2009

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Forged Carbon Watch For 2009

What interests me is that this watch is not a limited edition. In fact, it appears as though very few non-limited editions watches come out of the house of Audemars Piguet. This is not the first time forged carbon has been used on a watch for Audemars Piguet, who themselves were not the first watch maker to use carbon as a case material for watches. In fact various military spec watches such as Traser have been using carbon watch cases for years. They aren't exactly as fancy looking as the complex-to-make Audemars Piguet forged carbon cases, but they are equally light, and also very strong. What Audemars Piguet has brought to the table is likely their fanatical desire to "make things perfect" - having a carbon case look as though it was milled like metal. The bezel and caseback of the watch are not carbon. The bezel is a brushed and polished ceramic, while the caseback is blackened steel. You have ceramic again used as the strap connector links.

The "non initiated" who aren't watch enthusiasts won't be able to appreciate all that goes into this watch as it appears merely "nice." There are no visual clues that the case is so hard to make in this instance, and you have no idea that inside the watch a brand new Audemars Piguet in-house made caliber 3126/3840 automatic mechanical chronograph movement. The movement even has a solid gold rotor, also hidden from view. Watches like this are meant to impress the owner, and the few people they encounter who are aware of what the watch really is all about. The dial of the watch is Yellow-Jacket chic with the typical "Mega Tapestry" pattern on the dial that most Royal Oak Offshore watches receive. The tachymeter scale on the chapter ring is in yellow with black numerals while the strong looking Arabic hour numerals also enjoy the pleasant yellow hue. The crown and pushers are covered with natural rubber. Last is the sculpted alligator strap with deployment clasp and yellow contrast stitching. Certainly not love at first site for all watch lovers, but I have a feeling a few of you out there are taken by the bold looks of this watch - especially to match your yellow shoes. Price for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Forged Carbon watch is probably in the $35,000 - $50,000 range.

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

Tags: 2009, 26176FO.OO.D101CR.01, audemars piguet, AudemarsPiguet, forged carbon, ForgedCarbon, royal oak offshore, RoyalOakOffshore, yellow

Patek Philippe Celestial Calendar Ref. 5106 Timepiece For Only Watch 2009

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

patek philippe celestial calendar only watch

Patek Philippe collectors will want to pay attention to this unique watch that has been produced specially for the Only Watch 2009 charity watch auction taking place in Monaco in September. The watch furthers the growing line of celestial themed watches that Patek Philippe is known for. This watch has a few unique touches that you'll want to know about. The about 44mm wide case is done in 18k rose gold while the bezel is done in 22k rose gold which is not standard for watches that often use 18k rose gold for the whole case. 22k rose gold is often regarded as being too soft for a watch exterior, but Patek Philippe knowing the likely life of this watch (in a case) opted for the more pure gold in order to enhance the look of the guilloche engraving on the bezel. The mini rotor in the automatic 240 LU CL C movement is also in 22k rose gold. For all its complications the movement is thin at about 6.4mm thick - making for an overall thin watch. The strap is dark blue alligator.

So what does the watch do? It is funny as the watch is very Geneva-centric - in that the frame of reference for looking at the sky is how the sky appears while in Geneva. Basically the watch tells you what the night sky looks like from Geneva - as opposed to other positions on Earth. It has a lot of information about the sky, as well as the time and date. Looking at the dial you can tell what the sky (position) of the stars looks like as well as the phase of the moon and the position of the moon in the night sky. This tells you the solar time, the passage of Sirius, what is going on with the moon, and shows you a nice sky chart. Most of this information will just look pretty because you can go online to figure out all this information in a more readable manner. This is lovely novelty for novelty's sake, and is just what collectors like - you don't get to look at a delicate golden rendition of the Milky Way online the way you do while gazing at this beauty.

With the fine decoration, complex automatic movement, and unique nature of a one-off Patek Philippe model, I have a feeling that this Ref. 5106 watch from Patek Philippe will go for a hefty price at auction in September, and will likely increase in value a few years from now if recent Patek Philippe watch auction results are any indication.

