Skip to Content

Click here to visit the new home of Luxist!

dlc

Richard Mille RM 028 Americas Limited Edition Dive Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Richard Mille RM 028 Americas Limited Edition Dive Watch
Richard Mille's famous "basic" circa $80,000 dive watch now comes in a limited edition variant for the North American market. The RM 028 is complimented by the RM 025, which is many times more expensive. Special in this limited edition is a DLC black coating application all over the watch case, along with a red trim on the dial and crown. The RM 028 is 47mm wide in an all titanium, and is water resistant to 300 meters. You can read more about the standard RM 028 watch here - where you can learn more technical specifications. The watch contains a Richard Mille automatic movement with the date and a variable geometry movement.

Limited to just 30 pieces, the Richard Mille RM 028 Americas Limited Edition watch will be priced at $82,000.

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


Tags: DLC, limited edition, Richard Mille, RM 025, RM025, watch, watches

Milus Tirion TriRetrograde Seconds DLC Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

One of my favorite "check me out and stare at me" complications is still the TriRetrograde movement module by Milus. Utterly pointless, the complication is nevertheless great to watch. It takes the seconds indicator and divides it up into three 20 seconds retrograde dials. Even after is release a few years ago, the Milus Tirion "still has it." Next on the list of variants of the collection is this DLC black model with a lot of carbon fiber.

The case itself is 45mm wide in steel covered with hard DLC, but the strap, dial, and bezel are carbon fiber. There is really a lot going on in this watch, but it is still quite fun - and sporty as well. I was impressed with the collection since I first saw them. Not only is the look very enduringly good, but the quality is impressive as well. While I haven't seen this specific model yet, it should satisft those who have a 'need' for the black look with all the carbon fiber. Movement is an adapted Swiss ETA movement with a special Milus module over it.

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


Tags: carbon fiber, dlc, milus, tirion, watch

Naked Rolex! Black Out Concept Skeletonized Daytona Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

A stripped Rolex, don't you feel naughty gawking at it... While skeletonized dial watches are popular, you don't see too many skeletonized Rolex watches. Actually, this is the first one I have seen where the dial has be cut away to display the movement. Rolex movements aren't super glamorous, even though they are hardy as a tank, and known for quality. Regardless, the brave people at Black Out Concept (known for making black colored or otherwise modified Rolex watches) gave a Rolex Daytona watch the skeletonized treatment.

The dial was cut away as much as possible, leaving only the hour markers, chronograph seconds scale, and subsidiary dials for the seconds and chronograph registers. They then applied peralge polish to the movement plate, and of course being Black Out Concept, gave the entire watch case and bracelet a DLC black hard coating. Cool looking? Depends on who you ask. Certainly not for first time Daytona watch owners. Black Out Concept says that this is the first time anyone has offered a skeletonized Daytona, and I am sure it will appeal to some people. Personally, I like the black Rolex concept, but I will stick with the stock dial, Rolex actually does that pretty well.

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


Tags: black, concept, Daytona, DLC, Rolex, skeletonized

Chronoswiss Timemaster Chronograph GMT With Second Time Zone Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

chronoswiss timemaster chronograph GMT
I am pretty sure that Chronoswiss could have fancied up a better name for this cool classic/sporty watch. How many times do you want to say; "My favorite Chronoswiss watch this year is the Timemaster Chronograph GMT With Second Time Zone?" Dreary how tedious to announce the name is, especially when the watch itself is a great item. Undeniably Chronoswiss, the color tones are all black and white with a few hints of red. For me, this very sporty watch is extremely unexpected as they have been shifting more and more classic lately. But low and behold, for 2010 they have taken the Chronoswiss personality, coated it in DLC , and you have this great version of the Timemaster.

The case is in steel (and like I said black DLC coated) and 44mm wide. If you prefer, there is also a version of the watch without the DLC coating (though why would you want a cool design like this minus the super hard black coating?). In addition to the light silver/white dial, there is a black dial available. Inside the watch is a modified Swiss ETA 7750 automatic movement that has a GMT hand module. I love how the red GMT hand is matched with a red font date disc. Very hip. The reason the watch is called "GMT with Second Time zone" is because of the 24 hour bi-directional rotating bezel. Thus, you can use the bezel with the GMT hand to track yet another time zone. So actually the watch could state it has three time zones you can track.

