88 Rue Du Rhone Launch in the UK at The Watch Hut
Written by Chris Derrer – Blogger for The Watch Hut
One of Switzerland’s newest watch companies has begun trading here in the UK, having only been founded back in 2011, 88 Rue Du Rhone watches may be the new kids on the block, but they’re showing some of the old boys how to do it.
Pierre and Elie Bernheim are the two men behind 88 Rue Du Rhone (88RDR) watches and they are the grandsons of non other than Swiss watch making legend Raymond Weil. We know from the family history, that these watches are from pedigree, but what’s different about them to Raymond Weil watches?
Well to be brutally honest… most things are different, in a good way. The watches in the range all have a far more contemporary feel to them than their relatives, with the influence being aimed at a more youthful audience. The designers have added the use of a red second hand on every men’s watch, with many pieces featuring simple and sleek designs.
Unlike many other Swiss brands, 88 Rue Du Rhone watches are also set at a far more friendly price point, with prices starting at just £275, opening the luxury and prestige watch market up to a whole new audience of people.
The quirky story behind the watches name and the presence of the number 8 on each individual piece is another unique selling point. They are named after the address where the River Rhone joins Lake Geneva, a gap on the Rue Du Rhone between buildings where a thing of true beauty happens. The number 8 is also a number of good fortune in many cultures, so having the double 8 on the dial and at the 8 o’clock for many, offers a quirky style and the opportunity of good fortune.
The Swiss spirit is still strong within these watches, but what is different is what is best about them, they bring the Swiss watch market up to the modern day, and open it to far more people who ordinarily would have never considered a watch brand such as this.
88 Rue Du Rhone chose The Watch Hut as one of their exclusive launch partners.
Article supplied by Chris Derrer you can follow Chris @WatchHut_Chris and @TheWatchHut
You can also see the entire range of 88 Rue Du Rhone Watches at The Watch Hut
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Cartier Tank Anglaise Watch - The Launch
Written by D Constant for The Watch Review Site
Well was it worth the wait… Cartier enthusiasts will definitely think so and so do we.
Well it has been 16 years since we have seen a new Cartier Tank style released and now its our turn its the 2012 New Cartier Tank Anglaise or English Tank… I think Tank Anglaise sounds more Cartier like and befits this timepiece rather than its literal translation…
So, what have Cartier got in stall for us with the new Tank Anglaise, Well it was first shown to the world at BaselWorld 2012 back in March and its has now been launched in the UK and across the world by this infamous jeweller. This new Tank is a sort of cross between the Tank Francaise and the Ballon Bleu, see for yourself.
As per time honoured recent tradition Cartier have produced a Video Introducing us to the Tank Anglaise and highlighting its predecessors in History all the way back to the first Tank in 1917. I’m sure we will be seeing a new Tank in 5 years for the centenary. Here’s the Video for you all to see.
Video courtesy of Cartier – Never Stop Tank – Tank Anglaise Watch Video
As a quick brief the Cartier Tank Anglaise will be available in Large (Men’s) 47mm Long and 36.2mm wide , Medium (Unisex) 39.2mm long and 29.8mm and Small (Women’s) 30.2mm x 22.7mm Sizes. and they are all a new slimline Cartier Tank with the thickness ranging from 9.82mm to 7.19mm.
As you can see the Cartier Tank Anglaise has kept its Classic Cartier Silvered Dial with Blue Hands a must with a Tank (I’m sure most Cartier watch buyers would agree, a timeless classic dial) , what does strike you as interesting is the crown feature and cut out extruding from the Bezel, I actually really like the idea and it seems to work very well with this timepiece. It offers a flush finish to the side of the watch and also incorporates the mainstay of Cartier it’s sapphire crystal cabochon on the crown. Its Angular extrusions with the rounded end piece and sapphire make it an artwork in itself.
The Cartier Tank Anglaise Watch is available in Three Colours these being 18k White Gold, Yellow Gold and Rose Gold, Yes no Steel options yet… and they all come with matching bracelets
They have also got a number of different diamond options, one with diamonds on each side of the bezel and others fully encrusted, if that’s your cup of tea. For regular readers of our articles and reviews, you will already know at The Watch Review Site we are not overly keen on diamond encrustation…
Now to the nitty gritty of the Cartier Tank Anglaise Watch, It comes with either Quartz movements or Automatic Movements depending on which model and size you opt for, The pick of the bunch will have to be the Large Model which features Cartier’s inhouse caliber 1904 MC Automatic Movement, oh I forgot to mention the Sapphire Crystal Exhibition Case back that comes on all the watches, this means you can now see the movements creativity also.
The Cartier Tank Anglaise Small all come with a Cartier 057 Quartz movement, The Medium non Diamond Tank Anglaise have the Caliber Cartier 077 Automatic Self Winding Mechanical Movement and the Diamond versions have the Cartier 076 Automatic Movement at the heart of the timepiece.
And for anyone contemplating wearing the Cartier Tank Anglaise whilst washing the dishes or swimming it is water resistant to 30m.
The Tank Anglaise Watch Small starts from £15,000, with the Tank Anglaise Medium starting from £21,750 and Large from £26,750 for the Rose or Yellow Gold Non-Diamond versions, with the White Gold being slightly more expensive.
Well so Cartier has now covered the French (Tank Francaise), Americans (Tank Americaine) and now us Brits with The Cartier Tank Anglaise. With no bias at all I would have to say this is the best Tank Watch yet.
