It’s here! Well sort of. Today, MB&F have released the first images of their brand new movement, aptly named the “Thunderbolt”, which will form the engine of the highly anticipated HM No.4. Unfortunately no images are available of the HM No.4 as yet, but these pictures of the movement alone are enough to make us go weak at the knees!

According to Maximilian Büsser, Founder and Creative Director of MB&F, the whole ethos of the brand is about “creating ‘kinetic art which gives time’, this HM4 engine symbolizes pretty well our creative philosophy.”

Just looking at the images its not hard to understand why MB&F have chosen to release details of only the movement first. It is an absolute work of art in itself, a complex piece of machinery comprised of hundreds of carefully constructed, intricate parts. This is like no other calibre you have ever seen before and represents a complete departure from any watch movement known today.

Whilst the “Thunderbolt” movement itself will be exhibited at Basel World next week, HM No.4, said to be MB&F’s most radical machine to date, sadly will not be unveiled until July 2010.

Fingers-crossed we can wait that long!

If you would like to find out more about MB&F check out their official website. And for all the latest updates make sure you become a fan on Facebook.

As you well know by now, we love introducing you to new and original timepieces here on The Watch Lounge. Well this week’s piece from Irish watchmakers McGonigle is so new and original that there aren’t even photos available yet! However, given this young brand’s success with their first piece, a superb watch featuring a stunning tourbillon complication which received critical acclaim for the purity of its design and function as well as for it’s high standard of workmanship and finish, this latest creation promises to impress.

McGonigle Watches
It’s not often you come across Irish watchmaking brothers, however, John and Stephen have forged quite a name for themselves in the exclusive circle of independent manufacturers. Whilst you may not immediately recognize their names, chances are you would have seen their work in some form or another. Both men spent many years working on complicated timepieces with some of the most prestigious brands in Switzerland, before deciding to launch their own brand, “McGonigle Watches” in 2007 at Baselworld.

The Tuscar
Now they have embarked on the next step of their journey with the announcement of their newest creation. Named the “Tuscar”, in reference to a group of rocks with a lighthouse that is often the first part of Ireland seen by those approaching by sea from the west, this new piece features the brand’s new time-only in-house calibre movement.

And believe us, this in-house caliber has some serious credibility.

“First-look” – A drawing of the new Tuscar from McGonigle © McGonigle

“To ensure the success of our new calibre, we teamed up with the legendary Alberto Papi, one of Switzerland’s finest designer constructors, to help refine our movement design and specifications.” says Stephen McGonigle.

That’s Alberto Papi, as in Renaud et Papi. Need we say more?

Retaining the qualities that were so successful in their tourbillon, including its distinctive design elements and transcendental levels of fine finishing, the brothers have taken these unique features and distilled them to their pure essence in the Tuscar.

According to John McGonigle, the intention was to create a “time-only watch with a high focus on excellent timekeeping; a substantial power reserve; solid reliability; and with superb finishing and decoration. The design had to have a clean coherent style and we wanted the principle mechanical elements visible on the dial side. To achieve all of that we had to develop our own movement from the ground up.”

Sounds amazing!

The Tuscar launches with a subscription-only limited edition series of 10 pieces called, “One of Ten”, featuring a white gold case and a transparent sapphire dial revealing all of the subtleties of the stunningly finished movement beneath.

The boy’s first creation, the McGonigle Tourbillon © Ian Skellern

As a subtle point of further differentiation each watch will be marked “One of Ten” rather than traditional method of individual numbering. This first series will be distinctive from the models to follow by virtue of materials used in the movement, the design and shape of certain bridges, the type of finish of individual parts and the engraving.

The Final Word
The McGonigle brothers are true independent watchmakers. The focus is completely on quality, originality and craftsmanship. Nothing is rushed and every step taken is well thought-out and planned in detail. These are watches that are created purely for the love of watch making by two exceptionally talented craftsmen.

If you are looking for a high quality, superbly finished timepiece than look no further, you’ve just found one of the most underrated brands in the industry.

