2011

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Geographic Watch For 2011

While not totally new, the 2011 Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Geographic is a refresh of the popular world time watch from the popular Swiss watch maker. With slicker face that feels more refined in its presentation, the watch still offers a valuable features set. Aside from the time, the watch offers the date, power reserve indication for the movement, and has a full featured world time. The world time function even has allowances for cities that rely on daylight saving times. The second time zone that is associated with the city selector at the bottom of the dial is shown on a subsidiary time dial that is in a 12 hour format. Next to the dial is a small 24 hour indictor that functions as an AM/PM indicator so that you know whether it is day or night in that other city.

Operating the functions is rather effortless, with Jaeger-LeCoultre almost perfecting the experience of having a straight forward world timer. Inside the watch is a JLC in-house made Calibre 939 automatic movement. The steel or 18k pink gold case remains modest in size at 39mm wide - though JLC does offer larger, more sporty models with similar functions. The watch comes on black or brown alligator strap. The Master Geographic has a lovely, timeless appeal that suits the regular traveler well - and is even nicer for 2011.

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

Gallery: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Geographic watch for 2011

Tags: 2011, geographic, jaeger-lecoultre, master, sihh, watch

Raymond Weil Parsifal Watches For 2011

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Raymond Weil Parsifal Watches For 2011

Not that it is a bad thing, but a large part of Raymond Weil's watches try to offer lower priced "alternatives" to popular Rolex models. The Parsifal has always hovering over the Rolex DayDate or Datejust market offering something a bit different, with the same functions, but still nice for a much lower price. For 2011 the Parsifal collection adds a few new members including the new "Date Automatic" and "Day-Date Automatic" (what coincidental naming practices).

Moderately sized, the cases are 39mm wide and done in steel and 18k rose gold (for the bezel, crown, elements of the bracelet, and elements on the dial). Raymond Weil opts for Roman numerals that revolve around the dial, and dial colors which asre black or silver. There will likely be other models available as well in differnet tones. Inside the watches are base Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic movements that have been modified by Raymond Weil. The new Parsifal watches are attactive, but nothing awe inspiring. The brand has again created a marketable and lower priced watch aiming at those who don't want to spend Rolex prices but still want a handsome Swiss watch of this variety.

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

Tags: 2011, date, day, parsifal, raymond weil, watch, watches

Piaget Polo FortyFive Perpetual Calendar Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Piaget Polo FortyFive Perpetual Calendar Watch

At SIHH 2011 I got sneak peak at Piaget's upcoming Polo FortyFive Perpetual Calendar watch. The Piaget Polo FortyFive watch that came out a few years ago has been a remarkable success for the brand in giving it a sport's watch. With chronograph and three-hand variants available, Piaget has designed a Polo FortyFive model with an in-house made perpetual calendar automatic movement.

With an impressive level of symmetry, the dial displays the time, retrograde date, retrograde day of the week, month, power reserve indicator for the movement, time with subsidiary seconds, second timezone, leap-year indicator, and a clever moon phase indicator. All on the dial that is is a few shades of black with while and rose gold.

The 45mm wide case is in titanium with 18k rose gold accents. More 18k rose gold is used on the dial for the hands and some dial rings. At first glance the watch looks a bit like a complex chronograph but actually has an impressive level of features in it. A very utilitarian touch that I appreciate is labeled inset pushers on the side of the case. Perpetual calendar watches often have pin pushers on the side of the case to adjust the calendar functions. Piaget thoughtfully opted to label them to make adjusting the watch less burdensome. See more images of this upcoming Piaget Polo FortyFive watch in the gallery below.

