Encounter: The Rolls-Royce Phantom at Baselworld

A few weeks ago, while at Baselworld 2013, we ran into some magnificent automobiles. One that definitely caught our attention —due to its elegance and beauty— was this Rolls-Royce Phantom parked next to the Press Center. This particular contrast paint scheme in Diamond Black and Silver, is one of our favorites. Just a perfect match for our Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is hand-built at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. From seamstresses to surface finish technicians and French polishers, it takes sixty pairs of hands to design, craft and construct a Rolls-Royce before it's ready for its new owner.

Powered with a V12 direct injection engine and 21" alloy wheels, this car has a power output of 463hp getting from 0 to 60mph in just 5.7 seconds. Definitely a powerful car and the comfiest ride on earth.

This Phantom with seat piping and contrast paint scheme has a sticker price of approximately $420,000 USD. For more info on the Phantom click here.

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Automobiles and tagged Rolls-Royce Phantom Audemars Piguet Diver Royal Oak Offshore Diver.

Experience: IWC Boutique. Bahnhofstrasse 61, Zurich.

Located right on Bahnhofstrasse 61 not far from Credit Suisse, the IWC Boutique is a must see if you live in Zurich or if you are just visiting. This boutique just opened back in September of 2012 and follows the same interior design concept of all other boutiques. Just a few blocks away from the main train station, this boutique blends in nicely with Zürich's architecture and look of most store fronts. Regardless, you just can't miss it. When closed for business, all windows are protected by metallic curtains in white with a black IWC logo at the bottom. The window displays are eye catching and very well done.

Once inside, you will find a nice assortment of pieces from every line in their collection. From Pilot's watches, to the Portuguese line, the Ingenieur novelties and everything else in between.

This time, one of the Ingenieur novelties caught our wandering eyes. While we explored every display inside the store, we just couldn't resist trying on the new Ingenieur Chronograph Racer ref. IW378508 fitted with a stainless steel bracelet.

This new watch with an enticing slate-coloured dial, black registers —chrono register at 12 and running seconds/date aperture at 6 o'clock— and a red '60' on the chapter ring at 12 o'clock, is just gorgeous. The red accent was inspired by the digital display on the steering wheel of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One racing car. We will be dedicating a full post to review the watch in full.

Next time you are riding the tram on your way to the train station, make a pit stop at the boutique. Now, make sure you don't miss your train, because once you walk inside, you won't be able to leave promptly.

Captivating displays, beautiful watches, comfy sofas and great service are awaiting.

For more info click here.

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Watch Shopping, IWC and tagged Bahnhofstrasse Ingenieur Chronograph Racer ref. IW378508 IWC Boutique Portuguese Big Pilot's Ingenieur Novelties AMG Petronas Formula One Mercedes AMG Petronas IWC Boutique Zurich 2013.

Encounter: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Shaquille O'Neal and the Arnold's All-Stars. Stumbling Into Two Giants.

Some time ago, while visiting Las Vegas, we stumbled upon these two fantastic Royal Oak Offshore limited edition references from Audemars Piguet. It had already been a day full of surprises while watch shopping, but running into these two watches was quite an experience.

Honestly, how often do you run into these two pieces at the same time?

Two real giants, not only in terms of size —both the ambassadors and the timepieces— but also, because of their desirability, collectability, limited quantities and wrist presence.

Let's start talking about the Royal Oak Offshore Shaquille O'Neal reference 26133ST.

This massive watch comes with a stainless steel over-sized case measuring 48mm. It is fitted with a beautiful contrasting hornback black crocodile strap with red stitching and a gorgeous black mega tappiserie dial with red accents on the flange, silver Arabic numerals and the numbers three and two in red —appearing in reversed order to celebrate the athlete's jersey number 32.

While most of you would think that this watch can only be worn by watchlifestylers as tall as Shaquille O'Neal —7' 1" in height—, we can tell you that after trying it on, that is not the case. Actually, it is very comfortable even if you are only 5' 10'' tall.

As you can appreciate in the pictures, the design behind this watch definitely evokes the greatness of the athlete. Audemars Piguet even created a wooden box shaped as a basketball to sell this fantastic watch. Sticker price of $35,000 if you can find one, remember this limited edition of 960 pieces is pretty much sold out everywhere. The Royal Oak Offshore Shaquille O'Neal is also available in 18K white gold with a diamond encrusted bezel —sold as reference 26134BC— in a limited edition of 96 pieces and a sticker price of $88,600.

Now, let's talk about the other giant. The Royal Oak Offshore Arnold's All-Stars After-School Adventures reference 26158OR comes also in a 48mm case but in 18K rose gold. Just as expected, the precious metal on this Royal Oak Offshore makes this watch ultra heavy and a real stunner. Fitted with a brown crocodile strap with cream stitching and a matte chocolate brown dial —with a combination of mega tappiserie and concentric circles right where the Arabic numerals in rose gold are applied—, this limited edition of 350 pieces has a sticker price of $83,100 and is not easy to find either.

