Horozima

Fabergé – jeweller du jour for Autumn/Winter 2012

2012-05-31T19:41:00.001-05:00

In a season of sumptuous materials, couture details and unrestrained opulence it seems fitting that the exquisite jewels and legendary designs of Fabergé, are once more inspiring designers, who are drawing on the intricate workmanship and signature style of history’s most enigmatic jeweled objets d’art.

It was a Fabergé moonstone egg bought by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor that captured the imagination of Olivier Rousteing for autumn/winter 2012. For his second collection for Balmain, the designer created boxy leather jackets and couture ‘sweatshirts’ topped with matelassé-inspired embroideries dense with pearl, crystal and gold beading and a powder pink tuxedo suit topped with delicate pearl and crystal quilting. Fabergé-inspired motifs also appear on devoré velvet pants and tops or long, languid skirts. Meanwhile at Salvatore Ferragamo, Massimiliano Giornetti created petite minaudières rich with gilt embroideries echoing the decoration of the famed eggs.

It’s not the first time that designers have been inspired by the objets d’art and jewels created for the Russian Imperial Court and more specifically the incredible Easter eggs that were commissioned each year by Tsar Nicholas II to give to his Empress Alexandra. Mary Katrantzou has drawn on their symbolism in past collections reproducing the luxurious masterpieces in her highly ornate digital prints. With its resplendent catwalk renaissance, captured in a series of illustrations by artist Tania Ling, Fabergé is the jeweller du jour for Autumn/Winter 2012.

Les Favorites de Fabergé, a collection of fine lustrous egg charms crafted from an array of precious stones, metals or sorbet coloured enamel, capture autumn’s romantic and opulent mood. Les Favorites de Fabergé are available at Fabergé international boutiques in New York, London and Geneva. Additionally, Fabergé collections are available at Harrods in Knightsbridge, Lane Crawford in Hong Kong and via the Fabergé online boutique at www.faberge.com which delivers to 29 countries worldwide.

Les Fameux de Fabergé
L'Oeuf aux Roses - The Roses Egg Pendant
The Roses couture egg pendant, is decorated with delicate pink enameled roses and reflects autumn’s darkly romantic floral looks as seen on the runway with Balmain.

Les Favorites de Fabergé
1. Oeuf Matelassé Empereur Trellis Or Jaune
The sumptuous Matelassé pendant featuring delicate rows of diamonds reflects the season’s rich quilted textures similar to that of the Dolce & Gabbana dress.

Oeuf Matelassé Empereur Diamants Or Blanc
This signature Matelassé pendant studded with diamonds has a timeless modernity, evoking both the richness of the Romanov interiors and contemporary luxury

2. Oeuf Sophia Bleu Pastel
This aqua enamelled egg charm is topped with curlicues of diamonds, sings with Balmain’s mint quilted jackets.

Oeuf Nina Rose
This vibrant feminine charm, immaculately enamelled in a soft pink over guilloché engraving, is ornamented with a delicate floral motif traced in white diamonds.

3. Oeuf Rose Duchesse
This egg charm channels the Baroque mood with the incredible rose gold and diamonds to create your own Fabergé moment, on trend with Dolce & Gabbana evoking the springtime look on the catwalk with their floral dress

Oeuf Impératrice Rose et Blanc
This egg charm is characterised by luscious rococo openwork scrolls, enclosing single round gems, and inspired by the joyful femininity and the vast jewel collections of the Russian Empress and her four daughters, the Grand Duchesses.

Division Furtive Type 46 Limited Edition

2012-05-30T19:02:00.004-05:00

Montreal, Canada based designer watch brand Division Furtive unveils its first timepiece: Type 46, a dual linear movement wrist watch, represents a completely new concept in watch making. This timepiece will be made in a limited edition of 46 pieces only. This unique timepiece concept and the young watch brand - Division Furtive is brought to you by Design Game inc, a Canadian design company founded by Gabriel Ménard.

Division Furtive’s Type 46 watch uses a dual linear motion in which the traditional rotating hands are replaced by cursors moving horizontally. When Type 46 is in reading mode, in front of the user, at about 45° of land’s geometry standard, the cursors quickly move from zero to the actual time. At this moment, the upper cursor shows the hours and the lower cursor the minutes. After reading time, when the user puts his arm down, the cursors automatically return to the zero position.

Type 46 also features secondary functions such as Day, AM/PM Indication, Minutes (top cursor) and seconds (bottom cursor), Day of the week, Time zone, Phase of the moon, Chronometer, Battery life indicator and Progress until next maintenance indicator.

Type 46’s case is simple and features only one artifice: the “vault door”, that is an independent compartment which the user can open to change the battery. To access the secondary functions, the user needs to bring the watch into reading mode and lightly tap on the glass surface. The cursors will then move to guide the user with secondary scales.

This ultra modern timepiece breaks new ground with its use of mechatronics instead of traditional gears in its caliber. An accelerometer and a digital processor combined with stepper motors open a new world of possibilities. Whether it’s the Swiss made motors, the ruby bearings, the gold accents on the dial or the sterling silver pieces, each element inside the caliber is specifically manufactured for the Type 46 watch. In addition, with the greatest attention to details, this unique caliber is entirely hand-assembled.

Technical details
Model: Division Furtive Type 46
Specification: Dual linear movement wrist watch
Production: Limited to 46 units

Functions
Primary Functions
Hours (top cursor) and minutes (bottom cursor)

Secondary Functions
• Day
• AM/PM
• Minutes (top cursor) and seconds (bottom cursor)
• Day of the week
• Time zone
• Phase of the moon
• Chronometer
• Battery life indicator
• Progress until next maintenance

Movement
Caliber: 6 mm diameter Swiss made electric stepper motors with 25 mm long helicoidal link
Case and Dial
Sterling silver with black DLC( Diamond Like Carbon) finish
Diameter: 50 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Dial: Gold plated mat black
Glass: Sapphire (front) and mineral (back)
Cursors: Golden with black stripe
Sensor: 3-axis accelerometer with glass tap detection

Misc Features
Battery: User-serviceable AAA/IEC FR03
Power reserve: 365 days*
Band: 24 mm large padded and sewed leather
Clasp: Stainless steel with black PVD finish
Recommended maintenance: 2 years
Warranty: 3 years.

* Note: All specifications are subject to change as the Division Furtive Type 46 watch is under pre-production stage right now.

About Gabriel Ménard, founder of Division Furtive brand
Gabriel Ménard graduated from McGill University in Montreal with a Bachelor degree in microelectronics and a Master’s degree in image processing. In 2003, he is awarded the first price in a design competition at the Audio Engineering Society in New York. This event gives him the opportunity at the very beginning of his career to work for Analog Devices in Boston where he designs integrated circuit chips. These chips are to become his very first mass-produced designs. At the same time, he is awarded his first patent.

In 2007, while working as a design consultant in the electronics industry, he starts up his own company, Design Game inc. This enables him to materialize many design studies. Since 2011, he is working full-time to create and market the Division Furtive brand. Its first product, the Type 46 dual linear movement wrist watch is now making waves in horology circles.

Official website : www.division-furtive.com

JS Watch co. Frisland God - Hand Engraved Special Edition

2012-05-30T18:37:00.003-05:00

Iceland based mechanical watch brand JS Watch co. Reykjavík presents a hand engraved special edition timepiece from their Frisland God line. This model is inspired by the artistry and skill of Icelandic carvers in past times.

The watch is basically the Frisland God which displays a splendid face, made of ash from the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption, in a 42 mm diameter steel case with hand-engraved ancient-style motif.

On the side of the watch one can see the word ÍSLAND (ICELAND) written in "Höfðaletur" (Head Letters) which is an unusual Icelandic font mainly used to adorn items made of wood, horn and, later on, metals. "Höfðaletur" brings with it real elegance as well as mystery. In earlier times this type of letters was rather hard to read and for that reason chosen to keep secrets. Items adorned with "Höfðaletur" were those people cherished. The watch is only available by custom order and it will be possible for those interested to have the original "Höfðaletur"-text changed Into something personal like the name of the buyer for instance.

Technical details
Movement
Mechanical “Execution Top”
Automatic winding.
25 jewels, Custom decorations, Blue screws and Rhodium plated finish.
38-hour power reserve when fully wound.
Fine tuning “Assortment Chronometer”.
Shock protection Incabloc

Case
Material: Surgical grade German Stainless Steel "316L"
Diameter: 42mm, height 12mm.
Surface finish: Hand Engraved ancient-style motif.
Curved Sapphire Crystal with multi anti reflective coating on the inside
See-through Sapphire Crystal back
Water-resistance 50 meters

Dial
Black dial made from volcanic ash with Arabic numerals and indexes
White material on numerals and hour markers
Date display at three o'clock and day display at nine o'clock
Hands: Rose Gold with white luminous and red second hand

Strap
Handmade 20mm Genuine Teju Lizard - or-
Alligator with JS Watch co. Reykjavik deployment clasp

Jean Alesi & F.P.Journe at INDY 500

2012-05-30T08:18:00.002-05:00

At this year’s INDY 500 race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Dario Franchitti emerged as the winner. However, for Jean Alesi and its sponsor F.P.Journe, the race was a disappointment as the engine of the car created problems that resulted in the withdrawal of Jean Alesi from the race.

Of course it was a broad disappointment for the F.P.Journe clan; however the experience will remain unforgettable for the numerous guests of the brand invited to Indianapolis for this memorable weekend.

This weekend was the occasion to discover the Limited Series realised in homage to the partnership with Jean Alesi, a unique version of the Octa Sport in blackened aluminium and black dial adorned with the Indy 500 logo, Alesi’s signature and rubber strap. This exclusive Limited Series of 99 pieces, numbered 501 to 599, will be unveiled in a couple of days.

Girard-Perregaux Honors Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu and gifts him an engraved 1966 collection watch

2012-05-30T08:00:00.003-05:00

On 17 May 2012, Girard-Perregaux, iconic luxury Swiss watch brand, joined with Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu for a conversation with author Robert V. Taylor. HOW TO BE HAPPY, CHANGE THE WORLD AND EMBRACE A NEW WAY TO BE HUMAN was held in LACMA’s Bing Auditorium in Los Angeles with hosts Elizabeth Wiatt, Maggie and Trevor Neilson, and Global Philanthropy Group.

