Luxury Watches Archives
For All Of You Luxury Watch Lovers!!
Because I'm an obssesive watch fanatic, I thought it would be fun to create a section that would be devoted strictly towards fine timepieces and luxury watches.
We will explore trends within the watch industry and dissect some of the most popular luxury brands, their timepieces, and the extraordinary movements and calibers they have created!
The New "Dressage" Watch by Hermes
Brand new for 2005, Fashion designer Hermes has reissued their latest watch offering dubbed the "Dressage". It is a beautifully elegant watch and is already a top pick for this year.
This absolutely gorgeous timepiece is available in Platinum or 18kt. Gold (Pink or White Gold) (40 mm) and is equipped with a Vaucher Calibre P1929 automatic movement. The watch features Hours, minutes, seconds, retrograde date, moon phases, 55-hour power reserve, sapphire crystal front and back, calf, alligator or crocodile strap with a deployant buckle, and is water-resistant to 50 metres.
With its tremendous aesthetic beauty, and exceptional movement (created by the same company who makes movements for Parmigiani watches) it is a steal of a deal at a mere.....$15,000 Suggested Retail!!!
Timex and Versace form Alliance
Timex Group has acquired Versace S.A., a subsidiary of Gianni Versace, with operations in Lugano, Switzerland. The division is the current watch, jewelry and writing instrument licensee of Gianni Versace. The division will be renamed as a result of the aquisition. There are no plans to relocate the company or reduce its existing workforce. Timex will continue to manufacture and distribute watches, jewelry, and writing instruments bearing the Versace trademark.
Luxury Brand Name Recognition and Major Cash Cow; a Marriage or Merger?
One of My Watch Favorites!
Truly one of my favorite dress watch picks from the worlds first manufacturer of automatic wristwatches; the revolutionary hand setting mechanism of the HARWOOD is unique and is still manufactured using the original construction methods employed in 1922. A crown which is normally used to wind a wristwatch is noticeably missing. The winding of the watch as well as setting the hands, is achieved by turning the fluted bezel. A colored visual indicator at the 6 o’clock position informs you whether the watch is operational or is in the adjusting mode.
.39mm. 18kt. Gold Louisiana Croco Strap
As homage to John Harwood on the the 80th anniversary of his patent of this legendary classic, The following patented milestone is printed on the dial of the new HARWOOD:
HARWOOD WATCH CO.
THE WORLD’S FIRST MANUFACTURER
OF AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCHES
PATENT NO. 106583 - 1924
Watch of the Year!!
Chopard's LUC 4R Quattro Regulateur was named "2004 Watch of the year" by judges from the European watch magazines Montres Passion and Uhrenwelt.
Here is the link.
TAG - Heuer Taps Maria Sharapova
TAG - Heuer recently pulled off a major coup by tapping 17 year old Tennis Pro and male magnet, Maria Sharapova to be its new female ambassador.
Sharapova puts her signature on the contract.
Sharapova's multiyear contract includes public relations, marketing, input for new product development, and advertising.
Check out this link and this link for more info.
TechnoMarine's New Diamond Watch
Just in From Rapaport
Watch brand TechnoMarine has released its TechnoDiamond Chrono Ceramique watch collection.
The collection is characterized by bright color ceramic straps and cases made from a new high-tech process used in advanced science and space technology. The new ceramic is a mixture of two metal powders heated to extreme temperatures, at which time color pigments are added. The blend is molded under tremendous pressure that results in a material virtually scratchproof, abrasion resistant and hypoallergenic. The watch bezel is set with 125 full-cut diamonds for a total carat weight of 0.96 carats.
High Quality Timepieces at Outstanding Prices!
One of the best kept secrets in the luxury watch industry are the incredibly beautiful, quality timepieces manufactured by Oscar Waldan of Waldan International Watches.
I myself recently stumbled across a write up on Mr. Waldan in one of the watch magazines and subsequently looked him up. He is located right here in N.Y.C. and is very close to our offices and showrooms in the heart of the N.Y.C. Diamond District!
Let me tell you; this guy is the real deal. He is one of the last of a dying breed of "watch purists/manufacturers" who have not sold out to the big luxury groups, but are keeping their manufacture completely in house. His knowledge and expertise in the art of fine watchmaking is tremendous. His hand made watches are exquisite and boast of certified chronometere (Swiss) movements of the highest caliber, 18kt. precious gold and platinum cases of exceptional beauty, sapphire crystal, etc. etc.
Waldan Watch - Swiss Certified Chronometere in Solid Gold
You would also be astounded by the excellent prices for his watches which I personally found to be the absolute best for watches of this caliber.
If you're like me and you love fine watches; you must check this guy out!
Actor, Pilot John Travolta Teams With Breitling For 2005
Marking the first time that Luxury Watch Mfgr. Breitling will team with a celebrity in its advertising; they have chosen A-list Actor (and appropriately..Pilot) John Travolta to appear in their global advertising campaign for 2005.
Read the full article here.
Actor John Travolta
Breitling Watch
Musician Harry Connick Jr. to Promote Longines
MARCH 03, 2005-- National Jeweler- -- Musician and actor Harry Connick Jr. is Longines' newest "Icon of Elegance" brand ambassador.
Harry Connick Jr.
"Evidenza" by Longines
According to the Longines Elegance in America Survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, the jazz musician and crooner is one of the most elegant men in the country. The consumer survey, which revealed Americans' definitions, thoughts and feelings about elegance, named Connick as one of the modern embodiments of elegance. As a result, Longines worked out an agreement with the jazz superstar and movie actor to become its newest Icon of Elegance.
"I was surprised to learn that Americans perceive me as elegant. I have always thought that respecting others is really important and treating people with a sense of dignity is a reflection of how you feel about yourself," Connick says.
Piaget Watches; The Picture Of Elegance
Every time I see a Piaget Watch, I literally get the chills!
Their breathtaking timepieces incorporate a fusion of high horology, precious metals, and aesthetic brilliance.
Here is a sample of one of their gorgeous watches.
Bold and Beautiful!
You can visit their website at www.piaget.com
Diamonds and Watches: The Theme Continues.
Luxury watches that contain diamonds is a theme that never goes out of style. The latest entry has been introduced by Tiret who have teamed up with diamond firm Inter Gems-Claes to incorporate up to 26.5 carats of EXIRE diamonds to Tiret's wristwatch. Inter Gems-Claes, a Diamond Trading Company sightholder, has delivered diamonds for international jewelers and watch manufacturers for more than 100 years.
Damon Dash and Daniel Lazar launched Tiret New York in 2003 and the company calls its newest collection "an illustration of the way each Tiret timepiece ensures top performance and perfection".
I didn't know that adding diamonds to a watch guaranteed accurate time but it is great eye-candy. So who cares if the wearer doesn't give you the time of day! My Mickey Mouse bezel with plastic strap gets me to work on time...I think?
Swiss Watch Exports Up, Up, Up!!
The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) announced that the value of Swiss watches exported for the first six months of this year topped $4.34 billion, rising 11 percent over the same period last year and exceeding forecasts.
Finished watches constituted the bulk of that growth, FH reports. The value of finished Swiss watch exports reached $3.95 billion for the six-month period, growing 12.3 percent compared to the same period in 2004.
Gold watches represented nearly half that growth by value and comprised 20.3 percent of finished Swiss watch exports for the period. Bimetallic watches, which represented 20.9 percent of the period's finished watch exports, and steel watches, which comprised 8.2 percent, were also credited with fueling finished Swiss watch exports' growth in value for the first half of the year.
In terms of market share, the United States remained Switzerland's largest importer of Swiss watch and clock products, taking $740.1 million in value for the six-month period, up 14 percent over last year. Hong Kong, Japan, Italy and France rounded out the top five markets for Swiss watch and clock exports for the first half of 2005.
Piaget Watches Are Hot in Malaysia!!!
Rapaport NewsWire reports that Swiss watch and jewelry house Piaget, expects to see a sales growth of 15 percent in Malaysia in 2005.
Sales have grown by 10% in the past four years.
Piaget has been in Malaysia since 1992 and currently has one boutique and four retail outlets, Including Cortina Watch and Sincere Fine Watches. All of them are in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia is an interesting market for Piaget because of the potential growth in Piaget's product range with a price tag of $478 and above.
This was the reason why Piaget chose to unveil its new range of products in Malaysia, with next stop would be in Singapore. In Malaysia, 60 percent of the company's customers are local, while the remaining 40 percent are tourists.
Asia as a whole is Piaget's biggest market with Japan as the main market, followed by United States and West Asia.
Cartier to Open Watch Boutiques In India
Luxury watchmaker, Cartier, is planning to set up an exclusive watch boutique in India.
Tankissimme Watch by Cartier
The launch of ‘Tankissime,’ an exclusive collection of Cartier jewelry and watches, the new boutique would be located in either Mumbai or Delhi in the near future. At the two day ‘Tankissimime’ exhibition, Cartier showcased its collection of jewelry watches including diamond studded steel watches and diamond studded gold watches.
The market in India for luxury watches is picking up. In the last three years, Cartier has witnessed a 30 to 50 percent growth rate in sales and the company expects the trend to continue. To date, the luxury watchmaker has 15 retailers in eight cities in India.
You've Got The Money: Which Luxury Watch Do You Want?
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Do you know what it is?
______________________________________________________
A recent survey of luxury consumers finds that Jaeger-LeCoultre is their top pick among high-end watches.
The Luxury Institute, a research group focusing on America's wealthiest 10 percent, polled more than 430 households with a minimum net worth of at least $750,000 (including home equity) and at least $200,000 in gross annual income, according to a release from the group.
Jaeger earned 78 out of a possible 100 points in the institute's Luxury Brand Status Index, which grades brands using four criteria: exclusivity, consistently superior quality, the ability to make consumers "feel special" and the extent to which a brand confers enhanced social status onto the consumer.
