-
-
-
-
-
Ariel Adams @ Luxist.com- Booq Taipan Spacesuit XS iPad Sleeve Case Review
- Audemars Piguet Is Official Timekeeper Of Tour Auto 2010 - Makes Limited Edition Watch
- Urwerk UR-202 "White Shark" Highly Limited Watch
- Longines Expéditions Polaires Françaises Missions Paul-Emile Victor Watch
- What Is Luxury Health Care? A Visit To Switzerland's Clinique La Prairie
-
-
-
- Select Video Content From:
-
-
Eterna Heritage Super KonTiki 1973 Limited Edition Watch
Posted on July 21, 2010
Filed Under Eterna | 4 Comments
Bar none, my favorite new watch for 2010 from Eterna is this wonderful heritage re-release model of the classic Super KonTiki from 1973. While the new and older version of the watch have some differences, the character of the original classic remains (thankfully). I first wrote about the original Eterna Super KonTiki watch here, discussing how it was used by the famous IDF (Israeli Defense Force), and was a coveted collector's item. At that time I wondered if Eterna would ever revisit this model... and low and behold they did.
At Basel 2010, I walked by the Eterna booth, surprised and delighted to see this guy in a case. It made me even more excited to talk with the Eterna people and play with it. You'll notice below a comparison of the original model and the new Heritage model. Up a few millimeters in size, the Heritage Super KonTiki limited edition 1973 is 44mm wide in a steel case with a tall rotating diver's bezel. The case is 200 meters water resistant (why not 300m I am not sure, they could have easily made it that, I am sure). Nevertheless, it is a very capable diver's watch with a fantastic spirit.
The dial is super cool retro futuristic. Like the best of the 1970s on your wrist (without any of that mostly ugly brown and orange that was common at the time). With its white, yellow, and black tones, it feels pretty modern. The case has a great classic looking tonneau shape to it, behind the round dial. Hour markers are applied, and there is lots of SuperLumiNova on the dial and the hands. Eterna always intended the hour and minute hand to be different - making them easy to read underwater. Like the classic, the seconds hand is a large needle.
Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic, which should do nicely. Both watches have similar caseback engravings of the original KonTiki ship for which the watch was named. Eterna fitted the watch with a great mesh metal bracelet with a special deployment clasp for micro adjusting it. They all offer an extension segment for use when diving. Being a limited edition, the Eterna Heritage Super KonTiki 1973 watch will be limited to just 1,973 pieces (for the year it was originally introduced). It should be available this fall for about $3,300. I really want one of these and am happy to see collector demand high enough for Eterna to price the Super KonTiki back.
See Eterna watches on eBay here.
See Eterna watches on Amazon here.
 NEW RARE ETERNA "KONTIKI DIVER" WATCH #1594.44.40.1154  US $3,999.00
|
 VERY RARE NEW ETERNA KONTIKI DATE WATCH 1220.41.67.1183 US $2,200.00
|
 Eterna Kontiki Automatic Date Watch US $1,572.42
|
 RARE 60'S SS ETERNA KONTIKI AUTOMATIC CAL 1424UD - LOOK US $499.99
|
 Eterna Kontiki 4 Hand"Brand New" Alligator / Cream Dial US $995.00
|
 Eterna Kontiki 1000m diver chronometer US $2,700.00
|
Jean Dunand Palace Watch
Posted on July 20, 2010
Filed Under Jean Dunand | 1 Comment
It is cool, it is crazy, it is almost $420,000. "Piece Unique" watch maker Jean Dunand presents the Palace watch. A pretty incredible looking timepiece. In addition to my article over at Haute Living (see link bel0w), I have for you what I believe are the very first live photographs of the watch, that I was able to take. Enjoy it... I certainly did.
Read my Jean Dunand Palace watch article at Haute Living here.
Tissot T-Race Nicky Hayden 2010 Limited Edition Watch
Posted on July 20, 2010
Filed Under Tissot | Leave a Comment
Tissot has a goal to always be associated with the racing circuit in America. Other brands follow things like Formula One and other types of motor sports that people in the US don't really pay attention to. Tissot has been partnered with NASCAR (click here to read about their Danica Patrick watch), showing that it was quite interested to align itself with racing events that Americans might actually be interested it. In watch world gospel, "to be associated with popular sport, is to enjoy increased sales." In the same spirit, here is the newest version of the Tissot T-Race Nicky Hayden watch for 2010. The latest limited edition piece for the star motorcycle racer.
