PakieMak Jewelry and Timepiece Education

Luminor 1950 10 Days GMT Ceramica

2010-02-27T17:13:00.059-05:00

The new Luminor 1950 10 Days GMT Ceramica is made of zirconium oxide ceramic which is a very hard material that is resistant to corrosion and scratching. The case is formed using an isostatic pressure process that produces a single block ready for milling. The 44mm case requires over 60 operations to complete. The screw-down back is titanium with a sapphire window opening onto the P.2003 automatic movement.

The quantity of luminescent placed between the two dial plates ensures exceptional visibility even in any light condition or in total darkness. The numbers indicating the date and all the hands are all highly luminescent, as are the second-time zone hand with its arrow point, the am/pm hand in the small seconds dial and the horizontal cursor that indicates the remaining power reserve.

The movement is designed and manufactured in-house by Officine Panerai and offers a 10 day power reserve, which the status is displayed via a linear display on the dial. It will be produced in a limited series of 500 pieces with an estimated retail price of $18,800. The launch is scheduled for September 10.

Reference#: PAM00335
Case: 44mm Black Ceramic
Complications: Small seconds, Date, GMT, Day/Night Indicator, Linear Power Reserve Indicator, Seconds Reset
Movements: Panerai P.2003 caliber automatic movement
Dial: Black with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers. Date at 3, seconds and 24h indicator at 9, linear power reserve indicator at 6.
Strap/Bracelet: Black leather with black coated titanium buckle. Supplied with a second interchangeable strap and a steel screwdriver.
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Estimated Price: $18,800.00
Limited Edition: 500 pieces

[source Panerai]

BNB Concept is No Longer

2010-02-02T17:10:00.000-05:00

The Swiss maker of complicated movements for brands like Hublot, Concord, Bell & Ross and others was being praised by the industry and press reports for its phenomenal 200% annual sales increases some how just perished. Or did it? Like many companies growth, production and quality doesn't necessarily mean you'll get paid in cash-money. BNB was being paid with IOUs' and with their own bills to pay for... well they could keep their heads above water.

But it's not entirely a bad story because Hublot hired 30 to 40 watchmakers from BNB including Matthias Buttet, which was a founding father and now heads Hublots' new “Haute Horlogerie” department to make complicated movements for the brand.

Hublot also purchased BNBs' machines and some $2 million of finished and unfinished movements so it would not be cut short during the transition.

[source WatchTime]

The Battle of The Hearts

2010-01-11T21:54:00.012-05:00

Now as far as I know, there is no legal battle between the two companies, Tiffany and Kay Jewelers, but I believe they should. Why? Jane Seymours' Open Heart looks a lot like the Paloma Picasso Loving Heart. When I first saw the Seymour/Kay copy, I first thought of the Picasso/Tiffany design.

I'm not trying to start a fight, or pretend that I know all-things legal when it comes to designs, but if I'm seeing the direct correlation, other less jewelry savvy people are too.

I know they are two different customers which they know the difference. But what about the first time customer? Does Tiffany think they are to good for them or do they believe this battle will be won by the customers themselves?

Okay so the Tiffany heart pendant is made out of platinum and the Kay heart pendant is made out of 14kt white gold, that doesn't make it 'right' to copy someone else hard and profitable work.

Paloma Picasso® Loving Heart
Picasso's unique interpretation of the iconic symbol for love. Pendant with diamonds in platinum. On a 16" chain. Original designs copyrighted by Paloma Picasso. Total Diamond Weight .12. Price $2200.00

Open Hearts by Jane Seymour®
The signature open hearts design is showered in dazzling round diamonds for captivating style in this lovely necklace for her. Crafted of 14K white gold. 1/2 carat total weight. 18" cable chain has 2" extender for versatility. Price: $899.99

[source Kay Jewelers | Tiffany & Co.]

