Seiko Partners with Pro Diving Body

Since the launch of its first diver’s watch in 1965, Seiko has brought to professional divers a stream of innovative new technologies and designs that have made diving safer and easier for the professional and recreational diver alike. These innovations include the world’s first titanium diver’s watch in 1975, the first diver’s watch with a ceramic outer case in 1986 and the first Seiko Nitrox Dive Computer watches in 2000. These advances have earned Seiko a high reputation of trust in the diving community.

By a strange co-incidence, a few months after Seiko’s first diver’s watches appeared two American dive enthusiasts decided that standards of training in diving needed to be raised and founded the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Over the past fifty years, PADI^TM has become the world’s most trusted scuba diving training organisation. With over 6,300 Dive Centers and more than 136,000 qualified PADI professional instructors around the world, PADI has issued an amazing 24 million certifications and has done more than any other organization to introduce diving to the world.

Seiko fake watches

Seiko and PADI share a passion for ensuring the safety and enjoyment of divers and for protection of the marine environment, so a partnership felt very right. Seiko is proud to announce its support to PADI and, in particular, its ‘Project Aware’ initiative. Project AWARE^TM is a global movement of scuba divers coming together to protect our oceans – one dive at a time. Project AWARE empowers thousands of divers in more than 180 countries to work together for clean, healthy and abundant oceans and Seiko is proud to support it.

To celebrate and promote this partnership, two Prospex PADI Special Editions will be released this autumn. One uses Seiko’s unique Kinetic caliber, which, powered solely by the movement of the wearer’s body, offers both precision and security to the diver. This model uses the same two-layer case construction as the legendary 1975 model, but it does so in a modern way. The second Prospex PADI model has a case and dial design that is also a reminder of a classic, the 1970’s Seiko 150m mechanical diver’s. Famous for its unique shaped case, wide and clear hands and indexes, this Swiss mens watches is now widely collected and still has many admirers throughout the world. Both special models feature PADI’s characteristic red and blue color on the dials and the bezels, and the PADI logo on the dials.

Introducing Girard-Perregaux 1966 Skeleton Watches

In addition to the new Laureato, Girard-Perregaux watches will debut a new openworked timepiece at Baselworld 2016, called the 1966 Skeleton.

Based on caliber GP1800, the anthracite gray ruthenium movement has been skeletonized, and then hand chamfered, polished, and satin-brushed. Automatic caliber GP01800-0006, consists of 173 total components, 25 jewels, and has a 54-hour power reserve. Visible at 12 o’clock is a Microvar variable inertia balance that oscillates at 4Hz (or 28,800 vibrations per hour) and is exclusive to Girard-Perregaux.

Girard-Perregaux watches sale

A sleek 38 mm x 9.27 mm 18k pink gold case, with a sapphire caseback, houses this impressive movement, which displays just hours, minutes, and seconds.
Leaf-shaped hour and minute hands correspond with the chapter ring, which consists of applied hour indexes and minute transfers, on the flange – because there is no actual dial.

The Girard-Perregaux 1966 Skeleton watches is paired with a hand-stitched black alligator strap with a pink gold pin buckle. Water-resistance is 30 meters. (Ref. 49549-52-001-BB60) The price is $55,400.

In my opinion, the case is a perfect size, and the watch looks great overall. However, the huge “GP” logo applied to the flange at 12, throws off the visual balance of an otherwise nicely executed dial. Hopefully, that changes between now and delivery of the watches for men in the Fall.

Harry Winston unveils the Midnight Diamond Stalactites Automatic 36mm

The House of Harry Winston continues melting women’s replica watches hearts with its new Midnight Collection ladies timepiece, elegantly adorned with an astonishing diamond stalactite motif.

The enchanting rose gold Midnight Diamond Stalactites presents a fitting addition to the extraordinary lineage of precious Midnight creations. This year, time has suspended its light and water has frozen over.

Top-flight gemsetting

Building on its gemsetting expertise, Harry Winston designers established a unique rhythm to recreate the random appearance of frozen ice found only in nature. In-house artisans delicately set the dial with brilliant-cut diamonds, depicting splendid stalactites.

