Another Year, Another Fab Salon QP has opened its Doors……

SalonQP is with us once again, and at its fabulous location of the Saatchi Gallery on Kings Road in London. Tonight 6th November 2014 is its opening Night and by some strange and unfortunate coincidence I double booked and was unable to attend…. maybe something to do with my Birthday, How inconsiderate of my mother all those (cough… cough…) years ago. But I will be there tomorrow, woo hoo.

Well we thought we would give you a little insight on what you can expect from London’s very own Fine Watch Show, this may not be exactly what you expect as we are going to try and look at some of the less publicised exhibitors along with the usual fabulous stalwarts of the show and fast becoming the UK’s go to watch guys.

So let’s begin with some of the more common known names to our readers Bremont – this fabulous British Institution (well it’s getting there) will be showing its wares at SalonQP again this year and I’m sure anyone attending will be welcomed as always by the Bremont team and Brothers, I’m personally looking forward to get to grips with the Bremont Boeing colab-watch,  I just really like the crisp clean look of this watch and along with other c0llaborations Bremont has achieved a fantastic timepiece in my opinion.

I do hope the Bremont collection makes it’s way to the Show, as production is on way and deliveries are expected in December… if its not we will still be able to take an up close and personal look at the Jaguar and Chivas Regal collaboration watches along with the lovely Wright Flyer Limited edition Timepiece too.

Yes, that’s the watch that has the new Movement in it and caused a bit of stir after its launch in July… In House movement or NOT… that’s all been cleared up now and a little miscommunication or words taken out of context a little shouldn’t take away from the fact that bremont have moved on with manufacturing watches in the UK and made great strides in getting the UK watchmaking industry back on track, So the Wright Flyer and it’s Part Developed and Designed movement the BWC/01 which will be making their debut at SalonQP. They have been busy in Henley this last year… Sticking with UK Watchmakers/designers and ones that have made significant strides in the past year and first time exhibitors and a Watch Review Site Favourite we have Christopher Ward, this affordable watch manufacturer has again in collaboration with Swiss watchmakers and ateliers, which they now own have created there own in house movement the SH21 which is housed in the C9 Harrison 5 Day Automatic which was launched in July 2014.

The C9 Harrison 5 Day is a lovely piece and stands along the C900 Single Pusher which we have reviewed hands on and the C9 Jumping Hour and C900 Worldtimer which both have Christopher Ward JJ movement which have been designed and made by a wiz of a watchmaker Johannes Jahnke, who you could meet at SalonQP and see him at work….

Here’s some of the collection you could be feasting your eye’s upon at SalonQP over the next few days from Christopher Ward.

Moving on but sticking with the UK, we have our lovely and formidable Giles Ellis from Schofield Watches…. Schofield has always Launched a watch at Salon QP and this year is no different with the introduction of the Beater, which comes in three metals… Bronze, Titanium and Steel and here is a photo from Schofield Watches own twitter feed of the watches from today’s SalonQP.

The Beater has been launched at SalonQP and the first look at these new creations by Schofield Watches was this evening, again a bad reason to miss tonight’s event, but I cant wait to get hands on tomorrow.

So The guys that brought us The Signalman, Signalman DLC and Blacklamp, with that fabulous case have stepped on again using more materials. Its not only the watches you get from Schofield its an experience when you purchase one of their timepieces, the selection of fabulous straps are amazing, not to mention the torches, pen knives and other accessories they have come up with, the latest being  a Schofield Pen, all of these accessories are made using only the finest materials and workmanship.

As I said I cant wait to see what Giles has up his sleeve for next year, but first tomorrow.

With time catching up to me, I thought I’d sneak in just a couple more for you to consider visiting…. well I would definitely visit the next two at SalonQP.

First up is a Belgium based brand who I first come across in Basel last year even though they have been around a tad longer than that… Raidillon 55.

Raidillon is a Belgium brand named after a corner/curve on the old Spa circuit, and the 55 was the maximum number of cars allowed to race on the Old Spa Race Track, so a very apt name for a race inspired watch brand.

All of the Raidillon watch collections are powered by Swiss Movements and the majority are Chronographs and come in 38mm and 42mm cases. Another great aspect is that all Raidillon watches come in strict limited editions of 55 pieces a very nice touch in my eyes, and they are priced well for the quality of design, build and movement.

