SIHH

Van Cleef & Arpels Cadrans Extraordinaires Animal Watches For 2011

I am usually excited to see what pretty new dial creations Van Cleef & Arpels has in store for me when I visit with them. They have an ongoing collection they call the "Cadrans Extraordinaires" which refer to the dials being... extraordinary. Last year a major theme of the dials was Butterflies (seen here). This year, for the lady's models, animals are still in. The focus is on the Arctic and the Africa. The dials are really incredible works of art. Each represents hand-engraved 18k white gold figurines and scenery skillfully done using precious materials and complex processes. The watches are 38mm wide in 18k white gold cases with diamond decoration throughout.

This will be a visual journey through the collection. Don't forget that the dials take a lot of time to complete. Some of the animal characters look better than others, but the backgrounds are universally stunning. There is an amazing amount of color and depth to them, especially because they rely on a lot of enameling and mother-of-pearl. It is hard not to be impressed when seeing them.

Tags: 2011, animals, cadrans, dials, sihh, van cleef arpels, watch

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Geographic Watch For 2011

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Geographic Watch For 2011

While not totally new, the 2011 Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Geographic is a refresh of the popular world time watch from the popular Swiss watch maker. With slicker face that feels more refined in its presentation, the watch still offers a valuable features set. Aside from the time, the watch offers the date, power reserve indication for the movement, and has a full featured world time. The world time function even has allowances for cities that rely on daylight saving times. The second time zone that is associated with the city selector at the bottom of the dial is shown on a subsidiary time dial that is in a 12 hour format. Next to the dial is a small 24 hour indictor that functions as an AM/PM indicator so that you know whether it is day or night in that other city.

Operating the functions is rather effortless, with Jaeger-LeCoultre almost perfecting the experience of having a straight forward world timer. Inside the watch is a JLC in-house made Calibre 939 automatic movement. The steel or 18k pink gold case remains modest in size at 39mm wide - though JLC does offer larger, more sporty models with similar functions. The watch comes on black or brown alligator strap. The Master Geographic has a lovely, timeless appeal that suits the regular traveler well - and is even nicer for 2011.

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

Gallery: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Geographic watch for 2011

Tags: 2011, geographic, jaeger-lecoultre, master, sihh, watch

A. Lange & Sohne Saxonia Thin Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

My favorite high-end German watch maker released a new thin movement for 2011. Not that A. Lange & Sohne movements are super thick to begin with, but the new Saxonia Thin is an elegant two-handed watch with a surprisingly warm spirit. You'll notice that the piece isn't called an "ultra-thin." The movement is just 2.9mm tall, so it could technically be referred to as that. The watch itself is 5.9mm thick. I think that A. Lange & Sohne is not a brand of self-promoting names. The Germans are straight forward and sober in their execution of watches - and I like that. Technically speaking the concept of "ultra-thin" doesn't mean anything. The watch is "thin," end of story.

40mm wide, the case, hands, and hour indicators are in 18k pink gold. The dial is solid silver, done in a classic, but not boring style. This is a watch for when you want that Lange look in a simple watch. The in-house made and designed movement is the new Calibre L093.1 manually wound movement. It is the thinnest movement A. Lange & Sohne has done so far. Despite the thin size, it still has three days of power reserve. A good looking watch, expect it to arrive soon - with more colors in the coming years (I am guessing).

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

Gallery: A. Lange & Sohne Saxonia Thin Watch

Tags: a. lange sohne, Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, saxonia, sihh, thin, watch

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The theme of many of this year's watches at SIHH was sellability versus novelty. There is next to nothing new or exciting about this new incredibly long-named Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin watch. Though it is a handsome fellow. It will sell well in Asia - what else can I say? My favorite part of the watch is something which is hard to tell in this image. That being the fact that the blue background of the moonphase indicator is lapis lazuli.

