News: Jaeger-LeCoultre Donates to Two Marine Reserves in UNESCO's World Heritage List

Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Chronograph Cermet©Stefan Ciejka.jpg

Since 2008, Jaeger-LeCoultre has been committed alongside the UNESCO and the International Herald Tribune to raise worldwide public awareness regarding the conservation challenges and protection of marine sites.

Jaeger-LeCoultre cooperates with the International Herald Tribune in bringing readers’ attention to the eight annually selected marine sites —all of which appear on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Each year, the manufacture also provides immediate financial backing for UNESCO through the auction of a watch.

Here's the list of all auctions to date:

2009 – Prototype N°1 of the Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm Tides of Time raised £13,540 for the site Tubbataha, Philipines

2010 – Geophysic 1958 E168 raised £12,600 for the site Sundarbans, India

2011 – Prototype N°1 of the Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea raised £16,000 for the site Malpelo, Colombia

2012 – Prototype N°1 of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph raised £9,300 for Puerto Princesa site, Philipines

2013 – Prototype N°1 of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Chronograph Cermet raised $17,700 USD for the site Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

This year, Jaeger-LeCoultre has donated $20,000 USD to assist the Fernando de Noronha management in Brazil. Peaks of the southern Atlantic submarine ridge form the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago and Rocas Atoll off the coast of Brazil.

The islands are part of a large submarine mountain system of volcanic origin. The Fernando de Noronha volcano is estimated to be between 1.8 million and 12.3 million years old. There are less than ten volcanic islands in the Southern Atlantic, and the Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll Reserves represent more than 50% of the insular South Atlantic coastal area. The waters are extremely important for the breeding and feeding of tuna, shark, turtle and marine mammals. The islands are home to the largest concentration of tropical seabirds in the Western Atllantic.

Baia de Golfinhos has an exceptional population of resident dolphin and at low tide the Rocas Atoll provides a spectacular seascape of lagoons and tidal pools teeming with fish. As the site makes up such a large proportion of the insular coastal habitat, the site is essential to maintaining marine biodiversity for the entire South Atlantic basin.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil (3) ©Stefan Ciejka.JPG

This donation will be dedicated to preserving this exceptional marine site. The purchase of a fully equipped rubber dinghy will enable the implementation of a regular monitoring programme aimed at evaluating the state of conservation of its exceptionally rich marine life and of countering illegal fishing activities by facilitating swift interception of non-authorized boats.

For more info click here.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil (5) ©Stefan Ciejka.JPG

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Jaeger-LeCoultre and tagged Geophysic 1958 E168 Prototype N°1 of the Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea Prototype N°1 of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Prototype N°1 of the JLC Deep Sea Chrono Cermet Jaeger-LeCoultre UNESCO International Herald Tribune Fernando de Noronha Archipelago Rocas Atoll Jaeger-LeCoultre Donates $20 2013.

Insider: Girard-Perregaux WW.TC Financial Power Reserve. One of Our Favorite World Timers.

The Girard-Perregaux WW.TC Financial Power Reserve World Timer ref. 49850-11-152-BA6A in stainless steel has a case diameter of 41 mm and a thickness of 11 mm. This watch is fitted with a sapphire display case back and calibre GP033G0 with a power-reserve of 46 hours and 27 jewels.

The dial features a power-reserve indicator, a 24-hour rotating ring with night/day indicators, a red pointer to show the 9am opening time of the stock markets and a rotating disc with 24 global stock market trading cities. The cities' disc is rotated via the crown located at 9 o'clock and the Financial function indicates when these stock markets are open for business. To indicate the opening times, each city has been placed on the disc in a particular order based on their timezone location.

This watch is very useful in telling time across 24 different cities but is not complicated to use as most people would think. Let's now explain how it works.

The first thing that needs to be done before setting the time on the hands, is to rotate the cities' disc —via the crown at 9 o'clock— and align your location with the 12 o'clock marker. Then —via the crown at 3 o'clock— set the hands to the correct time while making sure that the hour displayed on the 24-hour night/day ring underneath your location shows the correct number matching the military time. i.e. The watch in the pictures is set to 10:10am New York City time which means that the city indicator showing New York should be aligned with the 12 and the hour disc underneath it shows 10 instead of 22 as it is 10:10 in the morning and not 10:10 at night.

The movement in a World Timer complication like this will automatically rotate the 24-hour ring counter-clockwise as time advances in order to make sure that the hands and time shown on the ring are always synchronized. That way, when you want to tell the time for other cities, the numbers on the ring will always show the time in those cities.

For instance, if it's 10:10am in New York City and we want to know what time it is in Chicago and in Rio de Janeiro, we just need to look at the 24-hour ring and see what number is displayed under these cities. Based on the picture below, we now know that it's 9:10am in Chicago —red pointer indicates 9am— and 12:10 pm in Rio de Janeiro —sun icon indicates it's noon.

The red pointer on the 24-hour ring will always point at the city that will be opening their stock market next at 9 in the morning.

The dial is very nicely finished with an anthracite center with applied Arabic numerals at 12, 3 and 6 and luminous dot markers. It has a very unique sunburst effect and provides different hues from dark blue to a grayish blue depending on the lighting conditions. The running seconds and power-reserve indicators include white hands and a combination of red and white accents that provide a very nice contrast.

The 24-hour ring features a black and white night/day indicator, a golden moon indicating midnight and a golden sun indicating noon.

