Finest Watches Blog

MB&F Horological Machine N°4 Thunderbolt

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 17:11:00 +0000

After years of following someone else's rules in the world of fine watch-making, Maximilian Büsser has set out on his own. Employed by both Jaeger-LeCoultre and Harry Winston he has proven to the world his ability to head a respected haute horlogerie brand. In 2005 Büsser resigned from Harry Winston and set out on his own to form MB&F, an artistic and micro-engineering concept laboratory. Working with some of the most talented independent horological professionals, MB&F is pushing the limits of horology.

The latest creation is the MB&F Horological Machine N°4 Thunderbolt, a incredibly unique timepiece inspired by Büsser's childhood passion for aircrafts. The case is an obvious homage to aviation, the two streamlined jet-turbine-styled pods resting on a horizontal section housing the engine. The titanium case measures 54mm wide x 52mm long x 24mm high and has been milled from solid blocks of high-tech Grade 5 titanium. The intense process involves hundreds of hours of machining before polishing, masking and finally satin-finishing of the surfaces.

The left bullet shaped pod is reminiscent of a fuel gauge and displays the power reserve feature, indicated by a skeletonised hand. The right pod displays hours and minutes with bold, arrow-tipped Super-LumiNova filled hands. The watch is protected by five separate sapphire crystals - 2 for the dials, 1 for the central case section and 2 for the display panels on the top and bottom. Though it seems like a silly statement for a watch, being somewhat of a concept piece, the timepiece was not developed specifically to tell the time, but despite this fact the Thunderbolt still completes the task in a unique and effective way with its highly legible dials perpendicular to the wearer's wrist, a perfect position for a pilot's or driver's watch.

The HM4 is powered by a manual winding engine that was entirely designed and developed by MB&F, a task that took over three years of intensive work to acomplish. Made up of 311 individual components with 50 jewels. Each piece was developed for the Thunderbolt, no off-the-shelf mechanisms or parts were used at all due to the extreme nature of its architecture. The movement allows for hours, minutes and power reserve indicator.

The watch is completed by a black hand-stitched calfskin strap with a titanium/white gold custom designed deployment buckle attached to articulated lugs.

Brietling Chronospace For Pilots

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 12:47:00 +0000

In its 125 year history, Breitling has had great success being at the forefront of developing timepieces intended for pilots. Perhaps until now, most famously with its Navitimer line whose circular slide rule is capable of handling all the essential calculations relating to airborne navigation. The latest creation to be unveiled by the brand is the Chronospace, a multifunction wrist instrument geared towards the “professional aviator” with its cutting-edge electronics. The new timepiece features a steel case with a screwed in case-back and resonance chamber. It boasts water-resistant to 5 bars. The bezel on the watch is a bidirectional rotating pinion bezel (slide rule).

The Chronospace is powered by the Breitling Caliber 78 SuperQuartz™ movement, an officially chronometer-certified by the COSC. The movement functions include a 1/100th of a second chronograph with split times, alarm, countdown, dual timezone display with independent alarm, 24-hour military time, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), slide rule, battery end-of-life indicator and a perpetual calendar.

The dial on the timepiece is available in several color choices - Volcano black, Mariner blue, Tungsten gray and Stratus silver. The watch’s LCD screens are equipped with high-performance NVG-compatible backlighting system to ensure optimal readability in all lighting conditions. The watches functions are indicated by oversized hands, along with luminescent hour-markers and large 3 and 9 o’clock numerals. The Chronospace is also available with a variety of bracelet choices including leather, rubber Diver Pro, rubber Ocean Racer/woven steel Aero Classic.

Breguet Marine Royale for 2010

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:57:59 +0000

New for 2010 and first presented a Baselworld in March, the new Breguet Marine Royale watches are a great addition to the Marine line. Available in either 18-carat white gold or rose gold and in four different combinations, white gold with white gold dial, white gold with dark dial, rose gold with rose gold dial and finally a rose gold with dark dial. The solid 18-carat gold case measures 45 millimeters wide by 17.45 millimeters thick. The watch features a unidirectional bezel with a luminous marker, the security ratchet of the turning bezel is visible at 3 o'clock.