Swiss Harry Winston watches

The exquisite charm of mother-of-pearl

Harry Winston’s latest creation is adorned with a delicate and ever-changing mother-of- pearl dial, perfect for the face of a feminine cool watches. The beaded mother-of-pearl shimmers with subtle hues, accentuating the brilliance of the diamonds.

A 36mm case for the Midnight collection

Harry Winston Midnight Diamond Stalactites Automatic 36mm, like the House’s Premier and Ocean Collections, appears in a 36-millimeter case. This new case size maintains the precision and seamlessness of its predecessors, while revealing an intimate forest of stalactites that at once radiates both strength and delicacy.

This timepiece is driven by a mechanical automatic movement equipped with a silicon balance-spring, which can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back. The Côtes de Genève finishes have been perfected with the greatest of care. The dial, case and lugs sparkle with 245 brilliant-cut diamonds on the rose gold model, secured by an elegant taupe alligator strap.

Hublot Big Bang Unico Sapphire

Cut straight from sapphire, the transparent case of the new Hublot Big Bang Unico Sapphire reveals all the details of the black PVD treated movement.

Sapphire - a material which is almost as hard and scratch-resistant as diamond (9 on the Mohs scale as opposed to 10 for diamond) - is difficult to machine and until today was used only for exclusive timepieces created in very few examples. Capitalising on its experience with this material, Hublot was able to create a series of 500 pieces. Never before cheap fake watchmaking sapphire had been cut on such a large scale.

Hublot Big Bang Unico Sapphire

The 45 mm case features a polished sapphire crystal bezel enriched by six H-shaped and polished titanium screws. The crown is made from transparent silicone and satin-finished titanium, a material which is used also for the push pieces.

The skeleton dial in transparent composite resin has white luminescent hands and hour markers with a date aperture at 3 o'clock.

Developed and manufactured in-house by Hublot watches, the HUB 1242 Unico is an automatic 4 Hz (28,800 vph) movement offering a flyback chronograph function with column wheel and double clutch visible on the dial side.

Completed by a transparent strap with deployant buckle in titanium, the Hublot Big Bang Unico Sapphire is water resistant to 50 metres / 165 feet. The retail price is Swiss Francs 55,000 / Euro 57,100 / US$ 57,900. 

Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Chronograph Master Chronometer Watches

Omega’s Speedmaster Moonphase watches go back to 1985, when Omega did a limited run of 1300 Speedmaster Professional watches with a Moonphase and 700 of the German Teutonic case Speedmaster Moonphase watches,all with Lemania based caliber 866. Even today, a new version of this movement (caliber 1866) is being used in the Speedmaster Professional Moonphase watch. It was also being used in the Speedmaster Professional Moonphase in 44.25mm with the beautiful Aventurine dial.

Omega shows us the new Speedmaster Moonphase Chronograph Master Chronometer that is based on the Speedmaster 9300 collection. However, for the Moonphase and calendar functionality, Omega uses a new movement, caliber 9904. Not only does this movement provide the chronograph and calendar functionality, it will also be certified “Master Chronometer” by METAS.An interesting way of auditing and certifying that the watch actually performs as specified, by a third and independent organization (METAS).

On the scale of the Moonphase disc, you will see “29,5” printed, as it takes that many days for a full lunar month (not 30). If you would keep the mens watches running every day, it would only need one correction every ten years.

This Speedmaster Chronograph Moonphase Master Chronometer caliber 9904 comes in a beautiful blue tone: a LiquidMetal blue bezel, a stainless steel case and a blue sun-burst dial. The Moon on the disc at 6 o’clock is a beautiful black & wite high-resolution image and as detailed as NASA’s photographs of it. Omega claims that once zoomed in on the Moon phase, you will be able to see an astronaut’s foot print. Of course, it will be delivered on a blue leather alligator strap and a stainless steel folding clasp.