To find out more visit McGonigle’s official website – www.mcgonigle.ie

Tuscar – Technical Specifications
Calibre: McG01 manual-wind mechanical movement
Double mainspring barrels connected in parallel
Power reserve: 90 hours
Balance: free sprung balance spring with Breguet overcoil
Balance frequency: 18,000 bph/3hz.
Balance diameter 12.8mm (large diameter for timekeeping stability)
Gold escape wheel (to function without oil)
Number of jewels: 31

Case
22k white gold case and crown
Case diameter: 42.5mm
Crystals: Anti-reflective treatment on both top crystal and display back
Water resistance: 30 metres/ 3ATM

Dial & Hands
Transparent sapphire dial
Flame-blued hand-polished steel and hand-polished gold hands

Strap & Buckle
Hand engraved 18k white gold deployant buckle.
Black hand-stitched alligator

We tend not to cover mainstream brands too often here on The Watch Lounge. It’s not that we don’t like them, indeed we admire many of their exceptional pieces, it’s just that we feel there are already a number of great sites out there that do a more than a sufficient job of covering these brands, like Perpetuelle, FratelloWatches and Ablogtoread. However, when we saw this stunning, stylish new piece from Longines we simply could not help ourselves. So enjoy!

Classic Style
Scheduled to be officially launched as part of Longine’s new collection at Basel World this year, the new Column-Wheel Chronograph exhibits all the characteristics an instant classic should. Subtle and refined in its style the dial looks superb and is clear and uncluttered, just as a chronograph should be. Presented in muted tones that provide just the right level of contrast, this new piece is an absolute pleasure to behold.

The polished stainless steel case is perfectly sized at 39mm, and also is available in rose gold. The brown alligator strap with buckle ensures this piece is both elegant and versatile. This is a watch that can be worn in the boardroom, on your yacht or even on the golf course, the choice is yours.

However, it’s not just timeless looks that this piece has going for it.

Technically Astute
At its heart beats the very exclusive L688.2 column-wheel chronograph movement launched in 2009. Mandated and financed by Longines, ETA developed this exclusive new automatic column-wheel movement for a wrist chronograph, designed to provide an exceptional degree of user comfort without comprising on accuracy or reliability.

For those of you who are after something a little sportier, there is also the Column-Wheel Sports Chronograph (pictured above) presented in a slightly larger 41mm stainless steel case with a black or grey ceramic bezel. Powered by the same movement, the Sports version is offered on your choice of rubber or steel bands.

No word on pricing as yet but expect it to be between $2,000 – $4,000.

The Final Word
Although Longines gives you two choices here the clear winner in our eyes is the classic Column-Wheel Chronograph. It is an exceptionally well-made timepiece and its distinguished yet refined style will ensure it’s never out of place on your wrist, regardless of the occasion. Plus it has the technical credentials to back up its classic good looks.

This is definitely one for the collection.

Recently there’s been a fair bit of discussion about the real value of a tourbillon complication here on The Watch Lounge and it was very positive to see reader’s voicing their opinions and getting involved in the discussion. What you may not realise was that the original catalyst for that article was a new timepiece we were lucky enough to get our hands on from Hong Kong based manufacturer Longio Watch Company. What makes this piece special is that not only is it fitted with a Chinese-made Seagull movement with flying tourbillon complication, but the actual case, dial, and so forth have all been made in-house. And to be honest, they haven’t done too bad a job.

On-The-Wrist
It’s no secret that China has been making watches, especially copies of high-end brands, for quite some time now. However, what is starting to happen is that these companies which traditionally manufactured components for European brands are starting to enter the luxury watch market themselves, with their own original branded products.

© The Watch Lounge

Longio is one such company, offering timepieces with a high-end complications such as tourbillons at far more affordable prices than any European brand has ever been able (or willing) to offer. The piece we received for review is identified simply as Ref SG3824A and features a manual-wind movement with Flying Tourbillon complication with Moonphase and Date.

