Monday, November 29, 2010

Vacheron Constantin Unvails another Addition to its Quai de l’Ile collection

The Contemporary Quai de l’Ile collection was first introduced in 2008 amidst the oohs and ahs of the horological world. Vacheron Constantin has always amazed me with its uncanny ability to captivate without overt flamboyance, although of course Vacheron Constantin has quite a showy side as well (click here to view its Vacheron Constantin Metiers d' Art Lady Kalla Flamme) as well as an artsy side in its Meiters d' Art "Les Masques Collections . However ,with the new addition depicted above, it is its subtle graces and exceptional craftsmanship that steals the show. I am sure by now you have noticed the new retrograde annual calender. This unique addition is powered by a new Vacheron Constantin Calibre 2460 QRA and housed in either a pink or white gold or both (as the customer wishes) 43 mm case. This mechanical automatic movement bears the Hallmark of Geneva (click here to learn more about this exclusive Seal) ,
which ensures the highest quality of craftsmanship.

The annual calender is a unique function in that it accounts for the different lengths of months, The final day of June will be the 30th, and the final day of July and August will be the 31st. February is the only month that requires adjusting. Most watches bearing dates require adjustments every two months, and this watch only requires adjusting once a year.
The Vacheron Constantin Calibre 2460 QRA has 326 parts functioning in precise harmony displaying the hours, minutes and small seconds at 9 o’clock, the annual calendar with retrograde date display, months as well as a conspicuous and exceptionally precise moon-phase indication which only requires correction once every 122 years.
Having a power reserve of 40 hours, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hours and crafted in ruthenium-plated 22K gold, the newest addition to the Quai de l’Ile collection, is a true testament to Vacheron Constantin continuing legacy. A legacy which began in 1755.

Friday, November 26, 2010

A Watch is the Ultimate Gift for the Holidays

Tired of giving gadgets purchased from late night infomercials? Or what about that reindeer sweater complete with a matching reindeer hat and reindeer gloves. Are you tired of not knowing what to give?


I have come to solve your gift giving dilemmas and not a moment to soon. The best gift you can possibly give for the holidays is a watch. If you give a watch, you will no longer have to endure embarrassing moments of explaining its use to a sea of raised eyebrows. No one will turn your gift over wondering politely of its use. A watch is a watch.

Giving a watch has the remarkable versatility in that its basic function of telling time does not change with its worth. One can purchase a watch for ten dollars and one can purchase a watch for one million dollars. Of course the quality of craftsmanship, materials and complexity as well as its longevity increases with an increase in price. A ten dollar watch may only last a couple of months where as a one million dollar watch will last many lifetimes. The amount you spend on a watch depends entirely on what you can afford and to whom you are giving it too. If you earn a couple of million dollars a year and are soon to be wed, it is very unwise to present your fiance with a ten dollar watch; however, if you are a lower tax bracket and wish to buy your 6 year old niece her first watch, then presenting her with a watch worth a million dollars would be very unwise indeed. Both watches track the time, the ten dollar watch probably utilizing a quartz movements with minimal parts whereas the one million dollar watch may have an automatic movement with complications such as perpetual calender, tourbillon and minute repeater with hundreds of parts, but they do both track the time. Of course I have used quite extreme examples, but I just wanted to describe the absolute versatility of the watch. There are very few objects in the world which has the advantage of absolute function (such as tracking the time) with such an immense budget range. Thus whether you have or have not, a watch is an excellent gift to give.


Another excellent advantage of a watch is one does not have to be "into" watches to appreciate a watch. One just has to be "into" managing ones time which is a day to day necessity.


Now that I have explained the absolute gift, there are a few “watch gift giving” pointers I would like to share. First, one must have some general idea of the style and personality of the receiver. A sporty guy would love a sporty watch, such as a Ebel 911 or a Tag Heuer Carrera. A person who hates unnecessary clutter in his environment or on his person would greatly appreciate a Movado Museum Watch. All that is displayed on the Movado's dial is a round dot at the 12 'o'clock and two hands, otherwise the dial is quite unblemished. A Cartier for the lovely lady in your life is; a Zenith for the man of your dreams ... there is a watch for everyone.

