Experience: Porsche 991 Carrera 4S. In the Company of an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver.

After driving the Porsche 991 Carrera 4S in the company of our beautiful Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver, all we can say is that the automobile and the watch are both outstanding performance machines. The 991 Carrera 4S is powerful, loud, comfortable and very stable, just as powerful as the calibre 3120 that powers the Royal Oak Offshore Diver. The Porsche 991 is the internal designation for the seventh generation of the 911 which was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Fitted with a 3.8 liter direct injection flat six engine, the 991 Carrera 4S provides 400 hp with a seven-speed manual gearbox or Porsche's PDK Automatic transmission. 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. Compared to the 997, the 991's wheelbase is longer. A new trans-axle was developed so that the rear wheels could be moved 7.6 centimeters backward in relation to the position of the engine, which significantly improves the weight distribution and cornering performance of this car.

Once you get in the car, the seat embraces your back and your spine gets ready for the G-Force this car will put you under. As soon as you start the engine and select the sport mode and boost on the exhaust, you know this automobile is ready to deliver an unforgettable experience with all of its horsepower.

The powerful engine roars as the instrument panel lights up with all sort of indicators including tire pressure gauge display and the ability to display the navigation information next to the tachometer. The steering wheel, thick and sporty featuring two toggle controls that allow the driver to browse thru the information panel. You can also control the stereo and the hands-free phone settings right on the steering wheel.

Fitted with 19-inch wheels and the widest tires you can imagine, the cornering ability of this car is as good as on the Cayman S. Once you pass the 5,000 rpm mark, you'll discover where the fun starts. It's amazing when you are already going at 70 mph on third gear at 5,000 rpm and you step on the gas a little bit and all of a sudden you hit 90 mph in just a few seconds.

In our opinion, the 991 stays true to Porsche's brand promise. Porsche, there is no substitute. Sticker price for the base model with no options $105,630.

For more info click here.

Here's a short video that will show you how beautiful the engine of this car sounds.

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Automobiles and tagged Audemars Piguet Diver Porsche Porsche 991 Carrera 4S Porsche Carrera Royal Oak Offshore Diver Audemars Piguet Carrera 911 Carrera 4S Price.

Baselworld: Sinn. German Technological Engineering at its Best.

Sinn the famous manufacture that used to produce all of the Bell & Ross watches up until the late 90s, presented a beautiful line-up that transported us back in time to the old days of Bell & Ross and their Space collection.

With its foundations in Frankfurt Am Main, Germany in 1961, Sinn has quietly grown into one of the most respected watch brands based in Germany. Sinn is owned and managed by Lothar Schmidt, formerly production director of IWC and A. Lange & Sohne. Mr. Schmidt is an engineer, and over the years has led the Sinn team in creating a number of patented technologies that genuinely benefit the watch, its technical operation and the maintenance of the movement.

Sinn pioneered the use of oil in watches to achieve extreme depth, in addition to the DIAPAL technology that allows the movement's most important bearings to perform without lubrication. Sinn's Tegiment processing hardens cases to 1200 HV or more, resulting in a watch case that is highly scratch resistant and many times the hardness of standard stainless steel. And their use of inert gasses with copper sulphate capsules creates a humidity free environment for the protection of both the movement and oils.

Sinn is not only about technology, they make great looking watches with designs that hold up very well over time. Sinn is a leader in high functionality watches featuring new and exclusive technologies such as the as the TESTAF models presented at Baselworld this year. The Faculty of Aerospace Technology at the Aachen University of Applied Sciences—FH—and Sinn Spezialuhren joined forces to develop a technical standard for Pilot's watches—TESTAF—in a research project lasting several years. To obtain the TESTAF certification, a Pilot's watch must satisfy all time measurement requirements for civil flights operating under visual and instrument flight rules. The EZM 10 and the 103 Ti were the first SINN watches to undergo and pass the strict test procedures.

