2010

Tiffany & Co. Makes San Francisco Giants World Series Ring

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.

Tags: 2010, baseball, championship, giants, mlb, ring, san francisco, SF, tiffany, world series

Tag Heuer Monaco V4 Watch In Rose Gold Ruthenium And Ceramic

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

It was such a success they needed to make more. Tag Heuer's ultra luxury Monaco V4 didn't appeal to everyone, but it still delighted them. Based on the Monaco watch case, the V4 was a tour de force of watch design and technology. The movement used small belts rather than gear trains for much of the movement. The first watch was done in platinum in a limited edition of 150 pieces. I wrote about the original Tag Heuer Monaco V4 watch here, and here.

Now Tag Heuer is bringing the Monaco V4 back, in a slightly larger case (41mm wide versus 39mm wide) and in rose gold ruthenium and ceramic. The dial is almost black with various colors as well as rose gold elements. This time it will be limited to just 60 pieces. While I was a fan of the original, I like this one even more. The new contrast on the dial is great, and the larger size will suit the design - which needed the size to match its boldness. Why just 60 pieces? Not sure, but sources seem to indicate that Tag Heuer has some other exciting things in store for 2011. Not sure about price, the original was $80,000 and each sold out. This one could be a bit less as it is not in platinum.

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

Tags: 2010, 2011, ceramic, gold, limited edition, monaco, tag heuer, v4, watch

Arcadia AC01 Watch (Remake)

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Before the economic crisis it was very common to see old watch brands come back. Since then we haven't see too much of that, but the practice has no ceased. Older watch brand Arcadia, has been brought back to life. Their first watch is a remake of an older model called the AC01. It should be debuted officially in January, 2011 in Geneva.

The new AC01 retains the cushion style shape of the original and adds a showy design that look like a mixture between MCT, Alain Silberstein, and Jacob & Co. It is showy without being to flashy, but it is still fun. Which is often the point of such timepieces - to be passionate exercises of design and technicalities. Watches made for the people who design them, and hopefully others follow their taste.

The case isn't too massive at 42mm wide and 14.6mm thick. The case is made from pieces of both steel and titanium, while there is am 18k rose gold rotor in the automatic movement (that is visible through the sapphire caseback window). The dial features a multi-level display, with the middle round segment being carbon fiber. The dial is busy, but interesting. The hands feel proportionate due to their thickness, but feel a bit stubby. Still, the watch is easy to read given their high level of contrast.

Inside the watch is a Dubois Depraz automatic movement. It is based on a Swiss ETA 2892, which is modified with a module that gives it a chronograph complication, as well as a second timezone (at 12 o'clock) in a 24 hour format. The shape of the sapphire crystal over the dial matches the upward angle of the case. The AC01 is matched to a black fabric strap (these are very en vogue right now).

The Arcadia AC01 will be limited to just 275 pieces, with more timepieces to follow given success for the brand's relaunch.

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

Gallery: Arcadia AC01 Watch

Tags: 2010, 2011, AC01, Arcadia, limited edition, watch

Ulysse Nardin Monaco 2010 Marine Diver Limited Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Once again Ulysse Nardin is a sponsor of the Monaco Yacht Show (Sept. 22-25), probably one of the most important yacht shows around (ritzy ritzy!). Each year they have a special limited edition watch for the event, and this year the piece take a dark, sinister tone. The watch is in all black save for some midnight blue elements on the dial (hands and some of the markers). The steel case is actually covered in a matte black vulcanized rubber coating. This has been places on other dive watches in the past (think IWC), and it makes for a cool, professional type of look. Aside from perhaps parts of bezel, there will be no glitz to this watch. The case is 45.8mm wide (200 meters water resistant) and has a rotating diver's bezel and a rubber strap with a black ceramic link in each end. The clasp is also in black ceramic.

Inside the watch is a standard Ulysse Nardin automatic movement (UN-26) with a subsidiary seconds dial and power reserve indicator. On the back of the watch you can see the movement along with a special "Monaco" image on the sapphire exhibition window. The Ulysse Nardin Monaco 2010 Marine Diver watch will be limited to just 100 pieces.

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

Tags: 2010, diver, limited edition, marine, Monaco, Ulysse Nardin, watch

Tourneau NYC Watch Sample Sale = Big Luxury Discounts

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The details above pretty much sum it up. Tourneau's sample sales are one of the best kept secrets to getting a luxury watch at an affordable price from a major retailer. If you are in New York City on September 11th, I highly recommend you go. Please note that the sale is not located at the Tourneau store. This exclusive event will be held at Soiffer Haskin at 317 West 33rd Street, in New York City. The event runs from September 11th - 16th, but you really (really) want to get there on the first day. Why? Because this is a limited quantity sale, and the best stuff goes quick - trust me.

