Limited Edition Star Wars Series – An Introduction
Seiko Create Star Wars Watches Collection
Written by Chris Derrer – Blogger for The Watch Hut
A long long time ago, in a galaxy far far away… There was Darth Vader, Yoda, R2D2, Darth Maul, a Stormtrooper and C3PO… but who was your favourite Star Wars character? Well Seiko watches have now given you the opportunity to pick one of the aforementioned characters and own a watch designed around them, as long as you live in Japan that is! Seiko have done this to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of this cult…
Having partnered with LucasFilm, Seiko now has created the 6 watches, with only 5,000 being made in total, with each character watch having between 500 to 1,500 pieces each. If you were the kind of Star Wars fanatic collector then Seiko will be creating a special set including all of the watches, but this will set you back, probably by a few million yen.
The Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, C3PO, Darth Maul, and Yoda watches all have very similar basic designs. All feature round dials, chronograph analogue displays and feature the characters face on the back of the case. The Vader watch is black, much like the Stormtrooper, Darth Maul and C3PO watches, Yoda’s watch is silver tone, with a green dial and R2D2 has a completely different design from all the others.
Everyone’s favourite cheeky little droid has a watch in his honour that has a digital display (obviously) that comes on a rectangular screen. The screen also displays a picture of “Artoo”, we’re not sure yet if the screen will be animated, but we sincerely hope it will be, complete with bleeps and lights!
We hope that with some success in Japan and with the apparent release of the Star Wars movies into 3D coming soon, there may a chance that these watches make the journey west and hit Europe and the US in the future, although sadly for now they are exclusive to Japan.
Article supplied by Chris Derrer you can follow Chris @WatchHut_Chris and @TheWatchHut
Keep an eye out for a detailed look at all the Seiko Star Wars watches here on The Watch Review Site over the coming weeks up to the launch of these Seiko Limited edition watches in October.
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The Vangarde Tempo Theorie Skeleton Watch
Written by D Constant
It’s great when you stumble over something this good looking and interesting, Don’t you agree?
For those in the know I’m sure this is not news, But I stumbled over this lesser known French watchmaker and their inaugural watch the Tempo Theorie, Well I was scouring our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/reviewit.thewatchreviewsite (shameless plug… yes I know) and on looking for new friends I came across Vangarde and this lovely skeleton timepiece and had to share it with you all.
Well, first off a little about the company or person behind this great looking watch. Vangarde is an independent French artist and designer now watchmaker. The aim is to specialise in producing original and exclusive hand made watches for the watch connoisseur. Well that’s what they say, and looking at their first offering, the Vangarde Tempo Theorie, it’s hard to disagree.
Vangarde designs the watches and oversees and controls the entire watch making process, the actual watchmakers are a handful of selected high end Swiss watchmakers. It is this partnership that gives us a French designed, Swiss built and made timepiece in the Tempo Theorie which is limited to 88 pieces. oh here is the link to Vangardes’ website.
As we have not yet had the pleasure of getting hold of one of the Vangarde Tempo Theorie Watches to undertake a hands on review, not for the want of trying I may add, well we have not tried that hard, hoping that this article may persuade them to hand on over…. Here is the Vangarde Press Release Information about the Timepiece with a few photos edited and inserted by us here at The Watch Review Site.
Tempo Théorie: The show of time…
After two years of planning, countless designs, prototypes, trials, tests and difficult decisions, Vangarde is proud to present its first watch: the Tempo Théorie, a limited edition with just eighty-eight numbered copies.
The original creative idea behind this design was to transform the conventional way of displaying the time, with the hand pointing on a layered scale, in a complex and poetic architectural display.
Telling time …
The Tempo Théorie draws you into a complex equation involving the relationship between energy (the mainspring) movement (rotation around an axis) and shape (visual composition of the hands).
The hour and minute hands overlap, intersect and are juxtaposed, while the sub-dial hands complete the kinetic design making the overall effect even more complex. All these combinations form a polymorphic structure that is like a moving work of art, set in motion by the mechanical energy of a spring. Its stunning visual effect sparks one’s curiosity, while remaining perfectly easy to read.
With this first design, Vangarde wanted to create a watch that makes you want to keep looking again and again, going beyond a mere time-piece by allowing you to witness an artistic composition created by the passage of time.
