Archive for November, 2009

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Luxury Watches and NBA <1> – Panerai and Micheal Jordan

November 16th, 2009

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This isn’t the first time that I have came out of a idea that I should write something about luxury watch and NBA, for my enthusiasm for both of them. NBA players, especially those first-team stars, earn the best salary and speak for a huge range of brands. However, it is not easy to associate them with luxury watches. In fact, there is very few NBA players with a title as spokesman for luxury watch brands, and even the greatest basketball player of all time can’t be one of the very few.

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Micheal Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time and also one of the most marketed sports figures in history. 6-time NBA Champion, 6-time NBA Finals MVP, 5-time NBA MVP… The list of Jordan’s achievement in basketball field can be very, very long and ground-breaking. Another NBA figure Magic Johnson once said:” There is Micheal Jordan and then there’s rest of us.” MJ has been a major spokesman for such brands as Nike, Coca-Cola, Chevrolet, Gatorade, McDonald’s, Ball Park Franks, Rayovac, Wheaties, Hanes, and MCI. Yes, he has not spoken for any luxury watch brands (I don’t think Nike will view watches as its main products), but Micheal Jordan is truly a watch enthusiast, especially for Panerai.

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You may think Rolex or Patek Phillipe can be a better match to Micheal Jordan’s performance on the court, which is extremely competitive and triumphant. However, MJ is famous for his silky skills and certain purity of energy, as well as the ability to dominant. And the people “in the know” would never doubt Micheal’s favor in Panerai. It is not surprising to hear the news that MJ wears a Panerai watch on a certain event or presents Panerai watches as gifts to his relatives or friends. I have to say, the signature big diameter of Panerai collection suits him very well.

As the official supplier of the Royal Italian Navy, Panerai is famous for its Radiomir and Luminor watches and precision instruments. Serving as a key role in the sinking of Allied naval vessels in WWII, Panerai watches are legendary and prestige. Among the devotees of Panerai can be found many celebrities, for its largest diameter and concise temperament. The movie superstar Sylvester Stallone spotted and bought a Panerai Luminor in a jewelry store in Rome in 1995 to wear during shooting of the film Daylight. He once ordered a small batch of such watches with his signature on the case back, called Slytech. He offered them as gifts to friends, including Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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The sporting world is a field Panerai knows well. A new partnership was signed with Panerai to develop, manufacture and distribute watches under the Ferrari trademark, When the contract between Girard-Perregaux and Ferrari expired.

Panerai releases many watches as either limited or special editions producing fewer watches than the market demands. Retailers may only receive a few limited edition pieces each per year and long waiting lists for popular models are not uncommon.

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Micheal Jordan and Panerai, are truly partners without a contract. And Kevin will continue the series of “Luxury watch and NBA” with stories between Audemars Piguet and Shaquille O’Neal.

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Posted in Industry News, Luxury Watches and NBA, Panerai

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New Breitling Navitimer Chrono-Matic QP, Extremely Limited

November 14th, 2009

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The Chrono-Matic QP, the latest limited models unveiled by breitling, brings a completely fresh feel to the classic Navitimer collection. Coming to this shiny new timepiece, I have to admit my mistake in my last article about Chrono-Matic 1461, who is the “brother model” of QP. I said the Chrono-Matic 1461 is the most sophisticated watch I have ever met in Breitling, and my view is changed soon by my first encounter with the QP, for the extra subdial compared to the former.

“Making instruments for professionals”, with this slogan, the Breitling has released the collective watches of generations. The four subdials in the Chrono-Matic QP constitute a symmetrical layout, a kind of beauty more warmly pursued by those professionals than that of asymmetry.

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Designed by Breitling in 1969 to house the first selfwinding chronograph movement, the Chrono-Matic is a resolutely modern design. Within this case with its taut, angular lines – equipped with a rubberized bezel – Breitling has fitted a chronograph movement combined with a Perpetual Calendar (QP), thereby creating a daring alliance of modern and traditional features. The mechanism of the Chrono-Matic QP is a miniaturized marvel comprising almost 500 parts. It is programmed to indicate the date, the day, the week, the month, the reason and the moon phases, while taking account of variations due to leap years.

