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New Brand – TWCO Technical Watches an Introduction

D Constant — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 09:53:08 +0000

TWCO – Technical Watches Co…

Introduction to a new kid on the block

Kid probably being one of the opperative words here, (no disrespect intended to Robbert, to the contrary) A young watchmaker has stepped up and created his first offering at the ripe old age of 20… A step very few have taken and a bold one at that, one that we welcome and look forward to seeing what Robbert has in the pipeline for this resurected brand in TWCO.

At the moment Robbert has one offering which will be available in December this year and this is a 600m Divers watch with various strap options before we go into too much detail here is the recent press release recieved from Robbert and hopefully we can arrange to have a Hands on Review of the inagaural Sea Rescue Diver.

It looks clean and classic Divers and runs a Miyota 9015 Auto movement, oh and is price at 665 Euros incl. VAT or roughly £ 535.00 for us in the UK.

Press Release – Netherlands October 15, 2012

Introducing: TWCO Technical Watches!

With this press release we proudly introduce TWCO® Technical Watches!

“It is fantastic to finally see our brand fully realized and launched. We are very much looking forward to seeing the response from the customers to our unique designs and philosophy”. Says Robbert Suurland, owner.

About the owner:

It all started with a study Watchmaking & Horology, combined with an absolute passion for watches. Robbert Suurland, 20 years old, is still studying watchmaking and horology at vakschool Schoonhoven (in his fourth and last year).

But . . . when a clear philosophy on quality and design is combined with vision and opportunity: nice things can happen!

The result of this is revealed in this press release.

Not only the launch of the TWCO® brand but also the introduction of their first model. Introduction starts with the Sea Rescue Diver range, a classic 60 ATM/600 meter SS diver with accessories and tools. TWCO® Watches are only available online.

TWCO® always stands for:

• Appealing designs, specific design features, quality movements and materials.

• Professional ‘technical’ but very ‘wearable’ watches.

About TWCO:

TWCO® is a contemporary watch brand specializing in high quality professional watches. Our watches combine an outstanding design with quality utilizing top tier materials and craftsmanship! Professional watches made for professionals and enthusiasts! WWW.TWCOWATCHES.COM

As that was a short and sweet press release and in typical TWRS tradition we take this opportunity to provide you with a few more techniacl details of the TWCO Sea Rescue Diver 6ATM

TWCO Sea Rescue Divers Watch – 600m – Technical Details

Movement: Miyota 9015 Automatic winding.

28.800 Beats per hour (4HZ).

24 Jewels.

Power reserve over 42hours.

Case: 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel.

Case Diameter 43 mm, Bezel Diameter 44 mm, Thickness 15.5 mm, Lug to Lug 51 mm

Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective (AR) coating on the inside.

Hands & dial indexes with Super-LumiNova®

Functions Date display, Hours, minutes and central second with balance stop (hacking).

Unidirectional 120 click bezel with 20 minute marked and luminous dot at the triangle of the bezel insert (0/60minutes).

Inner bezel with 60 minute markers

3 minute radio silence markers.

Screw down crown with triple Viton® protection seals.

Engraved Double Viton® protection sealed caseback.

600m (60ATM) water resistant.

A Diver that Doesn’t Dive Deep??? – Linde Werdelin Oktopus II

Martin Green — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:02:17 +0000

Linde Werdelin’s new Oktopus II Diving Watch Doesn’t Go Deep! Morten Linde explains the logic

By Martin Green written for Longitude – Christies Wacth Blog

Linde Werdelin is not your average watch company and that is something that they cherish. They enjoy taking paths less travelled, and they are not the only ones who enjoy it! Because they are different than most watch companies, they come out with refreshing new watches that we also can enjoy! Pictured to the left are Morten Linde (left) and Jorn Werdelin, founders of Linde Werdelin.

Such is most certainly the case with the Oktopus II, Linde Werdelin’s new divers watch. Although we are already familiar with the looks of their diving watches through its predecessor, the Oktopus I, the Oktopus II pushes the envelope even further, in every way except water resistance! We had the opportunity to talk with Morten Linde, co-founder and designer of Linde Werdelin about the new Oktopus II;

Martin Green (MG): Dive watches are very popular, even amongst those who don’t dive. How important is it for Linde Werdelin to have a divers watch in its collection?

Morten Linde: A lot of customers have an active lifestyle and like the rugged look of a dive watch. Most of them also use the watch where it was made for; life under water. It is our philosophy that time should be read analog, but that when you use it for sport you need digital. Also when you go diving you need a diving computer. A watch is great, but you need a digital computer to give you all the information you need to dive safely.

