Diving

Graff ScubaGraff Diver's Watch

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

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

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

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

Louis Vuitton Tambour Diving Watch II

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I got fed up waiting for more information on this watch. Oh well, you can't blame an industry notorious for bad communication to communicate badly. The good news is that I was really excited to learn about Louis Vuitton's follow up piece to their original Tambour Diver (Diving). They simply call the watch the Tambour Diving II. It will again come in men's and women's models, with two dial styles.

The Tambour Diving II uses the case size case and movement as the original, but with a more sport, less "luxo-diver" look. While The original Louis Vuitton Tambour Diving watch played with colors like brown and complimented the watch with elements such as mother-of-pearl - the Diving II has a more sober look meant to emphasize activities like boat racing. The subsidiary seconds dial has turned in to a square, and looks more like a pennant flag. Hands have been skeletonized (with a different color for the hour and minute hand), while hour markers are mostly round and done with lots of lume.

For men, the case will be 44mm wide and the women's model will be 39.5mm wide. Aside from the steel models, an 18k red gold model will also be available for men. Like any good diver, the case will be water resistant to 300 meters. Inside the watch will be an ETA 2895 automatic movement. The dial colors will be either the pictured black or a metallic blue. My only problem with it is that the hands are too short. Overall a beautiful watch that is not so much a replacement for the original Tambour Diver as it is a more simple looking supplement.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com

Tags: 2, diver, diving, II, louis vuitton, tambour, watch

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Diving Navy SEALs Incursion Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Such a long name for a watch! Get through all the confusion, and realize that this is a special limited edition version for the Beverly Hill Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique store, of the Master Compress Diving Navy SEALS watch from 2009. There will be a 19 pieces in black titanium and 62 models in gray PVD titanium. Why those amounts? Because together that makes "1962" which is the year the Navy SEALs were born. For tech details about the watch, you can refer to my earlier article on the Master Compressor Diving Navy SEALs watch here.

This is my favorite model in their line up of watches made in partnership with the Navy SEALs. This model is 44mm wide with a manufacture automatic mechanical movement with an alarm complication. According to JLC, this Incursion Edition of the watch has some very minor little changes that further refine the timepiece. The new models here come in either yellow or orange accents. Black is mixed with yellow, with the gray version is mixed with orange. Very sporty and "look at me" for a watch tested by an arm of the military known for stealth. Ironic right? Given the beautiful, almost summery design of these watches and the JLC pedigree, I can't see them waiting to be sold for very long. Once again, they are exclusively available at the Beverly Hill Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique store.

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

Tags: alarm, diving, incursion, Jaeger-LeCoultre, limited edition, master compressor, navy seals, watch

Fairmont's Global Explorer Series Launches New Travel Packages Focused On The Ocean

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts first debuted its Global Explorer Series last year and now for its second year there are three new adventure vacation packages built around exploring the world's oceans. Offered in collaboration with the National Geographic Society to promote responsible and sustainable tourism, guests can explore wondrous underwater worlds along with an expert to make the experience truly unforgettable.

Join National Geographic environmental anthropologist and underwater cave expert Dr. Kenny Broad on a snorkeling expedition through the freshwater jungles of the Mayan Cenotes.
Snorkel around The Big Island of Hawaii with National Geographic environmental anthropologist Dr. Kenny Broad.
Enjoy an unforgettable weekend of diving, exploring and learning at Fairmont Mayakoba with legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle.

Rates start at $399/night and are 'mostly inclusive,' with details varying per location.

