The Soprano by Christophe Claret

Tourbillon minute repeater with four cathedral gongs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Technically, it is a very complex mechanism.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christophe Claret – The Soprano – Technical Details

Two limited editions of eight pieces each

CALIBRE TRD98: 

Dimensions: 27.6 x 46.4 x8.45 mm

Number of parts: 450

Number of jewels: 39

Power reserve: 72 hours (approx.)

Barrel: Single mainspring barrel in transparent sapphire crystal

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

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

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

Case: Round

Dimensions: 45mm x 56.80mm x 15.32mm

Water resistance: 3 ATM  /30 m/100 ft

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gorgeous Watch Brands from Spain

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

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

Try to consider the following Spanish-branded watches:

666 Barcelona’s Cool Alphabet Chrono Watch

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

Armand Basi A-0161G-01

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

Armand Basi A-0291G-09

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

Bultaco Polyceramic Watch

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

TSOVET hitting new heights – Tsovet PX collection

Press Release by Horology Design Limited

Talented designer Jacques Fournier blows Californian brand TSOVET into the atmosphere with the latest release of Tsovet PX collection.

With its head office based in USA California, Tsovet release new collections designed by the British studio Horology Design Limited driven by Swiss watch designer Jacques Fournier.

                             SVT-AX87                                                  SVT-GG42                                          SVT-PX87                              .

Under the supervision of David Bonaventura and for the last 3 years, Jacques has entirely re-looked at the brands timepieces with the new SVT-AX87, SVT-GG42 and more recent SVT-PX87 collection released this Autumn 2012.

Inspired by Industrial and aerospace design, it was somehow a perfect challenge for the Swiss designer who is always aiming to provide brands new groundbreaking timekeepers. When Jacques created the very first AX87 back in 2010, David’s immediately adhered the overall case look and particularly the incredible and exclusive idea of the ventilated crown guards which are now trademarked. It was the beginning of the long collaboration which was going to lead to many more creation.

The Tsovet timeless watches incorporate quartz and automatic movements imported from Switzerland. Any Tsovet would sit nicely on the wrist of those daring to explore their respective environments, whether it be the rugged hills of Cumbria or those late nights spent checking the time out on the town.

Once again thank you to Jacques and Horology Design Limited for this release and photos. you can buy Tsovet watches from most reputable high street jewellers and watch specialists we have also found an authorised dealer on ebay which we have dealt with in the past and they are really helpful and provide a great service here is the link if you want to buy one they retail from around £150.00 upwards to £450.00 dependant on model, size and movement – http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Localtime-Online/Tsovet-/_i.html?_fsub=1756507013&_sid=188691693&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

Meridian Watches – New British Watchmaker

Launching at SalonQP 2012, The Meridian Watch Company will introduce its inaugaural range of hand made wrist and pocket watches to the public…. We wonder what the team at Meridian Watches have instore for us, what we do know is that they a ‘Made in England’ and proud of it.. Here is a pre launch press release

In rural Norfolk, The Meridian Watch Company are hand-making watches that remind the world of England’s proud watchmaking heritage.

As proclaimed by their slogan, ‘Made in England’, Meridian manufactures the components and sources the materials from the home of Byron and Blake. From the case and back, machined as a pair to fit perfectly, to the leather or webbing strap, handstitched in Surrey, every element is carefully hand-worked to their exacting standards and English sensibilities – understated, enduring and purposeful.

Lastly, the base Swiss movement is hand-finished in Meridian’s style – with added complications improving accuracy – and the watch is assembled in the workshop.

Meridian watches are intended to be worn, knocked about and enjoyed: the straps grow to the individual contours of your wrist, the sapphire crystal is coated on both sides by a British military contractor for unsurpassed clarity and toughness, and the case has been designed to handle a lifetime’s exposure to the elements, both in England and abroad.

To facilitate this, the packaging includes a complimentary passport holder from SmythsonTM of Bond Street. Handmade tools also accompany every Meridian timepiece.

