hr: Watches

Fine Watches and unique Timepieces

Archive for August, 2008

Perrelet’s Diamond Flower Collection

Posted by Dennis Ramillo on 28th August 2008

Among watch connoisseurs, Perrelet is a name associated with automatic movement. After all, Abraham Louis Perrelet invented the first watch capable of winding itself eliminating the constant need to wind it.

With the new Diamond Flower Collection, however, a new association could be made; that of jewelry wristwatches. The collection offers timepieces of exquisite beauty, transcending the realm of mechanical genius, enveloping the land of aesthetics, of intricate designs and inspiring work of arts. What Perrelet have is a watch that is more than just a watch, more than a very remarkable watch, but jewelry in the form of a watch.

It’s not just a simple fusion, mind, but a functioning one. The jewelry is not only there to provide beauty. It is a part of the mechanical movement, a part of the miniature architecture that powers the watch. The eye-catching diamond flower on the face of the dial moves when the wearer moves, and the minute energy produced by its movements are stored to be utilized as an added power source for the automatic movement.

This makes watches from Perrelet’s Diamond Flower Collection truly remarkable. They’re not just ordinary jewelries, not just ordinary watches, they are both. For the modern woman, this is a perfect piece to showcase their active lifestyle, a lifestyle that has changed a lot from the traditional ways of the past. It’s a perfect fit: a watch that is more than a traditional timepiece for a woman modern and sophisticated in her ways. This timepiece is jewelry, a watch, a highlight, a compliment, and best of all, a work of art.

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Freelancer Date Chronograph - Raymond Weil

Posted by Dennis Ramillo on 27th August 2008

The first thing that most people notice about the Raymond Weil Freelancer Date Chronograph wristwatch is the black dial and how space is shared by the seconds, minutes, and hours functions, plus the chronograph and date.

There’s a hint of something urban in the design, probably because of the dial’s color. This works quite well; it gives this watch a touch of modernity and of mystery. The black dial also balances the sophistication portrayed by the different functions on the dial’s face, providing the simplicity that this watch needs. Sophistication can be overwhelming sometimes, but never with this watch. It manages to be simple, yet interesting; sober, yet wild and entertaining.

Kudos to the designers for pulling this one off, this is one interesting watch that has its own character, its own style, unique in a way but still remarkably familiar. While many may see this characteristic as this watch’s primary appeal, some might also attribute its enchanting magnetism to its very sturdy look and feel. Why not? It’s a macho watch that is perfect for macho men; macho outside or macho inside, take your pick. The Freelancer Date Chronograph will enhance a strong personality, and it will echo the strength – in mind and body – of its wearer.

This watch has a circular-grained oscillating weight and mechanical self-winding movement with 46-hour power-reserve and 28 800 vibrations per hour. Control of the chronograph is provided by the dials at 2 and 4 o’clock. The button at 2 can start or stop it, while the one at the 4 can reset it back to zero.

There’s a choice of either a steel bracelet or a dark brown leather strap. Both work well. While the dark leather strap can, and will, enhance the daring and simplicity of the piece, the steel one will bolster its macho image, giving it a bit more strength and hardiness.

A well-designed watch inside and out, the Raymond Weil Freelancer Date Chronograph packs a whole lot of personality, and endearing charm.

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HERMES - Cape Cod H1 “Grand Hours”

Posted by Dennis Ramillo on 26th August 2008

According to other watches, time is regular. It moves at a steady pace, never faster, never slower, and is controlled by no one. It is precise in its regularity, constantly moving at a set pace no matter how hard we wish it to slow down or speed up.

But time, as we know it, isn’t as regular as it is. Sometimes it seems to move so fast, too fast that we hardly have enough of it. Then there are moments that it slows down to a crawl and we were left watching its slow progress, teasing us, torturing us with its deliberate slowness.

Finally, here’s a watch that presents us with time exactly as we perceive it. Time’s irregularity is perfectly captured in the Hermes Cape Cod Grand Hours watch. Now, it is entirely possible to see time slow down or speed up. With the ability to see time like how we sense it, Hermes has given us a visual representation of our feelings regarding time.

This was made possible by the smart use of oval-toothed wheels inside the watch’s mechanism, affecting only the hour hand’s movements. The hour hand accelerates, and then slows down. It waits sometimes, yet it flies ahead on occasion. To cater to the changing speeds of this hand, the number representing the hours on the dial are spaced out irregularly. The minute and second hands are still the same though, regular, never missing a beat.

