tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36624809736686108922024-02-19T20:53:09.979-05:00In The Tick of TimeVicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.comBlogger583125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-20259695615212885962018-07-17T14:31:00.003-04:002018-07-17T14:39:12.949-04:00The Origination of the Foundation of a Timepiece - The Mainplate <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictjIXp-hm1vF_M9RoPyj4HCTd7U3DiW0zuP0VHh5kx5ARsruJdIC9tOE0qbYF1DyeQKEm2TAoYGG77E6AHCHz1M9_iqR17jgb0SvzsZi7GhC-Kt8v5UbkuZ8ifgvtMUE3xtiyrPQz1uMt/s1600/Lepine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictjIXp-hm1vF_M9RoPyj4HCTd7U3DiW0zuP0VHh5kx5ARsruJdIC9tOE0qbYF1DyeQKEm2TAoYGG77E6AHCHz1M9_iqR17jgb0SvzsZi7GhC-Kt8v5UbkuZ8ifgvtMUE3xtiyrPQz1uMt/s1600/Lepine.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jean-Antoine Lépine (1720-1814) Father of the Modern Mechanical Watch </td></tr>
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I have been blogging about watches for years and I have read thousands of other articles and posts. I have blogged about, the mainspring, escapement, balance wheel, gear train, crystal, watch case, strap, buckle, indicators, hands, crown, lugs e.t.c, but I rarely concentrated on the basic structure and foundation of the watch: The Main plate. Of course watchmakers pay close attention to this component, as the perfection of the main plate is the first step in creating the perfect watch and often its design is the most discerning company trademark.<br />
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Even though, some watch companies like Swatch has sought to do away with a mainplate by affixing everything onto the case, and some have used a chassis like structure for watch components, the main plate is still the basis for most watches, mechanical and quartz. <br />
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<u>What is the Mainplate of A Watch? </u><br />
The Mainplate is the base or foundation of a movement to which various watch components are affixed. Most often the mainplate is made from brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) - a stable, antimagnetic material that is malleable and can be worked cold. The mainplate begins as a smooth round disc, after which it is machined to accommodate components of the movement as well as the various movement bridges.Often the mainplate and bridges are signature to the manufacturer and with the keen eye of a watch expert, one can determine the origin of the manufacturer without additional clarification. Precise crafting of the mainplate is essential to watch accuracy like the foundation of the house, whose very structure is based on the soundness of the foundation. An imperfection of the mainplate results in an integral inaccuracy of all the other mechanisms of the watch no matter how perfect they are. The main plate is often overlooked and underestimated since it is rather an inconspicuous part of the watch. <br />
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<u>The Evolution of The Mainplate</u><br />
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Granted the mainspring is the oldest component of a watch dating back to the 1600's, since it was the first successful way to conserve and emit energy and yet the mainspring needs to be mounted onto the main plate. Directly prior to the evolution of the mainplate, timekeeping was kept by means of pendulum clocks.<br />
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The main plate seems to have almost erupted as being just obviously there with no more discussion on the matter. I did ask a member of the esteemed Horological Society of New York- founded in 1866 - and he suggested the circular main plate evolved out of necessity around the transition time from clocks to watches and from verge and foliot to stack-freed to fusee. The 16th Century pocket watch incorporated with the stack-freed utilized the empty space on the outside of the back plate in the pocket watch. Thus still no indication of a mainplate. However the more efficient fusee, used from the 15th century up until the 20th century, does require two plates to affix the mechanism.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10RY246_uuy46x5fxOpy-7dymaltmesjk1exOFLOljx9tcecSrBwvC1owSOB1P3ZVDv9784cjssjdvQR5Q-xwexMi4cuqxlV1u-6M4XvBgnmN7cAtlCK3DmPvfGVEl_lgrSDW4Yqn9i3s/s1600/vauchez2_adj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10RY246_uuy46x5fxOpy-7dymaltmesjk1exOFLOljx9tcecSrBwvC1owSOB1P3ZVDv9784cjssjdvQR5Q-xwexMi4cuqxlV1u-6M4XvBgnmN7cAtlCK3DmPvfGVEl_lgrSDW4Yqn9i3s/s1600/vauchez2_adj.jpg" width="320" /></a>A major break through in history of the main plate occurred in 1770. One of the greatest watchmakers of all times and Clockmaker to the King, French Jean-Antoine Lépine, designed a movement with a single plate. This construction was the first timepiece to transition from the hefty two plate movement, some of which reached great thicknesses of up to 38mm (now we are used to that kind of measurements in watch diameters not height or thickness) to that of a single plate. He did away with the cumbersome fusee, a mainstay in timepieces since the mid 1500's, and utilized the going barrel. In addition he individually pivoted the majority of the wheels in the train. The revolutionary new Lépine calibre became the basis for all mechanical watch movements as we know them today. Thus we can say that Jean-Antoine Lépine is the father of the modern mechanical watch and Breguet ,of course, fine tuned the mechanism. Countless movements have evolved from the Lépine calibre to such an extent that the origination of the main plate has dimmed through the passage of time.<br />
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I would love feedback on this discussion.<br />
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<u>Reference: </u><br />
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<span class="st"> The National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors - <a href="http://www.nawcc.org/">www.nawcc.org</a></span><br />
<br />Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-53305184373077432892018-05-16T16:03:00.001-04:002018-05-16T16:03:43.602-04:00RJ ARRAW to the Core <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jzl2YGl-ndmLgJwFcXRIJ77oIlUpT8Gw0icyTjXjWLsBU4OHybunbvJURDj-vsi-Ped_wtyNUOedZQzTq3b4JzJW4ogguJ6l0NUfiazK_XzFu-1FLYJb9eT1C-0SOSnTaO8_Nst26ncE/s1600/RJ-ARRAW+Collection-Baselworld+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jzl2YGl-ndmLgJwFcXRIJ77oIlUpT8Gw0icyTjXjWLsBU4OHybunbvJURDj-vsi-Ped_wtyNUOedZQzTq3b4JzJW4ogguJ6l0NUfiazK_XzFu-1FLYJb9eT1C-0SOSnTaO8_Nst26ncE/s320/RJ-ARRAW+Collection-Baselworld+2018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RJ ARRAW 2018 </td></tr>
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Romaine Jerome of moon rock fame has shortened its brand name to RJ and introduced a new core line ARRAW. For a time Romaine Jerome was hyper focusing on the nostalgic crowd who grew up in the eighties playing Pacman in smoke filled arcades or alone at home playing Tetris on their clunky Commodore 64; however, as the new now generation of money makers want watches, they are looking for watches that fit into their framework of style.<br />
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The new RJ ARRAW Collection is targeting a wider range of watch wearers while still maintaining the intrinsic Romaine Jerome look. Romaine Jerome port hole signature bezel and iconic bumpers are smooth and untainted with rust or moon dust, but still undeniably distinct. As with all Romaine Jerome creations ,whether it be Pokeman, Batman, Super Mario Bros or intergalactic space themes, the watch elements are of impeccable design and quality.<br />
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The RJ ARRAW Chronograph collection is powered by an RJ2040 self-winding movement. The bezel is pronounced and chunkier than RJ's other collections and frames a smooth galvanized dial, gradient painted and lacquered to enhance the perception of depth. Skeletonized hour and minute hands are applied with SuperLuminova providing time-display in the dark. A 30 minute counter at the 9 o' clock, 12 hour counter as well as a date window at the 6 o' clock and small seconds hand at the 3 o'clock make up the three and a bit sub dials. A Sapphire crystal covers the dial providing optimal scratch resistance and readability. The dial is available in 45mm for men's watches and 42mm for the ladies, which is smaller than most of RJ's other collections. This reduction in size is another move to target a larger customer base with preferences of slightly smaller sized dials.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWZMTFjdm3-o46PWz6GNS2BQsbtLrarE3TkBXtbGeoB0bmFJx1GaC0Ec0e6MyJPgX2XX78soumfjIXtgPD9BNkRtUUlSmZFn2lkSC4n190gGfCWXJLKh_EhBix_LaKG913opW08SN5pKz/s1600/ARRAW+Pink+Chronograph.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="388" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWZMTFjdm3-o46PWz6GNS2BQsbtLrarE3TkBXtbGeoB0bmFJx1GaC0Ec0e6MyJPgX2XX78soumfjIXtgPD9BNkRtUUlSmZFn2lkSC4n190gGfCWXJLKh_EhBix_LaKG913opW08SN5pKz/s320/ARRAW+Pink+Chronograph.png" width="253" /></a></div>
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The RJ Arraw Collection also caters to the ladies. The only other ladies watches from the RJ brand are those emblazoned with Hello Kitty - so in the event there are ladies who want to wear an RJ watch without a Hello Kitty can now wear an ARRAW. The ladies collection is quite extensive with numerous color and material options such as titanium, gold, ceramic with interchangeable rubber straps and matching steampunk piston pushers.<br />
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There is a fine line between being buried into watch brand oblivion by trying to fit into the current popular trend - the downfall of many a watch brand - and being exclusively edgy enough to fit into the norm while maintaining a brand independence. RJ has accomplished the latter feat remarkably and created an attractive collection of timepieces which I am sure will be on the wish list of many.<br />
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In conjunction with the new RJ brand unveiled at Baselworld 2018, the company has established its very own manufacturing company, RJ Forge. To facilitate their manufacturing goals, RJ Watches SA will purchase Playing Moment SA (Nyon, Switzerland) - a company with pervasive watchmaking knowledge in component machining, finishing and assembly - not to mention a highly functional and fully equipped workshop with CNC machinery. Playing Moment S.A. contributed a great deal in the creating the RJ ARRAW collection. In the future they will generate new product ideas contribute to RJ's research and development.<br />
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The new RJ brand name as well as the companies strategy change will increase sales and lend itself to a more mainstream watch brand while still incorporating its spectral and steampunk collections. This new venture will move the brand from the display cabinet to the conference room.<br />
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<br />Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-51220460644856784632015-07-09T15:12:00.000-04:002015-07-09T15:12:00.584-04:00 Cecil Purnell and A Lucky LadyShe who owns a high end joullarie timepiece is one lucky lucky lady. To own a high end joullarie timpiece crafted by Cecil Purnell is one very very lucky lady thus it comes as no surprise that Cecil Purnell's highly exclusive and limited ladies collection is coined "Lucky Lady".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatRLoRRZJrLH3Z4uQXKOhSno0ZzQ1axq2wW1hPyBL-1I52RQGtu3wbxHsdyuk8xSriiM5_fyqazhhSvKvwEPeoqoEmR6XlrkfgNv53F_yjE65tuKq_PzVA1fp1D0Vf4vf5q2iZtjDXfm6/s1600/4-20-2015+11-31-34+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatRLoRRZJrLH3Z4uQXKOhSno0ZzQ1axq2wW1hPyBL-1I52RQGtu3wbxHsdyuk8xSriiM5_fyqazhhSvKvwEPeoqoEmR6XlrkfgNv53F_yjE65tuKq_PzVA1fp1D0Vf4vf5q2iZtjDXfm6/s1600/4-20-2015+11-31-34+AM.jpg" /></a></div>
Glancing at the Lucky Lady Timepiece Collection fuels a passion which forms an immediate attraction to the watch. Actually not one watches, but all the watches in the collection, each as intriguing and exquisite as the next. The watches are rich in color, arresting blue, emerald green and fiery red. The red in particular strikes my fancy. It is this color that caught my eye in the Hall of Gems at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. A red emerald cut diamond glowing as if a fire burns within. The watch is a piece of delicacy meant to be savored at every moment in time.<br />
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The Lucky Lady, unveiled in December 2012, bares the signature La Croix case shape. As the name suggests, the dial is fashioned in the shape of a cross. An intriguing array of diamond paving, unique to each watch is set into the bezel , lugs and crown. The skeletonized dial is crafted in the shape of a rose in full bloom. The dial is further accentuated by the warm hue of 5N18 rose gold. 5N18 is "red gold" as opposed to 4N18, which is a lighter pink gold or 3N18, which is a lightish pinkish yellow. 2N18 is yellow gold as in the 18k standard yellow gold one and 1N14 is a lighter yellow still as in the standard yellow for 14k gold. The rich red of the gold surrounding and suspended above a translucent dial ,which is colored by a highly complex plique-à-jour or "letting in daylight" enameling, reveals an in-house Cecil Purnell CP-V11 tourbillon caliber.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgkdzMLC7PEH0BWS6sfSzta2UCZwggDQgvogwwV438tfjCKtMYDG3zo1XJLzm1D2GwtqQ5nn82VyRFTqbRDojBy8h3julluKLchgQzwsnA7Xxpt3RqI0nF8HpmJxbBzUpzTZXp-FM_-Ea/s1600/Cecil-Purnell-Lucky-Lady-Green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgkdzMLC7PEH0BWS6sfSzta2UCZwggDQgvogwwV438tfjCKtMYDG3zo1XJLzm1D2GwtqQ5nn82VyRFTqbRDojBy8h3julluKLchgQzwsnA7Xxpt3RqI0nF8HpmJxbBzUpzTZXp-FM_-Ea/s400/Cecil-Purnell-Lucky-Lady-Green.jpg" width="341" /></a></div>
Names of movements baring prefixes of the companies initials leads to supposition that the movement is in fact "in-house". In-house means the moment was designed and manufactured by the company and not bought as an ebauche from a outside or unaffiliated company. Some companies refer to a movement as 'in-house" even if the company bought an ebauche and modified it slightly. Cecil Purnell pretty much manufactures its movement from scratch and has gained quite a reputation for its tourbillon movements. It has gained the reputation as a micro-manufacturer crafting hundreds of intricate movement components.<br />
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To craft a tourbillon, a watchmaker must be highly experienced in his craft. A Tourbillon consists of a cage ,which turns at one complete revolution
per minute , in which the balance wheel and escapement is placed. This
rotation reduces the variation of effects gravity plays on the movement
of a watch and increases a watch's precision. Although this idea was quite receptive in 1795, the
tourbillon nowadays is more of a testament to competent watch making abilities. I
wouldn't quite say that a tourbillon is a complication, as it does not
perform an extra function other than being aesthetically pleasing and
arguably dispelling gravity<br />
The tourbillon movement powering the Lucky Lady is the highly efficient CP-V11. Its rotating cage is placed between two bridges <br />
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The Lucky Lady Timepiece is also available in emerald green and a dreamy blue.The red and blue models are produced each as a unique piece. The green model is limited to just 10. The idea of producing so few models is part of the vision of Cecil Purnell. Cecil Purnell scrutinizes every phase of watch construction from formulating the original idea to design and planning, from individual component construction to assembly and calibration. Since Cecil Purnell is completely independent, the company has freedom of artistic expression. The best watch making materials are used. No corners are cut for cost savings techniques, No big wig corporations frown on pricey expenditures. If the watchmaker needs to spend an exorbitant amount of time crafting a component or beveling to perfection Yes the watches are quite pricey, but then again they are not meant for everyone (me included, in case you thought I was beginning to sound a tad too haughty) <br />
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<u><b>Company History of Cecil Purnell </b></u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtclTP4hmwCVH5AuvuiUyxcc7iY6Trg08mPSJz6CEAvrFmn_7yc1WFzFcE_A3rxxnv9l4FV1JZMZ-EIDf3X0ZgSNr-50ar6oGddR8BcoSPa-wQT-slcHOXhoYv3ZJG78cU_mWMbutWYRq/s1600/CPvibreurSaphirE2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtclTP4hmwCVH5AuvuiUyxcc7iY6Trg08mPSJz6CEAvrFmn_7yc1WFzFcE_A3rxxnv9l4FV1JZMZ-EIDf3X0ZgSNr-50ar6oGddR8BcoSPa-wQT-slcHOXhoYv3ZJG78cU_mWMbutWYRq/s320/CPvibreurSaphirE2.png" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourbillon Mirage </td></tr>
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In 1918, the companies namesake, Cecil Purnell, became fascinated with Abraham Louis Bruguet's 1795 invention - the tourbillon. His grandson, Jonathen Purnell caught his passion and began a company based on the quest of his grandfather. In 2006, Jonathen Purnell partnered with watch industry expert Stéphane Valsamides and founded Cecil Purnell in the Alle (Jura) region of Switzeland. The company only manufactures tourbillon based movements and limits production to 50 watches a year. All CP watches are over 150,000 CHF. Some by a little; some by a lot. <br />
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I must say the beginnings were a bit iffy, with the a major bump prior to 2010 when the brand's credibility was at stake for using Chinese ebauche movements from the Liaoning Watch Factory. The way this story broke was quite interesting in itself, the Liaoning Watch Factory obviously proud they manufacture watch components to an exclusive Swiss company, posted a picture of a Cecil Purnell branded balance assembly in their product listings. Of course the image was removed, but not before a whole lot of people got wind of it.
