Finest Watches Blog

Hublot Black Caviar Bang - Million Dollar Watch

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 12:15:29 -0600

This is not the first time Hublot has created such and expensive timepiece. The first, the One Million Dollar Big Bang, was introduced in 2007 and received the 'Prix du Design' award in the category Jewelry watch. This time, instead of 493 Top Wesselton baguette diamonds, the Caviar features over five hundred extremely rare black diamonds, which have an impressive total weight of 34.5 carats. The Hublot Black Caviar Bang Million Dollar Watch took more than 2000 hours to create and is intended to be a unique creation with only one ever to be produced.

The case is crafted from 18 karat white gold and is set with 322 diamonds which account for many of the over 500 rare black diamonds use on the timepiece. The bezel has an additional 179 diamonds, and 13 diamonds have been placed on the crown. The white gold clasp is set with another 30 diamonds. The diamond dial features hour and minute display with rhodium-plated diamond polished skeleton hands, as well as a power reserve indicator formed from diamonds. The exquisite tourbillon movement is visible at the bottom of the dial. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal with interior anti-reflection treatment. The watch is powered by the manually wound HUB Solo T tourbillon movement, which is comprised of 148 components and has a 120-hour power-reserve. The Caviar Bang is set on the classic Hublot natural black rubber strap.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Pride of China

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 13:23:11 -0600

Audemars Piguet has had great success with the Royal Oak Pride of Russia timepiece, a beautiful 18-karat rose gold limited edition watch made as a tribute to Russia for for their remarkable contributions to the arts, culture and sciences. Now Audemars Piguet has released the Royal Oak Pride of China timepiece. The Pride of China is a stunning watch made in a combination of stainless steel and 18-karat pink gold, the design of the watch was inspired from China's Great Wall - one of the seven wonders of the world. An image of the Great Wall can be seen on the beautifully engraved case-back. This limited edition watch will be produced to only 250 pieces.

The stainless steel case measures 39mm in diameter. It stainless steel is accented with 18-karat pink gold which was used for the octagonal bezel, winding crown, and for two rows of vertical links in the bracelet. 18K white gold is also present as it was used for the hexagonal screws used to secure the bezel. The silver dial features a grand tapisserie motif in the center section. In addition to hour, minute, and second displays the dial also has moon phases and power reserve indicators as well as a circular counter for the date display at 6 o'clock. A sapphire crystal protects the dial from damage. The case-back includes the engraved scene of the Great Wall of China and the inscription “Royal Oak Pride Of China Limited Edition”.

The Royal Oak Pride of China watch features the 3123 caliber, a self-winding movement which is a variation of the 3120 caliber – a caliber used in many of the brands Royal Oak watches. The movement beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, has a 60-hour power reserve, and provides a sweep seconds function. The water resistance for the Pride of China is rated to 50 meters.

A. Lange & Sohne Richard Lange "Pour le Merite"

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 17:41:07 -0600

The new A. Lange & Sohne Richard Lange "Pour le Merite" is an exquisite example of the company's outstanding horological acheivements. The Pour le Merite timepiece provides the rare combination of a fusee and chain transmission. It comes in both platinum and rose gold and features a white dial crafted from genuine enamel with blued steel hands. The beautiful crocodile leather strap is fitted with a Lange tang buckle in platinum or 18 carat rose gold. The watch has a 36 hour power reserve and will be limited to 200 numbered pieces in rose gold and 50 pieces in platinum.

The watch features a Lange L044.1 caliber movement comprises 279 parts. Each component is hand finished. The watch incorporates the fusee and chain energy transmission system that has previously been used in two other highly respected A. Lange & Sohne timepieces. The fusee and chain system is extremely difficult to produce, but the difficulty pays off by solving the declining torque in the winding train. The conical fusee is joined to the barrel by a miniature chain that when transferred from the fusee to the barrel will guarantees constant torque and the resultant amplitude. The exquisitely delicate yet durable chain is comprised of 636 individual parts.

