicator. Still the watches are quite nice and the 1966 range from GP feels desirable as ever. Price will be in the $20,000 range.

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

Tags: 1966, calendar, girard-perregaux, watch, white gold

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