Dial design is very polished and sticks with the Chronoswiss "vintage watches of flight" theme. You get that large "onion" crown (which looks great in DLC), and the protruding thin lugs. Chronoswiss is doing what Panerai did a little while ago. Refining a look that appeals to many men, and finally making it almost a cult watch. If Chronoswiss plays its cards right, it could have a popularity surge like Panerai did as soon as our economy bounces back enough.

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


Tags: 2010, Chronoswiss, dlc, gmt, Timemaster, watch

Richard Mille RM 011 DLC Titanium Orange Limited Edition Watch For America

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Richard Mille sometimes offers special limited edition watches that are available only in North American markets. This is in addition to their other standard world-wide available limited edition watches. Given the complexity and expense of creating too many new models, Richard Mille breathes maximum life out of their impressive luxury watch models by adding color variations in limited quantities. This time the RM 011 watch is given a black DLC coated titanium case with orange trim in the dial and a rubber ring around the crown. The RM 011 watch in its iconic Richard Mille tonneau case has a skeletonized movement with the time, 12 hour chronograph, 60 minute countdown timer, and annual calendar with month and date. The watch is 40mm wide and 50mm tall.

The RM 011 DLC Titanium Orange will be limited to just 30 pieces. It is cool, but is it cool enough? No doubt Richard Mille will find 30 buyers, but just a few months ago they released an almost identical watch but with white instead of orange trim with the Richard Mille Ti Americas White Limited Edition watch. If you are interested in the piece, don't just get it because it is a limited edition - but rather because you like the colors more than other RM 011 watch. Price is $90,000.

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


Tags: dlc, limited edition, orange, richard mille, rm 011, rm011, titanium, watch

Bremont Supermarine Descent Limited Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

One of my favorite modern dive watches (that is coincidentally retro themed) is Bremont's Supermarine 500. A neat looking British designed (Swiss-made) watch, the Supermarine combines the function demanded by diving watches with an ageless romance that gives the watch line a good story. The watch design is inspired by classic aircraft such as the Supermarine S6B Schneider Trophy Seaplane and the Supermarine Spitfire. The dial has lots of lume and is a good mix between modern and classic style, that is still totally "a diver." While the look isn't for everyone, I am a fan. This limited edition Supermarine Descent version of the watch will be limited to 407 pieces and has a 42mm wide steel case that has been coated with DLC (diamond like carbon) for hardness and scratch resistance. The bezel retains its attractive look being covered with a sapphire crystal.

Bremont is known for their highly shock resistant "Trip-Tick" cases that are made up of several pieces and are also highly anti-magnetic. The case is even still curved a bit for comfort and water resistant to 500 meters. Inside the watch is a modified ETA 2836-2 automatic movement that has been Chronometer certified. Functions include the time, day, and date. A nicely conceived watch with loads of style and an aggressive demeanor. Priced high though at about $5,000. Available soon.

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


Tags: Bremont, descent, dlc, limited edition, LimitedEdition, supermarine, watch

Fantastic Black: Custom Made Rolex Watches By Project X Designs

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Men's Style


What is more exclusive and pleasing than having a world respected and desired Rolex wrist watch? Having a brand new, highest quality made aftermarket custom Rolex wrist watch. Welcome to the world of Rolex watch modification and an easy choice for the leader in the industry. The key here is customizing Rolex watches with "manufacture grade quality." The idea is that the customization is so good, it is on par with the extremely high quality standards you get with a Rolex watch right out of the factory.

Project X Designs isn't related to Rolex. What they do is take brand new Rolex watches and offer you three easy options. 1) you can get a Rolex watch customized personally just how you like it. This involves a personal consultation with Project X to choose the Rolex watch model you want customized, and what you want done to it. 2) You can get a number of Rolex watches customized with a very high quality DLC black coating. Many people want black colored Rolex watches. Rolex themselves won't make one, so companies like Project X come in and do this for you. This option has the Rolex watch exactly like it comes from Rolex, but now in black. 3) Project X offers exclusive limited edition models with various levels of customizations ready made for 24 lucky people with each edition. These all sell out very quickly and are extremely beautiful. Modifications can be extensive from changing colors, to special engravings, and other appealing modifications that retain the look you love from Rolex with a designer touch you can't find anywhere else. These limited edition offerings from Project X are the 'cream of the crop' in terms of limited edition customized Rolex watches.

