[ via Wyler Genève ]

Wyler Genève has been turning out some really nice chronographs lately. This one is definitely no exception. Ceramic + Carbon fiber + DLC (diamond like carbon) combine to make this watch not only rugged, but beautiful as well, what a fantastic watch. Wyler watches start at $10,000, but expect to pay more for the this one. MORE PICS

PRESS RELEASE:

WYLER GENÈVE GETS REAL WITH A NEW CERAMIC CHRONOGRAPH

Las Vegas, 30th May 2008 – The shock-resistant Wyler Genève chronograph got a whole lot tougher today with the launch of a new model in black ceramic. At the Palms Hotel’s exclusive G-Suite, photographer and film-maker Francesco Carrozzini unveiled an exhibition of his photographs of El Camino Real, the legendary West-coast route for which the new watch is named.

Read "MOST WANTED: Wyler Genève El Camino Real in Black Ceramic" »

Posted by JP at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[ via Vacheron Constanin ]

Vacheron Constantin recently released the Overseas Special Edition US watch. It has a black oxidized dial with red accents. The watch is limited to 100 editions and is for the US market only. It comes with two straps: an black alligator strap and a black rubber strap, which marks the first time VC has used a rubber strap. Rubber straps have become very popular in recent years due to their sportiness and comfort.

Price $18,900

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[ via GearPatrol ]

Anytime I meet someone that is really into watches, I ask them a lot of questions. So once I found out the Editor of GearPatrol.com, Eric Yang, liked high-end watches I had to ask for an interview. Eric took my request one step further by taking some fantastic pictures of his watches, an Officine Panerai Luminor Marina and a vintage Omega.

Q&A

What made you interested in Panerai?

A few years ago when I was interested in upgrading my timepiece I
wanted to purchase a brand that was respected amongst those that appreciated
fine timepieces. Officine Panerai was a brand I had long come to
respect from the sidelines. It was a brand who's craftsmanship and truth to
it's own legacy transcended itself. The fact that they tend to be around
44mm in size didn't hurt either since my wrists are slightly larger in
diameter. From there, it was only a matter of choosing a model.

How many watches do you own?

I own a vintage Omega Automatic gold watch I had shipped to Switzerland
to have restored from the ground up. The gold bracelet has been
replaced with an Italian alligator strap. It's especially meaningful to me as
it was the watch my mother gave to my father when the were married
nearly 30 years ago. This is for special occasions and those days I am in suits. My daily wear is an Officine Panerai Luminor Marina PAM00111 (#600/3500). I have a StrapCulture Legend HM leather strap that I alternate alongside the original rubber diving strap. Its exposition back is stunning and I find something very soothing about manually winding the unit every day, even though it doesn't need to be. I also own an EOS Zephyr watch. Its got a great casual and urban ruggedness about it.

What kind of cars do you like?

Read "Interview with the Editor of Gear Patrol" »

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[ via TAG Heuer ]

The TAG Heuer Grand Carrera Calibre 36 RS Caliper Concept is quite an impressive concept. Featuring a world first, the Grand Carrera Calibre 36 RS is the only automatic chronograph capable of measuring and displaying 1/10ths of a second. A COSC-certified movement oscillates at a ultra high 36,000 vibrations per hour (vph), allowing the watch to measure 1/10th second intervals.

The Calibre 36 RS is housed in a 43 mm in diameter case which has a black titanium carbide coating. There are "black gold" accents all over the dial of the watch including the indexes, TAG Heuer logo and the hands. The two rotating systems indicating the chronograph minutes at 3 o’clock and the chronograph hours at 6 o’clock systems also use black gold. The watch also features a Linear seconds display a 9 o'clock.

Another innovative design element is the way the watch displays the information. TAG Heuer developed an exclusive Rotating scale that permits precise reading of 1/10th of a second, just watch the video, and you will see what I am talking about.

This concept watch is so exclusive that the design is featured on the dashboard of the limited edition Ken Okuyama designed K.O.7 sportscar, that was on display at the TAG booth this year at Baselworld. After seeing Ken's new design in person at Basel I was not surprised to read that he is the one who designed the famous Ferrari Enzo.

