Basel 2008: Zenith Class Automatique Watches Are A Satisfying Peace Offering To Classicists

A watch brand which has pleased me this year at Basel is Zenith. After several years of far out sports designs with massive cases, dials with projections and protuberances, and general gimmickry (some of which I have struggled to accept), the brand has finally made a few concessions to those of us burdened with more anachronistic and “boring” tastes! I am really in love with the new (Old?) Zenith Class Automatique watches, which have the timeless 1950’s-era vintage styling. These models bring back the essence of an older generation of Zenith timepieces. Everything from the cases to the dials just transport you back to an era when less was definitely more. And of course, the Zenith Elite movements give these timepieces plenty of horological substance; I would not hesitate to acquire one of these, particularly in the delicious 18K rose gold version.

Of course, there have been plenty of avant garde and complex Zenith watches introduced this year, so there is no need to fear that the company will go too far into the past. But still, its nice to know that Zenith CEO Thierry Nataf and his team are paying proper respect to the classic origins of the Manufacture Zenith.

Breguet Introduces Haute Joaillerie

Three words: TO. DIE. FOR. Breguet unveiled its new Regal Haute Joaillerie collection at Baselworld 2008, which includes numerous examples of drop dead gorgeous high jewelry and watches. These pieces are amazingly crafted and designed and even in sketch form, you can imagine how incredibly breathtaking they will be in person. Breguet describes the new collection as “An ode to women and feminine sensitivity,” which “grants itself the privilege of eternity. Precious stones and gold illuminate these jewellery models with a dazzling light over which time has no power.” These beauties have quite a reputation to uphold. I will be the first in line to see this magnificent Les Plumes watch. It is made of 18 carat white gold with baguette-cut rubies and 1,200 TW/IF-VVS diamonds. It is self-winding and also features an 18k silvered gold dial with mother-of-pearl overlay and signature Breguet Arabic numerals, surely pleasing to any distinguishing eye or wrist. I have certainly found my new watch amore in Breguet Haute Joaillerie!

FBI and Police Need Help Catching Jewelry Thieves

If you have ever wanted to help catch a thief, this is your big chance.

The FBI and the police department of Eugene, Oregon have put out an all points bulletin regarding a string of  armed-robbery jewelry robberies occuring in three states – and they need your help to identify the thieves.   In each instance, the robber was armed with a black, semi-automatic handgun and ordered the employees and customers to the floor.  Thankfully, no one was injured during any of the four incidents.

The thieves managed to make off with more than $150,000 in jewelry product.  The majority of the jewelry products were recovered from pawn shops where they had been sold at a fraction of the retail price.

Currently, the suspect remains at large.  He is described as being a dark-haired, white male, in his 20s, 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall and 160-180 pounds with a medium build.

FBI and police are also searching for another man, believed to be an accomplice; he is wanted for questioning.  This second man is of Asian heritage.  In addition, they believe the suspect may live in or have ties to Eugene, Oregon; Portland, Oregon; Reno, Nevada; or San Francisco.

The suspect robbed three different jewelry stores – one of them was robbed twice:  Beaudet Jewelers in Eugene (robbed twice); Steve Schmier’s Jewelry in Tahoe City, CA; and, J.P. Chadom Jewelers in State Line, Nevada.

Click here to view a photo of one of the suspects.

Anyone with information regarding the jewelry robberies described in these cases is asked to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 in Portland or the Eugene Police Department at (541) 682-5175.

Kwiat Star Pendant To Be Raffled Off at Fundraiser

A radiant and gorgeous Kwiat pendant  - a platinum, diamond Star pendant – will be raffled at the Celebrate the Valley fundraiser taking place in Dayton, Ohio later this month on April 26.  Proceeds from the event will benefit Premier Heartworks, located at the Miami Valley South campus in Centerville, to enhance cardiovascular programs for female patients.

One of the primary fundraisers will be the live auction where attendees will have the opportunity to bid on the culinary talents of some of the Dayton’s most well known chefs includeing Ann Kearney, Elizabeth Wiley, Mat Hayden, and Jenn DiSanto.  Some chefs are offering meals prepared and enjoyed in the home of the winning bidder, while others are offering a special meal in their restaurants.  Either way, the live auction has excellent chances of creating high bids and many happy winners, as well.  In addition, 40 carefully chosen wines will be part of the live auction.

The evening will also include a silent auction, casino games, dinner, dancing, live music and of course the Kwiat jewelry item donated by Weber Jewelers. 

The Celebrate the Valley fundraiser takes place on April 26 from 7pm to midnight at the Dayton Wright Brothers Airport. Tickets are $100 per person/ $200 per couple.  For reservations, call the Miani Valley Hospital Foundation office at 208-2700.

Attending the Celebrate the Valley fundraiser offers attendees a chance to win a Kwiat pendant and support important  medical programs.   The Kwiat pendant shown here is not necessarily the one to be raffled.  It is merely an example of a Kwiat pendant from the Star collection.

Judith Ripka Trunk Show

A Judith Ripka trunk show, hosted by Sid Potts, will be happening in Shreveport, Louisiana, this Wednesday, April 9th at the Bossier Civic Center.

The trunk show will be held during the Pink Preview Party – a night of shopping, appetizers, and entertainment from 7 to 11pm.

Two Judith Ripka rings will be given away, one valued at $3,200 and another valued at $850.

The evening includes private shopping from 7-8:30pm, and music by Soulfire of Jackson from 8 til 11pm with a silent auction during the night.

Bella Fresca will cater gourmet fare and complimentary beer, wine and pink cocktails with a cash bar as well will be served.

Live near Shreveport?  Available this Wednesday?  Love Judith Ripka?  Seen Judith Ripka jewelry before?  Or, maybe you have not see Judith Ripka jewelry before but you are curious?

Attend the Pink Preview Party in Shreveport and the Judith Ripka trunk show – you could win a Judith Ripka ring!