Replica Watches Young Professional Blancpain Ocean Commitment Event At CH Premier In Santa Clara May 5, 2016


Blancpain Ocean Commitment Event At CH Premier In Santa Clara May 5, 2016 Shows & Events

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On May 5, 2016, CH Premier and Blancpain will be hosting an evening cocktail reception and speaking engagement with Blancpain US Brand President, David Gely, where he will speak about the brand’s longstanding connection to the underwater world and its commitment to preserving and protecting the world’s oceans. Blancpain and CH Premier invite watch lovers in the Santa Clara, California area to attend.

CH Premier is excited to be partnering with Swiss watchmaker Blancpain in bringing the Blancpain Ocean Commitment Exhibition to Westfield Valley Fair, Santa Clara from April 29 to May 17. The exhibition has traveled all around the world: China, Hong Kong, Sydney, Tokyo, and Moscow. This will be the second showing in North America following Las Vegas in January.

Blancpain Ocean Commitment Event At CH Premier In Santa Clara May 5, 2016 Shows & Events

For the duration of the exhibition, CH Premier will be featuring an extensive selection of Fifty Fathom timepieces. This collection embodies Blancpain’s passion for the underwater world since 1953 by creating the first modern dive watch. Each Fifty Fathom model features the signature elements from the original diver’s watch and design choices based on the risks and necessities in the diving world. Latest editions added to the collection pay tribute to the pioneers of diving, whose passion and dedication has continued to inspire Blancpain watches Replica to create timepieces with technological advancement and innovative materials for underwater explorations.

On May 5, 2016, CH Premier and Blancpain copy watches Replica will be hosting an evening cocktail reception and speaking engagement with Blancpain US Brand President, David Gely, where he will speak about the brand’s longstanding connection to the underwater world and its commitment to preserving and protecting the world’s oceans.

Blancpain Ocean Commitment Event At CH Premier In Santa Clara May 5, 2016 Shows & Events

We invite visitors of all ages to explore and discover the underwater universe through breathtaking images and learn about the environmental initiatives Blancpain supports to explore, protect, and preserve the world’s ocean. As visitors enter through the portal echoing the design of the Fifty Fathoms bezel, they will discover zones devoted to History; Science and Exploration; Art; and the Ocean Commitment Circle.

To call further attention to ocean preservation and protection, Blancpain offers the limited edition Ocean Commitment Bathyscaphe Chronograph Flyback. Limited to 250 pieces, this special timepiece features Blancpain’s in-house movement and a special gray ceramic case and blue dial and bezel. Blancpain will make a charitable contribution in the amount of 1,000 Euros for each watch sold in the limited series.

Blancpain Ocean Commitment Event At CH Premier In Santa Clara May 5, 2016 Shows & Events

The Blancpain Ocean Commitment will be on display at the exhibition along with a special selection of vintage Fifty Fathom timepieces which date back as early as the collection’s creation in 1953. Again, the exhibition will run from April 29 to May 17 and below is the information for the May 5th cocktail event.

CH Premier Cocktail event with Blancpain US Brand President, David Gely

The moon phase work has evolved from its original function as an accompaniment to men’s perpetual calendars into a “poetic” complication, utilized more frequently in ladies’ watches. It’s been reimagined in many ways that leave from the classic blue-sky-gold-moon-and-stars configuration, but Blancpain finds out a way to maintain tradition while updating the function to get a contemporary ladies’ watch. The Blancpain Villeret Date Moonphase, introduced at Baselworld 2017, sports the traditional moon stage colors and settings — as it ought to in a conventional collection like the Blancpain Villeret — but with a few small tweaks to make it female, even poetic.If you look carefully, you will see that the moon has eyelashes, lips that look as if lipstick has been applied and, what is that? — a beauty spot. The artificial mole or beauty spot (known as a mouche for its resemblance of a fly) was seen in 18th century France as symbolizing a playfully teasing attitude. Mouches were utilized by coquettish women of the Court as messages to their suitors that contrasts based on where they had been placed.The motion is a next-generation standard created by Blancpain specifically for women’ watches and is a good instance of the commitment being produced by luxury watch brands to develop a steady of calibers sized for ladies’ watches which are outfitted with all the progress in watchmaking that are often reserved only for men’s moves. It stays exactly the identical size but now has a high-performance silicon equilibrium spring. It is also impervious to magnetic fields and generally more secure, with enhanced isochronism.

Thursday May 5th, 6pm-8pm 

2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 1251

Santa Clara, CA 95050

Learn more at: blancpain-ocean-commitment.com   chpremier.com

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Replica Wholesale Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On


Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

My absolute favorite watches are pretty-looking sport models. There is a significant volume of these watches around, but really attractive ones are hard to find. Probably the biggest challenge in making a beautiful-looking sports watch is to first make sure it is a great utility watch, and only then ensuring it is visually attractive. Doing both is no simple task, but success can yield the reward of a watch being a true classic. That’s probably a good way of introducing this hands-on look at the Blancpain iconic watches Replica Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II timepieces that just look so darn good.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

I am not shy about sharing my feeling that Blancpain produces some of the most beautiful high-end diving watches available these days with their Fifty Fathoms family. The collection is populated with a few distinct models which generally fall into the “classic” Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 5015 watch family (review here), and the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe. The latter subfamily has two lines right now which are the three-hand Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, and the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronograph Flyback, which this limited-edition watch is a version of.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

I first went hands-on with the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronograph Flyback here back in 2014 when it was released. The first limited edition model was the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment, and earlier in 2016 Blancpain introduced a followup limited edition with this Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II (debuted on aBlogtoWatch here). In a sense, it is probably a bit irritating to people who purchased the first limited-edition Ocean Commitment model that there is now a second one. On the other hand, this followup is just as beautiful as the first, but also distinct in its appeal. So, if anything, the fact that there is a sequel to the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment is a sign of the collection’s popularity.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

There are a lot of hidden elements inside of the Blancpain watch live Replica Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph which make it a truly compelling timepiece, but it does take some time to learn about them all. This is important to do in order to understand the value proposition because these watches are anything but cheap in price. With that said, you do get a fair amount for your money if you are interested in tool watch looks with a modern movement and excellent fit and finishing.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

I also want to say right now that I prefer the chronograph version of the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe over the three-hand model. Of course, not everyone agrees with me, but that is my personal preference as I find the three-hand model’s dial a bit visually bare. On the other hand, I certainly prefer the three-hand model of the original Fifty Fathoms models over their chronograph models.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Shakudo itself isn’t a method, but more a material. It is a metal alloy that is mostly copper with roughly 4-10% stone. What’s special about the metal is that it may be treated to achieve a black patina that in many ways looks like lacquer. Why is this important? It is all about having the ability to engrave something using a rich amount of detail in addition to a lot of visual comparison. Black from the aluminum color offers that amount of contrast minus the exceptional black patina properties of shakudo that black could only be reached with the addition of black colour. The addition of such pigment (using lacquer for example) reduces the capability for an artist to flaunt nice detail.Thus, shakudo allows for the screen and engraving of exceptionally fine detail in small spaces with an awesome degree of contrast. In other words, images engraved in shakudo really pop. Even these two Blancpain Villeret Shakudo watches offer exceptional presentations of this method, which means that there is variety in this set.

