Monday, April 4, 2011

MAGRETTE Regattare 2011
































� OceanicTime

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ORIS Carlos Coste LE Cenote SERIES

From ORIS Breath Taking Oris Carlos Coste Limited Edition Cenote Series - In 2010, Carlos Coste established a new Guinness World Record for freediving, by completing a 150 metre underwater swim using no apparatus through Dos Ojos, a colossal cenote (cave network) that twists for 31 miles under Yucatan, Mexico. The Venezuelan was armed with only a torch and a monofin when he made the death-defying dive and now Oris have honoured this great achievement by creating a special Carlos Coste Limited Edition Cenote Series watch.



A standout edition to the Diver�s collection, the new Carlos Coste Limited Edition Cenote Series boasts a number of original features to highlight Coste�s incredible feat. The essential minute counter glows in the dark for ease of reading and to indicate the time spent under water; a triangle on the 2 minute position symbolizes that Carlos would be reaching his own breath record of 2:30 minutes for a dynamic dive at this point, whilst a second triangle at the seven minute position highlights Carlos�s record of 7:30 minutes for holding his breath during a static dive.



The top ring of this super-functional and desirable watch is made of scratch proof ceramic, a plus for all extreme sports aficionados who need their watches to be as resilient as they are. The numerals and triangle at the zero position are filled with SLN to provide optimum visibility in darkness like that experienced during cave dives. The case back is graced by the Carlos Coste logo and the limitation number.



Designed in honor of a record breaker, the Oris Carlos Coste Limited Edition Cenote Series is the ultimate performance accessory.



Oris Carlos Coste Limited Edition Cenote Series chronograph honors Carlos Coste�s latest Guinness World Record. The case back includes the Carlos Coste logo and the limitation number. Below, Carlos Coste during his record dive in the Dos Ojos Cenote in Yucatan, Mexico.



ORIS Carlos Coste Limited Edition � Cenote Series No. 674 7655 7184-Set � 46.00mm - Limited to 2000 pieces

Automatic mechanical chronograph movement ETA 7750 with red rotor Hour, minute and stop second from the centre, subsidiary dials at 6, 9 and 12 h position.

Titanium case with ceramic top ring and Superluminova inlay and screwed case back with Carlos Coste�s logo

- Pushers and screw down crown in stainless steel
- Automatic helium valve at 9 o�clock position
- Water resistant to 50 bar / 500 metres
- Black dial with applied indices filled with Superluminova
- Titanium metal bracelet with easy adjustable folding clasp

SET Multipurpose soft pouch, replacement rubber strap, tools for the bracelet change. Limited edition certificate

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PERRELET Seacraft Collection

From PERRELET Plumbing the depths - Evolving in a new universe, the Perrelet is now accompanying enthusiasts in search of discovery and emotions in the dark depths of the oceans (live images).



In a field so far not explored, Perrelet is plunging into this aquatic world with three instruments of measurement; its new collection comprises the 3 hands-date, the GMT and the Chronograph. All three are proposed in a robust stainless steel case with elegant contrasting polished and brushed surfaces. A 4mm thick sapphire crystal with anti-glare treatment on both sides, and a stamped, screw-down case back, guaranteeing water-resistance to 777 metres, complete the case features.




SEACRAFT 3 HANDS-DATE A1053/2 + A1053/C

MOVEMENT Automatic P-261 / Power Reserve 40 hours / Vibrations per hour 28�800 (4Hz) / Rubies 21

CASE O 42 mm / 13.60 mm / Case material Stainless steel / Anti-glare sapphire crystal

WATER resistance 777m / 80 ATM

DIAL Black, luminous indices / Blue, luminous indices

STRAP Black alligator with stainless steel folding clasp Stainless steel




Of the models featured here, the Chronograph, has a screw-down crown and two push-pieces encircled with aluminum rings, which contribute to the smooth functioning of the mechanical movement. An automatic helium valve, a vital element when the watch is being used in a diving chamber, is located at 9 o�clock. The fluting, which is the Brand�s aesthetic, is clearly recognizable on the one-way, notched, rotating bezel, showing a 60-minute scale and featuring a luminescent marker at 12 o�clock.




SEACRAFT GMT A1055/3 + A1055/A

MOVEMENT Automatic P-281 / Power Reserve 40 hours / Vibrations per hour 28�800 (4Hz) / Rubies 21

CASE O 42 mm / 14.90 mm / Case material Stainless steel / Anti-glare sapphire crystal

WATER resistance 777m / 80 ATM

DIAL Blue, luminous indices / White, luminous indices

STRAP Blue alligator with stainless steel folding clasp / Stainless steel



The extreme demands imposed by this sometimes very dark environment necessitate a clear legibility of its displays. The symmetric indication of its counters on the white, black or blue dials, the applied indexes and the hands containing luminescent material produce wonderful contrasts. This collection is very well-balanced and sits perfectly on the wrist, whether with its elegant alligator leather or with its comfortable brushed stainless steel bracelet.