This unique way of portraying time is encased in a delectable shape and form. The Cape Cod Grand Hours watch looks as good as any expensive watch out there. It holds it own in the design department, and the way it makes time dance gives it the uniqueness it needs to have its own identity. Beautiful, alluring, and unique, it has the right qualities to be considered a masterpiece. Take time for a spin with the Cape Cod Grand Hours watch.

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VILLEMONT - Les Heures du Monde®

Posted by Dennis Ramillo on 25th August 2008

For the constant world traveler, Villemont’s Les Heures du Monde watches provide the current time on 24 different time zones simultaneously. Watches like these are called world timers, and these watches by Villemont’s are some of the best.

Sophisticated and classy, these world timers from Villemont look impressive. Their red gold cases hint of nobility and masculinity, and their inner workings; seen through a sapphire crystal, are breathtaking in their precise movements.

A watch from the Les Heures du Monde collection is more than just being an ordinary world timer. Aside from offering the time, it also has a day/night indicator for each time zone making it easy to know if it’s morning or evening. Even more, it comes with a bi-directional city disc, a first on world timer watches, which allows a fast and simple correction of the time zone.

Aesthetic touches abound, carefully and meticulously decorated by some of the best artisans. To say that this watch’s movements are ordinary is a lie. The components are made from the best materials, each and every part refined to perfection.

If you constantly find yourself wondering what time it is on another part of the world, this beautiful, one of a kind watch from Villemont is the probably the best wristwatch for you. With it there’ll be no more wracking your brain trying to count backwards or forwards just to guess time on the other side of the world. It’s right there on your wrist.

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EPOS - Collection Sportive

Posted by Dennis Ramillo on 19th August 2008

Three watches, each the same and different from the other. All of them are muscular, exuding a sense of durability and strength. These 3 watches features the Chronograph 3388 introduced in 2007. They’re all luxurious, sporty, and trendy. Each has the same stainless steel case with black PVD coating. Each has a carbon dial seen through a sapphire crystal. All are from the same collection, the Sportive Collection from Epos.

Their distinction lies in their individual design. From dominantly black, to black and silver, to black with front see-through mechanical movements, these watches have their own character. Their letterings also vary, giving each a unique look that’s different from the others. In fact, these watches have totally unique identities that they can maybe be presented as 3 different makes. Epos, however, gave each watch the same name because although these watches are quite different, the mechanism that drives them is the same. To showcase their artistic touch, Epos worked thrice as hard to make 3 watches with the same concept but with different designs.

These watches are sporty as their name suggests. These are perfect for individuals who don’t shy from action and activity. They can be made to symbolize a very active lifestyle. The Epos Collection Sportive watches will definitely appeal to those who want to make a bold statement, as bold as their way of life.

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VICTORINOX - AirBoss Mach 6 Power Gauge

Posted by Dennis Ramillo on 18th August 2008

Black never looked so well. This watch brings to mind a black stallion with its refined and well chiseled body and lustrous sheen. The Airboss’ every movement counts, graceful and precise, unwavering in its efficiency to signify the time; so like a black beauty galloping by, confident in its every step.

Inspired by the instrument panel of a flight deck boss on an aircraft carrier, this watch might very well be as sophisticated as it is rugged and handsome. The triple-coated anti reflective sapphire crystal, the black ice color coated hands and letterings, and its luminescent segments work together to paint a very clear picture of time, ensuring that it’s highly visible in the black background. All these are encased in a sturdy and perfectly chiseled 45mm diameter steel case. Holding this work of art to its owner’s wrist is a black leather strap with grey stitching, true to the seldom utilized, but highly appreciated (in the Airboss’ case), overall theme of black and grey.

On the backcase, the Swiss Air Force emblem is rendered accurately together with the watches’ individual limited edition number (only 333 Airboss Mach 6 Power Gauge will be made). The clarity provided by the sapphire crystal of the mechanism the drives this watch is breathtaking. There’s almost nothing more complex than the inner workings of a mechanical watch. The Airboss commitment to serve as much detail as possible is made even more evident in the Victorinox Swiss Army logo on the oscillating weight. Every limited edition Airboss Mach 6 Power Gauge will come inside a special collector’s box.

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Bertolucci – Serena Garbo Lady

Posted by Dennis Ramillo on 15th August 2008

Bertolucci, known for their strict adherence to the 4C’s – Construction, Comfort, Creativity, Curves – in making watches, has come up with another elegant watch to add to their collection. The Serena Garbo Lady watch is the result of the fusion of several miscellaneous influences. Different styles mingled; different concepts were mixed together; forming into an absolutely refreshing product, a one of a kind timepiece.