I give the watch a hard time because it doesn't feel special - that doesn't mean it isn't. A watch like this will have a timeless appeal, which is enhanced by its easy to read time, 41mm width (in 18k pink gold), and very slim case. Inside the watch is a Vacheron Constantin made Calibre 1120 QP automatic perpetual calendar movement. Look for it later this year.

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

Tags: 2011, calendar, patrimony, perpetual, Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, sihh, thin, vacheron constantin, watch

Stars Gather In Geneva For Watch Events

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

It may be awards season in Hollywood but that hasn't kept stars from convening in Geneva. The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva, also known as the International Fair of Fine Luxury Watchmaking, has brought international stars from movies, television, sports and more to Switzerland.

Some of the world's top sporting and entertainment stars came together at a special event to celebrate the launch of luxury watch brand IWC Schaffhausen's new generation of its Portofino watch family. The 'A Night in Portofino' event brought Cate Blanchett, Kevin Spacey, Matthew Fox, tennis legend Boris Becker and Elle Macpherson among others.

Around 900 guests where at the Italian style evening that included an exhibition by photographer Peter Lindbergh, whose shoot in the picturesque harbor town of Portofino featured a selection of international friends of the brands including party attendees Cate Blanchett, Kevin Spacey and Elle Macpherson.

The 21st Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie is held from January 17th to 21st 2011 in Palexpo, Geneva. The private trade fair is a landmark event for the fine watch sector, and at this year's show 19 watch brands will present their new products, including Baume & Mercier, IWC, Cartier and Mont Blanc. Other stars are also in Geneva to check out the watches including Gwyneth Paltrow who recently began working with Baume & Mercier.

Tags: cate blanchett, IWC Ingeniuer, iwc schauffhausen, kevin spacey, Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, SIHH

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IWC Portofino Watch For 2011

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The IWC watch you never see or hear about in America is usually the Portofino. In my opinion, we are a Big Pilot and Aquatimer country - but I digress. The odd member out in the collection was always the Portofino. Not a bad looking watch in and of itself, it was sort of shoved under the carpet but IWC's more distinctive collections. For 2011 the Portofino get's a total rewrite. To me they feel very much like the classic Max Bill designed watches.

According to IWC, the Portofino was always their entry-level model. Not sure if that will still hold true, but it might for some of its basic versions. Interesting enough, IWC is due to debut a whole range of new Portofino watches - not just one or two models. There will be at least 4-5 new Portofino pieces in the 2011 collection.

Available in 18k gold or steel, the Portofino will be 40mm wide and have black or white dials. Models include the Automatic, Chronograph, Dual Time, and the pictured Hand-Wound Eight Days. Inside this latter model is the caliber 59210 manually wound movement that is modeled after a pocket watch movement. It features a very long 8 days of power reserve, along with a power reserve indicator on the dial. Other features include the time, subsidiary seconds dial, and the date. The new deals are attractive. You can see how IWC retained the distinctive Portofino hands (which can be an acquired taste). I do enjoy the rounded case edges and thin bezel that will have the watch looking as large as possible on the wrist. This is also added to by the relatively thin and highly curved lugs. Attached to the watches will be Italian leather straps.

I will look out for details on more of the new IWC Portofino watches as I learn of them. Not sure about prices, but looks like they might be going up from those of the outgoing Portofino models.

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

Tags: 2011, 8, eight days, hand wound, IWC, portofino, sihh, watch

Girard-Perregaux 1966 Petite Seconde Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

girard-perregaux 1966 petite seconde watch

Small seconds are in this year for Girard-Perregaux. New for 2011 will be this "Petite Seconde" model in the brand's 1966 watch collection. Though I must admit the dial, with its classic feel and Breguet style numbers looks like something from well before 1966. The case on the other hand still feels about right with the purported era. As a formal watch does with a simple dial and Arabic numerals, this watch is hard to beat. Love the blued steel hands and the very tiny touch of red for the number "60" in the subsidiary seconds dial. You used to see watches like this from a long time ago with a red colored "12." People used to guess why it was red, but I am thinking that it was just for style. As such, the dial has white, black, blue, and red making for a good sophisticated look. Oh, and the dial is gonna look extra good because it is done in enamel. Fancy! But really not "1966."