Their new models include: 104 St Sa, 243 Ti Z S, 857 UTC TESTAF, 900 DIAPAL, the 1910 Pocket watch, 6060 M, EZM 10 TESTAF, 103 Ti TESTAF, T1 and the T2. For more info click here.

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld and tagged Sinn 104 St Sa 900 DIAPAL 857 UTC TESTAF 243 Ti Z S Sinn 1910 Pocket Watch Baselworld 2013 6060 M EZM 10 TESTAF 103 Ti TESTAF Sinn T1 Sinn T2.

Baselworld: Vulcain. The Presidents' Watch is Back After 33 Years of Absence.

After a 33-year absence from the halls of Baselworld, this year Vulcain is making its grand comeback to Baselworld. The story of Vulcain began in 1858, in the early days of the Swiss watch industry. This brand from Le Locle has been making its mark for over 150 years and it was in 1947 that it entered the annals of horology thanks to its Cricket calibre, the first ever truly functional mechanical alarm watch movement, from that point on, successive American presidents starting with Harry S. Truman were to adopt it and thereby earn the Cricket watch its enduring nickname as 'The Presidents’ Watch'.

In 1961, Vulcain introduced another horological innovation by presenting the first diver’s watch capable of making its inimitable chirping sound heard under water for up to 20 seconds, waterproof to 300 meters and able to indicate decompression stops.

This year's novelties include three fantastic vintage looking timepieces: the Nautical Seventies Limited Edition, the Aviator GMT Pilot and the 50s Presidents' Moonphase. For more info on these three models click here.

The Nautical Seventies Limited Edition is a faithful reproduction of the 1970s Vulcain Nautical model, the iconic diver’s watch returns in a 300-piece limited edition with a fantastic vintage look and feel. A concentrated blend of the identity codes that forged the legend of the first diver’s watch with an alarm movement genuinely audible under water, the new Nautical Seventies Limited Edition sets a fine stage for the legendary manually wound Cricket V-10 movement. It is also waterproof to 300 meters and indicates decompression stops.

The Aviator GMT Pilot combining its famous mechanical alarm movement with a 24-hour worldtime display.

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Since 2013 marks the anniversary of Vulcain's emblematic 1953 Moonphase and complete calendar model, Vulcain presents a contemporary interpretation of the 1950s spirit with its new 50s Presidents’ Moonphase—living proof of a timeless classic.

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Vulcain and tagged Vulcain Presidents' Watch 50s Moonphase Aviator GMT Pilot Nautical Seventies Limited Edition Baselworld 2013 New Vulcain Models.

Baselworld: Glashütte Original. Eight Novelties Handmade in Germany.

The Glashütte pavilion located right across from Jaquet Droz and some of the other Swatch Group pavilions presented a nice display of timepieces across their collections and the unveiling of eight spectacular new pieces of 20th century vintage looking watches including: the Sixties Panorama with date and without date, the PanoLunar Tourbillon, the Pavonina and four new Senators—Tourbillon, Chronometer Regulator, Panorama Date Moonphase and Panorama Date. Pictures below are in the same order.

For more info click here.

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Glashütte Original and tagged Glashütte Original Baselworld 2013 Glashutte Pavonina PanoLunar Tourbillon Sixties Panorama Date Sixties Panorama Senator Senator Tourbillon Senator Chronometer Regulator Senator Panorama Date Moonphase Senator Panorama Date 2013.

News: New Audemars Piguet Boutique Opening. Miami Bal Harbour on May 15, 2013.

Audemars Piguet is pleased to announce its new boutique at the Bal Harbour Shops in South Florida. Scheduled to open on May 15th, the 990 sq. ft. boutique—which is located on the first floor near the Chanel boutique— is a revolutionary design that captures the 138-year old watchmaker's core values: its origins, artistry and extraordinary relationships.

“By bringing the ‘manufacture to the boutique’, Audemars Piguet tells the story of its history, craftsmanship and exclusive relationships in the new Bal Harbour boutique,” says Xavier Nolot, CEO of Audemars Piguet North America. “We’ve created a warm and inviting environment to satisfy our discerning clients’ every need.”