This watch wears smaller than 41 mm and comes with a black alligator strap with a very comfortable and easy to use deployant buckle.

Overall, this watch has a lovely wrist presence that is not only reserved to those watchlifestylers in the financial sector, but also very suitable for any watchlifestyler in search of a useful complication that is easy to use. It will most definitely become a conversation piece wherever you travel.

This watch is one of our favorite top three World Timers along with the Patek Philippe ref. 5110 and the new Frédérique Constant World Timer. Now, to us the biggest downside of this timepiece is the lack of a date display.

Sticker Price $14,200. For more info click here.

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Girard-Perregaux and tagged Girard-Perregaux ref. 49850-11-152-BA6A Girard-Perregaux WW.TC Financial World Timer Girard-Perregaux WW.TC Financial Power Reserve Posts 2013 2013.

News: Richard Mille to Open Boutique in Las Vegas. Second Boutique in America.

Construction is underway on the second Richard Mille boutique in the United States, at The Shops at Crystals at City Center adjacent to Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The state-of the-art showroom is scheduled to open in September 2013.

The boutique design will align with the brand’s standards for all Richard Mille boutiques worldwide. Materials used will include Makassar wood, Corian stone, leather, steel and glass. Showcases are highly technical and feature such elements as glass that is anti-reflective on all surfaces and custom choreographed lighting. There also will be an exclusive VIP area within the boutique. The overall warm and friendly atmosphere will encourage visitors to spend some time in this temple devoted to fine watchmaking.

Richard Mille operates 14 branded boutiques around the world. The first Richard Mille boutique in the United States, Richard Mille Boutique Beverly Hills, opened in 2010.

For more info on The Shops at Crystals click here and for Richard Mille here.

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Richard Mille, Watch Shopping, News and tagged Richard Mille Boutique Richard Mille Boutique Las Vegas The Shops at Crystals City Center Las Vegas Nevada Makassar Wood Corian Stone Richard Mille U.S. Boutiques 2013.

News: Richard Mille Congratulates Rafa Nadal. Historic 8th Victory at French Open.

On Sunday, June 9th, Rafael Nadal achieved legendary status in the world of tennis by becoming the first player ever to win the same Grand Slam tournament eight times from 2005 through 2013 with the exception of 2009 when he did not win it. A 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 victory over his fellow countryman David Ferrer in the final of the French Open in Paris saw Nadal increase his stunning record to 59 victories. Rafa’s 12th major title moves him above Bjorn Borg and his 11 career titles.

Richard Mille would like to congratulate Rafael Nadal for his energy and determination in returning to the international competition scene. This Roland Garros victory rewards Rafa for all doubts and suffering he endured during the seven months he was off the court with a knee injury.

Last February in Chile, when he returned on the court, he showcased his physical fitness and stamina and proved to the world his talent. From that point on, he won some six titles in Sao Paolo, Acapulco, Indian Wells, Barcelona, Madrid and Rome before the Roland Garros in Paris.

Richard Mille is proud of his friend Rafa in being an impressive competitor, great champion and totally integrated member of the Richard Mille family. Since 2010, Rafa has worn a Richard Mille watch during all tournaments, testing its performance and shock resistance.

For more info click here.

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Richard Mille, News and tagged Rafael Nadal Grand Slam Roland Garros French Open Paris Richard Mille David Ferrer 2013.

Insider: IWC Portuguese Automatic. A Power-Reserve Classic in Every Way.

The Portuguese Automatic is one of the most elegant and iconic references from IWC Schaffhausen. The International Watch Co., currently known as IWC Schaffhausen, was founded in 1868 by American engineer and watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones a.k.a. F.A. Jones.

Appointed at age 27 as the director and production manager for E. Howard Watch & Clock Company in Boston, Mr. Jones moved to Europe looking to combine the excellence of Swiss craftsmanship and modern engineering to make top quality watches for the U.S. market.

The company situated near the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen, is today one of the most renowned names in watchmaking and fine horology.

The IWC Portuguese Automatic ref. IW500107 in stainless steel, is a very elegant well designed timepiece that takes its name from the two Portuguese watch industry businessmen that visited IWC Schaffhausen —at the end of the 1930s— in search of acquiring steel case timepieces with technical precision and superb craftsmanship. During their visit, IWC decided to meet their demands by fitting the hunter movement of a pocket watch inside a wristwatch case and the Portuguese was then born.

The Portuguese Automatic is fitted with the in-house calibre 51011 with a spring-mounted rotor, Pellaton pawl-winding system and Breguet spring. This newly designed 7-day power reserve movement, represents a great technological and horological leap in the history of automatic calibres.

The Portuguese Automatic comes with a 42.3 mm watch case and a blue alligator leather strap with deployant buckle. The dial is off-white with anodized hands and applied anodized Arabic numbers and markers, power-reserve indicator at 3, running seconds at 9 and date aperture at 6.

The watch wears very comfortably and is not as heavy as one would expect for such a complex calibre and large case. The calibre is very nicely finished and visible through the sapphire crystal display case back. A real treat to the eyes.

If you are ready to wear a watch that is not conventional and that can be worn under the cuff of a bespoke shirt or with a t-shirt, this is a must-have in your collection.

Sticker price $12,400. The Portuguese Automatic is also available in 18K red gold, in stainless steel with white dial and red gold applied Arabic numerals or in stainless steel with a black dial. For more info click here.