Over 500 guests attended the conversation; a private reception was held immediately following. For this special event, Girard-Perregaux presented Archbishop Tutu with an engraved 1966 collection watch in honor of his philanthropic accomplishments around the world.

The Girard-Perregaux 1966 is a model of timeless design. It features a 38 mm rose gold case and black alligator strap and houses a Manufacture automatic movement.

About the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation
The Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation (DTPF) helps people and societies create cultures of peace. One of the principal ways it accomplishes that mission is by developing programs that focus on young people. The programs use new media and traditional methods to convey to young people the work and wisdom of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, as well as other effective ideas and methods for “living peace” and implementing proven reconciliation and restorative practices.

Girard-Perregaux Pays Homage to F1 Pilot Gilles Villeneuve on the Occasion of the “Gilles Villeneuve un Uomo nella leggenda” exhibition

2012-05-30T07:51:00.003-05:00

The third edition of “Modena Terra di Motori”, dedicated to Gilles Villeneuve, got underway on May 8th with the preview of the “Gilles Villeneuve un uomo nella leggenda” (Gilles Villeneuve, a man in the legend) exhibition at the Foro Boario in Modena, Italy. In addition to Ferrari fans, members of Gilles’ family and the Mayor of Modena, Giorgio Pighi, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The monographic exhibition, which will be open until June 10th, includes giant prints of the most famous images as well as other previously unseen ones, period posters, footage from public and private archives, interviews conducted especially for the exhibition with Ferrari protagonists from the period, memorabilia and objects.

The Swiss High Watchmaking brand Girard-Perregaux joined the northern Italian city’s heartfelt tribute by participating in the Inauguration Ceremony, during which the 200 guests witnessed a moving piano recital by Melanie Villeneuve, Gilles’ daughter, who performed the song “Father” that she wrote with her brother Jacques. Following this, Monica Mailander Macaluso from Girard-Perregaux presented the pilot’s widow, Joanna Villeneuve, with an iconic watch bearing a special engraving.

The Girard-Perregaux flyback chronograph has a steel case with a diameter of 40 mm. This retro-inspired timepiece is the result of a long, meticulous manufacturing process. The watch houses a Manufacture movement with flyback chronograph.

This special function allows the traditional stop-reset-start sequence to be repeated without having to stop the chronograph hand, thus saving precious time when time-keeping during sports events, for example.

Girard-Perregaux Seahawk 1000 “Big Blue” ( Special Edition for World Oceans Day Celebration with Susan and David Rockefeller, Jr.)

2012-05-30T07:41:00.004-05:00

Susan and David Rockefeller, Jr.will celebrate World Oceans Day in New YorkCity on June 5, 2012 from 6-9pm at The Museum of Modern Art, in partnership with the iconic, luxury Swiss watch brand Girard-Perregaux. Avid environmental conservationists, Susan and David created this event to celebrate the world’s oceans and raise public awareness to the plight of ocean health and the need for its protection.

The evening includes a special screening, and the New York City premiere, of Susan’s most recent documentary film, Mission of Mermaids. A true love letter to the ocean, this 15-minute call to action views the ocean through the eyes of the mythical mermaid, and explores ocean acidification, overfishing and pollution. The film delivers a message of hope that provokes viewers to rethink how they relate to their global waters.

Presented by Girard-Perregaux, the sentiment of the night is to “Protect what is Precious” which relates both to the state of the world’s oceans and the rare art of fine watchmaking. In honor of the evening and of Susan and David’s efforts, Girard-Perregaux will launch a limited edition timepiece. The Seahawk 1000 “Big Blue” features a steel case and blue rubber strap with blue highlights on the dial and showing the world map, the focus of this important cause.

The evening at MoMA also coincides with the launch of Susan’sjewelry collection, inspired by Susan’s love of the ocean, which is now available at www.susanrockefeller.com. Susan Rockefeller jewelry is designed to start the conversation and engage people in creative dialogue about the oceans. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Oceana.

As a direct result of his work on the Pew Oceans Commission coupled with his more than 40 years of experienced sailing, David founded Sailors for the Sea, a nonprofit organization to galvanize the sailing and boating community around ocean health issues. Sailors for the Sea’s core programs, which include Clean Regattas, Ocean Watch Essays, Certified Sea Friendly, and Rainy Day Kits, are designed to connect knowledge with action. David is also the Chairman of The Rockefeller Foundation.

In addition to her documentary film efforts and jewelry design, Susan sits on the board for Oceana and the global leadership council for the NRDC, as well as the Program Committee for Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture. She and David have co-chaired the Christie’s Green Auction for three years, while Girard-Perregaux has created unique timepieces for auction. The Christie’s Green Auction has raised nearly $6 million in support of environmental charities.

About Sailors for the Sea
Founded in 2004, Sailors for the Sea is a non profit organization that educates and empowers the boating community in the worldwide protection of the oceans. For more information or to participate in any of the Sailors for the Sea programs, or to support the organization, visit www.sailorsforthesea.org.

SEA HAWK PRO 1000m
A genuine diving instrument with assertive personality and ergonomic design, the Sea Hawk pro 1000m is distinguished by its performances. Ready for the most extreme adventures, it is equipped with a Girard-Perregaux self-winding movement with power reserve indication. Its case entirely developed and manufactured in-house has a unidirectional rotating bezel for calculating dive times and a helium valve used for decompressing the watch after deep dives. It is also equipped with a screw-down crown and case-back.

Steel case
Diameter: 44mm
Sapphire crystal
Unidirectional rotating bezel
Helium decompression valve
Screw down case-back and crown
Water resistance: 1000 metres

Girard-Perregaux movement GP033R0
Mechanical with automatic winding
Calibre: 11’’’ ½
Frequency: 28’800 vibrations / hour (4Hz)
Jewels: 27
Power reserve: minimum 46 hours

Functions: hour, minute, small second, power reserve indicator, date

Rubber strap with safety folding buckle

Girard-Perregaux Cat’s Eye Jewelry (Reference: 91702B53P7B1-KK6A)

2012-05-30T07:28:00.003-05:00

The new Girard-Perregaux Cat’s Eye Jewelry timepiece for women is a perfect example of a highly successful union between Haute Horlogerie( Art of high end watch making) and Haute Joaillerie (high jewellery craft.

Draped in 150 emerald-cut precious stones, the case illuminates its feminine curves. The flower-shaped crown unfurls its petals to reveal its heart: a rose-cut diamond. The hours display blossoms on a bed of gemstones that emphasize the emblematic case shape.

Starting with the small seconds, the iridescent oval progressively broadens with uniform brilliance. The dial, adorned with a delicate “Clous de Paris” hobnail motif, includes 102 emerald-cut diamonds, selected and positioned in order to deliver maximum brilliance. A traditional technique requiring a particularly delicate touch, the “Clou de Paris” hobnail motif consists of holding several stones with a single “clou” or pin, meaning that the diamond cutter must cut and calibrate the stones meticulously, one by one. The sapphire crystal, rounded in both directions, tops the dial and its leafshaped hands.

A taupe-colored satin strap enhances the sparkle of the stones. The contrast is subtle, the union a success. Extended by an ardillon buckle set with 13 baguette-cut diamonds, it encircles the wrist with unforgettable moments in time. Finally, the hand-engraved case back opens onto the caliber GP03300 self-winding movement whose oscillating weight adopts Girard-Perregaux’s tapestry decoration. The date has been set.

Created in 2004, the Cat’s Eye collection dedicates beautiful watchmaking pieces to women. The refinement of the pieces rivals their attention to detail. Its emblematic design, which has won numerous distinctions, is highlighted by precious materials and manufacture movements, both simple and with complications. The collection proves that fine watchmaking is far from being the prerogative solely of men.

Technical details
Collection: Cat’s Eye collection
Model: Girard-Perregaux Cat’s Eye Jewelry
Model reference: 91702B53P7B1-KK6A

Case & Dial
Case in white gold with a rounded, anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Case: in white gold, set with 150 emerald-cut diamonds for ~14.52 carats
Case back: with anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Dimensions: 38.63 mm x 33.63 mm
Water resistance: 30 meters (3 ATM)
Crown: white gold, set with one rose-cut diamond ~ 0.14 carat
Dial: set with 102 emerald-cut diamonds for ~6.6 carats
Hands: leaf-shaped

Movement
Girard-Perregaux GP03300-0072 Movement
Self-winding mechanical movement
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds
Dimensions: 11 ½ ‘‘‘
Jewels: 27 rubies
Power reserve: minimum 46 hours
Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h (4 Hz)

Strap
Satin strap
Ardillon buckle in white gold, set with 13 baguette-cut diamonds for ~0.67 carats

British actor Clive Owen wears Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon at premiere in Cannes

2012-05-30T06:52:00.008-05:00

The internationally renowned British actor attended the premiere of his latest movie “Hemingway & Gellhorn”, completing his red carpet look with a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon.Other celebrities spotted with him are Director Philip Kaufman, actress Nicole Kidman and actor Rodrigo Santoro.

“Hemingway & Gellhorn” is a drama centered on the romance between Ernest Hemingway (Clive Owen) and WWII correspondent Martha Gellhorn (Nicole Kidman),Hemingway's inspiration for “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and the only woman who ever asked for a divorce from the writer.

As an internationally renowned actor, icon of elegance, and also a humanitarian who gives both time and money to his favorite charities, Clive Owen represents Jaeger-LeCoultre fine watchmaking collections.

Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon in a pink gold case measuring an incredible thin 11.3 millimetres. This high-precision instrument features a tourbillon caliber, which won first prize in the Chronométrie 2009 international timing competition in Switzerland.

De Bethune - The ninth Mayan underworld – Limited Edition

2012-05-30T04:57:00.002-05:00

According to Mayan traditional calendar , the year 2012 is related to the symbolic advent of a new world. The ninth step of the Bolon Yokte Ku, the cosmic pyramid of the Mayan civilisation, symbolises the advent of a new world, the ninth underworld, according to which the evolution of consciousness is believed to reach its highest level.