A good reason for this aside from aesthetics is the movement inside of the Blancpain watch straps uk Replica Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph which is the in-house-made Blancpain caliber F385 automatic chronograph. You can view the movement through the rear of the case, and it isn’t difficult to tell that it is lovely in both design and decoration. Modern lines and shapes decorate this modern mechanical movement which also happens to boast a 5Hz (36,000bph) operating frequency. That is the same as the celebrated Zenith El Primero, and 1Hz faster than most standard 4Hz chronograph watches.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Given the faster operating speed of the movement you get two areas of benefits. First is a bit less useful to most people, and that is the ability to be a bit more precise when using the chronograph. Second is the fact that a higher operating frequency of the balance wheel means that rate result errors are averaged out more. That translates into more accuracy over time – a good thing. It is true that 5Hz movements of any kind are rare, and in dedicated dive watches this is pretty much the only one that I can think of.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

The caliber F385 has a power reserve of 50 hours, and the chronograph has a flyback complication as well. It is produced from 322 parts, and apparently is specially secured to the case of the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph for shock protection purposes. Last, the movement features a silicon hair spring, which adds the benefits of more durability and accuracy over time.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

That all sounds great but, unfortunately, I couldn’t have the pleasure of testing the watch out first-hand as the model I got to play with was a “blocked” (the movement is stopped from working in order to maintain the position of the hands) prototype. Thus, I still yearn to wear a functioning one of these and fully experience the Blancpain good watch Replica Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II out and about.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

The first Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment watch has a gray ceramic case with a blue bezel and dial. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II sort of reverses that color palette with a blue ceramic case and bezel, and then a metallic gray dial. Both the first and second Ocean Commitment models are pretty awesome, but ceramic watch lovers will clearly flock to this sequel limited edition model.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

This is the first blue ceramic watch case I’ve worn (from a luxury brand), and it looks fantastic – especially next to the glossy gray tones. In some lights, the blue ceramic just looks like a black that has something going on with it, but in full light the rich blue tone of the case material comes out. Blancpain watches official site Replica couldn’t really go any lighter with the blue as it would have made the color too unstable when it comes to production purposes.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain and Omega (both part of the Swatch Group and who share technologies) have some of the best ceramic cases around. The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon (review here) and the ceramic versions of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph have something in common. That is having some of the very best-looking ceramic cases on the market. What makes them so good is the sharpness of the angles on the case, as well as the quality of the contrast polishing. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph case is among the finest available in a modern high-end dive watch, and that goes for the ceramic version as well. Angles are just wonderfully sharp, and detailing throughout is fantastic. It is hard to experience quality like this and go back to lesser watches.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Despite being a chronograph and having a ceramic case, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II is still water resistant to 300 meters. The case feels perfectly sized at 43.60mm wide. It is also 15.25mm thick and has a lightly domed AR-coated sapphire crystal.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Around the dial is a smoothly operating 120-click, uni-directional rotating diver-style bezel. The outer bezel is titanium, with Liquidmetal (another technology shared with Omega) and blue ceramic as the rest of the bezel. The crown and pushers are also in blue ceramic – rendered equally nicely.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Given that this is a sport watch, the most important element other than durability is legibility. Here, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe certainly does not disappoint, with large blocky hands totally covered in luminant, and easy-to-read, highly contrasting hour markers. I also like that the subdials on the face are visually minimized. In fact, the most prominent elements on the dial are the various hands as well as the major markers. This allows the eyes to focus on the most important elements, while other things (like the chronograph subdials) are easy to read, but also not “in your face” when you don’t want to look at them.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Perhaps the only controversial element of the dial is the date window. It does help sales of watches to have a date complication. It is also good that Blancpain didn’t design the dial with the date window cutting off anything else. However, the date window is tilted so it is a bit odd to read with its position between 4 and 5 o’clock. Also, the date disc itself is black, which is a bit darker than the “meteor grey” dial color of the watch itself. It’s really not a big deal, but it will be the one thing people might complain about in the otherwise beautiful dial design. There are other splendid details that you’ll notice in the dial by just looking at it. Start by examining the clever design of the subdials, as well as the mostly polished metal-framed hour markers.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

The brand offers two versions of the Blancpain watch auction Replica Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II on either a gray textile/canvas strap, or this high-end NATO-style strap with gray titanium hardware. It’s a darn nice NATO-style strap, but it does come in a 23mm wide size, and it also feels a bit odd on such a high-end watch (even if it looks cool).

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II Watch Hands-On Hands-On

The best way to think about the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph is as an extremely well-detailed tool watch. It looks nice, performs well, and has a very handsome classic look to it. Most important, of course, is that it is comfortable to wear and easy to read. Those elements together actually put it in a league with not that many other watches, and help solidify Blancpain as one of the premier producers of high-end “luxury” sport watches. The reference 5200-0310-G52 A (canvas strap) or reference 5200-0310-NAG A (NATO-style strap) Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II watch is priced at $20,100. blancpain.com

Replica Watches Free Shipping Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Watches Debut New Luminor Line In 42 & 45MM


Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Watches Debut New Luminor Line In 42 & 45MM Watch Releases

What’s next?” is the question that’s been on the lips of the nation – or at least those concerned Panerai fans, who thus far had to wonder what the next frontier may be for their beloved brand. The Luminor undoubtedly is the more popular and successful among Panerai collections – arguably paling the Radiomir in comparison – and while the brand has not shied away from releasing myriads of different iterations, the time has come for them today to release Luminor’s chapter due. Enter the Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days, with the new and in fact thinnest Luminors ever, the PAM676 and PAM677 pieces. Let’s dig in and see if the due name is justified.

Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Watches Debut New Luminor Line In 42 & 45MM Watch Releases

The new Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days PAM675 45mm in red gold

Due (pronounced “doo-eh”) stands for to “two” in Italian, and that quite clearly marks how Panerai is launching the second chapter Luminor case. Wow. The name of the game is thickness – or rather the very lack of it. The Panerai Luminor Due case, in some instances, is up to 40% thinner than the comparable Luminor Uno (no, they have not started calling them that).

Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Watches Debut New Luminor Line In 42 & 45MM Watch Releases

Here’s the hand-wound, 42mm wide steel version, the Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days PAM676

Panerai is quick to stress, though, that “the ingredients for the new case are the ones well known to every connoisseur: the robust cushion case, large dial surrounded by the bezel (arguably not the most novel feature of all time), strong integrated lugs and the bridge-shaped device which seals the crown.” You need not be the most eagle-eyed of Paneristi either to see that the Luminor Due is heavily based on the Luminor 1950 case: it has what appears to be an extremely similar case and lug profile, albeit the aforementioned diet has of course taken effect.

 

Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Watches Debut New Luminor Line In 42 & 45MM Watch Releases

Panerai P.1000 hand-wound in the PAM676

The Panerai Luminor Due line will be debuted by four models, a steel and gold version in both 42- and 45-millimeter sizes. Let’s see them one-by-one.

Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Watches Debut New Luminor Line In 42 & 45MM Watch Releases

The Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days PAM676 and PAM677 are the 42-millimeter-wide models – the references refer to the 316L and red gold versions, respectively. Both will come in 10.5 millimeter thick cases with the in-house P.1000 manufacture fitted inside. The movement, unsurprisingly, will provide 3 days worth of power reserve, operate at a most welcome 4 Hertz. Notably – for those who are eyeing the red gold version – the caliber’s P.1000/10 skeletonized version makes its debut in the precious metal model. We have seen Panerai produce some very impressive-looking skeletonized movements before (check this 10 Days GMT PAM624, for example), so this is good news; and even your run-of-the-mill P.1000 in the steel PAM676 offers plenty of eye-candy.

Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Watches Debut New Luminor Line In 42 & 45MM Watch Releases

The automatic Panerai Luminor Due is just 10.7 millimeters thick

The dials, because they are always subject to scrutiny by the fans of the brand, are either black in the steel version, or anthracite grey in the gold PAM677. They have the classic sandwich structure and their top surface has been “enhanced” by a satiné soleil finish – that actually stands for “satin sun” and is in French, just to tingle your multi-lingo senses a bit.

Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Watches Debut New Luminor Line In 42 & 45MM Watch Releases

The hand-wound 42s are followed by automatic 45-millimeter-wide alternatives with the Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Automatic PAM674 in steel and PAM675 in red gold. Powered by the micro-rotor-equipped P.4000 in-house caliber, these also sport the claimed 72 hours of power reserve and the 4-Hertz frequency, while coming in at a mere 3.95 millimeters thick. The end result is a case that is unnoticeably thicker than the 42: the PAM674 and PAM675’s 45mm cases will be just 10.7 millimeters thick. As was the case with the smaller versions, the the red gold PAM675 will get a skeletonized caliber, in this instance, the P.4000/10.

Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Watches Debut New Luminor Line In 42 & 45MM Watch Releases

Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Watches Debut New Luminor Line In 42 & 45MM Watch Releases

With all this noted, we must return to discussing the case in a bit greater detail. The impressive thinness (for Panerai, that is) would have hardly been possible for the brand had it not had these sufficiently thin in-house calibers in its stable – so good planning there. The thinner profile also helps solve an issue that must have been on the minds of many Panerai Luminor owners: often coming in at over 15 millimeters thick, even if the watch’s aesthetics complied with more elegant outfits, they simply did not always make for a comfortable wearing experience with long sleeves. This new Panerai Luminor Due collection should remedy that issue and offer Panerai buyers an option that will allow them to pick a watch that sports their desired looks but at the same time lacks the compromise in wearing comfort.

Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Watches Debut New Luminor Line In 42 & 45MM Watch Releases

Still, I feel there is something missing to justify the Due part of the name. Panerai has the Luminor 1950 and the Radiomir 1940, fair enough – and it is also understandable that they wouldn’t (and couldn’t) drift too far away from the Luminor’s very defined and much loved core DNA… And yet, a question (to be answered by every individual Panerai fan) is whether or not a merely thinner option justifies the chapter two designation?

Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Watches Debut New Luminor Line In 42 & 45MM Watch Releases

Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Watches Debut New Luminor Line In 42 & 45MM Watch Releases

Also worth noting is that although Panerai says they have designed a new case here, they have engineered it so that it only has 30 meters of water resistance. Now, despite the fact that the Luminor Due is certainly a more elegant (simply because it’s thinner) line, Panerai still claims that it has a “robust cushion case” and that “all the elements originate directly from the history of the brand.” A mere 30 meter depth rating – that actually more often than not equates to a watch that maybe is suitable for baths and showers and usually not at all recommended for swimming – hardly implies a robust design and construction…

Yes, we have seen Panerais with 30m ratings before, but what is the world coming to if the latest and greatest (and still technically rather simple) Panerai Luminor can’t make you feel safe wearing it during a swim in the pool – let alone in the open waters. There are not too many actual, measurable and comparable technical specifications that give watch brands a chance to back their claims with, but this rating will likely bother some fans of the brand – and we’ll leave many others totally unconcerned, of course.

Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Watches Debut New Luminor Line In 42 & 45MM Watch Releases

The new Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days case looks every bit as refined and as Panerai as one could hope for, but when I think of what a new, 21st-century Luminor Chapter Two could possibly be, I can’t help but imagine something that is more than a new option that is actually less.

Prices for the new Panerai Luminor Due models is as follows:
Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days PAM676 in 42mm steel is $8,100;
I have a soft spot for meticulously hand-engraved watch dials. For me personally, it is the epitome of having the ability to wear traditional hand-made art in your wrist. Obviously, it is true that watch movements when created properly are highly artistic, but I am talking about more traditional “representative” art that is meant to depict the real (and dream) world around us. So with this said, you’ll understand why I am rather keen on these new Blancpain Villeret Shakudo watches that incorporate the Japanese metallic alloy and engraving method into the new Swiss watches.Blancpain isn’t a stranger to watches using hand-engraved dials. The company has been making some of the most amazing hand-engraved watches (and movements) that are available now. Blancpain frequently works with extremely skilled artists both in-house and commissioned to produce a series of nice limited edition watches which come in numerous varieties. The new Blancpain Villeret Shakudo collection also has a few versions meant to showcase with craft that is unique, and each is a piece unique. In this article, we show you hand-held images of the Blancpain Villeret Shakudo Ganesh, as well as the Blancpain Villeret Shakudo Coelacanth. These are, of course, in honor of the Hindu god as well as the endangered ancient fish species that in some of the sponsorship attempts Blancpain is trying to help protect and study.
Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days PAM677 in 42mm red gold is $22,100;
Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Automatic PAM674 in 45mm steel is $10,700;
Panerai  Luminor Due 3 Days Automatic PAM675 in 45mm red gold is $25,600. panerai.com

Replica Buying Guide The History Of Dive Watches


The History Of Dive Watches Featured Articles

There are many things we take for granted when speaking about modern timepieces, and one of those is water resistance. There are no “water proof” watches, as that implies water would not be able to enter them under any circumstances, so we use the term “water resistant.” The history of water resistant watches really began in the 1920s, but it was not until later that the serious water resistant diving watch came into existence. Today dive watches are the most popular type of sport watch, not necessarily because people use them to dive, but because of their style, promise of durability, and utilitarian value.

Regardless of whether one pays a few hundred or several thousand dollars for a watch, they rightfully expect reliability, accuracy, and comfort. Having said that, we are rarely reminded of just how much time it took wristwatches to transform from fragile pieces of art into workhorse instruments that can put up with most of the challenges we expose them to during our daily lives. Today we are looking into the history of water resistant and diving watches.  We will discuss the most important historical models, their respective design elements, as well as the challenges they have faced and conquered.

Much like in the case of our article on the History of ETA, the Swiss movement maker, we have to begin with a disclaimer, noting in advance that there is no one source that would list all relevant information. Instead, there is a great number of different–and superb–sources that detail different aspects at length, often revealing contradictory information. With that said, let’s dive head-first into the more than a century deep history of waterproof watches.

The history of the wristwatch deserves a dedicated article which it will receive another time, but for now we will say that it was not off to an easy start. The first men’s watches worn on the wrist were created from pocket watches that had lugs soldered onto their cases. Soldiers of the late 1800s and then of World War I sought a faster, easier, dare we say, “hands-free” way of telling the time while in combat. In general, however, wristwatches were considered to be womanly jewels that needed to be handled with excessive care. Consequently, men did not really care for early examples of these timepieces. The issue was their notoriously poor reliability: they were prone to breaking as they were exposed to a significantly greater amount of shocks, humidity and temperature changes when worn on the wrist and not inside the pockets of coats and vests.

The History Of Dive Watches Featured Articles

It had been clear that wristwatches would never gain popularity unless these issues were gone for good. Among the primary sources for all these problems were water, humidity and dust, all easily finding their way into the movement through the gaps around the crown and in between the inaccurately machined and assembled case elements. They would make components rust, cause lubricants to not function as they should and ultimately force gears and pinions to lock up and springs to deteriorate. So, first of all, if watches were to be worn on the wrist–giving them much greater exposure to these elements–there were some considerable makeovers to be performed as far as the manufacturing and assembling processes were concerned.

In harmony with what we have seen so many times while discussing the history of watches, it was the ingenious ideas of some engineers as well as the increasingly fierce competition in between key companies that led to the birth of some of the most important technological developments. Over the years, several great minds set to work to ultimately create revolutionary solutions which banished old ideas of the past. They engineered new designs that would serve to keep watches running throughout the following decades, or centuries even, designs on which we oftentimes rely even today.

The first step was to realize the source of the problems and then identify possible solutions so as to permanently rule them out. Pocket watches of the time–and note that we are talking about early 20th century here–and especially their cases were not crafted with high resistance and durability in mind. They were cherished and highly valued items and hence they spent incomparably less time exposed to nature’s elements than wristwatches did and do today. As we pointed out above, their cases bore little to no seals around the crown and universally they were made and assembled in a way that allowed fine dust and humidity get into the case and the movement.

The History Of Dive Watches Featured Articles

Some major watch brands appear to actually think highly of ceramic because a case substance and Blancpain nato watch strap Replica is among them. Formerly a closely guarded field of expertise of Rado and Chanel, ceramic technology and manufacturing techniques have only recently evolved to a point where more manufacturers are entertaining the concept of a ZrO2 instance, since a whole lot more control of things like colours and hardness is getting possible. The new-for-2016 Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II watch case is all in blue ceramic – something the likes of which we haven’t seen before.Why we haven’t noticed it before? My perception is that achieving color uniformity and keeping adequate hardness at the exact same time has become the significant challenge of adding pigments into ceramic. That’s the reason why we mostly see black and white (and grey) ceramic (such as, say, this black porcelain Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe). The challenge is that when the mixture doesn’t clean up completely and evenly following the heat treatment procedure, it will have discolorations and marks inside which will ruin the appearance — and the bit itself, since these imperfections cannot be removed.It is true that we’ve been seeing more and more colors in ceramic bezels from Rolex, TAG Heuer and a few others, and therefore it was perhaps only a matter of time before coloured ceramic instances came along. Plus it kind of also indicates a possible future of all types of colors for ceramic watch cases – Speedmaster Muave Side of the Moon, anyone? That might be kind of cool.