Raidillon 55 are a first time exhibitor at SalonQP and as I understand it are a first time exhibitor in the UK, so its a great opportunity to get hands on with these great watches and see for yourself what I’m banging on about.

Think of it this way I have decided to add them to a post which has three of the best British watch brands we have available to us today so that must mean something… I hope.

Here’s a look at some of their pieces.

And the final place I would like to tell you to visit during SalonQP and its a must for all watch aficionados and that stand is Wolf… Wolf Watch Winders, I personally have one and they are great and fabulous value for money.

Oh and another of our favourites who will be there is Nomos Glashutte, again another must visit watch stand for the pure simplicity of design and fabulous cases, along with some amazing German Glashutte engineering.

I’m sure I’ve missed a few, probably a lot but I will give you a greater insight tomorrow.

Due to time and needing some sleep before venturing to SalonQP tomorrow I leave it there, but will be tweeting photos and providing a review of the event over the weekend, So why not tune back in to The Watch Review Site and see what I get up to at London’s only Fine Watch Show….

Small is beautiful — from Glashütte

The Nomos Glashutte Orion 33 Rose Timepiece

As with usual Nomos Glashutte tradition we have another pre christmas launch, this year it is one for the ladies with the Orion 33 Rose, In the words of Nomos themselves

“It has become a kind of Christmas tradition by now: in time for the festive season we introduce a new model. This year’s Christmas surprise will certainly put a smile on women’s faces. We introduced our wristwatch Orion 33 rosé at SalonQP at the beginning of November—and of course I’d like to share the information with you too.  We hope you’ll like our latest model!”

Press Release by Nomos Glashutte

This year’s celebration will be in rosé. More delicate, yet decidedly grown up—that’s this year’s Christmas watch from NOMOS Glashütte. A present that lasts through time Glashütte, November 2012.

Under the tree in plenty of time: Orion 33 rose is the name of the new little sister of the familiar Glashutte watch—and it is this year’s Christmas surprise from NOMOS Glashutte. The youngest member of the 33 family looks like the original Orion with its gently curved case and fine stainless steel lunette. But it is smaller—and seems even flatter than other hand-wound watches from NOMOS Glashutte. With a diameter of just 33 millimeters, it is especially becoming on delicate wrists. The light rose hue of the dial—bove every suspicion of kitsch—latters the skin and eye and goes with velvet or silk, cord or tweed. A Sunday-best watch for every day, optically delicate and technically very robust.

All this makes the new Orion 33 rose from NOMOS Glashutte the perfect surprise for your savvy sister, your best girlfriend, your best beloved, and all the other fantastic women in your life. And it’s a gift that lasts— lifetime and longer.

Starting in November, this new model will be available for 1320 pounds from the best authorized watch retailers in the UK and at www.nomos-store.com.

Nomos Orion 33 Rose – Technical details

Movement: α (Alpha)—anufactory caliber with manual winding

Case: stainless steel, tripartite;

Diameter 32.8 mm; Height 8.54 mm

Domed sapphire crystal glass;

Domed sapphire crystal glass exhibition case back,

Dial: galvanized, silver-plated, rose; stamped indexes, diamond-polished, gold

Hands: steel, gold-plated

Water resistant to 3 atm or 30m

Strap: velour

Reference number 325

The Soprano by Christophe Claret

Tourbillon minute repeater with four cathedral gongs

Whilst at SalonQP 2012 we had the pleasure in seeing the Christophe Claret Soprano Timepiece in person (persay), the guys at Christophe Claret’s stand were very eager to tell us all about the Minute Repeater and it’s spectacular chimes and how they mimic exactly the note of our very own Big Ben… Can you imagine Big Ben on your wrist? I did joke about the Soprano obviously being a little quieter than the Houses of Parliament’s own Big Ben, but I think it got lost in translation and went over the Christophe Claret representatives head.

He went on to explain the functions of the timepiece and again repeat this fascinating take on how the watch reacts and chimes on the quarter hour (some achievement in the watch world) and how the actual gong or chime is activated, quite a fascinating insight into the movement in this Soprano Tourbillon Minute Repeater, all in all we liked The Soprano not only for what it has achieved in the chime department and workings of a watch, but also in its looks department, as for the price well see for yourself, this is a timepiece available in two variations each limited to a mere 8 timepieces each worldwide.

