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Looking For The Perfect Gift ? Think Omega Constellation 2009
Looking For The Perfect Gift ? Think Omega Constellation 2009
In 1982, OMEGA launched a watch which would go on to become a global icon and rank among the world’s most identifiable timepieces. The watch was the Constellation Manhattan and earlier this year OMEGA released the completely redesigned series of this timeless classic.
Out With The Old, In With The New (Well, Sort Of)
As you would expect from a watch with a heritage this rich the new Constellations bear a strong family resemblance to their ancestors. However, there have been some noteworthy improvements. For example :
- The stunning dials, available in silver, champagne, white pearled mother-of-pearl, black, and brown, have been enhanced by the supernova pattern emanating from the Constellation star.
- The “Dauphine plume” hands are either rhodium plated or made of 18 Ct red or yellow gold and coated with Super-LumiNova.
- All of the new Constellations are water resistant to a depth of 100 metres.
Add to that the fact that the options within the range have been significantly extended with OMEGA introducing an increased selection of dial and diamond options. The brand is so confident of its new offering that it has made the bold claim that there is at least one new Constellation ideally suited to every wrist.
More Than Just Good Looks
Like their predecessors, the new Constellations are both sporty and elegant. The new range comes in in five sizes:
- 24 mm ;
- 27 mm ;
- 31 mm ;
- 35 mm; and
- 38 mm.
The two smaller models feature the OMEGA quartz calibre 1376 whilst the the 35 mm watches are available either with the quartz calibre 1532 or with OMEGA’s Co-Axial calibre 2500. The 31 and 38 mm versions feature OMEGA’s infamous in-house Co-Axial calibres 8520/8521 and 8500/8501 respectively.
The Final Word
The Omega Constellation series are such classic watches that they will always make the perfect gift to that special someone, no matter what combination you choose. A unique blend of elegance and grace make these watches timeless and ensure that your loved one will cherish the gift for many years to come.
For more information and pictures check out the Omega website
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Ulysse Nardin: Executive Dual Time
This is it, call off the search, I have found my offical ‘black-tie’ watch! Although I have always been somewhat of an admirer of the Dual Time collection from Ulysse Nardin, it wasn’t until they introduced the Executive Dual Time that I really fell in love.
What’s Changed?
Although the classic styling of the Dual Time series has been retained it is the incorporation of that super sleek material ceramic into the design that has really caught my attention. Ceramic is best known for its scratchproof and durable qualities, having found previous uses in medicine and Formula 1 racing, and if used correctly can really set off a piece with its glossy finish. Such is the case with the Executive Dual Time which catches the eye and then mesmerizes you with its subtlety.
Not Just A Pretty Face
As the name suggests the Executive Dual Time is animated by Ulysse Nardine’s patented Dual Time system. When the wearer presses the plus and minus pushers at the 8 and 10 o’clock position they instantly adjust the hour hand to a different time zone while the home time indicator located at 9 o’clock continues its 24 hour cycle. This complication is not only delightful to behold it is also incredibly useful.
Specifications:
The Executive Dual Time offered in both stainless steel and 18 ct rose gold in combination with stunningly sculpted ceramic bezel and ceramic pushers.
The case is a little on the large size at 43mm, especially for a dress watch but a watch this nice never looks out of place.
The self-winding movement mechanism is visible through the sapphire crystal case back.
The unique black dial is finished off with oversized Roman numerals and three-dimensional chiseled hands.
Each 43mm case is individually numbered and equipped with a black lacquer screw-crown.
The Final Word
This stunning look watch certainly won’t suit all tastes (or budgets) but for me I think Ulysse Nardin has really hit the nail on the head. I love the combination of the stainless steel with the smooth ceramic finish and the design of the dial lends the watch some character, which I find is often missing in evening wear watches attempting to maintain a low profile.
As previously mentioned the watch is certainly not small at 43mm, but then again, why would you want to hide away something as breathtaking as this?
Full Black: New Wyler Genève Code-R chronograph
It seems that black is back and its here to stay. I for one could not be happier. Especially when you consider the number of high quality, stealth look watches that have been steadily introduced to the market over the last 12 months.
Wyler Genève Code-R chronograph
Take for example the new full-black Code-R chronograph from Wyler Genève. The brushed titanium case is subtle and refined yet the all black styling gives it a hint of toughness and reliability. And for a watch brand so closely linked with motorsport, reliability is key. That’s why the Code-R is powered by arguably one of the most reliable Swiss automatic chronograph movements presently on the market (at least within this price range) and has a power reserve of 42 hours.
Design Cues
Further demonstrating its strong links to motor racing the Code-R takes it design cues from the materials and technology used in the sport. As previously mentioned the external casing is made from lightweight yet incredibly resilient titanium with carbon-fibre resin for its inner frame. The rubber-coated crown is reticent of a car tyre and the chronograph pushers are pedal-shaped.
Function Over Form
However, just as in motor racing, design plays second fiddle to practicality in the Wyler Genève chronograph. A watch, no matter how stunning, has little use if it cannot be read and this problem is further magnified on an all-black timepiece such as the Code-R. To counter this, the hands and minute track numerals are coated with black SuperLuminova which ignite the dial at night to allow the user to view it clearly.