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under IWC and tagged IWC Portuguese Power Reserve IWC Portuguese IW500107 F.A. Jones International Watch Co. E. Howard Watch & Clock Company IWC Schaffhausen Portuguese Watch Calibre 5000 IWC Portuguese Automatic IWC Portuguese Automatic ref. IW500107 2013.

Experience: Montecristo No. 3. One of the Finest Habanos in the World.

As we were getting ready to enjoy another sunset at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman down in the Cayman Islands, we pulled out an Habano to enjoy the moment even more. Really, there's nothing better than a good cigar on the beach, wearing a nice watch and contemplating a beautiful sunset.

This time, we enjoyed a Montecristo No. 3 —a hand rolled Cuban cigar that is typically used as the benchmark when rating other fine cigars.

Montecristo has set the bar quite high for almost 80 years since its launch in 1935. Its name was taken from Alexandre Dumas' novel 'The Count of Montecristo'. The story accounts that when the factory first opened, the manager used to read the novel to the 'torcedores'—rollers— and they liked the novel so much, that they wanted to immortalize the main character of the novel by naming their fine cigars 'Montecristo'.

The Montecristo No. 3 only includes leaves from the region of 'Vuelta Abajo'. This Cuban region is home to the best tobacco leaves in the world. From fillers to binders and wrapper, all are 'Vuelta Abajo' leaves. 'Vuelta Abajo' is located in the western tip of Cuba in the province of 'Pinar del Río' by the towns of 'San Juan y Martínez' and 'San Luis'.

This region is also the main source of tobacco for Habanos, and the only region that grows all types of leaf. But even in this amazing region, less than a quarter of the tobacco growing land enjoys the 'Vegas Finas de Primera' status that is required for the Habanos.

Montecristo No. 3 is a Coronas measuring 5 5/8" in length with a 42 ring gauge. With hints of leather, coffee and ambergris, this cigar is rich and powerful. Flavor profile stays even for the first two thirds of the cigar and becomes stronger on the last third. Around 50 minutes of burning time in a perfectly rolled cigar with perfect draw and almost perfect even burn —went out just once, possibly due to the strong evening sea breeze.

While this cigar is a joy to smoke, we only recommended it for more experienced smokers. Due to its intensity, we feel it might be too much to take for someone looking to try a cigar for the very first time.

Posted on June 9, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Food Wine & Cigars, Audemars Piguet, Sybarite Guide and tagged Montecristo No. 3 Audemars Piguet Diver Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Vuelta Abajo Pinar del Río Vegas Finas de Primera San Juan y Martínez San Luís Cuba The Count of Montecristo Alexandre Dumas Torcedores 2013.

Insider: Omega Speedmaster Legend Limited Edition. Our Favorite Moonwatch Honoring Michael Schumacher.

In preparation to the Grand Prix of Canada taking place at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal this Sunday, we will be talking about a watch that is perfectly suited for Formula One fans.

The Omega Speedmaster Legend ref. 321.30.44.50.01.001 is another limited edition moonwatch honoring Michael Schumacher —there are between ten to eleven Schumacher Limited Edition timepieces that have been launched since 1995 when Michael became an Omega brand ambassador.

This gorgeous reference is a must have for watchlifestylers that are fans of one of the biggest racing legends of all-time. The Speedmaster Legend is fitted with a carbon fiber dial and a very unique bezel insert that commemorates all of Schumacher's racing achievements: 7 world titles, 154 podiums, 91 victories, 250 Formula One races and 68 pole positions. Additionally, it also includes the years when Schumacher won the seven world titles.

While the Speedmaster Legend Limited Edition has the same case size as other Moonwatches, measuring 44.25 mm in width, it wears relatively smaller and quite comfortably.

In our opinion, the best part of this watch is the carbon fiber dial. The dial includes Arabic numerals from 1 thru 7 highlighting Schumacher's seven world titles. The numerals are white with a red outline and the word 'Speedmaster' is imprinted in red. The dial features running seconds at 9, 12-hour chrono register at 6 and 30-minute chrono register at 3 o'clock. The date aperture at 6 o'clock is discreet and maintains an adequate balance keeping the dial design simple and uncluttered.

The watch is powered by the automatic calibre Omega 3313 with co-axial escapement and a power-reserve of 52 hours —the movement can be admired via the sapphire crystal display case back. If you can still find one, get it. Last known Sticker Price $6,650.

For more info on Omega click here.

Posted on June 8, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Omega and tagged Omega Speedmaster Legend ref. 321.30.44.50.01.001 Omega Speedmaster Michael Schumacher The Legend Speedmaster Limited Edition Chronograph Michael Schumacher Formula One Grand Prix du Canada Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve 2013.

Experience: Audemars Piguet Boutique Bal Harbour. A Very Modern and Sleek Place.

Located in the heart of Bal Harbour just north of Miami Beach, off of Collins Ave. and 96th, a brand new Audemars Piguet boutique was just opened a couple of weeks ago inside the Bal Harbour Shops.

The boutique includes a 990 sq. ft. space—located on the first floor next to David Yurman— with a very minimalistic design that clearly portrays Audemars Piguet's core values and brand essence. As soon as you walk in, you will be taken on a journey all the way to the home of the manufacture in Le Brassus.

Even though the boutique is very modern, it is still extremely inviting. Before you head into the boutique, you already know that you are in for a treat. As you walk in and are greeted by their friendly staff, core elements of the earth are present in the materials utilized in every single corner of this magnificent space.