On the occasion of humankind’s symbolic passage into this new underworld predicted by the Mayan calendar, Swiss luxury watch brand De Bethune presents an exceptional 12-piece edition in tribute to the scholarly traditions of this people. Renowned for its technical and artistic innovations, the Manufacture De Bethune is building 21st century horology while remaining true to the history of science and art.

The desire to portray the epic adventure of humankind through all its many cultures represented a fascinating challenge for the De Bethune team, which has sought to recreate the deep atmosphere of the ceramics and stones sculpted by the Mayan scribes. The solid gold dial of these timepieces has been hand-engraved by Michèle Rothen, and enhanced by 31 flame-blued steel inserts. The hour circle displays the numerals of Mayan numbering system, while the inner ring presents the 20 glyphs of divinities, animals and sacred objects representing the various days of the calendar.
The dial centre features the baktun, a period glyph used in particular for calculating the “Long Count” and comprising 144,000 days. In order to highlight the subtle visual equilibrium of the dial, the hands are made in sapphire rimmed with blued steel according to an exclusive De Bethune procedure.

The Mayan scholarly tradition, partially re-transcribed in the manifestos or codices dealing mostly with astral sciences, testify to a strong interest and a genuine fascination for long periods, dates, and remote events both past and future. The Mayan scholars devised a sophisticated arithmetical system mainly composed of period glyphs and numerical glyphs, associated with signs and hierarchized for the “Long Count” of lengthy periods of time.

With its feet firmly planted in history and its head turned to the future in building tomorrow’s watchmaking, De Bethune offers its own distinctive celebration of the mystical and scientific Mayan genius, and the symbolic advent of a new world.

Technical details
Functions: hours – minutes

Movement
Calibre DB 2005 – mechanical hand-wound
Mainplate hand-decorated and snailed, hand-chamfered and polished steel parts, De Bethune stripes
Self-regulating twin barrel
Silicon/platinum balance wheel
Triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system
Jewelling: 29 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour
Power reserve: 6-day power reserve

Case
Drum measuring 44 mm in diameter in white gold with hollowed lugs
Thickness: 12.50 mm
Glass: sapphire crystal, 1800 Vickers with double anti-reflective treatment
Crown at 3 o’clock – adjustment in 2 positions
Exhibition back: sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment

Dial
Dial in solid gold hand-engraved by Michèle Rothen and composed of three parts:
-Outer ring with numerical glyphs in flame-blued steel
-Inner ring composed of 20 different glyphs symbolising divinities, animals or sacred objects
-Central part representing a period glyph, the baktun comprising 144,000 days
Hands in sapphire rimmed with flame-blued steel

Strap: extra-supple alligator leather with pin buckle

TF Est. 1968 – Cufflinks by Elke Berr Créations

2012-05-30T03:56:00.003-05:00

Dealer in top-quality precious stones, gemologist Elke Berr subsequently developed a jewellery label renowned for its eclectic creativity and high-grade gem stones. She has now been called upon to design an exceptional Cufflink collection for the brand TF Est. 1968.

Mounted on an armature of solid white, rose and yellow gold, semi-precious stones, such as lapis, turquoise, haematite, malachite and rodochrosite, serve as a base layer for the application of fine sheets of yellow and white gold leafs, (or silver for the steel Cufflink series) . A transparent dome of white quartz, beautifully faceted using the famous ‘doublet’ technique, transcends the mere visual and enters the realms of subtle special effects and rare shimmering effects.

Each piece is unique and inimitable, bearing its own stamp of identity resulting from the natural inclusions that contributes to the magical beauty of any precious stone. The Cufflinks have gold backs affixed with the EB logo of Elke Berr, alongside the engraved seal of TF Est. 1968.

Numbered pieces, magically sublimated, by the play of color that is created between the irregular dispersion of gold and the vivid watercolors of gemstones. The Mother-of-pearl variations by Elke Berr creation have a base layer of white or grey mother-of-pearl affixed to a ‘bubble’-cut quartz, an invented cut of the designer herself, surrounded by diamonds, to give a subliminal moonstone effect.

Elke Berr Créations
A niche jewellery brand, present in Switzerland, Germany, France, Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East (Dubai, Doha and Jeddah), Elke Berr every year designs several signed jewellery collections with flawless flair using only top-grade gemstones. Elke Berr, a woman of passion and a gemmologist of renown, is a member of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) and the Swiss Ethic Code.

Cacheux Watches – CACHEUX 8 Limited Edition

2012-05-29T19:41:00.003-05:00

Cacheux Haute Horlogerie, Laval (France) based Swiss luxury watch brand introduces a new limited edition timepiece: CACHEUX 8. This limited edition Cacheux 8 haute horlogerie watch is available in a strict limited series with only 8 numbered timepieces. This high end mechanical timepiece pays tribute to the figure 8, the magical number. An18 carats white gold figure of 8 is centered on the dial.

The importance of the digit 8 can be found from the following specific features of the watch.

- 8 timepieces only all over the world
- 88 grams of white gold 18 carats
- 8 carats diamond
- Golden figure 8 in 18 carats in the center of the dial
- Symbol " ba " on the dial and on the crown
- 8 months of achievement

The model is available in 18 carats white/pink yellow gold or platinum 950 and each model is numbered. The mechanical manual winding movement of the timepiece can be viewed through sapphire case back. The heart of Cacheux 8 houses a tourbillion complication, a real small marvel of high end watch-making. The tourbillion movement, Visible at 6’ o clock possesses a power reserve more than 120 hours, exceptional duration in itself for a tourbillon which, here, is delivered by one and a single barrel, a unique technical exploit.

Mystery and magic figure, the figure 8 is above all a lucky charm in the life and in the business. In China, many different characters pronounce in the same way in some tones near. The figure 8 pronounces "ba" in mandarin that we can move closer to the sound "fa" in Cantonese which means “growing rich” or "prosperity". The figure eight is also a symbol of final balance, in Asia, it represents, 8 beams of the law Boudhique, 8 rules of the "Chou-King" way, 8 Ministers of the Chinese Empire, 8 petals of the lotus, 8 pillars of the sky, 8 cardinal points, etc.

Technical details
Case
18 carats white/pink yellow gold or platinum 950
Edition number engraved (1/8 to 8/8)
Personal message to be engraved
Crystals: 2 Clear anti-reflective sapphire glasses
Bracelet: Large choice of leather, satin and colour
Water resistance: 50 meters

Dial
Central 8 made from 18 carats white gold
8 carats diamond
Visible tourbillon at 6.00

Tourbillon movement
120-hour power reserve (5 days) on 1 barrel
21 600 vibrations per hour
Tourbillon : a revolution per minute
Mechanical movement
Manual winding
21 jewels
Visible movement trough the back

Total gold or platinum
750/1000 white/pink/yellow gold or platinum 950
Weight: 88g

Swiss made

RAYMOND WEIL Lady maestro

2012-05-29T10:46:00.004-05:00

This year, Swiss watch brand RAYMOND WEIL is offering a feminine version of their “Maestro” line. The Lady maestro, the latest addition to the original “Maestro” line created by RAYMOND WEIL in 2010 comes with visible balance wheel in a large 39mm diameter case and a quality leather strap available in several colors: bright orange, cherry red, lime green, sky blue, midnight blue, rich black, taupe or caramel beige.

The larger 39mm steel case enables the Lady maestro to display 74 sparkling diamonds in its set version. Fresh nuances are also making their appearance in the range of straps, such as a bright orange and a lime green. Apart from these novelties, Lady maestro remains firmly seated in the tradition behind the success of this collection, with at its heart a hand-wound mechanical movement. Its pulsation is visible through a sapphire crystal case back and through a dial opening at 12 o’clock.

The dial, in natural white mother-of-pearl, is embellished with 6 diamond indexes alternating with silver Roman numerals. The hands fashioned in the purest, most classical of watchmaking traditions and the strap, in high quality leather with an ardillon buckle, add their finishing touches to the infinitely elegant and classical style of Lady maestro.

Technical details
Model: RAYMOND WEIL Lady maestro
Ref 2827 LS6 00966

Movement
Mechanical – RW4200 with visible balance wheel
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 38 hours
Jewels: 26
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds

Case
Round – polished steel
Diameter: 39.5mm
Thickness: 9.13mm
Bezel: Polished steel set with 74 diamonds
Crown: Polished steel - fluted with RW monogram
Crystal: Sapphire crystal with dual-sided antiglare treatment
Water-resistance: 5 ATM
Case back: Snapped, with sapphire crystal

Dial
White mother-of-pearl, with sunray guilloche pattern in the center, visible balance wheel at 12 o’clock
Indexes: 6 diamonds and 5 applique Roman numerals
Hands: Steel type, in the most classical watchmaking style

Strap
Full skin alligator, saddle stitched strap with polished steel ardillon buckle.
Available in different colors.

DENT Denison Limited Edition

2012-05-29T09:09:00.002-05:00

Introduced in 2011, the Dent Denison is a classic, three-handed wristwatch made in the finest English tradition by the Makers of Big Ben. This new model from Dent London, one of the greatest names in watchmaking, is inspired from an earlier Dent design that was originally available during the 1920s and'30s. The Denison is a supremely elegant gentleman's watch which will be made in a limited edition of 100 pieces in 18 carat rose gold and 100 pieces in 18 carat white gold.

The delectable cushion case houses a crisp, white dial bearing hand-applied Breguet numerals and providing a small date aperture at three o'clock. The dial is complemented by 'teardrop' hour and minute hands and a straight seconds hand, each made from steel which is 'blued' in the traditional English method.

An 'officer' style case back (which provides a perfect blank canvas for engravement and personalisation) hinges open to reveal an internal plate sporting a meticulously hand-engraved pattern in the style of the great English designer William Morris.

A semi-circular crystal reveals details of the exquisitely-made automatic movement - Dent's first totally new movement for around 60 years - which is based on a classic English lever escapement design. Again, the winding rotor is embellished with Morris-style engraving while the plates and bridges carry the very signature of traditional English watchmaking in the form of a frosted finish. Fully wound, the movement offers a power reserve of 42 hours. Each Dent Denison is hand made to order and requires a lead time of six months to complete.

