ceramic

Rado True Thinline Is Thinnest Ceramic Watch

For 2011 Rado - the original brand of the ceramic watch - releases the thinnest ceramic watch ever with the True Thinline collection. Based on the True collection, the Thinline comes in a very thin round case in either black or white ceramic. Basically this is a high-end thin Swatch Skin, in ceramic. That is OK because both are part of the Swatch group. The watch is just 5mm thick. It is also 39mm wide by 43.3mm tall. 5mm in thickness is thinner than it sounds, and this is like wearing a wrist wafer.

Technically unisex, these are more or less women's watches. They come with or without diamonds in the hour indicators and are on while or black rubber straps with a ceramic buckle. The crystal is sapphire and inside the watch is a Swiss ETA quartz movement. My choice is the while model as the hands have the most contrast and I think it fits the thin watch theme the best.

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

Gallery: Rado True Thinline watch

Tags: ceramic, rado, thin, thinline, thinnest, true, watch, watches

Swarovski Octea Sport White Ceramic Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Couldn't resist, could you Swarovski? The allure of making a white ceramic watch was just too powerful. White ceramic watches being highly in style and in demand, and with Swarovski's hit Octea Sport collection, it was just a matter of time before a white ceramic version was offered. Well it isn't a ceramic watch in the purely traditional sense with a ceramic case and bracelet. Swarovski in a sense is doing things their own way. This is more a matter of replacing their standard use of faceted crystals with facet cut pieces of white ceramic.

Therefore, you have a 39mm wide steel case with a faceted crystal in the bezel (which looks great). The case has ceramic elements built on it. The face has a white lacquered watch dial, and a white rubber strap with ceramic element built into the strap (which in other models would be crystal). Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA quartz movement. The Octea Sport is one of my favorite women's watches of today, and now with the almost all white tone will garner further appeal. Look for it in 2011 and probably still priced under $1000.

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

Tags: ceramic, octea, sport, swarovski, watch, white

Tag Heuer Monaco V4 Watch In Rose Gold Ruthenium And Ceramic

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

It was such a success they needed to make more. Tag Heuer's ultra luxury Monaco V4 didn't appeal to everyone, but it still delighted them. Based on the Monaco watch case, the V4 was a tour de force of watch design and technology. The movement used small belts rather than gear trains for much of the movement. The first watch was done in platinum in a limited edition of 150 pieces. I wrote about the original Tag Heuer Monaco V4 watch here, and here.

Now Tag Heuer is bringing the Monaco V4 back, in a slightly larger case (41mm wide versus 39mm wide) and in rose gold ruthenium and ceramic. The dial is almost black with various colors as well as rose gold elements. This time it will be limited to just 60 pieces. While I was a fan of the original, I like this one even more. The new contrast on the dial is great, and the larger size will suit the design - which needed the size to match its boldness. Why just 60 pieces? Not sure, but sources seem to indicate that Tag Heuer has some other exciting things in store for 2011. Not sure about price, the original was $80,000 and each sold out. This one could be a bit less as it is not in platinum.

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

Tags: 2010, 2011, ceramic, gold, limited edition, monaco, tag heuer, v4, watch

Rado Ceramica White Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The last few times I discussed Rado, I mentioned how they were really stepping up their game for 2010. Even the watches that I didn't personally like were moving toward being much more relevant. The Ceramica name has been used since 1980 when Rado released the first ceramic watch. They were an instant success due to the look and durability of this type of ceramic. The basic modern shape of the watch has persevered today, and is available in this angular style in white (as opposed to black). There are two different dial choices in a dark silver or gold tone. Movements inside these Ceramica watches are likely Swiss quartz movements. I anticipate the Ceramica White watches will come in a few sizes for both men and women. Look for them soon.