To add to the sporty automotive inspired design of the watch they added a caliper to the dial, which connects to the hour and minute counters at 3 and 6 o'clock. They even perforated the strap, to add to the sporty design.

The racing inspired "black gold" accented, ultra high precision 36,000 VPH COSC-certified 1/10th second chronograph, is by far one of the best looking TAG Heuer watches I've seen.

Read "Grand Carrera Calibre 36 RS Caliper Concept by TAG Heuer" »

Posted by JP at 9:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

[ via SwissTime ]

PRESS RELEASE:

Inspired by the frantic pace of modern living, GrandCliff Countdown is an invitation to action. While its design clearly evokes sport, Pierre Deroche based its development on an overriding principle: usefulness first. Its countdown function, adaptable to all kinds of situations occurring in sports or daily life, is bound to appeal to a universal audience. From football fans to molecular cuisine enthusiasts or devotees of competitive sailing, this timepiece is on its way to becoming a must-have companion for all those who pursue time… and intend to at least tame it, if not actually catch up with it.

Movement
self-winding, Dubois Dépraz calibre, cut-out and engraved oscillating weight, certified-chronometer.

Functions
hours, minutes, seconds, medium date, day/night indicator
chronograph with flyback and countdown functions

Case
polished and satin-brushed 316L stainless steel, “double-sealed” push-buttons and screwlocked crown, sapphire crystal glareproofed glass and case-back, water-resistant to 100 metres.

Dial
black, steel hands.

Bracelet/Strap
crocodile leather or rubber strap with
folding clasp in 316L steel.

Price Range
$10,000-$19,999 (depending on version)

Posted by JP at 3:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

PRESS RELEASE:

Exciting new Swiss watch brand Rebellion Timepieces makes its debut at Baselworld 2008 with a spectacularset of five calibres, including world premiere GMT Jumping Hour. Crafted in small quantities, Rebellion's bespoke, precision-engineered cases and movements offer cutting-edge style to a select few. The five Rebellion calibres to be unveiled are a manual wind with power reserve; a cam-lever chronograph; a column wheel chronograph; world premiere GMT Jumping Hour; and a stunning all-new tourbillon. In presenting five new calibres at Baselworld 2008, Rebellion Timepieces is making a clear statement of its long-term ambition, not to mention its extraordinary technical capability.
For any inquiries, contact Gianluca Cipolat Mis, pr@rebellion-timepieces.com

Read "Rebellion GMT Jumping Hour" »

Posted by JP at 9:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[ via Bell & Ross ]

The Bell & Ross Grand Minuteur (black) and the Bell & Ross Instrument Minuteur Tourbillon (gold) are the newest additions to the BR line. Both watches utilize the BR XXL 44mm x 50 mm diameter case. Both watch models share the same anti-reflective sapphire crystal (front and back), offer the same rubber or alligator strap and are water-resistant to 100m.

Hit the jump to see six more pics and the full specs.

Read "BR INSTRUMENT Grand Minuteur and Minuteur Tourbillon" »

Posted by JP at 9:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[ via IWC ]

PRESS RELEASE: IWC Ingenieur Automatic Edition "Climate Action"

A carbon-neutral watch, made for a cause that benefits everyone - this is the IWC Ingenieur Automatic Edition "Climate Action". It is the symbol of a world that can be saved. Provided many people pull their weight. The campaign by environmentally aware management also helps. And IWC plays its part.

Can we save the world with a watch? Perhaps. For the fight against global warming begins within - in the minds of as many people as possible. And the Ingenieur Automatic Edition "Climate Action" is a positive indication that more and more of us are doing something for the love of our planet. IWC, for example, is doing something as a carbon-neutral certified enterprise. The Schaffhausen manufactory is supporting The Climate Group, an independent nonprofit organization founded in 2004, with the Ingenieur Automatic Edition "Climate Action". Part of the proceeds from sales will be channeled into projects of this internationally active organization, which works with governments and business leaders around the world with a view to the rapid establishment of a low-carbon economy.

Read "IWC Ingenieur Climate Action" »

Posted by JP at 11:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[ via Chopard ]

Chopard debuted their new Mille Migilia line at Baselworld in April 2008. The model (pictured above) is the limited edition Mille Migilia GT XL Chrono Speed Black, which has a Mille Migilia emblem on the dial at 3 o'clock. The case is 44 mm in diameter and is made of DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coated steel, for a finish that is not only beautiful, but ultra scratch resistant as well. The bezel is engraved with a tachometer scale, which is typical of racing chronos, and allows you to calculate average lap times.