Jaeger-Lecoultre Sports Watch: Only $11,500
"Jaeger-LeCoultre's top rating is important because the brand competes in a very crowded category that has many, many highly rated brands," said Luxury Institute CEO Milton Pedraza in the group's statement. "Wealthy consumers who know the brand rated Jaeger-LeCoultre by far the most unique and exclusive brand. The brand also achieved the highest rating as a watch used by those people who are admired and respected by the wealthy."
Though many other luxury watch brands are better-known, according to the Luxury Institute, Jaeger outranked 27 other high-end watch brands respondents could choose from: Baume & Mercier, Bedat & Co., Bertolucci, Boucheron, Breguet, Breitling, Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel, Chopard, Christian Dior, Concord, Corum, David Yurman, Dunhill, Ebel, Girard-Perregaux, Gucci, Movado, Omega, Oris, Rado, Rolex, TAG Heuer, Tiffany, Tissot and Zenith.
Ladies and Gentlemen, The line forms to the right and have your money ready, please!
Vacheron Constantin Voted #1 Watch.
Vacheron Constantin's "Turn of the Island," took the top prize at the fifth annual Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genéve 2005 held in Geneva on Nov. 10.
Vacheron Constantin Watch.
The Vacheron Constantin watch, which celebrates the brand's 250th anniversary, won the L'Aiguille d'Or and is considered the most complicated wristwatch ever produced in the world. An international jury comprising watchmaking experts, journalists, retailers and historians selected the winning watches.
TAG Heuer's "Diamond Fiction" watch tied with a watch by Van Cleef & Arpels called "Secrets" for the ladies' watch prize. Other winners at the Grand Prix include: Breguet's "Tradition Breguet 7027," jury prize; F.P. Journe Invenit and Fecit's "Sovereign Chronometre," favorite men's watch; Hublot's "Big Bang" white ceramic, favorite designer watch; Patek Philippe's "ref. 5959P," favorite watch with complication; DeWitt's "The Differential Swirl Academia," favorite watch with technical innovation, Jaeger-LeCoultre's "Master Compressor Extreme World Chronograph," favorite sports watch; Cartier's “Diagonal,” public's prize and Franck Muller's "7885 RMT QP," for Middle East Public's Prize.
Wanna Buy A Nice Watch?
Holiday season pickings:
Baume & Mercier
Boucheron
Concord La Scala
Jeager-Lecoultre Mens
Wear This Watch And Feel Calmer???
Audience members who attended the live taping of Monday's Oprah show went home with a diamond Philip Stein Teslar watch worth $1,795.
Host Oprah Winfrey gave away the watches as part of her annual "Oprah's Favorite Things" holiday show. Other 2005 items on the TV icon's list include a Burberry coat and purse, Garrett Popcorn Shop's CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn tins and Fox & Obel Market's Oatmeal Cookie Dough.
Monday's plug marked the second time Winfrey featured a watch by Philip Stein Teslar on her list of favorites. In addition to mentioning the watch on the show, the Oprah Web site directs consumers to NeimanMarcus.com to buy the timepiece. By Tuesday morning, the retailer Web site reported $100,000 in sales of the watch since the show aired, according to Philip Stein Teslar spokeswoman Shaye Strager.
The watches endorsed by Winfrey have integrated active Teslar technology. The company claims it reinforces the human body's electromagnetic field with a natural earth signal to bring calm and relaxation to the wearer.
About the technology
• Copy provided by Philip Stein Teslar watches.
• Every Philip Stein® timepiece has integrated active Teslar® technology designed to reinforce the human body's electromagnetic field with a natural earth signal associated with calm, meditation, relaxation, and enhanced performance.
• Experience the Teslar® Effect and let yourself feel more relaxed, more rested and less tense.
About the watch
• 12mm interchangeable black satin strap.
• Stainless steel case with pavé diamonds.
• 0.5 total carat weight.
• Black dial with marked "12" and "6" numerals.
• Curved mineral crystal with frosted treatment; scratch resistant.
• Two quartz movements.
• Water-resistant up to 3 ATM or 100 feet.
After you get this watch, call me: I've got another great buy for you: a bridge in Brooklyn.
Ebel Watch New Ad Campaign. WOW!
Luxury watch brand Ebel has announced that supermodel Gisele Bündchen will represent the brand in Ebel's new "Architects of Time" global advertising campaign.
"A born show-stopper who lights up fashion shows and magazines all over the world, Gisele perfectly embodies Ebel's vision of feminine confidence, sophisticated elegance and sultry allure," the company said in a release.
The model isn't the first runway-strutter to represent Ebel, as the brand has featured supermodel Claudia Schiffer in its advertising since 2004. Ebel says the worldwide campaign starring Bündchen is set to launch in leading media in April 2006.
"Gisele is ideal for our brand—her global reach makes her instantly recognizable and respected, and she reflects Ebel's international appeal," said Thomas van der Kallen, Ebel president, in the statement. "Her presence in our advertising will build on the highly successful campaign launched in fall 2004, and add breadth to our brand identity."
Are you kidding me? Who cares about the watch?!
Do You Have $300,000 Handy? Then This Watch Is For You!
Sotheby's will put one of the most important double-dialed pocket watches ever manufactured onto the auction block at its "Important Watches and Wristwatches" sale May 16 in Geneva.
The George Thompson pocket watch by Patek Philippe is a minute-repeating pocket watch made for Thompson in 1914. The piece features two dials displaying perpetual calendar, moon phases and split seconds chronograph with register. The timepiece is expected to fetch $300,000 to $450,000 when the gavel falls.
Only $300,000-450,000!
"Complicated double-dialed watches by Patek Philippe are exceptionally rare and little more than a handful are known," Alexander Barter, head of Sotheby's Geneva watch department, said in a release issued Friday. "The George Thompson watch, which remains in outstanding condition, retains its original wooden fitted presentation case and certificate and is offered by the direct descendants of George Thompson, an Anglo-American press editor who made his career in the United States. We are delighted to be offering for sale this historic and important watch, 92 years after its original creation."
Porsche Design Focusing On Watches!
Combining a sports car's 'elan with the precision of swiss watchmaking, Porsche Design is quickly maneuvering into the retail watch market.
Introduced on a limited basis at BaselWorld 2004, the Porsche Design Indicator P'6910 has now reached mass production maturity. The watch had its U.S. launch with much fanfare at a press conference at New York's Tourneau Time Machine, complete with overhead screen to show its complex mechanics.
Awesome Watch!
Guess Where You Can Buy Diamonds & Jewelry? You Won't Believe It!
Idex Research today reports that Specialty jewelers who lament that they are losing sales to discounters, department stores, and many other retail categories are correct. Just-released information from the U.S. Department of Commerce reveals that for every specialty jeweler in the U.S., there are three other merchants – whose primary business is not jewelry – who are also selling diamonds, precious metals, and other goods that have traditionally been the domain of specialty jewelers.
There are just over 128,000 retailers in the U.S. who sell jewelry in their stores, according to the latest Business Census data from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Roughly 28,000 of those stores, or about 22 percent of all jewelry retail outlets, are specialty jewelers; the others represent a wide variety of retail categories including department stores, general merchandise stores, warehouse clubs, apparel retailers, non-store retailers, and a number of other specialty retailers. The graph below illustrates the mix of specialty jewelers to total retailers of jewelry in the U.S.
Stores Selling Jewelry by Category
Percent of Total of 128,000 Stores
Source: Dept. of Commerce
Because jewelry is such an attractive industry – gross margins are healthy and the long term characteristics of demand are positive – there are many merchants who are trying to sell jewelry.
Further, as a result of few barriers to entry, retailing attracts a large number of merchants who will try to sell anything to make a profit.
The bad news for specialty jewelers is that they are losing market share to those merchants whose business is not primarily selling jewelry. Over the past decade, specialty jewelers’ market share in the U.S. has dropped from about 50 percent to just over 47 percent, as the graph below illustrates.
There may be some surprises among the list of retailers who are gaining – and those who are losing – market share in the jewelry category. As expected, non-store retailers have among the strongest growth of any retail category. Stores that retail sporting goods, hobby supplies, books, and music (a single category, according to the Department of Commerce) have also posted strong jewelry sales gain, though this category generated an aggregate of just over $100 million in sales. That was just enough to be included on the Idex list, which analyzes only retail categories with $100 million or more in annual jewelry sales.
A graph of those retail categories that are gaining market share and those which are losing market share is shown below. These are all of the retail categories which report that they have $100 million or more of jewelry sales annually.
U.S. Specialty Jewelers’ Market Share
Source: Dept. of Commerce
Who Is Taking Jewelry Market Share?
Sales Growth over Past Ten Years by Retail Category
In addition to the list of logical purveyors of jewelry, there are a number of surprises on this list of jewelry outlets. For example, the Commerce Department’s Business Census, lists 117 stores which primarily sell beer and wine that also sell jewelry. You can gas up your car at 178 gasoline stations that also sell jewelry. In addition, there are about 385 convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven) which sell jewelry; 1,210 book stores sell jewelry; and, 37 pet stores also sell jewelry. In the prior Business Census (1997) about 85 automobile dealers also sold jewelry; by 2002, however, those car dealers apparently had stopped selling gemstones and watches.
Here’s an exhaustive list of all merchants who sell jewelry, but whose primary product line is not jewelry.
* Furniture & furnishings stores
* Consumer electronics stores
* Appliance stores
* Home centers, including building materials, lawn & garden supplies, nurseries, farm supply and hardware stores
* Grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores
* Fruit, vegetable, confectionery, and nut stores
* Beer, wine, and liquor stores
* Cosmetics, beauty supplies, and perfume stores
* Optical goods stores
* Gasoline stations
* Clothing stores, including men’s wear, women’s wear, children and family clothing, shoe stores, and infants’ stores
* Luggage and leather goods stores
* Sporting goods, hobby, and musical instrument stores
* Sewing, needlework, and piece goods shops
* Book stores, news dealers, college book shops
* Music stores
* Department stores
* Warehouse clubs
* Variety stores
* Florists
* Office supply, stationery, and gift shops
* Used merchandise stores (pawn shops are included in this category)
* Pet stores, art dealers, tobacco stores
* Electronic shopping and mail-order retailers
* Vending machine operators and direct selling, including in-home sales
David Yurman Jewelry: Evolution of a Jewelry Designer.