Shown here is the Rolex Hermetic (or Submarine) with its “lid” removed, revealing the crown and the inner case of the watch. Source: rolexblog.blogspot.com

Paving the way to the creation of the first waterproof wristwatch was one of the most important brands of today: Rolex, and most notably its founder, Hans Wilsdorf. Among the most obvious and easy-to-perform solutions were the use of additional, external cases, ones that would hermetically seal the “real” case of the watch. A great example of this is the Rolex Hermetic or Submarine from 1922 (not to be confused with the Submariner which is a completely different watch from three decades later). What the Hermetic offered was a small round-cased watch with a chunky external case around it, which had a “lid” that would screw down onto it. It worked like a jar where once you screw on the top, the jar is sealed for good. This made sense here as there were no properly developed crown sealing systems and the lid covered that as well. The problem this created was that every time the hand-wound movement was to be rewound or the time needed to be set, the lid had to be removed and then put on again. The frequent use meant that the grooves on the side of the brass lid and the threads on the inside of it wore out quickly, necessitating repairs.

The History Of Dive Watches Featured Articles

An old advertisement showing Borgel’s patented case construction, circa early 1900s. Image Source: VintageWatchstraps.com © David Boettcher

It was clear then that these oversized (because these chunky cases actually fit the term oversized) cases had no real future, at least not for the civil consumer. A more practical and more durable solution was needed and this meant there was no other way but to integrate all waterproofing into the watch’s case. François Borgel, a Genevan master case maker had filed two patents, in 1891 and 1903, respectively, for two slightly different watch cases that had threaded parts. A major upside of this design was that it omitted the external case. Instead it would enable the “normal” case to achieve same levels of isolation. Speaking about the more advanced 1903 patent, it comprised a threaded ring that would go around the movement and bezel, and the case back would be screwed onto the outer, threaded surface of this ring. This resulted in a superior seal, without having to use a chunky external cover.

The History Of Dive Watches Featured Articles

Seen here is the patent for the early screw-down design by Perregaux and Perret. The part marked 16 is the seal, located on the outside of the case. Image Source: VintageWatchstraps.com © David Boettcher

While this meant a huge leap forward and major manufactures like IWC and Longines have used Borgel’s cases for some of their watches, another major issue remained an unsolved mystery: the sealing of the crown. Humidity and fine dust could still find its way into the movement, albeit now at a slower rate, thanks to the threaded case design. The original idea–or at least the first patent–for a waterproof crown is credited to Paul Perregaux and Georges Perret. In October, 1925 they applied for a patent for a screw down crown, as seen on the extract from the patent above. As in the case of most breakthrough developments, the two watchmakers’ design also showed some imperfections.

To begin with, the unscrewing of the crown happened in the same direction as the winding of the mainspring. To secure it again, the crown was to be turned the other way around, against the winding ratchet. Once the watch was fully wound and the crown was set in its secured position, it could not be unscrewed again until the mainspring wound down to some extent. Furthermore, the black component marked with number 16 on the image above is the sealing which the crown (once screwed onto the case) would push against, to actually create the seal. However, this sealing–owing to the limited manufacturing abilities of the time–could not have been made of more durable materials, so it was leather, cork or felt. Since it was installed on the outside of the case, it would quickly lose its isolating properties, making frequent replacements necessary. Without getting much too nerdy, let’s briefly look at what–and who–made this already great idea perfect.

The History Of Dive Watches Featured Articles

Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf’s patent for the improved screw-down crown design. Image Source: VintageWatchstraps.com © David Boettcher

It was Hans Wilsdorf, founder and then-director of Rolex, who saw the potential in Perregaux’s and Perret’s invention as he realized that this idea coupled with the threaded case designs could ultimately create the first truly waterproof watch. He moved quickly and purchased the Swiss rights from the inventors and applied for the patent in the US, UK, and in Germany as well in 1926-1927. In the image above you see the results of a year’s additional development in the form of Wilsdorf’s own patent for the screw-down crown. Patented as CH 120848, one of the major improvements was the relocation of the seal from the outside of the case into the crown tube itself, while also making it from lead to enhance its durability.

Furthermore, the engineers of Rolex–and those working at C.R. Spillman SA, the case supplier of Rolex at the time–found a solution concerning the winding of the movement when the crown was being unscrewed: the crown initially rotates free from the stem and engages with it only when fully pulled out. This was achieved with what is marked with 9 (in red) and 12 (in yellow) on the image above. It is difficult to judge from the image, but these are two rectangular parts that engage once the crown is in the extracted position, hence enabling the wearer of the watch to set the time even if the mainspring is fully wound.

The History Of Dive Watches Featured Articles

The Rolex Oyster next to the Daily Mail headline with long distance swimmer Mercedes Gleitze who wore the watch in an attempt to swim across the English channel

Rolex combined its improved crown design and the threaded case in a new model that became the first durable and reliable waterproof watch. Called the Oyster, it was a remarkable achievement, albeit one against which the general public remained skeptical. To learn more about this iconic piece check out Ariel’s article about the Oyster here. For now, we will concentrate on the process of how it turned into the legendary watch that it is and the way it managed to change people’s attitude towards waterproof watches. It was in 1927 that the perfect opportunity arose to publicly prove the abilities of his watch and Wilsdorf was again quick to react. It was then that the young British secretary and long distance swimmer Mercedes Gleitze set herself the challenge of swimming across the English channel–for the second time. Why the second? Well, the story goes that Mercedes actually swam across the channel once, only to be “topped” by another woman who claimed to have done the same feat considerably quicker, around 13 hours instead of Gleitze’s 15 hours.

At the time this attracted significant media attention and Wilsdorf wanted to have his share of it. Without going into much detail, we will just say that the other lady turned out to be a liar who admitted that she had not swam across the channel at all; a claim that made the media and the public question whether Mercedes’ previous achievement was a fabrication as well. At last, Wilsdorf agreed with Gleitze that she would wear the Oyster on a necklace throughout her “vindication-swim,” where she would prove the nay-sayers wrong . It is a lesser known fact that on this second attempt she actually did not make it all the way across the channel, but at this point it didn’t matter. A few days later the story of her and her watch were discussed on the first page of the Daily Mail, bringing the general public the first tangible proof of a waterproof watch.  To make a more lasting impression Wilsdorf also arranged with retailers to have the Oyster showcased in their windows, set in a fish tank full of water. In conclusion, thanks to the exceptional developments and of course the witty marketing moves of the founder, Rolex–and with it the waterproof watch–made its first steps on the road that ultimately led it to prevail around the world.

The History Of Dive Watches Featured Articles

The Pasha de Cartier with its trademark crown cup and its tiny chain. Credit: Sotheby’s

Around the 1930s several other brands wanted to get their share from this new market segment.  Turn your attention to two interesting interpretations of the waterproof watch, conceived by two already major brands: Omega and Cartier. Even at this time Cartier had been known as the go-to brand for the kings, monarchs and the world’s elite in general. This is exemplified by an order Cartier received in 1932, placed by the Pasha of Marrakech who, as the legend says, wanted a waterproof watch which he could wear during his occasional swims. Cartier answered the Pasha’s needs with a unique piece equipped with a round waterproof case as well as a little screw-on cap that served to seal the crown, hanging on a tiny chain fixed to the case itself. From 1943, and then from its 1985 “re-issue” up to this day, the watch is known as Pasha de Cartier, an iconic watch that is seldom recognized as one of the earliest examples among waterproof timepieces.

