By TLex BULOVA have released a new Precisionist Diver. The 300M water-resistant BULOVA Precisionist 98B168 boasts a specialized bezel locking system . . .
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Das Boot WATCHES
By TLex Introducing 'DAS BOOT' Watches, a new creation from the same people that bought us the current depth record holder, the legendary 20'000 FEET, CX Swiss Military Watch� and MontresCharmex SA.
The first three models have been released, but the best is yet to come! In a few months time DAS BOOT will release other high-quality divers watches, amongst them, mechanical models and a professional divers watch with a water-resistance of 500 meters.
Some 30 years after the film classic "DAS BOOT" was released, it continues to inspire fans all over the world and was the inspiration for this new line in rugged sports and diving watches. These are the first and only watches to have been produced under the brand name DAS BOOT. The legal owners of the name, Bavaria Sonor were approached by Manfred and Frank B�rgin, the owners of MontresCharmex SA, who persuaded them to support the entire range of watches. This is just the start of a highly unusual watch collection . . .
DAS BOOT Watches have released the first three models in their new collection, which are the Captain DATE, the Captain CHRONO and the Kids SWORDFISH. All three models are Swiss Made� with black PVD coated Stainless steel cases. The two Captain's models have sapphire crystals and are water-resistant to 20atm or 200m. The Kids model has a hardened mineral glass and is water-resistant to 10atm or 100m.
All three models are powered by Quartz calibers. The two Cpatian's models house Swiss made Ronda movements: the Ronda Kal. 515 Date and the Ronda Kal. 5030 Chronograph. The Kids SWORDFISH is powered by a Japanese made Citizen 2115 Date.
The watches are presented on either a black or red natural rubber divers strap with a black PVD steel buckle.
For further information on DAS BOOT Watches please follow the Swordfish logo below . . .
BALL Watch Co. Engineer Master II SKINDIVER
By TLex BALL Watch resurrect their historic diving watch from 1962 . . .
From BALL Since 1891, BALL Watch has been manufacturing timepieces that meet the most stringent criteria for precision, quality and reliability. Over the years, BALL Watch has also produced several watchmaking instruments specifically for deep-sea diving enthusiasts. In unveiling the new Engineer Master II Skindiver, BALL Watch has revived a vibrant part of its watchmaking heritage.
The first �BALL Skindiver� timepiece was designed in 1962 in response to the growing popularity of deep-sea diving in the United States where BALL watches originated. The launch of this new watch followed closely in the wake of the creation of the Underwater Society of America in 1959. This public diving organization aimed to promote the sport and diving education; it also organizes competitions. A practice dating back several thousand years, diving developed as a sport and method for exploring the seabed after the Second World War. It gradually split into two codes: scuba diving and skin diving or free diving.
For many years, BALL Watch has played a legitimate role as a pioneering designer of diving watches, especially through its extraordinary partnership avec Guillaume N�ry the holder of many constant weight free diving world championship titles. This extraordinary human and technical adventure was the source of inspiration for the creation of an entire range of diving watches in the forefront of modern watchmaking technology. BALL Watch is proud to add to its Engineer Master II collection a new model that pays direct homage to its own history and that of deep-sea exploration. The Engineer Master II Skindiver has also been released to coincide with the golden jubilee of the launch of its first diving watch.
This timepiece audaciously combines an undeniably vintage design echoing the 1960s with contemporary watchmaking codes and techniques. With a diameter of 40.5mm and a height of 14.3mm, the stainless steel case and its rubber strap sit easily on the wrist while allowing total freedom of movement. Fundamental feature of any diving watch, water resistance to 300 meters is in particular guaranteed by the screwed caseback and screw-in crown. Robust, the Engineer Master II Skindiver has also been constructed to withstand shocks with a force of up to 5,000 Gs and magnetic fields with an intensity of up to 4,800 A/m. Synonymous with precision and exactitude, the ETA 2836-2 automatic movement delivers all the watch�s basic functions: hours minutes and seconds, as well as the day and date.
Another key feature of a diving watch, the black dial is devoid of any superfluous detail to ensure essential diving information is immediately visible. The time is instantly read from the stand-out dial graduation and digital indexes. Echoing its predecessor, the dial includes the original �Skindiver� inscription that appeared on the 1962 model.
Spaced at five-minute intervals, the dial indexes are paired with double micro-tubes of 3H luminous gas. Also applied to the hands, this state-of-the-art Swiss technology ensures the watch�s indications remain visible even in the darkness of the deep. Iconic feature of the high technical performance of all BALL watches, these micro tubes do not require any external source of light and are up to 100 times more effective than conventional luminescent paint.