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The new Chrono-Matic limited model is wrapped in a 18K red gold case, with four silver subdials. Both the panamerican bronze dial and black dial makes a good match to the whole. A croco strap with 18K red gold buckle or a Ocean Racer strap fitted with a Ocean Racer clasp come with the new model. The movement is a selfwinding Breitling 29, of which the 500 integrant pieces demonstrate the amazing virtuosity in craftship. Only 125 pieces are available for the Chrono-Matic QP, extremely limited.

Altogether, the lastest two limited models (QP and 1461) in Chrono-Matic line, I think, are truly exceptional presents brought by the Breitling before the coming Chrismas.

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Posted in Breitling, Limited Edition

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New Limited Model by Breitling – CHRONO-MATIC 1461

November 13th, 2009

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Breitling classic Navitimer series is welcoming its brand new member – CHRONO-MATIC 1461, a fresh limited edition of 2000 pieces. This new watch, bearing a stunning heritance from the vintage Chrono-Matic line, is a little more sophisticated than ever judging from its look. The photos here are not able to do this fact justice. I think it is very easy for you to get a visual treat just looking at the sides and rear of the watch.

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In 1969, Breitling created the first selfwinding chronograph movement, an invention that paved the way for the development of an entire range of Chrono-Matic chronographs. As a tribute to this forerunner of ultra-large watches, the new CHRONO-MATIC 1461 measures 49mm in diameter (the largest I have ever seen in normal design models, not in the concept ones). The rotating bezel with circular slide rule confirms its identity as a descendant of the Navitimer line. It stands out for the resolutely 1960s modern style expressed through a case with taut, angular lines. The sides of the case are all nicely milled and cut, and a cambered sapphire crystal gives a good protection to big dial.

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The splashes of hot red on the second hand and several markers add a little spiciness to the new Breitling. Firstly pictured is a version with mercury silver dial and black subdials. This striking colour harmoniousness is attractive and extremely contemporary. Three counters are finely designed on the big dial. The chronograph features include 1/4th second, 30 minutes and 12 hours. The case back is engraved with the brand logo and name in the center. In my last article, I said I love the model with its brand logo or signature, and the CHRONO-MATIC 1461 absolutely belongs to my beloved collection.

The special feature of this Chrono-Matic 1461 limited series lies in its movement equipped with a chronograph and a leap-year calendar displaying the day, the date and the month. This sophisticated mechanism, chronometer-certified Breitling Caliber 19, need only be adjusted once every leap year. Three versions are available and you can catch a direct visual impression through the following pictures.

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Posted in Breitling, Limited Edition

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Triumph Bonneville Heuer, Extension of Two Legendary Masterpieces

November 11th, 2009

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To celebrate the Bonneville 50th anniversary and the Monaco 40th anniversary, TAG Heuer & Triumph, two icons in their fields, have decided to collaborate on a “one of a kind”: the Triumph Bonneville Heuer.

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Authenticity, design and quality: these are just parts of the values the two brands have in common. What’s more, they share an icon associated to their history : Steve Mc Queen. The legendary actor bridges the two legendary masterpieces of 70′s: the Triumph Bonneville and the TAG Heuer Monaco. Exactly inspired by Steve McQueen and to pay tribute to him, the Triumph Bonneville Heuer has been created to extend the on-going legend.

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Taking inspiration from the Porsche sports car driven by Steve McQueen’s character in the movie Le Mans, the Triumph Bonneville Heuer features a unique blue and orange paint scheme. McQueen famously wore a Heuer Monaco watch in Le Mans (1971) and was a renowned Triumph enthusiast. He rode Triumph motorcycles personally and in movies such as The Great Escape (1963).