The Great Clock (colloquially known as Big Ben, which is really the name of the main bell) is probably the single most famous timekeeper in the world. Dent London has named its new wristwatch 'the Denison' in honour of Edmund Beckett Denison, the great figure who also involved in the creation of Big Ben. Denison, a lawyer and amateur horologist, was one of few people who believed Astronomer Royal George Airy's stipulation that the mechanism be accurate to within one second in order to be acceptable. Denison worked with Dent to design the Great Clock, helping him to engineer its unique double three-legged gravity, or 'remontoir,' escapement which is driven by the pendulum and which ensures the accuracy of the going train.

Technical details
Case: 18 carat rose or white gold.
Dimensions: 43.5mm by 35 mm.
Movement: Self-winding, classic lever escapement to Dent design.
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date.
Availability: Limited to 100 pieces in rose gold and 100 pieces in white gold.
Retail price: $39,950. Each watch individually hand-made to order.

Christiaan van der Klaauw Astronomical Watches – CVDK Real Moon Joure

2012-05-29T08:08:00.003-05:00

The Real Moon series from the Astronomical Watches line by Christiaan van der Klaauw has several masterpieces with a three-dimensional miniature Moon at the 6 o’clock position as a unique complication. Each Real Moon watch displays the current phase of the moon by means of a rotating moon. It takes the moon 29 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes (29,530589 days) to rotate around the Earth. The complication in the Real Moon Joure deviates from this by only 1 day in every 5400 years. The Real Moon Joure, the beautifully crafted, pristine watch, in all its simplicity, looks breathtaking with as a unique ‘eye catcher’ the rotating Moon.

Technical details
Movement: CVDK 1094 modified self-winding movement with in-house Real Moon module.
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds; three-dimensional moonphase.

Models
Model 1: CVDK real moon Joure CKRJ3344
Case: High quality steel, ø 40 mm. anti-reflection  sapphire crystal; transparent case-back.
Dial: Black with white rhodinated indexes.
Hands: White coloured steel.
Strap: Black alligator leather.
Buckle: Logo engraved steel folding buckle.

Model 2 : CVDK real moon Joure CKRJ1124
Case: Rose gold, ø 40 mm. anti-reflection sapphire crystal; transparent case-back.
Dial: Silver with blue indexes.
Hands: Blued steel.
Strap: Black alligator leather.
Buckle: Logo engraved rose gold buckle.

Model 3 : CVDK real moon Joure CKRJ7724
Case: White gold, ø 40 mm. anti-reflection sapphire crystal; transparent case-back.
Dial: Silver with blue indexes.
Hands: Blued steel.
Strap: Black alligator leather.
Buckle: Logo engraved white gold buckle.

Note: The Real Moon 1980 line offers, besides the three-dimensional Moon, several other complications such as declination of the sun; eclipse hand indicates solar and lunar eclipse.

Montres MAR (MAR Watches) - Introduction

2012-05-29T05:56:00.006-05:00

Montres MAR (MAR Watches) is a high end Swiss made timepiece brand founded by Philippe Ruedin. This independent Swiss luxury watch brand creates limited edition timepieces that house exclusive movements from ASXP-Engineering, the horology firm also owned by the founder. The MAR luxury watch brand was established in 2008, and their first Collection: “Bacchus” was also introduced in the same year.

MAR trademark was created by Maurice Albert Ruedin for the sale of wine products on April 8th, 1912. Under this trademark, Maurice developed a type of sparkling wine which is exported all through Europe and as far as the United States of America. Maurice Albert Ruedin alone ensured the production and sale of his products.

Following the retirement of Alexandre Ruedin, son of Maurice Albert, the trademark disappeared in 1975, but it was revived in 2008, under the impulse of Philippe Ruedin, Alexandre’s grandson. The trademark remained active in the field of luxury products. In 2008, Philippe Ruedin began to manufacture high end luxury watches under the brand name MAR. This high precision watches, animated by the movements in high clockmaking, watches which are set out entirely by Philippe Ruedin, through his company: ASXP-Engineering.

Drawing analogy with wines, the trademark’s strategy concerning clock-making is based on the development of collections specified by years. Each year comprises three lines: technical, jewellery and for ladies – each line having seven items. The very first collection, corresponding to the year 2008, was centred on the vine as a theme and its name is Bacchus.

Philippe Ruedin, through his company ASXP-Engineering, is considered to be one of the specialists in the clock-making industry in Neuchatel district. Actually, he is endowed with a high creative and technical independence which allows him to create new and totally exclusive movements on behalf of prestigious brands. In addition to this, he brings his expertise of over 20 years gained alongside prestigious brands in order to design clock-making movements and to contribute to the support for implementing 3D solutions. Philippe Ruedin dedicates his life and knowledge to the fulfilment of his passion: designing exclusive and innovating movements. Unique clocks, which unveil extraordinary movements, spring out of his alliance with craftsmen – partners in recognised competences. His different professional experiences have taken him from one side of the Jura Mountains to the other. After graduating from engineering school in Loche, he started up at Ronda in Lausen, and then he worked in Geneva for Patek Philippe before joining up with “Les Gouttes d’Or” in Neuchatel for Vendome Luxury Group, Cartier and Richemont. He has been working independently since March 1st, 2003.

Philippe Ruedin’s heartfelt goal is to run and secure the fame of this family brand soon to be centenary. He thus pays homage to the work of his ancestors. Being full of inherited values, and out of love for the beautiful art of clock-making, Pilippe Ruedin has put the trademark in a courageous and ingenious process.

First of all, the production of unique items and of years classified into extremely limited series secures his rank in high clock-making, which is determined by the integration of intricacies made up and developed entirely by ASXP.

In addition, partnerships with the best Swiss watchmakers have been concluded in order to guarantee an exclusive product and to point up the work that had been done. For each component, their technical expertise is carried out in order to respond to the brand’s demands in quality and finishing details. The joining of these components, made in a completely traditional manner and following the most truthful clock-making tradition gives birth to the exclusive movements of ASXP.

Moreover, the brand assures the distribution on its own, and keeps its financial independence, without resorting to investment groups. MAR thus means to practice a policy of “fair price”, taking into account and blending traditional knowledge, nobility of materials and the quality brought to each component.

Finally, the after-sales service is based on a maintenance contract, which requires regular maintenance to be done, thing which extends the warranty. In case of exceeding a period set at three years, the life warranty is over.

Collections
Each year is made up of three lines: technical, jewellery and for ladies – each line having seven items, two are made of yellow gold, two of grey gold, two of pink gold and one is made of a special material – titanium for the technical line and palladium for the jewellery and ladies lines. In order to differentiate between the gold items, each matter has two versions, one with a white face and rhodium-based movement and the other with a black face and a black PVD – treated movement. The absence of a face reveals the entire beauty of a black PVD – treated or rhodium based movement in the technical line’s gold or titanium watches. The jewellery line is partly recognisable by the setting of precious stones in each item. Lastly, the watches of the ladies line are slightly smaller in size and their outlines are softened. The number 7, omnipresent and symbolical, represents the seven days of the week, for the technical line, the seven colours of the rainbow for the jewellery line, and the Seven Wonders of the World for the ladies line.

The Year 2008 was dedicated to Bacchus, king of the vineyard, through the basic movement indicating the hour and the minute in the center, and the second in a dial at 9 am. The Year 2009 was dedicated to the division of time through the indication of day and the chronograph. If the first one represents a small complication in the watch-making world, the second represents a real complication. The Year 2010 was dedicated to the moon through the existing complications. The indication of the lunar phase brings important information in the wine world. In 2010, the brand dedicated its new models to the chronometry of the existing complications. The use of an escape with constant strength brings a big precision to the guard-time.

Purity and elegance were the key words all throughout the process of development and creation of complications by MAR. In this way, esthetical research blends with technical audacity, without any compromise, both for the movement and for its clothing. As a proof, the set up of stones in groups with two or three screws on the finishing screw wheel; the oscillating mass realised in a way which picks up the shapes used in the rest of the movement; or still, on the platforms of the gear, the form of branch set up to remind one of the shapes of bridges. One recognises this wish for harmony in the design of bridges and components of the mechanism, along with their placement and finishing touches.

Finally, the setting of a diamond on the plate visibly near the face brings an extra touch of elegance to the uncluttered lines of the clock.

Bacchus collection – First Ever Collection from MAR
The Bacchus collection, a round shaped watch collection introduced in 2008, houses the ASXP 1250 bore with automatic winding-up done with a micro-rotor, with a display of the second in a 9 hours meter. The slice of the bore represents the recognisable ear of a so called “gerle” (wooden cask sawed in half and which is used for grape harvesting). The telescope takes the shape of the upper part of the cask, whereas the horns evoke the cross piece of the gateway. Equally, the crown bearing the “MAR” logo reminds one of a champagne cork. Finally, the bridges of the movement bear hand-made engravings which resemble ploughing lines.

The general softness of the item is completed by a new definition of the regulations of main indexes which allow a sapphire glass showing through. The wristlet made of crocodile skin hinges on strings made of noble materials which integrate the horn and it is equipped with a metal loop; the numbering recaptures the line, MAR BT for the technical line, MAR BJ for the jewellery line and MAR BD for the ladies line, followed by consecutive numbers.

BUBEN&ZORWEG makes their presence at Sparkle Roll Luxury World, Beijing

2012-05-29T03:57:00.002-05:00

BUBEN&ZORWE, the Austrian brand renowned for its horology masterpieces and watch winders, appointed Sparkle Roll Group as the new retail partner in Beijing. The brand makes its presence in the city through the Sparkle Roll Luxury World Showroom located at Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District.

Sparkle Roll is one of the leading dealers of luxury brands. Its portfolio includes brands such as Rolls Royce, Bentley and Lamborghini, as well as jewellery and luxury watch makes such as RICHARD MILLE, DeWitt, Parmigiani and Boucheron. Watch aficionados can now marvel at the masterpieces from BUBEN&ZORWEG at the new showroom in the heart of Beijing.

Sparkle Roll had another reason to celebrate in addition to the new partnership with BUBEN&ZORWEG: the group recently opened the world's largest Bentley Showroom in Beijing. A delegation from BUBEN&ZORWEG also took part in the opening ceremony to celebrate the new cooperation against a befitting background.