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

Tags: 2009, 5106, auction, calendar, celestial, only watch, OnlyWatch, patek philippe, PatekPhilippe

Omega Seamaster Ploprof In Gold For Only Watch 2009

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions

The re-released Omega Seamaster Ploprof watch was a big hit with collectors who lusted after the original Ploprof watch of the 1970s. So it makes sense that Omega's contribution to the Only Watch 2009 auction represent this iconic timepiece - but in gold. It is ironic that was is essentially a very dedicated diving instrument should be milled in 250 grams of solid 18k red gold. This watch will help you sink when diving. For this one-off timepiece you can clearly see the note on the dial of "1/1 Only Watch" There will not be any more of these to go around. Plus, as the watch will be up for auction it is anyone's guess right now at how much it will go for. Aside from being in red gold, the Only watch version of the Seamaster Ploprof is nicely done with a white dial, bezel, and rubber strap. Like the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, the bezel is covered with a sapphire crystal to protect it but keep it legible.

If you aren't familiar with the Ploprof watch functionality, allow me to cover it briefly. The 2009 (including this model) version of the watch is water resistant to 1200 meters, has an automatic helium escape valve, and a button (gold and white ceramic) at about 2 o'clock that is meant to release the rotating diver's bezel. The watch is over 55mm wide and 17.5 mm thick. The hands and hour indicators on the watch are also in red gold. Inside the watch is the Omega Calibre 8501 automatic movement that has been Chronometer certified. The individual who purchases this timepiece will no doubt be the envy of many, and few will just laugh of them for the ludicrous nature of the watch as some may see it. The Only Watch 2009 auction will be held in Monaco on September 24th this year.

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

Tags: 2009, diver, gold, omega, only watch, OnlyWatch, ploprof, seamaster, watch

Rado Sintra Automatic Watch For 2009

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

A welcome addition to the increasingly lively line of Rado watches is this new Sintra Automatic for 2009. The shape of the watch as it widens at the case is almost iconic at this point, while most of the visible features of the watch are ceramic - available in black or platinum colors. It has a sort of smooth, effortless elegance that works well on both the male and female wrist (models sized for each gender are available). The inner case of the watch is steel, while the screws and clasp are titanium. Inside the watch is an automatic ETA 2892 movement that ought to power the easy-to-read face nicely.

I like that the face of the watch is actually very easy to read. Certain Rado watches have been less easy on the eyes from a legibility standpoint, but the round dial and lume covered hands are simple and effective. A large sapphire crystal over the face is flush with the rest of the watch case. I think the Sintra line was always "futuristic" in style, but never too far out there as to alienate people wanting a classic looking watch. The Sintra is now an icon for Rado, and still a handsome timepiece for a few thousand dollars.

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

Tags: 2009, black, ceramic, platinum, rado, sintra, timepiece, watch

Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon Technique Watch

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Greubel Forsey double tourbillon technique watch

I've not always been kind to Greubel Forsey watches. I previously stated that some of their "new" "Invention" watches looked a bit too derivative. Well Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey have redeemed themselves with their latest creation, the Double Tourbillon Technique watch. An odd name, but the design feels just right for what the brand is all about.

The watch emphasizes the mechanical inventiveness and triumph of the movement and its complications. The movement has been designed to look and function well being the centerpiece of the timepiece. The watch has no dial, it is simply the movement that you see with a watch dial included and the hour markers placed on a sapphire ring around the dial inside of the face. The Greubel Forsey manually wound Calibre GF 02s also features a subsidiary seconds dial and 120 hour power reserve indicator. The heart of the movement is the double tourbillon - which is one tourbillon literally placed inside of another. The inner tourbillon rotates each minute, while the outer tourbillon rotates each four minutes.

385 parts make up the hand built, decorated, and assembled movement. Looking at the watch in operation is likely a satisfying ballet of mechanical intrigue. I would find it hard to remember to check the time when looking at the watch. The Double Tourbillon Technique watch is available in red or white gold, and in platinum. The case is 47.5mm wide, while the movement itself is about 38mm wide. Overall the watch is phenomenal (with a price to match that I have a feeling is about $500,000), and everything that I think Greubel Forsey timepieces should aspire to be - virtually total focus on the mechanics and presentation of a beautiful movement. The details of the watch are written on the side near the crown as the rear of the watch is one large sapphire crystal viewing window.