Once there is more to tell you about this promising Omega Replica Speedmaster Moonphase Chronograph Master Chronometer addition, we will give you an up-date. Price is set to CHF9400 Swiss Francs.

H. Moser & Cie Joins Forces with Song Writer Bryan Ferry for new Endeavour Small Seconds Watches

This year, SIHH has opened its doors to nine independent brands that have something to say that is in keeping with the haute horlogerie exhibition. Among those brands: H. Moser & Cie best replica watches uk . We found interesting diversity at the show from this brand, with pieces ranging from a mechanical snub at the Apple watch (more on that next week), to the Endeavour Small Seconds Bryan Ferry—designed by the song writer himself.

Many will know Bryan Ferry as the singer, song writer responsible for a number of 80’s classics, most notably “More than This” and “Slave to Love.” An icon of sartorial and personal cool, he created a style all his own. What few know is that he is also an accomplished designer. Having studied Fine Art under Richard Hamilton at Newcastle, and designing the album covers of the glam rock band Roxy Music, his artistry is well documented.  It is this creativity and panache that brought him together with H. Moser & Cie.

Having discovered the brand through a friend, Bryan Ferry came to express a desire to develop a collaborative piece with the brand. The result is the limited edition Endeavour Small Seconds Bryan a Ferry. The source of inspiration stems from the vintage models of H. Moser & Cie, specifically the pocket watches.

The dial of the Endeavour Small Seconds Bryan Ferry is white lacquered with a matte finish and with black numerals and red 12 o’clock digit. Additionally, the retro look is anchored by the minute track, which emphasizes the edge of the dial and helps draw the eye to the blued hands. In place of the classic ‘Swiss made’ written on the dial, ‘Bryan Ferry’ is written in red at the 6 o’clock position.

The 38mm case is created in rose gold with a buffed brown calfskin strap. The dial side of the H. Moser & Cie watches features hours, minutes and small seconds, while the movement side features a power reserve indicator. The mechanical hand wound calibre HM321 offers 3 days of power reserve.

TECHNICAL FEATURES – Endeavour Small Seconds Bryan Ferry
Reference 1321-0116, model in rose gold, white lacquered dial, leather hand-finished bracelet in brown calfskin, limited edition of 100 pieces.
Case
18-carat rose gold, three-part
Diameter: 38.8 mm, Height: 9.3 mm
Sapphire crystal
See-through sapphire crystal case-back
Crown adorned with an “M”
Engraved on movement side of case with “LIMITED 100 PCS”

Dial
White matte lacquered dial
Hands with a traditional blued finish and shape

Movement
Mechanical hand-wound in-house HMC 321 calibre
Diameter: 32.0 mm or 14 ¼ lignes
Height: 4.8 mm
Frequency: 18,000 Vib/h
27 jewels
Power reserve: minimum 3 days
Hacking seconds
Moser teeth for all wheels and pinions
Original Straumann Hairspring® with a stabilised Breguet overcoil
Interchangeable Moser escapement

Functions
Hours and minutes
Small second
Power reserve indicator on movement side

Strap
Hand-stitched, hand-finished brown calfskin leather
Solid rose gold pin buckle engraved with the Moser logo

Accurate to the second - The name of the new RICHARD LANGE JUMPING SECONDS

The RICHARD LANGE JUMPING SECONDS replica watches reinterprets the concept of the scientific observation watch in a new way by pairing the quest for utmost precision with outstanding legibility. The balance is steadily driven by its one-second constant-force escapement. An integrated jumping mechanism makes it possible to display the time in strict one-second intervals. With a diameter of 39.9 millimetres, this platinum timepiece with its prominent regulator dial is being launched in a limited edition of 100 pieces.


The RICHARD LANGE JUMPING SECONDS is characterised by an intelligent combination of two mechanisms that functionally complement each other: A one-second constant-force escapement ensures ultimate precision. The jumping mechanism guarantees crisp legibility of the time; it advances the large seconds hand by exactly 60 steps per minute. Thanks to the ZERO-RESET mechanism, equipped with a multi-disc clutch, the watch can be synchronised quickly and comfortably: When the crown is pulled, the seconds hand jumps to the zero position. The RICHARD LANGE JUMPING SECONDS is the latest model in a series introduced by A. Lange & Söhne in 2006, which has repeatedly leveraged innovative solutions to add new facets to the scientific observation A. Lange & Söhne watches.

