Schlagwort-Archive: Chronograph

A Fresh Interpretation of a Legendary Timepiece by Vacheron Constantin

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Vacheron_Constantin_Traditionelle_EwigerKalender_1Vacheron Constantin has introduced a whole range of new models at this year’s SIHH. We cannot cover them all, but we just have to introduce the new interpretation of one of the manufacture’s most iconic timepieces: the Traditionelle Chronograph Perpetual Calendar.

The Traditionelle Chronograph Perpetual Calendar is one of the best-known models within Vacheron Constantin’s collection. The new version is available in platinum and pink gold and it combines two key complications – the chronograph and the perpetual calendar – and is powered by the new calibre 1142 QP. This watch leaves nothing to be desired.
The case hasn’t changed, it is still classically round and stepped while bearing the distinctive fluted pattern on its back.

Vacheron_Constantin_Traditionelle_EwigerKalender_3The dial is characterized by the dauphine-style hands and the railway-typed minute track. A white or black tachymeter scale surrounding the dial accentuates the technical nature of the watch.
Exemplifying a concern for legibility, the dial features various shades of grey with finishes that differ according to the functions, reflecting the layout of 1940s Vacheron Constantin chronographs. Standing out against a slate- or silver-coloured opaline base, the small seconds and chronograph minutes counters are distinguished by a circular-brushed ring with snailed centre.
The white or pink gold moon disc is hand-finished. Positioned in the centre of the date counter, it provides a symbolic depiction of a moon face that is alternately smiling or melancholy, depending on the path of the Earth’s satellite. This is a nod to historical pocket watches.

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The sophisticated aesthetic approach is matched by the technical evolution embodied in the movement of the Traditionelle Chronograph Perpetual Calendar. The 1141 QP is replaced by the 1142 QP, a state-of-the-art movement entirely designed and developed within the Vacheron Constantin manufacture. The new movement drives the perpetual calendar functions – with indications of the days, date, months, leap years and moon phases – as well as the chronograph functions with a direct-drive seconds hands and 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, positioned opposite the small seconds at 9 o’clock. This watch will be able to keep track of all the vagaries of the calendar without any need for adjustments until March 1st 2100.
With the development of this new caliber, the watchmakers and developers have been attentive to the energy constraints relating to the chronograph functions, in order to minimize their impact on the 48-hour power reserve.  The oscillation frequency of the balance has also ben raised from 2.5 Hz to 3 Hz so as to increase reliability and shock resistance.
The Traditionelle Chronograph Perpetual Calendar comes with a sapphire crystal caseback to allow a glance on the movement.

The chronograph comes with a leather bracelet.

Designed to Conquer Space: BR-X1 HyperStellar

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Bell & Ross has introduced a space-themed version of its BR-X1 hypersonic chronograph earlier this year, the BR-X1 HyperStellar. Mechanical chronographs have always been part of the official kit of astronauts and cosmonauts. These watches have enabled missions to be completed in situations where electronic motor systems have malfunctioned.
To survive in space, a watch has to respond to certain specifications: resistance to extreme temperatures, corrosion, impacts, acceleration, pressure, vibration and more. This is not easy to achieve.

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Bell & Ross has designed the BR-X1 HyperStellar as a horological space capsule and made sure that the watch is suitable for use with gloves. The predominance of stone grey and electric blue is a reference to two colours closely associated with space exploration: the grey of the moon and the blue of the Earth.
The BR-X1 HyperStellar chronograph features a 60-second counter in the centre, the minute timer on the chronograph function is positioned at 9 o’clock and instead of a hand it features an ultra light aluminium disk resembling the blades of a turbine.
On the flange appears a tachymetre scale in blue.
Made from grey-tinted sapphire crystal and featuring appliqué metal indices filled with Super-LumiNova, the dial forms a clear window through which the movement can be admired.

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Through the usage of titanium and aluminium for the case the BR-X1 HyperStellar is a very light watch. These two materials are widely used in the aerospace industry. Aluminium is known to generate an impermeable oxide lawyer, which protects it against corrosion. And titanium has exceptional corrosion resistance properties, high biocompatibility and properties that enable the production of small, thin parts that are light yet strong.
The case measures 45 mm in diameter, the bezel’s protective insert is in blue anodised aluminium. To protect it from impacts, the square case of the BR-X1 HyperStellar is covered with a bumper in the rubber that acts as a peripheral protective shell. A rubber grip function has also been integrated to ensure better handling even when wearing gloves.
The case is water resistant up to 100 metres and combines polished and brushed surfaces.

