Monday, March 5, 2012

Seiko Announces the SARX Presage Mechanical

Seiko recently announced a new model in the SAR line of mid-range dress watches. The new SARX range is powered by the Seiko 6R15 automatic movement and comes with a domed sapphire crystal up front and a display case back. The 6R15 is Seiko’s answer to the ETA 2824 and offers the hacking and hand winding ability not seen in their 7Sxx models. Measuring 40 mm across and 13 mm thick, the SARX series should suit any wrist but its styling may prove to be polarizing.


Precursor SAR lines features reserved styling and subtle details while the new SARX  features massive markers and roman numerals at twelve and six. These new SARX models are nice looking Replica watches, but we wonder how much more elegant the design might have been if the markers were 50% smaller. Available with your choice of a white (SARX001), black (SARX003) or blue dial (SARX005), this new range from Seiko appears to be available only in Japan with a list price of 68250 JPy (~$890 at time of publication) but grey market dealers will ship worldwide and their pricing is closer to $680 USD. This new design adds a considerable amount of depth and texture to the dial but the over sized markers may prove to be too flashy for an otherwise conservative design. Additional models after the jump.

Jaeger-LeCoultre and the Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph


Few companies have embraced the “vintage inspired” trend with more enthusiasm (and success) than Jaeger-LeCoultre. JLC has a wonderful horological history and many classic models on which they can draw inspiration for new designs or tributes to past models. With notable examples like the lovely Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 and the gorgeous Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea, JLC has a firm grasp on their strengths in both aesthetic watch design and technical innovations. The latest model to join their vintage brigade is the Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph (ref: 207857J) which builds on the success of 2011′s Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea by incorporating a two register chronograph into its vintage diver DNA.
The Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph comes only as pictured (right) sporting a 40.5 mm stainless steel case, plexiglass crystal, and matte black dial with “tropic” colored luminous markers and hands. The lume choice, along with the rest of the styling, is meant to be reminiscent of JLC Deep Sea watches from the late 50s and 60′s. Timekeeping and chronograph duties are managed by the JLC calibre 751G which is an automatic movement with 37 jewels and a 65 hour power reserve. This model is about style and historic brand DNA so it’s not surprising that it lacks any of the haute horology complications that JLC is incorporating into some of their other models seen at SIHH this year (see the JLC Duometre a Spherotourbillon).
The Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph is an excellent design that sports a modern movement and is the result of the strength of the original Deep Sea models as well as the JLC brand. Given the excellent style and JLC’s position as one of the most respected manufactures in the Replica watch world we are quite sure the Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph will be a hit, even with a rumored price point above $10, 000.
The guys from Hodinkee.com got to see the Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph in person at SIHH this week, they posted some great photos here.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Rolex King of Watch Advertisers, Again


As usual, Swiss watchmakers are well represented among the top watch advertisers in the US in 2010. This data, compiled by Kantar Media, reflects the strength of the Swiss watch presence in the US.
However, total spending for watch advertising, while rising 26 percent from 2009, is significantly less than the record 2007 year ($387.6 MM in 2007 vs $316.3 MM in 2010).
Despite a drop of nearly 10 percent in adverting expenditures, Rolex remains at the top of the heap followed by Breitling. Bulova has doubled its advertising budget since being taken over by Japan's Citizen in 2008.
Here's the top 10 breakdown by overall rank, Swiss rank, brand, and amount in millions spent. Any surprises?
Overall RankSwiss RankBrandAmount ($ millions)
1.1.Rolex43.43
2.2.Breitling24.92
3.--Bulova23.15
4.3.TAG Heuer22.77
5.--Citizen18.84
6.--Cartier16.02
7.4.Omega14.81
8.5.Movado11.09
9.--Chanel9.27
10.--Seiko6.1

Soaring Swiss Franc Means Rising Watch Prices


The Swiss franc is up 25 percent in 2011 against the US dollar forcing swiss watch manufacturers to raise prices.
The rush to the Swiss franc, viewed as a safe "reserve currency," has been fueled by the financial troubles and debt plaguing Europe and the United States.
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) said on August 3rd that the franc is “massively over-valued,” and it will take measures against its continued rise. It's too early to say whether the SNB can be successful. But don't expect watch brands to wait around and find out: across-the-board 10-15 percent price hikes are likely this fall.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The new Vacheron Constantin Vacheron Constantin self-winding watch


    Vacheron Constantin Vacheron Constantin released a Thief series of new watch by Overseas Small Model Date Self-Winding self-winding watch. The new of Overseas the Small Model Date Self-Winding watch draws on the classic theme of the Thief series, such as the Maltese Cross bezel and the Maltese Cross 18K rose gold clasp.

