Clock

Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Horological TimeWriter Table Clock

During 2011's SIHH event, Montblanc has a few "stars" of the show, but one of them was certainly this limited edition table clock made in cooperation with German clock maker Erwin Sattler. The clock is officially called the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Horological TimeWriter Table Clock. It combines a few important things for the brand, and will be made as a limited edition set of just 19 pieces.

The clock starts with.... the clock. It is made in cooperation of Munich based Erwin Sattler. The clock replicates the look of the now famous Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph watch collection. The dial combines the time, a chronograph, and two power reserve indicators. The clock is sort of like two clocks in one mechanically speaking. Both set of parts are in the same unit. As such, the table clock has two balance springs, two timing mechanisms, and two barrels to hold power. Why two? One is for telling the time, while the other is for the chronograph mechanism. The Horological TimeWriter has a 15 day power reserve and must be wound via the back of the clock.

Gallery: MB Horological TimeWriter table clock

Tags: clock, horological timewriter, montblanc, nicolas rieussec, table

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Art du Temps Is Coolest Wall Clock Ever

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

First let me say that this wall clock is all Swiss made and all mechanical. See the video after the bump and you'll get a preview of how is amazing clock will function. While quite pricey, this clock is not just a concept, it will be made and available for purchase.

Designed by illi and Julien Ado for another firm called designby8, the Art du Temps starts with a rectangular board with a lot of "articulating" squares on it. When in passive mode, some of these squares randomly move up and down "beating" to indicate the passing of the seconds. To see the time you "ask" it to show the time. I think this can be done remotely, or via voice command. Then, in a science fiction like ballet, the squares move around, out of the way to display a digital clock, but one that uses physical pieces. This is called "mechanical digital hours."

How much will it cost? Around 90,000 Swiss Francs, and orders will start to be taken in March 2011, with delivery of the first pieces expected in the fall/winter of 2011. Now watch the video below.

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

Tags: art du temps, clock, illi, mechanical, squares, swiss

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Carbon Design Group Domino Clock

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Carbon Design Group has succeeded in making the first prototype of a wall clock that looks like three large domino bricks placed right next to each other. Because the dominoes natively have up to 12 dots on them, they make perfect indicators for a stylized clock. Read in order from left to right, the pieces indicate the hours, and then the two digits for the minutes. Really just that simple. The numeral circles flip around from black to white when the time changes. Each of the three large bricks communicates wirelessly with each other to ensure the time is right. I believe that each would have to be powered separately.

While the concept has the domino bricks mounted on a wall, they could just as easily be perched on a table. The electrical mechanism required to make the system work needed to engineered practically from the ground up. Carbon Design Group developed a new type of electronic magnetic coil motor, and the system can be adjusted for how fast you want the discs to turn over. The now working concept will be officially unveiled in 2011, with possible consumer versions of the Domino Clock available after that. Click below for a view of the clock in action.

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

Tags: carbon, clock, domino

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Historical Timepieces of the Swiss Watch and Clock Museum

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Art

Having always been fascinated by clockwork, on my recent trip to Zürich, I made certain to visit the Watch and Clock Museum Beyer Zürich. The museum, located in the basement of the exclusive Beyer watch shop, has approximately 500 timepieces, each more fascinating than the last. Some date back as far as 1400 B.C., while others are more modern -- and often quite strange. Ever tried to tell the time by checking which direction a couple of birds are facing (above right)? I hadn't before, but it's just the kind of thing I get excited about.

In the Watch and Clock Museum, you'll find rare and precious chronometry items like shadow sticks, intricate sundials, water clocks, oil-lamp clocks, grandfather clocks and marine navigation instruments. Some of the more fragile and complicated pieces which are too old to run all the time have adjacent video screens showing their mechanical capabilities.

The basement museum itself is somewhat unceremonious, with only the historical Beyer pieces carefully lit and resting on velvet, but the staff was warm and welcoming, and they provided me with all the English information they had available. Unfortunately, it wasn't much, so brush up either your German or your horology history -- or book a guided tour in advance -- before your visit. Even if there's no time for that (no pun intended), fertile minds will be titillated by the complicated, creative and mysterious artifacts on display.