Wrist Time - Hamilton Slim

2009-12-31T14:23:00.007-05:00

Personally I am a fan of vintage watches, but they are small on my wrist, almost 'girlie-like'. Because of this, I just hold them and drool. But that changed when Hamilton announced the new Slim timepiece. So I went out and tried it on. Surprisingly it came in two sizes. A 40mm on a heavy link bracelet or brown strap and a 43mm on a strap or a brown strap.

Side note: I'm referring to the silvered dial version. Both sizes come in either black dial or rose gold plated cases.

The silvered dial, like I mentioned above is what I was looking for. The dial is perfectly done in a sun-ray look, but not too shiny or too dull. I would've liked a more vintage feel, but that is me. There also is no second hand, which I love. I don't use the second hand and with the second hand it's a little more modern. The mesh bracelet is extremely comfortable. It's not done like a traditional linked bracelet, but instead like a leather pants belt/slide buckle set up.

The automatic movement, ETA 2892, is precise and thin. There is a viewing case back. A great package at a very low $795.00. I like it so much, I bought it and it's my everyday watch. The luminous is cleverly hidden and shines nicely at night.

Reference#: H38615255
Case: 43mm high polished stainless steel.
Complications: 42 Hour Power Reserve, date at 6
Movements: ETA 2892 automatic movement
Dial: Silvered sun ray with a big 12 and silvered stick. luminous hour markers and hands.
Strap: Closed link mesh bracelet
Water Resistance: 30m
Crystal: Scratch resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Estimated Price: $795.00

[source Hamilton]

ETA Finally Stopping Movement Kit Sales

2009-12-30T20:01:00.004-05:00

It's been known for some time that the Swatch Group, parent company of ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse, has wanted to stop the sale of it's Ebauches and it's unbranded movements. The Swiss government put a stop on it early 2006 mid 2005 asking the Swatch Group to allow other movement makers to fill the ETA vacuum and to keep as many (if not all) watchmakers in their jobs. Well ETA settled with a 2 year full-tilt plan then an additional 2 year phasing-out. ETA after 2010 will supply parts to fix the movements and completed movements stamped with the ETA logo.

What led to ETA to this measure? A few things:
1. Watch companies sued ETA numerous times about the quality of the movement kits.
2. The same watch companies sued ETA over the price increases of the kits.
3. Some, if not most or all, watch companies would change certain items in the kits and name the semi-changed movement their own caliber. Breitling and Tag Heuer to name two companies

Now to a common person, these three reasons are childish, but if you continued getting sued and/or badgered over your movements, forced to upgrade the tooling and type of materials used to make your kits, told not to increase the prices so you have to incur the losses these upgrades cost, kept watching your work being changed then relabeled... what would you do?

Good for you ETA. I support you.

The New Tag Heuer Cal 1887 Not A Tag Heuer

2009-12-23T20:48:00.004-05:00

To celebrate the 150th Anniversary of TAG Heuer, the firm has created this “in-house” column-wheel automatic caliber.But is it truly in-house? Well, it isn't. The Caliber 1887 is actually based off the Seiko 6S37 caliber.

The Calibre 1887 is a 39 Jewel chronograph oscillating at 28,800 beats per hour, 50 hour power reserve, hours, minutes, date at 6, central chronograph hand, seconds at 9, minutes elapsed at 12 and hours elapsed at 6 o’clock. So far the claim is that the Calibre 1887 is the Seiko 6S37 caliber but with a new plates and bridges.

Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of TAG Heuer, posted a response and basically says the 1887 is based off a newly purchased "rights" on the Seiko 6S37 caliber.

By the way, there isn't anything wrong with this, except Tag Heuer said the caliber 1887 was an "in-house" movement while it wasn't. Seiko also creates some great movements. So stop being a swiss-snob. Other regions make quality movements too.

[source Chronocentric]

TAG Heuer stands by Tiger Woods

2009-12-22T20:34:00.001-05:00

Are you were wondering about the status of Tiger Woods endorsement deal with TAG Heuer? You need only check the company’s Web site for the answer. Just click the picture of Tiger and the words "Tag Heuer Stands With Tiger Woods" and you'll see a statement from brand CEO Jean-Christophe Babin that “The partnership with Tiger Woods will continue,” while acknowledging that the use of his image in certain markets will be down scaled, “depending upon his decision about returning to professional golf.”

