Romain Jerome Space Invaders X Watch

Romain Jerome has taken a unique twist on mechanical watchmaking with the introduction of a mechanical self-winding timepiece based on Space Invaders - a 1970's video game by Taito in Japan.  Available in multi color aliens or plain white aliens, the dial of the watch is an incredible representation of the low pixel count of the early computer games. The case, a black 46mm PVD stainless steel design, actually contains spare parts from Apollo 11.  Powering the watch is a Swiss Romain Jerome caliber RJ001. From what I can tell, the aliens do not move.

SPACE INVADERS©1
Calibre RJ001-A
Mechanical self-winding movement
Frequency 28,800 vph
Jewelling 23 jewels
Power reserve 42 hours
Water resistance 3 atm
Functions Central hours and minutes
Case Ø46mm
Black PVD-coated steel
Lugs fitted with safety screws and integrated ball-and-socket joints for optimal wrist adjustment
Case with integrated back, composed of spare parts from Apollo 11
Grainy-textured stellar-patterned back with medallion in MOON SILVERRJ representing the moon
RJ safety screw on the case-back, exclusively accessible to watchmakers
Screw-lock crown
Dial Black 3D dial with 3 beadblasted & satin-brushed levels.
Pixelated « Space Invaders® » lacquered in various original colours
Hands Oxidised black, polished, with C1 superluminova
Strap Black vulcanised rubber
Grainy-textured interior of stellar-patterned strap
Buckle Black PVD-coated steel
Limited edition 78 pieces

Harry Winston Project Z6 Black Edition Timepiece

The Harry Winston project Z6 Black Edition is the latest Harry Winston timepiece to utilize Zalium.  Zalium is a zirconium-based alloy used in aeronautical engineering.   Zalium is hypo-allergenic, ultra light weight, resilient and highly corrosive resistance making it an ideal watchmaking material as well as providing a rugged gunmetal finish.  To enhance durability even further, the Zalium is treated with a Diamond Like Carbon treatment. The watch portrays an image of extreme efficiency  and impeccable elegance.  A watch I could envision wrapped around the arm of James Bond where precision is crucial, and the margin for error is nil.

The project Z6 Black Edition is a mechanical manually wound movement featuring an alarm clock.  Quite a rare complication only available in Vulcain, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Blancpain, Breguet and Ulysse Nardin timepieces. However, this 24 hour alarm clock is a design unique to Harry Winston.  The alarm is set by the crown, and activated using a repeater style trigger at the 4 0'clock position.  A hammer fixed to the case  strikes a single block rectangular bell visible beneath the 7 and 8 o'clock position.  B) - creates a greater amplification of sound. Both the exterior placement of the hammer and bell, as well as monobloc bell amplifies the crisp Harmon's sound of the alarm.  A fully wound watch will create a 20 second alarm - see video below.

 Even with the alarm, the Harry Winston Z6 Black Edition has a 72 hour power reserve enabled by double barrels.  Both barrels can be wound simultaneously thus giving power to the alarm mechanism and timekeeping mechanism at the same time.

The dial is an intriguing compilation of dimensions, materials and colors comprising of 18 layered parts. The off centered dial features two overlapping discs, one displaying the hours and minutes and the dial below featuring the alarm clock.  Both time and alarm each have their own day and night indicator.  As with the former Project Z6 timepieces a disc in the shape of a shuriken— a ‘throwing star’ used by Japanese Ninjas slice the minutes into seconds.

Beneath the geometric composition of surfaces decorated with five different finishes including the Côtes de Genève pattern, pulsates the HW-1010 45 jewel movement comprised of  340 pieces.  The Project Z6 is Limited to 300 pieces and is part of the Ocean Collection Ref: 400/MMAC44KC.K2.  Cost: $48,900.00.

Van Cleef & Arpels Whimsical Display of Space for Only Watch Auction

Van Cleef & Arpels Only Watch "From the Earth to the Moon" is a whimsical childlike representation of space. A perfect choice for the Only Watch Auction in Monaco to benefit the research and treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  A terrible debilitating childhood disease.  The dial of the watch is a display of color depicting bright stars and colorful planets.   A vivid orange and red planet encircled by rings or is it the sun  indicating orbits (I can't tell - my knowledge of astronomy needs some work) command the top of the watch and separate the retrograde hours and minutes.  A tiny rocket ship travels from 0 to 60 pointing to the minutes, whilst a shooting star travels from 1 to 12 indicating the hours.  At their end points, both rocket ship and star shoot back to the 0 or 1 respectively.  The watch is a true retrograde displaying the time in an arc as opposed to the traditional analog dial.  The earth displayed at the very bottom of the watch is a healthy  green and blue planet spilling over onto the bezel.  Mars - The Red Planet takes center stage.  Van Cleef & Arpels uses inlays of jade, agate, meteorite and Champlevé-style enamel, to achieve true primary colors.  The watch is powered by a JLC Caliber 846 manuel-wind mechanical movement equipped with a unique retrograde mechanism found exclusively in Van Cleef & Arpels Timepieces. 