The Orlando Sentinel has an interesting feature on David Yurman today.
David Yurman jewelry is like your favorite blue jeans -- only much more expensive. The jewelry is "comfortable," says Yurman, 63, who recently visited his new boutique, which rubs shoulders with Cartier and Tiffany in Orlando's Mall at Millenia.
The jewelry is also versatile, he says. "You can wear it anywhere, day to evening." Just like blue jeans.
It wasn't always that way with jewelry. Before the 1980s, when Yurman's now-iconic cable bracelets became the most coveted, and copied, arm candy in the United States, there were two kinds of jewelry: Costume for everyday wear, and fine jewelry for special occasions.
The relaxed elegance of Yurman's designs bridged the divide. The jewelry is classic but with a modern twist that gives it go-anywhere elan.
Fashioned from gold and silver, many pieces also feature coral and turquoise, a sparkling array of gemstones and Yurman's current favorite, South Seas pearls. Signature motifs include a squared "cushion" shape, a hook-and-eye closure and the widely recognized twisting "cable" pattern.
The designs are "a combination of art, fine jewelry and fashion," says Yurman, who wears several of his creations: A ring, a bracelet and a square-faced watch.
Dressed all in black, his thick white hair swept straight back, his chin fashionably stubbled, he looks every inch the artist from Tribeca, the New York neighborhood where he and his artist wife, Sylvia, live and work.
Before designing jewelry, Yurman was a sculptor, hanging out with prominent Beat artists of the 1960s; writer Norman Mailer, painter Franz Kline, sculptor Ron Boise.
"I did these funny little silver angels," he says.
It was one of those angels, fashioned into a belt buckle, that sparked his career as a jewelry designer.
The buckle was a gift to Sybil, his girlfriend at the time. She wore it to an art opening, where it caught the eye of the gallery owner. He asked if it was for sale. Yurman said no, but Sybil said yes -- and within weeks they found themselves in the jewelry business.
Ever since, they've had good-luck angels perched on their shoulders. Their collections are in more than 450 stores around the world, and David Yurman is one of the best-known luxury brands on the planet.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Barbra Streisand wear the jewelry; Steven Spielberg and Kevin Spacey the watches; hip-hop moguls Jay-Z and Damon Dash the men's designs. Their ad campaigns have featured models Amber Valetta and Kate Moss, and the company's newest "face" is Naomi Watts -- who recently flashed Yurman earrings of rose quartz and diamonds at the Oscars.
Orlando real estate agent Virginia Morales, 49, collects Yurman bracelets. "I wear three, four at a time," she says. "My husband always knows what to give me for my birthday, anything David Yurman."
Since founding their company in 1980, the Yurmans have worked as a team.
"I have the vision; I design the collections," explains Yurman. "My wife does the styling and merchandising."
Their son, Evan, is part of their ever-expanding creative team. And let's not forget the lawyers.
The couple's designs, which range from about $300 for a simple bracelet to more than $7,000 for a multistrand couture necklace, are among the most copied in the world. Yurman is not flattered by imitators and spends $1 million a year protecting his brand.
"Copying is stealing," he says. People who wear copies are deceptive. "And that's not cool."
Worse, he says, they are supporting counterfeiters who may pay no taxes, have ties to illegal operations or use child labor.
As his company grows, Yurman finds himself more in the role of executive than artist.
"It's less like playing an instrument, more like being the leader of the band," he says. "I'm about ready to do more art work."
But that is not likely to happen anytime soon. First, he plans to introduce a line of Yurman eyewear and a Yurman fragrance, followed by Yurman handbags and luggage.
No wonder he believes in angels.
Tiffany Sales Up, Profits Down.
Tiffany & Co.’s overall net sales in fiscal 2005 rose 9 percent to $2.4 billion, and profits fell 16.3 percent to $254.7 million.
Tiffany’s attributed the decline in profit to a one time gain in December 2004. In fiscal 2004, earnings in the fourth quarter and year benefited from a pre-tax gain of $194 million as a result of the company's sale of its shares in Aber Diamond Corporation.
Retail sales in the United States rose 9 percent to $1.2 billion during the fiscal year, same-store sales rose 7 percent (branch store sales rose 7 percent and New York flagship store sales rose 5 percent.) Tiffany’s attributed comparable store sales growth to higher spending per transaction. Tiffany’s opened four stores stateside in 2005 and operated 59 Tiffany & Co. stores by year-end 2005.
More Women Are Buying Luxury Watches
Men's fascination with watches has made timepieces crucial accessories for women who want to work in the "masters of the universe" business world. The watch is one of the first things that many men look at when introduced to someone new. They read it as an indicator of the kind of person they have in front of them.
As more women move up the ranks of business, and as their disposable income rises, the watch industry is racing to cater to their needs and desires. To succeed, brands must create luxury timepieces that express a woman's personality and savoir faire to both men and women.
Read a great article today on this topic here
Hey, Wanna Buy a Spiffy Watch? Read This!
Dazzling Diamond Watch
Put on your sunglasses before you ask her for the time.
Women have changed and it is reflected in their tastes and expectations in watches, observes Janek Deleskiewicz, Jaeger-leCoultre's artistic and design director.
And what they seem to want is more bling bling, if the Reverso Duetto Duo and Lady Jewellery are anything to go by.
Like the original, the Duetto is targeted at the busy jet-setting woman with “timezone leaping lives”, as the Jaeger-leCoultre spiel goes. Hence, it offers local time on the front dial and a second timezone on the back.
The additional sparkle is for added “glamorous expression”, explains Deleskiewicz.
“The size has changed (the case is bigger) and the setting too with 64 diamonds,” he added, which is double the number of the old Duetto which he designed in 1997.
“That’s because we have diamonds on both faces. In the past, women didn’t want to wear their Duetto with diamonds all the time (so there were only 32 diamonds on the second dial). But now they expect it because fashion has changed – you see jeans with silk, leather for all sorts of different styles, inner clothes become outwear....
“To me, women are saying: This is my personality and my life and I’ll wear diamonds any time I want because I am responsible for myself.”
Deleskiewicz has also further feminised the Duetto by setting the art noveau floral numerals on a delicate engraving of sunrays.
All that prettiness takes nothing away from the solid technology that drives the watch. The back-to-back dials with a double set of hands, turn in opposite directions, driven by the same Jaeger-leCoultre 854 mechanical movement set in 8-carat pink, yellow-or white-gold case of exquisite craftsmanship.
For the Lady Jewellery, 28 diamonds in two lines adorn the first dial where blue-steel hands sweep over floral numerals replacing the plain, more masculine numerals of the earlier Reverso Lady.
Since the reverse side of the case is plain, the wearer can personalise the space with a wide choice of engravings.
Luxury Watches Coming To China.
To seize on a Chinese luxury retail market that is fast becoming red-hot, U.S. watch retailer Tourneau has formed a partnership with Hong Kong's Peace Mark Limited and International Watch Group to open stores in greater China, the companies announced.
Under the brand name Tourneau, the new joint company, which has been christened Peace Mark Tourneau Holdings Ltd., will open high-end stores in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. The first two stores will be in Shanghai, with a third in Beijing. All told, the company plans to open 30 stores in China within the next five years, a figure that nearly rivals Tourneau's presence in the United States.
Patrick Chau, chairman of Peace Mark, said the Chinese watch market saw $3.8 billion in sales last year, and that Swiss watches accounted for $2.1 billion of the total sales. The joint venture with Tourneau will lead to the opening of 13 stores in the People's Republic of China over the next few years.
"We are confident that in the next few years, as the luxury market for watches in China expands, we will have stores in China that rival the most successful stores in the United States," Chau said, adding that with the burgeoning number of wealthy Chinese consumers, the men's luxury market is particularly hot.
Tourneau operates 31 stores in the United States and the Caribbean and plans to add 14 additional stores in the United States this year, with new shops slated for King of Prussia, Pa., Naples and Aventura, Fla., Atlantic City, N.J., and more.
Sales at the privately-held company's U.S. retail stores were over 250 million. Selling and distributing more than 100 brands—including Jaeger-LeCoultre, Omega, TAG Heuer and Omega—the retailer's average ticket is about $3,250. Tourneau is heading to China with confidence.
Diamond & Jewlery at Retail: How Much Money Is Involved?
The US jewelry retail industry generates annual revenues of about $44 billion from 28,000 specialty, department, and discount stores. Specialty retailers hold about 50 percent of the market. Wal-Mart is the biggest jewelry retailer in the country, followed by Zale, the biggest specialty jeweler with over 2,000 stores and kiosks. The industry is highly fragmented: the top 10 jewelry chains hold less than 25 percent of the market. Other large specialty retailers are Tiffany and Sterling, the US branch of British jeweler Signet Group.
Jewelry sales depend partly on consumer income. Small jewelers can effectively compete with large chains because price isn't the main factor determining retail sales. Profitability depends on the volume of sales because sales costs are high and fixed. Because gross margins are very high, often 50 percent, mass merchants like Wal-Mart have taken market share by controlling costs and cutting prices.
Jewelry is often classified as bridal merchandise (engagement, bridal and anniversary rings - about 35 percent of the market); fashion jewelry (rings, bracelets, earrings, pins, gold chains); and watches, silver flatware, and other giftware. Diamond jewelry and loose diamonds account for the largest share of total jewelry store sales (46 percent); gold jewelry for 11 percent; colored gemstone jewelry (rubies, sapphires, emeralds, etc.) 9 percent; and watches 4 percent.
Rolex Watches Set Sales Records.
Watch auctioneer Antiquorum saw enthusiastic response to Rolexes in the first half of its "Mondani Collection of Rolex Wristwatches" sale in Geneva on Saturday.
Phase one of the two-part auction—whose second section will conclude in Geneva May 13—netted $3.676 million for Antiquorum including buyer's premium, according to a company release issued Sunday. All 152 lots were sold at 200 percent of their estimated value, with intense bidding from European and Asian buyers.