Overall, on first impressions we have to say this is a pretty nice looking timepiece. The case is very well made and has a nice, solid feel to it and similarly the rubber strap is of good quality and very comfortable (an area many cheaper brands often cut corners.) The watch sits well on the wrist and the crown feels firm and secure when winding the piece. A sapphire exhibition case back gives a rather disappointing view of the movement which hasn’t really been decorated at all and is mostly hidden.

© The Watch Lounge

Unfortunately the dial, however, is no where near as impressive as the case it is housed in. Described by the brand as a “black cut-out dial with black indices” it looks exactly that, a few pieces of plastic which have been cut into shape and then layered over the top of each other.

This is a major sticking point in my book as you spend most of your time looking at the dial and the poor finish really cheapens the overall feel of the watch, which isn’t necessarily a fair representation of the quality. Similarly, both the hour and minute hands and moon-phase complication lack the polished-finish you would get in a European made watch which again is quite disappointing. Add to that the completely ineffective pushers located at 2 and 4 o’clock for the date and moonphase respectively, which despite several futile attempts, I could not get to function in any noticeable way and you soon see there are a few areas for improvement on this particular piece.

© The Watch Lounge

Obviously though the key selling point of this piece is the flying tourbillon complication, and it is undeniably eye-catching (if not lacking somewhat in accuracy, rated at +30/-30 per day.) As it rotates through its 60-second arc you eye can’t help but be drawn to its graceful trajectory, time and time again, and in my opinion this really saves the piece. The tourbillon itself is well-made and well-finished and it is possible to observe it in action from both the front and rear of the case.

Certainly this is a brand that is capable of making a good quality timepiece, there just not quite there yet.

Regardless, brands like Longio still have a veritable up-hill battle on their hands when it comes to overcoming all the damage done to China’s reputation as a result of years of producing cheap, unreliable goods and the country’s supposed inability to be creative. Harder still will be the job of convincing their own countrymen, who are presently enamoured with European luxury brands, that their product is worthy of patronage.

© The Watch Lounge

The Final Word
Undeniably Chinese manufacturers have continued to improve and certainly produced some top quality “homage” pieces over the last few years, however, these were priced at a much lower point in the market. A point, which some would argue, consumers felt comfortable paying. This new breed of luxury brands though is looking to raise the bar again. The timepiece we have here for review today for example will run you closer to $3k – $4k as opposed to the few hundred you would’ve have paid for the homage pieces.

Still, there will be those out there who simply appreciate and admire the tourbillon complication even though they (like most of us) could never hope to own one from one of the high-end Swiss watch manufactures and so these new pieces from Chinese brands like Longio could really provide a realistic alternative. They are fairly well-priced for what they are although you will get zero brand recognition, which may be a good thing if you’re not too proud about wearing a Chinese made timepiece.

With Basel World only a days away now, we are beginning to see more and more press releases for new products, but just as exciting we will also have some great books to read. We’ve already told you about the launch of the wonderful new book from Elizabeth Doerr “The Twelve Faces Of Time”, now it gives us great pleasure to introduce a new book from master watcher maker Peter Speake-Marin and celebrated writer and photographer Ian Skellern; “The Hands of Time”.

Away from the glitz and the glamour often associated with the world of horology are a group of artisans producing some of the most fantastic watches available today. These makers are at the cutting edge of the watchmaking world, often to be found head down at the bench working on their latest prototypes. Many of these individuals are members of the Académie Horlogère Des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI); which is celebrating 25 years this year. To commemorate this exceptional achievement the first ever AHCI book is now available, representing over two years of solid work from the book’s authors.

Conceived by master watchmaker Peter Speake-Marin and written by ace horological photographer Ian Skellern it features 200 pages of the best independent horological instruments available today. The book is beautifully bound and the paper has a nice quality feel and a classy shiny UV coating, this helps the contrast and really makes the pictures stand out from the page.

Celebrating the launch of the new book in style. © Speake-Marin

Rather than going for a more common photo of a watch movement the cover is a very classy white with red accents and the AHCI logo. This can probably be put down to the egalitarian nature of the AHCI which continues inside the book. Each member has the same number of pages to explain their watchmaking vision and display their creations, and the members are listed in the order in which they joined the AHCI rather than say a more normal alphabetical listing.