  Vacheron Constantin Vacheron Constantin released a Thief series of new watch by Overseas Small Model Date Self-Winding self-winding watch. This watch clever personality into elegant being, writing a new chapter in the history of Vacheron Constantin the dynamic Series watch. Precious jewelry dotted, solid timing technology powered The Thief women's watch has a diameter of 36 mm 18K rose gold case, and the self-winding mechanical movement, dazzling, filling the atmosphere calm.



  Iconic feature of the Four Seas series in a set of vertical and horizontal, from the case design to ergonomics, this watch specifically for women to build. Its superior and elegant appearance that matches the sophisticated and complex technology. Fine iron magnetically shielded cage embedded in a slim 18K rose gold case, to ensure sustained and stable operation of the mechanical movement. The new of Overseas the Small Model Date Self-Winding watch draws on the classic theme of the Thief series, such as the Maltese Cross bezel and the Maltese Cross 18K rose gold clasp.


  Improved case to install a solid screw case back. Waterproof up to 5 bar (50 meters). The case back engraved with the famous the Vespucci number barque emblazoned. With the growing attention of the women of mechanical watchmaking, the watch which uses the 1226 movement, composed of 143 parts, the vibration frequency of 28,800, drive the hour, minute and second hands with calendar function and to ensure a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The Vacheron Constantin by Overseas the Small the Model a Date Self-winding provides two options: a 18 rose gold strap and another camel leather strap and comes with gray sulfur carbon rubber strap. With a polished half Maltese cross 18 rose gold triple folding double button fixed the system clasp to ensure that the watch to wear the best safety and comfort.

  Both for daily use, can also be accompanied by the most important and precious moments, this new Thief Series features double to cope with increasingly demanding female clients clear consumer proposition.


HUBLOT Yu ship revealed deep Quest diving watch


    This is a beyond the limit, have revolutionized the imagination of iconic watch - Deep Sea Quest 4000 meter diving watch. After 18 months of painstaking R & D and testing, and technological excellence initiative has finally arrived! Today, Yu-ship Form 4000 m deep sea Quest and diving and discover the secrets of seabed depth of 4000 m.

    History since the first time, the reputation of impeccable Monaco's Oceanographic Museum and prestigious in the global ocean research and protection of the Prince of Monaco Albert I Marine Institute Foundation to hand in a watch brand, considerable historical significance.


    June 6, 2011, committed to the protection of the marine animal species within the Monaco Aquarium, Crown Prince Albert II of Monaco and the global CEO of Hublot table - common to the world of Mr. Claude Beaver announced this mysterious Yu-ship table 4000 m deep sea Quest diving watch.

    Yu-ship table Deep Ocean Quest 4000 m in all aspects of the design, development and manufacturing giants of the ultimate. As a diving watch, it can not only withstand the pressure from the ocean depths of 4000 m and reach the Swiss watch international standards (NIHS) almost demanding specifications.

    To test the seal, Yu-ship table this watch is placed in a sealed box-type sink, and pressurized to the equivalent of the pressure from the depths of 5000 m. Ensure its water resistance, and the limit state of stress resistance, sapphire crystal glass is only 6.5mm thick, while the mirror than the ordinary watch slightly thicker to withstand the tremendous pressure of 4000 meters underwater just right. Successfully reach this depth, table back screwed into the screw to become a necessary condition, extremely hard by two titanium metal, absolute corrosion. In addition to the titanium material series, the 4000 m deep sea Quest also introduced a black carbon fiber material (titanium and carbon fiber are very light material, and to meet specific technology standards). Therefore, although the diameter of 48mm, the appearance of powerful Deep Sea Quest 4000 m, wear them still more easily.


    To ensure that the dark environment of the deep sea, less than 25cm distance from the reading is still clearly visible, the 4000 m deep sea Quest dial, raised, and a pointer to a large area use SuperLuminovaTM luminous coating, which is attached to titanium metal element can be issued green luminescent material.

    Taking into account the security control of the dive time, dive timer for a single rotation of the internal gear drive, the device as close as possible in the distance dial position, in order to avoid the negligence of divers diving time control, and more convenient to calculate the diving length. According to uniform standards, the scale of 4000 m deep sea Quest minute every five minutes are clearly marked.

    The watch is equipped with two embedded screw crown (O-type gasket to ensure its under deep-water pressure). Used to set the dive time three-dimensional crown is set at two o'clock position, to facilitate the user to adjust the settings. Taking into account the safety of the divers, the device also has a latch and can wrap protection crown, to facilitate the diving operation is the same Also enhanced its security. For winding and adjust the time another crown, is set at 4 o'clock position, to avoid the operation make mistakes.



