Kennett Savro Men’s Watch – Hands on Review

We are looking to launch our British Watches Section on The Watch Review Site not only will we be including all our news and reviews previously undertaken on British watchmakers like Christopher Ward, Schofield Watch Company, Bremont Watch company, Speake-Marin and Robert Loomes to name a few. We are kicking off with our first ‘Hands on Review’ of one of the Tom Kennett Men’s Watch range and where better than with the Savro…. We will also be undertaking Video Reviews and this will be the first but due to technical issues we will have to bring this to you later (the video that is)…. Sorry — So look out for the new section of our site coming soon…

For those of you who have not heard of our Tom Kennett, well young Tom is a Scottish designer and entrepreneur who first launch the Kennett brand as a Cuff Links and Accessories designer in 2007 with a view to introducing watches to the brand later, this venture was successful and Tom was voted Young Designer of the Year in his category and has subsequently had nominations in various awards ever since. Tom launched his Watch brand off the back of this success in 2009 and the Kennett brand is now focussed on the design and manufacture of luxury watches and cufflinks, and can be found in over 10 countries worldwide, We have seen Tom improve the Kennett brand over the years and are glad for the opportunity to take a look at his watches a little closer.

We have had all three Kennett Men’s Watches in for hands on Review thanks to Tom Kennett himself and a fine selection it is, for starters all the current range have a Miyota Quartz movement, the Savro sports a Miyota chronograph movement, these movements have a growing reputation in the industry and are on par with their Swiss counterparts at Ronda and the like. We also have it on good authority that a new Kennett Swiss Made Range is due for launch soon, will be interested in seeing what this young Scottish designer has in store for us here.

So back to the Savro Chronograph well the movement provides for a chrono seconds hand activated and stopped by the top pusher, an hour sub dial at 3 o’clock (not linked to the chronograph function, just states the current hour), a small seconds at 6 o’clock and chronograph minutes indicator at 9 o’clock, along with the standard two handed time display. Oh and a date in between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers.

The model we have had the pleasure in reviewing is the Black and Silver Savro Men’s Watch, I keep on saying Men’s watch as Kennett has just recently launched a ladies range and the Savro is his first watch in this sector. (Tom has promised to send one for review soon) The Men’s Savro is part of what Kennett call their Black Label Range, which is to define elegance, classic looks and a watch for the more formal occasion, whether it be work or play.

The colour combination works very well with the Black face and Silver Tachymeter internal fixed bezel and silver Roman numerals and indicators, as for lume there is none really, but hey it’s not a pilots watch or a divers is it, It is marketed as a dress watch and as such is it really required, this dial is offset fabulously by the shiny polished stainless steel case and domed glass/crystal (both making taking photographs of this timepiece very difficult) which all tolled make the Kennett Savro much more desirable than its price tag.

Furthermore it is adorned with a black Italian leather strap and crisp polished stainless steel buckle, the case back is also polished stainless steel and has the Kennet logo and name etched into the centre with the usual elements engraved around the edge, these being the fact that it is stainless steel case, base and bezel and the fact that it is Water resistant to 5 ATM or 50 meters.

So enough about the functionality and looks and onto the feel of the watch, well it is 43.5 mm in diameter and fits extremely well on my 6 ¾ inch wrists, the Savro is comfortable to wear and we have put it through its paces. As we said it is comfortable, clean, crisp and well proportioned, you easily forget it is on your wrist when wearing it for the day, which we class as a good thing and it does get noticed when peeking out from under your shirt cuff (should have got Tom Kennett to send us some of those Cuff links he makes too).

One thing we loved about the Savro was the Blue Chronograph second hand, it just sets off the entire watch and looks fab. Little things I hear you all say…
The Savro is also available in the following variations fit for all tastes, you have Stainless Steel case with white face and internal bezel with either black or tan leather strap and Rose Gold Tone plated case with white face and internal bezel with either black or dark brown leather strap. On the white dial that lovely blue seconds hand is even more distinctive.

So that is five different variations, our favourite is probably the Rose Gold on dark brown strap even though I have never been a Rose Gold man, it just really suits the watches style and look.

