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Pierre DeRoche Split Rock Dare Watch Collection
Posted on July 3, 2009
Filed Under pierre deroche | Leave a Comment
This watch is a self-admitted combination of luxury watch making and the "art" of graffiti from watch maker Pierre DeRoche. What is charming is that the Swiss watch maker sought out a Swiss based graffiti artist - who'd a thought right? The artist they worked with is Sigi “Dare” von Koeding, who takes graffiti art and makes it into fine art. I like his work, but think that it might be hard for lots of people to take it too seriously depending on the role that graffiti has played in their life. I for one being born and raised in Los Angeles have a perception that while graffiti is a cool art form, it has a strong association with vandalism - which is true when you think about how it all started. You should check out the link to his site (click his name above) for views of his work.
If you look below, you'll notice one of his paintings called "Dare." It takes the word "Dare" and writes it many times in graffiti text. The same term is applied to these three limited edition Pierre DeRoche Split Rock Dare Collection watches - each in a slightly different style. The three watches will come in a limited edition of just 11 pieces. Each dial is hand painted (not using a spray paint can). The term "Dare" also brings up another memory of growing up in LA in the 1990s - the Dare program. Who could forget that? "DARE To Keep Kids Off Drugs." In California this was some mandatory program in elementary schools. It was really silly - but actually was done well. It would never fly to day. The message was "yea drugs are out there, lets learn about them and tell you why you should say no." Better than all that "just say no shit without telling kids what it is all about. Curiosity will defeat dogma any day. Lots of t-shirts and bumper stickers were handed out (like the one pictured below). For a while it was actually quite trendy to wear the t-shirts, especially with the high-schoolers smoking weed in the corner at gym class. Oh irony. While the Dare collection of watches from Pierre DeRoche has no formal connection with the DARE program, it does in my mind given that both adopted an "urban font" for the message.
The Split Rock collection watches are pretty cool and feature as 12 hour chronograph complication all put into one three hand subsidiary dial. Pretty cool right? The pushers are located on the right and left side of the case in a unique fashion. I like how it looks, and it appears pretty easy to use, just don't mistake it for another watch face. The watch itself uses skeletonized orange-red hands and a subsidiary seconds hand at the top. The watch isn't exactly the epitome of easy to read, but this is for style, and you can make out the time. Plus, the orange stitching on the black crocodile strap is always a chic sporty touch.
Although the collection is pretty cool, it will appeal to mostly a niche audience of mostly existing Pierre DeRoche watch lovers. I do feel that while there are three different pieces in the collection, they are too similar to each other. Mr. von Koeding could have easily mixed it up a bit giving each version of the Dare watch collection its own style and personality. The movement inside the watch is a Dupois Depraz mechanical automatic, and the case is done in stainless steel. An interesting timepiece with a mixture of luxury and contemporary urban art.
See Pierre DeRoche watches on eBay here.
see Pierre DeRoche watches on Amazon here.
 AMERICAN GRAFFITI JOHN MILNER 1932 YELLOW FORD COUPE  US $27.98
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 Mens 50m OPTIMUM Black Surf / Sports Watch w/ Graffiti US $27.04
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 NIB Rocawear Men's Graffiti Bling Watch RW7033 US $69.99
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Linde Werdelin “The Lab” Watch Maker Blog Exemplar
Posted on July 2, 2009
Filed Under Linde Werdelin | Leave a Comment
Watch companies are getting keen on blogging. Maybe I have shown them a good example? Different watch brands are experimenting with various ways of doing it, but the best approach is something like Linde Werdelin has done. Sure they could have more posts up and spend more time on it, but they are doing a good job so far with their new blog that details not only the development of Linde Werdelin watches, but the lifestyle that goes with Linde Werdelin watches from the maker and owner standpoint. From your seat you generally only see the "finished product" and the fancy marketing photos that come from the secret watch making lairs - often in Europe. But who are these people? And how serious are they about all the claims they make such as "sport watch" or "1000 meters water resistance." Sometimes it is really hard to tell and you don't know whether it is a marketing goon writing about this, or actually a couple of watch nerds testing each claim.
Linde Werdelin's "The Lab" blog helps shed light on a lot of this. For example see the above image of their The Reef Sea Instrument frozen. Part of the many tests that these products go through before the careful watch (and here electronics) makers put products through before allowing them to get into your hands. A good blog like "The Lab" also displays model prototypes, triumphs, failures, and the innards of these secret luxury creations. What I really like is that the blog is said to be written by Morten Linde, the brand's co-founder. Thus, you get ideas and passion straight from the source.
Linde Werdelin takes the concept a step further and discusses the things in the world the influence the design of the watches and other "beautiful" things. The Lab discusses boats and homes, and even vacation spots. The idea is to get you involved with the brand, the people, and the products. When it comes down to it, most watch companies are boutique operations. A few dedicated watch lovers, designers, and engineers who toil and sit around thinking about more and more impressive products. The best are ones that make watches "for themselves." Allowing the watch makers to create their ideal watch will often result in the best result for you, the consumer. Why? Because you don't cut corners or make too many sacrifices when you are making something for yourself. This is a lot of the mentality that goes into brands like Linde Werdelin - and you get a little taste of that when looking at their blog. They aren't the only maker out there to have a blog, but they are of the few who really understand the importance of it when it comes to having people "share the vision" of what your brand and watches are all about.