Before you are images I took while meeting with Project X owner Daniel Bourn. It was my sincere pleasure (and joy) to check out these DLC (diamond like carbon) black coated versions of sexy Rolex watches such a the GMT Master II, DeepSea Sea-Dweller, and Milgauss models. These are the second option I mentioned above, of standard factory new Rolex watches that have been modified with the very scratch resistant black coating (chemically bonded to the steel) by Project X.

Notice how wonderfully the DLC black metal matches the new black ceramic bezels on the watches, as well as the dials. These are an obvious choice for real Rolex watch lovers, and the prices aren't that much more that new Rolex watches would be otherwise. Important is that Project X gives you a special warranty on all the watches, so you go to them for any after sales service that you may need. Stay tuned for updates on interesting new modified Rolex watches from Project X in the near future.

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

Gallery: Project X black Rolex watches



Tags: black, custom, customized, DeepSea, DLC, GMT Master, GmtMaster, Milgauss, modified, Project X, ProjectX, Rolex, Sea-Dweller

Customized Rolex Watches With Black DLC

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches


The used Rolex watch market is robust and maybe even a bit crowded. Why? Because pre-owned Rolex watches are big business given the fact that Rolex watches have such an incredible ability to retain value. Still, it is sometimes hard to justify buying an older model when new models exist. One good way to breathe life into older, good condition Rolex watches is to modify or customize them. That way you aren't one of legions of people who have the exact same Rolex watch.

Rolex modification is a growing segment in the watch market with retailers offering everything from brand new Rolex watches that have been modified, to performing such modifications on used models. Many of these modifications have been around for years. Often involving the addition of extra gold or precious jewels such as diamonds to the watch. Recently such modifications have taken a less "blingy" route to offering modified Rolex models that have altered colors and materials. Opinions vary as to the desirability of modified Rolex watches - the same way people argue against the modification of luxury cars. Keep the Mercedes Benz stock, or take it to Brabus for a hot horsepower injection?

Of the most popular trends in Rolex watch modding is the "all black look." Never has there been a factory black Rolex watch (to my knowledge). Thus, the market has met (assumed) demand and offering everything from high priced new Rolex watches with all sorts of black colored modifications, to doing the same to pre-owned Rolex watches. The latter being a better value than the highly limited new modified Rolex watches that are tough to get by all (except a host of celebrities who are gobbling up customized Rolex watches fast enough to make you think Rolex is suddenly shifting to making wallpaper). Producers of new stock Rolex watches can charge double or more than retail for the timepieces.

Modified Rolex watches (new or used) are only as good as the work put into them. The process is harder than it seems. So look carefully, and know what you are looking for. The most popular forms of black color treatment are either PVD or DLC coatings (the latter being more modern, but not as well refined in all instances as the much more common PVD treatment) Time and Gems, an outfit located in Los Angeles offers a host of modified or otherwise custom altered Rolex watches. Time and Gems is not an authorized Rolex dealer, but instead specializes in the sale of used Rolex timepieces. They have recently got into the modded Rolex game and offer up a growing selection of DLC (and PVD) black Rolex Submariners, Sea-Dwellers, GMT Masters, Explorers, Milgausses, and more. The image above is of a Time and Gems DLC black Rolex Submariner watch (priced at $6,500). While modified pre-owned Rolex watches cost more than unmodified Rolex watches, they are arguably more interesting, and clearly involve a good deal of work. You can see black DLC Rolex watches from Time and Gems here.

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


Tags: black, custom, DLC, modified, pvd, Rolex, submariner, time and gems, TimeAndGems, watch

Linde Werdelin SpidoLite SA Rose Gold Limited Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

linde werdelin spidolite
Sport Luxury (or is it "luxury sport") watch maker Linde Werdelin will release a new version of its SpidoLite SA watch in 18k rose gold with a black DLC (diamond like carbon) coated dial. The watch is a stunning union of luxury and the unique merits that the SpidoLite watch line provides. Plus, I feel that the high contrast between the gold hands and the black dial make for improved legibility.

