One of The Most Expensive Timepieces Ever Made!

At the Formula 1 Grand Prix De Monaco 2011, The Hublot the official F1 timekeeper, unveiled one of the most expensive timepieces ever made: The 2 Million Euro’s BB unique piece.
Over 140 carats smother this transfixing time teller. The 18k white gold bracelet is a sparkly array of 353 Baguette Diamonds totaling 102.62 carats. The signature Hublot 18k white gold case is covered in 72 baguette diamonds which amounts to 20.85 carats. 72 baguette diamonds (11.14 carats) situated on the bezel surround a dial embedded with 116 diamonds (8.87 carats). One mustn't forget the rose cut diamond on the crown.
45 gem cutters worked solidly for an entire month ,putting in over 13,000 hours, to cut the diamonds. Once the diamonds were cut, it took an additional 2000 hours to set.
The movement is by no means less impressive , within the glittering exterior of the watch case beats a HUB 6003, mechanical hand-wound movement.
The dial, on two dimensions, is crafted from 18k white gold and palladium 150 (an extremely rare silvery white metal belonging to the platinum group metals). The case back is Sapphire crystal so when one tires (if ever) of staring at the front, one may be mesmerized by the movement.

Mr Bernie Ecclestone, President of Formula One Management together with Mrs Tina Zegg from ZEGG & CERLATI presented of one of the most expensive jewellery timepieces ever created, the 2 Million Euro’s BB.

Tourbillon Cufflinks by Tf Est. 1968

You gotto love them, these new Tourbillon Cuff links, which I think is a brilliant idea. The sleek elegance of the cuff links add a sense of mysterious motion to the wearer. Perfectly round and crafted in steel, the tourbillon will move with the motion of the wearers wrist. A transparent mineral crystal coated with Sapphire ensures scratch resistance and maximum shock absorption. In order to prevent humidity from entering the cuff link, it is almost waterproof - a term not used in watch descriptions, but quite okay in describing these cufflinks. Nnot an actual tourbillon movement as one would find in a watch, the cuff links are rather a hair balance movement with an escapement wheel, to mimic the tourbillon movement. This is done very well, and the effect is outstanding.
The cufflinks salute the Tourbillon, which is an hypnotic complication invented in 1795 by French watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet, a century after Newton defined gravity. Breguet reasoned that as a result of the constant position of the vertical position of the pocket watch, the balance spring is confounded by the effect of gravity effecting the accuracy of the watch. This error could be compensated with a tourbillion whereby the escapement, balance wheel, and balance spring is placed in a rotating carriage which turns once per minute on its own axis.

Cufflinks are all for the fashion and the show and there is no better way to draw attention to your latest acquisition than a captivating model tourbillon.

The Tourbillon cuff link is shock resistant and water resistant able to withstand sharp movements. If by some unfortunate circumstances whereby a certain "used to be loved one" throws a glass of champagne into your face and onto your shirt,for a reason you cannot quite fathom, your watertight cuff links are safe. (Now I am not saying this will happen). If the situation gets worst and you find yourself running through the streets with the large brother "of used to be loved one" hot at your heels, for a reason you still cannot quite fathom, your cuff links will remain securely fastened on your sleeve, as they are anchored by an extremely dependable snappy precision clasp system.

Experience the Thrill of a Tudor Fastrider Chronograph

Tudor's latest collection - Fastrider Chronograph takes you on a ride of your life. Strap one of these babies to your wrist and feel adrenaline begin to build up and pulse begin to quicken. You may have the irresistible urge to hop on the nearest motorbike and seek out long deserted highways where 80 miles an hour is the standard.
The Tudor Chronograph sleek 42 mm steel case with a polished and satin finish evokes a sense of extreme functionality, precision and optimal endurance. The sapphire crystal protects the dial, while remaining scratch free in an environment where tumble weed may blow across your path or swirling sand storms shower tiny
abrasive stones in every direction. A screw down crown ensures maximum protection to the automatic mechanical movement. In addition the Tudor Fastrider is water resistant to 550 meters.

Beneath the dial distinctive partially skeletonized hands indicate the hours and minutes. Three sub dials fashioned like the dials of a motorbike (see left) each perform important functions: At the 9 'o'clock position one can find the all important seconds hand. At the 3'o'clock a 30 minute totalizer and at the 6 'o'clock a 12 hour totalizer. Upon the flange is a minute marker another likeness to the dials on a motor bike. A tachometer is engraved into the bezel and can calculates speed based on travel time or measure distance based on speed. Direct -Action Chronograph Pushers looking very much like engine pistons fit into the middle case through black PVD coated cylinders and enable the wearer the ability to precisely measure short periods of time.
Another acknowledgment to the world of motor racing Motor Racing is the unique date corrector at the 9'o'clock position decorated with a black PVD coated shield, which jolts ones sub conscience and evokes the sudden need for the road. And if you think this baby is going to run out of juice, think again... the Tudor FASTRIDER has a power reserve of 46 hours.

