Olympics

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 44 Chronograph Watch For London 2012 Olympics

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Sports

In preparation for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London England, official timekeeper Omega has announced their first limited production watch for the event. The watch is the Seamaster Aqua Terra collection, and is the "Omgea Seamaster Aqua Terra 44 London Chronograph" watch. In a 44mm wide steel case, the watch contain an Omega Co-Axial automatic chronograph movement and has a textured metallic blue dial. There will also be a solid 18k rose gold version that will look really nice with the blue dial. On the rear of the watch will be some special engraving for the event.

Omega will need to put in some extra effort this time around as their "official timekeeper" clock to countdown the coming of the London Olympics officially broke down and needed to be quickly repaired. Even in the world of high-end timekeeping - things can go wrong. Look for this new Seamaster Aqua Terra 44 London Chronograph timepiece soon.

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

Gallery: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 44 Chronograph Watch For London 2012 Olympics

Tags: 2012, limited, london, olympics, omega, seamaster, watch

Killy, Luxe Ski Wear from a Stylish Olympic Champion

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Sports, Men's Style

Killy, Luxe Ski Wear from a Stylish Olympic Champion

Jean-Claude Killy won all three ski events at the 1968 Winter Olympics, worked as a stuntman in James Bond films, appeared in Rolex ads, raced sports cars and was tapped as one of GQ's 50 most stylish men of the last 50 years. Until now we didn't know that he also has an eponymous line of luxe ski wear. Born in the French Alps, elegance, comfort and performance are the key focuses of the Killy brand. French designers, cutting edge fabrics, sporty laser cuts and color hits adorn what are otherwise very practical weatherproof garments for both men and women. The quality and style of each Killy ski piece is designed to "embody the exacting demands and spirit of Killy, the man himself." Recently merged with the leading French outdoor group Lafuma, which also owns the famed Le Chameau boot brand, look for Killy to make even more of an impression in the future.

Gallery: Killy Ski Wear

Tags: clothing, France, GQ, Jean-Claude Killy, Killy, Le Chameau, Olympics, Rolex, ski, skiing, sports, winter sports

How Much is a Gold Medal Really Worth?

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

The 2010 Winter Olympics are over, with the final United States medal count coming in at 9 Gold, 15 Silver, and 13 Bronze. That's a total of 37 medals making their way back here to the States in the hands of our worthy athletes, and although the sentimental value is truly immeasurable one can't help but wonder: just how much are those medals actually worth?

Here's how it breaks down: a gold medal is made of 550 grams of silver covered with 6 grams of gold, a silver medal is made of 41 grams of copper and 509 grams of silver, and a bronze medal is made of a mix of mostly copper with some tin and zinc. This means that in today's market a gold medal is worth approx $494, a silver medal $260, and a bronze medal just $3.

Interesting to know (I thought the gold medal would be worth more).

Source

Tags: 2010 winter olympics, 2010WinterOlympics, bronze, gold, gold medal, GoldMedal, medals, olympics, silver

Beverly Hills Cigar Club to Hockey Haters: Light(en) Up!

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars, Events

Much ado has been made of the cigars ignited by the Canadian Women's Hockey Team in celebration of the gold medal they had earned. Of course, they are not the first to light cigars following a victory, and despite much of the criticism being levied these days, they are unlikely to be the last. Vin Lee, CEO of the Beverly Hills Cigar Club, wants the team to know that they have his support.

In addition to decrying the International Olympic Committee's suggestion that an investigation may be necessary, he said in a statement:

Every other sport – from the Stanley Cup, the World Cup of Soccer, NASCAR to the Super Bowl -- supports celebrating victories with a bottle of champagne and a great cigar," points out Lee. "The moment is emotional; in the case of the Olympics, it often is the reward of years of hard work and sacrifice. The Canadian Women's Hockey Team should not be chastised for wanting to mark their victory on the ice. They are national heroes.

It would be nice for the IOC to lighten up on this issue ... having already missed the opportunity to light up in support of the Canadian women's team.

And, congratulations on a victory that was certainly earned!

Tags: beverly hills, BeverlyHills, canada, canadian womens hockey team, CanadianWomensHockeyTeam, cigar, cigars, hockey, ice hockey, IceHockey, OlympicGames, olympics

Luxist Giveaway: Swatch Sporty Friends Vancouver Olympics Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Enter to win this watch! The last Swatch watch up for grabs to celebrate the 2010 Winter Olympics is this Swatch Sporty Friends timepiece made specially for the Vancouver Winter Olympics. For the right woman or youth, the Sporty Friends watch is 34m wide with a Swiss quartz movement inside and a fun quirky character. Limited in production only for this year's winter games, this watch is the piece to have for fans in search of a reasonably priced watch to remind them of the occasion.