Ten lots fetched world-record prices. The sale's top lot, selling for a world-record price of $286,211 including buyer's premium, was Rolex's "Oyster Chronograph Antimagnetic" made in 1941. The rare stainless-steel watch, also dubbed the "Medical Chronograph" or "Stainless Steel Monoblocco" boasts a black dial, round button chronograph, register and pulsometer. The next-highest sale was $242,787 for Rolex's "Oyster Perpetual, Officially Certified Chronometer." Made in 1953, the gentleman's watch has a stainless steel "Jubilee" bracelet and features a triple date and moon phases.
In a separate sale on Sunday, "Important Collectors' Wristwatches, Pocket Watches and Clocks," Antiquorum made nearly $9.3 million from the sale of 88 percent of available lots, which fetched 100 percent by value. In its release, the auction house cited the "Mondani effect" on bidding, which catapulted the sale's Rolex lots to fetch value beyond their estimates.
This helped boost Rolex's "Milgauss Brown Dial Rolex" and "Oyster Perpetual" to world-record sales of $153,959 and $93,300, respectively. Top lot at the sale was Patek Philippe's "World Time" watch made in 1953, featuring a map of North America on its cloisonné enamel dial, which fetched $1.745 million.
$1.745 million!
Another sale record was for the Hamilton "Railway Special" pocket watch made in the 1940's. The piece sold for $64,050, the highest price ever paid for an American-made watch at auction.
The Railway Special: $64,050!
Chopard Watches: Quality Counts.
Reported by "The Nation":
At Chopard's watch and jewelry factory in Fleurier, Switzerland, a craftsman carefully places a tiny diamond onto a ring. He has a tray of diamonds before him and relies upon a microscope to assist in manual assembly work.
It is meticulous craftsmanship, requiring the highest technical skills and sharpest eyes. Beside him sit dozens of artisans, all involved in the delicate handiwork. If their eyes get tired, they have the luxury of relaxing them by gazing at the majestic Alps before them.
Indeed the Alps are the perk for some 600 workers at the watch and jewelry factory of Chopard. Unlike most other watchmakers and jewelers, Chopard seeks to be self-sufficient in components and parts so it can control the cost and quality of what goes into the final assembly of products. Its factory produces about 95 percent of all its parts for watches and jewelry.
Chopard is one of the few remaining family-owned businesses in the Swiss timepiece industry.
Company president Karl Scheufele said that the strength of his company was surely flexibility and ability to react quickly.
"This is especially helpful when there are dark clouds on the economic horizon, as now in Europe. Our products and company policies can adapt to the constantly changing socio-economic and political situation in any region immediately. As a result, we don't suffer as much as the big groups, and we don't have to suddenly panic and fire top management as some big groups do," he said.
"Our weakness is our capital, limited to the means of our company and family. We are not listed on any exchange, and we cannot depend on outside capital. This is why we have to grow step-by-step in production and distribution. For example, we only open five or six boutiques a year and not 50 at one shot. This is why we cannot grow as fast as we wish."
Like all Swiss watchmakers, Chopard, one of the makers of the most luxurious watches, with a company history dating back to 1860, has suffered from counterfeits. And the problem here is not about wristwatches costing $150, but fakes that can deceive a customer into shelling out $2,000.
"Most of them are made in China and Turkey, and the buyers don't know that until the watch malfunctions and they come to us. We have to tell them that we can't fix it as it's not our product. It causes great confusion," said Christine, one of the five members of the family that owns Chopard.
Reflecting her notion is the fact that at 95 boutiques, including one in Bangkok, Chopard timepieces command several thousand dollars, even if they're not a limited edition.
Ironically Asia, where most of the fakes are made, is becoming a high-potential market for the company. By country, the United States is Chopard's biggest customer, followed by France. Regionally, Europe is the top spot.
Amid stiff competition and the threat of counterfeits, Chopard has thrived by protecting its image, developing innovative designs and diversifying into jewelry.
"Happy Diamonds" is now the collection that is focusing attention upon the company. The watches have dazzled buyers with a double-layered crystal dial in which small diamonds are cleverly inserted and sealed.
Though introduced only 30 years ago, the jewelry business at Chopard now makes up half of the company's total sales, and all of its products come from its two plants in Geneva and Fleurier and one in Germany.
As long as affluent customers value uniqueness, Chopard will continue to prosper. It is one of the few family businesses in the Swiss watch industry, and it intends to stay that way.
Rado Watches Goes Culinary.
Rado has named celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa as its newest brand ambassador.
Rado watches appeal to chefs, including Matsuhisa, because of the scratch- and heat-resistant materials from which the timepieces are made, the company says.
"I am excited and honored to be a part of Rado," Matsuhisa says in a press release issued Tuesday. "In so many ways, the brand's ideals and my passions overlap, making this a great partnership."
The partnership between Rado and Matsuhisa, often just referred to as "Nobu," includes an abstract- and design-oriented photographic exhibition that will tour Rado retail outlets through the United States in 2007. For the exhibit, Matsuhisa created 10 dishes inspired by Rado timepieces and displayed them in a manner that resembled the design of the watch. Martyn Thompson photographed the collection.
A Los Angeles resident, Nobu Matsuhisa is the chef and proprietor of Nobu, Matsuhisa and Ubon restaurants, located throughout the world. Other Rado brand ambassadors include actresses Lisa Ray, Zha
Panerai Watches; Big, Bold, Beautiful???
In the heart of the New York City Diamond District where I work, dressing up in the latest fashion and attire is an integral part of the 'sale' for every diamond merchant and seller.
Owning and wearing an expensive luxury watch and timepiece, has always been a staple for the many merchants and diamond dealers that stroll the streets of the diamond district.
I myself, am somewhat of a watch fanatic and enjoy wearing an elegant timepiece (right now a Piaget Protocole on a leather strap).
Lately, I 've noticed a trend amongst my colleagues. It seems that more and more people are hooking up with the Panerai Watch as their staple timepiece.
Although incredibly popular, (even cultish) and boasting excellent design and manufacture, I have never been particularly smitten by this watch line simply because of its uber sized cases that look almost as if you are wearing a clock on your wrist!!
Nowadays though, I am seeing more and more of these watches adorning the wrists of many dealers and jewelers.
Panerai Timepieces seem to be peaking right now with everyone clamoring for one. The wholesalers on the street cannot keep up with the demand and the restriction of these timepieces from entering the gray market is quite impressive. This relationship between supply and demand is driving prices up, not to mention elevating its demand and cultish status amongst all watch brands.
I'm kinda on the fence here...
On the one hand I recognize the timeless quality and craftsmanship of the Panerai Watch.
However, I still think it's too big....certainly for formal attire....
Yes, it is big and bold......question is...is it beautiful?
Do I join the club and take the plunge for one of these watches...or do I continue to stay away..opting for something a bit more elegant???
Hmm...decisions.....decisions.....
For the moment, the hefty price tags for these watches proves to be an admirable force for maintaining the status quo..
...Hey, I've got an idea though....I'll swap a few beautiful diamonds for one of these timepieces!!
Sounds like a plan?
Anybody game?? :) :)
Iced Out Watches; For Men, Women, Or Both?
Hip hop music culture and their icons have created a new demand amongst fine watch collectors for what they call "iced out" watches.
These are incredibly ostentatious watches for men that are literally studded with hundreds of dazzling diamonds.
One of the more well known and recognized designers of "iced out" watches, is Jacob the Jeweler (Jacob Arabo). With his compelling rags to riches story, Jacob Arabo, the man behind the Jacob & Co. watch brand, has carved out a niche for himself as purveyor of diamond studded watches to the likes of P. Diddy and other stars of hip hop culture.
Another up and coming designer of bling bling diamond watches for men is the Tiret watch company in New York City.
Although diamond watches are nothing new for women, it is definitely gaining momentum with men of all ages and backgrounds.
Perellet Watches; A Lesson In Understated Elegance!
Nothing new to the luxury watch industry, Perellet watches has been producing masterpieces of the highest complications for hundreds of years.
Arguably the inventor of the first mechanical watch,
Abraham Louis Perellet began his watch making company
in 1777.
Read Perrelet's fascinating history here.
Perellet watches has now announced
that it is back in the United States with a small,
but impressive collection of modernized automatic watches.
Perrelet Watch
Ranging in price from approximately $3000 - to $97,500 (for a platinum cased flying tourbillon), the watches offer an updated look - large case and numbers and the fine workmanship for which the company is known.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch; A Perpetual Wonder!
Real watch enthusiasts (or as they like to call them "luxury timepieces") will argue that the Rolex Oyster perpetual is just a B-llSh-- watch for too much money. I consider this watch one of the most elegant and timeless masterpieces in the world of horology.
The proof of this irrefutable fact, is that Rolex watches have traditionally been the most replicated watches on the market..with thousands of fakes flooding the market each year.
There is an old saying that "failure" is an orphan, but sucess spawns many children"
While many watch companies lay claim to the "best" watch, most "complicated" movement, etc... Rolex, has been (and will continue) to be a force in the world of fine horology for many years to come.
Luxury Watch Seller Tourneau Knows What Time It Is
National Jeweler reports that Watch retail giant Tourneau has announced Wednesday that it has agreed to be acquired by an investor group led by Green Equity Investors IV for more than $300 million. The group includes members of the Wexler family, which currently owns Tourneau, and members of Tourneau's senior management team.
The transaction is expected to close next month. Current CEO Robert Wexler will now serve as chairman of the board, while Howard Levitt will continue as president and add the new title of CEO. Tourneau's current senior management team will remain fully intact.
"We are pleased to partner with one of the nation's preeminent private equity firms," Wexler said in a statement. "This transaction allows the Wexler family to retain significant ownership and continue our active role in the business that we have owned since 1975. The ability to preserve the company's highly successful strategy was an important element in our selection of Leonard Green as our partner."
Green Equity Investors is an affiliate of Leonard Green & Partners, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm specializing in management buy-outs, going-private transactions and recapitalizations of established public and private companies. Managing approximately $3.7 billion of private equity capital, its portfolio companies include several other retail heavyweights: the Neiman Marcus Group, The Sports Authority, FTD Group, Rite Aid Corp. and Leslie's Poolmart.
