Hublot unveils the King Power FC Bayern Munich

Press Release by Hublot S.A

To underscore their strong partnership, the luxury watch brand HUBLOT and record champions FC Bayern München have worked closely together with true team spirit to develop a collective masterpiece. The King Power FC Bayern Munich Watch is now on display in the heart of the legendary FC Bayern München club.

The eagerly awaited timekeeper was ceremoniously unveiled in the presence of Jean-Claude Biver (Chairman of HUBLOT), Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Executive Board member of FC Bayern München AG), FC Bayern players (including Ribéry, Boateng, van Buyten, Luiz Gustavo, Can as well as the newly acquired Shaqiri and Pizarro) and selected representatives from the German and Swiss press.

The titanium chronograph with a 45-minute display specially developed for football is limited to 200 pieces. The exclusive timepiece perfectly reflects the passion and shared values of the partners.

The Swiss luxury watch brand Hublot, known for its Art of Fusion, is proud to be the FC Bayern München’s partner and official timekeeper. Both are masters of their field and live to combine their art and traditional values with innovative vision. Hublot was the first Swiss prestige watch brand to embrace the sport of football, back in 2006, and has since made its mark in the world of top-class football through its collaboration with FC Bayern.

The jointly developed watch is not just a crowning symbol of the staunch alliance, it is also an expression of the close friendship between the two greats on the playing field.

Hublot King Power FC Bayern Munich – Technical Details

Reference 716.NX.1129.RX.BYM12

Series Limited to 200 pieces numbered from 01/200 to 200/200

Movement HUB4245 self-winding mechanical skeleton chronograph with central 45’ counter
Date Window at 4H
Frequency 4 Hz (28,600 vph)
Power reserve 42 hours

Case King Power – Diameter 48 mm in vertical satin finished titanium
Bezel Vertically brushed titanium overmolded with black rubber, 6 H-shaped relief black PVD titanium screws
Crystal Sapphire with blue transferred minutes
Interior/exterior anti-reflective coating
Bezel lugs Black composite resin, Lateral inserts Black composite resin with pusher guards
Crown Brushed titanium with black rubber insert, Push-pieces Black PVD titanium overmolded with black and red rubber
Case Back Brushed titanium – Crystal sapphire anti-glare treatment inside and outside
Water resistance 10 ATM or approx 100 meters
Dial Sapphire, brushed ruthenium-coated indexes with white SuperLuminova™
Transferred Bayern Munich logo at 3 o’clock
Hands Brushed black nickel-coated with red SuperLuminova™
Strap Adjustable black rubber with red decoration
Clasp Micro-blasted black PVD titanium folding clasp & brushed titanium decorative plate

A Closer look at WRYST Timepieces – Airborne Range

Written By: D Constant

As promised in a previous post  on WRYST Timepieces we are bringing you a little more detail on the inaugural timepiece range from WRYST, being the Airborne FW Series, The Wryst Airborne is the first offering from Jacques Fournier a Swiss Watch Designer now based in the UK.

The WRYST Airborne comes in four variations, which are FW3, FW4, FW5 and FW6, with the first three being cased in Black DLC (scratch-resistant Diamond-Like Carbon) and the FW6 in a sandblasted stainless steel case.

All the Airborne FW series watches are fitted with the Swiss made Ronda Startech 3540D Quartz movement, this is a Quartz Chronograph movement and the first quartz movement with the counters at 6, 9 and 12 o’clock. The counters represent a 10 hour counter at 12 o’clock, 30 hour counter at 9 o’clock and small seconds at 6 o’clock. The Airborne FW’s also come with a date at 3 o’clock.

As these are extreme sports watches and are built to be used in all conditions, the Airborne is also 100 meters water-resistance and will allow for use in scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing and much more

All the timepieces come with vivid, bright and colourful Polyurethane straps which differ in colour dependent on the watch you choose and are fitted with an engraved polished stainless steel buckle. Both these are fitted using screws and not your standard

The crowns are hidden by the unique futuristic design of the 45mm case, a somewhat hexagonal design with a slight arch and all the watches are equipped with K1 mineral crystal glass which is shatterproof and treated with an anti reflective coating.

So far we have four models with little variation, the FW6 is the only model available in a stainless steel case and has an unlimited run, with the FW3, FW4 and FW5 come in the Black DLC and are limited to 75 units of each. I hear you ask what other differences are there to justify three different model numbers, well the significant differences in the FW3, FW4 and FW5 comes in the face/dial of the watches.