The jumping seconds mechanism ranks among the classic complications in precision horology. Pocket watches featuring this technology were once used to determine sidereal or solar time as well as geographical longitude. But even in short-time measurements today, for instance when taking a pulse, it is convenient to be able to read the time in full seconds. The jumping seconds mechanism has played a pivotal role in A. Lange & Söhne's history. After all, Ferdinand Adolph Lange developed a "one-second movement with a jumping hand" as early as 1867. Ten years later, the newly founded Imperial Patent Office granted one of its very first patents for his invention to the manufactory.

A big stage for the jumping seconds

The rhodié-coloured regulator dial with its large seconds circle at the top draws the observer's attention to the smallest of the three units of time. The smaller hour and minute circles arranged beneath it are shifted to the left and right. The sleek platinum case with a diameter of 39.9 millimetres underscores the functional aesthetics of the dial architecture.

Ten-hour countdown on red

Ten hours before the power reserve is depleted, a red indicator – inside a triangular aperture in the dial where the hour and minute circles intersect – reminds the owner to rewind the watch.

Constant force from start to finish

The new L094.1 manufacture calibre masters all challenges that are associated with the development of a jumping seconds mechanism. Technically, it stands out with an ingenious arrangement that distributes constant-force generation and the seconds jump to two wheel trains, but also allows them to interact. The first wheel train extends from the mainspring barrel to the balance and, in one-second intervals, uniformly delivers energy to the escapement via a constant-force device. Visible through an aperture in the train bridge, the mechanism has a double function: It compensates not only the gradually waning force of the mainspring, but also offsets possible torque fluctuations while the seconds jump is executed. The result is a constant amplitude across the entire power-reserve range of up to 42 hours. Superior rate accuracy is guaranteed as well thanks to the balance wheel with eccentric poising weights and the free-sprung balance spring crafted in-house.

The secret behind the seconds jump

The mainspring barrel powers the jumping mechanism via the second wheel train. Its task is to convert the balance frequency of six semi-oscillations per second into one single step of the seconds hand. As was already the case with Ferdinand Adolph Lange's invention, this process is controlled by a five-point star attached to the escape-wheel arbor. It can be observed beneath a transparent sapphire-crystal disc as it rotates about its own axis, together with the escape wheel, once every five seconds. Every second, one point of the star liberates the so-called flirt. This long lever, powered by the mainspring, then executes an instantaneous rotation through 360 degrees, after which it is arrested by the next point of the star. The 360-degree rotation, transmitted by the wheel train connected to the fourth-wheel arbor, moves the seconds hand to the next full-second marker. At the same time, the jump switching impetus is used to deliver fresh energy to the remontoir spring of the constant-force escapement.

Reliably back to zero

The A. Lange & Söhne RICHARD LANGE JUMPING SECONDS is endowed with a ZERO-RESET mechanism. The clutch on the fourth-wheel arbor consists of three discs and a special hand-shaped spring. The clutch disc in the middle is secured to the fourth-wheel arbor; in the closed state, the spring firmly presses the top and bottom clutch discs together. The clutch thereby immobilises the large seconds hand between the abrupt acceleration and deceleration cycles that occur every second in the normal operating mode. Pulling the crown activates a complex system of levers that block the balance with a stop spring and open the clutch. This separates the fourth-wheel arbor from the wheel train and allows virtually frictionless zeroing. For this purpose, the ZERO-RESET lever is pivoted against the heart cam, thus instantly returning the seconds hand to the 12 o'clock position. Pushing the crown home closes the clutch and releases the balance again: The movement can restart.

