RM 050 Tourbillon Split Seconds Competition Chronograph Felipe Massa
Richard Mille is a company at the forefront of discovery and innovation in their relentlessness quest for the best watch making material. Richard Mille scrutinizes every component and questions whether there is a better material in terms of lightweight, longevity, resiliency, shock absorbency,efficiency and of course dramatic effect.
Let us not forget the stunning Richard Mille RM 56 Felipe Massa Sapphire Watch unveiled at SIHH 2012 sporting a transparent and scratch resistant case carved from three blocks of Sapphire crystal or the super lightweight RM027 worn on the hand of Rafael Nadel weighing in at just 18 grams. (in this watch titanium and lithium alloy is used)
The Sapphire Watch - Limited Edition - 5 pieces
The new Richard Mille’s RM 050 Tourbillon Split Seconds Competition Chronograph Felipe Massa, Richard Mille has stepped over the boundary of cutting edge technology and entered a realm bordering on science fiction by incorporating carbon nanotube injected composite into the watch case. The introduction of this material results in a watch which is extraordinarily light weight. The movement itself only weights 9.5 grams. And light it must be since this is the watch to be worn around the wrist of Felipe Massa during Formula 1 races. Limited Edition - 10 pieces.
So what exactly are nanotubes?
Structure of nanotube
They are single walled Carbon cylindrical nanostructure resulting in highly unusual thermal conductivity , electrical and mechanical properties. Nanotubes contribute to the field of nanotechnology, optics, electronics, material science, technology and now Horology.
The carbon atoms are arranged at exact intervals within its structure deeming it the toughest and stiffest material in terms of its tensile strength and elasticity. In layman's terms this means the material is 63 times stronger than steel. Nanotube technology has been used in the construction of tennis rackets to increase lightweightedness, thus it is quite understandable that Richard Mille - so closely associated with the sports- and one of its greatest players - Rafael Nadel - utilize the same cutting edge material in its watches.
Rafael Nadel Wearing RM 027
Carbon Nanotubes is a relatively recent discovery made only in the 1990's. It is a fullerene structure (a molecule comprised exclusively of carbon in the form of a hollow sphere, ellipsoid or tube) and also includes Buckyballs. Although buckyballs sound more like the name of some Western bandit, they are the term used for Spherical fullerenes. Delving more deeply into the aspects of nanotubes result in a vast knowledge of Quantum Chemistry, which I confess I know very little about. However, I do know we are about to hear much more about this ground breaking material and its contribution to the world of Horology.
The Double Heart Beat Black Beauty is an exquisite addition to the Double Heart Beat Collection. Frederique Constant passionate depiction of two hearts joined and beating is now surrounded by shimmering mother of pearl surrounded by a ring of diamonds. Unveiled in 1994 when mechanical watches for women were a rarity, Frederique Constant wanted to show the world that its Double Heart Beat Watch was mechanical. Thus they craft an aperture above the balance wheel which rotates clockwise and counter clockwise upon its axes in a large ruby jewel. The rotation is controlled by the hairspring, which coils and uncoils unabated. This is the heart of a mechanical watch framed in the Double Heart Beat by an open heart aperture... and this heart actually feels for others. $50 of every Double Heart Beat timepiece sold will be donated to the International Heart Foundation.
So far Frederique Constant has donated two checks totaling $125,000 to International Heart Foundation. A charity organization dedicated to diagnose and treat children with congenital heart disease in developing countries.
2009, Frederique Constant supported Paint a Smile - which brought happiness to kids in Beijing Children's Cardiology Department by painting the ward.
In 2010, Frederique Constant gave the American Heart Association a $50,000 check.
... and who says a watch with a heart cannot feel compassion.
Antoine Martin Quantieme Perpetual au Grand Blancier
If you are on my side of the International Date Line, it is still February 29th, 2012 and that means one of two things. Since it is a leap year, the date on your mechanical watch requires adjusting or it does not. If the date on your watch does not need adjusting chances are it is a perpetual calender. A perpetual calender is a highly complex watch complication, which accounts for differing lengths of months and leap years. Many of the high end perpetual calender timepieces needs no adjustment until the year 2100. Only highly skilled watchmakers craft perpetual calender, as this particular complication requires many additional components and extreme watchmaking know how, thus it is quite astonishing the brand ,Antoine Martin, debuted only last year, should present a perpetual calender as its start-up collection.
The company's focus is on functional perfection provided by unique technologically advanced movements and signature designs. This watch has been something of the brands flagship design, proving Antoine Martin is a new brand breaking old barriers and making innovative strides in the world of horology.
Martin Braun
Don't be fooled by the brand's age, the skill and watchmaking experience is 30 years old. Martin Braun, the brands founder, who needs no introduction to the world of horology, is not only experienced in watchmaking, but highly talented. Entrepreneur Antoine Meier is a critical part of the team. The brands CEO, Bruno Jufer has an impressive resume from a number of high end watch companies such as Maurice Lacroix, Jaquet Drois, Zenith and Carl F. Bucherer.