As we said previously all three of these models come with the unique designed black DLC coated case, the carbon coating is a highly scratch resistant coating and fits in with the endurance sports ethos of the watch. but the variation is in the face the;

Wryst Airborne FW3 comes with a black dial, with grey inserts and green markings and numerals, due to the counters and date you have no 12, 3, 6 or 9 numerals present on the face. It comes with a Green strap, but can also suit the White or Black strap options.

Wryst Airborne FW4 comes with a black dial, with red outlined grey inserts and yellow markings and numerals, as with all the others you have no 12, 3, 6 or 9 numerals present on the face. It comes with a Yellow strap, but can also suit the Red or Black strap options.

Wryst Airborne FW5 comes with a black dial, with orange outlined grey inserts and orange markings and numerals, as with the others you have no 12, 3, 6 or 9 numerals present on the face. It comes with an Orange strap, but can also suit the White or Black strap options.

And the FW6 is a different beast with Stainless steel case, White dial and black markings. I’m quite a reserved person so my favourite is the FW6, I may be in the minority but that’s my preference, I like the crisp clean dial and the stainless steel case offsets the watch very well.

All in All the Wryst Airborne FW watches have been designed for extreme sports with added flair and style, a Swiss rugged movement that should withstand the wear and tear of an active lifestyle and unique bright colourful design, The materials used are diverse and in some cases at the forefront of innovation within the watch industry.The watches are said to be released in October 2012, but are available online at www.wryst-timepieces.com priced at £475.00 for the FW3, FW4 and FW5 and £415.00 for the FW6.

Wryst Airborne FW3, FW4 & FW5 Watch – Technical Details

Limited Edition of 75 pieces only with serial number engraved on case-back

Swiss Made Quartz Chronograph

Black Diamond-Like Carbon case, scratch resistant

Shatter-proof K1 mineral crystal with anti-reflective coating

Water resistant 100 Meters

45 mm case, 22 mm buckle

Range of Colourful high quality rubber strap

2 years warranty

Wryst Airborne FW6 Watch – Technical Details

Swiss Made Quartz Chronograph
Sandblasted stainless steel case
Shatter-proof K1 mineral crystal with anti-reflective coating
Water resistant 100 Meters
45 mm case, 22 mm buckle
Black high quality rubber strap, White and Red also available
2 years warranty

All Photos courtesy of WRYST Timepieces.

Breitling Chronomat 41 Limited Edition

 

Breitling Press Release. – Aug 2012

An exceptional fuselage for an exceptional engine

Performance. Precision. Elegance.

The Chronomat 41 with its Manufacture Breitling caliber and its superb presence on the wrist has asserted itself as the chronograph par excellence. The epitome of the Breitling spirit. The brand now offers its star model in a 2,000-piece limited series that will appeal more strongly than ever to enthusiasts of original designs.

The sporting touch is accentuated by a black dial with a red central chronograph seconds hand and red counter hands. An authentic, understated and powerful instrument panel. The original and generous lines of the steel case are enhanced by all-polished finishes – as are the bracelet and the rotating bezel engraved with exclusive numerals. The transparent sapphire crystal case-back affords the rare privilege of a chance to admire Breitling Caliber 01, the world’s finest chronograph movement, entirely developed and produced in the brand workshops.

Water-resistant to 200 m (660 ft), the Breitling Chronomat 41 Limited is naturally chronometer certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) – as indeed are all Breitling models. A strong, unique and quintessential design, combined with all the performances expected of an authentic “instrument for professionals”.
The Breitling Chronomat 41 Limited is available at around £7,000 in the UK

Breitling Chronomat 41 Limited Edition – Technical details

Limited Edition of 2,000 pieces

Movement: Breitling Caliber 01, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, selfwinding

high-frequency (28,800 vibrations per hour),

47 jewels.

Over 70-hour power reserve.

1/4th second chronograph, 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers.

Calendar.

Case: steel.

Diameter: 41 mm.

Water-resistant to 200 m (660 ft).

Screw-locked crown and push pieces.

Unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel.

Cambered sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides.

Dial: Onyx black.

Bracelet: steel Pilot.

David Mason Watches DM1a & DM1b - Hands on Watch Review

Written by: D Constant for The Watch Review Site

We have been given the absolute pleasure in getting our hands on the inaugural David Mason Watches, the business is branded as David Mason London or sometimes DM London.

