Schlagwort-Archive: quartz movement

Diamonds Are Forever: The New Jewellery Collection

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F.P. Journe introduces a new feminine and sensuous version of the élégante Joaillerie set with diamonds and multi-color precious stones to sublimate women’s wrists.
It took eight years of research for F.P. Journe to develop this horological concept with extremely precise requirements, leading to this gem of innovation, technical performance, precision and comfort.

The 40 mm Platinum patented flat Tortue case is pave-set with diamonds intertwined with rubies, blue sapphires, tsavorites or black diamonds. The dial is also set with similar stones and a diamond hour circle. The black diamond version features an opposite setting which makes the numerals in this version stand out more than in the coloured ones. The functions include central hours and minutes and a small seconds at 6 o’clock.
The case is made from platinum, features a transparent sapphire back and is water resistant up to 3 bar.

The élégance by F.P. Journe was designed and conceived to provide this watch with a very long autonomy of 8 to 18 years depending if in daily use or in standby mode.
The élégance embodies the intelligent watch. The electro-mechanical movement is fitted with a mechanical motion detector visible on the dial at 4.30. After 30 motionless minutes, the watch switches to standby mode in order to save energy and its hands stop turning. During the standby mode, the microprocessor continues to measure time, but the mechanical elements – gear train, rotors and hands, stop moving. As soon as the watch is worn again, the hands automatically set themselves to the correct time, taking the shortest path, whether clockwise or counter-clockwise. The movement, responsible for it all, is the calibre 1210, a quartz movement working at 32.768 Hz.

A watch that allows time to be stopped and started again is the dream not only of watchmakers but of watch-enthusiasts as well. Downright magic on your wrist. And the gems in this collection are a sparkly bonus.
The Élégante New Jewellery Collection is completed by powdered satin bracelets of matching colours. The folding clasps are also set with diamonds.

Always Trending: Chronographs

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Since the first chronographs were introduced, they became hugely popular and with good reason. Some feature a tachymeter scale with which lap times can be calculated, some show chronograph hours and minutes, some only minutes. All of them feature subdials and a small second. Apart from these functions, chronographs are also popular because of there sporty looks – but many of them can also be worn to the office without difficulty – they are just gloriously versatile.
We are introducing five of them today.

Two chronographs of Chrono Diamond made the cut. The first one is the Argos, named after the hero of the same name and fellow of Jason from the argonaut myth of Apollonios of Rhodos. And the watch ought to accompany its owner just as reliably. Its design is reduced and simply elegant. It shows hours, minutes, the running seconds at 9 o’clock, the chronograph minutes at 3 and the chronograph hours at 6 o’clock. The Argos shows day and month in two windows at 12 o’clock; the date is shown by a fourth central hand with a small crescent moon tip.
The Argos is powered by a quartz movement and you’ll have the choice between twelve different models: in stainless steel, with gold and pink gold PVD-coating and different coloured dials. All variations come with a leather bracelet.

The Chrono Diamond Nestor stands out with a dial that accentuates the functions of the subdials extravagantly. At 2.30 o’clock you’ll find the running seconds, at 6 o’clock the chronograph hours and at 10.30 the chronograph minutes. At 4 o’clock a small date window is placed. The dial is textured and of course, it bears the for Chrono Diamond characteristic diamonds.
Chrono Diamond offers nine different versions of the Nestor; with dark and fair dials, in stainless steel and with gold PVD-coating, with a metal bracelet or leather strap. All of them are powered by a reliable quartz movement. All-Chrono Diamond watches are Swiss Made.

The Festina Chrono Bike-Line has a longstanding tradition and is a hommage to bicycle racing. So it is no surprise that the watch manufacturer could win Richard Virenque as ambassador. The french road racing cyclist was a climber, winning the King of the Mountains competition of the Tour de France a record of seven times. During his active time he was part of the Festina Team and the partnership between them remains to this day.
The Chrono Bike chronographs come in a variety of designs. The latest model features a stainless steel 44-mm-case, the dial is protected by mineral glass. The subdials for the running seconds, chronograph minutes and chronograph hours contrast sharply with the rest of the dial.

The Longines Conquest V.H.P. comes in many different colours and designs; some in stainless steel and some in black PVD-coating. The sober case is complemented by an articulate dial. Except for the big Arabic 12, Longines opted for plain indices which are equipped with the same greenish lume as the minute and hour hands. Red accents highlight the chronograph functions – the central seconds hand, the hands of the chronograph minutes at 3 o’clock and the chronograph hours at 9 o’clock. The subdial at 6 o’clock shows the running seconds.
The Conquest V.H.P. is powered by an reliable, high-quality ETA quartz movement.