As with The Watch Review Site’s usual tradition on Hands on Reviews we have the watches technical details below and a little photo gallery below that. Oh and the Savro is available online form various retailers included direct from Kennet at http://www.kennettonline.com/  and we probably forgot to mention that all Kennet Watches come with a Kennett 2 year guarantee.

You can also follow the brand on twitter https://twitter.com/kennettbrand and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/kennettglobal

Kennet Men’s Savro Chronograph Watch – Technical Details

 Case: Polished Stainless Steel
Case Width: 43mm
Thickness: 13.5mm
Weight: 75g
Movement: Miyota Quartz Chronograph
Dial: Black with Silver internal bezel, also available White with White internal bezel
Strap: Leather strap, black, tan or dark brown
Water Resistance: 5ATM or 50 meters
Look: Classic/Formal

Christopher Ward C700 Grande Rapide Automatic Chronograph

The Christopher Ward C700 Grand Rapide is, “quite simply, a magnificent example of the automatic chronograph genre”.

It’s movement is supplied by the Eta 7750, through to the Formula One inspired laser precision carbon-fibre dial, this watch represents the apotheosis of Christopher Wards watchmaking skills upto this point in their short lifecycle.

Christopher Ward say “We were driven by a desire for excellence in creating the C700 and we hope you are equally driven by a desire to own one of these wonderful watches.”

Christopher Ward‘s new C700 Grand Rapide is the British watchmaker’s most ambitious timepiece yet, it is a more modern timepiece in terms of imagery than the watchmaker has previously designed.

Christopher Ward say “Nothing about the watch is a compromise; every aspect of the design has been driven by the desire to create the ultimate motorsport watch.  The C700 has been created for people who prefer to make the most of every second and observe their rivals in their rear-view mirror.” 

The Christopher Ward C700 is inspired by motorsport, and this is apparent from the carbon-fibre dial (first time use by Christopher Ward) and very interesting silicone rubber strap with a carbon weave effect, tyre impersonation at its best, but that aside you cannot forget that even though this timepiece is British in design and styling its internal workings and movements are all Swiss made.

Christopher Ward pride themselves on ensuring they design and manufacture top quality timepieces using the best swiss movements and engineering.

The C700 Grande Rapide comes in three models, the only differnce between them is the strap or bracelet combination. The models are

C700SKSI – Silicone Rubber Strap

C700SKS – Steel Bracelet

C700SKK – Black Leather

There is a choice of a stainless steel bracelet, a leather strap or a rubber strap, which mirrors the dial with its polished chequered flag design. The Chris Ward C700 has a 30 minute and 12 hour counter as well as a 60 second chronograph, which has a circular guilloche pattern at its heart and is inspired by a rev counter – continuing the motorsport theme.

Like all Christopher Ward watches, the C700 has been designed in Britain and hand assembled by the company’s atelier in Switzerland.  Superluminova on the hands as well as the dial ensure there’s never a need to be in the dark when it comes to managing time.

This is Christopher Ward’s highest priced model, but saying that as with Christopher Wards ethos the watches are still only priced at £799.00 for the strap versions and £860.00 for the Steel bracelet version and are available directly from Christopher Ward via their website Christopher Ward London Limited

Technical Data

Diameter: 42mm

Height: 13.9mm

Weight: 130g (Silicon rubber & Black Leather strap models) 209g (Steel bracelet model)

Case: 316L Stainless steel

Calibre: Eta 7750

Vibrations: 28,800 per hour

Features

25 Jewel Swiss automatic chronograph

Etachron regulator system

3 counter multi-function chronograph (hours, minutes and stop second)

Internal Tachymeter

Day / Date Calendar

Carbon Fibre Dial

Convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating

Screw-in crown

Water resistant to 100m (10 atm)

Strap: Silicon Rubber with adjustable tongue buckle, Black Leather with adjustable quick release butterfly clasp or Steel with adjustable quick release butterfly clasp.

Hand-polished surgical grade stainless steel case

SuperLuminova SLC1 Luminous indices and hands

The Watch Review Site is ONE…..

We are One…….. Woo Hoo….