The dial is available in both light and dark versions. The triangular hand at the center of the dial handles setting the alarm time. The alarm power-reserve indication is in an aperture between 9 and 11 o’clock. The alarm on/off indicator is the round aperture at 12 o’clock. Date is located at 6 o’clock. The Breguet style hands are hands coated with a luminous compound. Powered by the in-house 519R calibre self-winding movement with an alarm mechanism and 36 jewels. The movement can be viewed through a sapphire crystal case-back. The superb construction of the timepiece allows for a water-resistant of 300 meters. The movement has a power reserve of up to 45 hours.

TAG Heuer Monaco Created for Porsche Club of America

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:15:00 +0000

In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the Porsche Club of America (PCA), TAG Heuer has created a limited edition Monaco timepiece to commemorate the milestone. In staying with the 55 theme, the timepiece will be limited to just 55 pieces, it will display the racing number “55″ on the black and red dial, and it will retail for just $5,500. Its no surprising that these two companies have joined together for such a collaboration, as they have a long history together starting back in 1969, when the watch company pledged its support to Jo Siffert, the Swiss racecar legend.

The limited edition timepiece has a stainless steel case that measures 41 millimeters wide by 12 millimeters thick. The black and red striped dial is protected by a plexiglas crystal and displays hours, minutes, seconds, date and chronograph which displays time measurement in 30 minutes and 60 seconds. The watch features a black leather strap black decorated with red stitches and racing holes. The watch will be powered by an automatic movement and will provide a water resistance of up to 30 meters. Delivery for the watch is expected to be in September of this year.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Amvox 3 Tourbillon GMT Watch In Iron Man 2

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 16:41:33 +0000

The highly popular Iron Man movies have also been making headliness in the world of luxury timepieces with the wristwatch choices for lead actor Robert Downey Jr.character, Tony Stark. In the first movie, Iron Man 1, Downey's character can be seen wearing a rose gold Bvlgari Diagono Retrograde watch. Now, in the just released Iron Man 2 film Downey is sporting the Jaeger-LeCoultre Amvox 3 Tourbillon GMT watch. As far as I'm concerned a far more impressive timepiece that I think better compliments the characters lifestyle and unique abilities. Downey has also been photgraphed wearing the watch at press events leading up to the release.

The Amvox 3 timepiece is crafted from ceramic and platinum 950 and has a case width of 44 millimeters and a thickness of 15.24. The dial and back of the watch are protected by a sapphire crystal case-back which helps assure the watches 50 meter water resistance. The platinum version has the reference number 193K450 and is a limited series of just 300 watches. The dial features a black meshed and openworked in its centre with white luminescent numerals, displaying hours, minutes, seconds by tourbillon, date, GMT and am/pm indicator.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Amvox 3 Tourbillon GMT Watch is powered by the calibre 988 single barrel automatic movement which beats at 28800 Vibrations per hour and contains 35 jewels. It also has a 48 hour power-reserve. The watch is completed by a perforated calfskin leather strap and a double folding buckle the measures 20.0 milimeters. The watch is also available with rose gold accents, as reference number 193C450.

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra XXL Small Seconds Limited Edition Watch

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 14:05:00 +0000

My first impression of the new Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra XXL Small Seconds Limited Edition Watch is that at first glance I would not have guessed it to be crafted by Omega, but perhaps by A.Lange and Sohne. With a much more classic style, higly elegant hands and stylized numeral hour markers, Omega has created a timepiece that I think may force some to take a second look at the brand who's previous creations could be veiwed as second-best to high-end brands such as Patek Phillipe and Vacheron Constantine.

Available in 18K rose and white gold the over-sized case is an impressive 49.2 millimeters in diameter. The elegant dial is crafted from a beautiful white enamel on two levels. One of my favorite aspects of the Aqua Terra timepiece are the blue steel hands featuring laser-cut vintage Omega logos, patented by the brand back in 1924. And as the name indicates the dial has a small seconds sub-dial made from applied sterling (950) silver at the 6 o'clock position. The rose gold version is completed by a brown alligator leather strap fitted with a polished rose gold buckle. The white gold version is completed by a black alligator leather strap fitted with a polished white gold buckle.

The Seamaster Aqua Terra XXL Small Seconds is a limited Edition watch issued in a small number of just 88 pieces for each version. Each timepiece is powered by an officially certified chronometer movement - calibre 2211. Superb construction allows the timepieces a 150-meter water-resistance.