Look no further ... purchase a watch.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Greubel Forsey Awarded the L’Aiguille d’Or

Greubel Forsey shines at the Gran Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve winning the Grand Prize of “L’Aiguille d’Or” (the “Golden Hand”) for its Greubel Forsey’s Double Tourbillon 30° Edition Historique in 5N red gold. It seems Greubel Forsey is scooping up awards for its remarkable timepieces. Last year the Quadruple Tourbillon was awarded "Best Complicated Watch" at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie Asia and this past month the Greubel Forsey' Double Tourbillon 30ยบ Vision No. 2 brought in $ 325,641 at the Sotheby's Hong Kong Sale of Important Watches - the most money, at the auction, received for a single watch.
Greubel Forsey is a watch company to be noticed and noticed well, for they are at the top of the game and raising the bar. Read more about Greubel Forsey and its successful strategy.


Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Piaget Black Tie



Piaget's Black Tie Collection defines elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Among them is the Piaget Emperador Coussin Regulator which I have blogged about in much detail; however, I cannot turn my back on the Black Tie collection thinking that I have blogged about one watch in the collection, and now can march off to other domains.


Another heart stopping beauty is the Piaget Emperador Cushion Watch presenting an exceptionally accurate moon phase indicator, with only a one day difference in 122 years.
... and presenting Piaget's Millionth Watch, which I have blogged about in much rapturous detail click this link and let the glitter momentarily blind you.


Piaget Emperador Tourbillon Skeleton Luxury Timepiece boasts the Worlds Thinnest Tourbillon. A mere 3.5mm thick, the tourbillon ensures that any slight time tracking discrepancy due to the force of gravity is annihilated. Then again the lightness and transparency of the skeleton 600p mechanical skeleton tourbillon movement seems to defy gravity. Softened angles and streamlined case is elegantly aristocratic. By far one of Piaget's finest. The Piaget Emperador Timepiece is also available encrusted with diamonds making this particular timepiece the world's only gem-set skeleton tourbillon.

Piaget's timepieces are among the top watch brands mendaciously crafting watches since 1874. The tradition of watchmaking is bound to the very essence of Piaget, so much so that every timepiece is crafted with exceptional care and meticulous precision. In addition, Piaget keeps up with today's technological advancements. Piaget has launched a touch screen version of its website, so users of the iPad and iphone can easily navigate Piaget's website.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Raymond Weil RW Sport Black and Red Dial Stainless Steel Men's Watch
ONLY $645 (46% off MSRP price)

A couple days ago I was at a dinner party. The set up was buffet style so you had a lot of hands reaching for the meat balls and sushi and stir fried vegetables. Anyway, while I was reaching for a particular delectable and colorful piece of sushi, a hand reached out and snapped it up. My fault I was distracted ,you see, by the watch around the wrist of said hand. In my mind the flash of red, black and steel was absolutely mesmerizing.
"Which watch are you wearing?" I said seeing only a quick flash of color whiz by.
I suppose I could have been more cordial and first introduced myself, but it was a large dinner party with many people and the thought of losing sight of the watch owner and never ever learning what watch I had seen, terrified me.
Now you must understand this all happened in the briefest of moments when instincts take over all sense of reason.

"Oh!" said a startled but pleasant enough voice, "My watch?"

I looked up and peered at a well dressed young man, "Yes!" I said almost licking my lips in anticipation of make, collection, features and hopefully type of movement and exact number of parts.

"It's a Raymond Weil Sports Watch?", he said lifting a starched dove gray cuff.

"The rubber strap makes it extremely comfortably," he said undoing the fold over clasp.
He handed the watch to me for better inspection.

"Mmm. Large round polished and brushed stainless steel case," I said, "you know I love the usage of red and black engraving on the dial. Very striking."

"The sub dial is for the seconds," he said and I nodded.

" I see the crown and case back are screw-down, which enhances water resistance to 200 meters. Very nice," I said, "Very nice."

The young man smiled broadly and said, " Guess how much I paid for it?"

"Around 800 bucks?"

"Nope! Not even close!"

"$1000?"

"No less!" he said, his smile growing even wider, "$645.00."

"Wow! I am impressed. That really is a bargain"

"and it's 100% genuine! " he said

"Yes! I see that"

"My friends couldn't believe the price I paid for this baby."

"If you don't mind me asking, from where did you get such a deal?" I said

"THE WATCHERY!", he said, " This watch was 46% off the MRSP and they have tons of other watches for crazy low prices. They even have my "when I make it big" dream watch for 30% off."

" and which watch is that?" I said amused.

"The Cartier Santos 100 with a 18k brushed gold case," his voice took on a detached quality as though he was a million miles away on some Venetian
veranda.

"But I will never give up my Raymond Weil Sports Watch. It has become part of me. Who I am? You understand?"

"Yes!" I said. "I understand very well."