[source Tag Heuer]

DVD At Home Watch Repair Course

2009-10-09T13:33:00.006-04:00

People looking to get their groove on repairing clocks, repairing pocket watches and/or repairing wristwatches have another "Watch Repair Course" to chose from. I stumbled across Tascione.com and watched what they covered. He covers a lot while explaining the processes clearly and up close shots of the task.

You don't only get DVDs, you actually get more, but the tools, watch bench and everything in between is on you to purchase.

By the time I was 28 I'd accumulated enough machinery (bridgeports, lathes etc.) to begin a small tool design and fabrication business of my own. But throughout this period my true passion for watches and clocks never diminished. I'd been restoring watches the whole time, studying anything technical I could get my hands on. The brilliant contributions of the great masters Brequet, Harrison etc. dazzeled and humbled me at the same time. I began restoring fusees, repeaters and chronometers during this period. By the time I'd reached 30 I was able to make any parts I needed for watches and clocks and had designed, built and sold several skeleton clocks.

From 1990 on, I began concentrating more on trying to help beginning and intermediate watchmakers get past the most common obstacles encountered while learning watch repair. I realized that the next best thing to having a qualified watchmaker sitting at the same bench with a student was to use videos. That first video became the beginning of the Tascione Watch Repair Course.
quote from Tascione.com

Total of 8 DVDs that include a Course Book (Watches and Why They Work), Trouble Shooting Download, New Online Portion of Watch Course and free shipping. All for $99.95 U.S.

[source tascione.com]

Dievas Watch Company Vintage 3646

2009-10-08T14:03:00.001-04:00

Dievas Watch Company is an independent watch manufacturer producing top quality timepieces in limited quantities (all not limited editions).

Since the company’s conception in 2006, Dievas Watch Company has created a reputation for their spectacular good looks, reliability, innovation and exceptional low retail prices. Dievas designers has succeed in molding a timepieces with classic lines, reminiscent of specific historical vintage watches of decades past.

All Dievas watches follow a stringent code of quality control, all hand assembled using the finest materials, blemish-free watch cases, premium sapphire crystals, reputable swiss mechanical and automatic movements, SuperLuminova, high quality watch hands, fully machined solid stainless steel bracelets.

From the case, crystal, crown, dial and hands down to the finest dial. No detail is spared. As historic models are getting more and more scarce, watch enthusiast can now own a piece of history.

Inspired by military watches of yesteryear, the Vintage 3646 was used by the Italian forgmen during the 1930s. The simple 12, 3, 6, 9 dial is clear and straight forward and used by many military timepieces. The dial is a sandwich dial like the original where the lower layer is applied with luminous and a top opaque layer is laser cut with the design to allow the luminous underlying to glow through. The luminous has been given special treatment to give it a warm vintage feel. The gold luminous hands was chosen specifically to be as close to the historic model. The Dievas Vintage 3646 features a Swiss Made Unitas 6497 mechanical movement.

Reference#: Vintage 3646
Case: 46.5mm high polished 316L stainless steel. Contoured sides.
Complications: 42 Hour Power Reserve
Movements: Swiss Unitas 6497 mechanical manually winding movement
Dial: Black sandwich with vintage colored luminova 12,3,6,9 hour markers. Gold hands.
Strap: Thick calf leather strap with vintage knife edge sewn-in buckle
Water Resistance: 30m
Crystal: Domed scratch resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Estimated Price: $650.00

[source Gnomon Watches]

Gents Tungsten and Carbon Fiber Ring

2009-09-28T18:47:00.010-04:00

Gents tungsten carbide wedding band has a silver carbon fiber inlay. A superb ring does not have to cost so much. With reasonable budget, you could get a first-class look by wearing this tungsten carbide ring. Moreover, the light sparkling color of the carbon fiber is truly the attention grabber. As tungsten carbide is a tough material, you could wear it anywhere without worrying about the scratches.

