Blog

Skeleton Watch By Patek Philippe

When talking about luxury watches, one would think of rare materials, precise movement and a great looking display. These three elements are usually combined with a famous brand name and the result will speak for itself. Patek Philippe is known for making timepieces that have a twist, something special that makes them stand out from the crowd of luxury timepieces so when we got to see the Skeleton Watch that bears the brand name, we weren’t really surprised but very pleased.

The Patek Philippe Ref. 5180/1 is truly a masterpiece on every field as it works perfect and looks even better. Despite the fact that the skeleton watch concept is not actually a new thing, this superb timepiece has managed to reinvent the idea in a luxurious way. The watch is actually see-through aside from the moving parts and this is an incredibly hard accomplishment for the manufacturer; every small part of the movement had to be cut down to the smallest possible measurements so that it would still work accordingly but also look apart while doing it. On top of the pieces working in harmony, there is also the fact that there are artistic shapes engraved on them with the addition of a 22K gold mini-rotor. The incredibly thin movement is a self-winding calibre 240.

To keep the marvelous movement in place, a 39mm case made out of 18K white gold was used as well as a crystal for each side; the front has a slightly domed crystal while the back is fitted with a sapphire crystal window. Even the case is cut in order to provide e better “skeleton” experience and there are only 12 spokes that keep it rigid and also act as the hour markers for the display. There is also a blue colored tone that can be observed on the back crystal for the zones where the case is cut which adds even more style.

The result is truly breathtaking as the light bounces off the shiny parts of the movement with every passing second. The white gold, the yellow gold, the blue crystal and the red jewels look perfect together and the hand engraved “Patek Philippe Genève” signature is the final touch to the perfect skeleton watch.

September 2, 2012
Complicated Classic From Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe is a known Swiss luxury watch manufacturer that has brought us some incredible designs over the years. While there are similarities to some of these timepieces, each one is considered unique and special in its own way so that brand is certainly something that should be considered when looking to buy a luxury watch. If you are not familiar with the name yet, a good example of its technical ingenuity is the super complicated pocket watch designed in the 30s for Henry Graves Jr.; this jewel had 24 functions and was auctioned in 1999 for the sum of eleven million dollars which was the most expensive watch ever sold at that time.

We will not be talking about that particular timepiece right now as there is something much more recent that demands our attention. The Patek Philippe 5070 is a watch that has earned its place in every true collection of luxury watches and ever since 1998, when the first yellow gold version was introduced, it has been known as a great status symbol. Over the years, some other versions appeared that replaced the white gold models with platinum. The one we have here, with the dark blue dial is a great looking watch from the collection that represents the brand in a great way.

Let’s start with the way it looks and it is a subject where almost everyone can agree upon due to its classic beauty and perfect lines. The two counters on the display, perfectly centered, offer a sense of balance and style and this is actually made possible due to the small movement. The scale on the display is carefully applied as to not make the display seem too crowded while still being useful when using its functions. The perfectly round case and the subtle buttons on the side make for an amazing looking watch and while some may find the half missing numbers on the display to be a visual problem, other enthusiasts consider it to be a charming feature that make it unique.

While the looks are great and we could talk about them for a long time, we cannot skip the movement which is a real jewel. It is was reworked by the company to function perfectly and there is also a nice image when seeing the different colored parts working together; this can be easily done due to the transparent back cover. It does not have some of the features that most modern luxury watches have but it doesn’t need anything more than the chronographic function.

August 10, 2012
Roger Dubuis La Monegasque Automatic

Roger Dubuis is a luxury watch manufacturer founded by Roger Dubuis and Carlos Dias in 1980. The watchmaker, Dubuis had over 14 years of experience before deciding to start his own brand and Carlos Dias was a designer that helped him make this dream come true. Nowadays, Roger Dubuis is a brand name frequently associated with the Geneva culture and has a very high quality build for each one of the watches in the six collections available.

