Posts Tagged ‘rolex’
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.
1 Excellent Comment | Filed under Watch Reviews
Omega Seamaster 1200m: Return of the Ploprof!
Depending on when you were born and your level of interest in deep sea diving, you may be blissfully unaware of the legendary Omega Seamaster 600 or Ploprof as its more commonly known. Why Ploprof? Because these are the first letters of plongeurs professionnels – the French words meaning “professional divers”.
First launched in 1970 the Ploprof’s sole purpose was to dominate the deep seas with its fearsome reputation for being able to withstand the crushing pressures endured by divers working in the darkest depths of the ocean. Add to that its rugged good looks and this timepiece quickly reached legendary status.
Modern Day Ploprof 1200m
Now the Ploprof is back and badder than ever! Earlier this year Omega introduced an updated version, which as the name subtlety indicates, is water resistant to an astonishing 1200m. Powered by a Calibre 8500 movement utilising Omega’s infamous co-axial technology this watch is more than capable of providing the precise timing required by professional divers.
Striking Design with full functionality
The original Omega Seamaster 600m was renowned for its aggressive styling and oversized casing and thankfully the current model remains true to this heritage. Don’t kid yourself, however, that this is a suitable everyday watch to wear with a suit or a polo. It’s not. Like all creatures of the sea the Ploprof is most at home underwater and that is where it belongs.
So here’s what you need to know:
- The crown is located on the left-hand side of the watch at 9 o’clock and, as is standard on any dive watch worth its salt, it is a protected screw-in crown.
- The bulky looking orange button on the right-hand side is actually the trademark bezel-release security pusher finished in an easy to see orange anodised aluminium.
- Arguably the most important feature of the watch, pressing the bezel release allows the bezel to be rotated in either direction and then firmly locked in place to prevent it from being accidentally shifted during a dive.
- As you would expect the watch also features an automatic helium escape valve located on the side of the case just below 4 o’clock.
Strapping It On
The Ploprof 1200M comes fitted with either a brushed mesh “Sharkproof” bracelet or on a rubber strap in a choice of black or orange. Whilst it is certainly asthetically appealing (and even sounds cool) I must say I highly doubt the effectiveness (or even relevance) of the ‘sharkproof’ bracelet should the unthinkable occur. It does add a nice touch though and gives a bit of that retro feel to the watch.
The bracelet, with its double extension system, is fitted with Omega’s new diving safety clasp whose pinned links allow precise adjustments to 18 positions. It also features an extra divers’ extension to 26mm so that the watch can be worn comfortably over a diving suit. A forgone conclusion really.
The Final Word
To be honest it has previously crossed my mind that this day would come (admittedly there was some praying involved) as it seems the logical step for Omega to take to combat Rolex’s release of the Sea Dweller Deep Sea earlier this year. Given the watch’s extraordinary heritage coupled with the robustness and mechanical brilliance of Omega’s Co-Axial Calibre 8500 movement this watch really offers the complete package for professional divers.
This watch is not for everyone certainly, but if its for you, you won’t regret it.
Most Expensive: 1960′s Rolex Submariner Sells For Record Price
On Monday the 19th of January a vintage circa 1960s Rolex 5513 Submariner with movement calibre 1530 became one of the most valuable items ever sold in a Wrist & Pocket Watch auction at Birmingham auctioneers, Fellows & Sons.
The original sale estimate of £900 – £1,400 ($1,950 – $3,200) dramatically undervalued the classic, highly collectible watch’s true appeal at auction attested to by the level of attention the piece received, attracting bidders from around the world including New York, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong and United Arab Emirates. However, even seasoned collectors may be a little surprised to hear that the watch passed in at a staggering 2200% above expectations for the tidy sum of £35,000 ($76,000)!
Details of the new owner were not disclosed, but it would be safe to assume that they are very happy with their latest acquisition. Launched in 1962 and produced through to June 1990 the Rolex Submariner 5513 model is one of the longest continually produced references in Rolex history. The 1500 series of movements are thought to be one of the best ever created by the luxury brand. “Not to mention saving 007 and Solitaire from certain death in the Bond film ‘Live and Let Die’, it is no wonder that the 5513 model is considered one of the most collectable Submariners” commented Stephen Whittaker, the Managing Partner at Fellows & Sons. “Our telephone lines were fully booked and we had several internet bidders who were very keen to get their hands on this watch – creating a really exciting atmosphere in the auction room.”
Fellow & Sons hold regular auctions throughout the year so keep your eyes out for future announcements. If you would like further information please contact Mary Long on 0121 212 5500 or email: mary@fellows.co.uk
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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!