chronograph

Louis Vuitton Tambour Regate Navy Limited Edition Watch

Louis Vuitton is really getting serious about its watches being near water. First we see a new Tambour Diving watch collection, and now a new yacht racing piece. This is the utility focused Tambour Regate Navy, and is a true regatta watch. The point of it is to have a specially designed chronograph that is able to quickly and easily measure a 10 minute countdown. So, in a sense, this watch has a chronograph complication, as well as a timer complication.

Keen on working with other people's movements and adding something special on top of that, Louis Vuitton uses a new movement call the caliber LV 171 that is a base Dubois Depraz automatic. The movement has a few features include the date and a flyback chronograph that measures up to 60 minutes. The main dial is used for the chrono seconds, while there is a subsidiary seconds dial for the minutes. Adjacent to the sub chrono dial is a subdial for the time's seconds. The main dial has the time, as well as a hand that moves around the entire dial counting down from 10 minutes. The flange ring on the dial is used to measure the countdown period. Why 10 minutes? This is the essential period regatta boats must take into consideration when traveling toward the starting line.

The case itself is in steel and 44mm wide using a standard Tambour style case. Lovely too look at, the dial is "designer" in fashion using shades of blue, black, and hints of red. The result is something attractive, but almost industrial in feel. Louis Vuitton will not make very many of these watches as the Tambour Ragate Navy watch will be limited to only 250 pieces. Still impressive, and very much in alignment with what I have come to expect from the brand.

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

Tags: chronograph, louis vuitton, navy, regate, regatta, tambour, watch

Harry Winston Ocean Chronograph Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Do my eyes deceive me or is this really a symmetrically dialed Ocean collection watch!? Me thinks it is. While not one of a kind, Harry Winston men's watches are rarely symmetrical - especially in the Ocean collection. This Ocean Chronograph is one of them, and doesn't look half bad. Harry Winston opts for a retrograde system of hands for the chronograph. Not a new interpretation of the complication, but appreciated enough among collectors.

The triple retrograde display doesn't help you read the chronograph any better (it actually makes it a bit harder), but these hands that move to the edge of the dial and then jump back to the starting position are arguably more cool than your standard round dial. The time is told in a subdial at the top of the face - in an uncharacteristically simplistic style by Harry Winston standards. There is a little window in the minute retrograde counter that has a subsidiary seconds hand - that is more an icon versus a readable dial. The chronograph pushers are set in, curved near the crown guards. Harry Winston decided to make the 44mm wide case in 18k white gold. Inside the watch is a Swiss automatic movement with a retrograde chronograph module on it. Look for the Harry Winston Ocean Chronograph soon.

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

Tags: chronograph, harry winston, ocean, watch

Bvlgari Papillon Chronograph Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

For the time being it seems like Bvlgari (Bulgari) is keeping up production of most Daniel Roth watches. Here is the (former Daniel Roth) Papillon Chronograph. Still with the existing movement, it now has Bulgari clothing. This was a really clever watch from Daniel Roth - and it does in fact tell the time. It has jumping hour display along with a minute indicator with a trick hand. That blue "spike" turns downward when used to indicate the minutes, and it twists back in when the next spike has a turn. So this isn't a retrograde hand - even though it vaguely looks like one.

While the Bulgari version of the dial looks more complex, the Daniel Roth version was a bit more complex done with Geneva stripe polishing and some other textured elements. Though in the end they are very similar (just with different colors). While the Papillon Chronograph uses a case shape we have seen before it is larger at 44mm wide and done here in 18k rose gold.

The Calibre DR2319 movement is quite impressive, and this watch is made to be a serious chronograph. It starts with a Swatch Group made Frederic Piguet automatic movement with a Daniel Roth chronograph module. With dials measuring up to 12 hours, the chronograph has a column wheel and vertical clutch. Features often only found in the finest of mechanical chronograph movements. Look for this Bulgari (ex Daniel Roth) watch out now. Price is $44,500.

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

Tags: bulgari, chronograph, daniel roth, papillon, watch

Valbray V.01 Limited Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I got to check out Valbray watches last year, but looks like 2011 is gonna be the year when they really launch. A new brand, Valbray will begin by offering two versions of the limited edition V.01 watch. A modern looking timepieces, the V.01 has a trick dial that has a camera-like shutter in it.

The shutter can be completely opened up to see the chronograph functions on the lower dial. If you grab the bezel and twist it around, you control the shutter that can be totally closed to hide the lower dial and offer a more bare dial that just tells the time. If you want it to tell the seconds you can just activate the chronograph. When the shutter is totally open, it is hidden under the bezel assembly. It is a neat system, and works pretty well. Valbray is not the first brand to offer just such a shutter in a watch dial, but they to offer a slick looking modern watch to go with the novelty.

