platinum

The $15,000 Platinum Bentley Sunglasses

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Men's Style

At the Geneva Motor Show Bentley just unveiled a new line of limited edition sunglasses created in collaboration with Austrian eyewear manufacturer Estede. Working with the famed British marque's design teams in Crewe, England, the Estede for Bentley collection features precious metals - silver palladium, 18 carat gold and, most exclusive of all, platinum, which Estede claims has never before been used in eyewear - and innovative surface treatments mirroring Bentley's quilted leather upholstery. Available in two different sizes, the aviator-style shades will be offered in a presentation box containing interchangeable lenses for varying activities. Each pair will be individually numbered and can also be engraved with owner's name and / or Bentley model number. Prices will range from about $1,900 for the silver palladium version and $5,500 for the 18 carat gold all the way up to $15,000 for the platinum model.

Tags: Austria, Bentley, Estede, eyewear, Geneva Motor Show, GenevaMotorShow, platinum, precious metal, PreciousMetal, sunglasses, UK

Bentley Continental Platinum GTO by Onyx Concept

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Custom luxury and performance automobiles come from around the world, with some of the best hailing from such locations as Germany, Japan and Italy. Ireland may not be the first place that comes to mind, but Onyx Concept is working to change that with the release of their new Platinum GTO.

Starting with the Bentley Continental GT, Onyx has boosted output up from 553 horsepower to beyond 640, mounted a new sport suspension and fitted 22-inch wheels. A full body kit gives the Platinum GTO a new front end – complete with LED daytime running lights and a carbon fiber splitter – while around back there's a decklid spoiler and diffuser also made from carbon fiber.

No pricing has been announced, but deliveries are expected to begin next month.

Gallery: Onyx Bentley Continental Platinum GTO

Source

Tags: bentley, bentley continental, Bentley Continental GT, BentleyContinental, BentleyContinentalGt, continental, continental gt, ContinentalGt, onyx, onyx bentley continental platinum gto, onyx cars, onyx concept, onyx platinum gto, OnyxBentleyContinentalPlatinumGto, OnyxCars, OnyxConcept, OnyxPlatinumGto, platinum, platinum gto, PlatinumGto

Omega Central Tourbillon Co-Axial Platinum Limited Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

In a time when ultra expensive watches aren't doing as well as well-designed moderately priced ones, it is funny to see Omega release a clearly expensive limited edition tourbillon watch in platinum. But with only 18 pieces their motive isn't likely profit here, but street cred. There is a growing tendency among mainstream level luxury watch brands to assert themselves technologically. Meaning, prove that they have what it takes to build very complex modern watches, with the hopes that this conceptual perception will seep its way into consumer's minds who wish to purchase everything from a Speedmaster to a Seamaster. Yes of course it is true that the movements in those watches came way before this the new Omega manually wound Calibre 2636 in this Central Tourbillon Co-Axial Platinum watch, but we are talking "perception" not necessarily reality.

The whole techno point of this new Omega tourbillon watch is to have a centrally mounted tourbillon. As you can see it is placed in the middle of the watch dial. This hasn't been done before in just such a manner, but there are other watches that could claim to have centrally mounted tourbillons - such as the new Thomas Prescher Mysterious Automatic Double Axis Tourbillon watch (square case though). What Omega can claim is that everything here is centrally mounted (sort of). Because there is no place for the hands to be mounted in the middle of the watch, they are actually printed on sapphire discs that move around the dial. This gives it a "mysterious" look meaning you can't easily see how the hands are attached to anything.

Each tourbillon carriage is hand made meaning it is a bit different from the last. A master watch maker dedicates 100s of hours to making each one. You can see the seconds hand placed over the 60 second tourbillon as it doubles as a seconds counter. In Omega fashion, this tourbillon is certified as a Chronometer (for accuracy) making it a bit unique among tourbillon watches. Aside from the tourbillon you have a nice open dial showing you the movement. The platinum case is De Ville style (from that current watch line) and is matched to an Alligator strap. The watch isn't the most attractive novelty I have seen lately, but is probably pretty impressive in person. Surely Omega will find 18 collectors who "gotta have it." Not sure about price, but it won't be affordable.

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

Tags: central, limited edition, LimitedEdition, Omega, platinum, tourbillon, watch

Wright & Teague $6,000 Platinum Bee Cufflinks

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Men's Style

Couture jewelry firm Wright & Teague of Mayfair, London, are offering a stunning and precious pair of pure platinum bee cufflinks for $6,000. All Wright & Teague jewelry is handmade in England in the firm's own workshop and hallmarked by the London Assay Office to authenticate the purity of the precious metals. Founded by Gary Wright and Sheila Teague, who studied at London's Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, the firm's motto is "Glamour with gravitas." "The seeming immutability of precious metals is transformed through a precise, intuitive understanding of craftsmanship driven by the energy of innovative ideas to become an object of serene beauty," they note. Wright & Teague have received many film commissions including creating the historically accurate jewelry worn by Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth and Elizabeth: The Golden Age.

