The Classy Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Heritage Automatic Chronograph

Classy Yes! Efficient - You bet! Tag Heuer is a company committed to timekeeping excellence and the Tag Heuer Carrera 16 Heritage Automatic Chronograph is an exemplary timepiece. 
The embossed chronograph hour counters at the 6 'o' clock and chronograph minutes at the 12 'o'clock position are distinctive to this collection .  The discrete running second at the 9 'o'clock position assists in maintaining an image of utter clarity on the Flinqué (Engraving by hand or by machine -guillochage-, often covered by a layer of enamel - definition source -"Worldtempus") dial.  To enhance the readability of the dial, an anti-reflective treatment is applied to the curved scratch resistant sapphire crystal.
The entire compilation of steel case, rose gold indicators and hands, white Flinqué effect dial,  choice of steel bracelet or blue, black or brown alligator strap creates an unequivocal look of composed elegance;  however, within the elegant case beats a mighty heart.  The movement of the Tag Heuer 16 Heritage Automatic Chronograph Calibre 16 is a decorated version of one of the most competent movements out there - the Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph beating at 28,000 vibrations per hour or 4 HZ. A 42 hour power reserve and 100m water resistance only add to the appeal of the watch.

 The Tag Heuer Carrera is closely associated to the world of automotive racing, where timing is crucial and precision is invaluable. Tag Heuer is the official timekeeper of Formula 1.

Audemars Piguet Millenary 4101 Elevates a Movement and Redesigns a Face

Audemars Piguet Millenary 4101 is a stunning reorganization of  dial and movement. This movement, unveiled at the beginning of this year, joins the dial on the watch face so neither takes precedence at first glance. The signature Millenary dial has been shrunk and placed beside the crown making space for the redesigned escapement and balance wheel at the 9'o'clock position. The Audemars Piguet Millenary 4101 is an exclusively in-house movement comprising of 253 parts. Encapsulated in an Audemars Piguet signature Millenary Case, the movement is reconstructed so that vital components of the movement - balance, lever and escapement- face to the front, and are plainly visible at the 9 'o clock position. The idea is brilliant in its simplicity.

There is no need for a skeleton dial, as the dial and movement share the same elevation nor a see through case back as the movement is up front. Although the watch face accommodates the dial and movement, it remains remarkably uncluttered.  This feat in organization is made possible by its oval shape.  

The oval Calibre 4101 movement is nothing less than impeccable.  Crafted in the LeBrassus workshop, the movement has undergone extensive finishing.  The oval main plate is decorated on both sides with

Côtes de Genève on front and two different sizes of circular graining on the back to create a contrast and greater perception of depth. Viewing the bridge on the dial face, one can marvel at the fine horizontal  Côtes de Genève snailing and circular graining while on the back the bridges feature circular Côtes de Genève engravings. The oscillating weight or rotor is crafted in 22 carat gold and emblazoned with Audemar Piguet Family crest and the companies signature mark.

This model is available in two colors - a steel version treated with an anthracite galvanic achieves a look of quiet elegance. The rhodium plated and pink version (inset above) exudes a powerful mark of distinction.  Every component of the timepiece is polished until gleaming and all jewel sinks diamond polished to perfection.

JeanRichard Highlands Big Life Watch Limited Edition to Save African Elephants

At the 2012 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), JeanRichard will unveil the Highlands Big Life Limited Edition Watch.  The Limited Edition (100 pieces) support a worthy cause.  In September 2010, photographer Nick Brandt founded the Big Life Foundation in order to curtail the escalation of elephant poaching effecting the Amboseli ecosystem (2 million acre region straddling the Tanzania/ Kenya border.)   Big Life Foundation's grass roots approach has greatly reduced poaching and many poachers have been stopped; however, due to the incredible surface area of this ecosystem and insatiable demand for illegal ivory, Big Life Foundation with its 120 or so rangers, 14 outpost and 13 vehicles, still have a long way to go.  

To assist in this monumental task, JeanRichard has teamed up with Nick Brandt to create awareness of Big Life Foundation and raise money for the cause.  JeanRichard has a long history of interest in Africa's natural environment.  In the 1990's, JeanRichard captured Africa's raw unmarked beauty with the aid of Peter Beard's images.  At the beginning of this year JeanRichard unveiled a rugged watch collection - the Jean Richard Highland Sand- which is available in a dusty khaki - the color of Highlands.  It is not enough for JeanRichard to merely appreciate the beauty of Africa, now JeanRichard is taking a step to protect the African Wild Life with this Limited Edition addition to the Highland Collection. 

 The green 'tent" color bezel and rugged fabric strap is the epitome of a Safari "must have".   The large 44.5mm case is crafted from resilient sand blasted steel.  The green bezel is bi-directional sporting 12 Arabic Numeral hour markers for keeping tabs on a second time zone. A black matt dial ensures no glare from the bright African sun and luminescent coated indices and dial hands ensure maximum read out in dark African nights.  "Big Life" is marked in  bold red clearly displaying the charitable cause.  The hardy fabric strap is fastened with a PVD coated folding buckle.  

Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal withstands abrasions from sand or stones... and do not despair if one runs out of batteries - the Big Life Limited Edition Watch is automatic and  can be  wound by the gentle swinging motion of the wrist.  The movement runs smoothly aided by  27 jewels and oscillates at a vph of 28,000.  The movement is visible via a scratch resistant Sapphire Crystal engraved with Nick Brandt's powerful image of an elephant thundering across the desolate African plain amidst clouds of dust.

The watch is designed to accompany the wild life enthusiast on many a Safari (word derived from "Traveler" in Swahili).

 In case the perfect camera shot requires complete stillness for a number of hours, the watch is capable of  a 48 hour power reserve.  If one must wallow into a watering hole (not advisable on account of crocodiles and hippos), the watch will remain water resistant up to 100 meters or 330 feet.  

Did You Know

JeanRichard stems from a young watchmaker born in 1665 - click here to learn more about this wondrous tale.

House of Graff MasterGraff Skeleton Watch

The MasterGraff Skeleton Watch is truly one of the most exquisite watches I have ever seen.  The bezel is shaped like the multi facets of a diamond playing with the rays of light and providing the illusion of iridescence from within. To achieve this look, 164 diamonds totaling over 21 carats were expertly place within a structure of rose gold. The entire structure must be in place  before the movement can be cased, after which no stone can be added and no stone removed.  Two scratch resistant sapphire crystals enclose the diamond case providing the illusion of a tourbillon  suspended in mid air like some beautiful space ship entering a lost glittering paradise. The hand wound mechanical movement is capable of a 72 hour power reserve, which only proves the remarkable efficiency of watchmaking skill, where 3 days of power reserve is discreetly stored in the barrel.
The 48mm multifaceted bezel and case is Graff's signature look - a look most fitting for a House of Diamonds.

Did You Know:

• The London based House of Graff is one of the most prestigious diamond and gem suppliers in all the world. 
• House of Graff was established by Leonard Graff, a DeBeers sight holder.  Leonard success is due to his strategy of "vertical integration". In vertical Integration companies in a supply chain are owned and controlled by a single owner.  Thus Leonard Graff, controls every facet of the diamond industry from wholesale to retail.  He purchased 51% stake in Safdico (South Africa Diamond Corp.), providing him with access to the first choice of uncut diamonds mined in Southern Africa. 
• The House of Graff obtained the15th largest diamond ever discovered - the Lesotho Promise found in the Letseng Mine in Lesotho.  Lesotho is a small kingdom completed surrounded by South Africa. The Lesotho Promise, rated D in color, was studied for 3 months before being cut into 26 exquisite diamonds weighing in  total 223.35 carats. 
•  All House of Graff gems have a laser inscribed girdle with the 'Graff' logo and GIA number.

Vacheron Constantin First Watch to Meet New Geneva Seal Criteria

At the SIHH 2012, Vacheron Constantin will unveil the latest addition to the Patrimony Traditioneelle Collection with its very first watch to meet the new stringent Hallmark of Geneve criteria.

  The Patrimony Traditionnelle 14 day tourbillon is a mechanical watch power house harboring no less than four barrels mounted in pairs.  The additional barrels are crucial in maintaining a 14 day power reserve in a  timepiece with a tourbillon complication.   The Calibre 2260 is comprised of 213 pieces including two large bridges. The power reserve is clearly displayed below the 12 'o'clock position and the tourbillon beneath small seconds  at the 6'o'clock position creating an elegant balance.  The 5N pink gold dauphine hands are placed slightly above the Opaline silver toned dial. 

The timepiece is an elegant and sophisticated mark of precision excellence whereby all the components work in perfect unity.

Did You Know: 

• SIHH (Salon International De La Haute Horlogerie Geneva) opens its door for the 20th year on 16th January running to January 20th, 2012. 
• The tourbillon was invented in 1795 by Swiss watchmaker Abraham-Louis Bregeut. A tourbillon was said to counter the effects of gravity on a pocket watch. In a traditional tourbillon, the escapement and balance wheel rotates in a cage at one rotation per minute.
• Power reserve complication is the amount of energy a watch is capable of storing -  ie the amount of mainspring power stored in the barrel - while the watch is motionless (automatic)  or unwound - indicated with the aid of a power reserve indicator in hours or days. 
• New Requirements for Seal of Geneva - click here
• The Patrimony Traditionnelle line was launched in 2007.
• Vacheron Constantin was founded in Geneve Switzerland in 1755, by Jean-Marc Vacheron.
• Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world with an uninterrupted history. (Blancpain was established in 1735 but went dormant in 1971 for 12 years during the quartz scare)
• Vacheron Constantin is one of the finest watch manufacturers in the world  comparable in status to Patek Phillipe and Blancpain.
• Vacheron Constantin is a brand of the Richemont Group.