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“We are delighted to play our part in this exciting project. The Triumph Bonneville and TAG Heuer Monaco are both timeless masterpieces, celebrating their respective 50th and 40th anniversaries this year,” said Neil Morley, Triumph’s Head of Brand Communications. “We also both have a natural connection with Steve McQueen, who famously wore a Monaco watch in the film Le Mans and was renowned for his love of our bikes, making this a very natural collaboration.”

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Lewis Hamilton, the 2008 Formula One world champion and TAG Heuer brand ambassador, companied the combination of TAG Heuer and Triumph on its debut in paris. The Triumph Bonneville Heuer now can be seen at various watch shows and TAG Heuer retailers throughout Europe. If you like the motorcycle, or TAG Heuer, or just Steve McQueen, you can search for more information via www.TriumphMotorcycles.com.

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Chopard 1000 Miglia GT XL Split Seconds

November 10th, 2009

The Mille Miglia endurance race was revived as a road rally event in 1982. Nowadays, timing rather than speed is of the essence for the enthusiasts from around the world who race their vintage cars, dating from 1927 to 1957. This magnificent parade of classic machines has earned the Mille Miglia the reputation of being the “the most beautiful road race in the world”.

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As a main sponsor and official timekeeper of this most beautiful road race for 21 years, Geneva-based luxury watch manufacturer Chopard released its 1000 Miglia GT XL Split Seconds, to pay tribute to Mille Miglia. Passion, performance and precision are just a few of the striking similarities between automotive engineering and mechanical watchmaking. The 1000 Miglia collection links these two worlds and perfectly represents the spirit of classic racing car events.

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The Chopard 1000 Miglia GT XL Split Seconds features a stainless steel case or 18K rose gold case depending on the version, bearing a COSC-certification as a chronometer. An anti-reflection sapphire crystal protects the dial in silver or white. The screw-down crown fitted in the case comfirms a outstanding resistance, and the bezel surrounding the dial carries a set of tachometer scale. The new model symbols a striking balance of functionality and extreme-sport style. Date, chrono, intermediate times, 30-minute counter and 12-hour counter, as well as hours, minutes and small second, complete time information on the full-packed dial, though it is with generous diameter of 44mm.

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A Swiss automatic (base ETA 7750) serves for movement in Chopard 1000 Miglia GT XL Split Seconds. It features 27 jewels, frequency at 28,800 bph, a power reserve of 42 hours and split seconds complication. Two versions have been released : one is in a 18K rose gold case with a white dial, while the other features a stainless steel case and a silver dial. They are limited to 500 pieces each.

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Modified Rolex – Pro-Hunter Military Single Red DeepSea

November 9th, 2009

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Don’t you know about modified Rolex watches? To the watch enthusiast, modified watches are not something new. In my first time to hear it, I got deeply attracted by this fresh concept (to me), and had a thirst for further understanding. For Rolex, there are two major kinds of modifications. One is modifying classic or vintage Rolex collection, and the other is immersed in newly released models. Submariner and Daytona, as two of the most classic series in Rolex products, are usually primary goals for Rolex crazy modifiers. It can’t be hard to imagine that Rolex hates this modifications, although they are not imitations. Rolex movements are easy to deal with as expert remarks, and that’s why there are so many modified Rolex.

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The Pro-Hunter Military Single Red DeepSea, which originates in the brand new Rolex DeepSea Sea-Dweller Ref. 116660, impresses me the most not only in the identity of luxurious Rolex, but the highly personalized features. This Pro-Hunter Military Single Red DeepSea features a black case and a black dial, commonly seen in modified Rolex watches. There is no certain reason for their favor of black. Maybe Black is a cool colour, fitting their style well. It is worth mentioning that there are no Rolex timepieces officially released in black. DLC (diamond like carbon) is applied to present the cool colour, which is famous for its look and scratch resistance.

The Pro-Hunter Military Single Red DeepSea and the name without the term “Military Single”, represent two versions of Pro-Hunter modified Rolex. And they are limited to 100 pieces for each. The former comes with a military style NATO strap, while the latter are available in a matching black steel bracelet. Water resistance to 3,900 meters makes it a fantastic diving watch. In addition, a helium escape valve, a perfect rotating diver’s bezel in ceramic, a date window at 3 o’clock and a special, individually numbered engraved caseback, are all featured in the watch.

