Posts Tagged ‘diamonds’
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?
8 Great Comments. Leave one too. | Filed under Watch Reviews
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.
The Concord C1: Diamonds Are a… Man’s Best Friend?
It is no secret that precious jewels have always featured in men’s high-end, luxury watches. Yet it seems that these days more and more of these jewels are finding their way onto dials, bezels and bands, as opposed to only being incorporated in the complicated movements the power these incredible timepieces. One brand that has recently taken this new trend to the next level is Concord, with their new C1 Chronograph. The watch features a 44mm white gold case, standing 16.70mm tall and is set with enough diamonds (184 to be exact, or a cool 2.4 carats) to ensure that anyone who tries to look directly at the dial risks potential permanent blindness.
However, the enhancement of the original C1 does not stop there, not by a long shot! A protective ring in white gold, fixed laterally by 7 self-blocking screws is enhanced by eight decorative elements straddling the bezel. These bastions protect a spectacular 3.30 mm thick sapphire crystal, which literally emerges from the case and displays a ruthenium dial set with 259 diamonds, 0.8 ct and its distinctive Concord seconds disk. End result, a dial literally covered in bling. Even the band doesn’t escape this “special” treatment, the black rubber strap with a white gold folding clasp is set with 72 diamonds or 0.6 ct.
You almost get the feeling looking at the picture of this watch that is more diamond than anything else, you might even go as far to say as its not really a timepiece at all but rather a very large, very expensive piece of jewellery. Which leads to the next question. What on earth were Concord thinking? There is certainly an argument for improving the aesthetics of a watch, even to the point of adding diamonds. Rolex has been doing it quite successfully (and subtlety) for a number of years with their diamond dials which feature diamonds on the hour markers. Yet, this piece here screams excess and poor taste. Its almost like Concord is saying “well, we couldn’t make a good looking watch, so we’ll just cover it in diamonds and hope it distracts attention from the less desirable features.” However, nothing could be further from the truth. The C1 series features sensational, rugged looking timepieces which truly look fantastic on any wrist. Why this sort of treatment is necessary, this author will never know!
Thankfully, there is one saving grace. Despite being one of the most overly decorative timepieces available, it also has a mechanical, self-winding Valgranges movement with a 48-hour power reserve and is certified by the official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
This at least restores some credibility to the watch, however, unfortunately in this author’s opinion, the damage has already been done.
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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!