This isn't the first time (or certainly the last) where the watch industry has gotten their hands on an exotic material or compound that was originally used for military or space travel purposes and placed them in watches. This is only the latest application of the trend. The question for you should be, is this a good idea? Does the addition of components such as carbon fiber, or exotic metals really give you any benefit? There is no good answer as it really depends on the instance. Sometimes a new look, or slightly lighter watch is the result. More important is the way the watch makes you feel - knowing that your precious timepiece has some seriously special materials in it that only exist elsewhere in high performance machines that you'll never get a chance to own or operate.

Biwi is a plastics, rubber, and strap maker in Switzerland (they might do more things as well). They will begin using a material known as Kalrez to make watch straps. What is Kalrez? It is an elastomer, which is basically a fancy plastic with some remarkable qualities, and flexibility like rubber. Kalrez is owned by DuPont chemicals and was originally developed for much more important purposes in aircraft. It can flex like rubber, but is not nearly as prone to deterioration as rubber (which comes from a plant as opposed to being a by product of oil refining). Kalrez is also extremely resistant to heat and cold, and highly anti corrosive (resistant to a ton of chemicals and harsh elements). Most important to luxury watches, the stuff costs a lot, about 6000 Swiss Franc per kilo. These qualities together make it prime for use in luxury watches that today often use rubber, but want something a bit (or a lot more) fancy. These new Kalrez watch straps from Biwi are the answer.

Via WorldTempus (in French).

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

So Eva Longoria and Tony Parker finally made it official this past weekend when they got married in France. What better way to promise their eternal love to each other than with these beautiful and unique Piaget Possession wedding bands -- made of two bands that are "inseparably linked, turning together for eternity." Eva's features double rows of brilliant cut diamonds divided by a row of 27 square cut diamonds down the center (for a total of 107 jewels), and Tony's is elegance in its simplest form. Both rings are 18k white gold and, per the couple's request, have a personalized French engraving on the inside.

In addition to choosing Piaget for their wedding bands, Eva also ordered a one-of-a-kind timepiece made as a wedding gift for her new husband. A customized version of the Piaget Polo watch, the Piaget 'Number 9' features a 43mm white gold case, a slate grey 18K gold and titanium bezel and matching slate grey dial, and 50 diamonds in the shape of his MVP number 9 -- so it's truly just for him.

Looking for a new band for your luxury watch? StrapLuxe has got your number. The company specializes in aftermarket leather watch bands for "collector timepieces," offering you the ability to further customize your cherished wristwatch. The only bands currently showcased on the site are those for Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore watches, but it looks like they'll also be offering replacement straps for Panerai, IWC, Rolex and Patek Philippe. The AP ROO alligator band goes for $239 and ships for free. Check out their website for a nice photo gallery.