Omega Watches And The Olympic Games–A Long Relationship Of Precision Timekeeping

While there is a fair share of controversy swirling around the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, one thing which is not up for debate is the rich history of Swiss watchmaker Omega in the history of Olympic sports timing.  With the Summer Games about to begin, the time seems right to present a few of the many notable Omega historical highlights:

Like an explosive sprinter, Omega got its big start in 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, supplying 30 chronographs, each of which had been earned certification as a chronometer.  It was this officially recognized precision that moved the Olympic Organizing Committee to decide that Omega would be the official timer of the games.  Four years later Continue Reading… »

The Greening Of The Watch Industry, Demonstrated By Jaeger-LeCoultre And Seiko

In watchmaking, as in other industries, being environmentally conscious is something which more companies are putting increasing emphasis on.  When you reflect upon the breathtaking natural beauty of Switzerland, where small watch ateliers are a virtual part of the bucolic landscape, it would seem that watchmaking has always been ahead of this particular curve.  Nonetheless, there seems to be an even greater effort to conserve and protect, as we have seen recently with Continue Reading… »

Cartier Tortue Minute Repeater Watch: Mechanical Rarity Cradled In Art Deco Elegance

 Henry Graves Jr. would surely be pleased.  The Cartier Tortue Minute Repeater is just the sort of watch the reclusive early 20th century banking magnate and art collector would have added to his astounding collection of extraordinary bespoke timepieces.  In fact, it looks a great deal like a beautiful tonneau-shaped platinum minute repeating wristwatch which Patek Philippe made to order in 1928 for the distinguished collector.

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Audemars Piguet Millenary Starlit Sky Watches: Beautiful Jewelry And Fine Watchmaking

Who says you can’t have it all? The “logic” that ladies watches must either be a mechanical work of art, or an incredible piece of jewelry (but with a battery-powered quartz movement) is clearly disproven by the Audemars Piguet Millenary Starlit Sky watches.

 An alluring combination of fantasy, jeweled splendor and mechanical prestige Continue Reading… »

Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon–A Legendary Dive Watch Reaches The Pinnacle Of Luxury

Ok, so you probably won’t take the lovely Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon down 3 feet underwater, much less 300 meters.  But, isn’t it nice to know that you can?  Fans of the elegant new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms watch, complete with a beautiful sapphire bezel can now enjoy one of watchmaking’s holiest grails, presented within a polished white or red gold case, and a sporty fabric strap.

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Jaquet Droz Grande Heure Minute Medium Watch: Classicists Rejoice!

Lovers of classically-styled timepieces should delight in the beautifully elegant Jaquet Droz Grande Heure Minute watch–one of the additions from Jaquet Droz from Baselworld 2007.  Those who are familiar with Jaquet Droz’s nearly exclusive use of precious metals will be surprised to note that this timepiece features a 41mm case made from stainless steel.  A rarity from Jaquet Droz, the stainless steel case is every bit as finely finished as its gold counterparts.  However, being harder than gold it will likely offer better long term durability for the circumstances of many wearers.

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Hublot Watches And The Triumphal March Of Limited Editions

 Hublot watches–usually the Big Bang models–have appeared in a staggering array of limited editions.  The only other watch I can think of that can rival it in that regard is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore with its continual parade of models dedicated to athletes, famous locales, and race car drivers.  Annoying to some and fashionably fresh to others, the trend for limited edition timepieces just keeps growing, indicating that there are indeed a great variety of luxury watch buyer niches, each of whom enjoys being catered to.  

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Zenith Zero-G Tourbillon: Not For Traditionalists, But Awesome Regardless!

It certainly wont please traditionalists.  However, the new Zenith Zero G Tourbillon is definitely an eye-catcher, with its massive case, protected crown and uniquely presented off-center hour and minute display.  The big star of this watchmaking show however, is the fascinating tourbillon, which is the newest entry in the elite but growing field of multi-axis tourbillons.  166 parts make up the tourbillon assembly alone, including six ball bearings, and wheels with both spherical and conical profiles.  A fascinating gimbal mechanism keeps the balance wheel perfectly leveled on a horizontal plane, regardless of how the watch is oriented.  As cool as this is visually, the gimbal system was specifically utilized to take timekeeping performance to an entirely new level Continue Reading… »

Bell & Ross BRS Watches Offer Stylish New Choices For Both Genders

This October, Bell & Ross watch collectors will get the opportunity to give their square watch obsession a bit more fuel.  Building upon the ever-so-popular BR Instrument line, Bell & Ross takes a turn in comparatively subtle directions by introducing the ceramic-cased BRS watches.

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Chronometer Certificates–Meaningful Horological Standard Or Watch Marketing Ploy?

One of the more common dialogues one is apt to encounter on timepiece fora is whether or not the precision tests the Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres (COSC) administers to watch movements mean anything in modern watchmaking.  Proponents will state that it is a comforting guarantee of timekeeping performance that increases their confidence in a watch, while cynics counter that its little better than a marketing ploy by a few brands Continue Reading… »