Posts Tagged ‘rolex’
Collectors Take Note: Fellows & Sons Auction!
Those great guys over at Fellows & Sons in the UK are at it again with another second hand jewelery and watch auction. Previous auctions have seen some stunning pieces go under the hammer, such as this one and this latest auction promises to be no exception. You have to be quick though, the auction is scheduled for 10 September 2009!
Auction Highlights:
In my opinion the highlight of this auction will be the diamond encrusted Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (pictured above). The auction report on the watch reads as follows:
There are surface scratches throughout due to general wear and tear. There are some slightly deeper scratches to the clasp that possibly may not polish out. There are some small chips and dints to the watch case. The diamonds are bright and lively and are all present to the dial and bezel. The hands, dial and glass all appear in very good condition.
Although it is not shown in the above picture the watch is on a leather strap.
Other highlights from the auction catalog include but are not limited to:
- Gentleman’s Two-tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust
- Gentleman’s 18ct gold Franck Muller Sunset
- Lady’s 18ct gold Rolex Oyster Datejust
- Omega Speedmaster Legend
But don’t take my word for it, check out the full catalog here. Make sure you do it quickly too, the auction is scheduled to take place on the 10th of September 2009.
The Final Word
This auction promises some great pieces and has something to suit almost all tastes. International bidders are welcome but make sure you follow the instructions on the website so you don’t miss out on that special watch you’re after!
1 Excellent Comment | Filed under Watch News
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?
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.
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?
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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!