Even when the shutter is closed a ring around the outer dial offers hour markers. The watch will comes in a 47mm case with 500 limited edition pieces in titanium and 250 pieces in 18k rose gold. Inside the watch is a modified Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement. The V.01 sits in a category of watches that are often referred to as "convertible watches" because they can covert to have a different look. I went into more details on convertible watches here.

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

Gallery: Valbray V.01 Limited Edition Watch

Tags: automatic, chronograph, v.01, valbray, watch

IWI CH-O & CH-R English Watches

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

IWI watches, based in England, was started by Ian Walsh who learned the (watch industry) ropes while at Tag Heuer. IWI watches are still made by him, hand-made in the UK. Working in the auto racing world and having passion for it, Ian designs IWI watches with a distinct British sense of motor sport aesthetic.

Most IWI watches feature a round, lugless case design with the crown fixed to the top of the case. They look a bit like wrist mounted stopwatches, and have colors that seem to mach the colors of racing suits and race cars. IWI also has a pair of chronograph watches that are the CH-O and CH-R. These titles simply stand for Chronograph Orange or Red. I quite like the simple designs and integrated quasi-bund style strap. The thick leather straps have red or orange contrast stitching and have over them 45mm wide steel watch cases. The style looks really cool. IWI didn't invent this concept, but it isn't commonly used. The large watch case are also stopwatch in style (also known as "bullhead") with the crown and pushers places on the top of the case.

The dials are neat looking and straight forward. Colorful, and easy to read. Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA automatic movement. Either a Valjoux 7750 or Valjoux 7753 I would guess. Possibly an ETA 2894 though. The watches are said to each be limited to 500 pieces. Price for the IWI CH-O or CH-R is 3,295 British Pounds.

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

Tags: CH-o, ch-r, chronograph, IWI, watch, watches

Breitling Transocean Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

With design features hearkening back to the 1950s and 1960s, and as dedicated to some of the original "long-haul" aircraft, Breitling offers a completely new timepiece collection with the Transocean. While Breitling regularly updates or adds to its existing timepiece collections, the release of something totally new is special. The Swiss brand puts a lot of thought in to its designs, so I take a close look at the new pieces they release. With retro being still very "in," Breitling has hit a home run with the Transocean for fans of the retro trend, as well as fans of the brand.

Interestingly enough, the Transocean moves away from a core element that exists in almost every current Breitling watch - a rotating bezel. The lack of this design element so popular to Breitling watches really make you take are second look at the piece to see what brand it is. While the dial is extremely true to Breitling's core aesthetic, it has been toned down, and given a more genteel personality. Applied metal (steel or gold) baton style hour markers and recessed chronograph subdials help add depth to it. Aside from the tachymeter scale, there is little to busy up the face. Lume is placed as thin strip in the hands and as dots behind the hour markers. The angularity of the hand and hour markers add a utilitarian and purposeful looking, contrasting the roundness of almost all the other design features.

Retro concepts carry to the style of the pushers as well as the flared lugs (this style lug was so popular in the 1960s). An interesting design note is the "double" bezel." The polished bezel gives way to the domed sapphire crystal over the dial but you can see another strip metal directly under the crystal next to the exposed bezel - interesting. Breitling will offer four versions of the Transocean Chronograph to start. At 43mm in width the dial will be available in black or "mercury silver," in a steel or 18k red gold case.

The watch uses Breitling's now well-known in-house made Caliber 01 automatic chronograph movement. You can see the movement through a sapphire caseback window. The 01 is known as a relatively affordable in-house made chronograph movement compared to some of Breitling competitors. Breitling also provides the watch movment with a COSC Chronometer certification. The Transocean in comes with an optional mesh metal bracelet, and all versions are available with a leather or crocodile strap. Not sure about all the prices, the steel version is said to have a starting price of $7,600. As an added bonus, the first 2,000 steel and 200 red gold Transocean watches will be available as limited editions only. After that the Transocean will be part of Breitling's standard product line.

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

Gallery: Breitling Transocean Watch

Tags: 01, breitling, chronograph, review, transocean, watch

Rare Rolexes & More in Christie's Watches Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions

A custom-engraved Patek Philippe pocket watch from the collection of American business titan Henry Graves Jr. and a stellar collection of modern dress and sport watches from the collection of award-winning actor Anthony LaPaglia are among top lots to on offer at Christie's December 14 sale of Important Watches in New York. Price-wise the big draw is a Patek Philippe Reference 2499 in 18k gold, a perpetual calendar chronograph with moon phases, manufactured in 1982, est. $250,000–$350,000, while Graves' Patek is estimated at $40,000–$60,000. LaPaglia is an astute collector whose well-chosen pieces will lead the sale's afternoon session, with estimates ranging from $2,000 up to $70,000.