One of the models that stand out from this manufacturer has to be the La Monegasque. This unique timepiece has that something special about it that simply makes you look at it for hours. It is very hard to point out what exactly makes it so great but the combination of interesting features make it one of the best looking luxury watches available on the market today. Let’s start with the lines that are quite captivating; there is a combination of rectangular shapes with curved lines that form the case and the difference in color between the black, the gray and the Everose gold makes things stand out even more. The final shape of the case is quite special and the fact that it hides an automatic mechanical movement of very high quality makes things even better. A notable feature that all the Roger Dubuis watches have is the hallmark of excellence, a seal and signifies the best quality and an ongoing drive for the ultimate luxury watch; it is also a sign of the brand’s heritage as started in Geneva and it is also the place of birth of Dubuis.

The interesting design, the nice Everose gold touches on the Arabic numerals as well as the beautiful shape of the hour and minute hands that come together make this watch a gorgeous classic, a timepiece that can withstand that test of time. Even the black alligator skin bracelet goes perfect with the black touches on the case and it seems impossible to find any faults to this watch. Although the brand name might not be as popular as others, the watch is a great example of luxury and style at its best.

July 1, 2012
Having The Night Sky On Your Wrist

Patek Philippe is a watch manufacturer that has offered some amazing designs over the years. The company was founded in 1851 and it is located in Geneva. There is a certain style that sets this brand apart from all the other manufactures in the world and it is quite common for the name to be associated with very complicated mechanical watches that offer unique features and designs.

One of the watches that perfectly show that perfection and precision of Patek Philippe is the Celestial 5106, which was introduced in 2009. This unique timepiece is based on the Celestial Reference 5102 and it is easy to see why it is considered a masterpiece. The display doesn’t just show the time but also the night sky as it is seen from the northern hemisphere and the way it rotates backwards. Having a watch that can display the position of the stars relative to Sirius is certainly a unique feature that makes for an amazing looking accessory. Also interesting is the fact that it shows the moon phase on the display and it has a unique way of displaying the day of the month with the help of a specific hand. All this information on the display might make it seem a bit too crowded but the final design is simply perfect when you look at it.

The case is made out of 22kt gold which creates a star-like contrast with the blue dial and there is nothing like having the rich sky on your wrist. All the interesting displays are created with the help of sapphire crystal discs that move at different speeds. There is also a transparent back case that allows you to see the 325 parts of the movement as they work in perfect harmony to power this unique timepiece.

As far as price goes, you might be interested to know that it was auctioned off for almost $750,000 on September 24, 2009. Its one-of-a-kind beauty can be appreciated by everyone and the complicated mechanical movement shows the whole world what a small watch can be capable of and that the sky is truly the limit.

June 5, 2012
Michel Herbelin Newport Trophy

Michel Herbelin is a watch manufacturer that started in the Franco-Swiss Jura region, Charquemont. The drive for perfection of the watchmaker and the high quality of the watches were sold under the name of Impec between the years 1947 and 1965 which was short for impeccable. This shows the level of determination that started the company and the legacy for which it still stands today. Ever since its beginning, the company was independent family run so there are now three generations working together to come up with new designs while still maintain the family tradition which goes back or more than 60 years.

One of Michel Herbelin designs is the Newport Trophy Grand Sport. As the name implies, it is a sports watch but it actually goes a bit over this description with a nice looking style and fashionable design. This particular model is water-resistant for up to 300m and is made out of stainless steel combined with high tech ceramic; there are also versions in the collection that are only water resistant for up to 200m.

It is a watch inspired by the water element and designed to withstand some of the harsh conditions that can go with it. The high technical standards at which this watch is held and the overall resistant build has made it perfect for trips around the world and for big yacht races such as the Vendee Globe and Route du Rhum.

The blue lines on the bracelet and on the rotating bezel add a bit more style to the original design and the small touches on the display such as the boat wheel and the rare stones complete the look very nicely. This, overall, creates a very stylish watch that can be perfect for every occasion although it is actually a sports watch mainly designed for water use such as yacht racing. A very important thing to notice is the price range which is at about 1600 dollars; this is quite affordable for such a stylish watch and while it looks great, its price range allows it to reach a wider audience than other big watchmakers on the market.

May 24, 2012
Laureato Tourbillon with Three Bridges

One of the oldest Swiss watch manufactures, Girard-Perregaux defines, creates, develops and produces in-house both the external components of their watch models and their movement. Inspired by the company’s past, which goes back to 1791, this version of Laureato Tourbillon illustrates Girard-Perregaux’s modern approach to its know-how, the efficience of its research and development department and the company’s ability to base its innovations on tradition.

