Breitling Bentley Carbon Watch

Breitling unveil new timepieces at Baselworld 2013

Joe Leigh —  April 29, 2013 — Leave a comment

Baselworld has had a complete makeover for its 2013 event. With a completely new hall, layout and appearance, it’s the biggest ever investment in this jewellery and watch exhibition. This is not the only thing that’s new however the brands of course have been unveiling their latest collections and one of the most stand-out pieces so far are the new collections by Breitling.
The pre-Baselworld rumours about Breitling predicted more mainstream versions of the Breitling for Bentley watches because of the fact that it celebrates its 10 year anniversary this year, an automotive themed piece and an ultra-thin dive or pilot watch.
The rumours were 50 per cent correct, Breitling did announce a new Breitling for Bentley and there is also a new Breitling Emergency II, suitable for flying.

Breitling for Bentley Light body Midnight Carbon 

Breitling Bentley Carbon Watch

Breitling Bentley Carbon Watch

To mark their 10-year anniversary with Bentley, Breitling has unveiled at Baselworld 2013 a batch of four car-inspired chronographs. The model is all-black and ultra-light thanks to its titanium chassis and carbon-based coating.

There are two Breitling-specific markings on the dial: the 30-second central chronograph hand with eighth-of-a-second readings and the variable tachymeter to measure average speeds. The watch has a rubber strap that imitates the radiator grilles of the Bentley. It features the Calibre 25B automatic movement and is of course COSC certified. It is expected to retail around £8,930.

 

Breitling Emergency II

Breitling Emergency II Antenna

Breitling Emergency II Antenna

The Breitling Emergency II is the watch that has caught the attention of the media. Breitling has attempted to address perceived weaknesses of its original model, at the same time as adding additional features to make it a stronger overall.
The original Breitling Emergency had a 121.5MHz transmitter that had a range of 90 nautical miles (167 km) by search aircraft flying at 20,000 feet (6,000 m). However, if it was activated outside such conditions, the range would be considerably shorter. Also the Emergency didn’t have adequate power to send a signal up to a satellite. It therefore relied upon nearby search and rescue teams. Therefore the claim of it being a global distress solution was a little farfetched.

The new Emergency II model has a new digital frequency of 406MHz. This is an altogether more enhanced mechanism to ensure security by giving more information to rescuers to determine your location. This frequency also allows the launch of a distress signal directly into space which reaches the network of low orbit or geostationary satellites. In other words, it can now reach anywhere on earth and is much more effective.
It works by twisting off the transmitter cap and pulling the antennae out from both sides of the case. The watch then omits a distress signal alternating between the 121.5MHz analogue signal and the 406MHz digital signal, for up to 24 hours. There is even an emergency battery charging station that is available that allows users to top up, and test at the same time, all functions of the watch.

Because of the technology used, this watch isn’t a mechanical watch. It is a Breitling quartz chronograph in a 51mm titanium case, (bigger than the original version at 43mm). It does become a mechanical watch however when you activate the emergency beacon.
The movement inside is the Breitling Caliber 76, is of course officially certified chronometer by the COSC with thermocompensated SuperQuartz. It has a 12/24-hour analog an LCD digital display, battery end-of-life indicator, 1/100th second chronograph, timer, 2nd timezone and multilingual calendar.

The new Emergency Breitling II comes in three dial colours: black, orange, and yellow, with a rubber strap or a matching titanium bracelet.

In Baselworld, Breitling , ,
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Day-Date-118395BR

The time has come for Rolex to unveil their 2013 collection

Joe Leigh —  April 26, 2013 — Leave a comment

2013 Baselworld has finally arrived! And it doesn’t disappoint.  Optimism buzzes around the room about the buoyant Swiss watch industry and the unveiling of the new, redesigned Baselworld venue.  There are some amazing watches too, and as always Rolex lead the way.

The Green and Cream exhibition stand showcasing the new Rolex collections at Baselworld 2013 stands tall in the new exhibition centre.  However its what’s inside that counts and as ever, Rolex has produced some horology marvels.  Although there are no completely new models, there are six additions to their collection, and theme appears to be colour!

Cosmograph Daytona 116506

Cosmograph Daytona 116506

Cosmograph Daytona 116506

Rolex has unveiled a new prestigious version of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona. It is the same emblematic model that was launched in 1963, which is exactly 50 years ago this year.

