rubber

One of Ulysse Nardin's new Maxi Marine Diver watches for 2011 is the Black Sea. It isn't wildly different from anything we've seen before, but furthers the brand's exploration of dark watches and vulcanized rubber. The case is in steel that is coated with vulcanized rubber. The matte tone has a smooth texture and offers a unique look - plus it won't scratch things that rub up against it. The entire watch is done in black tones save for the bold red accents on the dial. The hands and hour markers make a hip statement against the black background. I wonder if Ulysse Nardin was debating between "Black Sea" and "Red Sea" for the name.

Otherwise this is another Maxi Marine watch with a (I believe) 43mm wide case and rubber strap (with black metal segment). Inside the watch is a Swiss automatic movement, that has the time, subsidiary seconds dial, date, and power reserve indicator on the dial. Really a handsome and cool looking diver watch. The Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver Black Sea watch will retain for $12,900.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Combining style with functionality, the Fendi Cap Toe Boot ($900) has you prepared for the casual days that still need a little boost to make your outfit interesting.

Set in navy blue corded suede and accented with sand colored shoelaces, rubber cap toe and sole, you'll have comfort, be scuff free (at least around the toe box) all the while looking very chic in a unique pair of boots.

While I admire suede's luxe look, given it's rubber cap toe, it would have been nice to see this boot in a material that was not so fragile and could withstand some rain but I suppose that is what wellies are for. Shaft measurement: 7.5" and heel measurement: 4.5".

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In Porsche language "S" refers to a sport model that is between the "standard" model and the "Turbo" model. It is a more expensive version of the original, with enough power to make you feel excited, without the showiness of the Turbo version. In Cartier language however, this label means "sport" as well, but not more expensive. The still fresh Roadster S watch from Cartier is a simplified version of their famous Roadster watch collection. Many people might actually prefer the S over the standard version given its more straight forward design and layout. Gone are the "bullet" shaped sapphire crystal lens over the date that visually connected with the crown, as well as the screws on the case. The crown here is a bit more streamlined (no cabochon as well). and only a black line on the dial around the date window alludes to the pointy, rounded shaped of the sapphire crystal lens on the standard Roadster watch.

There are two versions of the Roadster S timepiece. Each has a Cartier Caliber 049 automatic movement and is about 45.9 mm wide (11.8mm thick). One is the pictured steel version with steel bracelet. There is also a slightly less expensive version with a rubber bracelet and an aDLC coated bezel in black to match the color of the rubber strap. Each is very elegant looking, and modern at the same time. These truly are the new type of mainstream Cartier watch for this decade. The Roadster S has an iconic Cartier dial in silvered opaline white with the Roman numerals and lume coated sword-style hands. The black colored date disc with white numerals is a good design element. Nice watches that allude to the more expensive models, and have a true Cartier spirit with a slightly sporty twist. Price is $4,600 with the steel bracelet, and $4,200 with the rubber strap. Don't forget that you can even buy them online via Cartier's e-boutique. Check out their US online store here.

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

I came across Marni's Necklace and was drawn to its simple beauty. The colorful bows and feathers against a deep black backdrop together create an eye catching piece. I especially liked the mix of texture and shapes that were used. Upon seeing it, I initially thought it was made from beads but was pleasantly surprised to discover that it's made from recycled tires. If I had the ability I would definitely try to make a necklace that is "inspired by" Marni's Rubber Necklace ($445).

It's such a treat to find items that have used recycled material to create something new. Who knew you could make neckties out of cassette tapes? That is pretty amazing. And even though this has been going on for quite some time and we are exposed to a wide array of items that we can use in practically all facets of our lives, I am still amazed by the ingenious minds that are behind instilling new life into materials that may initially appear useless.

This isn't the first time (or certainly the last) where the watch industry has gotten their hands on an exotic material or compound that was originally used for military or space travel purposes and placed them in watches. This is only the latest application of the trend. The question for you should be, is this a good idea? Does the addition of components such as carbon fiber, or exotic metals really give you any benefit? There is no good answer as it really depends on the instance. Sometimes a new look, or slightly lighter watch is the result. More important is the way the watch makes you feel - knowing that your precious timepiece has some seriously special materials in it that only exist elsewhere in high performance machines that you'll never get a chance to own or operate.

Biwi is a plastics, rubber, and strap maker in Switzerland (they might do more things as well). They will begin using a material known as Kalrez to make watch straps. What is Kalrez? It is an elastomer, which is basically a fancy plastic with some remarkable qualities, and flexibility like rubber. Kalrez is owned by DuPont chemicals and was originally developed for much more important purposes in aircraft. It can flex like rubber, but is not nearly as prone to deterioration as rubber (which comes from a plant as opposed to being a by product of oil refining). Kalrez is also extremely resistant to heat and cold, and highly anti corrosive (resistant to a ton of chemicals and harsh elements). Most important to luxury watches, the stuff costs a lot, about 6000 Swiss Franc per kilo. These qualities together make it prime for use in luxury watches that today often use rubber, but want something a bit (or a lot more) fancy. These new Kalrez watch straps from Biwi are the answer.

Via WorldTempus (in French).

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

These rubber tubs from The Conran Shop might not be the prettiest things we've ever seen but they could be the workhorse of your summer. The tubs, made from recycled car and truck tires and based on early Middle Eastern leather designs are incredibly tough and long lasting. Use them to hold beach towels, pack them full of ice and use them as a drinks cooler, use them to tote your barbecue supplies to the cookout or any other of dozens of storage options. The tubs sell for $74 to $135 depending on size.

The latest design from TeNo is the YuKoN, a rubber bracelet with changeable elements that can be taken from basic all the way up to posh. The bracelet can be customized with a variety of pieces made from steel, red gold, yellow gold, wood, horn, mother of pearl and diamonds. The line starts at $165 for a plain bracelet and goes up to $3,585 for a bracelet with a total of .248 carats of diamonds. Bracelets can be ordered complete or piece by piece depending on your style and the elements slide off so you can mix and match. The bracelets are available in seven different wrist sizes.