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

Tags: 2009, double tourbillon, DoubleTourbillon, greubel forsey, GreubelForsey, technique, watch

Breguet Timepiece Exhibit June 25 - September 7 At The Louvre Museum In Paris

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Events

This is something you should certainly see if you are in, or going to be in Paris at the right time. Breguet watches will be having a special exhibition at the splendid Louvre museum in Paris, France from June 25 until September 7, 2009. The special exhibit is will be known as the "Apogee of Watch Making" a pretty lofty title, for what is essentially a history of Breguet, but what a history it is! Abraham-Louis Breguet is often known as the father of modern watch making. A lot of what he developed in his lifespan in the latter half of the 18th century (up to 1823) is still used in many of today's luxury wrist watches, even though he never made a wrist watch during his life (just clocks and pocket watches). The exhibit will showcase historical pocket watches and clocks, watch making tools, art, and historical documents and watch-related patents. Breguet watches were, and are today extremely inventive and also beautiful. They are probably the "favorite-child brand" of Nicolas Hayek, leader of the Swatch Group that has Breguet under its brand umbrella. The exhibit of course was helped by a generous contribution from Breguet to the Louvre.

The exhibit will require a separate entrance fee and will be open regular hours, and until 10pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. For more information please visit www.louvre.fr or call 01 40 20 53 17 (France number).

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

Tags: 2009, breguet, exhibition, history, louvre, museum, paris, timepiece, watches

Jorg Hysek Kilada Power Reserve Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I received word sometime ago that Jorg Hysek is no longer an actual part of Jorg Hysek watches, and the newest line of these branded watches that arrived this year (including the pictured Kilada Power Reserve watch) are increasingly evident of this. Over time, the actually good designs that Jorg Hysek left are increasingly being morphed with unrefined derivatives like this model. The "Hysek" component just seems to be increasingly missing from the timepiece line. That isn't to say that each new watch the Hysek brand releases is a dog, but there are too many models, with too little soul. So if you are a fan, make sure to search out the models that are the most attractive.

The materials and construction of the watches are fine and totally commendable. So if you are keen on the looks, have no worries about getting one or learning more. This pictured model enjoys a 41mm wide DLC coated steel and rose gold case with sapphire crystal. The watch is meant to be sporty but chic. It succeeds in being somewhat both of them, but after the novelty factor wears off, you are left with a design that feels less than cohesive. Inside is a mechanical Swiss movement with an unannounced price that is likely over $25,000.

Ariel Adams publishes the popular watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2009, basel, baselword, hysek, jorg, kilada, power reserve, PowerReserve, timepiece, watch

A. Lange & Sohne's New Lange Zeitwerk Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The new Lange Zeitwerk watch is a clever and refined attempt from German luxury watch maker A. Lange & Sohne to combine the tradition and quality they are known for, with the modern outlook that their watch makers and designers have. In essence you have an extremely high quality mechanical watch, that dispenses with most of the analog components that classic watches are known to have - instead embracing the tone of the digital generation. My opinion is that this watch is A. Lange & Sohne's secret attempt to reach a perhaps younger, more "now" focused audience while maintaining the character that the brand is known for. In all this I think they have succeeded. Let's take a closer look at the watch.

The Lange Zeitwerk uses a brand new in-house manually wound L043.1 calibre movement. The movement incorporates a "constant force" escapement complication. This is very important for this type of watch because it has two "jumping" complications, one for the hours and one for the minutes. The nature of the movement requires specific amounts of force to be used, but not all the time. For this reason a constant force escapement situated with the balance wheel ensures that the same amount of force is released all the time ensuring good rate results. If you don't understand this, that is OK. Just know that A. Lange & Sohne has been testing this watch for a long time, and the complication is unique to them, and highly refined (which is a term I use to describe Lange a lot, because it just fits). The heart of the allure behind the watch is the dial layout and functionality. This is an almost purely digital watch displaying the jumping hours and minutes - that change instantly. The seconds dial is still present, and there is a useful power reserve indicator as well. The dial is constructed in part from sterling silver. All very innovative and beautiful to look at.

The 42mm wide case is just 12.5 mm thick. The case is available in four materials. 18k white, yellow, or rose gold, and in platinum. Not too sure on price or availability yet, though it will be at least several months before it is released, and the price is likely to be in excess of $50,000 - $60,000 for the gold versions of the Lange Zeitwerk.

Ariel Adams publishes the popular watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: A. Lange & Sohne Lange Zeitwerk watch

Tags: 2009, a lange sohne, ALangeSohne, digital, german, jumping, lange zeitwerk, LangeZeitwerk, timepiece, watch

Azimuth Roulette Watch: With Real Gambling Action!

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Are you ready for this watch novelty from Azimuth? A few years ago Girard Perregaux released its working slot machine watch, and around the same time Daniel Roth had announced his dice playing watch. The theme of gambling watches continues now with the Roulette watch from Azimuth which features a working roulette wheel. Press in the die shaped crown and the small white ball on the roulette wheel begins to spin - randomly stopping on one of the numbers. How cool is that?