Once inside, you will notice sleek slate floors, modern wooden walls, polygonal stone blocks —serving as the base for the wooden counter tops—, high-tech screens, rocks covered with moss, brass sculptures, nicknacks and a large chandelier that illuminates the space.

On the left side as you walk in, next to a beautiful white lacquered indented shelving unit, you will find a super-sized nine panel video wall looping images of nature and landscapes from the Vallée de Joux. On the opposite side, a smaller LED screen is looping horological footage from the manufacture and watches in the collection. At the lounge bar area, feel free to help yourself to some of the most delicious 'macarons' that taste just as authentic as if you were in Paris at Pierre Hermé on Rue Cambon —just a block away from the Audemars Piguet boutique on Rue Saint Honoré.

As you walk around, you'll notice that employees are well trained to make adjustments to bracelets. By the loupe and tool set he was using, we can tell that you won't leave with a scratched bracelet.

As you look around for that next piece that you want to buy, you'll notice the attention that has been put forth to every single detail at the boutique. From the flowers to the bronze sculptures —that appear to be made by Swiss sculptor Giacometti. The displays are unique and well lit showcasing the watches in pure harmony. Fantastic pieces, complications and key references across the different Audemars Piguet lines are on display. Now pick what you want to try on.

Once you pick your favorite watch to peruse, have a seat on the comfortable, perfectly designed chairs and take a deep breath. Take all of the imagery and the boutique design inside you, all the way to your core. You are here for a reason and you know it.

Now, admire the design and craftsmanship of that gorgeous Royal Oak Extra-Thin Tourbillon ref. 26510ST.OO.1220ST.01 you've been wanting for a long time or perhaps the Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph in gold. Choices, choices and more choices. The endless storyline in the life of a watch collector.

As you make another round throughout the boutique, the antique pocket watch from the Audemars Piguet Museum catches your attention. Then, you admire the antique Ingold Fraise horological tool —used to cut movement wheels and their teeth— that is sitting on the upper shelf right above the pocket watch. As you look at the LED screen to the right of those two objects, you just can't stop watching the video that is playing and showing you how these masterpieces are made. You are more than ready to get one.

While you are there and as you make up your mind, enjoy looking at pieces like the Millenary Minute Repeater with AP Escapement ref. 26371TI.OO.D002CR.01 —a limited edition of 8 pieces in Titanium and anthracite dial— and the Jules Audemars Chronometer with AP Escapement in Platinum ref. 26153PT.OO.D028CR.01.

After purchasing that new timepiece, you leave through the door feeling fulfilled after your experience at the beautiful boutique. You are happy, excited and looking forward to sharing your unveiling thread on an online watch forum. Mission accomplished.

As you walk back into the shopping center atrium, you stop by the koi fish and turtle pond outside the boutique. As you look at the koi fish, the orange color on them makes you think about the new Royal Oak Offshore Ceramic Diver and its orange accents. As you are getting ready to leave, you turn back and take a last look at the boutique wondering when you will be back to peruse the new Ceramic Diver and add it to the collection.

Special thanks to Audemars Piguet for allowing us to come visit the boutique and take all of these pictures for our story.

For more info click here.

Audemars Piguet
Bal Harbour Shops
9700 Collins Avenue, Space #159
Bal Harbour, FL 33154

Phone number: 305.864.6776
Toll Free: 866.595.9700

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

Upcoming: IWJG Chicago. Jun 24-25, 2013.

The International Watch and Jewelry Guild trade show for Chicago will take place at the end of the month on June 24th and 25th, 2013 at the Crown Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel.

Expect tons of dealer activity and some of the most fascinating timepieces.

For more info click here.

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Events and tagged IWJG Chicago Event Crown Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel International Watch & Jewelry Guild.

Insider: Mercedes-Benz 230 SL 'Pagoda' from 1964. A Family Jewel Never to be Sold.

A few days ago, we met with a very close friend and watchlifestyler to talk about watches and the good life. In all honesty, what can be better than driving a classic Mercedes-Benz SL 230 —a.k.a. W113 'Pagoda'— from 1964 in the company of an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo 15202ST.

Interestingly enough, the interior of this beautiful classic car matches the dial of the Royal Oak Jumbo as if they had been conceived at the same time. The Mercedes-Benz SL 230 is a two-door Roadster Coupé with a soft-top and an optional slightly concave hardtop —reason why it was nicknamed Pagoda— that was only sold between 1963 and 1971 –just a year short of the launch of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo.

This beautiful car with a six-cylinder engine and ground-breaking design for its time, is not only in mint condition but drives like a dream and has a wonderful story. Only 48,912 SL 230s were ever produced and only 19,440 were sold here in the U.S. This beauty is one of them.

This car was fully restored by the previous owner and meant to be driven as he didn't want it to just be a museum piece. A very close friend to our friend, purchased the car approximately seven years ago and it became a precious family jewel never to be sold. A few years later, he decided to relocate from Massachusetts to Asia and sold all of this belongings with the exception of this car. Since he didn't want to sell the car to a stranger or have it sit in a garage, he made a deal with our friend where both would have ownership of the car. It is very clear that the car will never leave either family. Wouldn't you do the same if you owned one?

Just like this beautiful car, the classic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo is a watch that is meant to never leave a watchlifestylers wrist and a family jewel never to be sold. For more info on the Jumbo click here.