Meanwhile Tourneau says its recent expansion plans will continue apace.
"We have great plans to expand the Tourneau business over the next decade and to continue as the leader in the luxury timepiece market," Levitt said in the statement. "As a result of Tourneau's 100-plus year history, continued backing from the existing shareholders and the support of a private equity firm with extensive retail experience, the company is well-positioned to achieve these plans. We think this is a tremendous partnership."
The pending buyout comes at a time of rapid expansion for Tourneau, both domestically and abroad. In the United States, the company recently opened its 33rd retail store at the Pier at Caesars in Atlantic City, N.J. It was the company's seventh U.S. store opening this year. In April 2006, Tourneau announced its retail partnership with Swatch Group through which it will open watch stores in premium outlet malls across the United States.
In addition, Tourneau recently opened two stores in Shanghai through its joint venture with the Peace Mark Group. Tourneau is forecasting net sales in excess of $300 million for the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2007.
Tourneau is currently #22 on NATIONAL JEWELER's $100 Million Supersellers list ranking the nation's largest retailers of fine jewelry based on sales volume. Established in 1900, Tourneau sells new and pre-owned watches retailing more than 100 well-known brands, including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Omega, Breitling, TAG Heuer as well as its own Tourneau brand, in more than 8,000 unique styles. It is recognized by the by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest watch store in the world.
Would You Buy A Diamond Engagement Worn By A Celebrity?
Good Question. Would you be influenced?
While luxury brands are eager to get celebrities to show off their goods, the impact may be negligible, according to a new study. In fact, the survey found celebrity endorsements are twice as likely to backfire as they are to produce immediate sales results among wealthy consumers.
The Wealth Report, compiled by the Luxury Institute, finds only one percent of wealthy consumers (median income of $250,000 and net worth of $1.5 million) will buy a luxury product based on an endorsement from a celebrity. Only five percent say endorsements would increase their consideration of such purchases.
Of those surveyed, 13 percent would definitely not consider a celebrity-endorsed luxury product, and 63 percent said celebrity endorsements do not affect their decision-making at all.
But the report finds celebrity endorsements do raise awareness of luxury products and services. Of those surveyed, 18 percent said celebrity endorsements help them become aware of luxury offerings.
In terms of products, celebrities have the greatest power in promoting fashion designers, with 30 percent of those surveyed admitting celebrity influence in this category.
Holiday Gift Spending To Increase, Says Report.
Shoppers buying gifts this holiday season will spend an average of more than $1,000 each, according to a new study from Unity Marketing.
This represents an 8 percent increase over last year's average holiday gift budget of $928.
So far this year, consumers have spent an average of $1,034 on gifts, 20 percent more than last year, according to Unity Marketing's quarterly "Gift Tracker" survey, which monitors gift givers' purchases.
If consumers continue buying gifts at this rate, average gift-spending could exceed $2,250 for the entire year, a 12 percent increase over last year. A quarter of consumers polled have already spent $169 on Christmas gifts, according to the survey.
Unity Marketing expects top gift categories to include gift certificates; gourmet gifts like wine, spirits and chocolate; and "little luxuries" like soaps, candles and home fragrances.
The Gift Tracker survey takes quarterly polls of 800 gift-buying consumers, tracking what gifts they have purchased, why they purchased the gifts and where they bought them.
Guess Watches Supports Breast Cancer Awareness
Guess is raising awareness for breast cancer with this outstanding new watch!
Breast Cancer Awareness Watch. Silver steel round casing encrusted with clear and pink Swarovski crystals. Silver face textured with silver ribbon insets and one pink stone encrusted ribbon at the bottom. Multi-function dial. Pink silicone bracelet band with safety clasp. GUESS is proud to donate 20% of the retail sales price of this watch to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for each piece purchased by the customer. Domestic and/or imported.
10194L $100.00
Derek Jeter Scores with Movado's New 800 Series Watch
Yankees star Derek Jeter introduced the new Movado Series 800 Chronograph at a recent event held at Macy's Herald Square flagship store in Manhattan.
The New Movado Series 800
Jeter is currently featured in the company's new "Art of Performance" ad campaign, developed exclusively for the Series 800 collection.
In addition to launching the new timepieces, the event also kicked off a month-long initiative to support Jeter's "Turn2 Foundation," which he founded to create and support activities and programs that motivate youth to "turn to" a healthy lifestyle, academic achievement and leadership development, and away from things like drugs and alcohol.
Movado has been donating $100 to the charity for every Series 800 sold at the Macy's Herald Square store during the month of November.
Fans and watch aficionados packed the store to meet Jeter and to receive a Movado Series 800 baseball cap. Those who purchased the new watches were invited to attend a private cocktail reception where they had a chance to chat with Jeter one-on-one.
Movado President Jeff Cohen, Derek Jeter and Movado CEO Efraim Grinberg at Movado's Series 800 Chronograph launch at Macy's Herald Square.
The series is built to handle the most extreme sports activity, with features and characteristics that include a screw-down crown and case back to assure water resistance to 200 meters, a unidirectional timing bezel, and luminous markers and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for optimum dial legibility.
The Series 800 Chronograph features Performance Steel cases and Thermo Resin pushers. It is available with a yellow, white, black, blue or red dial, on either a Performance Steel bracelet or Thermo Resin strap. The suggested retail prices for the watch are $1,300 for the bracelet version and $1,000 for the strap version.
I've Got My Eyes On This Watch!
I love this watch from Waldan International.
Cool New Concept For A Luxury Watch!
The disinfectant hygenic "Karrusel" watch by St. Gallen
Just when you thought the word "techno" and "geek" would never seep into the world of luxury watches, think again!
Techno geeks rejoice!
This company has created a luxury watch that disinfects itself???
No need for this on your watch, when your watch can do it for you..
Not even sure myself...take a look.
Journe Wins Top Watch Prize, Again!
The luxury watch business awarded its top 2006 awards in November at the garnd Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve ceremonies in Geneva. The competition is open to all watch brands and companies. Some 1500 guests attended the gala event at the Grand Theatre.
The top prize, the Prix de l'Aiguille d'Or (the Golden Hand award), again went to Geneva watchmaker Francois- Paul Journe for his Grande Petite Sonnerie Souveraine timepiece (with quarter, hour, and minute repeater). The timepiece caps six years' developement, and its complex but durable mechanism has 10 patents.
Grande Petite Sonnerie Souveraine
For an in depth tutorial and virtual tour on the makings of this complicated and beautiful timepiece by Journe, click here.
Jeter Launches Movado Series 800 Chronograph
Baseball superstar Derek Jeter, of the New York Yankees, recently hosted the launch of Movado's new series 800 Chronograph at Macy's Herald Square flagship store in N.Y.C.
Fans and watch enthusiasts lined the aisles to get a Movado series 800 baseball cap and to shake hands with Jeter.
Those who bought a series 800 watch that day were invited to a private cocktail reception with Jeter.
The event also kicked off a monthlong charitable initiative by Movado for Jeters Turn2 foundation.
Chopard Moving To Bigger NYC Space
Chopard, the 147-year-old family owned watch and fine jewelry company, will open its new international flagship boutique at 709 Madison Avenue, New York City (not too far from where we are in the heart of the NYC Diamond District) in the fall of 2007.
Chopard's current NYC flagship home.
The new store, in a corner location at 63rd street, will have more than triple the retail space of the current boutique at 725 Madison Avenue and will be one of the largest Chopard boutiques worldwide.
Renowned architect and interior design hall of fame designer Thierry W. Despont has been commissioned for the project. "It is a spectacular space on one of the most important retail corners in New york City," described Marc Hruschka, Chopard's president and CEO.
Most Expensive Watches
Since I absolutely love watches, I figured I'd post this link to the Forbes selection of the most expensive watches.
I was thrilled to see the inclusion of a few incredibly rare and complicated masterpieces by luxury watchmaker Jean Dunand
This complication watch by Jean Dunand, is absolutely "drool worthy"!
Unique Diamond Watches by Zandora
Breathtaking watch by Zadora
Stunning doesn’t even begin to cover the work of Andreas von Zadora-Gerlof and his latest jewelry creations, the Zadora timepieces. These amazing watches basically turn horology on its side. The time is read through on the side of the watch rather than the top. The dial rotates and the hand remains fixed. The winding and setting crown has a briolette cut diamond, the lugs are set with precious stones, and the time indicator is set with diamonds to mark the half hours. The hand wound movement, has a forty hour power reserve and is Swiss made.
Read the full article here.
Cool Binary Watch: For Geeks Only!
Last week, we blogged on the binary wedding band for geeks who need to get married.
Now you can own a binary watch, to make sure you get to the wedding on time ;-)!
This company, sells the Steel Goa Wave Binary Watch
which allows you to display your extreme math-cred just by wearing a cool watch!
Binary watch for geeks!
Impress friends and random strangers inquiring about the time as you decipher lit LEDs into hours and minutes (it's actually really simple to do, but no one else needs to know that).
With a bevel and face made of stainless steel, it comes with a soft genuine leather strap. It's packaged in a nice aluminum box that's stored in a glossy black cardboard box.
Another nice part about this watch is that the lights stay OFF until you hit the top button to light up the LEDs for about 5 seconds. So you're not walking around with a nonstop rave on your wrist--it's a nice touch.
The size of this was intended for guys, but girls can wear it if they use either of the last two holes. Girls with really small wrists might still find it too big though.
de Grisogono: Seven Years Of Innovation
Luxury watch brand de Grisogono is celebrating seven years of excellence in innovation and the art of creating magnificent and complicated luxury watches for the most discriminating consumers.
An excellent and in-depth article on these special timepieces is featured here.
Luxury Watch Lovers Rejoice!
Watch retailers and watch enthusiasts, rejoice!!
If you are a lover of fine timepieces as I am, you will be thrilled to learn that the Centre Culturel de la Haute Horlogerie, based in Geneva has added a monthly online watch magazine to its website!!!
This section will focus on all of the top luxury watch brands in the world, with excellent articles and information on the watches you love and the companies you admire!