Aside from the easy to read silvered dial with black Arabic numerals on the dial (with the Vancouver Olympics logo on it as well), the main visual item on the watch is the placement of the Vancouver Olympics mascot cartoon characters on the blue silicone strap. Anyone who spent time at the games or on the Vancouver Olympics website will immediately recognize the pair. The are printed on a specially made strap and wrap around the wrist when the watch is worn. For a closer look at this and the other Swatch 2010 Vancouver Olympics go here for a mini review by me. Enter below by the end of this week and one of these Sporty Friends watches can be yours. The Swatch Sporty Friends watch retails for $55. Follow Swatch on Twitter here.

THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER. THANKS FOR ALL WHO ENTERED.

To enter, leave a comment on this post sharing why you'd like to win the watch. The giveaway ends on February 28th at 8:00pm PST. See additional rules below.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before February 28th, 2010 at 8:00PM Pacific Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive one Swatch Sporty Friends watch valued at $55.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, who are 18 and older.

See full giveaway rules here.

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

Tags: 2010, giveaway, olympics, Sporty Friends, SportyFriends, Swatch, vancouver

Laphroaig Celebrates Scottish Heritage with Curling Partnership

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits, Sports

Talk about "Scotch on ice" - with the excitement of the 2010 Winter Olympics upon us, Laphroaig single malt Scotch is kicking off a year-long celebration of Scottish heritage with its official sponsorship of the United States Curling Association (USCA). At an event to kick off the partnership, bringing together two of the greatest traditions from Scotland – Laphroaig and curling – Scotch Malt Master Simon Brook (right) engaged guests in a Laphroaig tasting while Jessica Schultz (left), 2006 Winter Olympics Curling Team Member, led a hands-on curling demonstration.

Rich, smoky Laphroaig, established in 1815 on Islay, holds a Royal Warrant from the Prince of Wales and bears his heraldic three-feather badge on its label. "There are few brands out there that have as deep a Scottish history as Laphroaig," notes USCA President Leland Rich. "We are honored to have such a respected brand sponsor the United States Curling Association. This truly brings the spirit of the winter games to new heights." Often referred to as "chess on ice" or "winter golf," curling originated in Scotland in the 16th century.

Tags: curling, Islay, Laphroaig, Olympics, Prince of Wales, PrinceOfWales, Scotch, Scotland, single malt, United States Curling Association, UnitedStatesCurlingAssociation, Winter Olympics, winter sports, WinterOlympics, WinterSports

Roberto Coin 2010 Winter Olympics Jewelry

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

In 2008 jeweler Roberto Coin created a $31,000 golden sneaker, gold boxing glove pendant and more for the Beijing Olympics. His line for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games is an extension of his Tiny Treasure Collection. The pieces include a pair of delicate skates, crossed skis or hockey sticks and snowboards. All of the pendants are white gold decorated with either black or white diamonds and sell for $640 - $800, a more modest tie-in for a more understated Olympic season.

Tags: jewelry, olympics, olympics jewelry, OlympicsJewelry, roberto coin, RobertoCoin

Luxist Giveaway: Swatch To The Top Chronograph Vancouver Olympics Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Enter to win this watch! Next watch up for grabs is this Swatch To The Top timepiece made for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Fanciest of the trio that we are giving away, the To The Top watch is 41m wide with a Swiss quartz chronograph movement inside and a cool winter sports character. Limited in production only for this year's winter games, this watch is the piece to have for fans in search of a reasonably priced watch to remind them of the occasion.

The chronograph subdials are each in a separate color while the hour numerals are applied with silver squared dots and raised a bit for a neat look. The movement also has a date indicator. The case is made from almost clear plastic with an interesting look in to parts of the movement. You'll also like the large crown and chronograph pushers. The strap is blue silicon with a multicolored strip down its length. The 12 o'clock indicator on the dial is the Vancouver Olympics games logo and label. For a closer look at this and the other Swatch 2010 Vancouver Olympics go here for a mini review by me. Enter below by the end of this week and one of these To The Top watches can be yours. The Swatch To The Top watch retails for $110. Follow Swatch on Twitter here.

THANKS FOR ALL WHO ENTERED, THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER.

To enter, leave a comment on this post sharing why you'd like to win the watch. The giveaway ends on February 21th at 8:00pm PST. See additional rules below.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before February 21th, 2010 at 8:00PM Pacific Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive one Swatch To The Top watch valued at $110.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, who are 18 and older.

See full giveaway rules here.