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Automobiles and tagged Mercedes-Benz SL 230 1964 Mercedes W113 Pagoda Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo 15202ST Classic White Mercedes SL 230 Mercedes-Benz Pagoda.

Experience: Hoyo de Monterrey Dark Sumatra Media Noche. A Well Balanced Cigar.

After a delicious meal at Julian Serrano in Las Vegas and while finishing our last glass of sangría, we headed down to View Bar to enjoy a fine cigar. This time an Hoyo de Monterrey Dark Sumatra Media Noche from Honduras. It's nowhere near the 'real' Hoyo de Monterrey from Cuba but it's quite good.

Made at the renowned General Cigar Company in Honduras —one of two of the largest cigar factories in the world—, the Dark Sumatra is a more robust version of the original Hoyo de Monterrey from that country. This complex mature cigar features a Dark Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, fillers from Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic and Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro binders.

The Media Noche is a 'Corona Gorda' measuring 5¾ inches in length with a 54 ring gauge. With hints of coffee, roasted nuts, and leather, this cigar is smooth but rich at the same time. Flavor profile changes every 15 to 20 minutes with at least 50 minutes of good burn.

The leaves are rolled with the perfect tightness for a perfect draw, even burn and a long ash. This cigar is so well rolled that it does not require relighting at all.

If you want a mature, complex cigar that is yet smooth, the Hoyo de Monterrrey Dark Sumatra Media Noche will not let you down.

For more info click here.

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Food Wine & Cigars, Sybarite Guide, Audemars Piguet and tagged Hoyo de Monterrey Dark Sumatra Media Noche General Cigar Company Honduras View Bar Julian Serrano Las Vegas Audemars Piguet Diver Hoyo de Monterrey Dark Sumatra Media Noche 2013.

Insider: Breitling Transocean Chronograph. A Vintage Looking Chronograph.

The Breitling Transocean is a chronograph that takes you back in time. From its Ocean Classic mesh bracelet to its chrono pushers, this watch looks and feels just like a vintage new old stock piece. Wearing it almost makes you feel like having breakfast at Tiffany's next to Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard.

The Breitling Transocean Chronograph ref. AB015212.BA99.154A comes with a fully polished stainless steel case measuring 43 mm wide and 14.35 mm thick. The dial on this watch is matte black; however, a blue limited edition version is also available as well as a silver dial with dark gray chrono registers. The convex sapphire crystal is heavily coated with anti-reflective material very typical of Breitling timepieces and the watch is fitted with calibre Breitling 01 providing a power-reserve of approximately 70 hours.

The dial is simple, yet very elegant. The registers are recessed providing nice depth to the dial configuration and a tachymetre scale is printed on it. The register for the running seconds is located at 9, the chrono-minute register at 3 and a 12-hour chrono register at 6. Date aperture is conveniently located between the 4 and 5 o'clock markers and the calendar wheel is black with a nice white font.

If you want a watch with the look and feel of the 60s but without the potential headaches of a real vintage piece, this watch is a great option. Sticker price $8,050.

For more info click here.

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Breitling and tagged Breitling Transocean Chronograph Breitling ref. AB015212.BA99.154A Breitling Chronograph Posts 2013 2013.

Encounter: Rolex Date ref. 15210. When Someone's Watch is the Telltale Sign.

A few months ago, while attending the wedding of a very good friend of ours in the city of Dallas, Texas, we ran into an old friend and classmate that we have not seen since the late 90s. When we first saw him, we were not sure if it was him or not; however, after looking at his wrist, we then knew it was indeed our friend and watchlifestyler Raymond. The iconic Rolex Date on his wrist was the telltale sign.

This Rolex Date ref. 15210 with white dial, small black roman numerals, block markers, oyster bracelet and engine turned bezel is not one that we often see in the wild. Our friend wore this watch every single day during our college years in the early 90s and last time we ran into him in Mexico City —back in 1999— he still had it on.

After briefly catching up with him in Dallas, we decided to schedule a get together during his next visit to Chicago. A couple of weeks ago, he joined us for dinner and shared with us a very interesting story about his watch that left us in awe.

Contrary to our belief, the Rolex Date on his wrist is no longer the same watch he used to wear in school. It's actually a third identical watch. Yes, a third one. But why?

Back in 1990, he received the first watch as a High School graduation gift from his father. After almost a decade wearing the same watch every day, that original watch was stolen. Immediately after, he purchased a second identical watch because it was very meaningful from a sentimental standpoint. Unfortunately, a couple years down the road, that second watch was also stolen and a third identical was then purchased several years ago. As they say, the third time is a charm. Isn't it almost unbelievable that someone would buy the same identical watch three times? Well, perhaps just as crazy as the story we published on the Audemars Piguet Jumbo 5402SA that had been sold and repurchased multiple times. Click here for that story.

As you can appreciate in the pictures, this is truly a gorgeous watch with a very well balanced dial and iconic look; however, nowadays it appears very small on a man's wrist. As you all know, the Rolex Date is smaller than the Datejust with a case measuring only 34 mm. Fortunately, our friend has a very slender compact body frame and the watch looks just stunning on his wrist. Additionally, we find this watch to be one of the most elegant Rolex watches out there.

This watch is so representative of him, that every time we see one for sale, our memory takes us back to those wonderful years in college sipping 'Cubas' —rum with cola— and partying till dawn.

After sharing a handful of memories and old time stories over a bottle of the best rum in the world —Zacapa Centenario Solera 23 from Guatemala—, we then devoted some special attention to the watch and snapped a few images for our beloved readers.