The Richard Mille for Rafael Nadal (RM027)

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 30 May 2010 20:45:00 +0000

Richard Mille has developed a brand new masterpiece for 2010, a timepiece developed in collaboration with current #2 in the world ranked tennis player - Rafael Nadal. The RM 027 Tourbillon's greatest strength is its ultra-light case construction, a quality of extreme importance as Nadal will be wearing the watch during his matches. Most players refrane from wearing watches during matches as even the slightest weight difference can affect a players swing, something the work yars to perfect. The ultra-light case is so light so it is equivalent to that of just 20 paper clips.

The world was watching as The French Open began this year and Rafael donned the extraordinary timpeiece during his matches. Most of us cringe at the thought of wearing a $525,000 timepiece during a sporting event. The introduction of the new RM 027 Tourbillon marks the Richard Mille's first entry into the worldof tennis courts. Like Felipe Massa before him, who drives every F1 Grand Prix with his Richard Mille watch, Rafael Nadal will be playing all of his matches wearing his Richard Mille on his wrist.

The limited edition timepiece will be produced in a run of just 50 pieces and will sell for and estimated price of $525,000. The case measures 48 mm x 39.70 mm x 11.85 mm and weighs just under 20 grams, 13 rams without the strap. The case is constructed from the incredibly light carbon-composite. The watch is powered by a manual-wind movement which itself only weighs just under 4 grams. The movement is constructed from titanium and LITAL ®, lithium alloy containing aluminum, copper, magnesium, zirconium. The movement allows for a 48 hour power reserve.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Steel & Titanium

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sat, 29 May 2010 20:14:00 +0000

2010 has brought another titanium and stainless steel masterpiece for the well-known luxury brand Vacheron Constantine, the Overseas Dual Time watch. The Overseas collection has been a popular one for the brand since the launch of the first version in 1996. A beautiful watch with great functionality for travelers and collectors alike, the model offers two time zones, a day/night indicator, a power reserve complication, and a date display. Pricing for this watch is expected to be about $15,000-$17,000 (USD) when it becomes available later this year.

The Overseas Dual Time case is 42 millimeters in diameter crafted in stainless steel with a titanium bezel. The push-piece is protected with a titanium guard. The solid case-back has been stamped with the "Overseas" medallion has been secured with screw fastening. The superior case construction guarantees an impressive Water resistance that has been tested at a pressure of 15 Bar, equivalent to 150 meters. The slate-grey dial has a circular satin-brushed finish with a painted outer minute circle and 12 applied hour-markers in 18-carat gold highlighted with a white luminescent substance. The watch comes with a hand-sewn dark grey square-scale alligator leather strap and an additional strap in black rubber. The watch is secured to your wrist with a double-safety triple-blade folding clasp in stainless steel.

The watch is powered by the mechanical self-winding movement caliber 1222 SC. The movement is protected by an antimagnetic screen and measures 4.85 millimeters thick and 26.60 millimeters wide. It contains no less than 34 jewels and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations/hour. The movement allows for a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The reference number for the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Steel & Titanium is 47450/000W-9511.

The Corum Admiral's Cup Chronograph 48 Grand Prix Watch

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sat, 15 May 2010 23:50:16 +0000

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Corum Admiral's Cup watch is celebrating with the release of a special limited edition Admiral's Cup timepiece. The watch also aims to celebrate the achievements the Okalys-Corum sailing team. With beautiful orange accents the timepiece will be limited to just 25 pieces. The watch is expected to be available as soon as june June at authorized points of sale. The retail price will be $8,770 US dollars. It is powered by the automatic-winding mechanical chronograph movement, caliber CO753. The movement has achieved COSC-chronometer certification. It contains 27 jewels and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The movement provides an up to 42-hour power reserve.

The large titanium case is 48 mm in diameter and has the Corum signature 12-sides. Titanium is a great choice for its impressive durability while maintaining a lightness that other metals lack. The case has locking pushbuttons and a crown decorated with the Corum key engraving. The dark grey dial nicely compliments the orange accents. The minute markers and numerals, faceted hour and minute hands, and chronograph seconds-hand are treated with an orange luminescent coating, while the chevrons are treated with a black luminescent coating. The date function is displayed through a window at 3 o’clock. The Corum Admiral’s Cup Chronograph 48 Grand Prix watch is completed by a black leather strap with orange stitching and a tongue buckle engraved with Corum logo.