Omega Speedmaster Solar Impulse HB-SIA Watch
Posted on July 1, 2009
Filed Under Omega | 2 Comments
This is a watch that I could really see myself wanting - even though it has a carbon fiber dial that I tend to not always enjoy (though I did like it on my Tissot T-Touch Expert). Yes, this has been a month of many Omega watches, but they have had some interesting releases so they merit the attention. This is probably my favorite. I've often looked at the classic Omega Speedmaster Professional Moon Watch and thought, "yes it is cool, but I'd really like a modern version." Yes, it is true that my sentiment defeats the point of the "Moon Watch heritage," but I didn't really want to have a manually wound watch with a Hesalite (plastic) crystal to deal with. My collection might very well include a Moon Watch in the future, but it would be for historic kicks, not cause I'd want to wear it each day. Omega has released a ton of Speedmaster watches over the years with sapphire crystals and automatic movements, but this new Solar Impulse watch just really catches my eye.
Let's get the whole Solar Impulse HB-SIA part of the name out of the way. It refers to a plane currently finishing development that has been partially sponsored by Omega. The plane is pretty cool because it is totally solar powered. It is more than a mere glider too. It has two electric prop engines that only produce about 10hp. The engines are powered by lithium ion batteries that are charged by the many solar panels all over the plane's surfaces (mostly the wing). The plane can even store enough juice to run at night. The idea is to have a plane that can fly all day and all night (based on power collected during the day from the solar panels and stored in the batteries). To recognize the Solar Impulse HB-SIA plane, the Omega watch is named after it. I mentioned this before and am going to reiterate my feeling about this, but the reason that Omega named the watch after the plane is for branding purposes. There are so many Speedmaster watches, it was a good idea to associate something with the watch for naming purposes. This way you have a cool name to call the special Omega Speedmaster watch aside from "Reference: 321.90.44.52.01.001."
To my knowledge, this is the first Omega Speedmaster watch to be made from titanium. Other than the X-33, Omega has used titanium in some Seamaster watches, but not much else. It seems to be the haute metal for many watch makers these days. Both the case and bracelet are titanium in this case. A light and hard metal, but more prone to scratches that steel. The watch is also a bit larger than the classic Speedmaster. The Solar Impulse is 44.25mm wide. The watch is also water resistant to 100 meters. The dial of the watch is made of carbon fiber - also very unusual for Omega, but it looks to be done in a subtle enough manner. So that is good.
The dial is similar to the classic Speedmaster layout. The font of the numerals is "futurized" a bit, and the result is nice. Makes it feel more at home in modern aircraft. In addition to updated look and carbon fiber dial, the watch also features a date (on a black date disc) as well as a 24 hour GMT hand that is independently adjustable. I really like how the GMT hand is done. Omega makes it easy not to confuse the hand by labeling it as such. It might sound silly, but I like how the GMT hand looks - a good concept. There is also the orange color trim on the dial and tachymetre scale that adds a little reminder that this is not your average garden variety Omega Speedmaster watch. The sapphire crystal is AR coated on both sides.
The movement is the Omega Caliber 3603, that has a nice list of qualities. It is an automatic, of course has Omega's Co-Axial escapement, and also has a column wheel based chronograph complication. Like I said before, there is also the date and the independently adjustable GMT hand. The movement is also a COSC certified Chronometer with 55 hours of power reserve. All these qualities together make for a very nice Omega that should really get you excited whether you are a Speedmaster fan or an idle viewer of Omega watches.
See Omega Speedmaster watches on eBay here.
See Omega Speedmaster watches on Amazon here.
 Original Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch Plexi Glass US $49.99
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 OMEGA Speedmaster Chrono Mens Steel Watch st145022 US $2,090.00
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 REDUCED OMEGA SPEEDMASTER GENTS BLACK DIAL CHRONO WATCH US $1,925.00
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 OMEGA SPEEDMASTER "SCHUMACHER" ,COLLECTION" INDY CART US $1,500.00
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 Omega Speedmaster Tachymeter Medical Pulsations Bezel US $249.99
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 Omega Speedmaster Automatic Men's Watch US $799.99
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Suunto Elementum Aqua Diver Watch Review
Posted on June 30, 2009
Filed Under Suunto | 1 Comment
I've been a Suunto fan ever since I got my first Suunto watch back in college. That was a negative LCD Suunto Observer, and is still one of my favorite digital watches. I was intrigued back then by the Finnish brand that didn't sell "watches," but rather "wrist-top computers." A few battery changes later I still have my Suunto Observer, and now I present to you my review of a brand new Suunto watch. Born out of the new Elementum line, this is the Aqua, and is the most dedicated diving watch I have ever owned. The elegance and simplicity of this watch's functionality is impressive. It is a very focused watch, and requires next to no learning curve to figure out how to use it. It does a few key tasks, and does them very well.
