This seems to be the year of pocket watch from haute luxury watch makers. Something about a "return to classic tradition and heritage of the brand." Say that out-loud in an obnoxious ambiguously European accent for the "full effect." From Glashütte Original comes the lovely limited edition Pocket Watch No. 1. Maybe it is their first pocket watch, at least I think it is in the modern era.

Really the pocket quite is quite classic, in most every design sense. Details are still thin, so I can't tell you about the price or size yet. Expect that it is "of average pocket watch size." I do know that the case is in 18k rose gold, with hinged lids on both the dial and caseback. The dial is enamel, with blued steel hands, and painted Roman numeral hour markers. It has a tasteful looking subsidiary seconds dial as well.

Movement is the hand-wound 84-10, newly design caliber movement that has a few nice features. In addition to the time, the movement has a quarter repeater mechanism. Activating a lever on the side of the watch enables the watch to repeat the time back to you in an audio form, that is accurate to the closest quarter hour. The movement also features a zero-reset mechanism for the seconds hand, which resets the seconds indicator when you pull the crown out for accurate setting.

The Pocket Watch No. 1 comes with a matching rose gold chain. The watch looks very handsome, but carrying around a pocket watch these days is certainly an acquired taste. Glashutte Original is making just 25 pieces in this limited edition, that will be officially unveiled at Baselworld in March.

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

You may know Herman Miller as a chair and furniture maker, but the company also makes items for the home. As people buy less products made in America, I think that Herman Miller takes prides in the fact that it is an American company, and enjoys releasing uniquely American products. Another side of Herman Miller you may not be familiar with is Herman Miller Select. The point of Select is to align with important designers and create one special product at a time. The first Herman Miller Select product was an Eames inspired chair, and now it is a set of toy tops.

The set of three tops was designed by New York city based design firm Klein Reid. If you are familiar with their work, you'll see the similarity in these tops. The design is inspired by famous designers Charles and Ray Eames (think, the Eames chair). The Eameses themselves looked to toys for inspiration in their work. Herman Miller currently produces Eames designed furniture, so it makes sense for them to offer these limited edition tops.

Made of high-quality turned solid Walnut wood, to me the tops each represent different periods of American design aesthetic - from ornate decoration to stark modernism. The tops arrive together as a set and are each between about 4 - 4.75 inches in size. They work too, but you have to use two hands to spin them. The look of wood and soft edges make the tops attractive pieces of decorative art, evoking imagery of toys from a simpler time as well as pure Americana. A good gift idea. Production is limited and will cease forever in April 2010. Price is $199 per set and available at select Herman Miller dealers and retailers. You'll need to locate a Herman Miller dealer or retailer here if you want to get a set.

Arriving in a limited edition of just 25 pieces is another throw-back style watch model from German Glashutte Original. This is the Strasser & Rohde Regulator watch, which is just that - a traditional style regulator watch. A regulator is a watch where the minutes scale takes charge, filling up the whole dial, while there are subsidiary dials for the hours and minutes. The name refers to the fact that these were historically produced as extra-accurate clocks that were used to "regulate" the time on other smaller clocks and watches. The layout you see is the most typical look for this type of watch.

The hand wound Glashutte Original GO 49-04 watch movement is new and totally in-house made by Glashutte Original. The watch case is 42mm wide and in 18k rose gold. The movement is completely viewable through the rear sapphire caseback window and is stunning to behold. Glashutte Original really did a nice job designing it and decorating it. The dial itself is highly minimalistic, but not in the modern sense. Despite just telling the time, the watch has the added visual interest of subdials, a reason why regulator style watches are so popular these days.

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

This watch has to have one of the most detailed Chopard watch cases I have ever seen. The image here doesn't do this fact justice, but look at the sides and rear of the watch and you get a visual treat. This limited edition of just 500 pieces 18kt gold watch steps both forward and back with a refreshing look at the Chopard racing chronograph watch line. Case size is about 48mm wide (big for the brand!) by 15mm thick. It is water resistant to 100 meters.

Likely the brand's more popular collection are the Mille Miglia watches. The nomenclature burst open a bit so that the Mille Miglia name isn't applied to all of their racing themed watches, but fans "in the know" understand the heritage. One of the most fun elements is the gold three spoke racing steering wheel that is placed on the side of the rubber coated crown. The sides of the case are all nicely milled and cut with an interesting horizontal striping. The large screw columns intentionally protrude a bit giving it a very technical feel. The crown guard and rubberized integrated chronograph pushers are nicely done in a unique style. The black on rose gold tones are extremely contemporary.

Chopard never lets down with the dials on its racing watches. The hands (in gold) are always large and have a high contrast with the dial. Three overlapping chronograph subdials are subdued, but legible. The dial itself enjoys a vertical pattering which is new to the collection, while the minute marker scaled chapter ring is futuristic and retro at the same time. Inside the watch is a base ETA automatic chronograph movement that has been COSC Chronometer certified. Lastly, no Chopard racing watch would be complete without the requisite Dunlop tire tread rubber strap. Price is about $24,000.