The boutique, crafted with wood and metallic landscapes evokes the Vallée de Joux region in Switzerland, where Audemars Piguet was born. The revolutionary design by the Creative Circle International Corporation of Switzerland in collaboration with Audemars Piguet's Creative Director Octavio Garcia is divided into two spaces: 'The Manufacture' and 'The House'.

'The Manufacture' includes detailed product displays; a watchmaker corner; a virtual Manufacture depicting the manufacture’s activities; and educational content about how the singular watches and museum quality pieces are created.

'The House' incorporates a full service bar and lounge with a state-of-the-art sound system that invites clients to relax with an espresso or a cocktail. One wall in 'The House' displays photographs and reminiscences of the many friends of the brand as well as Audemars Piguet’s commitment to environmental initiatives and corporate philanthropy.

The Audemars Piguet Bal Harbour Shops boutique will display over 100 timepieces from its vast collection reinforcing the watchmaker’s superb artistry and design by a number of contemporary craftsmen.

The Audemars Piguet Miami Bal Harbour Boutique is located at the Bal Harbour Shops on 9700 Collins Avenue, Space #159, Bal Harbour, FL 33154.
Phone number: (305)864-6776
Toll Free: (866)595-9700

Store Hours:
Monday – Saturday 10AM – 8:45PM
Sunday - 12noon – 5:45PM

For more info click here.

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet, News, Watch Shopping and tagged Audemars Piguet Boutique Bal Harbour Miami Audemars Piguet Miami Bal Harbour Xavier Nolot Audemars Piguet New Boutique Miami Bal Harbour Posts 2013 2013.

Baselworld: Alpina. Three Novelties with 130 Years of History.

In 1883, Gottlieb Hauser founds the “Alpina Union Horlogère S.A. (UH) / Schweizerische Uhrmacher-Genossenschaft (SUG)”—Corporation of Swiss Watchmakers. His vision was the “Alpinist Principle”: uniting Swiss watchmaking industry forces to achieve the highest quality and technical innovation in manufacturing. Soon the Union was making its own calibers. In 1890, the Union moves its headquarters to Biel/Bienne where Jacob Straub, an important member, had his caliber manufactory—J. Straub & Co. The ébauches at that time were made by the Alpina Ebauches factory, owned by Duret & Colonnaz, in Geneva. After seventeen successful years, Alpina Union Horlogère participates in the 1900 Universal Exposition in Paris and displays its calibers and creations to a cosmopolitan and distinguished public. In 2002, Alpina is bought by Aletta and Peter Stas, the owners of Frédérique Constant and in 2003 they unveil their first sports collection with huge success. Today, Alpina is the official watch of the Cessna Aircraft Corporation.

At their pavilion, Alpina presented a nice variety of historical timepieces from their museum, in addition to the unveiling of three new models, all inspired by Aviation, Diving and Sailing.

The three new models include the 130 Heritage Pilot Chronograph, the Extreme Diver 300 Chronograph and the Startimer Pilot Chronograph Big Date collection. All these models inspired either by aviation, diving or sailing. The first two models fitted with automatic calibres while the third one is fitted with quartz movements.

While the Startimer Pilot Chronograph Big Date collection is one of our favorites due to its vintage rugged designs, versatility of colors and strap options, we feel that the quartz movement is a major downside and not very appealing to demanding watch collectors in the upper tiers.

Here are the new pieces that were unveiled. For more info click here.

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Posted on May 6, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld and tagged Alpina Alpina Startimer Pilot Big Date Alpina Startimer Chronograph New Alpina Models Extreme Diver 300 Chronograph 130 Heritage Pilot Chronograph.

Baselworld: Breitling for Bentley. 10 Years on the Road.

Breitling for Bentley celebrates ten years on the road with three new chronographs equipped with calibers entirely developed and produced in-house. For the launch of these three new timepieces at Baselworld, we received one of the most unique press kits featuring a USB designed to look like the keyless entry remote on a Bentley automobile. We really think this was a fantastic marketing idea from Breitling.