This new Cosmograph Daytona is for the very first time crafted entirely in 950 platinum.  This material is of course the most respected of precious metals. It features a unique and beautiful chestnut brown monobloc Cerachrom bezel in ceramic and also a new ice blue dial.

The Cosmograph Daytona is characterised by its Cerachrom ceramic bezel with a tachymetric scale.  This watch lends itself perfectly to measuring average speeds of up to 400 miles or kilometres per hour.

GMT Master II 116710BLNR

GMT Master II 116710BLNR

GMT Master II 116710BLNR

The Rolex that has attracted the most press is the new Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II.  It is 904L steel, with a rotatable bezel.  The new feature is a dual colour ceramic Cerachrom insert bezel (the first time Rolex have incorporated this) in blue and black colour which represents both day and night.  This is the first time Rolex has ever showcased this distinct colour.

The rest of the specifications mimic the other Oyster Perpetual GMT Master II’s: a 40mm case, screw-down, Triplock triple waterproofness winding crown, black laquer dial, and of course an a self-winding mechanical movement developed and manufactured in entirety by Rolex.

 

Yacht Master II 116680

The original Yachtmaster II was launched at Baselworld 2007.  It was initially only available in yellow or white gold however they went on to release a two-tone version, and last year they updated the original Yachtmaster.

Baselworld 2013 is a different story as Rolex has unveiled the Rolex Yachtmaster II in stainless steel with a Cerachrom bezel insert in (again) blue ceramic.  This is quite a surprising move as the Yachtmaster II is one of Rolex’s most complicated watches.

The Yacht Master II is of course designed for professional skippers as well as yachting enthusiasts because of its precision, functions and reliability.  The 44mm Oyster case has a self-winding mechanical regatta movement.  One of its most distinctive features is the programmable countdown function within the bezel.

Rolex Day Date 118138

Rolex Day Date 118138

Day Date 118138

Rolex has unveiled a whole new series of colourful Oyster Perpetual Day Dates. There are six new colours in total and three different gold cases.  Colour choices include green or cognac matched with yellow gold, blue or cherry with white gold, and chocolate or rhodium for the Averroes models.

Rolex has likely launched these new Day-Date models to reflect the current popularity of the leather strap. Each new model has a matching coloured strap that accents the dial.  This is quite a departure for Rolex who are usually more conservative with designs.

The rest of the Day-Date remains the same, 36mm diameter and powered by the calibre 3155 automatic COSC movement with day and date displays.

 

datejust-pearlmaster-80285

Datejust Pearlmaster 80285

Lady-Datejust Pearlmaster 80285

The most dazzling of the entire Rolex collection also has a new addition.  The Lady-Datejust Pearlmaster has a new diamond and Everose gold combination model.

This watch combines the most precious materials with a wonderful gem setting.  The case and bracelet are 18 ct Everose gold, and the bezel and bracelet links are 18 ct white gold and exquisitely set with sparkling diamonds.

Of course the dial still features its unique black or white mother-of-pearl and a lotus flower motif in a pink-gold tone.

 

 

 

Day-Date-118395BR

Day Date 118395BR

Day Date 118395BR

Dial making and traditional gem setting is being honoured by Rolex with the launch of a selection of new Oyster Perpetual Day Date models.  The models, unveiled at Baselworld, are gold with diamonds, mother-of-pearl and fine coloured gemstones.

The bespoke feature of the new Day-Date models is their sophisticated dials produced in-house by Rolex dial makers. The bezels are also set with baguette-cut diamonds.

There are also two exclusive creations which highlight the stunning mother-of-pearl.  The mother-of-pearl carousel dial displays an openwork design hour ring in 18 ct white gold set.  It contains 217 diamonds encrusted with pink or white mother-of-pearl and engraved with a floral motif.

Baselworld 2013 is open 25th April until 2nd May.

In Baselworld, Rolex
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Rolex and TAG Heuer Anniversaries At Baselworld 2013

Oliver Carding —  April 22, 2013 — Leave a comment

Baselworld is the most important date in the watch-industry’s calendar.  However brands Rolex and TAG Heuer have something extra to celebrate – the anniversaries of their most popular models, the Rolex Daytona and the TAG Heuer.

Rolex

As well as debuting new collections at Baselworld 2013, Rolex will be celebrating 50 years of its popular Daytona range.  The Daytona was launched in 1963 to meets the needs of the racing community because precise time keeping was essential.