Blancpain
Visit http://journal.hautehorlogerie.org and you will be in watch heaven!
Rare 1865 Luxury Watch Built From Bone!
A horological masterpiece, this pocket watch is from the Bronnikov family from Vjatka, Russia. The earliest model appeared in 1837 and was rumored to have been purchased by the future Czar, Alexander II. A tradition carried out through the 1800s into the early 20th century by Semyon's sons Mikhail and Nicolai - Producing only one watch per month with approximately 500 ever made, and of those only about 250 have survived today. More about the history below the actual watch photo
Pictured above, the 1865 'Bone Watch'. Double-body, hinged back cover, polished, bezels with turned ribs at the edges, a small circle in the center. Chain: single and double links, carved from bone, 8 mm ring-links. D. Bone with Arabic numerals on circular cartouches, subsidiary seconds. Bone hands. Made entirely made of bone with pinned bone bridges, excluding the main-spring, balance-spring and pivots, with going barrel, cylinder escapement with bone staff, plain bone three-arm balance, bone index regulator. Back cover signed in Cyrillic. Diam. 50 mm. Selling at auction in 2005 for over $25,000 USD.
Via Watchismo.
Bobby H Bobby Watches - Cool New Watches, Interesting Name!
The BOBBY H BOBBY watches, which, their creators say, “align classic design with an affordable industrial material,” have garnered so much attention since they burst onto the scene late last year, that they have already been featured in the Globe and Mail and Chatelaine magazine.
But until last year, Robert Herzig, 25, never thought that creating a new brand of watches was in the cards.
Robert Herzig "Bobby"
Since graduating from Dalhousie University with a degree in geology with a minor in business, Herzig has worked in the diamond industry.
“I studied with the GIA, the Gemological Institute of America, and I wanted to go – since I studied geology in university – into the diamond industry and the mining industry.”
He said that once school was over, he didn’t want to end up in the Northwest Territories, where Canada’s diamonds are mined.
“I got a job working as a diamond buyer for a wholesale jewelry company in Toronto. But I got bored with that because I was working in a vault. As you can imagine, a vault isn’t a fun place to work. There are no windows, no view,” he said with a laugh.
“She contacted me, knowing I was in the jewelry industry to see what could be done, and a couple days later, we realized we could do this.”
They launched their Toronto-based business in August and have been moving forward since then.
Via CJNEWS.
Rent a Luxury Timepiece and Look Like A Player...For A While!
Ever wonder what it would fee like to wear a really expensive watch?
Well now you can experience the thrill of wearing a watch that might very well cost more than your car! Simply rent it.
Watch My Wrist is a new website with a novel idea for all luxury watch lovers; why own it if you can rent it!
Solid Gold watch by Hermes
Let's say you have this really important meeting or interview where you have to make a really good impression. An expensive watch on your wrist will often speak louder than any words, to convey a specific and subtle message.
Now you can rent a watch for just this type of occasion!
This is a really cool idea!
Thanks to Cartoon Barry for sending me the link, via John Biggs at Crunch Gear
Chopard Celebrates Elton John's Birthday
New York—Loyal supporter of the Elton John AIDS Foundation since 1998, luxury jeweler Chopard has given the legendary performer a birthday card befitting his larger-than-life status.
Starting this week, the barricade outside the new Chopard International flagship boutique at 709 Madison Ave., scheduled to open this fall, will feature a "Happy Birthday" tribute to the celebrated musician and humanitarian.
Chopard designs and creates the EJAF chronograph watch collection in partnership with Sir Elton John and sells the watches in boutiques worldwide. Ten percent of the proceeds of each sale are donated to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Speaking of Elton John; he just performed in concert last night at Madison Square Garden in New York City in celebration of his 60th birthday.
I heard it was a sold out event and there are already some great reviews on the internet.
Antiquorum Buys TimeZone.com
Antiquorum, a leading horological auction house, has aquired timezone.com, the largest English-language community website for wristwatch enthusiasts and those seeking information about fine timepieces. TimeZone has over 45,000 registered users worldwide and gets almost 70,000 new posts and 9.5 million page views per month.
Bremont Swiss Watches Make A Splash.
Bremont is an all-new watch brand offering a range of highly-developed timepieces of exceptional quality. Each model is designed to exacting specifications, while possessing enduring aesthetic values.
Although Bremont watches are made using only the finest quality Swiss components and are hand-assembled by skilled watchmakers in a dedicated atelier in Biel-Bienne, they contain something which no comparable timepiece can match: an air of quintessential Britishness derived from the background of the brand's founders, brothers Nick and Giles English.
From the way they are advertising this watch line, it appears that these watches are waterproof and "grime proof"...
Take a look!
How Much Is Your Watch Worth? Check This Out!
Possibly a lot of money say Antiquorum.
Antiquorum's spring season got off to a running start, with four world records broken and nearly $7.2 million in sales achieved at its Important Collectors' Wristwatches, Pocket Watches & Clocks auction.
Nearly 400 online bidders were joined by others who bid by telephone, on-site and on commission. Bidders hailed from all corners of the globe, including Australia, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Taiwan and the United States. Of the 347 timepieces on the auction block, 119 percent were sold in terms of value and 88 percent were sold by lot, according to a press release issued after the auction, held Wednesday in New York.
The top lot of the sale, the Patek Philippe Ref. 5029, lot 343, fetched $590,800, which set a world record for that particular reference. Record sales were also achieved for the Patek Philippe Ref. 5013, lot 344, which sold for $523,600 and the Patek Philippe Ref. 3974, lot 113, which fetched $518,000 in the saleroom. Panerai also achieved a world record with lot 269, the "PAM 21," selling for $140,400.
Collectors also enthusiastically competed for Rolex wristwatches. Of note was lot 331, the so-called "James Bond" Submariner, which sold for $82,600. In addition, the Rolex "Comex" Submariner, lot 333, fetched $73,160, and lot 33, the so-called "Black Dial Pre-Daytona," Ref. 6238, achieved $88,500.
"The success for our first auction of 2007 is a clear indication of the strength of the U.S. watch market," Evan Zimmermann, director of Antiquorum USA, said in the release.
Check your wrist!
Richard Mille; Gorgeous Watches, Classy Guy!
Being that I am a huge fan of the incredibly beautiful luxury timepieces by Richard Mille, I was overjoyed when I came upon this thread by Paul Boutros in TimeZone with awesome pictures of a recent world class event with the Richard Mille brand, hosted by Antiquorum USA at their new "New York TimeZone" headquarters.
Not only are his watches special (gorgeous design elements and innovative complications), it seems the man behind the company is a class act as well!
Here is one of the pictures (there are many more on the link above) of Richard Mille himself at the event!
Chronodeco Watches
I just saw a really cool new concept in luxury timepieces, courtesy of Luxist.bligblog.
A small watch company called chronodeco, created by metallurgical engineer Craig Bergsma, features NOS (new old stock) movements. This means that all of the parts in the watch excluding the crystal and the strap have been in storage for at least 50 years and never used. Because the watches are composed of old stock there is always a limited edition of each version. The Positano, named for Bergsma’s recent trip to the Italian town, has a 38mm pink gold-filled case with deco designed lugs and a stainless steel snap back. There are just 20 watches available, 12 silver dials and eight black dials. Each one is numbered on the inside of the back and has a Certificate of Authenticity. The watches sell for $695 each. All of Bergsma’s previous editions have sold out quickly.
Watch's Couth - A Great New Luxury Watch Website
Watch's Couth is an online shop with the goal of allowing private customers as well as commercial players active in the watch sector to expose the watches they wish to buy or sell, in a simple and direct way, locally or around the world.
The aim of this Internet platform is to facilitate the purchase, sale and exchange of watches worldwide without regulating the payment process. The payment is not done over the Internet; users pay each other directly. It is possible to research watches according to brand, version, case, fastening, movement, limited series and price.
Brands include some of the top names, such as: Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Rolex, Chopard, Audemars Piguet, Franck Muller, Breitling, Cartier, Bulgari, Girard-Perregaux, Aerowatch, Ulysse Nardin, Tag Heuer, Zenith, Patek Philippe, Panerai, Longines, Ebel, Van Der Bauwede, Piaget, IWC, Blancpain, Baume & Mercier, Parmigiani Fleurier, Bell & Ross, Corum, Breguet, Hublot and JeanRichard.
An interesting tool for retailers wanting to promote sales or draw customers into their stores.
Source: Watch’s Couth
Soyuz Watches. From Russia With Love
One of my new favorite watches (;-) is the Soyuz tourbillion with the balance bridge in the form of a twin-head skeletonized eagle and with retrograde indicators of day and date.
Just a stunning watch!
The famous Russian Company “Rekord” Watch-Making Company” Ltd., SOYUZ brand owner and one of the leaders of the Russian watch market, has presented its brand at the International Watch Exhibition BASELWORLD 2006 upon the overwhelming success at the INHORGENTA 2006 Exhibition.
The deal with this company is that they promote their brand based on its interesting history.
It seems that a secret armory near Moscow was manufacturing limited series of SOYUZ watches by the order of Stalin in the 1940's. Soviet leaders were granted with Soyuz as a distinction.
Now they are marketing and pitching this aspect of the watches history as a way of capturing market share and opening the brand to regular consumers like us!
They even feature a watch collection called KGB. They ask you to purchase one and become a "KGB agent".
In fact, at their recent 2006 booth at the watch expo in Basel, they had an actor dressed up like Stalin showcasing the watches for the passing crowd!
Really cool stuff!
Here are the pics:
The Soyuz staff at the show.
Stalin wears Soyuz watches!
Interesting marketing for sure.
Let's see if it works.....
Here Is A Really Thin Watch For You!
From Appella watches this is the brand’s elite model.
The new Infinitus with a 0.98 mm Swiss movement housed in a case less than 3.5 mm thick is the slimmest 18K gold watch in the world. It has got scratch-resistant sapphire crystal case and is water resistant up to 30 meters.
The watch comes in yellow or white gold with a leather strap.
Hublot Makes a Big Bang Watch For 1 Million Dollars!
Whoa!!
