Posts Tagged ‘black’
Bamford & Sons Reimagine Rolex Milgauss For Colette Paris
If you are a luxury watch enthusiast then chances are you are familiar with the name Bamford & Sons. Based in London, this innovative company is renowned for their unique and individualized after market modifications of luxury watches, namely Rolex. In their latest bespoke creation they have re-imagined a special edition of the iconic Rolex Milgauss to be sold at the Colette boutique in Paris.
The Original
Until the re-release of the Rolex Milgauss series at Baselword last year you could be easily forgiven for not being aware of this unique watch or its rather colourful past. The Milgauss was one of the series of watches that Rolex developed in the 1950s for the new breed of professional intent on taking over the world. These ‘tool’ watches, as they were known then, were designed to do it all. That encompassed aviation, for which there was the GMT Master; mountaineering, the Explorer; diving, the Submariner and for the secretive world of science, the Milgauss.
However, sadly unlike its successful counterparts which sold in record numbers (and still do to this day) the Milgauss was destined to become the slowest seller in the Rolex line-up, and was sold for about 20 years before being removed from their catalogue.
Much like artists who only achieve fame after death the Milgauss went on to become a cult watch, then a collector’s item after its untimely demise and now mint examples fetch tens of thousands at auction. It was this rich history that prompted the revival of the model by Rolex, complete with the lightning bolt hand that was a striking (pardon the pun) hallmark feature of the original model.
The Bamford Effect
For their re-imagination of this special model designed exclusively for Collette in Paris the Milgauss has received Bamford’s trademark Black PVD treatment over the steel case. In addition the dial, available in black or white in the original form has been replaced with a rich blue dial, black seconds hand, and all white text on the case. As a result of the modifications and uniqueness of this watch you can expect to pay a price premium of several thousand dollars on top of the original Milgauss price tag.
The Final Word
Personally, I don’t like this watch at all. I think it may be the too blue dial but for whatever reason this design just does not work for me. Having said that, this is not the first bespoke Milgauss that Bamford & Sons have created and their earlier attempt with the Limited Edition Anniversary Model really looks sensational. That watch has received the same PVD treatment but Bamford has kept the dial black and mysterious. The way a watch designed for mad scientists should be.
You can see that model here.
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Red8 World: Bedat Is Back!
Prick up your ears watch lovers, there’s a new name in the market! Well sort of. Christian Bedat, founder of luxury watch maker Bedat & Co is back with a brand new concept for a brand new (somewhat financially limited) market.
The Story
Having dazzled the high-end luxury market with his breathtaking creations at Bedat & Co, Christian is focusing on recreating the perception of luxury to better reflect the reality of the current economy.
His new brand ‘Red8’, which launches this week, is sold exclusively online and allows for customization and design of your timepiece.
The Concept
The exceptionally animated website (believe me, this is no exaggeration) allows you to select from one of their standard range of watches and then customize it to suit your tastes.
Given the fact that the brand has just launched the customization options are reasonably limited but once you get the hang of the site it is very intuitive and you find all the information you need easily at hand. However, given that everything is animated you cannot go back to the previous page easily which becomes quite tiresome.
The range of watches look good, if not very similar, and for under US$1000 the specifications are really quite impressive. Powered by an I-matic quartz self-winding movement, the battery never needs to be changed. The men’s styles are all of a good size at 42mm and the design whilst quite casual, is still quite appealing, especially the all black models. To give the piece the real personal touch the user can customize four words on the bezel but I am not still not sold on this look as it can very easily cheapen the watch’s over all appeal.
The Final Word
Whilst I must admit that I love the concept and the watches theoretically look great, the site is so animated (read confusing) that I often found myself scratching my head as to how I was to actually go about designing my ideal watch.
Here’s the hot tip, and remember you read it on The Watch Lounge first, when you access the Online Boutique select the ‘Red’ option first as this will take you straight to the watches. It will make sense when you’re on the site and save you a lot of time.
I think this will be a brand to keep an eye on and will certainly make a nice addition to any collection. Assuming you can navigate your way through the site!
Check it out at Red8 World
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.
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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!