We enjoyed finding out about the Soprano and it’s patented gong movement so we thought you may be interested too, so here is a detailed overview from Christophe Claret.

The Soprano features a musically accurate 4-note minute repeater striking Westminster Quarters on patented cathedral gongs, a 60-second tourbillon and Charles X style bridges, all on a spectacular dial-free view. The Soprano pays homage to the roots of Christophe Claret’s manufacture, which has innovated in striking complications, tourbillons and sapphire components since its earliest years. Indeed, in 1997 Christophe Claret was the first to incorporate sapphire components – comprising plates and Charles X style bridges − in a wristwatch movement.

The Soprano is a timepiece of contrasts: traditional haute horlogerie with state-of-the-art manufacturing; English Parliament with French King; historic complications with contemporary design; aural indications with visual displays; noble gold with high-tech titanium, and metal components with sapphire elements.

The minute repeater is considered – with good reason − to be one of the most demanding and difficult horological complications to realize due to the marriage of technical complexity with artistic musical tonality. A minute repeater tells the time audibly with two notes created from two small hammers striking two gongs: one for the hours, one for the minutes and a combination of the two for the quarter hours. Even more complex is the Clarion repeater with three notes that can play a simple melody for the quarters.

However, the nec plus ultra of the minute repeater realm is the Westminster– so called for the distinctive tune played by the Big Ben clock at the Palaceof Westminster, home of the British Parliament. Big Ben strikes a complex melody for the quarters with four hammers striking four notes on four bells. To provide an even fuller and richer sound than standard repeaters, the Christophe ClaretSoprano features four cathedral gongs, each circling the perimeter of the movement twice (a normal gong goes around only once). And to further ensure that the rich sound reaches the listen’s ears, the central case band is in grade 5 titanium, a metal known for its superior acoustic properties and used in musical instruments.

A few decades before Big Ben began chiming Westminster Quarters over London, the French king Charles X was making a significant impact on art, architecture and horology. One of the defining characteristics of pocket watches created during this period were stepped bridges, which became known as Charles X bridges. Having spent much of his early watchmaking career restoring beautiful timepieces from this epoch,Christophe Claret incorporated this historic design element into the Soprano.

In 1997,Christophe Claret was the very first to use sapphire bridges (even then Charles X style) and plates in wristwatch movements, and the Soprano makes liberal use of sapphire components to allow visual access into the mechanisms. From the smoked ring circumscribing the movement that discreetly hides yet subtly reveals the cathedral gongs, to the transparent mainspring barrel at the top of the open dial, and turning over to the clear repeater inertia governor cover visible through the sapphire display back. 

“When I created Manufacture Claret over 20 years ago, the very first movement I developed was a minute repeater so the complication has always been very special to me.” Christophe Claret 

Minute Repeater: The minute repeater, which strikes the time on demand (usually by activating a slide on the caseband), is an extremely difficult complication to realize because:

1. Technically, it is a very complex mechanism.

2. Musically, the notes have to ring clear, loud and harmoniously.

With decades of experience developing striking watches, Christophe Claret has not just mastered the mysterious art of minute repeaters, but has brought the genre into the 21^st century. Working with a piano tuner, Claret developed a computer program called Analyser 2000 that records and analyses the notes for pitch, duration and loudness, and even the length of the silent pauses between notes. This enables the Christophe Claret manufacture to consistently create harmonious and musically accurate melodies with strong crystalline notes.

Each note is determined by the precise length and diameter of the gongs. The hammer has to strike forcefully for a loud sound, but immediately leave the gong so as not to deaden the ring.

“The melody chimed by the Soprano is as musically correct as possible.”Christophe Claret

Repeater operation: When the repeater slide is activated, the chimes sound the number of hours with C (Do), the deepest note; followed by the Westminster Quarters’ melody for the quarter hours (unless fewer than 15 minutes after the hour); and then the number of minutes after the last quarter hour.

Patented cathedral gongs: Each cathedral gong circles the movement twice so that one coil lies just above the other. Because the coils are so close together, they can touch each other as they vibrate, which can create a disconcerting buzz. Christophe Claret invented a system that effectively avoids this problem, which was awarded a patent.