Yes it has been one year since we launched The Watch Review Site and to celebrate and thank you all for tuning in to our posts and articles in our first year we have teamed up with David Mason London and Steveo Straps to give you the chance to receive a David Mason DM1b as pictured below with a hand made Steveo Strap. Sorry but we will have to pick the strap for you unless you email us on [email protected] with your preference from Steveos Site www.steveostraps.com and if you win we will try and make sure you get the strap you want, there will be a delay in delivery as the strap needs to be made after the winners announced, small price to pay for your own choice of strap.

WIN A DAVID MASON LONDON DM1b with Bespoke Handmade STEVEO STRAP.

David Mason London is one of the new kids on the block in the British watch industry and we have it on good authority that they are making strides towards bringing to market a fantastic offering for us watch enthusiasts and lovers..

Since there inaugural watches reviewed here, they have revamped their corporate image and logo, got a new website and have committed to produce British Designed Swiss Made timepieces. We have had a sneak peek at whats to come and we are pleasantly surprised, there’s swiss made auto’s, auto chrono’s and some very affordable quartz chrono’s and more.

SteveoStraps is also a British based business, who has been on our radar here at TWRS for a while, his products are all handmade right here in the UK, by his own fair hands and the quality is fantastic.

Steveostraps was born in Surrey UK as a hobby in 2009. Each strap is handmade and takes approx 2 hours to make. The leathers are sourced from a wholesale supplier in Birmingham which gives Steveo a massive selection of textures and colours to work with. Being handmade means that no two straps will be identical so you can be sure of an original watchband for your timepiece.

To ENTER just register for The Watch Review Site Newsletter on the right in the sidebar, or login and leave a comment below…. Don’t forget if you leave a comment mention your strap choice if you can.

Photograph courtesy of David Mason London and Andrew Lofthouse Photography

Introducing a Ladies Automatic by Christopher Ward

Belisama Automatic and Belisama Diamond Automatic Ladies Watches – A rare breed…

Written by: Shirley Lambert

We are back with one of our favourite brands with something different to offer, Christopher Ward introduces the new Belisama Range of Automatic Ladies Watches, Yes a first for the British based watchmaker, as with all their other watches we have a British design (well sort of – more Cartier like really) and Swiss made with Swiss movements.

Why Belisama I hear you all shout? Well the name is derived from the Celtic goddess for light and wisdom, and when we say light we mean sunlight and moonlight, fairly apt for a watch we think. In homage the watches are all adorned with high quality Wesselton Diamonds and the dial has an array of silver rays depicting the rays of light from the moon and sun. As the goddess Belisama was worshiped before, after and during the Roman Empire by the Gauls and Brits alike, the watch depicts bold striking roman numerals on the dial at 12, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, where there is no numeral we have a diamond indicating the 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 indices on the dial. One thing I would point out is that there is no date function on the dial.

The Christopher Ward Belisama Watches are very akin to the Cartier Tank and pay homage to an iconic design and brand, even down to the blue carbouchon stone decorating the crown and Galvanic Guilloche sun ray dial.

This is one of the few Ladies automatic watches available in the market and I’m sure one of the most affordable, starting at £599. The market for ladies mechanical automatic watches is growing, the myth that the fairer sex is only interested in looks and not concerned with what’s under the cover is just that a myth, In my humble opinion I see this as one of the fastest growing markets within the watch industry.

In the Words of Christopher Ward himself “Judging by the volume of requests I have received from women (and men, it should also be said!) for us to introduce a women’s automatic watch there is no doubt whatsoever that women are as fascinated by the workings of a fine mechanical watch in the same way as men. We would have introduced an automatic earlier but I was never happy that we had the right combination of design and movement but when we started working on the Belisama it was clear from the beginning that this was something special and would be the perfect way to launch our women’s automatic offer.”

The movement housed within the 26mm x 25.4mm polished case of the Christopher Ward Belisama Automatics is the ETA 2671-1 automatic which is one of the smallest automatic movements available today and is visible through the crystal exhibition case back.

The Belisama ladies watch is available in  two individual models the W90 and W900, with both being made available in Stainless steel or 18ct Gold Plated cases, the difference between the two models is that the bezel on the W900 or to give it it’s full name W900 Belisama Diamond Automatic is  encrusted with 30 Top Wesselton full cut diamonds.