The Van Cleef & Arpel "From the Earth to the Moon" is part of the exquisite "Poetic Complication Timepieces"

Video of Van Cleef & Arpels Magnificent  "Les Voyages Extraordinnaires"Dials

10 Good Reasons to Purchase an Invicta Watches

 Invicta Watches are good quality watches for reasonable prices, and that's not a coincidence - it was the vision of Invicta Watches founder,  Raphael Picard, when he started the company back in 1837 in La Chaux-de-fonds, Switzerland.   For over a century Invicta created mechanical automatic timepieces of exceptional craftsmanship and unique design at prices people could afford.  The "Quartz Scare" dealt a powerful blow to the operations of Invicta, and the company went under.  However, just like the resilience of Invicta watches today, Invicta reemerged in 1991 thanks to the descendants of Raphael Picard. They never lost sight of the founder's vision of creating good quality watches for affordable prices.  

Men's S1 GMT Blue and White Dial Blue Polyurethane

3) Invicta combines different watch materials to create 100's of different styles and colors.  The Invicta Men's G-Force displayed at the top of the post, sports a Titanium Case and a bold arrangement of Polyurethane and Titanium.  

4) The dials of Invicta watches are protected by a Flame fusion crystal (Flame-Fusion™ is an Invicta trademark- 2009), which is a cheaper alternative to the more traditional Sapphire Crystal, and has greater scratch resistance than mineral crystal - used in older Invicta models. In addition the Flame fusion crystal is a much clearer window to the time. 

5) Many Invicta watches have a highly efficient lume on the dial hands and hour markers.  The lume is known as Tritnite® only exclusive to Invicta. Tritnite® requires an initial 4-5 hours of exposure to light after which it will maintain its phosphorescent properties with regular light exposures.   In Invicta Luminary Sports Collection luminous tubes or mb-Microtec H3 are fitted into the area's requiring luminescence.  This technology was first used in military operations, with luminescence 100x greater than traditional lume. The luminescence was so bright , soldiers were made to wear a cover over the watch to prevent being recognized as a target. 

6) Invicta Watches are big, some coming in at 58mm like the SEA HUNTER CHRONO, an impressive watch if one has the wrist to wear it. When buying an Invicta, pay careful attention to the size of your watch. For a point of reference most very large men’s watches are 48mm. So if you want a big watch, Invicta's got you covered. 

7)  Invicta Watches are shock absorbent like The GRAND DIVER PRO AUTOMATIC, which  is a mechanical self-winding shock resistant timepiece.So if you are in a situation where you gotto shake rattle and roll, your Invicta timepiece will keep on ticking, just the way you like it.  

Women's Subaqua/Noma III GMT White Leather

Invicta Reserve/Venom

8) Since this is a seriously hot summer, (the thermometer tops 100 F today), the cool refreshing water is a calling, but what about your watch.  I mean you don't want to take off your watch, leave it on the beach and next thing you know its disappeared down a crab hole. NO! You want to swim with your Invicta on your wrist. Invicta sees to this dilemma too, don't you worry. Most Invicta watches are water resistant to 100 meters, although not suitable for diving, is fine for surfing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing & water sports. For serious diving, Invicta Sea Hunter Chrono and Arsenal II Chrono Collections are water resistant to 300 meters, a depth suitable for Scuba Diving. For the Ladies, The LADY SUBAQUA NOMA IV AUTOMATIC (image above)  collection, has a water resistance of up to 500 meters. Many Invicta models are water resistant to 660 feet and some like the Invicta Men's Reserve/Venom  are water resistant to 1000 meters.  

9) Invicta watches, not only are precise time tellers, but are bold and confident addition to ones wardrobe and image - meant to be noticed. I mean just check out  The Men's Lupah Automatic Chronograph Diamond Black Leather $499.99

On sale for 90% off the MSRP.  Now that's an image maker.  The case is Gunmetal ion plated stainless steel (it screams - don't mess with me); dial is sunray gunmetal; strap is black leather, but what is an image without a touch of bling. There are 53 white encrusted diamonds on hour markers and Arabic numerals.