Westminster Quarters:Westminster Quarters, also known as Westminster Chimes, is a four-note tune originally written in 1793 for the bells of the St Mary the Great Church in Cambridge,England and was known as the Cambridge Chimes.

However, in 1859 the melody was chosen for the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster in London. A clock now more commonly known now as Big Ben, though the term originally referred to just the large hour bell. So well known did the four-note chimes become that they came to be called Westminster Chimes.

The melody is played when the watch strikes the quarter hours (each 15 minutes) as just a single deep note is played for the hours and another single (higher pitched) note for the minutes.

While the Westminster Quarters melody is usually played in the key of E major, theChristophe ClaretSoprano chimes in the key of C major to provide longer resonating and happier-sounding notes.

Manufacture Claret is one of a very elite few manufactures with the skills, knowledge and capability to create four-noteWestminsterminute repeaters.

Transmission of Sound: The purpose of a minute repeater is to allow the time to be heard rather than read, which was a very useful feature before the invention of electric lamps (and mobile phones). To maximize the sound of the notesChristophe Claret has incorporated three features into the Soprano: Cathedral gongs, an open dial and a titanium caseband.

“One of the keys of developing an excellent minute repeater is ensuring that the sound can escape easily.” Christophe Claret

Cathedral gongs: Standard repeater gongs (the bell) are usually made from a hardened steel wire that makes a one complete circle around the movement or dial. The Soprano is equipped with four cathedral gongs, each circling the movement twice to provide a fuller and richer sound.

No dial: To minimize barriers to sound − and to maximize visual appreciation of the finely finished movement and the operation of the striking mechanism − the Soprano has no dial which allows the beautiful melody out and showcases the tourbillon, repeater operation, mainspring barrel, winding mechanism and Charles X bridges.

Titanium caseband: The case of the Soprano is in three parts: upper and lower (bezel and caseback) sections in gold and a central titanium caseband. Titanium was selected for its superior sound transmission qualities. Where gold tends to deaden sound, titanium effectively transmits sound from the interior of the case to the exterior. The sound qualities of titanium are so good that the metal is often used for saddle bridges in high-quality guitars.

Tourbillon escapement: Christophe Claret has an affinity for the tourbillon escapement, for both its kinetic beauty and its superior chronometric performance. In fact, Claret is so dedicated to the tourbillon that it is the standard escapement for all of his manufacture movements. The 60-second tourbillon carriage of the Soprano is on full view through the open dial at 6 o’clock and is supported by a single arm stepped bridge in the characteristic style of Charles X.

Abraham-Louis Breguet invented the tourbillon escapement at the end of the 18^th century, so it is only fitting that Claret has complemented the Soprano’s tourbillon with a ‘parachute’ shock protection system – another Breguet invention.

Charles X: In 1824, Charles Philippe the Count ofArtois succeeded his brother Louis XVIII to the throne ofFrance and became King Charles X. While his rule lasted just six years – ending with the July Revolution of 1830 – Charles was a great patron of the arts and his influence was seen throughoutFrance in architecture, art and horology. The watchmaking of this period was prolific, generally of very high quality and distinguished by a particular form of stepped bridge.

Sapphire components: Christophe Claret is a pioneer in making movement components from sapphire crystal and in 1997 was the first to develop a movement with sapphire plates and bridges (and even then his first sapphire bridges were in the Charles X style he admired form his has in restoration of historic timepieces). Since then, Manufacture Claret has been at the forefront in the use sapphire components that allow maximum appreciation of movement and mechanisms.

There is the obvious scratch resistant top crystal and display back as well as the more discreet smoked sapphire hour and minute ring around the open movement. But sapphire is also used to allow the viewer to delve even deeper. A transparent mainspring barrel under 12 o’clock allows both the barrel to be seen turning while being wound and the approximate power reserve to be deduced by the state-of-wind of the visible mainspring. The repeater’s inertia governor at 3 o’clock has a clear sapphire cover so it can be seen silently spinning as it regulates the speed of the chiming gongs.