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

Gallery: Piaget Polo FortyFive Perpetual

Tags: 2011, fortyfive, perpetual calendar, piaget, polo, watch

The Ultimate Valentine's Day Gift Guide from Luxist and AHAlife

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Art, Holiday Guides, Luxury Shopping

Before you go overspending on Valentine's Day gifts that will surely be returned, peruse this gift guide from Luxist and AHAlife, "where discerning taste meets an inspired life." We teamed up with AHAlife's careful and creative curators to bring you the best Valentine's Day Gift Guide you'll find, whether you're looking to spend $100 or $5,000. Below, you'll find images and prices for each item on this special list, as well as our reasoning for recommending the items. It's easy (and free!) to join AHAlife, so don't hesitate at the signup page. Close your other tabs and dig in; your Valentine's Day shopping is finished. Here are the Top 10 Best Valentine's Day Gifts for 2011 from AHAlife and Luxist:

1. Camel Bone Jewelry (above) - from $230.00

This exotic collection is so stunning, few women could open it without an audible gasp. There is a certain powerfulness in the femininity and boldness of these rare camel bone pieces. Giving one of these to your loved one is more than an observation of custom; it implies a respect for her primal strength.

Tags: 2011, ahalife, gift, gifts, jewelry, romance, romantic, top 10, top ten, Valentines Day

Continue reading “The Ultimate Valentine's Day Gift Guide from Luxist and AHAlife”

IWC Portofino Watches Bring Back The Mesh

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

IWC Portofino Watches Bring Back The Mesh

I didn't expect to see a return to mesh metal bracelets from a big brand like IWC. Mesh metal bracelets, otherwise known as "Milanese" bracelet were big back in the middle of the 20th Century, but stuck around for niche use mostly on dive watches. The only mainstream brand I recall using them was Skagen. For 2011 IWC totally redesigned and reintroduced the Portofino watch. There are now four models of the Portofino - two of which will be offered with a metal Milanese strap. Those two models being the above seen chronograph, as well as the three-hand automatic. The Chronograph is 42mm wide, while the three-hand automatic I believe is 40mm wide.

The watches comes in two dial colors - the off-white, and a slate gray. Each has a few red accents on the dial for color. The Milanese strap is quite nicely done - as IWC has been able to overcome the biggest problem with the strap - adjustability. By giving it a strap like buckle, the wearer can adjust its size. The metal is thick, but smooth to the touch, and looks quite good in a retro sort of way. Will this signal a major return of Milanese style straps? Hard to say, but they do look nice on these new Portofino timepieces.

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

Tags: 2011, IWC, milanese, Portofino, review, watch, watches

Ligne Roset Seating For 2011

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor

High-end furniture maker Ligne Roset just unveiled (among many other items) much of their new collection of chairs, sofas, and other types of seating furniture for 2011 at the latest IMM furniture fair in Cologne. The collection does not disappoint - and the brand again features items from great designers that are a mix of modern,ergonomic, and un-ordinary. These pieces are useful and I feel can add some interesting "dimensions" to a space. I am fascinated by seating so I focused on that part of their new collection. Chairs have an interesting need to be both attractive, useful, and ergonomically healthy. In total, Ligne Roset debuted 31 pieces at the show. See the video after the bump for a bit more, and visit Ligne Roset Facebook page here for more info.

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

Gallery: Linge Roset chairs at IMM for 2011

Tags: 2011, chairs, chouches, FurnitureStore, IMM, Ligne Roset, sofas

Continue reading “Ligne Roset Seating For 2011”

Top Cartier Art/Jewelry Watches For 2011

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches

Cartier has long been known for making a variety of lovely creations. 2011 is a year where they really flexed their creative muscles offerings a load of high-end, beautiful jewelry and art watch pieces. You'll of course notice a distinct "animal" theme in most of these. Lots of reptiles this year, and of course a few panthers as well. Many of these items are "order only" while I believe others will be parts of limited editions available in Cartier boutiques. Either way, it is always pleasing to see what the Parisian house can come up with. See the gallery below for the best items of 2011 (as presented at the SIHH 2011 in Geneva).