Limited to 4999 pieces, the T-Race Nicky Hayden 2010 is an interesting piece that shows how the T-Race is maturing gracefully. Before Tissot redoes the design (which I think will come soon), this is their stock watch used as a base for its motor sports limited edition pieces. The case bezel and crown guard is meant to resemble a brake disc and rotor. The bezel actually rotates and can be used to indicate the GMT time when set properly. While the case is "unique looking" it is actually quite comfortable.
The steel case here is two tone with a black segment for the bezel structure and the moving, hinged lugs that allow the watch to be more comfortable. The strap isn't rubber, but silicone actually, and nice in red. Though silicone does have the tendency to get dirty (but they can be washed with soap and water). The watch after all is water resistant enough to be washed. Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA quartz chronograph movement. The crystal over the dial is sapphire.
Nicky Hayden is a young, American, star motorcycle racer. Lately doing the MotoGP circuit. His lucky number 69 with star logo will be placed on the caseback of the watch, and red and black are "his colors " (especially red). I will be seeing Mr. Hayden soon, and will surely be checking out his timepiece and asking a few questions. The Tissot T-Race Nicky Hayden watch comes in a motorcycle helmet style box that is quite cool. Great - another watch you simply can't throw away. Price for the watch is 590 euros in Europe - though I think the US price will be less.
TechnoMarine Cruise Sport Watches Review
Posted on July 19, 2010
Filed Under Technomarine | 2 Comments
Here are two fresh TechnoMarine Cruise Sport watches for you to enjoy. I first covered the 2010 Cruise Sport collection here hands-on while meeting with TechnoMarine. Now, after having some more intimate time with the watches I am proud to offer a full review of the new Cruise Sport collection. I checked out the TechnoMarine Cruise Sport Chrono (45mm wide) and a smaller unisex Cruise Sport model with a day/date complication that is 40mm wide. The latter is going to be for men who like smaller watches, and women (most of the 40mm wide Cruise models comes in feminine colors). This blue and black version is likely the most unisex version they have.
I want you to refer to the original post above for more details on where this watch came from any why. Basically, it is the first project of new TechnoMarine CEO Vincent Perriard. He has lots more planned for the future, but the Cruise Sport was his first move in revitalizing the brand. It is also part of his clever "Ocean Addict" ad campaign for the brand. It involves the suggestions that TechnoMarine watch owners have this inherent need to be around or in water - but the watches themselves aren't purely meant to be just in water.
After looking at the new Cruise Sport watches and wearing them, I must say that they actually look better while on the wrist. That is a rare quality, but I feel that it is correct for this collection. For example, once you put the Cruise Sport Chrono on your wrist, you realize how nicely its curved round case with integrated strap, has a nice flowing look on the wrist. You just don't get that view of it sitting on a table.
The curvy looking case changes at the dial, where you have a more technical look. The dial is balanced and has a good mix of symmetry and a play with asymmetry. At least on the chronograph that is. The three-hand model is more straight forward. Then again, all the models plays with asymmetry when it comes to the application of colors on the dial and the chapter ring on the periphery of the dial. The colors are sharply bold, and you can visit TechnoMarine's website to see all the varieties available. I opted for a white on black Cruise Sport Chrono because I thought it would be the most neutral version. It is a the most serious of the pieces in terms of stature and demeanor as well. I figured there might be days where this color combo is OK, and orange or blue would not be. Though I did want to share the colorful possibilities of the collection with the blue on black version of the Cruise Sport.
Actually, when you get one of the watches, TechnoMarine throws in an extra strap. The straps are done in silicone. That makes them very flexible and comfortable, but they will attract dust and particulate. When this happens, you can simply wash them off. The Chrono comes with a black set of straps, and a white set of straps (for the right man!), while the three hand model comes with a blue strap and a blue strap. Changing the straps couldn't be easier. In fact. the idea of these watches is to easily be able to change the strap and the case armor if necessary. There are easy tool-less quick-release pins in the straps for this purpose. It should take 20 seconds to do if you practice a few times. You'll notice the mirror polished steel on the watch, along with the chunky looking bracelet clasp.
