New Alpinist models from Seiko in August

Introduced in 1961, the Alpinist line has been Seiko's product for upscale outdoorsmen. Designed for the 'Yamatoko' or 'mountain man,' these are watches for those who hike and climb mountains. Over the years, Seiko has introduced both mechanical and quartz versions, many with compass bezels and usually waterproof to an unusual 200m (660ft). Via, news now that they've been redesigned (as per the PR still on the right), with three new models set to drop in late July for the Japanes domestic market. The case shape has changed considerably, and the crown is now at the 4 o'clock position, and from these pictures it appears that they're using a variant of the classic SKX-series divers' watch case.

The Bremont Watches

It wasn’t until they unveiled the Bremont Submarine 500 wrist watch on January 23rd 2009. Before that time, there was only slight coverage on this relatively new watch brand from the U.K. The brothers Nick and Giles English are responsible for this brand and its watches, which are being produced in Switzerland. All watches are hand-made and the production is limited. The brothers English are a huge fan of classic/historic aircrafts and this translates in to the heavily tested (in the field), certified chronometer watches. Their watches need to be on par with aviation standards. As you can see below, the Bremont logo carries the propeller of an aircraft.From what I understand, they put a lot of effort in the hardness of their stainless steel watch cases (up to 2000 vickers). All Bremont watches have this Trip-Tick (registered trademark by Bremont) construction, this means that the watch case consists of three parts. A central body section for which several different metals can be used (e.g titanium) to alter the watch’s weight, a hardened stainless steel bezel with sapphire crystal and a sapphire crystal case back. You can find the diagram on this Trip-Tick system on the official Bremont website.

A. Lange & Söhne Adapts to Changing Time

At the 2009 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (”SIHH”), an event similar to Baselworld but with a much smaller group of brands (and primarily those of the Richemont Group), A. Lange & Söhne introduced a new version for its Lange 1 Time Zone collection.

This new variation on the Lange 1 Time Zone features a slate grey dial with a new world time ring that now includes Santiago de Chile, in place of Caracas, Venezuela. Among other reasons, this change of cities was made because Venezuela (in an odd attempt by Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez to achieve “a more fair distribution of the sunrise“) changed its time zone from Atlantic Standard Time (UTC-4) to (UTC-4:30) - which as a result makes the city of Caracas not well compatible with the watch function .
The Lange 1 Time Zone measures 41.9 mm in diameter, is powered by a manually-wound Lange L031.1 caliber in-house movement with a 72 hour power reserve. The slate color of the dial really is a bit darker than usual, but it seems to highlight nicely the 18K pink gold hands and provides for a nice contrast.

Anyway, here is a nice video from A. Lange which gives a bit of history on the origin of the World time zone system as well as a closer look at the Lange 1 Time Zone - enjoy!

Each year Franck Muller presents a super-complication at the World Presentation of Haute Horlogerie (WPHH) held at a chateau in Genthod, located on th

Each year Franck Muller presents a super-complication at the World Presentation of Haute Horlogerie (WPHH) held at a chateau in Genthod, located on the outskirts of Geneva. In 2006 Franck Muller amazed watch experts and collectors from around the world with the unveiling of its "everlasting timepiece" the Aeternitas, a watch that would run 1000 years without correction. This year brings 4 new versions of the Aeternitas Mega which for the first time include a Grande and Petite Sonnerie (Grande-strike) Minute Repeater, Westminster Carillon.

One may ask, why would we care if our watch has a 1000 year calendar? But this is no small accomplishment, and its one that has been appreciated by enthusiasts of complicated movements. The eternal calendar, not to be confused with the traditional perpetual calendar, follows a cycle of 1,000 years thanks to two additional sets of wheels. Franck Muller's eternal calendar is different from any traditional perpetual calendar because it takes into account the rule governing the Gregorian calendar stating that all century years not divisible by 400 are common years and not leap years.

The Aeternitas Mega 1 has the addition of a Grande and Petite Sonnerie Minute Repeater, Westminster Carillon. The movement is equipped with a double barrel which work to guarantee a power reserve of 4 days and provide energy for the Sonnerie. The Grande Sonnerie (Grand-strike) strikes the hours and the quarters automatically that chimes the same notes as the clock tower of the Westminster cathedral. The Petite Sonnerie only strikes the hours and the quarters.