One of the major watchmaking companies, Hublot, together with a diamond-setting workshop, Bunter SA, which designed and developed the Big Bang has just pushed the envelope a bit further with a stunning big bang watch coated with major bling bling!
The watch has a fully invisible setting so all that you really see are the diamonds...and they are everywhere!!
By using advanced technology the craftsmen were able to work magic with micro mechanics which allowed watch developers to work to the 1/100 degree.
Even though the timepiece involved a somewhat bulky monobloc construction in white gold, the jewelers effectively hid this feature with the splash of diamonds which becomes the center of gravity on this watch.
The tourbillon movement of the watch is amazingly inconspicuous under 493 Top Wesselton baguette diamonds of various sizes. The strap is made of the famous Hublot vulcanized rubber and the clasp is studded with diamonds.
It took the developers an incredible 2000 hours to create the Big Bang!
This included the design, planning, research, development, machine programming, the use of micro-precision tools, cutting diamonds as well as a visual examination of each diamond in part, setting and casing and fine-tuning.
Thinking about purchasing this one of a kind Hublot Big Bang diamond studded watch for a cool million?
Forget about it.
I Wish I Was At Basel For The Watch Show!
Right now I am sitting in my office wishing I was at Basel for the jewelry show going on right now...
Baselworld annual jewelry and watch show attracts some 90,000 people with about 2000 companies showcasing their wares!
This show is considered to be the Oscars for the luxury watch industry, with the finest watches, watch manufacturers, complications, and designs being showcased.
Special awards are given out for technological innovations, complications, and aesthetic designs.
I would get to gawk at such beautiful masterpieces as the Opus by Harry Winston....'Sigh'...
Opus.
The show started on April 13, and continues through the 19th.
Instead I have to sit in the N.Y.C. Diamond District and try to earn a living.....;-) ;-)
Oh well....maybe it's better I don't go to these things so I don't end up indulging in an expensive passion for fine watches...
From Basel. Own A Piece of The Titanic On Your Wrist!
One of the coolest watches to come out of the Basel show this week (Baselworld, is the watch and jewelry industry's largest annual trade fair) is a fabulous watch by Geneva watchmaker Romain Jerome SA.
He bills this masterpiece as his "Titanic-DNA" which uses Steel and coal from the Titanic that have been transformed into a new line of luxury wristwatches which claims to capture the essence of the legendary oceanliner which sank in 1912.
Romain Jerome holding the Titanic watch.
Romain Jerome said it purchased a piece of the hull weighing about 1.5 kg (3 pounds) that was retrieved in 1991, but declined to identify the seller. The metal has been certified as authentic by the Titanic's builders Harland and Wolff.
To make the watches, which were offered for sale for the first time in Basel for between $7,800 and $173,100, the Swiss company created an alloy using the slab from the Titanic with steel being used in a Harland and Wolff replica of the vessel.
The Titanic Watch!
Gorgeous Watches at BaselWorld!
Some of the watches coming out of Basel this year are just absolutely breathtaking!!
Here are two particular designs that had me gasping for air.....
From Hamilton. This watch is solid gold and solid class!
Girrard P. Hit the "Jackpot" with this stunner!
Luxury Watch For Geeks!
Now here is a funky watch for you!
The strap is a continuous stainless steel band that wraps around your wrist with a matrix of punched out holes. Beneath the surface are 29 super bright LED's which illuminate to indicate the time. There are 3 models available.
The watch's LED's animate in a cascade effect when showing the time. (Button B skips the animation & jumps straight to the time)
Source: Tokyo Flash
Gorgeous New Watch From Omega
Omega De Ville Central Tourbillon Co-Axial Chronometer
Absolutely stunning new watch from Omega, with an awesome complication!
Read about it (and see more pics.) here.
The "Internal Watch". For Those Who Don't Need The Time
What in the world is an "Internal watch"???
Designed by Leon Ransmeier for Vlaemsch ( ), this cocooned watch is encapsulated in leather rendering it non-functional as a timepiece. The designer explains, "The hidden watch transcends typical associations of status by isolating the emerging form rather than acting as a flashy signifier."
The watch is supposed to contain a fake Rolex.
Heck, for the $275 price tag, I think it's way overpriced.....
Think about it...a fake Rolex...and YOU CANNOT EVEN TELL THE TIME!!
What will they think of next.....not sure if this guy is creative..or stupid!
Via: Watchismo
Luxury Watches At Discounted Prices
A very reasonable luxury watch company for those who are working on a limited budget, is Saint Honore.
Their designs are kept current and up to date. They also feature some excellent complications.
I don't personally own a watch from this company, but I have seen quite a few of them, including at the jewelry show and they are very nice.
Price points are excellent too.
Stunning Watch From Tissot
This absolutely gorgeous watch from Tissot caught my attention:
The Sculpture wristwatch made of 18-carat rose gold is equipped with hand-winding mechanical movement. The timepiece also utilizes silver dial, silver Arabic indexes, small seconds sub dial at 6 o’clock, 42-hour power reserve with indicator between 9 and 11 o’clock and sapphire crystal. I liked it’s brown leather strap, it’s looking very nice.
The timepiece is water-resistant to 30 meters.
Via: Wrist Style
The New Altiplano Double Jeu Watch By Piaget
One of the most breathtaking new watches to come out of Basel this year, is the new "Aliplano Double Jeu" luxury watch by the legendary swiss watch company, Piaget.
Just looking at this beautiful watch is enough to put a person into cardiac arrest!!!....(even if you are not a watch afficianado!).
Such a gorgeous watch, they 'ought to put a Surgeon General's warning on the back of the case!!!
Here are the formidable specifications of this watch:
XL model
Two superimposed cases in 18-carat pink gold
Upper case:
silver-color dial,
black baton hour-markers,
baton hands
Case-back fitted with sapphire crystal revealing the movement
Functions: hour, minute, small seconds at 10 o’clock
Manufacture Piaget 838P ultra-thin mechanical hand-wound movement
Movement thickness: 2.5 mm
Number of jewels: 19
Cadence: 21,600 vph
Approximately 72-hour power reserve
Finishing: circular Côtes de Genève, stippled plate, bridges beveled and drawn with a file, blued screws
Second case:
blue dial
pink gold-color baton hour-markers
Baton hands
Functions: hour, minute
Manufacture Piaget 830P ultra-thin mechanical hand-wound movement
Movement thickness: 2.5 mm
Number of jewels: 19
Cadence: 21,600 vph
Approximately 72-hour power reserve
Finishing: circular Côtes de Genève, circular-grained main plate, bridges beveled and drawn with a file, blued screws
Case-back engraved with the Piaget coat-of-arms
Brown alligator leather strap
18k pink gold folding clasp
Ref. G0A32153
Raymond Weil Sues Charlize Theron
Luxury watchmaker, Raymond Weil has brought a whopping $20 million dollar lawsuit against its former ambassador, Hollywood actress Charlize Theron.
What exactly did Theron do?
Well, The South African model signed on as the face of a multimillion-dollar ad campaign in October of 2005, allegedly agreeing to wear only Raymond Weil watches whenever she went out in public.
In her capacity as an “international ambassador” for the company, Theron was responsible for showcasing and promoting the limited edition line of diamond-covered Shine watches, which sell for $7,000 and have straps made of gold or alligator skin.
Not a bad deal for a cool $20 million, right? Especially for an actress who hasn't seen too many blockbuster hits recently in the movie department.
At the time Theron was hired by Weil, she was also hired by Christian Dior to a 3 year contract for a fraction of the $20 million thrown at her by Raymond Weil. In fact, it is reported that she is only getting $6 million from Dior.
So what does she do....
She ticks off her sponsors by turning up in a Tourneau catalogue wearing a diamond-encrusted watch over the words, “Charlize Theron wears Dior.” She was also photographed at a Texas film festival last March allegedly wearing a Dior watch.
Now Raymond Weil is suing Theron for two timing them and making them look stupid after all this money they gave her. They claim a clear breach of contract with respect to the alleged clause that she could not wear/promote another designers watch during the time she was contractually obligated to Weil.
Says David Jaraslowicz, the attorney for Raymond Weil..
"“If you’re the model for Ralph Lauren, you can’t show up wearing Gucci at the Academy Awards." “She undercut our entire ad campaign.”
“We spent a fortune on an ad campaign centered around her,” Jaroslawicz said. “Then she goes off and makes us look silly in the industry by wearing Dior.”
Hey Charlize!
You shouldn't spit in the well that provides you with your $$$$$$!
....unbelievable!!
Flying Hublot Tourbillon “Solo T”. Watch The Video!
I just got a link from Terence to a gorgeous and rare watch by Hublot
For this watch, Hublot employed state-of-the-art technologies through an interpretation of the top side of the bottom plate, which recaptures the aesthetics of ultimate cutting-edge techniques inspired by the printed circuit.
Hublot selected a stunning opaline dial with Clou de Paris decoration in order to enhance this remarkable flying Tourbillon.
This luxury watch by Hublot is one of 3 ever made and is delivered with was delivered with a hand written note from the president of Hublot!
Finally, for the small price of ...............er...$80,000, you can own one of your very own!
Mystery Video For New TX Watch From Timex Surfaces On You Tube
Timex recently spent millions of dollars promoting its TX watch in the U.S.
At the same time, a mystery video surfaced on You Tube featuring a low budget, black and white film called "Timex TX Launch Video" which Timex says they did not produce.
The video depicts a secret agent who escapes harm by using his TX in clever ways.
TX officials are completely baffled about the videos source. In fact, TX was barely launched in Europe, and wasn't even in America or Asia when this video was posted to You Tube in June of 06.
Still, the manager for the TX brand, Herb Doscher, says that he is delighted with the video and appreciates how the new generation of watch enthusiasts choose to express themselves on a medium like You Tube.
They have no idea how this video was made or who created it.....but they are loving the free press and publicity!
GO YOU TUBE!
Watch the video here:
End of An Era: Bulova Chairman Henshel Dies.
Harry B. Henshel, former chairman and chief executive officer of Bulova Corp., died at his home in Scarsdale, N.Y., last Friday following a long illness. He was 88.
