Patek Philippe Tourbillon Watches – Substance Over Flash

Today, the tourbillon complication is almost universally seen as the burlesque star of haute horlogerie—the famous invention of Breguet is now seen in a multitude of watch brands (including those seen as primarily “fashion” oriented) whirling and twirling away in huge cutouts and bold apertures. The tourbillon complication has even evolved into spectacular variants which have gone far beyond the original in complexity, with multiple axes of rotation to give even more for the eye to admire.

Patek Philippe has taken a decidedly different approach to the construction of their tourbillons. Rather than make a bold statement with their fine tourbillons, Patek Philippe chooses to exercise careful restraint–the tourbillon stays hidden beneath the dial. The pictured watch–the Patek Philippe Ref. 5101P–is a perfect example of the conservative Patek design philosophy. Looking at this platinum timepiece, there is nothing to immediately indicate that it is a tourbillon, aside from the discrete inscription “Tourbillon” in the small seconds subdial. The Stern family, who owns Patek Philippe has commented that they don’t display their tourbillons from the dial side because of the risk of light and heat drying up critical lubricants essential to the delicate operations of the tourbillon.

That may be so, but I also think its part of the design ethos of Patek Philippe, which emphasizes substance over flash–after all, all one need do is turn this watch over and peer through the sapphire exhibition back to witness just why the brand is so celebrated for its horological craftsmanship. And in contrast to many tourbillons on the market, Patek Philippe goes to the trouble of getting C.O.S.C. certification for their tourbillon movements–no small feat, given how tricky a task regulating and adjusting a tourbillon is. Substance, indeed!

Jude Frances Earrings and Jude Frances Ring: Pearl Jewelry Set

 As we await the availability of the latest Jude Frances collection called Venetian at luxury retailers,  I discovered this mini-set of Jude Frances earrings and a Jude Frances ring of pearls held by lustrous yellow gold and with a few diamond accents.  The drop earrings have the same design as the majority of Jude Frances earrings where the drop is detachable from the ring.  The three-pearl dangle earrings feature graduated pearls.  The beauty of the ring in the center is in the intricate details and filigree.  The shank features shoulders on each side and the pearl has a yellow gold base.  This mini-set of Jude Frances jewelry, with your choice of earring style, makes for a perfect little ensemble.

Rolex donates again to further watchmaking education

The Donald W. Reynolds Technology Center at the Oklahoma State University at Okmulgee is the latest recipient of a Rolex donation to further watchmaking education. The $1 million grant will further development and growth of the watchmaking and microtechnology program and will be distributed over 5 years.

Rolex donated similar grants to North Seattle Community College in Washington in 2000 which it renewed in 2005 and to Saint Paul College in Minnesota in 2004.

In addition, Rolex created its own non-profit organization in Pennsylvania called the Lititz Watch Technicum in 2001. Their foundation has graduated more than 50 watchmakers.

Not satisfied to be confined, Rolex operates watchmaking programs internationally as well with the Tokyo Watch Technicum in Japan and the Rolex Training Centre in Mumbai, India.

Becoming a watchmaking technician and artisan in the U.S., Japan or Mumbai is an interesting path considering that the watchmaking industry was born and continues to thrive in the Swiss Alps. Rolex appears to be leading the pack in furthering the advancement of watchmaking education outside of Switzerland. In a world of growing computer, medical and biological technology, Rolex is working to jump start and even preserve the long standing tradition of watchmaking.

Kwiat Diamonds and My Dove Chocolate Contest – Prize: $21,000 Kwiat diamond necklace

Kwiat Diamonds and My Dove Chocolate are teaming up for the My Dove “Expressions of Love” contest this year and this Valentine’s Day. My Dove Chocolate is known for creating chocolates with personalized foil wrappings and the contest is of a similar nature:Kwiat Diamonds and My Dove are inviting women and men to explain how they plan to say “I love you” on the year’s most romantic day.

The chosen winner – the one is deemed the most romantic – will win a 5.58 carat diamond necklace from Kwiat Diamonds valued at over $21,000.The Kwiat necklace features ribbons of diamonds set in platinum with flower petal rosettesIf this prize were not enough, the winner will also receive a luxury signature gift box from My Dove Chocolate filled with either milk or dark chocolate wrapped in foil printed with their winning message.

If you are interested in entering the contest, log on to the My Dove Chocolate’s website www.mydovechocolate.com and describe in 51 characters or less the way you will express your love on Valentine’s Day.