Christophe Claret – The Soprano – Technical Details

Two limited editions of eight pieces each

CALIBRE TRD98: 

Dimensions: 27.6 x 46.4 x8.45 mm

Number of parts: 450

Number of jewels: 39

Power reserve: 72 hours (approx.)

Barrel: Single mainspring barrel in transparent sapphire crystal

Tourbillon: Escapement: Swiss lever type, Oscillation frequency of the balance: 3 Hz (21,600 vph), Tourbillon rotation 60 seconds, Flying tourbillon, Charles X style stepped bridge, Parachute shock protection

Functions: Hours and minutes, 4-note minute repeater playing Westminster Quarters, Mechanical, hand-wound movement, Transparent mainspring barrel acts as movement state-of-wind indicator: when the movement is fully wound the spring is centered in the barrel

Distinctive features: Four visible hammers, four patented cathedral gongs, Repeater mechanism features silent inertia governor, Tourbillon regulator with parachute shock absorber, Charles X style stepped bridges

Case: Round

Dimensions: 45mm x 56.80mm x 15.32mm

Water resistance: 3 ATM  /30 m/100 ft

Case Material: 5N red gold and anthracite PVD titanium / Anthracite PVD and black spinal hands. Limited edition of 8 pieces or White gold and anthracite PVD titanium / Black PVD and ruby or blue spinal hands. Limited edition of 8 pieces

Slide: Repeater mechanism is activated by a slide on the left side of the caseband

Crown: Red gold and titanium (red gold case) or white gold and titanium (white gold case)

Strap: Black hand-sewn alligator leather with black stitching (red gold case), red or blue stitching (white gold case)

Buckle: Red gold and titanium (red gold case) or white gold and titanium (white gold case)

Limited edition: Each of the two versions is issued in a limited edition of eight pieces

Suggested retail price: From 468’000 Swiss francs exclusive of VAT thats £315,000 plus VAT so more like £380,000

Gorgeous Watch Brands from Spain

Who are you wearing around your wrist? Is it Chanel, Prada or Marc Jacobs? You know a handsome watch is a man’s best friend. It’s not difficult to find one in Spain, where you can choose from more than 30 brands. From casual occasions to parties or even casino nights, you can find local boutiques in Spain offering gorgeous lines of watches. Spanish Brands such as 666 Barcelona and Adolfo Dominguez offer exquisite designs that aren’t as expensive compared to Chanel or Prada. In addition to this, you no longer have to order abroad and wait for the delivery.

If you want a complete list of Spanish-branded watches, you can visit Watcheroo online for reference. You may also consult with your online poker buddies at portals such as partypoker’s virtual lounge. The largest online gaming site in Spain, aside from allowing you to play poker games like 7 Card Stud and No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em, also features a community section for enthusiasts to chat and interact with. You might even find a watch collector in partypoker Spain’s community sites and social pages. Since a watch, as we know, is a status symbol, having a high-end watch might help you land a VIP table at one of the poker rooms at Casino de Barcelona, Casino Costa Calida, or Casino Gran Madrid. Plus, who doesn’t want to be on time during tournaments? Furthermore, an expensive watch can be traded into multiple poker chips.

Try to consider the following Spanish-branded watches:

666 Barcelona’s Cool Alphabet Chrono Watch

666 Barcelona offers various products from men’s watches, women’s watches and unisex watches. In their Man Collection, The Alphabet Chrono Watch features a unique design and concept for a wristwatch. Instead of using Roman numerals or bullets as time indicators, 666 Barcelona made use of Alphabets A to L to replace 12 to 11 o’clock. Alphabet Chrono Black is available in four colors: Blue, Silver, Maroon and Black. They also have an Alphabet Clock Lady counterpart. It may be a bit confusing to identify the time at first but you’ll definitely get used to it. The current price is 262 Euros.

Armand Basi A-0161G-01

This Armand Basi A-0161G-01 is a quartz type analogue watch with round the clock time indicators. The watch is made of stainless steel metal and is protected by a mineral glass. The bracelet is made of genuine leather strap. What’s unique about this watch is the dual analogue display: one for the primary time zone and the other one for the second time zone.

Armand Basi A-0291G-09

If you prefer a trendy digital watch, then choose the Armand Basi A-0291G-09. It looks like a thick leather bracelet with 80 black dots. The black dots display the electronic time. This is a unisex watch and a waterproof one.

