The magnificent Chronoswiss Pathos watch: mechanical passion defined

Each Chronoswiss watch has something unique to offer. Whether you read an interview conducted with him, or just peruse the Chronoswiss website, you get a real sense of just how passionate Chronoswiss founder Gerd R. Lang is about mechanical watchmaking. After all, he was one of visionaries (back then the term would more likely have been “nutjob”) who continued to invest in the future of mechanical watches when most abandoned it in the face of the seemingly unstoppable quartz technology which appeared poised like a monstrous wave to utterly destroy traditional horology.

Picking a watch which really symbolizes everything this brand offers is really tough. The Delphis, with its stunning guilloched silver dial and jumping hour function. But, my own vote goes to the Pathos watch. Why? Well, Mr. Lang is well known for his passion and expertise with chronographs, and the split-second chronograph mechanism (what the Pathos has) represents its ultimate technical zenith. Then, add in the uniquely classic Chronoswiss case design with the onion-style crown, and the breathtakingly intricate skeleton work which reveals the complexity of the fascinating rattrapante mechanism. In total, the result is an eloquent summary of what makes Chronoswiss so special as a fine watchmaker.

Raymond Weil Tradition – Dress Watch Value

What if you occasionally find yourself going to formal events, and want a dedicated dress watch to go along, but don’t want to spend a massive amount of money for said accoutrement? Relax–you don’t necessarily have to run out and purchase a Patek Philippe or a Vacheron Constantin. Raymond Weil offers some extremely elegant dress watches that will keep your financial outlay extremely modest.

The Raymond Weil Tradition watch collection offers some very attractive choices. If you want total convenience, (i.e. pick up your dress watch which you haven’t worn for a month, put it on and you’re good to go), you may opt for one of the battery-operated Quartz models, which are presented in both round and rectangular shapes.

If, like me, you insist upon a watch which ticks, even if it is only worn every so often, then you will likely turn to the Raymond Weil Tradition Automatic watches–shown in both a classic round shape, as well as a TV-screen shape which is distinctive yet still very attractive. Two very nice features that these models possess are very pretty blued hands, and an exhibition caseback that allow you to admire the mechanical movement.

Ulysse Nardin’s Michelangelo Gigante UTC Dual Time – Terrific Tonneau Travel Timepiece

If you are a fan of the barrel-shaped case, and appreciate a watch that makes it easy to switch back and forth between various timezones without constant resetting, than it would seem if the Ulysse Nardin Michelangelo Gigante UTC Dual Time would be tailor made just for you.

The tonneau case is one of the most expressive and satisfying available on the market today, being large enough to have the presence for more casual wear, yet not so bulky that it can’t work well with a suit; you can obtain it in 18K gold, or steel, on strap or bracelet to suit your taste. The movement utilizes the same innovative mechanics found in the brand’s GMT ± Big Date collection; advancing the hour hand forwards or back is as simple as pressing one of the two buttons on the side of the case; you don’t even have to fiddle with unscrewing a crown! Naturally, the minute and second hand continue on normally, meaning no interruption of accuracy. True to the Ulysse Nardin pursuit of innovative horology, the large date mechanism is ingenious in its operation, and can be adjusted not only forwards, but backwards; in addition to making the watch super-easy to operate, it is a safeguard against the accidental damage that can befall an ordinary date display.

While shuttling from airport to airport in various timezones may not be so fun, having a great timepiece like this along for the ride can definitely make things more pleasant!

The Port Royal El Primero Open Concept – A great modern Zenith watch design

Bold, edgy, technically interesting, and extremely attractive. Those are a few of the terms that came to mind the first occasion I got to examine the Zenith Port Royal Open El Primero Concept watch. All the various high-tech elements (carbon fiber for the strap, titanium for the case, and TR 90 for the dial) combine to result in a watch that is very contemporary. At the same time, that rectangular shape hints ever so slightly at well-loved Art Deco classics, giving this watch a versatility that extends beyond the sporty impression that one immediately perceives.

Out of all the various Zenith watches with the “Open” dials, this one just might be the one that works best, to my eyes—largely because the dial cutout works very well with the overall design; the transparent dial with its windowpane pattern is both unusual and very attractive. Zenith has played around a lot with boundary pushing in the designs of its recent watches, but not all have turned out as pleasing as the Port Royal Open Concept.

Cartier’s Latest Endeavor: Jewelry for Animals

Last month’s Sotheby’s Amsterdam sale sold jewelry for animals including the Giant Panda and the Asian Elephant. Well, not exactly jewelry for animals, but jewelry to benefit these animals. The consigner and collector created a special fund of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) that specifically protects and preserves the panda and the elepant.

The Sotheby’s event, called “Jewels for the Jungle,” included jewelry you would expect to see as well as some surprising and even quirky pieces. The unexpected pieces included a provate collection of animal figures and animal-inspired jewelry pieces, including this here Cartier diamond, gold, and possibly jade and coral “Ram’s Head” necklace. Purchasing one of the pieces was an excellent opportunity to buy an original item while helping to save these species from extinction