Both timepieces feature the same type of case design —like that on the 'End of Days' Offshore—, rectangular chrono pushers, tang buckles on their straps and solid case backs with the ambassador's names and respective limited edition information.

For more info on other Audemars Piguet limited editions click here.

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet and tagged RO Offshore Arnold's All-Stars ref. 26158OR Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Las Vegas Shaquille O'Neal RO Offshore Shaquille O'Neal ref. 26133ST RO Offshore Shaquille O'Neal ref. 26134BC Arnold Schwarzenegger 2013.

News: Lotus F1 Team Keeping Time with Richard Mille. Partnership Announced.

Richard Mille is delighted to be the Official Timing Partner of Lotus F1 team.

The two-year deal will see branding appear on the team’s 2013 Formula 1 challenger— the E21—in addition to driver overalls.

Furthermore, a limited edition watch will be produced using the very latest lightweight materials; pairing the philosophies of both the team and Richard Mille in representing the pinnacle of cutting edge technology.

Richard Mille: “Many people know the high degree of technical expertise, innovation and sophistication that one can find in Richard Mille watches, and no outfit could be better suited to our brand values than Lotus F1 team. This mutual love for exemplary technique and refinement represents an asset for a strong and constructive partnership,” says Richard Mille, founder and CEO of Richard Mille.

“The 2013 season has seen Lotus F1 Team get off to a strong start on track, and it is highly satisfying to see that success recognized in our off-track endeavors with the announcement of Richard Mille as the latest name to join our strong portfolio of partners. As a team we are extremely proud of our brand identity, and the innovative approach adopted by Richard Mille in the design and manufacture of their wristwatches is certainly in keeping with our core value of standing out from the crowd,” adds Eric Boullier, Team Principal, Lotus F1 Team.

For more info on Richard Mille click here. For more info on F1 Team Lotus click here.

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Richard Mille, News and tagged Richard Mille and Lotus F1 Team Formula 1 Team Lotus Richard Mille Formula 1 Richard Mille F1 Lotus Team 2013.

Baselworld: Eberhard & Co. The New Tazio Nuvolari Naked Chronograph.

Georges Eberhard was only 22 years old when he founded his watch manufacture in La-Chaux-de-Fonds back in 1887. Only 20 years later, the Manufacture d' Horlogerie Eberhard & Co. had already positioned itself as a world authority in chronometers and chronographs. In the 1930's, the most common timepiece on the wrist of Italian Navy Officers was Eberhard & Co. In 1992, the company introduces the Tazio Nuvolari chronograph to celebrate the 100th birthday of one of the greatest racing champions of all times. This year at Baselworld 2013, a new model of the Tazio Nuvolari chronograph was unveiled, its name the 'Naked'.

In 1936 Tazio Nuvolari drove his 12-cylinder Alfa Romeo for 300 miles to an extraordinary triumph on the Roosevelt Raceway in New York State. Tazio and his Vanderbilt Cup made racing history. This year, the exclusive new addition to the Tazio Nuvolari Vanderbilt Cup collection by Eberhard & Co., is dedicated to one of the legendary driver’s most prestigious victories. The new watch bears for the first time a black dial with white Arabic numerals and like on the other chronographs of the collection, the stop button for the chronograph is coaxial to the winding crown. A feature that is reminiscent of the Eberhard & Co. coaxial chronographs of the 1930s.

Additionally, the watch case is lighter than in previous versions as there is no solid case back but a sapphire crystal display case back, thus the name 'Naked'. The new watch reference 31068 is fitted with an automatic ETA modified caliber with a 12-hour chronograph and stop push button coaxial to the crown at 3 o'clock.

In addition to the new Tazio Nuvolari Naked Chronograph, Eberhard & Co. presented four additional novelties—the Chrono 4 Colors in a limited edition of 600 pieces, the Champion V Time Only, the Chrono 4 Géant Full Injection Limited Edition of 500 pieces and the ladies watch Gilda. As part of their beautiful pavilion, Eberhard & Co. included a nice display of historical pieces that included the legendary Scafograf 200 diving watch and the beautiful Alfa Romeo racing car driven by Nuvolari on his legendary victory in New York.

For more info click here.

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld and tagged Tazio Nuvolari Chronograph Naked Chronograph Ref. 31068 Vanderbilt Cup Alfa Romeo Tazio Nuvolari Roosevelt Raceway Eberhard Scafograf 200 Champion V Time Only Chrono 4 Colors Chrono 4 Géant Full Injection Gilda Alfa Romeo.

Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Forged Carbon Diver ref. 15706AU. The Other AP Bumble Bee.

A couple of days ago, we had the pleasure of meeting watchlifestyler Howie for lunch to meet his brand new Forged Carbon Royal Oak Offshore Diver ref. 15706AU.00.A002CA.01. This time, we met at the epicenter of downtown Chicago right at Millennium Park. After a delicious lunch at the Park Grill, we headed outside to the Jay Pritzker pavilion to take some pictures of his brand new Forged Carbon Diver under natural light. It was a rainy overcast day in Chicago—very typical during this time of the year—but the pictures still came out great.

The Forged Carbon Diver was presented at the SIHH back in 2012 but as with any other Audemars Piguet watch, you rarely run into one in person. There's something about the exclusivity of the brand that makes it so appealing. Our friend and watchlifestyler Howie decided to buy this beautiful watch just last week. After receiving the watch, he immediately called us to do the official unveiling of this fantastic piece in the company our Stainless Steel Diver.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver in Forged Carbon is a watch that can only be fully appreciated under natural light. Every time we've handled this watch under halogen or tungsten lamps, we feel it loses some of it's magic and beauty. Forged carbon has very unique attributes such as its resistance, lightness and a marbled look that feels satiny and smooth to the touch.

According to Yves Leuba, head of Audemars Piguet's forged carbon department, there cannot be two identical forged carbon cases due to its meticulous and unique production process. To make a forged carbon case, carbon fibers are distributed in a random manner inside a mold. When the material is compressed under heating, it evolves in an unpredictable way delivering a final product that is unique every time.

The forged carbon case, the ceramic bezel—that almost looks graphite gray as it reflects light—, the yellow accents and the lightness of the watch are just pure perfection. Putting a Forged Carbon Diver side-by-side with a Stainless Steel Diver makes the first one appear slightly smaller; however, as you all know, it is not as both measure 42mm. The Forged Carbon is also fitted with a rubber strap just like the stainless steel version; however, the pin buckle, case back and case plots are made of titanium.

We found it interesting that the sound coming from the oscillating weight on the Forged Carbon model was louder than the stainless steel one. Also, we noticed a change in the calendar font between both watches.

The Forged Carbon wears as comfortably as the stainless steel version and the yellow accents are quite discrete in person. They are not as flashy as one would imagine and they provide enough contrast to break up the blackness of the watch. From a design standpoint, it has just the right amount of color.

Audemars Piguet experimented with carbon watch parts in the 1980s and developed a keen sense for the material’s potential. The idea of using forged carbon for watch cases originated in a meeting between Audemars Piguet and Vincent Duqueine, head of the a French company owning the forged carbon technology. To take advantage of this material, Audemars Piguet developed extensive know-how, from manufacturing to equipment, based on the forging method employed in aeronautics. While Audemars Piguet has maintained the same philosophy, they have modified the technique for heating and cooling the molds where the cases are made. As a reference, the first model featuring forged carbon was the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team that came out in 2007.

Sticker price on this beauty $27,100 USD. For more info click here.

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet and tagged Audemars Piguet Forged Carbon Diver AP FC Diver Royal Oak Offshore Diver 15706AU.00.A002CA.01 Millennium Park Jay Pritzker Pavilion Audemars Piguet Offshore Diver Yves Leuba Forged Carbon AP ROO FC Diver Forged Carbon Diver Posts 2013 2013.

Baselworld: Ulysse Nardin. Ten Novelties with Impressive Horological and Design Attributes.

Since the manufacturer’s earliest days more than 167 years ago when its founder, Ulysse Nardin, began making marine chronometers in a mountainous location in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, the watchmaking powerhouse has continually proved that challenges present vast opportunities worthy of exploration. It is these explorations that have resulted in Ulysse Nardin’s unprecedented inventions in horology. The year 2013 is ripe with invention and the introduction of six in-house developed movements.

Routinely seeking to forge unconventional relationships to strengthen its lead and independence in watchmaking, Ulysse Nardin went on to acquire Donzé Cadrans, the world-recognized enamel-dial specialist. Treasuring the art of enameling and enamel cloisonné, Ulysse Nardin adds this masterful skill to its in-house capabilities.

This year at Baselworld, ten fascinating new timepieces were launched. All of them with very impressive horological and design attributes.

The line-up includes the Marine Chronograph—enameled watch featuring the new in-house chronograph movement UN-150. The Black Sea Marine Diver in stainless steel with a vulcanized rubber coated case.

The Jade, is the first ladies watch with an in-house caliber featuring four exquisite green jade horns that flank the watch bezel with a magnificent ring of emeralds and diamonds and the ability to set the time and date without having to pull the crown out. The time is set by using a pusher at the four o’clock position that changes the function of the crown so that each adjustment is then simply made by turning the crown forwards or backwards without any need to pull it out.