Bruno Jufer
TheAntoine Martin Quantieme Perpetual au Grand Blancier is already breaking world records by incorporating the largest balance wheel (17.55mm in diameter) in a wrist watch crafted from grade 5 titanium as well as a cutting edge silicon escapement increasing efficiency and requiring no lubrication. The in-house caliber AM39.001 has 60 jewels, beats at 18,000 vph, comprises of 324 components and is equipped with a 6 day power reserve. The Bauhaus design is all form giving way to function with a large amount of elegance. Elegance increased by a clever combination of polishing and satin finishing on the 18k rose gold case The case itself is comprised of 85 components, including a unique and useful AM and PM indicator, leap year indicator at the 12 'o'clock and a day of the month indicator straddled by two bold screws. The different levels of the face incorporating a silvered dial and long sweeping hand indicators display resolute efficiency and functionality with uncanny elegance.
The 18k white or rose gold case as well as the steel version is fixed to the wrist by a genuine Alligator mississippiensis (Louisiana alligator) strap and matching 18k rose or white gold folding clasp. This style is also available is a rugged steel black DLC case with a black rubber strap and DLC folding clasp.
The timepieces Antoine Martin has presented so far integrate all factors leading to a successful watch company. TheAntoine Martin Quantieme Perpetual au Grand Blancier is crafted for the person who relish complicated watch movements as well as appreciating clear functional and efficient time display.
Visit Antoine Martin's debut of its latest TOURBILLON QUANTIÈME PERPÉTUEL collection from March 8th to 15th, 2012 in Baselworld Hall 4.1 Booth A15. This is a brand to be watched.
Being an expat from South Africa my eyes an ears are always open to South African News. So I was truly excited to read about Jet Set Watches being the Official Sponsor of Miss South Africa.
(When do you hear about South Africa being associated with watch news?)
Since I am not really familiar with Jet Set watches, a quick look at their collection confirmed these watches are fun in the sun timepieces targeting the trendy young beach crowd with bold colors, glittering accents and large dials.
The watches are really affordable, under $250.00... and you can get a closer look at the Jet Set Collections and the gorgeous Miss South Africa 2011.
At Basel World on March 9th - Hall of Emotions 5.0 Booth D23, Melinda Bam, 22 year old Miss South Africa 2011 winner, will be presenting Jet Set's latest watch - the WB30 watch.
Sun City
This unique watch was presented to Melinda ,on December 11th 2011, in Sun City, South Africa, at a gala event crowning her Miss South Africa. The watch is one of Jet Set's more high end styles and is encrusted with 140 diamonds. Beyond the diamond bezel, a silicon band wraps around the stainless steel case adding a look of casual glamor - a trendy look Jet Set has perfected. The watch is water resistant to 330 meters thereby increasing its beach worthiness.
Jet Set is also the Official Watch of The Voice of Holland - a Dutch Reality Singing Competition created by none other than Jon de Mol (of Big Brother fame).
ArtyA's seemingly endless creativity has spilled over into a stunning woman's watch. The dial evokes the feeling of careless abandonment where beauty arises out of no where catching the onlookers by sudden surprise like a fiery sunset. The unique purple on the mother-of-pearl dial is from the spiky murex marine snail found only in Essaouira, Morroco. In ancient times the purple dye was so coveted that Cleopatra dyed the sails of her Royal barge purple. It is one of the most ancient dyes used as far back as 18th century BC as wall paint and pottery decorations. This color was associated with Ancient Roman Royalty.
Delicate gold leaves rest on the dial as though they had drifted on the wind and landed in a pool of water. The art of beating gold into leaves was first mastered by the Egyptians in 1200 BC, thereby adding another ancient process to the dial of the watch. Surrounding a dial, which the Phoenicians would cherish, a steel case set with 735 diamond completes the look.
As the glamorous and famous walk down the red carpet, tonight at the 84th Oscar Academy Awards, amidst flashing camera bulbs and awestruck onlookers, one can be sure that glinting in the lights is jewelry from Harry Winston. One of the most reminiscent Oscar winning visions is that of Gwyneth Paltrow, 2011 Baume & Mercier's ambassador, accepting the 1999 Best Actress Oscar for "Shakespeare in Love." Above a pale pink dress glittered a 40 carat diamond Harry Winston necklace.
Harry Winston has been adding to the razzle dazzle on the red carpet since the 1943 Academy Awards when Harry Winston adorned Jennifer Jones, Best actress for "The song of Bernadette", in glamorous jewels. Each year, on the night of the Academy Awards, Harry Winston lends $200 million worth of exceptional jewelry. Harry Winston is known as jeweler to the stars and has outfitted numerous celebrities including Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie, Halle Barry, Gwyneth Paltrow, Renee Zellweger, Diane Lane, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson, and Salma Hayek.