Around the mid-twenties, diving, an activity dedicated solely to scientific, military or “adventure-related” causes, started to become increasingly ubiquitous, brought about by the special breathing equipment developed by Yves Le Prieur in 1926 and then in 1933. The point of these diving related inventions was to make diving easier, less dangerous, while allowing them to happen for longer intervals, at greater depths. It is as complex of a challenge as it sounds, and then some. And while it took quite a few more years until diving could become more widespread, it had already been obvious that there was a need for wristwatches developed with the unique needs of this dangerous activity in mind. This is where Omega comes into the picture.

The History Of Dive Watches Featured Articles

See, while the original Rolex Oyster and the Pasha de Cartier (and other lesser-known, albeit similar waterproof watches of the time) performed rather well when it came to keeping moisture, sand and relatively small amounts of water out of the case, they were not at all worthy of consideration when it came to the much more demanding, deeper dives. The first watch which was designed to tackle greater challenges, and hence to work with divers, was Omega’s Marine from 1932. This model brought the external, hermetically sealed case to the forefront again, something with Rolex’s innovations in mind may seem to be an outdated choice. Still, it actually was the fact that Rolex had those patents to its name that Omega had no other choice but to go with the external case, not to mention the fact that where they were going only a strong external shell could be used. With all that said, Omega’s final product turned out to be rather modern anyhow, as the Marine proved to be true to its name and became the world’s first diving watch, i.e. the first watch to successfully complete some seriously deep dives.

What made the Marine so unique and so capable was this two-part case, which had its top and bottom pieces connected to the straps, while a large clasp locked them securely on the case back. Furthermore, the Marine was the first watch to have a synthetic sapphire front, clearly an important step forwards in terms of reliability compared to any other material used at the time. The “package” was completed by a seal leather strap which, by Omega’s claims, were extremely resistant to salt water. The concept was ready so it was time to put it to its paces: Omega, likely “inspired” by Rolex’s marketing successes, set out to prove the special capabilities of their watch by testing through a series of challenges, challenges which were of previously unimaginable difficulty. In 1936 a couple of Marine watches spent minutes in hot water (of 85 degree Celsius) and were then quickly submerged to a depth of 70 meters in the 5 degree Celsius cold waters of Lake Geneva for thirty minutes. When they were taken out, all pieces (two complete watches and a case with no movement inside) were functioning perfectly, showing no traces of water inside.

The History Of Dive Watches Featured Articles

Vintage ad for the Omega Marine, circa 1940s. Source: timezone.com

Three years after the successful tests, in 1939, Omega revealed the Marine Standard. It was a slightly redesigned version of the Marine from 1932, as this new piece served to transfer the Marine and most of its abilities into the publicly available collections of the brand. The case had become less complex to reduce manufacturing costs, but it retained the rectangular shape of the original. It was due to this angular shape that–quite obviously–no threaded case components could have been used. Instead, in order to properly seal the sapphire crystal and the case, they went on to use rubber gaskets, a solution still used today!

On the first series of Marine Standards the sapphire crystal was fitted from below the bezel (i.e. from the caseback side). With that done, Omega would install the dial, the movement and the crown. The problem this construction created was that while as pressure built up it pressed the case onto the caseback, and pushed the crystal towards the inside of the watch, weakening the seals. This decreased the Standard’s water resistance to a mere two atmospheres (around 20 meters), which was incomparable to its predecessor’s performance. For the following generations, however, the crystal had been installed from “above,” a process that, although widely used today, at the time (during the early ’40s) was a novel idea that substantially increased water resistance.

Looking back at the earliest generations of waterproof watches we can conclude that some of the greatest companies have all developed their own answers to the same problem: sealing the gaps between the case, the bezel and the crown. And while they were quick to top their latest developments with even more efficient ones, they were also unaware at the time that collectively they had most of the puzzle pieces which would ultimately make up the modern diver’s watch. Let’s discover the transition and see what exactly led to the dive watch, as we know it today.

The History Of Dive Watches Featured Articles

One of the first Blancpain watches 1735 Replica Fifty Fathoms on the wrist of Bob Maloubier, founder of the Nageur de Combat

In many ways, diving watches mean the pinnacle of modern watchmaking. We saw watches being worn on the Moon, exceed the speed of sound, but defeating the immense pressure that prevails only at the deepest points of our planet is a completely different challenge altogether. This is best proven by the process of how watches sneaked out from our vest pockets and onto our wrists, to ultimately become instruments capable of performing in tens or hundreds of thousands special military actions and scientific dives alike, withstanding extremely demanding conditions. It is no wonder then, that dive watch enthusiasts have a special feeling when strapping a watch with such pedigree on: as weird as it may sound for “outsiders,” it does grant a feeling of indestructibility when your only and most important accessory has stood the tests of such demanding conditions. So let’s take a closer look at what led from the first “waterproofs” to the engineering masterpieces that made it to the Mariana trench–and back.

For a kick-off, it is important to clarify that the Rolex Oyster indeed was the first properly waterproof watch–as validated by Gleitze’s swim and the time it spent in fish tanks. However, it was with reason that she wore it on a necklace and not on her wrist: this way the watch had been not subjected to the rather brutal forces of it splashing into the water with every motion of her arm, for hours on end. The first step towards improved durability was the already discussed Omega Marine, but even so, it saw little use as professional diving (not to mention its much later developed, hobby-inspired alternatives) had not been fully developed at the time. In fact, it took the better part of another decade or so until underwater activities became more ubiquitous; the primary reason being that diving equipments were very heavy, not very safe, and limited in availability. This radically changed with the 1942 invention of Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Émile Gagnan: the aqua-lung.

This is important as it greatly affected the future of dive watches, so let’s briefly discuss what this new equipment was. The aqua-lung was the first open circuit breathing apparatus that allowed dives up to depths of 60 meters (or around 180 feet), all without direct connection with the surface. The most important consequence of it was that it helped accelerate developments in the fields of both professional, scientific, and hobby diving, hence making them more widely available around the world. As a result of World War II, warfare and the following popularization of diving, more refined and more durable accessories were required, items such as depth meters, compasses and, of course, wristwatches.

It would make things a lot easier if we could start discussing the history of dive watches with a single model, but things are never so straightforward, unfortunately. Many brands wish to–and can rightfully–claim that they were the first, albeit all in different ways. With that said, once we start digging deeper than mere marketing communication allows, the picture starts to clear up and the truly revolutionary watches and brands become more easily identifiable.

Replica Suppliers Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On


Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Last year we were thrilled by the introduction of Blancpain’s vintage-inspired Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe dive watch so when I heard that they had released a chronograph version I was both excited and a little worried. As Blancpain antique watches Replica nailed the balance and proportions of the Bathyscaphe three-hander, I was worried that the inclusion of a chronograph feature might throw the original design off balance. UPDATE: As of October 2014 Blancpain has released a new limited edition (of 250 pieces) ref. 5200-0240-52A version of the Bathyscaphe Chronograph as the Blancplain Ocean Commitment Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback with a blue dial and bezel in a ceramic case.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On Hands-On

After seeing the new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph in person, I’m pleased to report that the chronograph version is gorgeous and retains the flair and presence established by the preceding three-hander. With a brand new manufacture movement and some serious dive-ready credentials, the new Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph is a fitting follow up to one of our favorite sport watches of 2013.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Limited edition of 250 pieces Blancpain Ocean Commitment Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback watch in blue with a titanium case. Ref. 5200-0240-52A

Still sporting the same 43.6 mm case width and a chronograph-housing height of 15.25 mm, the Bathyscaphe Flyback feels great on wrist and certainly looks the part for a dive chronograph. Available in steel with a grey dial or full brushed ceramic with a matching black dial, there’s not a bad choice in the entire Bathyscaphe range.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On Hands-On