Developing the hands was a long and difficult process, because what was required was not a static design, like ordinary hands, but a kinetic design which would take into account their rotational movement, so that they would align in the most evocative way possible through the hundreds of permutations created by the design.
The superluminova was inserted inside of the hands in a different configuration to make it easier to distinguish between hours and minutes.
Measuring time …
Once the design of the hands was finally complete, the next challenging task was to create a worthy ‘backdrop’ for them.
A complex, asymmetric skeleton dial was designed to fit the background formed by the calibre V1 and the kinetic patterns produced by the hands.
The positioning of the sub-dials breaks up the typical chronograph layout to produce a more balanced appearance.
The development of the printed elements constituted a graphic design project in itself, with the subtle positioning of figures and text to produce a visually sublime overall effect.
The dials are laser cut, galvanised, then finished in black with white print.
Counting time …
Starting from an ETA Valjoux 7750 ébauche, chosen for its reliability and ease of maintenance, Vangarde developed the Calibre V1.
The Calibre V1 has a bespoke skeletonised tri-compax back-plate and bridge, allowing the minute dial to be positioned at “3″ (originally at “12″ on the 7750). All critical components such as the balance wheel, balance spring, spring etc have been replaced by state-of-the-art components (certified chronometer).
The movement is assembled with the greatest care, adjusted in five positions. The surfaces are hand-finished withGenevastripes, circular graining, and straight graining.
The gears and the rotor have been redesigned to provide a unique view of the escapement and the self-winding system. A specially designed black ruthenium galvanising process produces the modern look that is expected in high-end contemporary chronographs.
The finely polished finish gives a ‘carbon’ look to the skeleton bridges, perfectly blending tradition and modernity, while the rotor is decorated withGenevastripes. The steel mechanical parts and the escape wheel are finished with straight graining. The dial, too, is finished withGenevawaves, rhodium-plated wheels and straight graining, and all screws are finely polished
Housing the time…
And finally the whole is housed in a 316 L stainless steel case shaped from a solid piece, made up of a single casing with precision machined housing (no housing ring) with a bezel and a screwed base, both polished and fitted with O rings.
The sapphire crystals have been given state of the art anti-reflection treatment in order to minimise unwanted reflection.
The caseband has a brushed, satinised surface which contrasts beautifully with the crown and the push buttons which are polished and decorated in ‘Clous de Paris’ style.
The bracelet is made inFrancein the way traditionally associated with master leather craftsmen. Made from carefully selectedLouisianaalligator skin, it is hand assembled and sewn, then fixed to the casing with stainless steel tubular fixings.
So that it can be easily and safely attached the closing mechanism consists of a butterfly buckle with two push buttons with brushed, polished finishes decorated in ‘Clou de Paris’ style.
Vangarde Tempo Theorie – Technical details
Movement : CALIBRE V1
Integrated automatic chronograph, chronometer grade.
based on mechanical ébauches ETA Valjoux 7750, Adjusted in five-positions.
Glucydur balance wheel, Anachron balance spring, Nivaflex NM mainspring, Incabloc shock absorber,
29 jewels movement,
48 hour power reserve
Finish
Coloured by black ruthenium plating.
Specific tri-compax plate, skeleton design with hand-finished Geneva stripes.
Specific tri-compax bridge skeleton design with hand-finished straight graining.
Automatic-winding bridge, skeleton design with hand-finished circular graining.
Rhodium-plated escape wheel with hand-finished straight graining.
Rhodium-plated steel mechanical parts, with hand-finished straight graining.
Barrel bridge, skeleton design with hand-finished circular graining.
Rotor, skeleton design with hand-finished Geneva stripes and printed balance.
Skeletonised rhodium-plated gear wheels.
Polished srews.
Case
Machined from solid stainless steel 316 L.
Monobloc caseband (machined movement housing) with brushed and satin finish.
Screw-down back-plate and bezel with polished finish
Screw-down crown with ‘Clous de Paris’ finish.
Buttons with ‘Clous de Paris’ finish.
Sapphire bezel with double sided anti-reflective coating (front and back).
Case dimensions: diameter42 mm, width13.9 mm.
Dial
Laser cut, galvanised, black finished with white print.
Hands
Skeletonised with Superluminova C1 insert (hour and minute hands).
Strap
Hand-made fromLouisiana alligator-skin, hand-stitched, black calf leather lining.