However, since 2010, with the introduction of its iconic in-house movement, the CP3000, Cecil Purnell has used wholly in-house tourbillon movements for all its models - designed and manufactured in Switzeland. After this Saga ( which was not the watch industry's first or I daresay the last - remember last year's fiasco featuring Bremont's first "in-house" movement), Cecil Purnell is entirely transparent about the origins of their <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpK9RByLRByj9tbBmkS5l3fbjbPWiJrFcKVrtvbTfAm-Ejq12P8aw5S_rnPAbLfHaqJrMn5LtmOjydDNqVZ5Agc4U9N2lXOH8SOWpoe_4e1PgYiIjIUJzvujfJPixziV2TXdv8lkkBU5G/s1600/V115Nbk.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpK9RByLRByj9tbBmkS5l3fbjbPWiJrFcKVrtvbTfAm-Ejq12P8aw5S_rnPAbLfHaqJrMn5LtmOjydDNqVZ5Agc4U9N2lXOH8SOWpoe_4e1PgYiIjIUJzvujfJPixziV2TXdv8lkkBU5G/s320/V115Nbk.png" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lacroix</td></tr>
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movements and in a remarkably short time has bounced back to quite an esteemed place in the horological hierarchy of haute horology. I am sure Cecil Purnell would like to forget the pre-2010 days and only concentrate on its more recent milestones.<br />
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Cecil Purnel highly exclusive collections include:<br />
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<b>Tourbillon Collection</b> encompassing the Mirage Bold model featuring a CP-V13 movement encased entirely in Sapphire Crystal. <br />
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<b>Lacroix Collection</b> featuring the signature case shape and either the CP-V11 or CP -V12 in-house movement. (CP-V12 is equipped with a big-date on dial side). <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHN97Rw9rHhfRmVhUWtKgjx6XTdKdxyrTu-bnV-IPNanzIT650fG_pT1J-IFTT1dZ_ppjA50oPWv-yLuhBTas3VvEX2Qd6cLNExi210dgBASQrHe0DZX_yYNouN5HKEPHeb2_eGj5heTY/s1600/CP-V17-World-Time-Bi-AxialEnhancedLCW-445.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHN97Rw9rHhfRmVhUWtKgjx6XTdKdxyrTu-bnV-IPNanzIT650fG_pT1J-IFTT1dZ_ppjA50oPWv-yLuhBTas3VvEX2Qd6cLNExi210dgBASQrHe0DZX_yYNouN5HKEPHeb2_eGj5heTY/s320/CP-V17-World-Time-Bi-AxialEnhancedLCW-445.png" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World Time Bi-Axial Tourbillon </td></tr>
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<b>Pit-Lane Collection</b> featuring a round Sapphire transparent dial and CP-V12 movement.<br />
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<b>Complication Collection </b>featuring highly complex movements framed within a classic round dial. <br />
Movements in this collection include the:<br />
Classique CP-V13 featuring a striking hour; CP-V14 equipped with a regulator and featuring a striking hour. The prominent aspect to this fine watch is a Blue (adonized titanium) movement face. Other pieces in this collection include models sporting a CP-V15 movement featuring a twin tourbillon; CP-V16 with a twin tourbillon GMT and big date; CP-V17 with a Bi-Axial Tourbillon and World Time with Horizon Indicator (unveiled at Baselworld 2015). <br />
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And of course the exquisite Lucky Lady Collection. The Collection that has captivated my attention. <br />
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<br />Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-62243087723866634702015-06-03T12:25:00.003-04:002015-06-03T12:35:15.993-04:00 More Fur for Fendi My Way Collection <br />
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If you have a fur fascination, Fendi finds your way. The Fendi My Way Collection ,unveiled in September of last year,will fill your fur fetish. Each diamond studded watch is accompanied by a removable soft fox fur plume, which slides over the strap surrounding the bezel. The fox fur plume is available in many colors and arrangements. At first I thought the idea of placing a wreath of fur around a perfectly good diamond encrusted watch was quite ridiculous, but then the idea grew on me. I suppose that's the crux of fashion, to reveal a startling new way of donning attire or accessories and then letting the wave of appreciation, delight and salivation slowly rise and rise. I have always been a great fan of Fendi designer, Karl Lagerfeld, and I have been quoting him for years and years - actually every since I wrote a blog about him back in 2009 - <br />
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<a href="http://Chanel designer, Karl Lagerfield, and his view on luxury in tough times.">Chanel designer, Karl Lagerfield, and his view on luxury in tough times.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekxML4QF8OPVIDDzbcNnuRAih-qYNb_Z1DPojL5KJ4LPG4AkbtxDokm6887YiywJGmyNtLAHD9wzhHhF9Bb9R5Z5OVB-3d_oo-ogMPeAJs_bh0sukMTY5ZTiUAiKzoN48GNfP6Goum78r/s1600/fendi_myway1-01de9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekxML4QF8OPVIDDzbcNnuRAih-qYNb_Z1DPojL5KJ4LPG4AkbtxDokm6887YiywJGmyNtLAHD9wzhHhF9Bb9R5Z5OVB-3d_oo-ogMPeAJs_bh0sukMTY5ZTiUAiKzoN48GNfP6Goum78r/s400/fendi_myway1-01de9.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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The Fendi May Way Collection timepiece ,without the trappings of fur, is quite nice in itself, but its is the fur that adds a wonderful dash of color and fun. My favorite is the red timepiece. The watch is rather plain baring a round yellow gold bezel; curved case inspired by an arena; matching yellow gold indices and hands above a sleek black dial. Fendi's signature marks the 12 'o'clock position in true Fendi flare. The watch is strapped to the wrist via a Fendi Elite red textured calf skin strap. The same leather used to fashion the Fendi 2Jours bag. The strap is secured to the wrist with a yellow gold colored pin buckle baring the Fendi Logo. The watch precisely tracks the time thanks to the highly competent yet unremarkable Swiss quartz movement.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlLaaELwHifzk2wsGyPifW2UPt7q2fz0SlQHNjiy5tXJfQmKawO32p2qzzQA9cTVCuINUdAAlGQgrV2khtsQ002JYdXHMHYB_heSw6Z0IjD8Eh0Wi6SZikKDxos1ndyvW97A2NNMNJwr-/s1600/fendi_myway2-e8a73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlLaaELwHifzk2wsGyPifW2UPt7q2fz0SlQHNjiy5tXJfQmKawO32p2qzzQA9cTVCuINUdAAlGQgrV2khtsQ002JYdXHMHYB_heSw6Z0IjD8Eh0Wi6SZikKDxos1ndyvW97A2NNMNJwr-/s400/fendi_myway2-e8a73.jpg" width="280" /></a>All in all this fashion watch is quite respectable exuding a sense of fashion and good taste. Personally I don't really love it.<br />
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Slide the plume on, which Fendi refers to as the "Glamy", and the watch is suddenly transformed into something exotic and daring. The curve of the watch case is all at once accentuated as it cradles in a luscious bed of red fox fur. Suddenly I love it! Frankly I think the fox fur plume is quite a brilliant idea and until Fendi unveiled the My Way Collection, I had never really seen anything quite like it. Of course, there are the watches which have interchangeable watch and bezel straps, but nothing like a watch nestled in a fox fur plume. The watch ,if you want, is also available in stainless steel, two tone and rose gold. Water resistant to 50 meters without the plume of course. <br />
Price: $850.00<br />
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In March 2015, the Fendi My Way Collection unveiled quite a few diamond studded versions: 4 new models in limited editions of 50 pieces each. These watches are accompanied by a luscious Arctic Fox Fur Glamy available in silvery blue, kiwi green and bright orange. ( image at the top of the post) The straps themselves have quite a bit more pizazz crafted from Elaphe snakeskin strap. The strap color matches the color of the Glamy. The watch is available in a small which is paved in 421 diamonds or larger sporting 667 diamonds. Again this version is quipped with a quartz movement. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qhqozp8RdlU" width="560"></iframe>Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-27693395654186172622015-05-14T22:46:00.000-04:002015-05-15T11:12:24.148-04:00Eterna Unveils the Grace Open Art Collection <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAHnTS3hUhbGdjDHoZOjc2D63m31eGxZkJ0Ytv34-0g3iPnKTjxJZSQST75fkpT5YfJC6KSb-hQNBObUuLSYM_i2MNMPgSvy4-eDoqvKn_WjNxW9k6O9IqCD6XeMGY18jDjw8dw48HTVO/s1600/grace-open-art---2943.72.69.1367_original_8198-08f3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAHnTS3hUhbGdjDHoZOjc2D63m31eGxZkJ0Ytv34-0g3iPnKTjxJZSQST75fkpT5YfJC6KSb-hQNBObUuLSYM_i2MNMPgSvy4-eDoqvKn_WjNxW9k6O9IqCD6XeMGY18jDjw8dw48HTVO/s400/grace-open-art---2943.72.69.1367_original_8198-08f3b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eterna Grace Open Art Collection</td></tr>
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Eterna is creeping into a higher range of watches partly due to the fact that it has turned from a mere brand to a watch manufacturer. By revealing a new mechanical ladies collection, Eterna is leveling out the playing field between man and ladies watches especially when it comes to mechanical movements. Since the recovery of the quartz crisis and the Swiss watch industry in general, companies figured mechanical watches were too complicated for a women. Quartz was just fine and much appreciated. Within the past 10 years - and I have to give a nod to Girard-Perregaux's Cat's Eye movement created in 2004 - women's mechanical <span class="st"> </span> watches have been increasing in number as well as complexity. Currently Jeager-LeCoultre <span class="st">Rendez-Vous Collection are at the pinnacle of women's complex watches and </span> <span class="st">are paving the way for other brands to follow suit.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQB_c3v6DtjfjEyk8SVtMMlQskC3dOMGMK8IswFTgPFoHPX5Ybh_UkzTlXzL7S_5zxDsoMOTGqBFbx6ATFwbEEztqXUm5nyFMuOXurfLCU-siFa0aYd7_RDBzqpVtZ-rM-v5qWFHYmn0uz/s1600/5_FC_310BDHB2PD6-1024x767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQB_c3v6DtjfjEyk8SVtMMlQskC3dOMGMK8IswFTgPFoHPX5Ybh_UkzTlXzL7S_5zxDsoMOTGqBFbx6ATFwbEEztqXUm5nyFMuOXurfLCU-siFa0aYd7_RDBzqpVtZ-rM-v5qWFHYmn0uz/s320/5_FC_310BDHB2PD6-1024x767.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frederique Constant Double Heart Beat Collection </td></tr>
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Eterna's Grace Open Art Collection is very similar to </span>Frederique Constant Double Heart Beat Collection unveiled in 1994. Its aperture is shaped by a double heart through which the heart of the watch - the balance wheel - is visible. <br />
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<span class="st">Not only is Eterna creating a new mechanical watch collection for woman, but is emphasizing the fact by exposing the oscillations of the balance via a dramatic aperture at the 12 'o'clock position. A gold crescent paved with diamonds seems to capture the heart of the movement in secure embrace. Surrounded by a bezel set with 57 Top Wesselton diamonds, the white mother of pearl dial plays with the light as it serves as a shimmering backdrop to the display of time. A yellow gold case protects an ETA calibre 2824-2 Open Art movement. </span><br />
<span class="st">ETA is mostly used by Swatch Group owned companies. Eterna is not owned by Swatch Group- so how is it that a new watch collection utilizes an ETA movement. Well it may have to do with the fact that Eterna has quite a history with ETA movement; after all it was Eterna who founded ETA back in 1856 to make movements for itself and other Swiss companies. So there you have it. </span><br />
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<span class="st">The movement chosen to be honored by the Grace Open Art Collection is the most dependable movement out there. The automatic 25 jewel movement is known as the workhorse of the ETA mechanical line. Its precision has been tested over and over again in countless timepieces over many years. Eterna cannot go wrong with this movement and one cannot go wrong in purchasing a timepiece with precision performance. </span><br />
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<span class="st">The case is secured on the wrist by a satin wristband. This watch is also available in black mother of pearl. </span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-71144714739303890742015-05-14T12:57:00.002-04:002015-05-14T12:57:30.357-04:0012 Extraordinary Watches for Bird Loverse listed 10 of the most incredible timepieces depicting birds. I chose one brand for each bird; although, I could have written the blog entirely on Jaquet Droz minute or Bird repeaters. Perhaps for some other time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KTqdRlX1e0j3qPYK9MyaFEA-GTtKxZ9IIY9dtEOzJMGSwayeX59R4jyXfpggkDwNwlUAHJuYPzUMC3gKPbcROZnFyWqTmyTk-x9j1aR2G5yFb-FQ1FtOUlOvvn_pZisvtwproZgHjH_T/s1600/J031033204_THE_BIRD_REPEATER_-FULL-AMBIANCE_650_JAQUET-DROZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3KTqdRlX1e0j3qPYK9MyaFEA-GTtKxZ9IIY9dtEOzJMGSwayeX59R4jyXfpggkDwNwlUAHJuYPzUMC3gKPbcROZnFyWqTmyTk-x9j1aR2G5yFb-FQ1FtOUlOvvn_pZisvtwproZgHjH_T/s400/J031033204_THE_BIRD_REPEATER_-FULL-AMBIANCE_650_JAQUET-DROZ.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaquet Droz Bird Repeater circa 2015 Cost $520,000</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The Jaquet Droz Bird Repeater has to be one of the most publicized watches unveiled at Baselworld 2015 and for $520,000 this watch is designed particularly for the avid bird fan. Who else would spend a bundle to watch a mechanical mother bird feed here chick, another stretch its wings and another hatch from an egg. To fully appreciate this watch one must view the watch in action.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV79YOELWob7NDKQRCMjubPan2QkYINmv6PwWIfaCMOZuJyF9bJDfh9b485pCJoURm90bbB_028oePJWXWj5SYD49Eu-G78g1qrqNB_5XfASwIoh8p0CD4uksj1OgidKt2wrzU5M2D1maD/s1600/SIHH2015-04-ComplicationsPoetiques-02-OiseauParadis-Packshot-HD-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV79YOELWob7NDKQRCMjubPan2QkYINmv6PwWIfaCMOZuJyF9bJDfh9b485pCJoURm90bbB_028oePJWXWj5SYD49Eu-G78g1qrqNB_5XfASwIoh8p0CD4uksj1OgidKt2wrzU5M2D1maD/s400/SIHH2015-04-ComplicationsPoetiques-02-OiseauParadis-Packshot-HD-3.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van Cleef Arpels Lady Arpels Jour Nuit Oiseaux de Paradis SIHH 2015</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The 2015 edition to Van Cleef & Arpels Poetic Complication flock is this wonderful depiction of a Bird of Paradise. The champlevé and cloisonné enamel creates a dial brilliant in color and form . Blue hues, fiery oranges and deep purple depict the vividness of an untainted forests where Birds of paradise alight among towering trees. The Bird of Paradise upon the dial displays shimmering tail feathers set with three round diamonds. The movement powering this latest 38mm edition to Van Cleef & Arpels Poetic Complication collection, is a 24 hour movement which changes the scene from flower by day to a diamond moon at night. This timepiece is limited to 22 pieces.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJoJvBiiNl-bwlZIx9vcKh5ztSkTvt0aZJ_1433hx4ZLvsxhApJAlZ9DK7MwxWJxCV0SsEnUqFsRCywOy_NUG-z0ZW1gQZd2CgiWntLOEqTkT6U0G-V571MzTFXZpEWJlpy7A61EYthkhi/s1600/VACHERON+CONSTANTIN+-+M%C3%89TIERS+D%E2%80%99ART+L%E2%80%99ELOGE+DE+LA+NATURE+Craine+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJoJvBiiNl-bwlZIx9vcKh5ztSkTvt0aZJ_1433hx4ZLvsxhApJAlZ9DK7MwxWJxCV0SsEnUqFsRCywOy_NUG-z0ZW1gQZd2CgiWntLOEqTkT6U0G-V571MzTFXZpEWJlpy7A61EYthkhi/s400/VACHERON+CONSTANTIN+-+M%C3%89TIERS+D%E2%80%99ART+L%E2%80%99ELOGE+DE+LA+NATURE+Craine+1.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art L’éloge de la nature collection - Watches & Wonders 2014</td></tr>
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Two cranes engraved upon a pink gold plate fly over a choppy sea of guilloché ripples and translucent Grand Feu enamel. Two provide the wearer or watcher with the full effect of birds in flight, Vacheron Constantin utilized a automatic in-house 237 piece Calibre 2460 G4 movement, which displays the trailing hours and minutes as well as a jumping day and date via four apertures. The case is fashioned from 18k 5N pink gold and affixes to the wrist via an alligator leather strap. The case back is fashioned from sapphire crystal where one may view the Hallmark of Geneva.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqetGJh54hyvfW6x75KxG6s1_9dBP7qnh9pDInEqrphbXx6ehOgvD_hJ1b2IZhBjQb9-qfXbohVvtsMeT0fhMDBUBWgua6PpnpCIPlUkBv4Tpc13JCFogKklrKDQDcBoNEw7nCnqdzVPR3/s1600/Angular-Momentum-Flying-Bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqetGJh54hyvfW6x75KxG6s1_9dBP7qnh9pDInEqrphbXx6ehOgvD_hJ1b2IZhBjQb9-qfXbohVvtsMeT0fhMDBUBWgua6PpnpCIPlUkBv4Tpc13JCFogKklrKDQDcBoNEw7nCnqdzVPR3/s400/Angular-Momentum-Flying-Bird.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angular Momentum - Flying Bird circa 2009 </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Now this watch is kind of creepy, reminds me of the last creature to
escape from hellish destruction.The creature in fact is a sparrow which
,together with its foreboding backdrop, has been crafted with a Japanese
Lacquering method known as Urushi. Urushi lacquer comes from the sap of
a Urushi tree, which creates a natural plastic like substance. It is
the Urushi Lacquer that creates the intense blackness covering the dial. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkYa6uN9-KDrEaFaYcWB-1RcIYQkrbCg8whytl-A9hqvx3DbiLt3wTkgCDoIkQLW0JvtCOVfOa04mdrFWcbK-xZu3jMUF1DX3twyV1R6vpN4Aqfm8_NiNEPky0tkOHsDZGzI_JdEZrO4Z/s1600/hibiscus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkYa6uN9-KDrEaFaYcWB-1RcIYQkrbCg8whytl-A9hqvx3DbiLt3wTkgCDoIkQLW0JvtCOVfOa04mdrFWcbK-xZu3jMUF1DX3twyV1R6vpN4Aqfm8_NiNEPky0tkOHsDZGzI_JdEZrO4Z/s400/hibiscus.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boucheron Hiniscus Tourbillon circa 2012</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Boucheron mechanical hand wound Hibiscus Tourbillon is a
delicate representation of a hummingbird in mid-flap alighting upon a
diamond encrusted bezel attracted by a bright pink hibiscus. Between
bird and flower, a flying tourbillon incorporating a Swiss escapement
lever rotates beneath fallen leaves. A flying tourbillon is only
supported on one side creating the illusion that it rotating whilst
suspended in mid air - unsupported by any means. A white - almost hazy
mother-of-pearl dial -like a sky masked with high cirrus clouds, sets a
gentle backdrop for a scene created from white gold, blue and pink
sapphires and diamonds. A dial framed by delicate plant like swirls is
placed at the 1 'o'clock position. A gentle reminder of Boucheron's
flagship boutique at number 26 place Vendôme.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_zqmSyC9jdp8l17TjQUWqd7E4AoolfaiI35mw5bWiw6771Y-_AHf41zP7BzlTcgDr1sY3xy2PcnoYJWdyvJx5vAgrGcH5Ss4i2owzkIsjR6p8atl4o1tBSguI_hU2rgw_NtXrOeuva0o/s1600/33433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_zqmSyC9jdp8l17TjQUWqd7E4AoolfaiI35mw5bWiw6771Y-_AHf41zP7BzlTcgDr1sY3xy2PcnoYJWdyvJx5vAgrGcH5Ss4i2owzkIsjR6p8atl4o1tBSguI_hU2rgw_NtXrOeuva0o/s640/33433.jpg" width="409" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cartier Ballon Bleu Floral Marquetry Parrot Watch - SIHH 2014 </td></tr>
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"Polly wants a cracker?" The parrot fluffing its feathers atop a signature Cartier Ballon Bleu dial is so realistic one expects it to emit a shrill squawk and pluck the cracker right out the hands of the giver. Amazingly the soft visage of feathers are crafted from real flower petals. From its face of feathers, a single emerald gleams at its eye against a shimmering backdrop of diamond paving. Limited to 20 pieces.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDf4rutKRut_kyYm3TAIultuZCDuVBMiGi7vHcsBRgcHGOd9pfnUd9qVV0PY6I7_Ibg9OuNMu1HDLB41CUG44Z5zFnhINVr6AqB6cQo7sbhNmnJlkxho5Uj2ZbhfxyvjaMlm_VFFvyaqTc/s1600/M+B+&+F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDf4rutKRut_kyYm3TAIultuZCDuVBMiGi7vHcsBRgcHGOd9pfnUd9qVV0PY6I7_Ibg9OuNMu1HDLB41CUG44Z5zFnhINVr6AqB6cQo7sbhNmnJlkxho5Uj2ZbhfxyvjaMlm_VFFvyaqTc/s400/M+B+&+F.jpg" width="377" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="entry-title" itemprop="headline">
<span itemprop="name">MB&F / Boucheron HM3 JwlryMachineWatch - circa 2010</span></div>
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Without the additional owlish getup, MB & F's HM3 closely resembles an owl or a frog. However, beneath the bejeweled clothes of Boucheron, the mechanical mastery turns into a spectacular spectacle of owlish delight.Clear sapphire crystal enable the clear display of hour and minute upon the cylinders of each eye. The eyes themselves are top with a purple cabochon and surrounded by a ring of diamonds. The owls claws and feather toughs are crafted from 18k white gold. Price $215,000<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibk5-K7YEkOFwdPIeYCv3__FnSUr2OsZg8fqVSOvIZpVRrakiqCOpklZq2lpOGfELtVT4vS-UYycEG2T_akr6KS3KDcnvCipgCLAq-IRRKkIcL4ZZJlfU6q-fDT-4WG4HSiZf_I-QiVDFj/s1600/choprad+owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibk5-K7YEkOFwdPIeYCv3__FnSUr2OsZg8fqVSOvIZpVRrakiqCOpklZq2lpOGfELtVT4vS-UYycEG2T_akr6KS3KDcnvCipgCLAq-IRRKkIcL4ZZJlfU6q-fDT-4WG4HSiZf_I-QiVDFj/s400/choprad+owl.jpg" width="343" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chopard Emerald & Diamond Owl Watch- Currently Available<br />
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The eyes of an owl truly lend themselves to the face of a watch, especially when a dual timezone is on display. Chopard ,with its love for the animal kingdom, chose to represent the great horned owl on a silver leather strap around the wrist. Graduated calibré-cut emerald surround two grey guilloché watch dial eyes within a diamond set owl face. Available at Chopard, this limited edition Owl Watch will make your friends hoot with delight. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7muFJjfuDLeOC_vK-T3Gt8zMUJjlniCrNeUisWYW3Ak8wYoCpXXKhtaCUz7hcxiGv8QeOTd6X7v8XOm0pseeJxkxRlCGiJDhSctIgbdz-BZzb0Ljk8tsP10h0K6vGyhX2avZNl-4wmkK/s1600/jaeger-lecoultre-master-grand-tourbillon-enamel-watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7muFJjfuDLeOC_vK-T3Gt8zMUJjlniCrNeUisWYW3Ak8wYoCpXXKhtaCUz7hcxiGv8QeOTd6X7v8XOm0pseeJxkxRlCGiJDhSctIgbdz-BZzb0Ljk8tsP10h0K6vGyhX2avZNl-4wmkK/s400/jaeger-lecoultre-master-grand-tourbillon-enamel-watch.jpg" width="351" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaeger LeCoultre Master Grand Tourbillon Crane Enamel Watch - circa 2013</td></tr>
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Although many watch companies have taken pride in applying miniature enamel paintings to the dial, this timepiece is Jaeger-Lecoultre's first attempt at the enamel art. The result ,of course, is exceptional. Cranes, a symbol of longevity, nestle amongst bamboos beneath a silver foil moon and white gold guilloché decorated dial. A bunch of bamboo stalks are meticulously painted on the sapphire crystal creating a unique depth to the dial. An almost weightless light weight titanium alloy tourbillon cage turning at one revolution per minute. The enamel artistry is framed by a bejeweled bezel and sweeping lugs of 94 baguette cut diamonds weighing in at 8 carats. The power house of the watch is the iconic Calibre 978 visible via a sapphire crystal case back. Limited edition of 8 pieces. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzO0d1jf78OR-SyZJnOzv00YCGuFnBxTwX7lM4n4vNtRWtsDw93pqPJe-l3mN225NNyyumduM7RM5UBlf1Vq0EwtojrsTo40H0Iko7180zcVtN6RWp1a88g-gPt9YjxbkJDgB3OBc_aks/s1600/watch_christian_audigier_graceful_bird_ladies_int-302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzO0d1jf78OR-SyZJnOzv00YCGuFnBxTwX7lM4n4vNtRWtsDw93pqPJe-l3mN225NNyyumduM7RM5UBlf1Vq0EwtojrsTo40H0Iko7180zcVtN6RWp1a88g-gPt9YjxbkJDgB3OBc_aks/s400/watch_christian_audigier_graceful_bird_ladies_int-302.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christian Audigier's Graceful Bird Watch- Currently Available</td></tr>
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Since most these watches can run you in the thousands from some of the most prestigious watch brands, I like to post a more affordable bird watch to sway the chances of getting the title of a watch snob - Gasp! Anyway back to business. I have been monitoring Christian Audigier's watch designs for some time. The watches and movements are ok. Nothing to cry home about or set up news crawlers atop Times Square, but they definitely fill a nice affordable watch niche. The watches exude a youthful energy and pizzazz. The Graceful Bird Watch dial boasts tattoo flash inspired artwork and surrounded by Swarovski Crystal. In addition, Swarovski crystal graces each hour indice. The watch is presented on a gray rubber band featuring Christian Audiger's signature trademark. Christian Audigier is a high profile and very prolific French fashion designer residing in the US. Price $225.00<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2nawPtr2v51ZMgfwD5LrEBrrnFuIzgLrIrUeICpjoX8iWTZbyrmaQ1dDSedvTwLx6z2jD7eoUmPoZRgxPKWM2U9s55qwvnf1lsafPsSS30ljC9YQs5RSKjWGRdRM3SHWS94vw3bToERH/s1600/profile-piaget-2011-watches4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2nawPtr2v51ZMgfwD5LrEBrrnFuIzgLrIrUeICpjoX8iWTZbyrmaQ1dDSedvTwLx6z2jD7eoUmPoZRgxPKWM2U9s55qwvnf1lsafPsSS30ljC9YQs5RSKjWGRdRM3SHWS94vw3bToERH/s400/profile-piaget-2011-watches4.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piaget Limelight Garden Party Watch - SIHH 2011 (Ref. G0A36169)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Piaget's Limelight Garden Party Collection is a whimsical representation of a summer eve surrounded by the chatter of friends, the clink of glasses, the gentle chatter of garden birds and a gentle breeze ruffling leaves. The diamond encrusted birds, diamond encrusted leaves and berries the birds eat, revolve around the dial in effortless motion. The birds an their habitat are a meticulous composition of 99 brilliant cut diamonds set upon an 18 carat white gold case baring 52 brilliant cut diamonds. The entire scene sparkles against a backdrop of pure Piaget black. The watch is powered by a Piaget 56P quartz movement and secured to the wrist by a black satin strap and secured by a diamond encrusted 18 carat white gold ardillon buckle.If one has a great infinity for birds, take note, this watch is part of a large garden party motif collection of brooches necklaces and earrings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWmeDh8W89Hmw2fmT6cKNgoPTnnkE8xhII0qG7jPD29JaWnuFw3F8k0qPNltn6cPtG5b88YWdly6Cy9CQghqxkRNko18xguBrSt694I8P_zyJN0vfpf48knpwRDcK12I77jsKE0K4MFkc/s1600/harry-winston-premiers-feathers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWmeDh8W89Hmw2fmT6cKNgoPTnnkE8xhII0qG7jPD29JaWnuFw3F8k0qPNltn6cPtG5b88YWdly6Cy9CQghqxkRNko18xguBrSt694I8P_zyJN0vfpf48knpwRDcK12I77jsKE0K4MFkc/s400/harry-winston-premiers-feathers.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry Winston Premier Feather Watch - Circa 2012 </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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"Birds of a feather flock together" and Harry Winston has taken this proverb to an entirely new level by perfectly placing feathers upon a dial to create a kaledescope of design and color. Harry Winston always delivers with a flourish. With the Premier Feather
Watch, unveiled at the opening of the Shanghai Pavilion boutique, Harry
Winston preens perfection like an exotic male bird showing off its fine
plumage to the ladies. Working with feathers requires exceptional
talent and the job goes too ... Nelly Saunier who is one of the few
experts who still practice this rare skill. With an expert touch she
hand picked (not hand plucked) each feather spending 7 hours carefully and exquisitely creating the dial. In days gone by
feathers were used to decorate refineries most notably the headdress of
nobles and aristocrats. The feathers were cut and placed in the perfect position in order to make the best use of the feather's
natural nanostructructually organized tissue to interact with light and
achieve an intriguing iridescence. Each dial is intrinsically unique
and framed by 66 brilliant cut diamonds which flow onto Harry Winston
signature lugs. he Premier Feather Watch is powered by a quartz movement and water resistant to 30m.<br />
The timepiece is bound to the wrist by a satin strap and secured with an
18k white gold or rose gold buckle set with 29 brilliant cut diamonds.
