Girard-Perregaux 1966 Tourbillon 220th Anniversary Limited Edition Watch
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.
anniversary
Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.
Unique Montblanc Villeret Vintage Chronographe Purists Edition Watch
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
What makes this Montblanc Villeret watch special is the "P10" label at 10 o'clock on the dial, as well as special commemorative engravings on the caseback of the watch. Montblanc and ThePuristS will have 10 of these watches available. The cases are 43.5mm wide in 18k white gold while the dials are pristine white enamel with extremely crisp text. The movement is the Montblanc Minerva 16.29 and is easily the highlight of the watch. It is extremely beautiful in its finishing and design, and is viewable through the sapphire caseback window. To match the blued steel hands on the dial Montblanc chose a blue toned alligator strap to go with the watch. Price for the limited edition Montblanc Villeret Vintage Chronograph Purists Edition watch will be 41,000 euros - and available to PuristS members only. If you want one you can contact purists10th @ puristspro.com.
Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.
Mercedes-Benz Viano Avantgarde Edition 125
Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos
Mercedes-Benz is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year with a special edition passenger van.
Called the Viano Avantgarde Edition 125, the van is available in either black or silver, with chrome everything and special 19-inch wheels. The interior features six individually-adjustable bucket seats, trimmed in either Lugano leather or Twin Dinamica microfiber.
Buyers can choose between two V6 engines (a 3.5-liter gasoline engine with 258 horsepower or a 3.0 burning with 224hp) driving the rear wheels through an automatic transmission.
Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Anniversary Edition Watch
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
Inside the watch Montblanc uses their MB R110 manually wound movement. This is sort of skeletonized version of the R100. It has the time, a date disc, and a 60 minute monopusher chronograph that has a column wheel and vertical clutch. It also has a power reserve of 72 hours. The chronograph discs appear wonderfully simple and straight forward, with the skeletonization located between them - revealing parts of the movement workings. Montblanc redid the time dial to enhance legibility. This process sort of inset the date, making it a disc rather than a hand. A small arrow under the "Anniversary Edition" label indicates the precise date. The original model suffered from a bit of a legibility issue in this area - but this design offers a distinct improvement. The dial still features blued steel hands, and exposed palette synthetic sapphires to add color to the look.
The rose gold version will be available as a set of 190 pieces, 90 pieces in white gold, and the platinum model will have only 20 pieces available. Montblanc really ups the value of the entire Nicolas Rieussec range by having this beautiful version available in the collection Expect prices in the $30,000 - $40,000 range for the gold models, over $50,000 for the platinum model. The only thing I don't get yet is what Anniversary this watch is meant to celebrate.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com
Grand Seiko 50th Anniversary Collection Watch In Platinum
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
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.
Bulova Accutron Spaceview 214 50th Anniversary Watch
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
Spaceview watches have electronic movements that were precursors to quartz movements called "tuning fork" movements. Unlike quartz movements, I believe that turning fork movements used a sweeping seconds (as opposed to ticking) hand like mechanical movements. Though the movements are battery powered. Consumers were wowed by the "cool factors" of the Spaceview back in the 1960s, and they became very popular. I first discussed Spaceview watches here. Today, there are many Spaceview watches still available on the collector's market. The pieces are recognizable by their open, mostly green movements that contain those double copper coils. Back then the circuit board style dial was modern as could be. By today's standards it has a retro look that reminds you of that transistor radio you took apart as a kid. The 1000 pieces of this Bulova Accutron Spaceview 214 reissue models are going to be hard to get, and come with a nostalgia premium going for about $4,000 a piece. Available Fall 2010.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Plantation Rum Releases 20th Anniversary Edition
Filed under: Spirits
In celebration of Alexandre Gabriel's 20 years at the helm of Cognac Ferrand, the French producer has released an anniversary bottle from its Plantation Rum collection. As president and owner of the esteemed cognac house, Gabriel discovered that the used casks he had been selling to Caribbean rum producers created a superior flavor profile. Inspired, he launched his own series of rums, sourced from their original countries of origin-Barbados, Jamaica, Panama, Trinidad, etc.-and shipped to the Ferrand Estate, where they undergo additional aging. While rums are typically aged in bourbon or sherry barrels, Ferrand takes the technique one step beyond by further maturing its rums in former cognac casks. The result is a tantalizingly complex spirit, and the 20th anniversary edition blends several aged examples. Warm notes of dried fruit, cinnamon and macaroons follow a citrusy nose of banana and mango, truly evocative of the rum's terroir.
