Archiv für den Monat: März 2017

Return of an Icon: TAG Heuer Autavia

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The legendary driver’s chronograph from the Sixties, the Autavia, is making a comeback in 2017. A contraction of the words „automobile“ and „aviation“, its name is synonymous with its rotating bezel, its large snailed counters and the black and white dial. Created in 1962, this iconic model celebrates its 55th anniversary in the form of a neo-retro successor featuring updated functions and a proprietary movement – so what’s not to like?

Modern yet faithful to its roots, the new generation Autavia channels the spirit of the golden age of motor racing. As innovative as the original, this contemporary model is the result of an interactive campaign called the „Autavia Cup“, run in 2016.

The Autavia was the first wrist chronograph with a rotating bezel designed by Jack Heuer. This watch was worn by the best-known racing drivers of the 1960s and 1970s, including Mario Andretti and Jochen Rindt. The version worn by Rindt was the inspiration for the new Autavia, TAG Heuer presents this year.
The Autavia is synonymous with a rotating bezel, the large snailed counters and the exemmplary legibility of its black and white. The diameter of the stainless steel case was increased from 39 to 42 mm and it also comes with a higher water-resistance of 100 metres.

 

The Autavia is powered by a in-house chronograph movement, the calibre Heuer 02. Its functions are tailored to modern requirements: a self-winding calibre, power reserve of 80 hours, date at 6 o’clock and a water resistance to 100 metres.
„Mushroom“ push-pieces, a ridged crown, the Heuer logo and a distressed calfskin leather strap add to a vintage feel. Like the patina of a vintage watch, the luminescent coating has a beige tint, in harmony with the strap stitching. The studied neo-retro style encompasses the minute track subdivisions, employing the 1/3-2/3 ergonomic rule of the era created to enhance legibility and accuracy.

This bold watch combines a retro look with modern elements – unique, classy and beautiful.

Vacheron Constantin Perpetuates Copernicus in a Métiers d’Art

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Vacheron Constantin has added a new model to its Métiers d’Art collection, the Copernicus celestial spheres 2460 RT. And not only that, there will be three different versions of this watch.
The Copernicus celestial spheres 2460 RT proves once more the artistic mastery of the Swiss watch manufacturer. With its original display and spectacular decoration, this new collection presented at SIHH 2017, pays tribute to one of humankind’s greatest discoveries: heliocentrism.

Nicolaus Copernicus revolutionized the world in 1543. His hypothesis challenged geocentrism by putting forward the theory of heliocentrism, demonstrating not only that the Earth spins on its axis and has a satellite, the Moon, but above all that it gravitates around the Sun. This new vision of space also had a considerable philosophical impact on the perception of humanity and it overturned all existing beliefs. this revolution was to have profound repercussions on all fields of thought. Vacheron Constantin pays homage to these emblematic discoveries that definitively changed the face of the world with the Copernicus celestial spheres 2460 RT.

Three different dials interpret this theme in three different ways. The decoration is inspired by the graphic depictions of Andreas Cellarius, a 17th century cartographer and author of the most important colorful sky map, the „Harmonia Macrocosmica“.
The dials comprise two distinct parts. The oval centre bears a Sun with a glowing hand-engraved pink gold face, while the outer disc is dedicated to three decorative craft variations. Between the two, a tiny elliptical groove provides space to display orbit performed by the Earth. The latter is represented by a tiny gold disc, slightly domed and measuring barely 6.8 mm diameter, featuring a polar view of the continents based on a Lambert conic map projection.

The first model in this trio gives pride of place to various enamelling techniques. The champlevé Grand Freu enamel Earth reveals the blue of the oceans and the geography of the continents. In the background, a map of the sky on a gold base is enamelled in pastel colours. It is punctuated by fine lines illustrating the orbit of the five planets shown. The outer part of the dial bears the 12 zodiac signs in polychrome enamel.

The second dial, graced with an even more baroque-inspired aesthetic, is hand-engraved. The 12 signs of the zodiac intertwine and overlap on a white gold disc. The engraver has provided a wealth of ramolayé details highlighting volumes in the material. On the Earth orbiting around a flaming golden Sun, the oceans are covered with microscope waves achieved by engraving effects, while the contrasting continents are polished to accentuate the luminosity of the gold.

