Archive for April, 2010

April 30th, 2010  Posted at   Bertolucci

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The renowned watchmaking house Bertolucci has recently introduced its Bella Costa collection, the newest line among its Casual Chic watches. The new Bertolucci watch line affirms the brand’s character of the 4Cs – Creativity, Curves, Comfort and Construction, and boasts a outstanding sporty style.

There are two variations available for Bella Costa collection : orange or black. The watch has a stainless steel case, which measures 41 mm in diameter and boasts a polished and sandblasted finish or an attractive all black PVD-coated polished finish. For the Bella Costa Black timepiece, the case is outfitted with a bezel illuminated by the play of 69 diamonds, with the overall weight of 0.62 carats. These precious stones are joined by one full cut white topaz, with the weight of 0.04 carats. The watch crown is also dressed with 18 diamonds, with the weight of 0.07 carats.

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Protected by a domed anti-glare sapphire crystal, the watch features a white silvered or black opalin dial depending on the version. It also features an orange or black inner flange, equipped with 11 luminescent indexes. Located at 4 o’clock, the date aperture exposes a Cotes de Geneve pattern and a magnify lens. The Bertolluci inscription is printed in white above the 6 o’clock sub-counter. The polished rhodium-plated Bertolucci “B” is applied at 12 o’clock.

The new Bertolluci watch is designed around a Swiss quartz chronograph movement – calibre ETA 13¼ G10.711. It sports the functions of indicating hours, minutes, seconds, as well as that of date. The time and date setting crown is positioned at 3 o’clock. The calibre also brings to life the chronograph functions: 30 minutes, 60 seconds and 1/10 second. They are adjusted by means of the start/stop and reset push-buttons, nestled at 2 and 4 o’clock correspondingly.

Adding the final touch to the Bella Costa watch is an orange or black strap adorned with a vertical pattern. It is enhanced with a stainless steel triple folding clasp, also black PVD-treated for the black version.

April 28th, 2010  Posted at   Marvin

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To celebrates its 160th anniversary this year, Marvin has released a new headliner collection, an admirable blend of traditional watchmaking and innovative design. It is the Malton 160 Series, so named after a special edition timepiece dating back to 1906, that undertakes the task of marking the 160th birthday of the consistent watchmaker. After releasing a round version of the Malton 160, Marvin is now presenting a Malton 160 cushion edition. The new model has perfectly inherited the brand DNA: original, modern lines backed by authentic horological know-how, and top quality at surprisingly affordable prices.

As great tribute to the brand’s long history, the Malton 160 collection graciously combines elements of depth and high relief on the case sides. This endows the series with a distinctive lightness of being with a clearly identifiable personality and pronounced elegance. These personality markers complement the traditional Marvin trademark signs: a red detail on every dial at the 8 o’clock position (a historical brand reference), the M&E founders mark on the case side, and the triple point Marvin crown representing an inverted “M”.

The Malton 160 is the brainchild of two celebrity creators, namely well-known watchmaker Jean-François Ruchonnet, of Monaco V4 and Cabestan fame, and designer Sebastien Perret, who, with his passion for horology, has infused his talent into every Marvin collection since the company’s rebirth in 2007.

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One of Marvin’s most acclaimed features is the notable contrast highlighted in its watches. Between the square-shaped case and the round opening, between the historical heritage and the modern lines, between the black and white coloring on various elements of the dial, between the satin and polished surface finishes, and between the overall powerful elegance and contemporary sportiness of the design, we can feel the intensive effect provided by opposing elements.

The Malton 160 cushion comes in a three hand date version powered by a Sellita SW200 and two quartz versions, a chronograph and a three-hand model. These combinations make for a modern and original watch – the hallmark of all Marvin offerings. The Malton’s leather bracelets are bordered in black and fitted with a security folding clasp. The Malton can also be fitted with a metallic strap.

