elements

Armin Elements Regulator Watches Hands-On

I've been fascinated by the upcoming collection of Armin by Armin Strom, Elements watch collection (that I previously mentioned here). The four versions are each named by another element, giving us the Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. The very interesting dials are special because they are designed well enough to live with as your daily watch. Reading the unique regulator retrograde displays puts a smile on my face. The watches use modified manually wound ETA Unitas movements, and are very nicely decorated - a hallmark of the Armin Strom watches. The dials have separate indicators for the hours, minutes, seconds, and the date.

I got to spend some time with these watches and check them out a bit. Armin Strom would like me to remind you that these are pre-production prototypes. So the final ones will a have much nicer fit and finish. You can see how nicely the movement is decorated with a unique circular polish pattern. The dial has an intense depth and detailed look. Operating the watch is simple via the crown. One thing that I am not totally happy with is the pusher located at about 10 o'clock that is used to adjust the date. I don't mind a pusher for this function, but I think it should have been protected (so that you don't accidentally press it), and designed to be a bit more attractive. It just looks a bit blase compared to the crown. Otherwise the case is done nicely. The reptile straps are awesome. Thick and very well made. The certainly have that hand-made feel. The extension lip sticking out of the bezel at 6 o'clock is used by Armin should you want personalized initials engraved on the watch.

Pictured is the Armin Elements Air model in its "light and airy" white and blue tones. I quite like the summery look of the watch. Aside from the pink gold cased Fire version of the watch, the Elements collection starts at about $17,600. To get an Armin Strom watch you can contact their US distributor at (724) 263-2286.

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

Gallery: Armin Elements Watches

Tags: air, Armin, earth, Elements, fire, regulator, Strom, watch, watch of the day, WatchOfTheDay, water

Armin Regulator Elements Earth Watch Finally Spotted

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I was quite excited about the Armin (by Armin Strom) Elements watch collection when it was first announced (seemingly a while ago). "Armin" seems to be a more sporty side line to the standard Armin strom collection of watches that is very elegant and traditional in focus. One thing that both lines share is the appreciation for dial skeletonization. You can see the modern style of partial skeletonization on the Elements watch here. The collection comes in a few colors. Each one representing a different Element. The pictured version is "Earth." Though I was initially excited about the line, now I am impressed and really want to get my hands on one of these beauties. One of the major strengths that the Elements watch is its ability to function as a comfortable everyday watch, save for one that looks different than most other everyday watches.

This watch has a titanium case, and here it has been coated in PVD black. The movement is manually wound with a 46 hour power reserve. The regulator display style has a different dial for the hours, minutes, and seconds, while there is also a retrograde date display. I believe that the pusher at 10 o'clock is to change the date. Each Armin Elements watch is part of a limited edition of just 100 pieces. This image indicates that the watch should now be ready for prime time. Price for the pictured version will retail at $18,850.

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

Gallery: Armin Elements Earth Watch back

Tags: armin, earth, elements, regulator, strom, watch

Alain Sauser 'Elements' Ladies Jewelery Watches

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

These pretty watches remind me of some of the new Bertolucci women's timepieces, but that is just fine. This is the Elements Ladies collection (Water, Terre, and Feu watches) from Alain Sauser (isn't that an exemplar of luxury brand sounding names?!). The collection is part of a larger collection of timepieces that share the same type of case that is rendered in so many ways, with so many designs. I couldn't write about them all though. The concept of creating a line of watches for the elements is common, but this one really makes me see the inspiration in each. The water watch really looks like it should be in water, and you can see the cracked dirt in the Earth model. Not sure where the "Air" model is, somewhere flying around perhaps.

Each watch comes in a 38mm wide 18k white gold case with a bevy of applied jewels including 685 diamonds, and either sapphires, rubies and yellow sapphire, or brown and black diamonds. The jewels are each set by hand. Not sure, but I believe the watches have quartz movements. Dauphine hands complete the elegant look, and the straps are fun and friendly to go with the theme of each watch. Look for the Alain Sauser Elements Ladies Jewelry watches available soon.

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

Tags: alain sauser, AlainSauser, collection, elements, feu, ladies, lady, terre, timepieces, watch, water

Periodic Rings

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

How many elements could you recognize in the Periodic Table? If you're into science here's a a fun way to refresh your memory (or the memories of those around you) on at least 3 of them. Fashioned for people who prefer silver, gold, and platinum, each of the 3 Periodic Rings are made up of one of those three metals and stamped with the appropriate elemental symbol and information. Get just one or collect all three, either way they're sure to spark some interesting conversation! Ag/$205, Au/$2200, Pt/$6500.

Via Uncrate

Gallery: Periodic Rings