Tags: bees, Cate Blanchett, CateBlanchett, cufflinks, London, Mayfair, platinum, precious metals, PreciousMetals, Wright Teague, WrightTeague

Daniel Roth Tourbillon Lumière Platinum Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Finally! A classy looking skeletonized tourbillon watch in platinum with what looks to be a... blue horseshoe on the dial. Is that right? Horseshoe? Sure why not. A little good imagery always does watches good. The whimsy doesn't stop there as the matching blued hands squiggle ("serpentine") in delight, pointing to the time. The manually wound Calibre DR780 Tourbillon Squellete (skeleton) movement is chamfered and hand filed and polished until it gleams of worthiness (this includes hand polishing of the screws as well!). The movement is quite nice actually, with an 82 part tourbillon carriage spinning with lots of white area around it to ease your view, as well as 64 hours or power reserve.

Daniel Roth further suggests oddness in the watch as it is an inherent paradox (if you see it their way). While the case itself is make out of platinum (a very heavy metal) the dial is highly skeletonized suggesting lightness. Thus the watch mixes the concepts of high weighted stateliness with a feeling of feather-light delicacy. Are they harmonious or do they oppose one another? The light tone of the platinum and blued steel on the dial meld well with the midnight blue hand-sewn alligator strap. The strap clasp is in white gold as opposed to platinum (likely to prevent scratches on this "high contact area" of the watch). This Daniel Roth Tourbillon Lumière Platinum horological acquired taste will likely be available soon in limited numbers.

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

Tags: daniel roth, DanielRoth, lumiere, platinum, skeletonized, tourbillon, watch

Rare Patek Philippe Worth Over $1 Million Up for Auction

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Auctions

In addition to the collection of professional divers' Rolexes we wrote about the other day, Antiquorum will auction off a rare Patek Philippe platinum wristwatch worth over $1 million in NYC on Dec. 9.

The extraordinary Patek Philippe Ref. 3974, produced in 1999, is a minute repeating wristwatch with a black dial, perpetual calendar and moon phases, on an alligator strap.

Prior to this sale, only three models of this reference in platinum have ever been sold at auction. This outstanding timepiece was offered with two additional dials as noted in the extract from Patek Philippe's archives.

Also of interest for the Patek aficionado is the Patek Philippe Ref. 3450 with transparent case back. Made in 1983, it is a very fine and extremely rare 18K yellow gold wristwatch with perpetual calendar, moon phases, and leap year indicator, estimated at $200,000 - $300,000.

Tags: Antiquorum, Patek Philippe, PatekPhilippe, platinum, watches

Ralph Lauren Limited Edition Platinum Stirrup Watch

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Ralph Lauren is offering a new limited edition version of its Stirrup chronograph watch in platinum for the holidays. Limited to 67 pieces worldwide to commemorate 1967, the year the Polo Ralph Lauren brand was born, the watch is priced at $68,500 and comes on a black alligator strap.

As my colleague Ariel Adams reported, the famed designer launched his new line of timepieces earlier this year, consisting of three separate collections, in a joint venture with Richemont.

The Stirrup Collection was inspired by heritage equestrian style and the celebrated history of Ralph Lauren. The self-winding watch will be available at select Polo Ralph Lauren boutiques worldwide and via www.ralphlauren.com.

Tags: chronograph, equestrian, Jaeger-LeCoultre, platinum, Polo, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren

Platinum Babies on WeTV

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Services, Children, Wealth

We all know that youth will always have an edge in pop culture and consumerism. But now even babies in utero are in on the commercialized luxe life. A new show on WeTV, Platinum Babies, debuting on Friday, November 6, will highlight wealthy parents-to-be who are sparing no expense when it comes to getting ready for their little one's arrival. In the first two episodes you'll meet Victoria and Tom, and Tara and Andrew, and watch along as they shop, shop, shop, par-tay (celebs on hand, natch), get massages, et cetera. I don't think I'll be DVRing this show, as I feel a little bit icky thinking about what I assume will be baby exploitation and massive, blatant product placement.