Ensuring comfortable wearing the Code-R is fitted as standard with a black rubber bracelet with pushbutton-operated fold-over clasp in steel and titanium and comes with a 2-year warranty.
The Final Word
Wyler Genève make stunning watches and the Code-R chronograph is no exception. The subtle stealthy allure of the watch cannot be denied and although I generally do not like titanium casing I would most certainly make an exception in this case (excuse the pun). This would make a great every day watch or a very nice addition to any collection.
Check out www.wylergeneve.com for more information.
Omega Seamaster 1200m: Return of the Ploprof!
Depending on when you were born and your level of interest in deep sea diving, you may be blissfully unaware of the legendary Omega Seamaster 600 or Ploprof as its more commonly known. Why Ploprof? Because these are the first letters of plongeurs professionnels – the French words meaning “professional divers”.
First launched in 1970 the Ploprof’s sole purpose was to dominate the deep seas with its fearsome reputation for being able to withstand the crushing pressures endured by divers working in the darkest depths of the ocean. Add to that its rugged good looks and this timepiece quickly reached legendary status.
Modern Day Ploprof 1200m
Now the Ploprof is back and badder than ever! Earlier this year Omega introduced an updated version, which as the name subtlety indicates, is water resistant to an astonishing 1200m. Powered by a Calibre 8500 movement utilising Omega’s infamous co-axial technology this watch is more than capable of providing the precise timing required by professional divers.
Striking Design with full functionality
The original Omega Seamaster 600m was renowned for its aggressive styling and oversized casing and thankfully the current model remains true to this heritage. Don’t kid yourself, however, that this is a suitable everyday watch to wear with a suit or a polo. It’s not. Like all creatures of the sea the Ploprof is most at home underwater and that is where it belongs.
So here’s what you need to know:
- The crown is located on the left-hand side of the watch at 9 o’clock and, as is standard on any dive watch worth its salt, it is a protected screw-in crown.
- The bulky looking orange button on the right-hand side is actually the trademark bezel-release security pusher finished in an easy to see orange anodised aluminium.
- Arguably the most important feature of the watch, pressing the bezel release allows the bezel to be rotated in either direction and then firmly locked in place to prevent it from being accidentally shifted during a dive.
- As you would expect the watch also features an automatic helium escape valve located on the side of the case just below 4 o’clock.
Strapping It On
The Ploprof 1200M comes fitted with either a brushed mesh “Sharkproof” bracelet or on a rubber strap in a choice of black or orange. Whilst it is certainly asthetically appealing (and even sounds cool) I must say I highly doubt the effectiveness (or even relevance) of the ‘sharkproof’ bracelet should the unthinkable occur. It does add a nice touch though and gives a bit of that retro feel to the watch.
The bracelet, with its double extension system, is fitted with Omega’s new diving safety clasp whose pinned links allow precise adjustments to 18 positions. It also features an extra divers’ extension to 26mm so that the watch can be worn comfortably over a diving suit. A forgone conclusion really.
The Final Word
To be honest it has previously crossed my mind that this day would come (admittedly there was some praying involved) as it seems the logical step for Omega to take to combat Rolex’s release of the Sea Dweller Deep Sea earlier this year. Given the watch’s extraordinary heritage coupled with the robustness and mechanical brilliance of Omega’s Co-Axial Calibre 8500 movement this watch really offers the complete package for professional divers.
This watch is not for everyone certainly, but if its for you, you won’t regret it.
Certina, A Podium Finish Every Time
Certina has been in the business of making outstanding Swiss watches since 1888. Now into its 120th year of enterprise the company has remained true to its vision of innovation and excellence. Even after all this time the watchmaking ethos of the company can be expressed in three key words: style, reliability and precision.
This is perfectly illustrated by the latest chronograph model in its emblematic DS Podium line. Equipped with the famous Valgranges movement for large watches, an autowinding movement with a very long energy reserve (the power curve is very smooth), and a calibre that lends itself very well to customization, it is growing in stature and confirming its temperament.
For many successful years now, Certina has been an official Partner of the BMW Sauber F1 Team and their ace driver Robert Kubica. This strong association with motorsport is evident in every aspect of the design of this stunning timepiece, especially the clarity of the dial. Many chronographs can often appear cluttered and difficult to read, however, the DS Podium line does not suffer from this affliction. In fact quite the opposite is true, the dial is almost striking in its clarity and the colour scheme chosen makes a strong statement that legibility is a priority.
The specifications for this wonderful timepiece are equally as impressive:
- Movement – Automatic, ETA Valgranges 16½’’’ A07.231, 27 jewels
- Functions – Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, date and tachometer
- Case – 316L steel, 44 mm, DS “double security” system, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating on both sides, transparent back, water-resistant to 100 m
- Dial – Black or silvered, hour, minute and seconds counters
- Date window at 4.30
- Bracelet/Strap – Brown or black leather with two-button folding clasp
- Other versions – Black dial with satin-finished steel bracelet and safety clasp
This new offering certainly honours Certina’s proud 120 year history of creating fine swiss timepieces and continues to strengthen their ties with motorsport.
Truly a podium finish!
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Latest Comments
- Nick Orloff: Beautiful piece, regrettably a little (?) out of my price range. I’d love to...
- Olivier Muller: Thanks, BMW
Stay tuned ! - Jack: Looks like a really nice watch for the price!