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Only 8 pieces of these feathery watches will be produced making them
much coveted collectors items especially by those who have an affinity
to towards fowls.
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Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-31548306121619140242015-04-14T12:30:00.001-04:002015-04-17T12:40:15.293-04:00Jeanrichard Terrascope in Deepsea Blue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajVy032unK3uuQLbikonKwtHd3cnuFhj_NXRYhsEbQSgoWEbx4VGi1ptEwY77fA7i_5vU_iV6Oqz8IvQ7ARd5P01u7ut-MvswM06h5c6o53O_3dh45a1HTJzR8eF38z9Zb1tqZbWofyyc/s1600/60510_11_401_QB4A-609x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajVy032unK3uuQLbikonKwtHd3cnuFhj_NXRYhsEbQSgoWEbx4VGi1ptEwY77fA7i_5vU_iV6Oqz8IvQ7ARd5P01u7ut-MvswM06h5c6o53O_3dh45a1HTJzR8eF38z9Zb1tqZbWofyyc/s1600/60510_11_401_QB4A-609x1024.jpg" height="640" width="380" /></a></div>
I have a weakness for blue dials. Think Piaget Emperador, Ulysses Nardin, Blancpain and Jaeger LeCoultre Rendez-vouz blue. Now I have another stunning blue to add to the list - The Jeanrichard Terrascope timepiece. The dial of the Terrascope is an intriguing blend of blue hues accentuated by a textured look providing the illusion that one is looking upon the swirling seas of mother earth from a distant planet. Of course I have not come by this notion as a result of my overactive imagination (of which I am not denying), but rather by the name of the collection itself.<br />
Terrascope in its literal sense means "Terra" - as in earth and "Scope" as in viewing instrument like microscope or telescope. It seems, again in its literal sense, an instrument such as a terrescope would be of no use to us earthly folk, because as the name suggests ,and it being the antithesis of a telescope , the terrascope would be much more useful to inquisitive aliens. Jeanrichard other collections include the Aquascope and Aeroscope. Jeanrichard refers to the Terrascope collection as "The accomplice of the explorers of the planet."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_wthBKLKCUDZkXrjU4GWZlgZCVzobBIwRSCFNlpB8Z6j7x044ortkqT__wg-j-7SIzulZfgV6DZmrF7sI7gP_qAFVXQgjey_jPPo1y33amTQhD1V35Ywei2_6G9s65h83kYsnVVBiM6_/s1600/Jean-Richard-Terrascope-+Exploded+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_wthBKLKCUDZkXrjU4GWZlgZCVzobBIwRSCFNlpB8Z6j7x044ortkqT__wg-j-7SIzulZfgV6DZmrF7sI7gP_qAFVXQgjey_jPPo1y33amTQhD1V35Ywei2_6G9s65h83kYsnVVBiM6_/s1600/Jean-Richard-Terrascope-+Exploded+View.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
So how does the new blue Jeanrichard Terrascope 39mm fare as an explorer's accomplice? As far as blending in with an explorers get-up, the Terrascope signature structure sporting a round bezel and dial superimposed over a cushion shaped watch case exudes a look of rugged competence. This type of construction enables a unique modular case design. The advantage of the modular case - its exploded version depicted to the left - is its ability to integrate different materials and design elements into the timepiece without having to perform a complete overall. In addition, since the watch is a partner in earths exploration, different explorers require different watch options, of which JeanRichard provides many.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQ6CiIufUjHaU8LqTILXq0SZufGqF38ubEOIngwzltkv6gmfI7i2vS2BxaTmgjRRyMYvE-3aWG0bumvGi9owL4dqgFEqRfTxLCZdsuToW8eJr8ifSMKmpQ7ebnFVQtyHALh2Za0crvc0Z/s1600/3-31-2015+12-27-11+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQ6CiIufUjHaU8LqTILXq0SZufGqF38ubEOIngwzltkv6gmfI7i2vS2BxaTmgjRRyMYvE-3aWG0bumvGi9owL4dqgFEqRfTxLCZdsuToW8eJr8ifSMKmpQ7ebnFVQtyHALh2Za0crvc0Z/s1600/3-31-2015+12-27-11+PM.jpg" height="400" width="395" /></a>Of course when one is exploring the earth, one is bound to happen upon a large body of water where getting quite wet is the only option of passage. Thus the Terrascope is water resistant to 100 meters successfully implemented without a screw down crown. Of course this is due to clever and optimal construction culminating from years of watchmaking experience. JeanRichard is a sister company to Girard Perregaux, both now under the Kering Group, and named after the great watchmaker <a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2008/10/legend-of-daniel-jean-richard.html">Daniel JeanRichard - read his incredible story here.</a><br />
The 39mm Terrascope sporting new subtle alteration of proportions adds underlying classic formality to a sporty watch. Beneath the azure blue dial, rhodium coated hands and suspended indices, a self-winding JR60 movement beats at 28,800 vph visible via a sapphire crystal case-back. The sapphire crystal case back is a new feature in this collection enabling the wearer to view the watch movement in action beneath the to and fro movement of the black oscillating weight.<br />
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The purpose of the oscillating weight or rotor in any watch enables automatic winding without winding at the crown. The rotor is designed to move back and forth during the swinging motion of ones arms while walking. The movement of the rotor or
oscillating weight winds the mainspring. The mainspring stores the
energy which is released at a constant rate - thanks to the
efficient mechanics of the balance spring and escapement.<br />
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The dial of the JeanRichard Terrsacope is actually a two part construction with a raised outer ring baring the minute track. The hands and hour markers are situated on the actual dial plate. The chiseled baton hour markers are tipped by Superluminova allowing for easy readout in the dark.<a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2009/06/what-is-lume.html"> Superluminova</a> also coats the JeanRichard Terrascope signature arrow hour hand and losangé minute hands. Other dial functions include a red tipped arrow seconds hand as well as a date aperture located at the 3 'o' clock position. <br />
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Quite a few striking female models have also been released with these new redesigned dimensions. Dusty Rose hues and shimmering diamond bezels to name but a few.<br />
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With its remarkable versatility; dependable craftsmanship; astonishing range of color, gem and material combinations and affordable pricing ($2000-$5000 range - depending on materials and gems) and now more models sized at 39mm, the JeanRichard Terrascope collection should be well taken in consideration when out to purchase a watch.<br />
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<br />Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-1214810526261997232015-03-11T11:59:00.000-04:002015-03-11T12:27:41.187-04:00Countdown to Baselworld 2015 <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3TzplQMjrT5KmeTCi0lMnB7-45nttT60H1opudqlp_xQTHQWKI67iZSSf8ajaDZ_qcjFbFkajXxraG9lWxHmUbQM-nJkn-BvQz5f9_GnZcyn7Oi0q7b-ekqt5Jrt9gkeneVRlpk0hbIR/s1600/60510_11_401_QB4A-609x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3TzplQMjrT5KmeTCi0lMnB7-45nttT60H1opudqlp_xQTHQWKI67iZSSf8ajaDZ_qcjFbFkajXxraG9lWxHmUbQM-nJkn-BvQz5f9_GnZcyn7Oi0q7b-ekqt5Jrt9gkeneVRlpk0hbIR/s1600/60510_11_401_QB4A-609x1024.jpg" height="640" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeanrichard Terrascope Blue </td></tr>
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Baselworld, the worlds largest watch and jewelry show, is set to begin March 19th, 2015 and run through March 26th, 2015. 1,500 brands from 40 countries converge on 463,000 sqft multi floor pavilions. <br />
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Entering the vast show halls may cause an overwhelming feeling of information overload. To go to the show without a plan may cause one to fixate on one item or another and forgot completely what one came for. Of course there always is the lovely element of surprise which can cause an unexpected and unpredictable turn of life changing events for a small vendor, a large buyer or a curious guest.<br />
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Thanks to modern technology, one has all the tools to come well prepared. Baselworld provides a handy app which allows for optimal time efficiency - quite fitting for a show demonstrating the display of time. The app provides the hall and booth in which a particular brand is located; individual events and media info. The app also provides daily news through out the show and any new Press Releases that become available. If one realizes time has been so well spent and have some hours to spare, the app provides Basel tourism and transportation info. <br />
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In addition, <a href="http://www.baselworld.com/en-US.aspx">the Baselworld website</a> provides detailed floor plans displaying which brands are where.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF80HTmZwSayaZKkSaHrg9Ziotr6pvpAz5TxSZ6vkNj-dtrOkPAvn8xPWgnjkr7HhI7MZUZ56Rg9kW3bNQJXYH0dnsfFqDmq5ot1SqgNiso4xk0KvarB-3WKvJY4q1gETLgRt3z-VgKGo0/s1600/3-10-2015+1-34-48+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF80HTmZwSayaZKkSaHrg9Ziotr6pvpAz5TxSZ6vkNj-dtrOkPAvn8xPWgnjkr7HhI7MZUZ56Rg9kW3bNQJXYH0dnsfFqDmq5ot1SqgNiso4xk0KvarB-3WKvJY4q1gETLgRt3z-VgKGo0/s1600/3-10-2015+1-34-48+PM.jpg" height="640" width="498" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Watch - Baselworld 2015</td></tr>
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As is customary Hall 1.0 showcases the world's most popular global brands such as Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Patek Phillipe, Tissot, Hublot, Tag Heuer, Chopard, Longines, Rado Girard Perregauze, Corum e.t.c. This hall provides a nice mix of really high end brands like Patek Phillipe and Girard Perregaux, mid range brands such as Omega, Breitling and Tag Heuer; popular fashion brands such as Chanel, Gucci and Calvin Klein and brands with captivating complications such as Jaquet Droz and Harry Winston.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graff Butterfly Watch</td></tr>
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Hall 1.1 holds captive the watch and jewelry enthusiasts, buyers, boutique owners, journalists and seekers with a admirable range of watch wares. Bejeweled brands such as Graff, Jacob & Co. and Boucheron, Professional sporty brands such as Clerc, Edox and U-boat, brands which hold their own such as Vulcain and Romaine Jerome, and iconic Japanese brands, Citizen and Seiko. In addition, numerous jewelry brands dot Hall 1.1 like Mikimoto - prolific with pearls - and Faberge - its fame hatched from iconic eggs. <br />
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Moving on to Hall 1.2, one is greeted with a host of brands displaying fun fashion wear like Follie Follie, Toy Watch, Kappa, Anne Klein and Go Girls Only. In Hall 1.2, Invicta - no introduction needed- displays its massive macho dials. This hall has quite a sporty presence with professional diving watches by DOXA. Casio sporting its latest G-Shock ,no doubt, unveiling another cool feature like last years GPW1000 GPS and atomic radio time syncing.<br />
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An entirely new watch company: DOGFIGHT makes its debut in Hall 1.2 unveiling pilot watches in tribute to Ace fighter pilots. Ace fighter pilots are those who have five or more victories against enemy pilots in aerial combat. The term became popular in World War I. A DOGFIGHT in military terms is an aerial conflict where two or more fighter pilots engage in aerial conflict with the enemy - the first DOGFIGHTS occurred in World War I. The chronograph watches are the product of WIN, Inc, based in the Republic of Korea. <br />
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<u>International Brands</u><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HYT H3 Watch</td></tr>
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Hall 2.0; 2.1; 2.2 holds a vast amount of jewelry companies each booth divided by expertise and individuality. Ball Watches and Eterna holds great representation in Hall 5.0 alongside luxury Italian jewelry corporation - Damiani group. Personally, I think, aside for Hall 1.0; 1.1 and a quick gallop through 1.2, the Palace is the next step for a watch fanatic like me. Here HYT proves that liquid can be held within the confines of a watch case - much to my original skepticism back in 2012. HYT unveils the HYT H3 watch featuring a linear liquid indicator. The watch looks highly complex and a closer hands-on look will only increase ones horological amazement. a timepiece displays its Skull Watch where one can look eye to skeletal eye orb in devilish red or true traditional HYT green. Set quite some time to celebrate with HYSEK, the 10th anniversary of ABYSS - its 44 mm flagship series Chronograph.<br />
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MB & F unveils its HM3 finale - The MB&F HM3 MegaWind Final Edition Watch featuring its two signature glass domes of hours and minutes, an impressive luminescence as well as the dial side rotor. The rugged construction of the final model looks every bit "Holorgical Machine" from the black PVD treated 18k gold to the blackened 22k gold and titanium rotor. Only 25 pieces will be produced and thus the opportunity to see the final HM3 "Light in Darkness" must not be missed. <br />
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Hall 3.0 and 3.1 hold an expansive assortment of diamonds and jewels and Hall 4U displays the most cutting edge tools of the trade. Hall 4.0 and 4.1 are the National Pavilions.<br />
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Baselword is not only about the halls and the treasures within its walls, but its a social event where common and uncommon minds meet and mingle. Basel Village is a little village within the city of Baselworld where fine dining and excellent ambiance create a magical atmosphere after the intense show days. <br />
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Baselworld 2015 is not to be missed. <br />
<br />Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-14315595828689043542015-02-16T14:02:00.000-05:002015-02-16T14:02:41.777-05:00The Platinum Cartier Crash Squellete <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cartier is ramping up its watch play by utilizing all its wonderful resources to crush competition and focus as much horological attention on a new Heritage Series featuring Cartier's Crash Collection as part of Cartier's Fine Watchmaking Series. In recognition of a great collection, Cartier utilizes platinum as a watchmaking material, which is often the case when paying exclusive tribute to an iconic design. In skeletonizing the design, Cartier adds a unique twist to the timepieces ensemble.<br />
I remember the moment I first laid eyes on an image of a Cartier Crash watch with its indented side and what the dial shape can only be likened to a slightly twisted version of Edvard Munch's "The Scream". For a fleeting instant, I thought the watch must be a person's play at photoshop until I did a bit more research and came up with some fascinating details. <br />
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Cartier describes the Crash Collection as<i><b> "</b></i><span itemprop="description"><i><b>Created in 1967 in the heart of <i>Swinging London</i>,
the Crash watch captures the incredible energy of the city at that
time. With its asymmetrical dial, it revolutionized the esthetic codes
of watchmaking history. Consistently released in a very limited series,
this legendary piece carries the prestige of its rare nature." - Source Cartier Website</b></i> </span><br />
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The inspiration for this watch, though, is a bit mysterious. It has been blogged and reblogged by all the big watch blogs, that this watch was inspired by the tragic 1967 accident of the Vice President of Cartier London and that as his car was engulfed in flames, his Baignoire Allongée melted upon his arm as he died. It does seem quite a dramatic story; however, I cannot verify these facts.<br />
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Although the above-depiction does look quite convincing, I still cannot find any proper source of the fiery car crash theory. Of course there is the view that this design was inspired by Salvador Dali's Soft Watch in particular his "Persistance of Memory , which also seems to have no grounds. In any event Salvador Dali's depiction is that of Surrealism where as the Cartier Crash and what it implies is the epitome of Realism especially if the "Car Crash Theory" is true. My humble opinion anyway.<br />
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Of course if the dial shape is so twisted, the movement beneath must follow the same twisted form - and this is where my utmost admiration for Cartier's creativity come into play. With a purposeful lack of symmetry, Cartier has created a beautiful sculpture opposing the laws of nature where symmetry is coveted over lack thereof. The manual wound Caliber 9618 MC beating at 28,800 vph is equipped with a 3 day power reserve, Just looking at the movement one can deduce that this is not a reworked movement. This movement was constructed specifically for the Cartier Crash from jump street. The main plate and bridges take on a fascinating form with truly unusual arcs and carves accentuating the perfection and symmetry of the gear train and gear teeth. <br />
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The high sheen of the platinum bezel does well to compliment the matt look of the skeletonized dial. The case size is roughly 28mm x 45mm depending, of course where one decides to take the measurements.<br />
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Cartier's signature blue sword-shape hands portray a heightened sense of balance within the bent dial form. Roman Numerals are forged from the movement plate punctuated by 21 jewels. <a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2009/05/the-largest-ruby-in-world.html">Jewels are an essential addition to a watch movement utilized to reduce friction and increase the longevity of the bearings. </a>Another jewel - a blue cabochon - adds another traditional Cartier touch to the timepiece. <br />
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Now as the name Cartier Crash Skeleton does suggest a lack of control beyond the ability of a person,its careful component arrangement; the impeccable satin finishing; the chamfered and polished flanks of the Roman Numerals and the high sheen of the platinum suggests a control of impeccable performance achieved by Fine Watchmaking at Cartier. The retail price for this bent beauty is no less than 50,000 euros and a tad more for the editions exhibiting a diamond set-bezel. Only 67 models of each edition will be produced - in recognition of the year the Cartier Crash came. <br />
<br />Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-79339778885269383352015-01-22T12:00:00.000-05:002015-01-22T12:05:49.075-05:005 Luxury Watches That Actually Exist <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>by Cassandra Stevens</b></span><br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Watches are the quintessential piece of jewelry for men. Whether
it’s a $10 Wal-Mart watch or a Rolex, a watch shows that a man values his and
other people’s time. Time rules over all our earthly doings. Our work, play
time, sleep, and so on is all scheduled to be at certain times of the day which
makes us look at the time constantly. Why not give yourself something nice to
look at on a daily basis? Something you would be proud to wear, something
that’s unique. Not all of us can afford to buy an expensive time piece but we
can dream, here are 5 watches to get your thoughts moving. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Note:
Many of these watches are extremely valuable and expensive. While not wearing
them, I would recommend protecting them by storage in a luxury jewelry safe,
which you can <a href="http://www.casorojewelrysafes.com/safes/#.VL58IEfF9vk">learn
more about here</a>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayQfj8GJnsvvdEBB_X0xRpAeaOkD4N_79ac4rPyiREU_wybS8vq0HDw377wr_2qZuKWJAV7-tiJUM3D8Ib90icTBbBnX32pObjSYBQhkk7lEqdm6L_6DRuEih2ej63cy6vU-WeLFJH9Rz/s1600/Breitling.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayQfj8GJnsvvdEBB_X0xRpAeaOkD4N_79ac4rPyiREU_wybS8vq0HDw377wr_2qZuKWJAV7-tiJUM3D8Ib90icTBbBnX32pObjSYBQhkk7lEqdm6L_6DRuEih2ej63cy6vU-WeLFJH9Rz/s1600/Breitling.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Breitling Cockpit B50
Watch – $6,600+<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being a fighter pilot is already ridiculous enough, which
would mean most pilots would need a ridiculous watch. This watch has both an
analog and digital display. Its inner workings where developed specifically for
the aviator, featuring a tachometer, a bidirectional compass scale bezel, a
rechargeable battery, and a “chrono flight” mode that records flight times and
memorizes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the time that you depart and
arrive along with the date when these moments take place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxawT9qWUQaJF0XKkP7Rmj-nBOx5tweMxt1jChmKL_gNv3bY4iDmc8M2iDOoTmzqu6A1FEWfiaO0E2i8vG3O9wCg6l4dJMhV-FM8S_sZoDI3_5HJlNy_bk25tuCQ1nHzaY-cSTMhWh_UYu/s1600/Rado.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxawT9qWUQaJF0XKkP7Rmj-nBOx5tweMxt1jChmKL_gNv3bY4iDmc8M2iDOoTmzqu6A1FEWfiaO0E2i8vG3O9wCg6l4dJMhV-FM8S_sZoDI3_5HJlNy_bk25tuCQ1nHzaY-cSTMhWh_UYu/s1600/Rado.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Rado Hyperchrome