This all sounds great so we can’t wait to get a glimps of what Meridian have to offer come tomorrow evening at SalonQP…. Good Luck The Meridian Watch Company.

An array of wrist and pocketwatches, will be launched at SalonQP 2012 (8–10 November; London)

As this is a SalonQP related article don’t forget you can have a chance to get hold of complimentary tickets to Saturday’s event at The Saatchi Gallery by entering our little giveaway courtesy of Schofield Watch Company and The Watch Review Site. If you want a chance to win enter here.

SalonQP 2012 – Best of British

Following on from our Series of SalonQP related posts and Press Releases, we have taken the liberty to introduce you to some of the British watchmakers who will be present at this Fine Watch Event. We have seen an emergence or should we say a re-emergence of British watch making talent in recent years and this is highlighted at the key event of the UK calender in the watch world SalonQP 2012.

In respect “Swiss made” hasn’t always been the de facto mark of watchmaking quality. Many of the most significant advances in horology were made in London, not the Alps. It is fitting then, in this year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and London’s Olympic glory, that visitors to SalonQP will witness the continuing revival of British watch and clock making.

Last year at SalonQp 2011 we saw Bremont steal the show with  a little help from Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, who collaborated with them for a limited edition marine chronometer, we also had the launch of the Schofield Watch Company with Giles Ellis and his Signalman GMT timepieces and both these British brands are back this year.

We have another British watch brand launching at SalonQP 2012 with Meridian Watches.. they have kept the final product undercover and your first chance to catch a glimpse of this new handmade British Timepiece will be at SalonQP.

This British Re-emergence is led by the Bremont brothers Giles and Nick English, the roster also includes Speake-Marin, Thomas Mercer, Graham London, Robert Loomes & Co., Schofield and Meridian, who will launch at SalonQP 2012. Not a bad list we think.

Bremont has been busier than ever, in 2012 the brand opened its first boutique in London and completed The Victory Watch, including wood and copper from HMS Victory, whose refurbishment is supported by proceeds from the watch’s sale. The Victory will be exhibited at the show alongside Lord Nelson’s Pocket Watch.

English watchmaker Peter Speake-Marin, takes a sentimental approach and uses emotional inspiration for his elegant and highly personal pieces; from the original The Piccadilly to his latest Spirit watch, whose conception came from his own hardship. Discrete luxury – bashfully British.

Robert Loomes & Co.’s Robin watch is British through and through. At its heart is a 1950’s English movement, whilst on show is a strap cut from a herd living 10 miles away from the watchmakers’ Stamford workshop and sapphires cut and polished by the brand itself. An extraordinary effort, resulting in a beautiful clear-faced dial that hides the years of perseverance. Watch geeks can (and will) pick the piece apart, but won’t find a foreign accent lurking anywhere.

Having launched to fanfare at last year’s SalonQP, the Sussex-based Schofield return in 2012. Founder Giles Ellis says his watches are a “testament to great British engineering”. Ellis is quietly proud of the oh-so-English eccentricity and individuality that courses through him and into his brand. The pieces’ impeccable timing and precision ensure the brand’s endurance.

Launching brand, Meridian, are keeping its cards close to their chest – with elusive stories of military commissions the only thing to escape from its workshop. The brand’s ‘handmade in Britain’ debut will be presented at the Saatchi Gallery in November at SalonQP.

Master Horologist George Daniels CBE, MBE, creator of the revolutionary co-axial escapement, was regularly described as ‘The Greatest Living Watchmaker’. SalonQP was honoured by his participation in 2010 and this year is privileged to host the preview screening of a film devoted to him, ‘The Watchmakers’ Apprentice’. This heartfelt tribute to the man and his legacy, completed in the year since his passing, explores the professional and personal friendship between Daniels and his only student, Roger Smith, who will introduce the documentary at SalonQP. There will be a few chances during the event to catch a viewing of the Documentary as demand has called for additional showing throughout the show.

SalonQP presents the best from the world of watchmaking right here in the UK and is fantastically proud to showcase the best of UK watch making right back to the world.