The last chronograph we’re introducing in this feature is the rugged Mathieu Legrand Avant-Garde. This model is for fans of larger, more masculine watches. The indices, the big Arabic 12, as well as the hour and minute hands are generously coated with lume, so perfect readability is given at all times, even in the dark. The chronograph seconds and the subdials are highlighted with colour. At 4.30 you’ll find a big date window.
The Avant-Garde is powerd by a Swiss made quartz movement and comes in four different versions – three with a black, one with a fair dial; in stainless steel, with a PVD-coating in gold or in a bi-colour design.

25th Anniversary: Seiko Grand Seiko 9F quartz caliber

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In 1988, the Grand Seiko team made a new quartz caliber that was worthy of the high standards the brand was – and still is – known for. At that time, rapid advances in quartz technology were being made but most were focused on the addition of new functions. The Grand Seiko team though, decided that they could, and should, go further by focusing on the simple essentials of precision and durability. They decided that to be the „ideal“ quartz watch, a new caliber was needed that would be even more precise, more durable and more in keeping with the aesthetics of Grand Seiko. Five years later, in 1993, the first 9F caliber, the 9F83, was completed.

The new caliber delivered advances in every aspects. Its hands were as long as those on every other Grand Seiko watch, the calendar change was instantaneous and the durability and reliability was enhanced. Caliber 9F incorporated key innovations such as a backlash auto-adjust mechanism to eliminate any shuddering of the second hand, a twin pulse control system to deliver increased torque and a unique protective shield to minimize the risk of dust coming into contact with the gear train or stepping motor. Still today, the caliber 9F can lay a strong claim to being the highest performance quartz watch in the world.

The new limited edition pays proud homage to the 1993 design. Its case and bracelet retain the soft contours of the original. There are, however, stylistic enhancements. In line with contemporary taste, the case is slightly larger, the Grand Seiko name is now at the 12 o’clock position and the dial carries a special pattern based on the traditional quartz symbol with, above the six o’clock marker, the 5-pointed star which, symbolises the extraordinary precision rate of +5 to -5 seconds a year.
This commemorative watch is offered in a limited series of 1,500 and will be available from April.

A second limited edition also commemorates the 25th anniversary of the caliber 9F. The case design is a contemporary re-interpretation of the celebrated 44GS from 1967 and showcases the beauty of the finishing on the 9F movement through an exhibition case back. The robust construction is clear to see and the striped pattern of the engraving bears witness to the care taken on the finishing on ever 9F movement, which, albeit hidden behind the case back in every other model, is assembled and finished by hand to the same high standard.
The dial, with its special markings and star symbol, is the same as on the first commemorative edition. The bezel is in gold. It is a limited edition of 600 pieces and will be available in May.

The case of both watches is made from stainless steel with a diameter of 39.1 mm and a water resistance of 10 bar.
Both watches are completed by a stainless steel bracelet.

New Limited Edition by Raymond Weil: Bob Marley Tango

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Watch enthusiasts know Raymond Weil among others for its limited editions in which the Swiss manufacturer honors musical icons. In the recent past fans could gush over a model celebrating the Gibson Les Paul guitar, Buddy Holly, David Bowie and two different Beatles watches. Now Raymond Weil has introduced a new music collaboration, honouring the iconic Reggae legend Bob Marley.
Bob Marley remains one of the 20th century’s most important and influential music icons. Famous for having put reggae on the global map, his lifestyle and music continue to inspire new generations illustrated by the millions of albums sold worldwide. His daughter said about the collaboration: „We are honoured to work with Raymond Weil on the creation of this timepiece that celebrates our father’s legacy and recognizes the artistic contributions of so many great musicians in this unique way,“ Cedella Marley said.

The Bob Marley Tango 300, a tribute to the renowned artist was developed and designed by Raymond Weil in collaboration with the „House of Marley“. The manufacturer has chosen ist emblematic tango 300 collection for its versatility and durability, as the canvas for the design of this limited edition. Its 41 mm diameter stainless steel case comes with a black PVD plated bezel and houses a quartz chronograph mechanism. The case back is engraved with the iconic Bob Marley logo.