The Bell & Ross BR-X1 HyperStellar is powered by the calibre BR-CAL.313, a skeletonized, mechanical automatic movement. It can be seen through a small circular opening in the caseback.
This watch comes with a grey alligator and rubber strap and is limited to 200 pieces.

Bulgari Diagono Magnesium: A New Twist On A Classic

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Bulgari presents with the Diagono a sports watch that is in a league of its own. The whole collection is technical and sophisticated and readily adopts an urban, cosmopolitan attitude. Its versatile nature stems from its inspiration rooted in ancient history – in Ancient Greek to be exact. The name Diagono comes from the word agôn, a classic term expressing competition and efficiency demonstrated in compliance with the rules of sportsmanship, in an inherently elegant matter.
The symbol of Myron’s Discobolus – the Discus Thrower – sets the tone for the Bulgari Diagono watches. The Discus Thrower is the best-known work by Myron of Eleutherae, who earned a major place in the history of art and became famous for both his inventiveness and boldness.
The design of the new Diagono Magnesium is inspired by the balance of grace, strength, power and agility in Myron’s works. And of course the watches pay tribute to the precision of Swiss watchmaking and Italian creative brilliance.

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Back in 1998 the Diagono was one of the very first watches to use materials such as aluminium, which caused a major upheaval in the design world. With the age of titanium came a fresh boldness, a new wager and further success. Last year, Bulgari introduced a whole new technological dimension with the use of magnesium and the combination of three technical materials.
The Bulgari Diagono Magnesium is not short on style: The watch is resolutely contemporary and confidently asserting both its sportiness and its sophistication. The Diagono brings style to every occasion, every circumstance and every situation.

The magnesium case is very light and is coated with motorlac which protects the case and at the same time creates a granulated texture and colourful new reflective effects. The bezel is made from ceramic, a light and scratch-resistant material.
It comes with a diameter of 42.5 mm,  in a lacquered red, blue, grey or black version. Every one of them is water resistant up to 100 m. The dials come in matching colours and they feature three subdials: A 12-hour-counter on 6 o’clock, a 30-minute-counter on 9 o’clock, and a small second on six a clock. Bulgari also found place for a small date window at 4.30.

The Bulgari Diagono Magnesium Chronograph is powered by a mechanical self-winding movement. The calibre B130 works at 4 Hz and provides a 42-hour power reserve.
The watch comes with a vulcanised rubber strap.

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Vacheron Constantin: Heritage models in new versions

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The Historiques collection, dedicated to Vacheron Constantin’s creative archetypes, highlights the wealth of the technical and aesthetic heritage of the Manufacture through contemporary reinterpretations. New models are now reviving three icons much sought-after among collectors. We are looking today at the Cornes de vache 1955, inspired by a legendary 1955 chronograph, reinterpreted in pink gold.

5000H/000R-B059 Cornes de vache

Embodying a singular blend of creative boldness and rigorous technical standards, this classic watch fitted with its distinctive „cow horns“ lugs, which gave the chronograph its name, was inspired by the first water-resistant chronograph designed by Vacheron Constantin in 1955. The vintage icon is reinterpreted in pink gold, in keeping with the spirit of the 1950s, the era that sparked its creation.
Combining tradition, disruptive design and technical sophistication, the Historiques Cornes de vache 1955 chronograph embodies a stylistic originality typical of Vacheron Constantin. It expresses the unconventional creativity of the Manufacture in the 1950s through its stylised lugs creating an aesthetic tension with the traditional chronograph construction with two round pushers.

The silver opaline dial of the Vacheron Constantin Historiques cornes de vache 1955 is punctuated by applied numerals and hour-markers. The seconds hand in the centre as well as the hand of the 30-minute-counter at 3 o’clock are blue, enhancing the chronograph functions. A tachymetric scale on the dial allows the wearer of the watch to calculate speeds.

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Equipped with a column wheel shaped like a Maltese cross, the emblem of the Manufacture, the calibre 1142 drives the hours, minutes and small seconds as well as the chronograph functions while ensuring a 48-hour power reserve. It bears also the Hallmark of Geneva. The entirely hand-decorated manual-winding movement is revealed through the transparent back of the 38.5 mm-diameter case which is water-resistant up to 30 metres.

The Vacheron Constantin Historiques cornes de vache 1955 is equipped with a hand-stitched, brown Mississippiensis alligator leather strap.

Special Edition: London Chronograph by Speake-Marin

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This spring, Speake-Marin unveils a special edition dedicated to the early years of the British watchmaker peter Speake-Marin. The London Chronograph is a special edition and it will only be available in the Fine Watch Room at Harrods, in London during this summer.
After qualifying as a horologist a London’s Hackney College and deepening his knowledge of watch making in Switzerland, Peter Speake-Marin met Georges Somlo in 1990. Speake-Marin stayed in Somlo’s Piccadilly arcade for six years, restoring al manor of early pocket and wrist watches. The London Chronograph is a tribute not only to this years but also to the watches Speake-Marin learned to love back then.