Please join us at the Saatchi Gallery in London 8–10 November to fly your flags (whichsoever they might be)!

And on that note about joining all the above at SalonQP, we have a special surprise, the guys and girls at Schofield Watch Company have made it possibly to offer one lucky reader of The Watch Review Site and a guest the opportunity to attend the show on Saturday 10th November 2012, along with attending the ‘Designing in Circles’ Talk by Giles Ellis and a chance to get up close and personal with the Signalman GMT. All you have to do for the opportunity to win this prize is enter your name, email address and phone number on the following page /schofield-watch-company-salonqp-2012-competition-entry/.

The winner will be notified on Friday 9th November 2012 at 10.00am by telephone and or email and your tickets will be waiting for you at the Saatchi Gallery on Saturday, all we ask is that you are able to travel to The Saatchi Gallery in London on Saturday for the show.4

So to recap you can win 2 tickets to SalonQP 2012 for Saturday 10th November 2012, attendance at Talk by Giles Ellis ‘Designing in Circles’ and a Hands on Experience with the Signalman GMT PR in the company of Giles or one of his team.

For your chance to win click here. Good Luck.

We just like to thank Giles and Schofield Watch Company for this chance to get one of our readers and a guest to SalonQP on Saturday.

Introducing Hublot King Power “Arturo Fuente” Limited Edition Timepiece

Press Release by Hublot S.A.

The most sought-after of cigars, the “Opus X”, the “Arturo Fuente” factory, which has just celebrated its 100-year anniversary; a Cuban family with a deep love for its adopted home, the Dominican Republic…

…or when a cigar manufacturer meets a watchmaking manufacture, when the men at the controls share the same philosophy and form a bond of friendship, the result is known as:

King Power “Arturo Fuente”

In tribute to the Opus X, the rarest cigar in the world, according to some connoisseurs. A cigar as unique as its history… The world of a Cuban family with a most remarkable story, involving some of the most remarkable cigars around. Let’s go back to the mid-80s. Carlos Fuente was exploring an area near Santiago in the Dominican Republic, which bore a strange resemblance to the “Pinard del rio” valley, from where the legend of Cuban cigars sprang. He had the idea of growing tobacco plants there: but not just any plants, wrapper tobacco. Yes, wrapper tobacco in Santo Domingo. The whole industry took him for a madman. Be that as it may, he persisted and he succeeded. In a feat of farming, the tobacco emerging from Château de la Fuente is unique, boasting an exceptional power and wealth of aroma.

And while the vast majority of cigars comprise 5 tobacco leaves (wrapper, binder and 3 more leaves for filler), the Opus X has 9! Why, you might ask? Carlito’s answer is simple: “So that in every puff, you will discover a surprise.” In fact, every module is composed like a book, with its own introduction and chapters. However the Torcedores (the cigar makers) did not go along with this, and refused to make such cigars. Carlito had no hesitation; to make his dream come true, he created a school of Torcedores where he spent 10 months teaching his new recruits his vision of cigars.

In another successful feat, in 1992 the first Opus X emerged from Tabacalera Fuente, making it the first Dominican Puro (cigar deriving all its leaves from the same source). As the ultimate perfectionists, the Fuente family choose to “mature” them for at least 2 years before exporting, for the aromas of the various tobaccos to make a harmonious blend. What more is there to say, except that the whole world is latching onto the Opus X?

But this cigar is not just innovative for its design and tobacco. Its factory is completely unique, similar in many points to the Hublot watchmaking manufacture: 300 employees work there, as at Hublot, organised in workshops. The Opus X has a whole dedicated room, just like the complications at Hublot, where the Master Torcedores have their own domain, like the Master Watchmakers: they are both hotbeds of expert hands, know-how and exclusively reserved components. The similarities in organisation are striking… The Hublot and Arturo Fuente boutiques are even neighbours in Las Vegas.