Henshel was the grandson of Joseph Bulova, who was a 23-year-old immigrant from Bohemia when he founded the company in New York City in 1875. He was also the last member of the family to head the timekeeping company. Though still American owned and operated, Bulova is now a subsidiary of Loews Corp.
Although the family no longer had active control of the company in the late-1970s, Henshel kept an office at the company's Woodside, N.Y., headquarters until the time of his death.
Henshel, who was born in New York, graduated from Brown University in 1940, and received a master's degree from Harvard University's business school in 1951. After serving in World War II, during which time he rose to the rank of captain, Henshel joined the family business, which was at that time led by his uncle Ardé Bulova. His uncle taught Henshel the business from the bottom up, and Hensel worked in a variety of capacities, including doing a stint as a traveling sales representative.
After his uncle's death in 1958, Henshel succeeded him as president, adding the title of chairman of the board in 1974, after longtime company chairman General Omar Bradley retired.
During Henshel's tenure, the company, which had manufacturing facilities in the United States and Switzerland, was at the forefront of the American timekeeping industry. The watch company's Bulova brand was leading all watch brands in dollar sales volume, while its entry-level Caravelle held the top spot in terms of unit sales. Bulova Corp.'s proudest moment came in 1960, when Bulova revolutionized the industry with the production of the world's first fully electronic watch, the Accutron.
Roger Dubuis Watches. Timeless Looks With Updated Twists!
Roger Dubuis' wristwatches are admired and cherished for their unique style and timeless appeal. Personally, this watch company has always been a favorite of mine, since their stuff is so incredibly different without sacrificing on complications. They are always pushing the envelope and their watches are total statements in class and good taste.
This particularly beautiful Easydiver Chronograph is stylish and substantive, with a large 46mm rose gold case and its automatic-winding caliber.
The chronograph function has a 45-minute counter. The Easydiver Chronograph is limited to 28 pieces.
Bedat Celebrates 10 Years..Shh!!
I'm not sure why I forgot to mention this right after the recent watch show in Basel..but one of my favorite luxury watch companies celebrated its 10th birthday this year!!
Yes, it is Bedat!
I know I haven't exactly been faithful to you this year Bedat (I currently sport the classic Ebel wave watch in two tone on my wrist), but I am still one of your biggest fans!
In conjuction with its milestone birthday, Bedat has launched a new advertising campaign called ‘Shh!’, which features models Carmen Kass and Andoni Anastasse with fingers to their lips in the universal ‘Shh!’ sign.
The campaign tag line reads "Very famous amongst very few people". This marketing strategy, IMO is a very cool and effective way to bring an already respected and established luxury watch brand to the broader public. The marketing strategy and idea came from the famous Paris based advertising agency Pascal & Thierry.
Here is to the next 10 years!!
Luxury Watches Get Bigger. Piaget Gets Smaller!
With the clear trend at this years Basel show opting for big and substantive watches with thick dials, deep measurements and huge complications, one manufacturer has put the emphasis on going in opposite direction.
Piaget has decided to focus on the theme of ultra-thin mechanical movements. These are the movements they have become famous for and nobody does it better!
Think the 9P manual-winding calibre introduced in 1957, followed in 1960 by the self-winding 12P movement which, at just 2.3 mm thick, notched a place in luxury watch lore and history by placing Piaget in the Guinness Book of Records as the creator of “the world’s thinnest self-winding movement”.
The newer movements by Piaget, including the 430P, 450P and 438P movements, which measure a mere 2.1 mm thick, and the new line of 600P (tourbillon regulator) movements, are all contributing factors to Piaget's explosive growth in 2007.
DeWitt Watches Build A "Cultish" Following.
To view all of the information and specifications for the Dewitt watches pictured above, click here.
I honestly don't think I have seen a luxury watch brand that has devloped and morphed into a "cult brand" in such a short period of time, like the stunning watches manufactured by Dewitt.
Even Panerai needed a few more years to really build a following before it developed into a full blown "cult brand"
It is truly amazing to see what Dewitt has managed to do in just 4 years..and for good reason.
Their watches are amongst the most beautiful, sophisticated, unique and complicated timepieces we have ever seen.
Corum Watches Names Its "Brand" Man Of The Year!
Global Brand Forum 2007 and Corum Timepieces have announced that former U.S. Vice President Al Gore has been selected as the first "Brand Icon of the Year," an honor that recognizes an individual's contributions in the area of global branding.
Al Gore accepting his Corum Romvlvs Watch as "Brand" Icon Of The Year.
In a media release Global Brand Forum Chairman S. Karthik said "We choose Al Gore as our inaugural Brand Icon of the Year because of his unique and valuable contributions in the fields of media and the environment."
In presenting Al Gore with the award—a legendary Romvlvs by Corum—Corum Timepieces President Michael Wunderman said that Gore represents the kind of determination and commitment to excellence that is admired by so many companies.
"I have high admiration and respect for Mr. Gore for his passion, determination and resolve to unlock his supremacy and conquer the challenges, whether as a politician or environmentalist, a 'cutting edge' brand leader of great magnitude and responsibility to humankind," Wunderman said.
WOW! Mr. Wunderman, that is some set of accolades! it's gotten me globally warm all over which may have an adverse effect on the environment around me.
BTW, Mr. Wunderman, you forgot to accolade Mr. Gore on the fact that he also invented the Internet!
We forgive you.
Look At This Luxury Watch!
A "Brand" can stand for something meaningful, important, and quality.
Here is a watch by DeWitt that no one has ever seen but just sold for approximately $500,000!
Now that's what I'm talkin' about!!
An Awesome Website For All Watch Lovers!
For all of you who are as obsessed with watches as I am, Watchluxus.com offers the world's largest luxury watch database, to help you make the right decision when choosing a quality watch. By providing information on every watch from all luxury watch brands, they help you explore the entire watch category - quickly and easily.
Check it out!
Gevril Watches Launches New Website!
One of my favorite luxury watch companies, Gevril, has recently launched their new and updated website!
Personally, I think the website is absolutely beautiful and a lesson in the understated class and sophistication worthy of this elite brand.
Congrats to Samuel Friedmann and the Gevril family on this milestone!
New Moontime Watch From Bunz
Europastar says regarding this new watch by Bunz:
“This new model’s ingenious highlight is its fully plastic semi-gold-plated moon. It charmingly rotates around its own axis on the white firmament of the watch face at 12 o’clock to indicate to its owner the current phase of the moon. This is set into motion by an angular drive located above the watch work that gets its strength from a crown gear above the hour tube. But, this extraordinary watch face has even more interesting features: numbers three and nine are artistically curvature(d) to encase the delicate silvery hour and minute hands on an elegant dark-blue background. They are faithfully driven by a rare Lemania 1932 Swiss watch work or, at your choice, a valuable precision quartz movement. "
------------------
Call me crazy but I am not particularly impressed with this new offering from Bunz.
The watch simply doesn't "do it" for me....
Aesthetically, it's o.k.
Functionally, it's a bit funky and novel.
Does it justify the asking price?
Not in my opinion.
I Want This ESQ Watch (No, I'm Not Picky)!
Of course I am a true watch fanatic. It is true that I love a really good (and expensive) luxury timepiece. However, my appreciation for fine watches does not preclude me from choosing a beautiful watch at a significantly lower price point!
Enter the exquisite watch by ESQ (#07300940239), which I've had my eyes on these past few days.
Here are the specifications:
Quest Collection.
Solid stainless steel polished case.
Attractive brown leather strap.
Rose Gold pattern dial with gold tone hands and markers.
Large date window at 12 o'clock position.
Luminous hands.
30 minute chronograph.
ESQ logo on gear-style crown.
Deployment clasp.
Mineral crystal.
Water resistant.
Precise Swiss Quartz movement.
Case measures 38mm wide by 12mm thick
2 years original manufacturer warranty.
The price for this watch is about $240 (see, who said beautiful watches had to be expensive!)
If any of you wish to buy me a gift, here is the link for you...;-) ;-)
My New Stuhrling Watch! | The Adams Regulator Watch by Stuhrling Watches {Pics!}
Guys,
All of you know what a crazy watch nut I am! I've got a watch addiction that is only rivaled by my love for diamonds and jewelry! Of course I already own some expensive and prestigious timepieces; like a gold Rolex, a gold Piaget Protocole, Ebel Wave in gold, Cartier Tank and more...)
Recently, I went on the hunt for a beautiful, yet inexpensive timepiece that would feature some jaw dropping complications without breaking the bank.
My objective was to wear a watch that would present itself really well and that would rival the aesthetic look and appeal of a more expensive timepiece by many thousands of dollars.
I meet with couples every day in our N.Y.C. showroom and it is important for me to wear a timepiece that speaks to impeccable taste and refinement (I hope ;-).
Recently, I had my eyes on this ESQ watch
That was until I found a treasure trove of watches at www.Stuhrling.com!
Stuhrling watches feature some breathtaking and inexpensive timepieces with complications that would rival (in appearance, although obviously not in quality, accuracy and pedigree) the most expensive watches from the likes of Patek, GP, Vacheron, DeWhitt, Breguet, Harry Winston, Blancpain, Nardin, LeCoultre, Daniel Roth etc.!
I settled on this beautiful Stuhrling 'Adams' Regulator watch in stainless steel with 22kt. Gold overlay. These Stuhrling watches sure are beautiful! Upon my inspection, I do believe these are well made watches for the price (I paid under $200).
Some photos including a wrist shot of this watch.....on yours truly!
The first thing that grabs your attention with the Adamas is its exquisite allure. A closer look uncovers exactly why this timepiece is so striking. The open-heart complication which reveals the balance wheel beating back and forth is truly mesmerizing. And with the extraordinary guilloche soleil texturing on the dial shimmering like the new day’s sun, you have a look of a timepiece that is truly unconquerable!
I look forward to owning more of these exquisite timepieces by the Stuhrling Watch company!
Awesome Futuristic Watches!
Some of the most awesome looking (futuristic) watches that I have seen to date can be found right here.
I hope you agree.