Bell & Ross Limited Edition BR03-92 Instrument Phantom Infiniti Watch

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sat, 15 May 2010 20:50:00 +0000

Bell & Ross and Infiniti, the luxury car brand, is launching an exclusive watch to celebrate their collaboration. The Limited Edition BR03-92 Instrument Phantom Infiniti watch is to be produced in a limited edition of just 100 individually-numbered pieces. The watch commemorates the recently released Infiniti FX Limited Edition performance vehicle. The timepiece is powered by the automatic mechanical movement - ETA 2982. The movement allows for hours, minutes, seconds and an animated the date function with quick correction.

The Bell & Ross Limited Edition BR03-92 Instrument Phantom Infiniti watch features a 42 milimeters steel case treated with a the black carbon powder finish similar to the graphite finish on the Infiniti FX Limited Edition. The galvanic black dial has large hands indicating hours and minutes and a seconds hand with a distinct purple coating used as a compliment to the instruments of the Infiniti car. The numerals and index markers have been treated with a photo-luminescent finish for optimal night visibility. The dial is protected by an anti-reflection sapphire crystal. The screw-down case-back is engraved with the Infiniti signature and is individually numbered. The solid construction of the timepiece allows for a 100-meter water-resistance. The watch is completed by a heavy-duty synthetic black fabric or rubber strap.

The Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon Watch

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sat, 08 May 2010 22:54:00 +0000

Cartier's newest watch, the Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon watch, is ready to make its debut. First introduced by Cartier at SIHH in the beginning of the year, the Astrotourbillon will be available at select Cartier boutiques across the U.S. from June 2010. The new model features the brands newest movement, the 9451 MC movement produced entirely in the manufacture’s workshops. It took five years to develop the highly advanced movement and is equipped with a tourbillon carriage.

Available in 18 carat white gold, reference CRW1556204 for $133,000 and in 18 carat rose gold, reference number CRW1556205 for $124,000. Each case is 47 millimeters in diameter and has a circular-grained crown in the corresponding metal set with a sapphire cabochon. The silver guilloche dial with black transfer Roman numeral markers is protected by a sapphire crystal. The case-back has a transparent sapphire crystal. The watch boasts a water-resistance of up to 30 meters. The watch is completed by a black alligator skin strap for the white gold version or a brown alligator skin strap for the rose gold, each fitted with a double adjustable folding clasp in white or rose gold.

The caliber 9451 MC Astrotourbillon movement is mechanical with manual winding. It measures 38 millimeters by 9.01 millimeters thick. It has a total of 187 components with 23 jewels. It beats a the frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and has an impressive power reserve of approximetley 48 hours. Each movement is individually numbered.

New Hublot Big Bang for Mexican Football Federation

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sat, 08 May 2010 20:25:00 +0000

2007 was the first year Hublot developed a Big Bang watch specially for the Mexican Football Federation. After the great success of the first model, Hublot has created a new edition of the limited edition timepiece thus continuing its partnership with the Mexican Football Federation. The watch was presented by Hublot's CEO, Jean-Claude Biver to Mexico's national team's trainer Javier Aguirre. Javier Aguirre lead the national team in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. This new timepiece will accompany the Mexican national team players to South Africa as a symbol of luck.

The new Hublot Mexican Football Federation Big Bang has a 44.5 millimeter case sculptured from microblasted black ceramic. The openworked skeleton dial is decorated with red and green details, inspired by Mexico's national colors. The see through case-back reveals a transfer of the FMF logo and is protected by a sapphire crystal. Powered by the Hublot Calibre HUB movement, a mechanical chronograph movement with automatic winding. The movement is made up of 252 individual components and has a power-reserve of up to 42 hours. The watch is completed with an adjustable green alligator strap with red stitching. It is water-resistant up to 100 meters.

IWC Portuguese Tourbillon Mystere Retrograde Timepiece IW5044

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 02 May 2010 16:45:21 +0000

For many years the IWC Portuguese Tourbillon Mystère has for many years been admired for its rotating carriage escapement. This year IWC has added a retrograde date indicator to their Portuguese Tourbillon Mystere watch. The new Retrograde version is to produced as a limited addition piece in both 18 carat red gold and platinum, with red gold version limited to 500 pieces and the platinum version limited to 250 pieces. The large case size measures 44.2 millimeters in diameter by 15.5 millimeters tall.

Since its debut in 2004, the IWC Portuguese Tourbillon Mystere has been a coveted watch thanks to its beautiful setting of its tourbillon escapement. The new Rétrograde date is a wonderful addition to the watch. The flyback date indicator springs back automatically to “1” at the end of any months with 31 days – January, March, May, July, August, October, December. For the shorter months the date indicator must be advanced by the rapid adjustment function to then fly back to the first day of the month.