The three new timepieces include the Bentley B06 distinguished by its exclusive '30-second chronograph' system; the Bentley B04 GMT and Bentley B05 Unitime models will appeal to world travelers thanks to their ultra-practical dual timezone and worldtime mechanisms. Three new expressions of a world apart combining luxury, accomplishment, performance and prestige. For more info on the Bentley collection click here.

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Posted on May 5, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Other Brands, Breitling and tagged Breitling for Bentley Bentley Bentley B04 Bentley B05 Bentley B06 Baselworld 2013 New Breitling Bentley Baselworld 2013.

Experience: Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB in Beijing

It is 3:13pm in Beijing and we are beyond exhausted from an almost 14-hour flight all the way from Chicago. Lucky enough, we have a Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheel Base waiting for us at the airport. After such a long flight, nothing like the comfort of the best car in the world. As we get in the car, the legroom is hard to miss, the smell of the leather and wood inside the car are captivating and we are now inside the quietest ride in the world. Mr. Ogilvy's advertising campaign for Rolls-Royce delivers on its promise with the tagline that reads: "At 60 miles an hour the loudest noise in this new Rolls-Royce comes from the electric clock". So true!

As we head into the heart of Beijing in such a quite ride, it almost feels like we are inside an audio recording studio and not in a car. The attention to detail that comes with a vehicle of this caliber, is just above the rest. The wood trim, the clock, the windows, passenger controls and comfort of the seats are just some of the things that makes a Rolls-Royce the most elegant car in the world. Our final destination in Beijing, The Peninsula Hotel —located just a few blocks away from where watch shopping paradise is located in the Wangfujing area.

Sticker price on this car approximately $475,000 USD. For more info on Rolls-Royce click here.

Posted on May 4, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Automobiles and tagged Rolls-Royce Phantom Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Beijing Rolls Audemars Piguet 25721ST.

Baselworld: Breguet Museum's Special Exhibit. Tourbillons and Grande Complications.

In addition to Breguet's beautiful pavilion, this manufacture also featured a special exhibit where they showcased fantastic museum pieces to portray the innovations and inventions of Breguet since 1775 to date.

The small exhibit located right in between Glashütte and Jaquet Droz took us on a beautiful journey through Breguet's history and wowed us with some of their most amazing historical pieces, mainly tourbillons and grande complications.

See for yourself and live vicariously.

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Breguet and tagged Breguet Baselworld 2013 Special Exhibit Grande Complications Tourbillon Breguet 1775 History Historical Pieces 2013.

Baselworld: Blancpain's Hand Painted Dials. Just a Superb Work of Art.

While visiting Blancpain's pavilion at Baselworld we admired one of their horologists hand painting dials through a microscope. We were impressed by his skills and talented hands. Now you can see the dials he was working on and what a superb work of art they are.

Enjoy!

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Other Brands and tagged Blancpain Baselworld 2013 Hand Painted Dials.

Baselworld: Concord. The C1 Chronograph Gets a Facelift.

Concord, Movado's higher end brand presented three new models including a new revamped and upgraded C1 Chronograph, a new Saratoga Chrono and also a Saratoga Lady.

Six years after the successful launch of its rugged C1 Chronograph, Concord has taken the new C1 into a whole other dimension. Slimmer and sexier, larger and leaner, the C1 has undergone a radical makeover in both look and constitution, while retaining the unmistakable DNA of the brand and its heritage.

Pared down to a svelte 15.10mm from the original 16.7 mm thickness, the C1’s case size has been expanded from 44mm to 47mm, in light-as-air grade 5 Titanium. To provide enhanced durability and heightened elegance, the original C1’s more rugged-looking rubber-coated metal bezel has been swapped for a hard wearing, up-to-the-minute ceramic version. Definitely nice upgrades to this fantastic looking watch.

For more info click here.

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld and tagged C1 Chronograph Concord C1 Concord Baselworld 2013 Saratoga Chrono Saratoga Lady Movado.