Before moving on to the functions of this watch, let's look at the style. This model has the negative LCD screen (my favorite) and the metal bracelet. The watch is also available with a normal LCD screen and many different types of straps - in different materials. The watch is also available in black. The style of the watch is unique for Suunto and closely resembles German UTS watches – also diver watches. The steel of the case is done in a unique manner, somewhere between a satin and sandblasted finish. The crown, pusher, screws, and bracelet links are all done in a polished finish. The screws in the bezel give it an underwater nautical instrument look, somewhere between the porthole and a gauge on a submarine. The overall style of the case shares this instrumental look. The lugs are interesting as they curve down sharply when looking at the came from the side. It makes the bottom of Elementum Aqua almost totally flat, and it is comfortable. The case is also about 45mm wide.
The bracelet is comfortable and attractive, and 24mm wide. The small links make it good for sizing as you get a more precise fit. The deployment is push button and diminutive, relatively well done and easy to operate. The irony is that the metal bracelet is the hardiest of the straps, but the worst for actual diving. I would recommend one of the rubber straps for diving. I’ll tell you why. Unless you are never going to wear your Elementum Aqua on your wrist, the bracelet will not fit over your dive suit as it does not have a diver’s extension. So you either size the bracelet for your diver suite, use the watch for non suit diving, or swap in a rubber diving bracelet for those purposes. It is a minor thing, but something you should know for a watch that is such a dedicated diver’s watch.
Looking at the back of the watch you can see the water intake sensor. This is the pressure sensor for the depth meter. You also learn that the watch is suitable for 200 meters of water resistance. This means it is a good diving watch for most, but not all diving. All purpose diving watches are typically 300m water resistant. Again, this is not a big deal especially given the great functionality that the Aqua has for most diving purposes.
The dial is where you will be spending more of your visual time. You can tell that the dial is sectioned off into a few years. There are three vertical levels, and there is a peripheral temperature gauge. The default screen shows the time (in either 12 or 24 hour format) and the date. There is no seconds display. You can tell that the Elementum Aqua has a pusher where the crown would normally be, and a crown located at 2 o’clock. The crown is pretty cool, and operates like a rotating selector. You turn the crown to make settings changes and change the screens. When you twist the crown, it makes a slight by reassuring little click – this is a nice detail. Further, the crown is large enough and placed in a manner making it easy to operate with gloves (if you want to switch back to view the time while underwater). Normally the crown rotates the default and dive log screen. How the crown down and you enter the settings mode when you can adjust the time, date, etc… Of course you can also set the watch to the metric system as well as standard. Holding down the pusher normally activates the very good backlight. Also, the watch features an alarm function that is pretty easy to use.
So what about all the diving functions? They are all automatic and only operate underwater. There is a small sensor on the watch located at 10 o’clock. This is a dual purpose water and temperature sensor. When the watch is submerged in water a small water drop icon shows up on the dial and the watch enters “dive mode.” The screen changes to show four vital pieces of information; the dive time (how long you have been diving), current depth, maximum depth, and water temperature (displayed around the dial). After your dive you can use the log function to retrieve this data. It is just that simple. A no nonsense, no instruction necessary dive watch. The Suunto Elementum Aqua is the dive watch for dummies, and for a ton of people out there who don’t want to remember another set of instructions this watch is a godsend. Let’s face it, diving is a sport that requires a lot of equipment, has a lot of rules, and requires a lot to remember. The last thing you want to do is have a dive computer that you forget how to use underwater. This watch does all the hard stuff for you. Sure the options might be limited, but it does all the basics, and it does them well.
The dive log function stores information for the last 14 dives. It also keeps information like the surface time, the dates of the dives, and the number of dives. This is all good information to look back on.
The watch comes in a great looking black box with a well detailed instruction sheet and separate easy reference guide. Good documentation overall, but like I said, you won’t need too much time with the instructions because the functions are intuitive and straightforward. Besides, most of the functions are underwater only. With a retail price of $1,199 the Suunto Elementum Aqua is on the pricey side, though it is on par with its closest competitor which is the Tissot Sea-Touch. The good news is that actual street price is going to be more often than not less than the suggested retail price. A great addition to the Suunto line that is sure to resonate well with diving enthusiast fans of the brand and anyone who wants a simple to use and reliable dedicated diving watch instrument. Oh, and who doesn’t get a reassuring and cool feeling when they see “Manufactured In Finland” on a product. What else do you know that is made there?
Learn more about the Suunto Elementum Aqua Watch (and other Elementum models) at Suunto’s special dedicated Elementum website here.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie, Thoughts On The Most Complicated Watch In The World
Posted on June 29, 2009
Filed Under Jaeger LeCoultre | Leave a Comment
After writing a few articles about this watch I wanted to step back and think about it a bit. To be "the world's most complicated watch," even for a short period of time is quite a feat. This is measured in terms of "complications" which tend to have generally accepted definitions and can be enumerated to watch industry professionals and enthusiasts. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie has 26 complications. If you could out its functions, the number does not reach 26 of course. In fact, let's count the number of functions that it has in a nutshell. It shows the time (hour, minute, and seconds) - three functions. It has a perpetual calendar function that shows the day, date, month, and leap year - another four functions. The watch has a complex sonnerie (chiming) mechanism that has a three different chimes plus a minute repeater - another four functions. Then you have two power reserve indicators - two more functions. If you count those up, you get 16 complications. So what about the other 10? Well, they are there, but you have to understand how the watch industry counts "complications." For instance, the hour indicator for the time is a jumping hour indicator. So I think that is two complications in one. Then you have the tourbillon balance wheel and escapement (visible through the rear of the watch) that is another complication. And so the list goes on. Jaeger-LeCoultre hasn't exactly released the definitive list.