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

Gallery: 2011 Cartier jewelry watches

Tags: 2011, animals, art, cartier, jewelry, watch, watches

Continue reading “Top Cartier Art/Jewelry Watches For 2011”

JeanRichard Highlands Sand Sport Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

A great new sports watch from JeanRichard this SIHH, The Highlands Sands Sport is just what the doctor ordered, but I fear its price might be a bit too high. Popularized through a few generations of soldiers, the military watch look often has a canvas strap, and a bold, easy to read no-nonsense dial. It is also easy on the eyes and in fashion today given the popularity of the vintage active look.

Based on the design of the Aquascope, the Highlands Sands Sport sheds the diver watch label, now being in the brand's new "Bressel" collection. The case is still 44.5mm wide in a sand-blasted steel. It has a GMT style rotating bezel, but this isn't a GMT watch. I love the looks of it, but there isn't much super new except for the colors and the strap. Inside the watch is JeanRichard's in-house made JR1000 automatic movement. People are used to paying a few hundred dollars for watches of this personality, but the Bressel Highlands Sand Sport will be around $6,000. This sort of forces it to be in the hands of the high-fashion elite who was a neat looking retro-military themed watch, but with an in-house made high-end Swiss movement. Though aside from the high price, it is a good looking piece I'd be happy to strap of from time to time.

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

Tags: 2011, highlands, jeanrichard, JeanRichard Highlands Sands Sport Watch, sands, sport, watch

Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

While I really like what comes out of house Girard-Perregaux, I am getting a bit tired of seeing the same old thing. This year the vintage 1945 XXL Square watch gets a new dial. Yes, it looks lovely, and yes, they did a good job. Though if you didn't tell me that it was new for 2011, I wouldn't have asked. Always strong in the movement making department, Girard-Perregaux has yet to find its modern legs. It can't seem to decide whether it is competing with Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, or someone else. Maybe all high-end Swiss brands are on its radar. For this reason, the brand has turtled itself in a place of "adherence to tradition." This means their pieces are nice looking and classic in appearance, but don't even attempt to rock the boat design-wise with novel concept.

Thus, I bow my hat to the brand and afford it all my respect and praise. And humbly ask "do you have anything more modern looking?" Hey, maybe I am in for a surprise this year. This watch features a new dial for the Vintage XXL . Very straight forward art-deco style case and dial with Arabic numerals, dauphine hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial. The case is almost a perfect square being about 35 by 36mm in size, and in 18k pink gold. Inside the watch is a in-house GP3300 automatic movement. There will also be a less expensive model with a steel case. Seems like you've seen it before, but trust me it is new.

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

Tags: 1945, 2011, girard-perregaux, vintage, watch, xxl

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The theme of many of this year's watches at SIHH was sellability versus novelty. There is next to nothing new or exciting about this new incredibly long-named Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin watch. Though it is a handsome fellow. It will sell well in Asia - what else can I say? My favorite part of the watch is something which is hard to tell in this image. That being the fact that the blue background of the moonphase indicator is lapis lazuli.

I give the watch a hard time because it doesn't feel special - that doesn't mean it isn't. A watch like this will have a timeless appeal, which is enhanced by its easy to read time, 41mm width (in 18k pink gold), and very slim case. Inside the watch is a Vacheron Constantin made Calibre 1120 QP automatic perpetual calendar movement. Look for it later this year.

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

Tags: 2011, calendar, patrimony, perpetual, Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, sihh, thin, vacheron constantin, watch

Longines Twenty-Four Hours Vintage Re-Issue Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Longines Twenty-Four Hours Vintage Re-Issue Watch

I hear that vintage Longines watches are hot now on the auction market. Collectors seem to like their good quality to price ratio. That will change though as the sharks start to swarm. Despite the appeal of the actual vintage market, I just don't get why this watch was made. Not that there is inherently anything wrong with the Longines Twenty-Four hour watch, but I yawn when I look at it.