Photo’s and Video content courtesy of Cartier.
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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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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
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…
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)
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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.
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.
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The MB&F HM3 Frog Goes to the Moon with Sarpaneva
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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
The Skull Bang is a rock’n'roll rebel!
The Watch Review site presents
The Hublot Skullbang is it Dead cool?
It’s a rock’n’roll rebel watch! With its playful and slightly tongue-in-cheek air, this impudent piece rebelliously thumbs its nose at anyone who takes themselves too seriously. A totally “kick-ass” watch, it wouldn’t look out of place on the wrist of any number of rock stars on stage or out and about in the city.
This surprising watch from Hublot is the perfect fusion of a rebel spirit with a deft and daring sense of elegance, never losing sight of the “vanitas”, the symbol of the transience of life which remind us how fragile and brief our time is, and that we must live each moment to the full…
This is the Skull Bang, a piece made entirely from black ceramic and featuring an attractive stylised skull on its dial. It is already a collector’s item, limited to just 100 pieces worldwide, and has been specially developed by Hublot for the brand’s friend and long-term partner in Paris, Laurent Picciotto, a man whose flair has made him a legend in the watchmaking world, and one of the first to demonstrate his belief in Hublot by opening the Swiss watch brand’s first boutique in the world in 2007 at 271 Rue Saint Honoré in Paris’ 1st arrondissement, where this limited edition will be exclusively available. Thank you Mr Picciotto!
Hublot Skullbang – Technical Details
Reference 511.CM.1110.VR.PIC12
Series Limited to 100 pieces numbered from 000/100 to 100/100
Case “Classic Fusion” Diameter 45 mm, polished and satin-finished black ceramic
End-pieces Satin-finished black ceramic
Bezel Satin-finished black ceramic 6 o’clock -12 o’clock
6 H-shaped countersunk black PVD titanium screws
Crystal Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Bezel lug Black composite resin
Crown Polished black ceramic with Hublot logo
Case-back Polished black ceramic Sapphire crystal with interior anti-reflective treatment Black “Skull Bang” transfer, transparent skull outline on a back background, through which the movement can be seen.
Water resistance 5 ATM or approximately 50 metres
Dial Black galvanic sunburst Black “skull” transfer
Hands Faceted, diamond-polished, skeleton, black galvanic
Movement HUB 1112 automatic movement
No. of components 63 (Jewels: 21)
Date Window at 3 o’clock
Oscillating weight Openworked with black PVD coating, tungsten segment
Power reserve Approximately 42 hours
Strap Black leather strap stitched onto black rubber
Clasp Black PVD steel deployant buckle
Other Hublot watches and news you may be interested in Hublot UEFA EURO 2012 , Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Watch or even the Hublot unique $5 million watch, dont worry no one expects you to buy it, its already been sold about 2 days after launch.
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New English watch company joins the revival of fine British watch making.
Schofield Watch Company launches two limited edition Signalman model wrist watches.
Up-and-coming British watch company, Schofield, has just launched two versions of the Signalman, a watch uniquely styled to suit those who appreciate quality, design and practicality. With an understated Englishness, the Signalman was conceived for the ‘active gent’, a genre of watch built to work with you, to be worn all the time, for all occasions.
Schofield uses modern and advanced materials, finishes and engineering techniques to manufacture watches designed to be functional and enduring. The Signalman is made to such a high specification that it is water resistant to 500 metres and incorporates anti-magnetic case components to resist everyday magnetic fields. Powered by the Swiss Soprod 9335, this trusted, automatic, mechanical movement will provide accurate time keeping for generations to come.
The Signalman features a GMT display, giving a second timezone that suits international travel, a power reserve indicator showing how long the watch will function without being worn, SuperLuminova C1 filled hands and hour markers allowing superior readability in the dark and an anti-reflective sapphire crystal resistant to scratching, preserving legibility.
The mirror polished stainless steel (GMT PR) and matt black Diamond Like Carbon (DLC GMT PR) are limited to 300 and 100 units respectively. Schofield offers you your choice of production number, which will be engraved on the watch case back and box front, subject to availability. Both watches are supplied with exclusive shark skin straps, packaged in hand made cherry wood boxes.
Technical specifications for the Signalman GMT PR and DLC GMT PR;
- Limited edition to 300 pieces or 100 piecesfor the DLC model.
- Automatic Swiss Soprod 9335 movement, 31 Jewels, 28,800 bph (4hz).
- Decoration: Côtes de Genève, perlage, Rhodium plated, blued screws.
- Power Reserve: minimum of 42 hours, displayed at 12 o’clock.
- GMT display at 6 o’clock, set via push button at 4:30 o’clock.
- Water resistant to 500 metres.
- Antimagnetic movement holder.
- Signalman case: 44mm diameter, mirror polish stainless steel or microbille DLC.
- Dial: on two levels, applied numerals, Super-Luminova C1.
- Sapphire crystal: domed, anti-reflective coating on the inside.
- Strap: special edition, water resistant black shark-skin, lined with green calf.
- Buckle: curved, polished stainless steel, engraved, screw in.
Please contact me anytime for more info, thanks Giles.
Contact Info.
Telephone: +44 (0) 333 8000 808
Personal email: [email protected]
Main website/shop: http://schofieldwatchcompany.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/schofieldwatchcompany
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/schofieldwatch
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/schofieldwatchcompany
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/schofieldwatch
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