The Aeternitas Mega 2 incorporates a Split-seconds Chronograph with a 30-minutes counter placed at 3 o’clock and an hour counter placed in a retrograde sector. While the Aeternitas Mega 3 has an eternal calendar module placed on the dial side which indicates the day, the date, the month and the moon phases and requires no manual intervention. The grand finale, the Aeternitas Mega 4, incorporates all the aforementioned complications from first three versions into one stunning watch.

The RM 019 Celtic Knot Tourbillon Watch

After finally giving in to the numerous requests to create a tourbillon watch for women, Richard Mille has unveiled the Celtic Knot Tourbillon Watch. This stunning timepiece is quickly becoming the envy of the male fans of the Richrd Mille brand, who are now requesting a celtic knot version of their own. The watch gets its name from the striking diamond studded Celtic Knot which intwines itself through the various parts of the movement. The baseplate of the RM 019 is produced in Black Onyx which is believed to be able to deflect and channel harmful energy towards the Earth which provides stability. The tourbillon endstone bridge on the onyx baseplate side is also engraved with a Celtic triquetra knot.
The RM 019 movement features a newly developed power reserve indicator with a differential gearing system which is directly connected to the winding barrel. The red line etched on its surface and the direct turning of the power reserve barrel allows the wearer to easily note if the watch needs to be wound. The Celtic Knot Tourbillon is available with a tonneau-shaped case produced in 18 carat rose and White gold. Each is finished with a specially sculpted Alcryn collared crown.

Ap Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Black Rubber

Brand New Fully functional working and able to adjust Fully functional chronograph dials Unique design. 3 chronos, fully functioning stop watch, separate window shows date. Perfect weight,and high end Japanese Quartz Chronograph Movement High grade silver stainless steel(will NEVER fade or wear) High guality genuine Rubber strap Detailed logo,serial/model number engraved on the bank Strong sapphire crystal glass/scratch proof All appropriate markings,wordings and engravings Weights/feels and looks exactly same as original

Masterpiece Datejust Black Dial Roman

Swiss 25 Jewel ETA automatic movement (same movement that is used in genuine Rolex Tudor Submariners).Serial number (accurate) and model number engraved between the lugs.Hack mechanism (second hand stops when crown is pulled out to set the time standard feature on all genuine Rolexes).Genuine sapphire crystal.Triple wrapped 18k solid yellow gold - the highest grade available on the market.Laser etched Rolex Logo on sapphire crystal at 6 o'clock position.Band is linked by threaded screws, not pins.Solid back with green Rolex holographic sticker and model number.Solid screw-down back removable by genuine Rolex tool.Oyster style bracelet, with trademark President hiding clasp .Laser printed dial.LARGE 2.5X Cyclops Date Magnification, as per the ORIGINAL President .Smooth, polished bezel .One-piece solid screw down crown with Rolex engraving, trip-lock.

Datejust Jubilee Black Dial Diamond Hour

Swiss 25 Jewel ETA automatic movement (same movement that is used in genuine Rolex Tudor Submariners).Serial number (accurate) and model number engraved between the lugs.Hack mechanism (second hand stops when crown is pulled out to set the time standard feature on all genuine Rolexes).Genuine sapphire crystal.Full solid stainless steel .Laser etched Rolex Logo on sapphire crystal at 6 o'clock position.Band is linked by threaded screws, not pins.Solid back with green Rolex holographic sticker and model number.Solid screw-down back removable by genuine Rolex tool.Jubilee style bracelet.Laser printed dial.LARGE 2.5X Cyclops Date Magnification, as per the ORIGINAL Datejust .Fluted bezel .One-piece solid screw down crown with Rolex engraving, trip-lock.

Corum Bubble

I thought i’d have a chat about a fun watch and if you ask me the Corum Bubble is exactly that. Some may say it’s a practical come casual watch where as for me with it’s large face and over sized numbering just screams fun. There is that elegant nature consisting of a polished stainless steel 45mm case with black leather strap and a black dial, but then there is the luminous hands and hour markers. A touch of fun with a serious side if you will.

The crystal is in a dome shap and is 11mm thick at the center (sapphire crystal).  The date indicator is at the 6 mark and water resistance to 200M.

Black turning Brown

Today, I received some more examples of Rolex (Submariner) watches that have gone brown

Omega 8500

Omega proudly presents their latest in house movement, Omega caliber 8500. It features a 60 hour power reserve, bi-directional winding, the co-axial escapement and will be COSC (Chronometer certified) ofcourse! The new Omega De Ville will be the first watch with this movement.