Bultaco Polyceramic Watch

Bultaco Polyceramic Watch is engineered with advanced technology and machinery. The watch is made of pure gold including its crown and screw. Numeric figures are engraved around the clock. Bultaco Polyceramic also features two small analogue clocks for milliseconds and the date.

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

HUBLOT, becomes First Official Timekeeper of the Los Angeles Lakers!

Press Release by Hublot S.A

Hublot CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe presents Los Angeles Lakers Executive Vice President, Business Operations, Jeanie Buss with Official Lakers Clock during Pre-Game Ceremony.

Los Angeles, California: Hublot CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe stood center court at STAPLES Center last night to present Executive Vice President, Business Operations, Jeanie Buss with a sparkling new Hublot Clock symbolizing a new partnership which makes the Swiss Luxury Watch brand the Official Timekeeper of the Legendary NBA Team.

Boasting 16 NBA titles, the Los Angeles Lakers are among the most storied franchises in the NBA and one of the most popular teams in the world. In the heart of the city, a Lakers game effortlessly fuses basketball with fashion, celebrity, luxury and excitement. With Hublot, now the Official Timekeeper of the Los Angeles Lakers, the City of Angels will not miss a second!

Hublot CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe said, “Signing a legendary team like the Lakers was a natural addition to our iconic partnership platform, which includes Manchester United, FIFA, and Usain Bolt, to name a few. The Lakers have been monumental in making basketball a global game and with players like Kobe Bryant leading the way with such tenacity and determination, there was simply no question for us. We look forward to working with the Lakers and are thrilled to join our families together.”

“The Lakers are thrilled to be partnering with Hublot – an iconic, global brand that symbolizes a unique blend of tradition and modern style,” said Tim Harris, Senior Vice President, Business Operations/CMO. “Hublot, like the Lakers, prides itself on the pursuit of excellence and places an emphasis on being champions in the community. It’s a natural fit for us.”

Hublot Chairman, Jean-Claude Biver added, “Like Hublot, the Lakers’ solid foundation, charitable impact and sound team leadership make this partnership a slam dunk!!”

Hublot announced its first US Team partnership in 2010, when the luxury watch brand added the Miami HEAT to its global portfolio shortly after the brand signed HEAT star and trendsetter, Dwyane Wade as an ambassador. In 2012, Hublot was there when the Barclays Center opened, the new, luxurious home of the Brooklyn Nets, adding New York to its United States presence. The addition of the Los Angeles Lakers makes this the second NBA team partnership for the brand, solidifying its expanding presence and the growth in Los Angeles.

Other Hublot News and Reviews can be found here

SIHH 2013 – Hublot Classic Fusion Tourbillon Black Ceramic

by Steve and Shirley Lambert 

We bring you a little something from SIHH 2013 in Geneva which we sadly could not attend.. So are unable to bring you the same coverage we did from SalonQP.

But here is a little information from one of the brands present in Hublot and what we think is a lovely timepiece especially for those of us who may not be totally at home with the more familiar Hublot King Power and Big Bang Watches out there.

We have a black ceramic skeleton tourbillon watch with a slimmer, more classic profile, but which features an all-black design in line with Hublot’s graphic codes. We present the Classic Fusion Black Ceramic Skeleton Tourbillon, one of Hublot’s major new arrivals for the start of 2013.

Sleek and contemporary but with a timeless elegance drawn from traditional watchmaking values to create one of the kings amongst complications, this piece is truly striking with its satin-finished and polished black ceramic case and resolutely graphic skeleton tourbillon movement, designed, developed and produced from start to finish in the workshops of the Hublot Manufacture.

On the dial, it is worth noting that the hands are similar in design to those on the very first Hublot watches: a clever reference to the history of the brand. This timepiece benefits from a 120-hour power reserve and is watertight to 30 metres.

With the tourbillon’s classic style and the ultramodern, sleek black design, this limited series comprising just 99 numbered pieces perfectly demonstrates the principle of fusing tradition and modernity, outstanding craftsmanship and 21st century creative vision in watchmaking.