What brands will be there? Very hard to say. Tourneau pulls unsold inventory from area stores, and each store can have different brands. You won't be disappointed with the selection, and the prices are 50-70% off - if not more. So check it out, then come back and brag about the deal you got.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com

Tags: 2010, new york, nyc, sample sale, september, tourneau

Luxury Watch & Cars: Wearing An MB&F HM3 In Monterey At the Car Shows

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos

Car crazed fans of all types and budgets flock to Monterey, CA each summer to experience the Concours de Elegance, Quail Lodge car show, races at Laguna Seca, and a number of other events and auctions that all celebrate the appreciation of fine cars. The Concours de Elegance itself is all about, well.... elegance. A highly subjective concept that a panel of trusted judges are called to determine. I wonder why then they seem to choose the same 1930's era French cars as "Best of Show" each year. Though you'll find cars new and old - specially some of the most expensive and exotic motorcars in the world all in one weekend.

So I travel to Monterey this year with one of the world's most exotic watches - priced as much as many brand new luxury cars. Though not quite up to the cost of a rare vintage European sports car at auction around town that weekend, the watch should be an impressive sighting for those "in the know." With millions of dollars exchanged each day of the event in car auction sales, the demographic of people who attend the events is comprised of the wealthier elite. These people are often watch lovers as well. So in cooperation with MB&F, I see how their Horological Machine Number 3 (HM3) "Sidewinder" watch (which I wrote in more detail about here) adds to my, and the experience of others during the show.

At Pebble Beach, the attention you get is often linked to what you are doing, and who you are with. Myself, toting a backpack and camera was likely taken as a photographically inclined car fan (which I am), or a member of the media (which I also am). Thus, people didn't look carefully at my wrist expecting to see something special. Among the ranks of collectors with their rare cars, it felt good having a rare watch - a bit like I was part of the "in crowd." Perhaps this crowd is something you can buy in to, but your status there is all about what you bring to the party - and I had something interesting. An avant garde Italian sports car from the 70's equivalent in watch form.

Tags: 2010, beach, car, hm3, mbf, monterey, pebble, quail, show, watch

Continue reading “Luxury Watch & Cars: Wearing An MB&F HM3 In Monterey At the Car Shows”

101 Years Of Bugatti Cars At Monterey 2010

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Founded in 1909, Bugatti has had a fascinating history as one of the most important collector's cars in the world. Starting in the 1990s, the brand was due for a major comeback led by then owner the Volkswagen Group. Today with the Veyron, Bugatti produces the most expensive new production car in the world with a starting price of about 1.7 million dollars. Several of its highly coveted vintage models yield far more than that at auction.

During the auto festivities around Monterey, CA 2010, Bugatti celebrated 101 years of passion and car making, as well as the release of their new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport car - which was a follow up, higher performance model of the Veyron which was originally released in 2005. The Veyron Super Sport claims a top speed of close to 270mph, and will cost about $2 million. Highly collectible vintage models are valued in the several million dollars each. Bugatti also saw the debut of a new watch - the Bugatti Super Sport timepiece presented by their watch making partner Parmigiani.

Bugatti and Bugatti owners brought out their best to Monterey, especially at the Laguna Seca raceway for the Concorso Italiano. Beautifully restored Bugattis (and a few in original condition) were brought out to be seen and driven. You can see the famous luxury auto maker through different eras, and observe the loving care their owners bestow upon them. I've put together a pictorial showing some of the coolest Bugatti's seen in Monterey at the Quail Lodge event, at Laguna Seca, and at the Pebble Beach Concours de Elegance. Check out the rest of them below in the image galley. Fantastic to see so many rare and beautiful Bugatti cars together - chances like this are extremely rare.

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

Gallery: 101 Years of Bugatti Monterey 2010

Tags: 101 years, 2010, bugatti, Concorso Italiano, monterey, pebble beach, Quail lodge

Continue reading “101 Years Of Bugatti Cars At Monterey 2010”

Rolls-Royce Custom Luggage & Picnic Set For $30,000 - In The Flesh

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Luxury Cars & Autos

We covered the custom Rolls-Royce picnic set previously here as part of Rolls-Royce's new Bespoke Program. The Bespoke Program allows Rolls-Royce customers further access to customization features on the cars, as well as a series of accessories. I met with Rolls-Royce at car festivities for 2010 at Pebble Beach for some hands-on with the new picnic and luggage set along with some addition information. My first question was "who is making this stuff for Rolls?" According to the spokesperson - no one is. Roll Royce is making it all themselves at their special wood and leather shop. I thought that was pretty cool. Would have been pretty easy to go to a custom maker of such stuff and ask them to put the Rolls Royce name on it.