Both models are available with either a stainless steel bracelet or Louisiana Alligator strap in either black or white. It goes without saying the Gold plated face does not have the option of the stainless steel bracelet as that would just look a little strange, even to me. We have been told the straps have been specifically designed for female wrists and all the strap options have a deployment clasp buckle as standard

In all there are 10 variations of the W90 and W900 Belisama Automatic watches and these are as follows

W90 Belisama Automatic with Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet – Ref: W90-SSS – Price £599.00

W90 Belisama Automatic with Stainless Steel Case and Black Alligator Strap – Ref: W90-SSKR – Price £699.00

W90 Belisama Automatic with Stainless Steel Case and White Alligator Strap – Ref: W90-SSWR – Price £699.00

W90 Belisama Automatic with 18ct Gold plated Case and Black Alligator Strap – Ref: W90-GSKR – Price £799.00

W90 Belisama Automatic with 18ct Gold plated Case and White Alligator Strap – Ref: W90-GSWR – Price £799.00

W900 Belisama Diamond Automatic with Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet – Ref: W900-SSS Price £1,050.00

W900 Belisama Diamond Automatic with Stainless Steel Case and Black Alligator Strap – Ref: W900-SSKR – Price £1,150.00

W900 Belisama Diamond Automatic with Stainless Steel Case and White Alligator Strap – Ref: W900-SSWR – Price £1,150.00

W900 Belisama Diamond Automatic with 18ct Gold plated Case and Black Alligator Strap – Ref: W900-GSKR – Price £1,250.00

W900 Belisama Diamond Automatic with 18ct Gold plated Case and White Alligator Strap – Ref: W900-GSWR – Price £1,250.00

You can see the entire range on the Christopher Ward Website here. The Belisama Ladies Automatic watch range is currently available for Pre Order with expected delivery to be Mid October.

We don’t usually do this but, just prior to publishing this article on the Christopher Ward Belisama Range we received a surprise email from Christopher Ward offering our readers a 20% discount across the entire ladies range including the Belisama by using the Code WOMEN20 but only until midnight Sunday 7^th October 2012. Bringing the cost of owning a Belisama Automatic between £479.20 and £1,000.00.

If you are interested in the Christopher Ward Ladies Range you can find the entire collection at www.christopherward.co.uk

Christopher Ward Belisama Automatic – Technical Details

Self-winding automatic movement Calibre: ETA 2671-2 automatic

Power Reserve of 38 hours

Hand-finished 316L polished stainless steel case or 18ct Gold plated case

Belisama Diamond Automatic – Bezel inset with 30 Top Wesselton VVS1 diamonds

Case Size 36.0mm x 25.4mm, Height: 9.9mm

Crown with inset blue cabouchon stone

Anti-reflective sapphire crystal

Dial – Galvanic Silver sun-ray dial inset with 6 Top Wesselton VVS1 diamonds

Transparent exhibition crystal case-back with unique engraved serial number

18mm Premium grade Louisiana alligator strap or Stainless Steel bracelet with deployment clasp

Introducing – Hublot Ferrari 250 GTO Limited Edition Watch

Contributed by Steve and Shirley Lambert

As Ferrari’s partner throughout the world, Hublot celebrates 50 years of the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO.

This anniversary is marked by the historic gathering of 24 owners and their vehicles in one place for the first time. A watch was created to mark this occasion. What makes it so special? Every aspect was designed and developed in the spirit of the 250 GTO, and only those who own a 250 GTO can purchase it.

36. Only 36 Ferrari 250 GTOs were ever produced – with the latest selling for $35 million! And its owners can now ALSO wear a watch which reflects their passion.

Hublot is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the creation of this vehicle, one of the most legendary in the world, by creating an exclusive complication model, which can be customised with the chassis number engraved on the movement, only eligible for purchase by owners of a 250 GTO.

This watch will be unveiled during an ultra-exclusive dinner for 150 guests from across the world, taking place on 3rd July at Abbaye de Hautvillers, the historic heart of Dom Pérignon, attended by the 24 owners and their 250 GTOs. In a historic first, between the 3rd and 7th July, they will all gather in the Champagne region.

This watch – a very special limited edition – has many features which make it unique: firstly, the 45 mm titanium case – inspired by the Classic Fusion line, which itself was a nod to the world of the classic car – was entirely redesigned, and rounded out, to mimic the magnificent curves of the 250 GTO.