Technical Details – Hublot Classic Fusion Tourbillon Black Ceramic

Reference 505.CM.0140.LR – Black ceramic version (limited to 99 pieces)

Case “Classic Fusion” – Diameter 45 mm Satin-finished, polished black ceramic
Bezel Vertical, satin-finished black ceramic
6 H-shaped titanium screws, countersunk, polished & locked
Crystal Sapphire with interior/exterior anti-reflective coating
Crown Polished black ceramic with Hublot logo
Case-back Polished ceramic with sapphire crystal interior anti-reflective coating
Water resistance 3 ATM, i.e. approx. 30 metres

Dial Sapphire with anti-reflective coating on topside/underside
Black coated, polished indexes
Hands Polished, black coated

Movement MHUB6010.H1.1
Hand-wound skeleton tourbillon movement produced by the Manufacture
Components 155
Jewels 19
Frequency 3 Hz (21,600 Vib/h)
Power reserve Approximately 120 hours
Strap Black alligator leather stitched onto black rubber, black stitching
Clasp Black PVD steel deployant buckle

A ladies Chronograph – Breitling Transocean Chronograph 38mm

Press Release by: Breitling

First-class femininity

A tribute to the spirit of travel to distant lands aboard luxurious long haul airliners, the Breitling Transocean welcomes a brand-new chronograph for women endowed with a distinctive blend of character and elegance.

With its understated design and refined dials, the Transocean offers a resolutely contemporary stylistic interpretation of the aesthetic of 1950s and 1960s chronographs. A model of fine workmanship and excellence, it has established itself as a new classic marrying prestige and distinction. Breitling is now enriching this exceptional collection with a 38 mm-diameter ladies’ chronograph that lends a touch of character to any wrist, including the daintiest.

The case with its pure lines, accentuated by a beveled bezel and slender lugs, comes in a choice of steel or 18K red gold. The meticulously crafted dials are adorned with applied hourmarkers and hollowed counters featuring a spiral motif. They are available in three refined colors – deep black, glowing silver and a highly original midnight blue shade. The caseback is engraved with the two stylized planes that were a longtime Breitling symbol, as indeed was the initial B in 18K gold enhancing the dial. The Barenia or crocodile leather straps offer a broad choice of vivid or classic hues, while a steel mesh bracelet lends a touch of boldness and sophistication.

A paragon of elegance, the Transocean Chronograph 38 also boasts outstanding performances thanks to a self winding chronograph movement chronometer certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), the highest benchmark in terms of precision and reliability.

Technical Details – Breitling Transocean Cghronograph 38

Movement: Breitling Caliber 41, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, selfwinding,

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

38 jewels,

1/4th second chronograph, 30-minute totalizer.

Calendar.

Case: steel or 18K red gold.

Water Resistant to 100 m/330 ft/10 bars.

Convex sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides.

Diameter: 38 mm.

Dials: black, Midnight blue or Mercury silver.

Straps/Bracelet: Barenia leather, crocodile leather/Ocean Classic (steel mesh, on the steel version only).

Hublot presents its “Jeans” Ladies watch collection

Hublot Big Bang Jeans Ladies Watch Collection.Nothing says summer fashion quite like stylish denim.

Contributed by The Lamberts

Hublot did it! For the first time, a luxury watch brand has produced a collection of “Jeans” watches. And we haven’t settled for any old denim: The dials and straps are made by an Italian denim manufacturer who supplies the world’s biggest luxury and fashion names.

Based on an idea by Tina Zegg, the collection comprises three ladies’ “Big Bang Jeans” watches and one ultra-technical men’s diving watch, the “Oceanographic 4000 Jeans”, all of which incorporate a detail of Dsquared denim from Tina Zegg.

You can almost feel the summer breeze in the faded blue of the denim. This won’t be the year that jeans make their exit from the fashion world. An accessory that has remained on trend since its creation, jeans are still an essential fashion item. Chic, rock’n’roll, sexy, boho, vintage, urban, authentic, tie-dye… denim is whatever you want it to be, and an enduring wardrobe staple for men and women alike.

The launch of this collection, which combines fashion with the quality craftsmanship of Haute Horlogerie watches, took place on the 18th February 2013 at the Wellness Hotel Chasa Montana in Samnaun in the heart of the Swiss Alps (Zegg Hotels & Stores), and was attended by the German Double Olympic and World skiing champion, Maria Höfl-Riesch, a Hublot ambassador since 2011.  She was joined by Jean-Claude Biver, Chairman of Hublot, and Tina Zegg and Carlo Cerlati of Zegg&Cerlati in Monaco.

