vintage

Unique Montblanc Villeret Vintage Chronographe Purists Edition Watch

Another special watch that the watch collector forum ThePuristS.com is offering for sale in honor of their 10th anniversary is this limited edition Montblanc Villeret 1858 Vintage Chronographe PuristS 10th Edition watch - the "P10." The site members are all frequent buyers of high-end watches, and to say thanks, a number of prestigious brands have offered special models to be sold exclusively through the site for the ongoing year-long celebration.

What makes this Montblanc Villeret watch special is the "P10" label at 10 o'clock on the dial, as well as special commemorative engravings on the caseback of the watch. Montblanc and ThePuristS will have 10 of these watches available. The cases are 43.5mm wide in 18k white gold while the dials are pristine white enamel with extremely crisp text. The movement is the Montblanc Minerva 16.29 and is easily the highlight of the watch. It is extremely beautiful in its finishing and design, and is viewable through the sapphire caseback window. To match the blued steel hands on the dial Montblanc chose a blue toned alligator strap to go with the watch. Price for the limited edition Montblanc Villeret Vintage Chronograph Purists Edition watch will be 41,000 euros - and available to PuristS members only. If you want one you can contact purists10th @ puristspro.com.

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

Tags: anniversary, chronograph, minerva, montblanc, p10, purists, villeret, vintage, watch

1stdibs.com at the NY Design Center

by Bobbie Leigh (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor

When 1stdibs.com went from click to brick, it was an overnight success, far beyond what was expected. Until the opening of its new home 1stdibs.com was only online. It was the luxury marketplace site for antique and vintage design from the United States, Canada, France, and England. In other words, a treasure trove of jewelry, lighting, furniture, antiquities and especially design classics that you could buy online. Now 1stdibs has expanded to bricks and mortar. Some 53 dealers occupy a huge 1stdibs space on the 10th floor of the New York Design Center in Midtown Manhattan on Lexington Avenue between 32nd and 33rd streets. With the expansion from virtuality to reality, the new 1stdibs@NYDC is a big hit with designers as well as the general public. The Design Center, which in the past was to-the-trade, decorators only, is now open to the general public even on Saturday.

Tags: 1stdibs, 1stdibs.com, decor, mid-century modern, Modernism, NYDesign Center, vintage

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Bell & Ross Vintage Original Carbon Watches

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Bell & Ross Vintage Original Carbon Watches

More nice watches from Bell & Ross for 2011- with sort of silly names. The word game jumble continues. We had "Vintage and Heritage" used a lot. Now "Original" joins the mix with this new Bell & Ross Vintage Original Carbon. Come on Bell & Ross, isn't "vintage original" a bit of a silly redundancy. That would be like calling a watch "dark black." Anyhow, these new Vintage 123 and 126 models come in a 41mm steel case with a black PVD coating, and good looking matte black dial. To be honest, I am not 100% sure what is new about these 2011 pieces over the 2010 pieces aside from the brown calf leather strap. What I liked in 2010, I still like now.

Tags: 123, 126, bell ross, carbon, original, vintage, watch, watches

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Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

While I really like what comes out of house Girard-Perregaux, I am getting a bit tired of seeing the same old thing. This year the vintage 1945 XXL Square watch gets a new dial. Yes, it looks lovely, and yes, they did a good job. Though if you didn't tell me that it was new for 2011, I wouldn't have asked. Always strong in the movement making department, Girard-Perregaux has yet to find its modern legs. It can't seem to decide whether it is competing with Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, or someone else. Maybe all high-end Swiss brands are on its radar. For this reason, the brand has turtled itself in a place of "adherence to tradition." This means their pieces are nice looking and classic in appearance, but don't even attempt to rock the boat design-wise with novel concept.

Thus, I bow my hat to the brand and afford it all my respect and praise. And humbly ask "do you have anything more modern looking?" Hey, maybe I am in for a surprise this year. This watch features a new dial for the Vintage XXL . Very straight forward art-deco style case and dial with Arabic numerals, dauphine hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial. The case is almost a perfect square being about 35 by 36mm in size, and in 18k pink gold. Inside the watch is a in-house GP3300 automatic movement. There will also be a less expensive model with a steel case. Seems like you've seen it before, but trust me it is new.