Limited-edition masterpiece

The finissage of the 390-part, manually wound movement complies with the strictest Lange standards. The bridges made of untreated German silver and decorated with Glashütte ribbing, the hand-engraved balance cock, eight screwed gold chatons, as well as lavishly decorated and polished surfaces are some of the artisanal highlights that, in their sophistication, match the technical perfection of the limited 100-piece edition of the RICHARD LANGE JUMPING SECONDS in platinum.

SIHH 2016: GMT-6 Enamel Double Back

The Voutilainen GMT-6 wrist replica watches embodies the perfection enshrined in Kari Voutilainen’s philosophy. The elegant and robust mechanism is housed in a sturdy and stylish case.

The proprietary movement of the GMT-6 was entirely conceived, designed, produced, finished and assembled in Voutilainen workshops. The design and philosophy of the movement combine respect for longevity and precision, in classic GMT-6 watchmaking tradition.

The movement contains free sprung-balance system that ensures perfect timing of the watch according to strict tolerance criteria. The balance has four gold inertia-blocks to adjust the daily rate.

To equip this exceptional timepiece, a unique and very rare balance-spring system has been used. The outside is a Philips overcoil, while the inner terminal follows the less common Grossmann principle.

The watch’s outstanding feature is its escapement; it is the first watch to present two escape-wheels in such a configuration. The escape-wheels provide a direct impulse to the balance through the roller/jewel. This escapement is extremely efficient and requires less energy than traditional lever escapements, offering gains in terms of longevity and stability in everyday use.

The sublimely elegant balance-cock offers an unobstructed view of the escapement and balance. It also allows the enthusiast to admire the synchronised movements of the escape-wheels.

A GMT mechanism is integrated in the movement. Its indicator takes the form of a disc at 6 o’clock. The disc shows 24 hours and includes a day/night indicator. The triangle transferred to the subsidiary seconds dial represents the index by which the indication can be read. The disc is advanced by pressing the crown, each press moving the disc forward one hour at a time. Disks are engine turned by hand and they have transparent grand feu enamel in blue and orange on it.

Finishing of the watches for sale is of the very highest standard.

The surfaces of pinions and wheels are totally flat and perfectly polished to exceptionally uniform tolerances. All finishing work on the main plate and bridges is carried out by hand to attain the best possible surface finish.

Screws and all steel surfaces are finished and polished by hand.

Swiss Cool Cartier Watches Sale,Buy Cartier Rotonde Online

Swiss Cartier Rotonde watches on cheap replica watches online sale

Forget the procession of hours and minutes, and look instead to the moon’s phases or the endless succession of Cartier watches day and night, with two precious complications that are the stuff of dreams.

Swiss Cartier Rotonde watches

There was a time when the moon, the sun and the stars were the markers of our days and nights. A distant era when the position of the heavenly bodies took precedence over every other indication of passing time. Cartier puts this principle back at the centre of the dial with the Cartier Rotonde Day and Night watches with retrograde moon phases. Sun and moon take turns to measure the hours’ forward march by means of a supremely elegant disc that occupies the upper part of the dial. A bold sun, surrounded by clouds, travels through the day, from six in the morning until six in the evening, when dusk falls and the moon takes over… And so it continues as day alternates with night. The bottom part of the dial is reserved for a retrograde moon phase that puts refinement on a par with originality. Each phase of the moon, which has been delicately set with diamonds and blue sapphires, is beautifully depicted against a lacquered backdrop, scattered with gold paillons. Cartier frames this celestial ballet with a row of 68 diamonds that circle the white gold Rotonde case. Behind the scenes, a complex and reliable automatic mechanical manufacture movement, Calibre 9912 MC, works quietly, leaving the spotlight to the enchantment and poetry played out on the dial.

99-piece Limited Edition Blancpain Ladybird Saint Valentine’s Day 2016

Blancpain watches is writing a new episode in its enduring love story with women. For this 16th chapter, the Manufacture from Le Brassus has dreamed up a limited edition of its Ladybird model for Valentine’s Day 2016.