With no further ado, here are some of the most intriguing and delightful watches and clocks:

Gallery: Highlights from the Watch and Clock Museum Beyer Zurich collection

The Watch and Clock Museum Beyer Zürich is located just off Paradeplatz and open from Monday - Friday from 2pm - 6pm. Entry is free if you have a ZürichCARD, otherwise there is a small fee.

My trip to Zürich was sponsored by Zürich Tourism and Switzerland Tourism, but the ideas and opinions expressed in this article are 100 percent my own.

Tags: clock, clock museum, museum, switzerland, watch, watch museum, WatchMuseum, zurich

Bell & Ross Clock In Peugeot SR1 Concept Car

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos

The marriage of timepieces and automobiles is usually skewed in the direction of the watch makers needing to communicate the value of the relationship. We have tons and watches out there dedicated to car makers or specific models, but anything in the reverse is much more rare. Sure there is the occasional novelty, such as the Parmigiani watch that will come with the upcoming Bugatti Galibier, but watch branded cars we have not, and having a branded clock in a car is uncommon at best.

Now watch maker Bell & Ross has teamed up with car maker Peugeot. Why these two brands together? Well they are both French, what else can I say? While not a production car (right now), the relationship has a Bell & Ross concept clock inside of the Peugeot SR1 concept car. It is interesting to see a sexy convertible roadster with an aggressive clock inside. The concept dashboard clock above is based on Bell & Ross's BR01 Pro models - but with some interesting design work and texturing on the dial (dial milled from solid piece of metal). An interesting item is the apparent presence of a power reserve indicator on the dial of the clock. This would typically infer that it is a mechanical clock, and that there would need to be either hand-winding or some type of mechanism in the car that winds the watch/clock. Also, Bell & Ross has released images of a stand alone watch. This might be something sold as a limited edition, or the concept clock in the car might be actually a removable wrist watch. I will just have to wait and see what the talk is all about when the Peugeot SR1 (pictured below in the gallery) is debuted at the Geneva Auto Show soon.

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

Gallery: Bell & Ross for Peugeot SR1 car

Tags: auto, Bell Ross, BellRoss, car, clock, Peugeot, SR1, watch

David Linley Tri-Time Desk Clock

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Timepieces / Watches, Men's Style

Viscount David Linley, the bespoke cabinetmaker who's a nephew of the Queen of England, has designed his first timepiece in the form of an extremely handsome desk clock with a streamlined Art Deco feel. The Linley Tri-Time Desk Clock (above), priced at about $1,500, is finished in beautifully grained walnut with stainless steel detailing and three Swiss clocks allowing the owner to keep track of separate time zones. The clock is from Linley's ever-expanding range of accessories including boxes for jewelry, watches and cufflinks, humidors, desk sets and more. The aristocratic designer credits his talented father, the eminent photographer Lord Snowdon, as being particularly influential on his career, having himself trained as an architect and designed amongst other things the Aviary at London Zoo. His mother of course is Princess Margaret.

Tags: British royalty, BritishRoyalty, clock, David Linley, DavidLinley, Queen of England, QueenOfEngland, wood

IceLink 6TimeZone Travel Alarm Clocks

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

IceLink has transformed its unique line of wrist watches into a trio of larger sized travel alarm clocks. Each clock has six watch faces, two of them with alarms. The watch hands are covered in Superluminova, so as long as they get charged via light, they will be readable in the dark. The clocks are smaller than you may think. Each is only about 4.25 inches high, 3 inches wide, and thin at just half an inch deep.

The clocks most likely have quartz movements (one for each watch face). Each is constructed in steel, and there is a black PVD version also available. THe black version has a carbon fiber cases, while the polished steel versions have either mother-of-pearl watch faces or dial in black.

While the clock is attractive and displays six different times on the dial, they are also extremely expensive going for between $3,800 - $4,200 each. Still, they come with a 5 year warranty from IceLink. You pay for the quality and style, but for this type of money I would have liked the clocks to do a bit more.