Price: $39.99 for 750ml.
Chopard 150th Anniversary Animal World Watch Collection
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
Luxury watches for women with animals on them are really in - and Chopard is taking full advantage of that with a major new collection in celebration of their 150th anniversary. The collection is actually not just about watches, but a full line of animal themed jewelry that is quite well done may I say. The watches follow suit with their Happy Diamonds / Happy Sport watches - sharing a similar case shape and having the free floating diamonds in the watches. See here are three watches in 18k white or rose gold. Seen here are the Polar Bear, Monkey, and Penguin watches. What I really like is that the animals are placed against a background of their "habitat." The lone polar bear has ice behind it, the monkey is in a jungle, and the penguin is in the midst of fellow birds. the animals are covered in diamonds, and the watches further have diamond bezels. Straps are satin fabric, and the movements inside the watches are likely quartz. You can of course tell the time via hands in the background, but time is not the emphasis of these pieces. Learn more about these and the rest of the Chopard Animal World collection here. The collection is very well done, with some beautiful pieces.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Seiko Galante Spring Drive 5th Anniversary Special Edition Watch
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
The Galante watches are far from just image. These are extremely well constructed and designed, hand assembled watches that include the very impressive (and accurate) Seiko Spring Drive mechanical hybrid movements. They are the best of what Seiko offers and are considered by many to be a modern pinnacle of mechanical watch making.
I haven't handled this specific 5th Anniversary Special Edition model, but have handled very similar Galante watches on the metal bracelet. I was quite wowed by them, especially given the jewelry-like quality and feel of the steel bracelet. The design as I said is youthful and inspired, with unique decoration. As you can see, the rotating bezel is engraved with a form of floral decoration, and if you look closely on the dial, you can make out the forms for roses (as see from the side) that are part of the dial design.
The watch is nicely sized at 44.5mm wide, and houses the Seiko 5R66 Spring Drive movement that includes the time, power reserve indicator, date, and GMT hand. Seiko makes sure that each of its luxury watches are a complete timepiece package. Meaning they are well made, function well, and look good. Price is gonna be over $5,000 (not sure of exact amount) and as far as I know you'll have to contact a Japanese Seiko dealer if you want one.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Gerald Genta Disney Tokyo Resort Limited Edition Watch
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
The timepiece features two classically styled Mickeys on the dial. The larger of the two on the top is reaching out and grabbing an actual diamond located at the "25" marker on the retrograde minute dial. You surely know what that 25 stands for. The hours are shown through a jumping hour widow located off center to the left of Mickey, while the seconds are displayed normally around the whole dial. The lower part of the dial is a retrograde date indicator with the hand being Mickey's arm. The case of the Gerald Genta watch is in titanium and inside is an automatic mechanical movement with a solid gold rotor. The strap is sporty and rubber. Certainly the cream of the crop for Disney watch collectors, and to a slightly lesser degree Gerald Genta watch collectors. Available in just 80 pieces.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Omega Speedmaster Professional Moon Watch 40th Anniversary Limited Edition: Now In Platinum
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
Even after 40 years, the watch remains very true to the original. Size of the case is 42mm wide, while the crystal is made out of an acrylic compound called Hesalite. Why not sapphire? Because the plastic is shatter-proof (even though it can scratch), and a shattered sapphire crystal in a space shuttle would be a disaster. The movement is a still manually wound Omega Caliber 1861 movement. Again, this has to do with the fact that an automatic movement would be worthless in a gravity-free environment.
The platinum version is in addition to a stainless steel version of the 40th Anniversay watch, which will also be in a limited edition, but of 7,969 pieces instead of the 69 pieces for the platinum version. From afar, the only thing telling the watches apart from is the color of the engraved plate on the dial - which is gold for the platinum watch, and sterling silver on the steel version. I would guess that price for the platinum version is $100,000 plus. Still a good looking watch, but did they take it too far? We will only know after seeing what Omega comes up with for the important 50th anniversary in another 10 years.
Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Birth of an Icon: Mercedes-Benz Releases Special-Edition CL550
Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos
Some logos are a dime a dozen, but some stand the test of time. Mercedes-Benz' iconic three-pointed star definitely falls in the latter category, standing out as one of the most highly recognized emblems in the world, inside or outside the automotive industry. As well it should be: it's been around for a hundred years. Back in 1909, Daimler registered the patent on the logo, and a few weeks later in the same year, Benz did the same with theirs. A century later, Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the only way it knows how: with an even more exclusive edition of one of its most high-end luxury coupes.
The "100 Years of Mercedes-Benz Edition" is a special package that can be ordered, in limited quantities, on the V8-powered CL coupe. Sold overseas as the CL500, in North America it's labeled the CL550 and comes standard with the company's proprietary 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Special touches for the special edition include a custom interior featuring tan leather with contrasting dark grey touches, from the top-stitching to the carpeting and headliner. The exterior is painted a special dark grey as well, and comes with unique five-spoke 20-inch wheels and a new ground-effects aerodynamics package. Pricing hasn't been announced for the United States, but in its home market, Mercedes is charging a substantial €17,850 ($23k) premium for the special edition, on top of the €132 base price.
Bugatti to Celebrate 100th Anniversary with Quartet of Special-Edition Veyron Centenaires at Lake Como
Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos
Hard to believe that with owners selling off their unique Veyrons, Bugatti is still producing new special editions. But so the case would appear to be as the most premium of premium automotive marques gears up to celebrate its 100th anniversary this weekend with not one, but four new versions of its seven-figure supercar.
Following up on the one-off Bleu Centenaire edition which Bugatti unveiled at the Geneva show last month, the new Centenaire edition is scheduled to debut at the prestigious Villa d'Este auto show on the shores of Lake Como where, as we reported earlier, Ralph Lauren will also be demonstrating his very special Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic to commemorate the marque's centenary. Each of the Veyron Centenaires pays tribute to one of Bugatti's pre-WWII driving aces, each hailing from a different country and represented by a different color: Sir Malcolm Campell's in British Racing Green, Achille Varzi in Italian Racing Red, Jean-Pierre Wimille in French Racing Blue (Bugatti's signature color) and Hermann zu Leiningen in an off-white to represent Germany. No word yet on pricing, but prospective buyers can expect to pay an extra premium over the – ahem – "ordinary" Veyron's million-euro asking price. Stay tuned for more.
Bvlgari 125th Anniversary Sotirio Bulgari Watch
Filed under: Timepieces / Watches
This Sotirio Bulgari watch comes in gold (either pink, yellow, or white) in a 42mm sized case. It is a stunning design when you first behold it, with elements both classic and contemporary. Most notable are the broad lugs that prominently spread outward. As an homage to tradition as well as pocket watches, the rear of the watch case opens with a view into the movement (covered by a sapphire crystal).
The unique argente dial is completely made by Bvlgari with hand applied markers and partial skeletonization. The hands, in gold, are faceted for an excellent look. Being an important watch for the company, the BVL 250 automatic mechanical movement is highly decorated with a number of polishes and finishes, as well as engravings on gold rotor. It is also a thin movement at about 3.73mm thick.
With an alligator strap and an important name to live up to, this 125th anniversary watch from Bvlgari utilizes every luxury treatment the distinguished brand is known to offer in terms of quality and presentation. It is something that needs to be experienced in person to fully admire. Look for them in select Bvlgari boutique stores worldwide.
Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Armani's 20th Anniversary Sunglasses
Filed under: Apparel
Armani Eyewear has a new special sunglasses design to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Evoking a slight Lennon vibe, the limited edition glasses are an updated version of one of Armani's early designs and feature white goldtone palladium, rounded gray/green lenses, and curved arms (I hate the way those feel, personally, even though they look good when you're not wearing them). Each pair is engraved with its edition number of 0001 - 1000 on the inside by the temple and comes in a specially marked "Anniversary Editon" Neiman Marcus case. $1000
Via acquire
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