Touch Dual Timer Watch – $3,000+<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This watch took something that the “smart watch” movement
did and made it for the businessman. Every function of this watch is
manipulated by touch. You can set the time for two different time zones just by
touching the face and swap in between the two by using multiple fingers at the
same time. Not only that, it’s gorgeous. The watches case is a grey high tech
ceramic that’s tough to reproduce consistently. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVvawgldtqH6JSooAwbNMiYRVuUqFfmLwbm7NIoAwGK7Yes6K4Rp5hB_NKBlAvULrDUuF7FpDNG784aB9_yUSyh7W_HRFeBkcAm5zt7JwHxJj6defkLJPj5pvalxmoXszcgtP-JenRx5Z/s1600/MB&F.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVvawgldtqH6JSooAwbNMiYRVuUqFfmLwbm7NIoAwGK7Yes6K4Rp5hB_NKBlAvULrDUuF7FpDNG784aB9_yUSyh7W_HRFeBkcAm5zt7JwHxJj6defkLJPj5pvalxmoXszcgtP-JenRx5Z/s1600/MB&F.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MB &F HM6 Space
Pirate Watch - $230,000</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This time piece makes you wish you were a space pirate. Its
odd design is inspired by Japanese sci-fi cartoons from the 70’s and features a
biomorphic design. Its titanium case houses 475 different components, 68 jewels
and a complex network of gears, turbines, and rotors that keep the Hour and
minute spheres moving underneath four of the watches 10 domes sapphire
crystals. The strap itself seems basic but is actually made of premier
calfskin. Most people will be too pre-occupied to notice it though because they
will be staring at the spherical abomination on top your wrist.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaVt7OKK6EWmalApR6zPnA7dwfbIYodHgGcxkhR5tQXvy3jgW39F4DGbWEbbNEd7W1BFsAcaz_fp9t_iC4YbwFh8-T2OVHknr69meCl3PEF5ILyiMy_S1u7w_cZOOm2jeHNqgW1SMmr9O/s1600/Patek+Phillipe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaVt7OKK6EWmalApR6zPnA7dwfbIYodHgGcxkhR5tQXvy3jgW39F4DGbWEbbNEd7W1BFsAcaz_fp9t_iC4YbwFh8-T2OVHknr69meCl3PEF5ILyiMy_S1u7w_cZOOm2jeHNqgW1SMmr9O/s1600/Patek+Phillipe.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Patek Philippe World
Time Moon Watch - $48,000<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you ever wondered what phase the moon is currently in? This
watch will tell you. It features a moon phase display made of two thin glass
disks, which combine to show a large image of the moon in its current phase. It
also blends old and new by using the company’s <a href="http://www.patek.com/contents/default/en/timeline.html">world time
mechanism</a> that made its debut in the 1930’s. It also comes with a hand
stitched alligator strap.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0-E-IuC0Oul0wRkmgrQIm8WA-oR6qG3aBEk5nOACBmYxE8hqT8bu9Um_uIWFcwrIajH410GBH1VKuVRtDdTZxUSHTdww5o5ChHnCiuHPTW8AA_rxkKoHXUW0KdAdv7ENdfxYQVbsPhcG/s1600/Omega.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0-E-IuC0Oul0wRkmgrQIm8WA-oR6qG3aBEk5nOACBmYxE8hqT8bu9Um_uIWFcwrIajH410GBH1VKuVRtDdTZxUSHTdww5o5ChHnCiuHPTW8AA_rxkKoHXUW0KdAdv7ENdfxYQVbsPhcG/s1600/Omega.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Omega Seamaster Aqua
Terra Goldfinger Watch - $115,000<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ever wanted to be more like <a href="http://www.007.com/">James
Bond</a>? Then this watch is for you. This luxurious time piece was created to
celebrate the films 50’s anniversary and features a Co-Axial calibre 8501
movement. It’s covered in 18k gold. From the bracelet, to the dial and hands
themselves. <span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> </span></span> There’s also a 007 counter
weight that perfectly honors the iconic film.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cassandra Stevens writes for <a href="http://www.casorojewelrysafes.com/">Casoro Custom Safes</a>, she enjoys
vintage jewelry and riding horses in her spare time. </div>
Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-80189659442277425892015-01-19T14:43:00.000-05:002015-01-19T14:43:07.374-05:00SIHH 2015 Begins today and Marks its 25th year! SIHH is off to a flying start, where 16 exhibiting maisons are
showcasing new models for 2015. Unlike Baselworld, this convention
is all about watches. Salon International De La Haute Horlogerie Geneve
is run by Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie established in Geneva as a result of a
rapid increase in watch
making brands and resulting products. Countless
brands are releasing fine watch creations and thus <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">FHH</span> has taken on the role of providing information and guidance to the public from watch making specialists.
The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">FHH</span> is a modern Foundation which for the most part utilizes the Internet for the release of information.<br />
In addition the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">FHH</span> recognizes that Luxury Watches has evolved from a "social aspiration" into a "cultural aspiration"
The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">FHH</span>
focuses its primary attention on information and training in Horology.<br />
Even after 25 years, there still is a remarkably few exhibitors. These exhibitors, however, have quite the advantage in being part of an exhibition held so close to the beginning of the year. Since the holiday season, and now for a couple more weeks, blog sites, and other social networking arenas are flooded with the information about new watches and novelties unveiled at SIHH. These 16 brands are now commanding their position in the world of horology - this year 2015. The press kits are being sent in a flurry of Emails and watch write ups are entering a state of frenzy.<br />
<br />
That said, who are the brands - even if you know next to nothing about watches - you are likely to have heard these names around:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSAcqkQv7tZ1Cv9X8ueEtisQ875MddYLo7wVByG37_oCcfF5D_359NXaEEB246brbKCTySqF1P9L_UZpzaAEeTjN4u6yhz_f6mFk3rJKK9Y_hYTlkvarpUEW9vr7V8ZsBGzZzDjCKyUne/s1600/ALS_Saxonia_SIHH2015_Handwound_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSAcqkQv7tZ1Cv9X8ueEtisQ875MddYLo7wVByG37_oCcfF5D_359NXaEEB246brbKCTySqF1P9L_UZpzaAEeTjN4u6yhz_f6mFk3rJKK9Y_hYTlkvarpUEW9vr7V8ZsBGzZzDjCKyUne/s1600/ALS_Saxonia_SIHH2015_Handwound_3.jpg" height="640" width="509" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Lange & Sohne Saxonia Dual Time SIHH 2015 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>A Lange & Sohne</b> - <a href="http://www.alange-soehne.com/news-and-more/novelties-2015/">click here for their colorful 2015 debut </a>especially a clever Datograph Perpetual Watch, a Saxonia Dual Time, Zeidwerk Minute Repeater<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qWGGV65S7-w86jbrly5Uw4nyNijz9EMhyI4xJA4XIGw9XR_3FruLgP1xQM4v-l1vKLFWcQ4STNuDVDC4vz2nZn_-AQb8YmeD6aLcipobN19mhTtm8w1v9lyU3XVMGz1pTDH4CswRu6kd/s1600/forbeslifo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qWGGV65S7-w86jbrly5Uw4nyNijz9EMhyI4xJA4XIGw9XR_3FruLgP1xQM4v-l1vKLFWcQ4STNuDVDC4vz2nZn_-AQb8YmeD6aLcipobN19mhTtm8w1v9lyU3XVMGz1pTDH4CswRu6kd/s1600/forbeslifo.jpg" height="640" width="594" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Acoustic Research Episode 1 Watch SIHH 2015 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Audemars Piguet</b> - This year Audemars Piguet reveals the perfect chime thanks to the <a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2014/12/sihh-2015-audemars-piguet-creates.html">Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Acoustic Research Episode 1 Watch</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQU0y-r03HQC_FqvuHBqHwUWHaVA9gPKtsKfT8uIKN_QZwlTZybb0NiBXF0yxbY6w-QjHPRa5htWmVVAZHOtwViUH-NBh_NTGvPFvn99gNZTkVNJNO4qtndMWJY6rw2XZJ6OdFkbjTJ_U/s1600/clifton-gran-data-riserva-carica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQU0y-r03HQC_FqvuHBqHwUWHaVA9gPKtsKfT8uIKN_QZwlTZybb0NiBXF0yxbY6w-QjHPRa5htWmVVAZHOtwViUH-NBh_NTGvPFvn99gNZTkVNJNO4qtndMWJY6rw2XZJ6OdFkbjTJ_U/s1600/clifton-gran-data-riserva-carica.jpg" height="640" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baume & Mercier Clifton Big Date and Power Reserve SIHH 2015</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.baume-et-mercier.com/en-us/watches/women-watches.html">Baume & Mercier</a> - Releases some really elegant timepieces, which is suited at any boardroom anywhere including a really handsome Clifton Model featuring a Big Date and Power Reserve. In addition its Hampton Collection is 20 years. Time does speed along - does it not? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJj7f-gP5UsDbkQ9atGcJYcow1Ns5nobQSi9QRbOfGFFb4DmK9AtxarkvWyLbvv54Pt2VWdVtQHnfeNLbortOo-lkAkeOyUk0Yi6XPeFrt7SmKicuwYA8M-rBr60-wBVLDnb-KZVVeiWa/s1600/cartier_crash_squelette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJj7f-gP5UsDbkQ9atGcJYcow1Ns5nobQSi9QRbOfGFFb4DmK9AtxarkvWyLbvv54Pt2VWdVtQHnfeNLbortOo-lkAkeOyUk0Yi6XPeFrt7SmKicuwYA8M-rBr60-wBVLDnb-KZVVeiWa/s1600/cartier_crash_squelette.jpg" height="400" width="346" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cartier Crash Skeleton SIHH 2015 </td></tr>
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<b>Cartier</b> - has crashed the party - not in anyway I or you imagine, but rather with its signature women's Cartier Skeleton Crash Watch. Although the original inspiration for the idea is up for grabs - the resulting timepiece has always been quite a hit. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAlqLVdgxaEzCag1P0t2ECmGNrafTQSG0CfA7Pqp8x2gFF5bJX6ZUXxEYaDQKU-3B_AaNgu3QS5hUSoC6UfaamiwA6cqbaSuXnaWvB-RSb8-a5WjT67H_GEGnD4sC3n4y65IG7sjVFZN8/s1600/Greubel_Forsey_GF07_Platinum_front_560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAlqLVdgxaEzCag1P0t2ECmGNrafTQSG0CfA7Pqp8x2gFF5bJX6ZUXxEYaDQKU-3B_AaNgu3QS5hUSoC6UfaamiwA6cqbaSuXnaWvB-RSb8-a5WjT67H_GEGnD4sC3n4y65IG7sjVFZN8/s1600/Greubel_Forsey_GF07_Platinum_front_560.jpg" height="640" width="498" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greubel Forsey QP à Equation Computeur Mécanique SIHH 2015 </td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.greubelforsey.com/">Greubel Forsey</a> - Writing about this rather young brand sends me reeling with inferiority <a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2010/01/scientific-approach-of-greubel-forsey.html"> in the shadow of scientific geniuses. </a><br />
Now as they say the genre of steampunk is a mechanical alternate world - a place where mechanical accomplishments continued to evolve if the invention of electricity had never occured. This ,my friends, is Greubel Forsey - who unveiled today the “Computeur Mécanique,”or a mechanical computer. To all my steampunk friends out there - this is it! This is what happened if electricity was never invented and computers had never come to pass. A mind like Greubel and Forsey spearheading a mechanical revolution. Now enough of my excited caffeine frenzied rant. Geubel Forsey's 7th invention has a bunch of patents and is a brilliant assembly of 25 sub movements with a rotating, co-axial coded elements or its "brain" if you like which are arranged in programmable moveable sections. The complexity of this timepiece goes beyond the usual complication and reaches a realm which has barely been touched by other watch brands. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyk_fSZgdMYsv0m2WmLs1u6oIViNzcmw0f39Q4xUkzEz9As7XQV0LKz-8w5iJMsdYRF_jI5iIkd7gyhi1WSVQWLNM5x6457xSuovfGDxUgG6ki7FmBA8phByrf0CUFxGDVRQuFkYIr-Ug/s1600/IWC_Portuguese_Annual_Calendar_front_560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyk_fSZgdMYsv0m2WmLs1u6oIViNzcmw0f39Q4xUkzEz9As7XQV0LKz-8w5iJMsdYRF_jI5iIkd7gyhi1WSVQWLNM5x6457xSuovfGDxUgG6ki7FmBA8phByrf0CUFxGDVRQuFkYIr-Ug/s1600/IWC_Portuguese_Annual_Calendar_front_560.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IWC Portugieser Annual Calendar SIHH 2015 </td></tr>
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<b>IWC Shaffhausen</b>- heralding its "Year of the Portugieser" releases the IWC Portugieser Annual Calendar boasting two firsts: an in-house movement equipped with an annual calender and a two barrel enabling a seven day power reserve.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1RNtaxfW_1DWazTT-HM1P4rgKkPh9EPDIUZenfptCqxU2mDuy4azZozPCi62R8_9ThilVdsnUg6Z8KfPTiHYUffyrFpy_5I4cAhLi1wa_hJQUWEc1JVtfIcpAAyiKdWk7UF-zHh7F9Hf/s1600/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Duometre-Spherotourbillon-Moon-tw4-1024x705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1RNtaxfW_1DWazTT-HM1P4rgKkPh9EPDIUZenfptCqxU2mDuy4azZozPCi62R8_9ThilVdsnUg6Z8KfPTiHYUffyrFpy_5I4cAhLi1wa_hJQUWEc1JVtfIcpAAyiKdWk7UF-zHh7F9Hf/s1600/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Duometre-Spherotourbillon-Moon-tw4-1024x705.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Jaeger-LeCoultre</b> - A brand which has risen and risen in mechanical complexity and reached a pinnacle of horological perfection (one of my favorite brands as you can very well tell)... and to prove my "mechanical complexity point" the curtain opens - or should I say the heavens open onto the Duometre Spherotourbillon sporting a brand new moon-phase indicator. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWwDgn0rsdRtk9hcykGtFCcxyd9H2bLBa0BnfoCB1VEXzBOlz5P2DUtgmXTMLyBuIa70UMihw2m1CrFEnjoBRh7SR28wXyA1oz2KhVJx7zdEa9xvgYjnsziijH67rhhVw_xceVDo0IsWo/s1600/Montblanc-Heritage-Spirit-Orbis-Terrarum-1-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWwDgn0rsdRtk9hcykGtFCcxyd9H2bLBa0BnfoCB1VEXzBOlz5P2DUtgmXTMLyBuIa70UMihw2m1CrFEnjoBRh7SR28wXyA1oz2KhVJx7zdEa9xvgYjnsziijH67rhhVw_xceVDo0IsWo/s1600/Montblanc-Heritage-Spirit-Orbis-Terrarum-1-.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum SIHH 2015 </td></tr>
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<b>Mont Blanc</b> - of fine pens and even finer watches ,pens which are a useful tool when needed and a rather coveted tool in the post office, holds no fascination for me; however, Mont Blanc watches including a new model to their new 2014 line, holds the world on a wrist and that, my friend is fascination for me.<br />
The Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum, holds the worlds view from the North Pole as Peary would have seen it - if he in fact reached that cold cold place and was able to view beyond the snowy covered emptiness. Mont Blanc's new collection depicts 24 cities beyond the bezel, displaying a 24 hour time zone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lfGNBZC-2GA7ggCuxUrTpYXheLoiPRbCJbHW8tHShBJSAmi_YNccZ1qmsEVZbgHXflzZJ6LXuxP92SZBKmxKtCvMVB9PF5c0JuCOaCRmbadSbgoDzPYfRuncqlv3ruqcNnOVwM1YbUnA/s1600/panerai-luminor-1950-ceramica-pam00580-5_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lfGNBZC-2GA7ggCuxUrTpYXheLoiPRbCJbHW8tHShBJSAmi_YNccZ1qmsEVZbgHXflzZJ6LXuxP92SZBKmxKtCvMVB9PF5c0JuCOaCRmbadSbgoDzPYfRuncqlv3ruqcNnOVwM1YbUnA/s1600/panerai-luminor-1950-ceramica-pam00580-5_l.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panerai Luminor Chrono Flyback Ceramica PAM00580 SIHH 2015 </td></tr>
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<b>Panerai</b> - a trendy Italian brand who has perfected the black and brown look, releases Panerai Luminor Chrono Flyback Ceramica PAM00580. The case is highly resilient being of a zirconium oxide base. It apparently is five times harder than steel and resistant to scratches, corrosion and high temperatures. Come to think of it, the Italian WWII frogmen would have loved this material for their Panerai watches, luckily for them Panerai was quite advanced with the use of Luminescence enabling them to make out the time while they dived in murky and turbulent waters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKYIhAsGGJ3CMjH52JCYPuuRvbKqt8Rjr7kL1p2h9KPvBeMVwbPr6NybobZ7218oqxUA-9uSG5PtfdI5HHvPBmMslvM-Ce7M2n-fKlzbigoC5wSQ2NBLqGkBO2zaTyMwWIOZ8cJpcY_PG/s1600/pdf_-_tonda_1950_squelette_-_eng.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKYIhAsGGJ3CMjH52JCYPuuRvbKqt8Rjr7kL1p2h9KPvBeMVwbPr6NybobZ7218oqxUA-9uSG5PtfdI5HHvPBmMslvM-Ce7M2n-fKlzbigoC5wSQ2NBLqGkBO2zaTyMwWIOZ8cJpcY_PG/s1600/pdf_-_tonda_1950_squelette_-_eng.jpg" height="640" width="446" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 Squellete SIHH 2015</td></tr>
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<b>Parmigiani Fleurier</b>- how I love this brand. <a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2011/11/parmigiani-fleurier-pocket-watch-leda.html">Parmigiani solidified my infatuation with watches and its strong ties to its history. </a> Although Parmigiani is current in their trends, the ties to vintage versions of itself ,to me, is so much more than a marketing ploy of other brands. Possibly because the founder, Micheal Parmigiani spent so much time restoring mechanical watches from the much loved Sandoz family collection, and in this formed the bond that became Parmigiani. Parmigiani's reveals a Squellete version to its 1950 Tonda Collection. a sapphire crystaled dial - The Squellete is exceptionally thin and quite complex and all can be seen via the transparent dial and case back including a micro rotor - small but visible on both sides. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TZ2BQD_Ck5r1bDmASjuBR_MhZGnaSB36d9Omgp_EaLgtT8pLj-KxaNXjBWl29Fa5OKs7jaMVB1bKuhUVg5-ZTdltzTrV3-SjkPFhcVUcju9dA7MEdva09h-vYd0mTj17yjEZ4XeTBXQV/s1600/Piaget-Altiplano-Chronograph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TZ2BQD_Ck5r1bDmASjuBR_MhZGnaSB36d9Omgp_EaLgtT8pLj-KxaNXjBWl29Fa5OKs7jaMVB1bKuhUVg5-ZTdltzTrV3-SjkPFhcVUcju9dA7MEdva09h-vYd0mTj17yjEZ4XeTBXQV/s1600/Piaget-Altiplano-Chronograph.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piaget Altiplano Chronograph </td></tr>
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<b>Piaget</b> - A brand firmly fixed into haute -holorgerie has gone quite slender for the party while breaking two records in its wake. Read my blog on the <a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2015/01/piaget-slims-down-even-more-for-sihh.html">Slim Piaget Altiplano Chronograph</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOq0nFbHhlVYP3Eg6zOVRUKFB1k9y_UN2xE6tHedLgub5kS0vIUrQEdh8Xw_S2VTpBl56Uzmx4ekGRpwM1lS-ZXM9UlBPEpyzm2v7v51L1INHGXcDEA6Ke97NupaYoKJ5JMwn5rIVV71H5/s1600/Ralph-Lauren-Automotive-Chronograph-Watch-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOq0nFbHhlVYP3Eg6zOVRUKFB1k9y_UN2xE6tHedLgub5kS0vIUrQEdh8Xw_S2VTpBl56Uzmx4ekGRpwM1lS-ZXM9UlBPEpyzm2v7v51L1INHGXcDEA6Ke97NupaYoKJ5JMwn5rIVV71H5/s1600/Ralph-Lauren-Automotive-Chronograph-Watch-4.jpg" height="400" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ralph Lauren Automotive Chronograph SIHH 2015 </td></tr>
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<b>Ralph Lauren</b> - quite new to the world of SIHH and quite new to the watch world has become an excepted watch brand. Being the only fashion watch brand at the SIHH, I think it does quite well for itself beyond the initial "fashion brand entering the real brand world" skeptism. Of course it is a joint venture between Ralph Lauren Watch and Jewelry Co, and Richmont Group - and since this is a mostly Richmont affair, Ralph Lauren is quite welcome. On the other hand the venture could have gone the way of Tiffany and Swatch - but it did not and Ralph Lauren is doing quite well for itself and Richmont. So what's in store for 2015? A sporty, woodsy and seriously trendy Automotive Chronograph which gleans its inspiration from the dashboard of a 1938 Buggati. Personally I love the elm burl, steel and black combination. Hat's off and awhistle blow to Ralph Lauren. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhkg3j4cWgal9vAxI3srdz6mGKeDOdiMX7n7sePT39YF3hV7o65lZV9sEjo52n271Kip1sHW-D_R9y3tzlXRLCvnegbyjliiWPKWfcoOITinDsesxzJdgTn8ybrPSL79v9Dr4F1G-YSS1/s1600/Richard-Mille-RM-33-01-Automatic-2-1024x682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhkg3j4cWgal9vAxI3srdz6mGKeDOdiMX7n7sePT39YF3hV7o65lZV9sEjo52n271Kip1sHW-D_R9y3tzlXRLCvnegbyjliiWPKWfcoOITinDsesxzJdgTn8ybrPSL79v9Dr4F1G-YSS1/s1600/Richard-Mille-RM-33-01-Automatic-2-1024x682.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richard MIlle RM-33-01 SIHH 2015 </td></tr>