MG: In what way is the Oktopus II different than the Oktopus I? Is it an evolution or a revolution?

Linde Werdelin Oktopus II: not just serious about diving but also professional!

Morten Linde; It is a combination of both; we have refined the watch by going into the details, and found a lot of inspiration in the development of The Reef (Linde Werdelin’s diving computer MG). All our watches have to fit in The Reef, they need to be anti-corrosive, have big hands, basically it needs to be suited to working/life in water.

When we design a new watch we work very closely with our suppliers (Linde Werdelin has a very transparent policy that they don’t aspire to make everything themselves, but prefer to make their watches with the best suppliers they can find MG). We need to talk with the people at the suppliers to see what is possible; it is a cooperative effort. It is all about understanding suppliers, working together to make great products and to determine how we can both set a step further.

MG: Most divers also wear a diving computer when they go diving. With the Oktopus this device can simply be attached to the watch. Did “The Reef” also get an update?

Morten Linde: The Reef is in constant development with refinement of software and instruments. Basically it is a constant evolution. For the new Oktopus II we have The Reef now available in blue and yellow to match the colors on the dial.

MG: There is a current trend that divers watches have an increasing water resistance. What technical features has the Oktopus II in regard to this?

Morten Linde: Water resistance should be practical. After 120 meters diving is not possible, all you get is a big watch. It is not a game/contest to get the highest water resistance. The first Oktopus was water resistance to 1100 meters, with the Oktopus II that is 300 meters; the same depth as The Reef is tested for. We are the only watch company that makes a real instrument for diving. Brands that make watches that are extremely water resistant indicate that they don’t know anything about diving. It is easier to make a watch water resistance to 5000 meters than to build a dive computer.

Oktopus II in Blue; the skeleton date wheels

MG: Most watch connoisseurs are quite passionate about the movement. What can you tell us about the movement in the Oktopus II?

Morten Linde: In regard to the movement it was extremely complicated to do the date-wheels. They are extremely thin. I wanted them to be skeletonized. It not only looks good, but it is also resembles the stencil look of the letters found on a lot of divers equipment. We actually had to develop a special process for it, because the regular laser cutting wasn’t possible due to heat. The date wheels would warp and couldn’t be used. With our supplier we had to overcome that problem.

The skeletonized design of the movement was also created so that it resembles an octopus with arms from 3 to 9 o’clock, and the big date look like its eyes.

MG: The Oktopus I was also released with a moonphase indicator. A quite unique feature for a divers watch. Can we also expect complications like this in the near future for the Oktopus II?

Morten Linde: We find it interesting to make complications that have a purpose. We did the moonphase on the first Oktopus because a lot of people like night diving, for this you need the moon, or moonlight. It always needs to add something, an extra functionality that is also relevant for a diver. Big date too, although as a diver you don’t need to have this function underwater. You do need the date to set your diving computer correctly. But about extra or different complications for the Oktopus II,let’s see what happens!

From wetsuit to tuxedo, the Oktopus II in titanium & rose gold can handle both with ease. (pictured to the right)

MG: Is there anything about the Oktopus II that you think everybody should know?

Morten Linde: The case construction is very interesting. It is inspired by the development of The Reef. It consists of 4 separate units after which the bezel locks it in place. This has never been done before. Also the whole architecture of the watch is interesting. We worked hard on the 3D look of the watch, since it all needs to come together. When you dive you go up and down, so we also did this on the case and dial to create the same motion. At 9 and 6 o’clock the case go ups to add dimension. We want to create details, even details in details, and play with light and shadows so it is always interesting to look at the watch. An Octopus II will last at least for 100 years so it should be interesting to look at, and you will see more details over time.

So what is left to say about a watch after such an insight into its design and development? Well, the Oktopus II will be released in three different versions: titanium and ceramic with blue accents, titanium, DLC-coated titanium and ceramic with yellow accents, and a rose gold, titanium and rose gold accents version. All of them are limited to only 88 pieces and house a modified Dubois Depraz Calbiber 14580.

Although they are the same model, smart use of the different materials and varied colors of the accents give each watch a face of its own. Usually a diving watch has a rotating bezel. Interestingly, Linde Werdelin said good-bye to this feature. They have the opinion that time spent under water can much better be counted on a diving computer, which is also easier to read then a watch bezel and therefore safer. All together gives the Oktopus II a whole new and fresh look on how a diving watch can be: serious, thought through, robust, yet always with an eye for detail!