This young British watch brand/watchmaker has hit the market running with their first soiree into the watch world with two models the DM1a and DM1b an Oversized GMT Pilot Watch, both are solely available online from David Mason Watches direct at www.davidmasonwatches.co.uk  

So let us begin our Hands on Watch Review in great tradition, by thanking David Mason Watches and David himself for sending us both the DM1 GMT Pilot Watches for review. Regular followers of The Watch Review Site on Facebook and Twitter you would have had a sneak peek at the DM1a and DM1b over the last couple of weeks, if your not following us on Twitter please do so @WatchReviewSite you can also follow David Mason Watches on Twitter at @DMasonWatches 

Sorry for dragging that out a little, now onto the actual review, to start with this is mean’t to be an Oversized Pilot Watch, usually that means I’m weary to place it on my scrawny 6 1/2 inch wrists, yes only 6 1/2 inches… As the DM1a and b have a 46mm case diameter and 56mm in length or height from point to point (this being the two furthest points of the lugs) you would think that this watch will look ginormous on my wrists. I’ll let you decide (See photos below),  but in my personal opinion it actually fits surprisingly well, it is unobtrusive whether whilst wearing under the cuff or with casualwear, even with its 12mm under cuff depth the DM1′s still feel perfectly balanced.

Here is the customary wrist shot of the DM1B.

On to the watch, this is a typical Pilot Watch per-say, exactly what you would expect it has the classic Pilot Watch shaped case with the added benefits of GMT. The GMT function comes to us on the DM1A and DM1B as an additional 24 hour ring and red hand with separate crown to set a home town time whilst abroad, so you are always aware of the time in two timezones at once. We found the 24 Hour ring works very well and is simple to adjust and set.

Both watches have a solid construction and the stainless steel case and engraved case backs give these quartz watches a weighty substance on the wrist, They are not too heavy and lead you to easily forget you are wearing a watch on your wrist even, that is even though it is a large and substantial piece of outerwear. As I always say a watch should be comfortable, you should be able to forget that it’s on your wrist until you need it and the DM1A and DM1B GMT Pilot Watch does just that.

Of the two models we really don’t have a preference, the DM1A is an all black number which portrays a modern twist to the David Mason Oversized Pilot Watch and comes with a black face, off white luminous hands, markers and numerals for greater visibility in low light conditions. You also have a separate red 24 hour hand for use with the GMT function. The black against the stainless steel case and white thick stitching on the black strap all add to the watches visual prowess.

As for the DM1B, this is perfect with a summer suit and just has that little classic vintage feel to it, with its off-white edging toward cream dial, with black numerals and markers. Unlike the DM1A the 1B does not have lumin on the markers and numerals, so low light usage is really limited and that is even with luminous hour and minute hands. The brown or tan leather strap really sets off the David Mason DM1B Pilot Watch very well, but to make it really good the strap needs to be thicker and less new, i.e needs to be vintage leather, grainy and rugged.

Both Models have two crowns, the lower crown at 4 o’clock is for the sole use of the 24 Hour outer ring, which is bi-directional. The standard screw in crown at 3 o’clock controls the date, 24 Hour indication and hour & minute hands, it also bears the DM logo etched into it. The two crowns differ in looks, some people like this other despise it, I’m in the first camp on these watches it works to define the different functions of each crown. Whilst discussing the logo we see its presence on the case-back and buckle of both the DM1A and DM1B Oversized GMT Pilot Watches along with the crown.

As for the functionality of these David Mason DM1 Pilot Watches, along with the already disvussed 24 hour 2nd timezone function of the DM1A and DM1B, we also have a date window at 4 o’clock, large thick markers and oversized Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 and instead of the 12 we have the David Mason logo. For me I may have included a large 0 or 12 instead of the logo and omitted it entirely from the dial of the watch. As you know from reading this review I have mentioned the logo some four times in previous paragraph or two, this may portray a feeling that it is ‘in your face’ and a little bit overkill. In reality, it is not in the slightest. It appears that David Mason has put some thought into the positioning of all the logos and it is uncommon to have two logos in view at the same time. So its very well planned and executed. But again not that it defers from the watch but personally I may have not had a logo on the dial.

Moving on, we always talk about the names of watches and to be honest DM1A and DM1B are not the most imaginative names for a watch. What it does do is what it says on the tin, DM for David Mason I presume and 1 for the first in hopefully an ever increasing range of David Mason Watches. The A and B denomination differentiates between the White dial and black dial watches and can be deemed to be model numbers. What has come to light is the confusion in this instance as the David Mason Watches website classifies the DM1A as the Black and DM1B as white faced version, whereas the casebacks differ in as much as the DM1A is the white face brown Strap (pictured above) and DM1B the black face and black strap. Note to David Mason himself, please rectify. One other thing on the name next time give us something more to talk about please.

