We arrived at the Basel train station somewhere around 3:00 pm and headed immediately inside the exhibitors pavilion to check the novelties. Rolex and Tudor surprised us as the typically do during this time of the year. The two biggest innovations by Rolex included the unveiling of a new bi-color GMT Master II in stainless steel and a platinum Daytona with chocolate brown cerachrom bezel. With regards to Tudor it was really all about the Black Shield and the Heritage Chrono in Blue.
Baselworld: Arrival at Zürich. BaselWorld Opens Tomorrow.
After our connection in Amsterdam we have finally made it to Zürich. We have checked into the Park Hyatt and have already switched watches for the day. Heading to Basel in a little bit. Tomorrow, the big day!
News: New Tudor Chrono Heritage Blue
40 Legendary years between land and sea. The new edition of the 7169 it's a real stunner with a 42mm case. More live pics to come.
Baselworld: At Airport Bound to Zürich via Amsterdam.
Rainy day here in Chicago. Waiting for our flight to depart. We have checked-in and we are now about to board our KLM flight.
Tomorrow we'll wake up in Europe. BaselWorld is right around the corner.
Baselworld: On Our Way to Switzerland. Baselworld Awaits.
Our bags are ready and we've packed some of our favorite timepieces for this special trip. As we have mentioned before, our team will be reporting live from Baselworld and throughout our journey around Switzerland, homeland to fine horology.
We bet many of you are already guessing what timepieces are coming along with us inside that black box in the picture. Well, the only way you will find out is by following our reports and updates while we are overseas.
We recommend to please follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr to make sure that you get our updates right away.
Here's our checklist for the trip: Assorted timepieces, check. GMT Master ref. 1675, check. Passport, check. Camera, check. Business cards and media kit, check.
Stay tuned for the daily updates.
Experience: The New 2014 Porsche Cayman. For Sale on April 27th.
Yesterday we got a sneak preview of the new 2014 Cayman available for sale on April 27th. This time, a discontinued Omega Planet Ocean XL came along with us.
The new Cayman, just like the new Boxster, comes with a longer wheelbase, less weight and more power. The base Cayman with a 2.7-liter flat-six engine provides 275
hp, while with the Cayman S, you get a 3.4-liter flat-six
engine with 325 hp. Porsche the Cayman with either a 6-speed
manual transmission or a 7-speed PDK—Porsche Doppelkupplung—automatic transmission.
The new Cayman comes fitted with 18-inch wheels but the option to go with 19 or 20-inch wheels is also available. The Cayman S now features the front discs and also the sport exhaust system—that
enhances the car's sound by the push of a button—from the Carrera. The new Cayman is now even more stable on the road with it's longer improved wheelbase. The interior as well was drastically modified and you really can't tell the difference whether you are inside a 911 or a Cayman.
In our opinion, the new Cayman resembles the 911 even more than in the past and with the major changes done to the rear, doors, ventilation intakes, mirrors, tail lights and even a new smoothly finished Porsche crest on the hood it's definitely a car that will guarantee unlimited fun on the road. Sticker price of $52,600 for the base Cayman and $63,800 for the Cayman S. For more info on the new Cayman check out Loeber Porsche.
Insider: Rolex Submariner Date ref. 116610LN. The Black Ceramic Sub.
This Rolex Submariner Date ref. 116610LN is the revamped Rolex Submariner with the maxi-case, maxi-dial with chromalight luminous material, cerachrom bezel insert and fine adjustment glidelock system on the oyster bracelet.
Watch lifestyler Nick has owned this watch for more than eight months and is now his daily beater. One of the greatest advantages of this redesigned Rolex Submariner is the added comfort of the maxi-case. Due to is flatter and more squarish shape it sits on the on the wrist better than the previous models.
The revamped Submariner features the Rolex caliber 3135, a 40mm case in stainless steel and an flip-lock oyster bracelet with the new glidelock clasp system. The sticker price on this watch $8,550. For more info on this watch click here.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo ref. 5402. Restoration of a Two-Tone Jumbo.
