Platinum

Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon Technique Platinum Watch Hands-On

Probably the last of the lovely Double Tourbillon Technique watches from Greubel Forsey, here is the 2011 version done in platinum, with some variations on the dial. The tones are all lighter now and the watch is even heavier in platinum. The case is 47.50mm wide so that means a lot of platinum. This is super luxury watch is limited in production and will carry a half million dollar plus price tag.

I first discussed the Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon Technique watch here (where I go into more technical detail about the in-house made GF02s manually would movement). In short, it has the time, power reserve indicator, subsidiary seconds, and double tourbillon escapement. All in a compelling and airy dial that is a view into the hand-made and decorated mechanism. For the platinum model much of the movement is done in a nickel-palladium finish. There are polished, brushed, and frosted areas.

The watch is really a beautiful thing that I attempted to capture in the images. Unlike the rose gold version for example, Greubel Forsey really wanted to lighten up the open-movement of the watch to show off their brilliant level of finishing and polishing. They have done three versions of the Double Tourbillon Technique now, and this might be the last one. You really can't go up higher than platinum. Perhaps they will do a "heritage" version in a few years - as they have done with other models. Having said that, if this is the last watch you were to ever buy, you'd realize you've hit close to the top.

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

Gallery: Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon Technique Platinum Watch

Tags: 2011, double tourbillon, greubel forsey, platinum, technique, watch, watches

Patek Philippe Triple Complication Ref. 5208 Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Patek Philippe's most ambitious new item for 2011 is clearly the Reference 5208 Grand Complication watch. Building on a few platforms, they include a highly desirable trio of complication groups together in the Ref. 5208 making it a very choice piece this year. In platinum, the case is a generous 44mm wide - it is possible that gold versions will come in the years to come.

The dial design feels very contemporary by Patek Philippe standards. While sophisticated, in true Patek Philippe fashion they are able to include a wealth of information on the face without the dial looking cluttered or intimidating. The most cleverly integrated feature is the perpetual calendar which uses a link of window on the top of the dial to indicate the day, date, and month. Small windows in the chronograph subdials indicate the leap year as well as a day/night indicator. A moon phase indicator is built into the subsidiary seconds dial. An important element of the calendar system is that all the indicators instantly jump when they change as opposed to change slowly.

Gallery: Patek Philippe Grand Complication Ref. 5208 Watch

Tags: 2011, 5208, patek philippe, platinum, review, triple complication, watch, watches

Continue reading “Patek Philippe Triple Complication Ref. 5208 Watch”

World's Most Expensive Poker Set for $7.5 Million

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Men's Style, Wealth

World's Most Expensive Poker Set for $7.5 Million

Talk about high stakes – Geoffrey Parker, London-based maker of the finest games on the globe, is offering the world's most expensive poker set for $7.5 million. The bespoke set comes housed in a genuine alligator skin case finished in any color the client chooses, fitted with 18k white gold combination locks and hardware. The case' suede lining features an 18k gold and diamond frame holding 384 18k white gold chips, each inlaid on both sides in shagreen (stingray skin). The chips can be in any currency and denomination the client desires; the display set features chips marked €100,000 – or about $140,000 at today's rates.

The edge of each chip is set with precious stones – white diamonds for the white chips, sapphires for the blue, rubies for the red, emeralds for the green and black diamonds for the black. The dealer button is be a larger 18 karat white gold chip set with two rows of diamonds to the edge. The set will feature an estimated 22,364 stones in all, totaling 1,012 carats. Finally there are four platinum-plated decks of poker cards. Orders are now being taken with an expected delivery time of six to nine months; the price may go up if the precious stones and metals market fluctuates.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: alligator, alligator+skin+poker+set, alligatorskinpokerset, bespoke, cards, diamond, diamonds, exotic leather, gambling, game sets, games, Geoffrey Parker, gold, gold and diamonds, London, mens style, most+expensive+poker+chips, most+expensive+poker+set, mostexpensivepokerchips, mostexpensivepokerset, platinum, playing cards, poker, precious stones, shagreen, UK, white gold, worlds most expensive

Why Choose Platinum When Shopping for a Wedding Band? (video)

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Video

Celebrity Weddings and Event Planner, Robert C. Smith
of Laurel Events, recommends to his clients Why you should choose platinum over gold when shopping for a wedding ring.

