quartz

Think you know high-end quartz? This is high-end quartz. Girard Perregaux wasn't the first to make a quartz watch, but they were among the first Swiss brands to have a quartz watch. In 1970, one year after the quartz watch was initially released by Seiko, Girard Perregaux helped set the quartz movement frequency standard at 32.768 hertz. This is still used today by most quartz watches, and promoted on the dial of this new limited edition Laureato Quartz watch.

Inside the the watch with its familiar Girard Perregaux sporty octagon dial shape is a hand-assembled caliber GP13500 quartz movement that is probably the nicest decorated quartz movement out there. You can see it through the sapphire caseback window, note the gold cap over the battery compartment. The watch box is a cool retro space presentation box, but the real allure of this watch is as a testament to the quartz watch revolution. At first I was skeptical about who might spend this type of money on a quartz watch, but then again I realized that a good many collectors love this type of thing. At the same time, the watch is super accurate and easy to love. It is very readable, with an attractive high quality dial. The case and bracelet are in steel and very well made. So while I though initially the 40 of these watches might be too many, now I realize it is really not enough. Price will be a bit over $11,000 for this very rare type of high-end Swiss quartz watch.

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

Cost cutting is "in" for watch makers as profits are down, and making new and complex mechanical movements is a practice that is frowned upon. So watch makers get creative, and this is typically good news for consumers. Take for example this interesting new watch that I like from Chopard. Model is the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Time Attack MF. The watch is the first digital LCD screen I have ever seen on a racing watch from the brand - it is also one of the few or only watches in this line to have a Swiss quartz movement. I like how they combine "historic" and LCD panels. Styling is simple yet very satisfying. The 42.5mm wide steel case has has a nicely rendered style and the dial is extremely easy to read and live with. The negative color LCD screen makes operating a series of functions such as a chronograph, alarms, second timezone, calendar, and countdown timer easy. The screen looks to be of a high quality so it won't look like you are wearing some odd Frankenstein replica watch. Actually the movement is likely to be a thermo-compensated quartz, because it is certified as a COSC Chronometer - which has special requirements for quartz watches in terms of accuracy and giving them such certification.

I love the retro styling of the watch as well. The portholes in the leather strap as well as the thinner lugs and tachymeter style on the bezel all have a 1970s feel to them. Some people are no doubt going to complain that you shouldn't have to pay Chopard prices for a quartz watch - but the brand is worth something, and their ability to design a nice watch is worth more. Plus, like I said above, the price of this watch is likely to be less than mechanical watches due to the type of movement. Overall I like that watch. It may not be the perfect Chopard racing watch for all people, but it will be the perfect one for enough people.

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

I love to spot watches on most everyone, and it is particularly gratifying to know what timepiece public figures wear. I can't take credit for spotting Vice President Joe Biden's timepiece, though reports suggest that he is an Omega fan and wears a Seamaster watch.

While not the most interesting of watches - or even Omega's finest for that matter - the Seamaster 300m seen on Biden is a classic, having been around as long as I can remember. This Omega watch was probably in at least one modern James Bond film, as the Seamaster line has been Omega's choice for 007. Being a diver's watch by nature, the timepiece's 300 meter water resistance and bright luminant covered hands make them perfect for underwater exploration and visibility. Also standard on this watch is a helium escape valve (the upper left crown), which is meant to preserve the watch while spending time in a diver's decompression chamber. Something Mr. Biden (like most people) probably does with great frequency (no, not really).

Biden's version of the Seamaster contains a quartz movement, but automatic mechanical versions are available. This choice of watch probably does not signify that the Vice President is a major watch lover, though he probably does have some penchant for nice things. The retail price today of this quartz Omega Seamaster 300m watch is roughly $2,000.

Via National Jeweler.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Want the look of an automatic movement watch with the accuracy of the quartz movement? Fossil attempts to do that with their twist line and all for under $100. What's the magic? It's basically a quartz watch with a little slice cut out of the dial that shows an automatic movement which powers the second dial. The stainless steel watch is available in mens and ladies versions in rectangular and round shapes.

Shelly Litvak's Spider Necklace is one of those pieces that you don't forget about. Initailly it gives of a Victorian feel due to the large pendant and gold trim, but then the gold spider offers a twist in style. It allows for the old and new styles to come together in a very balanced yet fashionable way. The faceted quartz is accented wtih sapphires and hangs from a 40" dark chocolate braided leather cord that is adjustable to create whatever look you desire. A great accent piece to any outfit! Price: $1,818.

The new Pirates of the Caribbean movie, Dead Man's Chest, premiers on July 7th. Any idea what you'll be wearing to the theater? Pirate-themed pieces to get you into the spirit of the movie do not come along everyday, so it is best to check them out early. Alexis Bittar's Anchor's Away! necklace would fit perfectly into the wardrobe of any on-set damsel in distress, to be sure. A sizable silver anchor, with a sea-green Chrysophase quartz charm dangling below, is hung on a 16-inch gold chain in a classy, nautical necklace. At only $98, you won't even have to pillage any towns to pick one up.

Tired of wearing the same old hoops for a casual day out? Try adding some color and fun to your jean and t-shirt days with these Quartz Cluster Earrings by Alexis Bittar Made of colorful quartz and pink tourmaline stones, they hang on a 14K gold-filled chain and measure at 2 3/4" long. At $310, they are a pricey alternative, but for those who have the luxury to do so, enjoy...