Baselworld: Tissot. 160 Years of History.

The Tissot Pavilion is located across from Omega and Ebel. This year, Tissot celebrates its 160th anniversary with the Tissot Heritage Navigator, a watch created for their 100th anniversary in 1953 and which reflects all the achievements of the brand since 1853. Today, Tissot is the biggest Swiss watch brand in volume sales, after Swatch.

The Tissot Heritage Navigator 160th Anniversary is a world timer watch indicating multiple time zones. Once you've set the watch to the capital of your choice, the corresponding time zone is shown on the numbers on the bezel. This watch is a perfect example of what Tissot stands for: tradition and a touch of innovation. After the first two pictures, you'll find Tissot's video for this watch.

Additionally, Tissot also presented their quartet of pocket watches named Musical Seasons, a collection that includes four different pocket watches. Every one of the four pocket watches captures the atmosphere of a season through a different colored cameo on the dial and its own excerpt of seasonal musical tones and their own visual interpretation of the passage of time. It may be 333 years since the birth of Antonio Vivaldi, but the inspiration of the four seasons expressed in his famous violin concerto has withstood the test of time.

For more info on their collections click here.

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Tissot and tagged Tissot Tissot Heritage Navigator Tissot Musical Seasons 160th Anniversary Swatch.

Baselworld: U-Boat. The Venenum Motorcycle Takes the Attention.

This year the U-Boat pavilion draw a lot of attention thanks to the Venenum motorcycle that was on display. The Venenum motorcycle is one of a hundred bikes that will be created exclusively for U-Boat by Dino Romano from Moto Dal Cuore—which translates to 'Bike from the Heart'.

Dino Romano's shop is located in Grosseto, Italy just 50 miles south of Siena. During the show we had a chance to talk to Dino for a little while and he explained to us how every component on this customization is fully handmade without the usage of any heavy machinery. Yes, all done by hand from cutting metal sheets to giving shape to the handle bar and even creating the clutch and brake grips.

Dino mentions that the bike took approximately four months to create and it's a customization of a Triumph Rocket III bike with three cylinders and an engine of 140 cubic inches. The Venenum boasts 160 hp with a total weight of 595 lbs.

As you will be able to appreciate in the pictures, every single detail on the bike was done in a way where U-Boat's iconic elements—i.e. the crown guard—where incorporated to the motorcycle in a functional yet very stylish way.

If you like watches and motorcycles, this could be your next dream bike.

For more info on this amazing bike click here. To browse the whole U-Boat collection click here.

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Other Brands and tagged Dino Romano Venenum Motorcycle U-Boat Baselworld 2013 Grosseto Italy Moto Dal Cuore.

Baselworld: A Typical Day in Pictures. Commuting From Zürich to Basel.

These pictures will show you what our typical day attending Baselworld looked like. Since we were staying at the fabulous Park Hyatt Hotel in Zürich, we had to commute to Basel everyday. We did this daily for almost a whole week.

Now, it's your turn to experience the journey and pretend you were there with us.

Getting ready to leave our hotel on Press Day, April 24th, 2013.

Our companion for the day. Discontinued Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15300 with blue dial.

Taking the ZVV Tram at the Stockerstrasse stop.

Street view on Banhofstrasse and Paradeplatz from the tram. Heading to the Banhofplatz to take our train to Basel.

Watch stores on the way to the train station on Banhofstrasse.

Türler, one of the biggest authorized watch dealers in Switzerland.

Checking the timetable for the next train to Basel. 14:34 Departure. We are right on time.

One of the famous Mondaine clocks at the train station. All train stations in Switzerland are stocked with Mondaine clocks.

Time for some caffeine. We are slightly jet lagged but excited about Baselworld. Segafredo, one of our favorite coffees.

We have boarded our train and getting ready to leave. We will be in Basel in 51 minutes.

The Swiss landscapes. Relaxing and comforting.

We have arrived at Basel's train station.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15300. Time check, 15:30.