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

Tags: ceramic, ceramica, rado, watch, watches, white

Maria Sharapova Launches The Tag Heuer Formula 1 Steel & Ceramic Watch In Japan

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The most exciting women's watch from Tag Heuer for 2010 has been the steel & ceramic version of their Formula 1 watch. Eagerly anticipated since its debut at Baselworld 2010, the lovely design mixes sport and elegance in a way that is easy to notice. The watch combines a steel and ceramic for the bezel and bracelet links, is available with both black or white ceramic elements. Because women like diamonds, the watch has a tasteful line of diamonds on the periphery of the bezel. The good looking watch (as I recall) isn't priced too bad at all. In the $2,000 - $3,000 range if memory serves me correct.

In Tokyo recently, Tag Heuer brand ambassador Maria Sharapova showed up to help debut the watch. Tag Heuer is extremely popular in Japan, and famous athletes like tennis player Maria Sharapova has always brought welcome attention to the brand and its products.

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

Tags: celebrity endorsement, celebrity endorsement deals, celebrity endorsements, ceramic, Formula 1, maria sharapova, Tag Heuer, watch

Parabellum Bison and Kevlar Laptop and iPad Cases

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Men's Style

Parabellum, makers of hand-crafted leather goods with a military flair in Los Angeles, have come out with a new line of bison hide and Kevlar laptop and iPad cases. The CPU Portfolio for $980 is designed for safe and luxurious storage and transit of either a 15" or 17" laptop. That's not just hype - the case is lined in pure cashmere – vintage 1940s dead stock cashmere from the UK, to be precise. It's made of deep textured Reservation Bison with leather and Kevlar reinforcements and features a carrying strap, super smooth zipper and a ceramic covered snap lock. Each piece is individually numbered for authenticity.

The iPad case for $600 is also made of deep textured Reservation Bison with a lambskin liner, dual ceramic covered snap locks, Kevlar reinforcements and reinforced, elastic and leather corner holders on the back. Each one is also individually numbered for authenticity. Prabellum's deep textured Bison hide comes from free-range American ranches, and is tanned domestically in small batches using age old techniques. Their ceramic hardware is military grade for the ultimate in durability. The cases are available at Maxfield and Union in Los Angeles, The Webster in Miami and Colette in Paris.

Gallery: Parabellum Laptop and iPad Cases

Tags: bison, briefcase, cashmere, ceramic, iPad, iPad case, Kevlar, laptop, leather, Los Angeles, luggage, military, Parabellum

Rado Centrix Watches For 2010

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

If you haven't noticed, Rado has been engaged in a serious new brand push this year - trying to make themselves more relevant in the Western world. Any why shouldn't they? Rado is the quintessential ceramic watch brand, and ceramic watches couldn't be hotter. Rado really doesn't want you to forget that they were one of the main reasons ceramic watches are as popular as they are. While most brands are stuck on black or white ceramic, Rado offers more colors. These Centrix pieces (for men and women) are in a silver-toned ceramic.

The larger men's version has an automatic Swiss ETA movement, and a rather handsome appearance. The nice classy look is enhanced by the highly durable and long lasting ceramic case material. There are also Jubile models for women with mother-of-pearl dials and diamond accents. Available soon, these watches should have a starting price of about 570 euros.

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

Tags: centrix, ceramic, rado, watch

Perrelet Diamond Flower Ceramic & Eve Watches For 2010

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The success of the Perrelet Diamond Flower watch from last year has spurred a few new models for the 2010. The fun and beautiful watch is now in steel and ceramic, again with available diamonds. The best part of the watch is the flower segment on the dial that spins around the face when you move the watch. It is connected to the rotor on the rear of the automatic watch movement. In addition to looking cool, this system allows the movement to wind about 40% faster.

The new cases in ceramic are 40mm wide and supplemented by some new colors in the steel case. One such color is baby blue, and you can see an image of that when you click READ MORE below. Ceramic is a hot material, and it is available in black and white. The bezel treatment is interesting. You have diamonds, or a pattern of engraved Perrelet logos. There are diamonds on the dials of the models though, and the dial is a beautiful mother of pearl. Flowers being the theme of the watch, the hands, hour indicators, and segments on the dial all appear as leaves or petals. The watch is matched to a ceramic bracelet or unique textured rubber strap.