Source

Tags: adventure travel, diving, eco travel, fairmont, mayakoba, national geographic, ocean, oceangraphy, travel, travel adventure

$3.5 Million Hyper-Sub: Powerboat Meets Submarine

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Yachts & Sailing, Sports

After several years in the making, you may soon be able to finally get your hands on the world's first powerboat-submarine hybrid – if you've got $3.5 million to spare, that is. The James Bond-worthy Hyper-Sub from Marion HSPD (Hyper-Submersible Powerboat Design) is finally gearing up for production in time to capture the growing market for luxury submersibles that can be launched from one's superyacht. The latest oligarch's plaything is the first small craft built with the horsepower, sea-worthiness, and range to allow operation on the open ocean, which also functions as a self-charging, autonomous submarine. On the powerboat side, it's a heavy-duty, 31-ft. surface-cruiser with an enclosed cabin. Powered by twin 440 hp inboard diesels for a total output of 880 hp, the Hyper-Sub has a maximum surface speed of 40 knots and a maximum surface range of 500 miles. In dive mode the Hyper-Sub can plunge up to 250 feet, and offers umbilical SCUBA support. With seating for up to four passengers plus a pilot, the craft's 180-degree acrylic canopy provides panoramic undersea views. With an elegant woodgrain interior, leather seating, onboard GPS, auto-pilot and a satellite phone, it's also a pretty luxurious ride.

[via JamesList]

Tags: diving, Hyper-Sub, James Bond, leather, powerboat, SCUBA, submarine, Submersible, superyacht, underwater

$2.7 Million Nautilus VAS, the World's First Luxury Submarine

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Yachts & Sailing

Nautilus Submarines & Diving Systems is offering what it calls the world's first luxury submarine, the Nautilus VAS. The retro-futuristic craft with its lines out of a James Bond film features a bathroom, full size stairs (versus a ladder), minibar, digital entertainment system and standing room ceiling height. The Nautilus uses large flat, distortion-free optics which translates into crystal clear vision for passengers of the VAS, whereas most submersibles use curved domes or viewports which distort the natural beauty of the undersea world and can also create a degree of vertigo and/or nausea. The VAS is also the only private submarine offering the option of a Diver Lockout which allows you to exit and re-enter the submersible while underwater. The Mk III version carries five passengers, can do up to 6 knots and is available in lime green.

[via JamesList]

Tags: diving, James Bond, luxury sub, luxury submarine, nautilus vas, ocean, submarine, underwater, worlds first luxury submarine

Renowned Diver's Rolex Collection Up for Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions, Sports

Antiquorum's auction on On December 9th in New York will include an exceptional collection of Rolex watches formerly owned by world renowned record holding diver Patrice Chemin. Chemin joined Comex in the early 1970's and was selected to participate in several hyperbaric experimental dives including Physalie V, a world record dive at 530 m (1706 ft) in 1970, and Physalie VI at 610m (2001 ft) in 1972 – a world record that he held for 11 years. His collection includes a Rolex 'Comex' Ref. 5514, a Rolex 'Double Red' Sea-Dweller and a Rolex 'Comex' Ref. 168000. The Rolex Comex Ref. 5514 (above) is a very rare stainless steel diver's wristwatch with first generation helium escapement valve and a 'maxi' dial. It is being offered along with Mr. Chemin's diving helmet with an estimate of $40,000 - $ 60,000. The 'Double Red' SeaDweller from 1972 is estimated at $25,000 - $45,000.

Tags: Antiquorum, Comex, diving, Patrice Chemin, PatriceChemin, Rolex

Blancpain 500 Fathoms Releasable Version Watch Gets Shown

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

It has been a long road since Q1 of last year when Blancpain teased our eager eyes with the new 500 Fathoms watch. This month the watch will finally see its official release. So far there has been a special one-off 500 Fathoms watch for the Only Watch 2009 charity auction, a limited edition version to celebrate the release of the 500 Fathoms Watch at the Cannes Boat Show, and now the standard watch, that itself seems to be in a limited edition of 500 pieces - at least for the first run.

The biggest change to the final version of the watch from the early renders is in the dial colors (note the nice looking reversal of the colors for the Cannes limited edition). Notice the gray on black sections of the watch? Those gray portions initially shared the same dull green lume color as the four large Arabic numerals. Still, the gray sections are lume covered - so they will glow after being charged by light. There should be lume also in the rotating diver's bezel. Starting with the newer 50 Fathoms watch, Blancpain has has one of the best looking and most durable diver's bezels available, as they are covered with curved sapphire crystals. You also have the optional rubber straps that are uniquely done for the 500 Fathoms watches (seen in the image). Both this and the water resistant canvas strap ought to deal with the 1000 meter water resistance of the watch quite nicely when spending time "in the deep." I have yet to see a brand new metal bracelet for the line. If one comes out, it will look interesting no doubt.