Address
Sparkle Roll Luxury World
L02, Building 18, 89 Jianguo Road,
Chaoyang District,
Beijing 100025

Frankstone® Watches – Introduction: Wellness Watches Designed in Italy

2012-05-29T03:50:00.002-05:00

Frankstone® is an Italian watch brand specialized in wellness watches based on the “Chakras”, the concept featured in tantric and yogic traditions of Hindu and Buddhist religions.

Frankstone® watches embody that ancient dualism that has always been a distinctive feature of time. Frankstone®, The Wellness Watch, blends the flow of time and the energy generated by crystals into one single object. These two forces coexist in perfect harmony. Italian creativity combines with a profound knowledge of the far-off cultures of Africa and Asia to create a collection of precision movement watches in which balance blends with the energy of stones. Thanks to a patented model, these carefully selected stones are able to transmit their invaluable energy-giving properties and equilibrium to anyone who wears a timepiece from the Frankstone® range.

The perception of time is a very personal, individual concept that is the flipside of time in its external, scientific sense of measuring movement. It is this very same dual concept of time, with its ancient roots, that is embodied in the Frankstone® range, in which the movement of the hands on the watch turns in harmony with the movement of the soul, in a perfectly balanced, shifting pattern of energies.

The practice of using stones and crystals is an ancient, natural method aimed at fostering harmony and maintaining physical, mental and inner well-being through the beneficial properties and particular types of energy emanated by a number of types of precious stones and crystals. These natural elements are able to release purifying energies the body is able to perceive and absorb.

The Patent
Frankstone® is a registered trademark synonymous with commitment to a specific business philosophy and attention to physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.

The models in the Frankstone® collection boast a unique “utility patent” for the positioning of the stone into the back, which allows for particular round-cut stones to be perfectly set into the back of the watch case, in direct contact with the skin of the wearer, with the option of removing the stone and replacing it with another.

The Frankstone® idea derives from a simple look at the world around us. In highly developed countries, where consumerism and productivity have dominated the playing field for years now, it's time to take a step back and rediscover those ancient, traditional values that we’ve lost along the way. A Frankstone® watch is not a therapeutic instrument, nor is it a “cure-all” for the world’s ills; but the business philosophy and commitment have a clear focus, a single aim: to produce an everyday object with a difference.

The Stones
The natural line of stones by Frankstone® is the result of lengthy, painstaking research conducted first in South America and then in other continents. Today it is made up of 7 stones, each of which corresponds to one of the 7 Chakras. Upon purchase the watches are supplied with ialine quartz.

AMETHYST: Found in Brazil and Tanzania, this stone is associated with the 6th and 7th Chakras. It aids inspiration, intuition and willpower by fighting selfishness, inferiority complexes and insecurity.

RED JASPER: Found in Mexico, this stone is associated with the 1st and 2nd Chakras. It aids personal activity and initiative by boosting willpower and supporting enterprising spirit.

HAEMATITE: Mined in Brazil, this stone is associated with the 1st Chakra. It detoxes the body by combating the tendency towards hyperactivity.

GREEN JADE OR SEPENTINE: Mined in China, this stone is associated with the 2nd and 5th Chakras. It aids communication, renders people more likeable and at the same time fosters calm by combating repressed fears.

TIGER'S EYE: From South Africa, this stone is associated with the 2nd Chakra, governing creativity and personality. It is believed to encourage decisive, concrete action by aiding concentration and contrasting arrogance.

ROSE QUARTZ: Found in Namibia and Brazil, this stone is connected to the 4th Chakra, which affects love. It is believed to boost vital energies and combat negativity. It aids sleep, as well as tempering aggression and arrogance.

SODALITE: Mined in Brazil, this stone is associated with the 5th and 6th Chakras, which have an impact on communication and knowledge. It aids assertiveness by calming the mind and stimulating freedom. It provides courage and combats excessive feelings of guilt, as well as favouring loyalty and friendship.

IALINE QUARTZ: Ialine quartz, from Brazil, is associated with all the Chakras. It is believed to combat fatigue, by assisting the proper flow of vital energies.

The Chakras
The chakras are force centres in the human body, sometimes associated with ganglions (granthi) or physical organs, among which a variously described energy is believed to flow. Knowledge of these points is conveyed through many yoga systems, in the various Hinduist, Buddhist and Jainist traditions, which map out the points in different ways. Many of these traditions agree that the chakras act as energy valves. Human beings, most animals and a number of plants are believed to have seven main, or primary chakras. According to a number of traditions, each chakra resembles a small vortex, with the narrow end of the whorl facing towards the body.

Official website: http://www.frankstone.it

DWISS EMME Automatic

2012-05-28T20:20:00.004-05:00

DWISS (Design Watch Independent Switzerland) is a new Swiss made luxury timepiece brand founded by award winning Brazilian designer Rafael Miranda. Their first model, "EMME" is an automatic watch housing state of the art ETA 2824 Swiss made movement. The "EMME" model comes with 5 different colors: Silver, Blue, Silver Black, Rose Gold (with IP Rose Gold) and All Black (with IP Black).

Movement details
ETA Elabore 2824 (25 jewels) – Automatic Watch – Open Date
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour
Power reserve: 42 Hours
Shockproof protection Incabloc®
Functions: Hours, central minutes and seconds, date at 3 o’clock, regulated in two positions.

Case
Case diameter: 43 mm with 9 different pieces and 23 steel screw-in
With a patented construction and exclusive design
Stainless steel or steel black or rose gold IP
Water resistance: 10 ATM (100 meters)
Crystal: Sapphire anti-reflective coating
Bracelet: Black rubber strap

DWISS EMME – Model Variations
1. EMME All Black (with IP Black)
Case: 43 mm with IP black treatment brushed and polished finishing, composed of 9 parts fixed with 23 screws in stainless steel 316L, multilayer structure blocked trough the side screws.
Dial: In black with matt finishing, hands and hour and indexes with IP black treatment.
Strap / Clasp: Waterproof, anti-allergic black rubber, with Dwiss logo engraved at 6 o’clock, clasp “butterfly” in stainless steel with IP black treatment
Bezel: Fixed stainless steel IP black treatment circular brushed.
Back case: In stainless steel IP black treatment with opening for movement visualization.

2. EMME SILVER Black
Case: 43 mm brushed and polished finishing, composed of 9 parts fixed with 23 screws in stainless steel 316L, multilayer structure blocked trough the side screws.
Dial: In black with matt finishing, hands and hour in silver with applied luminous.
Strap / Clasp: Waterproof, anti-allergic black rubber, with Dwiss logo engraved at 6 o’clock, clasp “butterfly” in stainless steel.
Bezel: Fixed stainless steel IP black treatment circular brushed.
Back case: In stainless with opening for movement visualization.

3. EMME SILVER
Case: 43 mm brushed and polished finishing, composed of 9 parts fixed with 23 screws in stainless steel 316L, multilayer structure blocked trough the side screws.
Dial: In black with matt finishing, hands and hour in silver with applied luminous.
Strap / Clasp: Waterproof, anti-allergic black rubber, with Dwiss logo engraved at 6 o’clock, clasp “butterfly” in stainless steel.
Bezel: Fixed stainless with circular brushed.
Back case: In stainless with opening for movement visualization.

4. EMME ROSE GOLD
Case: 43 mm with IP rose gold treatment brushed and polished finishing, composed of 9 parts fixed with 23 screws in stainless steel 316L, multilayer structure blocked trough the side screws.
Dial: In black with matt finishing, hands and hour and indexes with IP rose gold treatment and applied luminous.
Strap / Clasp: Waterproof, anti-allergic black rubber, with Dwiss logo engraved at 6 o’clock, clasp “butterfly” in stainless steel with IP rose gold treatment.
Bezel: Fixed stainless steel IP rose gold treatment circular brushed.
Back case: In stainless steel IP rose gold treatment with opening for movement visualization.

5. EMME BLUE
Case: 43 mm brushed and polished finishing, composed of 9 parts fixed with 23 screws in stainless steel 316L, multilayer structure blocked trough the side screws.
Dial: Silver with matt and sunray finishing, hands in blue marine and indexes with applied luminous.
Strap / Clasp: Waterproof, anti-allergic blue marine rubber, with Dwiss logo engraved at 6 o’clock, clasp “butterfly” in stainless steel.
Bezel: Fixed stainless with circular brushed.
Back case: In stainless with opening for movement visualization.

Website : http://dwiss.com

TF Est. 1968: Introduction

2012-05-28T04:13:00.000-05:00

TF Est. 1968 is a Swiss fashion brand specialized in Cufflinks, Tourbillon cufflinks , rollerball pens, and watch collections. ‘Bang-on-trend’ and ‘carbon’ are the watchwords forming the very DNA of TF Est. 1968 (Est. as in established). They are the first words that spring to mind whenever we think of the brand. With a secure positioning in the trendy luxury segment, offering both very high quality and affordability, TF Est. 1968 is now sold throughout the world, but first made a name for itself with its Tourbillon styled cufflinks.

Concealed behind the persona of Freddy T, the brand’s founder, is a man who is a wily habitué of the watchmaking market, a tireless connoisseur of the world of international distribution and every link in its chain, from retailer through to private customer. Already spotted as a definite must-have item by watchmaking aficionados and collectors of writing implements, his Tourbillon rollerball pen is awaited with baited breath. Also in the pipe-line are a few original and fine leather accessories, the likes of which their maker has never been able to find despite his many travels around the world. And now a post T-Fun phase (automatic or chronograph) is on the cards, with the imminent arrival of a new Lady’s model, 41mm in diameter and set with baguette diamonds, and a second watch collection entitled Magic-Watch.

TAG Heuer – New Aquaracer 500M Series: Ceramic 41mm & Aquaracer 500M Oracle Team USA Limited Editions

2012-05-28T00:49:00.008-05:00

To pay the tribute to the partnership with ORACLE TEAM USA, the 34th America’s Cup defending champions, TAG Heuer introduces the new Aquaracer 500M series. As Official Partner, TAG Heuer is using its latest technology to support ORACLE TEAM USA in its bid to retain the America’s Cup for the USA. The world’s greatest contest in sailing, the 2013 America’s Cup reaches its climax in San Francisco. All the American team will be using newly launched Aquaracer timepieces byTAG Heuer .