The Eve is a less expensive model. It is more straight forward in design with an easy to read dial, still in ceramic. No diamonds or mother of pearl here, just a good looking case that emphasizes the flower and feminine theme.

The Diamond Flower watches have a Perrelet P-181 automatic double rotor movement, while the Eve has a P-261 automatic movement. Both pretty impressive watches from a design and feature standpoint that will make any woman happy. Prices for the Eve watches are about $3,200, while the Diamond Flower Ceramic will range from about 4,650 - 8,400. Look for them soon.

READ MORE BELOW FOR MORE IMAGES.

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

Tags: 2010, basel, Baselworld 2010, ceramic, Diamond Flower, DiamondFlower, eve, Perrelet, watch

Continue reading “Perrelet Diamond Flower Ceramic & Eve Watches For 2010”

Rado r5.5 Automatic Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

This is the next Rado watch that was designed by Jasper Morrison. He has been giving Rado new types of modernist minimalist designs recently and they have really helped the brand stay in character but also relevant in today's market. I have a special place in my heart for Rado given their work to advance ceramic watches being of the first to offer them en masse.

While many Rado watches arrive with Swiss quartz movements, this new model will feature a Swiss ETA automatic 2829A2 movement that is decorated and visible through the caseback window. Like most Rado watches, the r5.5 Automatic will be constructed mostly of ceramic (in black) and also have some black PVD coated steel and titanium (the caseback) as part of the watch's construction.

I find the dial in the TV screen shaped case to be very easy to read. it is like a Rado interpretation of a diver watch. Really easy to read and spot hour markers done in SuperLuminova luminant that contrast well with the black face. The hands are equally easy to spot making for a bold, yet uncomplicated look. Jasper did a nice job with this one. Unlike most ceramic watches that are shiny in finish, the r5.5 Automatic will have a matte finish that continues onto the bracelet (that is titanium and ceramic). Don't forget that ceramic has a really good ability to resist scratches and wear. Look for the watch soon and likely to cost several thousand dollars.

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

Gallery: Rado r5.5 Automatic Watch

Tags: 2010, automatic, basel, ceramic, r5.5, Rado, watch

Rado r5.5 Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

This is not the first Rado watch I've seen that actually looks like a TV screen - but it does look a lot like one. Applying their new style of minimalism (but not too much minimalism you can't easily read the watch dial), the new Rado r5.5 line is another all ceramic beauty from the brand that doesn't try too hard to look good. These designs are all created by artist Jasper Morrison.The square shaped case gracefully edges into a solid lug structure for the also all ceramic bracelet at the ends of the case. The dials are done with a sunburst polish and the watch comes with gold or steel tone hands and indexes.

You can opt for a chronograph or three-hand variant of the r5.5 watch (I still don't get the name). The thin cases have Swiss quartz movements in them. Rado didn't mention how wide the cases are, so I can't share that with. Crystals are of course sapphire. One thing I have noticed about most all Rado ceramic watches are that no matter how old they are, the watches almost always look new due to the brand's particular good use of the highly scratch resistant ceramic compound. Look for the Rado r5.5 watches soon.

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

Tags: ceramic, jasper morrison, JasperMorrison, r5.5, rado, watch, watch of the day, WatchOfTheDay

Rado Sintra Automatic Watch For 2009

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

A welcome addition to the increasingly lively line of Rado watches is this new Sintra Automatic for 2009. The shape of the watch as it widens at the case is almost iconic at this point, while most of the visible features of the watch are ceramic - available in black or platinum colors. It has a sort of smooth, effortless elegance that works well on both the male and female wrist (models sized for each gender are available). The inner case of the watch is steel, while the screws and clasp are titanium. Inside the watch is an automatic ETA 2892 movement that ought to power the easy-to-read face nicely.