Rolex went on to produce another collection in the 1980’s, and was created using a Zenith modified movement.  This movement is from the infamous Zenith “El Primero” collection and was bought by Rolex for its unrivalled accuracy.

Although nothing official has been confirmed by Rolex regarding this anniversary, rumours are rife that they will launch a new stainless steel model in a larger stainless steel case (42 mm).  The largest size of Rolex Daytona is currently 40 mm.

The other rumour emerging is that the crown guard which currently protects the crown and chronograph pushers from undue shock, will be replaced with a black Cerachrome tachymeter bezel.

TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer has also a big anniversary to celebrate at this year’s Baselworld 2013.  They will be celebrating 50 years of their famous Carrera model.

Another racing-inspired timekeeping device, this watch was designed by Jack Heuer in 1963.  It was named after the famous Carrera Panamericana Mexico road race.  The device contained many 1960’s influences including modernism and Pop Art culture.

The Carrera was revitalised in 2010 for TAG Heuer’s 150th anniversary and it was re-engineered in-house to create the Calibre 1887 Chronograph.  However it is still very much up for speculation what TAG Heuer might do to celebrate Carreras 50th anniversary.

Baselworld opens on Thursday, April 25 2013.

In Rolex
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New Omega Ladymatic timepieces to be launched at Baselworld 2013

Joe Leigh —  April 8, 2013 — Leave a comment

The Omega Ladymatic range was originally launched  in 1955 and is significant thanks to the fact that it was one of the first watches that Omega created for women.  Since then, this watch has gone from strength to strength and the company is celebrating this by launching a new range of Ladymatics at Baselworld 2013.

The luxury Swiss Omega Ladymatic has evolved since it was first launched however Omega has always been careful to base new designs on its original characteristics.  This recipe has proven so successful that in 2010 Omega chose A-list actress Nicole Kidman to front the range.

The new Ladymatic collection will be debuted at this year’s Baselworld and will display some of the same characteristics of its descendants, combined with some striking new features.  They will embrace the original elegant and timeless design with pioneering technology.

The Baselworld watch fair in Basel, Switzerland is the most important annual event in the watch industry calendar.  Every mover and shaker in the industry will attend this event to showcase the latest in watch designs.  The press will also be out in force therefore it is the perfect occasion for Omega to launch this new collection.

The new Omega Ladymatic range will have a 34mm polished stainless steel case.  It will display a black, white or rose ceramic between the decorative wave and inner case-body.  Each timepiece will feature either a matching satin-brushed leather strap or a polished stainless steel bracelet.

The dial is particularly notable given its 11 diamond-set indexes in facetted 18K white gold diamond-shaped holders.  It also displays polished 18K white gold hour minute and seconds hands and the hour hands are coated with white Super-LumiNova.  This design also features a domed, scratch- resistant sapphire crystal which has an anti-reflective treatment on both sides in order to protect the dial.

The diamond found on the screw-in crown is described as “Brilliant Omega Cut” and is complemented by a choice of either a dazzling bezel with diamonds, or a polished stainless steel bezel.

The real engine of this timepiece is the Co-Axial calibre 8520.  This is an officially certified chronometer fitted with Si14 silicon balance spring and a Co-Axial escapement including three levels. The watch is water resistant to 100 metres/ 330 feet.  The case-back of each piece offers a clear view of the OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 8520 inside.

The new Omega Ladymatic collection will be on display at Baselworld from April 25th – May 2nd 2013.

In Baselworld, Omega
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Why Rolex Deserves Its Impenetrable Reputation

Oliver Carding —  March 15, 2013 — Leave a comment

Rolex is consistently voted top or one of the top brands in every ‘super-brand’ league published.  It was voted number one ‘Top Consumer Super brands’ by The Centre for Brand Analysis this year, 2013.  It is also the default luxury watch brand that men and women consistently turn to.  However we all forget the reason that this brand became so successful in the first place, because of its impeccable and precise timekeeping.

The Vision

Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf.  He was ambitious in his drive for success and started out taking movements and placing them in glass cases.  He chose the name Rolex so that it could be pronounced in different languages all over the world.

The movements evolved into pocket watches but Wilsdorf envisaged a watch worn on the wrist. Although there were already wristwatches, they were considered to be items of jewellery primarily for women and not very reliable.