Aquaracer 500M Ceramic 41mm Collection - Models
AQUARACER 500 M CERAMIC 41MM - Full black , helium valve
AQUARACER 500M CERAMIC 41MM - Blue dial, blue ceramic bezel, helium valve
AQUARACER 500M CERAMIC 41MM - Black dial, steel bracelet, helium valve
AQUARACER 500M CERAMIC 41 MM - Blue dial, Steel & Yellow gold plated bracelet, helium valve

Aquaracer 500M ORACLE TEAM USA Limited Editions
Join 2013 America’s Cup adventure with Aquaracer “TEAM USA” Limited Editions, as worn by the ORACLE TEAM USA athletes. These timepieces combine all the professional safety features of the range and come with special racing red touches. Both watch and chronograph proudly salute the ORACLE TEAM USA colours with the red of the hand-applied “TEAM USA” or “DEFENDER” logos, the helium valve, and the hands—all standing out boldly against the vertical wave pattern of the black dial.

The Calibre 5 43mm watch, worn by all the ORACLE TEAM USA crew, has a sapphire crystal case back embellished with team logo in black printed lettering. The Calibre 16 44mm chronograph will be put to the test by legendary skippers Russell Coutts and Jimmy Spithill. It comes with a special case back stamped with the iconic ORACLE TEAM USA boat. All the new Aquaracer are equipped with the TAG Heuer safety features that make them the natural choice for extreme watersports. Water-resistant to 500 meters, they all have a helium valve at 10 o’clock.

AQUARACER 500M CERAMIC (41mm), Calibre 5, Full Black, Black Ceramic Bezel

Technical details
Movement: TAG Heuer Calibre 5 – Automatic Watch – Date

Dial
•Black dial with horizontal streak effect
•Hand-applied indexes
•Diamond shaped hands
•Luminescent markers on hands and indexes
•Central running second with a yellow triangle-shaped tip
•Monochrome TAG Heuer logo at 12 o’clock
•“AQUARACER CALIBRE 5 - 500M/1660 FT – AUTOMATIC - SWISS MADE” lettering on the dial
•Angled date window at 3 o’clock highlighted with white square printing

Case
•Case diameter: 41 mm
•Black titanium carbide coated titanium case

•Unidirectional turning black ceramic bezel:
- Engraved, silver lacquered numerals on the bezel
- Engraved, silver lacquered triangle with luminescent dot at 12 o’clock
- Polished chimney, fine brushed base and polished studs

•Scratch resistant sapphire crystal
•Black titanium carbide coated screw-in crown
•Screw-in case back with a special diver decoration
•Automatic helium valve at 10 o’clock in polished steel
•Water-resistance: 500 meters

Bracelet
•Black rubber strap
• Fine-brushed steel folding clasp with safety push-buttons and diving extension

AQUARACER 500M CERAMIC (41mm), Calibre 5, Blue Ceramic Bezel

Technical details
Movement: TAG Heuer Calibre 5 – Automatic Watch – Date

Dial
•Blue dial with horizontal streak effect
•Hand-applied indexes
•Diamond shaped hands
•Luminescent markers on hands and indexes
•Central running second with a triangle-shaped tip
•Monochrome TAG Heuer logo at 12 o’clock
•“AQUARACER CALIBRE 5 - 500M/1660 FT – AUTOMATIC - SWISS MADE” lettering on the dial
•Angled date window at 3 o’clock highlighted with white square printing

Case
•Case diameter: 41 mm
•Alternate fine-brushed and polished steel case

•Unidirectional turning blue ceramic bezel:
-Engraved, silver lacquered numerals on the bezel
-Engraved, silver lacquered triangle with luminescent dot at 12 o’clock
-Polished chimney, fine brushed base and polished studs

•Scratch resistant sapphire crystal
•Polished steel screw-in crown
•Screw-in case back with a special diver decoration
•Automatic helium valve at 10 o’clock in fine-brushed steel
•Water-resistance: 500 meters

Bracelet
•3-row alternate fine-brushed steel bracelet with polished edges
•Fine-brushed steel folding clasp with safety push-buttons

AQUARACER 500M CERAMIC (41mm), Calibre 5, Black Ceramic Bezel

Technical details
Movement: TAG Heuer Calibre 5 – Automatic Watch – Date

Dial
•Black dial with horizontal streak effect
•Hand-applied indexes
•Diamond shaped hands
•Luminescent markers on hands and indexes
•Central running second with a triangle-shaped tip
•Monochrome TAG Heuer logo at 12 o’clock
•“AQUARACER CALIBRE 5 - 500M/1660 FT – AUTOMATIC - SWISS MADE” lettering on the dial
•Angled date window at 3 o’clock highlighted with white square printing

Case
•Case diameter: 41 mm
•Alternate fine-brushed and polished steel case

•Unidirectional turning black ceramic bezel:
- Engraved, silver lacquered numerals on the bezel
- Engraved, silver lacquered triangle with luminescent dot at 12 o’clock
- Polished chimney, fine brushed base and polished studs

•Scratch resistant sapphire crystal
•Polished steel screw-in crown
•Screw-in case back with a special diver decoration
•Automatic helium valve at 10 o’clock in polished steel
•Water-resistance: 500 meters

Bracelet
•3-row alternate fine-brushed steel bracelet with polished edges
•Fine-brushed steel folding clasp with safety push-buttons
OR
•Black rubber strap
•Fine-brushed steel folding clasp with safety push-buttons and diving extension

AQUARACER 500M CERAMIC (41mm), Calibre 5, Steel and Plated Yellow Gold (18K 2N), Blue Ceramic Bezel

Technical details
Movement: TAG Heuer Calibre 5 – Automatic Watch – Date

Dial
•Blue dial with horizontal streak effect
•Hand-applied indexes
•Diamond shaped hands
•Luminescent markers on hands and indexes
•Central running second with a triangle shaped tip
•Monochrome TAG Heuer logo
•“AQUARACER CALIBRE 5 - 500M/1660 FT – AUTOMATIC - SWISS MADE” lettering on the dial
•Date window at 3 o’clock highlighted with white square printing

Case
•Case diameter: 41 mm
•Alternate fine-brushed and polished steel case

•Unidirectional turning blue ceramic bezel and plated yellow gold (18K 2N):
- Engraved, yellow lacquered numerals on the bezel
- Engraved, yellow lacquered triangle with luminescent dot at 12 o’clock
- Polished chimney, fine brushed base and polished studs

•Scratch resistant sapphire crystal
•Plated yellow gold (18K 2N) screw-in crown
•Screw-in case back with a special diver decoration
•Automatic helium valve at 10 o’clock in polished steel
•Water-resistance: 500 meters

Bracelet
•3-row alternate fine-brushed steel and polished yellow gold plated bracelet
•Fine-brushed steel folding clasp with safety push-buttons and diving extension

AQUARACER 500M Calibre 16 Chronograph (44mm), Team USA / Defender (Oracle Team USA Limited Edition)

Technical details
Movement: TAG Heuer Calibre 16 Chronograph – Date

Dial
•Black dial with vertical streak effect

•3 black counters:
-chronograph minute at 12 o’clock
- Chronograph hour at 6 o’clock
- running second at 9 o’clock

•Hand-applied indexes
•Red 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph hands, and chronograph second hand with red tip
•Rhodium plated hour and minute hands and indexes with white luminescent markers
•Hand-applied TAG Heuer logo and TEAM USA or DEFENDER logos
•Date window at 3 o’clock
•“CALIBRE 16 – AUTOMATIC – AQUARACER 500M – SWISS MADE” white lettering on the dial

Case
•Case diameter : 44mm
•Alternate fine-brushed and polished steel case
•Unidirectional turning bezel with black rubber coating :
-Fine-brushed stainless steel numerals
-Luminescent dot at 12 o’clock
•Screw-in black rubber over-molded crown with TAG Heuer logo
•Black rubber over-molded push buttons with grooves on the side
•Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with double antireflective treatment
•Screw-in case back with a special Oracle Racing boat stamping
•Fine-brushed stainless steel automatic helium valve at 10 o’clock with red tip
•Water-resistance: 500 meters

Bracelet
•Black rubber strap with red rubber lining and safety clasp with double push buttons
•Fine-brushed steel end piece with and “500 M” engraving
OR
•3 row fine-brushed steel bracelet and clasp with double push buttons

AQUARACER 500M Calibre 5 Automatic Watch, Team USA / Defender (Oracle Team USA Limited Edition)

Technical details
Movement: TAG Heuer Calibre 5 Automatic Watch – Date

Dial
•Black dial with vertical streak effect
•Hand-applied indexes
•Red second hand
•Rhodium plated hour and minute hands and indexes with white luminescent markers
•Hand-applied TAG Heuer logo and TEAM USA or DEFENDER logos
•Date window at 9 o’clock with a magnifying lense
•“AQUARACER 500M – PROFESSIONAL” white lettering on the dial

Case
•Case diameter : 43mm
•Fine brushed steel case
•Unidirectional turning bezel with black rubber coating :
-Fine-brushed stainless steel numerals
-Luminescent dot at 12 o’clock
•Screw-in black rubber over-molded crown with TAG Heuer logo
•Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with double antireflective treatment
•Sapphire case back with a special Oracle Racing black printed lettering
•Fine-brushed stainless steel automatic helium valve at 10 o’clock with red tip
•Water-resistance: 500 meters

Bracelet
•Black rubber strap and safety clasp with double push buttons
•Fine-brushed steel end piece with and “500 M” engraving
OR
3 row fine-brushed steel bracelet and clasp with double push buttons

Montblanc Donation Pen Johannes Brahms Special Edition

2012-05-27T00:16:00.000-05:00

Montblanc honours Johannes Brahms, the great Romantic Genius by launching the inspiring Montblanc Donation Pen Johannes Brahms. The outstanding writing instrument is also digitally implemented within a new iPad Application – the Montblanc Creations of Passion App.