[source Titanium Kay]

Grand Seiko Automatic Mecahnical Hi-Beat 36000

2009-09-23T18:31:00.006-04:00

The recent requests for the Spring Drive movement have many enthusiasts looking at the hard-to-find Grand Seiko line because of the newly released Hi-Beat SBGH001 and SBGH003 watches with the new 36,000 Beats Per Hour (BPH) 9S85 caliber. The caliber 9S85 is a state of the art mechanical movement, with accuracy of +5/-1 seconds per day, the GS Hi-Beat is arguably the most accurate mechanical wristwatch in production today.

Worried about the typical 36,000 BPH fall backs like increased servicing requirements and a need for a stable power flow through the gear train? It has been addressed by Seiko and improved the mainspring and the design of the escapement wheel.

The mainspring was developed for the Springdrive but tweaked the mainspring dimensions to deliver a more consistent band of power throughout the 9S85’s 55hr power reserve.

The lubrication issue also was addressed by a newly developed micro machining method, which improved polishing and hardening of the escape wheel teeth, and a honeycomb-like design within the wheel which improves long term stability in the escapement.

The traditional Grand Seiko design includes the dauphine hands, solid oyster divers bracelet and a traditionally designed 40mm case. Both satin and bright finishes are carried throughout the case and bracelet.

Reference#: SBGH001 and SBGH003
Case: 40mm Stainless Steel with brushed finish and bright finishes
Complications: High Beat, 55 Hour Power Reserve
Movements: Seiko Caliber 9S85 self-winding automatic high beat movement
Dial: White with hand applied sticks or Green with applied sticks
Bracelet: Stainless Steel Oyster Divers bracelet
Water Resistance: 10m
Crystal: Anti-reflective Sapphire
Estimated Price: $5,500.00

[source SeiyaJapan.com]

True Blood Jewelry for us Humans

2009-09-19T21:57:00.008-04:00

HBO is giving their True Blood fans something to sink their own teeth into, and it is totally legal. The network today launched a jewelry line that has been designed in collaboration with designer renown designer Udi Behr.

Udi Behr designed the collection of rings, necklaces and earrings using the TV show's themes as inspiration. The collection incorporates sterling silver, stainless steel, leather and rubies and mixes them with the shows Gothic philosophy. The collection includes rings, bracelets, neck chains all with little attributes like fang clasp closures and warm leather cuff bracelets with ruby accents.

Prices ranges from $59 to $1,295.

As Seen in the Picture:
True Blood Stainless Steel Necklace with Long Front Extension with Ruby
SKU ID #109333
Price: $875.00
Made from stainless steel and connects around the neck then extends down 16.5” to the 30” adjustable belt. Featuring a ruby inspired by the blood seen throughout the series.

[source HBO]

Ouch! What? I Can't Afford This Repair!

2009-09-18T22:27:00.003-04:00

"Ouch! What? I Can't Afford This Repair!" and/or "Why is this repair so expensive?" are similar phrases I hear all the time from clients who own mechanical chronograph wristwatches. Unfortunately these people purchased these watches from other so-called jewelers who don't know what they are talking about during the sale and therefore pass their lack of knowledge and bull sh@t onto their customer.

A chronograph watch is a stop watch inside a wristwatch. They typical chronograph is made of two "movements"... one a time-keeper-stop-watch which measures time and one a standard wrist watch that displays the time of the day.

Why are mechanical chronograph repairs or chronograph maintenance cost more than a typical non-chronograph wristwatch? Simply answered in basic terms... more parts, more complex the movement is all creating the more chances it has to be handled by a "senior" watchmaker with more than 10 years experience. A mechanical watchmaker with less than 10 years but more than 2-3 years will work on basic day/date, hour/minute/seconds and hour/minute/seconds/date movements. Typically an apprentice watchmaker is a technician that works on quartz movements or basic mechanical movements until they can build the confidence and accuracy to move up to more complex movements... like your chronograph

So that was pretty obvious right? But there is also another factor... YOUR CHRONOGRAPH is not designed to run 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It's a time-keeper for a specific task at hand that usually last around 12 hours. The center sweep second hand is not part of the time keeping of the watch, it's part of the chronograph. The second hand that is for "real time" or "daily time" for a typical chronograph watch is usually located at 9 o'clock or 6 o'clock. Keeping the chronograph center sweep second hand running 24/7/52 (hours/days/weeks) will actually wear parts down faster... because... they are NOT designed to continually run 24/7/52.