What I like is how even though the watch ups the ante by just one complication over the last "most complicated watch," it doesn't just do the same things, plus just one more. It has its own character and style, and focuses on its own types of complications. Perhaps you will not agree that all the complications should be counted as such, but the end result is still a damn complex watch. Further, I give Jaeger-LeCoultre kudos for not taking a "shove everything into this watch" approach. There is a ton of other complications that could have been added (such a chronograph, equations or time, moonphase, more calendar functions, etc...) - but rather Jaeger-LeCoultre designers planned the watch out well focusing only on basic perpetual calendar functions (displayed in an attractive manner) and the complex chiming functions. In fact the sonnerie functionality of the watch is likely to be the most complex part of the watch, by far. The Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie is supposed to be the only sonnerie watch in the world to accomplish certain chiming tasks such and playing the entire Westminster chimes melody. This is apparently some holy grail of sonnerie watches, and the Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie watch has done it. Another world's first for Jaeger-LeCoultre. In addition to this melody as a chime, the watch features two others, as well as a silent mode. What does this mean? You know those Casio watches that beep at certain intervals? This watch does that same thing, but instead of a beep, you get a little song that is based on tiny hammers and gongs and a ridiculously complex ballet of gears and "magic" (seems like it!).
I've said this before, but I am really amazed at how the entire Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 182 tourbillon movement fits in to the 45mm wide by 15mm tall case. I mean the movement has over 1300 parts! Each hand decorated and finished. This watch must taking forever to manufacture and test. The case is in 18k white gold, which I don't totally understand. I mean at this price why not just go platinum? I mean it looks really similar to white gold. Hell there is even platinum in white gold. I really don't know why, but there are two possible explanations in my mind. First, it might have just weighed too much in platinum. Second, the platinum case might have negatively effected the sonnerie functions of the watch. The heavy dense platinum might have worked to dull the sounds of the chimes too much. It is a guess, but it seems plausible.
Like previous "most complicated watches" the Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie is very conservatively designed but still have some modern elements to it. The case of the watch is probably the most conservative element of the watch. It is attractive, but nothing special. The dial however has a nice cohesive look and is "unoffensive." I do like that Jaeger-LeCoultre took the bold step to have the dial partially skeletonized. Not that this is such a unique move as this has been a trend over the last few years for highly complex and exclusive watches, but Jaeger-LeCoultre chose to remove lots of real estate on the dial for more possible complications. Cause let's me honest, how long is it before someone comes up with a 27 complication watch? I would have loved Jaeger-LeCoultre watch to just blow everyone away by having a 30 + complication watch. Ah, but they would never do that. Not in a second. Learning from computer hardware companies perhaps (slow jumps in processor speed as an example), they are much better off doing a 26 complication watch, then a 27 complication watch, then 28, and you can see how they will swoon collectors each time. Hey, they are a business too right? They can also say "Jaeger LeCoultre has released [X amount] of the most complex watches in the world - sequentially." Maybe they have that up their sleeve? Or getting to 26 complications was just that big of a pain.
At $2,500,000 the Jaeger-LeCoultre Hyrbis Mechanica Grande Sonnerie is a "good deal" as it comes with two other watches. I don't know that anyone really wants the other watches that much. We have the original Gyrotourbillon watch, not even the Gyrotourbillon 2, and the Reverso Complication a Triptyque, which is pretty cool, but you have to do a lot of case switching around to see all the complications. Then there is that safe that the watches come in. I'd like to see how this thing is delivered. "Sir, where would you like your 450 pound safe placed?" Actually I don't know quite how big the safe is, but I hear it is larger than something that just fits three watches. For $2.5 million Jaeger-LeCoultre's president needs to hand deliver it on his back via red carpet with armed guards with M-16 automatic machine guns. Now that is presentation! $2.5 million may seem like a lot (which it is), but Jaeger-LeCoultre will likely find 30 people on the planet interested in the watch set. It is a relatively sound investment, not that if you have this type of money and are willing to spend it on a watch you need to worry about this type of investment. Still it is nice to know you aren't losing too much money on the purchase. Instead is the price of saying that you have the most complex watch in the world (for at least a few years). Plus the watch is still pretty nice. I worry about the fragility of it, as it is so complex and delicate. So once in a while you can take it out of the case and play with it. I would love to see Jaeger-LeCoultre follow the path of BNB Concept's Confrerie Horlogere, who five a lifetime warranty on their watches. I mean once you get to that price it would be nice to offer free lifetime service on the watch. I mean you are talking about a likely repeat customer right? So there you have it. In the next several months Jaeger-LeCoultre will release the Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie watch and we can take another look at it then.
See Jaeger-LeCoultre watches on eBay here.