Clasp
316 L stainless steel, double push-button butterfly clasp with polished, satin, ‘Clous de Paris’ finish.
Price : 4,850 euros
Photos and press release provided by Vangarde – www.vangarde.fr
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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.
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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/
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.
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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
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Introducing – Hublot Ferrari 250 GTO Limited Edition Watch
Press Release by Hublot S.A 3rd July 2012
As Ferrari’s partner throughout the world, Hublot celebrates 50 years of the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO.
This anniversary is marked by the historic gathering of 24 owners and their vehicles in one place for the first time. A watch was created to mark this occasion. What makes it so special? Every aspect was designed and developed in the spirit of the 250 GTO, and only those who own a 250 GTO can purchase it.
36. Only 36 Ferrari 250 GTOs were ever produced – with the latest selling for $35 million! And its owners can now ALSO wear a watch which reflects their passion.
Hublot is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the creation of this vehicle, one of the most legendary in the world, by creating an exclusive complication model, which can be customised with the chassis number engraved on the movement, only eligible for purchase by owners of a 250 GTO.
This watch will be unveiled during an ultra-exclusive dinner for 150 guests from across the world, taking place on 3rd July at Abbaye de Hautvillers, the historic heart of Dom Pérignon, attended by the 24 owners and their 250 GTOs. In a historic first, between the 3rd and 7th July, they will all gather in the Champagne region.
This watch – a very special limited edition – has many features which make it unique: firstly, the 45 mm titanium case – inspired by the Classic Fusion line, which itself was a nod to the world of the classic car – was entirely redesigned, and rounded out, to mimic the magnificent curves of the 250 GTO.
The Tourbillon movement, one of Haute Horlogerie’s grande complications in the world, has been specially manufactured by Hublot in skeleton form to magnificent effect, with the barrel drum located at 12 o’clock featuring a design which evokes the shape of the 250 GTO’s wheel rim.
Finally, the movement bridge on the case-back side can be customised with the chassis number of the watch owner’s vehicle if desired, and the strap is made from barenia calfskin in reference to the upholstery used in cars of this era. The watches are delivered in a Ferrari presentation case specifically made for this edition.
As a reminder, in Italy last November, Hublot and Ferrari announced their partnership which would make the Swiss watchmaking brand the Italian manufacturer’s watch partner. This is no simple agreement for creating a tie-in product, for licensing or sponsorship. The agreement signed covers every single one of Ferrari’s activities, and there really is no end to these: Official Watch for Ferrari, Official Timekeeper for Ferrari, Official Timekeeper for Scuderia Ferrari, Official Watch for Scuderia Ferrari, Official Timekeeper of the Ferrari Challenge, and partner for Ferrari’s special events both in terms of brand image and commercial activities. In short, it is a veritable exchange, a sharing of resources and information announced jointly by Jean-Claude Biver, Chairman of Hublot and Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, Chairman of Ferrari S.p.A.
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
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Girard-Perregaux WW.TC DARK NIGHT – 25 Piece Limited Edition
This exclusive timepiece is to be released in a limited edition of 25 and the Girard-Perregaux ww.tc Dark Night will only be released and available in the U.S.A.
The Dark Night will be launched at the 2012 JCK show in Las Vegas.
We have previously published an article on the ww.tc on The watch review site here in the superhero series by Martin Green, the Girard-Perregaux ww.tc Dark Night is to be a unique ‘dark’ version of the now iconic Girard-Perregaux world-timer, the ww.tc Dark Night comes in a 43 mm black ceramic case.
The case is finished immaculately as expected from Girard Perregaux and this underlines the striking powerful black dial highlighted with touches of red and white.
We all have been told that ceramic is one of the most durable and hardweraing materials in watchmaking and with it’s exceptional lightness this watch becomes very very wearable. The ww.tc Dark Night uses an internal titanium container to improve its structure.
This watch has a sports watch feel and the case encloses the Girard-Perregaux GP03387 self-winding movement at its heart, This movement was designed specifically for the Dark Night and , displays the time in twenty-four time zones with day and night indicator, date and fly-back chronograph.