An exceptional watch design featuring three parallel bridges, one hosting a one minute tourbillon with 72 elements, Laureato Troubillon with three Bridges came out last year in a limited edition, numbered to 10 copies. The watchmaker provides its exclusive clients with an exquisite watch whose three usually golden decks have been replaced by translucent blue ones. Indeed, Girard-Perregaux has won along the years numerous prizes with different models featuring three gold bridges: at the Neuchâtel Observatory in 1860, at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1889. Placed on the transparent back case, they now seem to be the silent witnesses of the work performed by the 241 components of this ingenious time measuring device.

Designed in a contemporary style, the new Laureato Tourbillon bu Girard Perregaux is a beautiful watch. First, the bracelet is by itself a small masterpiece: its H shaped links embody the perfection of classical design and simplicity of style. The titanium clasp has double blades and bears the GP logo. The titanium water resistant to 30 meters case has its back secured by 6 screws. An individual number is engraved by hand on the anti-reflective sapphire crystal that gives a nice view of the movement. The octagonal platinum bezel combines perfectly the finishes polished in a spirit of power.

From a technical point of view, this watch is a proud exhibit of the house’s mastership.
The mechanical movement with automatic winding caliber Girard-Perregaux 9600-0004 is one of this model’s most important features. It involves, amongst others, the tourbillon with its hand bevelled and polished escapement and lever bridges, the upper and lower frames balanced by means of regulating gold screws. Despite its 72 components, the tourbillon is extremely lightweight – 0.3 grams.

May 10, 2012
Girard Perregaux 1966 Full Calendar

Proudly inheriting the Girard-Perregaux sober, traditional, yet contemporary style, this new model, manufactured in white and rose gold, offers an ingenious and easy to use mechanism. One of the most useful complications of everyday life, the annual calendar shows the date, automatically taking into account the different durations of months. It does not require more than one correction per year, each February 28 for non-leap years

Enriched by a poetic and technical touch – the equation of time, this model displays by means of a rare astronomical complication, with the hand at 4:30, the difference between real solar time and civil time. In order to understand the importance of this technical spec, we must know that the duration of a solar day varies daily, due to the elliptical shape of the Earth’s orbit. Real solar time and civil time coincide four times a year – on April 16, June 14, September 2 and December 26 and even these dates change during leap years. However, the gap is nearly a quarter of an hour on certain dates. On February 12, for instance, the equation of time is of about + 14 minutes. So, the sun passes the meridian when our clocks mark 12:14. On November 14, the equation of time is approximately -16 minutes; meaning that the noon has come at 11:44 civil time.

As if more sophistication was necessary, the correction of the calendar is made by the crown in both directions. The use is simplified and the absence of a correction device on the 38 mm case manufactured in the Bautte Workshops, leaves this model’s smooth curves intact. While facilitating readability, its display provides a twist of design. Two nicely curved hands punctuate the course of hours and minutes. The date, time equation and the small seconds are indicated by small blue steel hands, each with a specific shape as the months appear in a circular window at 7 o’clock.

The technical nature of this model provided by its GP3300 extra flat self-winding movement is revealed on the back of the watch. The transparent scratch and water resistant sapphire crystal reveals its movement’s architecture, consisting of 287 elements and meticulous finishing performed by the Swiss master watchmakers. A model especially conceived for astronomy lovers, Girard Perregaux 1966 Full Calendar is reserved to a restrictive number of exclusive clients, as it is issued in limited edition – 99 pieces per version.

May 1, 2012
Girard-Perregaux 1966 Chronograph

Girard-Perregaux 1966 collection, launched in 1996, is an homage paid to the year in which the La Chaux-de-Fond based company received the Centenary of Neuchâtel Observatory’s prize as a sign of recognition for its product’s quality and performance. Indeed, the Swiss watch maker’s contribution to the field of precision research is remarkable as Girard-Perregaux was among the first manufacturers of this kind to have an R&D department.

Until last year, this collection was represented by a series of three models: a very sober “three hands”; a very elegant “small second” displaying the date, day of the week, month and moon phases; an “annual calendar and equation of time”. The Swiss factory completed this elegant collection in 2011 by the arrival of a column-wheel chronograph crafted from pink or white gold and boasting a total number of 38 jewels. There are not too many sapphires and not too few either. The same goes for the dial’s diameter – 42 mm. Not too large so that it does not become ostentatious; not too small so that the functions can be easily read – an ideal size that will certainly beat the fads and trends of the up-coming years. Its curvature and horns were studied carefully for a perfect adaptation to the wrist.