Therefore Wilsdorf sourced very small, very precise movements manufactured by a Swiss watchmaking company in Bienne.  He then placed them in gold and silver wristwatches and set out to persuade the public of their reliability.  They began to catch interest of modern sporty and successful men and women.

Chronometric Precision

Hans Wilsdorf was an ambitious man, therefore his quest for chronometric precision did not stop here.  He decided to submit the Rolex wristwatch to official quality-control organizations for testing its accuracy and precision.

Consequently in 1910, the Rolex timepiece was awarded the first ever official Swiss certificate granted to a wristwatch by the Official Watch Rating Centre in Bienne: the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision, i.e. the COSC.

The COSC is still recognised internationally as the symbol of precise timekeeping and accuracy.

This award was followed in 1914 by an award from the Kew Observatory in Great Britain for a class “A” precision certificate for the Rolex timepiece, an award that had been reserved exclusively for marine chronometers until this point.  Rolex had well and truly established itself as a serious timekeeper.

Continuous quest for improvement

Rolex have never stopped their quest for timekeeping perfection.  In 1926 they introduced their waterproof watch, in 1931 their Oyster self-winding movement (which replaced manual self-winding).

To manufacture a Rolex timepiece and take it to market today, the timepiece will be checked by more than 200 horologists.  Every single will travel through a high-tech audit of quality-control checks as every dial, bezel and winder is checked for scratches, dust and any hint of imperfection.

Timepieces are even passed through an air-pressure chamber to certify that every watch is waterproof to a depth of 330 feet.  Every aspect of the watch is scrutinised before it acquires official Rolex certification and is dispatched from Geneva.

Thanks to this unforgiving process Rolex’s production is approximately only 650,000 watches a year.  However you can guarantee that every single one of these delivers Hans Wilsdorf’s objective:  the most precise and accurate timepiece.

View our range of Rolex Watches

In Rolex
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IWC IW377701 Review

Joe Leigh —  March 4, 2013 — Leave a comment

The IW377701 is part of the largest and most popular collection of timepieces designed to meet the needs of pilots.  IWC or International Watch Company have been delivering luxury Swiss timepieces since 1868.  The first collection of watches designed to meet the needs of pilots was designed in 1936 therefore the design and accuracy of these timepieces are perfectly honed.  This makes the model one of the most precise timepieces available.

IWC IW377701

Pilot Specifications

IWC have been producing Pilot’s timepieces for professional use for over 70 years.  Therefore they are well versed in knowing and understanding the difficult conditions that these timepieces must withstand.

For example, watches in this collection are protected by convex sapphire glass with ‘antireflective’ coatings on each side which is secured against displacement by a drop in air pressure. In addition to this, the watches also feature soft-iron inner-cases which sheild the movements against magnetic fields. All timepieces also offer water-resistance up to 60 meters (200 feet).

Therefore the watch is incredibly strong and robust and can withstand the most challenging conditions.  This makes this watch perfect for aviation experts or indeed anyone with hobbies or careers in extreme conditions.

Continual Improvement

IWC Pilot watches have been continually improved since the 1930’s.  They have been constantly redesigned and tested against extreme conditions to improve the accuracy and robustness of the watches.

The timepiece is a product of this constant improvement therefore it truly is an ‘impeccable timekeeper.’ The movements and complications of this watch are simply unrivalled.

The IW377701 Pilot Chronograph 43mm

This watch is the strongest aviation timepiece available.  It is powered by the robust Caliber 79320 mechanical chronograph movement and has a self-winding function, a stopwatch with aggregate timing up to 12 hours and it also shows the day and date.

This movement delivers 44 hours of power and is crafted on 25 jewels.  This movement is found in several IWC chronograph watches such as the Ingenieur Double Chronograph Titanium and the Aquatimer Chronograph.  Its accuracy is frightening given the movement beats at an astonishing 28,800 vibrations per hour.

All IWC Pilot watches including this watch have a soft iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields.  The IW377701 43mm is also protected by a case crafted from stainless steel.

The case is 43 mm in diameter and 15mm in thickness and features a screw-in crown and two chronograph push buttons situated on the right-hand side of the case. This chronograph is protected on both sides by convex sapphire glasses and antireflective coatings.

Therefore it is an incredibly robust watch and gives you real peace of mind that no matter what conditions you are working in, your watch will adapt to these conditions and continue to guide you.