Blancpain watches for women

The iconic model in Blancpain’s Women collection since 1956, Ladybird was the world’s smallest round watch at the time of its launch. Immediately recognisable by its delightfully curved diminutive size, it is firmly in the spotlight for the upcoming ‘most romantic day’ of the year. Blancpain has created for this occasion a mother-of-pearl dial adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds. A mother-of-pearl marquetry heart, sparkling with diamonds and rubies on its upper part, sets the perfect finishing touch to the Swiss watches face.

The 21.5 mm-diameter white gold case of this Ladybird Saint Valentine’s Day 2016 model is lit up by a bezel set with more than 0.5 carats of diamonds. Beating at the heart of this new two-hand model is the 15.7 mm-diameter self-winding 6150 movement: one of the smallest in the world and now equipped with a silicon balance-spring. Symbolising love at first sight, a heart pierced by an arrow enhances the watch at 6 o’clock. This removable white gold charm features a ruby heart and a diamond arrow. First launched at Baselworld 2015, Blancpain charms were specially created for the Ladybird and can be easily attached at 12 or 6 o’clock according to the lucky owner so wishes.

The Blancpain Ladybird Saint Valentine’s Day 2016, enhanced by a calfskin strap, is issued in an engraved and numbered 99-piece limited edition.

Introducing Oris Carl Brashear Limited Edition Diver's Watch

Oris has produced a diver’s watch that pays homage to well-known Navy diver Carl Brashear with a namesake limited edition based on the popular Oris Divers Sixty-Five.

Oris Carl Brashear Limited Edition Diver's Watch

According to Oris, “Brashear joined the Navy in 1948 as a 17-year-old, and despite facing discrimination on account of his race, he graduated from the Navy’s diving programme in 1954. In 1966, he lost the lower part of his left leg in an accident during a mission to salvage a hydrogen bomb. After an exhausting period of rehabilitation, he became the U.S. Navy’s first amputee diver in 1968, and then qualified as a Master Diver in 1970, the first African American to do so.

After a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy that lasted more than 30 years, Brashear retired in 1979. He died in 2006 aged 75. His extraordinary story was the inspiration for the 2000 film Men of Honour, in which Brashear was portrayed by Oscar- winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr.”

The Carl Brashear Limited Edition comes in a 42 mm diameter bronze case, which is larger than the Divers Sixty-Five, and powered by the same automatic Oris Cal. 733, based on Sellita SW200, with a date at 6 o’clock.

A multi-piece bronze case, unidirectional bronze dive bezel, and screw-in bronze crown will gain a beautiful Oris watches greenish patina over time.

A bubble-curved sapphire crystal domed on both sides and with anti-reflective coating inside protects the dial. The back is in screwed stainless steel, and features a relief engraving of Brashear’s diver helmet with his claim “It’s not a sin to get knocked down, it’s a sin to stay down".

The dial, which is a further departure from the Sixty-Five, is in dark blue and is curved with applied rose gold-plated indices, filled with luminous material. Hour, minute, and second hands are also rose gold plated and lume filled.

Completing the Swiss watches look is a thick dark brown leather strap with white contrasting stitching and a bronze pin buckle. Each piece comes in a special wooden display box. The retail price is 2,600 CHF.

Vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Watches

There is a commonly used phrase within the watch community with regards to the watches produced by Jaeger-LeCoultre watches: “watchmaker’s watches,” the implication being that the market segment JLC fulfills is exclusively a niche for people who know exactly what they want, and know why “what they want” matters. Now, I would not fully argue for this sentiment or against it; certainly, Jaeger-LeCoultre has produced some astounding timepieces over the years, but there are plenty of other manufacturers that are at least as well known for producing pieces that satiate this desire for a “watch man’s watch.” All that said, the contemporary version of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic collection is without a doubt in my mind a collection of “watchmaker’s watches.”

vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre watches

First released, and shortly thereafter discontinued, in 1958, vintage examples of the Geophysic have become some of the more sought-after historical watches in recent times. The pieces were initially produced as part of a larger push by the Swiss watchmaking community to create tool watches for the scientists who needed them. In the years surrounding the Geophysic’s subsequent historical rise and fall, and its eventual transformation into the Geomatic collection, both the Rolex Milgauss (in 1956), and the Omega Railmaster (in 1957) were subsequently released — each of these watches with a similar goal as the Geophysic, to be the go-to watch for resisting magnetic fields. Within the short time frame of this vintage watch’s manufacturing, it visited both poles, traveled on the first nuclear-powered submarine, and was hailed as one of the most technologically advanced wristwatches of its time.