This wristwatch is quite sophisticated, but on the outside, it maintains a simple design that’s pleasing to the eyes. It’s as if this watch is hinting that it can be worn anytime, on any occasion. Whether you’re attending a casual gathering or a formal one, the design of this watch is nicely universal that you can wear it proudly without it being out of place. That’s a testament to the ease of wearing the Serena Garbo Lady; looking highly refined and classic yet also trendy and chic.

Aside from being an excellent watch, it can also be considered a luxurious jewelry. The almost sensual curves of its stainless steel case becomes a beautiful stage for the 50 full sized diamonds and the dark brown “shell guilloche” dial. The leaf-shaped polished, rose gold plated with white lacquer inlayed hands look terrific. The dial is protected by a curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment glass. There’s a choice of either getting the leather (alternating calf and alligator) strap or the traditional steel one that blends with the case pretty well, like it’s a natural extension of the sparkling steel case.

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Panerai Radiomir Chrono Rattrapante L.E. for Pisa

Posted by Dennis Ramillo on 14th August 2008

With only 25 pieces allegedly made and sold, a lot of people may never see this elegant watch personally except through pictures. Knowing that a watch such as this exists at all, though, is worth it. The Radiomir Chrono Rattrapante Limited Edition for Pisa watches were created in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Pisa Orologeria watch house, a prestigious watch and jewelry establishment in Italy.

Luxurious materials were used to make these watches. Each watch has 31 jewels with cases of 18k white gold (20 watches) or platinum (the remaining 5 watches). Movement is automatic mechanical with the Panerai OP XVIII caliber. Power reserves last up to 42 hours. These watches have certified chronometers and they are also water resistant up to a depth of 100 meters.

When Panerai begun supplying the Italian Royal Navy of quality watches, it paved the way for their watches to gain recognition. The rest, as most are apt to say, is history. Panerai’s fame, which started in Italy, now stretches across the world. Now one of the elite watch making industries, Panerai continues to astound the world with high quality watches. The Radiomir Chrono Rattrapante LE for Pisa watches are fitting examples of the success of Panerai.

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Omega Tourbillon (Gents)

Posted by Dennis Ramillo on 13th August 2008

Here’s a watch that screams of strength, durability, and grace. The Omega Tourbillon, a men’s watch, may perhaps represent the characteristic masculine symbolism for power. Why not? It has a sturdy-looking shape, a distinctive case color, and an intricate design borne from Omega’s experience in watch making. All of this adds up to a very muscular look that suggests dominance.

This watch features brown PVD coated movement with spiral pattern. The bridges and mechanisms are hand polished. It also has a platinum oscillating weight, is self-winding with Co-Axial Escapement, and an officially certified chronometer. The Omega Tourbillon’s case diameter is 38.7 mm and it is also water resistant up to a depth of 30 meters.

The blending of all the colors gives a sense of boldness and confidence, as if saying this watch is made for men who aim high and are not afraid of failure. Buying one is just like giving yourself a compliment. It’s a more expressive, albeit expensive, way of giving yourself a good ole pat on the back.

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Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Squadra Lady Duetto

Posted by Dennis Ramillo on 12th August 2008

“Elegant” is the very first word that comes to mind when describing the Reverso Squadra Lady Duetto watch from Jaeger LeCoultre. There are over 260 parts on this one, patiently assembled by hand. The end result is a dazzling watch that might as well make ladies wish for one at first glance. After all, it’s so easy to fall in love with this watch. The classic design speaks of beauty and strength, of simplicity and luxury, and of an elegance fit for a queen.

There are 2 versions available: the steel version and the pink gold version. Though both versions incorporate the same overall look, the pink gold version is the more luxurious of the two. The dial, hands, crown, case, and strap clasps are made from 18-carat pink gold (instead of steel) and features 75 full-cut diamonds totaling about 1.20 carats. The steel version only offers about 0.55 carats diamond.

As with all Reverso watches from Jaeger LeCoultre, the Squadra Lady Duetto offers a swiveling case. The front shows the hour, minute, date, and a day/night indication while the back shows only the hour and minute. As an added feature, the bracelet/strap is interchangeable from a choice of steel bracelet and articulated rubber or alligator leather strap with folding clasp in steel or 18-carat pink gold.

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