Posts Tagged ‘Omega’
Fighting Fakes: Two-Part Special
The global spread of counterfeit watches is an issue that plagues watchmakers, retailers, enthusiasts and everyday consumers alike. Given the sheer magnitude of fakes flooding the markets the best defence available to protect yourself is knowledge. In this two-part special I will explore in detail what constitutes a counterfeit, how its effecting the industry and what’s been done about it. In part two I will provide some valuable hints and tips on how to steer clear of imitators.
What Are They?
Per Wikipedia, a counterfeit watch is an illegal copy of an authentic watch bearing the name of its brand and according to estimates by the Swiss Customs Service, there are some 30 to 40 million counterfeit watches put into circulation each year. The profitability of this black market industry is huge and seemingly endless, with one estimate putting the profit margin at $10 per dollar invested, about equal to profits of the illicit drug trade (and well below the profits of legitimate watch makers). This is truly a global business with numerous links to organised crime and a distribution network to die for!
Where Do They Come From?
So who’s making all these fakes? Swiss Customs estimates that 40% of counterfeit watches come from China, but counterfeits are produced elsewhere, even in the USA. You may remember the story from a few years ago now of authorities arresting a Florida woman for operating a counterfeit watch business. Her rented storage unit held almost 2,000 brand-name fake watches, with a total estimated retail value of $8.5 million. This is one of literally thousands of stories just like it and only serves to illustrate how wide-spread this issue has become.
The scary thing though is that in many countries possessing such a watch is not illegal. Even in Switzerland, where somewhat surprisingly, private persons are allowed to keep one counterfeit watch per person at the most, provided they import it personally into Switzerland. The maker and sellers of the replicas are usually in violation of the legal copyrights on the original manufacturer’s copyrights and trademarks, however, this rarely gives the latter much comfort.
What’s Been Done About It?
Why don’t the big brands do something about it I hear you ask? Well the fact is they do, however, with limited to no success. As with any facet of organised crime, tracing the problem back to the source is incredibly difficult, nigh impossible! Further to this, distribution of counterfeit watches is so widely spread now that it is simply pointless trying to address it without international co-operation between the appropriate authorities. This aspect is improving, however, it is a long way of being at the level required.
Another argument often put forth is that anyone who wants a $1,000 to $20,000+ watch and will settle for a $100 fake of it was not a serious buyer. They either would never have bought the real thing, or will toy with the fake and eventually return to their original desire and buy a real one after the brand-name image makes them feel good, but the fake itself disappoints. So while these products do infringe on the name brands, they don’t really hurt sales, therefore manufacturers do not have a financial incentive to aggressively pursue them. They tend to do enough that they can prove in any court cases that do arise that they have enforced their trademarks. But more than that is profitless to them.
There is some merit to this argument, however, consider this: globally, counterfeit watches are estimated to cost the Swiss watch industry more than $600 million per year. The claim that there is no harm done to sales is simply not true, as we all have seen or heard of countless examples where people will settle for a fake for any number of reasons, lack of education, taste, etc.
The Final Word
In my opinion, the big brands need to do more. No so much in pursuing the purveyors of these cheap imitations, but in educating and reminding consumers why they choose (have chosen) to buy a luxury watch in the first place. I’m fairly certain that no one here has bought a luxury watch solely because of the brand name or the way it looked. Consumers demand quality and they need to know they are going to get it. Watchmakers and retailers alike should be aware of this and act accordingly. Too often the significance of this is overlooked and can seriously impede the whole buying experience.
Make sure you tune in tomorrow for Part.2 on avoiding purchasing a fake watch.
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What Is A Helium Escape Valve And How Does It Work?
Recently someone commented on the site asking for an explanation of what a helium escape valve is and how it functions. Rather than write a brief comment in response I thought a more detailed explanation was in order for this essential feature of any serious dive watch.
Why Is It Necessary?
The purpose of a helium escape valve, or helium release valve as it is sometimes called, is to ensure that professional divers have access to a timepiece that can withstand the changes in pressurization inherent in diving.
Essentially when commercial divers operate at great depths, they often spend prolonged hours in diving bells under pressure breathing a gas mixture that contain the gas helium. As helium molecules are the second smallest found in nature, the gas is able to work its way inside the watch, around any o-rings or other seals the watch may feature.
Whilst the diver remains in this artificially pressurized environment the invasion of helium molecules into the watch is not an issue. However, when the diver begins their ascent to the surface there is a risk that a pressure difference will build up between the trapped helium inside the watch and the environment. This can lead to damage to the watch, such as the crystal popping off.