It is hard to believe Harry Winston came from humble beginnings. Son of Jacob Winston, a Ukrainian immigrant, Harry used his incredible wit and exceptional sense of fine gems to surge ahead. His father opened up a small jewelery store in which Harry worked as a boy. He was just 12 years old when he spied a two carat emerald in a pawn shop, recognizing the gem for what it was, he bought it for 25 c and sold it two days later for $800. Harry Winston became legendary in the jewelry business and a part of the legend of "The Hope Diamond". Towards the end of its long journey from hand to hand, the Hope Diamond was sold by Pierre Cartier to U.S. socialite, Evelyn Walsh McLean. After her death in 1947, her grandchildren sold the Hope Diamond,,in 1949, to Harry Winston. It is said the Hope Diamond cursed those who owned it, but Harry Winston never believed the curse, and died from a heart attack at 82 on December 28th, 1978. Harry died long after he had donated the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian Institute in 1958 as a gift to the American People, sending it to its final destination via the U.S Mail in a plain brown bag. He probably figured it could take care of itself as it did keep popping up throughout history.
In 1989 Harry Winston successor, his son, Ronald, establishes Harry Winston's first series of watches, The Ultimate Timepieces. Currently Harry Winston has five main timepiece collections:
The Avenue Collection, The Ocean Collection, The Premier Collection, The Signature Collection, and The Ultimate Collection. Harry Winston has 80 years of jewelry making to apply to its watches, so that the bracelets and bezels are provided with the art of jewelry making, bearing the best possible gems, and the movement is crafted by hand. Harry Winston has introduced incredible complication crafted with the utmost perfection that has carved a niche in the world of watchmaking.
Finally I have posted the song, by Marylin Monroe, "Diamonds are a girls best friend," Listen close and Harry Winston will be mentioned.
His name is Ken, although he cannot say it. He was a co-worker until a couple of months ago. I saw him an hour before his stroke. He was dropping off a 12 pack of Bounty Towel at the office. He seemed a little tired and stressed. No hint of the huge blood clot building up in his brain. He smiled and bid me farewell. He was always inquiring how I felt or if I had eaten.
Ken was not at work the next day; he was fighting for his life.
Two months later, Ken was still in his coma. He had overcome a potentially deadly infection and threads of response glimmered behind his closed eyes. A permanent employee had replaced a temporary employee who had replaced Ken. The permanent employee, a corporate fellow in a starched collar and pointed shoes, sorted through Ken's old desk with military precision. The last traces of Ken were being flung into a cardboard office box. I had offered to take the box to his wife.
I heard a clink of glass on the bottom of the filing cabinet beside Ken’s old desk, and the new employee withdrew a watch. I recognized it immediately. The leather black strap was soft and worn and a gold dot clung to the 12 ‘o’clock position amidst a black face. It was a Movado Museum Watch. The employee flung the Movado Watch among Ken's dog-eared odds and ends.
“Hey! That’s Kens,” I said with a protectiveness that surprised me.
I picked up the Watch and held it. I had seen Ken glancing at the Watch on so many occasions that ,to me, the Watch was an intimate extension of him. I felt the new employee had somehow invaded Ken's privacy. I was filled with a sudden urgency to return his Museum Watch. I felt he needed the Watch.
I called his wife, Susan.
“I found Ken’s Watch,” I said knowing how silly it sounded since he was in a coma and in no need of the time.
“Oh!” she said and hesitated. I could hear her throat clogging up. “Come see Ken,” she said after a moment.
“At the hospital?’ I said. Thinking to myself, “Obviously he's at the hospital. Why did I say that?”
She gave me directions. I headed to the hospital immediately after work.
I tiptoed into Ken's room smelling hospital grade antiseptic. The room was dim. I stood by the doorway looking at his still form beneath Hospital blankets. Susan had fallen asleep by his side, her head on her folded arms, resting on the side of his bed. The room was still and I turned to leave.
“She’s asleep got to go.” I thought, feeling guilty but relieved.
Then I felt the cool glass of the Movado Museum Watch against my palm. I squeezed it gently and tapped Susan on the shoulder. She sat up immediately, used to being on the alert.
She held my arm, “You came.” she said, and I cried and she cried.
I stretched out my hand and let the Movado Museum Watch lay flat against my palm. Susan took the watch from my hand and laid it against her cheek as fresh waves of tears rolled down her face. She carefully lifted Ken's wrist and around it she placed the Movado Museum Watch. I thought I saw his fingers move in response, but I was not sure.
Ken struggled up from his coma two weeks later, and it was two weeks after that he started looking at his Watch.
Four months later, Ken cannot walk or talk or feed himself, but every once in a while, he looks at his Movado Museum Watch. A small action powering Susan’s hope that Ken will recover. Susan believes, the Movado Watch links Ken to his old life, and plays a role in his recovery.