The Aesthetic

The overall look of this timepiece not only fits the brief in terms of being aviation-orientated, but it also looks stunning too.  Typically, IWC use large dials for their pilot watches and the 377701 is no exception.  Ironically it features a striking chapter ring and propeller-like hands. The watch is constructed from stainless steel material and features a black alligator leather strap with a classic pin buckle in steel.

The colour of the dial is black with white hour markers which are a striking contrast and makes the time easy to read. The hour markers are located at the quarter hour, and the 12 o’clock position arrowhead is filled with luminous materials.

The dial features three sub-dials the date and day is displayed at the 3 o’clock position. The dials denote:

  • Measuring 12 hours
  • Measuring 30 minutes
  • A small second sub-dial with red sub-dial hand (at the 9 o’clock position)

There is also a ‘cockpit-styled’ day aperture and vertical triple date window displayed at the 3 o’clock position.

Overall this is a truly beautiful timepiece.  The black leather strap is very classy and timeless therefore this watch will never age.  The stainless steel and black dial is a very masculine look, strong and determined, and adds to the aesthetic of this timepiece that will always be relevant.

In IWC
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Watches which made a splash at the Oscars 2013

Joe Leigh —  March 2, 2013 — Leave a comment

There is no place better than the glitzy, glamorous Oscars ceremony for trend spotting.  While the rest of the world’s press anticipated the beautiful dresses and suits adoring tinsel towns best, we at Watch Harbour were of course looking out for the watches.  And we were not disappointed.

The phase ‘something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue,’ best sums up our findings.

Something Old

For once, the ladies didn’t let us down.  Now it goes without saying that women are advised against wearing watches of any description to a formal engagement, however we are glad to report one lady chose to ignore this tradition, none other than 86-year-old French acting legend Emmanuelle Riva.

Emmanuelle Riva was at the event because she starred in the best foreign-language film nominee, Amour.  However it was the stunning, Jaeger-LeCoultre Duoplan Joaillerie vintage timepiece she wore that caught the attention of the press.  This beautiful timepiece is a real work of art, Art Déco in style, white gold and diamond in material.

Something New

There were a number of newcomers that were showcased on the red carpet.

Hugh Jackman, nominated for best actor for his role in Les Misérables, wore a lovely white gold Piaget Altiplano timepiece.  Its most distinguishing feature is the ultra-thin depth, which is so thin that is officially the thinnest automatic timepiece ever.

In fact Piaget made quite a splash at this year’s Oscars event given that both presenters Mark Ruffalo and Paul Rudd also wore its timepieces.  Ruffalo opted for the ‘on-trend’ rose gold Altiplano model by Piaget, while Rudd stuck to the fail-safe white gold version.

Even actor Jamie Foxx, chose a Piaget timepiece, the Protocole XXL, which actually complimented his sparkly bow tie and grey tux, a stylist triumph! This watch is a true statement piece as it is large, square and powered by Piaget’s manually wound Caliber 830P.  The movement is actually visible through the transparent case back of his white gold timepiece.

Something Blue

Presenter Jeremy Renner was responsible for adding the ‘something blue’ to this repertoire.  He chose the striking Midnight in Paris timepiece by Van Cleef & Arpels.  This white gold timepiece showed off the dial featuring the ‘starry sky above Paris’ beautifully.  The glittering aventurine dial makes one full rotation over the course of a year to represent the view of the heavens above the French capitol city every single day.

Something Borrowed

Ok so we this category is loosely filled by the fact that at least one, if not all of these watches are borrowed from the watch-houses themselves.  It is typical for famous jewellers to offer their entire collection to the A-List to borrow on Oscars night in the hope that they are photographed, earning them the equivalent of millions of pounds in endorsements.

Certainly the vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Duoplan worn by Emmanuelle Riva was borrowed from Jaeger itself, and it is likely that the Van Cleef & Arpels and Piaget timepieces were too.

The Oscars 2013, a triumph for the winners and a triumph for the horology industry.

In Uncategorized
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Cartier Crash Watch

New Ltd Edition Cartier Crash

Joe Leigh —  February 11, 2013 — Leave a comment

Cartier is a luxury jewellery maker, founded in 1847 by Louis Francois-Cartier.  Since then they have gained a reputation for bringing some of the most exquisite timepieces to the market.  They have even become one of the main jewellery suppliers to the Royal family.  Their design departments have created some of the most unique pieces which have become instantly recognisable by the public.  The Cartier Crash watch is a great example of this.