The case is still 40mm wide in 18k white or rose gold, and has a sapphire crystal over the front and back. Inside the relatively thin case is an in-house made Girard-Perregaux GP03300-50 automatic movement. The movement is finely decorated and has a gold rotor. Look for this timepiece sometime next year.

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

Tags: 1966, 2011, girard-perregaux, petite seconde, sihh, watch

Roger Dubuis EasyDiver Small Seconds Ladies Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

One of the coolest new ladies' watches this year from high-end brands was the new Roger Dubuis EasyDiver Small Seconds for women. The limited edition watch has a steel case with diamonds, mother-of-pearl, and lots of purple. The ladies version of the watch is smaller than the more robust 46mm wide version for men, but it retains the same style of case and visual presentation. There are 888 of these watches available.

This isn't the first EasyDiver watch for ladies, but Roger Dubuis revamped the look for 2010. The dial design is both functional and artistic offering the hour markers in a streamlined style. The integration of the purple lines with the mother-of-pearl places is quite nice, and I have always loved how Roger Dubuis crafted hands. They are folded and done with polish on one side and a brushed finish on the other. The rotating diver's style bezel is set with 36 diamonds adding a luxury touch to the sporty look of the watch.

In the middle of the dial there is some texturing in a clou de Paris motif (little squares that are like "half pyramids). Inside the watch is a Roger Dubuis made automatic Caliber RD821 movement with 48 hours of power reserve. The watch is mostly a true diver and is water resistant to 300 meters. The stylized purple strap is rubber. I feel that for the right (well to do) woman this is a fantastic piece that matches many outfits and is a loud statement on their personality and taste. Should be available, again as a limited edition.

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

Tags: 2010, easy diver, ladies, purple, roger dubuis, sihh, small seconds, watch, women

Girard Perregaux 1966 Annual Calendar And Equation Of Time Watch Hands-On

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

One of the real treats in Girard Perregaux's newer 1966 collection watch line up is this 1966 Annual Calendar & Equation of Time watch. Last year it was presented in rose gold and this year we get a white gold version. Although complex, the watch itself feels simple and approachable. While I was unsure what to make of the odd assortment of asymmetric details on the dial at first, I have come to appreciate the piece after spending some time with it.

One of the theories I believe, behind the layout design is ease of reference. That means not having to visually search too long for what you are looking for. Not only are dials in unique places on the dial, but they also have their own unique style of hands. In time, wearers of the watch will quickly be able to search what they are looking for on the dial. The beautifully made and decorated in-house Girard-Perregaux GP033M0 automatic movement has the time, annual calendar (with date and month), and an equation of time indicator. The annual calendar only needs to be adjusted once each (non-leap year) year, and the equation of time is a nifty guide of how much "civil" time is deviating at any moment from solar time (really only plus or minus 15 minutes at any given time).

Even with all the details it remains a simple look and never harsh on the eyes. The case is modest in size at 40mm wide, and like I said, the case is available in 18k rose or white gold. A great watch so those looking for complex, original, yet classic looking pieces. Price is over $30,000.

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

Tags: 1966, 2010, annual calendar, AnnualCalendar, equation of time, EquationOfTime, Girard Perregaux, GirardPerregaux, gold, sihh, 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

Tags: 2010, chronograph, Patrimony, perpetual calendar, PerpetualCalendar, platinum, SIHH, Vacheron Constantin, VacheronConstantin, watch

Panerai Radiomir 42mm Watch Hands-On

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I got physical with Panerai's new smaller watch collection with their in-house made P.999 manually-would movements and I liked it. With 44mm wide Panerai watches not looking too "large and in-charge" themselves these days, I speculated about the wisdom of them doing an even smaller model - even if it was just for the ladies. Well all that speculation is aside now, as I got a chance to play nice with the watches personally. There are three versions of this new Panerai Radiomir watch, the Ref. PAM336, PAM337, and PAM338. Differences? Pink gold, steel, and titanium - respectively. Oh, and the watches aren't just for the ladies (not that there are any dedicated women's Panerai watches, but lots of women enjoy their 44mm wide and under men's watches).