While many of the names maybe unknown to you, you will recognize the likes of Peter Speake-Marin, Felix Baumgartner (Urwerk) and F.P Journe who are becoming increasingly well-known in the mainstream marketplace. The book displays their products very well but it is the chance to see pieces from smaller makers like Andreas Strehler and Christian Klings that really appeals. The last entry in the book is the McGonigle brothers, two rising stars of the watch world. The text is especially interesting as I didn’t know Stephen also worked at Somlo Antiques in London, which is where Peter Speake-Marin also started, funny how things come around.

I can’t say that it is the sort of book that you would pick up and read cover-to-cover, but it is a great book for dipping into, and you are likely to learn something every time you read it. The only problem is that the pictures just make the credit card itch, oh to be a little bit richer!! Without a doubt this is a book you should have in your reference library.

The “Hands of Time” is available for purchase from the AHCI stand at Basel World from the 18th March until 25th March or from the dedicated website www.ahcibook.com for a very reasonable 60CHF.

Four years on from the birth of the highly desirable Poetic Complications series, luxury jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels has held a special event at their exquisite boutique in Place Vendôme, Paris  to celebrate the release of three new evolutionary additions to this stunning range. We were fortunate enough to receive an invite to attend this exclusive event and we were not disappointed. To put it simply, the new pieces are absolutely breathtaking!

A Special Presentation
The spirit of these new pieces remains the same : Van Cleef & Arpels is intent on providing women with a new way to observe the passing of time. Timepieces created in a style which has been especially designed for her, and not just a simple variation of an existing model originally designed for men. Laurent Picciotto, founder of Chronopassion and ambassador of the collection, is here to make sure of that. His thoughts on the matter are quite clear, “For too long, Switzerland has been misogynous and macho”.

No arguments here.

In order to achieve this noble ambition, the brand has adopted a slightly different approach from traditional watchmakers. From the beginning, the focus is on design: one doesn’t start from a technical perspective, but instead from a creative idea. Then, they see if it’s realizable.

“Consequently, everything starts in the designer office”, underlines Louis de Meckenheim, Watch Marketing Manager, Van Cleef & Arpels. “The conception starts with jewellers and designers, and then we turn to to the movement makers, to see what is feasible, and what could become an issue”.

The brand offers poetic variations around time, realized through timepieces for which pure technics are pushed into the background. Love, magic, Paris, a starry sky, are just some of the variations of these Poetic Complications, allowing every woman the opportunity to comprehend time according to her own sense of style and sophistication.

And by all accounts the range of customers is quite diverse.

“It would be very difficult for us to define the average standard of our clients. Our youngest have less than 20 years !”, smiles the jeweller. “Even if we thought we were offering a single purchase experience to our clients, we see some of them coming year after year to discover what we had created for them as variations around the theme of time”.

Today, Van Cleef & Arpels offers about twenty references in its Poetic Complications range, each presented in limited quantities of around 100 units per year.

Nevertheless, do not allow yourself to be fooled by the stunning beauty of these pieces: whilst the sense of poetry created by each watch remains the focal point, the technical complexity of these pieces is equally as impressive.

A fact that is sure to appeal not only to the lucky owners but also their male counterparts, who often accompany their beloved when they are considering buying a sophisticated watch.

Thus, most of the models presented today, mainly built on an ETA base, include a fly-back complication. However, we are not talking about a flying-back swords here. Not at all! Swords don’t exist in the Poetic Complications world. Here we are talking about magic wands, butterflies, stars and fairy wings. At Van Cleef & Arpels, we don’t just look at the hour, we watch the passing of time. The two are not the same thing at all.

“We wanted to create watches that could go with our clients in their changing vision of time during their life”, analyses de Meckenheim. “Ladies don’t have the same link to time at 30 as they do at 60. Thus, our models are designed to offer different levels of time interpretation, in order to stay in perfect harmony with the life of our clients”.