See Jaeger-LeCoultre watches on Amazon here.
 Jaeger Le Coultre caliber 814 ALARM mini clock PARTS US $136.27
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 Jaeger Le-Coultre Stainless Steel Gents Watch Automatic US $1,145.74
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 Jaeger Le-Coultre Gents Automatic 9ct Y.Gold size 34mm US $1,095.02
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 BRAND NEW Jaeger-Le Coultre watch catalogue US $20.00
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 JAEGER LE COULTRE COMPRESSOR MOVEMENT INDICATOR WATCH US $6,895.00
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 Jaeger-Le Coultre Reverso Stainless Steel Case Ledies US $598.88
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Ladoire RGT (Roller Guardian Time) GMT Swiss Watch
Posted on June 28, 2009
Filed Under Ladoire | Leave a Comment
Ladoire is a new Swiss watch makers with an interesting timepiece called the RGT. That is supposed to stand for "Roller Guardian Time," which makes no sense to me, but I will just smooth past that. The watch is unique as a regulator. I think maybe they missed the point of what a regulator watch is supposed to be, as the minute dial is really small, but that is OK. Interestingly enough, on this watch, the major dial along with the biggest hand is dedicated to a second timezone indicator (the GMT hand). If that watch reminds you of Hautlence and MCT watches, that is because they share some of the same engineering DNA.
OK, so lets move away from titles and description to focus on the interesting movement and design. There is nothing wholly unique about the watch except for the really nice design and interesting manner of displaying the time in the way that it is. The design of the watch to me look like Porsche Design on steroids. Does anyone else see that? To read the time you just need to follow the red arrows. The larger dial is for the minutes, then the smaller is for the seconds, while the smallest that has two arrows and no real dial is for the seconds. It is not the more precise ot easiest watch in the world to read, but it gets the job done, and the red arrows are pretty nifty looking. For whatever reason, the gear that the GMT hour hand is connected to on the while gold version has a little Spiderman-esque web on it. You can see it in both the images of the front and back of the watch. A nifty feature of the movement is a quick adjust for the GMT hand in both hour directions. The right side of the watch is like a paddle switch. You can adjust the second hour hand in one hour increments either ahead or behind - which is useful and nice to have.
One of the best features of Ladoire's website is under the "Helvet Manufacture" tab, or you can just click here. It has an explosion of the movement, but more importantly it shows you were each part was made. All in Switzerland of course. The reason it is so interesting is because one, it really helps you appreciate how certain companies specialize in certain parts, and seconds, it really helps you understand the core elements of a movement. Plus, you can see how certain regions in Switzerland sometimes specialize in certain parts. For example, you see that the screws all come from the same area in Switzerland, and likely the same company. Ladoire themselves manufactures the movements at the Helvet Manufacture.
The movement (Calvet/01/RGT calibre) itself is made of a number of materials including titanium and platinum. The case is available in 18k white or rose gold being 56mm wide by 45mm tall, and just over 16mm thick. The alligator strap connected to it is of the more impressive I've seen. You can see how it is extra thick near the case of the watch. this helps it conform best to shape of your wrist so that the watch fits snugly. I've never seen this done with an alligator strap before. The nooks and crannies of the movement are nice to observe, and the best part of the complex movement is that it is an automatic with a micro rotor. This is one of the few ulta exclusive manufacture watches that is suitable for a showcase, along with daily wear (if you dare!). More information is available at Ladoire's website.
Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.comOmega Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial Chronograph “Teak Concept Dial” Watches
Posted on June 27, 2009
Filed Under Omega | 3 Comments
I recently mentioned the brother of this watch that has a 24 hour hand. That was the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial GMT Chronograph watch. Take out the "GMT" and you have this model.Of which there are actually going to be a few. There will be the pictured two-tone model in steel and rose gold, a white gold model, an all steel model, and a all rose gold model. This is arguably a more marketable model than the GMT given the more conservative and "Omega" looks of this watch. The GMT had a controversial bezel, whiel the smooth polished bezel of this Aqua Terra Chronograph is more sober and simple looking. Actually, Omega might have made the right choice to give it a smooth dial against the vertical texturing of the "Teak Concept" dial.
Aside from the lack of GMT and bezel, the watch case is mostly the same, if not identical to the GMT model. The dial feels a bit cleaner and more classy, and Omega is hitting high with this watch having all the gold models. Aiming straight at Rolex. Omega has a lot weight behind these feelings as stats show that other similar Omega watches top worldwide online searches for watch models - translation, these watches are in high demand. But that does not mean that everyone can afford them. Companies like to infer that just because people are interested in a watch model means they are ready to buy. Perhaps it is (spooky noise, people interested in cheap replicas! All the watch industry people are now gasping.
Inside the watch is the Omega calibre 3313 Co-Axial escapement automatic movement that has been Chronometer certified. The watch is a big 44mm wide, with enough bling appeal for those who like the Omega name, and those who like the Omega functionality. I like the contrast between the brushed metal bracelet and the polish on the bezel and part of the case. Rolex like to have more polish on its models with gold, but Omega is trying to subdue this a bit. Like the GMT model that I discussed a few days ago, the watch also have gold hour markers and hands that have been diamond polished. The watch is also water resistant to 150 meters.