April 26th, 2010  Posted at   Interesting Watches

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The innovative watchmaker Devon has recently introduced its Tread 1 wristwatch, a remarkable timepiece of groundbreaking design. The Tread 1 is highly distinctive with its unique way of displaying the time, which is inspired by industrial conveyor belts and motorcycles.

It is Devon’s patented interwoven system of belts that allows for the unique time display. The belts runs in exacting motion to express the hours and minutes, while the seconds are showed by a belt in constant motion. The Tread One watch features a proprietary optical recognition system to monitor each belt position at all times.

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The belts are driven by four remarkable compact microstep motors that are powered by a lithium polymer rechargeable cell. It is able to run for two weeks on one charge. To ensure the outstanding clearance of the moving parts, the belt assemblies are incorporated on a central chassis. With this ingenious design, the parts appear to be floating in the watch case. All the four belts are made of fiber-reinforced glass nylon, just 2/1,000 of an inch thick. Moreover, they are really durable and stable enough to provide continuous precision. Also worth mentioning is that the watch case is bullet-proof.

Whether working on a car, motorcycle or watch, Scott Devon’s challenge to his design team is both simple and daunting: “We seek to create a design that redefines the category. We consult with experts in a variety of fields in order to build new innovations and keep pushing boundaries.” He demands that his team of artists, inventors and designers work together to deliver technological breakthroughs and fresh, modern, never-seen-it-before designs.

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With Tread 1, Devon immediately establishes a leading-edge vision and an exquisite command of the artistry of watch design. The Tread 1’s singular design creates an optimal watch for those watch lovers who deny everything conventional. The price is expected to go for about $15, 000.

April 24th, 2010  Posted at   Corum, Industry News

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To celebrate the new partnership with the world’s most important regatta on an inland lake – the Bol d’Or Mirabaud, the acclaimed watchmaker Corum decided to launched a limited edition watch for the “Bol d’Or Mirabaud presented by Corum” in June 2010.

Organized for the first time in 1939, the Bol d’Or Mirabaud is a legendary race that unlike any other regatta in the world. In this large nautical festival, sailing stars are mixed with non-professional sailors. Each year, nearly six hundred sailboats and champions from all over Europe meet at the starting line, in the company of more than 3,000 participants from all backgrounds, having their passion for sailing in common. This event is an authentic delight to sailing enthusiasts.

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The new association with this legendary race reaffirms the brand’s commitment to sailing, continues its history and expands its presence in the sailing sponsorship arena. By becoming the Official Watchmaker of the Geneva lake circuit, the company demonstrates a strong and coherent communication strategy. The new partnership is an important step of the brand’s communication strategy on a long term vision, in which Corum has extended its brand image with charismatic and famous personalities such as Loïck Peyron and Ben Ainslie, and by supporting prestigious sailing events such as the Grand Prix Corum.

The new year’s Bol d’Or Mirabaud will take place on 11, 12 & 13 June, 2010, when the Official Timekeeper will launch its limited edition watch. The special edition of the brand’s iconic model famous for its dodecagonal bezel and a dial decorated with nautical pennants, will play with the colors of the regatta which are Blue and Gold. One of these limited edition models will serve as a present for the winning team of the Bol d’Or and the Bol de Vermeil.

April 23rd, 2010  Posted at   Ellicott

The commended watchmaker Ellicott has proundly released its first watch dedicated to, and made for, today’s Cinderellas. Bearing the name of Lady Tuxedo Midnight, this new masterpiece in watchmaking features the collection’s signature cambered rectangle case, crafted in pink gold, white gold or in titanium.

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The new Midnight reveals a splendid night-blue dial set with sparkling diamonds that take the place of hour-markers. It is also completed with star-shaped diamond-set indexes and Arabic number 12 in diamonds. The watch shows the hours, minutes and seconds on centrally-mounted hands in the shape of leaves. With luminous treatment, the hands offers excellent legibility even in midnight. There is a two-position crown on the side of the case. When pushed in, it serves for winding the watch. When pulled out all the way, it is used for setting the time. The fascinating timepiece employs a sapphire case-back secured with four polished screws. The case structure is water-resistant to 30 meters.