Riding fast requires maximum wearing comfort and the assurance that the watch will remain securely strapped to the wrist. The new Tudor FASTRIDER collection satisfies that assurance by creating, on its leather strap watches, a new safety catch which is incorporated in the folding clasp. A satin finished three piece link steel bracelet with a polished center piece or a signature black TUDOR fabric strap with three sporty stripes which continue the three stripes across the dial are also available. The fabric strap is a spin off from 2010's Tudor Heritage Chrono Model.


Depending on your preference, the dial of the watch is available in black, white or silver sun.

The Road is calling! Get the thrill of a Tudor FASTRIDER.

Why Invest in a Patek Phillipe Luxury Watch?

Patek Phillipe Watches are highly coveted by collectors and bring in the most money at Auction Houses. As to the exceptional craftsmanship and extreme longevity, one only has to glance at the results of this years Sotheby's Geneva Sale of Important Watches where an extremely rare ,circa 1960, Patek Phillipe Chronograph sold for $815,637. No one can deny the investment attributes of this timepiece.

The more complications incorporated in a single timepiece will have exponential effects on the resale value of the timepiece. This particular timepiece has
a Perpetual Calander, which is one of the most difficult complications to master; requires the most components and is the most time consuming to craft.
The perpetual calender complication is not as eye catching as a tourbillon or as playful as a sonnerie or as insistent as a minute repeater, but it is a master of mechanical manipulation. And the master of mechanical manipulation is undoubtedly Patek Phillipe since 1839.

A Perpetual Calender provides the date, day and month ,while automatically making allowances for the different lengths of months, as well as accounting for leap years. A majority of the Perpetual Calender mechanisms utilize a differential gear mechanism from the hour wheel and this mechanism can comprise of several hundred gears, levers, and other parts. Thus you will notice that the parts listed on a Perpetual Calender Watch is substantially higher than on a regular watch or on watches with other complications.

A Chronograph Complication is currently in hot demand making a Chronograph Watch more desirable than a watch without a chronograph function. The Chronograph watch especially in the world of sports. The 1960's Patek Phillipe is a chronograph making it all the more desirable to collectors.

A Patek Phillipe Luxury Watch holds its value, as it is a known brand, with top sales at auctions, which proves Patek Phillipe has a high resale value. In addition, a Patek Phillipe mechanical luxury watch is timeless and does not bow and scrape to the constraints of technology.

In 2004, a Patek Phillipe Calibre 89 sold at a Sotheby's Geneva Auction for over 6.6 million Swiss francs. Only four Patek Phillipe Calibre 89 watches were produced to mark Pateck Phillipe's 150th anniversary. Crafted in 1989, in 18k gold this 2.4 lb pocket watch contains a total number of 1728 parts and 24 hands. Complications include: Day of the month, Day of the week, 12-hour recorder, Hour of second time zone,moon phase display, winding crown position indicator;century, decade and year displays (I suppose Patek Phillipe expects this watch to last quite a long time), Leap year indicator,Power reserve, month, thermometer,Date of Easter, Time of Sunrise, Equation of Time, Star Chart, Sun Hand, Time of Sunset and split second hand.

In 2002, Patek Phillipe crafted the most complicated watch integrated into a single timepiece -
Sky Moon Tourbillon.


Patek Phillipe is constantly raising the bar of watch craftsmanship, and making possible the seemingly impossible. To purchase an investment, purchase a Patek Phillipe at THE WATCHERY

Girard Perregaux Diamond Covered Cat's Eye Tourbillon

Girard Perregaux originally introduced the Cat's Eye movement to provide women with the pleasure of owning a mechanical timepiece with a complication. To me, the latest Girard Perregaux Cat's Eye Tourbillon Haute Joaillerie timepiece is the epitome of timekeeping perfection.
Now I don't usually salivate over watches - I mean not overtly, but just look at Girard-Perregaux latest Cat's Eye Movement smothered in diamonds broken only by a captivating tourbillon suspended beneath a signature Girard Perregaux bridge.

The case is crafted in 18k white gold, which serves as the ultimate backdrop to 20 carats of diamonds. The exceptional diamond paving design and Girard-Perregaux in-house caliber GP09700-0006 manually wound (not automatic) required 700 hours of intense work.
The gray satin strap compliments the alluring display of diamonds and is secured with a white gold buckle decorated with ... what else... diamonds.

Oh and the price... how could I forget. For $490,000 this beauty can be yours to covet.

DeLaneau Comes to The Big Apple

If you want to pick an exquisite Delaneau Jumping hour/Jumping Minute Mechanical Amazone Blueberries or Rectangular Dôme Invisible Damier Watch then you can ... at 681 Madison Avenue New York City. DeLaneau has come to New York. Looking more like a very exclusive club, the new DeLaneau boutique embodies the style and grace of DeLaneau.

The opening of the New York boutique comes just months after DeLaneau opened its first flag ship store in rue du Rhône, Geneva. DeLaneau has plans to open more locations worldwide.