Tags: babies, baby, children, kids, platinum, TV, WeTV

David Tutera Unveils $500,000 Wedding Gown

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Jewelry

The grand finale at the "David Tutera by Faviana" wedding dress collection runway show on September 22, 2009 at Gotham Hall in New York City was a real showstopper. The dress, shown above, is a one-of-a-kind platinum wedding gown. The gown includes a platinum-colored tulle veil and bouquet to match. It is drenched in jewelry drama with 10 feet of platinum chain, 33 carats of diamonds, 145.84 carats of aquamarine, white keshi pearls and topped with a stunning white south sea pearl pendant suspended from platinum. The dress was a collaboration between Tutera, a wedding planner and host of WEtv's "My Fair Wedding" and red-carpet jewelry designer, Erica Courtney. It is valued at $501,640 and is available for purchase at Michael C. Fina at 545 Fifth Ave New York, NY.

Tags: david tutera, DavidTutera, platinum, wedding dress, wedding gown, WeddingDress, WeddingGown

Tag Heuer Monaco V4 Limited Edition Watch - $80,000

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

It is the timepiece that you never thought Tag Heuer would make - but they did. As a limited edition of just 150 watches the Monaco V4 is a great looking watch that is as fun to watch in operation as it is to show off. Plus, it is the only Tag Heuer watch I know of made from platinum (170 grams of it). Aside from the unique look of the watch and the modern styling, there are two major points of interest in the watch.

First, the watch movement uses a series of transmission belts instead of pinions. The belts are the smallest made anywhere and still have a thin steel wire in them for strength. Basically, instead of smaller gears connecting some of the larger gears, there are the belts that do it. Second is the use of a liner weight for the automatic movement. The idea is meant to resemble a piston in a engine. Instead of an oscillating weight moving around in a circle, the linear weight moves up and down to power the movement. Power is stored in four barrels that are seen in the rear of the watch (hence the V4 name). The power reserve is 52 hours, and the watch is actually very accurate at about plus or minus 4 seconds a day.

The watch also uses mini ball bearings instead of "rubies" that are commonly used in watches for low friction between gears and palettes. Tag Heuer says that the ball bearings provide even less friction than the commonly used synthetic rubies. The watch functions include the time and a power reserve indicator. It is a new style of skeletonized watch, and very Tag Heuer in character. Price is $80,000 for each piece in the limited edition (save for the first piece that is being auctioned off for charity).

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

Gallery: Tag Heuer Monaco V4 Limited Edition Watch

Tags: limited edition, LimitedEdition, monaco, platinum, tag heuer, TagHeuer, v4, watch

Sinn Modell 6000 Finanzplatzuhr Watch In Platinum

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

For those of you who know, German Sinn watches represent super high levels of function and durability. Having a Sinn watch in a luxurious material simply because it is expensive is almost contrary to the theme of the brand. However, that just changed with the 10th anniversary version of their Model 6000 Financial Center "Finanzplatzuhr" watch. The Sinn Modell 6000 Finanzplatzuhr will come in a limited edition of 10 pieces in platinum. The brand that made famous super hard Tegimented steel and the low maintenance mechanical movement, now dips its toes in the classic sense of luxury.

The Modell 6000 also comes in steel, but this one is in platinum and the case is 38mm wide and 100 meters water resistant. The dial is anthracite with guilloche machine decoration and is rhodium plated. The dial is obviously pilot watch themed, but altered a bit to represent Frankfurt, the home of Sinn, as well as Germany's financial center. Likewise, on this limited edition, the automatic movement rotor has been decorated with the city's skyline.

For the movement, Sinn took a Valjoux 7750 and modified it with their Diapal technology. This replaces certain gears and palettes in the movement with diamond plated components. This is to created parts of the watch that require no lubrication as they have such low amounts of friction. This dramatically increases the time the watch needs to go between servicing. They also fitted the movement with a GMT hand. The watch is capable of tracking three timezones, and the external hour ring rotates using the crown at 10 o'clock. The Sinn Modell 6000 Finanzplatzuhr watch is impressive alone, and this limited edition platinum model is even more impressive. In accordance with the non-excessive values of the brand, the platinum version watch is priced at 19,900 euros, certainly cheaper than most all other platinum cased watches. Available now, but there are only a few.

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

Tags: financial, frankfurt, german, limited edition, LimitedEdition, Modell 6000 Finanzplatzuhr, Modell6000Finanzplatzuhr, platinum, sinn

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine Pocket Watch Excellence Platine

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine Pocket Watch Excellence Platine

Using their brand new manually wound Caliber 4400 movement, Vacheron Constantin releases a new rare pocket watch. This is actually the first time since 1992 that the exclusive Swiss brand has released a new pocket watch. While demand for pocket watches is not nearly the same as for wrist watches, it is a matter of heritage and of course personal style for some.