You will finally be able to find the Blancpain 500 Fathoms watches out now where Blancpain watches are sold. It is even a stark departure from their outgoing luxury dive watch line (50 Fathoms and Aqualung). Movement is the in house made automatic Blancpain Caliber 1315 movement with a 5 day power reserve. Price is likely to be over $12,000, but we will see how Blancpain responds to the current stubbornness to pay retail luxury prices.

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

Tags: 2009, 500 fathoms, 500Fathoms, blancpain, dive, diver, diving, limited edition, LimitedEdition, watch

Clerc Hydroscaph Gold Tourbillon Limited Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I have been continually intrigued by Clerc watches for a while - for they create my favorite style watches (diver watches) with unique designs and a whole lot of luxury. I have not been pleased with all of their models, and for me, this Clerc Hydroscaph Gold Tourbillon watch takes things a bit too far. This is especially true in this economy where timepieces such as this are quickly becoming an endangered species. The again, my discussion might be pointless as this limited edition of 28 pieces watch has already sold out reportedly. Still, with low production numbers (like 28 pieces) you can't be too surprised all are spoken for. Clerc wouldn't even be around if at least a few dozen wealthy watch lovers weren't willing to fund these expensive luxury diving watch endeavors. I simply feel as though the design overkill is verging too close to the Concord C1 watches that I was not especially pleased with. While by no means a stickler for simple classic designs, I just envision my eyes getting tired and strained staring at this dial for too long. You can make your own decision about it though.

The Hydroscaph Gold Tourbillon uses an almost 50mm wide case in rose gold with black titanium made up of over 75 parts. The watch is water resistant to 500 meters, but you really don't want to be taking this watch underwater do you? The strap is rubber, and the sapphire crystal has the hour markers etched on the back of it.

The apparent richness of the watch comes from the movement (manually-wound with a 120 hour power reserve) and its complications. There is a tourbillon (doubles as the seconds subdial), retrograde date indicator, and power reserve indicator. The watch also features a helium escape valve. The movement seen through the dial is nice, but in the end the complications are less exciting than the sum of the parts. If it was a real diver's watch, the dial would at least have some luminant right? For me, while I am sure the quality and construction of the watch are just super, this is the ultimate poser's watch. Being lauded as a super high-end luxury diving watch that you'll never actually do anything with. The price, I am sure will be exceptional.

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

Gallery: Clerc Hydroscaph Gold Tourbillon watch

Tags: clerc, diving, gold, hydroscaph, limited edition, LimitedEdition, tourbillon, watch

Exploring Capri by the Sea

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Yachts & Sailing, Books

Known for its azure blue waters, famous grottos, and dramatic vistas, the island of Capri has long been one of Italy's most visited and treasured destinations, especially among the jet set. Diplomat, journalist, and avid diver Patrick Howlett-Martin's new book Capri by the Sea, due out from Skira in May, offers readers a intimate look at the island he's been exploring for more than 15 years. Howlett features 14 seagoing itineraries around the island, giving readers a meticulously detailed guide to exploring Capri's grottos, beaches, and hiking destinations.

Each of the entries are carefully documented with detailed information about getting to the destination, diving notes, what to see and do, touring the grottos, and the paths that you can explore once there. This is a yachtsman's must-have to be sure. Every page is also embellished with fascinating trivia, including present day and historical photographs, documents, works of art, curiosities, and quotes from famous writers and poets inspired by this idyllic island. The book is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.