Girard-Perregaux ww.tc Dark Night – Technical Details
Black ceramic case with rubber coated crowns and push-buttons
Diameter: 43 mm
Sapphire crystal
Tinted sapphire case-back secured by 6 screws
Water resistance: 10 ATM
Girard-Perregaux movement GP03387 – Mechanical with automatic winding
Calibre: 13’’’
Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h (4 Hz)
Jewels: 63
Power reserve: minimum 46 hours
Functions: Hour, minute, small seconds, date, fly-back chronograph, world time with day/night indicator
Rubber strap with safety folding buckle
Limited and numbered edition of 25 pieces only
Other GP Articles you may be interested in on The Watch Review Site are Girard-Perregaux ww.tc Shadow or Other Girard Perregaux news and Reviews on our brand page.
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Raymond Weil – Nabucco Cuore Vivo
Press Release by Raymond Weil
Raymond Weil have issued a further part of their composition in the Nabucco Cuore Vivo, and just by look alone I had to publish this press release I really like the look of this timepiece, now on working to try and get hold of one to conduct a hands on review… What do you think the chances ar Raymond Weil.
Now on to the Press Release
Nabucco, the famous opera by Giuseppe Verdi, may end after the fourth act, but RAYMOND WEIL is holding the note for the fifth consecutive year and again adding an exceptional new model to its nabucco collection. Having explored the richness of pink gold with the nabucco Cuore Caldo, the depth of intense black with the nabucco Rivoluzione, the lightness of titanium with the nabucco Va’ Pensiero and finally a more classical identity with the nabucco Inverso, the Swiss Brand unveils the heart of a prestige watch with the new nabucco Cuore Vivo.
In 2012, nabucco, an elegant, stylish collection with a distinctive design and imposing proportions, opens its heart and proposes a glimpse of its mysteries to lovers of beautiful mechanics and lyrical lines.
Thanks to an adaptation to the movement, the dial of the nabucco Cuore Vivo opens at 10 o’clock, allowing the light to filter across the going train of the complex balance and escapement wheels. This delicate assembly, the heart of the watch, is protected by an impressive 46mm diameter case made of a titanium and steel, water-resistant to a depth of 200m. Highlighted by the titanium of the tachymeter bezel, the black opaline dial of the timekeeper is embellished with a central checkered motif, luminescent indexes and a larger than ever Arabic numeral 12. Three silver counters complete the measuring instrument: at 3 o’clock (30-minute counter), at 6 o’clock (12-hour counter) and at 9 o’clock (small seconds). Finally, its rubber alligator-style bracelet, fully water-resistant, combines softness, comfort and strength.
The ultimate in elegance, the nabucco Cuore Vivo, limited to 400 pieces, comes in a presentation box to match its image. The lid, in a silver color with checkered segments, partly reveals the interior of the box and, when opened, allows the light to penetrate its structure and enhance the timekeeper.
Power and robustness, transparency and light: the nabucco Cuore Vivo makes our heart beat to the rhythm of the passing time.
Technical Details – Raymond Weil Nabucco Coure Vivo
Reference: 7830 TIR 00207
Movement Chronograph – RW5400
Visible balance and escapement wheels, Winding Automatic
Power reserve 46 hours
Jewels 29 jewels
Functions: Watch Central hours and minutes, small seconds-hand at 9 o’clock
Chronograph Start, stop and restart using push-piece at 2 o’clock, Return to zero using push-piece at 4 o’clock
Central chronograph hand, 30 minutes counter at 3 o’clock, 12 hours counter at 6 o’clock
Tachometer ring on the bezel
Case Round – matte titanium and polished steel, Diameter: 46mm, Thickness: 15.85mm
Bezel Circular matte titanium and polished steel
Crown Steel, screwed down – fluted with RW monogram
Push-pieces Steel, screwed down and fluted
Crystal Sapphire crystal with dual-sided antiglare treatment
Dial Galvanic black, with a chequerboard pattern in the center
Titanium counters, visible balance and escapement wheels
Indexes Luminescent applique Arabic numeral “12″ and 6 luminescent applique indexes, with polished edges
Hands Hours / Minutes Steel type, bombé, enhanced with luminescent material, Boston.