In 1932, the household’s direction of this company ended with the passing of Frédéric-Emile since his only daughter, Berthe-Nellie, didn’t want to go into the watchmaking world.During the last eight decades, the business has continued to produce some of the most outstanding timepieces, like the Blancpain 1735 that’s a true grand complication and among the most complicated mechanical watches ever produced. It brings together the best watchmaking complications: tourbillon, moment repetition, perpetual calendar, moon phase calendar and flyback chronograph. An entire year is necessary to assemble this caliber.Since it was set up, Blancpain was contributing to the growth of mechanical watchmaking, while maintaining the traditional skills of its founder. That resulted in reduced production of premium quality pieces; Blancpain generates fewer than 10,000 watches per year.Blancpain continuously improves its watches, still staying faithful to its centuries-old heritage. This mastery of the watchmaking process allows complete freedom in the introduction of movements with the highest performances. The results are some of the very complicated movements ever which are created by the decorative codes of this manufacturer.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Additionally, the steel version of the chronograph (or now the three hander) can be optioned with a matching steel bracelet. The bracelet is heavy and very nicely made, with a brushed finish and a button-release butterfly clasp.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On Hands-On

For our money, the Bathyscaphe Flyback is best on the sailcloth strap or the high-quality nato. For boney wrists like mine, I’d recommend the sailcloth option as it was instantly comfortable and kept the head of the Bathyscaphe in an ideal and flat position.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On Hands-On

The dial is beautifully executed with a slight dome and the same jewel-like applied markers we loved on the three-hander. Aside from a red-tipped chrono seconds hand, the Bathyscaphe Flyback is a monochromatic affair, with the steel version sporting a lovely sunburst finish on its grey dial.

The bezel is identical to that of last year’s introduction, with a good grip, unidirectional travel and a ceramic insert with a LiquidMetal scale. The new in-house flyback movement places running seconds at six with a 12 hour register at nine and a 30 minute register at three.

Replica Watches Free Shipping BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends April 11, 2014

Mechanically, these Villeret watches are perhaps the most basic things you can purchase from Blancpain. Here would be the in-house made caliber 15B manually wound motions which have forty hours of power reserve. What can I say about them? Well, they are broad, which can be fine, and quite flat with only 2.2mm of depth. That isn’t record breaking, but it’s fine. There’s also a good quantity of finishing, just at a very utilitarian sense.On that the dial, the 15B movement only offers the time with hours and minutes. The case is wide, at 45mm in 18k rose gold. At 8.30mm thick the instances feel nice and bold about the wrist. This is precisely what you want from a piece like this because it is all about showing off the dial. There’s not any other reason to wear these watches. It’s similar to wearing a small painting on your hand.As somebody who instead relishes in the idea of sporting art like this on a watch, I truly enjoyed wearing the Blancpain Villeret Shakudo models. Should you find one using a dial that is meaningful to you personally and these would be the level of watches you accumulate, then I think you’ll really love them. Cost for all the Blancpain Villeret Shakudo watches is $160,600.

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends April 11, 2014 ABTW Round-Ups

Baselworld has just ended and in this round-up we begin by taking a look at Ariel and James’ pick of the top 10 watches that they saw at Basel. Next, we attempt to answer the frequently asked question of which watch should you buy. Finally, we take a look at some boutique watch brands worth considering, Richard Mille’s crazy clock and learn more about the iconic Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona.

1. Top 10 Watches Of Baselworld 2014

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends April 11, 2014 ABTW Round-Ups

Baselworld 2014 has just ended and there are a lot of new watches to digest. After all, Baselworld is the biggest watch and jewelry show of the calendar year and there were literally thousands of new watches on show. How do you make sense of it all? Fortunately we are here to help, because here are the top 10 watches that our Editor-in-Chief Ariel and Contributing Editor James Stacey saw at this year’s Baselworld.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

2. TAG Heuer Carrera CH 80 Watch For 2014 Hands-On

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends April 11, 2014 ABTW Round-Ups

TAG Heuer has had a long association with chronographs and one of their major releases for 2014 is the new Carrera CH 80 watch, which shares design cues from the original Carrera chronograph from the Sixties. Admittedly, the name is not the most sexy sounding, but it is so-called because it houses TAG Heuer’s new in-house made calibre CH 80. Check out this sporty new chronograph here.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

3. Rolex Cellini Time: Return Of The Crown’s Dress Watch

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends April 11, 2014 ABTW Round-Ups

One of the biggest surprises from Rolex at Baselworld 2014 was its three all new Cellini watches. Of the three, the Cellini Time and Dual Time are the ones I like the best. The former is a simple three-handed dress watch, while the latter has an extra dual-time complication at 6 o’clock with a day/night indicator. Both watches, I think, are very neatly and well executed and for once, these Cellini watches are a viable alternative to Rolex’s more illustrious Oyster models.

Source: aBlogtoWatch (Cellini Time), aBlogtoWatch (Cellini Dual Time)

4. How To Choose What Watch To Buy

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends April 11, 2014 ABTW Round-Ups

One of the questions that we get asked a lot is, “What watch should I buy?” The answer, though admittedly unhelpful, is it really depends. For example, some people may buy a watch because of its design and others may buy one because they are a fan of the brand. If you are feeling lost, our Editor-in-Chief Ariel has just written a bumper guide to helping you choose your next watch. We hope it helps.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

5. Blancpain watches hong kong Replica Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends April 11, 2014 ABTW Round-Ups

Zenith’s El Primero watches are probably the first that comes to mind when you think about high-frequency chronographs. However, that is all about to change thanks to Blancpain’s new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscape Flyback Chronograph watch, which features an in-house made caliber F385 movement that beats at 5Hz and has a column wheel and vertical clutch. Here’s a closer look at what is one of the best sports chronograph to debut at Baselworld 2014.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

6. Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity Watch Hands-On

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends April 11, 2014 ABTW Round-Ups

The new Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Gravity watch is one of those peculiar watches that you either love or hate. Obviously, the case and overall style of the watch is very classic, but the dial is very modern in its execution and shows off the all-silicon assortment and in-house made hairspring of the brand’s new ML230 caliber. This is a classically-designed watch for people who love to look at the movement in action.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

Next, our article picks from around the Web »

Grade 1 Replica Watches Watch What-If: Luxury Swiss Star Wars Watches


He brought a radical innovation into the watchmaking sector by replacing the crown-wheel mechanism with a cylinder escapement. In the mid 19th century, the House of Blancpain became the most substantial enterprise in Villeret.The first Blancpain automatic wristwatch was fabricated in 1926 and four decades after, the manufacturer adapted the system to watches of small size, and started the rectangular “Rolls” that became the world’s first women’ automatic wristwatch.

Watch What-If: Luxury Swiss Star Wars Watches Watch What-If

Star Wars fever is back this year, as later in 2015, the popular science fiction movie franchise sees its seventh film with Star Wars: The Force Awakens. We recently learned that Nixon from California will be producing some exclusive Star Wars watches, and it is no secret that many modern, avant-garde luxury watches were inspired by story universes such as Star Wars and Star Trek. To that end, we wanted to see what it might be like to have Star Wars watches produced by some of the more popular and “mainstream” luxury Swiss watch makers – which is the subject of this installment of “Watch What-If.”

Once again, the art and concepts are by Niklas Bergenstjerna – who worked with us to create these five fantasy Star Wars watches by Swiss watch brands you know. The idea is that the characters who inspired these watches might very likely actually wear them (if either were to exist). I hope that these fit into the almost religious “Star Wars canon.” Here are words directly from Mr. Bergenstjerna:

Omega Jedi-Master Watch: Yoda

Above, you’ll find a minimalistic classic watch for Jedi Master Yoda, that is ceramic and made to last for a very long time. No fuss, just the time in the Jedi-Master watches. Less is more. Though, an additional digital ”wood-cord-watch” is useful when leaving Dagobah for other places in the universe. The crest of the Jedi Council and Yoda’s personal crest are on the dial, and there is a classic Yoda quote on the bezel.

Watch What-If: Luxury Swiss Star Wars Watches Watch What-If

Bell & Ross Death & Star Pocket Watch – Darth Vader

Classic timepiece for an elderly villain, so Darth Vader gets a pocket watch. The watch has a Force detector, just in case your own abilities should fail. Design is inspired by the Death Star.

