bridge

Corum Vintage Re-Releases: Round Golden Bridge Watch

I recently discussed two other Vintage re-issues from Corum: the Golden Tube and Chinese Hat. This is the Round Golden Bridge, and isn't from that long ago. It was originally released in 1994, but that is a while ago in terms of modern watch design. The watch comes in an 18k red gold case that is round, but houses Corum's famous Golden Bridge "stick thin" mechanical manually wound movement (that has actual gold bridges). The look is interesting, while the movement visually bi-sects the round case (that is 41mm wide).

The rest of the dial is black with vertical texturing, while the sloped flange ring is lined with triangular gold hour markers. The watch hands are stubby, but that is because of the movement. They can't be too heavy, and that petite movement can only take so much weight. The movement bridge/plate is nicely engraved, and I like the design of the case which visually continues on to the lugs. The watch is matched to a black crocodile strap, and is limited to just 75 pieces. So you ask, is it a man's watch or a woman's watch? In this case, that is up to you.

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

Tags: bridge, corum, golden, round, vintage, watch

Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon With Three Gold Bridges Pocket Watch - Like Its 1889 All Over Again

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

With some watch brands being as old as they are, you can't blame people for forgetting their past achievements. So when a watch maker is proud of something they did back in the 19th century, they pretty much have to repeat whatever that was for people nowadays to know or care about it. Girard-Perregaux started the "three golden bridges" trend a long, long time ago But since no one around now was alive back in the 1880s. This Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon with Three Golden Bridges watch is a reissue of a model with the same name that won a Gold Medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1889. Still looks fresh today right? Sorta. The three bridges tourbillon movement was patented in 1884, starting the beautiful tradition of the style in high-end Girard-Perregaux timepieces. In addition to the bridges, the movement also has a tourbillon and is totally hand-built and decorated.

One of the reasons the watch was awarded back at the Paris Exhibition was due to the movement's accuracy. Today's watch is COSC chronometer certified and over a period of 15 days of testing, it showed accuracy of about 0.1 second a day. That is pretty darn incredible for such a movement, or any mechanical watch for that matter.

The GP Tourbillon with Three Golden Bridges pocket watch is in an 18k rose gold hunter-style case that is 60mm wide and 20mm wide. The traditional style piece has several opening doors operated via pushers. The simple, but classic dial is white enamel with blued steel hands. Not necessarily a limited edition i think, but given the time involved in making the watches I would imagine a very limited production (requiring an almost unlimited budget if you want one, I am sure).

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

Gallery: Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges Pocket Watch

Tags: bridge, Girard-Perregaux, golden, pocket, tourbillon, watch

H Williams's Newest Shoes Inspired by Bridges

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

H Williams's Newest Shoes Inspired by Bridges

Designer Heather Williams has channeled her architectural inspiration into shoes that are high-heeled, strappy, and luxe. On her bio page, we learn that "H Williams footwear and handbags are designed for a confident, chic, independent woman. The collection encompasses a definitive sense of movement with attention to patterns and details. H Williams 2009/2010 collection are complemented with precious materials; python, croco stamp and brushed metallic. All hand-made in Italy, the collection reflects a great respect for the history, tradition, and quality behind Italian footwear and handbags."

In November, theshoegoddess.com had a chat with Williams, and she said this about her new line:

"The Shoe Goddess: Who or what inspires you most?
Heather Williams: I pay really close attention to art and architecture. I have my most creative ideas when I'm fascinated or perplexed and it forces me to become creative. I had no idea how to construct a bridge, but staring at the Brooklyn Bridge one day inspired me to develop one of my most popular Spring 2010 models, the 'Olivia.' [Above.]

"TSG: Talk about the inspiration for your latest line.
HW: For almost two years, I've been based in Italy and spending short periods of time back in New York. My most recent collection, for Spring 2010, was sketched while I was back in New York. I noticed myself paying close attention to how different the architecture in New York is from Milan. My Fall 2009 launch collection was inspired by Italian architecture. I drew inspiration from the Brooklyn Bridge (Olivia), the Flatiron Building (Chiara, Jesse), and the stunning evening skyline in Manhattan (Rueda)."

I scoured the Web for retailers and prices for this line, but came up empty-handed. But I found a few other H Williams shoes, which ranged from $300 - $500. If you like the bridge style and want to know more, contact H Williams here, and follow her on Facebook.

Tags: architecture, bridge, bridges, design, h williams, heather williams, HeatherWilliams, HWilliams, shoes