But that is not all. Carlos Fuente Sr and Carlito Fuente have a deep love for their adopted home, the Dominican Republic. This country has many abandoned or orphaned children. Carlito is very aware of this scourge, to combat which he set up a School and Foundation in the heart of the tobacco plantations, with all the facilities necessary to house the children until they reach maturity. Giving and sharing – once more an outlook similar to that of Hublot, which never fails to tie in its events and operations with its ambassadors for the benefit of foundations and charity actions worldwide.

The King Power “Arturo Fuente” limited series is delivered in a genuine cigar case developed specially by Hublot, a blend between Macassar ebony and carbon. The top contains an exclusive OPUS X ring accompanied by the Hublot logo signature.

To mark the presentation of this watch, Arturo Fuente has created a special edition of OPUS X cigars for Hublot, with special rings.

King Power “Arturo Fuente” – Technical Details

References: 703.OX.3113.HR.OPX12 King Gold version. Limited series of 100 pieces numbered from 0/100 to 100/100

703.CI.3113.HR.OPX12 Ceramic version. Limited series of 200 pieces numbered from 0/200 to 200/200

Case King Power – Diameter 48 mm in 18K King Gold or micro blasted ceramic

Bezel 18K King Gold or Black ceramic

Crystal Sapphire Ǿ 35.50×3.00 mm, with anti-reflective coating

Crown 18K King Gold satin-finished or micro-blasted black ceramic, Black rubber insert

Push-pieces 2 push pieces 18K King Gold or ceramic, Black rubber insert

Case-back 18K King Gold or ceramic with Exclusive Arturo Fuente illustration transfer celebrating the 100th anniversary

Water resistance 10 ATM, i.e. approx 100 metres

Dial Matt brown, with 18K King gold plated indexes with black SuperLuminova™, Fuentes cigar logo transfer at 6 o’clock

Hands Satin-finished 18K red gold hands with black SuperLuminova™

Movement HUB4100 Mechanical chronograph with automatic winding

No. of components 252

Jewels 27

Power reserve Approximately 42 hours

Strap Adjustable black rubber and brown Hornback alligator strap with white stitching

Clasp King Gold version: satin finished King Gold cap, black PVD deployment buckle, Ceramic version: micro-blasted black PVD titanium deployment buckle.

Interview with Roland Stampfli of Arthur Oskar Stampfli Watches.

By Jonathan Kopp for The Watch Review Site

Jonathan Kopp has the privilege of not only working with Roland Stampfi of AOS Watches but he also has access all areas and has been able to undertake this interview with the man behind Arthur Oskar Stampfli. A new watch manufacturer or brand created in memory of Roland Stampfli’s father. We get an insight into the man behind the brand and his reasons for beginning such an adventure…

JK – So, Roland were did the idea of creating a watch brand stem from?

RS – In 2001, ten years after he left, the idea of reviving the name of my father, through one of his passions, has become an evidence in my desire to watch creation. My ancestor was, all his life, working in the industry, Values such as precision, patience and the will to always exceed have all been passed to me by this man that I admire.

Its commitment to high performance sport has shown me the path to follow in my developments along with being passionate about fishing, boats and former Swiss champion of boxing, he has lived his challenges with professionalism and persistence.

What great principles to base the creation of a product on! And reviving a story, a story of history to boot.

JK – The launch of a watch brand is not obvious especially in the current context. So How did to take that step?

RS – I know it’s slightly outside the box,as I have a non-binding heavy tradition in watchmaking, This allowed me all the freedoms in creativity that are possible. Indeed taking this step was difficult, but I could count on the support of a circle of friends to honor this brand generation, fulfillment of years of practice and passion.

The first step was the name for this creation, to be entirely honest that was set in stone from the start and a little obvious: Arthur Oskar Stampfli

Welcome to the world of Haute Horlogerie Roland…

JK – With this brand you stand on the field of Haute Horlogerie. Right in the middle of other established independents and other brands, what is the peculiarity of your brand?