The Tourbillon movement, one of Haute Horlogerie’s grande complications in the world, has been specially manufactured by Hublot in skeleton form to magnificent effect, with the barrel drum located at 12 o’clock featuring a design which evokes the shape of the 250 GTO’s wheel rim.

Finally, the movement bridge on the case-back side can be customised with the chassis number of the watch owner’s vehicle if desired, and the strap is made from barenia calfskin in reference to the upholstery used in cars of this era. The watches are delivered in a Ferrari presentation case specifically made for this edition.

As a reminder, in Italy last November, Hublot and Ferrari announced their partnership which would make the Swiss watchmaking brand the Italian manufacturer’s watch partner. This is no simple agreement for creating a tie-in product, for licensing or sponsorship. The agreement signed covers every single one of Ferrari’s activities, and there really is no end to these: Official Watch for Ferrari, Official Timekeeper for Ferrari, Official Timekeeper for Scuderia Ferrari, Official Watch for Scuderia Ferrari, Official Timekeeper of the Ferrari Challenge, and partner for Ferrari’s special events both in terms of brand image and commercial activities. In short, it is a veritable exchange, a sharing of resources and information announced jointly by Jean-Claude Biver, Chairman of Hublot and Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Chairman of Ferrari S.p.A.

Raymond Weil Freelancer Steel and Rose Gold Class Watch

Written by D Constant for The Watch Review Site

We’ve seen the Raymond Weil Freelancer Urban Black released earlier this year on the Watch Review Site at  /a-look-at-the-raymond-weil-freelancer-urban-black/ now the master watchmaker is introducing another note on their musical score with another male version of the Freelancer, This is Raymond Weil’s Freelancer Steel and Rose Gold Class Watch, or reference 7730.

Raymond Weil have given us a few new notes this year including the Ladies Freelancer Lady Sunshine, which we feel is a lovely timepiece, so does the New Men’s Freelancer Steel and Rose Gold Class Watch stand up to the other additions to the 2012 Musical Score from Raymond Weil.

Here at The Watch Review Site we loved the Freelancer Urban Black so does the Steel and Rose Gold Class stand the Watch Review Critics, lets see

So Raymond Weil, one of the last man standing independent Swiss watchmakers reinterprets one of it’s classics and has unveiled a new variation of its best-selling chronograph, the Freelancer Steel & Rose Gold Class. The Freelancer was first introduced to the world in 2007 and today we see it in a 42mm Polished Stainless Steel case the Steel & Rose Gold Class looks and feels like a timeless classic Raymond Weil Chronograph.

The stainless steel Case is mounted on a brown leather strap and with the contrasting rose gold hands and indexes looks stunning and enhances its Dial, which three seperate counters at 6, 9 and 12 o’clock as well as the 3-day date and day window at 3 o’clock. All this is behind an anti reflective sapphire crystal glass. The indexes and hands are rose gold plate are coated with a luminescent material allowing visibility in low light.

As for the strap mentioned previously it is made of calf skin leather in dark brown and has light brown saddle stitching with a Raymond Weil folding clasp. This combination of materials and pure lines assures this new model of The Freelancer Steel & Rose Gold Class a natural distinction from its predecessors.

At the heart of the Raymond Weil Freelancer Steel & Rose Gold Class is the In-House RW5000 Movement, which provides a power reserve of 46 hours and is a mechanical automatic winding movement.

In the words of Raymond Weil “More than a successful collection, freelancer is a true reference for the Swiss Brand’s independent family heritage. It is also a range that was created in honor of free spirits, of personalities wishing to remain the masters of their own destiny. Consequently, the collection has never stopped evolving over the years, free of all constraints, but always keeping its true character: having an urbane personality, with an elegant yet casual appearance, with beveled horns and emblematic screws.”

“In 2012, the famous collection combines the robustness of steel with the distinction of the rose gold. Subtle, the combination is perfect. The chronograph, the collection’s best-seller, illustrates its harmony”

The Raymond Weil Freelancer Steel & Rose Gold Class also has a water resistant rating of 10 atm or 100 meters.

The Freelancer Class’s emphasis on classic urban style and elegance can be worn on any occasion and is very current with the size of its case and current market trends would suggest that the Raymond Weil Freelancer Steel & Rose Gold Class is a winner, But we still prefer the Urban Black… or do we really?