Enjoy the time machine. A gorgeous watch, a great friend and a memorable evening.

For more info click here.

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Rolex & Tudor and tagged Rolex Date Rolex Date White Dial Roman Numerals Zacapa Centenario Solera 23 Guatemalan Rum Rolex Date ref. 15210 2013.

Experience: Salvatore Ferragamo Amos 3. Right Hue of Blue Matching Our Royal Oak.

The Salvatore Ferragamo Amos 3 shoes are the perfect balance between a casual and dressy shoe. Fitted with tassels —very trendy this season after being long gone for more than a decade— , these lambskin suede shoes are comfortable, classy and ready to make a statement on your next yacht or sailboat ride. Additionally, their color matches the blue dial on the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15300 perfectly. A match made in heaven.

Salvatore Ferragamo launched its shoe company back in the early 1900s. Salvatore made his first pair of shoes at age nine for his sisters to wear at their church confirmation. After studying the art of shoemaking in Napoli, he opened a small shoe store in his parent's home. In 1914, he moved to Boston —where one of his brothers worked at a cowboy boot factory— and then to Santa Barbara, California in 1919 to open his own boot shop, quickly becoming the 'Shoemaker to the Stars'.

In 1927, he moved back to Firenze, Italy and established the company as we know it today. Ferragamo is still a family owned business and is one of the most renowned luxurious shoemakers in the world. A synonym of comfort, design and luxury.

The Amos 3 shoes are richly colored loafers in decadent lambskin suede and adorned with front tassels. The shoes are fitted with a combination of leather and rubber soles and a boat shoe lace with grommet accents as a finishing touch. Sticker Price $495.

The shoes are perfect for boating or just relaxing 'al fresco', especially in the company of an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with blue dial. For more info click here.

Posted on June 2, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Fashion & Style and tagged Ferragamo Amos 3 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tassels Salvatore Ferragamo Salvatore Ferragamo Amos 3 Tassel Shoes Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15300ST 2013.

Encounter: Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II. Quite Rare and Exclusive.

This time we stumbled upon a gorgeous Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II in the company of our Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean XL. The precursor to the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II was the Silver Shadow I, a core model of the Rolls-Royce company from 1955 thru 1966. In 1977, the model was renamed Silver Shadow II due to several modifications that improved the handling and drive-ability of the automobile. From an appearance standpoint, the bumpers where changed from chrome to a combination of alloy and rubber and the small grilles beneath the headlamps were removed.

In 1979, a limited number of Silver Shadow II cars were made to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the company and these were fitted with red 'RR' badges. The Rolls-Royce featured here, is from a batch of only 8,425 units made between 1977 and 1980. Therefore, quite rare but formidably beautiful.

The iconic hood figurine that has adorned the Rolls-Royce cars since 1911 —commonly known in the U.S. as the 'Flying Lady'— has an interesting story behind. The actual name of the hood figurine is the 'Spirit of Ecstasy' and it was designed by Charles Robinson Sykes. The story accounts that the figurine was modeled after a young woman named Eleanor Velasco Thornton, whose affair with John Walter Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu — 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, British politician, promoter of motiring and editor of 'The Car'— remained a secret for over a decade as she was his secretary.

John Walter Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu ordered his friend Charles Robinson Sykes to create a special figurine for his Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. The creation: a small statue of a young woman in fluttering robes with her forefinger shutting her lips, christened 'The Whisper'. Upon completion, Montagu made the decision to put it on top of the radiator of his Rolls-Royce. Years later, Rolls-Royce presented the 'Spirit of Ecstasy', which was easily recognizable as a variation of the 'The Whisper'. The similarity was hardly coincidental because the model for both had been Ms. Thornton.

Since 1911, the 'Spirit of Ecstasy' has adorned the grill of every Rolls-Royce. Each figurine is casted using the lost-wax technique. This practice where the molds are destroyed to reveal the casting, results in having figurines that are completely unique and no two are identical.

Now, everyone wonders why is the 'Spirit of Ecstasy' fitted with a retracting mechanism. Well, it's because from 1911 to 1914 the 'Spirit of Ecstasy' was silver-plated and victim of frequent thefts. In addition, safety regulations in some countries qualified the figurine as a sharp-edged piece of metal that could injure a victim in an accident. Therefore, Rolls-Royce solves the issues by fitting the 'Spirit of Ecstasy' with a mechanism that allows the driver to hide the figurine by sinking it into the radiator area upon demand.

Without a doubt the Rolls-Royce designs are as timeless as the designs of the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean.

For more info click here.

Posted on June 1, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Automobiles and tagged Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II Spirit of Ecstasy Flying Lady The Whisper John Walter Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu Charles Robinson Sykes Eleanor Velasco Thornton Rolls-Royce Hood Mascot Rolls Hood Emblem.

Insider: Bell & Ross BR02-94 Carbon Chronograph. A Great Looking Diver's Chronograph.

Nothing like nice watches and fast cars. Yesterday, while driving around the city we decided to work on a quick review of the Bell & Ross Marine BR02-94 Carbon Chronograph. In our opinion, one of the best looking Bell & Ross watches out there.

This sporty watch, comes with a massive black PVD case measuring 44 mm and provides outstanding wrist presence. This Diver's Chronograph, was a great addition to the Bell & Ross BR02 Marine line of watches several years ago.

