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Raymond Weil Parsifal Watches For 2011

Not that it is a bad thing, but a large part of Raymond Weil's watches try to offer lower priced "alternatives" to popular Rolex models. The Parsifal has always hovering over the Rolex DayDate or Datejust market offering something a bit different, with the same functions, but still nice for a much lower price. For 2011 the Parsifal collection adds a few new members including the new "Date Automatic" and "Day-Date Automatic" (what coincidental naming practices).

Moderately sized, the cases are 39mm wide and done in steel and 18k rose gold (for the bezel, crown, elements of the bracelet, and elements on the dial). Raymond Weil opts for Roman numerals that revolve around the dial, and dial colors which asre black or silver. There will likely be other models available as well in differnet tones. Inside the watches are base Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic movements that have been modified by Raymond Weil. The new Parsifal watches are attactive, but nothing awe inspiring. The brand has again created a marketable and lower priced watch aiming at those who don't want to spend Rolex prices but still want a handsome Swiss watch of this variety.

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

Tags: 2011, date, day, parsifal, raymond weil, watch, watches

Blancpain L-evolution Semanier Grande Date 8 Jours Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I have to admit that I don't totally understand the styling philosophy behind the Blancpain L-evolution range of watches. Debuting last year, the collection is typified by really large Roman numeral hour markers at 9 and 3 o'clock, and has somewhat open dials. The pieces are always well made and unique - but I am just not sure what Blancpain is going for. This L-evolution Semanier Grande Date 8 Jours watch is interesting, high luxury, but with a style that is uniquely experimental. The calendar based watch has a big date and periphery style date, with a day of the week indicator - making this an annual calendar. It also has a power reserve indicator that is built into day of the week dial - which is suavely done.

The Calibre 37R8G is interesting and in-house made by Blancpain. It has 8 days of power reserve, but is also an automatic. The dial of the watch is highly three-dimensional, set in an a case that is either in steel (with gray dial) or 18k red gold (with a black dial). Priced between 17,550 euros to about 29,250 euros.

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

Tags: blancpain, date, gold, grande, l-evolution, semanier, watch

H. Moser & Cie Monard Date Watch Hands-On

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Lovers of well-made, mechanically interesting, classic looking watches should have H. Moser & Cie on their radar. Still pretty new to the US, the brand has some pieces that will make even tired watch lovers blush. Nothing crazy here, just exceptionally well polished watches on the front, with beautiful in-house movements in the back. This is one of their most simple watches - the Monard Date. Even though it is simple, each H. Moser & Cie watch seems to hide little elements that give the watch much more value once you discover them. Call the design tasteful, yet humble.

The 40.8mm wide watch is available in various types of gold and platinum - with a different dial color for each materials. Seen here in solid 18k white gold. The size feels perfect and the entire back of the watch is curved for comfort. Not only that, but the curvature continues to the sapphire crystal on the back of the watch - which is something that I've never personally seen before. Very luxurious given that shaped sapphire crystals are much more expensive to made. The dial has pleasing hands that have an elegant shape and applied hour markers. There is a large date disc that looks almost like a big date indicator given its size. The dial is overall a beautiful execution of classic simplicity with a level of refinement that is hard to find elsewhere, and harder to understand why it looks quite so good.

Inside the Monard Date is an in-house made HMC 342.502 manually wound movement with a 7 day power reserve. The movement view through the back of the watch has a power reserve indicator so you know when to wind it. The movement has a number of interesting features that all focus around accuracy and durability. The decoration is impressive as well. Though all this sophistication and effort comes with a price. I suspect the entering price of the brand is about $20,000- $30,000.

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

Gallery: H Moser Cie Monard Date watch

Tags: Date, H Moser Cie, Monard, watch

Most Expensive First Date Cities

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels

For some, Valentine's Day is a celebration of an existing relationship. For others, it is a first date that could become something more. Forbes decided to help out first-daters this year and put together a list of the most expensive cities for a first date. The only downside to a study like this is that, since you are unlikely to be traveling too far outside your comfort zone (or your date's, for that matter) is that the only thing you really gain is a knowledge of how much less expensive your meal would be somewhere else. And, unless you're in the number one city, the knowledge that someone out there is paying more than you are.

The criteria used were the average cost of "some key elements of a first date," namely alcohol, food, entertainment, grooming and transportation. From the specifics, you can tell it was not the type of date that Luxist would recommend: a 1.5 liter bottle of Livingston Cellars, Gallo Chablis or Chenin Blanc wine; a 12-inch pizza from Pizza Hut; a movie ticket (only one?); dry cleaning for one outfit; a barbershop visit (Forbes assumed that the buy would be paying); and gasoline. Clearly, it is possible to have a more expensive date in any city if you choose nicer venues and more unique entertainment options, but as the criteria stand, the ten most expensive date cities, out of a total of 25, are:

Source

Tags: cities, date, dates, expensive, forbes, list, lists

Continue reading “Most Expensive First Date Cities”

Win a Date With Jessica Biel

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Auctions

A date with actress Jessica Biel, whose screen credits include 7th Heaven, Blade and Elizabethtown and was voted as Esquire's sexiest woman alive in 2005, is up for auction next week. The auction is being held to raise money to help the family of a Denver girl cover her medical expenses. The girl, Molly Bloom, was run over and dragged nearly 40 feet by a stretch Hummer limousine on her prom night in May and lost her leg as a result. You can read about her slow recovery on her family's blog. Listen to Jessica's message here. The auction will be held on Tuesday at the Rock Island Club in Denver, CO.