Ellicott

One of Ellicott's new watches this year is the Majesty Automatic Chronograph and I think it does a good job of mixing regality and sport - a good watch to bear the "Majesty" name. The watch is a mixture of DLC black coated steel and 18k rose gold. The colors mix nicely and I quite like the cushion/tonneau style case shape. Ellicott seems to like large pushers and elements on their watches to make them a bit cartoony. As such you have large chronograph pushers on the left of the case and solid looking crown. The dial is bold, but still highly legible. I've always like the brand's signature hands and the chronograph function is integrated well. At 42mm wide, the case isn't actually all that large in person. Inside the watch is a Swiss automatic with an 18k gold rotor. The shiny black alligator strap rounds out the look - nice piece Ellicott.

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

I kid you not, this is stated in Ellicott's Mach One Skymaster Aviator watch press release: "the stealth Mach One Skymaster Aviator watch neither interfere[s] with radio antenna nor with radars..." Really? Is this actually an issue? Are stealth bomber pilots concerned that even though their planes are "invisible," enemy radar might pick up their watches? No, that is absolutely ridiculous, just like putting this statement in the press release. I don't even want to comment on the absurdity of the antenna interference statement. Ellicott seems hell-bent on having no one take their marketing language seriously.

The watch itself isn't too bad - hopefully anyone who buys one will have a decently effective sales person sell it to them rather than Ellicott themselves. Coming in a 44mm case (54mm tall), the watch is made up of carbon fiber and black DLC coated steel. Ellicott uses monobloc pieces of carbon fiber that they cut up for the main case. Elements like the crown and bezel are steel. Inside the watch is a simple three-hand automatic Swiss movement, Ellicott points out that it is an exclusive caliber for them. Ellicott actually does a slick job of decorating the movement, and makes it real pretty to look at.

Newer watch brand Ellicott has some very interesting things going for it including relatively unique designs and a flashy appeal that many people will like. One of their flagship pieces for 2010 is the Majesty watch - made in honor of King George III of England. The watch comes in two versions, in either 18k white or pink gold, and tantalum. The cushion style case has a round center, and very interesting watch hands (they call the hour hand the "full moon design"). There is also much interesting in the new automatic Calibre MG-3 movement used in the watches. The case is 42mm wide and the partially skeletonized dial takes some getting used to but at least is unique. I like the asymmetrical, avant garde style subsidiary seconds counter.

The automatic movement in the watch is displayed through the sapphire caseback window. It uses a circumferential automatic rotor such as is used in Carl F. Bucherer A1000 series movements. This gives you an unadulterated view of the movement while still having the convenience of an automatic. The movement looks very modern in its black finishing and has a power reserve of 70 hours. The fascinating watch is paired with an alligator strap and matching gold buckle. Not sure where people are going to find Ellicott watches, but neat new brand (that uses an old British name) deserves some attention.

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