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

Remember Las Vegas? Audemars Piguet sure does. The important city to the brand (due to the many watch stores) now gets and important watch collection from the brand. In black and red tones, the new collection of Royal Oak model based watches are suitable wrist companions for nights of luxury and excess in the hottest city in the desert. The popularity of Vegas comes and goes, but you can't deny the importance of a fantastic watch while spending time on the Strip.

Most most exclusive of the watches in the collection is the pictured Audemars Piguet Las Vegas Strip Manual Wind Tourbillon with Chronograph watch. It is limited to 35 pieces and comes in a blackened steel case. Other models include two diamond studded automatic chronograph versions (for men or women each limited to 60 pieces), and a more standard automatic chronograph without all the decoration (limited to 400 pieces). Each has that signature look meant to match your casino attire. Sure it is a bit silly, but in Las Vegas you feel the need to go all out.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com

One of my favorite watch designers, Alain Silberstein has paired up with one of my favorite independent watch makers MB&F to create this limited edition of 8 pieces Horological Machine 2.2 (HM2.2) "Black Box" watch. It uses the existing HM2 watch and adds Alain Silberstein's special character. The telltale signs of his involvement are the three multicolor shapes on right-hand dial, the shapes of the hands and indicators, and the character rick face of the moon phase. You also have both MB&F (Max Busser & Friends) and Alain Silberstein's signature or logo on the rear of the watch.

This HM2.2 Black Box version of the HM2 watch is done in black PVD coated titanium and silicium. The combination of design cues makes the watch look like a nice little Bauhaus inspired instrument. If you've worn one of these watches you know how large it is - but cool looking. 59mm wide and 38mm tall. Relatively thin for a watch like this at 13mm thick. Movement is an automatic (with a blue 22k gold version of the signature battle ax rotor) and has two distinct faces. On the left is a small moonphase indicator and retrograde date. On the right is the time via retrograde minutes an jumping hour. I actually feel like this HM2.2 version of the watch is more legible than the original, and certainly presents a unique presentation on the already unique watch. Really nice, and just for a few people who can get one of the eight MB&F "Black Boxes" out there.

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

These watches are beautiful, elegant, highly exclusive, and a pain to actually read. The idea is actually not that they are primarily used as watches (the wearer likely has other means for that) but that these watches are jewelry. The Bertolucci Gioco watch, nicknamed "Hypno" by Bertolucci themselves, is limited to just 5 pieces in either 18k rose or white gold. The dials are a vision of vertigo, with a twirling stepped segmentation of gold layers until you get to the mother-of-pearl face below. The curious dimensions of the case are fantastic, and make for reading the time most frustrating.

The case is on the bigger side at about 42 by 49mm in size. Certainly a wrist borne statement. The exterior of the case is set with 177 Wesselton cut diamonds equaling 3.85 carats. There is also a version with diamonds on the dial as well as on the case. The small dauphine hands on the face are either gold or rhodium plated, and the watch has an AR coated sapphire crystal with a metallization engraved "Bertolucci" on its lower edge.

Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA quartz movement, and an array of leather straps in different colors are available. The crown of the watch is located on the caseback. There is a matching gold buckle on the strap. The top-of-the-line version has 527 diamonds all over the watch. I must admit that the timepiece design is intriguing and I'd feel inclined to speak to any woman I encountered that was wearing it. Shame that with such few pieces of this watch out there, that opportunity will likely never come.

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

This little number came out a few years ago, but a few are available floating around on the net. A watch like this is the very definition of fake militarism and merely attempted style. Apparently camouflage isn't out of style, at least where ever most Ulysse Nardin watches are sold. This limited edition of 50 pieces watch takes everything you know about the Maxi Marine Diver and tries to hide the dial! Naw, you can still see it. I must admit camouflage looks sorta cool, even on a watch, but more in a gimmicky sense. I simply can't stomach the idea of taking a luxury dive watch, and making just the dial (or any of it really) "camoued" out.

Ulysse Nardin tried to further "harden" the look by making 43mm wide case steel and black. If I didn't know better I would say the watch is cool - but only if you are a bad-boy type with an obese trust fund. Inside the watch is the Ulysse Nardin automatic caliber UN-26 movement with a power reserve indicator and subsidiary seconds hand. It also also been certified as a COSC chronometer. The hour and minute hands, as well as the hour markers are thick and easy to read. Certainly a unique and easy to love (or hate) watch. Original retail price was about $7,000 and prices now are somewhat more or less given the highly limited state of the watch.

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

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.

A combination of elephant and man. This is one very interesting piece of artwork, and although I think it's more than a little strange I can still appreciate it is beautiful in it's own way. Called 'People Belong to Elephant' it's part of a collection by artist Chen Changwei that's based on the Chinese zodiac. I came across this piece at Vivre and as far as I can right now they're only carrying three of the zodiac sculptures (see them in the gallery) but I'm curious to see the rest. As part of a limited edition of only 8, this People Belong to Elephant sculpture stands 31" tall and is available as part of Daum's China Collection for $76,500.