Interestingly Chopard used a curved sapphire crystal with the white numbers "12" and "6" stenciled over the the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions on the actual crystal. This is not something you see on a lot of watches, but I think it looks great.

The hour markers and hands are coated with Superluminova for excellent night time visibility.

The movement is a Valijoux 7750 automatic mechanical movement. Each watch has been certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres (COSC) and are therefore certified chronometers.

As a tribute to the legendary Mille Migilia race the strap is crafted of natural rubber with a classic 1960 Dunlop racing tire tread. Only 1000 Limited Edition versions of this wristwatch were created and they cost around $8,500, if you can find one.

Posted by JP at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

[ via Audemars Piguet ]

Audemars Piguet recently released a new version of the Royal Oak Offshore in honor of Rubens Barrichello. The picture shown is the only edition of this watch, because it is a one of a kind.

Press Release:

The unique design draws on the world of motor racing to create a subtle blend of F1 finesse and fine watchmaking, featuring a bezel adorned with eight screws reminiscent of engine screws, a bezel joint in the image of a ventilated disc brake, strap attachments in the shape of pedals, a crown akin to a gear cog and pushpieces in the form of an air extractor. The exclusive watch also boasts a pink-gold case, boldly blended with titanium studs, pushpieces and crown protector. The watch back carries the inscription “R. Barrichello – 257 – New Grand Prix Record”, showing the Rubens Barrichello logo and name of the timepiece.

Read "Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Barrichello by AUDEMARS PIGUET" »

Posted by JP at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[ via Concord ]

I met with Noel and Alex from Concord during Baselworld to review the entire lineup. The Concord C1 Tourbillon was the last watch they brought out, which is quite impressive. It is very big and distinctive like all of the new C1 models. The tourbillon is of course their flagship with many innovations including the most notable, the tourbillon that is on the side of the case. Noel said that during Baselworld they had 25 of these pieces available to order for $320,000. With a few days left in the show they had already sold out all 25 watches, with backorders for 50 more.

PRESS RELEASE

The C1 Tourbillon Gravity is astounding in more than one way. A single glance is enough to identify it as a free spirit in the universe of Haute Horlogerie. A Tourbillon disconnected from the case, an unusual seconds indication, a flyback chronograph, a trust index display: this whole range of specific features symbolize the audacity of a brand that reinvented itself just one year ago.

Hit the jump for two more pics and the full press release.

Read "C1 Tourbillon Gravity by CONCORD" »

Posted by JP at 10:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[ via Officine Panerai ]

Here is one of the new Ferrari watches that I promised. Hit the jump for the rest of the Panerai and Ferrari lineup. All six watches debuted at the SIHH 2008 show in Geneva last month.

Thanks Chalin!

Read "MORE PICS: Officine Panerai and Ferrari from SIHH 2008" »

Posted by JP at 7:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[ via Panerai ]

The PAM 292 aka Panerai Radimoir Black Seal Ceramic is one of the hottest watches from one of the most coveted watch brands. It was introduced last year, yet I still read blogs and forums where readers say they want one or they are so happy theirs just arrived. I do not know what it is about Panerai, maybe it is there association with Ferrari or maybe just their good looks, but regardless of the reason it is hard not to like Panerai. Panerai produced 1000 of these watches and of course all of them sold out immediately. The list price was between $6,200-$8,500, but I have heard of people who have paid much more to acquire one. Personally this is on my most wanted list and I hope they make more in the future.

I will feature images of Officine Panerai's new watches from SIHH 2008 later this week.

Hit the jump for one more image and a link to a good Panerai Forum/Gallery article.

Read "MOST WANTED: Officine Panerai 292 Radiomir Black Seal Ceramic" »

Posted by JP at 12:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[ via Audemars Piguet ]

Here are a few shots of the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Carbon Concept Tourbillon. I have always liked the Royal Oak models from Audemars and this concept is my favorite one so far. It looks a lot like the TB Buti Carbon concept watch that was featured at Baselworld. Unlike the TB Buti the Audemars has a ceramic bezel and a tourbillon movement. Expect to pay much more for the Audemars name and the tourbillon movement. Both watches have high-tech movements and use a lot of carbon, but the prices should be very different.