Baselworld 2009 - The World Watch and Jewelery Show

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 16:55:19 -0600

Baselworld 2009 will be held from March 26 to April 2 at the Basel Exhibition Center in Switzerland. More than 2000 companies from the watch, jewelery and precious-stone industries will exhibit their latest innovations to the lucky attendees of Basel which has grown to be over 100,000 visitors a year. Some of the trends expected in the watch industry in 2009 are materials and techniques that are being mixed, merged, combined and varied. The big watches will be seen in an especially wide variety of materials and often minimalist-design dials. The watches will have predominantly round cases, often featuring square components, are both flat and elegant. The event is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm with the exception of the last day from 9 am to 4 pm. A one day pass to the event will set you back about $55.00 US Dollars or 60.00 CHF.

Bell & Ross Instrument BR01 Pro Titanium

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:19:33 -0600

The Bell & Ross brand is one that strives for to be among the best when it comes to innovation and performance of their timepieces. Their development of the Instrument BR01 Pro Titanium is no exception. This chronograph watch is a high-tech professional tool and the product is a watch which achieves optimum performance. Inspired by the field of aeronautics, the design and materials of the chronograph watch took its inspiration directly from aeronautical construction techniques. Though easily recognizable as being part of the Bell & Ross family, the Bell & Ross Instrument BR01 Pro Titanium has several unique quality that set it apart.

The new BR01 Pro watch features the use of several high-tech materials. The extra large case measures 46mm in diameter and has been constructed from grade 2 titanium with an ultra-light satin-finish. Chosen for its durability and lightness, titanium is becoming more and more popular among watchmakers for several reasons such as its ability to adapt to body temperature and its hypoallergenic qualities. The high-tech architecture of the case is emphasized by the octagonal bezel. The grey dial is slightly different than other BR Instrument timepieces in that the hour markers appear bolder than usual, and the hands feature a broad baton shape. The dial hands and markers feature a white Superluminova photo-luminescent coating and is protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal. The watch is fitted with a rubber strap with a broad titanium tang buckle.

The Bell & Ross Instrument BR01 Pro Titanium displays hours, minutes and seconds, as well as a 3-counter chronograph with 12-hour, 30-minute and 60-second. A date is also displayed in a small window between the four and five o'clock hour markers. The mechanical-automatic chronograph movement is an ETA 2894 chronograph caliber movement which offers an excellent precision of adjustment. The watch is water resistant to 100 meters.

Girard-Perregaux Bi-axial Tourbillon

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 13:37:47 -0600

The invention of the Tourbillon can be traced back to the beginning of the 19th century. It was invented with the aim of improving the precision of timepieces, which until then the accuracy had been limited by the irregularities caused by the effects of Earth’s gravity. Girard-Perregaux produced its first Tourbillon watch in 1867 which was first shown at the Paris Universal Exhibition. But when I think of Girard-Perregaux and Tourbillons all that comes to mind is the one-of-a-kind three bridge tourbillon whose patent dates all the way back to the year 1883, an invention that in many respects has yet to be outdone. This year bring a new Tourbillon watch from Girard-Perregaux, the Bi-axial Tourbillon. This unique creation unites two concentric cages, which then allows the regulating part to perform multi-dimensional rotations. Perhaps most notably, this tourbillon compensates for the negative effects at multiple positions rather than just the vertical position.

The Girard-Perregaux Bi-axial Tourbillon is comprised of 130 individual components. The tourbillon alone features 113 parts which weigh only 0.80 grams, it completes one full revolution in 3 minutes and 45 seconds. The mechanical with manual winding movement has a power reserve of 72 hours. It is beautifully displayed through both the dial and the case-back of the watch. The 18 carat pink gold case is 45 mm in diameter and 18.5 mm thick and has sapphire crystal protecting the the face and the back of the watch. The satin-finished silver dial is adorned with two beveled gold bridges, a window displaying the bi-axial tourbillon, and both hour and minute hands. An alligator strap and an 18 carat pink gold folding clasp complete the limited edition watch, which will number only 33 pieces. The Bi-axial Tourbillon is water resistant to 30 meters.