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

Tags: 6TimeZones, Alarm, Clock, IceLink, Travel

Fluid Forms Custom Made Streets Clock

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Holiday Guides

This custom clock would certainly make a good gift. Why? Well for one anything that is "custom" implies that you inserted that appreciated degree of personal touch. Which instantly makes a gift emotional and unique. At the same time it is functional. I mean who doesn't have space for just one more wall clock. Then, you can make the clock sentimental to the recipient, by choosing a city streets map that means something to them. Whether it is of a city live in, a city they miss, or where they were from. All good choices.

Fluid Forms is a site where you can get all sorts of custom made things, and this clock is one of them. I am not totally sure how it works, but you choose not only the city, but the proper segment of the map that you want to have as the backdrop to the clock. You then choose the material (wood or acrylic), one of many colors available. About $181 later (plus shipping) you can get the clock. It is made in Austria, and the quartz movement is apparently German. Designer John Briscella will go over the final design in detail with you before it gets made.

Learn more or get one at Fluid Forms here.

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

Tags: christmas gifts, ChristmasGifts, city, clock, custom, Fuild Forms, FuildForms, gift ideas, GiftIdeas, holiday gifts, HolidayGifts, map, streets, wall

Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Birthday Clock

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

In an odd twist of luxury snobbery goes silly, Jaeger-LeCoultre actually named this clock the Atmos Birthday - to celebrate the 80th birthday of the (almost) perpetual, atmospheric movement of the Atmos clock line. The simple design and background spells out a series of "Atmos Birthday" words. Looking at the clock head-on you see the dial in mostly rhodium plated steel with parts of the back in mother-of-pearl (in blue or pink). The movement is hidden in the back. In addition to the time, the Atmos Birthday has a month and moon phase indicator. The large balance wheel sits below as the entire complex contraption sits in a pedestal with a plate for custom engraving, inside of a crystal class case.

Although the Atmos movement is now over 80 years old (introduced in 1928), the movement still feels as modern as ever with its almost impossible petite power consumption, feeding off of slight changes in a rooms temperature. All hand made, and limited to just 8 pieces.

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

Tags: atmos, birthday, clock, jaeger-lecoultre

Parmigiani Bugatti Tourbillon Watch With Galibier Car

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos

Luxist recently covered the new Bugatti 16C Galibier ultra luxury sedan that the car world is so very excited about. An interesting element of the new auto was a partnership with luxury watch maker Parmigiani to include a watch with the car. I should say that Bugatti and Parmigiani have been working together since 2004, when Parmigiani released its Type 370 Bugatti watch that was avant garde to say the least.

Parmigiani has recently released real images of the Bugatti Tourbillon watch in action. The flex-use mechanical timepiece is made to: mount in Galibier's dashboard, attach to a wrist strap, function as a pocket watch, and also be docked in a desk clock unit. Little else is know about the timepiece, except that it is handsome to behold and just about simple enough to be a car clock. The watch has a tourbillon complication as well as a power reserve indicator. My understanding is that the idea is to include the Parmigiani Bugatti Tourbillon watch with the Galibier 16C car. For the over $1 million that the 16C is likely to go for, this included watch is no major practical surprise. When driving a car like this, you want to be sure that even the clock in your car is worth more than most other vehicles on the road around you.

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

Gallery: Parmigiani Bugatti Tourbillon Watch With Galibier Car

Tags: 16c, bugatti, clock, galibier, parmigiani, tourbillon, watch

QLOCKTWO Spells the Time

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Analog, digital, and...lexicon? Sure, the clock has been reinvented numerous times by changing its size, shape, materials, buzzers, and style of numbers but the QLOCKTWO tries a new angle spelling out the time in words instead of hands and numbers. Handmade by Biergert & Funk with both German and English face plates, this stylish and unique clock is available in a wide spectrum of colors for $1,600. I like it as a vibrant piece of functional art that brings a modern edge to an old invention but you have to be willing to forgo the minute-by-minute updates since the time is only spelled out in five-minute increments.