The Audemars Carbon watch is ultra-lightweight and may become the first watch to feature a carbon case and movement. I am not sure if the TB Buti will feature a carbon movement, but the all carbon case is still very impressive. Audemars utilizes a pure carbon 384 part Calibre 2895 tourbillon chronograph movement. The bezel is ceramic, the crown features AP intials and the ring surrounding the caseback is secured by eight screws made of PVD blackened titanium.

Read "Royal Oak Offshore Carbon Concept Tourbillon by AUDEMARS PIGUET" »

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[ via HD3 Complication ]

After attending the Baselworld show this year we headed to Geneva to visit HD3 Complication. Instead of exhibiting at the SIHH or Baselworld shows, HD3 decided to have a private show aboard a boat on Lake Geneva. The SIHH show was about a block away.

The watch that really attracted me to HD3 originally was the Capture. This year they introduced the Capture 2, which was designed by Valerie Ursenbacher, who is one of the three designers at HD3 Complication. This watch comes in three versions; white gold with black PVD accents, rose gold with black PVD accents and titanium with white gold accents. All three versions are limited to 11 pieces and come with a natural rubber or leather strap. The one (pictured above) and after the jump is the titanium and white gold version with the natural rubber strap. It costs $250,000 and was not sold out at the beginning of the show, but I am sure all 33 pieces were sold out by the final day.

Read "PW EXCLUSIVE: Capture 2 by HD3 Complication" »

Posted by JP at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

[ via Mercedes-Benz ]

PRESS RELEASE

Limited edition model offered in cooperation with IWC Schaffhausen: SL 63 AMG Edition IWC: Exclusive AMG Roadster with Choice Interior Appointments and Compelling Technological Features

The AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO has developed a new limited edition vehicle, the exclusive SL 63 AMG Edition IWC. Limited to a total of 200 units, the new roadster features an eye-catching designo magno Kashmir white finish as well as an AMG Exterior Carbon package with a matte surface. In keeping with the exterior appearance, the vehicle's interior is fitted with Carbon matte trim as well as Tobago Brown nappa leather upholstery that creates additional visual and tactile highlights. In addition, the vehicle features the AMG Performance package to ensure unparalleled handling. All SL 63 AMG Edition IWC vehicles will be delivered to customers along with an exquisite "Grosser Ingenieur" (Great Engineer) watch from the renowned Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen.

The SL 63 AMG Edition IWC will be the first vehicle to be offered with the all-new designo magno Kashmir white finish. An interesting contrast to this color is formed by the components with a Carbon matte finish: the trailing edge , the diffusor insert in the lower back panel, and the side air vents on the front apron. In stylistic sync with these components is the Carbon matte trim on the center console and the interior door panels.

Hit the jump to read the rest of the Press Release and for two more pics.

Read "IWC SL 63 AMG Mercedes Edition" »

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[ via Ball ]

Guillaume Nery is a three-time free dive world record holder and brand ambassador to Ball Watch Company. He makes dives without assistance or equipment on a regular basis to depths of 100 meters (330 feet). This is not only hard to do, it is hard to see while doing it. The ambient light is about 1% of surface light at these depths. This is where the 53 micro gas tubes (tritium) come in very handy and why he uses the EMII Diver GMT watch. The watch has a rotating inner bezel the utilizes 41 of the gas tubes with the remaining 12 being placed on the hands and dial. This illumination setup is very beneficial and allows divers to see their watch at any depth.

Read "Engineer Master II Diver GMT Black by BALL" »

Posted by JP at 1:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

HD3 Complication watch designer Fabrice Gonet created this revolutionary bi-axial tourbillon as a concept and it was so popular that they decided to sell it. Even at a price of $400,000 all 11 limited edition watches were sold out quickly. It is made of titanium and platinum and is is water resistant to 50m with an 80 hour power reserve. The coolest feature is the bi-axial tourbillon which rotates in 1 minute increments on the 1st axis and 30 seconds on the 2nd axis. Watch the video to see the tourbillon in action. Original image gallery coming soon.