Aside from the roulette function, the watch clearly tells the time via easy to read partially skeletonized hands and a spinning roulette wheel's spinning handle that serves as the seconds hand. The case is uniquely cut in a very angular design probably meant to look like a roulette table. As whimsical novelty watches go, this is up there on "well done" list. Inside the watch is a modified ETA 2824-2 automatic mechanical movement. The stainless steel watch case is 45mm x 34mm and is ergonomically designed to fit snugly on the wrist. The rear of the watch reads "BEAT THE CASINO" optimistically, as the face of the watch is fitted with sapphire crystal as well as a balance wheel porthole on the rear of the watch.

5000 Azimuth Roulette watches will be available starting at the end of 2009, when they will be released to celebrate the "grandest' Casio in Asia's opening in Singapore. No doubt this is an apt watch for the occassion.

Ariel Adams publishes the popular watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Azimuth Roulette Watch

Tags: 2009, azimuth, casino, gambling, novelty, roulette, table, timepiece, watch, wheel

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Gray Watch Line For 2009

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Please don't tell me that gray is the new black. Vacheron Constantin's new Overseas Gray watch at least wants to suggest that, and the slate colored look of the popular sports watch from the thankfully conservative watch brand seems to suggest just that. Having undergone but just a few minor tweaks over the past decade or so, the Overseas line of diver-themed watches from Vacheron Constantin is the watch to wear for those who like the idea and heritage behind the brand, but aren't too keen on the highly traditional looks of much of the watch line (and who, like me, are not into the design of the "experimental" Qaui de l'Ile watches).

Another way to look at the Overseas Gray watch is that it has been pulled from a black & white movie. The tonalities of the watch in its multi-shade monochromatic glory suggest just that. Can't you see picking this watch right out of a classic film before "glorious color" supplanted the days of forever noir. Accordingly, the Vacheron Constantin Gray is based on a design from 1933, which has been reinterpreted by the brand a few times over the ages.

Two versions of the 42mm gray nickel-coated 18k white gold cased watches are available. The three-hand and chronograph housing an automatic Vacheron Constantin caliber 1226 and 1137 respectively. The dial is a satin finish with white gold hands and hour indexes. The watch will come with a "mouse grey" alligator strap and a black rubber strap. Check for these new pieces of history soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the popular watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2009, collection, gray, grey, overseas, vacheron constantin, VacheronConstantin, watch

Ulysse Nardin Executive Dual Time Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

My first impression of the Executive Dual Time watch from Ulysse Nardin is that the timepiece is highly uncharacteristic of the brand. That is not to say this isn't a good watch, but rather that the design feels like an incredible departure from what I am used to seeing from the brand. On closer inspection you begin to realize lots of typical Ulysse Nardin features such as the layout of functions on the dial - but overall this is something truly new from Ulysse Nardin.

The Executive Dual Time is a very modern looking watch - my concern is whether it is refined enough to be taken seriously as a luxury timepiece. One element that I've never seen before is the rectangular index inside of a round dial. The bezel is black ceramic and the 43mm case is available in steel or 18k rose gold. The dual time functionality of the watch is pretty nifty. On the left side of the case are two pushers (for advancing or subtracting hours) used to operated the dual time window. The digit in the window displays the hour in GMT time, while the main minute hand is used for the minutes for both times. The watch also has a nicely integrated big date complication. While the subsidiary seconds works fine, there is nothing particularly special about it. Powering the watch is a automatic UN caliber 24 movement.

Something about the design of the watch feels a bit down market. Not cheap, but not Ulysse Nardin grade. I realize this is an exercise is being modern for them - and maybe the images don't do the watch justice - but I just can't seem to connect with the overall design of the watch which seems to have characteristics I'd see on a watch in a display case at Macy's.

Ariel Adams publishes the popular watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2009, basel, executive dual time, ExecutiveDualTime, ulysse nardin, UlysseNardin, watch

2009 Omega Constellation Watches For Women

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I predict that the attractive women's version of the 2009 Omega Constellation watch is going to be a hit. Like the new men's Omega Constellation watch, the women's version has been updated, but also beautifully decorated. The best version are the pictures models with Omega's "supernova" pattern erupting from the "constellation star." Diamonds appoint the bezel and dial as hour markers and as part of the patterning. Still, the watch is highly legible and useful.