Omega proudly presents their latest in house movement, Omega caliber 8500. It features a 60 hour power reserve, bi-directional winding, the co-axial escapement and will be COSC (Chronometer certified) ofcourse! The new Omega De Ville will be the first watch with this movement.

Today I spoke with my watch friend, and also watch maker, Gerton. He told me about this Girard-Perregaux Chronograph watch he has for sale, with an Excelsior Park 4 movement. When I googled on this watch, one of the results was this ‘In Memory of Time’ website. A great website by this Japanese collector (TRS) who has a number of great (vintage) time pieces. Among them, the Girard-Perregaux Chronograph with Excelsior Park movement.
His site is really worth checking out. His collection also sports this great Ulysse Nardin Rattrapante Chronograph with Venus 179 movement. A watch produced in 1991 with a NOS 1960s movement by Venus.

IWC’s latest target audience

Just recently, an interesting thread at one of the Dutch watch forums regarding IWC was started. In short, the topic starter of the thread wrote that IWC was the new watch for the rich. Perhaps a bit exaggerated, but I drew that same conclusion a while ago as well. I define it as follows: IWC is the new Rolex. Rolex used to be, and perhaps still is, a watch that stood for a successful career, life and wealth. At least, that is the image that it is stuck with. For collectors and watch aficionados, this brand has another meaning, but you probably already knew that. Otherwise you wouldn’t be visiting this web site. Anyway, IWC Schaffhausen seems to be on a mission. With their new range of advertisements, published in a broad scope of light reading material, they seem to target at successful young businessman. At least people that are not per definition watch enthusiasts. There is nothing wrong with that, especially not from a seller’s perspective. However, I see this trend going on which has ruined, and still does, the image of Rolex for many watch enthusiasts. I fear that the same thing will happen to IWC. Rolex was never a brand that started out to be for the watch enthusiast, so that might prohibit this trend from progressing to a worse level for IWC. This trend is that people who are the former Rolex buyers for all the, in the eyes of collectors, wrong reasons, now start buying IWC watches. An IWC watch has a more sophisticated image and seems to be a more justified time piece to be seen with at work and social events. Personally, I am more impressed by the finish of a Rolex watch and the finish of its mechanical movement than I am with IWC watches in the same price range (<5K Euro).

King of the Sea

Who is King of the Sea? The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean which is preferred by Mr Bond or the Rolex Sea-Dweller which is part of the standard diving equipment of the famous Comex divers? John Holbrook wrote a comparative review on his website. Two professional divers, one with decades of experience and the other one by a brand with decades of waterresistant watches which resulted in the new Seamaster (Planet Ocean).

Personally, I think it is nice to see how they hold up to each other, but most readers are biased before they even start to read and the out come probably does not affect their original point of view. Anyway, this review is well written and contains great pictures of both giants. So, who is King of the Sea?

Rolex of H.R.H. Prince Bernhard for auction

Prince Bernhard (1911-2004), member of the Dutch Royal Family, was an avid Rolex wearer. Dutch magazine Quote published an article in their March edition about the auction of this particular Rolex Date. Christie’s in Amsterdam will auction this Rolex Date on the 3rd of April 2007. Maarten van Gijn, Public Relations & Marketing of Christie’s, mailed me the picture below and stated that I could use it for this blog. I am curious why the Royal Family is auctioning this watch, in my opinion it should be on one of the wrists of his grand childeren. Anyway, according to Quote Magazine, it will fetch around 3000 Euro.

Ryser Watches

After having worked for the Cantonales Technikum institute and at Rado Watches, Ryser Kentfield moved to the USA to start his Swiss Timepieces store in 1990. He tried his own brand at the JCK Show in Las Vegas, but as he says in an interview with Keith W. Strandberg it very difficult because people want a known brand name. Ryser Kentfield now tries to get retailers world wide, to sell his watches and to get a bit of attention for his brand name. He makes and sells 700 watches a year, but predicts it will be somewhere between 1000 and 2000 pieces in 2007. His watches start at 1100 USD and use an ETA 2824-2 self-winding movement. Feature background information on his brand, online collection of watches and a list of retailers. His watches are available in stainless steel, 10micro rose gold plating or yellow gold with PVD coating. I have one tip for mr Kentfield there… get rid of the 10micro rose gold plating and yellow gold with PVD coating.. Those types of inferior finish of materials gives a brand a bad rep. Anyway, all the luck to Ryser Kentfield and his line of watches!