Archive for June, 2009
La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle Earn World Heritage Site Status
Swiss watchmaking centers La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle have been named UNESCO World Heritage sites. The neighboring towns, with populations of about 37,000 and 10,000 respectively, are located in the canton of Neuchâtel. Many leading watch brands have headquarters or manufacturing facilities in the area, including TAG Heuer, Breitling, Girard-Perregaux, Ulysse Nardin, Corum, Ebel, Patek Philippe, Cartier, and Jaquet Droz. La Chaux-de-Fonds is also home to the Musée International d’Horlogerie, curated by well-known watchmaker Ludwig Oechslin, creator of Ulysse Nardin’s Trilogy series and GMT Perpetual, among others.
Jaeger-LeCoultre: Master Grande Ultra Thin in Black
Jaeger-LeCoultre is launching a new Master Grande Ultra Thin with a black dial. It is being delivered to retailers as this is written. The 40mm Master Grande Ultra Thin is powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 896 with small seconds, which belongs to the 899 generation of new movements. Made up of 242 parts, it measures only 3.98 mm thick, and it incorporates the features of the brand’s new automatic calibers: the variable-inertia balance ensuring the constancy of the rate and enhanced sturdiness; ceramic ball-bearing mechanisms requiring no lubrication or maintenance; and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
A Rose Gold by Any Other Name…
An oft-discussed topic among watch aficionados – and one that arises for us reporters each year during Basel and Geneva – is what differentiates rose gold from pink gold from red gold. I’ve been looking into how the brands use these terms, and this year, as in the past, the answers I come away with are: Everything. Or nothing. Clear?
Franc Vila’s Unique Piece for Only Watch
Franc Vila unveils his unique piece for the Only Watch auction: the first fully black watch in the “Cobra” collection. Cobra timepieces are created for aficionados of extreme sports. Built to withstand dives to 300 meters, the Cobra line was conceived for intense water activities. The automatic movement provides chronograph and big date functions.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Launches Reverso Squadra Lady
Two years after the advent of the Reverso Squadra for men, Jaeger-LeCoultre presents a collection dedicated to women. The boldly styled Reverso Squadra Lady offers two faces, a fast and easy to use strap-change system, a wide array of materials, a classic design and the sparkle of diamonds. There are two lines with two case sizes: a smaller feminine size and a more generously proportioned model that will appeal to women wishing to sport a watch that catches the eye at first glance.
Parmigiani Celebrates New Film “It Might Get Loud”
On June 24 Parmigiani Fleurier hosted an after party following the Los Angeles premiere of Sony Pictures Classics’ rock and roll film documentary “It Might Get Loud,” featuring guitar legends Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White. Parmigiani was involved with past Sony Pictures Classics films including “Rachel Getting Married” and “Jane Austen Book Club.” Most recently, Parmigiani presented Sony Pictures Classics co-presidents Tom Bernard and Michael Barker with timepieces in recognition of their ongoing partnership at a celebration Parmigiani hosted in honor of Sony’s five Academy Award nominations.
25 Arrested in Harry Winston Paris Robbery
The Associated Press is reporting that French police arrested 25 suspects in connection with last year’s multi-million dollar robbery at Harry Winston jewelers in Paris. Police recovered some of the stolen watches, rings and necklaces, as well as shoulder weapons and $345,000 in cash. The robbers, some dressed as women and wearing wigs, had grabbed $118 million worth of loot a few weeks before Christmas at the store on a fashionable street off the Champs-Elysees. The robbery lasted only a few minutes.
Inside Basel/Geneva 2009 Debuts in San Francisco
Inside Basel/Geneva 2009 got off to a great start in San Francisco Tuesday night June 23. A sell-out crowd of almost 150 watch collectors and enthusiasts from as far away as Illinois, Oregon and Washington gathered at the upscale City Club for an evening of shared passion and enjoyment. Guests began arriving ahead of the 6 p.m. start time for an opportunity to see the latest creations from San Francisco sponsors Lange, IWC, Vacheron Constantin, Piaget, Carl F. Bucherer and Montblanc. Guests were also able to meet Antiquorum’s Charles Tearle and to view watches that will be offered in upcoming auctions. Several attendees brought pieces from their personal collections to share.
Seiko Sportura Kinetic Direct Drive
For 2009 Seiko has re-engineered the Sportura collection. Familiar elements like black dials, anti-reflective sapphire crystals and red and orange accents remain, but the designs have been refined. The collection includes 9 new creations using quartz and Kinetic calibers. The Kinetic Direct Drive model shown here is the leading model in the line.
Panerai Luminor Chrono Daylight 44mm Titanium
Panerai’s Luminor Chrono Daylight 44mm Titanium is the latest descendent of the legendary Luminor. The distinctive case shape and lever bridge are retained, but otherwise, new features abound. The watch is fitted with a C.O.S.C.-certified automatic movement, caliber OP XII, with 27 jewels, decorated oscillating weight and bridges, a 46 hour power reserve, and Incabloc shock protection.
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Stallone Wears Panerai Luminor Regatta in The Expendables
Girard-Perregaux 1966 Perpetual Calendar
SIHH: IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph
WOW TIME: Parmigiani Bugatti Super Sport
Breitling's Chronomat B01 With Manufacture Movement
Money Shot: IWC Lands Two Starring Roles in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
New Manufacture Movement Powers Calibre de Cartier
Celebrity Watches by Vincent Daveau: Tracking Trendsetters Through Time