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

Tags: 2010, Giveaway, Olympics, Swatch, To The Top, ToTheTop, Vancouver, Watch, Winter

Luxist Giveaway: Swatch Happy Games Watch With Snowpass Technology

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Enter to win this watch! For the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Swatch has created three new fun and occasion celebrating timepieces. You can enter to win one watch a week until we have given away one of all three. This model is called the Swatch Happy Games and is the most understated of the three. Plus it has built-in Snowpass technology. It is medium sized and from the Swatch Original family of timepieces. Case is 38mm wide with a gray strap embossed with Vancouver imagery. The light gray tone and white face are hallmarks of the watch's skiing theme. You see a Snowpass label right under "Swatch" on the strap loop, with the Olympics logo underneath that.

Snowpass technology is really cool. Inside the watch is a small chip (likely RFID) that can be loaded with your daily, weekly, or seasonal ticket. The Snowpass technology is available at over 700 ski resorts around the world. This often makes is to that you don't need to wait in line at the slopes, and is a great tool inside of an otherwise good watch. No more carrying tickets either. The watch dial is very easy to read and should appeal to all Swatch and Olympics fans. Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA quartz movement. The Swatch Happy Games watch retails for $75. Follow Swatch on Twitter here.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED.

To enter, leave a comment on this post sharing why you'd like to win the watch. The giveaway ends on February 14th at 8:00pm PST. See additional rules below.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before February 14th, 2010 at 8:00PM Pacific Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive one Swatch Happy Games watch valued at $75.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, who are 18 and older.

See full giveaway rules here.

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

Tags: 2010, free, giveaway, Happy Games, HappyGames, Olympics, Snowpass, Swatch, Vancouver, watch, winter olympics 2010, WinterOlympics2010

Whistler Blackcomb Facing Foreclosure Auction

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Real Estate Developments

Next month's Winter Olympics have been anticipated for years in Whistler. But one resort is facing an unexpected snag, foreclosure. Whistler Blackcomb, which will be hosting part of next month's games may end up being auctioned off in the middle of the Olympics. The owner, private equity firm and hedge fund Fortress Investment Group, has failed to make payments on a $1.7 billion loan. The company bought resort operator Intrawest for $2.8 billion in 2006 back when everything was smooth sailing in the real estate world.

Flash forward to now and Fortress is trying to refinance the loan and lenders to Fortress have been publishing notices of foreclosure in places like the Wall Street Journal announcing a public auction of the assets of Intrawest which includes a bunch of winter resorts sprinkled across North America. The auction date of February 19 puts the sale of Whistler Blackcomb smack dab in the middle of the Olympics. Intrawest is said to be negotiating with the lenders but plans to continue with business as usual and the auction likely won't affect the running of the event. Intrawest properties also include the Whistler Sliding Centre, shown at right, which is the site of the Olympic bobsled and luge events.

The Globe and Mail reports that Intrawest ULC has sold its Panorama Mountain Village resort as part of its effort to stave off the auction. Panorama is located in eastern British Columbia and neither the buyer nor the price have been revealed. Intrawest already sold Copper Mountain in Colorado last November.

Tags: foreclosure, fortress, hotel foreclosure, HotelForeclosure, hotels in trouble, HotelsInTrouble, intrawest, OlympicGames, olympics, whistler, whistler blackcomb, WhistlerBlackcomb, winter olympics, WinterOlympics

Celebrating The Olympics In Whistler

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Sports

If you were waiting to see if a friend, family member or favorite athlete makes it into the Olympics before booking a trip, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler wants people to know that it has accommodation available for select dates during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is at the base of Blackcomb mountain and guests can get to downhill Olympic events on Whistler Mountain by taking a 11-minute ride on the Peak 2 Peak gondola which connects the top of the two mountains. If you want to do your own skiing most of Blackcomb will still be open during the Olympics.

Accommodation at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is available from February 11 to 28 and includes Fairmont, Deluxe and Deluxe Slopeside rooms, Suites and Fairmont Gold rooms. A three-night minimum stay is in effect on most dates. Rates start from CDN $899 per room per night and full prepayment for all reservations is required three days after time of booking and is non-refundable. Rooms at other Olympic adjacent properties, The Fairmont Vancouver Airport and The Fairmont Empress, Victoria also have availability. The Fairmont Vancouver Airport has Fairmont Gold rooms starting from CDN $599 per night with a minimum four-night stay and set arrival dates. Reservations must be fully prepaid at time of booking. The Fairmont Empress in Victoria located a floatplane ride away has all room categories available with no minimal night requirement.

Tags: fairmont chateau whistler, FairmontChateauWhistler, olympics, olympics hotels, OlympicsHotels, vancouver, winter olympics, winter olympics 2010, WinterOlympics, WinterOlympics2010

Omega Timeless Olympic Speedmaster 5-Counter Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

A sexy Speedmaster is here. This is the first retro styled watch I've ever really drooled over. I really love the combo of design elements here from the new style Speedmaster case, to the railroad style numerals and of course the Olympic game touches. It all started back in 2008 with Omega's limited edition Speedmaster Summer Olympics watch in gold with a new type of movement modification giving a five Olympics rings style chronograph and calendar. When I discussed it back then I loved it, and I still do. Then recently I saw that they were to released an De Ville model with the same movement. Finally someone at Omega realized the style was a hit.

