Today, we celebrate 4th of July with the perfect watch for the occasion, a Rolex GMT Master ref. 1675 with Pepsi insert bezel. The blue and red colors on this watch are the perfect symbols to commemorate 238 years of Independence from the British crown. On July 4th, 1776 the United States adopted the 'Declaration of Independence' announcing that the thirteen colonies were declaring themselves as thirteen independent sovereign states forming a new nation as the United States of America.
We wish you all a very Happy 4th of July with this photo gallery. Now enjoy your long weekend!
To Celebrate its 175th Anniversary, the renowned clock maker L’Epée 1839 —same company that collaborated with MB&F in the Starfleet Machine table clock reviewed here— celebrates this special year with a timepiece that will suggest many interrogations. The 'Two Hands Flying Tourbillon' table clock is limited to 2 unique pieces; one in massive Titanium Grade 5 and one in massive brass gold plated. These table clocks were developed in collaboration with renowned horologist Vincent Calabrese. This time, the manufacture established in 1839 comes back to its history and origins by redeveloping an extraordinary escapement; the tourbillon, the most noble escapement. A special tourbillon had to be made and what a better collaboration than with Vincent Calabrese, a well known figure of the Horology world.
A few months ago, we brought you the exciting news about the launch of the reissue of the Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial Chronograph. Today, we bring you the new Omega Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial Chronograph Rio 2016 Limited Edition, which is the third of the new three Mark II models —other two reviewed here. The Speedmaster Mark II Co-Axial Chronograph Rio 2016 is a limited edition of 2,016 pieces that celebrates the XXXI Olympic Games to be celebrated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from August 5 thru the 21st in 2016. While this new watch is almost identical to the Mark II with matte black dial, Omega decided to add three different colored rings to the chronograph counters to symbolize the gold, silver and bronze medals awarded during the Olympic Games. Additionally, the watch features polished center links on its bracelet and a specially engraved case back.
The iconic Traveller WW.TC opts now for an intense black look. The new Titanium DLC version stands out with its strong character and a high degree of sophistication. Its highly technical case houses a manufactured mechanical movement offering world times and chronograph functions. With its deep black tones, the Traveller WW.TC Titanium DLC offers a combination of high performance and understatement. It presents itself as the ideal contemporary traveling companion, thanks to its world time function, which enables the wearer to instantly know the time anywhere in the world. Its chronograph function, with its coal black hue and its specially rubber treated alligator textured strap highlight its sporting and technical character.
True to English watchmaking heritage, Arnold & Son unveils the TES Tourbillon, with the hand-finished A&S8100 calibre with sapphire barrel bridge. This defining timepiece is part of the Royal Collection which combines classic styling with leading-edge technology. The tourbillon movement, one of the most elegant complications in the world of horology, has played a crucial role in Arnold & Son’s history. An exceptional watchmaker, John Arnold was an active participant in one of the most extraordinary partnerships in the world of innovative horology. Indeed, both he and Abraham Louis Breguet worked closely, sharing both their knowledge and passion. Evidence of their partnership is Abraham Louis Breguet’s first ever tourbillon mounted in John Arnold’s No. 11 movement, a watch that can be found today in London’s British Museum.
Earlier this year at Baselworld 2014, Rolex released a new iteration of the legendary Rolex Milgauss that was revived back in 2007. While we didn't feel too excited about the look of this new watch during our time in Baselworld, our feelings for it had changed since then. The new Rolex Milgauss Z Blue ref. 116400GV is definitely better appreciated under natural light and one good picture is worth a thousand words. The Rolex Milgauss was originally launched in 1956 for engineers and technicians who were exposed in their work to magnetic fields which disrupt the performance of their mechanical watches. It was designed to resist strong interference of up to 1,000 gauss, hence its name. Mainly two innovations contribute to its resistance to magnetism.
Several weeks ago, we ran into a picture —posted by a well known watch collector and dealer— of what at the time was just a prototype of what we considered to be one of the most unique and interesting looking stainless steel bracelets. Today, just within a few days from its launch, the GMT Bezel Type Bracelet is the trendiest watch accessory on Instagram among watch collectors and watchlifestylers. Luckily for you guys, we have stocked our shop with them so you can get them without having to search around.
This new bracelet is made of hypoallergenic 316L grade stainless steel with a satin brushed finish and filled with enamel to evoke the vintage look of the Rolex GMT Master bezels. The bracelet is designed in a way similar to the I.D. Blood Type bracelets worn by many aviation pilots where one can bend the bracelet to go around the wrist and fit as snug and comfortably with just a slight bend.