Montblanc’s Donation Pens honour outstanding personalities from the world of classical and contemporary music such as Herbert von Karajan and Johann Sebastian Bach. Connecting the idea of perfection and craftsmanship, in 2012, Montblanc pays tribute to the great music virtuoso Johannes Brahms with the Donation Pen Johannes Brahms Special Edition.

The overall design of this Special Edition reflects the style of the composer’s music: traditional yet pioneering and inventive. The handcrafted Montblanc masterpiece is complemented by details inspired by the fascinating world of classical music to which Brahms dedicated his life. The cap and barrel of the writing instrument are made of black precious resin enhanced with platinum-plated fittings. The clip shaped like a tuning fork and the five lines of a music staff decorating the cap bring to mind the excitement of his symphonies and orchestras tuning up before a performance.

As a mark of its uncompromising quality and craftsmanship, the iconic Montblanc emblem crowns the writing instrument, while the cap is elegantly engraved with Brahms’ signature. With this elegant product, Montblanc is presenting a writing instrument that has been crafted with care to serve a lifetime of personal expression with the handcrafted, rhodium-plated 14 K gold nib, decorated with a dove of peace: the sign of love and peace found on all Donation Pens.
The Montblanc Donation Pen Johannes Brahms Special Edition is available as Fountain Pen, Rollerball and Ballpoint Pen in all Montblanc Boutiques from May 2012. To complete the classical music experience, each Johannes Brahms Special Edition is accompanied by a tuning fork.

With the purchase of each Donation Pen Johannes Brahms Special Edition, 20 Euros from the fountain pen and 10 Euros from the ballpoint pen or rollerball will be donated to carefully selected cultural projects relating to classical music, thus supporting young artists worldwide and carrying on the heritage left behind by Brahms. With its rich legacy of commitment to arts patronage, Montblanc shares Brahms’ passion for talent and his sense of duty in supporting generations of emerging artists worldwide.

The extensive world of Montblanc’s Limited Editions, including the Montblanc Donation Pen Johannes Brahms, can now be explored with the Montblanc Creations of Passion iPad Application. Available for free in the iTunes Store, the iPad App offers passionate enthusiasts and collectors of exquisite writing instruments a fascinating insight into the world of Montblanc's exclusive Limited Editions. Learn about the inspiration of each Montblanc Limited Edition and watch how it is captured in every detail of the design. Experience how every writing instrument is a unique testament to passionate craftsmanship, tradition and writing culture. Download the Montblanc Creations of Passion iPad App now and stay tuned to become one of the first to see the latest collectable editions of Montblanc.

The Patek Philippe Museum and the Comité Européen Jean-Jacques Rousseau (CEJJR) presents an exceptional exhibition: “Timepieces Signed Rousseau”

2012-05-26T22:37:00.001-05:00

On the occasion of the three-hundredth anniversary celebrations of the birth of Jean- Jacques Rousseau organised by the City of Geneva and in the context of its “2012 Rousseau pour Tous” (Rousseau for All) programme, the Patek Philippe Museum and the Comité Européen Jean-Jacques Rousseau (CEJJR) present an exceptional exhibition. “Timepieces Signed Rousseau” is taking up residence at the Patek Philippe Museum from 11 May to 13 October 2012.

The exhibition showcases horological masterpieces from the 17th century: some thirty precious and rare timepieces from the collections of the Patek Philippe Museum, prominent museums and private collections. Constituting a vibrant tribute to the Rousseau watchmaking dynasty, they bear witness to the extraordinary manufacturing expertise of the Geneva Fabrique, an institution that from the 17th century onwards made the City of Calvin the cradle of fine watchmaking.

Accompanied by a selection of archive documents, the watches on display invite visitors to discover a fascinating century where time won its spurs through the hand of man.

Under the name of the “Fabrique” were organised all of Geneva’s jewellery and watchmaking industries, in the form of independent workshops based on the apprenticeship system and grouped together in the Saint-Gervais neighbourhood. Transmitting their know-how from generation to generation, the master watchmakers and jewellers, along with the goldsmiths, enamellers, miniaturists, engravers, chasers and other artisans of the corporation, were zealous in pursuing and developing their métiers. Jean Rousseau, Jean-Jacques Rousseau's great-grandfather, belonged to this aristocracy of craftsmen. His seven sons followed in his footsteps, some as watchmakers, others as goldsmiths, engravers or lapidaries. Thus did the Rousseau dynasty occupy the horologically related trades.

From his youngest age, Jean-Jacques used to observe his grandfather David in his watchmaker’s atelier. It was there that he would realise the value of the craftsman's work. From this immersion into the precision of the act and of the mind, he developed a structural approach to thought as attested in this excerpt from Emile: “I am like a man who sees an opened watch for the first time and, although he did not know the use of the machine and had not seen the dial, should not cease to admire the result. do not know, he would say, what all this is for, but I see that each piece is made for the others, I admire the craftsman in the detail of his work, and I am very sure that all these gears go thus in concert for a common end which I cannot perceive." (Book IV, OC p. 578)

Among the works shown here, more than twenty were signed by a member of the Rousseau family. Through the variety of shapes, decorations and mechanisms is revealed the astonishing freedom of creation of the 17th and 18th centuries. From memento mori to cross-shaped watches, coach watches to complicated timepieces, all are imbued with exceptional aesthetic and technical creativity. Here a miniature enamel painting embellishes a cover; over there, a finely chased decoration graces a case. Every detail crystallises the mastery deployed by the makers of time from past centuries. In the course of the exhibition, viewers can take a swath of history to heart through the saga of the Rousseau dynasty and immerse themselves in the Age of Enlightenment: the century that, beyond the realm of pure philosophy, consecrated the artisan as the emblem of reasoning with one’s hands.

Rousseau the philosopher, Rousseau the writer, Rousseau the politician, Rousseau the interdisciplinary sage… This man of greatness marked Western history and society for eternity. His convictions on liberty and intuitive conscience and on freedom of expression and thought, in addition to his analytical and contemplative sensibilities, have undeniably contributed to the aura of the city of Geneva.

The exhibition catalogue presents a collection of scientific and historical articles that provide a fresh perspective on the effervescent period of the 18th century. Highlighting the value of the Rousseau legacy, the authors portray a Geneva undergoing rapid expansion. A look at the Rousseau family tree reveals that Isaac Rousseau, the father of Jean-Jacques, worked as “watchmaker to the Sultan” on the banks of the Bosphorus. He studied the context of Calvin’s sumptuary laws of 1558 and the organisation of the famous Fabrique, and followed the aesthetic evolution of watches from their beginnings until the 18th century.

A window opened onto a creative past, “Timepieces Signed Rousseau” has been set up as a place of memory. The exhibition’s inauguration took place on the 10th May 2012, in the presence of Philippe Stern, honorary president of Patek Philippe; Rémy Hildebrand, president of the Comité Européen Jean-Jacques Rousseau (CEJJR); and Sami Kanaan, president of the Cultural Affairs Department of the City of Geneva.

The Comité Européen Jean-Jacques Rousseau, founded in 1995 in Geneva comprises a group of Rousseauistic authorities. Under the presidency of Rémy Hildebrand, the organisation unveils the highlights of Rousseau's life in Switzerland and in Europe. The CEJJR was the driving force behind the creation in 2002 of the Espace Jean-Jacques Rousseau in the house of his birth at 40, Grand-Rue in Geneva.

Since its opening in 2001, the Patek Philippe Museum has had on display one of the most prestigious horological collections in the world. Some 2,000 watches, automatons, precious objects and miniature portraits on enamel provide an overview of more than five centuries of the Genevan, Swiss and European watchmaking heritage.

Opening hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 2 p.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Closed Sunday–Monday and on legal holidays
Public guided tours every Saturday: from 2 p.m., every 30 minutes alternately in French and English. Groups up to 30.
Private guided tours available in 8 languages by appointment. Call 022 807 09 14 or
email .

MARCH LA.B Watches: Introduction

2012-05-26T22:16:00.004-05:00

MARCH LA.B is a Swiss-made luxury timepiece brand with headquarters in Los Angeles, California and Biarritz, France. Striking a balance between modern L.A. style and French heritage detailing, the brand’s designs embody opposite yet complimentary aesthetics and create a new transversal time zone. Rooted in vintage inspiration, these timepieces are refined in their simplicity and assert the philosophy that less is more.

MARCH: For the symbolism of the month, for the number 3, for its 3 founders.
LA.B: For Los Angeles and Biarritz - Two cities ignoring the delineations of time and distance to create a new transversal time zone.

Men of many passions, Jerome Mage and Alain Marhic have a clear vision and a true understanding for accessories, their field of expertise. With the creation of March LA.B, their positioning is extremely simple: to create product that they love. Jerome Mage in Los Angeles, California and Alain Marhic in Biarritz, on the Cote Basque, have made their vision reality... elegant watches for a sartorialist man; a man of character, chic and eclectic in his taste. A neo- gentleman true to the spirit of Alain Delon, James Hunt, or Steve McQueen, functional yet refined, the March LA.B accessories line is a tribute to these icons.

March LA.B was first envisioned on the coast of France in the Cote Basque where Alain Marhic was responsible for Quicksilver’s global watch and eyewear divisions. During his numerous trips to Italian manufacturing partners and factories, the name Jerome Mage became frequently recurrent in conversation. Jerome’s work with the American eyewear brand, Spy, had publicly recognized him as a designer with an inordinate amount of talent. This notion led Marhic and Mage to ultimately meet and work together on a project creating a collection of watches for Quiksilver. The result redefined the watch division for the brand and gave birth to the transatlantic story that is March LA.B.

Following this first collaboration, the pair became inspired to realize the concept of their own timepiece brand- an ambitious project that had long been Alain’s vision. Alain Marhic consequently decided to leave his position at Quicksilver, with confidence in the talent of Jerome Mage. Alain then reached out to friend and financial advisor, Joseph Chatel to provide organizational support. Joseph immediately became drawn to the project and chose to join the team as a business angel. With Jerome Mage as the creative director, Alain Marhic as the founder/ business manager and Joseph Chatel behind the finances, the prospect of their new watch brand came to life in 2008.