Tags: Capri, diving, island, Italy, jet set, JetSet, Patrick Howlett-Martin, PatrickHowlett-martin, resort, yacht

Panerai Ltd. Edition Radiomir Egiziano

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

As The Classicist noted in a column on Officine Panerai, the watchmaker founded in Florence in 1860, the firm got its start by supplying timepieces (and other instrumentation) to the Royal Italian Navy or Marina Militare. However they also produced special commissions for the elite branches of other countries' armed forces. One highly collectible example of such is a model made for the Egyptian Navy in 1956, limited to only 50 examples. Panerai has now ressurected the watch, dubbed the Radiomir Egiziano (above), for a new limited run. Only 300 pieces will be available at about $30,000 each. The watch features features a large lightweight brushed titanium case, a hand-wound movement with an 8-day power reserve, and a bi-directional rotating bezel. It comes on a thick tan leather strap fitted with a titanium buckle.

Tags: Diving, Egypt, Italy, Military, Officine Panerai, OfficinePanerai, Panerai

Favre-Leuba Bathy V2 Diving Watch With In-house Movement

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The recent revival of Favre-Leuba watches also brought with it the V2 (version 2) of a favorite diving watch from years past - the Bathy. Last year saw the introduction of the new Favre Leuba Bathy watch using an in-house caliber FL 305 movement. Unique to the movement is the use of a beryllium copper membrane that functions as the mechanism behind a depth gauge, something that only highly exclusive mechanical diving watches possess.

Tags: bathy, bathys, diving, favre leuba, favre-leuba, FavreLeuba, timepiece, v2, watch

Continue reading “Favre-Leuba Bathy V2 Diving Watch With In-house Movement”

The Linde Werdelin Sea Instrument

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Timepieces / Watches

Watch company Linde Werdelin has unveiled a new design they call the Sea Instrument, the world's first luxury dive computer. The Sea Instrument can be attached on top of the Linde Werdelin Biformeter watches, for divers of all abilities.

It has a transflective color screen with the display covered by sapphire crystal glass and is designed to be readable underwater. It doesn't protect the wearer from sharks but it does guide divers by tracking the critical pieces of information needed on any dive using an advanced 3-axis compass, CPU's and alarm systems. It shows depth, dive time, vital decompression stops, temperature, maximum depth and surface interval times, constantly keeping the user in a real time picture. It comes in natural or black anodized aluminum and a limited amount have been commissioned in solid 18K yellow gold. The Sea Instrument is water resistant to 1,000 feet and is powered by a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery with 28 hours continuous diving or five days standby. The aluminum version sells for 2,100 euros and will be available later this year.

Source

Tags: dive computer, diving, linde werdelin, LindeWerdelin

Megayacht Seized In Illegal Diving Incident

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

BYM News passes on this interesting story, the 290-foot yacht Constellation has been detained in Panama after the yacht was involved in some illegal underwater exploration in the Galapagos Islands. A mini-submarine which was impounded and her crew was jailed in the incident. The group had also chartered the Panamanian support vessel Cebaco Bay and the mini-submarine from UK based Silvercrest Submarines. The Russians apparently paid $120,000 for a four-hour jaunt around the islands. The use of submarines in the area is forbidden.

Last Friday, the Cebaco Bay was stopped by the Ecuadorian navy off the island San Cristóbal.When the boat was boarded, the crew said that the permissions to dive had been organized by the Constellation. The group on the Constellation denied this and the yacht left the scene but was later detained as it tried to enter the Panama canal. Meanwhile, the captain of the Cebaco Bay has been sentenced to 90 days in prison in Ecuador and the crew has thirty-day sentences.

The main question is who knew what and when. In the article in the Independent, the wife of the sub owner says that he did not know it was illegal and thought that permissions had been arranged by the Constellation and that his contracted stated that the tour organizers would handle all permits.

Source

Tags: constellation, diving, galapagos, submarine

Dive In Style Podcast

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Our underwater loving sibling, Divester has a great podcast interview with Tim Simond, the author of Dive In Style, a coffee table book that focuses on diving in some of the world's most beautiful resorts. Willy Volk interviews Tim about his book and the arduous task of exploring such scenic locales (the book contains 743 photographs). The book covers 26 destinations around the world. If you are interested in knowing more about diving in luxury play the podcast.

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Tags: dive in style, DiveInStyle, diving, luxury, ocean, resorts, scuba, water

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