This is the story of the restoration of a highly coveted Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'Jumbo' reference 5402SA. The watch in question belongs to our Editor and Publisher, a true grail piece from one of the most iconic references in horology. This particular model, dating back to 1978, is part of the exclusive batch of two-tone Royal Oak Jumbos —the only series ever made in this configuration— of which only 951 pieces of this reference exist, with the serial number of this specific watch being under 300. It’s a rare and highly collectible piece in the Royal Oak lineage. This particular watch was once owned by Jorge Rojo Lugo —former governor of the Mexican state of Hidalgo— after it was gifted to him by former Mexican president José Lopez Portillo.
Given its age and the fact that it’s passed through multiple owners before landing in its final hands, the watch required significant restoration. The movement needed a complete overhaul, while the dial had suffered from flaking, leading Audemars Piguet to insist on a replacement as part of the service, as they wouldn't service the original dial. The bezel and case also required serious attention — the bezel had become overly rounded and thin, to the point where Audemars Piguet advised that this would be the last time it could be refinished. Despite the challenges, the restoration process has brought this legendary timepiece back to life, preserving its place as a true icon.
Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus serviced this piece and it took almost six months. By the pictures, you can tell that it almost looks like new and to be quite honest, there is no one other than Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus to refinish a Royal Oak to its original appearance. Just pay attention to the chamfers, bezel and case.
The History Behind The Watch
This watch was first purchased back in 1998. At the time, this was our Editor's third Royal Oak 5402 Jumbo. The watch was in good shape and running strong. This was one of his favorite Royal Oaks and it was purchased during a very successful time in his career. After a couple of years of ownership, the watch was sold. In 2004, the watch was repurchased from the person that it was sold to but in terrible condition and not running anymore. After several weeks, a talented watchmaker brought it back to life. Two years later, our Editor sold the watch one more time. Fast forward to 2008, and that's when our Editor stumbled upon a for sale listing with pictures of a watch that looked exactly like the one he had let go for the second time—the flaking on the dial was so unique that he was almost 100% sure it was his old piece. Immediately, he emailed the seller and asked if the serial number on the watch was 2XX. The seller replied the following day and confirmed that indeed that was the number. As any other watchlifestyler would do, he decided to purchase the watch back one more time.
Finally, in 2012 with the watch still running, our Editor decided to finally get a full service to bring his precious possession back to mint condition. Today, the watch is fully restored and looking almost like new. All original parts including the dial where returned by Audemars Piguet. The final result of this restoration is just superb.
The last picture at the bottom is one of the watch before the major overhaul. BIG KUDOS to Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus.
This is what we call top notch restoration service! For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.
Insider: Richard Mille RM011 LM Le Mans Limited Edition Flyback Chronograph. One out of 150.
How often do you run into a Richard Mille watch in the wild? The most probable answer is, never. Now, the chances of running into a RM011 LM Le Mans Limited Edition in the wild, are even more slim. The Felipe Massa Flyback Chronograph Le Mans Limited Edition is truly an amazing timepiece. When we think about Richard Mille, several words come to mind including extreme 'Haute Horlogerie', innovation, metal alloys, extravagant materials, racing inspired horology, Rafael Nadal, Bubba Watson, Felipe Massa, Yohan Blake and of course the most innovative watch brand out there.
Founded in 2001 by French businessman Richard Mille and based in Les Breuleux in the Canton of Jura in Switzerland, this watch company has been in the forefront of innovation and extreme groundbreaking watch design since day one. With a very limited production and around 2,500 watches sold every year, Richard Mille relies on several partners in the industry including Audemars Piguet—which also owns shares in Richard Mille—who contributes by granting them access to its movement manufacture Audemars Piguet Renaud et Papi also known as APRP. As some of you know, most Richard Mille calibers are manufactured by APRP and Vaucher.
The Felipe Massa Le Mans Limited Edition Flyback Chronograph is a very advanced time measuring device. With a three-piece titanium case measuring 50x40mm with a thickness of 16.15mm, the RM011 LM provides an amazing wrist presence with lightness and comfort that is just unbeatable.