The original watch that it was based on was a specially commissioned watch Longines made for Swissair pilots from about 1953-1956, This little fact is engraved on the inside of the pop-open caseback (that is what that little button under the crown is for). That latter element is neat, but is not unique to this Longines watch. Just like the original, the dial is vintage in appearance with an hour hand that moves around the dial once each 24 hours. There are plenty of other watches that do this, and many of them for less money, with a more interesting look.

The steel case is large at 47.5mm wide, and the watch contains a modified ETA Valgranges A07-171 automatic movement. Like I said, not that there is anything wrong with the watch, but I don't know how Longines is making it for aside from a handful of collectors. It isn't particularly interesting look, not does it fill a functional use that other watches don't. So I will just keep scratching my head and wishing Longines my best.

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

Tags: 2011, 24, hours, Longines, twenty-four, vintage, watch

Baume & Mercier Capeland Flyback Chronograph Watch For 2011

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

This was something I didn't see coming - at least in this form. Baume & Mercier has pledged that their future will be in the past. What I mean is that for the brand to be something decent again, they are going to be making almost only vintage inspired timepieces for the foreseeable future. I actually hope I am wrong, but this seems to be the case. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but it is a shame that Richemont's entry level brand is only offering people watches of "vintage descent." Plus, many of their new pieces seem to be competing with Longines now more than ever. But that is a different story (Baume & Mercier hates when I talk about Longines!)

Baume & Mercier recovered the Capeland watch name - that was extremely big about 10 years ago. Though the previous generation of Capeland models were not themselves pieces that used a recovered name (as far as I can tell). The Capeland watches I am referring to were beautiful, modern, but also elegant. They were among the first "nice" timepieces I ever got into - and I wanted one so badly at the time. It was the Capeland that made me a Baume & Mercier fan (at the time it was still just "Baume et Mercier").

Now Baume & Mercier uses the Capeland name again for a watch that has nothing to do with the original Capeland. It is a nice looking "old timey" timepiece, but where is the redo of the watch collection that I loved? Rather than a more modern interpretation of a collection that was very popular, Baume & Mercier gives us the Capeland Flyback Chronograph that looks like a watch your uncle hid in his - you know what - during Vietnam to bring back to you.

The "new" Capeland comes in a 42mm wide case available in steel or 18k rose gold. The dial has a vintage looking dial with "railroad" Arabic numerals and pomme hands (in either gold or blued steel). Baume & Mercier knows the design is less than original, but wants to make up for that in design execution and its powerful distribution. Inside the watch is a La-Joux-Perret made automatic chronograph (with a bi-compax layout), that has a flyback function.

No word on price yet - which will be the real deal maker or killer. Though there is no watch precisely like this on the market right now. The new Capeland is fine. Nothing ultra exciting, but fine. I am frustrated that use of the name will mean that the Capeland I like will not get a redesign for a long while to come.

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

Gallery: Baume and Mercier Capeland Flyback Chronograph Watch For 2011

Tags: 2011, baume mercier, capeland, chronograph, filyback, watch

IWC Portofino Watch For 2011

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The IWC watch you never see or hear about in America is usually the Portofino. In my opinion, we are a Big Pilot and Aquatimer country - but I digress. The odd member out in the collection was always the Portofino. Not a bad looking watch in and of itself, it was sort of shoved under the carpet but IWC's more distinctive collections. For 2011 the Portofino get's a total rewrite. To me they feel very much like the classic Max Bill designed watches.

According to IWC, the Portofino was always their entry-level model. Not sure if that will still hold true, but it might for some of its basic versions. Interesting enough, IWC is due to debut a whole range of new Portofino watches - not just one or two models. There will be at least 4-5 new Portofino pieces in the 2011 collection.