The large rotating bezel fitted with a black aluminum ring makes also the dive time countdown time an easy operation. Its unidirectional rotation is a further guarantee of basic safety for any diving instrument as it prevents any accidental handling that would extend the dive time available before having to return to the surface.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
BREITLING Superocean H�RITAGE GOLD
By TLex Breitling's use of 18k Red GOLD for the bezel inlays and handsets of these Superocean H�RITAGE GOLD models is optimum, the perfect balance of contrast and color. I think I'm in love . . .
SWAROVSKI Octea Abyssal DIVER
By TLex Probably one of the most surprising dive watch discoveries of Basel 2012 is this new mens' diver from Austrian, crystal specialist Swarovski. Surprising, not because Swarovski are a jewelry company and as such wouldn't know how to create an attractive utilitarian diver if their lives depended on it, because some can and do. But because of its innovative use of color for the case. Anyone remember the KREMKE concept DIVER?
The new SWAROVSKI Octea Abyssal Automatic is available with two case materials. A stainless steel case with either a satin or black PVD finish. Or a radical looking matte orange finished aluminum case. Both cases measure 44mm in diameter and are fitted with scratch-resistant, non-reflective sapphire crystals and are water-resistant to 200 meters. They sport black faceted ceramic bezels engraved with Arabic numerals in white, black, or orange. The caseback has an engraving of the SWAROVSKI Swan logo.
The crowns which have been designed in such a way as to compliment the bezel teeth are also decorated with the SWAROVSKI Swan logo in polished stainless steel and then outlined in black enamel. The dials are in either matte white or black with rounded or triangular SuperLumiova applied hour markers. There's a black date indicator at 4.30. The watches are fitted with a black rubber strap with a polished and satin finished stainless steel or black PVD folding clasp, engraved with the Swarovski name.
I really want to like the Octea Abyssal, I actually do. The orange case is so unique and so apt for a dive watch. Not sure how the aluminum will hold up, though? It has an attractive rounded case with angular lugs with a black crystal centerpiece least we forget this is a Swarovski diver. The dial and bezel markers are minimal. Even the handset looks good.
But I can't get past the retched Swan logo. I can live with the swan on the caseback and the crown. I can even take the embossed swan on the rubber strap, but the Swan logo on the dial kills it for me, stone dead, I'm afraid. Nevertheless for a girlie brand like SWAROVSKI to come up with such a clean and rugged design is a pleasantly refreshing surprise, bravo!
BALL Watch Co. Engineer Hydrocarbon NEDU
By TLex Ball Watch Co. continue to innovate with more new dive watch technology . The new Engineer Hydrocarbon NEDU is the world's first diving watch with a helium release valve incorporated into its crown . . .
From BALL The �Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU)� is the unit of the United States Navy responsible for rolling out operational diving and decompression rules for the United States Armed Forces. It assesses the systems and procedures involved in surviving hyperbaric and diving environments. Applying the same principle of �Safety First� adopted from its very beginnings by BALL Watch for its timekeepers, the NEDU's experiments have enabled new procedures and new equipments to be developed to increase diving safety.
In particular, the NEDU established the decompression timetables that are a vital reference for all divers. In the same way, BALL Watch played a pioneering role in watchmaking by laying down as early as the end of the 19th century chronometric standards used as the basis for the reference today�s standards.
BALL Watch has therefore quite naturally dedicated to the NEDU this new model which immediately strikes as being a powerful and characterful chronograph, both sporty and stylish. All aspects of this timepiece have been designed for its use by professional divers for whom each second may be of crucial importance. Attention has in particular been paid to the rotating bezel and its ergonomic contours ensuring precise handling even when wearing diving gloves. The bezel�s unidirectional rotation avoids the dire consequences that could result from any accidental movement when counting down underwater time.
Designed in chromed pure black ceramic, the bezel is exceptionally resistant to corrosion, scratches and ultraviolet rays. Additionally, the numerals and graduation have voluntarily been oversized to make them immediately legible. A pioneer in ceramic processing, BALL Watch again uses its innovative application process for powerful luminous paint on the ceramic bezel indications.