Richard Mille created this special chronograph to commemorate their involvement with the 2012 Le Mans Classic event as sponsor and official timekeeper. With its green carbon fiber flange around the edge of the dial and the white and green checkered Le Mans Classic logo located at 12 o'clock, this watch is limited to 150 pieces distributed worldwide.
Fitted with caliber RM011-S—an automatic movement with a rotor with variable geometry and power- reserve of 55 hours—, double-coated anti-reflective domed sapphire crystal, rubber strap with deployant buckle, carbon fiber flange, waterproof to 50 meters, skeleton dial, a case assembled with 16 spline screws—in grade 5 titanium— and abrasion resistant washers—in copper-nickel-zinc alloy—, this piece is literally every watchlifestyler's dream.
The chronograph with a 60-minute countdown timer, a 12-hour register and running seconds at 3 o'clock, features a flyback chrono reset mechanism on the pusher between 4 and 5 o'clock . The iconic big date display on Richard Mille watches provides a very unique touch to the skeleton dial and compliments the overall appearance and balance of it.
As you can see, every single detail on this watch has been meticulously taken care of and you definitely can't go wrong buying one. With a sticker price of $125,000, who wouldn't want to own one of these beautiful 150 watches.
For more info on Richard Mille click here.
Experience: Elie Bleu Che Humidor. The Best Humidors in the World.
Elie Bleu of Paris has long been renowned as the maker of the world's best humidors and also of some of the most fascinating watch cases and cabinets. Founded in 1976 in the heart of the Parisian artistic woodwork area in Fabourg Saint-Antoine, Elie Bleu humidors are a work of art and individually handcrafted. In 2000, the company launched its first line of watch cases and in 2005 during BaselWorld, they presented watch storing cabinets fitted with up to a hundred automatic winders. In 2009, Elie Bleu was granted the 'Entreprises du Patrimoine Vivant'—Living Heritage Companies—recognition.
Each Elie Bleu humidor is individually handcrafted in France from precious fruitwood and finished with up to eight fine coats of clear varnish to provide a striking lacquered sycamore finish. All their wood is open air cured for a minimum of ten years to eliminate the possibility of sapping, cracking or warping. To be honest, no other humidor can match Elie Bleu's quality, durability, beauty, heirloom potential and reliability for generations of use.
All Elie Blue humidors are fitted with a gorgeous and very accurate analog hygrometer, separator and their patented humidifying unit that is guaranteed to last between two to three years. The hinges and front lock are delicately finished to guarantee hermetic cigar keeping and smooth opening and closing of the humidor.
The 'Che' Guevara humidor line is one of our favorites and for sure meant to become a future rarity and a collector's item. The 'Che' humidor line includes some of the most fascinating and colorful designs, all of them utilizing Alberto Korda's iconic portrait of 'Che' Guevara or the color palette of the Cuban flag. This particular humidor fits up to 75 cigars and provides a beautiful cedar-wood smell that will captivate your senses. Sticker price for this Elie Bleu humidor: $2785.
The 'Che' limited edition humidor is almost as rare as the Rolex GMT Master ref. 1675 'Che' used to wear.
For more info on this beautiful humidors and to buy one like this click here.
Watch Goodies: Porsche 911 Alarm Clock. Wake Up to a Roaring Engine.
The Porsche Design 911 alarm clock is a must have for watchlifestylers that are hardcore Porsche enthusiasts. Designed to look like the tachometer on the 911's dashboard, this alarm clock is meant to make you feel like you are still driving your car, even while sitting at your desk or laying in bed. The clock comes with a sturdy but finely finished aluminum case, digital time and date display, alarm, second time zone and timer functions.
The orange hand on the dial is used to set the alarm which will wake you up to the roaring sounds of a 911 mono-block with a blinking red brake light indicator. If you hate getting out of your car every time you get home, then you definitely need one of these clocks. To get this clock click here.
Here's a video showing the sounds of the clock.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Lady Royal Oak. A Daily Beater for 5 Years.