More information about the Oktopus II can be found at Linde Werdelin’s website

Original interview and article can be found at http://blogs.christies.com/longitude/brands/linde-werdelins-new-oktopus-ii-diving-watch-doesnt-go-deep-morten-linde-explains-the-logic/

Hublot Oceanographic 4000 King Gold White

Watch it Admin — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 05:41:12 +0000

Hublot Oceanographic 4000 King Gold White

Well there must be something in the water, Literarily straight after introducing you to the Breitling Super Ocean 42mm White Waters Divers Watch we have another White Diver in a very different vein but its still a white diver… Don’t let Hublot hear me say its just a white diver, because its much more than that.

It was 18 months in research and development

It has been tested to depth’s of 5,000m

It’s Certified Water Resistant to 4,000m

It’s in conjunction with the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

It’s made out of Gold, Platinum and Titanium

It’s, It’s, It’s ……… NOT JUST A DIVER IT’S A HUBLOT 4,000m DIVERS WATCH

Check out the Photos and Hublot’s Press Release below along with the technical details.

Hublot Press Release June 2012

In association with the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, Hublot unveils a diver’s watch able to withstand the pressure exerted at a depth of 4,000 metres.

It is a symbolic watch. The 4,000m watch. A watch developed for pushing the limits of what is rational and possible. It has taken 18 months of research, development and testing to present, today, the Oceanographic 4000, a watch which can be worn on dives to depths of 4,000 metres, under extreme pressure – an exceptional technical achievement.

For the first time, the famous Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, with the Institut Océanographique Fondation Albert 1st Prince de Monaco – names renowned throughout the world in the fields of marine studies, research and conservation – has agreed to be associated with a watch. Quite some symbol.

A genuine instrument with technology developed to the extreme, ergonomics for efficiency and ease of handling, this watch was conceived and designed to push the limits of the possible.

Almost all the features of the Oceanographic 4000 are exceptional, in terms of design, development and manufacturing. To be described as diver’s watch, resistant to the pressure exerted at the record depth of 4,000 metres, the watch had to meet the exacting specifications of the international standards of Swiss watchmaking (NIHS).

Starting with its seal, tested by Hublot in a Roxer tank, submerged and pressurised to the equivalent of 5,000 metres. To ensure the watertightness of the watch and to resist this extreme pressure, the synthetic sapphire crystal is 6.5 thick. This is thicker than normal, but is reasonable for this level of resistance. The case back is screw-down, a sine qua non for reaching such depths. It is made of grade 2 titanium, an extremely strong stainless material.

As its case is made of King Gold (18K gold with 5% of platinum which gives this special intense red color), the Oceanographic 4000 is still light on the wrist – although its diameter of 48 mm and its volume is substantial.

From the brightness standpoint, the time and elapsed time measured by the flange must be legible from a distance of 25 cm in the dark. To meet this requirement, the dial, the flange and the hands of the Oceanographic 4000 have been optimised to have a larger surface area treated with SuperLuminova™, a luminescent material emitting a white colour.

The reading method has been made as safe as possible, using an internal rotating flange which is unidirectional and rack-driven, with a dive time indicator. The dive time indicator being placed as close as possible to the dial minimises the risk of inadvertently altering the dive time.

It also makes the dive time easier to read. In accordance with the standard, the Oceanographic 4000 has a minute scale on which the five-minute periods are clearly highlighted.

The watch is fitted with two screw-down crowns (a protective measure that helps ensure water resistance by compression of an O-ring seal).The flange crown which sets the dive time is placed at the 2 o’clock position for easy access and more comfortable use. It is unidirectional, again for safety reasons, with a bayonet fitting and protected by an oversized crown guard, for extra safety and easy operation when handling diving equipment. The second crown, for winding and setting the time and date, is positioned at 4 o’clock to avoid obstruction.

Finally, the Oceanographic 4000 has a helium valve, a feature essential to any diving watch capable of descending to great depths.An essential feature when the watch is used in diving chambers, the helium valve allows gases that have infiltrated the watch during the descent to safely escape during the ascent. The valve fitted to the Oceanographic 4000 is made of stainless steel, positioned at 10 o’clock, visible from the left-hand side lug.

The watch comes with two tongue and buckle straps (“Town” & “Diver”). This type of fastening is more secure than a folding clasp for this type of use, and is also easier to handle and close when using gloves. Note that the design of this buckle is original (because the use of a tongue is rare in the normal Hublot collections) and that its method of attachment to the case is even more so with two small push buttons built into each end of the case to allow the strap to be changed instantly without the use of a screwdriver or any other accessory. The “Town” strap is in white rubber. The “Diver” strap, a blend of white rubber and Nomex™, longer than a standard strap, has been developed to be worn over a diving suit up to 8 mm thick.