Raymond Weil Freelancer Steel and Rose Gold Class – Technical Details

Reference - 7730-STC-65025

Movement Chronograph – RW5000 Winding Automatic

Power-Reserve 46 hours

Jewels 25 rubies

Functions Watch Central hours and minutes, small seconds hand at 9 o’clock, 3-day date and day windows at 3 o’clock, Day and date adjustment using push-piece at 3 o’clock, Chronograph Start, stop and restart using push-piece at 2 o’clock, Return to zero using push-piece at 4 o’clock, 30 minutes counter at 12 o’clock, 12 hours counter at 6 o’clock, Tachometer ring

Case Round – Polished and satin finished steel, Diameter: 42mm, Thickness: 13.7mm

Bezel Polished steel

Crown Polished steel – fluted with RW monogram

Crystal Sapphire crystal with dual-sided antiglare treatment

Dial Sun-brushed silver galvanic dial

Small counters surrounded by a rose gold plated applique with a screw at 9 o’clock and a rose gold border at 6 and 12 o’clock

Indexes Rose gold plated index appliques, capped with luminescent material

Hands – Hours/minutes Rose gold plated, bombé, enhanced with luminescent material, barrel-shaped, Sweep seconds hand Rose gold plated, baton, Small second at 9 Rose gold plated, barrel-shaped, Counters Rose gold plated, barrel-shaped

Case back Screwed, with sapphire crystal

Bracelet Dark brown, full skin calf leather strap with saddle-stitching, equipped with a RW folding clasp, opening with a double push-piece security

Water resistance 10 ATM

Girard-Perregaux Cat’s Eye Jewellery Watch

Press release – Girard-Perregaux

Before we get onto the Press Release just a few of our own words, we cannot fault Girard-Perregaux on its achievements and its commitment to its watchmakers especially with its work to make watchmaking an art that is available and accessible to all through its promotion with its New Young watchmakers activities, which we have closely followed here on The Watch Review Site (if you are interested you will find the articles about these young watchmakers and their exploits here.)

But to say the least we are not impressed by this Girard-Perregaux Cat’s Eye Ladies Watch, its just too glitzy and diamondy for us here at the Watch Review Site… But in the nature of the beast we are sure it will be of interest to a lot of you out there so here it is in it’s full technicolour glory. Oh and not taking away the fact that it has been a mainstay in the GP collection since 2004 and the technical and artistic achievements in producing the piece, its just not for us.

A union between Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie

A myriad of diamonds clothes the Cat’s Eye in light, accentuating the curves of its silhouette. Behind the scenes are the mechanics of perfection. Time beats to the rhythm of a self-winding movement manufactured by Girard-Perregaux. The Cat’s Eye Haute Joaillerie showcases highly skilled crafts where beauty and technology complement one another in perfect harmony.

Draped in 150 emerald-cut precious stones, the case illuminates its feminine curves. The flower-shaped crown unfurls its petals to reveal its heart: a rose-cut diamond. The hours display blossoms on a bed of gemstones that emphasize the emblematic case shape.

Starting with the small seconds, the iridescent oval progressively broadens with uniform brilliance. The dial, adorned with a delicate “Clous de Paris” hobnail motif, includes 102 emerald-cut diamonds, selected and positioned in order to deliver maximum brilliance.

A traditional technique requiring a particularly delicate touch, the “Clou de Paris” hobnail motif consists of holding several stones with a single “clou” or pin, meaning that the diamond cutter must cut and calibrate the stones meticulously, one by one. The sapphire crystal, rounded in both directions, tops the dial and its leaf shaped hands.

A taupe-coloured satin strap enhances the sparkle of the stones. The contrast is subtle, the union a success. Extended by an ardillon buckle set with 13 baguette-cut diamonds, it encircles the wrist with unforgettable moments in time.

Finally, the hand-engraved case back opens onto the calibre GP03300 self-winding movement whose oscillating weight adopts Girard-Perregaux’s tapestry decoration. The date has been set.

Created in 2004, the Cat’s Eye collection dedicates beautiful watchmaking pieces to women. The refinement of the pieces rivals their attention to detail. Its emblematic design, which has won numerous distinctions, is highlighted by precious materials and manufacture movements, both simple and with complications. The collection proves that fine watchmaking is far from being the prerogative solely of men.