A high-tech nylon strap is offered in the special watch box that comes with the three models of this collection. Immersion in a world of silence, a world of mystery sometimes feared but always admired, in which you will be able to let yourself go with your new adventure companion.



SEACRAFT CHRONO A1054/1 + A1054/B

MOVEMENT Automatic P-271 / Power Reserve 40 hours / Vibrations per hour 28�800 (4Hz) / Rubies 57

CASE O 45 mm / 17.45 mm / Case material Stainless steel / Anti-glare sapphire crystal

WATER resistance 777m / 80 ATM

DIAL White, luminous indices / Black, luminous indices

STRAP Black alligator

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Sunday, April 3, 2011

GRAFF ScubaGraff

By TLex Jewelery brand, Graff take a surprising new direction with their latest timepiece. The ScubaGraff, which Graff say embodies their signature design feature, a uniquely faceted case inspired by a single brilliant-cut diamond is water-resistant to 300 meters and features a lateral decompression valve. The watch houses a mechanical self-winding Graff Calibre 2 movement exclusively designed, developed and built in Switzerland for Graff with a 50-hour power reserve as shown by a power-reserve display (not sure why it only indicates up to 30hrs though).

There are two other case finishes available; one in satin finished rose gold and another DLC. This wouldn't be a Graff without some sort of precious stone; a triangular-cut diamond (emerald on gold version) has been set at the 12 o' clock dial marker as well as a diamond-tipped crown. The tentacle detailing on the caseback and divers extension is pretty cool, not sure if I'd take it diving though, but I'd certainly wear it in the bathtub!



From GRAFF Graff proudly introduces a new diving watch for men. This newly released model incorporates the mechanical self-winding Graff Calibre 2 movement exclusively designed, developed and built in Switzerland for Graff and displays a comfortable 50-hour power reserve. The back of the satin-finished rose gold versions have been expertly fire enamelled and all editions, including the black DLC, are finely hand engraved with an octopus motif that is also reflected on the elaborate folding clasp of the strap.

The hands and hour markers are enhanced with luminor ensuring optimal readability, and a decompression valve on the case side and 30-minute countdown indicator help divers manage their remaining dive time and oxygen level. Guaranteed water-resistant to 300 metres (1,000 ft), ScubaGraff is a diver's dream and enough to make any devotee of fine watchmaking want to take the plunge.



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CERTINA DS Action Diver Automatic

From CERTINA Action, precision and confidence at sea - Eye-catching, sporty and full of verve, the DS Action Diver automatic is a logical extension of the previous DS Action series of extreme-sport timepieces by the Swiss sportwatch brand. Uncompromising in both appearance and function, it is produced along the stringent ISO 6425 specification for diver�s watches. Masculine in every respect, it brings together dynamic, modern design and a tradition of exceptionally resistant construction, fit for serious exploration at an affordable price.



The new DS Action Diver automatic stands out instantly thanks to its 43.2 mm brushed steel case and bold, striking bezel. Broad, large-toothed and easy to handle in all settings, its Superluminova-treated surface and oversized numerals ensure clear reading even in deep underwater darkness. Additional amounts of Superluminova on its wide hands, indices and on its central seconds hand further enhance readability against the watch's contrasting black dial. A sapphire crystal with anti-reflection coating protects this impressive timepiece from all underwater perils.

The DS Action Diver is equipped with an ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, for precise and worry-free timing, with hours, minutes, central seconds and date. Its reliability is guaranteed by the DS Concept, as well as production techniques in accordance with the ISO 6425 specification for diver�s watches, as confirmed by the inscription 'Diver�s watch 200 m / ISO 6425' on the dial face. With its screw-down crown and case back, the DS Action Diver can handle pressures up to 20 bar (200 m).



In a tasteful wink back at history, the case back also sports a turtle logo, symbol of extreme water resistance in CERTINA timepieces in the 50s and 60s. A beautifully detailed three-row brushed stainless steel bracelet with a folding safety buckle and diving extension ensure that your DS Action Diver stays with you at all times, and a protected screw-down crown, monogrammed with the letters 'DS', keeps it safe from impact and inadvertent handling.

A second stainless steel version is available, with a black dial and moulded rubber strap with folding safety buckle and diving extension. Two additional models are also available, with titanium case, anthracite bezel ring and matching sunray finish dial; one with a titanium bracelet and another with a rubber strap, both equipped with a folding safety buckle and diving extension. Titanium is especially well suited to diving environments, for its high corrosion resistance and lightness.