CHRONO CLASS_FRONT 01 BK (72dpi)

The chronograph is powered by a Valjoux 92 made during the 1950’s and 60’s. As with many mechanical calibres the quartz revolution in the late 60’s cut short the life of this and many other calibres. Therefore today these calibres are rare and it was chosen by Peter Speake-Marin because it is the same type of movement he had restored during his time in London during the 1990’s while working with Georges Somlo.

The Valjoux 92 succeeded the popular Valjoux 23 family. It was similarly sized but used a different technology. It was an oscillating pinion design, distinct at a glance for having two rather than three chronograph engagement wheels visible at the back. The historical chronograph movement were used by companies like Patek Philippe, Rolex and TAG Heuer. The mechanical hand wound movement beats with 18.000 beats per hour and features a power reserve of approximately 40 hours.

The London Chronograph is housed in a 42 mm titanium case with a three dimensional white dial. On the dial, the Arabic numbers alternate with Roman numerals to bring a vintage touch. The red 12 has classical connotations and associations with early pocket and wrist watches made in England.
The centre seconds chronograph is married in color to the 30 minute recorder hand located at 3 o’clock on the dial. The two subsidiary dials for the 30 minute recorder and the seconds dial are both seen to float on the dial and below them is found the Speake-marin topping tool logo wheel fitted to the hour wheel turning with the hour hand. The Central Speake-Marin signature Foundation style hands in heat blued steel bring the final touch to this special edition.

CHRONO CLASS_ART 01 (500ko)The London Chronograph is equipped with a black rubber strap and water resistant up to 3 atm. It will only be available the coming summer like mentioned before and it’s priced at £14.400.

Limited Edition: Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Chelsea

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l_hublot-classic-fusion-chronograph-chelsea-1-1Swiss watch brand Hublot and Chelsea FC teamed up and launched the first watch made to celebrate the dynamic partnership between them. The official presentation of the Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Chelsea took place at the club’s Surrey training base in the presence of Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot and Christian Purslow, Head of Global Commercial Activities at Chelsea FC.
The new watch is seen as the perfect marriage of the two organisation’s values. Both, the Swiss watch company and the globally recognised football club are associated with quality, tradition and the pursuit of excellence in everything they do. For Hublot, that’s creating high-quality, technically flawless watches that communicate an appreciation of stylish design and the finest manufacturing standards; for Chelsea, it’s playing beautiful, technically precise, high-quality football that will propel them for further success.

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Hublot and Chelsea announced their partnership in August 2015 on the first day of the 2015/16 Premier League season.
Christian Purslow said: „We are absolutely delighted to see the Chelsea name on this exquisite luxury Swiss timepiece and would like to thank everyone at Hublot for their continued support and enthusiasm. Hublot is a valued partner and it is wonderful to see the partnership brought to life through the Classic Fusion Chronograph Chelsea.“
Hublot is known for its love for football. It was the first luxury brand to invest in football 10 years ago and has a close cooperation with FIFA as the Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of the FIFA World Cup, with UEFA since 2008 and with some of the most prestigious clubs worldwide.

The Chronograph is the first watch made in partnership between Hublot and Chelsea. It features a 45 mm satin-finished and polished titanium case and bezel, and is powered by the calibre HUB1143, an automatic chronograph movement that provides the watch with twin counters at 3 and 9 o’clock, a date window at 6 o’clock and a 42-hour power reserve. The decorated movement can be seen through the watches sapphire case back.
The dial is blue, inspired by Chelsea colours, and has a sunray satin finish and a Chelsea FC Lion appliqué at 12 o’clock. The watch is water-resistant to 50 metres and comes on a black leather strap with a blue rubber lining and trim.l_hublot-classic-fusion-chronograph-chelsea-detail-1

The Classic Fusion Chronograph Chelsea is a limited edition watch of 200 pieces.

Junghans launches the new Meister Pilot

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Junghans-Meister-Pilot-Event-Edition-Watch-5In late September last year, German watchmaker Junghans, known for quality, reliability and passion in watchmaking for over 150 years, held a special preview of the new Meister Pilot watch. The longstanding watch company cave its guests an in-depth insight into the company during an exclusive tour before introducing its new event model. With already two months into 2016 the official launch of the new Meister Pilot is nearly arrived. Time to take a closer look.