Basel's train station. We were greeted by a Hamilton small airplane hanging from the roof, heavy watch advertising and the blue colors of Baselworld.

Time to get on the tram to the Messeplatz/Exhibition Square. We are 10 minutes away.

The street view from the tram. We are one stop away.

We have arrived at our destination. Baselworld 2013, here we come.

The entrance. Quite empty as it is Press day. The next day was very crowded as expected.

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Travel and tagged Baselworld 2013 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Zürich Basel Switzerland Banhofstrasse Park Hyatt Zürich.

Baselworld: JEANRICHARD. Its First Time at Baselworld.

JEANRICHARD—sister company to Girard-Perregaux— featured a small pavilion at Baselworld 2013, marking its first appearance. As you all know, both companies departed the SIHH last year and are now at Baselworld. For Girard-Perregaux it's a comeback, for JEANRICHARD a first time.

JEANRICHARD takes its name from a legendary name in watchmaking, Daniel Jeanrichard. This genius pioneered the development of the watchmaking industry in the Neuchâtel mountains in the late 17th century. Daniel Jeanrichard was born in the hamlet of Les Bressels, midway between La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle. In 1681, he created his first watch, then set up his watchmaking workshop.

This brand includes four collections that pay tribute to the elements of our universe: Aquascope, Aeroscope, Terrascope and 1681. The novelties for this year include the new Aquascope and the Aeroscope chronograph.

The Aquascope, an accurate, robust and resolutely masculine timepiece, has found the perfect ambassador in Franck Cammas. The French yachtsman was named “Sailor of the Year” in 2012.

The Aeroscope chronograph with its cushion-shaped case in titanium is both light and robust at the same time. A large, round bezel with vertical satin finishing sits on the case, which is built of several parts, allowing for various satin or polished finishes and for a play with colours on the metal, natural grey or black with DLC coating. To accompany the take-off of this practical and exciting chronograph, JEANRICHARD chose an exceptional ambassador, a man known for his levelheadedness, his self-mastery and his passion for flying. An experienced pilot, captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger made history on January 15, 2009, when he ditched the Airbus A320 he was piloting in the Hudson River in New York City, saving the lives of all 155 people on board.

For more info click here.

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, JEANRICHARD and tagged JEANRICHARD Aquascope Terrascope Aeroscope Chesley Sullenberger Sully 1681 Franck Cammas Baselworld 2013.

Baselworld: Girard-Perregaux. The Return to Baselworld.

After leaving the SIHH—Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie—, Girard-Perregaux is kicking-off its return to Baselworld, with a small but tasteful pavilion located towards the back of the exhibition hall 1.0 next to its sister company Jeanrichard—both companies part of the Sowind Group. This beautiful pavilion includes a wide display of historical pieces from their museum, as well as two horologists on duty, one working on movements and the other on dials and designs. Additionally, there was a special screening of the documentary 'Mission of Mermaids' funded by Susan and David Rockefeller. This 15-minute call to action documentary explores the issues of ocean acidification, overfishing and pollution and advocates for the need for ocean protection and environment preservation, all seen through the eyes of the mythical mermaid.

This year, Girard-Perregaux unveiled eight new models: the Constant Escapement—a true technical revolution that stunned connoisseurs when prototypes of the innovative mechanism were first presented, the Constant Escapement is now integrated into the movements driving the new models of Girard-Perregaux’s Haute Horlogerie collection—, the 1966 Integrated Chrono, the 1966 Lady 38mm, the Chrono Hawk Ceramic, the Sea Hawk Ceramic, the Traveller Moonphases, the Traveller WW.TC and the Vintage 1945 Lady. For more info on these models click here. Please check the video under the images for the new pieces to see how the Constant Escapement works.

Some of the historical pieces displayed at the pavilion include a Hunter pocket watch from 1860 and a Sea Hawk from 1965 amongst other rare vintage pieces from the mid-1900s. For sure Girard-Perregaux's return to Baselworld was a nice surprise full of horological innovation, rich history and very interesting new product launches.

Baselworld: Shinola. A Beautiful Story Made in Detroit.

