Archive for March, 2010

March 31st, 2010  Posted at   Baselworld 2010, Patek Philippe

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There were many excellent watches boasting sporty look in BaselWorld 2010, among which the Patek Philippe Ref. 5951P was sure to be one of the sportiest timepieces. While preserving vintage Patek style, this new chronograph highlights a ultimate sporty look. Furthermore, this new appearance has never been seen in the hideous, sports oriented Nautilus collection.

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The new Patek Philippe watch features a platinum case, designed in classic Tonneau shape and measuring 37mm * 45mm. The red seconds hands slide away the black background, and coexists with the white subdial for chronograph functions, revealing strong visual shock. The split-seconds chronograph is operated by a single pusher at 2 o’clock. Chronograph recorders keep track of your precious time at 3 and 9 o’clock. At 6 o’clock is a date indicator, with mini apertures directly above that tells the day and month. The moonpahse display is located at 12 o’clock.

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The movement is the Patek Philippe CHR 27-525 PS Q, the world’s thinnest split-seconds mono-pusher chronograph movement with perpetual calendar. Based on the Patek Philippe CHR 27-525 PS movement, this new heart was designed specially for the new watch. Beating at 21,600 vph, this hand-wound movement offers a 48-hour power reserve. As the watch is available with an interchangeable full and sapphire-crystal caseback, the wearer can choose to showcase the fine decorative work of this movement or not. The model is water-resistant to 30 meters and comes with a black alligator strap with red contrast stitching.

March 28th, 2010  Posted at   Baselworld 2010, Bulgari

No one can deny that this Daniel Roth Tourbillon Lumiere is an astonishing highlight among the 2010 Bvlgari watch collection. Exceptional in its bewitching design, this watch unites the skeletonized movement and the tourbillon escapement, two top achievements in the watchmaking industry. As a clever blend of minimalism, ultimate elegance and horological sophistication, the Tourbillon Lumiere caught a lot of gaze at BaselWorld 2010.

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The new timepiece has a double-ellipse case in 18K rose gold, measuring 44mm in diameter. The visual appeal of the watch is considerably enhanced by the curved minute hand. A synthetic sapphire crystal has been used to protect the dial, revealing a stunning view of the transparent movement.

The movement is the complex one-minute tourbillon. Composed of 82 diminutive elements, the movement is equipped with hand-engraved bridges and a main plate, manufactured from brown gold. The open-worked dial enable us to admire fine workings of the movement: keyless winding, mainspring barrel and going train. Beating at 21,600 vph, the movement also offers a 64-hour power reserve. The water-resistance is down to 30 meters.

The timepiece is completed with a hand-sewn alligator leather strap, which provides a tasteful match to the luxurious watch case and its skeletonized movement. The strap is fastened by a buckle, crafted from rose gold.

Kevin also publishes articles about the world of luxury watches on Watchestrends .

March 27th, 2010  Posted at   Baselworld 2010, Longines

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Several years ago, the famous watchmaker Longines started to develop a exclusive, self-winding chronograph movement with a column wheel which controls the chronograph functions. In 2009, Longines introduced a watch equipped with this revolutionary movement. And now comes the latest model with the newest version of this exceptional, user-friendly calibre, one of technical highlights at BaselWorld 2010.

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It is the Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph that houses the updated version of the Column-Wheel movement that Longines has developed over the years. To identify new uses for the movement, Longines mandated and paid ETA to develop this brand-new exclusive watch heart.

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There are three versions available for the Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph: Titanium case and dial with Rose gold hands and markers, all Titanium model, and all rose gold tone variation. The three models looks perfect in their own styles, since Titanium and rose gold are good materials for Luxury watch.

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The case, measuring 43mm in diameter, comes with a polished bezel. The three subdials for Chronograph functions are arranged in triangle position. At 4:30 is a date window. The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph is completed with a black or brown croco strap, fitted with a clasp in the same material with the case.

Kevin also publishes articles about the world of luxury watches on Watchestrends .

March 25th, 2010  Posted at   Baselworld 2010, Rolex

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Steel Submariner novelties of 2010

Rolex, along with the swiss ski champion Carlo Janka, caught lots of gaze in BaselWorld 2010. At Hall 1 in Basel, it’s very usual to see that the impatient herds of bloggers, collectors and journalists was waiting for the big name in Swiss Horology, Rolex, to unveil its novelties. Nobody could know for sure about what the leader of Swiss watchmaking might introduce before the doors open, since Rolex is as secretive with their new watches as its Oyster-cases are water-resistant.