Based on the feedback from my article on the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT Chronograph, people are split on the "Teak Concept" dial that is utilized here. Some love it, and others (like me) are a bit skeptical on how well it will look in the long run. Still, the dial is highly legible, especially the chronograph subdials. I also like the easy to push chronograph pushers. The dial is available in the pictured dark gray or a lighter color. There is also an alligator strap in addition to the metal bracelets available. In either material or combo of materials - I have a feeling that this line along with the GMT are going to be a success for Omega. The new Seamaster Aqua Terra Chronograph should be available soon. for probably about $5,000 to over $20,000 for the all gold models.
See Omega Seamaster and Aqua Terra watches on eBay here.
See Omega watches on Amazon here.
 AUTHENTIC OMEGA AQUA TERRA PEARL AUTOMATIC LADIES WATCH US $1,795.00
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 17MM OMEGA AQUA TERRA 36MM 39MM STAINLESS STEEL LINK BN US $50.00
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 GENUINE OMEGA AQUATERRA MOP STEEL TIMEPIECE 25737000 US $1,795.00
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 Omega Chronograph Original Band Circa 1970-71 US $227.50
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 RARE OMEGA CHRONOGRAPH 33.3 ONE BUTTON SS 38mm, DIA. US $5,500.00
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 OMEGA AQUA TERRA RAILMASTER AUTOMATIC WATCH 2504.52.00 US $2,095.00
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Last Chance To Enter To Win A Free Dievas Zeta Automatic Watch
Posted on June 26, 2009
Filed Under Dievas | 3 Comments
Hey watch lovers - the aBlogtoRead.com Dievas Zeta Automatic Professional free watch giveaway (sponsored by GnomonWatches.com) will close at the end of this month and a winner will be chosen. You have just a few more days to enter if you want to have a chance at winning. All comments made to the giveaway post (not this post) will be valid if made on or before June 30th at 11:59pm. The winner will be able to choose from either the black, red, or yellow (pictured) dial version of the new Dievas Zeta Pro watch.
To check out the free watch giveaway and enter see the giveaway page here. Good luck!
Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.comTX Watches Of Interest For 2009 At JCK Las Vegas
Posted on June 26, 2009
Filed Under TX TechnoLuxury | 5 Comments
You've probably seen an ad or two for TX watches. Or you may not know anything about the American brand. Their collection offers interesting and appealing timepieces each with exclusive quartz movements that you won't find elsewhere. I don't like each watch in their 2009 lineup, but some of the pieces are done quite well. Here are a few of my favorite watches that I got to check out at the TX TechnoLuxury watch booth in Las Vegas earlier this month at the JCK show.
This first watch proves that white watches are cool. It is one of the 800 Series TX Linear Chronograph watches - so named for the vertical chronograph minutes indicator. There is also a retrograde dial that serves as a second timezone and the overall design of the dial is unique and edgy. The white tones persist through the watch (obviously), but don't define it 100%. You still get some sporty orange and rose gold tones on the dial and hands. It is really nicely done. I like the white on white rotating bezel with high relief numerals. The watch is admirably sized at probably 45mm wide or so and was very comfy on my wrist. You might find the dial a bit intimidating at first but it is quite easy to live with after you get the hang of the look. A really nice white colored watch that I would easily sport often. This watch was really new so I could not find the exact model number, but it should be prices somewhere between about $600 - $700.
Then you have another great looking new TX watch. This is part of the 500 Series World Time models and is a bit more polished in terms of style than the outgoing models. Again, this is a new model so I don't have the exact model number. The world map in the background gets a new retro look which looks really nice with the blue against white. I believe the watch has a perpetual calendar, and the displays include the hemispherical season of the second timezone (winter or summer) and the date. The major focus of the watch is the world time complication. You can see the red "T" hand around the dial where you can select a timezone via a reference city. This changes the time in the retrograde 24 hour dial located near 10 o'clock. The main time is show on the dial of the watch. Overall you have a really convenient world time watch that looks unique and is fun to use. The crystal of the watch is actually sapphire bonded over mineral crystal. A bit less expensive to make than all sapphire crystal but has most of the benefit of a sapphire crystal. The crystal is also retro inspired rising off the case with rounded edges. Best part of this new 500 Series World Time watch is the new bracelet. The outgoing metal bracelets where pretty ugly. This has an almost jubilee style bracelet that is handsome. I liked this watch a lot and think it will be a good seller - also a good gift watch. Price will likely be around $500 for this watch.
Sorry about the slightly blurry image, this watch was a pain to get a pic of, and I couldn't tell I didn't get a good pic until it was too late. Still, you can tell that this is a really cool "phantom" style all black watch. This is the TX Pilot ref. T3C423 watch from TX's 600 Series watches. The watch has a quartz flyback chronograph as well as a second time zone. You also get the case and a rotating slide-rule bezel. The watch is probably about 45mm wide and is really cool looking. You can tell that the dial is deep and easy to read despite the black tones. People will want to know what that big black watch on your wrist is. All the detail on the dial make it quite intriguing. Still, the functionality is simple and you get used to the look of the dial with ease. It is matched with a black leather strap and retails for $575. For some people this is the best TX watch in their lineup.