Why you should choose platinum over gold when shopping for a wedding ring.

that they look at platinum when looking at wedding bands (see above video).

"It is so durable, it is heavy, it has a weight to it, it is not something that is too feminine, so it is an obvious choice for grooms," he says. "I really recommend that the bride and groom wear the same material."

Smith also urges couples to take the time to go to a good jeweler well in advance of their wedding date. "Look ahead of time, don't rush, and choose platinum and you will be great every time," he says. "Don't wait until the last minute to pick your ring. It is one of the most important decisions you are going to make. So get out there, educate yourself and find out what platinum is all about."

If you haven't yet met the StyleList Network, a group of first-rate fashion bloggers, please do. And then introduce them to your friends! http://aol.it/g7SCdC

Tags: awards-main, Celebrity Wedding Planners, engagement rings, engagement rings for men, luxist-awards, platinum, Robert C. Smith, Robert Smith, video, wedding rings

Damien Hirst Draws Fire for $50 Million Diamond and Platinum Baby Skull

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Art

Art world provocateur Damien Hirst's latest work, an authentic baby's skull covered in platinum and diamonds, is causing controversy in the UK. The sculpture (above), entitled For Heaven's Sake, is a follow-up to the Brit artist's astounding $100 million diamond covered skull which he debuted in 2007. The new work is based on an infant's skull believed to be that of a newborn less than two weeks old from a 19th-century pathology collection that Hirst has acquired, the London Telegraph reports. Cast in platinum and set with more than 8,000 white and pink diamonds by royal jewelers Bentley & Skinner, the skull will be exhibited later this month at the Gagosian Gallery's new space in Hong Kong and will be shown in London later this year.

The gallery has not named a price for the new work but we expect it to fetch at least $50 million if not more. The work has angered parenting groups who claim that it is offensive to those who have suffered the bereavement of a child, the newspaper reports, raising the specter of protests. That of course is only likely to increase its value. "When you look at a skull, you think it represents the end, but when you see the end so beautiful, it gives you hope," Hirst commented regarding his earlier skull work. "Diamonds are about perfection and clarity and wealth and sex and death and immortality. They are a symbol of everything that's eternal, but then they have a dark side as well."

Tags: art, Bentley Skinner, Damien Hirst, diamond, diamonds, Gagosian Gallery, gemstones, jewelry, platinum, skull, UK

Grand Seiko 50th Anniversary Collection Watch In Platinum

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

This is probably the first time that an over $25,000 platinum Seiko watch was been offered in the US - so it will take us some getting used to. I recently discussed Grand Seiko's entrance into the world market here. If you aren't familiar with their high-end timepieces, then this sounds like a diamond encrusted Toyota. Ironically enough, this watch is part of a new collection from Seiko that celebrates the 50th Anniversary of their high-end Grand Seiko watch collection. So Seiko has had 50 years to refine this collection. The style is all about tradition, and the movements are superbly made. The dials each have the gold Grand Seiko lion logo on the dial and on the 18k gold automatic rotor (save for the quartz model).

For the 50th Anniversary model collections, the watches each have a similar style but come with three different movements and different sizes. At the top of the heap is this limited edition Grand Seiko Spring Drive in solid platinum (Ref. SBGA065). It has 40.2mm wide case with crocodile strap (with platinum buckle). Inside the watch is a Caliber 9R15 Spring Drive movement. Price is a whopping 2,100,000 yen (just over $25,000) and it is limited to just 30 pieces. The Spring Drive 50th Anniversary watch also comes in a 41mm version in steel with metal bracelet that is about $7,000 limited to 300 pieces (the pieces in the collection are generally limited to either 300 or 500 pieces).