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the new steel Submariner with a incredible green bezel

I really admire those new members of Rolex family, especially for the new steel Submariner with a incredible green bezel. At Rolex’s impressive stand, the green dial and ditto ceramic bezel model resulted in the “aaaaahhhh” surprise reaction at the great event. It stands for the evolution of Rolex: Gold first, then steel combined with gold, and now steel with hi-tech material. Maybe the lovely green is not a colour embraced as joyfully by everyone as the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. However, it is perfect to my favor.

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the new 39 millimetre Explorer of 2010

Other highlights include a 39mm version of the legendary Explorer, one of the best looking models of all time. The clean military look of this model has not changed. As is known to us, the earlier version, with a size of 36 millimeter, has too long been considered too small for men and too masculine for women. So the new 39mm diameter is definitely timely improvement for the collection. In this way, while recovering lots of men watch lovers, the new watch can also be embraced by many women, as big watches are still popular on female wrists.

Kevin also publishes articles about the world of luxury watches on Watchestrends .

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Alpine skier and Rolex ambassador, Carlo Janka, paid a visit to the Rolex stand and proudly showed off his Wold Cup trophee.

March 24th, 2010  Posted at   Interesting Watches

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In the dream of every little girl to be a princess, Prince Charming, a beautiful palace, a kind fairy, and a splendid attire are indispensable. As a perfect complement to the gorgeous outfit of any contemporary princess, this Disney Kids’ Princess Time Teacher Pink Velcro watch is sure to win the heart of any small lady, which demonstrates the images of the Disney princesses’ characters and features classic Disney pink style.

Measuring 28.3 mm in diameter, the round metal case is thick to 7.5mm. The bezel is also made from metal, which frames an enchanting blue dial. There are hour markings and labeled hour and minute hands carefully placed on the watch’s face that vividly depicts those Disney princesses’ characters.

Inside the little horological masterpiece is a reliable Japanese quartz movement, giving life to those essential functions – hours and minutes. The 14mm nylon strap, closed with a Velcro clasp, comes with this lovely watch. The water resistance is 30 meters, enough for those who like playing with water. Complying to traditional Disney style of, this little watch is a beautiful timepiece, intentionally created for small women with a dream of being a princess.

kids-mickey-mouse-time-teacher-watch.jpgOf course, little boys would never be forgotten. For those little princes, the Walt Disney Company produced a watch with the theme of Mickey Mouse, the most popular cartoon character with children all over the world. The watch bears the name Disney Kids’ Mickey Mouse Time Teacher Red Velcro, a sure hit with young watch enthusiasts.

This watch employs a metal case, measuring 28.3mm * 7.5mm. Protected by a mineral crystal, the withe dial looks perfect with the metal bezel, which proudly reveals the image of the legendary Mickey Mouse. The watch relies on a quartz movement, sporting the functions of minutes, hours and seconds. The watch comes with a 14 mm nylon strap, enhanced with a Velcro clasp. It is water-resistant to 30 meters.

Kevin also publishes articles about the world of luxury watches on Watchestrends .

March 22nd, 2010  Posted at   Baselworld 2010, Interesting Watches

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The watchmaker Pita Barcelona has recently released its new Pita Oceana 5000m watch at BaselWorld 2010 last week. There are two versions for the new collection: Black PVD Pita Oceana 5000m, and Stainless Steel Pita Oceana 5000m. Both of them are created by AHCI member Aniceto Jiménez Pita.

The Oceana model features a round-shaped case, measuring 43mm*21mm. Crafted in stainless steel, titanium, 18 ct. Gold, or Platinum 950 , the case is coated with black PVD or not, depending on the version. Personally, the black version is more compatible the overall design. The star-shaped seconds hand features a chromatic depth meter. Just as the name shows, the Oceana watch is water-resistant to 5000m. However, I wonder whether there is a diver who want to go down to such a depth of ocean.

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The movement is Pita-003 Calibre, carefully developed from ETA-2678 and featuring two patented systems for a water-entry free case: Pita-TSM (Time Setting Mechanism) and Pita-RT (Remote Transmission). No crown, no back cover, no weak points. With the two systems, the watch allows easy time setting under deep water.