The luggage set is beautiful. Retro in design (what, no shoulder strap?), it features very soft leather and serious looking zippers! No plastic here, "luxury hate plastic!" The picnic set is too nice to actually use. Unless you travel with a caravan that will delicately clean it for you after each use. All the silverware is polished like a brand new wedding ring, while the glasses are crystal. If only I ate this well at home! The picnic case looks as though it weighs a ton, but owners will likely have spare people form their palanquin carrying team to move it to their picnic spot. Or maybe you can say "tailgate Rolls Royce style!"

Together, the set is said to cost about $30,000, of course with varying prices as this is the "Bespoke Program." Makes a great addition to your new Drophead Coupe.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com

Gallery: Rolls Royce Luggage and Picnic set

Tags: 2010, bespoke, car, luggage, pebble beach, picnic, rolls-royce

Day At the Races: MotoGP At Laguna Seca 2010

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Sports

There is an amazing amount of wealth at motorcycle races. You might picture the populous at a NASCAR race as being a bit above poverty level (no offense NASCAR fans, but you know what aura some of your fellow race lovers give off), but the followers of the world famous MotoGP series include some well to do participants. Many of them fervent collectors and sophisticated gear-heads. As such, you could easily quality MotoGP as a luxury sport (just for a different class than say the Kentucky Derby). At least the motorcycles themselves use top-notch hardware and technology. Amazing to think that the bikes themselves have serious computers on board. I went to the MotoGP race day at Laguna Seca historic race track near Monterey, CA - here are some of the sights and sounds of the excitement.

I've put together a bit of a visual article below when you go to "READ MORE." Much of what you see if pretty self explanatory. If you've never been to a motorcycle race, then be aware that most people attend and shove earplugs in their ears due to the incredible sound of many high-powered engines operating at full revs simultaneously.

Tags: 2010, Laguna Seca, Lorenzo, Monterey, MotoGP, race, track, video

Continue reading “Day At the Races: MotoGP At Laguna Seca 2010”

F.P. Journe Special Edition "China 2010 Tourbillon Souverain" Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

As a reminder to its Chinese customers, of how much F.P. Journe appreciates their business, the high-end luxury watch brand has released five of these limited edition "China 2010 Tourbillon Souverain" watches. This coincides with the brand's opening of its Beijing boutique store. More and more high-end brands are opening up shops in China's wealthier regions. One of the reasons seems to be that Chinese customers take brands with their own stores more serious, as opposed to brands which are only placed in third-party stores. The China 2010 Tourbillon Souverain watch will be housed in a platinum case with a special dial that resembles the Chinese flag. Stars are placed along the power reserve indicator. Aside from the tourbillon on the dial, the watch features the time in an offset dial, as well as a subsidiary seconds dial. Pretty much the ultimate Swiss watch for the proud Chinese industrialist. Not sure about price of availability, like I said, there are only to be five of these models.

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

Tags: 2010, china, fp journe, souverain, tourbillon, watch

Audemars Piguet Is Official Timekeeper Of Tour Auto 2010 - Makes Limited Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Audemars Piguet is the new official timekeeper of the classic car race series, Tour Auto. The popular race among vintage car enthusiasts takes their rides on a scenic route in France before reaching the finish line. In addition to being the official timekeeper for the event, luxury Swiss watch maker Audemars Piguet will also offer a limited edition watch in honor of the event. It will be the Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto 2010 Chronograph watch. Set in the standard Royal Oak Offshore case, the racing flat inspired dial has a great look. Tone of slate, white, silver, and red mix to together with visual elements that are all about speed. Note the little checkered flag pattern near the top right part of the tachymeter scale.

In a 42mm wide steel case, the back of the watch has a specially engraved design for the Tour Auto 2010 event. Inside the watch is a Audemars Piguet in-house made caliber 2363/2840 automatic movement, that has been beautifully hand decorated. The strap is leather with a perforated exterior. A nice luxury watch for fans of the event.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com

Tags: 2010, audemars piguet, limited edition, tour auto, watch

Milus Tirion TriRetrograde Watch Refreshed For 2010

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

While it is not a fundamentally different timepiece that the original, Milus has reworked small design aspects of its hot selling Tirion TriRetrograde watch - offering a new version for 2010. The signature complication that features three 20 second retrograde dials on the face (that together indicator a full minute), really put the brand back on the map. Over the last few years the concept has been implemented into a number of Milus timepieces. What you have now is a more sober, streamlined look - comfortable in its skin. The original played between modern and classic elements, and this version retracts a bit from the futurism of the original. See some hands-on images with the original Milus Tirion TriRetrograde watch here.