Among so many Rolex modifiers out there,the Pro-Hunter is known for its good quality and elaborate workmanship. It will cost you $16,000 to make your own Pro-Hunter Military Single Red DeepSea.

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Patek Philippe Ladies First Chronograph

November 7th, 2009

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To celebrate the launching of its new Art Deco salon at la place Vendôme, Patek Philippe released its Ladies First Chronograph, a lovely fresh watch for ladies. This is the first real sense of mechanical chronograph with manual winding column-wheel available to Ladies in the world.

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As an extension of the salon’s signature 1930s Art Deco style, the Ladies First Chronograph features a rose gold cushion case and rounded lugs. To make the difference, 136 diamonds embellished around the bezel, along with the dial in silver opaline or black with guilloché depending on the model and the rose gold hands and indices, demonstrates its lofty status. A configuration of symmetrical bi-subdial featured on the main dial, expresses a striking balance of functionality and aesthetics.

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With no doubt, this new model enriches the manufacture’s collection of elegant and sophisticated watches explicitly designed for feminine wrists. More and more women have discovered a penchant for complicated wristwatches, especially those high-end models designed and crafted by Patek Philippe or other super brands. They are attracted to the functionality and seductive beauty of chronographs. That is why Patek Philippe decided to initially unveil its latest caliber with this attractive complication in a woman’s format. Ref. 7071R “Ladies First Chronograph”: The first Patek Philippe wrist chronograph to celebrate its debut as a model for ladies. In particular, the Ladies First Chronograph design team was made up entirely of women and no details were left to chance.

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The beautiful new CH 29-535 PS caliber, composed of 269 components, serves for movement in the Ladies First Chronograph. From the see-through sapphire crystal, which protects the case back, we can appreciate the elaborate technics of the latest creation by Patek Philippe. There are more than six patented innovations coming forth in the creation of CH 29-535 PS caliber.

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Some of the ground-breaking innovations:

Optimized gears introduced in 2005 on the chronographe à rattrapante extra-plat CH R 27-525 PS, which increases the efficiency in energy transmission and reduces friction.

An eccentric hat on top of the column wheel for better control of penetration gear.

Optimization of the clutch with the addition of a finger on the switch to synchronize directly the two bodies.

A very successful openwork cam minute meter to cushion shocks during the reset and the creation of compensated reset hammers.

the innovation of a pivoting hammers – seconds and minutes – ensuring a precise fit to their height.

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The watches equipped with new CH 29-535 PS caliber will not come soon. So it is likely to result in their husbands’ madness with jealousy, when they catch a sight at the shiny Ladies First Chronograph on their wives’ wrists.

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Bell & Ross INSTRUMENT MINUTE TOURBILLON

November 6th, 2009

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To delight luxury enthusiasts who treat time as a passion as well as a tool, Bell & Ross unveiled its MINUTE TOURBILLON. Its functionality and the watchmaking qualities certainly make the new model a fantastic time instrument.

Taking inspiration of combining a chronograph function with a high-precision mechanism, the BR INSTRUMENT MINUTE TOURBILLON overcomes a genuine challenge for any real technical innovation. The Tourbillon, dressed in gold, compensates the differences in precision due to the earth’s pull.

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Judging from the complex dial with a strong layering, the BR INSTRUMENT MINUTE TOURBILLON is truly a multifunctional model, demonstrating a perfect balance of sophistication and elegance. An independent small second counter and a three-day power reserve complete the time information. The subdial on the left is a second, dual scale timepiece (sixty and ten divisions) that measures time in hours and minutes from a chosen moment. This stand-alone timer is fitted with a Flyback, a system for resetting to zero and quickly relaunching the measurement. This useful function optimizes the precision and rapidity in measuring several succesive times.