DeLaneau is a passionate luxury watch company transforming a timepiece into a piece of art. Established in 1949 in Bienne Switzerland, DeLaneau creates rare beauties. DeLaneau is little over half a century old, and thus moved its offices to a location steeped in centuries of watchmaking. Delaneau wanted the best and this historical 18th century residence in the center of Geneva's old town had the best in watchmaking techniques. The best stone setters, engravers, finishers, master goldsmiths and watchmakers as well as fine jewelry craftsman. Delaneau is one of the only companies that boasts an in-house enamel workshop whose superior craftsman have perfected the secrets and mystery surrounding this complicated art form.

Delaneu has focused on Mechanical Watches for women. Since quartz watches flooded the market in the 1970's, mechanical watches were reserved for machine loving men. Women's watches, although smothered in diamonds and gems, mostly kept time with a quartz movement. DeLaneau realizes that a women too can appreciate the deep tradition and brilliant craftsmanship of mechanical movements and thus has created thrilling mechanical movements for women.
he power behind DeLaneau is CEO and artistic director, Christina Wendt-Thevenaz. She is passionate about women's timepieces, and every luxury watch is inspected by Christina before it leaves the door. Christina wants each watch to be a woman's treasured item, a constant companion, that will be on her wrist throughout her life.

Only a few hundred pieces are crafted a year, each piece a sculptor, crafted by an expert watchmaker. The collections are quite unique and breathtaking. The Fauna Collection includes a timepiece displaying the bowed head of a white horse, another displays the vivid green of a leopards eye, and yet another the shimmering colors of a butterfly in flight. The Flora Collection contains a timepiece with the enigmatic orchid. The Lotus Collection is my favorite as the timepieces themselves breath the mystic and ancient symbolism of the Lotus Flower. The Tourbillon Collection is truly captivating, defying gravity, not only in function but also in rare beauty. The Angel Heart Collection seems to stem from a place between reality and fantasy. Within these collections are Amazone Timepieces. DeLaneau has created a jumping hours collection which has captivated the World of Horology.

For a moment, if you can look past the dazzling exterior of DeLaneau masterpieces, you would be pleased to know, the movement tracking the time is of superb quality and extreme precision. DeLaneau caters to the individual and if you desire a creation of your own, DeLaneau can provide you with a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

First Lady Wristwatch Gift Causes Country's Uproar

On Saturday July 11th, 2009, The First Lady of Ghana, Mrs Ernestina Mills presented The First Lady, Michelle Obama, a Backes & Strauss timepiece known as "The Star of Ghana" worth $48,000. This really was a lovely gesture, except the people of Ghana were slightly perplexed, to say the least, as to why the expense of this gift was only topped by Saudi Arabia's King Abdallah's $132,000 ruby and diamond jewelry gift.
This information came to light, on January 18th, 2011, when the State Department released the Federal Register itemizing the gifts given to President Obama, First Lady and Family.
Government officials cannot keep the gifts, but the gifts are accepted as "non-acceptance would cause embarrassment to donor and U.S government". Gifts to the President and First family go to the National Archives.

As it turns out this gift was not given by Ghana's First Lady, as itemized in the State Register, (see above)
In fact the government of Ghana states that "The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Mrs Ernestina Naadu Mills, did NOT present Mrs. Michelle Obama with a Backes & Strauss wristwatch valued at $48,000, when President Barrack Obama and his wife paid a state visit to Ghana in the second week of July 2009. During the visit of President Obama and his wife, through the Government, all kinds of gifts were presented to them. One such gift is the said Backes & Strauss wristwatch which was presented to Mrs. Obama on behalf of Ghana by B&S And Africa Watch Trading Co Ltd (representatives of B&S in Ghana)."

Backes & Strauss London website states " Backes & Strauss London, in association with The Africa Watch Trading Co Ltd and on behalf of The Republic of Ghana proudly present THE STAR of Ghana, a unique and one off piece from their Regent Collection. As Masters of diamonds since 1789, Backes & Strauss the world's oldest diamond company craft and create exclusive watches, combining art and science, light and time." (No mention of the First Lady of Ghana)

I will not delve further into the controversy since I am eager to describe this watch, but click here should you want to know more about the exact details of the story.

I must admit the watch is a treasure, and although embroiled in controversy,is a lovely representation of Ghana. The flag of Ghana is situated boldly at the 6'o'clock position displaying the Pan African Colors. Ghana, after all, in 1957 was the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence. The Red symbolizes the blood shed to achieve independence, Gold represents Ghana's large amount of natural resources, and green is the richness of Ghana's agriculture. The striking black five pointed lodestar is
“symbol of African emancipation and unity in the struggle against colonialism." -Ghanaian Flag Designer: Mrs. Theodosia Salome Okoh

Within the flag is a moon phase complication, and below the 12 'o'clock is a large date aperture. A rotor equipped with a platinum segment winds the mainspring. The automatic movement is housed in a 18k Rose gold case. A bezel studded with three rows of comprising of 288 diamonds and weighing 2.35 carats surround the beautifully designed oval dial marked by hand polished rose gold Arabic Numerals. Backes & Strauss signature "Jewel in a Crown" is marked by a .09 carat ideal cut round diamond set upon the crown.

Thus, this watch baring the vibrant flag of Ghana, rests in the National Archives, and will remain there from year to year and from president to president, no matter who presented it. It is a gift from Ghana.