tantalum

F.P. Journe Chronometre Blue Watch

This is a lovely watch that should probably considered a "starter timepiece" to the F.P. Journe brand. I saw this given the basic classic look of the watch and the brand's reputation for typically complex watches. Though perhaps that is a misconception on my behalf as there are plenty of existing fans that would enjoy the unique qualities this 39mm wide watch has. Aside from the gorgeous metallic blue dial, the watch is made in tantalum, a rarely used exotic metal sometimes used in the aerospace industry. One reason it is paired with the blue dial is because the metal alloy shines blue in the right light.

Inside the watch is a F.P. Journe caliber 1304 manually wound movement that is in-house made and has 56 hours of power reserve. The movement is made in 18k rose gold. The "Chronometre" part of the watch name refers to the fact that F.P. Journe has made this mechanical movement accurate within chronometer ranges.

The dial design is purely F.P. Journe with emphasis on signature brand characteristic such as numeral font and hand design. No word on price for the F.P. Journe Chronometre Blue watch yet, but I suspect it will be higher than I would predict.

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

Tags: blue, chronometre, FP journe, FpJourne, tantalum, watch, watch of the day, WatchOfTheDay

Gerald Genta Octo Black Spirit Tourbillon

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Gerald Genta, part of the Bulgari Group, will be debuting this unique watch at the upcoming SIHH 2006 fair. The Octo Black Spirit Tourbillon has a platinum octagon-shaped case with double sapphire crystals. The case which measures 42.5mm has a tantalum bezel and the crown features a cabochon sapphire. The 18K white gold dial is embellished with a dramatic geometric configuration of 22 black sapphires and 14 rubies.The automatic movement is exclusive for Gerald Genta by Bulgari, caliber GG99051 with 54 jewels, a sapphire tourbillon bridge and a power reserve of 64 hours. The watch is also available in rose gold.