History and jewelry meet watch making once again at Angular Momentum with this Belle Epoque Eternal Time watch. The Belle Epoque era occurred before the Art Deco era, and was located mostly in the newly modernizing Europe of the late 19th century. The style combined classical elements with new forms of industrialization inspired decoration. It was edgy for the time, and certainly a bit baroque.

This new watch from Angular Momentum (as part of the Time Galley collection of timepieces) captures some of that look in this 18k white gold 41mm wide case decorated with an impressive number of diamonds. Two larger baguette cut diamonds sit at 12 and 6 o'clock. Time is told via the two gold colored orbs set behind the white gold and diamonds star medallion in the center of the watch. The larger orb is for the hours, while the smaller orb is for the minutes. Inside the watch is Swiss automatic mechanical movement. Quite an interesting and rare jewelry piece of horological art.

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

American history doesn't have too many famous love stories that I can recall. At least none that ended up with the creation of a national landmark. Then again, I don't know what the full story behind the Washington Monument! In 1653 the Taj Mahal was completed in India. It took 23 years to make and was designed not for any specific functional purpose, but as a monument to a rulers fallen love. It is the story between Mughal Empire ruler Shah Jahan and the love of his life (and third wife) Mumtaz Mahal. She bore him 13 children, and they started "going out" when she was just 14, married at 19. Story has it, that although Shah Jahan was allowed, maybe even expected, to take several wives under the then practice of polygamy, he was so taken with Mumtaz Mahal that he shows little interest in other wives besides her. When she died, Shah Jahal was so mournful, that he had the Taj Mahal built for her, where her body was finally placed, 23 years after she died.

In tribute to this last memory of love, Angular Momentum releases an artistic watch with a hand painting of Mumtaz Mahal on the front, and Shah Jahan on the back. Each painting is done in verre eglomise enamel in the reverse of a sapphire crystal in traditional Indian artistic form. The watch is about 41mm wide in steel, and has diamonds decorating the bezel and lugs. Inside is a Swiss automatic mechanical movement with a rotating disc to show the time. The Angular Momentum Shah Jahan & Mumtaz Mahal watch will come in a limited edition of just 5 pieces. Likely to be over $30,000.

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

Latest from the Angular Momentum Verre Eglomise Artisan Timepiece collection comes these beautiful enamel painted watches in four varieties with three cockatoo painted dials and one kingfisher. The dials are done in verre eglomise which is reverse enamel painting on a sapphire crystal. The paintings are done in reverse and by hand. Using the Angular Momentum Time Gallery watch case these watches are each done in 18k white gold and are between about 40mm - 41mm wide (which probably feels like a good size given the very thin bezel, and yes each is a slightly different size).

Diamonds decorate the thin bezels and lug structures, while each watch has an attached alligator strap. Inside the watch is an automatic mechanical movement. Time is read digitally (this is digital too) through the window placed at 12 or 6 o'clock. The rest of the dial is dedicated to the limited edition paintings. This is not the first time that Angular Momentum has presented enamel paintings of birds, but each new collection impresses me. Interestingly, this collection has three different images of cockatoo birds - each in a different pose - and a beautiful version with a kingfisher bird. I must admit not being sure what the namesake bird of an Indian beer has in common with a popular clever shoulder avian, but I like the watches. Prices are likely at least $25,000 - $30,000 each.

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

Swiss makers Thomas Prescher and Angular Momentum have organized a special multi-day presentation of some of the most interesting and exclusive independent luxury watch brands out there. Such makers often struggle to get the message out about their watches, but once their timepieces are known, they are often very well received by the watch lover population. By banding together, they draw on each others' products resulting in what should be a very interesting exhibition of watches and watch makers. The event will take place from June 18 - June 21 at the Angular Momentum Time Gallery (located at Brunngasse 58 in 3011 Bern, Switzerland).

The Time Gallery is a special multipurpose watch store and gallery which is a perfect location to showcase the wonderful watches. Aside from luxury novelties from both Angular Momentum and Thomas Prescher, notable brands will include Svend Andersen, Vianney Halter, Voutilainen, Pita, and Louis Moinet - among a few others as well. In addition to the watches being on display (and for sale most likely) the watch makers themselves will be present during the duration of the exhibit available to discuss their fine timepieces. And excellent opportunity to meet and mingle with true modern masters.