Remember the World Time watch I discussed above? This is one of the World Time Sport models in TX's 550 Series of watches. This watch is model number T3C414. The watch shares the same functions as the World Time watch, but also has a rotating diver style bezel - here in a rose gold tone. The case is steel and also 45mm wide. I like the texturing on the dial and the applied pieces that really give it a nice complex look. This is worlds above a simple "painted dial." I rarely like dials that have no depth to them. The watch is very sporty and fun to look at and wear. The build quality is good too, which is something I can say across the board for all TX watches. They did a good job on the quality side. The strap is leather and nicely fitted to the case. Price for this watch is $545.
This was another handsome and classic style watch with some cool functions thanks to a unique TX quartz movement. This is part of TX's 400 series and is the Perpetual Weekly Calendar ref. T3C301. This has the same bracelet as the World Time watch above that I said was well done. Here you can just get a better look at it. So this watch does something pretty cool. The little orange hand does two things. It points to the day of the week and the date - at the same time. It is able to do this because the lower date disc actually follows the hand as it moves across the retrograde day of the week indicator. If you push the pusher at 2 o'clock the orange hand moves around the dial to point to the correct month. If you look closely you can see the months spelled out around the dial. The sloped chapter right has class looking hour markers which are covered in SuperLumiNova. The dial is textured nicely for a classic look. You can see that the hands are in a rose gold tone as well as the bezel and crown. The rest of the watch is in polished or brushed steel. Being 44mm wide this is a not to small conservative watch with cool tech that will appeal to many people I think. A great give for a more mature guy who isn't into "wild" watches and does not want to spend too much. This TX Perpetual Weekly Calendar watch retails at $575. This was really a particularly nice watch.
Here is the last watch I wanted to mention that I saw while with TX and it is a women's model. You have the TX World Time model again, but in a different case that is tapered to be wider at the base than at the dial. It think it is based on the popular Louis Vuitton Tambour watch case. A well make thick white leather strap goes with the white dial that has a world map with each continent in a nice girly pastel color. I think this is a good watch for the woman that likes a nice style and some function to match. For me, it feels like a good gift to get a lady because I can feel confident that the watch is "cool" and that she will appreciate the feminine character of the style. It is not a little watch either at about 45mm wide. Also a new model so I am not sure of the reference number but the price should be about $395.
Overall I feel confident that TX watches are offering up a nice line of timepieces. Not only do that have special quartz movements exclusive to them, but they have unique looks that really no one else out there right now has. TX is part of big Timex, but really other than that they don't share too much in common. TX likes to think of themselves as a reasonably prices luxury watch makers with quartz movements, and I think they are correct. Again, not all of their models have my seal of approvals, but models like the ones above are certainly worth a look if you find the designs to your liking.
Learn more about TX watches at their website here.
Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.comOrient Diver Automatic Saturation Diver CFD0C001B Watch Review
Posted on June 25, 2009
Filed Under Orient | 6 Comments
I recall first learning about the Orient Diver Automatic Ref. CFD0C001B watch a while ago on a Japanese watch website. I didn't know anything about the brand, but was impressed by the solid looking diver watch that seemed to have a lot of what people like in a diver. I compared it with high-end diver watches from Seiko, and it looked to be a competent contender. Still, I didn't know about the brand, and it was too expensive at almost $2,000 to trying it out without having experienced it. Flash forward to today, when Orient has officially entered the US market, and the watches are no longer "not in US exotics." I finally got my hands on Orient's current flagship diving watch, and have a lot of good things to say about it.
If you don't know about Orient watches, that is OK. They aren't Chinese, the name Orient just stuck since the brand is 50 years old when it was founded in Japan. Orient watches are mechanical and they make their own movements. I previously reviewed another Orient watch, the CFT00004B here. I am becoming well acquainted with the line and feel that the company does put together a decent watch with reliable movements. A lot of the cheaper Japanese mechanical movements aren't exactly something to brag about, but the Orient automatic movements have been quite reliable and accurate. They aren't without their quirks though, but nothing serious that should stand in your way of getting one.
So lets get to this wonderful watch. I say wonderful because I absolutely love it. It goes straight to the center of my watch loving nervous center because it is big, heavy, shiny, functional, and damn manly. Let's face it, a lot of the Orient watches have a serious injection of masculinity - and I for one have no problem with that. The watch itself is a diver watch (duh), but more specifically a saturation diver. That means that it does not need a helium escape (release) valve. The case is so tight, helium does not appreciably affect the internal pressure when resurfacing. This negates the need for the gas escape valve. The watch is rated at being water resistant to 300 meters, but I tell you, I would easily believe it if Orient told me it was resistant to 1000 meters. It has just the type of thick steel case and sapphire crystal that communicates that. The details I get range, but the sapphire crystal is between about 4-5mm thick. The steel case is also supposed to be specially corrosion resistant. Why is this important? Because salt water is a bitch, and will eat through things like acid if they are exposed long enough. For this reason, and watch meant for serious diving should take this into consideration. These are just some of the diver friendly features, but I have to say, this is about all watch you need in a mechanical diving watch for the vast majority of divers out there.