The Omega Constellation's seamless bracelet has been updated to be more comfortable - and is unique for having no gaps and being so smoothly flexible. The models come in three different sizes at 24, 27, and 31mm wide. Cases are in gold, two-tone, or stainless steel, and the dials comes in a variety of treatments. The nicest of which is in my opinion the pictured model. The 31mm wide models have an in-house Omega Co-Axial 8520/8521 movement, while the smaller versions come with a quartz movement or a smaller Omega Co-Axial 2500 movement. The Constellation line for women is a flashy but sensible watch for special occasions or a woman not keen on being predictable and getting a Cartier.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: 2009 Women's Omega Constellation Watch

Tags: 2009, constellation, diamonds, lady, omega, timepiece, watch, women

2009 Omega Constellation Watch For Men

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

There hasn't been a new Constellation from Omega in years, but 2009 brings a totally refreshed look that is true to the original and resists too much modern 'edge.' 1982 gave us the first Constellation watch, which was a very unique timepiece at the time - when the angular look was in. The new model retains the iconic bracelet with links and bars, the bezel claws, and the bezel lined with Roman numerals (on those models without diamonds of course).

The global appeal of the watch requires an array of models to fit regional tastes. The case is sized up to 38mm wide and goes down to 35mm for the men's models. Inside the watch is Omega's in-house made Co-Axial caliber 8500 or 8501 movements - which were certainly not available in the originals. Quartz movement versions of the watch are also available. For me the look has always been an acquired taste though there is nothing to dislike about the sensible good looks of the watch. In addition to the steel version, editions of the watch are available with gold accents and different color faces. Look for the new 2009 Omega Constellation models soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 09, 2009, constellation, men, mens, omega, timepiece, watch

Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Squadra Lady Duetto Voted Best Ladies Watch Of 2009 In Germany

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Shortly before Baselworld, I reported on how the German watch magazine Armbanduhren voted the A. Lange & Sohne Cabaret Tourbillon as the best watch of the year. As part of that same contest, other categories of "best watch" included the "best women's watch of 2009." That prize went to Jaeger LeCoultre for its new Reverso Squadra Lady Duetto watch. The Squadra line of watches is for men and women, with the timepieces for both genders being elegant and sporty - as well as true to the Reverso watch line tradition.

The watch is really two-in-one as the case flips around to reveal two watch faces. Both tell the time, but are decorated differently, and one side has a date complication, while the other side has a day/night indicator complication. Two versions of the watch are available in stainless steel or 18k rose gold. Both versions feature guilloche engraving on the dials and strong baton hands. Two different diamond settings are available; 36 diamonds on the steel version and 75 on the rose gold version. The inset diamond cabochon in the crown is a nice touch as well. The strap seen in the images is an articulated rubber strap that should be interesting to wear. An alligator strap, or metal bracelet are also available.

As seems to be the case with recent "best watch" awards - utility and beauty are equally valued when such decisions are made. A clear message to watch makers that people are interested in having a fully functional and comfortable watch when deciding on a luxury timepiece investment.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Reverso Squadra Lady Duetto Watch

Tags: 2009, best, duetto, jaeger lecoultre, JaegerLecoultre, lady, reverso, squadra, watch

Chopard Mille Miglia Chrono Limited Edition 2009 Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

2009 has been mostly about "tradition" in new watch releases - at least from most of the major brands. Thus, in a definite departure from the "modernization" of the Mille Miglia watch over the past few years, Chopard has released this more classic looking model of their best selling men's line of watch. This is the Chopard Mille Miglia Chrono Limited Edition 2009 watch, and will come in a 42mm wide steel case with an automatic COSC certified Chronometer chronograph movement. The limited edition will have 2009 pieces available, and I am sure you can figure out where that number came from.

For me, aside from the handsome race inspired face, it is the tire tread inspired rubber strap that has always appealed to be in the Mille Miglia watch series. Modeled after Dunlop tires from the 1960s, the strap says "racing" almost too well. Despite the iconic look, the Mille Miglia is still an understated sports watch. It has everything in the right place, but is not a "loud" design. It is for the enthusiast who wants a heritage rich sport watch that has a subtle, lasting quality to it. Updated numerals on the dial are lume filled and easy to read in their no nonsense retro appeal. The dial of the watch is made from ruthenium, for the glossy gray look (which also has a hard to see sunburst finishing). Look for the watch soon at prices that I predict will be between $4,000 - $7000 .

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2009, chopard, chrono, chronograph, limited edition, LimitedEdition, mille miglia, MilleMiglia, timepiece, watch