Today, we look at Jaeger-LeCoultre’s reinterpretation of this original piece, the Geophysic 1958. Released in 2014, the collection was produced in limited quantities in steel, yellow gold, and platinum. At 38.5 mm in diameter, these cheap watches are 3.5 mm larger than their vintage counterparts, but inside resides a movement that is just as interesting, if not more so. Powered by the automatic JLC caliber 898/1, the watch has a hacking seconds mechanism, extreme shock protection, a ceramic ball bearing system that avoids the need for lubrication, and (among many other features) an anti-magnetic cage to naturally protect the movement.

Aesthetically, each of the pieces’ cases have a mirror-polished finish for the front, and a brushed finish for the back; also, you should notice the solid caseback with interesting asymmetric globe design. On the textured white dial, for the steel and gold variations, is a cross-hair pattern, Arabic numerals for the quarter-hour markers, vintage-inspired sword hands with somewhat faux patina, and luminescent accents attached to the inside of the bezel. On the platinum version, the dial is still textured white, with the same sword hour and minute hands, but lacks the cross-hairs and only has Arabic numerals at the 12 and 6 o’clock hour positions. If you are in the hunt, these watches are still somewhat available, at $9,800 for steel, $20,800 for gold, and $29,000 for platinum.

As I mentioned earlier, this mens cool watches series is a collection of “watchmaker’s watches,” but in addition to that, they are truly vintage re-interpretations. The pieces take some of the best qualities of the 1958 models — the overall aesthetic, case shape, hands, and dial design — and adds them to slightly enlarged proportions, even more advanced technology, and some very interesting homages like the inner-bezel luminescence and the caseback engraving paying tribute to the International Geophysical Year. Another interesting thing to note is that the platinum variation of the watch actually has the most “vintage flair.” This could be because the series is for a relatively niche audience, and the platinum version could simply be catering the most to those who (again) know what they want and know why what they want matters.

As you can probably tell, this vintage watches has made a rather positive impression on me. As I see it, it is the timepiece for a lonely man at a dinner party: very few will recognize it, and you might only think of it when checking the time, but on the off chance there is someone else at that party with a passion for watches, you might just make yourself a new friend.

The FHH welcomes MB&F as a new partner-brand

A representative of "new MB&F watchmaking", MB&F / Maximilian Büsser & Friends joins the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, bringing the number of partner-brands to twenty-seven.

new MB&F watches

MB&F, which joined the Foundation in late 2015, takes a uniquely distinctive approach to the measurement of time, which it expresses through careful attention to the techniques of watchmaking and the endless possibilities they afford. By affiliating with the FHH, it signals its commitment to the promotion of watchmaking culture throughout the world. This has been the Foundation's mission since 2005, and one that has continued to grow through new projects in training, information and certification. Thanks to their active participation in these projects, partner-brands enjoy an international platform to help spread knowledge of watchmaking.

The work of a talented collective

With MB&F, an entirely new vision of mens cool watchmaking came into being. Each timepiece, or rather each limited-edition kinetic sculpture, is a collaborative work by some of the most talented independent designers, watchmakers and technicians of the day. A graduate of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Maximilian Büsser cut his teeth at Jaeger-LeCoultre, then at the head of Harry Winston Rare Timepieces before embarking on an adventure of his own in 2005. In the company of "friends", all duly credited for their contribution, he gives life to machines that tell the time in three dimensions; machines not unlike the spaceships that roam the galaxies in 1970s animated cartoons. This iconoclastic spirit, offset by a few less radical creations, is already a recognised signature in watchmaking.

The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie is especially proud to welcome this new partner-brand. Its arrival shows that as an activity built around knowledge and expertise, Fine Watchmaking is able to adopt new forms and new inspirations that further confirm its excellence.