The SpidoLite SA line is known for its Svend Andersen ("SA") decorated vintage automatic mechanical movement (with a special blue gold automatic rotor), as well as the special skeletonized Biformeter case. All in all a great watch, further enhanced by the look and luxury of rose gold. Price for the gold version is not actually that much more than the standard titanium version. There is also a new version of the SpidoLite watch in all black DLC coated titanium, which is very nice (that version has metallic blued hands). Prices for the all DLC coated version are 9,800 euros, while the pictures rose gold version is 15,800 euros. Each is limited to just 88 pieces. Available very soon.

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


Tags: dlc, gold, limited edition, LimitedEdition, linde werdelin, LindeWerdelin, rose, SA, spidolite, watch

Chopard Mille Miglia GT XL Chronograph Limited Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

chopard mille miglia gt
Here is a watch that for some is the holy grail of Chopard Mille Miglia watches. It combines just about everything that people like from the timepiece collection, and is a limited edition on top of that - of only 500 pieces. I am pretty psyched about this watch, and look forward to spending some time with one, you know... alone. The case is the GT XL style, meaning it is 44mm wide, and has those cool integrated chronograph pushers and crown guards. The watch case is super tough being steel coated with DLC (diamond like carbon). It is also luxurious having an 18k rose gold bezel, chronograph pushers, hands on the dial, and crown. Like the other Mille Miglia GT watches, Chopard applied some of that white, outlined numeral work on under the sapphire crystal, but made it subtle by just doing the 12 and 6 o'clock indicators that way.

The dial has some three dimensional qualities with the applied chronograph subdial rings and hour indicators painted with SuperLumiNova. The hands stand out super well for intense legibility. The dial doesn't however lose any of its racing character. You can see the reserve mounted magnifier placed under the crystal for the date window as well.

Movement is a Chronometer certified chronograph automatic, decorated and viewable through the watch's sapphire caseback. I love the traditional 1960s Dunlop tire tread pattern rubber strap that completes the look of one of the nicest racing themed watch collections of all time. Certain a start of Chopard's line up, and again, this Mille Miglia GT XL Chronograph is part of a limited edition only. Price for this Chopard Ref. 168459-6001 is $10,580.

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


Tags: 168459-6001, chopard, dlc, gold, gt xl, GtXl, limited edition, LimitedEdition, mille miglia, MilleMiglia, watch

Cartier Santos 100 Carbon Chronograph Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Cartier Santos 100 Carbon Chronograph Watch
Cartier jumps on the DLC (diamond-like carbon coating) bandwagon, but with something a bit different. They use something called ADLC for this new Santos 100 Carbon Chronograph watch model. ADLC is apparently a superior form of DLC which is known as "amorphous diamond-like carbon" coating. According to Cartier, ADLC is thicker, less prone to finger prints, and overall more "Cartier." No, I just made that last one up, but it is something I can almost hear them saying. At this point I don't know enough about ADLC to comment so I would consider the improvement over normal DLC to be less than substantial, otherwise everyone would be using it. Aside from the use of ADLC coated steel, the fabric strap takes this formal watch to a new sporty level - and the 18k rose gold bezel and other accents looks great against the black on the classic looking Santos design.

The Cartier Santos 100 Carbon Chronograph uses the Cartier automatic 8630 movement that is laid out with unique widely placed subdials - something you don't see very often. I like how the hands are relatively bold for a Cartier timepiece, as it is almost strange not seeing them in blued steel. It appears that Cartier retained the crown cabochon crystal - with maybe an onyx as opposed to a sapphire on this watch. Overall the style is a real hybrid between functional sport watches and the formal good looks that Cartier is so well known for. An interesting watch with 100 meters of water resistance that will appeal to enough people I am sure. Price will retail at 22,700 euros.

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


Tags: 100, adlc, carbon, cartier, chronograph, dlc, santos, watch

Jaques Picard Limited Edition DLC Modified Rolex DeepSea Sea-Dweller Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches


Here is a pretty cool aftermarket line of timepieces based on the new Rolex DeepSea Sea-Dweller watch. To be clear, these watches are not affiliated with Rolex, but merely are an aftermarket modification. These Jaques Picard SingleRed DeepSea limited edition of 86 piece watches take the new Rolex DeepSea watches, add a red colored DeepSea title (similar to very rare vintage models of the Rolex Submariner with red text), cover them in a diamond like carbon (DLC) coating, and place a special engraving on the caseback. There is also a special case, NATO strap in addition to the DLC coated steel metal bracelet and a book by Jacques Picard ( who was a prominent Belgian ocean explorer and researcher).