10) Depending on your watch requirements, Invicta sells watches to suit your needs.  

• Compasses - as available in its Invicta Coalition Forces Collection  

• Diver’s Scale on the turning bezel in some diving models. This function lets the diver preset the time submerged in minutes.  Some Diver Scale Watches are beneath the crystal and must be turned using a pusher at the 9' o'clock position.
• Chronograph - Invicta has a huge array of timepieces with a Chronograph Fuction - the Invicta Sea Hunter Collection, Arsenal II Chrono Collections, The S1 Sports Chrono, Corduba Chrono Sport, just to name a few.So if you ever need to measure the duration of an event, Invicta Chronograph watches will serve you on style.

10) Invicta in Latin means “Invincible”, a name with origins dating back to ancient Rome, and with the message of "invincibility" strapped to ones wrist, the problems of the day somehow seem manageable. 

Corum Golden Bridge Automatic Only Watch 2011

Corum Golden Bridge Automatic Only Watch 2011 - Case Back

Corum opted to use its latest horological achievement, the Corum Golden Bridge Automatic, unveiled in Basel World 2011,  for the Only Watch 2011 Auction taking place in Monaco to benefit the research and treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Introduced in the 1980's, the Golden Bridge Collection was quite unique, not in the representation of  time, but in the representation of the movement.  However for the past 30 + years the Golden Bridge was a manually wound watch requiring daily winding.  Manual winding, although still used in some haute joaillerie watches, is a thing of the past.  Corum realized for the success of the Golden Bridge movement its ability to wind automatically, (by the gentle swinging motion of ones arm) and not by the constant winding of the crown, was imperative.  However to convert the Golden Bridge movement from manual winding to automatic proved quite a challenge, as a result of the linear effect of the whole design.  A semi-circular rotor was out of the question.  It took Corum four years of research and development ,encompassing metallurgy and physics, to finally unveil an effective linear winding system.
The movement: A Corum Caliber C0313 - an automatic linear-winding baguette. One can actually view the winding mechanism from the watch face, both sides, and from the case back, as the entire movement is on display protected by scratch resistant anti-glare sapphire crystal.

Linear Oscillating Weight:
Material: Platinum - one of the rarest elements in the earth's crust, dense, resistant to corrosion and stable at even very high temperatures.
Weight: 4 Grams

Range of movement: 1 cm then motion is slowed by a system of gaskets and then slides back thereby requiring minimal energy to perform the sliding movement with minimal friction. This dampening ensures no damage occurs from the forceful contact of the oscillating weight to other parts of the movement.  Another precaution Corum has taken to prevent any damage from the sliding motion of the oscillating weight is by using Beryllium Copper in the contact zones between the chariot and rails.  Beryllium Copper attains the highest strength to any copper-based alloy, physically tough, non-magnetic and  retains its shape if subjected to repeated stress and strain  (ref Wikipedia).  
the
As the linear oscillating weight slides back and forth along its PTFE Teflon coated steel rails, the energy is transmitted to a rack attached to the oscillating weight which is constantly engaged with a reverser system allowing for undirectional winding.  In addition to enhance effectiveness and reduce friction, ball bearings are used.  Due to the clever compilation of the parts, and the fitting materials used, no lubrication is required.


Watch Movement: The movement powered by the linear winding mechanism is a Caliber C0313, equipped with a variable-inertia balance,  comprised of 194 parts beating at 28,800 vph and sporting a 40 hour power reserve.  The barrel has been reduced, so as not to break the graceful longitudinal perception of the movement.  The exquisitely crafted main plate and bridges are fashioned from 18k white gold featuring a unique vertical guilloche motif matching the oscillating weight.

The Only Watch 2011 Golden Bridge Automatic case is crafted from titanium  covered in a Titalyt (not sure if this is the same Richard Mille Titalyt process of titanium oxidation by electro-plasma or not ).  The case with its matt exterior and hardy charcoal hue evokes a sense of indestructibility and incredible durability.  The red stitching on the black crocodile leather strap compliment the dark shades of the watch.  It is a pity this watch is limited to one, but I think Corum is experimenting with the "car racing" designs that are quite successful in other brands like Chopard, Fortis, Tag Heuer, BRM e.t.c
Corum has always seemed a little reserved and outdated in their representation of their Golden Bridge Collection, but the new color scheme of the Only Watch 2011 really works.

Casio G-Shock Everywhere!