Introducing the Panerai for Ferrari California Flyback Chronograph

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 13:11:26 -0600

Officine Panerai is introducing a new limited edition timepiece for its “Ferrari Engineered by Officine Panerai” collection. Created to coincide with the car makers launch of the Ferrari California. The new two-counter chronograph has a 45mm cushion-shaped case crafted in brushed stainless steel with nicely complimentary polished elements on the lugs and case corners. The push pieces and winding crown feature a machined knurled surface, with Ferrari's Prancing Horse emblem placed on the winding crown. The black dial of this watch has white and “Ferrari Red” accents, such as the area between 12 and 3 o'clock where there is a red semi-circular sweep inspired by the tachometer instrumentation inside the Ferrari car. The Ferrari “California” brand emblem is placed on the dial just above the six o'clock mark. The dial is protected by a convex sapphire crystal and the watch offers 100-meter water-resistance.

The Panerai for Ferrari California Flyback Chronograph watch features a self-winding mechanical movement, with a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour that guarantees timing accuracy to the nearest 1/8th of a second. The watch also features a flyback function, which makes possible the use a single push of the button for stopping, resetting and restarting the chronograph function of the watch. The movement has an engraved rotor that displays the "Cavallino Rampante" Ferrari company insignia. The watch is nicely complimented by the well padded white stitched alligator strap. The Ferrari California Flyback Chronograph will be a limited edition production of 400 pieces.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Chronopassion

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 12:30:54 -0600

Audemars Piguet has created a new Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph, it is a titanium limited edition developed for a highly popular Paris-based retailer named Chronopassion located on the well known Rue St. Honoré. The beautiful titanium case has a microbille bead-blasted - or sand blasted as we call it here in the states - finish, which creates a look of frosted metal. The surface of the octagonal Royal Oak bezel has a microbille bead-blasted finish as well, though the beveled edge is a high polish which is matched nicely by the polishing on the eight hexagonal bezel screws. The standard Royal Oak "Grand Tapisserie" waffle pattern dial features white gold Arabic markers and hands with a luminous treatment for easy readability, and a large magnified date window at 3 o'clock. Each timepiece has a black rubber strap and a microbille bead-blasted titanium folding clasp. The case back is engraved with the limited edition number of the watch, as well as the words "Limited Edition Chronopassion". The Chronopassion Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph will be produced in a limited edition of 50 pieces.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Chronopassion Limited Edition uses the 3126/3840 caliber movement, a movement used in several of AP's limited Edition creations as of late - such as the Survivor and the Grand Prix models. Comprised of 365 carefully finished parts, the 3126/3840 has a rapid-adjust date display, stop seconds, and a chronograph complication with 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers and a power reserve of approximately 60 hours. It has a variable-inertia balance with eight masselotte weights, a fast date correction and a highly stable balance cock, as well as the massive 22-karat gold rotor that winds the mainspring in both of its directions of rotation. An anti-magnetic strongbox cage protects the caliber's precision against the negative effects of magnetic fields. It also has finely polished screw and jewel settings, a perlage on the plate and undersides of the bridges, and Cotes de Geneve finishing on the bridges.

Panerai Luminor 1950 8 Days Chrono Monopulsante GMT

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 19:10:21 -0600

Here we have the new Luminor 1950 8 Days Chrono Monopulsante GMT, the chronograph watch will be released in 500 millesimed units - 250 with a steel case and 250 with a 18 karat pink gold case. The watch features the same sophisticated mechanical movement as the previous versions as well as the traditional Luminor 1950 case, which is a nice large size at 44 mm in diameter.

The manually wound movement is the P.2004 which was designed and manufactured entirely by Panerai, and is unique among chronograph movements. The movement has 321 component parts which includes 29 jewels and is viewable through the transpart case-back. The movement has many great features, like a power reserve of 8 days, a linear indication of the amount of running time remaining, and a second time zone with day/night indication. It also has a device for zeroing the seconds hand and a single-button chronograph with column wheel and friction clutch.