I want to skip over to the bracelet for a second because it is a high point of this watch. My favorite feature is the adjustable extension bracelet. You have to use it to really appreciate it. Many diving watches have an "extension." This makes the watch bracelet bigger (in one size) to fit over a diving suit. This concept works, but like I said, you have just one larger size to choose from. Orient takes the better approach of having an adjustable clasp that will fit and lock into place. It has over an inch of extra room and ratchets back into place. Think of the mechanism a bit like handcuffs, but you can remove it yourself! Here is how it works, take off the bracelet and use the clasp over the deployment like a lever, it releases the extension that slides out. You then put the bracelet back on and push back the extension until it locks into place. Cool right? You can even extend the bracelet while you are wearing it. Say you want to extend the bracelet to have it fit a bit looser, you can do it on the fly.
The bracelet itself is tapered from the case a bit (which I like) and uses that double polish look with some smaller polished links in the design. Also the outer edges of the bracelet are polished, which is a nice touch. There is an interesting point of design where the bracelet meets the case. The case is built out a bit to prevent there from being too large a gap between the case and the bracelet. It isn't better or worse that having a curved end clasp to the bracelet like some other divers, but it is a different style. Bracelets are hard to get right, and this one on the Orient Diver Automatic is pretty good. Nothing that you'll have a problem with. The links do use pins, but they are the high quality pins. There is also a micro adjust for the bracelet size which is very important. I hate watches that you cannot size properly, and this Orient Diver bracelet does not disappoint - and you can size it just how you like. Like I said earlier there is the cool adjustable extension. Sometimes you can release it unintentionally when you are taking the watch off or putting it on, but you merely need to snap it back into place.
Going back to the case you have a large and high sitting watch. The case is almost 46mm wide, and over 16mm tall. The design of the case feels classic, like something that has worked well for a long time, so why change it. Sort of how many Rolex Submariners feel. I would have liked to have hidden pin holes on the outside of the lugs, but that is a minor thing, and only watch nuts like me notice it anyway. The case has different finishes as well. For example the sides are polished while parts of the top are brushed, this always is an attractive element when done well.
The bezel is easily one of the best styled parts of the watch, certainly good looking. Twisting it is a bit hard, and the action could be a tad bit smoother, but it does not have any "give" and will not rattle around like cheap bezels will. The numbers and markers are actually engraved into the bezel, and the finish on the top of the bezel is an awesome almost gunmetal dark gray. The crystal is virtually flush with the case and the anti-reflective coating makes it really easy to read at angles.
Going into the dial you first see a sloped chapter ring with minute markers on it, a must for a serious diver's watch. You then have the large Submariner styled hour markers that are applied and filled with a very generous amount of lume. I have to say that this watch has some of the best lume I've ever seen. The hour markers, point on the bezel, and hand glow so well, and so brightly. It is impressive, and you really feel your money's worth when looking at the watch at night.
You'll notice the large crown that is located at 4 o'clock, very typical of Japanese diving watches. The crown here is large and easy to use, with really massive guards on the sides of it. The crown has the Orient logo laser etched on it. I would have preferred it to be engraved, but again, a little thing. The back of the watch is engraved though - also typical of high-end Japanese diver's watches. Oh, and if you are not familiar with the watch, you should know that it comes in a striking orange faced version as well.
Returning to the design of the face, like I said, if you are a fan of Japanese diver's watches you will feel right at home. The hands are the right length (Seiko, sometimes you disappoint me here!), which i am glad that Orient designers are paying attention to. The hour hand also looks different that the minute hand to help with low visibility time reading. The date is placed in the unorthodox 9 o'clock position, and I appreciate the change of pace from the 3 o'clock date position. Then you have the power reserve indicator that is placed in a convenient spot and does not detract from your attention when telling the time. It is a simple layout for the indicator and it works well to tell you how many hours of power reserve you have left - such indicators are great to have in mechanical watches. The automatic movement also winds easily meaning that wearing the watch for a bit should provide a healthy amount of power in the barrel.
The movement is an automatic made by Orient themselves in Japan. The overall accuracy of the movement is surprisingly good. Orient automatic movements do have a quirk though. Unlike Swiss movements you cannot currently manually wind then via the crown - meaning you cannot hand wind the watches. Only the automatic rotor will wind them. Those who are used to ETA movements haven't heard of this, but it is common in Japanese automatic movements, and here as well in the Orient caliber 46N4A movement. Orient is currently developing hand-wound movements that will show up into watches soon, and it is only a matter of time before they have an automatic movement with hand winding capabilities. Also, when you release the crown from the screw position it immediately adjusts the date. Typically you need to pull the crown out one more notch for this, but this is just another quirk of the movement. Something you should know about, but not a big deal.
Living with the Orient Automatic Diver Ref. CFD0C001B I can easily recommend it as a daily wear. It is comfortable, attractive, a workhorse, and functional. The best part is that the retail price of $1,800 is often discounted. Such as right now on Orient watches' website as per a father's day promotion (this particular watch is discounted by 40%). I don't know how long this promotion will last. See the Orient Diver Automatic CFD0C001B watch here.
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