The 86 piece run corresponds to how old Jaques Picard was when he died. A portion of each SingleRed DeepSea watch sold will go to the preservation of the "Jaques Picard Archive." The reason I discuss this interesting limited line of modified Rolex watches is because it is for some people, the perfect Rolex Sea-Dweller watch. DLC is a popular ultra-hard coating that is incredibly scratch resistant and retains a healthy sheen on its surface. Applied over the new several mile deep diving Sea-Dweller, you have a bona bide holy grail Rolex for watch lovers world-wide. Price is 12,900 Euros, shipped from The Netherlands.

Via SingleRedDeepSea.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.


Gallery: Single Red DeepSea Rolex Sea-Dweller watch



Tags: DeepSea, dlc, jaques picard, JaquesPicard, Rolex, seadweller, singlered, watch

Linde Werdelin SpidoLite Titanium DLC Limited Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches


The cream of Linde Werdelin's new crop of watches is the limited edition of 44 SpidoLite watch in DLC (diamond like carbon) covered titanium. The dial is partially skeletonized with a view into the newly decorated vintage NOS automatic mechanical movement from the 1970s. It is a real melding of ultra modern style and classic reliability. In what seems like a dreamy relationship, Linde Werdelin is using Svend Andersen to engrave and finish the movements for the SpidoLite watch. You can be sure the decoration process will be impressive.

Retaining the ability to have a Linde Werdelin Instrument attach to the face of the watch, the SpidoLite is a new breed from the impressive luxury sports watch maker. The familiar large case sits comfortably on the one's wrist with one of the industry's best high-grade rubber straps. Other versions of the new limited edition SpidoLite watch include an all titanium version (no DLC coating) and a black DLC coated version with a yellow tint applied sapphire crystal for the ultimate "check me out" look. The SpidoLite watches will be officially unveiled at Baselworld 2009 in April. Prices are around $10,000.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.


Tags: Baselworld, DLC, Linde Werdelin, LindeWerdelin, SpidoLite, Svend Andersen, SvendAndersen, timepiece, Titanium, watch

Ferrari Chronograph Watch In DLC By Panerai

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches


In case the obviousness of the case shape didn't arouse your suspicions, the modern Ferrari branded watches are produced by none other than Panerai. I've always felt that the Panerai branding was conspicuously absent from the face, but you'll find it on the back of the watch. This newest model based on the partnership is particularly svelte by my standards and is the Ref. FER000038.

The new feature for Ferrari (and Panerai for that matter) in this watch is the application of DLC (diamond like carbon) coating. The powerful diamond hard compound makes for a black sheen and virtually scratch-proof surface on the watch case as it is placed over the substrate metal - take that steel! In a manner that is particularly cool looking for the line, this 45mm wide cased watch is just beautifully simple and well made. The bicompax chronograph layout and revolving number design bathe the dial in a rich red that is accented by the F1 race car outline.

Inside is an automatic Panerai OPXII certified Chronometer movement. This exactly the type of watch I want to be seeing with a Ferrari logo on it. It is legible, dead-easy to use, and sure as hell stands out (but without screaming). The prancing horse logo on the crown and yellow emblem on the face round everything out. Well done Ferrari... I mean Panerai. Price is likely to be between $10,000 - $15,000.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.


Tags: chronograph, DLC, fer00038, fer038, ferrari, panerai, timepiece, watch

Featured Galleries

Aperion SLIMstage30 Speaker System
Fortis Spaceleader Volkswagen Design White Watch
Gustafsson & Sjogren Stockholm watches
Sensai Summer Skin Care and Makeup Must-Haves
Four Season Provence
Casa Noble Tequila
Turks & Caicos Style
Ulysse Nardin Lady Diver Watch New Colors
Vacheron Constantin Historiques Aronde 1954 Watch

 

HuffPost AOL Social News Most Popular