The watch features a mechanical IWC-manufactured movement caliber 51900 with Pellaton winding system and seven-day power reserve, retrograde date display, flying minute tourbillon. The red gold version has a silver-plated dial and dark brown alligator leather strap with red gold folding clasp. The platinum version has a ruthenium-black dial and a black alligator leather strap with platinum folding clasp. The dial is protected by a convex sapphire crystal treated with an antireflective coating on both sides. The case-back has a see-through sapphire crystal. The watch boasts a Water resistance of 3 bars. Cost is speculated to be slightly above the $100,000.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ladies Watch Collection

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:25:47 +0000

Rolex has introduced its Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ladies collection of watches. Beautiful and delicate, these new additions to the datejust line have a great variety of dials, bezels and materials to choose from. The floral motif dials are particularly beautiful set against a dark rhodium background. Each dial has a stunning gem-set Roman numeral hour marker located at 6 o’clock. Available with either a fluted bezel or a beautiful domed bezel set with 24 or 46 round diamonds.

The first version of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust Lady watch is reference 178341 / 72161, has a 31mm Everose Rolesor case and a domed bezel with a unique setting of 24 sparkling diamonds. The untraditional setting playfully places round-cut diamonds around the domed everose bezel. Like all Rolex watches the dial is protected by a sapphire crystal treated with an anti-glare coating. Dials are available in chocolate, purple, pink, and white mother-of-pearl. Powered by the self-winding movement, calibre 2235 which incorporates a perpetual rotor and allows for hours, minutes and seconds, and date function with instantaneous change and rapid setting. The watch has an Oyster Everose Rolesor bracelet with an Oyster clasp with the Easylink comfort extension link. The timepiece is water-resistant to 100 meters.

The second version of Rolex's new ladies watch is the reference 178383 / 72163. This version has a 31 mm yellow Rolesor case with a tradional diamond set bezel which contains 46 round-cut diamonds. Again, this model is protected by a sapphire crystal with an anti-glare coating. The dials is available in silver, olive, and white mother of pearl - each with a gem-set Roman numeral at 6 o’clock. The champagne version has an embellished tone-on-tone floral pattern and does not have diamonds but rather an Arabic numeral at 6 o’clock. Powered by the self-winding movement, calibre 2235 which incorporates a perpetual rotor and allows for hours, minutes and seconds, and date function with instantaneous change and rapid setting. The watch has yellow Rolesor bracelet bracelet with an Oyster clasp with the Easylink comfort extension link. The timepiece is water-resistant to 100 meters.

The third version of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust Lady watch is the reference 178274 / 63160. With a 31 mm white Rolesor and a fluted bezel. This model is protected by a sapphire crystal with an anti-glare coating. The dial is available in dark rhodium, bronze, purple, and white mother of pearl - each with a gem-set Roman numeral at 6 o’clock. There is also a mother of pearl version that has Maxi Roman numeral at 6 o'clock and a floral motif. Powered by the self-winding movement, calibre 2235 which incorporates a perpetual rotor and allows for hours, minutes and seconds, and date function with instantaneous change and rapid setting. The watch has a stainless steel bracelet and crown clasp. The timepiece is water-resistant to 100 meters.

The New Rolex Submariner Date Watch Reference 116610

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:51:00 +0000

Rolex has reworked its Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date and changed its reference number to 116610. While the case of the watch remains 40mm in diameter the profile is noticeably squarer and has thicker lugs. Also changed is the graduated unidirectional bezel, which now lacks the anodized black aluminum insert, replaced by the Cerachrom bezel, manufactured from a special ceramic material that Rolex has developed in-house. Chosen for its immunity to UV damage and saltwater corrosion and its being being extremely resistant to scratches.

The dial has enlarged luminous hands and hour markers treated with Chromalight for easier readability, this material has a distinctive blue glow which is more visible to the human eye even in underwater conditions. The bracelet has been updated as well, the stainless steel Oyster bracelet no longer has the brushed center links but a solid link. The clasp latches with a complex spring-loaded mechanism and has a precise Glidelock extension device with a ratchet. The retail price for the new 116610 Submariner Date is $7,250. There is also the 116610 LV version, which features a green Cerachrom rotating bezel, and a matching metallic dial in green gold which will retail for $7,750.