The third dial is adorned with decorative techniques involving several novel aspects. The zodiac signs are complemented by a 3D-effect star-stubbed sky. The earth is hand-engraved ans picks up this contrast between the fine graining of the ocean waves and the glow of the continents. A hand-painted midnight blue underdial is overlaid with a transparent sapphire crystal engraved on its back. On the front, the constellations are laser-engraved and then highlighted with Super-LumiNova, so the immensity of the night sky is thus fully revealed in the semi-darkness.

All timepieces are driven by a mechanical self-winding Manufacture-made movement, the calibre 2460 RT it was entirely designed, developed and created by Vacheron Constantin.
The time is displayed by two triangular peripheral hands in gold – a cut-out one for the hours and a solid one for the minutes – that glide around the dial rim. The elliptical path of the Earth around the Sun is the key highlight of this watch, exuding a powerful presence and providing continuous information as the days go by. The second complication is the Earth’s elliptical orbit around the Sun. The mechanism is so precise that it only requires a one-day correction only once in 8,000 years.
The calibre works with 28,800 vph and provides a 36-hour power reserve.

The Copernicus celestial spheres 2460 RT features a white gold case measuring 43 mm in diameter and 12.9 mm in height. It comes with a black leather bracelet.

Classic and Functional: The Ulysse Nardin Classic Sonata

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Ulysse Nardin combines classical beauty with pure functionality in its Classic Sonata. With this watch, mechanical complications are designed with the wearer in mind, the goal being a perfection fusion of form and function.

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The Classic Sonata features a classic design, because isn’t simplicity the ultimative form of sophistication? And the mechanic complications this watch comes with are pared down to their most essential form which makes this timepiece an ideal travel companion.
On the dial between 12 and 2 o’clock the alarm function is placed which wakes the user with a pleasant cathedral cime – an obvious upgrade to your usual smartphone alarm. In the center of the counter, the „countdown“ display of the last 12 hours allows to select a wake-up in the morning or in the afternoon. And a small display between 10 and 11 o’clock shows if the alarm is activated or not.
The Dual Time function ensures, that both home time and current time can be viewed simultaneously. Time zone adjustment can be made both forwards and backwards, just by using the pushers to change the position of the hour hand.
At the 4 o’clock position Ulysse Nardin has placed a big date in a double window. The dial is protected by a anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

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The Ulysse Nardin Classic Sonata is powered by the in-house calibre UN-67. This automatic movement drives hours, minutes and seconds, the alarm function and the Dual Time function as well as the big date. It also guarantees a 42 hour power reserve when fully wound.

The Classic Sonata is available in two editions: in eternal black and a rose gold case or in stainless steel with blue markers. The cases measure 44 millimetres in diameter and are water resistant to 30 metres. The sapphire crystal case back allows to look inside the movement with its beautiful complications.
Bot versions feature  a black alligator strap.

The Mathieu Legrand Mille Étoiles Sparkles, Glistens, Twinkles

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Mathieu Legrand is adding some serious bling-bling to its current collection with the new Mille Étoiles. The watch manufacturer is introducing this new watch in two different versions – in gold and rosé gold – both equally cool. We’ve heard there might be a third one in the making but we couldn’t get our hands on it – or confirmation by the manufacturer for that matter- just yet.
This women’s watch is a real head-turner due to the numerous zirconia on its dial and with one of these two you are definitely going to draw attention to your wrist – and yourself. The Mille Étoiles is not for the watch lover who likes an understated look because with one of these watches a place in the spotlight is guaranteed.

The Mathieu Legrand Mille Étoiles features a fully paved dial, a small date window at 3 o’clock and a big small seconds including a black railway minuterie at 6 o’clock. The manufacturer has decided against traditional numerals or indexes and opted for coloured zirconia. These are of a deep blue in the rose gold version and of a bright green in the gold version. The dial is protected by a scratch resistant sapphire crystal.
The bezel, the sides of the case as well as parts of the bracelet and the clasp are polished. This parts contrast nicely with the brushed parts, generating an overall charming look. The case measures 40 mm in diameter and is water resistant up to 10 atm.