The watch is fitted with an inner elapsed times bezel that can be rotated via the crown at 10 o'clock. However, the crown needs to be unscrewed to rotate the bezel and screwed back in before immersion in water. The bezel is graduated and toothed to 60 minutes and rotates very smoothly with a nice clicking sound.

All crowns and pushers are fitted with a rubber ring to facilitate their operation while wearing diver gloves or in case the watch is wet. The chronograph pushers just like the crown at 10 o'clock, need to be unscrewed in order to operate the 30-minute decompression chrono. The pushers need to be pressed hard in order to start, stop or reset the chrono function. The BR02-94 comes with a very soft and comfortable rubber strap with a PVD pin buckle in addition to a nylon strap that is also included inside the pelican box that comes with the watch.

The case back is very solid, does not protrude too much and it's marked with the iconic Bell & Rolls logo '&'. The anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal is very thick in order to withstand the pressure of its depth rating—500m/1,500 ft— and the watch is also fitted with a decompression valve on the side of the case at the 9 o'clock position. The decompression valve is necessary when using a decompression chamber.

Overall, the watch is very nice and the luminescent material on the dial and bezel provides a blue glow that is bright and long lasting. The matte dial is nicely finished with recessed registers at 3 and 9 o'clock —running seconds at 3 and 30-minute chrono at 9. The minute hand comes with an orange border that eases its readability underwater and provides a nice contrasting touch of color.

This 30-minute chronograph, is a true diver's watch and definitely a great timepiece to wear this summer. If you find one, grab it as they are becoming more scarce. The BR02-94 Carbon is also available in stainless steel and in a combination of PVD with rose gold. Sticker price for the Carbon one $5,900.

For more info click here.

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Bell & Ross and tagged Bell & Ross BR02-94 Bell & Ross Diver's Chronograph Vacuum Carbon Finish Bell & Ross PVD Watch Bell & Ross BR02-94 Carbon Bell & Ross Marine Posts 2013 2013.

Insider: Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre a Chronographe. The Art of the Chronograph.

Back in 1833, in the remote mountains of Jura, Switzerland, inventor Antoine LeCoultre revolutionized the art of horology and turned the Vallée de Joux into the cradle of fine Swiss watchmaking. Later on, the LeCoultre family would join forces with Parisian watchmaker Edmond Jaeger in 1903. Elegance and refinement are the keynotes of their creations. With 398 patents that have changed the course of watchmaking, hundreds of inventions and 180 years of history, Jaeger-LeCoultre timepieces are a living legend. From the launch of the iconic Reverso in 1931 to the first lubricant-free watch in horological history, Jaeger-LeCoultre complications mark the culmination of centuries of research in the watchmaking field and the Duomètre a Chronographe with its 'Dual-Wing' movement is not the exception.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre ref. 6012420 Duomètre a Chronographe is the true expression and meaning of 'haute horlogerie'. This watch contains two independent mechanisms united by a shared regulating organ. One mechanism is fully devoted to a 12-hour chronograph, while the other is devoted to time keeping.

Available in limited series of 200 in three precious metals —18K White Gold, Platinum or 18K Rose Gold— with a 42 mm robust, yet elegant case, alligator strap with deployant buckle and a display sapphire case back, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre a Chronographe is powered by the manual winding 50-hour power-reserve calibre 380.

With an off-white dial featuring hour, minute, central seconds, power-reserve indicators for both mechanisms and a chronograph with concentric hour and minute, minute-unit indicator, seconds and jumping seconds, this watch is really a true masterpiece of horology and artful in every way.

The chronograph hands —including the power reserve indicator— are anodized blue providing the right contrast and readability against the dial. The pushers are easy to operate, the dial easy to read and the craftsmanship of the timepiece couldn't be any better.

In summarize, this watch is easy to use, very comfortable to wear and extremely elegant. Could we ask for anything else here?

Sticker price $47,900. For more info click here.

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Jaeger-LeCoultre and tagged Jaeger-LeCoultre ref. 6012420 Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre a Chronographe Antoine LeCoultre Edmond Jaeger Vallée de Joux Jura Switzerland Haute Horlogerie 2013.

News: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, New IWC Ambassadors.

Lewis-Hamilton-and-Nico-Rosberg-IWC-Ambassadors_1_web.jpg

This past weekend at the Formula One Grand Prix of Monaco, IWC announced the appointment of two new prominent brand ambassadors: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team. The Swiss watch manufacturer became the Official Engineering Partner to the Mercedes AMG Petronas team earlier this year.

IWC and Mercedes-Benz AMG entered into a special agreement almost ten years ago, in 2004. It was a venture between two companies with a long and successful history in precision engineering, founded on a shared commitment to pushing back the boundaries of mechanics and high technology. IWC’s appointment as Official Engineering Partner to the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team this year, was confirmation of the close ties between the two companies.

Now, in a move that will further cement the partnership between the luxury watch manufacturer and the racing team, the two drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg have become 'Friends of the Brand'. Both of them watch enthusiasts, were presented with IWC Big Pilots watches by Goris Verburg, Director Marketing & Communications at IWC.

Nico Rosberg —winner of the last edition of the Grand Prix of Monaco— said of his new role: “Becoming a Friend of the Brand is like being reunited with an old acquaintance. My first watch was an IWC, a gift from my father.”

For more info click here.

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under IWC, News and tagged IWC Formula One Mercedes AMG Petronas Nico Rosberg Lewis Hamilton Goris Verburg Grand Prix of Monaco IWC Big Pilots 2013.