The steel case version has a brushed case with polished steel bezel. The dial is black with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers. There is a minute counter at 3 o’clock, a small seconds and day/night indicator at 9 o’clock, a horizontal power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock, and a central chronograph hand. The sapphire crystal is made from corundum at 2 mm thickness, and has been treated with an anti-reflective coating. The strap is a beautiful PANERAI personalised alligator strap which has a large-size brushed steel buckle. The steel version has a black alligator strap and the gold version has a brown alligator strap. The reference for this watch is PAM00275. It is water-resistance to 100 meters.

Bell & Ross Instrument BR01 Tourbillon Gold

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:02:10 -0600

Bell & Ross' collection of BR 01 Tourbillon watches has expanded yet again! This newest version is made in beautiful 18 karat rose gold and is my favorite by far. The 18 karat rose gold compliments the trademark square shaped case extremely well and the rose gold aspects of the dial are superb. You may choose the watch either entirely in 18 karat rose gold or 18 karat rose gold and titanium-coated black DLC.

The Bell & Ross Instrument BR 01 Tourbillon Gold has a large case size at 46mm, and both the front and back of the watch have scrath-proof sapphire crystal. The dial is made from carbon fiber and rose gold and shoes hours and minutes, movement power reserve and a trust index in the rose gold center. A window at 6 o'clock shows the tourbillon escapement. The Tourbillon gold features a manual winding movement with a carbon fiber main plate. The complications include a regulator, a precision indicator and a power reserve indicator. The power reserve is up to 120 hours. You have the choice of an alligator or Bell & Ross-signed rubber sports strap with a broad ardillon buckle in rose gold. The Water resistance for this model is rated for 100 meters.

Girard-Perregaux ww.tc Shadow

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 23:36:12 -0600

The Girard-Perregaux ww.tc Shadow has a look that is a little more casual than the previous World Time models. I think it is the black ceramic case that takes some of the elegance from the watch and transforms the watch into a more sporty look. This in my opinion is not a negative but a refreshing new look for the World Time collection. I think it is a very stylish chronograph watch that takes advantage of cutting-edge materials to achieve the new and pleasant look.

The black ceramic case of the ww.tc Shadow is 43 mm and has a beautiful satin-finish with rubber coated crowns and push-buttons. The ceramic is lighter than steel but much harder, it is biocompatible and hypoallergenic. The case-back is made of tinted sapphire glass which reveals the sophisticated movement. The black dial has and white red accents and the rotating world time disc shows the cities of the world. The inner rotating indicator is half black and half white showing the day and the night times. The hands and hour markers are luminous for easy readability. The Girard-Perregaux ww.tc Shadow watch features a self-winding GP03387 caliber which has a flyback function and an adjustable date display with a power reserve of 46 hours. It comes on a black calfskin strap with a folding buckle. Water resistance is rated for 30 meters.

Panerai Luminor Chrono Daylight 44mm Titanium PAM00327

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:52:30 -0600

Its that time of year again! The time of year we start hearing about what's set to be released at next years SIHH. Looks like Panerai will be introducing the Luminor Chrono Daylight 44mm in Titanium. The new PAM00327 will still be very recognizable as a Luminor but will introduce several new technical features. In addition to the hour and minute indication, the watch will now include a chronograph with date. The traditional steel case has been replaced with titanium, increasing the case hardness and durability while being extremely light. The new Luminor will have a grade 5 alloy which is hypo-allergenic and resistant to temperature and corrosion. Particularly notable is the gorgeous blue dial, in place of the traditional black dial on the Luminor Chrono Daylight.