This watch belongs to a watchlifestyler that chose this watch as her daily beater, five years ago. Still in great condition, this timepiece is a great example of what a watch full of memories looks like. Received as a gift after having her last baby, this beautiful Audemars Piguet Lady Royal Oak has only left her wrist twice for the regular battery change intervals. The Lady Royal Oak ref. 60601ST is fitted with a quartz movement but ref. 77321ST is an automatic. We really prefer the automatic movements as they require less visits to the Audemars Piguet Service Centers, nevertheless, this particular watch is just perfection.
The Lady Royal Oak ref. 60601ST in stainless steel, is available on a bracelet or a crocodile strap. There's also the option to buy it without the diamond encrusted bezel. We love the diamond bezel, as it adds a flashy, yet elegant touch to the watch. The bracelet is solid and comfortable and has rounded links just like those on the bracelets fitted on Royal Oak Offshores. The clasp is a double folding clasp with safety lock. The case size is 33mm and comes with a nice and thick bezel set with 32 diamonds—4 per facet—totaling 0.65 carats of very high quality stones. The newer models have now 40 diamonds total. The dial alone is a piece of art with a pattern that resembles waves and hands and markers that look like leaves.
The Lady Royal Oak is also a very versatile piece that can be worn dressed up or dressed down. This watchlifestyler wears it all the time, regardless of what she is doing or wearing. With a mono-block solid case—like that on the first Royal Oaks—, this watch is water resistant to a depth of 50m and has been to numerous beaches and pools around the world without any issues. The case back features the delicate engraving 'Lady Royal Oak' not present on older ladies Royal Oaks. This reference was the first one to bear such engraving. The Lady Royal Oak is also available in yellow gold and white gold.
After finishing our nice conversation with this watchlifestyler, we decided to take a couple of pictures of her watch on the wrist. The contrast between her all black Chanel attire and the silvery dial on the watch is just beautiful.
Now, here comes the warning. If your significant other happens to be around you while you are reading this review, better be ready to buy her one as it is very likely that she'll end up asking for it.
Insider: Bulgari Octo. Evoking Gerald Genta.
The new Bulgari Octo launched back in 2012 is clearly a revamped design of the Octo Bi-Retro and Quadri-Retro predecessors. The revamped design is an improvement to the famous Gerald Genta Octo design, with a somewhat thinner, simpler case with finer lines. The result, a stunning watch in every way.
Bulgari was founded in Rome in 1884 and acquired by LVMH Group in 2011. While it's more famously known for their jewelry creations, its watchmaking credentials were very well established by the famous Bulgari-Bulgari collection. Subsequently, Bulgari acquired Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta brands in 2000 and along with them, their manufacturing facilities at Saigenlegier, La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Sentier in the Vallée de Joux. Today, Bulgari relies on their in-house movements to continue to establish their watchmaking credentials.
The Octo has a case diameter of 41.5 mm, a thickness of 10.55 mm and it's fitted with a gorgeous black alligator strap and deployment buckle. The Octo derived from the Italian word 'Otto'—meaning eight— was named this way after the octagonal facets of one of the layers in its case that are clearly visible from the side and also in-between the crystal and the dial. The exquisitely designed casing is assembled by hand with a multilayer complex structure of octagons, hexagons, circles, squares and rectangles. There are a total of 110 facets just on the casing alone with alternating brushed and polished surfaces. The bezel has such an exquisite brushed finish that it almost resembles the finish of white gold rather than stainless steel.
The dial is a black lacquered dial with applied polished large batons and Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock. The result is a watch that reflects and interacts with light like we have never seen before. No wonder, both laymen watch enthusiasts and seasoned watch collectors have been singing the praises of this watch since its launch. The design is very elegant with phenomenal attention to detail. The beating heart of the Octo is the Bulgari in-house caliber BVL193 with a 50-hour power reserve. The beautiful movement can be seen and enjoyed via the display case back.
Our watchlifestyler and friend Mr. B, mentions that the watch is very comfortable to wear, and one of his most comfortable watches. The black alligator strap is of excellent quality, supple, well made and well stitched; that is no surprise, as Bulgari is also famous for its well crafted leather goods. What is pleasantly surprising, is that the leather comes in a naturally bent shape so that it wraps around the wrist right out of the box with none of the stiffness that commonly comes with brand new leather straps—no break-in period here. The deployment buckle is also of very high quality and the buckle snaps into position with a satisfyingly loud clicking sound. Some of the drawbacks are the lack of luminous material on hands and markers, size of date aperture and watch packaging. With a depth rating of a 100m, only the careless would take this beautiful alligator strap for a swim.