Cartier Crash Watch

The Crash Watch Story

There are several versions of the Crash watch story.  However the one that critics most agree on is actually quite dismal.

According to many, in the mid 1960’s the Vice President from London Cartier was involved in a fatal car crash. The fire effectively melted the watch on his wrist, a Cartier Bagnoire Alongee.  It originally was shaped like an elongated oval, however post-fire, it resembled something from a Dali painting, surreal, gilded and excessive.

Cartier obtained the watch and deemed it inspiring and artistic.  Therefore as a nod to their late colleague, they developed the “Crash” timepiece.

The Crash Timepiece

This original Crash timepiece is a real show-stopper.  It had the following characteristics:

  • Dimensions 39mm x 19mm
  • Crafted from in 18kt yellow gold
  • Had an 18Kt pink gold Cartier deployant clasp
  • The word “London” was inscribed both on the dial and the back of the case
  • The oval movement was produced and signed by Jaeger LeCoultre
  • A white dial with Roman Numeral hour markers and blued steel hands

However it’s the unique shaped dial which makes this timepiece instantly recognisable.

The Crash Watch Evolution

1960’s

The original Cartier Crash watch has become an investment piece; retailing at a much higher value than it was initially sold for.  This is part to do with the luxurious Cartier brand, who maintains their reputation as one of the finest jewellery makers.  It is also part to do with the fact that the Crash watch is a limited edition collection.

1991

A newer version of the Crash watch was released in 1991.  300 pieces were produced, making this collection limited edition. Characteristics of this timepiece included:

  • Dimensions are 39mm x 25mm
  • Has a 17 jewel movement
  • The dial is a matte white colour
  • The word “Paris” was inscribed on the dial and on the back of the case
  • Boasts a unique “Crash” deployant buckle in 18kt yellow gold

This watch originally retailed for $12,000.  The entire collection sold out in the first year.  Again this timepiece is a collector’s item as todays retail value is between $15,000 and $17,000.

1993

In 1993, Cartier produced another special edition Crash timepiece.  This watch was crafted from platinum material for the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva.

The New Limited Edition Cartier Crash Watch, 2013

Cartier has announced that they are releasing a new limited edition Crash watch timepiece.  This collection will offer four different timepieces: white gold, rose gold, with diamonds, and without diamonds.  This watch is the first real ladies diamond dress watch.

Characteristics of this collection include:

  • Manual-winding movement
  • 18 jewels
  • Dimension 38.5mm x 25.5mm
  • Case Material: 18K White or Rose Gold
  • Scratch-resistant sapphire face
  • Water Resistance, 30 meters
  • Total diamond weight: 150 diamonds totalling 2.15 carats
  • 18 karat white or rose gold tear-drop bracelet
  • with or without diamonds (with diamonds 471 diamonds totalling 4.27 carats)
  • Bezel encrusted with diamonds

Say what you like about this timepiece, but it is instantly recognisable and synonymous with the Cartier brand. It sells out all limited edition collections and has proven to be a good investment piece.

In Cartier
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The First Rainbow Rolex Timepiece

Oliver Carding —  February 3, 2013 — Leave a comment

Rolex have launched a real show-stopper:  The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow Timepiece.  Rolex has really drawn on its design resources to deliver this this timepiece.  It has created a limited edition piece to sit within its luxury Daytona range, using all different colours of the rainbow.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

The very first Cosmograph Daytona timepiece was first launched in 1963.  It was designed to meet the needs of the racing community, following the famous 24 hour sports car endurance race at the legendary Daytona racetrack in Florida, America.

The chronograph mechanism features a bezel with tachymetric scale.  This feature enables driving racers to calculate circuit time and average circuit time speed, accurately.

The tachymeter works by calculating speed by measuring time taken for the circuit over a pre-agreed distance.  This timepiece can measure speeds of up to 400 units per hour in either kilometres or miles.

The perfect timepiece for drivers

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was designed to be the ‘ultimate’ driving tool for drivers competing competitively.  The three dials featured on this timepiece measure different timescales e.g. hours, minutes and seconds.  This functionality enables drivers to plan their race to perfection.

The Movement

The movement used for this timepiece was developed in 2000, specifically for the Cosmograph Daytona range.  It is known as the 4130 calibre movement.  It is quite a simple creation in comparison to others, with ‘just’ 290 components.