Junghans-Meister-Pilot-Event-Edition-Watch-1Junghans designed the new Meister Pilot out of the fascination of flying and aviation in general. Junghans made its own contribution to the history of powered flight – as early as in the 1930s the German manufacturer was producing on-board clocks for aircrafts and in 1955 Junghans developed the Bundeswehrchronograph for the West German military. The new Meister Pilot incorporates the key design elements of the legendary Junghans pilot watch of the 1950s, combining these with the forms of the current Meister collection.

The new Meister Pilot from Junghans is rugged, traditional and masculine watch with an unmistakable design. Its bezel ensures this watch stands out from the crowd, defines the overall appearance and adds a useful function. The pattern and the generous scalloping of the bezel are uncommon and undeniably bold.
The stainless steel case is 43.3 mm in diameter and 14.4 mm in height; a size that plays a part in the excellent legibility of the watch. it is also water resistant up to 100 Junghans-Meister-Pilot-Event-Edition-Watch-3metres. The double-sided, domed sapphire crystal provides an ideal view of the luminescent numerals and hands. The new Meister Pilot enables secure orientation even in poor lighting conditions and in the dark.

The dial is uncluttered and very easy to read as one would expect from a pilot’s watch. The chronograph functions are laid out on 3 (minutes) and 9 (runnings seconds) o’clock; the watch doesn’t feature a date display.

The Junghans new Meister Pilot will be available in two versions: with a black strap and lume and with a brown strap and vintage lume. Both watches have identical specifications and are powered by the same self-winding movement – the calibre J880.4 – which provides the mechanical precision one would expect from Junghans.

Limited Edition: The Grand Seiko 55th Anniversary Spring Drive Chronograph

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Since its birth in 1960, the Grand Seiko watch shared the commitment to the pure essentials of watchmaking: precision, durability, legibility and beauty. The 55th anniversary Limited Edition features enhancements in each of these essential characteristics of the Grand Seiko.

Grand-Seiko-Spring-Drive-Chronograph-GMT-SBGC013-1This wristwatch is powered by a specially tuned version of the Spring Drive calibre 9R96, an automatic calibre with a manual winding mechanism. This unique movment is specially tuned for enhanced accuracy. The crystal oscillators are selected individually, realizing an accuracy of +/- 10 seconds per month. A lion emblem in 18 carat yellow gold graces the oscillating weight to symbolize the enhanced accuracy.
The 9R96 movement has a 72 hours power reserve. It also has a lot of great functions that include the time with subsidiary seconds, date, power reserve indicator, GMT hand, and a 12-hour chronograph.

Grand-Seiko-Spring-Drive-Chronograph-GMT-SBGC013-caseback-movementThis is the first ever Grand Seiko watch to use a ceramic bezel. The deep black ceramic on the bezel gives the watch a crisp and refined appearance. Ceramic is seven times harder and 25% lighter than stainless steel and therefore especially scrat resistant. Its surface is specially polished to the highest possible level to create a long-lasting and super-flat mirror finish.
The 43.5 mm case is made from high-intensity titanium and it features a high definition dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.

The signature colour of the Grand Seiko is a deep blue and it sets the tone for this watch. The chronograph hands are golden, creating a strong contrast with the blue dial and giving high legibility to the stopwatch function.

Both the movement and the complete watch are assembled in the Shinshu Watch Studio, in the mountainous area in the center of Japan.
The Grand Seiko is water resistant up to 10 Bar and features a titanium bracelet.

The watch is offered in a limited edition of just 400 pieces.

Zenith El Primero Stratos becomes the first watch to break the speed of sound with Felix Baumgartner

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Wearing the Zenith El Primero Stratos, Felix Baumgartner jumped out of a capsule suspended from a balloon in the stratosphere at an altitude of more than 39 km last summer.

The chronograph Baumgartner was wearing is actually available for anyone to buy. The stainless steel case displays Baumgartner’s motto, “Learn to love what you have been taught to fear.” The dial is protected by a nostalgically domed version of the second-hardest substance known to man: sapphire crystal. The automatic movement powers a flyback chronograph, which means that timing intervals can be reset without having to first start and stop—a necessary function when the short amount of time at one’s disposal under duress can mean the difference between life and death.

The fact that one of Zenith’s timepieces was the first to break the sound barrier in a near space environment with Felix Baumgartner once again proves the brands reliability under extreme conditions.

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Fortis Anniversary Contest – flying to the moon and back

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Everybody who ever dreamed of being an astronaut has now the chance to experience micro gravity here on earth.

In celebration of Fortis 100th anniversary, the popular Swiss watch manufacturer started his Space Art Contest.

The winner gets a parabolic flight and a Fortis chronograph.

http://www.zero-g.fortis-watches.com