RS – We have I feel a product that arouses passion and the satisfaction of owning a timepiece created in a limited edition, To be part of an exclusive club reserved to less than one hundred passionate enthusiasts in the world, from 1 to 99 copies according to the specific model reference.

The proportions of our timepieces are calculated on the basis of the number of Gold. On the dial we discover the following applies Fibonacci mathematical excellence, the number of the latter, date of birth in 1916 of an exceptional man in my father (Arthur Oskar Stampfli) and “S” symbol for the brand name Stampfli.

The great peculiarity is of course in design. The horns that “attach” the bracelet, or leather hand sewn crocodile, has the middle representing the anchors that you inspirational.

JK – So what is at the heart of your timepieces?

RS – The heart of this machine is a Swiss Made automatic movement SW300 possessing a cylinder capacity of a 42 hours of power reserve, 28,800 vibrations per sec and 25 jewels. You also have two crystal sapphire windows, with double anti-reflective coatings, offering crystal clear vision of the dial and engine of any AOS Timepiece.

We pride ourselves on using only the best materials in the manufacturing process with the application of the latest technologies in the production of a timepiece we use a mix of classic and unique techniques to achieve these masterpieces.

JK – So what sets AOS aside from all the main brands?

RS – It is all this originality in my mind that can replace the power of the established brands, we are peculiar, we are different, we are AOS.

Yes it is a sign of heart, for a lasting tribute to one who was a great role model for me.

JK – I’m feeling that it is much more, you keep on reiterating your brand is positioned in the market as being “Limited Edition”…

RS – We aim to go beyond the traditional watch collections at AOS. This is what we call home “Arthur Oskar Stampfli, we focus on customization and limited edition”. We found out fairly quickly whilst establishing Arthur Oskar Stampfli as a brand in the worldwide market. We did a great job of communication, (even if Roland says so himself) particularly on the social networks.

Our observation has been very simple ?

There is still much work to do to make known the extraordinary history of this brand. (Laughs). Of course, today we know the flagship models of  the AOS brand such as : Black Pearl, Classic Black, Gold Pearl, etc.. But we had fun making timepieces in ultra limited edition (7 or 20 maximum). At first it was to generate interest, but the impact was heavy so we decided to focus part of our work on this kind of timepiece. Its here that we decided that customization and extreme limited editions has to our ethos, our style our home…

As an artist you realize the true masterpieces, that only a lucky few can acquire and admire from close quarters and that’s the impression I get from Roland of what he wants from Arthur Oskar Stampfli Watches.

JK – How do you imagine these pieces? Do you have any other projects on the go we don’t know about yet?

RS – We have a few projects on the go and some of the current range and some of these pieces are still in the study or the state of design stage.

Most recently and notable addition to AOS is the work of a partnership with Alex Trelis. Engineering Designer who is designing a watch that will probably one of the great successes of the brand. The “Tourbillon Expo 1900 engineers of the time” We have a bracelet built according to drawings of Alex, highlighting the application of mechanical structures of rivets and crossbars realizations of Eiffel Tower in our watches. A sweet blend of modern and past especially when combining this with a TT791 movement with 120 hour power reserve.

Of course, on the early designs we use white dial giving the watch a freshness and allowing the eye to ventilate. But we can work at the request of other colors or with other materials, dependant on the customers own choices.

JK – When will it be available?

RS – These timepieces are currently under subscription and will be completed in a limited edition of only 10 copies. Not to mention that the character “Limited Edition” is respected. Prospective purchasers are already know, so you have to hurry for your chance to wear this timepiece.

JK – You mentioned Character Timepieces?

RS – Yes, With our character timepieces we find that your imagination does not stop with the creation of “Jimi Hendrix Tribute” which will probably appeal to fans of Rock and the man himself.

I am a passionate music fan, of real music, and I had the chance to see Hendrix in concert. The idea of developing a collection “Tribute to music” was obvious to me. Only 7 pieces available and a collection of three different parts “Marc Bolan (T-Rex)”, “Hendrix” and “Jim Morrison”.