I first wrote about these new smaller Panerai watches here. Being placed in the Radiomir cases style gives the watches a more classic look than others with some of the other case styles. The thinner (though not thin) bezel helps that watch feel larger than it is. Plus, the watch isn't too thin (but is actually quite thin for Panerai standards). So what you have is a watch that feels more substantial due to its thickness and higher emphasis on the dial size. At the same time, it is important to note that this is a thin watch in Panerai terms. For me, wearing it was really comfortable. The loop style lugs help the watch look more substantial, and the flatter, smaller size of the case felt really nice on the wrist. You can see that this evolution on what it means to be a Panerai still looks good on the wrist without appearing petite. It really is a more formal and classy Panerai, the type of watch that most people aren't going to know even exists.

Gallery: Panerai Radiomir 42mm Watch

Tags: 2010, 42, 42mm, PAM336, PAM337, PAM338, Panerai, Radiomir, SIHH, watch

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Girard Perregaux Laureato Quartz Limited Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Think you know high-end quartz? This is high-end quartz. Girard Perregaux wasn't the first to make a quartz watch, but they were among the first Swiss brands to have a quartz watch. In 1970, one year after the quartz watch was initially released by Seiko, Girard Perregaux helped set the quartz movement frequency standard at 32.768 hertz. This is still used today by most quartz watches, and promoted on the dial of this new limited edition Laureato Quartz watch.

Inside the the watch with its familiar Girard Perregaux sporty octagon dial shape is a hand-assembled caliber GP13500 quartz movement that is probably the nicest decorated quartz movement out there. You can see it through the sapphire caseback window, note the gold cap over the battery compartment. The watch box is a cool retro space presentation box, but the real allure of this watch is as a testament to the quartz watch revolution. At first I was skeptical about who might spend this type of money on a quartz watch, but then again I realized that a good many collectors love this type of thing. At the same time, the watch is super accurate and easy to love. It is very readable, with an attractive high quality dial. The case and bracelet are in steel and very well made. So while I though initially the 40 of these watches might be too many, now I realize it is really not enough. Price will be a bit over $11,000 for this very rare type of high-end Swiss quartz watch.

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

Gallery: Girard Perregaux Laureato Quartz

Tags: Girard Perregaux, GirardPerregaux, Laureato, limited edition, LimitedEdition, Quartz, SIHH, swiss, watch

Richard Mille RM011 Felipe Massa Watch Hands-On

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Richard Mille was attending SIHH for the first time last month and I was there to check out their wares. One of their most popular models is the RM011 Felipe Massa line of watches. The Brazilian race car driver's name is attached to the watch because he actually wears the timepiece (and likely other Richard Mille watches) most all the time. He even had a serious wreck while wearing a Richard Mille watch. He, and the watch, walked away fine though. Above is an image of the gold version of this watch and in the gallery you can see be modeling the titanium version with a chic white rubber strap.

The watch isn't quite as large as its grand appearance would have you believe. Still it is not a small watch and is best for suitably sized wrists as the piece itself is rather long. The curved tonneau-shaped case is designed with the utmost attention to detail with a fine finishing that feels more like a precision tool than jewelry (and this is part of the point). The RM011 automatic movement features a big date and flyback chronograph. The movement has been designed to serve as the dial of the watch, and looks helplessly cool in the process. On the back of the watch you can see the exposed automatic rotor through the sapphire crystal in a style that only Richard Mille has been able to achieve.

This super hot brand is making strides by proving that people are still interested in very high quality, very expensive sport watches, The brand often likes to show case the interesting technologies and materials that they use. At closer to $100,000 in price, these are for the most serious watch consumers. Also I predict that watches like this have a more than ephemeral appeal, and will be popular items in the auction houses in years to come.