Watch What-If: Luxury Swiss Star Wars Watches Watch What-If

Hublot Big Bang Bounty Hunter – Boba Fett

A bold digital daily beater for the bounty hunter in need of keeping deadlines. Boba Fett would approve. The symbols in the center and the upper left corner are from Boba Fett’s armor: a Mandalorian crest and skull.

Watch What-If: Luxury Swiss Star Wars Watches Watch What-If

 Blancpain Naboo Watch – Queen Amidala

Queen Amidala’s make-up was the inspiration for the overall white design with details in red. The Naboo royal crest is in the center of the dial, along with details in lace.

Watch What-If: Luxury Swiss Star Wars Watches Watch What-If

Zenith Star Pilot Parsec – Han Solo

A transparent Zenith “modern” pilot watch with a Han Solo quote. Parsec meter subsidiary dial is for racing, and no need for a crown, since it’s adjusted by touch on the right side of the case. Large asteroid crater dial and Rebel Alliance strap.

Niklas Bergenstjerna is a freelance graphic designer and watch lover based in the south of Sweden. niklex.com

Replica Guide Trusted Dealers Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel 8 Jours Watch Hands-On


Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel 8 Jours Watch Hands-On Hands-On

For 2014, Blancpain introduced a brand new perpetual calendar watch with the Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Perpetual 8 Jours timepiece, and if you’ll pardon my language, it is pretty “baller.” How is a classy, high-end luxury watch with an elegant face something I would refer to as being a glitzy status watch, you ask? Well, assuming the wearer was known for their taste, I can’t think of anything else that communicates bold presence and prestige in a more timeless package. This is a baller watch for a guy who’d buy a new Cadillac if it was 1970, or for someone hanging out with Sinatra’s Rat Pack – especially on the solid gold bracelet.

At 42mm wide, in either 18k red gold or platinum, the Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel 8 Jours is perhaps subtle, but not humble. And that is what I am talking about in regard to the personality of this object. With its modern size and dedication to useful features, this is the type of timepiece I’d feel comfortable about investing in when wanting to spend mid-level Mercedes-Benz car money on a timepiece.

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel 8 Jours Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel 8 Jours Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Let’s go through a little laundry list of features a sales person might rattle off when explaining the virtues of this objet horloger as he “white gloves” it to you and clasps it on your wrist. First of all, Blancpain watches prices malaysia Replica is one of the Swatch Group’s prestige brands, up there with the likes of Breguet. That means a long history, a brand that isn’t going anywhere, and a name people know. I also happen to like that Jean-Claude Biver made the brand what it is today, before selling it to the Swatch Group – but that is a different story.

The watch itself comes in a finely made precious metal case, with a Grand Feu enamel dial. Rather than hard-to-push inset case adjusters, the Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel 8 Jours makes use of Blancpain’s very handy “under lug corrector” to adjust the calendar data. This makes the case cleaner looking, and the movement better to operate. The movement, made in-house at Blancpain’s Villeret facility, is an automatic and has a full eight days of power reserve. It also happens to include a complicated perpetual calendar.

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel 8 Jours Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel 8 Jours Watch Hands-On Hands-On

I don’t know about you, but for me, that makes for a nice list in a watch not only worth taking a strong look at, but also for something you’ll be wearing on a regular basis. Let’s face it, when it comes to convenience you want a perpetual calendar with automatic winding and a long power reserve. If the watch accidentally winds down, resetting everything is a pain. That is when you need to open up one of those moon phase websites and start counting and seeing if the moon phase indicator window matches the graphic on your screen.

The Blancpain caliber 5939A automatic movement is new, and is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback window. It is nicely decorated with an engraved automatic rotor. It has a modern look to it and feels like Blancpain dressed up a workhorse rather than make a “showpiece” movement that has limited functionality. I happen to like it, and the 379 part movement’s 192 hours of power reserve and clean dial layout are the most important elements for me.

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel 8 Jours Watch Hands-On Hands-On

He brought a radical innovation to the watchmaking industry by substituting the crown-wheel mechanism using a cylinder escapement. From the mid 19th century, the House of Blancpain became the most substantial enterprise in Villeret.The initial Blancpain automatic wristwatch was manufactured in 1926 and four years after, the manufacturer accommodated the system to watches of small size, and launched the rectangular “Rolls” that became the world’s first ladies’ automatic wristwatch.

Swiss Movement Replica Watches Blancpain Villeret Pulsometer Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On


Blancpain Villeret Pulsometer Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On Hands-On

The reason why the Blancpain Villeret Pulsometer Flyback Chronograph watch is worth knowing more about is because it is the first attempt by Blancpain to incorporate their new high-beat mechanical chronograph movement into a dress watch. This is an opportunity for movement lovers to enjoy Blancpain’s answer to Zenith’s El Primero movement in a more formal, versus sports, watch.

In focus here is the new for 2014 Blancpain watches of switzerland Replica in-house made and designed caliber F385, which debuted in the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph watch (hands-on here). As a sports watch guy, I was happy to see Blancpain including their exciting new movement in a Fifty Fathoms bathyscaphe as a new chronograph, but I know a lot of people are going to want to experience it in a dress watch, as part of Blancpain’s Villeret collection. We first covered the Blancpain Villeret Pulsometer Flyback Chronograph watch when we debuted it recently here.

Blancpain Villeret Pulsometer Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Villeret Pulsometer Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On Hands-On

You will most likely immediately notice that the dial layouts of the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph and the Blancpain Villeret Pulsometer Flyback Chronograph are a bit different. Blancpain merely decided to remove the running seconds hand above 6 o’clock to offer a cleaner, more simple layout on the Villeret model. So if you want to measure seconds on this watch, you’ll need to run the chronograph. Also, the space left open by the subsidiary seconds dial’s absence leaves room the date window, which feels more symmetrical being over 6 o’clock than between 4 and 5 o’clock, as it is on the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronograph model.

Interestingly enough, both the Blancpain Villeret Pulsometer Flyback Chronograph and Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe models have the same case size of 43.6mm wide. That works just fine for a sport watch, but not everyone likes larger dress watches, so that should be noted about the Villeret model. If you do like a bold, yet clean, classic look, then the Blancpain Villeret Pulsometer Flyback Chronograph is certainly worth looking at. While not a limited edition, the debut reference 6680F-3631-55B version of the Blancpain Villeret Pulsometer Flyback Chronograph will be available exclusively in 18k red gold.

Blancpain Villeret Pulsometer Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Blancpain Villeret Pulsometer Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On Hands-On

To keep things interesting, the otherwise polished bezel on the case is stepped – which actually helps reduce visual mass a bit. I like the shorter lugs and the elegant oval chronograph pushers. The rear of the case has an expansive sapphire crystal caseback, offering a view of the F358 automatic chronograph movement. Note the design of the strap deployant – which has a tension spring which allows it to snap into place when closed and open.

Not everyone is in love with Blancpain’s Villeret dress watch collection, but I have increasingly become a fan over the years. Blancpain made a conscious decision to make their dress watches appear just a bit different than most of what is on the market, so they employed leaf-style hands (often skeletonized) and a special font for the Roman numeral hour markers that is either a hit or miss with collectors. The dials are also white enamel – which is a step up from most others, which are lacquered white. While the hands are elegant, there is no lume and the skeletonization does have an effect on legibility. Having said that, most dress watches of this ilk aren’t going to be as purely legible as simple-dialed sports watches, and the Blancpain Villeret Pulsometer Flyback Chronograph isn’t really any less legible than most of its competition. Certainly something easy to live with and rely upon.

Mechanically, these Villeret watches are perhaps the simplest things you may get from Blancpain. Here would be the in-house made caliber 15B manually wound movements that have twenty hours of power reserve. What can I say about them? Well, they are wide, which is fine, and quite flat with just 2.2mm of depth. That isn’t record breaking, but it is nice. There’s also a good quantity of finishing, just in a really pragmatic sense.On the dial, the 15B movement only provides the time with minutes and hours. At 8.30mm thick the cases feel nice and bold about the wrist. This is precisely what you want out of a bit such as this because it’s all about showing off the dial. There’s not any other reason to wear these watches. It’s similar to wearing a little painting onto your hand.As someone who rather relishes in the idea of sporting art like this on a watch, I truly enjoyed wearing the Blancpain watches prices in pakistan Replica Villeret Shakudo models. If you find one using a dial that is significant to you and these are the degree of watches you collect, then I think you’ll really enjoy them.