The one thing I must take David to task on, is his choice of straps for both watches, not the fit of the strap but simply the feel. Yes, they are real leather and have the added feature of the contrasting white stitching, which is great. But the leather is too crisp, too shiny and too rigid for my liking, something a little softer with a bit more of a worn feeling and a little more malleable would be more to my liking. Maybe even an RAF/NATO Braided Strap could work well. As I mentioned before the strap on the DM1B or Brown Leather strap is actually a nicer strap but still a little too fresh for me, that’s all down to taste though.

The natural flow from the strap is to the buckle, this is a straight forward buckle and using it, is obviously simple. It is made of stainless steel with a small David Mason DM logo to the right and feels well constructed and solid, no spindly little hook here.

The caseback is stainless steel and is again engraved with the logo, watch model number i.e. DM1A and the customary water resistance rating, in this instance 10 atm or 100 meters. We alos have the unique numbered serial number which indicates this is a limited edition series of 100 timepieces for each model. 

To the heart of a watch and the last thing we need to look at is at on the David Mason Over-sized GMT Pilot Watch is the movement, well it is a Quartz movement made by Ronda a Swiss Quartz Wristwatch Movement manufacturer, David Mason opted to use the Swiss Parts Ronda 515 movement with GMT abilities, probably wouldn’t be my personal choice. As this is a Swiss Parts movement David Mason Watches cannot say that the DM1A and DM1B are Swiss Made, but the parts are the same parts as used in the Swiss Made Ronda 515 movement, what differentiates it is where it is constructed by Ronda outside of Switzerland, actually Ronda Swiss Parts movements are all constructed in Thailand.

I would have definately liked to see a Swiss Made movement, giving David the ability to market the watches as Swiss Made, but there may be a very good reason for this and we will follow that up in our interview with David in the next week or so…

The Ronda 515 is a True GMT movement and is a very good quartz movement, which is used in a number of more expensive mainstream timepieces, it consists of 1 jewel (for anyone that is interested) and has a battery life of 45 months, that’s a good 3 1/2 years before you have to consider getting the battery replaced, a simple job for any jeweller.

As we have mentioned, we will be undertaking an interview with the man behind David Mason Watches. If you have any questions you would like to put to him, please let us know through the comments box below. We are hoping to get the interview online on The Watch Review Site within the next two weeks (both parties schedules allowing). I will be asking him which watch is the DM1A and which is the DM1B as there seems to be some confusion, in this hands on watch review we have used the classification as per the website, but on the watches we had for review the caseback implies that they should be the other way around. This is a tiny niggle which can be easily rectified if need be by amending the website to match the caseback engravings.

The overall feel of the David Mason DM1A & DM1B GMT Pilot Watch is great, its well balanced, comfortable and fits very well on the wrist, anyone who has had the pleasure of purchasing one has got themselves a very nice watch that can be worn daily and for different occasions. When you add the fact that these watches are currently retailing via www.davidmasonwatches.co.uk  at a mere £120.00, yes you got it right only £120.00 and at that level I’ll be keeping one of these for myself I think… 

One Last thing that makes owning either of the DM1A or DM1B David Mason Oversized GMT Pilot Watches is the fact that they are manufactured in a numbered limited edition of 100 pieces each. Yes a limited edition, weighty, nice, well built timepiece for only £120.00 at the price I really think you will be hard pushed to find anything better out there. It’s accepted you can get better automatic mechanical movement pieces, but they came in at a lot more than the David Mason DM1a & DM1b Oversized GMT Pilot Watch.

As with all our hands on watch reviews here at The Watch Review Site we have provided a little gallery of photos of the David Mason DM1a & DM1b Oversized GMT Pilot Watch after the technical details. 