The BR INSTRUMENT MINUTE TOURBILLON features a pink gold case with a generous diameter (44mm*50mm), with satin-polished finish. The hands and indices treated with luminescent elements on the black dial result in a good readability in the dark. Anti-reflection sapphire crystals are used to protect the dial and the case back. The angle rib structure reinforces the solidity of the case, while the carbon fibre dial and aluminium movement bridges heip make the timepiece lightweight and high performing. In addition, the new model comes in various versions of straps, and you can get the totally nine choices in the following pictures.

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Vacheron Constantin Malte Moon Phase and Power-Reserve

November 5th, 2009

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Vacheron Constantin Malte Moon Phase and Power-Reserve, a new Malte model with the famous tonneau or “barrel” shape, comes forth now! As a departure from exclusively round designs in 1912, a lot of models with the tonneau or “barrel” shape created by this Geneva-based manufacturer, have stepped into the Hall of Fame of luxury watches. The new and unique shape design represents the brand’s inimitable artistic sensitivity and inexhaustible source of inspiration.

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The new Malte model comes in a generously sized case (39x49mm), as well as the original fan-shaped lugs, distinctively graphic dial design and facetted dagger-shaped hands. With all of these, Vacheron Constantin Malte Moon Phase and Power-Reserve (really a long name…) will definitely delight the most harsh connoisseurs, as well as devotees of Vacheron Constantin collection.

Representing a perfect balance between technical and traditional watchmaking, a silvered gold dial which looks magnificently harmonious is featured in the new timepiece, protected by a glareproof cambered sapphire crystal. Five different finishes in highly skilled craftsmanship decorate the watch, with a intensive expression of sophistication and high quality. Embodying a prominent integration of technology and expertise, the moon-phase display is composed of a disc with a galvanised base and a moon face in 18-carat white gold or pink gold depending on the version. Generally speaking, the face of the new Malte watch looks silver white, with the white minute-circle, power-reserve zones and circular satin-brushed seconds subdial at 6 o’clock.

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The new model’s movement is a manual-winding 1410 calibre, entirely developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin, bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva. Stemming from the finest Geneva workshops, the movement is really a pronoun for stability and reliability. The moon-phase display powered by Calibre 1410 will not require any setting for more than 100 years. Over 40-hour power reserve, 22 jewels, beating at 28,800 vph, that’s what the manual-winding 1410 calibre brings.

With water resistance to a depth of 30 metres, the new timepiece comes in a square-scale alligator-leather strap in black or chestnut brown depending on the model. Altogether, the Vacheron Constantin Malte Moon Phase and Power-Reserve is bound to be a perfect extension of the classic Malte collection.

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New Model – Saint Honore Coloseo Chronograph

November 4th, 2009

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Saint Honore has recently released its new Coloseo Chronograph, in which four versions are available. Compared to the old series, these new models demonstrate a more direct sensation of conciseness and a better readability. You know, what has been criticized the most in the old edition of Coloseo Chronograph is its indices, which is considered too complicated to show the time. It is bound to be neglected, if a watch can hardly serves its basic role well – displaying the time, even though outstanding external design and a lot of applications are available.

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The new swiss quality Saint Honore Coloseo Chronograph features a 18K pink gold or common stainless steel case. That is to say, the four versions come in two parties: two in luxurious gold accents, and another two in stainless steel. The indices, hands, engravings and the bezel of a generous diameter match different colour in different parties. A sapphire crystal with good light transmission is used to protect the white or black dial, and a big date counter located at 12h, has been featured in the new watch. A unwavering resistance is comfirmed by the 18K pink gold or common stainless crown and pushers. The new edition of Coloseo Chronograph presnets a pure expression in its prominent external design.

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A Ronda quartz Startech chronograph caliber, as well as a time-only automatic ETA, serves for movenment in the new watch and supplies power for the two chronograph counters in the main dial. The new timepiece comes with a brown leather strap fitted with a deploying buckle, and water resistance to 50m is featured.

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