In addition to the Spring Drive models, the Grand Seiko 50th Anniversary collection is offered in a pure automatic mechanical version as well as a quartz movement version. These are in steel and range from 37-40mm wide. Prices start at about $3,800. You can read more about these classy high-end Japanese watches here via Seiko press release here.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Grand Seiko 50th Anniversary Collection Watches

Tags: 50th, anniversary, collection, grand, platinum, seiko, watch

Ultima Jewelry Luxury Toy Car Models In Gold & Platinum

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Jewelry, Luxury Cars & Autos

Never thought the day would come that I would see a solid gold Hot Wheel cars. Please allow me to put my lawyer hat on and reiterate that Ultima Jewelry has no connection with Hot Wheels, or any other toy or model car maker. I use such names for example and comparison purposes. I just had some odd feeling Mattel lawyers would be particularly litigious.

Anyhow, for the super luxury toy and model lover comes these 1/43 scale model Lamborghinis (and other custom creations) in gold and platinum. Here is a Lambo Reventon that has been fun sized. The headlights are diamonds and the tail lights are rubies. Prices start at about 25,000 euros in silver, and go way up from there. Gold models start at 55,000 euros, while the platinum version starts at 88,000 euros. Fully customizable, and fun to play with on the floor with your 6 year old. "Look daddy, I'm gonna make the car crash really hard!"

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

Tags: car, gold, luxury, model, platinum, toy, ultima

Baobab Platinum, A Gentleman's Candle

by Michael B. Dougherty (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Modern Gentleman

Belgian candle maker Baobab, known for their handmade collection of African-influenced scents, injects some refined manhood into the home decor world with a platinum creation.

There's something about the combination of scented wax and an open flame that seems to negate masculinity, whether due to the enduring legacy of Yankee Candle or the inane obsession with dividing inanimate objects into "his" and "hers." Some candle manufacturers surmount this by festooning the jar with skulls or dying the wax black, which is like wrapping a pirate flag around a fruit basket. But since 2002, Baobab has quietly been producing an entire line of perfumed candles that actually seem appropriate for the boardroom, bar or (his) bedroom. For one, the line takes its olfactory inspiration from Africa (it was created in Tanzania) with scents like Masai Spirit, White Rhino and Zanzibar Spices, all developed in the French fragrance capital of Grasse. The base note for the line is rooted in cedar sandalwood, a warm and spicy foundation to build each individual expression. There are also five sizes to choose from, from the 50gr Mini Max candle to the towering seven-wick, 7.5kg Maxi Max, which has a burn time of 800 hours.

And now Baobab has introduced a platinum jar edition, available across the line. The silvery finish is an elegant and understated display that will hold its own amongst club chairs and single malts. With all that cigar smoke and musty leather in the room you're going to need something that smells good.

Tags: africa, Baobab, belgium, candles, handmade, home decor, platinum

La Prairie's $410 Platinum Facial

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Services, Spas, Cosmetics and Fragrance

You can get a facial at almost any spa, and even in some nail and hair salons. But will it be platinum?

If you visit the spa at the Ritz-Carlton in NYC, it can be. Since the spring, the spa has been offering The Platinum Rare Facial, a 90-minute treatment that is priced at $410, typically including product samples. Add a 20% tip and you're at $500.

According to the "Vain Glorious" department in The New York Times's T Magazine, "This ultra-pampering facial is more like a spa manicure and pedicure, massage and facial in one. It's performed by both a nail technician and an aesthetician -- the former soaks, scrubs and swathes the extremities in the brand's lavish products while the latter massages the neck and shoulders in between steps of the main event: a customized facial using La Prairie's Platinum Collection (including Cellular Cream Platinum Rare, which retails for $650 per ounce)."

Before the treatment, guests are invited to relax in the upscale locker room and lounge, outfitted with cool and soothing marble, a steam room with a tub of ice and cucumbers waiting outside, and a corner with chairs, fresh fruit, and dried snacks. Then guests select the music they wish to be played during the treatment. The signature seems to be the application of Cellular Cream Platinum Rare at the end of what the the Ritz calls "an experience that transcends the ordinary in every way with age-defying benefits."

Tags: facial, La Prairie, New York, platinum, Ritz-Carlton, skin care

Patek Philippe 5951 Watch, Boring at Baselworld?