 David Mason DM1A & DM1B Oversized GMT Pilot Watch – Technical Details

Ronda 515 Swiss parts movement, True GMT Movement

24 hour indication GMT hand , 3 hands (Hours, Minutes & Seconds), Date at 4 o’clock

24 hour ring activated by separate crown

Water resistance – 10 atm, 100m

Stainless steel case

Case Diameter – 46mm

Case Height – 56mm from two furthest lug points

Inner Lug to Lug width- 22mm

Case Back Stainless Steel, Unique engraved with DM Logo and individual serial numbers

Super-luminous hands

Screw-in crown and separate 24 hour GMT crown

Strap – DM1A - Black leather strap with nu-buck lining and thick stitching

Strap – DM1B - Light brown oil leather strap with nu-buck lining and thick stitching

Steel buckle with DM (David Mason) etched logo

Limited Edition of 100 numbered pieces of each DM1a and DM1b

Oh and here are some Photographs of the David Mason DM1a & DM1b GMT Oversized Pilot Watch

The Official Watches of The London 2012 Olympics by Omega – Three individual Omega Seamaster’s…

Written by: D Constant for The Watch Review Site

Sitting here in my living room in London with a new born baby boy trying to get him to relax and sleep watching the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony it dawned upon me, I haven’t shown you the Official Olympic Timekeepers London 2012 Specialities…

Sorry been a little busy, late nights (3 1/2 week old), early mornings (5 year old), Busy day Work, Play and Summer Holidays oh dear he says…

Well he’s down now so time to let you all know about Omega’s Olympic Specialities for The London 2012 Olympic Games, I will also be posting a brief history of Omega and The Olympics if time permits (you will see why as there are many key time points involved)…  Well here goes fingers crossed I get this up before the Olympics is over in two weeks…

So as we all know Omega are once again the Official Timekeepers of the Olympic Games a role they have played for 80 years as it was back in 1932 that Omega first took the mantle and they have never let it go since, That also makes this the 25th Olympic Games Omega had been Official Timekeeper another milestone, add to that, that it was at the London Olympics back in 1948 that we first saw  the introduction of the Omega Seamaster Watch to the Olympics, and some 64 years on it is befitting the Omega brand that they have included in this Olympic collection amongst two other Omega Seamaster’s specifically produced to commemorate the London 2012 Olympics a limited edition timepiece in the Omega Seamaster 1948 Co-Axial London 2012, which is based on the inaugural Omega Seamaster introduced at the 1948 London Olympics.

As with tradition Omega have released a trilogy of timepieces specifically for the Olympics and the “piece de resistance” in our opinion is the afore mentioned Omega Seamaster 1948 London 2012 Limited Edition Watch, and this is where we begin our introduction to the Omega Seamasters London 2012 Olympic Specialities.

All the watches are Seamasters and all are adorned with the London 2012 Olympic Logo on an engraved case-back.

Omega Seamaster 1948 Co-Axial London 2012 Limited Edition Watch

Omega have decided as its first of Three Special London 2012 Olympic timepieces to produce a  limited edition Omega Seamaster 1948 Co-Axial “London 2012″ which is a redesign of the first ever automatic Seamaster introduced in 1948 at the London Olympics, in the words of Omega

“The watch represents a fitting link between two Olympic Games hosted by a great city.”

The Omega Seamaster 1948 Co-Axial “London 2012″ Limited Edition Watch comes in a 39mm Case and is deemed to be a gents watch, it will be produced in a limited edition of 1,948 pieces and when it arrives will come in a London 2012 presentation box, This piece is Omega’s take on the Vintage 1948 Seamaster Co-Axial Automatic Watch and is to be the Ultimate London 2012 Olympic Games Omega Collectible, if not the Ultimate Olympic Collectible full stop… Well in the watch world, wouldn’t mind one of those torches as a momento, then again there are more torches in existence than the Omega Seamaster 1948 Co-Axial London 2012 Watch.

This is a pure classic Omega Seamaster in looks and to boot has an in house caliber driving its engine in the COSC Certified Omega Caliber 2202 with co-axial escapement.

The look of the  Seamaster 1948 Co-Axial London 2012 is based around its clean opaline silver face behind a double sided coated anti reflective sapphire crystal and polished stainless steel case, with its crisp White Gold Arabic numerals at 3,6,9 and 12 and its white gold hour markers, the Omega oozes vintage classic style. This Seamaster 1948 Co-axial chronometer features diamond polished hour and minute hands, with a separate seconds dial at 6 o’clock, highlighted by the deep blue steel hand.

The black leather strap, with polished silver buckle just adds to the exquisite looks of this limited edition London 2012 seamaster.

The Crown of the Seamaster 1948 is embossed with a vintage Ω symbol and as stated previously has an embossed caseback, but unlike the other two Omega Seamaster Olympic London 2012 Watches this caseback is embossed in 18ct yellow gold London 2012 Logo. The caseback is also engraved with the water resistance rating and limited edition number of 1,948 as expected.