For more information contact Thomas Prescher or Angular Momentum (link to e-mail addresses), or call 41 (0)32 315 28 66.

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

The newest men's jewelry timepiece from Swiss Angular Momentum is this Roaring Tiger watch based on the Time Gallery watch case line. The piece is pleasantly subdued, though still embodies the spirit of jewelry timepieces with 1.81 carats of diamonds around the bezel on the 18k pink gold 41.7mm wide case. The mean attraction is of course the high relief engraved tiger - done in an Eastern style and shown roaring against a black Japanese Lacquer dial. The watch is attached to a black alligator strap and gold buckle.

Angular Momentum continues to refine the time disc shown through the aperture window. this time in black with the same stylized font for the numerals. It is not a watch for precision time reading, but use it enough and you can tell the time within a few minutes. Inside is Angular Momentum's standard automatic mechanical movement. It is really another wonderfully artistic watch from the maker who seems to focus on imagining new ways to make luxury watches frames for beautiful art.

Ariel Adams publishes the popular watch review site aBlogtoRead.com

The Belle Epoque, or "Beautiful Era" in Europe took place during the end of the 19th century and up to World War I. It was considered a golden age for the wealthy population of Europe. The era involved excellent economic and cultural times where inexpensive labor and low (to no) taxes allowed for a semi-renaissance period in regard to the development and creation of art and scientific advancements. Free flowing money from wealthy elites helped fuel people whose lives were dedicated to simply being creative. A distinct artistic genre was borne that I consider to be a precursor of art deco. It involved imbuing more traditional formal art with a late 19th century futuristic twist.

In celebration of this era (one that we would so love to relive nowadays), Swiss watch maker Angular Momentum has created the Time Gallery Bell Époque watch. Using their new Time Gallery case, the watch is an artistic testament to the aesthetic style of choice as defined by that era. Using a 41mm wide 18k white gold case (with pave diamond settings) the majority of the watch dial is covered in an ornate foliate design enhanced by a multitude of finely cut diamonds. The decoration is placed over a black sapphire crystal. The time is read via a window placed at 12 o'clock where a disc spins once each 12 hours. Inside the watch is an automatic mechanical movement. Angular Momentum is slated to open a line of boutiques in the Middle East where this and other artistic watches will be showcased.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

This is the first time I've seen a design so focused on the hands, but I come to expect being surprised when it comes to watch designs from what I consider the most creative brands. Angular Momentum has created a new line of timepieces with a model that has you fixed on the hands that remind me of San Francisco's pyramid-like Transamerica building - with appealing skeletonized hands. They are large and proud making you forget most of the hour indicators are absent. This new Grand Feu watch collection presents this model with a slightly domed copper dial for the white mail face. On the face is a single diamond resting at the 12 o'clock hour marker, which is needed to keep the watch face oriented properly (so you can at least hope to tell the time).

The gold case used is Angular Momentum's standard design, but looking nice with a gold color. Most of the time they prefer steel cases (often with diamonds). I consider the design of the watch to be quite poignant actually, with what I anticipate is a great compliment with most wardrobe articles on almost any wrist. Imagine the statement that wearing a watch like with will give. Very impressive, and Angular Momentum considers it part of their "sophisticated watch line." Inside is likely an automatic mechanical movement, and the strap is black alligator.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Another beautiful creation from Swiss Angular Momentum is this Magnificent Verre Èglomisé Baguettes watch. These days baguette cut diamonds are all the rage, outselling other cuts, especially among the ultra well-off. That is no accident as you can see how nicely the square cut precious jewels frame just about anything.

This pave diamond set watch features two rows of diamonds laid around the bezel. First is a thinner ring of round cut diamonds with the thicker ring of baguette cut stones framing the reverse eglomise painted sapphire crystal. The case lugs are further diamond decorated. In Angular Momentum's style, the case is steel, this time with a satin finish. Total diamond count on the watch is 52.50 carats.

