small seconds

Why this new retro themed watch from Omega has a "Seamaster Aqua Terra" moniker in the name I don't know. I mean the case is a bit like the Seamaster Aqua Terra, but the dial is something all together different, and it has a new movement. If you like large, 'old-timey' watches (that are luxurious) this might be just for you. The little touches are what make it nice. The case is 49.2mm wide and available in 18k white or rose gold. So right there already we are talking big money. Inside the watch is a new in-house made Omega Calibre 2211 movement. It is COSC Chronometer certified, but for some reason Omega has been hush on whether it is an automatic or manually wound. What gives Omega?

The lovely dial with its "railroad" style Arabic numerals is done in enamel (two layers) with a guilloche engraved sterling silver subsidiary seconds dial. Blued steel hands are really cool. Copying an older Omega design to have the brand logo be included in the hands. See what I mean? An interesting, if hard to understand collector's piece from Omega. The Seamaster Aqua Terra XXL Small Seconds watch will be limited to 88 piece in both types of gold and be available soon.

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

One of the coolest new ladies' watches this year from high-end brands was the new Roger Dubuis EasyDiver Small Seconds for women. The limited edition watch has a steel case with diamonds, mother-of-pearl, and lots of purple. The ladies version of the watch is smaller than the more robust 46mm wide version for men, but it retains the same style of case and visual presentation. There are 888 of these watches available.

This isn't the first EasyDiver watch for ladies, but Roger Dubuis revamped the look for 2010. The dial design is both functional and artistic offering the hour markers in a streamlined style. The integration of the purple lines with the mother-of-pearl places is quite nice, and I have always loved how Roger Dubuis crafted hands. They are folded and done with polish on one side and a brushed finish on the other. The rotating diver's style bezel is set with 36 diamonds adding a luxury touch to the sporty look of the watch.

In the middle of the dial there is some texturing in a clou de Paris motif (little squares that are like "half pyramids). Inside the watch is a Roger Dubuis made automatic Caliber RD821 movement with 48 hours of power reserve. The watch is mostly a true diver and is water resistant to 300 meters. The stylized purple strap is rubber. I feel that for the right (well to do) woman this is a fantastic piece that matches many outfits and is a loud statement on their personality and taste. Should be available, again as a limited edition.

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

This is easily the nicest women's watch I have ever seen from JeanRichard, and possibly one of the nicest women's watches ever. It embodies everything one could ask for in a luxury women's watch; a beautiful design, high class craftsmanship, and functional excellence. This Lady Small Seconds watch is part of the Bressel collection that launched in 2005, which continues to impress me. The case, while being 38mm wide, is highly rounded to conform to most any female wrist. I really like how well the crown is integrated and designed, with the sapphire crystal cabochon being a nice touch.

Diamonds play an important role in the case design as well. 58 gems line the case bezel, with 12 more diamonds serving as hour markers. The lotus flower spins the seconds dial via the JR1000 automatic mechanical movement that powers the watch. The blue or gray colored mother of pearl dial is meant to resemble a inviting pond, while rhodium plated hands adeptly serve to tell the time. A curious red colored date seems to fit and liven the character of the watch. While not clear in the images, the highly rounded sapphire crystal over this 10.75mm high watch makes for an excellent wrist profile. It is all attached to a black or white alligator strap with another lotus motif on the strap deployment. Look to JeanRichard for more women's watch beauties in the future.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.