Conceptually therefore each client will discover, as the years go by, a multitude of details designed by Van Cleef & Arpels : from the ruby that will appear only one time per year on a given day in May, to the slightest vibration of the butterflies when hitting the first second of each minute, through to the fleeting kiss of lovers, each watch contains its own hidden secrets waiting to be discovered along the years.

The Final Word
It’s hard not to be completely drawn in by Van Cleef & Arpels presentation of its Poetic Complications. It’s now a mature collection, remarkably made and combining the best qualities of the brand’s jeweller and watchmaker DNA. Each piece offers a unique poetic proposition, encompassing a subtle and rare elegance, with its own personality integrated at the same time into a consistent collection.

So stunningly exquisite that some would ask why women watches have not been designed like this before…

If you would like to keep up-to-date with everything happening at Van Cleef & Arpels make sure you become a fan on their Facebook Page and subscribe to their Twitter feed.

Quatre ans après la création des Complications Poétiques, Van Cleef&Arpels a annoncé, lors d’une conférence de presse dans son fief de la Place Vendôme, trois nouvelles évolutions de cette gamme majeure pour le joailler.

L’esprit reste inchangé : proposer aux femmes une nouvelle approche du temps, véritablement conçue pour elles, qui ne soit pas une émanation d’une approche masculine. D’ailleurs, Laurent Picciotto, créateur de Chronopassion et ambassadeur de la collection, n’y va pas par quatre chemins : « Trop longtemps, la Suisse a été mysogine et macho ». Au moins, les choses sont dites.

Au départ, il y a la manière de concevoir le produit : on ne part pas de la technique, mais de l’idée créatrice, et l’on voit ensuite si elle est réalisable. « Tout commence donc au bureau de design », souligne Louis de Meckenheim, Directeur Marketing Horlogerie chez Van Cleef&Arpels.             « La conception débute avec les designers joaillers, puis on se rapproche de concepteur du mouvement pour savoir ce qui est réalisable, et ce qui risque d’être problématique », souligne-t-il.

La marque propose donc des variations poétiques autour du temps, matérialisées par des montres pour lesquelles la technique pure est reléguée au second plan. L’amour, la féérie, Paris, le ciel étoilé, sont autant de variations des Complications Poétiques qui permettent à chaque femme d’appréhender le temps selon sa propre sensibilité. « D’ailleurs, il serait bien difficile de définir le profil type de nos clientes ; nosplus jeunes ont moins de 30 ans ! » , s’amuse-t-on chez la joailler. De même, « alors que nous pensions offrir aux femmes une expérience d’achat isolée, on s’aperçoit que certaines de nos clientes reviennent année après année pour découvrir quelles nouvelles variations autour du thème du temps nous avons imaginées pour elle ». Aujourd’hui, Van Cleef&Arpels propose une vingtaine de références de ses Complications Poétiques, éditées en moyenne chacune à 100 exemplaires par an.

Toutefois, que l’on ne s’y trompe pas : si la poésie dégagée par la montre reste ce qu’il y a de plus important, la technique n’est pas en reste. Un argument qui ne manquera pas de séduire le public masculin, bien souvent présent aux côtés de leur moitié pour l’achat des modèles les plus aboutis. Ainsi, la plupart des modèles présentés aujourd’hui, sur base ETA notamment, comportent des mouvements à rattrapante. A aiguille rattrapante ? Assurément, non. L’aiguille n’existe pas dans les Complications Poétiques.  On parle de baguette magique, de papillons, d’étoiles, d’ailes de fée. Chez Van Cleef&Arpels, on ne regarde pas l’heure, on regarde le temps. Et ça n’a rien à voir.

« Nous avons voulu créer des montres qui accompagnent nos clientes dans l’évolution de leur vision du temps », analyse Louis de Meckenheim, Directeur Marketing Horlogerie. « A 30 ans, on n’a pas le même rapport au temps qu’à 60 ans. Nous avons donc conçu nos modèles de façon à ce qu’ils puissent offrir différents niveau de lecture du temps, pour rester en harmonie permanente avec la vie de nos clientes ». La collection est donc pensée pour accompagner leur propriétaire tout au long de sa vie. Chaque cliente découvrira au fil du temps une foule de détails conçue par Van Cleef&Arpels : du rubis qui ne se dévoile qu’une fois par an un certain jour de mai, en passant par les vibrations des papillons des secondes, ou au fugace baiser des amoureux, chaque montre recèle un nombre infini de détails qui se dévoileront au fil du temps.

