The word “Bulgari” always conjures up images of elegance, sophistication, and wealth. But certainly, the brand offers more than that with the cutting-edge technology, irresistible design, and unparalleled engineering. The best of Bulgari is seen in the Acqua dive watches. In particular, the Bulgari Diagono Professional watch is perfection in itself. The sober device is subtly stylish while being incredibly functional at the same time.

It can be considered reasonably priced compared to other brands of its class including the Omega Seamaster and the Submariner from Rolex. This year, Bulgari has definitely stood out among the rest because of the outstanding results of its devices. While a lot of motif watches suggest water, Bulgari chose a different path. Design intelligence has been achieved with its deeply embossed “waves” in hash marks. Try to hold this time piece in arm’s lengths and you will be stunned at how cleverly you can inspect ocean waves.

The dial of the Bulgari Diagono Professional Acqua is also notable because its texts are kept to a mere minimum while the date wheel is set against a dark background. It is definitely a watch of contrast as light and dark are combined together into a marvelous and functional timepiece.

Photo Credit: Time Booth

Before you think that haute joaillerie is the name of another Audemars Piguet series, let me clarify. Haute joaillerie is just the category of watches wherein gemstones are mixed with precious metals to form incredible items that just so happened to tell time. Great examples of this type of watch are the Coup de Theater and the Carnet de Bal from the house of Audemars Piguet.

While it is true that complicated engineering captures the attention and imagination of any watch lover, the artistic symmetry and sheer beauty of this watch makes engineering nothing but secondary consideration. These ladies dress watch had required hundreds of hour’s worth of artistic labor to be created. The best goldsmith and jewelers have come together to form amazing intricacy set in a diamond-encrusted setting.

That is not to say that the Coup de Theater and the Carnet de Bal are lacking in any way. Indeed, the mastery of the designer is seen in every angle and in every feature of these watches. The said Audemars Piguet watches simply prove that there is no rivalry between the fine craft of watch-making and jewelry design. When the two come together, the mind and the eye are able to appreciate the beauty of both.

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The Rolex Day-Date Watch Series are undeniably some of the most sophisticated and elegant watches in the market today. But the problem with this watch lies in customer perception. It is not uncommon to find watch aficionados asking if buying this watch is ok since “I am below 50 years old”. Is the Rolex Day-Date Watch really an old man’s watch? Certainly not.

Rolex has one of the most recognizable timepieces in the world. Though it leaves you bewildered, it is not surprising that the Oyster Perpetual collection will evoke such as thought. It is a completely Rolex watch in terms of looks, design, and craftsmanship. US presidents, politicians, and millionaires have all worn these types of watches. Perhaps the historical significance is too heavy?

But what can you do? You really like the Day-Date watch. Well, you owe it to yourself to try more modern designs of this classic. The Rolex Day-Date II may be perfect for you. With 41mm in diameter, it has a more youthful look. And it also has very attractive dial options suited to the younger market. The yellow gold and white gold of this watch are very appealing and you will get the luxurious feel without worrying you look like an “old man”.

Photo Credit: Vialuxe

If any watch deserved the “Best of the Best” design award, the Maurice Lacroix Ponton Decentrique GMT watch does. So it is not surprising that it won the 2007 award from Red Dot then. A lot of watches are made from titanium cases with monochrome finish. But despite its seemingly generic appeal, the Maurice Lacroix Ponton Decentrique definitely stands out.

The lightweight material used for this accessory definitely complements its design. Its smooth matte dial, fascinating chrome, and sapphire highlights can appeal to any watch collector. The highly creative day/night indicator is another attention-grabbing feature of this watch.

Other great bits of minute detail abound in this watch. Any connoisseur will definitely appreciate the art that came into making this watch. Details seem to be the designer’s focus for this watch. Every detail is intricate in its shape and design. The designer has captured the exact details that timepiece fans know and love.

The whole combination of the Maurice Lacroix Ponton Decentrique is simply stunning. It strikes you the instant you look at it. The sense of mystique you feel from it is worth every penny you shell out for this creation. This watch is certainly geared for the business traveler but any other watch lover will surely appreciate it as well.

Photo Credit: The Watch Quote

The Singapore Grand Prix is not just one of the most anticipated motor racing events in modern history; it also provided an opportunity for watchmakers such as Audemars Piguet and TAG Heuer to introduce their limited edition specialty watches.

TAG Heuer launched their secret weapon, the super appealing and stealth Grand Carrera Calibre 8 RS Grande-Date GMT watch. Some serious watch collectors think limited edition watches from these types of events are tacky but TAG Heuer definitely changed their perception with this watch. The elegance of their frame and the rotating GMT indicator can catch anyone’s attention. And the visual allure of the green stitching on the straps and green second hands further add to its appeal. Ultimately, the Grand Carrera Calibre 8 RS Grande is a watch every TAG Heuer fan should collect. It is very tastefully done and can be enjoyed long after the Singapore Grand Prix has run its course.