As for water resistance the The Omega Seamaster 1948 Co-Axial “London 2012″ Limited Edition watch is water resistant to 120 metres / 400 feet / 12 bar.

We feel that Omega have thought carefully about the Olympic Games in London 2012 and have come up trumps with the Seamaster 1948 London 2012 and this lovely watch is available from Ernest Jones in the UK at £3,700.00

Omega Seamaster 1948 Co-Axial “London 2012″ Limited Edition – Technical Details

Steel case -yellow gold caseback on leather strap Ref: 522.23.39.20.02.001

Movement - Caliber Omega 2202, Self-winding movement

Functions – hour, minute and small seconds hands at 6 o’clock,

Co-Axial Escapement for greater precision stability and durability of the movement.

Power reserve - 48 hours

Crystal – Domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides

Case - Steel & yellow gold

Case Diameter - 39 mm

Dial - Silver

Water Resistance – 120 m (360 feet)

Features - Chronometer, Small seconds

Limited edition of 1,948 pieces

On to the next two Omega Seamaster Watches for the London 2012 Olympics, and these come in the guise of a gents and ladies version of The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial Chronograph London 2012, both available in Stainless Steel with corresponding Bracelet and a bi-coloured Red Gold and Stainless Steel Case with Dark Blue Leather Strap.

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial Chronograph “London 2012” Men’s Watch

The Men’s version of this Omega London 2012 Olympic watch is available in a sturdy 44 mm case, The Omega Aqua Terra Co-Axial Chronograph “London 2012”  comes as pictured above in  a Stainless Steel Case edition with matching Stainless Steel bracelet, or as a bi-colour polished and brushed case made from both 18 ct red gold and stainless steel with a contrasting dark blue leather strap as pictured below

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial Chronograph “London 2012″ makes a great impression with its sturdy and substantial 44mm case and the as expected vertically striped teak pattern dial (quickly becoming a must on a Omega Aqua Terra Watch) in deep blue PVD coated dial on both versions of this London 2012 timepiece.

Both Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial’s  have a date window located between 4 and 5 o’clock, along with three sub-dial complications being the Chronograph recording up to 30 minutes at 3 o’clock, the 12 hour chrono at 6 o’clock and small seconds counter at 9 o’clock, and both dials are set behind a double sided anti reflected, scratch resistant domed Sapphire Crystal.

The only differences in the dials of the two versions come when you look at the hands, hour markers and Omega Logo, the stainless steel model has white gold versions, whereby the Rose Gold Watch has Rose Gold versions both polished and faceted. Both are treated with with white Super LumiNova making them readable in low light conditions and the dark.

The Crown of both of the Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial Chronograph London 2012 watches are embossed with a vintage Ω symbol and as stated previously have an engraved and embossed caseback showing the Olympic London 2012 logo. The casebacks are also engraved with the water resistance rating and details of the watch and movement.

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial Chronograph London 2012 is water resistant to a depth of 150 metres, 500 feet or 15 bar. The only other thing we have not highlighted is the strap, its deep blue leather and is actually extremely nice and fits the watch in both looks and style exceptionally well.

Both these watches are available to purchase in the UK from Ernest Jones with the Stainless Steel with Stainless Steel Bracelet version at £4,700.00 and the Rose Gold with Blue Strap at £6,500.00

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial Chronograph “London 2012″ – Technical Details

Steel on Steel Bracelet - Ref: 522.10.44.50.03.001 (Mens) Priced at £4,700.00

Movement - Caliber Omega 3313, Self-winding chronograph movement with column wheel mechanism and Co-Axial Escapement for greater precision stability and durability of the movement.

Functions – date, hour, minute and continuous small seconds hands and central chronograph hand.

Power reserve: 52 hours

Crystal - Domed scratch resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides

Case - Steel

Case Diameter - 44 mm

CaseBack - Stainless Steel Engraved London 2012 Logo

Dial - Blue

Screw-in crown

Water Resistance - 150 m (500 feet)

Features - Date, Chronometer, Small seconds, Chronograph

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial Chronograph “London 2012″ – Technical Details

Steel & Red Gold on leather strap – Ref: 522.23.44.50.03.001 (Mens) Priced at £6,500.00

Movement - Caliber Omega 3313, Self-winding chronograph movement with column wheel mechanism and Co-Axial Escapement for greater precision stability and durability of the movement.