    Finally, as a diving watch, the deep-sea Quest 4000 m specially equipped with a helium valve, to ensure that it can dive to depths of 4000 m. In the diving process, helium valve to ensure that the process of diving drop penetration to watch within the smooth discharge of gases during ascent.Valves made of stainless steel by an anti-corrosion device table to the left ear at 10 o'clock position.


    Watch this section with two strap, stylus strap and buckle strap (for urban version and dive Edition). This design strap folding buckle is safer, and easier to operate when wearing gloves. It is noteworthy that this traditional pin clasp Yu-ship table products is relatively rare, this strap and case connection is also very special in the end of the case, with two buttons can be replaced strap, eliminating the need to use a screwdriver or other accessories cumbersome. Urban version of the strap is black natural rubber, diving version of the strap is the integration of natural rubber and nylon, slightly longer than an ordinary strap, easy to wear a diving suit, strap thickness of only 8mm.

    Yu-ship Form 4000 m deep sea Quest cater to watch enthusiasts but also to meet the highest requirements of professional divers, it is bound to build a dive watch new legend!




Sunday, February 26, 2012

Distinguished tailored Tudor New Basel Watch Fair



Tudor watches sports series in the new style, designed for the brave old innovation, the pursuit of stylish design and excellent performance to tailor build.

  Tudor the table ICONAUT the multifunction timepieces can be estimated that the average speed, or read two different time zones from the pointer and the outer scale of 24 hours. Enjoy a life full of surprises.

  43 mm case, waterproof to a depth of 150 meters (500 feet), to ensure a reliable watch, self-winding mechanical movement to ensure that the watch is accurate.

  The Tudor the table ICONAUT the innovative designs, beautiful shape and a distinctive color balance just right and vitality into the watch, put it down. Tudor table ICONAUT Model: 20400

  Men's stainless steel style (43 mm)

  Polished multi-functional case when the meter switch button were placed in the location-hour timer at the 6:00 position 2 and 4:00 minute integrated timer at 12 o'clock position scale surface speedometers satin polished 24-time givers circle 24 hours pointer small second hand at 9 o'clock position of the calendar placed in the 4:00 position blue crystal glass, screw crown stainless steel strap, automatic winding mechanical movement waterproof to a depth of 150 meters (500 feet)



  Tudor table multifunction meter Model: 20300

  Men's stainless steel style (41 mm)

  Polished multi-functional case when the meter switch button were placed in the location-hour timer at the 6:00 position 2 and 4:00 minute integrated timer at the 3:00 position calendar adjustment button placed in the 10 o'clock position satin polished scale the outer ring to provide the speedometers small seconds at 9 o'clock position calendar at 6 o'clock position of the blue crystal glass, spiral crown leather strap automatic winding mechanical movement waterproof to a depth of 150 meters (500 feet)

  Tudor watches women's multi-function meter

  The pursuit of speed non-men's patent. Tudor watches classic series created out of the multifunction timepiece of firmness and flexibility for the pursuit of new experiences, Ms..

  Even if the watch colorful scene, but also insisted on excellence as well as accurate and reliable.



  41 mm Case set with 101 diamonds, leather or rubber strap quality to choose from a variety of colors.

  Surface, there are a variety of colors with the strap.

  Case, water depth of 150 m (500 ft) to protect the accuracy of the self-winding mechanical movement.

  To show themselves, Tudor watches women's multi-function timepieces - emotional expression true.

  Tudor watches women's multi-function Clock Model: 20310



  Women stainless steel style (41 mm)

  Polished case, the shell ear set with 28 diamond multifunction the timepiece switch button in 2 and 4 o'clock position hour timer placed 6 o'clock position, and minute integrated timer at the 3:00 position calendar adjustment button set the white surface of the 10 o'clock position, set with 8 diamond scale satin polished outer speedometers, set with 73 diamonds second hand placed in the 9 o'clock position calendar at 6 o'clock position of the blue crystal glass, screw-type crown white rubber strap self-winding mechanical movement Waterproof depth of 150 meters (500 feet)

  Women stainless steel style (41 mm)

  Polished case, the shell ear set with 28 diamond multifunction the timepiece switch button in 2 and 4 o'clock position hour timer placed 6 o'clock position, and minute integrated timer at the 3:00 position calendar adjustment button set white surface on the 10 o'clock position of the scale satin polished outer speedometers, set with 73 diamonds second hand placed in the 9 o'clock position calendar at 6 o'clock position of the blue crystal glass, screw-type crown green rubber strap automatic chain mechanical movement Waterproof to a depth of 150 m (500 ft)