As discussed above, the watch has four variations which have been fully customized to different taste. The Pita Oceana 5000m will be unveiled in a limited edition of 80 pieces for each version.

Kevin also publishes articles about the world of luxury watches on Watchestrends .

March 21st, 2010  Posted at   Interesting Watches

Hysek, two years after the opening of its manufacture, is introducing its majestic Tourbillion Furtif Watch, a skillful magician using transparency to reveal the mechanical magic of its outstanding movement. This watch features ultra modern design as a progressive identification for itself.

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Crafted in 18K rose gold and titanium, the extremely contemporary case is designed in rectangle shape, enclosing all the technical surprises of the Tourbillion Furtif Watch. It is equipped with a screwed crown. Shielded by a sapphire glass with AR coating, the bicolor skeleton dial reveals a clear front view to the marvelous heart of the watch. The water resistance is up to 30 meters.

The new watch is sported by the HYSEK Calibre HW10 movement. Designed, developed and manufactured internally, this exclusive and intensely square calibre with manual winding beats at the rhythm timed by a flying tourbillion endowed with “avant-gardist” balance manufactured in titanium. Beating at a frequency of 28, 800 vibrations per hour, it also offters a adorable 70-hour power reserve. This singular movement, visible from any side, has been entirely reworked by hand in order to make a majestic piece of lace from the metal, in which each technical element finds a new aesthetic dimension in the eye of the enthusiast.

Adding the final touch to the watch is a hand-sewn alligator leather strap, equipped with an 18 K rose gold double secured fold-over buckle exclusive to Hysek.

Issued in a limited edition of 30 items, the Hysek Tourbillion Furtif Watch emanates a strong emotional feeling that surely wins the hearts of compicated watches lovers.

Technical Specifications

Movement
HYSEK Calibre HW10
Skeleton tourbillion
Fly Tourbillion 1tr/minute
Manual winding up movement with titanium balance

70 hours power reserve, 260 components, 26 jewels

Functions
Hours, and minutes

Case
18k Rose Gold and titanium case
Sapphire with anti-reflection treatment
Water Resistance to 30 meters
Bicolour skeleton dial
Screwed Crown

Bracelet/Strap
Hand-stitched brown crocodile leather strap with 18 K rose gold double secured fold-over buckle exclusive to Hysek

Kevin also publishes articles about the world of luxury watches on Watchestrends .

March 20th, 2010  Posted at   Chopard

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To mark its 150th anniversary, the famous Luxury Manufacture Chopard has introduced a Haute Joaillerie collection on the theme of animals. Barely yet explored by the company, this theme underscores a fabulous bestiary imbued with fanciful fairytale creatures, once again affirming the brand’s inventiveness and expertise. The anniversary edition is composed of 15 timepieces, remaining loyal to the brand’s reputation for creativity.

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The anniversary edition, named Haute Joaillerie Animal World Collection, comprises of 15 watches that humorously illustrates a variety of animals that are not often featured in the realm of Haute Joaillerie. Exotic species such as monkeys, polar bears and penguins are vividly depicted on the watches’ faces.

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These intriguing watches comes in a 18K gold case, outfitted with a bezel enhanced by a sparkling mosaic of diamonds. Each mother-of-pearl dial depicts an animal, crafted in gold and encrusted with scintillating diamonds. As seen in the last picture, the little penguin is paved with an amazing combination of black and white diamonds, turning this bird’s plumage into an exceptional tuxedo. Equipped with oversized skeletonized hands, the watch offers accurate reading of hours. However, telling the time is of primary importance for the timepieces from the Chopard Animal Collection.

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Marvelously in line with the theme of the breathtaking case, the elegant straps is finished in finely grained satin of various colors, and equipped with a 18K gold buckle. Released as a limited edition of 15 pieces , the Chopard Haute Joaillerie Animal World Collection is made up with 15 exclusive pieces of jewelry, which embodies the highest levels of quality and craftsmanship. Designed and produced intentionally for ladies, these extremely attractive and playful masterpieces are sure to sedure women in search for exclusivity.

Kevin also publishes articles about the world of luxury watches on Watchestrends .

March 18th, 2010  Posted at   Vulcain

The famous Swiss watchmaker Vulcain has recently unveiled its Cricket Anniversary Heart Automatique Calendrier , a genuinely intriguing timepiece providing tantalising glimpses of the legendary alarm movement from the Manufacture in le Locle: Cricket Calibre V-22 composed of 257 painstakingly crafted parts.