The case has remained similar in style at 45mm wide, here in steel. It is a fantastically comfortable and nice to look at case which is unlike much of what else is out there, and it contains a Swiss automatic movement with a special Milus module for the special TriRetrograde complication. This model comes with a cream white dial and anthracite Arabic numerals, but others are sure to come. Seen here on n alligator strap. Look for it soon.

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

Tags: 2010, Milus, Tirion, TriRetrograde, watch

Certina DS Master Quartz Chronometer Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

At first glance this new watch from Certina is cool and modern, with a sincere nod to futuristic watches born in the late 1970s and early 1980s. But rather than just a fashionable throwback design to that era, the new Certina DS Master has some interesting qualities from a technical perspective. For one thing, it is among the very few watches in the world that comes with a thermo-compensated quartz movement that has been COSC Chronometer certified. This special type of quartz movement is made by ETA (ref. 251.233) in Switzerland, and is much more accurate than standard quartz movements. Plus, the requirements to get a quartz movement Chronometer certified are much harder than for a mechanical movement. As such, the DS Master watch is going to be accurate to within 5-10 seconds a year! That is compared to about 15 seconds a month for standard quartz movements.

The movement also has a chronograph complication, but uses hands placed in the center of the dial that use the main dial for the chronograph minutes and seconds. Subdials are used for the main time seconds and the chronograph hours. There is also a date indicator on a matching black disc. Certina is proud to say that the dial has 7 hands on it. The main hour and minute hands are skeletonized so has not to obscure the info below them.

Certina will offer the DS Master in two styles - an all-black PVD steel version, or a two-tone with polished steel and PVD black coated steel. Oddly, Certina isn't telling us the size of the cool hybrid cushion and round shaped case. The strap is black rubber with nice looking horizontal slits in it. Overall the style of the watch is lovely and masculine. Perfect for watch lovers or people who enjoy nice watches, but don't quite know how to appreciate this piece. Price will be on the higher side for Certina - costing about $1,100 - $1,250 when it comes out soon.

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

Tags: 2010, Certina, Chronometer, DS, Master

Franck Muller Infinity Ladies Watches For 2010

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

For men Franck Muller has been focusing on sport and complications, and for women, the focus is all about colorful jewelry watches. Some might even call them fashion pieces - which is a bit of a departure from the avant garde classicism I am used to in Franck Muller designs. Here are some new Infinity and the new Infinity Reka collection pieces (check the gallery below for more of them). The women's watches are all diamond covered in 18k white gold cases. There are two basic shapes. The tonneau-shaped case that Franck Muller calls "Cintree Curvex" and a new square design for for Infinity Reka. There is also the oval cased version available. The dials come in a variety of styles and colors, with either Arabic or Roman numerals. Dials are mostly high-quality mother-of-pearl from Japan, or just done in more diamonds with lacquer (or maybe enamel) numerals. Case sizes range from about 25 - 50mm wide. As you can see, Franck Muller is really offering an Infinity watch for every woman (just not every budget).

You can see in the images I snapped the watches are very attractive, and youthful in tone. Less for serious evening attire, and more fun and upbeat. Even the pictured version with red numerals and black diamonds is an outgoing timepieces. Inside the watches are Swiss quartz movements. Expect prices to be on par with other Franck Muller high-end jewelry watches for women.

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

Gallery: Franck Muller Infinity watches 2010

Tags: 2010, Curvex, diamonds, Franck Muller, Infinity, Reka, watch

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Tourbillon Wild, Art Deco Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Each year luxury Swiss watch brand Jaeger-LeCoultre releases a few so called "jewelry watches." These rare creations for both men and woman are experiments in (often) excess, and design. This is where to look if you prefer your watches diamond covered, but also where you'll find some beautiful artistic creations. For 2010 one of the haute jewelry watch from Jaeger-LeCoutlre is the Master Tourbillon Wild. In an 18k rose (also in white) gold case, the piece is really quite stunning. Decorated with diamonds on the bezel and the lower edges of the case and bezel, it fees like a building outlined with lights. The art deco style motif on the dial feels like an abstract cityscape to me. The buildings emanating from the tourbillon in the center. More diamonds decorate the ring around the tourbillon aperture, in addition to other places on the dial. Inside the piece is a in-house made Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 978 automatic tourbillon movement. Likely sized for ladies, this is a rare and beautiful creation.

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

Tags: 2010, art deco, jaeger-lecoultre, jewelry watches, ladies watch, master, tourbillon, watches

2010

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