To overcome this issue Rolex and Doxa S.A. collaborated in the 1960s to co-create the first helium escape valve which was debuted in the Rolex Submariner/Sea-Dweller and the Doxa Conquistador. This small, one-way valve integrated into the watch’s external casing activates when the differential between the inner and outside pressure reaches a critical level to allow helium trapped inside the case to escape.
The Final Word
Due to the nature of a helium escape valve they are primarily found on mechanical diving watches that feature a water/pressure resistance greater than 300 m (1000 ft). Chances are that unless you are a serious professional diver you will never actually use this feature but it does make a cool talking point. It is also indicative of the extensive functional capabilities of the humble wristwatch.
New Omega Planet Ocean Jewelry Collection
Do yourself a favor. Next time you walk past an Omega boutique or an Authorized Dealer of Omega watches make sure you stop in to check out the new Planet Ocean Jewelry range, it is definitely worth a look. Don’t just take my word for it though, actress Nicole Kidman, stunning ambassador for Omega watches, was reportedly so captivated by the new Seamaster Planet Ocean Jewelry chronograph when wearing it for a recent shoot that she didn’t want to take it off afterwards.
Planet Ocean Jewelry Collection
This latest variation of Omega’s famed Planet Ocean certainly won’t suit everyone’s tastes but they are undeniably stunning timepieces. When it was first launched in 2004 the Planet Ocean was featured in steel with the trademark orange bezel that when on to set a color trend for sports watches that still persists. In a radical departure from this original design, the bezel has been luxuriantly and painstakingly set with diamonds to create a breathtaking result worthy of the best jewelry watches in the world.
His and Hers’ Models
It may come as a surprise to learn that this watch has been designed without either sex specifically in mind. That’s right, these watches have been designed to be worn by either men or women. At first I had some trouble reconciling with this fact but the more I look at this watch the more I realize that it is truly uni-sex.
Like the original version the Planet Ocean is available in either 42mm – a suitable size for the current trend of women wearing oversized watches – or a more masculine 45.5mm. The neutral black overtones ensure it does not favor one gender over the other and lend a sense of style and sophistication to the piece. In addition it is becoming increasingly popular for men to wear diamond watches, especially in Asia and the Middle East.
Aesthetically and Technically Brilliant
There are two models, both powered by Omega’s legendary Co-Axial escapement, self-winding COSC certified movements. Both feature brushed stainless steel cases and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that is anti-reflective on both sides. Like the original the dials are lacquered black with applied Arabic numerals. They feature the Omega name and logo and indexes and hands coated with white Super-LumiNova. The integrated black alligator strap is fitted with a polished stainless steel fold-over clasp.
The chronograph (pictured above) at 45.5 mm maintains its sporty appeal despite the 45 sizeable diamonds totaling 2.65 carats adorning its bezel. It has a small seconds counter at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute recorder at 3 and a 12-hour recorder at 6, with a small date window at 4:30.
If you prefer a cleaner look there is the sleek and elegant chronometer which also comes in 45.5 mm or 42 mm diameters, the latter with 45 slightly smaller diamonds totalling 1.73 carats. All models have a black triangular dive minute marker with white Super-LumiNova dot, at 12 o’clock.
The Final Word
Omega’s Planet Ocean series has been renowned for setting trends since it first launched back in 2004. This latest variation, whilst far more unique, will be no exception. The brand has successfully married elegance with sport and the result is a stunning series of timepieces. Having said that, in my opinion very few people will be able to successfully pull this watch off.
Fortunately, Nicole Kidman happens to be one of them.
What Is An Officially Certified Chronometre?
If you are a luxury watch enthusiast then you will no doubt be familiar with the term Officially Certified Chronometre. But what does it actually mean? And who’s giving this certification? Read on to learn more about one of the most well-respected certifications in the Swiss watch industry.
An Explanation of the COSC Chronometer Certification
The Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres or the COSC as its more commonly known is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 1973. It is the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute and was established by five watch-making cantons (Bern, Geneva, Neuchâtel, Solothurn and Vaud) as well as the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry.
It encompasses the laboratories that had been established independently of each other from the late 19th century onwards and today is the only organization in the world that decides if a watch is a chronometer or not. The COSC differs in one important respect from all previous watch testing institutions and observatories. It is strictly non-competitive. There are no points awarded or any prizes. There are no degrees of success or honorable mentions.
The watches either pass or fail.
Defining A Chronometre
Before I go any further it may be helpful here to define what a chronometer actually is, as it is often mistaken with chronographs and chronoscopes. A chronometer is a high-precision watch capable of displaying seconds and housing a movement that has been tested over several days, in different positions and at different temperatures, by an official neutral body (the COSC).
Earning The Title
To earn chronometer certification, a movement must not only be made from the highest-quality components, but also the object of special care on the part of the finest watchmakers and timers during assembly. It is important to note here that that the fine regulation and chronometer characteristics of a watch can be destroyed in seconds by a rough and inexperienced hand.