The heart of the watch is an automatic mechanical movement – Caliber MID-1. It sounds hours and quarters on request, which can be activated with a push on the pusher at 9 o’clock. The movement comprises 251 individual parts, and accommodates 30 jewels. Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, this mechanism provides a 42-hour power reserve.

Securing the watch to the wrist is an alligator leather strap finished with a buckle in gold and steel. The Lady Tuxedo Midnight timepiece is launced in a limited edition that only 99 persons can own this horological marvel.

April 22nd, 2010  Posted at   Breguet

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There is a wide range of novelties released by the famous watchmaker Breguet for 2010. One of highlights among them is the pictured Tradition 7047 Fusee Tourbillon. The brand has designed two variations in rose gold or platinum for the new watch.

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The new Tradition 7047 Fusee Tourbillon has a case measuring 44mm and sculptured from rose gold or 950 platinum. The fluted caseband is a nice touch. Like other watches in the collection, the dial in silvered 18K gold is hand-engaraved on a rose engine off-centered at 7 o’clock. On the sapphire caseback is the exclusive individual number and signature for each watch. The watch is water-resistant to 30 meters.

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Inside the watch is 7047 Fusee Tourbillon movement, featuring high precision and fashioned in an anthracite-toned metal alloy. Also worth mentioning is the completely new Breguet silicon balance spring highlighted in the sophisticated movement. After over two hundred years of development, the highly complicated design in the “Breget overcoil” spring is absolutely the gold reference in terms of balance springs. Originating from the design of the first tourbillon-equipped pocket watches devised by Breguet, the 7047 Fusee Tourbillon is also completed with a new system of fusee-and-chain transmission.

April 20th, 2010  Posted at   Romain Jerome

Romain Jerome, a watchmaker renowned for creating unique timepieces that celebrate momentous occasions in our history, has recently released the undeniably cool Eyjafjallajökull-DNA model. Boasting its one-of-a-kind design, the Eyjafjallajökull-DNA eloquently demonstrates the legends of our time and the mythologies that will forge the memory of the 21st century.

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Just from the press picture, you can see how spectacular it is: as if revealed beneath the dial through a bold stylistic effect and ready to burst forth at any moment, the lava ejected from the core of the planet illustrates an inner strength capable of setting fire to time. Crafted from ash ejected by the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, the rough, brutal, fissured dial conveys memories of fire and lava, swept over by powerful images of dust and winds, and testifies to primeval energies as well as human vulnerability.

Personally, I really appreciate Romain Jerome’s resourcefulness and innovative thinking. But I don’t think the erupting volcano is worth celebrating, as all it brings are great chaos, hardship, economic loss and disruption. However, just as the company said, the original intention is to create a fresh reminder of the inherent vulnerability of our world view, an understandable reason.

The price is not sure but expects to be extremely high, for its unique exclusivity and innovative design. Years from now the lucky owner will look at this piece and be instantly reminded of the force of nature and the ability it has to completely disrupt our lives, despite our best laid plans. It will be fun.

April 19th, 2010  Posted at   HUBLOT, Industry News

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To mark the prestigious association with Formula 1™, Luxury Swiss watch brand Hublot has released its first Official Formula One watch – the F1™ King Power. As a result of many weeks of close collaboration between Hublot and Formula One Management, the F1™ King Power features one-of-a-kind design to epitomise the cutting-edge technology, high performance, glamour and precision of the sport itself.

The new watch was launched several days ago in the Shanghai World Financial Centre at a glamorous press conference. Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver personally unveiled the watch at the event and expressed his full expectation of the F1™ King Power to be sold out like hot cakes.

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The exceptional chronograph is presented in a 48mm-diameter satin-finished Zirconium case, coupled with a special Zirconium and ceramic bezel which resembles a Formula One car brake assembly. Treated in black nickel, the distinctive multi-layered dial is completed with micro-blasted and rhodium plated hands. The design of the signature chronograph pushers have been suggested by the buttons and functions featured on a present-day Formula One steering wheel.