So think before you buy. Are you really going to use the chronograph or are you buying it because it's "cool"? Because the "cool" factor is going to charge you every 3-5 years upwards of $700.00 compared to $300 for a basic mechanical wristwatch. Your money. You chose.

German Made Mesh Bracelets

2009-09-17T19:21:00.007-04:00

Are you looking for the REAL German made stainless steel mesh bracelets? Maybe you are looking for custom made mesh watch bracelet? These are the real closed link mesh bracelets, not the typical open-hair-pulling mesh bracelets! Say no to open link and yes to comfortable closed link stainless steel mesh bracelet.

They are available in 18 , 20 ,22 or 24 mm with stainless steel divers deployment buckles. All bracelets feature an adjustable by spring bar in the clasp for quick tightening or quick loosening.

All sizes are available in polished, satin or sand blasted and run approximately $109.00 for 2.8mm thick or $259.00 for 4mm thick. (2.8 is the average thickness for the average watch while 4mm is for thicker cases and/or divers watches)

They will need the exact bracelet length in millimeters only. Your wrist size and the bracelet length is without your watch from spring bar to spring bar (with clasp closed).

(1 inch is about 25.4 mm)

[source Jürgen's, USA]

Classic Black Titanium Band

2009-05-11T16:03:00.005-04:00

From the Edward Mirellcollection, here is a black titanium band ring.

Edward Mirell offers a wonderful selection of men's accessories in titanium; choose a functional and sturdy titanium money clip, an easy to handle yet durable titanium key ring, a set of fashionable black and silver titanium cufflinks for those special occasions or an ultra durable and a indispensable titanium business card case.

There is no need to deny yourself the pleasure of wearing beautifully crafted jewelry because of skin sensitivity, titanium is 100% hypoallergenic, the same metal that surgical instruments are made.

Classic dome profile titanium ring in midnight black.

Material: Titanium
Width: 6 mm
Metal Finish: Polished
Metal Color: Black
Ring Profile: Dome Profile
Fit: Comfort
Theme: Classic
Occasion: Anniversary,Wedding
For Whom: Men & Ladies

[source JustMetal]

Bell & Ross BR01 Instrument with Diamonds

2009-05-10T16:50:00.002-04:00

Bell & Ross BR 01-96 Big Date Top Diamonds watch features a 46x46mm stainless steel case, white mother of pearl dial with luminous indexes and a big date display. One would argue the best part is the bezel and case top are paved with diamonds. The whole top, not just the bezel creating a total of 1.44ct of G-H colored, Full Cut, VVS beauties. A grey alligator strap with stainless steel tang buckle and sapphire crystal wraps up the exterior while the . This Bell & Ross BR 01-96 Top Diamonds watch utilizes a selfwinding ETA 2896 automatic movement. Water resistant to 100m and additional black nylon strap and tool pack included.

Reference#: BR01-96
Case: 46x46mm Stainless Steel with brushed finish and diamonds
Complications: Large Date, 42 Hour Power Reserve
Movements: ETA Caliber 2896 self-winding automatic movement
Dial: White Mother of pearl with luminous arabic numerals and hands
Strap: Gray Alligator with stainless tang Buckle and additional black nylon velcro strap.
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Anti-reflective Sapphire
Estimated Price: $9,100

[source Time Imports]

Panerai For Ferrari Granturismo Chronograph

2009-05-04T14:34:00.005-04:00

This Ferrari Granturismo Chronograph Model FER00004 features a black grid textured dial with the world famous Ferrari logo and Prancing Horse at the 12 position and also on case back. The 45mm polished stainless steel case with a brushed finished Bezel & edges matches well with the black crocodile strap with reverse white stitching and inner red backing, equipped with a Ferrari branded steel deployant Buckle. The luminous hands & hour markers and the sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating helps enclose the automatic chronograph movement. Added security comes in the way of the screw down crown and chronograph pushers giving the Panerai Ferrari a water resistant rating of 100m. Extra black rubber strap and screw driver to change the straps is included.