En conclusion
Difficile de ne pas adhérer à la présentation faite par Van Cleef&Arpels de ses Complications Poétiques 2010. C’est aujourd’hui une collection mature, d’une exécution remarquable et d’une cohérence sans faille. La marque tire le meilleur parti à la fois de son ADN joailler et horloger. Chaque pièce propose un univers poétique inédit, subtil, d’une élégance rare, et est dotée d’une vraie personnalité propre, tout en s’intégrant avec harmonie dans une collection complète. A se demander pourquoi la montre pour femme n’a pas toujours été pensée comme cela… .

In a highly competitive market, such as the luxury watch industry, participants need to evolve constantly, trying new things and finding new ways to get the upper hand on their competitors. Sometimes these new concepts are beautifully executed and work out well and sometimes they just fail dismally. Fortunately for high-end luxury watchmaker Chopard their latest creation, to be presented at Basel World later this month, sits firmly in the first category.

A Podium Finish
Exquisitely different from anything the brand has attempted before, this new piece only serves to reaffirm Chopard’s impressive capabilities as a watchmaker. True to the brand’s motor racing themed heritage, the shape and design of new Engine One Tourbillon is reticent of an engine block. In fact, almost everything about this new piece has been inspired by motor racing in some way or another.

The manually wound L.U.C 1TRM tourbillon calibre is COSC-certified and has been made completely in-house by Chopard and specially shaped to fit within the unique case. It is equipped with a 60-hour power reserve and is mounted within the case on shock-absorbing blocks much like a race car engine. Three lever-arms inserted into the middle of the case hold it in place and ensure absolute stability.

As the name suggests the piece features a tourbillon complication, which is exposed on the stunningly simplistic dial, sitting just below the power reserve indicator. The tourbillon cage completes one revolution every 60 seconds and the bridge has been beautifully skeletonized, maximizing the visual appeal of this highly desirable novelty.

Subtle Yet Distinctive
The distinctive case is crafted from titanium and measures 35.4mm in width by 44.4mm in length. Showcasing a striking combination of polished and brushed surfaces, the sides of the piece reveal contrasting brushed flanks and strongly curved lugs, creating a case that is both aesthetically pleasing as well as comfortably fitting. Adding to that comfort is a hand-sewn black alligator strap with a titanium buckle, a welcome change from the rubber straps many luxury brands have been favoring on their high-end sports pieces.

A quick look at the dial and you could be forgiven for thinking you had just opened the bonnet of an expensive sports car.  The satin central section and vertically striated outer sections work together to create the impression of engine rocker covers and provide a very unique look without cluttering or over-complicating the dial. The power reserve indicator sits on a slightly elevated area at 12 o’clock, looking every bit the gas-gauge it has been designed to emulate.

As a an added touch the hour markers and indices are located directly on the shaped sapphire crystal, as opposed to the dial which is the more common practice, and this in turn creates an appealing three-dimensional effect while at the same improving the overall legibility of the exceptionally refined dial.

As the brand is celebrating its 150^th birthday this year, the L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon will be offered in a limited production of just 150 pieces and the price is expected to be in excess of $100,000.

The Final Word
There are many things to love about this new piece from Chopard. Its original design, the fact the movement is made completely in-house, the adherence to the brand’s racing heritage, the list goes on. But what truly impresses us, however, is the fact that the brand has been willing to try something bold and different and has really pulled it off.

This watch doesn’t need to use cheap tricks and bright colors to stand out, it is its simplicity that makes it truly distinctive.