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<b>Richard Mille </b>- If slimmness is a Piaget Quality - What is Richard Milles Quality? ..... Got it? Got it? Give Up? Lightness. Richard Milles manufactures the lightest watches in the world without compromising the resilience or the precision of the timepiece. How does the company achieve this remarkable feat? - well in part by being at the forefront of metallurgy and innovation in watch making materials as well as not worrying about the resulting sales price of the end product. So in light of this - What is at Richard Milles SIHH exhibition today? RM-33-01. A round watch! Richard Mille who is famous for their tonneau case shape has opted for quite a traditional setting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_OFJ_VteDEfTnXMq52iZvoF1SvVfwianxBtoCEIN0khWIVBEqcGKFw9FjaJCCcuCF2jSCvymNhblDawZwu_joQ89YVxaD1__LvTWn0jqSAXc06rCBo3rVnGlfCiXX5jnhlAMJFgUslUl/s1600/Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur%E2%80%93Automatic-Skeleton%E2%80%931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_OFJ_VteDEfTnXMq52iZvoF1SvVfwianxBtoCEIN0khWIVBEqcGKFw9FjaJCCcuCF2jSCvymNhblDawZwu_joQ89YVxaD1__LvTWn0jqSAXc06rCBo3rVnGlfCiXX5jnhlAMJFgUslUl/s1600/Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur%E2%80%93Automatic-Skeleton%E2%80%931.jpg" height="350" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Roger Dubuis</b> - What does the first brand to adhere to the new stringent requirements of the Geneva Seal reveal on this first day of the SIHH? One of the most beautiful watches in the world. The Excalibur Automatic Skeleton Watch - somehow made more beautiful without the tourbillon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcXxafD-BZ8oX8jUNUQfjxYcPzMJW8c997vH-_tPkvblV0m81cPUV0kRQF-LRbwko8iH5wvWv26l-5-VmHbM831QK40lhCLqmKlRNE-6tbfwJmLbfq_in8m7r1FDMmP69zhGcP60-v0Nh/s1600/Van-Cleef-&-Arpels-Cadena-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcXxafD-BZ8oX8jUNUQfjxYcPzMJW8c997vH-_tPkvblV0m81cPUV0kRQF-LRbwko8iH5wvWv26l-5-VmHbM831QK40lhCLqmKlRNE-6tbfwJmLbfq_in8m7r1FDMmP69zhGcP60-v0Nh/s1600/Van-Cleef-&-Arpels-Cadena-2015.jpg" height="222" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Van Cleef & Arpels</b> -For the SIHH 2015, Van Cleef & Arpels presents a timepiece without the artistic enameling so prolific among most of its timepieces, but rather nine new models from the iconic Cadenas Collection - <a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2015/01/sihh-2015-van-cleef-arpels-unlocks.html">Read more about the lock shaped watch in my recent Cadenas Blog. </a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXFgj3aQTmQ7zDphvw47lpMYLHOMLF7XJE2eEBSZgnECgoTaN22rPkOUyIpOL0DLVHvqJR1cuwRG7na2NZT8X4S3jfkJA6DJ1VxDfyG8-oQkWRPP1hllCIsd1RemWx1Dz54g8LgASZS2P/s1600/Vacheron_Constantin_Me_tiers_d_Art_Chinese_Zodiac_Goat_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXFgj3aQTmQ7zDphvw47lpMYLHOMLF7XJE2eEBSZgnECgoTaN22rPkOUyIpOL0DLVHvqJR1cuwRG7na2NZT8X4S3jfkJA6DJ1VxDfyG8-oQkWRPP1hllCIsd1RemWx1Dz54g8LgASZS2P/s1600/Vacheron_Constantin_Me_tiers_d_Art_Chinese_Zodiac_Goat_3.jpg" height="364" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vacheron Constantin <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Métiers d’Art </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac Year Of
The Goat SIHH 2015</span></span></td></tr>
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<b>Vacheron Constantin</b> - also fight the "whose the slimmest fight", but what always catches my attention is the new additions to their<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Métiers d’Art. This year Vacheron Constantin </span></span></span>dedicates <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Métiers d’Art models to The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac the Year Of
The Goat in 2015. Suffice to say, the Chinese market is huge and still largely untapped - <a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2011/02/mysterious-chinese-tourbillon-and.html">although China has been quite instrumental in mechanical timekeeping</a>. (How could one forget Sun-Song Heavenly Clockwork tower) and a collection dedicated to the Chinese New Year is a clever marketing strategy. The watch is beautiful with quite a nice</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;"> caliber 2460 G4</span></span> jumping hours movement featuring only four windows displaying the hours, minutes, date and days. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="text-indent: -18pt;">So there you have it, an oh so brief run down displayed as we speak across 30,000 sq/m in Geneve - the original watchmaking capital of the world. </span></span>Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-65175432363563704242015-01-14T15:34:00.001-05:002015-01-14T16:04:35.468-05:00SIHH 2015 Van Cleef & Arpels Unlocks the Cadenas Watch <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-o923aeSy732XrarUHTzDzfy9RB1DcgKrBf2U6CmW67h4JzoDz5ESkHzFl0Ueubw08jwhyiHPCgvDPxyAYht-6NylYG-C6c5EDucJ7kLzCzHNU-PFr8cUJO_QUv0UDIA4ppEIMQLJKa3/s1600/Van-Cleef-&-Arpels-Cadena-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-o923aeSy732XrarUHTzDzfy9RB1DcgKrBf2U6CmW67h4JzoDz5ESkHzFl0Ueubw08jwhyiHPCgvDPxyAYht-6NylYG-C6c5EDucJ7kLzCzHNU-PFr8cUJO_QUv0UDIA4ppEIMQLJKa3/s1600/Van-Cleef-&-Arpels-Cadena-2015.jpg" height="221" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas Sertie Watches- SIHH 2015 </td></tr>
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Van Cleef & Arpels reintroduces its famed Cadenas watch. A timepiece first unlocked back in 1935. The new Cadenas Collection boasts a more modern look and larger case. Cadenas ,meaning "lock" in French, is a signature Van Cleef & Arpels design with a strong symbolic sentiment. The lock symbolizes a union between two groups or individuals. Van Cleef Arpels claims the padlock idea was that of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the same Duchess who commissioned the famous Cartier Panther bracelet. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbXXRYEb9i8N8QJ9twQZHcFvKfJSwiPmo8N3dsJAd0aVrFSN8LQ9dAPUlAEtxAFDAD-51kEk0g8fPaWz5I_MUNhrh5ThwKd-_U3FjTCVBk1v-0OKdGF8J_-8zXAgJp7JQY2wLgEKD3S1c/s1600/Cadena+Van+Cleef+&+Arpels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbXXRYEb9i8N8QJ9twQZHcFvKfJSwiPmo8N3dsJAd0aVrFSN8LQ9dAPUlAEtxAFDAD-51kEk0g8fPaWz5I_MUNhrh5ThwKd-_U3FjTCVBk1v-0OKdGF8J_-8zXAgJp7JQY2wLgEKD3S1c/s1600/Cadena+Van+Cleef+&+Arpels.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Van Cleef & Arpels Archive </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60gUigcyesND0XYM3NnOLYKVkW1-Td9hmChORPJegX76oQSMfbTk3ifOQ6AJpPC0nMj_VYUHEHDDinHQF9jsSW_c3j0qquH3vOg7gUPEMHNzo8slcU-buNLC1RnsTn4tkNiodJYKd5c6_/s1600/Cadenas-1935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60gUigcyesND0XYM3NnOLYKVkW1-Td9hmChORPJegX76oQSMfbTk3ifOQ6AJpPC0nMj_VYUHEHDDinHQF9jsSW_c3j0qquH3vOg7gUPEMHNzo8slcU-buNLC1RnsTn4tkNiodJYKd5c6_/s1600/Cadenas-1935.jpg" height="320" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Van Cleef & Arpels Archive Cadenas 1935</td></tr>
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Since the 1930's, the Cadenas watch is a permanent feature in Van Cleef & Arpels Collections. Back in the 1930's , the Cadena's watch took its own stand against women's suffrage. It was not proper for women to glance at a watch on their wrist, especially during social engagements. It was not proper to even wear one. Women were not supposed to seem bored or have anywhere else to go to. So Van Cleef & Arpels set about designing a watch where the watch face could be noticed by no one else but the wearer.<br />
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Van Cleef & Arpels designed a fashionable snake chain bracelet to which the padlock watch case was attached. To effectively conceal the watch and its telling indices, the Maison extraordinaire masked the face with the padlock shank and the clasp attachment.<br />
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It comes as no surprise that this design became quite popular. During the past 80 years, different Cadenas Models were created with slight changes to suit the current trends of the time. As women's rights grew, the watch face became less inconspicuous and the padlock shank lowered revealing the dial face to others.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhax-moPIb9ATrNm2ZQyDG5gWAEerp85QmvaoIkikg1sbeQXS2FoYq_uMKHkGF-RjXoKRSV2pdNYUy2D0SbieLB5HjW6nDbXgm49TN8hifPPvtjPSR_mmLBkBnTV0TZRCcdVVdmyfPYEZxJ/s1600/Cadenas-white-yellow-gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhax-moPIb9ATrNm2ZQyDG5gWAEerp85QmvaoIkikg1sbeQXS2FoYq_uMKHkGF-RjXoKRSV2pdNYUy2D0SbieLB5HjW6nDbXgm49TN8hifPPvtjPSR_mmLBkBnTV0TZRCcdVVdmyfPYEZxJ/s1600/Cadenas-white-yellow-gold.jpg" height="640" width="568" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cadenas Sertie Watch - Yellow or White Gold with Snake Chain Bracelett - SIHH 2015 </td></tr>
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The Van Cleef & Arpels Cadenas timepiece revealed in a couple days at SIHH 2015, boasts a lowered padlock shank and a streamlined bold look. To maintain the look of the original Cadenas Watch, Van Cleef & Arpels kept the double snake chain gold bracelet. (or Bracelet Or - Or is gold in French) The clasp, however, is now equipped with small ceramic spheres to ensure a more secure closure of the clasp. The mother-of-pearl dial is now prominent with a clear unobstructed read out. The dial, now larger, bares a look of open confidence with bold hands and clear baton indices. A diamond encrusted banner decorated in a snow setting adds to the elegant ensemble of the watch.A snow setting or "serti neige" is the term used to describe diamonds of various sizes set to completely encrust the metal beneath. As no two diamonds are exactly alike, each snow setting is completely unique. Each stone is carefully selected to perfectly fit into the setting in order to create a balanced seamless look. Hence the "Sertie" title added to these models of the Cadenas Collection. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHYMcKmof4E6qLVbR9MdvPUl4EbccqB2fxWb6wcTrC3TeGa9dpNE55QgrpsukAIMA9458drcJc2alzXjG0OHNgq__UesQce_6YTBa6xGMve1r19s-X8k4vrQS4Z-g-__3Vox3m-IJgqMP/s1600/Cadenas-leather-strap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHYMcKmof4E6qLVbR9MdvPUl4EbccqB2fxWb6wcTrC3TeGa9dpNE55QgrpsukAIMA9458drcJc2alzXjG0OHNgq__UesQce_6YTBa6xGMve1r19s-X8k4vrQS4Z-g-__3Vox3m-IJgqMP/s1600/Cadenas-leather-strap.jpg" height="640" width="577" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cadenas Sertie Watch Yellow or White Gold with Alligator Strap </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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There are 9 new additions to the Cadenas collection, two white or yellow gold Sertie models are available with alligator leather straps. The unique leather strap attachment is also decorated with a band bejeweled by a snow setting which further enhances the watch as a prized piece of <i>joaillerie</i>. There will also be models without diamonds for those looking for a more elegant yet casual Cadenas timepiece. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHQ7unEgpzRPer_FaUkrgVvJGXRIK__VXdE_NkrHr3lNelLDFcPZAoX5LN-WFAocED0XAs0Eejg8z-aGhGvqJRsZH9Mi32hcexjv3Vrtuf8zX65aU_tkPUBVVG-06Yt8QmwDIDM9JkLsI/s1600/Cadena-Pave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHQ7unEgpzRPer_FaUkrgVvJGXRIK__VXdE_NkrHr3lNelLDFcPZAoX5LN-WFAocED0XAs0Eejg8z-aGhGvqJRsZH9Mi32hcexjv3Vrtuf8zX65aU_tkPUBVVG-06Yt8QmwDIDM9JkLsI/s1600/Cadena-Pave.jpg" height="228" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cadenas Pavee Watch Models </td></tr>
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Three other additions to the Cadenas collection are the haute -joaillerie Pavee models. A glimpse at these models pre-SIHH 2015 is only in sketch; however, Van Cleef & Arpels may have a Pavee model or two at SIHH 2015. The Cadenas Pavee Collection is simply smothered in diamonds. Princess cut diamonds pave the upper surface of the case, while the reminder of the case as well as dial and class are covered with round cut diamonds in a snow setting. The pink Cadenas Pavée Saphirs Roses Bracelet Or watch is a combination of pink sapphires and diamonds and rose gold. A wonderful Valentines Day gift. The Pavee model is also available in white gold either secured by the alligator strap or a gold bracelet.<br />
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The Cadenas timepiece is powered by a Quartz movement. Pricing is not available yet. <br />
<a href="http://www.vancleefarpels.com/us/en/?from_unlocalized=1">Van Cleef & Arpels</a><br />
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<br />Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-90325487549173165592015-01-05T13:43:00.003-05:002015-01-05T13:45:56.231-05:00Piaget Slims Down Even More for SIHH 2015 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If Piaget were a person one may advise them to seek help for their constant desire to be the thinnest. In Horology however, this obsession proves to be quite desirable especially when an entirely new set of components must be created for compactness of case.<br />
Piaget has released quite a number of record breaking slim watches such as <a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2013/02/piaget-emperador-coussin-ultra-thin.html">The Incredibly Thin Piaget Emperador Coussin Ultra-Thin Minute Repeater </a>or the<a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2010/01/piaget-and-vacheron-constantin-opts-for.html"> 5.25mm thick Piaget Altiplano circa 2010</a>.<br />
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Piaget will unveil another of its record breaking thin watches following last year's real skinny 38mm Altiplano. This year Piaget welcomes the worlds thinnest hand wound fly back chronograph coupled with a dual time feature. The Piaget Altiplano Chronograph actually breaks two records - one for the 4.65 mm movement and one for its 8.24mm case. This newest addition to Piaget's Size 0 watches (sorry - not sure why I keep thinking of waist size when writing about slim watches - I suppose it has something to do with "I must lose weight" imminent and often broken New Year's Resolution ) adds to a very impressive record breaking movements: 25 ultra-slim movements and 14 record breakers. One must remember though they are in constant competition with Vacheron Constantin over "Who is the Slimmest of Them All!"and the new competitor to the game, Bvlgari with their Baselworld 2014 Bulgari Octo Finissomo Tourbillon - thinnest tourbillon of its kind. Gerald Genta's Octo bares eight sides making the case ideal for allowing for a slim structure. <br />
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<b><u>Dimensions:</u></b><br />
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The Piaget Altiplano Chronograph is powered by the new Caliber 883P, which is based on the thinnest movement available to date - Piaget's Caliber 880P. To get a better perspective on how thin the Caliber 883P actually is, the chronograph gear finger is only .06mm, which is thinner than a strand of hair. The cannon-pinion is .12mm and the barrel staff is a mere .115mm - not to mention the other 237 super thin components and although the watch is incredibly slim, Piaget did not use this as an excuse to cut corners, on the contrary the watch is incorporated with a vertical clutch and column wheel. Of course with a company like Piaget there is absolutely no room for error. As to understanding the challenge of creating a perfect piece of machinery in dimensions opted by Piaget, think of constructing perfectly working appliances for a doll house, appliances that not only do the job but are top of the line as well.<br />
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In addition there is a 50 hour power reserve, and thus only requires winding once every two days. <br />
The 41mm classic dial is marvelously easy to read while exuding a sense of precise confidence and an undeniably attractive elegance. Strong bold indices mark hour and minute with the sweep of baton-type hands across a sunburst satin-brushed finish dial. The seconds are marked by a sub dial at the six a clock position. Precision timing is indicated via a 30 minute counter at the 3 'o'clock and a 24 hour dual time indicator at the 9 'o'clock. The flyback feature is initiated by a simple push of the button located at the 4 'o'clock position and the chronograph resets itself without further ado.<br />
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The super-slim caliber 883P is visible via a scratch resistant sapphire crystal case back where exquisitely blued screws punctuate a circular grained main plate, finely beveled bridges and finished with lovely <span id="yui_3_17_2_1_1420473648952_602" style="font-size: 12.000000pt;">circular Côtes de Genève. The prominent Piaget Coat of Arms used since 2007 to </span>certify the movement has been formed, developed, created, assembled and decorated in house. <br />
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The 41mm Piaget Altiplano Chronograph will be available in 18k rose gold and white gold. The white gold will be garnished with a ring of brilliant cut diamonds upon the bezel. Priced at $29,000, the Piaget Altiplano Chronograph is a worthy addition to the world of horology. <a href="http://www.piaget.com/"> Piaget</a><br />
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<br />Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-2049187615141374882014-12-15T12:10:00.001-05:002014-12-15T12:10:37.175-05:00SIHH 2015 Audemars Piguet Creates the Perfect Chime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcw0lEdaaWXYtVFJ9ASRxc7Gew7teSK-SX3N5cBs1Na1eK4roQNTU5gHCUGYhyphenhyphenFTHHpgYeVOyVZncSWiPdEVd6vrgQPe6WzE2259gaNggxnXF8HNa91NYygBnsqHuYUj-Q1tMX4BTc0P10/s1600/forbeslifo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcw0lEdaaWXYtVFJ9ASRxc7Gew7teSK-SX3N5cBs1Na1eK4roQNTU5gHCUGYhyphenhyphenFTHHpgYeVOyVZncSWiPdEVd6vrgQPe6WzE2259gaNggxnXF8HNa91NYygBnsqHuYUj-Q1tMX4BTc0P10/s1600/forbeslifo.jpg" height="400" width="372" /> </a></div>
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Audemars Piguet is set to drown out the show with a new improved Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Acoustic Research Episode 1 Watch. Aside for the lengthy scientific title, this watch promises a minute repeater louder and clearer than any other mechanical watch. Of course the title does imply quite a bit of actual scientific research including some cognitive and neuropsychology dealing with human perceptions (yay my degrees in psychology did not go to waste) that went into this timepiece. This type of attentiveness to the scientific approach, as opposed to trial and error, is becoming quite the thing in watchmaking. The first company that really applied this principle <a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2010/01/scientific-approach-of-greubel-forsey.html">with a huge success is Greubel Forsey</a>, after which the awards kept piling on. One just has to look at the most recent being the first middle east awards in Dubai, where Greubel Forsey won the Best Technical Innovation Watch. </div>
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So with a concept in hand, Audemars Piguet's highly reputable Le Brassus Renaud & Papi Audemars enlisted the help of young innovative minds at the EPFL polytechnic school of Lausanne (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) to assist in creating the perfect chime as perceived by the mind. </div>
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Now one must remember to emit a loud chime, quite a few factors come into play. The watch case must serve as an amplifier of sorts. The striking hammer must bare down on thegongs with as much force as possible. To create a great amplification and a large force within the small confines of a watch case is quite a challenge. So before one even begins, the octagon Royal Oak case shape, designed by<a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2008/11/genius-of-gerald-genta-man-and-company.html"> Gerald Genta, </a>has the spacial capability to accommodate a great many complications. A couple years ago, I went to a fascinating Royal Oak Exhibition, at Antiquorium in NYC; the great number and variety of Royal Oak timepieces on display was quite astounding. It is quite one thing surveying a collection here, a collection there; a model here, a model there, but to actually view decades of Royal Oak timepieces laying side by side, emphasizes the versatility of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. </div>
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<b>How does Audemars Piguet succeed in creating the Perfect Chime?</b></div>
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After no less than eight years of intense research and development, the prototype of the Audemars Piguet's <br />
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Royal Oak Concept Acoustic Research must be downright amazing. Within the 44mm titanium case, an in-house tourbillon, visible at the 6 'o'clock position, ensures gravity will not exert unnecessary force upon the movement and column wheel chronograph, aided by a 30 minute counter at the 3 'o'clock, ensures additional timing complications. But it is the loud chime which compels Audemars Piguet to announce: </div>
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<b><i>“the first chiming watch so acoustically considered as to become a sound concept in its own right.”</i></b></div>
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For this chime, Audemars applies a stringed instrument concept, which creates a loud and clear chime.<i><b> </b></i>Since January 19th, 2015 is still over a month away, Audemars Piguet is still mum about the actual nitty gritty of the mechanics. So instead of boring you all with suppositions of the watch's acoustic mechanics, I will hold my ramblings at bay and wait until Audemars Piguet is ready to release more details. </div>
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As a conclusion, I find this concept watch fitting into a unique niche portraying a sporty and resilient minute repeater as opposed to the more dressy timepieces in which this particular complications is most often found. </div>
<br />Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-52653864698647240372014-12-08T13:39:00.000-05:002014-12-08T13:45:15.993-05:00Jaeger-LeCoultre to Hit SIHH 2015 with A Meteorite Dial <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAC6wSd2vNJXbHY5LDKMEEM9GWNY9671GN0p95iZo-Q6FCqBO2mHYZN-W0DT0yaRsbdYGsUN9am_xGYBKKHbFfhHDKnEn8brh4CRYDq27V9UAsPBw7ozU2oxY8kPwJVZPoaRTjdV0UJ2Z/s1600/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Master-Calendar-Meteorite-dial-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlAC6wSd2vNJXbHY5LDKMEEM9GWNY9671GN0p95iZo-Q6FCqBO2mHYZN-W0DT0yaRsbdYGsUN9am_xGYBKKHbFfhHDKnEn8brh4CRYDq27V9UAsPBw7ozU2oxY8kPwJVZPoaRTjdV0UJ2Z/s1600/Jaeger-LeCoultre-Master-Calendar-Meteorite-dial-1.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