Reference#: FER00004
Case: 45mm Stainless Steel with brushed finish
Complications: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Chronograph, Tachymeter Scale
Movements: Panerai Caliber OP XII self-winding automatic movement
Dial: Black with luminous arabic numerals and red accents
Strap: Leather Black Alligator with White Stitching and Red Backing with Deployment Buckle with Push Button release
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Anti-reflective Cambered Sapphire
Estimated Price: $9,100
Limited Edition: 800 Pieces

Other Series Model Number:
FER 00013; FER00001; FER00003; FER00005; FER00006; FER00011; FER00012; FER00017; FER00018

[source Swiss Luxury]

IWC Classic Pilot Mark XVI Pilots Watch

2009-04-30T15:57:00.003-04:00

The IWC watch company initially built their existing pocket watch movements into their wristwatches; and soon developed extremely precise movements to complement their new IWC watch product line. Emerging pilots began using IWC watches, as they were over-sized for readability and unaffected by the harmful magnetic fields in flight. Modern aviation professionals continue to use IWC watches.

The modified ETA 2892 is now an IWC 30110 caliber automatic movement is protected against the elements by a perfectly sealed case, water resistant to 60 meters. A soft iron shield beneath the case back provides the movement protection against magnetic fields, while the secured sapphire crystal resists the displacement that can occur due to drastic changes in air pressure.

This 39mm IWC Spitfire Mark XVI has a date display at 3 o'clock and carries a 42 Hour Power Reserve.

Reference#: IWC325501
Case: 39mm Stainless Steel with brushed finish
Complications: Anti-magnetic, Power Reserve
Movements: IWC 30110 caliber self-winding automatic movement
Dial: Black with luminous Arabic numerals/ hands
Strap: Black Alligator with stainless steel tang buckle
Water Resistance: 60m
Crystal: Anti-reflective sapphire
Estimated Price: $3,500.00

[source The Watchery]

Zenith Defy Xtreme Open El Primero Stealth Limited Edition

2009-04-24T20:16:00.002-04:00

Here we have a Zenith Defy Xtreme Open El Primero Stealth Limited Edition watch which features a titanium case and matching bracelet with deployant clasp. The large rotating bezel helps secure the hesalite crystal. Below the crystal is a carbon fiber and brushed aluminum dial. The Zenith Defy Xtreme Open El Primero Stealth watch utilizes a Zenith in-house Caliber 4021 SX self-winding movement with a chronograph complication, subsidiary seconds, and a power reserve indicator. This timepiece is water resistant to 1000m and measure 46.5mm.

Reference#: 95.0527.4021/01.M530
Case: 46.5mm Titanium with brushed finish
Complications: Chronograph, Chronometer, Power Reserve, Sub Seconds
Movements: Zenith Caliber 4021 SX self-winding automatic movement
Dial: Black carbon fiber and brushed aluminum
Bracelet: Titanium with tri-folding deployant buckle
Water Resistance: 1000m
Crystal: Multi-layered hesalite
Estimated Price: $25,000

[source Prestige Time]

17.16ct Diamond Tennis Bracelet

2009-04-19T15:28:00.004-04:00

What could be prettier than a circle of diamonds shimmering on your wrist... besides a timepiece? I found this stunning Prong Style tennis bracelet set with 17.16 carats of diamonds (tdw). To make matters sweeter, the diamonds are set inside platinum and range G/H in color, VS2/SI1 in clarity with a hidden box clasp. Average length about 7.5" long. Tiffany & Co. knock your socks off especially with the free Lifetime Maintenance and free Lifetime Upgrades!