A stand-out among the vintage watches in his collection is the Rolex Reference 3646 made circa 1943 for Officine Panerai, an extremely rare example of the large, stainless steel diver's wristwatches produced for Italian navy officers during the 1940's, est. $70,000–$90,000; and the Rolex Reference 6541 from circa 1958, one of the rarest Milgauss models Rolex ever produced, est. $60,000–$80,000. Identified by its seconds hand in the form of a lightning bolt, this anti-magnetic model was originally designed for use in areas of high electro-magnetic fields, such as laboratories and power stations. And our favorite is the Rolex Reference 6239, known as the "Paul Newman" Cosmograph Daytona, (above) manufactured circa 1967 in stainless steel, est. $40,000–$60,000.

Gallery: Christie's Important Watches 12/14/10

Tags: Anthony LaPaglia, auction, christies+watches, christieswatches, chronograph, Henry Graves Jr., Panerai, Patek Philippe, rare+rolexes, rarerolexes, Rolex, Rolex Daytona, rolex+milgauss, rolexmilgauss, watches

Rougois White Ceramic Ladies' Chronograph Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Chanel, oh Chanel, what influence you have had on the luxury women's watch market. Not only did you make the color white, the tone of the town, but you also opened up doors to legions of brands looking to benefit from the market of lady's (and men) who could not afford Chanel prices. At first people had little choice but to fawn over 'ye old J12,' but now that ceramic is becoming more affordable to the mainstream, most anyone can have a sexy white ceramic watch.

While the Chanel J12 (and a few others) still set the bar in terms of quality and designs, there is a huge market of white ceramic watches out there for today's woman. One here is the Rougois White Ceramic Ladies' Chronograph. Just a nice simple 40mm wide (wears a bit small) watch in white ceramic with steel accents on the case. With a price online of $239.95, you get a handsome amount for your money.

Dial is easy to read though I would have preferred the hands to be a touch longer, and with a bit more contrast. Elements are applied, and there is some lume on the dial as well. Inside the watch is a Swiss Made ISA quartz movement with a 30 minute chronograph, subsidiary seconds dial, day of the week, and the date.

Over the dial is a sapphire crystal and the ceramic bracelet is nicely tapered for a more elegant look. While the watch does not totally standout as different from its competitors, it does have a nice selection of parts, a chic look, and certainly satisfies in terms of price when it comes to getting a white ceramic woman's watch.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com

Gallery: Rougois White Ceramic

Tags: CeramicWhitePsp, chronograph, Rougois, RWCC34, WatchPhone, white, women

Bertolucci Forza Chronograph Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: The Fashion Statement

Bertolucci timepieces almost always amuse and inspire me. Models like this make me want to wear them as well. This automatic mechanical chronograph model in the Forza collection is a cherry in the range, and features a Swiss Soprod 2025 automatic chronograph movement. It comes with a black or silver toned dial (with other color elements as well), and is actually among the cheaper pieces available in the Forza collection.

The case is 45mm wide in steel with a PVD black coating and a unique case design that hints at something "just a bit different." This is the typical Bertolucci way of doing things. Note the "different" style of the chronograph pushers as well as the shape of the lugs. Models like this seem to imbue an organic quality into the style of traditional sport watches. On the dial I like the placement of the date window with the little red ring. It goes with the red on the chronograph subdials. On the black dialed version the subsidiary seconds dial is in silver tone, with that dial being in black on the other model.

Dagger style hands are sharply angular and provide a major visual contrast from the organic curves of the case and rest of the dial. Price for this Bertolucci Forza Chronograph is $4,250 on a rubber strap. Look for it out now.

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

Tags: 1394.51.42.108D7.901, 1394.51.42.508ED.901, bertolucci, chronograph, forza

Chronograph and 24-Hour Wristwatch from Nordschleife

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

When the time can be obtained from every cell phone or microwave, what exactly is the point of wearing a wristwatch these days? For some, it comes down to status symbol. Bragging rights. And as we've covered regularly on these pages, that's often tied in to the world of cars and racing.

There, the ultimate bragging rights come down to how fast a car can lap the vaunted Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. And to time it come two new timepieces from the Norschleife collection.

The Norschleife Chronograph (above at right) packs all the usual timing functions into a 43-millimeter case with mineral crystal, black dial and leather strap, while the innovative Nordschleife 24-Hour Wristwatch (above at left) displays the time across a full-day spectrum, the better for timing 24-hour endurance races. The German-made quartz timepieces retail for a reasonable 129 and 85 euros respectively.