Without a doubt, the 2014 Formula One season has been really tough for Ferrari. After eight races, the constructor with the 'Cavallino Rampante' has only gained 98 points and stands in third place right behind Red Bull Racing-Renault and Mercedes. While Fernando Alonso stands in fourth place, his teammate Kimi Räikkönen is way back in 12th place. Regardless, we wanted to bring you this rare bird, the iconic Girard-Perregaux Ferrari Chronograph ref. 8020. This watch is the result of the defunct collaboration between the manufacture and the sports auto maker between 1994 and 2004.
Nestled in between Blue Lemon and the Galerie Gmurzynska at Paradeplatz 3 —just across from the Credit Suisse headquarters in Zürich— lies one of Zürich's oldest cigar shops now displaying a huge Davidoff sign. This cozy and intimate cigar shop, is located just a few steps away from the Blancpain boutique and Türler featured in our Zürich Watch Shopping Guide here. The shop opened its doors in the 1800s and offers a wide selection of Davidoff cigars, Habanos, loose tobacco, accessories and some very fine liquors. To get to this shop, just get on the VBZ —Zürich Tram System— from the Bahnhof SBB towards the Paradeplatz and in three minutes you'll be there. Now, if you prefer to walk, just follow the Bahnhofstrasse towards the lake but we aware of the fact that you might end up not getting to the cigar shop as you will be doing some serious watch shopping on your way there.
The fully redesigned Marine Diver showcases all the qualities of a genuine diving watch, with its screw-locked crown, rotating bezel and case that is water-resistant to 300 meters.
The marine world holds no secrets from Ulysse Nardin. Having contributed to the conquest of the oceans through the development of its legendary marine chronometers, the watchmaker has now anchored its impressive know-how in the sub-aquatic depths. Fully redesigned, the popular Marine Diver is both a highly reliable diving instrument and a fine sports watch that can be worn on every occasion.
Everything about the Marine Diver evokes the marine world in which the Le Locle watchmaker is steeped, starting with Ulysse Nardin’s anchor emblem, proudly displayed at 2 o’clock. The same ornamentation can be seen on the bezel. The solid case-back reveals an engraving of a boat surrounded by the inscription: “Conquer the ocean.” This embellishes a new case designed for extreme conditions, extended by the lugs with their taut, sleek lines.
The 'Aiguille d'Or' award at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève is the greatest prize that any watch can receive. With four days left to submit their entries to participate in the 2014 GPHG —Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève—, watch brands are wrapping up the last finishing touches to their submissions which should be received at the Foundation of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève by June 23, 2014. The competition is exclusively open to watches launched after March 2013 and before November 30, 2014. The Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève was created in 2001 and the Foundation of the GPHG was officially established before a notary in Geneva on May 31st 2011. The five founding members are the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the City of Geneva, the Musée International de l’Horlogerie/International Museum of Horology in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the Geneva Laboratory of Horology and Microengineering —Timelab— and the Edipresse group.
The Omega Dynamic Chronograph ref. 5240.50.00 launched in 1997 is considered by many the third generation of failed attempts by Omega to launch a successful watch under the 'Dynamic' name. To us, the third generation of the Omega Dynamic is not a failed attempt, but a watch that brings vivid memories of our watch collecting journey in the late 90s and one of those instances where we can say 'Third Time is a Charm'.
The first Omega 'Dynamic' was created for the Prix de Ville de Genève in 1965 and launched to the public in 1968. Fitted with an elliptical shaped case was one of the first watches to be designed in a way where the timepiece would follow the silhouette of the wrist and fit like a glove. The crown was integrated into the case so that it would not disturb the flow of the watch design and fitted with a removable case ring that would allow the wearer to switch straps easily—the ring would hold the back of the strap against the watch almost like a bund style strap.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual was in reality the first waterproof self-winding watch ever produced, but not the first self-winding. Harwood produced the first self-winding watch in 1928 and the iconic Rolex Oyster Perpetual was introduced by Rolex in 1931. This interesting timepiece was only produced for a little bit over two decades and then phased out when the first Explorer prototype was launched in 1952. Rolex has always been known for having some of the most resilient timepieces in the market and the most water tight due to its design. In reality there's no other workhorse and more robust timepiece than a Rolex. Tight as a clam or an oyster shell, the water resistance in any Rolex can only be guaranteed if the gaskets are in good shape and if the screw-down crown is properly secured. This time, we are featuring a Rolex Datejust ref. 16264 Turn-o-graph fitted with an 18K white gold 'Thunderbird' bezel and powered calibre 3135 circa 1993 with water damage.