The Black Toro Perpetual Calendar a rose gold and ceramic timepiece offering the simplest setting capabilities of any perpetual calendar out there.

The Stranger Musical watch which is the first in this series of 99-piece limited edition timepieces that plays the melody 'Strangers in the Night' on the hour and on call with direct collaboration by virtuoso Dieter Meier.

The Skeleton Manufacture featuring a flying tourbillon and available in two limited editions of 99 pieces in red gold and 99 pieces in platinum.

The Carnival of Venice Minute Repeater limited to 18 pieces with a dial that depicts two figures in front of the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal. Both figures are wearing masks, alluding to the Carnival of Venice and with the minute repeater’s chiming of the hours, quarters and minutes, the figures lift their masks.

The Royal Ruby Tourbillon, a handcrafted masterpiece set with 12 rubies distinguishing the hours and accompanied by 48 diamonds in a limited edition of 99 pieces.

The Classico Cloissoné Pride of Baltimore—drawing inspiration from the history changing use of Baltimore Clippers during the War of 1812— and lastly the new Classico Serpent—celebrating the Chinese year of the snake in a limited edition of 88 lucky pieces, this timepiece is a mastery of the art of champlevé enamel method where cells are carved with a chisel directly on the dial and then filled with enamel of a variety of colors created from different metallic oxides.

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Other Brands, Ulysse Nardin and tagged Stranger Musical Watch Ulysse Nardin Baselworld 2013 Novelties Jade Watch Ulysse Nardin Jade Ladies Classico Pride of Baltimore Classico Cloissoné Pride of Baltimore Royal Ruby Tourbillon Skeleton Manufacture Flying Tourbillon Carnival of Venice Minute Repeater Black Toro Perpetual Calendar Black Sea Marine Diver Marine Chronograph Classico Serpent Champlevé Enamel Year of the Snake Watch.

Baselworld: Frédérique Constant. 25 Years with Classic Designs.

The name 'Frédérique Constant' has been created from two names: Frédérique Schreiner—1881-1969— and Constant Stas—1880-1967. Peter Stas current Managing Director of Frederique Constant S.A., is a 4th generation descendant of Mr. Constant Stas, who founded his company in 1904, making printed clock dials for the watch industry.

Frédérique Constant was established in its current form in 1988. Aletta Bax and Peter Stas launched their first collection in 1992, comprising six models fitted with Swiss movements and assembled by a watchmaker in Geneva. Today, each Frédérique Constant watch is hand-assembled at their manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates in the Canton of Geneva. By the end of 2013, the company aims to produce and sell over 125,000 pieces. With its slogan ‘Live your passion’, Frédérique Constant will continue with their passionate development and production of exciting new collections at very reasonable prices.

This year at Baselworld we were able to admire in real life the intricate details and beauty of the Manufacture World Timer Limited Edition watch. This watch offered in a limited edition of 1888 pieces in stainless steel or rose gold plated stainless steel and with two dial configurations, caught our wandering eyes as soon as we started walking around their pavilion.

Our favorite one is the stainless steel version ref. FC-718WM4H4 with a robust 42mm case with a gleaming silver dial featuring a stunning silver world map at the center, polished midnight blue hands, an extra-large date register at six o’clock and a 24-hour disc with day-night indicators that includes 24 of the world’s greatest cities. The watch is fitted with a blue alligator strap and a display case back. One of the greatest advantages of this watch is the fact that no push button or second crown is needed to operate the cities' disc as everything can be controlled with just one single crown. Pretty impressive and with a sticker price of $3,450 this is definitely a bargain for such a beautiful watch and complicated movement.

For more info click here.

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Other Brands, Frederique Constant and tagged Frederique Constant World Timer FC-718WM4H4 Baselworld 2013 Baselworld Novelties Frederique Constant Slimline Automatic Plan-les-Ouates Geneva.

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.

Aviator GMT Pilot 100108-333L fd noir RVB.jpg

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.

Alpina_Geneve_Alpina_130_Heritage_Pilot_Chronograph_Automatic-AL-860G4H6_002_SD.jpg

Alpina_Geneve_Alpina_130_Heritage_Pilot_Chronograph_Automatic-AL-860G4H6_006_SD.jpg

Alpina_Geneve_Extreme_Diver_300_Chronograph_Automatic-AL-725LB4V26_003_SD.jpg

Alpina_Geneve_Startimer_Pilot_Chronograph_Big_Date-AL-372B4S6_002_SD.jpg

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Alpina, Budget Watches 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.

BENTLEY B04 GMTBENTLEYB05UNTIMEBENTLEYB06.jpg

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.