Now I discover that at least two more Speedmaster and Seamaster based models are coming with the same movement. Not only that, but they are part of a new Timeless Olympic collection that features connections to Omega's link as the official time keeper of the Olympic games. Until now, these were all limited editions as far as I know. So let's recap. Cool movement is being used in more watches, and there are going to be at least four Timeless Olympics collection models with Olympic design cues. I am thrilled.

The best model in my opinion is this Omega Timeless Olympic Speedmaster 5-Counter watch. Simple, straight-forward name and a great, clean look (also little text on the dial). Omega takes the look from classic Omega timepieces and combines them with the modern look of the Speedmaster case. It is an interesting combo. You also get the vintage style red Omega logo. The arrow hour hand mixes well with the dagger minute hand and the older style Arabic numerals. The tachymetre bezel completes the Speedmaster character. The rear of the watch likely has some Olympics themed engraving. Size is probably about 42mm wide and the watch will be in steel.

Inside the watch is the Omega Caliber 3888 Co-Axial automatic movement - which is likely Chronometer certified. Functions more or less include a 12 hour chronograph and day-date calendar. A very cool and functional design the perfectly arouses our thoughts of Omega and the Olympics. Only thing they left out was the Olympic rings logo as the counterweight on the chronograph seconds hand - but having it in would have obstructed the dial too much. Price will be 5,380 euros, likely available early next year.

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

Tags: 5-counter, chronograph, olympics, Omega, speedmaster, timeless, watch

Dress Like the Olympians in Polo Ralph Lauren

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Sports

The Olympics are back, and so is Polo Ralph Lauren with a line of clothing specially designed to outfit the American team in Vancouver. As with the Beijing Olympics collection in 2008 (which Jared Paul Stern wrote about here), the clothing is available to the public -- both the village wear which will be supplied to all the American athletes and the official Closing Ceremony Parade outfits. Don't they look strapping?

Polo Ralph Lauren's Olympics website includes a "Create Your Own" collection. You select your colors, add your name or the flag of your choice and make further customizations with embroidery and monogramming. It might not make anyone believe you're heading for the Olympics in less than two months, but at least you'll look good.

Visit the website to shop for the US Olympic Collection, and look below for our favorite, recommended styles. Patriotism never looked so fetching.

Gallery: Polo Ralph Lauren US Olympic Collection

Olympic Polo with Vancouver & United States

Tags: olympian, olympics, polo ralph lauren, PoloRalphLauren, USA, vancouver olympics, VancouverOlympics

Omega Preps For Winter Olympics By Opening New Vancouver Watch Store

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Being the official time keeper for the Olympics is hard work. Not only do you need to lobby the Olympic Games counsel, but you also need to create cool limited edition watches every two years. Then, you need to make sure that all your promotional work pays off. Thus, Omega has decided that Vancouver will be the city to open its 4th boutique store in North America - where only Omega watches are sold (including some of the limited edition Olympics models I hope).

The shop is open in the Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver. You'll find that dedicated watch brand stores often have much more informed staff and of course a larger inventory (especially or rare watches). All in time for watch lovers who either live or will be visiting Vancouver for the winter Olympics or otherwise.

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

Tags: Canada, Olympics, Omega, store, Vancouver, watch

Opus Vancouver Gears Up for Winter Olympics

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Events, Sports

Planning a trip to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C. this February? If you're quick you might still be able to snag one of the 96 rooms at the Opus Vancouver, the city's top luxury boutique hotel. Located in historic and fashionable Yaletown steps away from the inner harbor, the Opus has played host to a long list of A-listers including Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, Zac Efron, Janet Jackson, R.E.M., and The Pussycat Dolls, to name a few. The lavish rooms boast five different décor schemes to suit every taste, ranging from modern and minimalist to artful and eclectic, with comfort and style as the unifying elements. In addition to standard amenities, luxuries for guests include Frette bathrobes, L'Occitane bath products, an in-room oxygen dispenser and complimentary transportation within the downtown area via the hotel's luxe 7-Series BMWs. The penthouse suites feature wrap-around balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and double-sided fireplaces; all suites have a wet bar, while the hotel also features a fine French bistro, Elixir, as well as the Opus Bar, voted "Vancouver's Most Popular Nightspot" by the Zagat Survey.

Tags: British Columbia, BritishColumbia, Canada, Demi Moore, DemiMoore, Frette, hotel, hotel deals, hoteldeals, Olympics, Opus hotel, OpusHotel, Vancouver

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