MOVEMENT (functions) Swiss-Made ETA 2824-2 Automatic / Hours, minutes, central seconds, date

CASE 316L brushed stainless steel, with polished bezel / 43.2 mm diameter / Screw-down case back with special CERTINA turtle logo / Unidirectional rotating bezel with large teeth, for ease of use / Added Superluminova for best underwater readability on bezel, hands and indices

SPECIAL FEATURE Production in accordance with ISO 6425 specification, with special mention 'Diver's watch 200m / ISO 6425' on dial

CROWN Protected screw-down crown, monogrammed with letters 'DS'

WATER RESISTANCE Water resistant up to a pressure of 20 bar (200 meters)

CRYSTAL Sapphire crystal with anti-reflection coating

STRAP Three-row stainless steel with folding safety buckle and diving extension

PRICE CHF 795

VARIATIONS 316L stainless steel with rubber strap, CHF 770 / Titanium with rubber strap, CHF 895 / Titanium with titanium bracelet, CHF 930

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Azimuth XTREME-I Collection

By TLex One of the coolest things about making the pilgrimage to Basel this year was meeting up with my friends in the watch industry not least of which was the time spent with the mildly eccentric, mad-genius that is Alvin Lye of AZIMUTH, who kindly invited us to sit down at the back of his booth in a mock military bunker whereupon a radio-controlled tank drove in and delivered a prototype of his latest creation, the Azimuth LANDSHIP!

As cool as that was, there was no need for any pretense as to the true purpose of my visit; I had come to check out a production model of the DEEP DIVER and the two SEA-HUMs. And I was not disappointed! For those of you, who might not have been following; I previewed the DEEP DIVER prototype and the SEA-HUMs here last April.

The quality of the production models was exceptional, their fit, finish; every last detail beautifully executed, rubber straps included. The looks of the watches, whilst unconventional seemed to fit well with what Azimuth the brand are doing. And after chatting at length with Alvin I was left feeling quite excited about the possibility of future dive watch creations from this forwarding thinking company. Who knows maybe one day an Azimuth Submarine watch will surface.


Stay tuned for more from Azimuth plus an in-depth review of DEEP DIVER . . .
















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ANDROID Divemaster Silverjet 500

By TLex I pretty much checked out every single brand whilst I was at Basel; yes, even the 'Shop NBC brands' like Invicta, Swiss Legend and Android, who were exhibiting for their first time there. I rarely cover these brands, who in fact produce numerous divers models, reason being apart from the ridiculous names they are usually given like Predator-Robo-Diving-Enforcer-500 and the such, but because I find the look of most of their offerings at best crass and over-designed. This is without getting into the Chinese made Swiss branded debate!



So what did I think of the first ANDROID diver I had ever handled? I have to admit I was quite impressed. Looks-wise a fairly sedate design not too dissimilar to a SEIKO Monster, size and weight was good, this is a 50mm model. Interesting sandwich case construction with water-resistance up to 500 meters. The watch was even housing Miyota's new 9015 with hacking feature. The price, a very reasonable circa 300USD. Not least of all the watches were introduced to me by an attractive woman!


� OceanicTime

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Friday, April 1, 2011

PERRELET Seacraft 777m (new line)

By TLex I have mixed feelings about PERRELET's new Seacraft line; while it is a very pleasing to sea Perretlet producing a full range of divers watches; there is no escaping the the generic look of the Seacraft line, which could in many ways be likened to Omega's Planet Ocean. Perrelet, who have of late been making a name for themselves with their Turbine XL (Double Rotor) have a history dating back to 1777 (hence the 777m depth rating), when Abraham-Louis Perrelet revolutionized the power supply to a movement by developing the automatic winding system for pocket watches.

The fit and finish of the Seacraft watches is exceptional and once I had got past the initial feeling of having seen this look repeated so many times before there were a couple of subtle nuances that I really appreciated, such as the angular case sides, particularly the left lateral side where the HEV has been placed, the exhibition casebacks and the thoughtful push-button divers extender on the clasp. The Seacraft line consists of three basic models; 3 Hands-Date, Chronograph and GMT each available in three colors; black, white or blue. The Chronograph at 45mm is the larger of the three the 3 Hands-Date and GMT each measure 42mm.


















� OceanicTime

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HYDROSCAM 100m

By TLex No, it's not another iteration of CLERC's new Hydroscaph Chrono, take a closer look; it is in fact a new model from Swiss Legend that I spied (literally, I was sent by a very interested party) at Baselworld 2011. When I took out my camera to photograph the watch, a gentleman behind me who later turned out to be Swiss Legend's sales director told me that I was not permitted to take photographs . . .

He even claimed not to recognize my legitimate photography license on my press pass. Maybe he was afraid that I was another watch manufacturer who had aims on his original design! Anyway after a polite exchange of words he eventually conceded. They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery, I'll let you decide!



� OceanicTime
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ORA Swiss Watch Company Ora#2

By TLex It's always a pleasure to see someone doing something different with a dive watch. The Ora#2 is the first divers model to come from this young artisan watch brand, who are based in Locarno on the Italian boarder in Southern Switzerland. 



The Ora#2 is a 300m divers watch with a 45mm titanium case construction, exhibition caseback, Clous de Paris bezel with lumed ceramic inlay (this could be an industry first as ceramic is extremely difficult to work with especially in terms of applying lume) and a stunning titanium dial which has been electronically eroded by thousands of tiny sparks.


� OceanicTime
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