The whole line has a classical look featured by simplicity of the design and drawing the attention on the watches’ technical specs. In order to perfect this model’s timeless design, Girard-Perregaux opted for a traditional chronograph with a 30-minute and seconds hand symmetrically displayed in the center of the main dial. The date can be read on a small case positioned at 6 o’clock. This new display provides a perfect balance of the design and aids readability, while a tachymeter scale featuring the outer edge of dial enhances this model’s technical look.

The result of a long experience (over 200 years) its chronograph movement with column wheel belongs to the 3000 family – the foundation stone of this mythical collection. Made up of 304 elements, it was entirely developed and produced in-house. The complexity of the mechanism and the quality of its finishes are revealed to the eyes of this piece’s happy owner by the transparent background of the watch.

April 25, 2012
Omega Seamaster White Ceramic Bezel

Omega is one of the biggest luxury watchmakers in the world and the brand is regarded as a status symbol. Its popularity has increased gradually over the years with events such as the Olympic Games where Omega is the official timekeeper. The popular movie icon, James Bond, has been wearing it since 1995 and other big names such as John F. Kennedy, Nicole Kidman and Cindy Crawford have owned an Omega watch. Its popularity is claimed to be so high that 70% of people can recognize the name and what it stands for.

The collections that are now available are designed to satisfy a range of customers and the watches are styled according to different elements. A popular choice is the Omega Seamaster collection that includes watches designed for diving and can withstand great water pressure. The first Seamaster was produced in 1947 and over the years, many models have followed. Typically, they are made out of stainless steel and are water resistant to great depths.

The Seamaster watches available nowadays can meet the requirements of professional divers and have an innovative Co-Axial technology, first introduced in 2005. Other common features in this collection include a unidirectional rotating bezel and a helium escape valve that makes them water resistant to two thousand feet.

As mentioned before, Omega is an esteemed luxury watchmaker so style is just as important as performance. Every Seamaster has a nice design, inspired from water but there is a new model that comes with even more elegance. The Omega Seamaster White Ceramic Bezel offers a plus of style while still being true to the features that made the collection popular. The white display and bezel represent purity and the two models available, for men and for women, are truly something beautiful.

The Omega Seamaster Professional is one of best watches in the world and it is held at high esteem for its performance and style. By adding this all-white option to the collection, the style is reinvented. It is classy and elegant with clear lines and a nice design that make it a great fashion item.

April 25, 2012
ZIIIRO Celeste – A New Way Of Reading Time

When you’re looking for a new watch, there is a wide variety of options to choose from, depending on your own personal style and what kind of functions you want from your watch. There are two big methods of displaying time on a watch, either it has hands that indicate the hour and minute marks or it has an electronic display. It would now seem that a third option is available which has created quite a bit of discussion.

The ZIIIRO Watch Celeste is a bit different, it doesn’t have hands, nor does it have an electronic display; instead, it has two transparent colored discs that create an interesting display of shads which indicate the time. The concept behind this watch is to keep everything simple and offer a minimalist theme, so there are no markings or moving hands. The discs can take a while to get used to but the style offered by this watch is truly one of a kind. The lines that show the exact time can be easily adjusted with the help of a small crown on the side, as traditional watches have, but the way they move and the fact that they create different shades of colors during one hour makes the watch very interesting to look at.

There are four styles to choose from with colors like Black/Mono, Gunmetal/Mono, Gunmetal/Colored as well as Chromo/Colored. The case and strap are made out of matte stainless steel which is scratch resistant and offers a nice finish to this stylish watch.

Some more details about this interesting timepiece include a 40mm case, a Miyota 1L-26 Quartz Movement a water resistance of up to 3 atm. It will cost almost $170 in US and it has a one year warranty. The price can be a bit higher if ordered within the UE due to value added tax. Many customers have already shown interest in the Celeste; it can be worn by both men and women and the minimalist design makes it perfect for the young generation. All in all, it is a great looking watch that comes with something new and interesting.

April 25, 2012