Other features include the blue Parachrom hairspring – the blue colour is a nod to horology components that are known to be of the upmost accuracy.  It also has a 72 hour power reserve.

The Rainbow timepiece

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow Timepiece matches its functionality with design.  It is a truly innovative and remarkable timepiece which has got the horology industry talking.

This watch maintains the Daytona model’s iconic three sub dials, however it adds bespoke rainbow-coloured sapphires to its design, to give this watch an identity of its own.

It was first launched at last year’s Baselworld (2012) and since then has cemented itself as an iconic watch.

The case and bracelet of this timepiece have been crafted from 18k yellow gold.  The watch, like others in the range, is 44mm in diameter.  The dial is jet black and the hour markers are brilliant, and clear.

The real piece de resistance however is the wonderful combination of different coloured sapphires which adorn the bezel.  A combination of baguette-shaped sapphires, are used in an array of colours which all fuse into each other:  red, orange, pink, purple, blue, green and yellow.  This is where it earns its name as a ‘rainbow’ timepiece.

This jewel-theme is continued into the case, which also features a further 36 diamonds, the same colour as the hour markers.

As most Rolex-followers will know, their timepieces are crafted so that they remain water-resistant in depths of up to 100m/ 33ft, and this watch is no exception.

The limited edition Rolex Daytona Rainbow is priced at £56,695.

In Rolex
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Introducing The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra

Joe Leigh —  January 28, 2013 — Leave a comment

Omega hosted a press conference at the cite du Temps in Geneva on 17th January 2013 to unveil a new movement for their Seamaster Aqua Terra timepiece.  This movement has been billed as the most anti-magnetic movement in the entire horology industry, with properties more magnetic resistant than the Rolex Milgauss.

The Movement

Omega has developed several patents for the prototype movement.

The 8508 was unveiled at the press conference.  It is the first prototype movement which has been fitted to the Omega Sea Master Aqua Terra.  Characteristics of this movement include:

It uses non-ferrous material to ward off the effects of magnetic fields on timekeeping accuracy

It boasts resistant to magnetic fields greater than 1.5 tesla, which far exceeds the levels of magnetic resistance achieved by any previous watch

It can withstand up to 1.5 tesla or 15,000 gauss, about twice the magnetic output of a subwoofer

The Rolex Milgauss can stand up to just 1,000 gauss.

The drive behind the development of this new movement is because the Chief Executive of Swatch Group Nicholas Hayek (for Omega) wanted to create a timepiece which serviced the science industry.  This timepiece was to rival the Rolex Milgauss for its anti-magnetic properties.

Jean-Claude Monachon, Omega vice president and head of product development, confirmed that this challenge was achieved via the team who were working on the project, which consisted of engineers, scientists and metallurgists from Omegas sister companies.

Rolex Milgauss

So what is so special about the Rolex Milgauss timepiece and why is Omega determined to rival it?

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss (6541) was launched by Rolex in 1956, and was quickly followed by the second, 6543. The objective was to create an anti-magnetic timepiece that could operate in scientifically-challenged environments, such as nuclear research labs and power plants.

Initially, the Milgauss was unpopular and unprofitable and Rolex discontinued it in 1988.

However, in the current climate, in times of austerity where ‘vintage’ and ‘up-cycling’ are back on-trend, the ‘rare’ and ‘vintage’ Milgauss is experiencing a renaissance.  Therefore Rolex resurrected the Milgauss in 2007, introducing three new models.

The anti-magnetic ‘super-watch’

The new Seamaster Aqua Terra movement takes the anti-magnetic functionality to the next level, beyond that of the Milgauss.  The prototype developed was subjected to higher levels of magnetism (a measurement of 1.5 tesla, or 15,000 gauss), compared to previous timepieces.  It continued to operate accurately.  The timepiece was as accurate after exposure to magnetic properties, as it was before.

The launch

At the official launch of this timepiece, Raynald Aeschlimann Omega vice president, described how the project was completed by different teams working collaboratively:  Omega, ETA and Asulab and Swatch Group’s corporate research and development laboratory.  He described how their shared ‘creativity and enthusiasm’ has helped to “introduce this important innovation”.

During this press conference, Omega displayed a live demonstration of their new timepiece.  They also confirmed that they expect to present the technology at Baselworld in April 2013.

In Omega
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