One of our favorite discoveries this year is Shinola. A fairly inexpensive brand that launched in 2011 after adopting the name of the extinct Shinola-Bixby corporation founded in 1907—a manufacturer of small-scale shoeshine. Today, Shinola manufactures handmade bicycles, leather goods, journals and watches; all of them, proudly American made and part of a growing movement that celebrates the beauty of manufacturing and investing in the American workforce.

To build the first handmade watches in Detroit, they had to build the first watch factory in the city. A brand with great marketing, back-to-basics craftsmanship, high quality materials and superb branding make Shinola a brand to follow closely in the upcoming years. Made of U.S. and Swiss components and assembled in Detroit, this bright concept started with a partnership with a world-class watchmaker based in Switzerland to help them build a state-of-the-art watchmaking factory in 30,000 sq. ft. of the College for Creative Studies—CCS— in midtown, Detroit. Then, they began training Detroit locals on the delicate process of movement and watch assembly. The quality, designs and finished product are up to par with that of Swiss made timepieces in the same price range and category.

Shinola's pavilion is located on the third level of exhibition hall 1 across from Festina and Doxa. The modern design of this pavilion—evoking the modern architecture lines of Philip Johnson, Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe—, the custom bicycles, leather straps, journals, footballs, unique looking watches and the Shinola cola we received upon departure, make this exhibit one of the most unique displays at Baselworld.

The calibre inside the Shinola watches is named Argonite and it is made of Swiss components in its majority. The calibre was named after the building that houses
their manufacture—the Argonaut, where GM’s legendary design teams produced countless industrial innovations, from the first fully automatic transmission to the first heart-lung machine.

All watches come with a unique manufacturing code, composed by a category number, a series number and a case number. All of these, engraved on the case back in a style that evokes the old black metal plaques that used to be used for VIN and engine serial numbers on cars, decades ago. For more info click here.

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and tagged Shinola Detroit Leather Goods Argonaut Argonite Made in Detroit.

Baselworld: Rolex Yacht-Master II in Stainless Steel. The Only One that was Missing.

Here's another one of the Rolex Baselworld 2013 novelties. The Yacht Master II in stainless steel has been a piece that many have been wishing to have for years and now, it's finally here. Thank you Rolex.

This particular reference 116680 —up until now only available in yellow gold, white gold or in a combination of stainless steel and everose gold— is fitted with a programmable regatta countdown and a ring command bezel that can be programmed from one to ten minutes. It incorporates a mechanical memory that can be adjusted to match the official regatta countdown. Once launched, it can also be synchronized on the fly and adjusted accordingly. This timepiece comes with a matte white lacquered dial, blue lacquered small seconds register, hands/markers in blued 18K gold and a red seconds hand. The beating heart inside this reference is calibre 4161 with a 72-hour power reserve. For more info click here.

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and tagged Yacht Master II Stainless Steel Yacht Master II Rolex Baselworld 2013 New Baselworld 2013 Yacht Master II.

Baselworld: Oris. More Focus on Diving Watches.

Oris, the brand with the iconic red rotor has definitely come a long way since the launch of the Big Crown watch in the late 90s. At Baselworld, an updated Big Crown watch was unveiled as well as the Depth Gauge Aquis diving watch. Based on what we saw at their pavilion, Oris will continue to position their core brand essence within the confines of precise mechanical diving watches, with additional interest on their aviation timepieces and lesser on their racing line.

Their pavilion includes a wide range of pieces on display as well as some historical museum pieces that are eye-catching. Enjoy the video at the bottom with the Depth Gauge Aquis in action.

For more info click here.

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and tagged Oris Pro Diver Aquis Big Crown Baselworld.

Upcoming: IWJG Las Vegas. May 27-28, 2013.

The International Watch and Jewelry Guild trade show for Las Vegas will take place on May 27th and 28th, 2013 at the Tropicana Las Vegas hotel and casino. Expect tons of dealer activity and some of the most fascinating timepieces.

For more info click here.