Functions - date, hour, minute and continuous small seconds hands and central chronograph hand.

Power reserve: 52 hours

Crystal - Domed scratch resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides

Case - Steel & Red Gold

CaseBack – Stainless Steel Engraved London 2012 Logo

Case Diameter - 44 mm

Dial - Blue

Screw-in crown

Water Resistance - 150 m (500 feet)

Features - Date, Chronometer, Small seconds, Chronograph

 As for the Ladies the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial Chronograph “London 2012″ comes in a smaller 34mm case and is again available in two forms, a Stainless Steel with Stainless Steel bracelet as the mens equivilent and a bi-coloured version, but in this instance its Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel unlike the Red Gold of the Mens version.

As with the Mens versions they come with engraved and embossed casebacks with the London 2012 Logo and both watches sport the customary Blue striped teak effect dial face.

The fundamental differences come in the positioning of the date window, which is at 3 o’clock on the ladies versions and the lack of any chronograph functions.

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial “London 2012,” Ladies is intended for ladies are driven by Omega’s in-house caliber 8520, equipped with the brand’s trademark co-axial escapement and and anti magnetic, shock-resistant silicon balance spring.

All in All Omega has impressed us with their offerings for the London 2012 Olympics, its just strange that we opted to highlight the cheapest of the three models as our stand out candidate, what do you think?

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial “London 2012″ (Ladies) – Technical Details

Steel on steel ref: 522.10.34.20.03.001 & Steel-yellow gold on leather strap ref: 522.23.34.20.03.001

Movement - Caliber Omega 8520 Self-winding movement with Co-Axial Escapement for greater precision stability and durability. Free sprung-balance system with silicon balance-spring.

Automatic winding in both directions to reduce winding time. Rhodium plated finish with exclusive Geneva waves in arabesque.

Functions - date, hour, minute and continuous small seconds central hands.

Power reserve: 50 hours

Crystal - Domed scratch resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides

Case - Steel (Steel) & Steel-yellow gold (Yellow Gold)

Case Diameter - 34 mm

CaseBack - Stainless Steel Engraved London 2012 Logo

Dial - Blue

Screw-in crown

Water Resistance - 150 m (500 feet)

Features - Date, Chronometer

Well we managed to get this finished after two milk breaks and before the end of the Olympics, not the ceremony but the actual games, hope you enjoy reading it.

Hublot Mykonos Classic Fusion Chronograph

Well as we all know Hublot likes to produce individual and select limited edition pieces, for select clientelle, partners, Sporting bodies, charities and establishments, and the Hublot Mykonos Classic Fusion Chronograph Watch is no different, produced in a limited edition of 25 timepieces for exclusive sale in the Gofos Store in Mykonos itself.

Hublot has aligned itself with this greek island in the past and now sets this relationship in steel… well titanium really with the exclusive production of this greek, mykonos inspired Classic Fusion Chronograph.

Press Release by Hublot 13th July 2012

Blue. White. Greece. Summer. The Cyclades islands. Mykonos. With the sea glimmering in the sunlight, white houses with their blue shutters and balconies directly overlooking the Mediterranean, pretty little side streets which offer welcome shade, windmills, fine sandy beaches, small, untouched creeks, magical sunsets and pelicans, Mykonos is undoubtedly the most distinctive of the Greek islands.

It is also the trendiest. With its jet-set atmosphere and feverish nightlife, Mykonos is the most festive Greek island. In July and August, the party starts before the sun goes down. The animated nightlife makes it a favorite beach resort and holiday destination for the European and American jet set.

Hublot has had phenomenal success in Mykonos. With its Greek partner Flamme Hellas and Gofas in Mykonos, it quite naturally came up with the idea of creating a special series inspired by the island.

A 45 mm diameter chic sports watch equipped with a chronograph movement, a titanium case chosen for its lightness, shock-resistance and extreme corrosion-resistance, a dial as blue as the Greek waters with silver counters like the surface of the sea that glimmers in the sun (in the center of the counter at 3 o’clock appears a discreet elegant windmill which is the common sight for the Cyclades and Mykonos in particular), and a matching tone blue alligator strap sewn onto rubber for better resistance and flexibility, this limited edition creates a union between land and sea. It represents the fusion of the elements. This watch is part of a limited edition of 25 and is exclusively available from the Gofas store – Matogianni 43 – 846-00 Mykonos (information and reservations at [email protected]).