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

While to an extent it is true that "Patek Philippe can do no harm," it is also true that they can bore you to sleep. New, less than exciting watches for 2010 feel aimed square at collectors and do nothing to make newbies interested in the brand. In fact, with mostly Asian buyers seeking out the brand, the tiny new calibers and "same as before" looks show unflattering hesitation in the brand to do anything that isn't going to appeal to people who are just buying their watches as investment. The sad thing, is that Patek Philippe really is good at making nice designs - they just hold back most of the time. And yes, the watches are still mechanically good. Nothing new there, but no new technical innovations as far as I am concerned.

For 2010 there was no Patek star at Baselworld. Though this new model might be claimed as one give that the rest are less than 'descript' - it is the Ref. 5951 in platinum. It looks smaller than it is with a effeminate cushion shaped in the precious metal. Though the red and black colors prove it is a man's watch. It has a good look, in a "dandy" sort of way. Is that really the look you are going for Patek? Inside the watch is the new manually wound CHR 27-525 PS Q caliber, with a bunch of complications. There is the time, monopusher split-second (rattrapante) chronograph, perpetual calendar, day/night indicator window, and moonphase. The watch also comes with a hot injection of Patek snobbery no doubt.

Patek Philippe has made a nice watch, in the wrong case. And I don't understand the sporty colors at all. These odd elements really take away from the cool movement, and symmetrical (though cluttered) dial design. Patek should really stop sitting around thinking about what their core customers want to buy, and start making watches that they themselves want to make, once again. At least that is my view. No doubt, the watches will sell as Patek Philippe can't do wrong...

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

Tags: 2010, 5951, basel, Baselworld 2010, patek philippe, PatekPhilippe, platinum, watch

IWC Tourneau Big Pilot's Watch In Platinum

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

As a special, limited edition of just 15 pieces, IWC created a version of their ubiquitously popular Big Pilot's watch in a 46.2mm wide platinum case with silver toned dial. This is the only platinum version of this style piece available. The sharp looking upper-luxury refresh of the piece has the famous IWC Calibre 5111 automatic movement with a power reserve of over 7 days! The power reserve indicator on the dial in in black.

Few platinum watches are this functional. Even if you are in a room with people who all have an IWC Pilot watch, you can be pretty sure no one is going to have some like yours. "Steel? No this isn't steel. Platinum baby...." The monochromatic watch features a matching alligator aviator style strap (with rivets), and a pretty fantastically cool looking design. This is part of the power of being Tourneau, that you can get brands to do highly special edition pieces for you. If you can find one still available, price is $49,000 only at Tourneau.

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

Tags: big pilot, BigPilot, IWC, platinum, Tourneau, watch

Platinum Car Replica On Display In Hong Kong

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

It's cheaper than the most expensive Matchbox car but the platinum one-of-a-kind replica of the 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z432 is still a pricey toy. Japanese jeweler specializing in lavish statement pieces, Ginza Tanaka has created the replica which is being displayed at the Hong Kong International Jewelry Show this month. It's not for sale but it has an estimated value of $80,000. As Autoblog reports, Nissan only built 420 of these Z432s from 1969 to 1973, so an actual Z432 might be worth more than this precious metal version. It is being shown with a matching platinum box.

Tags: ginza tanaka, nissan fairlady z, platinum, platinum car, z432

Harlette Platinum and Diamond Lingerie Clasps

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Bored with necklaces, rings and bracelets? Harlette, an English Lingerie company established in 2005, has worked with Australia's Eskae Jeweller to create lingerie suspender clasps made of platinum hearts covered with diamonds. The luxury objet d'art made out of platinum and pave-set diamonds is a world first in lingerie and was awarded an innovation patent 2009100676 on Bastille day 14th July 2009. The piece has 135 diamonds for a bit of private sparkle.

Australian lingerie expert Naomi McGill specializes in elaborate pieces in silk with the finest trimmings. Handmade lace, silks, jewel-encrusted tulle, velvets marabou, ostrich and peacock feathers all combine to make pieces that are delicate, wearable art. The diamond clasps are sold with velvet suspender (garter) belts and cost approximately $15,000.