The Oceanographic 4000 has been designed to meet the most demanding requirements of both professional divers and watch enthusiasts.

It will enter the history of diving watches which have become legendary.

King Power 48 mm Oceanographic 4000 King Gold White – Technical Details

Reference – 731.OE.21.80.RW

Limited to 100 pieces

Movement Mechanical with automatic winding HUB1401

No. of components 180

Jewels 23

Power Reserve Approximately 42 hours

Water resistance Certified to 400 ATM or 4,000 metres, Tested to 5,000 metres according to the NIHS standards

Case “King Power” – 48 mm diameter in King Gold 18K

Bezel King Gold 18K

6 H-shaped titanium screws

Crystal Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment

Lug bezel White composite resin

Lateral inserts White composite resin

Case back Microblasted satin-finished titanium

Crown Titanium with white rubber insert

Screws Titanium

Dial Matt white

Satin-finished appliques with white SuperLuminova™

Hands Microblasted satin-finished with white SuperLuminova™

Bridges Satin-finished, bevelled & polished Barrel With reinforced spring

Straps Available with two straps – White rubber / White rubber and white Nomex™

Closing system Tongue and buckle in King Gold 18K

Breitling Colt 33 – Ladies Diver Watch

D Constant — Mon, 21 May 2012 08:55:28 +0000

Breitling Colt 33 – Closer look at Ladies Divers Watch.

Written by D Constant for The Watch Review Site

We have another Ladies Diver Watch, we are looking at to review, this time it’s the turn of the Breitling Colt 33, This watch was first introduced by Breitling about a year ago and this Colt 33 with its in house movement gets a Breitling update which introduces a wider range of strap options and adjustments to various other elements of the watch such as the matching hour markers and other elements on the Breitling Colt 33’s Dial.

The Breitling Colt 33 watch, now comes in a range of colours as can be seem by the Press Release Shot.

This 33mm (as depicted by the nameColt 33) Ladies Divers watch is a usable timepiece it actually is made to do what it says on the box, with the exception of the Breitling Colt 33 with the diamond set bezel. All the other pieces a suitable to be used as an actual Dive Watch, yes they are not just astetically pleasing and designed so a woman feels she has a pretty watch on her wrist these Colt 33′s are practical. Breitling has made the Colt 33 water resistant to a deepth of upto 500m, again a very good depth for a Ladies Divers Watch, to be honest theres not many around that can go that far down in the deep blue only one comes to mind and thats not exactly a well known brand. This is something Breitling pride themselves on and too right they should.

As we touched upon earlier as with all current breitlings the Colt 33 has an inhouse movement being the Caliber B77 which is a thermocompensated SuperQuartz movement which breitling claim is 10 times more accurate than a normal quartz movement.

The dial also houses large numerals at 12, 6 and 9 which gives the visual impact of the Breitling Colt a kick along with the polished steel case and satin brushed unidirectional bezel with its stamped numerals.

All in All Breitling have updated the Colt 33 to be more appealing to it’s user base with limited loss of functionality and usability. A divers watch with a hint of feminism and good looks.

The Breitling Colt 33 Ladies Diver Watch retails in the UK with prices starting at £2680 and ranging to in excess of £6500 for the diamond studed version.

Breitling Colt 33 – Ladies Dive Watch – Technical Details

Movement: Breitling Caliber 77, thermocompensated. SuperQuartzTM.

Battery end-of-life indicator.

Calendar.

Case: steel.

Water-resistant to 500 m (1,660 ft/ 50 bars).

Screw-locked crown.

Unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel.

Sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides.

Diameter: 33 mm.

Dials: silver with red, blue, pink, orange or white hour markers.

Strap/Bracelet: Sahara leather/Colt.

Breitling Superocean Chronograph II now in RED

D Constant — Sun, 20 May 2012 17:45:55 +0000

Limited Edition Red – Breitling Superocean Chronograph II

By D Constant for The Watch Review Site

So the Breitling Superocean Chrono II see’s REDDDDDDDD

Well what are your initial thoughts from the photo, quick glance first please

So Breitling have opted to introduce a limited edition Superocean Chronograph II to the market, or should I say another, this one has a Splash of RED… and is limited to a total of 2,000 pieces. For a person who really is not keen on red, i actually like this breitling, not as much as I like the Superocean Chronograph M2000 though. so out of all the Breitling Chrono II’s I’m a M2000 fan.