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

Gallery: Richard Mille RM011 watches

Tags: 2010, chronograph, Felipe Massa, FelipeMassa, gold, Richard Mille, RichardMille, RM 011, RM011, SIHH, titanium, watch

Van Cleef & Arpels Extraordinary Butterfly Watches Hands-On

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Last month in Geneva, luxury watch brand and jewelry maker Van Cleef & Arpels was nice enough to invite me into their world and spend some time telling me about their brand and unique perspective on watch making. I had the opportunity to see an artistic side of the haute horology watch world that I didn't know existed. High-end art watches are particularly interesting to me because they are functional art ( they tell the time in addition to looking good).

I previously discussed the Van Cleef & Arpels Extraordinary Butterfly watches here. After praising them, I thought it would be a good idea to follow up after checking them out myself. Note that these are of course women's watches, sized at 38mm wide in 18k white gold, and liberally decorated with fine, large diamonds. Each of the watch dials is totally hand done, and each of the five watches comes in a limited edition of just 8 pieces. After seeing the watches, this makes sense. To capture the high level of quality you just can't mass produce these things. The dial colors really jump out at you - thanks to the special type of enameling that is done like stained glass. Note the metallic framework, with the enamel applied between the lines (literally). In the pictured watch, you can really get a good visualization of the stained glass look in the brown and yellow butterfly as well as the adjacent flower. For any woman with means, and an appreciation for talent and details, this is an impressive collection.

As a play on the collection being like a set of actual pinned butterfly specimens, the box the watches come in has a sliding magnifier that gives you a closer look at the watches, just as an enthusiast would look over his or her butterfly specimen collection. Each of the watches is top quality in feel and construction, which should be expected with their high price points. Inside the watches are mechanical Swiss movements. In all, a really impressive line if luxury items should you ever be interested in high-end watch watches with a artistic and jewelry feel to them. The rest of us can simply enjoy their beauty. Price for the Van Cleef & Arpels Extraordinary Buttery watch collection is an extraordinary $495,000. I look forward to experiencing more and more visually pleasing luxuries from this brand .

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

Gallery: Van Cleef & Arpels Extraordinary Butterfly Watches Hands-On

Tags: 2010, butterfly, enamel, extraordinary, limited edition, LimitedEdition, sihh, van cleef arpels, VanCleefArpels

A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Luminous Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Last year's awesome watch from German A. Lange & Sohne was the Lange Zeitwerk. A mechanical digital watch with jumping indicators for the minutes and hours. Style was totally retro cool, and the mechanics needed to make it work are much more difficult than you can fathom. One thing many people wanted the watch to have was luminous markers. But this was thought impossible given that they could not be charged by the light being hidden under the dial. Well the creative thinkers at Lange found a solution, and they have implemented it here in the new Lange Zeitwerk Luminous watch.

Basically they made the dial out of a tinted (smoked) sapphire crystal. The numerals all have luminant applied to them. The sapphire part of the dial is made so that it is not totally transparent, but light can enter easily to charge the luminant. When the indicators are displayed in the digital windows, they should be able to charge enough, provided that the watch has been exposed to enough light. Thus you have a lume version of the Lange Zeitwerk - clever.

Aside from that the watch retains the features that we love about standard Zeitwerk. It comes in a 42mm wide case in platinum and is part of a limited edition of just 100 pieces. Movement is the highly complex manually wound in-house made A. Lange & Sohne Caliber L043.1, with its double constant force escapements. Functions include the hours and minutes digitally, with a subsidiary seconds dial and a power reserve indicator. A beautiful watch with a great appeal somewhere between luxury gadget and traditional fine timepiece. Price is $91,200, and the watch is in platinum as mentioned.

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

Gallery: Lange Zeitwerk Luminous

Tags: 2010, A Lange Sohne, ALangeSohne, Luminous, SIHH, watch, Zeitwerk

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