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Calibre de Cartier Watches – A Reflection in Time

Scott Greenman — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 15:31:30 +0000

Personal Reflections of the Calibre de Cartier Watch

Written for Scott Greenman by Roger

When the Calibre de Cartier was first introduced in 2010, my recollection was that of an impressive watch. Now, Cartier has always been known to produce visually stunning watches. But, the Calibre was also a big step forward in terms of providing top-notch movements for Cartier’s steel watches in this price range.

Calibre de Cartier Pink Gold Watch W7100009

The in-house 1904-PS MC movement features twin barrels to provide a steady flow of power to the escapement, and the regulation system allows for fine adjustment for precise timekeeping. A stop-seconds system facilitates synchronization to a reference signal. In addition, Cartier also paid close attention to the winding system. Ceramic ball bearings at the center of the rotor ensures excellent shock resistance and durability.

Cartier abandoned reversers in favor of a pawl system to speed winding, and a bi-directional full-size rotor assures maximum winding efficiency. And, as mentioned above, the visual appearance is stunning as well.

The oversize “XII”, other Roman numerals, and luminous hour markers provides a blending of styles, but does not distract from a still clearly legible dial. The oversized date window allows a view of three dates in a row at one glance.

The case is also well constructed for durability. The crown features a synthetic spinel cabochon. Both front and back crystals are sapphire, and the case is water-resistant to 30 meters. The alligator strap comes with an double-adjustable folding clasp. The Calibre de Cartier case measures 42mm in diameter and is available in steel, steel and pink gold, and solid pink gold.

Since its introduction in 2010, the Calibre de Cartier has proven popular with the masses; and therefore, Cartier has kept the model in their product line. And, this is no easy feat considering Cartier’s fondness for discontinuing models prematurely.

For more News and Reviews on Cartier including videos and the brand new Tank Anglaise Watch why not visit The Watch Review Sites Cartier Brand Page.

Original article can be seen here http://www.thefinestwatches.com/blog/?author=3

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)

Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Off-Centered Ivory Enamel

D Constant — Fri, 18 May 2012 23:13:10 +0000

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

Jaquet Droz watch reviews

Written by D Constant for The Watch Review Site

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

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

GRANDE SECONDE OFF-CENTERED IVORY ENAMEL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reference: J006033200

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

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

Jewels: 30

Power reserve: 68 hours

Frequency: 28,800 v.p.h

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

Winding-stem at 4 o’clock

Individual serial number engraved on the case-back

Water resistance: To 3 bar (30 meters)

Dial: Ivory Grand Feu enameled dial. Hand crafted

Hands: 18-carat red gold

Strap: Rolled-edge hand made black alligator leather strap

Buckle: 18-carat red gold ardillon

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

MB&F HM3 Frog – MOONMACHINE

Meehna Goldsmith — Fri, 11 May 2012 21:21:44 +0000

The MB&F HM3 Frog Goes to the Moon with Sarpaneva

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Written By Meehna Goldsmith

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We all know the crazy groundbreaking designs of MB&F, like the Legacy Machine 1, HM4 Thunderbolt, the HM3 Rebel Yell and the HM3 Purple Frog. Every so often MB&F brings in another artiste to interpret one of the Machines. They’ve worked with Boucheron for the awesome JWLRYMACHINE, which was a wise choice. Now they’ve decided to take a decidedly Finnish approach by giving Stepan Sarpaneva a crack at the HM3 frog and came up with the MOONMACHINE.

Sarpaneva is no slouch in the talent department. He can find his way around a movement with the best of them. Consider that he worked alongside Kari Voutilainen, Vianney Halter and Christophe Claret, watchmakers known for their talent in high complications such as Claret’s 21 Blackjack.

Sarpaneva is known for his moody moon, the northern stars and constellations and the distinctive Korona case, characteristic elements in all his watches. All appear in the MOONMACHINE.

Here the hand-finished moons indicate the moonphase through a Korona-shaped opening. The swing of the winding rotor comprised of steel and 22K gold represents the star-filled sky, accomplished by a laser piercing, which allows light to reflect through the movement.

If you find yourself over the moon for the MOONMACHINE, then you better get moving because it’s in 3 limited editions of 18 pieces each in titanium, black titanium and red gold.

Enjoy a short video on the MOONMACHINE produced by MB&F.

If you like the idea of futuristic watches why not look at these too Futuristic Watches – The Watch Review Site

Article provided by Meehna Goldsmith you can also follow Meehna on Twitter @thewatchlady

Original article can be viewed at http://www.watchmatchmaker.com/brands/mbf/the-mbf-hm3-frog-goes-to-the-moon-with-sarpaneva.html

Christopher Ward C700 Grande Rapide

D Constant — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 22:54:13 +0000

Christopher Ward C700 Grande Rapide Automatic Chronograph

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

C700SKSI – Silicone Rubber Strap

C700SKS – Steel Bracelet

C700SKK – Black Leather

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

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

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

Technical Data

Diameter: 42mm

Height: 13.9mm

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

Case: 316L Stainless steel

Calibre: Eta 7750

Vibrations: 28,800 per hour

Features

25 Jewel Swiss automatic chronograph

Etachron regulator system

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

Internal Tachymeter

Day / Date Calendar

Carbon Fibre Dial

Convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating

Screw-in crown

Water resistant to 100m (10 atm)

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

Hand-polished surgical grade stainless steel case

SuperLuminova SLC1 Luminous indices and hands

Schofield Signalman GMT PR

Admin — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:47:17 +0000

Signalman GMT PR

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

This is the first timepiece to come out of the Schofield Watch Company, The piece is to be limited edition to 300 pieces worldwide and is available on pre order. The only differentiating factor between the two offerings other than the number available is the watch case finish, this being polished steel and the Signalman DLC GMT PR is offered as a matte DLC coated black steel case. The Case is 44mm wide and produced locally in the United Kingdom.

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 £2,465.00 excl. VAT and Shipping £2,958.00 incl. VAT

Post June 2012 Price £2,958.00 excl. VAT and Shipping £3,549.00 incl. VAT

UK Shipping is £20.00