Jaeger-LeCoultre is stepping outside the boundaries of traditional watch making material and bringing forth an ancient material - a dial comprised of a rare meteorite. Besides for the unworldly dial material, the actual concept of the <span style="font-size: small;">Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar timepiece was introduced back in 2011. The perfect 39mm round face, sleek bold 18k gold or stainless steel, bezel, lugs and case, as well as the clear day/night indicator and two date apertures ,not to mention the highly competent automatic Caliber 866, all spell classic efficient elegance, yet the dial captured within the confines of classic convention is as mysterious as time itself. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Companies that one expects to utilize this type of material is Romain Jerome, Artya and maybe even Omega - not so much Jaeger-LeCoultre. Don't get me wrong, Jaeger LeCoultre has an intense fascination with the skies above, I mean their Rendez-Vous Celestial watches depict constellations , zodiacs and whimsical shooting stars, but actually utilizing a material that plummeted from a place far beyond our own to a place upon our wrist is highly intriguing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Scientist can determine the origin of the meteorite by examining the specific crystalline structure as well as the meteorite patterns. The geometric pattern on the dial is known as a<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Widmanst%C3%A4tten_pattern"><b> Widmans</b></a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Widmanst%C3%A4tten_pattern"><b>tätten pattern</b></a>, which is a geometric pattern resulting from the formation of long nickel-iron crystals in octahedrite iron meteorites. The pattern is recognizable by the octehedra, which in layman's terms is solid in three dimensions with eight faces. This particular meteorite found on the face of Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calender is from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, which fell onto Swedish soil. To work with any material with complex crystalline structures requires exceptional know how. First the hard, fragile material must be thinly cut after which it is polished to expose the geometric patterns. Since each dial is fashioned from a different portion of the meteorite, the resulting pattern is unique to every timepiece. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The meteorite dial serves as a compelling backdrop to the dial design. Just beyond the bezel, the days of the month are clearly indicated by straight hand capped by blue or red arc. At the 6 'o'clock position, a clear day night indicator doubles as a small seconds sub dial. Below the 12 'o'clock position, a clear day aperture is located next to a matching month aperture. Both the dial and case back is protected by a scratch resistant sapphire crystal. The transparent sapphire crystal on the case back allows one view of the Jaeger-LeCoultre in-house Calibre 866, blued screws, beveled angles, Geneva striping and the gold rotor inserts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The timepiece equipped with a 43 hour power reserve will be priced around the 10,000 Euro mark in stainless steel and 20,000 Euro mark in 18k gold. Keep in mind this is not a perpetual calender , which accounts for differing lengths of months and leap years, but rather an ordinary calender, which must be adjusted every two months. In this regard the timepiece is still in the realms of relative affordability. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com/US/en/luxury-watches/home-page?mid=7935gi13950&mkwid=sHVO1xC1P_dc&pcrid=63782211560&kword=jaeger-lecoultre&match=e&plid=&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=jaeger-lecoultre&utm_campaign=Brand-US-EN-CORP-BR&gclid=CK6foKOLt8ICFXFo7Aodyg0AOw">Jaeger-LeCoultre</a></span><br />
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<br />Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-18702772998748471602014-12-03T12:34:00.000-05:002014-12-03T12:34:54.508-05:00Ka La Ladies Watch Kickstarter Campaign Ka La Men's Watches have quite a unique display based on the ancient sun dial. Now the Hawaiian based designer ,Mark Carson, has the gears in motion to run a Ladies Ka La line. <br />
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All is explained in his Kickstarter Campaign!<br />
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<iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/758138000/ka-la-ladies-watch/widget/video.html" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"> </iframe>Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-82947744841058891842014-10-27T12:48:00.001-04:002014-10-27T13:03:49.144-04:00The Eery Watches of Mr Jones <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCKZ_qEROQjw7dhsR2j7Um4hG3fTwvVrLC-8Pf930MTIN5poHpThNCR7-XojHXXl9XcnBb7KaIHN8PyHgqJyqcJEY-cz1wr1uGbGc9I8AbRtROY6avP7n3mt1sXFIJf7472xM10BlnIbQ/s1600/MrJones_LaughNowfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCKZ_qEROQjw7dhsR2j7Um4hG3fTwvVrLC-8Pf930MTIN5poHpThNCR7-XojHXXl9XcnBb7KaIHN8PyHgqJyqcJEY-cz1wr1uGbGc9I8AbRtROY6avP7n3mt1sXFIJf7472xM10BlnIbQ/s1600/MrJones_LaughNowfront.jpg" height="640" width="339" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Mr. Jones Laugh Now Cry Later " Limited Edition 20 pieces </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHw42vASdhv1l0GL_vo8ZQOQ3-QrKpsmloawznn_shdNSOw7RMtru5mrRw1YHw1HX-AQAYiV3aB1nPEubbqdsiKJps8uuR8MBHLYYs0m1iXWJ1eWfChfUzyxp3zESmraq6gMoDZjHQEvqY/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
I do not know what it is that makes Mr Jones tick, but it must be quite chilling judging from his selection of timepieces and accompanying presentations. However, with all due respect the watches make for a simply lovely Halloween blog. And for that I take off my hat to Mr. Jones. Let me begin by saying, Mr Jones does have a selection of rather cheery watches particularly for the ladies, where squirming worms will cause a sudden paling of pallor and hysterical shrieking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KL4By59MeplFcjWExIcItq0czsY4wi5oaGA4FirCbgmevBpPvtQFccURHqHp3oygNB59cXd2-sKTtJJrPe_kAS6eoi8CUmlWZAiMoAn-ENuQPRxJ3jtP_V6Lo4N-atEReDXsB0zoREjO/s1600/ambassador.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KL4By59MeplFcjWExIcItq0czsY4wi5oaGA4FirCbgmevBpPvtQFccURHqHp3oygNB59cXd2-sKTtJJrPe_kAS6eoi8CUmlWZAiMoAn-ENuQPRxJ3jtP_V6Lo4N-atEReDXsB0zoREjO/s1600/ambassador.jpg" height="200" width="199" /></a></div>
Some watches may seem cheery like "The Ambassador" watch. The watch title is a nod to the Hans Holbein painting, "The Ambassadors". At first glance the watch seems like colorful smudges on a dial and vacant squares, but as the hour and minute hand line up, a skull slides into view. Much like Hans Holbein's painting. Most often Mr. Jones seeks the assistance of current artists for his artistic expression, but alas in this case Hans Holbein the Younger died from the plague in 1543. Like Mr Jones's watch, the painting seems quite normal, but viewing the painting from a different angle will yield a floating skull, symbolizing mortality, beneath the rather ordinary representation of two wealthy, educated and powerful young men.<br />
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The watch is priced at roughly $235 US Dollars. The watch case is crafted from surgical grade 316L stainless steel and coated in PVD. This PVD coating increases the longevity and durability of the timepiece. The movement is a Ronda 513 quartz movement, which is a great movement when going fro quartz. The watch is water resistant to 5ATM or 50 meters, which really means you water the lawn or wash a dish or two with it, but you cannot take a dive in a pond or lake.<br />
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Another Mr Jones creation which makes one dive under ones covers until morn is the "Last Laugh Tattoo Edition" The Last Laugh Tattoo Edition is decorated in the bright colors reminiscent of the Mexican "Day of the Dead Festival". <br />
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The watch is powered by a Chinese mechanical movement - the ST1721, A pretty basic 20 jewel movement that does the job. Tianjin Seagull Watch Group manufacturers is the worlds largest manufacturer of mechanical movements, but you don't really hear much about them in the world of horology. The company does have a rather intriguing tale to tell, where in 1992 it decided to discontinue all production of mechanical movements and concentrate on quartz and then five years later did a complete and utter reversal when discontinuing quartz and concentrating exclusively on the manufacturer of mechanical movements. With over 3000 employees (and that was back in 2011), the company has mastered highly complex tourbillons such as the multi-axial orbital tourbillon movement. The watch case is PVD coated 316L stainless steel. <br />
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For more on China's role in the world of horology - specifically tourbillons - read my blog<br />
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<a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2011/02/mysterious-chinese-tourbillon-and.html">The Mysterious Chinese Tourbillon and the History of Chinese Timekeeping.</a></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The watch , Laugh Now Cry Later, presented at the beginning of the blog, is the artwork of renowned London tattoo artist, Adrian Willard, which is complimentary to his last laugh creation depicted above. I for one find this watch a tad more chilling than his Last Laugh timepiece, perhaps its the bright pink bow above leering eyes and red lips. It too represents the Mexican Day of the Dead Festival; but for some reason I can't help being reminded of Steven King's clown in "IT". </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span style="font-size: small;">No one can deny the tasteful originality of Mr. Jones, even when presented on a squirming bed of maggots.</span> </span></h3>
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<a href="http://mrjoneswatches.com/"> MR Jones</a></h3>
Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-9365555775266136382014-09-19T11:34:00.001-04:002014-10-22T11:40:37.498-04:00Julien Coudray 1518 Manufacture Competentia 1515<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyD0gxfeHUsliHR8M95x_No01t3WXaGEW16ho-LkmPKQ1TAdF3EjIyc1mbvBdQYIvi2pUOKpY-anXsMNUZPurFKbpSEwHBdavScLg9ku5sbw81DMRAskp7DxfVkyjDsuykHT1V0tO5nEx/s1600/julien-coudray-competentia-1515-pt950-head.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julien Courdray 1518 Manufacture Competentia 1515 circa 2013</td></tr>
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There is absolutely nothing wrong with a perfectly traditional looking watch with stunning craftsmanship. After covering the new Apple Watch, reviewing a watch such as the Julien Coudray 1518 Competentia 1515, once again satiates my horological appetite after the past weeks abstinence due to technological advancements. (Now do not get me wrong, the Apple hype of yesterday, today and tomorrow was met upon by exuberant teenagers who had already ordered an iPhone 6 from mom or dad) </div>
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<u><b>Company's Inspiration </b></u><br />
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Although the company's name, Julien Coudray 1518 manufacture sounds like a company who rubbed shoulders with the likes of Machiavelli and Leonardo da Vinci, the company actually is very new. Of course, there was an original Julien Coudray, who was watchmaker to King Louis XIII of France as well as Francois I. Julien Coudray was highly creative and contributed to the flourishing artistic Renaissance Era. He worked with Leonardo de Vinci under the auspices of King Francois I. In 1518, the year adopted by the current company, the original Julien Coudray created the first portable watch at the request of Francois I. The watch was a spring-based movement fitted into the pommel of two of the king's daggers. Half a millennia later, Julien Coudray 1518 of today honors his name with the creation of outstanding timepieces. At the helm of the company stands Fabien Lamarche who is somewhat of a modern day Julien Courdray. He has worked for high end watch companies like Roger Dubuis and Breguet and has experience in micro-mechanics, robotics and computers. In addition he is a designer and inventor and passionate about the past. He even writes his letters using parchment and seals.<br />
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<u><b>500 Years Later </b></u>...<br />
Founded in 2012 by Fabien Lamarche , Julien Courdray is a highly exclusive watch brand based in Le Locle. This highly haute horloger produces annually, fifty timepieces, one at a time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkl1Pkht5DlyZN3jJgpxPFfEIqsxv2KA35GDxfQGMPpV5GeSEsvNzpUfmTsrR1UZe8cJSqxQgSG1W9DTF4X2LfGMt0E_5G06BGDZFQucxUi6V9eE-aUZZ0RPLZJbB5o-gwYsL6LxYsY-_j/s1600/9-19-2014+11-30-40+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkl1Pkht5DlyZN3jJgpxPFfEIqsxv2KA35GDxfQGMPpV5GeSEsvNzpUfmTsrR1UZe8cJSqxQgSG1W9DTF4X2LfGMt0E_5G06BGDZFQucxUi6V9eE-aUZZ0RPLZJbB5o-gwYsL6LxYsY-_j/s1600/9-19-2014+11-30-40+AM.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julein Courdray Competentia 1515 solid yellow gold 2N</td></tr>
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This may not seem like much, but creating watches of this refinement is comparable ,on a larger scale, to a builder building a building. The production is not about quantity and all about quality. As the name suggests "Manufacture", means most of the watch components are manufactured in-house. For Julien Coudray 1518 Manufacture means 95% in-house. Thus from concept to final inspection 46 different highly skilled artisans work under its one roof. Only the sapphire crystal, bracelets, seals, jewels and springs are purchased from outside manufactures. The reason being is that these components do not vary much from watch to watch and are often made with materials such as silicon and rubber, which require a very specific manufacturing process far removed from actual watchmaking. In addition, a company cannot dabble in small scale silicon processing, rubber processing or synthetic ruby making. It just does not make sense. For these type of components it makes more sense to leave it up to that particular large scale industry. If you see a company claiming to be 100% in-house, inquire as to how they manufactured the synthetic rubies and screws. However to the company's credit, it does have quite an impressive range of high tech watchmaking machines for such a small company, so much so that some high end parts components are actually sold to other companies. Not only that, Julien Courdray 1518 Manufacture also makes most of its own tools. <br />
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Julien Courdray 1518 prides itself in creating traditional well made masterpieces concentrating on exceptional dial construction, which we will get to later.<br />
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<b>The Julien Courdray 1518 Manufacture Competentia 1515 in platinum 950 is a $478,000 manual wound 43mm Jardin à la Française inspired timepiece powered by a Calibre JC 1515 tourbillon movement and equipped with a power reserve indicator, four year service indicator, day and night indicator (back of case) and a one minute tourbillon. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXGUKcuJt24DVVZ5U4LjduVuub-MFjx0u6H6lM4-Oii9Bu13vRGXPqAKYWkjNAKcWU7WJHoBYb0614jg77DD5GoUse9dH0AThVVf7o_WAZXRV4RkVl1EOrO1HJo5DnDTqoyj6Jj_mVj9B/s1600/9-16-2014+1-31-25+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXGUKcuJt24DVVZ5U4LjduVuub-MFjx0u6H6lM4-Oii9Bu13vRGXPqAKYWkjNAKcWU7WJHoBYb0614jg77DD5GoUse9dH0AThVVf7o_WAZXRV4RkVl1EOrO1HJo5DnDTqoyj6Jj_mVj9B/s1600/9-16-2014+1-31-25+PM.jpg" /></a></div>
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<u><b>The Julien Courdray 1518 Manufacture Competentia 1515 Watch Case: </b></u><br />
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The 43 mm diameter case, is crafted from Platinum 950. Platinum 950 means that 95% of the metal is pure platinum and 5% is another metal. Since this number is determined by weight and Platinum is very heavy with an atomic weight of <b>195.078</b> , you may have much more of the other lighter metal by volume. For example fill half a bag of feathers with half a bag of gold. By volume the feathers and gold are equal, but by weight gold makes up 95%. There are commonly four different alloys used when working with platinum resulting in different Vickers of hardness: 5% Iridium (atomic weight 192.217- Vickers hardness - 80 ); 5% ruthenium (atomic weight 101.07 - Vickers hardness - 135); 5% cobalt (atomic weight - 58.9332 - Vickers hardness - 135); 10% iridium ( atomic weight 192.217 -Vickers hardness - 110). The choice of the alloy depends on the malleability at the workbench and the hardness of the end product. As you can see Iridium with an atomic weight almost identical to platinum will result in a volume most closely representing 95%; however, the end product as you can see the resulting Vickers hardness is 80, which translates into a soft alloy susceptible to dents. Of course it is very easy to work with, but not very resilient. The 5% ruthenium has excellent longevity, but is not very malleable and prone to cracking, but once set last forever. A cobalt alloy turns the platinum a delicate shade of blue - since it is a particularly light metal and thus more of it is required by volume to make up the platinum percentage by weight. In addition cobalt is magnetic which is certainly not a good choice for the delicate equilibrium of movement required in a precision timepiece. Thus using the correct platinum 950 alloy is crucial in the resilience and longevity of the watch.<br />
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For Julien Cordray 1518, the platinum 950 chosen is critical, <b>since in a Julien Courdray 1518 timepiece the metal of the watch case is the metal of the movement</b>. The front and back of the watch is protected by a transparent scratch resistant Sapphire Crystal through which the dial and movement is clearly visible. The back of the timepiece also features a day/night indicator. The watch renders a sophisticated elegance and fits flat on the wrist due to its thickness of 9.82mm. The lugs arch gracefully upwards serving as the foundation for securing the band. <br />
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<b>The Movement Material: </b><br />
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The entire movement is made from platinum and decorated by hand. Platinum is the least reactive metal which translated in layman's terms to a metal which is highly resistant to corrosion. The movement thus will last practically forever, long after other watches have corroded into lumps of metal. It is very rare for a watch company to fashion watch movements exclusively from platinum - the reason being that although platinum is quite malleable and ductile it is the 2nd most dense metal's and thus very difficult to weld, grind and machine. <br />
Even if companies say that the movement is platinum, often the smaller components are fashioned from white gold. Platinum casting is notoriously difficult requiring centrifugal machines due to its high melting temperature. In addition, platinum requires the use of carbide tools and a carbon free environment. Platinum becomes brittle in the event of carbon contamination and brittleness of metal is a watchmakers nightmare. Thus the work area must be immaculate and any steel tools is out of the question. Tungsten Carbide is thus used for polishing. Tungsten Carbide is abrasion resistant and can withstand high temperatures as required when working with platinum.<br />
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Since this is not a metallurgy blog, I will not go into all the difficulties in working with platinum, but suffice to say working with platinum requires high expertise to attain the perfection required by each and every component manufactured by Julien Courdray 1518. In creating this movement Julien Courdroy 1518 took upon an immense challenge, and after two and a half years of tireless effort and 3.3 lbs of solid platinum per watch, defeated the challenge very well. The result is exceptional and very very rare. In a world of horological abundance, true rather than proclaimed rarity is highly appealing.<br />
Thus out of 300 components, the Competentia 1515 is 95% platinum. Competentia in Latin means Competence, which as you can see ranks high at Julien Courdray 1518.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbW8pm2JZgk3nUdTSMVA4mczb9sxxQ_bmZ02XZyyDVN7tL1xTuwGFav2XzpPAx9hVKSdDvZMr9n9T4jQ_pgqLsSfCCBPULlUy2W8AXvWteW4THRt1AnwBgPPRecCILGBBDz49ksAYebhll/s1600/9-18-2014+1-40-26+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbW8pm2JZgk3nUdTSMVA4mczb9sxxQ_bmZ02XZyyDVN7tL1xTuwGFav2XzpPAx9hVKSdDvZMr9n9T4jQ_pgqLsSfCCBPULlUy2W8AXvWteW4THRt1AnwBgPPRecCILGBBDz49ksAYebhll/s1600/9-18-2014+1-40-26+PM.jpg" /></a><b>The Movement: </b><br />