March LA.B is a tribute to the timeless elegance of vintage watches. Our self-imposed creative requirement is to design timeless styles that will transmit to future generations, following the example set by the most exceptional watches of the past decades. The Mage–Marhic tandem focuses on that aesthetic concept to reveal outstanding timepieces, which are minimal, elegant and lower-profile with balanced proportions complimentary with the style of today’s urban dandy.

March LA.B offers 3 collections: 3 distinct directions symbolizing the temperaments and styles of its 3 founders:
- The AM series
- The JC series
- The JM series
The brand also offers a fourth line consisting of pocket/pendent watches: The 1805 series

Featured model: JC1 GMT Automatic

Manufacturing
Driven by an obsession for definitude within design, the March LA.B creative team has partnered with some of the Swiss industry’s most reputable watchmakers. March LA.B has forged this relationship with its Swiss manufacturers alongside one of France’s most prestigious leather factories. Centered in Bienne, Switzerland, the complex and careful construction of March LA.B timepieces is a true testimony to the Swiss-made reputation, demonstrated by technique, functionality, reliability and precision.

March LA.B timepieces are assembled by master watchmakers who have perfected the complexities of their craft. Their expertise ensures precise control and technical excellence. All components are constructed, tested and adjusted with painstaking detail in order to ensure the utmost quality. The custom ETA 2892-A movement is the heart of the March LA.B automatic collection. This perpetual engine is considered by specialists to be the most precise and reliable movement on the market.

Once assembled, the March LA.B timepieces are perfectly paired with a variety of exotic and genuine leather straps: stingray from Thailand, lizard Tupinambis Merianae from Argentina, alligator from Louisiana, Astra calf leather from France. All straps are handmade using classical techniques, which are recognized and praised worldwide by the most respected luxury brands. For the last thirty years, these craftsmen have merged traditional and cutting edge technologies while fashioning straps with artisanal methods. The result of these labors yield leather straps that embody distinction and heritage.

March LA.B dedicates rigorous attention to a wide range of subtleties, decorations and components that celebrate a strong and unique identity: finely worked crown placed at 4 o’clock, engraved case back, green signature highlights revealed through discreet touches, a bold case treatment with contrasting polished and hand brushed steel, customized dates and locking buckles that reflect the retro spirit of the brand.

The green line
March LA.B is socially conscious. The green color symbolizes life. This color code is recurrent in the brand’s creations. The March LA.B Green Line expresses the will to assist associations in the work of suicide prevention, a socially taboo affliction that particularly concerns the lives of those involved with the brand. Suicide imposes public denial, and the danger of silence that accompanies it. By donating 1% of every watch sold to associations helping suicide prevention, March LA.B wishes to fight this silence that kills.

Biographies
Alain MARHIC: A sports enthusiast and a father of four, Alain Marhic is a man who has cultivated his passions founding 2 windsurfing academies in Brittany during the early 1990's as well as having had a successful modeling career. He joined the Quiksilver group in 1999 working at their world headquarters Cote Basque, near Biarritz. He eventually assumed the position as Director of Operations for the eyewear and watch divisions. With a vast business experience as well as an eye for design, fashion, and product development, Alain developed an acute sense of brand management working for a global giant in the action sports industry. In 2008, he made the audacious decision to leave everything behind. Driven by his passion for product he started the March LA.B odyssey. He is its founder and CEO.

Jerome MAGE: At 20 years old Jerome Mage left France to come to live indefinitely in Los Angeles, California where he quickly found himself in charge of the creative direction of a major action sports eyewear company. An expert in mixing fashion and technology, he founded his design agency in 2001. Since then, he has built a client list of devoted action sports companies such as Burton and Quiksilver. Passionate about history, especially all things related to the French 1st Empire period, Jerome Mage is an atypical designer. He can be seen behind the wheel of his powerful Mustangs, blasting T-Rex glam rock on the California highways or window-shopping at the Antiquarian Louvre Market while in Paris. He is a man of contradictions and passions, a true dirty dandy with a hint of retro-futuristic. He is the Creative Director of March LA.B.

Joseph CHATEL: MARCH LA.B Business angel.

Official website: http://www.march-lab.com

West End Watch Co: Brand Profile, History and Products

2012-05-26T22:02:00.001-05:00

West End Watch Co was founded in 1886 in Bombay (Now Mumbai - India) by the Swiss company Droz & Amstutz. This company acted as distributor of the watches manufactured by Alcide Droz & Fils in the Swiss Jura and sold in India under the West End brand name. In 1917, the Société des Montres West End SA was formed in Geneva in order to promote the marketing of the brand name throughout the world. In the course of the following decades, West End established itself as an outstanding brand of Swiss watches, producing millions of wristwatches for markets ranging from the Red Sea to China. In 2001, the brand was taken over and transferred to Leytron, in the Canton of Valais, in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

In India, West End watches proved their excellence in their use from the end of the 19th century by all the staff of the main railway companies, the post and telegraph offices, the police, the ports and the Indian and British government administrative services. The elite corps of the Imperial Army of India had already been able to test out and appreciate the robustness and reliability of West End watches in extreme conditions. It was due to this good reputation that during the First World War British Army troops, including elite Indian corps based in the Middle East with the aim of breaking up the German- Turkish coalition, necessarily wore West End watches. No less than 50,000 West End watches were in fact acquired by the British Army to equip its troops, notably Lawrence of Arabia’s famous Camel Corps and the Royal Air Force.

Right from the beginning West End watches were very often the first to adopt the new technologies developed by the watchmaking industry, for example:
• The production of the first waterproof watch in 1886 under the name of the “Impermeable”
• The adoption of the wristwatch and the luminous dial from1914
• Increased resistance to shock through the adoption of the new Swiss anti-shock system, Incabloc®, since its invention in 1938
• Resistance to adverse conditions through the use of Everbright® stainless steel since 1940.

With 15 million watches sold throughout the world during the more than 120 years of uninterrupted activity since its creation, West End is today one of the most highly esteemed Swiss watch brand names in the world. This worldwide reputation has essentially been built on the high level of customer satisfaction with the brand, especially in India, the Middle East and China.

For the past 125 years, Switzerland’s West End Watch Company has provided hardwearing and practical watches to the world’s most inaccessible markets. West End watches are built to endure extremes of heat, dust, cold and wet. They are fitted with Switzerland’s most widely sold mechanical movements known to watchmakers around the world. The watches are carefully assembled and thoroughly tested in the southern Swiss town of Leytron, among the castles and Alps of Canton Valais. Since 2001, West End Watch has been owned by the Monnat.CH watchmaking company and is managed by the chief executive, Mr Jérôme Monnat.

From the Euphrates to the Yangtze River, the West End watch has been a trusted product for generations. In Tibet or Iran, people still treasure West End watches worn by their grandfathers. On the Northwest Frontier, in Afghanistan, across the Arabian deserts and throughout India, the reputation of the West End watch lives on; and today the company continues to meet a demand in its traditional markets in the Middle East, central and south Asia and western China. While remaining true to its markets, West End has also remained true to its pro¬duct: a reliable Swiss mechanical watch with the highest practical value for the least cost of ownership. By keeping to this policy, the West End Watch Co. has sold more than 15 million watches since it was founded in 1886 and has created some of the most popular models in watchmaking history.

The selfwinding movements of West End watches and chronographs are assembled, cased up and tested in the company’s Monnat.CH workshops in Leytron, Switzerland. Monnat.CH is one of the last independent companies in Switzerland assembling selfwinding watches on a large scale, with a production capacity of up to half-a-million movements a year.

Origins of the Brand
West End has its origins in the Swiss watchmaking town of St. Imier where a local businessman, Constant Droz, decided to distribute watches from his family’s factories in Britain’s Indian Empire. In its early days, West End provided professional watches for India’s railways, engineers and civil service.

Constant Droz set up a company in Bombay in 1886, taking over an existing brand name in India, West End, evocative of a fashionable area of London, for his watches. However, these were not prestige items, but hardy timepieces for the people who ran the railways, the army and the administration. After 1912, a succession of Switzerland’s top watch manufacturers provided the movements and parts to West End’s specifications, notably Longines, Cyma, Tissot and, from the 1950s, Aubry Frères which took over West End in 1973. West End watches found their way into the far reaches of the Indian Empire — East Africa, the Trucial States, across the Indian subcontinent to Lower Burma and the Straits Settlements, and from Nepal to Ceylon. West End remained the leading supplier of watches to India after World War II, selling around 150,000 there in 1946. After the break-up of the Empire, the Republic of India instituted import controls, depriving people of their watches and West End of its market. However the seeds had been sown in the Middle East and sales to Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and the newly oil-rich states of the Arabian Peninsula started to compensate for the loss of the Indian market. Sales to the Middle East peaked in 1977, when West End delivered about one million watches. Nevertheless, West End watches remained ever popular in India and were smuggled in from other markets. West End kept a repair centre going in India until 2001.

Sowar Watch
At the beginning of the 20th century, it launched a model called the Sowar — the cavalryman — a small but tough watch of 40mm that could be kept in the pocket or worn on the wrist. It soon came to the attention of the military, and in World War I, tens of thousands of Indian soldiers bought Sowar watches before leaving on campaign.

Among the martial nations of old India, such as the Sikhs, Pathans or Rajputs, the Sowar denoted an armed horseman. The British re¬cruited these warriors into troops of irregular cavalry, named after their gallant leaders — Skinner’s Horse or Murray’s Jat Lancers. The cavalry squadrons, with their flamboyantly uniformed Sowars, became the most glamorous units in the Indian and princely armies of the British Raj. The Sowar survives today in the 61st Cavalry of the Indian Army, one of the few regi¬ments still on horseback.By 1934 the Sowar was a modern wristwatch, the first with the Incabloc™ anti-shock system. Today, after more than a century, the model follows the same concept — robust, clear and functional — with a trustworthy feel and look.

Current Collections
Sowar 1916
Queen Anne Special Edition
Trafalgar Square
Sowar Chronograph
Silk Road I
Silk Road II
Silk Road III

Address
Société des Montres West End SA
Case postale 109
1912 Leytron
Switzerland

Official website : http://www.westendwatchco.ch