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

Tags: 1945, 2011, girard-perregaux, vintage, watch, xxl

Longines Twenty-Four Hours Vintage Re-Issue Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Longines Twenty-Four Hours Vintage Re-Issue Watch

I hear that vintage Longines watches are hot now on the auction market. Collectors seem to like their good quality to price ratio. That will change though as the sharks start to swarm. Despite the appeal of the actual vintage market, I just don't get why this watch was made. Not that there is inherently anything wrong with the Longines Twenty-Four hour watch, but I yawn when I look at it.

The original watch that it was based on was a specially commissioned watch Longines made for Swissair pilots from about 1953-1956, This little fact is engraved on the inside of the pop-open caseback (that is what that little button under the crown is for). That latter element is neat, but is not unique to this Longines watch. Just like the original, the dial is vintage in appearance with an hour hand that moves around the dial once each 24 hours. There are plenty of other watches that do this, and many of them for less money, with a more interesting look.

The steel case is large at 47.5mm wide, and the watch contains a modified ETA Valgranges A07-171 automatic movement. Like I said, not that there is anything wrong with the watch, but I don't know how Longines is making it for aside from a handful of collectors. It isn't particularly interesting look, not does it fill a functional use that other watches don't. So I will just keep scratching my head and wishing Longines my best.

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

Tags: 2011, 24, hours, Longines, twenty-four, vintage, watch

Pierre Cardin Vintage Clutch, Handbag of the Day

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

Pierre Cardin's Vintage Clutch ($408) is absolutely beautiful. It exudes a classic and sophisticated aesthetic that is truly timeless. Cardin's Vintage 1980's Clutch is styled in brown alligator skin with rich orange and red undertones. A gold clasp fastening and skinny chain handle perfectly complements the warm color palette.

The interior is small with a compartment thus fitting only the essentials. Ideal for a special evening out, Cardin's Clutch makes for a tasteful and elegant accent to your outfit. Measurements: 5" H x 1" D.

Have tips or suggestions? Contact me @marsha712

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Tags: alligator, clutch, handbag, handbag of the day, Pierre Cardin, vintage

Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Comes to Los Angeles

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Sports

Famed French champagne house Veuve Clicquot will re-introduce professional polo to Los Angeles when it hosts the inaugural Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Los Angeles on October 10 at the Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades. Nacho Figueras, captain of the Black Watch team and Ralph Lauren model, will go head-to-head against some of the world's best polo players for the inaugural event. In homage to the golden era of polo in Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s, guests are being encouraged to wear fashions inspired by that era, with help from Cameron Silver, super-stylish owner of Los Angeles and London-based vintage couture boutiques decadestwo and DECADES. Silver will offer on-site styling advice and sessions with guests and is consulting on the overall design of the event and its vintage inspiration.

In addition to the exclusive VIP Marquee, one side of the field will be free and open to the public. Angelenos will be able to watch the match from bleachers overlooking the legendary polo grounds – the last of Los Angeles' original 22 polo fields – where Hollywood celebrity and polo connoisseur Will Rogers used to play the sport himself along with fellow polo enthusiasts including Clark Gable, Walt Disney, and Spencer Tracy. The site is located just outside Rogers' former estate, which still stands today. Spectators can also expect plenty of Veuve Clicquot champagne bars and premium snacks, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation and California State Parks.

Tags: California, champagne, Clark Gable, Decades, equestrian, events, Hollywood, horses, Los Angeles, Nacho Figueras, Pacific Palisades, polo, Ralph Lauren, sports, Veuve Clicquot, vintage, Will Rogers

Corum Vintage Re-Releases: Round Golden Bridge Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I recently discussed two other Vintage re-issues from Corum: the Golden Tube and Chinese Hat. This is the Round Golden Bridge, and isn't from that long ago. It was originally released in 1994, but that is a while ago in terms of modern watch design. The watch comes in an 18k red gold case that is round, but houses Corum's famous Golden Bridge "stick thin" mechanical manually wound movement (that has actual gold bridges). The look is interesting, while the movement visually bi-sects the round case (that is 41mm wide).

The rest of the dial is black with vertical texturing, while the sloped flange ring is lined with triangular gold hour markers. The watch hands are stubby, but that is because of the movement. They can't be too heavy, and that petite movement can only take so much weight. The movement bridge/plate is nicely engraved, and I like the design of the case which visually continues on to the lugs. The watch is matched to a black crocodile strap, and is limited to just 75 pieces. So you ask, is it a man's watch or a woman's watch? In this case, that is up to you.