A fundamental characteristic of any diving watch, the water resistance of this model is guaranteed to a depth of 600 meters thanks to the rugged construction of its case which is 17.3mm at its thickest for a diameter of 42mm. The case back is stamped with a diver motif echoing NEDU's official emblem. A world first in watchmaking, the automatic helium release valve has been directly incorporated into the crown. This patented BALL innovation has eradicated a potential surface liable to warp under the effects of water pressure, thereby improving the chronograph�s water resistance even further. The crown itself is fitted with a patented protection system that is used on all Engineer Hydrocarbon models.
The heart of the watch houses the benchmark chronograph caliber with an ETA 7750 automatic movement that can measure and indicate a lapse of time of up to 12 hours. COSC certification is proof of the absolute precision of the hours, minutes, seconds and day and date display of this chronometer movement.
To remain visible even in the darkness of the deep, the dial�s indexes and hands are naturally fitted with luminous micro tubes of 3H gas. This state-of-the-art Swiss technology, the iconic signature of all BALL watches, requires no external source of light or energy while being up to 100 times more efficient than conventional luminous paints. BALL Watch has further improved this process by attaching the dial micro tubes to metal appliques.
The new patented process enhances the effect of the micro tubes while also improving the diffusion of the light generated by the tritium gas. The voluntarily restrained design of the dial and the contrast between the graduation, seconds hand and hands on the sub-dials provide the ultimate assurance of excellent legibility of all the indications provided on this model.
Another specific feature of this model are the two chamfers cut into the case flange supporting the bezel that act like �drains� to facilitate the outflow of any water that may become lodged between these components. This ingenious addition thought up by BALL Watch also helps combat any possible corrosion effect. The Engineer Hydrocarbon NEDU is also protected from shocks with a force of up to 7,500Gs and magnetic fields to an intensity of 4,800A/m. All these protection measures and systems make this a truly robust chronograph.
Alongside the rubber strap that is by definition used on any diving watch, this model is also available with a stainless steel and titanium bracelet with BALL Watch�s patented triple folding buckle. The extension system means the watch can be easily and safely worn on the wrist even over a diving suit. With the new Engineer Hydrocarbon NEDU, BALL Watch has again confirmed its undeniable place among diving watch designers.
BALL Watch Co. ENGINEER Hydrocarbon Ceramic MIDSIZE
From BALL Inspired by the Engineer Hydrocarbon Ceramic XV presented in 2011, the new Engineer Hydrocarbon Ceramic Midsize is a perfect example of the most rugged, most reliable and most sophisticated collection of timepieces every designed by BALL Watch. The ultimate personification of the identity of the company created in 1891 by Webster Clay Ball, the models in the Engineer Hydrocarbon collection are destined to find themselves on the wrists of the explorers of the modern world which BALL Watch has made its ambassadors.
The first woman to join the BALL Explorers Club in 2012, Edurne Pasaban is an experienced mountaineer who can claim to be the only woman in the world to belong to the very closed circle of people who have scaled 14 peaks more than 8,000 meters high. Over the nine years it took her to establish this extraordinary list of achievements, Edurne Pasaban applied her qualities of tenacity, the will to surpass herself and strength essential to conquering unknown horizons in the most extreme conditions and which are all values that can be attributed to the Engineer Hydrocarbon collection.
With a stainless steel case and intermediate diameter of 36mm, BALL Watch has included in its key collection a balanced model that will suit today�s explorers. The streamlined and refined style of its dial makes it a sporty and elegant watch that would not be out-of-place even in formal situations. A subtle allusion to the colors of the alpine world, the dial is available in �slate black,� �ice white� and �quartz pink�. The delicate use of various finishes adds a refined touch to the dial, visible in particular with its interior circle that delicately arcs around the ends of the luminous micro gas tubes.
With the same attention to aesthetics and harmony, the pure ceramic rotating bezel matches the color of each dial. Benefiting from BALL Watch�s pioneer ceramic processing technology, the numerals and the graduation on the bezel are coated with powerful luminous paint. Ceramic also provides the bezel with exceptional resistance to corrosion, scratches and ultraviolet rays, all natural adversities a timepiece may have to face during an ascension on Edurne Pasaban�s wrist.
Other elements that underscore this collection�s reputation, the Engineer Hydrocarbon Ceramic Midsize is resistant to shocks of up to 5,000 Gs, protection against magnetic fields of an intensity of 4,800 A/m and water resistant up to a depth of 200 meters. The patented crown protection system is the final touch providing the wearer of the Engineer Hydrocarbon Ceramic Midsize with improved safety in managing time and complete freedom of action from submarine depths to the peaks of the Himalayas.