The pristine miniature painting is of a purple and white peony flower blossom, that contrasts well with the back alligator strap. Inside is an automatic mechanical movement with the time disc cut out on the top half of the watch face. Another gorgeous creation from one of the most dynamic watch makers out there.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

If you've noticed that I mention Angular Momentum watches often, it is with good reason as there is no end to the beautiful creations that this Swiss watch maker releases. The creation du jour is the ladies' Magnificent Blossoms watch, another creation made possible by the large surface area available in watches using Angular Momentum's disc hour system. The popular automatic mechanical movement is based on a single disc visible through a variably sized window. The hour disc can be painted in any number of ways. On the Magnificent Blossoms watch the hour disc is decorated with purple cursive hour indicators. It's a charming looking offering a feminine touch, but lacks time reading precision.

Diamonds on this watch total 20 carats. The diamond decorated steel case and lugs have deep set gems, while the dial itself features an entirely new application of diamonds. Angular Momentum has developed a technique for setting diamonds on the reserve side of the sapphire crystal which have pear-shaped diamonds that are arranged in floral patterns using round cut diamonds of a different shade. The white alligator strap enhances the black tones of the dial and helps bring out the jewel shapes. This is one of the most simple and attractive women's watches coming from Angular Momentum. I can't see any woman being disappointed with this watch, unless they need to know exactly what time it is.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Angular Momentum might just be the premier producer of intriguing limited edition watches, often specifically designed for select high profile clientele. This limited edition of 20 watch set is the Oriental Blossom Time Cushion collection. One model features an Asian jewel known as the Padparadscha, which literally translates from Sanskrit to mean "lotus flower color." The light pink and orange color is commonly imagined as the marriage of a Sri Lanken Lotus Flower and a sunset. The rare jewel is used to mark the time in the disc aperture window, and can be set in one of two ways (either above or below the hour disc window).

The second Oriental Blossom watch features a tear drop shaped blue sapphire. Both models share a similar cushion shaped case of differing dimensions, but each with an organic feel. The cases are hand decorated 18k gold set with 100 full cut diamonds placed on the surface. The ornate floral decorations on the case require many hours of skilled labor using an almost lost art. Angular Momentum is of the few world brands capable of producing this particular style of elaborate woman's timepieces.

Inside the Oriental Blossom Time Cushion watches are nickel lever automatic mechanical movements. Time is presented on a single rotating disc displayed in the aperture window. The watches are attached to hand sewn black or brown alligator leather straps. These watches literally are rare gems produced for extremely exclusive clients of Angular Momentum.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Angular Momentum has taken their signature look of ornately detailed watch dials under sapphire crystals and transposed them to new "artisan rings." There are four styles in white gold accented with diamonds and set under curved sapphire crystals. Each style highlights one of Angular Momentum's techniques for watch decoration. They are beautiful but the Angular Momentum website doesn't give a size on these but they seem a bit large for comfortable wear.

• The Guilloche Negoro Artisan Ring "Negoro Koi" features a hand-carved Japanese lacquer medallion of a Koi carp on a guilloche ground.
• The Guilloche Noir Artisan Ring "Koi" has a similar carp but done in black.
• The High Relief Artisan Ring "Oriental Blossoms" has a hand carved medallion in 18 Kt. yellow gold.
• The Verre Èglomisé Artisan Ring "Peony" has a "Verre Èglomisé" miniature painting of a peony on the reverse of the curved sapphire crystal.

We just wrote about Angular Momentum's India watches in August and already they have a new collection of delicately painted watches. The latest batch features exotic birds done in the eglomise technique which involves hand painting on the back of the sapphire crystal. Other new collections include Peonies and the Theater of Time which has a revolving disk of painted designs that show through a window.

The latest wild watches from Angular Momentum are designed to attract Indian consumers. The watches feature colorful and amazingly detailed portraits of the Lords of India such as Ganesha (shown above), Rama, Shiva, Lakshmi, Krishna and more in the style of the today's street poster painting.Each one is hand painted on the reverse of a sapphire watch dial. Check out the full collection after the jump.

The latest watch collection from Angular Momentum, a company that prides itself on pretty and unusual watches, is the Oriental collection. The watches are made of hand sculptured gold decorated with diamonds. It has an amber dial with a peony blossom engraved in high relief with gold leaf underneath. It uses a mechanical self-winding movement and is made at the Angular Momentum work shop in Bern, Switzerland.