This collection is available today, and will hopefully attract watch enthusiasts passionate about music like me, I’m sure they will appreciate a timepiece like this… I think.

JK – Well as we are talking about your collections what else have Arthur Oskar Stampfli got to offer the world?

RS – Well, Yet completely different again. The 1916 Ocean Pearl Swirl Boon. A Tourbillon of death and heads ? A mix that is working.

Again, this watch is a Limited edition numbered copies, to 01/05 from 05/05, on the bottom of Build. At the technical level we find a bracelet sewn alligator hands, mechanical movement with a tourbillon, TT790 movement, 120 hours of power reserve. Engraving on the dial in limited edition. It measures 48mm and Black. We used aluminum and anodized with a GL. The fasteners are bronze black PVD. Double Deployment clasp for better stability to the wrist and of course the sapphire crystal with double treatment anti reflection.

It actually had its effect as completely special. She goes codes watchmakers usual.

JK – I see you have an Asian influence on some of your pieces?

RS – We invite you to travel in Asia with AOS, and we have produced a special collection of watches for this.

The main pieces we created are the Tourbillon Asia these are to be supplied as a limited edition of only five copies, this is 48mm of pure bliss with Tourbillon, bracelet hand-stitched and 120 hours of walking, and decorated with a dial, all for 132,800 CHF!

But we also have the complete collection Asia 2012 timepieces, about 88 pieces in 4 different models. It is assumed on the basis of our Octopussy for this watch with a dial decorated with a dragon, a reference to the year of the dragon in China.

At the technical level, this is an automatic movement with 42 hours of power reserve, the diameter is 49mm and the dial is Dianoir treats.

We also have a unique piece that will be sold by auction at Antiquorum. It is the peculiarity of the case and the bi-color mother of pearl dial. We use this kind of material for another series also limited.

As we have said Jonathan anything is possible with Oskar Arthur Stampfli, We area a brand that wants to stand by limited edition pieces by collections, one after another just as much or even more incredible than the other.

What struck me first about Arthur Oskar Stampfli watches is the design of the watches, so special and not common at all, it is not a design we see elsewhere. Then the overflowing imagination of Roland Stampfli, who surprised us by his creations. One we didn’t mention and one I really like is the “Comics” Limited Editions, Then we have influences through Asia and even music, all mixes with a heritage of history and passion.

This devil designer will continue to captivate us with his creations. The tribute to his father Arthur Oskar Stampfli in my opinion is already a success and his image has been succeeded by a brand built from the heart.

We have been told that AOS Watches as a brand obviously in the early stages of it’s life cycle is currently undergoing extensive development as we have seen by the offerings and will soon have global representation, thanks to partnerships with distributors in the USA, China and Australia.

The story of Arthur Oskar Stampfli Watches has just begun. Where will it end? Will it ever end?

The simplicity of an exceptional timepiece on the wrist allowing you to share in a part of a trip into the imagination and passion of Roland Stampfli with the heart ond drive of Arthur Stampfli.

AOS has a slogan – “When Time Becomes an event ? Your life is like a legend” Make of it what you will but keep an eye out for AOS Watches near you in the press, media and retail outlets.

www.arthuroskarstampfli.com

Chemin des Vergers 21 A 2088 – Cressier / Suisse +41 (0) 79 759 67 53

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.

Hublot unveils the King Power FC Bayern Munich

Press Release by Hublot S.A

To underscore their strong partnership, the luxury watch brand HUBLOT and record champions FC Bayern München have worked closely together with true team spirit to develop a collective masterpiece. The King Power FC Bayern Munich Watch is now on display in the heart of the legendary FC Bayern München club.

The eagerly awaited timekeeper was ceremoniously unveiled in the presence of Jean-Claude Biver (Chairman of HUBLOT), Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (Executive Board member of FC Bayern München AG), FC Bayern players (including Ribéry, Boateng, van Buyten, Luiz Gustavo, Can as well as the newly acquired Shaqiri and Pizarro) and selected representatives from the German and Swiss press.