I like that the face of the watch is actually very easy to read. Certain Rado watches have been less easy on the eyes from a legibility standpoint, but the round dial and lume covered hands are simple and effective. A large sapphire crystal over the face is flush with the rest of the watch case. I think the Sintra line was always "futuristic" in style, but never too far out there as to alienate people wanting a classic looking watch. The Sintra is now an icon for Rado, and still a handsome timepiece for a few thousand dollars.

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

Tags: 2009, black, ceramic, platinum, rado, sintra, timepiece, watch

Rado Ceramica Jubile Diamond Baguettes Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

This is the first ever fully ceramic watch from Rado, which is a bit ironic as Rado is the company that really helped popularize ceramic as a material to used in watches. This watch also is part of Rado's 20th anniversary as a watch company. I don't think it was until the Chanel J12 came about though, that other watch makers started really picking up on the ceramic material as much. This is the newest version of the Rado Jubile Ceramica. The watch is not exactly totally ceramic, as the movement and such is still metal. The dial is interesting (and non ceramic) being made up of 102 black treated baguette cut diamonds which are set into white gold - I've never quite seen anything like it. The metalized text on the dial is actually on the bottom of the sapphire crystal. The watch is available in the all black tones as pictured or in steel and platinum tones.

Inside the thin watch is an ETA 255.441 quartz movement, but you really can't tell as there is no seconds hand. I must admit that it is a pretty watch with a significant "stealth wealth" feel. Not that the watch isn't impressive, but rather that the luxury appointments are designed into the watch in a creative and subtle manner. More of a connoisseurs Rado, versus something too showy. Of course the watch isn't exactly a breeze to read, but this fine timpiece runs more on the jewelry, rather than instrument side of watches.

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

Tags: ceramic, Jubile, rado, timepiece, watch

Handmade Ceramic Belt Buckles

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

I'm not sure how belts and belt buckles rank these days in the fashion scene but if you're looking for a simple, understated way to punch up your wardrobe then accessorizing with one of these ceramic buckles from Strapped Belts could give your look some serious personality. Each buckle is handmade using raw fusion glass, which is layered to create the design and then fired in a kiln for up to 12 hours at over 1400 degrees. Each buckle measures 2" x 3" and is sold separately from the belts so you can mix and match at will. $42

Via Kempt

Gallery: Strapped Belts Handmade Ceramic Buckles

Source

Tags: belt buckles, BeltBuckles, belts, buckles, ceramic, glass, strapped belts, StrappedBelts

Heath Ceramics Summer Collection

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Heath Ceramics' newest seasonal collection features an upscale picnic bag that comes with a caddy and two three-piece place settings, plus features a wine slot and and a pocket for linens and flatware. The bag is multi-purpose and is "made to last a lifetime (just like your Heathware), from industrial materials," by designer/maker S. Stein in Santa Fe, N.M. Available April 1-October 1, picnic set, $548; bag alone, $348. Comes in persimmon (shown) and olive (see gallery).

The collection also offers a variety of pieces that don't look especially summery (the colors are more fall-like) but are nice enough to use all year, indoors or out. They are: two styles of bowl, a bud vase, a bud vase set, a bulb vase, two single-stem vases, a vase set with all three kinds, and a two- or four-cup set. See the gallery for a few photos of these simple, lovely pieces.

Via Food & Wine.

Gallery: Heath Ceramics Summer Collection

Tags: bowls, ceramic, ceramics, Heath, Heath Ceramics, HeathCeramics, picnic, plates, stoneware, vase, vases

Neutrino Ceramics

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Dining

I'm a sucker for unique and beautiful dishes, and even though they're fairly modern looking (I generally lean towards more organic and antique looking pieces) these red and white creations from Neutrino Designs really caught my eye. They're very bright and clean and cheery -- which is great now in the gray and dreary dead of winter. The Neutrino Ceramics line includes everything from salt and pepper shakers to coffee mugs to a set of coasters, with each being available in your choice of 7 different red and white patterns that have a decidedly scientific feel.

Via Design Mind

Gallery: Neutrino Ceramics

Source

Tags: ceramic, ceramics, dishes, kitchen, neutrino, serving, tabletop, tablewear

ceramic

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