Source

Tags: biergert and funk, biergertandfunk, clock, engadget, qlocktwo, spelling clock, SpellingClock

$40,000 Seiko Decor Collection Perpetuity Mantel Clock

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Match this with your $100 Seiko, I dare you. Actually, Seiko makes some VERY nice stuff. Most Americans have never heard of Grand Seiko, or their luxury brand Credor, but Seiko does some remarkable things when it comes to luxury and telling the time. Most of these more expensive watches and clocks are not available or really hard to come by in the US though. Seiko figures most of you won't take a $1,000 plus Seiko seriously. Well I do, cause I know better. Still, this $40,000 plus Seiko Decor Collection Perpetuity Mantel clock might be a bit overkill.

The clock sits on a wood and brass base. Much of the brass is gold plated. The housing is glass and brass with stainless steel as well as aluminum. The movement is totally mechanical with an 8 day power reserve manually wound mechanism. The big clocks weighs about 35 pounds and is anything but diminutive at over 15 inches wide and 19 inches tall. While the movement is mechanical, it does have a quartz regulator just like the Seiko Spring drive movements. This gives it the allure of a mechanical movement with the accuracy of a quartz movement. Everything is made using Seiko's highest level of quality (which is pretty high). Being part of the Decor Collection, the clock is meant to be a serious statement of class and taste in ones home (according to Seiko that is). Still wondering what the other $30,000 - $35,000 is for though.

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

Tags: clock, collection, decor, mantel, mechanical, perpetuity, seiko

Hermes Alligator Skin Table Clock

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Timepieces / Watches

For Only Watch 2009 French luxury goods house Hermès has come out with something a bit different than all the unique wristwatches on offer: a beautiful table clock finished in the world's finest saddle-stitched burgundy alligator skin, over several layers of leather. The 1930s-inspired clock has a stainless steel chassis measuring 175 mm high by 150 mm wide and 37 mm thick, with an easel back also covered in saddle-stitched alligator. It features black nickel indexes and hands, and comes in a red lacquer case. The clock's movement is a Swiss mechanical 8 day power reserve caliber 51 with 15 jewels, beating at 18,000 bph.

Tags: alligator, clock, France, Hermes, Only Watch, Only Watch 2009, OnlyWatch, OnlyWatch2009

Jaeger LeCoultre Showcases the Marc Newson Designed Atmos 561 Clock

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Timepieces / Watches

The Marc Newson designed Jaeger LeCoultre Atmos 561 clock is over a year past its initial announcement, but these items take a while from announcement to release. The Atmos clock has been an iconic piece of technology for Jaeger LeCoultre. I don't even fully understand how they work, but the principle is that changes in a room's atmosphere causes a portion of the clock to expand and retract. The changes in the atmosphere are deviations in the temperature. This ongoing movement of the expanding element helps to power the movement, almost perpetually. The Atmos clock has been around for over 80 years (since 1928).

While the standard designs of the Atmos clocks have always been pleasing, famous designer Marc Newson was brought aboard to help create what is essentially a retro themed piece. Typical of Newson's organic minimalist curves, the clock movement is housed in a large Baccarat crystal. New functions to the clock appear to be a month indicator as well as a moon phase indicator.

From a design perspective the Atmos 561 clock looks totally different than other models - if only because they traditionally used gold (maybe brass) tones as opposed to steel tones with lots of crystal. The look of the watch is attractive, with the face being legible. You might argue that the counter weights on the hands are too long, but they are there for purely visual reasons to help maintain a degree of symmetry in the design. Big news for the Atmos 561 clock was that it was recently showcased by Jaeger LeCoultre at the Salon del Mobile in Milan, with an exhibition dedicated to the Atmos clock, along with a presentation of the clock's development and history.

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

Gallery: Jaeger LeCoultre Marc Newson Atmos Clock

Tags: 561, atmos, clock, jaegre lecoultre, JaegreLecoultre, marc newson, MarcNewson, timepiece

About Time

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Timepieces / Watches

Here's a modern and artistic way to tell about what time it is: the About Time clock from Sander Mulder. There are no numbers so it's not for somebody who needs to be precise (that's what your watch is for), but instead it tells the time in general terms ("more like around eight") via what amounts to a big run-on sentence that runs around the outside edge. The clock rolls around and whatever part is touching the table is readable and represents the current time. Very cool and I love it, although it obviously needs a little bit of room to maneuver (I'd worry it would roll itself right off my small desk). $179

Gallery: About Time