Corum Romvlvs Tourbillon Watch

Back in November of 2008, I shared a few thoughts on the Corum Romvlvs Perpetual Calendar watch, praising its elegant design and fine complication.  I concluded the blog by opining that it would be an excellent platform for other prestigious complications at a later date.  Happily, nearly a year later Corum has done just that and revealed a stunning new Romvlvs watch starring that most famous complication of all: the tourbillon. Continue Reading… »

Bell & Ross BR 01 Airborne One Nets Hefty Bid At Only Watch 2009

A diamond-set skull and crossbones proved to be one of the money-getting standouts at September’s recent Only Watch 2009 charity auction.  I’m referring, of course, to the extravagant BR 01 Instrument One which luxury sports watch maker Bell & Ross produced just for this event (and the only such watch ever to be made).  While quite a departure from the sober theme of the standard-production BR01 Airborne, and a bit of an oddity amongst the numerous high complication watches which made up the lion’s share of Only Watch 2009 entries, a winning bid of 34,000 Euros proved that “vive le difference” is alive and well! Continue Reading… »

500 Carat Diamond Discovered

A 507 carat diamond has been found at the Cullinan Diamond Mine in South Africa. The diamond is yet to be fully examined or valued, but it is believed to be of exceptional color and clarity and may well be one of the most extraordinary diamonds ever unearthed. Current estimates say the diamond may be worth 20 million dollars or more.

The Cullinan Diamond Mine is one of the world’s most noteworthy diamond mines having produced the largest diamond ever discovered. Appropriately named The Cullinan Diamond, this extraordinary diamond was extracted in 1905 and weighed 3,106.75 carats. Other noteworthy finds at the mine include a 460 carat piece of rough which yielded a 101.27 carat shield cut diamond which sold for $6.2 million. Continue Reading… »

Piaget Partners With Designer Michael Bastian For Fashion Show

Can you have a fashion show with models looking incomplete? I don’t think so. In addition to the clothes, styles must be complete with watches when merited. The latest Fashion Week saw designer Michael Bastian choosing Piaget as the watch brand of choice for his models while displaying his Spring men’s fashion collection.
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Di Modolo Triadra Jewelry Collection

Gurhan Featured in Elite Traveler

The creative genius and inspiration harnessed by Gurhan Orhan gives birth to some of the most unique and marvelous jewelry in the world. Gurhan’s designs are anything but conventional and have a mysterious element of nostalgia. While the brand has had its fair share of mainstream success, there are few brands that even come close to effectively imitating Gurhan’s style.

The mixture of organic elements, ancient craftsmanship and innovation results in one of the truly extraordinary modern designer jewelry houses. As a constant tinkerer, Gurhan releases an abundance of new designs on a regular basis, and often, these designs showcase exciting new materials. Though Gurhan is known for his use of hand-hammered 24k gold, over the years, he has successfully incorporated a vast assortment of materials into his jewelry, far exceeding what most of his contemporaries choose to explore. Continue Reading… »

Sarpaneva Black Moon iPhone Application: The Charm Of Independent Watchmaking For Your Mobile

With its impossible to mistake lunar indicator that suggests you don’t want to aggravate this particular “man in the moon”, the Korona K3 Black Moon from Finnish watchmaker Stepan Sarpaneva definitely stands out–even in the rarified world of the independent horologists.  For those who are unable to acquire a Sarpaneva watch, but love the idiosyncratic beauty of these watches, there is a new free application that puts the presence and functionality of this melancholic moon phase right on your iPhone or iPod touch.  Come to think of it, fortunate owners of the award-winning Sarpaneva Korona K3 Black Moon watch ( click here to read more about this Sarpaneva timepiece) will surely want it on their phones as well! Continue Reading… »

Zenith Grande Class Elite Reserve de Marche Dual Time Watch

One thing I love about Swiss watch manufacture Zenith is how effectively certain models in its collection combine elegant classic design and useful watchmaking complications.  A case in point is the lovely Grande Class Elite Reserve de Marche Dual Time.  Here you have a timepiece that radiates all the great looks of 1950s-era wristwatches, and demonstrates beautiful details in every aspect of its construction.  What makes a great watch even better is the sophisticated manufacture Zenith “Elite” movement with a power reserve indication, and a 24-hour second time zone function that keeps you in touch with two global locales at once.   Continue Reading… »

Mere Request Gets Former Russian President Vladimir Putin To Gift His Blancpain Watch

Is that all I needed to do? Just ask? Well apparently that was all that Russian weapons factory worker Viktor Zagaevsky needed to do to get a new (for him) Blancpain wrist watch. Russia loves its former Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, and he spends a good deal of his time touring around the country. While visiting the weapons factory recently, Putin was stopped on his way out. In a ballsy gesture Zagaevsky asked for something as a souvenir to remember Putin’s visit. Putin is commonly beloved in his country and tends to draw much fanfare. Apparently taken back by the request, Putin simply asked what the blue collar metal worker wanted. Who reportedly responded with “how about your watch?” Continue Reading… »

H.Stern at DVF Spring Collection Launch

This past Sunday in New York City, Diane Von Furstenberg launched her Spring Collection 2010 named “Oasis.” The designs in this collection are vibrant and youthful. Inspired by Egypt and various desert locales, these fashions glow with animal prints, floral chiffon and golden fabrics. Shirt dresses, safari suites and her classic wrap dress designs all sauntered down the runway on glamorous models.

Along with Diane’s exciting new clothing styles, the models wore some of the DVF by H.Stern jewelry pieces. Providing the perfect compliment, these dazzling jewelry creations add sparkle and bold accents. Some of the featured jewelry designs include “Icon” necklaces in 18k yellow gold, “Sutra” bracelets in silver and “Power” rings crafted in 18k yellow gold with rock crystal gemstones. Continue Reading… »