The Octo has a very affordable price for what you get, a perfectly crafted and very comfortable timepiece. Only time will tell if in the far future, if it will be similarly admired as some of the other Genta's creations. This watch is also available in rose gold. Sticker Price for the stainless steel model in this review: $9,500.
For more info on this watch click here.
Experience: Rolex Advertisements from the Past. Iconic Campaigns.
Earlier today, we met a group of fellow watchlifestylers for lunch and we started talking about some of our most unique childhood memories around watches. One of our friends shared with us that back in the 60s—when he was still a kid— he used to enjoy looking at the ads in his dad's National Geographic magazines and becoming mesmerized by the Rolex ads that used to proliferate them. At that time, Rolex watches just seemed like an aspirational thing to have for him. Today, they have become part of his every day life as a watch dealer and watchlifestyler. After lunch we decided to dig up our files and found some great vintage ads to share with you.
Enjoy the ride in the time machine.
Experience: NATO Straps or Rob Montana. Your Choice.
Change is always good. Fitting your watches with NATO or vintage leather straps adds versatility and creates a completely different look to coordinate with your attire. This time, we fitted different NATO straps to several 1675s and the result was very interesting.
The NATO strap adds some character but it also turns the strap into integral part of the color scheme of your attire. Additionally, NATO straps reinforce the overall vintage look of a vintage Rolex timepiece. When it comes to leather straps, one of our favorites due to its rugged appearance is Rob Montana. This rugged leather strap gives the watch a unique and outdoorsy look.
Now, which do you prefer? Are you a NATO type of guy or more of an urban woodsman?
Vintage leather or NATO is up to you and the personality of your vintage watch.
For more info on Rob Montana straps click here.
Insider: Cartier Santos 100 Skeleton. A Palladium Work of Art.
Cartier has always been known as the ultimate jeweler, however, we feel it's time to properly recognize their 'Haute Horlogerie' reputation. Louis Cartier created the Santos watch in 1904, sealing his friendship with the aviator Alberto Santos Dumont. The famous aviator's wish was granted: he could check the time while flying. The Cartier Santos 100 Skeleton in Palladium is one amazing timepiece and truly a work of art that has kept all of the iconic elements of the early Santos models.
This beautiful watch made in the rare lustrous silvery white metal discovered in 1803—Hublot, Ulysse Nardin and Girard-Perregaux are well known for the use of palladium within their collections— is fitted with the in-house Cartier caliber 9611 MC manual-winding movement that is individually numbered. This watch available in very limited quantities, took years to hunt down. After falling in love with this watch while reading a magazine, an authorized dealer was able to source one and it is now a daily beater that belongs to the superb collection of a very close friend and watchlifestyler.
The extra large case on reference W2020018 measures 55mm x 46.5mm x 16.5mm making it massive and top heavy. The alligator strap is matte finished and very comfortable with its triple adjustment clasp. The skeleton dial/movement combo is just mesmerizing and carefully finished. Interacting with one of this watches in person is a very unique experience and to be quite honest, the pictures don't do fair justice to this timepiece.
The beautifully finished movement and the dial are one single piece where the roman numerals have been carved out from the bridges on the movement. All classic unmistakable Santos details are present. The iconic blue anodized hands, the eight screws on the bezel, the double folding deployant clasp with two screws in white gold and the heptagonal crown with its legendary faceted blue sapphire complete the equation.
In order for you to fully experience the beauty of this watch we included some macro shots that we are confident you will enjoy. Telling time on this watch is a joy but be careful no to fall under its spell as you might find yourself staring at it for hours. Sticker Price on this rarity: $58,000.
For more info on this watch click here.
Visiting: Mies van der Rohe Pavilion Barcelona. A Living Dream For Modernists.