I like that the dials look a bit three dimensional. The chapter ring is applied, as are the hour indicators - where there is lume, in addition to it being on the hands. I feel that for a sport watch, the hands could have stood out just a tiny bit more, but overall the pieces are a good mix between style and legibility. The dials feel like they have just enough going on, without going overboard. Styling overall is fun, youthful, yet tasteful. While you don't get the impression that the watches have a low-rent look, these aren't luxury timepieces either. Best as casual sport watches that can take some abuse.
The silicone and rubber on the watches should take wear pretty well. The case is water resistant to 200 meters on all Cruise Sport models, and they offer a snug, no slip wearing experience on the wrist. I easily consider them an upgrade over the last generation TechnoMarine Cruise watches. Only minor parts are carried over from previous models. The crystal is mineral, but that is OK at this price level. Then again, Mr. Perriard had very little time to make a new collection in time for Basel 2010 - so what he was able to accomplish was impressive. He has me excited for what he will feature for next year.
Inside the Cruise Sport watches are Japanese Miyota quartz movements. Cheaper than Swiss movements, and arguably as reliable. The movements help the watches remain at prices that are highly competitive with the competition. Using Swiss movements would have made the collection less attractive in terms of price. The Cruise Sport Chrono movement (Miyota FS20) has the time (without seconds indicator), a 60 minute chronograph, the date, and a synchronized 24 hour scale (useful for AM/PM indication, as well as reading military time). Not having a ticking seconds hands sort of allows you to forget that it is a quartz based watch. The piece features large chronograph pushers that are curved, and relatively easy to operate. My unit has hands that align nicely with the indicators - so I appreciate that a lot.
On the 40mm wide three hand model there is a more basic Miyota 2105 quartz movement with a day and date indicator. The baton hour markers are complimented with some Arabic numeral as well - all integrated nicely. There is also a less busy design on the rotating bezel (chronographs always have dials with more markers on them - just the way it often is). It is a cute watch. Very reasonable and prudent looking. It can be played up by choosing it in quirky colors, or you can retain it as very useful little watch that feels like it takes being a timepiece more seriously than it does being a fashion item - a quality I can appreciate it as a watch lover.
When I learned about the new Cruise Sport watches a while ago - even before I was the watches, I wanted to like them. TechnoMarine really tried to hype their "comeback," and they didn't hold back much. With a more public and charismatic CEO, the brand looks to be off to a great (new) start. I do like their new stuff and feel that is fits their target demographic nicely. It is hard to be disappointed with the Cruise Sport watches, and I look forward to what comes next. TechnoMarine has always been known to have higher end stuff, so they will expand this genre with more ceramic and mechanical watches in the future. For the time being, the 45mm wide Cruise Sport Chrono retails for $425, and the 40mm Cruise Sport retails for $325.
Glycine Airman Base 22 Watch
Posted on July 18, 2010
Filed Under Glycine | 2 Comments
You either really like Glycine pilot watches or you don't. Some people swear by them. From a price/quality standpoint, Glycine is a pretty good value - no matter what watch in their collection that you like (pilot watch or not). The Airman Base 22 is the most recent iteration of the Airman watch and Glycine went retro. Of course they did, everyone else did this year. It comes in at least three types, with black or white dials. There are 12 and 24 hour versions, with and without a GMT hand.
See my Glycine Airman Base 22 watch article on AskMen.com here.
See Glycine watches on eBay here.
See Glycine watches on Amazon here.
 Glycine AIRMAN 17 Men's Watch Wristwatch 100% AUTHENTIC US $860.00
|
 NEW GLYCINE SS BRACELET AIRMAN 18 20MM WATCH BAND 3866 US $295.00
|
 Glycine Airman 7 Titanium Black DLC Ref. 3882.99-LB9 US $3,900.00
|
 New Glycine Swiss "Airman SST 06" watch US $1,199.00
|
 NEW GLYCINE "AIRMAN" DARK BLUE LEATHER WATCH BAND 20MM US $54.50
|
 Authentic Vintage Glycine Airman with Hack Set Working! US $1,449.00
|