Small second at 9 Steel type, glossy finish, Boston
Sweep seconds hand Blued steel type, glossy finish, bâton
Counters Blued steel type, glossy finish, Boston
Case back Screwed down, with sapphire glass
Strap Black rubber alligator style, with black stitching, equipped with a RW folding clasp in titanium, opening with a double push-piece security
Water resistance 20 ATM
You may also like the following articles on The Watch Review Site, Christopher Ward C700 Grande Rapide or even a look at the Raymond Weil Freelancer Urban Black or for that something very different how about this
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GIRARD-PERREGAUX VINTAGE 1945 TOURBILLON WITH THREE GOLD BRIDGES
Before we get to the press release, I just wanted to express my humble view on this exquisite Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Tourbillon, This is a Ladies Watch with Three Gold Bridges and was the favourite of a couple of the Girard Perregaux Young watchmakers in our recent GP New Face of Tradition series where we saw Girard-Perregaux introduce eight of their latest young watchmakers giving us an insight into their background and lives. You can see our articles in respect of the same here, New Faces overview, No.1, No.2, No.3&4, No.5&6 and No.7&8.
Its an interesting addition to the already extensive Vintage 1945 range of timepieces and a very welcome one by Girard-Perregaux enthusiasts, So lets see what the fuss is all about shall we…
Press Release by Girard-Perregaux
Haute horlogerie, elegance and technology
The heritage of Girard-Perregaux’s acclaimed Tourbillon with three gold Bridges places itself squarely in the twenty-first century. Combining noble materials and a high-tech finish, its elegance and majestic architecture underscore its singular character. A rarity limited to 50 pieces.
Fashioned in pink gold, the case and the bridges form a striking contrast with the color of the main plate. Its matte anthracite coating is the result of a particular combination of precious materials similar to platinum and draws on cutting-edge technologies. Other elements, such as the barrel, the lower gearwheel bridges and the bridge supports, adopt this finish, resulting in a stunning visual effect.
In a bold leap across time, this limited edition of the Vintage 1945 Tourbillon with three gold Bridges offers a new take on a movement whose origins date back to the end of the 19th century. Drawing on the latest technological progress, it concentrates rare technical and Manufacture expertise within its delicately curved Art Deco-inspired case.
The satin-finished skeletonized bridges, with their pure, contemporary geometry, are the fruit of extremely delicate design: first finely openworked, they are then carefully hand-polished. Seven days are necessary to obtain a perfect finish, since the numerous closed angles form a considerable challenge. The tourbillon system also requires special attention, as its 72 components must be meticulously assembled inside a diameter of just 12 millimeters. To cap these feats, a precious matte anthracite coating gives this timepiece its distinctive personality.
The self-winding caliber GP9600 movement has an integrated micro-rotor housed under the barrel, patented by Girard-Perregaux. The mechanism’s architecture, also visible through the sapphire back is further enhanced by the matte anthracite-coated components. The Vintage 1945 Tourbillon with three gold Bridges is a formidable demonstration of the Manufacture’s expertise. In other words, how aesthetics and technique manage to reinvent and renew the rules of the watchmaking art.
GIRARD-PERREGAUX VINTAGE 1945 TOURBILLON WITH THREE GOLD BRIDGES - Technical Details
Reference - 99880-52-001-BA6A
Pink-gold case with domed anti-glare sapphire glass
Back: with anti-glare sapphire
Dimensions: 36.10 mm x 35.25 mm
Water resistance: 30 meters
Crown: pink gold, engraved with GP logo
Dial: matte anthracite surface treatment (NAC) on the mainplate
Hands: gold regatta, diamond polished
Movement Girard-Perregaux 9600-0019, Mechanical self-winding
Functions: Tourbillon, hours, minutes
Dimensions: 28.60 mm x 30.30 mm
Total thickness: 3.20 mm
Jewels: 31 jewels
Power reserve: minimum 48 hours
Winding: automatic, hand-brushed platinum rotor
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour (3 Hz)
Components: Number: 257
Balance wheel: variable inertia with gold regulating screws (diameter 8.35 mm)
Balance-spring: Breguet, Philips terminal curve
Mainplate: anthracite (NAC) surface treatment, vertical guilloché on top, pearling and guilloché below, hand-polished angles
Lower gear train bridge: vertical guilloché, hand-polished angles
Barrel: engraved cover with hand-applied circular guilloché and brushing
Rhodium-plated barrel, central and tourbillon bridges: in gold, hand-polished angles brushed top and edges
Tourbillon: 72 components weighing a total of 0.3 grams, one rotation per minute, upper and lower carriages beveled and polished by hand, escapement and pallet bridges beveled and polished by hand
Alligator strap - Folding clasp in pink gold
Limited edition of 50
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