Also known as the Barcelona Pavilion, this modern landmark was designed by German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe to function as the German representation during the 1929 Universal Exhibition in Barcelona, Spain. This pavilion is one of the most important examples of modern architecture worldwide. Completely built over a plinth of travertine, Mies utilized chrome-clad columns to give the impression of a hovering roof. Tinos-marble, Vert-Antique marble, onyx doré and tinted glass—gray, green, white and traslucent— perform as precious spatial dividers within the pavilion.
The same features of minimalism and spectacular design where applied to the furniture specifically designed for the building, giving birth to the iconic Barcelona chair. The white leather and chrome chairs are placed over a black carpet right at the entrance of the building, leading the visitor into a small outdoor court with a small pool and a over-life-size sculpture named 'Der Morgen'—the morning— by sculptor Georg Kolbe. The bronze sculpture portrays a woman rising from the water and gesturing to the rising sun. One can also leave the building by walking down the long side of the back of the building and away from the statue.
This 'free plan' building includes a large water basin at the front that stretches towards the main entrance creating the impression that the water's surface continues under the plinth connecting the exterior with the interior. This is the earliest example of what we know today as infinity pools.
Visiting the Barcelona pavilion is truly going back in time and experiencing why design is so important from a watch collecting standpoint. Our Sea-Dweller, an iconic Rolex reference can confirm the importance of design.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Ginza 7 Limited Edition. Sans Tapisserie.
The Royal Oak Offshore Ginza 7 Limited edition is one of the very few Offshores with a smooth dial that lacks the traditional 'Clous du Paris' traditional tapisserie that we typically find on almost all Royal Oaks and Offshores. We can only think of a handful of references that are missing the tapisserie like the discontinued rose gold and tantalum Royal Oaks, the Leo Messi Limited Edition and the Ginza 7.
The watch lifestyler behind this superb watch is an avid Audemars Piguet and Rolex collector that acquired this watch after falling in love with it while reading a magazine on his way to Japan. After thorough research and frequent travel to Asia, he finally experienced one at the Audemars Piguet boutique in Tokyo and he knew he had to have one, especially, due to his Japanese heritage and the noble cause behind the watch. As you can appreciate on the pictures, he decided to switch the crocodile strap that originally came with this watch for the rubber strap that comes with the Offshore Rubberclad. He wanted a sportier look and the ability to wear the watch everywhere. Nothing wrong with that.
The Royal Oak Offshore Ginza 7 Limited Edition is exclusively distributed for purchase at the Audemars Piguet boutique in Tokyo and is core part of the Audemars Piguet 'Support Japan' Project. This watch produced in a limited edition of only 200 pieces pledges 10% of its sales to the project. Launched in July of 2011, you rarely come across one of this beautiful watches in the wild. With its smooth dial you can appreciate the care and attention to details put forth by Audemars Piguet. The delicate thin rose gold surroundings on the chrono registers, the diamond encrusted '7' that from the distance almost looks metallic, the black calendar wheel with white font that ads a striking contrast and the Arabic numbers in charcoal gray that tend to almost disappear over the smooth black dial.
This watch offers great versatility as you can wear it with a casual attire or a formal one. To be honest, the Royal Oak Offshore Ginza 7 looks superb with almost anything. One great attribute of this watch is that is very stealthy and it’s definitely not the type of watch that screams for attention. On this watch like on any other Audemars Piguet watch, is hard to find design flaws, however, a very small downside is the lack of contrast on the running seconds hand at 12 o'clock making it hard to read when hacking the movement for time setting. Lastly, we would like to point out that this fantastic reference is fitted with a display case back for those of you that enjoy staring at the movement for hours. We also do, as it is extremely mesmerizing.
Antiquorum NY Auction: April 10, 2013
Antiquorum, the world renowned auction house for timepieces will be holding their NYC auction tomorrow April 10, 2013 at:
Antiquorum USA, Inc., 595 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10022
The auction includes Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces.
For more info on Antiquorum please click here. For tomorrow's auction catalog please click here.
Experience: 50 Years of the TAG Heuer Carrera. The Panamericana.
This is a great video by TAG Heuer and the Carrera Panamericana. It's almost hard to believe that the TAG Heuer Carrera was launched half a century ago. Time definitely flies.