Item Number: 101822
Gram Weight: 32.30
Metal Type: High Polish Platinum 950
Total Diamond Weight: 17.16 cts
Diamond Color: G/H
Diamond Clarity: VS2/SI1
Diamond Cut: Oval
Estimated Price: $45,999.00

[source Wonder Jewelers]

Romulus Perpetual Calendar

2009-04-17T19:12:00.003-04:00

Corum has introduced a perpetual calendar in newly revised classical Romulus watch series. Offered in an a limited edition of 25 pieces world wide, the Romulus Perpetual Calendar features a polished 41mm 18kt red gold case with a brushed hand-engraved Roman numeral bezel and a black dial decorated with sun-pattern guilloche. The perpetual calendar displays day, date, month, leap year and phases of the moon. All these displays are clearly organized around the dial center.

The anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal and sapphire crystal in the caseback reveals both, an intricate hand-engraved CO-183 automatic movement and the dial respectively. As expected, the movement is highly dressed while giving the wearer a power reserve of 45 hours.

The Corum Romulus Perpetual Calendar watch is completed by a black crocodile strap, and an 18K red gold deployant clasp which is engraved with the Corum logo. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters.

Reference#: 61523.011101
Case: 41mm 18kt Rose Gold with brushed/bright finishes
Complications: Date, Day, Month, Moon phase, Perpetual calendar, Year
Movements: Corum Caliber CO183 self-winding automatic movement
Dial: Black Guilloche
Strap: Black Alligator with 18kt Rose gold Deployment Buckle with Push Button release
Water Resistance: 30m
Crystal: Anti-reflective Cambered Sapphire
Estimated Price: $55,000
Limited Edition: 25 Pieces

[source Swiss Luxury]

Concord C1 Quantum Gravity Aerial Bi-Axial Tourbillon

2009-04-16T16:19:00.005-04:00

An aerial bi-axial tourbillon mechanism from BNB Concept. A vertical power reserve. Individualist seconds. A stripped-down dial and spectacular volumes: the latest specimen from the C Lab Series defies all theories. Even better, it creates its own rules: emptiness is its core material, engineering its constancy; chemistry a dare and transparency a must.

limited edition of 10, was created.

Fall 2008... on the heels of the C1 Gravity release, Concord decided to create another masterpiece... the C1 QuantumGravity. Not all inhouse mind you, but still a masterpiece! BNB Concept created the movement, while Studio Bellon finalized the design.

Traditional watch design has been demolished to make way for a power reserve indicator made of glass and filled with liquid. The liquid is made up of green phosphorescent nanoparticles. this helps with reading "time left" by rising up and down from its base.

The movement is literally suspended, rotates in a multi-dimensional manner on two axes... the main one being vertical. Its design structure was adopted from cable-stayed bridges: one arm, extended from cables measuring just 2/10th of a mm-wide and fastened to the plate, maintains the carriage vertically and thus reinforces the impression of an independent arrangement. The suspension mechanism is supported by an elastomeric self-tensing system, which enables the cable/arm hinge to be precisely adjusted and the dilatation effects, compensated.

Measuring an outstanding 48.5 mm diameter x 22 mm depth, the C1 QuantumGravity was designed to remain wearable thanks to its lugless design which ensures a perfect fit on the wrist. The use of Titanium for the case and Aluminum for the majority of movement components bestows a lightness on this timepiece that is as astounding as its size.

To build the C1 QuantumGravity, Concord needed 511 parts while keeping space and transparency alive and well. This was done by 400 hours of fine adjustment and creating 5 sapphire crystals to wrap the case so the movement is visible from all angles. A see through officer-style hinged caseback completes the case.

Concealed entirely, a "time-setting key" can be ejected by simply pressing on the push button. As for the seconds, they are tucked away on the side of the case. to continue the feel of "openness". They are engraved in luminescent orange against a black aluminum roll and can be seen through a window whose cut echoes the push button of the crown. A lateral sapphire crystal reveals the rotating orange blades of the seconds wheel.