IWC Pilot's Watches 2016

At SIHH 2016, later this month, IWC will officially unveil their new Pilot’s collection. There will be over 20 new references, inspired by historic IWC Pilot’s watches. Today we have a preview of the three most notable references, as well as a teaser of one more (the new Mark XVIII).

The Big Pilot’s Heritage Watch 48 (Ref. IW510301)

IWC Big Pilot Heritage Watch

The Big Pilot’s Heritage Watch 48 is inspired by the historic observer’s watch with its large case, oversized propeller-like hands, and riveted calfskin straps. The case is in titanium with a soft-iron inner case to protect against magnetic fields.

The Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 (Ref. 3240)

 IWC Pilot’s Watch Authmatic 36

Appealing to entry-level budgets, and smaller wrists, the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 comes in a 36 mm stainless steel case. It is shown with a slate dial, and it is also available in a silver-plated dial. It is the smallest watch in the manufacturer’s current collection. Interestingly, almost all IWC Pilot’s watches will now be available with beautifully finished Santoni leather straps, including this one.

The Big Pilot’s Watch Annual Calendar Edition “Le Petit Prince” (Ref. IW502701)

2016 New IWC watches

"Throughout his life, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was torn between flying and writing, between technology and poetry,” according to IWC. And so, IWC engineers designed the Big Pilot’s Watch Annual Calendar Edition “Le Petit Prince” which unites the different worlds. They The solid gold rotor is crafted to show the famous image of the little prince standing on his tiny asteroid and regarding the heavens with wide-open eyes.

A tobacco brown dial and a calfskin strap with cream-colored ornamentalseams pay homage to Saint-Exupéry’s flying suit.

IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XII

Mark XVIII

IWC will launch a new Mark XVIII Pilot’s Swiss watch in 2016. The triple date display has been eliminated in favor of a giving the dial a cleaner look. Additionally, the case size has been reduced by 1mm to 40 mm. Further, the Arabic numeral “9” has been brought back. Lastly, the triangular index has be positioned at “12 o’clock,” just below the chapter ring.

Zenith - El Primero Tourbillon Watches UK

The new Zenith El Primero Tourbillon models combine the high frequency (36,000 vph) of the legendary El Primero chronograph movement developed by Zenith in 1969 with one of the most prestigious watchmaking feat, the tourbillon.

Together with the two classic models in rose gold or stainless steel with a white or black lacquered dial, Zenith created a contemporary version in brushed titanium with a slate grey dial.

This Swiss watches version features cut-out lugs and slender pushers for a much sportier look. The chronograph counters - 30-minute at 3 o'clock and 12-hour at 6 o’clock - are framed by an anthracite grey rim forming a figure eight shape that stands out against the brushed dial base. The rhodium-plated, faceted hour markers and hands are coated with black Super-LumiNova.

Zenith El Primero Tourbillon

The asymmetrical architecture the El Primero automatic chronograph calibre places the tourbillon at 11 o’clock, while its offset tourbillon carriage is revealed through a generous dial opening. The tourbillon mechanism rotating once a minute also incorporates a small seconds display, while the patented date display appears on a disc placed around the circumference of the tourbillon carriage.

The 45 mm-diameter case is water-resistant to 100 metres and features a sapphire crystal caseback to display the El Primero Calibre 4035D movement with its gold oscillating weight adorned with a "Côtes de Genève" motif.

This 381-part movement is endowed with a 50-hour power reserve and graced with meticulous finishing.

The Zenith El Primero Tourbillon models are fitted with a rubber-lined black or brown alligator leather strap fastened by a triple folding clasp. Indicative prices: Euro 65,400 / US$ 71,000 for the titanium contemporary model (ref. 95.2260.4035/21.C759), Euro 55,300 / US$ 60,000 for the classic version in stainless steel (ref. 03.2280.4035/21.C714) and Euro 75,500 / US$ 83,000 for the rose gold one (ref. 18.2280.4035/01.C713).