Archive for August, 2009
Snapshots From a Recession
This is the time of year when market analysts release holiday shopping forecasts. Come along as we take a look at three important reports released recently. One focuses on global consumer confidence, one on the state of the USA retail trade, and one on retailer holiday plans. Sprinkle in comments from a leading watch brand CEO on the state of the economy and how his brand has been affected, and the future comes into focus.
Only Watch Preview at Tourneau NY September 10-12
Watch collectors and aficionados will have an opportunity to preview the 34 one-of-a-kind timepieces being offered at Only Watch 2009 during an exhibition at the Tourneau Time Machine in New York September 10-12. Only Watch is a biannual auction held during the Monaco Yacht Show under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II. The world’s leading watch brands donate unique and first-in-a-series “Only Watches”, and the timepieces are auctioned by Patrizzi & Co. with all proceeds going to support research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a childhood disease.
Breitling Launches Chronomat B01 iPhone App
Breitling has created an application for the iPhone 3.0 and iPod touch designed to provide a detailed functional presentation of its latest chronograph, the Chronomat B01. The application provides a complete overview of the watch including a precise description, technical data, a portfolio, a video and 360° views. The application is also equipped with a unique configurator that allows you to visualize hundreds of possible customized versions of the model which is available in steel, steel and gold, or all gold, and with 18 different dials. A point-of-sale locator lets you find your nearest authorized Breitling retailer.
Reborn Halda Watch Co. to Send Timepiece Into Space
Swedish manufacturer Halda Watch Co. has announced that ESA astronaut Christer Fuglesang will wear a new watch called the Halda Space Discovery during a trip aboard the shuttle Discovery, currently scheduled to launch on August 28. The watch was developed with Fuglesang to meet an astronaut’s requirements, and the trip into space is part of the development process. The watch – to be produced in a limited edition of 128 pieces – will go on sale in December.
Hublot Joins Team Alinghi for 2010 America’s Cup Defense
Hublot and Alinghi announced yesterday that Hublot has committed to support Alinghi’s campaign in the 33rd America’s Cup. Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver (photo right) joined Alinghi team president Ernesto Bertarelli at Alinghi’s training base in Genoa, Italy for the announcement. Alinghi will defend against the challenger, Larry Ellison’s BMW Oracle yacht, in the waters off Ras al-Khaimah, UAE, beginning on February 8, 2010.
New Lange 31 in Pink Gold
Lange is introducing a new pink gold version of the 31, the first mechanical watch to achieve a power reserve of 31 days. The movement is powered by two stacked mainspring barrels, each with a spring that is slightly more than 6 feet long. A constant-force escapement between the twin mainspring barrels and the going train assures that the balance receives an identical amount of energy every ten seconds, regardless of the state of wind of the springs.
Another Record Year for COSC in 2008
After setting records in 2006 and 2007, the Contrôle officiel suisse des chronomètres (COSC) once again issued a record number of attestations in 2008 with 1,599,588, an increase of +8.6% over the 2007 results. The number of timepieces submitted rose by 10.6% to 1,676,515. Of these, 1,536,950 were awarded to mechanical movements and 62,638 went to quartz calibers, with the large majority of the latter (56,224) going to Breitling products.
A Boom for the Budget-Minded: Watches Under $1000
Times are tough. But, contrary to what you might think, a tight watch budget doesn’t mean taking a pass on a mechanical movement. With the fall selling season dawning, there’s a fresh crop of under-$1,000 mechanical watches now in stores or soon to be there: the biggest batch, at least it seems to us, since the mechanical revival began.
Movado Artists’ Series – Kenny Scharf Watches
Launched in 1987, The Movado Artists’ Series was a natural evolution for a company whose watches are included in the collections of some of the world’s leading museums. The Artists’ Series is composed of commissioned, limited edition timepieces designed by leading artists. Those who have created watches to date include Andy Warhol, Max Bill and James Rosenquist. Movado now introduces the newest Artists’ Series entry – a suite of six colorful, whimsical dial designs by Brooklyn-based American artist Kenny Scharf.
Blancpain CEO Marc Hayek Takes Podium at Silverstone
Blancpain CEO Marc Hayek and driving partner Peter Kox drove their Lamborghini Gallardo to another win in the Super Trofeo auto racing series at the historic Silverstone (UK) road course last weekend. The fourth event in the series took place within the context of the British F3/GT Championship. Renowned for its varied race course enabling top speeds of 190+ mph, Silverstone welcomes all kinds of competitions throughout the year including the MotoGP, Superbike and World Aerobatic championships.
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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