The Oceanographic 4000 Jeans is a special edition exclusively created for Zegg & Cerlati boutiques, at Place du Casino in Monte Carlo, Ischgl in Austria and Samnaun in Switzerland. The Big Bang Jeans will also be exclusively available until the end of summer in Monaco.

Technical Details – Hublot Jeans Big Bang watches

References 301.SX.2710.NR.JEANS (limited edition of 250)
341.SX.2710.NR.1104.JEANS DIAMONDS set with diamonds (limited edition of 250)
341.SX.2710.NR.1901.JEANS CARAT set with baguettes (limited edition of 250)

Case – Big Bang – Diameter 41 mm – Steel
Bezel – Steel for the JEANS with titanium screw
18K white gold set with 48 baguette-cut sapphires for the JEANS CARAT
Steel set with 114 diamonds (total weight 1.22 ct) for the JEANS DIAMONDS
Crystal Sapphire with interior/exterior anti-reflective coating
Crown Steel with black rubber insert
Push-buttons Steel with black rubber inserts
Case back Open in steel with sapphire crystal
Water resistance 10 ATM, i.e. approx 100 metres
Dial Denim vacuum-wrapped in epoxy and opaline-coloured counters
Indexes set with 8 diamonds for a total weight of 0.14 carat.
Hands Polished & rhodium-plated
Movement HUB4300 Mechanical automatic chronograph with date
Power reserve Approximately 42 hours
Strap Denim sewn onto black rubber with beige stitching and steel deployant buckle

Michelsen Arctic Explorer: Official timepiece of the Solo to the South Pole expedition

Press Release by: Michelsen Watchmaker

On January 17th, Miss Vilborg Arna Gissurardóttir, an intrepid young Icelandic explorer, finished her solo expedition to the South Pole. This incredible journey took Ms Gissurardóttir 60 days and she covered a total of 1’140 kilometers (19 km per day) in harsh and challenging weather conditions such as strong headwinds, treacherous skiing conditions, zastrugi and temperatures of approximately -40°C. She was the first Icelander and only the 9th woman in history to walk to the South Pole alone without any outside help. After the completion of her journey, Ms Gissurardóttir complimented the Arctic Explorer: “The watch did very well. I walked the whole time with the watch strapped on the outside of my jacket, next to the compass. The watch was unprotected and exposed in extreme weather conditions and served its purpose with great honors.”

To survive such a journey, you must depend on solid and trustworthy gear. With this in mind, Ms Gissurardóttir appointed Michelsen Watchmakers to provide her with a reliable timepiece to help her keep track of the time. It was our honor to present her with our Michelsen Watchmakers – Arctic Explorer watch.

The watch was designed with frequent travelers and outdoor enthusiasts in mind. It features the traditional three hands and a calendar but with an additional 24-hour hand and a rotatable bezel. These features allow the wearer to read three different time zones, two of which work simultaneously and the third one to figure out time difference.

The 42mm watch case is made from high quality 316L stainless steel. The steel case is tough and waterproof, a feature tailored specifically to the requirements of outdoor enthusiasts. The white dial is highly visible with big numerals and indexes while the unique arrow-shaped hands are robust and black, which creates great contrast against the dial to maximize clarity. The movement is automatic and was chosen specifically for this expedition due to its high reliability (ETA 2893-A2 Top execution). The selected movement is resistant to extreme cold and the lubricating oils can withstand temperatures up to -50°C. This renders the movement’s accuracy more precise compared to standard movements. A nylon strap was chosen for maximum comfort and its incredible strength.

For further information about the expedition and the watch, click here. For technical specs, click here.

The Michelsen Watchmakers – Arctic Explorer watches were launched on December 1st, 2012. Three dial colors are available – white, black and blue. Various strap options are also available. The watch is delivered with a leather strap and a strong nylon strap or a high quality Italian made rubber strap is provided as a standard offering. Several versions of handmade leather straps in either calfskin, shark or highly unique Icelandic spotted wolffish skin are available.