As you are all no doubt aware Basel World will be upon us in a matter of weeks, with the world’s best watch and jewellery brands coming together in Switzerland to unveil their latest creations. We’ve covered a few of the ones that have really caught our fancy so far and will continue to do so in the lead up to the show. To date though, the focus has predominantly been on men’s watches and so we thought it was high time we brought you a ladies’ watch, and what a striking piece it is! Gentleman, you would be well advised not to let your wives or girlfriends read this.

You have been warned.

Colorful and Bold
Scheduled to be presented at Basel World this year, the new Big Bang Steel Tutti Frutti from Swiss watch maker Hublot is nothing short of stunning. Bold and colorful without being overwhelming, this latest piece exudes an exotic sense of style and power. At the same time the color-scheme is resolutely feminine, lending a touch of softness to this piece not always seen in oversized ladies’ models.

Presented on a pink alligator strap, the case is made of stainless steel with satin-finished endpieces. The beautifully simplistic fine mother of pearl dial is surrounded by 48 baguette-cut pink sapphires, providing the perfect blend of elegance and attitude and ensuring that this is a timepiece that will grab attention.

As we touched on before it is slightly large for a ladies piece at 41mm but there has been a growing trend toward women wearing 40 – 42mm men’s watches over the last year or two and we think given its bold design it is actually perfectly sized.

Powered by a mechanical automatic winding Hublot Calibre HUB4300 movement with chronograph function, this piece is not only attractive but also sophisticated and practical. Highly desirable qualities in any context!

The Final Word
Certainly this new piece from uber popular watch maker Hublot is not for everyone tastes and we daresay that it would take a certain kind of individual to pull it off. However, that’s exactly who its been designed for; strong, confident women who are looking for a distinctive way to express their own sense of style.

Unlike other ladies’ pieces we’ve seen in the past, the Big Bang Tutti Frutti combines a sense of sportiness and attitude with a touch of elegance, whilst all the time remaining absolutely feminine.

We love it! The question is, do you?

You may recall that at the end of January we gave away a superbly made monster dive watch from Swiss watch maker CX Swiss Military to one of our lucky readers. The infamous 20,000ft diving watch currently holds the Guinness World Record for the deepest diving watch ever made and is renowned for being all but indestructible. However, what many people don’t realize is that the accomplishments of the 20,000ft would never have been possible without the pioneering spirit of its predecessor, the 12,000ft. And now your chance to own one of these history making pieces is fast running out.

Paving The Way
A former world record holder in its own right, the 12,000ft really brought CX Swiss Military’s formidable watch making capabilities into the spotlight and demonstrated just what the brand was capable of. Like its successor, the real attraction of the 12,000ft is not so much the actual level of water pressure it can withstand but the fact that the company has been able to produce a piece that it is so robust and versatile that it is literally suited to all conditions, no matter how extreme.

That’s not to say that the 12,000ft is not a celebrated dive watch in its own right, however. Lauded all over the globe by professional and recreational divers alike, it managed to hold onto the Guinness World Record for deepest diving watch from 2005 – 2008, which we are sure you will agree is no mean feat. Alas, like all good things, the dream run must come to an end and so it is time for the 12,000ft to bid farewell to its global legion of fans.

But don’t worry, as you would expect from a former world record holder, its going out in style.

Last Chance To Own A Piece Of History
A total of 365 final pieces have been made and the last 10 to ever be produced will be sold by our good friends over at the Watch & Clock Forum. That means this is your chance to buy the last, former world-record holding CX Swiss Military 12,000ft watch ever made! So what are you waiting for, get over there and get your order in now before it’s too late!

The Final Word
Admittedly you may decide that it’s better to go with the current world-record holder and certainly there would be nothing wrong with that, it is an exceptionally well-made watch which will last several lifetimes.

Consider this though; the 12,000ft is far more limited not to mention quite a lot thinner (relatively speaking) than its bigger, chunkier brother plus you’ll have a great story to tell your grandkids (that’s right, it will last that long, and then some). Add to this the fact that it’s powered by the exact same, highly regarded COSC certified Valjoux 7750 movement as the 20,000ft and you see its really quite an attractive timepiece.

We promise you won’t be disappointed.