Punctuated with green hands on the sub-dials and a yellow coated second’s hand, this timepiece takes in the color palette from the Ethiopian national flag. The colours stand out spectacularly against the black dial and the red details on the beveled minute track ring complete the look with a subtle reference to the flag. The dial is textured while the subdials aren’t and therefore contrast with its surroundings. At 3 o’clock you’ll find the running seconds, at 6 o’clock the chronograph counts the hours, at 9 o’clock the minutes. Raymond Weil has placed a small date window between 4 and 5 o’clock and there is our only point of criticism because its background is white and therefore stands really out, disrupting the balance a little.
Hour and minute hands as well as the indexes glow in the dark.

The Bob Marley Tango 300 is a 600 piece limited edition and is completed by a black rubber strap.

Retro: The Hamilton Ventura 60th Anniversary Edition

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This year, Hamilton celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Ventura. It’s the perfect opportunity to woo us with an anniversary edition, containing no less than three interpretations of the classic wristwatch.
The original Ventura was introduced in 1957 and with its extravagant looks it found fans fast. Like the King of Rock’n’Roll for example, who wore a Ventura in his movie „Blue Hawaii“. But the Ventura was not only beautiful, moreover it was the first watch powered by a then revolutionary electric caliber.

The new Ventura Class and the Ventura Elvis Skeleton are the backbone of the new remarkable trio by capturing the unconventional case design of its predecessor. The dials of the Ventura Classic with their large symbol for electricity remind of the pioneering feat, the world’s first electric wristwatch achieved.
Within this trilogy past and present join up in the form of a celebration watch with yellow gold PVD stainless steel case. In an additional flash of acknowledgement to Ventura’s illustrious past, a brown lizard-patterned leather strap, white dial with golden hour markers and hands and flash of red at the tip of the second hand provide an unmistakable touch of vintage elegance.

For the next version Hamilton has opted for a jeans design. Not only the strap is made from this fabric but the dial wears a 3D printed jeans-pattern.
The third Ventura comes with an unconventional skeletonized dial which is meant to remind of Elvis’s microphone. The cut-outs provide an insight into the automatic movement beneath. For this watch the customer can choose between a stainless steel bracelet or a caoutchouc one.

All cases come with a charming retro look – although the one of the Hamilton Ventura Elvis Skeleton is a little more modern – and are water resistant up to 5 bar. The Elvis Ventura measures 42.5 x 44.6 mm, the other two versions come in two different sizes: 24 x 36.5 mm or 32.3 x 50.3 mm.

Whether past, present or future – every version of the Ventura honors the heritage of the collection as well as Hamilton’s American spirit. These watches will make sure that this legendary watch won’t be forgotten in the decades to come.

New from Alpina: The Startimer Pilot Automatic & Startimer Pilot Quartz

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This year at Baselworld, Alpina, one of the pioneers in professional pilot watches, introduced the new Startimer Pilot Automatic. Now the manufacturer also launched quartz versions of the Startimer. Time to look at both.

Alpina has been, for many decades, a reference in professional pilot watches. In the first 50 years of the last century, Alpina was the official supplier for military aviation watches to continental air forces and since then the brand has carried on the tradition of manufacturing reliable and precise pilot timepieces.
Pilots have the strictest requirements when it comes to their instruments, the same can be said about their watches. This is why Alpina has continuously worked to provide them with the most dependable timepieces, offering characteristics such as ultimate precision, shock-resistance or anti-magnetic cases. Since its initial launch in 2011, the Startimer Pilot Collection has become the most successful line of the Brand and one of the most recognizable professional pilot watches on the market.

Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic

Alpina Startimer Pilot Automatic

The four new Startimer Pilot Automatic maintains all the pilot features the Startimer Collection is known for. The combination of the finishing details and straight functions offer pilot watch aficionados the perfect balance between functionality and elegance on the wrist.
The AL-525G4TS6 features a titanium-colored stainless steel 44 mm case contrasting with a matte grey dial displaying the typical oversized luminous hand-applied indexes and hands with a date-window at 3 o’clock. The iconic red Alpina triangle is featured at 12 o’clock and on the seconds hand. The other three versions come in either stainless steel or rose gold-plated stainless steel featuring a dark blue or white dial. The AL-525 automatic movement boasts a 38 hour power-reserve and all watches are water-resistant up to 10 atm.

The five Startimer Pilot Quartz mix watchmaking excellence with practical functions. With these new versions, Alpina continues to respect the pilot watch and its key characteristics such as the oversized indexes and luminous treatment on the hands and the highly color-contrasted dials; major features that define a pilot’s watch and provide optimal readability. The 42mm case is available in two styles, either stainless steel or black PVD-treated stainless steel. The case is smaller than the usual 44mm pilot watches‘ cases turning it into the perfect watch for daily wear. These versions are available with different types of strap, either nylon or stainless steel bracelets.