Today, we are bringing you this post from the archives to celebrate that Michael Schumacher is out of the coma following his skiing accident on December 29th, 2013. Coincidentally enough, this post was published for the first time almost a year ago. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Michael Schumacher Limited Edition is one of the most fascinating watches paying tribute to the second greatest Formula One driver that has ever lived. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Schumi' —as most people refer to it— is available in Titanium, 18K Rose Gold and Platinum. All three watches are fitted with a Cermet bezel that is just perfection. The 'Schumi' in Titanium ref. 26568IM.OO.A004CA.01 is limited to 1000 pieces, while the Rose Gold and Platinum are limited to 500 and 100 respectively.
Combining an instantly recognizable design with exceptional technology, the Aston Martin Rapide S embodies all that is great about Aston Martin, just like the Jaeger-LeCoultre AMOVX2 DBS Transponder. A watch that can be used to open or close your Aston Martin while pressing on the crystal at 9 and 3 o'clock respectively. The Aston Martin Rapide S is an automobile where power is not compromised by the level of luxury you get. The Rapide S is agile, balanced and controlled. A near perfect 48:52 front/rear weight distribution means Rapide S is unique, a true sports car with four-doors allowing four passengers to experience the power and the comfort of this unique machine.
Christie’s Important Watches auction held on June 11, 2014 in New York City, offered over 366 rare timepieces that fetched a total of $8,775,750 USD even though several lots didn't sell. This vast selection featured some of the world’s leading names including Lot 366 with a rare Patek Philippe ref. 5033 that sold for $401,000 USD inclusive of buyer's fees. Additional highlights included a extremely sought-after Rolex ‘Daytona’ ref. 6262 with pulsometer scale —Doctor's watch—, two limited edition Rolex Submariners celebrating the 'Canal de Panamá' —Panama Canal—, a Peruvian Air Force Rolex Daytona 'Paul Newman' ref. 6262, a Rolex Submariner ref. 6538 that comes from the great-grandson of the original owner, William Bumpy Graham Bell —a distant relative of Alexandre Graham Bell and prominent underwater photographer— and even an Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph "Dark Side of the Moon" that sold above its retail price amongst other very interesting timepieces.
Since today is the kick-off of the World Cup in Brazil, we decided to bring back from our archives our review of the Hublot Big Bang Unico Bi-Retrograde Chronograph. This exceptional watch is a different type of chronograph. It is fitted with a different type of display. It's a watch specially designed for the world of soccer —fútbol. It's the Official Watch of this year's FIFA World Cup in Brazil. It's also the first Big Bang Unico Bi-Retrograde Chrono. It's a first for Hublot, who has never before produced a bi-retrograde function, along with a central chrono, a movement with patent pending. The engineers and watchmakers at Hublot were initially inspired to develop a watch movement specifically for the world of soccer —fútbol—, to pay homage to the prestigious 2014 FIFA World Cup for which Hublot is the Official timekeeper and the Official Watch.
In 1997 Patek Philippe moved all its production facilities under one roof into a new building in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. The inauguration of the workshops in 1997 was celebrated with a collection of new limited edition “Pagoda” watches. The Pagoda ref. 5500 was produced in a limited edition of 1,100 pieces in 18K yellow gold —gold dial—, 500 in 18K rose gold —silvered dial—, 250 in 18K white gold —salmon dial—, and 150 in platinum —black dial. These four fascinating watches are fitted with a very unique rectangular case with its case band shaped like a 'Pagoda' —when seen from the side— and dials featuring Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock.
Yesterday we told you everything about our VIP collectors weekend in Las Vegas with Omega here. Today, as discussed in our previous post, we are featuring the adrenaline boosting helicopter ride we took into the Grand Canyon. Riding in a helicopter is definitely one of those things that every watchlifestyler should do at least one in their lifetime. A helicopter ride from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon takes approximately 45-50 minutes of flying time —each way— and the scenery is definitely worth overcoming your fears.
They say that "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", well maybe not this time. Few times experiences like this get shared by collectors or the press online. Last weekend we had the honor to be part of a very exclusive group of VIP watch collectors that were treated to an exhilarating weekend in Las Vegas, all courtesy of our friends from Omega. The fascinating weekend at The Bellagio Hotel, not only included a VIP Penthouse loaded with almost every single reference across the different Omega collections but also with all the novelties presented at Baselworld earlier this year.