Source

Tags: 24-hour, chronograph, Nürburgring, Nürburgring nordschleife, Nordschleife, nurburgring, Nurburgring nordschleife

$2.5 Million Patek Philippe Stars in Christie's Megabucks Watches Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions

An exceptionally rare and highly important rose gold Patek Philippe timepiece made in 1953 (above) is expected to fetch up to $2.5 million at Christie's Important Watches sale in Geneva on November 15. The two crown world time wristwatch with 24 hour indication and blue enamel dial, Ref. 2523 is one of three pink gold Pateks in the sale, all of which are expected to top out at over $1 million, an extremely rare occurrence in a single sale. The other two are a perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, Ref. 2499, manufactured in 1957, estimated at up to $1.25 million; and a perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with phases of the moon, Ref. 1518, manufactured in 1948, estimated at up to $1.03 million. 388 lots in total will be offered in two sessions during the historic sale and are expected to realize a combined total estimated in excess of $13 million.

Gallery: Christie's Important Watches 11/10

Chopard?s L.U.C Louis-Ulysse - The Tribute

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: auction, Christies, chronograph, Geneva, gold, horology, Patek Philippe, pink gold, timepieces, watches, wristwatch

The Limited Edition Ferrari Paddock Chronograph

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The Silver Ferrari Paddock Chronograph limited edition watch.

If you are a passionate fan of the "Red from Maranello" or if you are searching for the perfect holiday gift for an enthusiastic collector of Ferrari-related objects, here is the latest offering from the most famous car manufacturer in the world: the Ferrari Paddock Chronograph watch.

The limited edition timepiece is currently available exclusively through the official Ferrari online store. The unique Swiss-made watch by Ferrari (as seen above) is the classic color combination of silver and brown. The Paddock Chronograph is a limited edition of 299 pieces and is now available exclusively for Ferrari online customers.

The male chronograph watch is 10ATM water resistant, has a quartz movement (Cal. Ronda 5050.C.) and a 42mm (diameter) mat-polished stainless steel case with a shiny stainless steel bezel and a screw down crown and push-buttons. The flat hardened mineral crystal is treated with an anti-glare coating while the chocolate brown leather strap has contrasting silver stitching and a steel butterfly buckle with two pushers. The case back carries the iconic Ferrari Shield as well as an individual Limited Edition number engraved on it.

Tags: chronograph, Ferrari, limited edition, Paddock Chronograph, time piece, time pieces, watch

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Movado Bold Chronograph Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

After firmly type-casting themselves as offering the museum dial watch and only the museum dial watch, Movado has been relatively successful lately in offering some different (and mostly) appealing designs to mix things up a bit. It is true that for years they have offered other deigns, but the museum dial watch is what seems to define them. So taking the "sun 12 o'clock" indicator and playing around with new designs, Movado has been able to successfully offer a range of "other" watches over the years.

An example is this is the simply named Movado Bold Chronograph. It comes in black and white (possibly a few other colors) . It has the simplicity of the museum dial, with a modern look and more utility. Don't miss the actual hour markers! The case is 42.5mm wide and comes in a plastic case (OK, "polymer") that is cheaper than coated steel or ceramic. The movement is a Swiss ETA quartz chronograph, and it comes on a matching leather strap. Price for this quite attractive fashion forward watch is $495.

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

Tags: bold, chronograph, movado, watch

Chronoswiss Pacific Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Coming in 2011 is this new, simply named "Pacific" watch from Chronoswiss. The Pacific will have a 43mm wide steel case and comes in three-hand and chronograph variants. The Chronograph especially will feature hints of green, a color that Chronoswiss likes to play with. While all Chronoswiss watches are retro in design - the Pacific aims at a new era for the brand. It has hints of the 60s and 70s, with hands and hour markers clearly inspired by classic Rolex timepieces. The cases on the other hands shadow Chronoswiss's other offerings more.

The dials start as sterling silver and will come in silver or black colors. Do you like the green elements on the chronograph pusher stems? Should be interesting in person. Movements are a base Swiss ETA 2892 or Valjoux 7750 automatic. The pieces will come with black alligator straps, and should be an interesting change of pace for the German brand. Prices will start at $3,800.

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

Gallery: Chronoswiss Pacific watch

Tags: chronograph, Chronoswiss, Pacific, watch

Rare James Bond Rolex Chronograph for Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

An extraordinary Rolex pre-Daytona chronograph worn by George Lazenby as James Bond in 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service is being offered for sale in Miami. It's extremely rare for an actual Bond movie watch, let alone a rare Rolex model, to come onto the market. The stainless steel timepiece, ref # 6238, has been written about on many 007 fan sites and Rolex blogs. The Rolex was originally purchased by Bond filmmakers EON productions on October 23, 1968 for use by the underrated Lazenby in the film, and was later sold off among other props. It last surfaced at Christie's Film and Entertainment sale in London in 2003, where it went for $40,000. Recently acquired by Miami's Matthew Bain Inc., it's now being offered at an undisclosed price that could easily reach $250,000 or more.

Gallery: James Bond Rolex Chronograph