grey

Watch companies like to get creative with the use of synthetic sapphire crystals, but it is difficult given the fact that the material can be very fragile. The problem isn't so much in risk of it breaking once it is made, but rather that the fabrication of synthetic sapphire crystal into all sorts of organic shapes requires a lot of stress of the material. So pieces can break with relative ease. That is why the finished result is not always as impressive as possible without knowing what a pain in the ass the watch was to make. This is probably the fact with this limited edition of just 5 pieces Corum Golden Tourbillon Panoramique Grey Sapphire watch.

What is interesting here is the application of gray PVD on the sapphire giving it that special look. The movement is a manually wound tourbillon based movement with a long 90 hours of power reserve. As you can see, the movement mainplate and bridges are all in sapphire! Something truly remarkable from a practical and aesthetic standpoint. The rest of the watch case is in 18k white gold with 309 diamonds decorating most every surface. Plus, the watch case has four sapphire crystals to help appreciate the movement from any angle. It is really a nice combination of luxury indulgence and mechanical intrigue. Expect prices to make your skin as light as the gray sapphire of the watch.

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

The Nancy Gonzalez Python/Crocodile Tote is a sleek and interesting bag in a shade that most of us are missing in our handbag collection: grey.

This blue-grey color is going to be around awhile; not only did we see it last year and this year in clothing, it's been all over the runways for Spring 2010, and it's great it see it in the form of a handbag. Grey was a long-ignored neutral that was strangely revived by our recession -- even among the wealthy.

We can just see this complemented by the deep shades of sequins and velvet this fall and winter, and when things lighten up in 2010 -- this will look great with all the white and khaki! But enough about how much we love the color ...

This mixed python and croc bag is 15"W X 12½"H X 6"D and contains a beautiful and unexpected burnt orange suede lining. At such a large size, it may not surprise you that this has a zippered middle divider and detachable shoulder strep -- it's the perfect work bag.

The best part? Not the texture or the beautifully centered python skin, but the totally awesome covered studs. It's bad-girl with tact.

The Nancy Gonzalez Python/Crocodile Tote is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $3,100.00 -- unless, of course, you live in California (no python).

Please don't tell me that gray is the new black. Vacheron Constantin's new Overseas Gray watch at least wants to suggest that, and the slate colored look of the popular sports watch from the thankfully conservative watch brand seems to suggest just that. Having undergone but just a few minor tweaks over the past decade or so, the Overseas line of diver-themed watches from Vacheron Constantin is the watch to wear for those who like the idea and heritage behind the brand, but aren't too keen on the highly traditional looks of much of the watch line (and who, like me, are not into the design of the "experimental" Qaui de l'Ile watches).

Another way to look at the Overseas Gray watch is that it has been pulled from a black & white movie. The tonalities of the watch in its multi-shade monochromatic glory suggest just that. Can't you see picking this watch right out of a classic film before "glorious color" supplanted the days of forever noir. Accordingly, the Vacheron Constantin Gray is based on a design from 1933, which has been reinterpreted by the brand a few times over the ages.

Two versions of the 42mm gray nickel-coated 18k white gold cased watches are available. The three-hand and chronograph housing an automatic Vacheron Constantin caliber 1226 and 1137 respectively. The dial is a satin finish with white gold hands and hour indexes. The watch will come with a "mouse grey" alligator strap and a black rubber strap. Check for these new pieces of history soon.

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