The movement is unknown as the company has not unveiled the full specifications of the watch. The strap boasts a supremely comfortable rubber on the inside and a special Nomex outer layer, the material widely applied in the racing suits of Formula One drivers.

April 17th, 2010  Posted at   Interesting Watches, Volna

The talented watchmaker Volna has built a new collection named “Volnatomic”, comprising a wide rage of watches that feature exceptional black and yellow color scheme.

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The pictured Volnatomic Radioactive watches have a 46.5mm 316 steel case, with satin-brushed finish and black PVD coating. There are many versions of dial design available for the new watch: some features a toxic skull atomic symbol and emergency exit signs in the face, while others’ dial demonstrates alternating black and yellow sectors. The time is indicated by yellow hour and minute hands and a black seconds hand. The dial is highlighted by a stripe-pattern bezel with alternating matt or polished black finishes or alternating yellow-black colors. The matt black crown reveals a polished atomic symbol.

The sapphire crystal case-back is also different from variations. It demonstrates a yellow toxic skull symbol or a toxic skull symbol and atomic symbol depending on the model. The water-resistance is up to 50 meters.

These figurative details mark the use of irony via diverted codes, which I have never seen in the field of watchmaking before. The smartly diverted symbolism, conveyed by the warning triangle, the skull or the atomic propeller blade, brings remarkable exclusivity to the Volnatomic Radioactive Yellow and Black watches.

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The heart of the watch is a mechanical self-winding movement. It runs at 28,800 vph and offers a 42-hour power reserve. In line with the theme, even the shape of the oscillating weight of the movement is conceived like an atomic symbol. The movement sports the functions including hours, minutes and seconds.

Adding the final touch to the Volnatomic Radioactive Yellow and Black watches is a genuine rubber strap, finished with hand-sewn stitching and equipped with a steel black PVD-coated double-pin buckle.

April 15th, 2010  Posted at   Industry News, Vacheron Constantin

Three weeks ago, Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest Haute Horlogeri manufacture launched its first boutique in India located in New Delhi. Now, this most prestigious watchmaker with 255 years of uninterrupted history opens a new exclusive boutique in Riyadh, the very first in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is located in the heart of Olaya Street, the bustling trade hub of Riyadh.

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The new boutique boasts an exclusive and warm setting with a comforting atmosphere, echoing with the design aesthetic values of the historical Vacheron Constantin Maison in Geneva. Precious wood, leather and fine furnishings are adorned to highlight the spectacular architecture and stylish interiors, creating an atmosphere of confidence and serenity.

Dedicated to technical and precious Haute Horlogerie, the boutique offers a complete timepieces collection. In addition, there is also a wide range of services including changing a strap or a bracelet, servicing a watch, providing watchmaking advices and information about Vacheron Constantin.

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Al Fardan Jewellery enjoys the partnership with Vacheron Constantin in the launch of the new boutique. Mr. Jamil Matar, CEO of Al Fardan Jewellery in KSA said: “At Al Fardan Jewellery, we strive to build enduring relationships and long-term partnerships with the best jewellery and watch brands in the world, thereby offering the widest choice for our consumers in KSA. This has enabled us to establish a fruitful partnership with Vacheron Constantin who has a history of success and over 250 years of distinctive watch making. We have unveiled the new exclusive boutique in Riyadh, and we hope that this boutique is the beginning of a long-term relationship with Vacheron Constantin”.

Mr. Yassin Tag, Regional Director for Vacheron Constantin added: “We are glad to continue long-term fruitful and respectful relationships with our friends the Al Fardan family for years in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha. The opening of this boutique in Riyadh comes as an important step not only for the long history of our brand in this geographic part of the world, but also for the recognition of the Saudi watch clients as the most demanding and faithful watchmaking connoisseurs”.