Blancpain Villeret Pulsometer Flyback Chronograph Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Replica Watches Free Shipping Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Watch In Ceramic For 2015 Hands-On


Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Watch In Ceramic For 2015 Hands-On Hands-On

Having a well-established brand in the world of watchmaking is often enough to shift new products. When that brand is primarily associated with an iconic model referenced by said new products, you can all but bank on a favourable reception. 2015 sees the release of the Blancpain Bathyscaphe in ceramic. This material update brings the Blancpain Bathyscaphe, originally designed to be the Fifty Fathoms’ kid brother, screaming into the modern market. Given that Blancpain is owned by the Swatch Group – a conglomerate with considerable experience in the field of ceramics exemplified by the new Omega Speedmasters and the ever-present ceramic stalwart Rado – we should expect good things. So does the Blancpain Bathyscaphe live up to the hype? Have Blancpain managed to evolve the much loved DNA of the Fifty Fathoms into something that balances the old and the new, or have they messed-up a classic formula?

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Watch In Ceramic For 2015 Hands-On Hands-On

The Are blancpain watches good Replica Bathyscaphe is inextricably linked to the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, which was a trailblazer in its day. ISO 6425, the modern standard for dive watches since 1996, was visibly informed by the marriage of features and novelties first seen in the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. Before its release, no one had ever seen a unidirectional bezel. Along with that (essential) feature, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms featured water resistance to (surprise, surprise) 50 fathoms (about 90 meters), automatic winding, double O-ring gaskets on the crown, and luminous markers and hands, most notably the seconds hand, which acts as a running indicator. It was not born as a luxury item, but as a genuine tool. The result of a 1953 collaboration between Blancpain CEO Jean-Jaques Fiechter (who ran the company between 1950 and 1980), and French combat divers Captain Robert “Bob” Maloubier and Lieutenant Claude Riffaud, the 42mm master-stroke went on to sire an entirely new design principle that is now as comfortable in the boardroom as it is on the sea bed. If you’d like to learn more about the history of dive watches, check out this article.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Watch In Ceramic For 2015 Hands-On Hands-On

One of its closest descendants in terms of genetics if not appearance is the Blancpain villeret watch snob Replica Bathyscaphe. First released in the late Fifties and re-imagined for Baselworld 2013, the Bathyscaphe aimed to capitalise on fans of the Fifty Fathoms and to attract new purchasers. The Blancpain Bathyscaphe does not look like a scaled down version of its forerunner, and were it not for some subtle design nods and a pointed marketing campaign referencing this new incarnation’s heritage, it would not appear related. It does, however, tick all of the boxes as a dive watch and is a serious, if less blunt instrument.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Watch In Ceramic For 2015 Hands-On Hands-On

The Blancpain watch parts Replica Bathyscaphe could be used as an underwater timer, but it isn’t really meant to be. For starters, it has a glass back, which although not preventing it from reaching a very impressive 300 meters of water resistance, is not a common feature on serious dive tools, as any exposed gasket provides more of a risk of water ingress than a closed case back. The watch is anti-magnetic but is clearly devoid of a Faraday protection plate. It manages this aesthetically pleasing omission by utilising a silicon balance spring. Not only is silicon appealing for its anti-magnetic properties, but its molecular stability is exceptional. It is highly resistant to deformation when exposed to extreme temperatures. The only downside to silicon in this role is its brittleness. Where a classic Nivrox balance spring will bend, one made of silicon could break. It is uncommon for this to happen, though, and would require quite a serious shock to the case. In regards to the ceramic version, it is probably more likely that a shock significant enough to break the balance spring, would chip the case first.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Watch In Ceramic For 2015 Hands-On Hands-On

Therein lies the problem with ceramic. It is an attractive material, smooth and organic in appearance, comfortable to wear, and atmospherically resistant in composition, but brittle and irreparable when damaged. There is no sensible way to fix a ceramic case once it’s been damaged due to the manufacturing process (cases start life much larger than they are on the wrist, before being “shrunk” during the finishing process). For this desirable material, every wound is effectively fatal. It’s a great shame that ceramic has this inherent weakness, as it is otherwise ideal for the rigours of diving.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Watch In Ceramic For 2015 Hands-On Hands-On

For all those who think ceramic is an awesome new material that offers hitherto unseen aesthetic possibilities in watchmaking, there are just as many (perhaps more) that dislike it for its somewhat “cheap” appearance, its brazen modernity, its susceptibility to irreversible damage, and, however speculatively, its unknown capacity to hold value over time.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Watch In Ceramic For 2015 Hands-On Hands-On

And this is not a small watch. The case measure 43.6mm excluding the crown, and the lugs are spaced a very generous 23mm apart. There are two strap options available with the Blancpain new watches Replica Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Ceramic: either a sailcloth pin buckle variant, or the choice of a webbing NATO. One common criticism of NATO straps is that they make the watch stand up very proud on the wrist. Fortunately for fans of the wrap-around strap, this watch is only 13.6mm thick, thanks in large part to the slimness of the movement, which measures just 5.65mm. Now, 13.6mm is not amazingly slim, but given the width to height ratio, the watch appears light and elegant. One major difference from the Fifty Fathoms is the low-profile ceramic bezel with liquid metal numbers sported by the Blancpain Bathyscaphe. Despite being a large watch itself, it does look positively contained in comparison to the egregious Fifty Fathoms.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Watch In Ceramic For 2015 Hands-On Hands-On

Mechanically, these Villeret watches are perhaps the simplest things you may purchase from Blancpain. Here would be the in-house made caliber 15B manually wound motions which have forty hours of power reserve. What can I say about these? They are wide, which can be nice, and rather flat with just 2.2mm of thickness. That is not record breaking, but it is nice. There is also a fantastic amount of finishing, only in a very pragmatic sense.On that the dial, the 15B movement just offers the time with hours and minutes. At 8.30mm thick that the cases feel nice and bold on the wrist. This is exactly what you want out of a bit like this because it’s all about displaying the dial. There’s not any other reason to put on these watches. It’s like wearing a little painting onto your hand.As someone who rather relishes in the idea of sporting art like this on a watch, I truly enjoyed wearing the Blancpain Villeret Shakudo models. If you find one with a dial that is significant to you and these would be the degree of watches you collect, then I think you’ll really love them. Cost for all the Blancpain Villeret Shakudo watches is $160,600.

Another way in which the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe reveals its self-confident independence from its famous relative, is the design of the hour markers. Relatively small, inlaid dots filled with high-quality luminant mark the hours, with 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock flagged by wedge-shaped markers with a thin strip of lume down the middle. The sweeping bevelled lugs are a thing of beauty. The whole profile of this watch is professional and pleasing to the eye, especially the crown, which is a good size and stamped with the Blancpain initial logo.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Watch In Ceramic For 2015 Hands-On Hands-On

The calibre 1315 is an in-house Blancpain movement that has featured in the Fifty Fathoms range for some time. With 120 hours power reserve, the 35-jewelled engine keeps this watch ticking in extreme conditions and, thanks to the glass case back, engraved rotor, and traditional frosted finish performs just as ably under the scrutinising eye of would-be admirers. When this watch was first released, it was priced as an entry-level Fifty Fathoms model. With these material advancements, that is no longer really the case. It is still cheaper, but by most standards, it now bears a luxury price tag to compete with its more established peer. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe ceramic model has a price of $12,860, while the rose gold version comes in at $25,200 on the stitched sail cloth, and $26,810 on the NATO. If you’re wondering why the NATO strap is $1,610 more than the standard strap, look no further than the rose gold retainers, that certainly add a bit of sparkle to a strap made of web – an odd combination and a clear indictment of the times: this watch is more likely to see action in the city than the sea, but that doesn’t stop it from doing a job and doing it well. blancpain.com