Posted by JP at 7:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

TB Buti is an Italian watchmaker that produces some very nice looking timepieces. The one pictured above is a 48 mm concept watch made of pure carbon. These are exclusive images taken from Baselworld earlier this month. TB Buti has not released any info on pricing or availabilty yet. Audemars has released a few carbon watch models, but this one should cost substantially less.

Posted by JP at 1:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

[ via SwissTime ]

After a successful Baselworld debut the Meccanico by De Grisogono may be one of the most wanted watches available. Unfortunately it is not even available as all 177 are already sold out. I did not get a chance to find out the price, but well over $300,000 is a good guess.

This watch is not only eye candy, it also the world's first mechanical digital wristwatch. It was created using 651 elements and features two time zones, one is traditional analog, the other is a mechanical digital display. This is a hand-wound DG 042 movement, exclusive to De Grisogono. It has a 35-hour power reserve and makes 28,800 vibrations per hour. The analog hours and minutes display is in on the upper part of the dial and the mechanical digital display of a second time zone is on the lower part of the dial. It comes in titanium, titanium and rubber, titanium and platinum, 18k pink gold and titanium and 18k pink gold. My personal favorite is the titanium and rubber (pictured above), although I am sure there will be many desirable variations available in the future.

Good work DG!

One more pic after the jump.

Read "MOST WANTED: De Grisogono Meccanico" »

Posted by JP at 2:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (1)

Here is another Concord C1 version that will be at Baselworld 2008. Concord has really stepped up lately and I cannot wait to see the C1 line in Basel. Click here for a few more with diamonds.

Posted by JP at 1:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[ via Maurice Lacroix ]

Here is the latest shot of the new Memoire 1. This is the first mechanical watch in the world to feature a memory function. The memory function by itself makes this a very appealing and unique watch, however the design looks a bit clunky. Regardless of looks, or even the price, this limited edition watch will sell.

Posted by JP at 8:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

[ via Perrelet ]

I am really impressed with the Perrelet Double Rotor Titanium P-181 watch and the entire Perrelet titanium watch collection. This one has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with 6 layers of non-reflective treatment on both sides. The 43.5 mm wide and 13.6 mm tall case is made of solid titanium. Titanium is almost twice as strong as steel all while being about half the weight. Titanium is also anti-allegric and very resistant to corrision. Perrelet used a natural rubber strap which is actually organic. Like titanium, natural rubber is extremely biocompatible and anti-allergic. They finished it all off with a solid titanium folding clasp. The use of carbon fiber accents on the dial and the exhibition caseback were two extra nice touches that add further appeal. If my conversion is correct you can find the Perrelet Double Rotor Titanium wristwatch here for $6999.

Read "Double Rotor Titanium Calibre P-181 by PERRELET" »

Posted by JP at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here is a video of the TAG Heuer Calibre 360 Concept watch.

Posted by JP at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Check out the new Master Compressor Diving GMT by Jaeger-LeCoultre. This watch is not only a GMT, it can also resist depths of 1000m. The case is made of a satin-brushed grade 5 titanium and is 44 mm in diameter. On top of having a second time zone displayed in a 24-hour subdial at 9 o'clock, this watch has a luminescent movement operating indicator in the lower part if the dial in the shape of an elongated rectangle.

Posted by JP at 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

{ via The Watch Quote ]

Here is the Black PVD Coated Titanium Worldtimer made by Eterna for Porsche Design. The latest timepiece from Porsche Design displays the time in two different time zones simultaneously. An additional crown with an integrated button makes the world time settings easy to change. This Porsche beauty is 45mm in diameter and a whopping 16.8mm thick.

Posted by JP at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Europastar

Finally a quality watch company has tapped into the camouflage trend, and I love it.

The classic pilot watch from the AS1500 series is now for sale in a black version and as a „limited edition“, in a camouflage battledress style. These watches come with a beige or green face and, in addition to the usual titanium and silicone bracelet, with a fabric strap in the matching colour.

Posted by JP at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

[ via Alpina ]

This is an Alpina Startimer Chronograph produced by the recently revived Alpina manufacture. This Swiss watchmaker creates a very nice range of watches.

Posted by at 1:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)