The titanium chronograph with a 45-minute display specially developed for football is limited to 200 pieces. The exclusive timepiece perfectly reflects the passion and shared values of the partners.

The Swiss luxury watch brand Hublot, known for its Art of Fusion, is proud to be the FC Bayern München’s partner and official timekeeper. Both are masters of their field and live to combine their art and traditional values with innovative vision. Hublot was the first Swiss prestige watch brand to embrace the sport of football, back in 2006, and has since made its mark in the world of top-class football through its collaboration with FC Bayern.

The jointly developed watch is not just a crowning symbol of the staunch alliance, it is also an expression of the close friendship between the two greats on the playing field.

Hublot King Power FC Bayern Munich – Technical Details

Reference 716.NX.1129.RX.BYM12

Series Limited to 200 pieces numbered from 01/200 to 200/200

Movement HUB4245 self-winding mechanical skeleton chronograph with central 45’ counter
Date Window at 4H
Frequency 4 Hz (28,600 vph)
Power reserve 42 hours

Case King Power – Diameter 48 mm in vertical satin finished titanium
Bezel Vertically brushed titanium overmolded with black rubber, 6 H-shaped relief black PVD titanium screws
Crystal Sapphire with blue transferred minutes
Interior/exterior anti-reflective coating
Bezel lugs Black composite resin, Lateral inserts Black composite resin with pusher guards
Crown Brushed titanium with black rubber insert, Push-pieces Black PVD titanium overmolded with black and red rubber
Case Back Brushed titanium – Crystal sapphire anti-glare treatment inside and outside
Water resistance 10 ATM or approx 100 meters
Dial Sapphire, brushed ruthenium-coated indexes with white SuperLuminova™
Transferred Bayern Munich logo at 3 o’clock
Hands Brushed black nickel-coated with red SuperLuminova™
Strap Adjustable black rubber with red decoration
Clasp Micro-blasted black PVD titanium folding clasp & brushed titanium decorative plate

The Netherlands 1st Hard Copy Print Watch Magazine.

Written by Jonathan Kopp for The Watch Review Site

Watch Trends Magazine is the first and only paper magazine in the Netherlands in the field of watches and jewellery. In the latter, it deals with both mens trends that womens trends.

The magazine highlights the high-end watches and jewellery in a concept of “2 in 1″, totally unique in the industry. Hence each edition consists of two parts: one for men and one for women specifically. highlighting specific items and trends for each sex.

Watch Trends Magazine aims to be a source of inspiration and information in the broadest context possible within the luxury lifefstyle ethos. It includes fashion trends, people and events that set the tone of luxury and these are the three pillars of the magazine. In each issue, the reader finds attractive visuals and interesting articles that focus on the history of a brand along with the current range.

A little history of Watch Trends Magazine before bring the latest news.

The magazine was created in 2007 by Denis Worttelboer and celebrated in mid-August its fifth anniversary and also has a web presence at http://www.watchtrends.nl/ and of course, it does not stop there … Watch Trends Magazine, also includes an Internet television. On the latter, of course, we will find various videos for Mr. and Mrs., concerning the world of luxury, watches & jewellery.

So, two magazines, television and now …? The great news is right here as with all fast moving businesses…

Since August 1st, the application Watch Trends has been available for download on Apple App store and Google Play …. Moreover, since August 20, this application is available in English, and it will also be in French, Spanish and Chinese-Mandarin before the end of the month.

Just visit Appstore and find the application. When you download you get 5 free pages of the magazine. And if you want the full version, you can download it for the price of € 1.59 per issue. Remember, for all you anti iPhone users, you will find this application on Google Play for Android.

So with an application for Ipad – Iphone – Android Tablet, there is no excuse to miss the latest trends, thanks to this application. Using the app the magazine is easy to read because you can scroll more quickly, but also zoom in to see every detail of the watch, very clearly.

Watch Trends Magazine, Watch it, Read it … Download it!

Article supplied by Jonathan Kopp you can follow Jonathan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jonathan.kopp.98