Experience: Bally Freenew. Swiss Timepieces Go Better with Swiss Shoes.

Bally was founded in Switzerland in 1851 by Carl Franz Bally and his brother Fritz. Carl Franz was trained in the family ribbon-making business and expanded his focus to shoe making after being inspired by the quality of the Parisian shoe makers.

Carl Franz Bally dedicated his life to designing the perfect shoe and to giving back to the community of Schönenwerd —where his products were made. He was a champion of social projects; opening schools, parks and swimming facilities for workers and townspeople. During his lifetime, Schönenwerd was transformed from a sleepy farming village into a bustling town making up to two million pairs of shoes annually.

Considering that innovation has always played a very important role in the history of Bally, it's worth mentioning that they are responsible for developing a series of advanced materials —including rubber components— for the moon boots worn by Neil Armstrong during his first walk on the moon. Additionally, when Sherpa Tenzing Norgay took his final steps to conquer Mount Everest on May 29, 1953 he made the journey in a pair of Bally Reindeer-Himalaya boots, forever linking the Swiss brand to this amazing moment in human history.

After more than 160 years, the brand remains committed to rigorous Swiss craftsmanship, high quality, style, comfort and elegance.

The Bally Freenew sneakers are not only as comfortable as other Bally shoes, but they are also very stylish and modern looking. This shoes are leather lace-up sneakers with fabric stripes on the sides. The collar around the ankles is padded for superior comfort and the soles are made of high quality rubber with a wooden insert around the heel area. Something else to love about this shoes —besides the Swiss flag detail on the back near the heel— is how versatile they are as they can be worn with casual clothes or even a more formal attire. They are available in crocodile leather and in a variety of colors to meet the most demanding taste and match your Swiss fine timepieces.

Sticker Price $395. For more info click here.

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Fashion & Style and tagged Bally Freenew Carl Franz Bally Schonenwerd Switzerland Bally Freenew Sneakers Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 25721ST Mountain Everest 60th Anniversary Conquest of Everest Sherpa Tenzing Norgay Top Fashion 2013.

Insider: Rolex Explorer ref. 214270. Commemorating 60 Years of the Conquest of Mount Everest.

May 29th, 2013 marks the 60th Anniversary of the conquest of Mount Everest. Mount Everest is the tallest peak on earth at 8,850 m —29,035 ft— located in the heart of the Himalayas between the borders of China and Nepal.

Before Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay successfully reached the summit, two other expeditions got quite close. In 1924, George Leigh Mallory and Andrew 'Sandy' Irvine were last seen at the Second Step at about 28,140-28,300 ft of altitude. Many people still wonder if they might have been the first ones to make it to the top; however, since neither one made it back, we'll never know for sure.

After seven weeks of climbing, the first two climbers to ever reach the summit of Mount Everest were the New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and the Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay —both members of a British expedition led by Colonel John Hunt. At 11:30am on May 29, 1953, these two man reached the summit in company of a few timepieces.

Opposed to what most people think, the watch worn by Sir Edmund Hillary during the ascent was not a Rolex but a Smiths watch. Today, it's still unclear whether the Rolex Explorer prototype he was given was a ref. 6098 or a ref. 6084—like the one pictured below. What we know for sure, is that the Rolex watch was kept in his pocket during the ascent and taken out until the summit was reached. On the other hand, Sherpa Tenzing Norgay was indeed wearing a Rolex watch at the time he reached the summit —a gold bubble-back ref. 6305 given to him by Swiss climber Raymond Lambert.

Regardless of which watch made it to the top first, we will always correlate the Rolex Explorer to that memorable event in mankind. After the expedition, Rolex Bosecks Calcutta gave Sir Edmund Hillary an engraved Rolex Explorer prototype just like the one that was issued for the expedition and Rolex Watch Company presented Tenzing Norgay an engraved gold Datejust ref. 6305 as a memento of the Swiss Expedition to Mount Everest.

Later during the year 1953, the first Explorer to have the recognizable dial with Arabic numerals at 9, 6 and 3 was launched under ref. 6298. Since then, the Explorer has seen different dial configurations and case changes including: the first dial to include the word 'Explorer' ref. 6350, a dial with red depth rating known as ref. 6610, an Explorer fitted with a white seconds hand ref. 6610, an Explorer with white seconds hand and the words 'Explorer' and 'Super Precision' in white lettering ref. 5504, a rail dial on ref. 5500, the Space-Dweller launched in 1963 ref. 1016 and lastly the latest version —pictured below and presented in 2010— with a larger case measuring 39mm and font changes ref. 214270.

Without a doubt, the Rolex Explorer is a robust watch well suited for climbers and for any watchlifestyler in pursue of discovering the remote confines of planet earth.

This watch is not only a classic, but a discreet timepiece that will take on daily abuse just like any other Rolex. Fitted with a sleek black dial, a reliable automatic movement —calibre 3132 with a power reserve of 42 hours— and a very comfortable 39 mm case with an oyster bracelet, the Rolex Explorer is the perfect companion for watchlifestylers seeking adventure. Sticker price $6,550.

For more info click here.

Images used on the background courtesy of ©Andy Bardon, ©Kristoffer Erickson, ©Royal Geographical Society and ©National Geographic Magazine. National Geographic Society The Call of Everest: The History, Science and Future of the World's Tallest Peak by Conrad Anker, 2013.