So what do you all say… Here’s another press shot for you to look at and just for fun i’ve thrown in the M2000 too for comparison.

Yes, Yes I know its a different watch in the fact its not a Chrono II and the M2000 is a 2000m Diver Watch whereas the Breitling Superocean Chrono II RED is a 500m Divers Watch. But I’m talking colours and looks.

Anyway back to the Breitling Superocean Chronograph II Limited Edition RED, As you all probably already know its a Diver watch which is water resistant to 500m and is a limited edition piece as depicted by its name supplied with a Red Bezel and red outlined dials on the face.

The Breitling Superocean Chronograph II already has a good reputation and it is powered by Breitling’s inhouse Calibre 13 Movement, which is certified by the COSC.

The new colour schem for the Chrono II seems to further bring out some of the watches stronger features and embodies the Chrono’s character. The stand out feature and difference in this limited edition is the unidirectional rotating bezel, an indispensable companion for the finest feats in deep waters, which appears clad in red rubber – offering a superb touch of vivid colour.

This vivid red on Breitlings Superocean Chronograph II is further echoed on the dials by the sweep seconds hand, the counter rings, the date window and the model’s signature all being emblazened in this RED…

The Superocean Chronograph II is issued in a limited edition of 2,000-piece whioch will be numbered and is available with the usual extensive range of Breitling Straps. This limited edition also coincides with the introduction of an all new Superocean leather strap with red edges to match its bezel.

So what’s your favourite Breitling???????

Technical Details – Breitling Superocean Chronograph II – Limited Edition RED

Movement: Breitling Caliber 13, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, selfwinding,

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

25 jewels.

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

Calendar.

Case: steel.

Water resistant to 500m (1,650ft /50bars).

Screw-locked crown and pushpieces.

Unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel.

Cambered sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides.

Diameter: 44 mm.

Dial: Abyss Red.

Straps: Barenia leather, Superocean leather, rubber Ocean Racer, rubber Diver Pro (with raised central ridge)

Schofield Signalman DLC GMT PR

Admin — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:20:15 +0000

Signalman DLC GMT PR

Introducing the Schofield Signalman DLC GMT PR, limited edition timepiece from Schofield Watch Company.

This is the second timepiece to come out of the Schofield Watch Company, The piece is to be limited edition to 100 pieces worldwide and is available on pre order. The only differentiating factor between the two offerings other than the number available, The DLC being the more limited (i.e. less produced only 100 worldwide) is the finish of the watch case.

The Signalman DLC GMT PR is offered as a matte DLC coated black steel case, whereby the Signalman GMT PR is offered in polished Steel. The Case is 44mm wide and produced locally in the UK.

While not a divers watch as such it is water resistant to 500 meters and has a AR coated sapphire crystal.

Signalman refers to a lighthouse as is evident with the engraved watch back. The case shape is based on a specific light used in a lighthouse in England.

Not wanting to offer a simple three-hand dial watch to start, the Signalman GMT watch has a GMT hand as well as a power reserve indicator and date complications.

Powering the Signalman GMT is a Swiss Soprod caliber 9335 automatic movement. It has a power reserve of 42 hours and the GMT hand is adjusted in one hour increments with a specific inset case pusher tool.

The Signalman also comes with a number of interesting and exquisite straps. They are all 24mm wide and come in a host of styles including shark and calf skin.

Technical Information

Automatic Swiss Soprod 9335 movement
31 Jewels 28,800 bph (4hz)
Rhodium plated, pearlage decoration, blued screws
Power Reserve of 42 hours displayed at 12 o’clock
GMT display at 6 o’clock set via push button at 4:30 o’clock, Date at 3 o’clock
Water resistant to 500 metres
Anti-magnetic movement holder

Signalman case: 44mm diameter, DLC coated stainless steel

Dial: on two levels, applied numerals, SuperLuminova C1

Sapphire crystal: domed, anti-reflective coating on the inside

Strap: special edition black shark-skin, green calf skin lined

Buckle: curved, polished stainless steel, engraved, screw in

You will receive a discount of 20% if you pre order either of Schofields Signalman’s before June 2012.

Pricing – Signalman DLC

Pre Order Price £2785.00 excl. VAT and Shipping £3342.00 incl. VAT

Post June 2012 Price £3342.00 excl. VAT and Shipping £4,010.00 incl. VAT

UK Shipping is £20.00