Another notable watch for this event came from Audemars Piguet. The multitalented Royal Oak Offshore platform produced a very special watch for the Singapore Grand Prix. It is a particularly bold concept as it showed a dynamic combination of forged carbon, stainless steel, and the use of red colors.

Photo Credit: Rolex Reference Page

James Bond, beautiful women, Walther PPK gun, and Aston Martin cars, the Omega Seamaster is right up there along with above-mentioned image of chic, “image”, and uber-cool gadgets. The message is clear, if the Omega Seamaster is the preferred gadget of the world’s most popular fictitious spy, it means that it has everything you need and more.

In the highly anticipated sequel, the “Quantum of Solace” which will hit theaters this November, Daniel Craig who plays James Bond will sport this timepiece to go along with his dangerous missions. Officially titled as “Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Co-Axial ‘Quantum of Solace’ Limited Edition, the timepiece carried distinct characteristics, one of the most notable of which is the laser-engraved wording of the movie on its sapphire crystal.

Other features you need to watch out for include the textured dial which is definitely a helpful feature for a character such as Bond. The dial definitely suits the casual elegance of this watch and James Bond’s character. If that’s not enough, you can also find the popular “007” emblem at the screw-locked caseback.

Omega will produce 5,007 timepiece of this series. Among Omega collectors and die-hard James Bond fans, it is expected that the Omega Seamaster limited edition will sold out quickly.

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Bedat & Co. is a manufacturer of high-end watches that has effective defined its niche for the elegant and trendy crowd. Their watches are characterized by distinctive timepiece designs. Similar to the acclaimed Santos, Tank, and Pasha introduced by Cartier, Bedat & Co’s line of watches reflects a unique look that easily identifies themselves as part of the young brand.

Women are currently the greatest fans of these watches but the brand has extremely popular lines for men as well. One of the favorites is the Collection No. 8. It is defined by an arresting case shape and other intricacies. For example, it has a power reserve gauge as well as a striking date display. And those who love chronographs wouldn’t be left behind because Bedat & Co. has surely not forgotten about them. The Ref. 867 watch was introduced just this year.

Any watch lover will surely be impressed by the contrast and beauty in each timepiece from this brand. The Collection No 8 is particularly notable because of its beautiful crown protector that is seamlessly integrated into the case. Also notable are the fine leather that can work on both formal and casual attire. There is no need to go for exotic skin watch straps when you’re sporting this model.

If you’re looking for a timepiece whose main focus lies in elegance and class, the Chopard L.U.C. Pro One is the perfect watch for you. This dive watch seems created as a contrast to other dive watches such as the Rolex Submariner. Rather than being “tool-oriented”, the designers behind this timepiece seemed to have forgotten that divers might go deeper than the bottom of the swimming pool.

Despite this slight setback, the Chopard L.U.C. Pro One is still truly a marvel. It is a beautiful watch with an admirable quality. From its extraordinarily elegant case finishing to its intricate dial, it epitomizes everyone’s idea of casual elegance. In fact, its aesthetic appeal is so powerful that a lot of admirers think that its diving capability is only secondary.

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Before underestimating its capability, take note that this watch has actually been pressure tested to withstand 300 feet. And its unidirectional bezel and screw-down crown can save your life during a dangerous diving activity. This watch has been compared to a posh Range Rover with an off-road capability. It is elegant in the urban environment but it can hold its own against rugged landscape as well.

Chopard offer the Pro One watch in both gem-set versions and in 18K gold version. This timepiece definitely deserves the accolade of both divers and connoisseurs alike.

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The latest innovation from Harry Winston, the Ocean Dual Time watch, is a definite stunner. Realizing that there are countless appealing dual-time watches available for avid business travelers, the design team from the house of Harry Winston took their concept one step ahead. They created a watch with two individual time zone features, each one even has its own day and night indicator. The secondary time zone display is only slightly smaller than the primary one you chose. It is incredibly easy to adjust and a lot of people instantly fell in love with it.

But as impressive as its technical mechanisms are, its aesthetic appeal is even more incredible. There is beauty in every design element integrated into this watch. This is because while there is plenty going on at the display, everything is properly synchronized. Once your eyes adjust to the features, the large date display and the night/day indicators begin to make sense and you will gain a deep appreciation for its perfection.

Every subtle design and nuance is nothing less than superb. The house of Harry Winston took similar care with the watch’s external casing as it looks elegant and functional at the same time. The Ocean Dual Time is definitely a great example of a well-engineered timepiece.