I don't know that the world wanted it, but Bell & Ross wanted to make it. Two new models in the BR01 Airborne collection are about here. Now more expensive, and with diamonds, more of them. Personally I never had a problem with the BR01 Airborne watch, but apparently I am in the minority. There are very few watches that "offended my sensibilities," and this watch is not one of them. I like the whole dedication to American Airborne Paratroopers, and the skull theme. Plus it is based on the unique watch for Only Watch 2009. Hell, I am mostly happy with all watches that have skulls and bones on them, but some people saw this line as being too much a departure from what they expected in a Bell & Ross watch - and that was for the version without diamonds.

In cheerful defiance of those who oppose the concept, Bell & Ross introduces two new versions of the BR01 Airborne watch. The BR01 Airborne 415 & 672 watch models. The numbers correspond to the amount of diamonds on the case surfaces. As you case he there is a version totally covered with the precious stones, and one with just the skill and cross bones outline in diamonds. The face of the skull itself is in white diamonds, while the rest of the shape is in glittering black diamonds. The strap you can tell is galuchat (stingray). An exotic and controversial material which espouses the use of a name to cover up its true character. I must admit that in my decadence loving heart, the gilded watch with its sea creature strap is an oddly appealing novelty. Each version of the new 4115 & 672 Bell & Ross watches are limited to just 99 pieces.

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

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.

Audemars Piguet will release a watch soon to celebrate Mexico's 200 years of independence (1810 - 2010). Using the standard Royal Oak Offshore case and style, the watch will have a few cues to the country it celebrates. The dial is white, with green hour markers and a red hand. The colors are used to mimic those on the Mexican flag. The 42mm wide case will be have 100 pieces available in 18k rose gold, and 200 pieces available in titanium.

Flip the watch over and you'll find the major design element of the watch that is a shout-out to Mexico. Nicely engraved is an image of the Angel of Independence that is located in Mexico City. It is constant reminder for the citizens of the large city of the country's 200 year history, and now it can realized again on your wrist. Mexico City contains a significant wealthy class who will no doubt enjoy the timepiece's sentiments and luxury nature.

Inside the watch is an in-house made Audemars Piguet Calibre 2326/2804 automatic chronograph movement with a 38 hour power reserve and Cotes de Geneve finishing (though you'll have to remove the caseback to enjoy any of it). The case itself is water resistant to 100 meters and is matched with a hornback crocodile strap. Available soon, with likely most pieces available in or near Mexico.

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

What happens when you drop an exclusive and highly limited edition A. Lange & Sohne Tourbograph Pour le Merite into a vat of molten hot baguette cut diamonds? Well this special edition version of the watch for Dubail of course! Dubail is a luxury watch and jewelery store is Paris, and is blessed enough to have what just might be the world's most expensive new A. Lange & Sohne watch - limited edition of just one piece.

The Tourbograph Pour le Merite was outstanding enough, but this 'piece unique' takes the luxury to a different level by adding 201 diamonds on the case, and another 175 on the bracelet. There are over 40 carats of diamonds on this 41.2mm wide watch done in white gold.

Looking closely you can see that so many parts of the watch have diamonds in them. Even the crown and chronograph pushers. What is interesting about the watch, is that the inside of the watch is just as stunning as the outside. You can see it through the sapphire exhibition caseback. Although a diamond covered watch like this is of course gaudy, I think that it is as tastefully done as could have been. The watch itself has a manufacture made caliber L903.0 tourbillon movement, with a 30 minute chronograph and power reserve indicator. My recollection is that the movement alone takes about a year to make. The watch will be available at the Dubai store with a retail price of 1.2 million euros (or about $1.75 million).

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

Ulysse Nardin says "I love you Monaco" with the Monaco YS Maxi Marine Diver watch. The principality is the locale for many a sold luxury watch, so luxury brands are keen on showing Prince Albert, the sovereign of Monaco the love. This time the watch is pretty nice, though far from original as it is just a redressed Maxi Marine Diver watch. Unlike the recent Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Black Surf Diver watch that I recently discussed, while both of these watches share black tones, the Monaco YS watch does the black with DLC (diamond like carbon) coated over the steel.

Like the Black Surf, this watch has 18k rose gold accents, just not as much of it. The watch also feature gray colored lume on the dial for a more stealthy look.There is also the "Monaco" branding on the dial. This Ulysse Nardin Monaco YS Maxi Marine Diver watch also has the UN caliber 26 automatic Chronometer movement with power reserve, and comes in a limited edition of just 100 pieces. Ceramic links are placed into the otherwise rubber strap. Pretty much everything else is the same as the outgoing Maxi Marine Diver watch, expect for the price, that will be more.

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