The Mathieu Legrand Mille Étoiles is powered by a Swiss made quartz movement, providing great reliability combined with highest precision. It lies within a stainless steel case with PVD coating in gold or rosé gold.

Overall, this beautifully balanced watch will make for a stunning, reliable companion. It can easily be worn every day as well as on special occasions, and with its moderate size it should fit on most wrists. We already love the Mille Étoiles and are sure, you will too.

A New Chronograph: The Chrono Diamond Okeanos

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Swiss watchmaker Chrono Diamond is now around for seven years and is committed to produce nicely made, reliable watches, aiming higher with each new model they create. And the Okeanos is no exception. The brand added this watch recently to its current collection, combining a toothed bezel, three subdials and a rubber strap. This handsome, classic chronograph can be worn on a daily basis.
We are sure that the Okeanos will evolve into one of the favourite models in Chrono Diamond’s collection with its rugged, beautifully balanced looks. It combines a nice case with an attractive dial, featuring an interesting woven pattern.

The dial is dominated by the highly polished indexes and hands. The hour and minute hands are slightly skeletonized and equipped with a tip made of lume, providing best legibility even at night.
The subdial at 3 o’clock is for the running seconds, the chronograph hours are displayed at 6 o’clock, the chronograph minutes at 9 o’clock. At 12 o’clock dominates a big date. We would have loved to see the date wheel matching the colour of the dial, making the date a little less intrusive, but okay.
The characteristic Chrono Diamond diamonds are replacing the indexes at 12 and 6 o’clock.

The case measures 41 millimetres in diameter and 11 millimetres in height which makes this watch not at all overly dominant. The classic design of the chronograph surely fits most wrists and we can imagine that the Okeanos will be attractive for women too, although it is promoted as a men’s watch.
The case combines a toothed, polished bezel with brushed sides and lugs, adding to an overall attractive look.

The Chrono Diamond Okeanos is powered by a Swiss made quartz movement which assures highest reliability and precision. It offers everything you’d need out of a three-register chronograph.
Highly functional and handsome, this watch will be a trustworthy partner in every situation. Chrono Diamond offers four different coloured versions.

The New, Next-Generation Oris Aquis

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Oris presents the next-generation, the new Oris Aquis, a fresh interpretation of the Swiss company’s high-performance diver’s watch. Oris has been making diver’s watches since the 1960s. The first Aquis was characterised by the design of its muscular horns and uni-directional rotating bezel. While the horns were designed so the metal bracelet or rubber strap would pivot to fit a wide range of wrist sizes, the broad bezel and its oversized numerals delivered outstanding underwater legibility. Both features delivered practical benefits that have made the Aquis a design icon and one of the first names in diver’s watches.

Let us say this much: The new Aquis Date continues both the spirit and design DNA of its predecessor. Oris’s designers have added a touch of elegance to the tool watch to reflect the versatility owners now expect from a diver’s watch. Oris diver’s watches are no longer just for underwater adventures, but for literally every occasion.
The horns and bracelets are now thinner, giving the case and the whole watch a more slender profile. The hands and indices have been redesigned to look bolder and sharper, and the screw-in security crown and crown protectors have been refined to give the watch a sleeker silhouette. The bezel inlay is made of black, scratch-resistant ceramic, and the dial now carries the Aquis name.

As well as aesthetic improvements, the new Aquis Date also delivers practical enhancements. The uni-directional bezel is now easier to grip, due to a small gap introduced between the case and the body, allowing greater purchase. The Aquis Date is water-resistant up to 30 bar, making it ideal for experienced scuba divers.
The case is made from stainless steel with a diameter of 43,5 mm.

The new Oris Aquis Date is powered by an automatic movement, the Oris Cal. 733 with date.
The new watch is a stylish diver’s watch and Oris Chairman Ulrich W. Herzog is proud of the companies newest watch: „We are extremely pleased with the next generation Aquis diver’s watch. This is a beautiful, hugely reliable underwater tool watch, made using the exacting techniques and according to the highest standards of Swiss watch manufacturing.“