Available in 18k gold or steel, the Portofino will be 40mm wide and have black or white dials. Models include the Automatic, Chronograph, Dual Time, and the pictured Hand-Wound Eight Days. Inside this latter model is the caliber 59210 manually wound movement that is modeled after a pocket watch movement. It features a very long 8 days of power reserve, along with a power reserve indicator on the dial. Other features include the time, subsidiary seconds dial, and the date. The new deals are attractive. You can see how IWC retained the distinctive Portofino hands (which can be an acquired taste). I do enjoy the rounded case edges and thin bezel that will have the watch looking as large as possible on the wrist. This is also added to by the relatively thin and highly curved lugs. Attached to the watches will be Italian leather straps.

I will look out for details on more of the new IWC Portofino watches as I learn of them. Not sure about prices, but looks like they might be going up from those of the outgoing Portofino models.

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

Tags: 2011, 8, eight days, hand wound, IWC, portofino, sihh, watch

Montblanc Star Worldtime Automatic Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Montblanc Star Worldtime Automatic Watch

The Montblanc Star watch collection gets a world time GMT watch for 2011 called the Star Worldtime Automatic. Using a 42mm wide steel Star style case, the timepiece has a new exclusive movement inside being the Montblanc calibre MB 4810/405 automatic. It is likely a base Swiss movement that has been modified a bit for Montblanc. It does have some interesting features above and beyond your standard GMT watch. For one thing, setting the second time zone does not stop the movement - this prevents timing loss when making adjustments. There is also a ring around the bezel with various city names. That inner bezel spins (also controlled via the crown), while allows you to determine what time it is in any city based upon setting it to the city you are currently in.

Montblanc opted for a smaller GMT hand so not to interfere as much with reading the time. In sporty fashion, it is dark on one side, and light on the other as a relative day/night indicator. In typical fashion the GMT hand is red, while the dial itself is silver tone and black. The face of the watch has a nice textured surface, and emphasizes the DNA of the star collection. Attached to the piece is a black alligator strap. Montblanc has other traveler's watches, including the easy to use GMT function on their Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Automatic watches. Not to mention a host of other GMT pieces. This Star Worldtime GMT adds a little bit to the collection, but is not overly original to the larger Montblanc collection. It will however provide an additional flavor for enthusiasts to choose from.

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

Tags: 2011, gmt, montblanc, star, watch, worldtime

Blancpain Saint Valentin Watch For 2011

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Thankfully we are no where near Valentine's day - yet. The oft-hyped holiday strikes fear into the hearts of many men poised with the daunting task of offering their mate not only the perfect gift, but the perfect day. Swiss Blancpain gives men another reason to worry with the 2011 version of their "Saint Valentin" watch for Valentine's day. I wrote about last year's model here. The 2011 watch is very classic in style, and even the iconic Blancpain features are subdued. The watch is a triple calendar style with moon phase. Meaning it has an annual calendar complication, the time with a subsidiary seconds dial, and a smiling moon phase indicator.

The watch is mostly white in tone, with a 35mm wide steel case, bezel lined with 49 diamonds, more diamonds on the mother-of-pearl dial, and two hearts. No Valentine's day watch can resist the inclusion of red hearts! The first is used as the hand on the date indicator dial on the watch face, and other other is a bit higher-end on the luxury scale being a heart-shaped ruby located on the bezel at the 12 o'clock position.

Blancpain includes their in-house made Calibre 6763 automatic movement that is visible through the sapphire caseback window. A watch like this feels like a men's model turned femme - which inherently it is. The watch doesn't exclude girliness, but it rather a stately gift for a mature and sophisticated woman (that has a penchant for fine mechanical watches). Blancpain will make only 99 pieces of this 2011 Saint Valentin watch and it should be available early next year. Interestingly enough, it comes in a box that is little locked treasure chest. There is an accompanying white gold heart (wearing a corset) that is opened to reveal the key. Personally I would want a written letter from her saying that whatever is in the box will satisfy her Valentine's day expectations.

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

Tags: 2011, blancpain, valentines day, watch

← Previous Page|Next Page →