The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine pocket watch will be included in their Excellence Platine collection for the timepiece is totally done in platinum. It is a smaller in size for a pocket watch, being 43mm wide, but is still heavy given the luxurious material. The dial is classic Patrimony collection-- stark, simple, and elegant. All of the watch itself is in platinum including the case, dial, and hands. The watch comes in a leather pouch with a leather strap to hold the pocket watch. It will be limited to just 50 pieces.

Images via The Hour Lounge.

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

Gallery: Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine Pocket Watch In Platinum

Tags: contemporaine, patrimony, platinum, pocket watch, PocketWatch, vacheron constantin, VacheronConstantin

Pita Oceana Will Be 'Bargain' Platinum Metal Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Pita Barcelona is a cool and funky independent Spanish watch makers who will soon release their long anticipated Oceana diver's watch in a limited edition of just 80 pieces. The watch will be highly customizable, with over 2,300 possible combinations. One can choose from many types of parts and features, including straps, dials, hands, crystal materiel, bezel, and of course case metal. While the limited edition of just 80 may seem low, Pita's statement of "2009 limited edition" might mean that more of the desirable watches will be made in the future. The watches will be available in various styles of steel, gold, and even in platinum. Prices start at about 3,200 euros, and top out at around 17,000 euros for the 950 platinum case version. This is an incredible deal for a platinum watch that usually go for before $50,000 and way up. I cannot definitively say that this is the cheapest platinum watch out there, but is is one of the lowest prices - and as part of an incredible overall timepiece.

Many innovations went into the Pita Oceana's design. Notable is the crownless design and water resistance to 5000 meters. The case is 43mm wide and 18mm thick. The watch movement is based on a heavily modified ETA 2671 automatic, while the overall watch has two patents in the design. The small star-shaped seconds hand is also a "chromatic depth meter." Something about the colors changing as you dive deeper. A very cool looking watch that is totally unique from a couple of master watch makers in Barcelona. Check out the online Ocean customization options here.

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

Tags: 2009, barcelona, diver, limited edition, LimitedEdition, oceana, pita, platinum, spain, timepiece, watch

Rado Sintra Automatic Watch For 2009

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

A welcome addition to the increasingly lively line of Rado watches is this new Sintra Automatic for 2009. The shape of the watch as it widens at the case is almost iconic at this point, while most of the visible features of the watch are ceramic - available in black or platinum colors. It has a sort of smooth, effortless elegance that works well on both the male and female wrist (models sized for each gender are available). The inner case of the watch is steel, while the screws and clasp are titanium. Inside the watch is an automatic ETA 2892 movement that ought to power the easy-to-read face nicely.

I like that the face of the watch is actually very easy to read. Certain Rado watches have been less easy on the eyes from a legibility standpoint, but the round dial and lume covered hands are simple and effective. A large sapphire crystal over the face is flush with the rest of the watch case. I think the Sintra line was always "futuristic" in style, but never too far out there as to alienate people wanting a classic looking watch. The Sintra is now an icon for Rado, and still a handsome timepiece for a few thousand dollars.

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

Tags: 2009, black, ceramic, platinum, rado, sintra, timepiece, watch

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moon Watch 40th Anniversary Limited Edition: Now In Platinum

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The quintessential function-first, tool watch has finally gotten a healthy dose of gaudiness. It was only a matter of time before Omega decided that it needed to price a version of the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moon Watch out of its core consumer's spending threshold. Available starting at Omega's new flagship 5th Avenue store in New York City - 69 pieces of the new 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Apollo 11 Moon Watch, in platinum, will tempt collectors. The watch case, bracelet, and hands are done in platinum. An 18k gold engraved plate on the caseback, and as the seconds subsidiary dial, are emblematic of the successful 1969 moon landing mission. The gold plate on the dial pictures an eagle landing on the moon, to celebrate the historical statement made famous by event stating, "the eagle has landed."

Even after 40 years, the watch remains very true to the original. Size of the case is 42mm wide, while the crystal is made out of an acrylic compound called Hesalite. Why not sapphire? Because the plastic is shatter-proof (even though it can scratch), and a shattered sapphire crystal in a space shuttle would be a disaster. The movement is a still manually wound Omega Caliber 1861 movement. Again, this has to do with the fact that an automatic movement would be worthless in a gravity-free environment.

The platinum version is in addition to a stainless steel version of the 40th Anniversay watch, which will also be in a limited edition, but of 7,969 pieces instead of the 69 pieces for the platinum version. From afar, the only thing telling the watches apart from is the color of the engraved plate on the dial - which is gold for the platinum watch, and sterling silver on the steel version. I would guess that price for the platinum version is $100,000 plus. Still a good looking watch, but did they take it too far? We will only know after seeing what Omega comes up with for the important 50th anniversary in another 10 years.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 40, 40th, anniversary, moon, moonwatch, omega, platinum, professional, speedmaster, watch

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