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Cricket Anniversary Heart Automatique Calendrier, Ref. 220136.267LF

This exceptional timepiece seems mysterious with its metal-plated sapphire dial playing on the theme of semi-transparency, really eye-catching. Apart from the hour-markers and the large date window at 6 o’clock in order to maintain perfect visibility, the dial has been metal-plated over almost its entire surface to achieve the magical effect, endowing the Anniversary Calendar model with singular character. Featuring sandblasted finish with 12 o’clock index and date arrow at 6 o’clock index, this metal-plated dial partially reveals the latest evolution of Vulcain’s legendary alarm movement, Cricket Calibre V-22.

Measuring 12 lignes (12”’) in diameter, this anthracite-coated self-winding movement with date display is originated from a wealth of expertise built up over 60 years by the Manufacture Vulcain. This movement incorporates two barrels, one to supply the energy required for the hours, minutes and seconds functions, and the other to drive the alarm function with its 20-second chime. Beating at a frequency of 18,000 vph, it also offers a 42-hour power reserve. Equipped with a ceramic ball-bearing mechanism, the equally anthracite-coated oscillating weight enables this 257-part movement to be unidirectional winding. Cricket Calibre V-22 unites a range of functions: hours, minutes, central seconds, date indications, and the Manufacture Vulcain’s signature alarm function.

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Cricket Anniversary Heart Automatique Calendrier, Ref. : 220136.268LF

The watch employs a 42 mm steel or 18K rose gold case with metal-plated or sandblasted dial. Fitted with a sapphire crystal glass, the case features a case-back enhanced with the stylised “V” for Vulcain. The water resistance is 50 meters. The Vulcain Cricket Anniversary Heart Automatique Calendrier is completed with a Louisiana alligator leather strap, fastened by a gold pin buckle (for the 18K rose gold version) or a safety folding clasp for the steel version.

Kevin also publishes articles about the world of luxury watches on Watchestrends .

March 17th, 2010  Posted at   Corum, Industry News

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To celebrate a half-century of the Admiral’s Cup and the 30th anniversary of the Golden Bridge movement, Antonio Calce, CEO of Corum, hosted 150 journalists to share with them the path that Corum has traveled since its founding 55 years ago.

The conference began with “Happy Birthday” by the Beatles playing in the background. The BaselWorld 2010, being a major event, is a unique opportunity for Corum to meet all its partners and the international press during the 10 days that the event takes place. 2010 is a landmark event for Corum that celebrates the anniversaries of two of its main pillars: Admiral’s Cup and Corum Bridges.

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MOVEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Corum is pursuing better combination of technical and watchmaking skills, from its engineers to its master watchmakers. Corum is aware of the value of its human resources and their unique knowledge and seeks to perpetuate and enhance the historical value of the watch brand. Corum develops in-house movements and to both generate and control production of exclusive movements.

DISTRIBUTION
With the take-over of the U.S. market in October 2009, the opening of its first ‘own name’ boutique on December 25, 2009 in Hong Kong and the reorganization of its market in South America and the Caribbean in early 2010, Corum has reaffirmed its presence around the world and strengthened its strategy of selective distribution.

To stand out among the brands of Haute Horlogerie, Corum has released not a few exceptional pieces of creativity and expertise in 2010. Among the 36 new models launched in 2010, 4 models stand out as the highlights of the new collection. The Golden Bridge Tourbillon with the smallest tourbillon cage escapement in silicium, the Ti-Bridge Tourbillon with a flying tourbillon anchored on a ARCAP bridge (a material used in aeronautics) and the Admiral’s Cup Minute Repeater Tourbillon with complications dressed in a sporty case, and the Admiral’s Cup Deep Hull 48, waterproof to 1000 meters with a unidirectional rotating bezel and a helium decompression valve.

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COMMUNICATION
The year of 2010 marks an intense year for Corum that has confirmed the signature of two new partnerships, one with a new ambassador and the second with a sailing event. Today Corum has built partnerships in line with its values and history. While Corum ambassadors are distinguished by their sporting qualities, they are also friends of the brand whose human qualities prevail. To top off the press conference, the new website of the brand was unveiled in a preview. A virtual showcase that takes you on a journey to discover our knowledge and our brand history.

Kevin also publishes articles about the world of luxury watches on Watchestrends .