Harlette Luxury Lingerie also launched their custom clasps made out of silver, gold, rose gold and platinum during the Oscars week. The clasps are bespoke and require special custom orders. Each clasp is designed especially for the Harlette lingerie housecoats to match the first initial of the wearer or they can use the H clasp designed for Harlette. After the jump check out the H clasp as worn by Miss USA 2004 Shandi Finnessey last week at the W Hotel.

Tags: diamonds, harlette lingerie, lingerie, luxury lingerie, platinum

Continue reading “Harlette Platinum and Diamond Lingerie Clasps”

Grieb & Benzinger Platinum Minute Repeater Watch With Vintage Patek Philippe Movement

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

My favorite German watch engraver Jochen Benzinger (aka company Grieb & Benzinger) has a new creation. While Benzinger doesn't always do watches themselves, they sometimes have special items such as this. A lot of the time their special talents are called upon by others who want their watches to have the awesome styles of traditional guilloche engraving that only they can seemingly accomplish.

Here is a new creation from them that is like a sophisticated Frankenstein. The watch case is in all platinum and a larger 49mm wide (heavy at 130 grams, which is good). I like the tradition style engraving on the bezel. The shape of the case is very classic, and looks pretty interesting with the blue reptile strap.

Inside the watch is a very cool item. A vintage manually wound movement made by Patek Philippe in 1887 for Tiffany & Co. Very cool to see Benzinger restore and finish a pocket watch movement that is over 120 years old and put it into this wrist watch. The movement has been modified so that it displays the time in a regulator style format. Plus, the real draw is the minute repeater function of the movement that is operated by the slide level on the left side of the case.

Benzinger created a beautiful skeletonized dial (in their typical style) over the movement. It created a fully operational set of makers, but also allows for a good view into the movement. Such a view is good, given the extensive finishing and polishing of the movement. There is also a healthy use of blued steel all over the watch and movement. So much, that it was wise to compliment the deep blue tones with the colored strap. Overall it is a very cool watch with a mix of personalities from Benzinger, Patek Philippe, and Tiffany & Co. Not sure about the exact price, but Grieb & Benzinger minute repeater watches are between 175,000 - 250,000 euros. Not sure how many of these watches are available, or if it is a one of a kind piece.

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

Gallery: Grieb & Benzinger Platinum Minute Repeater Watch

Tags: engraving, Greib Benzinger, GreibBenzinger, minute repeater, MinuteRepeater, patek philippe, PatekPhilippe, platinum, watch

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Chrono Platinum Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

With a name like Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Chrono Platinum watch, what could I possibly add to a discussion about this timepiece? I mean it pretty much sums it up in a four breath title suitable for the king of a no longer existing nation.The 43mm wide watch in all platinum is one of the major highlights of Vacheron Constantin's 2010 watch collection - an offering marked by stark traditionalism and brand DNA. I like this watch because of the straight forward layout of the information as well as the nicely contrasting colors on the dial. Together the looks is very attractive and even displays a trendy gray demeanor throughout the watch. It isn't hard to realize the watch isn't for you, but you can't deny that this is one splendid timepiece.

The movement is all hand-done - displayed through the watch's sapphire caseback window. The In-house made Vacheron Constantin Calibre 1141QP movement features a perpetual calendar (displaying the day, date, month, and leap year), moon phase indicator, 30 minute column wheel chronograph, and the time with a subsidiary seconds dial. I would have liked the movement to be an automatic, but the view you get of the movement in very impressive.

You can tell in the image I snapped that the platinum polish is impressive. Careful though, as platinum begins to pick up hairline scratches easily. Also, platinum is heavy, so you'll need to not be a wimp to wear one of these. I like the character of the moon phase face. It is hard to see here, but check out the Vacheron Constantin marketing image of the watch below to see the Bell Epoque style "emo" moon face. One side of the moon disc has a moon that is frowning, with the other side being a moon that is smiling, I believe. Not sure about price, but I wouldn't believe a nickle under $100,000.

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

Gallery: Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Chrono Platinum Watch