The Caliber 1515 15" PT mechanical movement is manual and thus has no rotor. This means the mainspring is wound ay the crown. Although the movement is platinum, Julien Courdray 1518 did not simply create a "simple movement", but incorporated a 48g tourbillon. A tourbillon places the escapement and balance wheel in a rotating cage thereby counteracting the force of gravity and improving watch precision. Although this idea was quite receptive in 1795, nowadays the tourbillon more of a testament to competent watch making abilities. I wouldn't quite say that a tourbillon is a complication, as it does not perform an extra function other than being aesthetically pleasing and arguably dispelling gravity. However crafting a tourbillon from platinum 950 is quite remarkable. On second thought, I am not sure I have ever come across a platinum tourbillon. Tourbillon housed in platinum are a plenty especially when it comes to special edition anniversary watches, but actual movements are rare and with a tourbillon even rarer.<br />
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In addition, the watch movement has a total of 60 jewels, quite a bit more than the usual 17, 21 or 25. This is probably due to platinum differing friction coefficient to gold and its denser properties as well as an esthetic appeal. In addition the jewels are set directly into platinum without the use of a jewel collets markedly reducing friction. This requires precise measurement of the jewel hole, for if the hole is too big, the jewel will simply fall out; if the whole is too small, the jewel will not fit into the designated hole or simply crack. <br />
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In addition, the tolerances of every component at all angles is calculated and indicated on the technical drawing prior to prototyping and long before the manufacturing process commences. This is crucial as the indicated tolerance will have an impact on manufacturing methods. Another aspect of working with platinum is the necessity to recalibrate all the machinery after manufacturing one platinum movement, as apposed to a more common brass movement. This reason being is that the platinum, being as hard as it is, resists change and places an enormous amount of stress on the machinery. Think of it as trying to carve a figure out of ebony rather than pine. Since Julien Courdray 1518 is one of the only companies to manufacture platinum movements, they had to make there own tools as well, since most tools on the market designed for manufacturing movement components such as plates and bridges simply cannot handle working with platinum. After each and every component is made, it is carefully hand finished to achieve the utmost in perfection. <br />
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The movement has a vph of 28,800 and is equipped with a 55 hour power reserve exquisitely indicated as an arch above the 8 and 9 'o'clock. The movement is extensively decorated by hand creating a picturesque landscape dotted with rubies, blued screws and the constant tourbillon rotation.<br />
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<b>The Dial: </b><br />
Being so taken by the movement, I delayed in writing about the breathtaking dial. Without a doubt, this dial is one of the most spectacular dial structures I have ever seen. Julien Courdray chose to use Palladium on the dial, as this metal is much less dense than platinum and can be beaten into thin leaf forms. Julien Courdray 1518, as young a company as it is, it has already gained quite a reputation for its high standard of dial enameling. This is because, Julien Courdray 1518 has only experts and highly talented apprentices under one roof. The master craftsman is highly skilled with years of training who divulges his craft to a hand picked apprentice thereby following a centuries old horological tradition.<br />
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Julien Courdray 1518 does not use paint or glue, as these techniques are not conducive to the longevity of the timepiece, rather the dial is enameled by hand and the dial hands are heated to reach its final blue color. In this way the signature Roman Numerals are expertly enameled on the dial by a single artisan, and another enameler is designated for unique one-of-a-kind dial artistry. Each hand painted Roman Numeral on the dial is on an individual white plate featuring domed enameling. The center of the dial features a translucent light blue plique-à-jour ("letting in daylight") enameling which requires high expertise to create the perfect hue of this blue. The transparent enamel is applied to gold and then heated to a fiery 800°C. The dial decoration is inspired by the Renaissance era "Jardin à la Française" or French formal garden where symmetry directs nature.<br />
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Just beyond the 12 'o'clock position is a tiny aperture, which is actually a four year service indicator. Fitted on all Julien Courdray timepiece, the four year indicator is actually a disc connected to the going train of the movement. This slow turning disc completes its revolution after four years, after which a service is needed. The first of which is on the house at Julien Courdray 1518. <br />
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After 9 months of work, the Julien Courdray Competentia 1515 is completed. The watches are limited to 15 pieces, the exact number of which is clearly engraved on a gold plate at the 8 'o'clock position. The final product is presented on a hand stitched alligator leather band hand secured to the wrist by a platinum 950 buckle. The watch is presented with a hand written letter from company founder and CEO Fabien Lamarche as well as an engraved metal box. The box, which contains an extra sapphire crystal, assortment of watch components and a complete escapement, is engraved with the model name, serial number and watch material. The Competentia 1515 is also available in solid yellow gold 2N, 18k rose gold 5N, 18k white gold as well as 18k solid Pd 125.<br />
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<a href="http://www.juliencoudray1518.ch/"> http://www.juliencoudray1518.ch/</a>Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-12264614854182424802014-09-09T16:43:00.003-04:002014-09-11T12:02:33.824-04:00The New Apple Watch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Apple just announced the release of a WATCH which is highly adapted
to the individualized needs of the wearer especially in terms of health
and fitness. Apple is very clear to emphasize that this watch is NOT
merely a shrunken iPhone stuck onto a strap and worn around the wrist. It is a highly sensitive device capable of catering to a whole list of wearers needs.<br />
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The interface that powers this watch is unlike anything ever created.
The watch, which can be adjusted to display an analog dial, comes
equipped with a digital crown, which is as far removed from the
traditional mechanical crown. A traditional crown is used to wind the
mainspring in manual watches as well as adjust the calender, time etc in
any other mechanical watches. This Apple Crown is actually a dial
which allows one to quickly hone in on apps without effecting the
current dial display. Although the watch just made face, left-handed
critiques are complaining the crown is not very susceptible to them. Oh
Well! However, on further research its seems if one flips the watch and whear it on your right hand, the watch automatically knows it is servicing a lefty or any other "right hand watch wearer". <br />
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One little tap displays ones friend list and the message capability.<br />
The touchscreen can actually sense force, which allows it to differentiate between a tap and a press. <br />
Of course the watch has a retina display.<br />
The
watch also has a haptic feedback engine which can pick up ones heart
beat. Haptics is .as per the trusty Wikipedia, " is a tactile feedback
technology, which recreates the sense of touch by applying forces,
vibrations or motions to the user. I wonder if Siri, who has
conveniently been squeezed into the watch, will frantically call the
medics if ones heart races to dangerous levels. Also there is an
accelerometer, which gives you notifications when raising your wrist.
This might be most helpful during road rage or the like, "Calm Down!
Take Control! - if it actually works that way. <br />
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<br />
The
watch is available in two sizes as well as two different models. A
Sports Model and a fancier model. Seriously I have a hard time
describing this watch using the same terms as a mechanical watch. For
although this item may look like a watch, it is not. It still is, in my
eyes, a miniature computer on the wrist. It's along the same lines as
calling Google glasses, glasses for reading.<br />
The Sports model is
lightweight and durable, whereas the fancier model, which is called the
"Apple Watch <br />
Edition" is manufactured (I was going to say crafted, but
did not) from 18k gold, which must be some sort of alloy as it is twice
as hard as standard gold.<br />
To describe the watch face is a bit
difficult as it can be greatly personalized to preference. however, I
have displayed above a smiley face as well as the Home screen.<br />
I
must say as for modern technology this is great, but truth be told in a
generation where babies tap on National Geographic photos to try and
get the images to move, a company has to be quite innovative to
impress. Am I impressed with the capabilities of the watch? Sure its
cool. I mean you can play music stored from devices around you; find
the time in faraway place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELTmh6jesNtgeztDwgcoY6DYO4BAmEFiQVzi_i0ILG-cpsa82l6VjI3PfFMbVbDwZDtuG73u4KFEPG0KSZDdT5ROtn6Nv3ToNLyvLZ9gd5qAxaE3KuNiXaXRLJoVC333xmfYHpNXQRYE8/s1600/9-11-2014+11-36-01+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELTmh6jesNtgeztDwgcoY6DYO4BAmEFiQVzi_i0ILG-cpsa82l6VjI3PfFMbVbDwZDtuG73u4KFEPG0KSZDdT5ROtn6Nv3ToNLyvLZ9gd5qAxaE3KuNiXaXRLJoVC333xmfYHpNXQRYE8/s1600/9-11-2014+11-36-01+AM.jpg" height="200" width="195" /></a>As for the tiny typing
issues, the Watch allows for a Tap or a cute Emoji response to a variety
of instances. You can also dictate into the watch instead of typing.<br />
<br />
The
watch also features an upgraded location feature, which vibrates when
you must make a turn. Of course there is tons of apps. I can think up a
few myself such as improving a golf swing stance. The fitness side of
the watch is great for athletic performance as well as calorie intake
and sitting time vs standing. It probably will have an app to aid in
sleeping habits etc.<br />
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I hope the Watch crystal is somewhat shatter resistant, since it is supposed to accompany one on strenuous exercises, which can mean the watch may take a knock or two. It probably is scratch resistant sapphire crystal.<br />
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<br />
It is important to note that this
watch is a kind of accessory to the iPhone and can only work in
conjunction with the iPhone, so if you want an Apple Watch and don't
have an iPhone, you must get an iPhone. <br />
As for the power reserve of the watch, well it does come with a charger, which is plugged into the back of the watch.<br />
Ok! Now I know you really really want the watch; however, you will have to wait until early 2015. <br />
<div class="Content">
</div>
<div class="Content">
Cook:<b>"It will redefine what people expect from a watch," </b></div>
<div class="Content">
</div>
<div class="Content">
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ktujsc4ZUTo" width="560"></iframe>
I am not so sure this type of electronic will be entirely regarded as a
watch. It may redefine what people expect from an electronic gadget, but
it will not redefine what people expect from a watch. </div>
<div class="Content">
</div>
<div class="Content">
What people expect from a watch is exceptional craftsmanship, mechanical mastery and precision based on individualized components
working in perfect harmony without the need for any other power source,
but that of the wearer. For me that is what I call personalization
where the watch can only function via the power exerted solely by the
watch wearer and whereby no external power is needed.<br />
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<br />
Should the Swiss Watch Industry fear another Quartz Crisis? Certainly Not. Why? Well there are a few reasons.<br />
1) People in the market to purchase a Vacheron Constantin are not the same buyers as those running to purchase an Apple Watch. It's like comparing a Rolls Royce to a bicycle. <br />
2) This is not a new concept. It is just an improvement on an already existing product. The Smart Watch. <br />
3) The main consumer of the Watch will be people who use their cellphones to tell the time, and thus purchase the Watch as a cute accessory.<br />
4) Mid to High End timepieces are often worn as jewelry and most often not used to tell the time. <br />
5) The battery life is a major issue. People who do not have constant access to power outlets and need to know the time will not forgo there watch for an Apple Watch.<br />
6) An Apple Watch does not and will never have the same status symbol and image upgrade as a High End timepiece. After a while the Apple Watch will not be a conversation starter, but a conversation stopper as alerts and beeps will require immediate attention. <br />
7) Once the watch battery runs out, one is going to look a bit silly wearing a blank screen on the wrist - no matter how much gold frames its blank face. <br />
8) A High End Watches is an investment - An Apple Watch is not, especially a Generation One Apple Watch or whatever Apple has called the firstborn of its iPod offspring.<br />
<br />
Jean-Claude Biver founder of Hublot told German media in regard to the new Apple Watch: <br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>"This watch has no sex appeal. It's too feminine and looks too much
like the smart-watches already on the market," Biver said in an interview
with daily Die Welt.</i></b><br />
<b><i>
</i></b><b><i>"To be totally honest, it looks like it was designed by a student in their first trimester,"</i></b><br />
<br />
Suffice to say he was not impressed.<br />
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My humble thoughts: </div>
<div class="Content">
Low end quartz watches will be the most effected by the Apple Watch and thus I do see a greater rift occurring between the Low Range/ Mid Range Quartz Watches to High End Watches.<br />
Unfortunately as technology gets better and better, our dependence on technical gadgets running our day to day lives increases dramatically. A high end watch depends on no one else besides the watch wearer. It does not rely on a power grid, electrical outlet or power cord. It relies on the power of a person to wind the mainspring which sets the gears in motion. An intimate circle of power between you and your time machine. No matter how advanced technology gets, there is absolutely no replacement for that. <br />
<br />
Price for the Watch: $349 plus the cost of an iPhone 5 or higher. </div>
Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-56882496186459131282014-09-09T12:50:00.001-04:002014-09-09T16:41:23.804-04:00From Ikepod to Apple<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekWDmielmtrXUMiF2gsXlw2PA5_GcjK5XCsYOaS4RZUd_I-LZcKc9mwMCjAdS4bAR_wEmg9AzszT6lbDaqBOvQ5jdlYJiAbz7vsso8zBV5mMpQUcMgYBdjqb27HsJTLzJdGWzCSHu-RDF/s1600/5-3-2012+2-48-50+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekWDmielmtrXUMiF2gsXlw2PA5_GcjK5XCsYOaS4RZUd_I-LZcKc9mwMCjAdS4bAR_wEmg9AzszT6lbDaqBOvQ5jdlYJiAbz7vsso8zBV5mMpQUcMgYBdjqb27HsJTLzJdGWzCSHu-RDF/s1600/5-3-2012+2-48-50+PM.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horizon by KAWS</td></tr>
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Ikepod Company co- founder and owner, Marc Newson, is heading to Apple Inc as part of his friend, Jony Ive's, design team. As Apple is gearing up to introduce the iPhone 6 there are rumors that Apple Inc. will branch out into serious wearable items. With Marc Newson, famous for the design of the embryo chair, body jet packs, hourglass clocks, camera's, land, sea and air stuff, Apple is gearing up to not only compete with its competition, but obliterate them entirely. If Apple stocks were not at a all time high today, I would cram a couple into my portfolio. For Apple and Marc Newson, this new venture is going to be good, really good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2011/06/enchanting-ikepod-hourglass-at-only.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsRBdSg-xBJsUi0F7lm4KqIsc31y8jH7KG_QHkQYXDlWRZT1fcSqVPPcg4cfTSsC_NCM9eKSkMycUuoJiQQwxMAoLbsNu9Yjk1oJ309d_-iOUeiQEzLReZeiqnFe15uWPVCcwqUZ5M2Sk/s1600/Hourglass_Only_Watch_WH_LR.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2011/06/enchanting-ikepod-hourglass-at-only.html">Ikepod Hourglass Only Watch Auction 2011</a></td></tr>
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Marc Newson designs often exhibit a streamlined almost fluid look as though the object is has a viscosity rather than solid dimensions. I cannot wait to see what influence Marc Newson will have on Apple products.<br />
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Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-42278565107189527482014-09-08T16:52:00.000-04:002014-09-08T16:55:08.620-04:00Artya Russian Roulette Watch <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2T-r0Mqwt1z_y9hSpMo1Dj3JOUSsIAulYXnf8OGZpPf_RccUKTgaaNHt5AWjoS6GjaYn998nMGxnf3zjhAwBgALXFD0nqzZ05-rRNlaNkLAzleQGvsM-WiVjGxe120RZlHGHzLRDWFB5G/s1600/9-8-2014+11-11-12+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2T-r0Mqwt1z_y9hSpMo1Dj3JOUSsIAulYXnf8OGZpPf_RccUKTgaaNHt5AWjoS6GjaYn998nMGxnf3zjhAwBgALXFD0nqzZ05-rRNlaNkLAzleQGvsM-WiVjGxe120RZlHGHzLRDWFB5G/s1600/9-8-2014+11-11-12+AM.jpg" /></a></div>
Artya's version of "Carpe Diem" - Seize the day is a Russian Roulette Watch with a spinning dial. One cannot argue with the Artya's inevitable albeit positive proclamation beneath the image of the watch:<br />
" "Remember to live. Because you see the time. But you don't know yours."<br />
Wow! What a statement and so true. I am just about to leave my desk, jump on a train, find a boat and set sail for unknown lands. <br />
This watch is part of Yvan Arpa's Son of a Gun Collection, which is a collection where bullets and barrels are part of the decor. Although watches bearing various depiction of bullets ,especially one depicting the daring and the somewhat dumb game of Russian Roulette, do portray violence and death. Yvan Arpa's actual idea behind the watch is LIFE.<br />
As far as aesthetics, I think this is one of the most elegant Artya watches to date. If one would replace the gun barrel dial with a simple black dial, the result would be quite a conventional timepiece. However I would not describe Artya as anything conventional. If I may say so myself and supporting the statement with quite a few examples, Artya is the least conventional watch company out there.<br />
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As promised - examples of Yvan's Artya's daringly unique watches are:<br />
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<a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2012/03/presenting-heaviest-watch-on-earth-by.html">The Heaviest Watch in the World</a><br />
<a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-best-halloween-watch-of-all-time-by.html">Two Silver Bullets, rubbed in garlic above werewolf blood.</a><br />
<a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2012/03/artya-captures-spider.html">A entombed spider discovered in Yvan's garden.</a><br />
Having fun yet.....Shall I continue?<br />
<a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2013/01/artya-exposes-all-with-first-ever-watch.html">A Watch themed watch baring gears upon the bezel</a>.<br />
<a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2010/08/artya-unbridled-watchmaking-creativity.html">Mechanical watches baring burnt bezels</a>.<br />
<a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2011/01/weirdest-watch-straps-ever-by-artya.html">Toad skin straps </a>and dinosaur dung.<br />
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Watches paying homage to guitar greats and gunslingers. Entomologists and paleontologists; to free thinkers and watch lovers. With each new year, Artya founded in 2009 by Yvan Arpa - formally of Romain Jerome, the company is proving to be quite a formidable presence in the world of horology. A huge amount of horological interests are paid to new models with quirky articles and blogs describing Yvan Arpa's latest endeavors. In a world where individuality seems so hard to come by; Artya forges ahead.<br />
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Even by looking beyond the dial of Artya's Russian Roulette Watch, you may think the lateral inserts you see are traditional rose gold, but everything is not what it seems when it comes to an Artya Watch. What looks like rose gold on the lateral inserts are in fact ArtOr - an alloy of gold, zinc and copper. The copper is used from real bullets further accentuating the Son of A Gun theme.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvm2W_zVnM7T6tWHXByWv-FcudIWwzclao4LzSiKg2h7A8CTEnnLNG9DXL09cua9TzmgrSXAsMHaF-Ak6lqNMaB3JEq2-qmKKNQBZYY55VqW5wJaxq2DiABPrm2lACrvBCeW1KfMuXH17/s1600/9-8-2014+4-42-48+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvm2W_zVnM7T6tWHXByWv-FcudIWwzclao4LzSiKg2h7A8CTEnnLNG9DXL09cua9TzmgrSXAsMHaF-Ak6lqNMaB3JEq2-qmKKNQBZYY55VqW5wJaxq2DiABPrm2lACrvBCeW1KfMuXH17/s1600/9-8-2014+4-42-48+PM.jpg" /></a></div>
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<u><b>The Revolving Dial </b></u><br />