Testing criteria is based on ISO 3159 which provides the definition of a wrist-chronometer with spring balance oscillator. Only movements which meet the precision criteria established under ISO 3159 are granted an official chronometer certificate.
Each uncased movement is individually tested for fifteen days, in five positions, at three different temperatures. The movements are fitted with a seconds hand and the automatic winding mechanisms are disengaged for the tests.
Measurements are made daily with the aid of cameras. Based on these measurements, seven eliminatory criteria are calculated, the minimal of which must all be met.
The Final Word
To give a bit of perspective on the value of COSC certification over 1 million official chronometer certificates are delivered each year, which represents only 3% of the Swiss watch production. This proportion truly underscores the exceptional nature of a chronometer and certainly makes it a key factor for consideration when purchasing your next luxury watch.
For more information check out the official COSC website:
How To Pick The Right Watch For You
These days when you ask someone below the age of 25 the time, chances are they will look to their mobile as opposed to their watch (assuming they’re even wearing one!) Yet, the wrist watch has been one of the most subtle and effective fashion accessories for the better part of the last two centuries. Especially for guys who are limited in the wearable options they have available to them to complement their wardrobes. Make the right choice and a watch can be one of the most understated ways of announcing that you take pride in your appearance and that you value those that you are interacting with. As a bonus it can add the finishing touch to take an outfit from good to great and if chosen carefully, offers versatility like no other fashion accessory on the market.
The Right Watch For You
The key is selecting the watch that is right for you, so here’s a few tips for beginners:
Subtlety is stylish – We all know that bling is often king when it comes to accessorising, however, the key to a good watch is subtlety. Unlike other accessories, you will be wearing your watch with a lot of different outfits and therefore it is important that you pick a versatile piece.
For the guys; stainless steel is your best friend. It is ridiculously in fashion at the moment, goes with everything and can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. Oversized dials are also very en vogue at the moment, however, make sure you choose a dial size that is reflective of the size of your wrist, or the whole effect you are going for will be ruined by the sight of your arm dragging along the ground. The decision between a leather of stainless steel strap is completely at your discretion, however, be mindful that watches with leather straps are generally perceived as being more casual. However, this can be overcome by ensuring you choose a suitably stylish dial. One thing that is not negotiable though, is two-tone bands and/or dials. That means gold and silver together. Under no circumstance are you to ever wear anything two-tone until at least the age of fifty!
For the girls; something covered with bright pink and blue zirconias may look hot in the clubs (unlikely), however, will have no place at a more elegant gathering such as a cocktail function. That’s not to say don’t choose something that has some color to it, but if you can’t read the time without squinting or wearing sunglasses, that should be a pretty clear indicator that you’ve gone too far. Secondly, size is not everything. A watch for all occasions should be to some degree delicate and pretty, not some big chunky thing that hangs from your wrist and will possibly give you arthritis in later years. Thus, the key is to pick something that is able to reflect your unique style without having to shout it at everyone that looks at your wrist.
Digital is dead – Unless you are twelve years old or a fitness fanatic, you should not be wearing a digital watch. Period. You are a sophisticated individual, or at least that is the impression you would like to convey to the opposite sex, and therefore your style must be reflective of this. Nothing kills the mood quicker than a guy using his calculator watch to check the bill is correct. Same goes for the girls. A guy’s first assumption when you wear a digital watch is that you are not able to read analogue time, which is not a good thing. Whatever you do, don’t underestimate the impact of what this fashion faux paus could have on your overall “look”.
Spend up – A good watch will last you quite a long time, so choose wisely and spend the maximum that your budget will allow. Unlike other accessories, this is not something that you will be replacing on a regular basis, so something cheap for a one off occasion isn’t going to cut it. In addition, make sure your selection is seasonal, meaning that it can be worn with both your winter and summer wardrobes and everything in between. Brands are important also and speak volumes about your tastes and the statement you are endeavoring to make. Granted not everyone can afford a high-end, Swiss made luxury watch, however, there are plenty of brands out there who emulate the offerings from fashion houses such as Cartier, IWC, Dior, Chanel, Tag Heuer, and so forth at a much lower cost. So look at what the masters are doing, find a style that you like and then find something similar within your price range.
The Final Word
Hopefully this article has given you the necessary inspiration, guidance and motivation to go out and treat yourself to a truly timeless fashion accessory (pun intended.) Remember to research your purchase well before you make it so that you know exactly what you’re looking for.
Do any of you other watch experts out there have any hints or tips you would like to add to help aspiring watch purchasers?
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- Nick Orloff: Beautiful piece, regrettably a little (?) out of my price range. I’d love to...
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