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

Tags: bridge, corum, golden, round, vintage, watch

Corum Vintage Collection Watches: Golden Tube & Chinese Hat

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

As part of a series of three vintage re-releases, these are the Corum Golden Tube and Chinese Hat women's jewelry watches. I will discuss the third watch in the new Vintage collection soon. Around the mid 20th century you could get away with a woman's watch shaped like a can of beans in gold covered in diamonds. You could also get away with a watch nicknamed the Chinese Hat (because it sort of resembled that). Corum is likely going to using the French word for that which is "Chapeau Chinois."

Both of these watches are going to be limited editions, coming in either 18k rose or white gold, and with mother-of-pearl or diamond studded faces. Even the MOP faces have diamond hour markers. Each of the versions is limited to just 30 pieces per style. The Golden tube is 30mm wide while the Chinese Hat is 34mm wide. Both are certainly elegant (in their own retro way), and have Swiss quartz movements, lots of high-quality diamonds, and thin alligator straps.

Between these two I like the Golden Tube more. Probably because there are so many things to compare it to. Tin can is one thing. It could also be a beer can, and my favorite, the large side-mounted fuel tanks on a big rig. Keep on truckin' "diamond style" Corum...

Ariel Adam publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: chinese hat, collection, corum, gold, vintage, watch, watches

Bell & Ross Vintage BR 123 Special Edtion Watch For Tourneau

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

As an exclusive for watch retailer Tourneau, Bell & Ross has created a new special version of their Vintage BR 123 watch collection. The watches are based on the newer Vintage BR 123 pieces, but with special colors. The standard cream colored dial is matched to a gray, almost anthracite colored case (likely steel) in a satin finish. The watch is matched to a thick black leather pilot style strap. Tourneau will have the watches exclusively, but only for a limited amount of time.

Just like the standard Bell & Ross Vintage BR 123 watches are, the cases for this limited edition are 41mm wide (which sit big as they have a small bezel). Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA 2895 automatic movement. Overall this limited edition offers a slightly different character for the new collection which is already impressing a lot of people with their straight forward good looks. Price for the standard Vintage BR 123 timepieces is $2,900 - so I imagine that this Tourneau exclusive collection will be about the same.

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

Tags: 123, bel ross, br, limited edition, tourneau, vintage, watch, watches

Unearthen Vintage Crystal Watch

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches

The Crystal Watch by Unearthen ($495) instantly caught my eye with its funky strap design and bracelet-like quality. It reminds me of one those unexpected finds after hours of rummaging through a thrift store. The strap is made with skinny gold cylinders that gradually increase in size as it meets the face of the watch accented with little balls running along the edge.

While it may not the easiest watch to tell you the time, I've been staring at for days and cannot figure it out, it certainly makes for a unique accessory. It's vintage aesthetic makes for a timepiece that you could wear for years. Pair with a casual outfit of jean shorts, a t-shirt and flats or dress it up with a summer dress for an evening out for dinner and drinks. Strap measurements: 1 1/2" W at widest point.

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Tags: gold, jewelry, timepiece, timepieces, unearthen, vintage, watch

Statement Necklaces by Elva Fields

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Designer Elva Wheat Maynard creates one of kind necklaces and earrings for her Elva Fields Jewelry line that are visually captivating. While I love all of her pieces, my heart lies in her gorgeous statement necklaces. They are stunning! I've been a long time fan of Elva's work and if I could, I would buy as many of her necklaces as possible and become an avid collector. Unfortunately, before I get the opportunity to purchase, the ones I like are already sold out! Luckily, her Savor Sunrise Necklace ($118), shown above, is still available for purchase and on sale. Upon first glance, the Savor Sunrise seems fitting for the Summer, but it's coral tones and deep yellow hue would beautifully compliment beiges and browns for the Fall.

Elva Fields offers three different collections - Elva (one of a kind), June (limited editions) and Deb (vintage). As you can see, her necklaces are large, bold, and chunky pieces that exude a feminine and sophisticated feel. Each one has such character that I find myself creating outfits based on the necklace itself. I'm sure many people would say starting with you accessories to create a look is crazy, but I say create your look from what has inspired you. Have fun with it. Being an accessories junkie myself, a large majority of my outfits are based on my handbags, jewelry and shoes. Take a look below for a collection of colorful pieces to inspire your next outfit.