Girard-Perregaux Cat’s Eye – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Reference: 91702B53P7B1-KK6A

Case in white gold with a rounded, anti-reflective sapphire crystal set with 150 emerald-cut diamonds for ~14.52 carats

Case back: with anti-reflective sapphire crystal

Dimensions: 38.63 mm x 33.63 mm

Water resistance: 30 meters (3 ATM)

Crown: white gold, set with one rose-cut diamond ~ 0.14 carat

Dial: set with 102 emerald-cut diamonds for ~6.6 carats

Hands: leaf-shaped

Girard-Perregaux GP03300-0072 Movement

Self-winding mechanical movement

Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds

Jewels: 27 rubies

Power reserve: minimum 46 hours

Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h (4 Hz)

Satin strap with Ardillon buckle in white gold, set with 13 baguette-cut diamonds for ~0.67 carats

For Other Girard-Perregaux Watches which we really do like why not read this on the 1966 Chronograph or even this on the Girard-Perregaux ww.tc Dark Night. Now these are proper Girard-Perregaux timepieces. Sorry GP about the Cat’s eye…

Cartier Tank Anglaise Watch – The Launch

Written by D Constant for The Watch Review Site

Well was it worth the wait… Cartier enthusiasts will definitely think so and so do we.

Well it has been 16 years since we have seen a new Cartier Tank style released and now its our turn its the 2012 New Cartier Tank Anglaise or English Tank… I think Tank Anglaise sounds more Cartier like and befits this timepiece rather than its literal translation…

So, what have Cartier got in stall for us with the new Tank Anglaise, Well it was first shown to the world at BaselWorld 2012 back in March and its has now been launched in the UK and across the world by this infamous jeweller. This new Tank is a sort of cross between the Tank Francaise and the Ballon Bleu, see for yourself.

As per time honoured recent tradition Cartier have produced a Video Introducing us to the Tank Anglaise and highlighting its predecessors in History all the way back to the first Tank in 1917. I’m sure we will be seeing a new Tank in 5 years for the centenary. Here’s the Video for you all to see.

Video courtesy of Cartier – Never Stop Tank – Tank Anglaise Watch Video

As a quick brief the Cartier Tank Anglaise will be available in Large (Men’s) 47mm Long and 36.2mm wide , Medium (Unisex) 39.2mm long and 29.8mm and Small (Women’s) 30.2mm x 22.7mm Sizes. and they are all a new slimline Cartier Tank with the thickness ranging from 9.82mm to 7.19mm.

As you can see the Cartier Tank Anglaise has kept its Classic Cartier Silvered Dial with Blue Hands a must with a Tank (I’m sure most Cartier watch buyers would agree, a timeless classic dial) , what does strike you as interesting is the crown feature and cut out extruding from the Bezel, I actually really like the idea and it seems to work very well with this timepiece. It offers a flush finish to the side of the watch and also incorporates the mainstay of Cartier it’s sapphire crystal cabochon on the crown. Its Angular extrusions with the rounded end piece and sapphire make it an artwork in itself.

The Cartier Tank Anglaise Watch is available in Three Colours these being 18k White Gold, Yellow Gold and Rose Gold, Yes no Steel options yet… and they all come with matching bracelets

They have also got a number of different diamond options, one with diamonds on each side of the bezel and others fully encrusted, if that’s your cup of tea. For regular readers of our articles and reviews, you will already know at The Watch Review Site we are not overly keen on diamond encrustation…

Now to the nitty gritty of the Cartier Tank Anglaise Watch, It comes with either Quartz movements or Automatic Movements depending on which model and size you opt for, The pick of the bunch will have to be the Large Model which features Cartier’s inhouse caliber 1904 MC Automatic Movement, oh I forgot to mention the Sapphire Crystal Exhibition Case back that comes on all the watches, this means you can now see the movements creativity also.

The Cartier Tank Anglaise Small all come with a Cartier 057 Quartz movement, The Medium non Diamond Tank Anglaise have the Caliber Cartier 077 Automatic Self Winding Mechanical Movement and the Diamond versions have the Cartier 076 Automatic Movement at the heart of the timepiece.