The cool watch this summer is definitely the Casio G-Shock. Ever since I spotted Eminem's G-Shock in his Music Vid "I need a Dr" with Dr Dre, I knew this watch had become an icon for hip hop coolness. I mean you could not miss the crisp white DW-6900FS-8 model G-Shock watch amid the eery dimness of that weird recovery lab. Watch the video and you'll know what I'm talking about.
And if that's not enough on this latest music vid from Coldplay, "Every Teardrop is a WaterFall.". I spotted a bright yellow G-Shock on the lead singer, Chris Martin's arm" . Chris Martin was also spotted wearing a bright blue DW-6900MM-2 model G-Shock at a Pinkpop- a Dutch Festival
. Ludacris is wearing a G-Shock on Fast Five. Back in 2009, Ludacris encrusted or "iced" his G-shock in diamonds.

Justin Bieber was spotted wearing a purple G-Shock DW6900.

Then the movies, let see ... in Scream 4 - check out the cops (inset), Saw 2.

The first time I really noticed the G-Shock was in the movie Speed with Keanu Reeves wearing a DW5600C .
The guys on Jersey Shore Season 3 all wear G-Shocks, so do the Doctors on Scrubs and the contestants in the Amazing race. Said, on Lost Season 2 wears a Casio G-Shock DW -6600 in his back story.

If there was ever a watch with so much exposure, it is the Casio G-Shock.

Please add any other instances you noticed a G-Shock on celebs in movies, music videos, or anywhere else - please comment.

A Panda on a Thunderbolt MB&F HM4 Only Watch Auction

He is in a wheel chair now, watching Todd and Jack kick around a soccer ball; smiling a little as the ball bounces into Mrs Nell's rose garden for about the hundredth time that day, and Mrs Nell coming out and yelling again. The sky is the perfect blue, and the sun delivering just the right amount of warmth... and he, Sam, is inside.
"Sam shall I wheel you outside for a bit, just to catch some sun," his mother had asked, pain and worry naked in her eyes.
"No! I'm good" he lied wanting desperately to be like every other kid on a hot summer's day, wanting desperately to run again.
"Hey Sam!" Todd yells, and runs... runs towards the window. Sam quickly closes the blinds. Sam hears his mother say, " Todd, maybe another day okay."

The room is cool, and Sam ,clutching his stuffed Panda, closes his eyes. In an instant he is no longer "Sam stuck in a wheelchair in the house on a great day Sam". He is Sam "Master of the Thunderbolt with Panda Second in Command." Panda and Sam climb into the seat between the powerful turbine engines and he takes hold of the reigns. The Thunderbolt roars to life, and he Sam, "Master of the Thunderbolt with Panda Second in Command" begins to soar. The Thunderbolt plummets across open fields, houses, cities towns turning everything into a colorful blur, people hold onto hats looking up, but all they see is the sun glinting on a tiny dash of metal. The wind is whipping at his hair and ruffling Panda's fur. Sam turns to Panda and yells across the fiery din of the engines, "It is time Panda! It his time!" Sam points the Thunderbolt towards the galaxies filled with planets to explore and comets to race.

The imagination of a child so free from the confines of physical ailments, and perfectly represented by MB & F HM4 (Horological Machine 4) Thunderbolt Timepiece. A Panda, representing a child's bedside companion during illness, atop a flying machine. The Thunderbolt is MB & F's contribution towards the Only Watch Auction in Monaco this September to be Auctioned off by Antiquorium to benefit the research of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. (a terrible debilitating genetic disease appearing in early childhood causing extensive muscle degeneration.)
The Thunderbolt is an impressive Horological Machines created with much unbridled creativity by Horological genius Maximilian Büsser in collaboration with Paris-based Chinese artist, Huang Hankang, who painted the Panda astride the Thunderbolt which served as the reference for the HM4 Only Watch. The painting will accompany the watch sold to the highest bidder.

Crafted from solid gold, a panda bear controls the Thunderbolt's golden reigns. The Panda and reigns are removable leaving the HM4 as we know it. Huang Hankang signature is crafted on the sapphire crystal case-back. Just at a glance, even a novice acknowledges, this timepiece is something quite different from the dial, movement, strap norm. After all the case of this timepiece or Horological Machine (a term MB & F most prefers) is comprised of two miniature turbine on either side of a central platform, which houses most of the complication. 311 in-house specialized components power the Mechanical Timekeeping Machine, including two mainspring barrels enabling a 72 hour power reserve. The power reserve is displayed in the opening of one jet turbine - fashioned like a fuel gauge - and the hours and minutes are displayed in the other.
The straps are removal, enabling one to display the timepiece as a time keeping sculpture in 18k white gold.

The HM4 Only Watch will be Auctioned off on September 22nd, 2011.