Concord Releases Two new C2 Models

Movado Group's Concord is really starting to gain ground since its complete collection overhaul a couple years back.  Originally, I had a few misgivings about the new collection wanting desperately for the company to hold onto their Delirium's. Saratoga's and La Scala's, but time is a changing and die hard Concord fans are automatically associating Concord with their C1 collection - launched in 2007.  Thus with the C1 collection firmly cemented in the horological world, and a stamp of approval for the new C2 Collection - unveiled  in September - Concord is full steam ahead adding 2 new chronograph models to its latest collection.
The newest all-white model has crisp clean lines and a cutting edge 43mm stainless steel case.  The multi-layered silver and white dial is accentuated with gray directing the gaze to hand indicators and sub dials.  The date aperture at the 6 'o'clock is nestled at the bottom of the 12 hour chronograph counter. At the 9'o'clock ,demanding attention by its much darker hue, is the 30 minute chronograph counter.  Concord's signature seconds disc takes residence and recognition at the 3'o'clock position. Tubular attachments on the case attach directly to the strap without the need for lugs -creating a more streamlines look. Truthfully I would purchase this watch in an instant because it makes sense.  The sub dials are large enough to be read, but small enough so as not to crowd the dial.. The strap is vulcanized rubber, which is very comfortable and easy to clean. Partially skeletonized hands sweep across the dial without concealing the smaller sub dial hands.  A 2mm scratch resistant sapphire crystal ensures optimum protection to the dial and extra dial clarity.  The 43mm case is large but not over bearing. Noticed for its perfection.
  The C2 is also available in black with electric blue accents adding a techno iridescent charm to the dial. Contrasting white dial hands, Concord's white signature seconds disc and hour markers ensure nothing will go unnoticed.
Both models are automatic with a 42 hour power reserve run by a highly efficient ETA movement. 
A stainless steel folding clasp ensures the watch will remain securely on the wrist.

Gift Pick for the Professional & Adventurer.

Movado Men's Luno $795.00

You can never have too many wristwatches, and you can never go wrong giving a watch as a gift.  Imagine a gift without the nagging feeling of  "What if he doesn't like it.?"
With a watch you will be certain your gift will be much appreciated.
First you must know a little about your guy - the image he wants to portray and what he wants from his watch.
 If your guy needs to convey a professional attitude I always like the Movado Museum Collection.  The watch design is instantly recognizable and devoid of clutter.  The watch itself displays the epitome of organization and clear thought.  It was what Nathan George Horwitt - designer of the museum dial had in mind - a single dot.  He was a follower of the Bauhaus movement, designed a watch with no ornamentation besides for a gold dot at the 12 o'clock representing the sun at high noon. In 1959 the "dot at the top watch" was excepted into the Design Collection of the New York Museum of Modern Art becoming known as the "Museum Watch".

$499.99 Save 75%

For the rugged adventurer in your life always zipping off to one place or another -pouncing into a  Land-rover off to spot a family of mountain lions or to rock climb a precipice - you need a watch which is shock resistant, water resistance, hand indicator luminescence and preferably rubber strap (lightweight, less likely to slip, easy to clean).  There are a couple of really rugged timepieces:
Invicta Men's Subaqua Chronograph Black Rubber - aside from the fact that it is 75% off at The Watchery, there are many advantages for the adventurer. This particular model has a great water resistancy - up to 1650 feet.  I always like to stress that if one is in a situation of high water pressure such as navigating water rapids, one needs a higher water resistance than if one is merely in a swimming pool.  The extreme force of water on the dial can compromise the water resistancy. In addition this watch has a chronograph and tachymeter.

Price $4,410.00 Save 65%

A great rugged mid range watch collection,  is the WYLER Geneve Men's Code R Automatic Chronograph.  Wyler Geneve specializes in shock absorbency- creator of the signature Incaflex balance wheel.  The Incaflex balance wheel is protected along its diameter by two curved elastic arms absorbing shock to the balance wheel. In addition the watch case is shock absorbing crafted from highly resilient and corrosion resistant titanium and black carbon fiber. The hands are silver tone and luminous enabling the adventurer for time read out in the dark.  Another great feature is the flexible black rubber strap allowing for maximum wrist mobility.  Scratch resistant Sapphire Crystal protects the Swiss made mechanical automatic chronograph movement.  I like mechanical watches on long adventures since the mainspring is wound by the swinging motion of ones arm. Since this is a mechanical timepiece, no batteries are needed, which is a good thing, since where is our adventurer going to get batteries in the Gobi desert. This watch is capable of a power reserve of 42 hours. The Wyler Men's Code R is equipped with  "ZULU" (Z) time (for aviation or military purposes) or GMT (Greenwich MeanTime).

Stay tuned for more of my top watch holiday picks from The Watchery.