Alpina Startimer Pilot Quartz

Alpina Startimer Pilot Quartz

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Red Bull Racing Team

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TAG Heuer launched two special series in honour of the famously unconventional Formula 1 team Red Bull Racing. Back in December 2015 TAG Heuer became the Official Timekeeper & Official Watch of the Formula 1 Red Bull Racing team in a landmark agreement. The two brands announced the new name of the 2016 car „Red Bull Racing – TAG Heuer RB 12“, with the watch manufacturer being included in the team’s official name. It’s the first time a watchmaker has ever been named directly in the official title of an F1 team.
Red Bull Racing has amassed four Double World Champion titles, having won the FIA Constructors‘ and Drivers‘ titles four years in a row. However, it was Red Bull Racing’s unorthodox approach to the sport and to to entertainment in general wich appealed to TAG Heuer, one which is perfectly in line with the brand’s new marketing strategy.
Now, at the most glamorous of all Formula 1 Grand Prix events (no, there’s no doubt about that) – Monaco – and to celebrate its first year of partnership with the most unconventional team in the Formula 1, TAG Heuer introduced two special series TAG Heuer Formula 1 Red Bull Racing Team watches.

The steel chronograph bears the team’s colours – midnight blue and red – an alliance which naturally alludes to the racing mindset. Adorned with a bezel sporting a tachymeter scale in matte blue aluminium, this piece truly reflects the DNA of the TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection.
Inside works a quartz chronograph movement, the Ronda 5040D with the 1/10 second and hour counter at 6 o’clock, a minute counter at 9 o’clock and the current seconds counter at 3 o’clock. The hands are red, matching the team colours, while complementing the white counters and deep blue case.
The case back is engraved with the legendary black and white chequered flag, a symbol of Formula 1, as well as the Red Bull Racing Team logo. The watch is water resistant up to 200 metres.

The watch is available in two versions, one of which has a steel bracelet in keeping with the brand’s flagship models. But the model is also available with a strap made from technical textile for a sportier look, with red stitching inspired by the seat belts of racing cars.
So there’s nothing much new here and calling a watch two special editions that only vary in terms of the strap is a bit of a stretch we would say. But: Nonetheless, these watches are perfect for people who prefer a bit of colour on their wrists and of course they are high-quality like one would expect from TAG Heuer.

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.

Minimalism from Iceland: The Arc-Tic Retro

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1424799078683Maybe you’ve never heard of Arc-Tic, based in downtown Reykjavik. It’s a small label, producing beautiful watches.. Now you can’t say that anymore, because we are introducing the Retro-watches of this Icelandic watchmanufacturer today.

Arc-Tic-Retro-The Retro-watches from Arc-Tic emanate a relaxed Nordic coolness. The Scandinavians are best known for their sparse minimalistic design, which made their furniture (and especially Ikea, yes) a huge hit world-wide. Now, we all can wear their famous style on our wrists; austerity with a splash of color.

The Arc-Tic Retro-watches are beautiful and simple three-hander. These quartz-powered watches are undeniably wearable and absolutely affordable. The only color on the dial are the red seconds hand and a red hyphen. These watches stand out in their starkness with their polished stainless steel case, generously-sized rhodium hour markers, rhodium logo and rhodium hands. These features catch the light – and the attention.
Arc-Tic-Retro-WatchYou won’t find any Super LumiNova on the dial, the hands or hour-markers; you will definitely need light to spot the time. That’s not for everyone but this decision emphasizes the retro-look considerably.

The case comes in two sizes – 36mm or 42mm in diameter – with 8mm in height. Both sizes are available with a white or black dial like mentioned earlier. The white ones come with a genuine honey-colored calfskin strap, the ones with the black dial with a black strap, including red stitching. The straps can be easily removed and replaced with a NATO-strap which is included in the delivery, its colors based on the Icelandic flag.

Arc-Tic-Retro-Watch-The Arc-Tic Retro is powered by a Swiss-made quartz movement and is water resistant to 50m. The case back is beautifully decorated, showing a map of Iceland, compass points and degree markings; also the Arctic Circle which inspired the name of the company.

The retail price of the Arc-Tic Retro watch is around 213€ and the watches are only available in stores around Iceland or from the Arc-Tic online store.