Hublot Mykonos Classic Fusion Chronograph – TECHNICAL DETAILS

Reference 521.NX.5172.GR.MYO12

Series Limited edition of 25 watches numbered 001/25 to 25/25

Case “Classic Fusion” - diameter: 45 mm, Polished titanium with satin-finished end-pieces

Bezel 6 titanium H-shaped countersunk, polished and locked screws.

Crown Polished titanium with Hublot logo

Crystal Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment

Case-back Satin-finished titanium and sapphire crystal with interior anti-reflective treatment

Water resistance 5 ATM or around 50 meters

Dial Navy blue with silver appliques and counters

Hands Faceted, diamond-polished; skeleton, rhodium-plated

Movement HUB 1143 Automatic mechanical chronograph

No. of components 280 – 59 rubies

Strap Navy blue Gummy Alligator sewn onto black rubber with steel deployant buckle

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

Hublot Unveils the F1™ King Power Great Britain Watch

Hublot celebrates the 2012 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX

Written by D Constant for The Watch Review Site

The Home of Formula 1™ as it can be known the base for F1 management and most of its teams, Great Britain has been given its own watch The Hublot F1 King Power Great Britain, by the Official Formula 1 watchmaker HUBLOT. As with all of Hublots, promotional events we see another link with a sporting giant in Formula 1, following on from its UEFA Euro 2012 Watches and Other famous Hublot sponsorships and partnerships we now have our very own Great British F1 inspired Hublot.

The Hublot F1 King Power Great Britain is available as a limited edition timepiece of 250 units worldwide, and as normal these will al be numbered.

This F1 King Power Great Britain has been given its uniqueness by Hublot through several features executed in a range of high-tech materials all inspired by the great sport of Formula 1, we see a carbon fibre and ceramic bezel with a circular grained satin finish, along with multiple holes hence, depicting the high performance brake discs used in F1 and other high powered racing cars.

We also see push buttons for starting and resetting, and a 30-minute to 3-hour counter on the Formula 1 King Power Great Britain.

Following on from the Formula 1 theme the strap is made from black alligator horn back stitched onto black rubber, with red stitching.

This fusion of the materials continues throughout the timepiece with the hublot’s case being made of 18K King Gold. Yes hublot also name their own Gold, The King Gold is the name of the 18 carat gold alloy used by Hublot in its timepieces, and is stated to have an individual and exclusive rose golden colour, which is even redder than the traditional 5N red gold. This Gold Alloy produced by Hublot has increased copper and platinum in order to stabilize the colour over the years and to neutralize the oxidation. As with most things that are unique the exact ingredients in the 18k King Gold is unknown and a company secret.

As we all know Hublot’s reputation dates back three decades, it was the first prestigious Swiss watch brand to fuse precious metals with natural rubber and sparked a revolution in material innovation and aesthetics. As we can see from the Hublot F1 King Power Great Britain, Hublot continues to write the story of the Art of Fusion by combining unusual materials.

As for the movement the Formula 1 Hublot Great Britain is enriched with the in-house HUB4100 Mechanical chronograph with automatic winding movement, comprising of 252 components  and 27 Jewels and it has a power reserve of 42 hours.

Technical Details – Hublot F1 King Power Great Britain

Reference 703.OM.6912.HR.FMC12

Limited Edition Series 250 pieces numbered from 01/250 to 250/250

Case King Power – Diameter 48 mm in 18K King Gold

Bezel Carbon fiber and black ceramic “F1™ brake disc” style

6 H-shaped relief black PVD titanium screws

Crystal Sapphire Ǿ 35.50×3.00 mm, colourless.

Crown Ǿ 8.40 18K King Gold satin-finished, with black rubber insert Screws Black PVD titanium

Push-pieces 2 o’clock with red rubber inserts and black START indication, 4 o’clock black rubber and red RESET indication

Case-back 18K King Gold and crystal

Water resistance 10 ATM, i.e. approx 100 metres

Dial Matt grey and black with 18K red gold platted indexes

Hands Satin-finished 18K red gold hands with black SuperLuminova™

Movement HUB4100 Mechanical chronograph with automatic winding

No. of components 252 – Jewels: 27

Bridges Rhodium-plated, polished & satin-finished

Screws Black PVD

Power reserve Approximately 42 hours

Strap Adjustable black rubber and hornback alligator strap with red stitching

Clasp King Power micro-blasted black PVD titanium deployant buckle, 18K King Gold cap, micro-blasted black ceramic decorative plate, black ink engraving and polished black PVD screws

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…