With a rich past closely associated to the history of the American railroads, BALL Watch remains one of the most respected and established watchmaking brands in the United States as well as being the instigator of chronometry standards. In his position as Chief Time Inspector, Webb C. Ball introduced as early as the late 19th century, a time standardization system for American railroad companies to use.
This system is based on such rigorous precision and reliability criteria that it inspired the �Contr�le officiel suisse des chronom�tres� (COSC) to issue its own certification standards in 1973. So, quite naturally, the majority of the Engineer Hydrocarbon collection�s calibers are chronometer certified, providing an additional guarantee of precision and exactness. The Engineer Hydrocarbon Ceramic Midsize is no exception with its ETA 2892-2 automatic movement certified by the COSC and displaying hours, minutes and seconds as well as the date.
Real signature of all BALL watches, the dial indexes and hands are of course fitted with luminous micro tubes of 3H gas. This state-of-the-art Swiss technology used on BALL watches requires no external source of light or energy while being up to 100 times more efficient than conventional luminous paints. BALL Watch has further improved this process by attaching the dial micro tubes to metal appliques. The new patented process enhances the effect of the micro-tubes while also improving the diffusion of the light generated by the 3H gas. A stainless steel bracelet adds the final touch to this chronometer.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
BREITLING Avenger Seawolf BLACKSTEEL 2ndLook
By TLex Here's another quick look at the new Breitling Avenger Sea Wolf BLACKSTEEL with its lovely new professional dial . . .
GaGa Milano DIVING 48MM
By TLex Thought you'd seen it all; think again! Introducing the new DIVING 48MM from Gaga. That's GaGa Milano not Lady Gaga! Designed, the manufacturer say: ''With an astonished look and a distinctive style'' whatever that means, and ''designed by a man who loves to dress extravagantly''. You don't say!
The watch comes complete with 'onion' crowns � la 'Chronoswiss Timemaster'; one for time-setting and one for the internal bezel, which is operational at 12 o'clock. Then there're the Franck Muller-esque 3D numerals and toonish sword hands.
Its 48mm case is constructed from Titanium and has a water-resistance of 300m thanks to a screwdown crown and caseback. It is available in either a brushed finish or with a black or blue PVD finish. It is also available with a carbon fiber bezel.
It's even equipped with sapphire crystal, and a Helium escape valve (which they've made a bit of a feature) just in case Ronald McDonald does a bit of SAT Diving at the weekend!
The GaGa DIVING 48MM houses an automatic movement, but I'm not sure which one or whether it's a Swiss or Japanese caliber. There's nothing about lume either.
A dive watch for people who've gone gaga? Maybe. Certainly for someone with a sense of humor, that's for sure. However, surprising as it may be, on paper it's actually a more capable diver than many . . .
Friday, March 9, 2012
TUDOR Pelagos BRACELET
By TLex Here's a cool video sequence highlighting the incredible features of the new Tudor PELAGOS' bracelet. Features include: a folding clasp with divers extension system, fine adjustment up to three positions and what Tudor call a 'Free Adjustment Zone'. One of the coolest features is the bracelet's automatic adjustment which allows for pressure variations from compression (up to 40m) and expansion of a divers wetsuit. Visit OceanicTimeTV to discover more . . .
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Vintage CHRONO Prototype N� 1 AUCTION
By TLex You saw it in action exploring the sunken subterranean caverns beneath the City of Paris, now HERE's your chance to actually own it. Bid for a cause and own a unique watch inspired by the Memovox Deep Sea. Jaeger-LeCoultre will auction the Deep Sea Vintage CHRONO Prototype N� 1, their fourth auction now for the preservation of marine World Heritage sites with proceeds being donated to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre . . .
From JLC After the three very successful Tides of Time campaigns, Jaeger-LeCoultre presents its fourth online Auction, which will take place on 12th March, 2012 and once again the proceeds will be donated to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. This year the Manufacture is offering for Auction a new water-resistant watch inspired by the Memovox Deep Sea: the Prototype N� 1 of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph, a model endowed with a range of characteristics that are bound to thrill connoisseurs.
UPDATE The winning bid was for �9'300 . . .
UPDATE The winning bid was for �9'300 . . .
Jaeger-LeCoultre has a long-term partnership with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the International Herald Tribune to help defend and protect outstanding marine sites that require immediate intervention. The auction is a chance for watch lovers and collectors to participate in this very worthy cause. Pre-register now for a chance to own the Prototype N� 1 of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph.
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