The titanium case is 44 mm in diameter and has two push-pieces which control the chronograph and a brushed titanium bezel with edges in polished titanium, which has the engraved numbers of the tachymeter scale. The markers and numerals on the blue dial are luminous as well as the hour, minute, and small hands. The bracelet is brushed titanium with a polished finish at the points of contact between the links. The watch features an automatic movement, the Panerai OP XII calibre of 13¼ lignes, and has 27 jewels with decorated oscillating weight and bridges. It is water resistant to 100 meters.font>

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Survivor Limited Edition

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:57:48 -0600

Audemars Piguet has put together quite an impressive mini site dedicated their new limited edition watch to be released to the public early next year. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Survivor is an impressive looking addition to the Royal Oak collection and features a unique set of hollowed push-piece guards that add to the already massive case size. The design is instantly recognizable as that of a Royal Oak but taken to the extreme. The Survivor was created to have excellent readability, functionality and precision to account for the most extreme of circumstances. It is composed of ultra-light yet high-resistance materials that will adjust to the body temperature of its wearer.

The high-tech case has a diameter of 42 mm and a thickness 1.565 mm, it is made of blackened titanium and features an anti-magnetic system. The perforated bezel made partially of titanium and partially of ceramics. The medallion back is made from blackened titanium and is engraved with the inscription Royal Oak Offshore Survivor – Limited Edition. The case has a water resistance of meters. The matt black dial has an exclusive “Mega Tapisserie” guilloché motif with luminescent open-worked hour and minute hands and luminescent applied hour-markers. The strap is made from vulcanized rubber and has a checkered design , the over sized buckle is also made from blackened titanium.

The movement for the Survivor is the Calibre 3126/3840 is self-winding and has the diameter of 26 mm and a thickness of 7.16 mm. It has 365 parts and 59 jewels with a power reserve of up to 60-hour and a three-position winding crown. All the finishing on the parts has been decorated by hand. The watch displays hours, minutes, small seconds and date as well as a chronograph with central sweep seconds hand, 30-minute and 12-hour counters. There is also a Tachometric scale around the flange. The reference number for the Survivor is 26165IO.OO.A002CA.01 and it will be produced in a limited series of 1000.

Bulgari Assioma Reserve de Marche

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 18:53:46 -0600

Of all the luxury watch brands Bulgari is the one who's sophisticated style and unique class never fails to impress me. Their designs are simple, elegant, and precisely executed best of with only the best of materials. After all the over the top creations I've seen lately it was refreshing to say the least to come across the latest addition to Bulgari's Assioma watch collection, the Reserve de Marche, a watch that indeed has the distinctive Assioma style.

While the Reserve de Marche's design is simple at first glance, on a closer inspection of the watch you see the time spent on the smallest detail. The 18 carat gold case is adorned with a beautiful hobnail pattern on both sides of the case and the black dial has a sunburst guilloche pattern. The case shape is the brands Assioma style, a signature of the house of Bulgari. The strap is in alligator leather and has an 18 carat gold buckle. Beauty as they say is not only "skin deep" for the Reserve de Marche, it is equipped with a sophisticated ultra-thin manual winding movement that is only 2.8mm in height. The manually wound movement features a power reserve complication which indicates the state of mainspring tension.

Vacheron Constantin Metiers d’Art Tribute to Great Explorers

nospam@example.com (Finest Watches) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:12:15 -0500

Vacheron Constantin has added two new timepieces to their collection, created to pay tribute to two of histories greatest explorers - Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus. The Metiers d'Art Tribute to Great Explorers are entirely hand-crafted and are to be produced in a limited series of sixty pieces of each design. The most impressive aspect of the Tribute to Great Explorers watches are the beautiful dials, created by employing the art of 'grand feu' enameling. The two dials represent Marco Polo's journey from 1271 to 1295 across Central Asia and Christopher Columbus's journey from 1492 to 1493 from Huelva to San Salvador and his discovery of America.

The references for these models are 47070/000J-9085 for the Christopher Columbus inspired watch and 47070/000J-9086 for the Marco Polo inspired watch. Both cases are 18 carat yellow gold and have a diameter of 40 mm and 12.21 mm thick. The dials are 22-carat gold two-part base with a polychrome “Grand feu” enameled decoration. They have a 1126 AT movement that is self-winding and has an additional mobile hour display with a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The straps are hand-sewn square-scale brown alligator leather and have a folding clasp buckle in 18-carat yellow gold with the standard vacheron polished half Maltese cross. The water resistance to 30 meters.