Of course, the revolving dial is quite an interesting aspect to the watch. The watch is manual, which means the mainspring must be wound by hand via the crown. The dial on the other hand moves by the motion of the watch wearer, but does not wind the mainspring. So although this watch may seem to be automatic likened to Perellet's (father of automatic watches) winding turbine on the dial idea, it is not. Yet again another mysterious aspect to the watch. So what is the purpose of the revolving 6 cylinder baring a single 357 Magnum round end hand applied to the dial? The purpose is of course entertainment, intrigue and mechanical mysteries. Beneath the dial rotor, which revolves with the aid of ball bearings and weighted by the single bullet, is another plate punctuated by 6 holes. These theme is expanded to the mainspring barrel which also sports 6 holes. As to the more technical specifications of the watch... the case size is 44mm size, slightly smaller than Artya's usual 47mm. The movement is a Swiss ETA Unitas which has been skeletonized and optimized with custom components, visible in all its Artya glory via a transparent case back. Blued screws, jewels and artistically rendered bridges create quite a grand spectacle of the movement. <br />
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As you can see the hands are bold and relatively simple allowing for a clear read out. <br />
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Most often Artya's watches are individual - no two alike, but in the case of the Russian Roulette steel models, Artya is producing 99 models available for around $8,300. The gold models ,which are individually unique cost around 31,800 Dollars.<br />
<br />Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-54203872876731475642014-05-05T12:22:00.000-04:002014-05-05T12:24:38.993-04:00The Eleven James "Rent A Luxury Watch" Idea<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrmVGXj35EmN5Y2Psk4hqolvoP-rkqCM9fPHD1sC9ZxTUJe-f627nT-y_JPfcNOxrr8e3RobhAarCw65lZdHN7JafIqt6rIHDnw-0wh-DDcwnQVI-FLK_Zzp9RCNjHp_8m2z1LeWNqrXa/s1600/Audemars_Piguet_RoyalOak_Offshore_26470ST_OO_A801CR_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrmVGXj35EmN5Y2Psk4hqolvoP-rkqCM9fPHD1sC9ZxTUJe-f627nT-y_JPfcNOxrr8e3RobhAarCw65lZdHN7JafIqt6rIHDnw-0wh-DDcwnQVI-FLK_Zzp9RCNjHp_8m2z1LeWNqrXa/s1600/Audemars_Piguet_RoyalOak_Offshore_26470ST_OO_A801CR_2.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 2014 </td></tr>
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I love blogging about really high end watches, but only a pinnacle of
people can really own one. Of course there is the new "Eleven James"
business that has recently made some news. One can rent a high end
watch for an introductory price of $249 a month, but then you are only privy to some cheaper models.<br />
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Company founder, Randy Brandoff has a point. Spending an exorbitant amount of money on a watch that may not feel comfortable on the wrist or has a dial that is almost impossible to decipher, is a bit of a gamble. So why not rent the watch, and if you simply cannot part with it; buy it. He claims the wealthy are getting smarter about spending and would rather rent than own.<br />
I must admit I am no where in the league of uber- wealthy, but I just cannot come to terms with the fact that renting a watch is more financially savvy than actually owning one. For example his "Aficionado" plan, one has to pay $2,700 for three two month long watch rotations a year. Watches available at this price range from $7,000 to $15,000. If one pays $4,850, one is privy to six two month rotations per year. Up a notch to the "Virtuosa" plan and one pays $9,700 for three rotations of watches in the $30,000 to $50,000. $17,250 gets you six rotations a year for watches in this range. However after spending all this money, one is left with nothing to show for it. A potential asset becomes nothing more than a monthly expense like the electricity or phone bill.<br />
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Eleven James is servicing those that have it all and thus a shortened excitement span for new toys, kind of like a seven year old kid with a new lego set. Get excited! Build the lego model! Glance at it a time or two! ... Pay it no more mind!<br />
So in this case, one can rent the watch; impress some friends; admire it and return it. This is really a great idea; however, it makes me kind of uneasy. I mean real high end jewelry companies rent out magnificent pieces for red carpet wearing, but those pieces are designed as showpieces destined for stardom. <br />
The stance of high end watch manufacturers are more on the individual level, as though a watch accessorizes the very personality of a person.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calibre de Cartier Diver - 2014 </td></tr>
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I asked the opinion of a Rolex wearing youngster fixated in high end luxury watches.<br />
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<b><i>"You heard of this new Rent-A-Watch idea, where you pay say 500 bucks a month and you get to wear a really high end watch for a while?" I casually asked.</i></b><br />
<b><i>"Why would I do that?" , he asked</i></b><br />
<b><i>"I don't know... maybe so you can try out a couple different watches without actually buying them.", I said</i></b><br />
<b><i>"Nah!! Imagine a friend walked up to me and said "Hey cool watch. Did you just get it?"...</i></b><br />
<b><i>"NO! I'm renting it!" I'd rent a sports car. Not a watch!" he said.</i></b><br />
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Is Eleven James marketing to the wannabees of the world, whose personal financial statement does not quite match up to the idealized versions of themselves or is it an excellent service filling a former vacancy in horological environment? <br />
Of course it all depends on ones vantage point and attachment to material things. The Rent A Timepiece idea is to create an impression of wealth. It is not an investment of fortunes nor does it add to the persona of a person, it is merely a fleeting object like time itself. Now that's not necessarily a bad thing - on the contrary its truly delightful. The Rent-A-Timepiece idea promotes the feeling of daring adventure. The timepiece is strapped to ones wrist for that moment in time where an instant impression is all that is needed to solidify a foundation of lasting respect. It may be in the crucial moments of decision making where a glint of a watch beneath a starched cuff raises an appraising eyebrow.<br />
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However when the year is up and money is spent, there is nothing to show for it aside for a wrist shot or two. I am not sure if this can be called clever spending as Randy Brandoff claims, but rather frivolous spending meant for instant enjoyment. The only way this can work in my mind is to use this service as a "Rent to Buy" rather than a Netflix type service. <br />
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<br />Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-394310280389637662014-04-28T15:23:00.002-04:002014-04-28T15:23:49.113-04:0010 Watches with a Penchant for PeacocksWhat is it they say about Peacocks? Well depending which culture you belong to, they can bring good luck or other luck. There raucous caw can get kind of grating, but they are beautiful to see when strutting their stuff. The feathers are glorious and have been used as decoration on furniture, paintings, hair accessories and of course watches. In 1963, the peacock was designated the National Bird of India. <br />
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Below I have listed ten watches adorned in peacocks and the different dial decorating techniques used to portray the peacock theme. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4Jxh0Gh7LJI0rbDPnFr6ratRz0p-vtVQ-zc1NW6AW2owz5YZQWOsMWth0CHkIzQ0D_ityle_E7VoYZM54FJXkGexcnCjakaGF2OE4vVbQvahmpV5oGHUTDpuPgHuyYUrFJ1QmZ2PcRoK/s1600/BaselworldFlightCorum-thumb-620x413-79338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4Jxh0Gh7LJI0rbDPnFr6ratRz0p-vtVQ-zc1NW6AW2owz5YZQWOsMWth0CHkIzQ0D_ityle_E7VoYZM54FJXkGexcnCjakaGF2OE4vVbQvahmpV5oGHUTDpuPgHuyYUrFJ1QmZ2PcRoK/s1600/BaselworldFlightCorum-thumb-620x413-79338.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corum Heritage Artisans Feather Watch - Circa 2014<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> <b>Dial Decorating Technique:</b> Individually sorted, cut and glued peacock feathers.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRof64XvuLDyMbZfDHo3ze11ZFSN-VrctBQisPIpNHkbsgnSlPAtdMAFtJRRDxhkCo1J7K6vIFcrpJx8u597SgBGVzih5HPjr7nDOznNEU1kLWT60X8T7epbKdmNCLSzpXPEG1iPanaXgK/s1600/content_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRof64XvuLDyMbZfDHo3ze11ZFSN-VrctBQisPIpNHkbsgnSlPAtdMAFtJRRDxhkCo1J7K6vIFcrpJx8u597SgBGVzih5HPjr7nDOznNEU1kLWT60X8T7epbKdmNCLSzpXPEG1iPanaXgK/s1600/content_7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: x-small; line-height: 115%;">“Into The Wild” Collection by Le Vian- Circa 2011</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dial Decorating Technique: </b>Paved and Raised Gem-Setting. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8i1QbzUF6-6UXP00T5BqgULGUrTYMmIUgf20iC4aPhNq7yNP4j-FD4vTeLS50cf1V9dezoRRnhJEMTfeLUZltKk_4A842uggTrO109k0AX6amFLUMvYucx77JYtuJAfUpN-_njZYiDQp/s1600/harry-winston-premier-feather-watch-presented-at-baselworld-2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8i1QbzUF6-6UXP00T5BqgULGUrTYMmIUgf20iC4aPhNq7yNP4j-FD4vTeLS50cf1V9dezoRRnhJEMTfeLUZltKk_4A842uggTrO109k0AX6amFLUMvYucx77JYtuJAfUpN-_njZYiDQp/s1600/harry-winston-premier-feather-watch-presented-at-baselworld-2012.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry Winston Premier Feather Watch - Peacock Feathers - circa 2012<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dial Decorating Technique: </b>Individually sorted, cut and glued peacock feathers.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBpKjyDFJZLOillPxpODcikdkPDfCOpZGuSjpxbi_3GciVxavl6HaaDSgOQKF5ce9RLfL7u8Fo07hZZizxw2IPy7u9HXrcgCbEI-NCG4hV-uaQ-cbarqAwnSVsc58JPUCLmJPR0oLrph5/s1600/DSC_0151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBpKjyDFJZLOillPxpODcikdkPDfCOpZGuSjpxbi_3GciVxavl6HaaDSgOQKF5ce9RLfL7u8Fo07hZZizxw2IPy7u9HXrcgCbEI-NCG4hV-uaQ-cbarqAwnSVsc58JPUCLmJPR0oLrph5/s1600/DSC_0151.jpg" height="264" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corum Peacock Feather Watch - Circa 1970's<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dial Decorating Technique: </b>Cutting and Glueing peacock feather. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRrRJKwYtSLf6HLrJBAMOy0dGS1eoXgfrHGtCSZhvZUpA5OOVgpHba5hV0LpLGRqKHIKpSAZCWCpXJyiJRQDfSgiGeLifxpPdfI1db1XTU7dlNM6DZ8tHOcKGLhzYj2UrDqdXlOx6qJVQ/s1600/chopard-luc-xp-urushi-peacock-watch-161902-5049-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRrRJKwYtSLf6HLrJBAMOy0dGS1eoXgfrHGtCSZhvZUpA5OOVgpHba5hV0LpLGRqKHIKpSAZCWCpXJyiJRQDfSgiGeLifxpPdfI1db1XTU7dlNM6DZ8tHOcKGLhzYj2UrDqdXlOx6qJVQ/s1600/chopard-luc-xp-urushi-peacock-watch-161902-5049-1.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chopard's Peacock Watch - Circa 2011<br />
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<b>Dial Decorating Technique:</b> Japanese<i> "maki-e technique"</i> lacquering technique. Artist: <br /> Kiichiro Masumura. <i>Urushi technique</i> - multiple layers of Urushi tree sap is applied to the dial and then sprayed with gold. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikK89fYPbftDRxkUk1pi-UCRa0m81r0Az8etnwAz0oLJanYnjKXs6dE6o-rHcZC3QZ92kosinG-mwhZ3SgNW2RqfTOVO08AfbbV7p2QTt8qj19nE4Yz49Rnodnrry6u_5KlT4z64JuZjXg/s1600/delaneau_xrd_peacock06_xrd3d120_wg_pea06_square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikK89fYPbftDRxkUk1pi-UCRa0m81r0Az8etnwAz0oLJanYnjKXs6dE6o-rHcZC3QZ92kosinG-mwhZ3SgNW2RqfTOVO08AfbbV7p2QTt8qj19nE4Yz49Rnodnrry6u_5KlT4z64JuZjXg/s1600/delaneau_xrd_peacock06_xrd3d120_wg_pea06_square.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DeLaneau XRD Peacock- Circa 2012<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> Dial Decorating Technique:</b> Enameling</span></div>
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Boucheron Héra Tourbillon - Circa 2011<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dial Decorating Technique: </b>Girard Perregaux Three Gold Bridges in White Gold surrounded by paraiba tourmalines, sapphire and diamond paving. Peacock is in white gold set with paraiba tourmalines, sapphire and diamond paving.</span><br />
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Bovet Amadeo-Fleurier 42 Jumping Hours Peacock (Unique Piece)<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dial Decorating Technique: </b> Hand-painted on mother-of-pearl. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9RcY1VZmUQeajKzOT61VBvqd4MCs8R2gcOVZ0HWM2MeG7_43gAHOLvgNwoF4v9bkf_8t7Zl74xAzTpI8duEMolsynQluh8aZn-MBVppdgqMVt_snNdTAaY6_XWkGEjUbRYv29ULliMbT/s1600/Boucheron+Crazy+Parade+Ronde+%E2%80%9CSeconde+Folle%E2%80%9D+Peacock+Watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9RcY1VZmUQeajKzOT61VBvqd4MCs8R2gcOVZ0HWM2MeG7_43gAHOLvgNwoF4v9bkf_8t7Zl74xAzTpI8duEMolsynQluh8aZn-MBVppdgqMVt_snNdTAaY6_XWkGEjUbRYv29ULliMbT/s1600/Boucheron+Crazy+Parade+Ronde+%E2%80%9CSeconde+Folle%E2%80%9D+Peacock+Watch.jpg" /></a></div>
Boucheron Watch Crazy Jungle Peacock - Circa 2010<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dial Decorating Technique: </b> <span class="st">White Gold - Champlevé Grand Feu Enamel Dial </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Piaget Altiplano Double Jeu</strong></span> - The Mythical Journey Collection - Circa 2014<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Dial Decorating Technique: Two Cases -</b> Upper Case Dial - Gold engraved peacock set with diamonds. Lower case dial (not depicted) - Piaget signature dazzling white dial with gold hands. </span></div>
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“Into The Wild” Collection by Le Vian<br />
Read more at <a href="http://phillystylemag.com/the-latest/style-and-beauty/postings/wrist-wear-watches-with-animal-instinct#2aWev8QlRrIPj8mY.99" style="color: #003399;">http://phillystylemag.com/the-latest/style-and-beauty/postings/wrist-wear-watches-with-animal-instinct#2aWev8QlRrIPj8mY.99</a></div>
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Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-28622913997188523862014-03-29T22:34:00.001-04:002014-03-29T22:36:00.590-04:00Concord RE-Launches the Mariner<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0Vp2f8f-taPtPyLCDLRFQH963951VwFSHq_MOpCqYy8DYQUzBzJOVqIQlq407-gVSYXIgTW4B_NRSJXdJd0DRSzfXGg-OxURqdrCIsMqG0QuPJse4ui7_KJdOh-CYDaQZX-OyVVEK0V1/s1600/3-28-2014+11-46-37+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0Vp2f8f-taPtPyLCDLRFQH963951VwFSHq_MOpCqYy8DYQUzBzJOVqIQlq407-gVSYXIgTW4B_NRSJXdJd0DRSzfXGg-OxURqdrCIsMqG0QuPJse4ui7_KJdOh-CYDaQZX-OyVVEK0V1/s1600/3-28-2014+11-46-37+AM.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirg3XQ13TuNxG2-fyPuAqmS0RXsGJZI6fe-adrXF1mGUQT_J3qaNDx4NCJBCFouYTjfx_pZqh3mkbdDKOj0sbI8F9efjSYqHGxSJYzlIdRhOxQTvQg2RZ_2-4Xluvo_Tshyphenhyphen11DNnr05jbO/s1600/3-28-2014+12-12-26+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirg3XQ13TuNxG2-fyPuAqmS0RXsGJZI6fe-adrXF1mGUQT_J3qaNDx4NCJBCFouYTjfx_pZqh3mkbdDKOj0sbI8F9efjSYqHGxSJYzlIdRhOxQTvQg2RZ_2-4Xluvo_Tshyphenhyphen11DNnr05jbO/s1600/3-28-2014+12-12-26+PM.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>Baselworld 2014 marks an historic milestone for Concord - the reintroduction of the Mariner. Historic - since it seems Concord has a serious change of heart in regard to its older collections. When Concord recently relaunched the Saratoga, I thought this sudden nostalgia was a once off deal, but a second relaunch proves Concord has renewed faith in its past. Although the C1's , 2s and Clabs are still quite hot, a brand of this size comprised entirely of one idea has limitations. The C hype has faded. Its been five years ago since the Baselworld 2009 release of the <a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2009/03/its-bird-its-plane-no-its-concord-c1.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">QuantumGravity</span> </a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2009/03/its-bird-its-plane-no-its-concord-c1.html">Tourbillon</a>. An entire company - HYT - started by former Concord CEO Vincent Perriard - was built on its hydro mechanical concept. </span><br />
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<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"> Even though I blogged quite a bit about the <a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2011/01/concord-c1-watches-at-watchery.html">C models </a>- I could not fathom how a company could throw away all its previous and well loved collections. I was terribly sad to see the production of Deliriums and La Scalas stopped. La Scala is actually one of my favorite Ladies Watch. The Delirium's and La Scala's ,still available on Ebay and on quite a few watch sites, have not lost their place in the watch world. I personally think there is a definite market for new models of old collections. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz-ZiGqc6yQemuouIdzqaxLhMZFDNsz655wVs2QPl180F257jgGjOX2o1SMVueJ3vaMTKKnjqOB_UXemfQNGNMLfUi0uDVNHVcjTHkMPRjWgqGpQYvukkL22GDRcN1RUUfZoTBnDQ_294/s1600/3-28-2014+12-13-38+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz-ZiGqc6yQemuouIdzqaxLhMZFDNsz655wVs2QPl180F257jgGjOX2o1SMVueJ3vaMTKKnjqOB_UXemfQNGNMLfUi0uDVNHVcjTHkMPRjWgqGpQYvukkL22GDRcN1RUUfZoTBnDQ_294/s1600/3-28-2014+12-13-38+PM.jpg" height="320" width="199" /></a>It seems Movado Group. owned Concord has finally realized that the C collections ,no matter how cutting edge and cool, is not enough for Concord.<br />
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Of course the newer models of old collections are modernized. In the words of Concord..<br />
<i>"This Iconic Collection has been updated to reflect a modern and beautiful sense of style"</i><br />
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The Mariner Collection is supposed to evoke an "ahoy there" feel; even engraved with the wind-rose logo on the case back. However, I think the watch collection can stand on its own as a really elegant sporty timepiece without the Nautical nuances.<br />
The mens 41mm models have a really great automatic Sellita movement, beneath an engaging anthracite dial and housed in a stainless steel case. A ETA quartz movement lies beneath a silver-toned dial. The watches are only water resistant to 50 meters which is not really ideal for waterways. The indices and hands are Rhodium plated and treated with <a href="http://atickoftime.blogspot.com/2009/06/what-is-lume.html">Superluminova</a>. <br />
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The white mother of pearl dial upon the 30mm ladies timepiece is punctuated by 12 diamonds. A stainless steel case houses an ETA quartz movement. An Anti-reflective treatment is applied to the scratch resistant sapphire crystal enabling read-out at high noon.<br />
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One collection I am eager to welcome is the Concord Delirium. <br />
I suppose we will just have to wait and see.<br />
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Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3662480973668610892.post-47887958756554326052014-03-25T13:23:00.000-04:002014-03-25T13:25:07.056-04:00Pre-Basil Intrigue by Omega<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXTV0PrxbGIP-_2K9e8txM3viQbPxSHvsCCMjkJ6waJwG3nibLaHqqOJ5PHgx7Q4l3498yS3XEi-Rp3F64BaxOPWuBZFTBDds8e52x_BjxDjtp_CYJSbaBfisuRXCJtm1NBDaBlL_ywXf/s1600/3-25-2014+12-45-01+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXTV0PrxbGIP-_2K9e8txM3viQbPxSHvsCCMjkJ6waJwG3nibLaHqqOJ5PHgx7Q4l3498yS3XEi-Rp3F64BaxOPWuBZFTBDds8e52x_BjxDjtp_CYJSbaBfisuRXCJtm1NBDaBlL_ywXf/s1600/3-25-2014+12-45-01+PM.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
In just 2 days Baselworld doors swing open to the waiting world of watches. Omega has just released an intriguing video of an Omega Seamaster Master Co-axial Chronometer. Although we only catch glimpses of the watch, we can ascertain with out any doubt that Omega's latest addition is a beaut."Diving Heritage meets the future of watchmaking"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5z_Uht3VzWUfS429CpK0pTXZs20P25SKVJhMZQ7bK_i5zi_4svh1JQ38NhN9Nm3T7_kj0lV02mwh8gbXR1UO5RtgAf_6NovRsc4qlZn5BSAAGPDTq-ecNG5OHjLGTprAzaMNlYT1Y2uom/s1600/omega-seamaster-300-1957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5z_Uht3VzWUfS429CpK0pTXZs20P25SKVJhMZQ7bK_i5zi_4svh1JQ38NhN9Nm3T7_kj0lV02mwh8gbXR1UO5RtgAf_6NovRsc4qlZn5BSAAGPDTq-ecNG5OHjLGTprAzaMNlYT1Y2uom/s1600/omega-seamaster-300-1957.jpg" height="400" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1957 Omega Seamaster 300</td></tr>
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The watch in question has an uncanny resemblance to Omega's first Seamaster diving watch "The Omega Seamaster 300" introduced in 1957. The indices, numerals, bezel, bracelet, hands, colors all point to an undeniable assessment of the surprise that awaits avid Omega fans at Omega's Baselworld 2014. In terms of the innovative inner workings of the Omega Seamaster Master Co-axial Chronometer, I have to be patient. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nYK5-OKl-tg" width="560"></iframe>Vicky Van Halemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999600604434000329noreply@blogger.com1