And for anyone contemplating wearing the Cartier Tank Anglaise whilst washing the dishes or swimming it is water resistant to 30m.

The Tank Anglaise Watch Small starts from £15,000, with the Tank Anglaise Medium starting from £21,750 and Large from £26,750 for the Rose or Yellow Gold Non-Diamond versions, with the White Gold being slightly more expensive.

Well so Cartier has now covered the French (Tank Francaise), Americans (Tank Americaine) and now us Brits with The Cartier Tank Anglaise. With no bias at all I would have to say this is the best Tank Watch yet.

Photo’s and Video content courtesy of Cartier.

Guy Ellia Jumbo Chrono – Big Boys, Big Toy’s

 -

Jaquet Droz  Revisits a Classic with Grande Seconde Ivory Fue Enamel and Red Gold 

Jaquet Droz watch reviews

Written by D Constant for The Watch Review Site

So lets take a look at the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde – this one is the Off Centered Ivory Enamel Watch. The easiest way to show you what Jaquet droz are doing with their 2012 Novelties is to start with a couple of photographic shots from Jaquet Droz themselves.

Jaquet droz State “the radiance of gold, a noble material that has served our craftsmen well for three centuries. The strength of the flame, the secret to producing ultra-fine powders to make our unique dials of Grand Feu enamel. A wealth of meticulous skills and techniques perpetuated and reinvented by Jaquet Droz, model after model. The hand of the craftsman, the most precious tool available to the Manufacture, familiar with each gesture and the value of time. All of the master artisans who, in the seclusion of their workshops in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, created the horological masterpiece that Jaquet Droz is proudly presenting today.”

GRANDE SECONDE OFF-CENTERED IVORY ENAMEL

This timepiece is part od the Legend:Geneva Series of Jaquet Droz timepieces. With the Grande Seconde Off-Centered Ivory Enamel, Jaquet Droz combines classic watchmaking traditions with the imagination that has become a well known trademark for Jaquet Droz. A milestone in the history of the Manufacture, the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde features two dials that, intertwined, form the Jaquet Droz Signature number eight.  As the name suggests the dials are set Off Center and on an Ivory enamel face.

Of the two dials one indicates the hours and minutes whereby the other the seconds. Again pertaining to the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered, the dials and winding stem have been repositioned to give this Grande Seconde it’s new look.

The simplistic and clear dials are to be transalated as an interpretation of the watches mechanical gears along with the exceptional ivory enamel face and red gold case the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered is pure indulgence in it minimalistic yet stunning looks.

And as always Jaquet Droz add a touch of difference with the positioning of it’s winding stem at 4 o’clock, some watch enthusiast like it others loathe it.

Another of Jaquet droz’s quotes “For the proud owner, to touch or feel the Grande Seconde Off-Centered Ivory Enamel is to personally encounter the Jaquet Droz philosophy whereby the human experience of passing time should be marked by excellence, beauty and originality.”

All in all a lovely simply beautiful equisite timepice comes in the shape of the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered Ivory Enamel with its hand made Black leather strap and red gold buckle to go with its fabulous Ivory Hue hand crafted Enamel Dial Face.

For those who are interested we can confirm the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered has hit the stores as of May 2012 and is being marketted at a price of 20,550 CHF (Swiss Francs) thats around £14,000 in english money right now.

Technical Details – Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered Ivory Enamel

Reference: J006033200

Movement: Jaquet Droz 2663A,   self-winding mechanical movement, double barrel, 22-carat white gold   oscillating weight

Indications: Off-centered hours and   minutes, large seconds subdial

Jewels: 30

Power reserve: 68 hours

Frequency: 28,800 v.p.h

Case: 18-carat red gold,   diameter Ø 43 mm

Winding-stem at 4 o’clock

Individual serial number engraved on the case-back

Water resistance: To 3 bar (30 meters)

Dial: Ivory Grand Feu enameled dial. Hand crafted

Hands: 18-carat red gold

Strap: Rolled-edge hand made black alligator leather strap

Buckle: 18-carat red gold ardillon

While you are on our site enjoying our watch reviews and news why not look into Jaquet Droz’s History or even some other Watches like The JeanRichard Aquascope Collection, something a little different or even something a lot different in the Futruristic Realm.