Gallery: Statement Necklaces by Elva Fields

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Tags: beads, elva fields, handmade, jewelry, necklace, statement necklace, statement necklaces, vintage

Citadelle Gin Creates Oak Aged Vintage

by Michael B. Dougherty (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

Well this is different. France's Cognac Ferrand house (who has experimented with aging their Citadelle label before) will release their first vintage gin, distilled exclusively for oak aging, this October.

While oak aging is standard for everything from wine to whiskey, it's a rarity in the gin world. Cellar master Frederic Gilbert, along with owner Alexandre Gabriel, decided to challenge that with a specific combination of additional botanicals-violet, iris and grains of paradise (part of the 19 used in Citadelle)-designed for optimal oak barrel aging. The idea is that violet and iris provide more floral aromatics, while the grains of paradise contribute a hint of spice. The distillate was then aged for 6 months in lightly charred, 12-year-old reused oak casks. Cognac Ferrand has a bit of history with this kind of creative recycling, as the house also produces rums that receive further aging in former cognac casks. In the case of Citadelle, the oak works its magic to round off the flavor profile with an aromatic crispness and notes of cinnamon, vanilla, star anise, and of course, wood. The vintage will have a production run of 11,250 numbered bottles, worldwide.

Wine Enthusiast named Citadelle's 2009 release one of its "Top 50 Spirits of the Year," so we'll see if aging makes a good thing even better.

(750ml., $40.00)

Tags: CitadelleGin, cognac ferrand, gin, oak, reserve, spirits, vintage

Dior Couture Pleated Dress

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

True fashion is timeless. When you find a piece that is a classic, the momentary trends take a back seat. You imagine yourself wearing this garment for years to come because you feel exceptional in it as it works with your body perfectly. We all have that one piece, and for the lucky ones a few pieces, which make you feel as though you have truly gotten your money's worth and then some. Take for example, Diane von Furstenberg's iconic wrap dress that was originally released in the 1970's and has maintained its appeal and wearability nearly 40 years later. Amazing!

Another dress to add to that list is the Dior Couture Ivory Dress ($2,976). It's exquisite! The Dior Dress could easily being seen on a celebrity walking the red carpet or for us non-celebrities attending a formal event. Michele Meunier and Olivier Chatnenet are the designers behind the Parisian label, E2, who have reworked this vintage Dior Dress making it wearable for today. The contrast between black and ivory make for a striking presentation. Overall, the dress exudes a delicate and ultra feminine feel with an empire waist, black lace along the neckline, and silk flowers along the sides and at the waist with numerous eyelets accentuating the panel belt all topped off with a black silk ribbon at the rear. Although this dress is a hefty investment, it's one that will last through generations.

If you're interested in other dresses where the Parisian Fashion label E2 have been able to rework and restore, view the gallery below for one of kind garments.

Gallery: Vintage Dresses by E2

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Tags: chloe, christian dior couture, cornucopia, couture lab, dress, e2, hermes, jacques molko, lanvin, mr blackwell, Pierre Cardin, silk, valentino, vintage, Yves Saint Laurent

Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 New York Limited Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

New Yorkers who have a desire for a connection to the past will highly appreciate this New-York-only special edition model of Girard-Perregaux's Vintage 1945 watch. Limited to just 10 pieces the watch replaces its Roman numeral at 12 o'clock for a "NY" marker. Only the perceptive will notice that. The case is 36mm wide by 37mm tall and in 18k white gold. A handsome, and almost petite watch by "large watch' standards.

Dial is a gorgeous black enamel, with easy to read hands and indexes along with a splash of red. According to GP, the dial is not only made personally by them, but it uses a closely guarded secret formula for the beautiful black. The in-house made Girard-Perregaux Calibre GP1900 is manually wound, and features the time with subsidiary seconds, power reserve indicator, and a date dial. Will all 10 watches be on the hands of proper New Yorkers? Not likely. More than enough tourists who have a taste for the town will probably find happiness in the watch. You can only get it at Girard-Perregaux's newer Madison Avenue boutique store. Price is likely high enough to make most New Yorkers yell.

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

Tags: 1945, girard-perregaux, limited edition, new york, vintage, watch