The dial has also been designed for maximum openness displaying only hours and minutes.

The mechanical manually wound movement shows off it's skeletonized bridges, the gear-trains that transmit energy to the tourbillon carriage and the cable adjustment. The finishing touch was to add a black aluminum plate against anthracite aluminum bridges, rubies against polished steel screws to complete the emptiness and colored luminescent materials.

Reference#: N/A
Case: 48.5x 22mm Titanium and Aluminum
Complications: Bi-axial tourbillon, Liquid 3-day Power Reserve, External roll of seconds
Movements: Mechanical manually wound Caliber C104 movement
Dial: Aerial skeletonized black with hours and minutes off-center at 2 o'clock
Strap: Black vulcanized rubber fixed to the case with 4 screws with buckle
Water Resistance: N/A
Crystal: 5 Sapphire Crystals
Estimated Price: $N/A

[source C1-Quantum.ch]

Citizen Aqualand Eco Drive Dive Log

2009-03-22T13:56:00.003-04:00

Citizen Aqualand Eco Drive Dive Log Stainless Steel 20th Anniversary Edition features a depth display to 300 feet in digital format, depth and time of dive, current and lowest water temperature display, surface interval measurement and dive log memory for up to 20 dives. As you know Citizen men's Eco-Drive Aqualand with Dive Log celebrates the 20th Anniversary. No matter where you dive - Thailand, France, Canada, or Peru the Citizen 20th Anniversary men's Eco-Drive Aqualand JV0010-08E Watch is your tool for accuracy. The JV0010-08E is part of a collection that celebrates the creation of innovative watches suitable for the diver. The features of this JV0010-08E watch are unmatched by any other. The Citizen 20th Anniversary men's Eco-Drive Aqualand JV0010-08E Watch is the ultimate in diving equipment. 5 Year Citizen's U.S. Warranty.

Reference#: CIT-JV0010-08E
Case: 49mm Satin Stainless Steel
Complications: Current Depth Display in Digital. Depth Display to 300 Feet. Measures Maximum Depth and Duration of Dive. Dive Log Memory for up to 20 Dives. Auto-Start Dive Mode. Water Temperature Display & Memory (Curr & Lowest). Measures Surface Interval. Calendar with Day & Date
Movements: Citizen Quartz Eco Drive movement with a 180-Day power reserve
Dial: Black with digital screen and luminous indexes
Strap: Soft rubber diving strap with buckle
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: Scratch Resistant Mineral Glass Crystal
Estimated Price: $468.75

[source Dexclusive]

Fossil Analog White Water Dial

2009-03-21T14:18:00.006-04:00

For the ladies who want something different, but not over the top. A splash from the past, this special edition timepiece celebrates creativity, innovation and the 25th anniversary of the Fossil brand. Fossil gives you a special look with the gears and water floating around, but nothing too glamorous. It is created out of stainless steel and features a quartz battery movement. The crystal is made out of mineral crystal and the bracelet was shaped so it catches the light and plays with it.

Reference#: JR9949
Case: 40mm Stainless Steel
Complications: None
Movements: Fossil Battery Operated Quartz Movement
Dial: White with silver indexes, bubble and loose gears
Bracelet: Satin finished and bright finished stainless steel with deployment buckle
Water Resistance: 50m
Crystal: Mineral crystal
Estimated Price: $90.00

[source Fossil]

Men's Tungsten Blue Carbon Fiber Inlay Ring

2009-03-20T14:34:00.002-04:00

Here is your ring gentlemen! Almost virtually indestructible tungsten ring with a blue carbon fiber inlay just to dress it up. It's a great size... coming in around 8mm and the carbon fiber gives it a sports car feel. Not much I can say about it besides it's got weight and it's tungsten so it can put up with your abuse.

Metal: Tungsten and carbon fiber
Finish: Polished
Width: 8mm
Estimated Price: $120.00

[source Goldmine.com]