30.9.09

Watches in Series: From the Earth to the Moon, Journeyman, Simply Ming, Noble House and Viva La Bam.

From the Earth to the Moon (1998)

Through dramatization, this series relates the story of the conquest of the moon by the Americans, from the Mercury and Gemini projects to the legendary Apollo missions.


Omega Speedmaster

Seen in the credits of this HBO mini-series is the Omega Speedmaster





Journeyman (2007)

It actually takes a serious look at how being tossed around in time would effect a person's life and relationships taking an almost realistic view of marriage. The real center of this show isn't time travel, but relationships.


Omega Seamaster Chronograph

Dan Vassar (Kevin McKidd) wears an Omega Seamaster Chronograph (Model 2594.52)






Simply Ming (2003-)

An intelligent, talented and well-educated chef presents dishes connected to Chinese cooking.


Breitling ChronoAvenger

Cheff Ming Tsai wears a Breitling ChronoAvenger.






Noble House (1988)

The story is based on Struan & Co. Jardine-Matheson and the events of Noble House actually took place over a period of seven years in the 1960s. Though Jardines has transferred its headquarters to Bermuda and sold its shipping interests in 1984, it is still a major presence in Hong Kong.


Cartier Pasha

Ian Dunross (Pierce Brosnan) wears a Cartier Pasha 38mm in Noble House.







Viva La Bam (2003-2006)

A show that follows Bam Margera (of Jackass and CKY fame) in his attempts to anger his parents. Unlike CKY or Jackass, Viva La Bam focuses mainly on the torture of Bam's parents and less on harmful stunts.


Breitling Chrono Super Ocean

Ryan Dunn wears a Breitling Chrono Super Ocean










.

29.9.09

Cartier Roadster



An automatic, self-winding mechanical movement, also water resistance to 330-foot. It features an extra-large case with a walnut burl face accented by rhodium zed hour, minute and second hands. This limited edition version of the Cartier Roadster comes with an interchangeable leather band. The rose-gold version is limited to just 250 pieces, while the white gold incarnation is limited to only 150 and carries a higher price at $41,000. These watches are available at a Cartier showroom.

Technical Information:


Movement: hand-wound mechanical, exclusive Panerai OP X calibre, 16½ lignes, 17 jewels. Glucydur® balance with Nivarox® I spring, 21,600 alternations/hour. Incabloc® anti-shock device. Power reserve 56 hours. Côtes de Genève decoration on the bridges.

Functions: hours and minutes.
Case: diameter 47 mm, polished steel with removable wire loop strap attachments (patented). Winding crown personalised Panerai.

Bezel: polished steel.

Back: see-through sapphire crystal.

Dial: black with luminous hour markers and Arabic and Roman numerals.

Crystal: PLEXIGLAS, 2 mm thick.

Water resistance: 30 metres.

Strap: leather with PANERAI personalised steel sewn-in buckle.

* Officine Panerai is not the owner of the Trade Marks Glucydur®, Nivarox®, Incabloc® and PLEXIGLAS®















.

28.9.09

Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin: The AMVOX2 DBS Transponder

.



The AMVOX2 DBS Transponder is the most recent addition to the exclusive AMVOX range of timepieces created jointly by Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin – and the most vivid example yet of the powerful synergy between the two companies. A dramatic fusion of high-tech engineering skills and the finest watchmaking expertise, this revolutionary timepiece features an integrated transponder circuit that allows the owner to unlock or lock their Aston Martin DBS simply by pressing the sapphire crystal.



Like the AMVOX2 Chronograph DBS, this elegant new timepiece has no push buttons: the vertical trigger system of mechanical levers patented by Jaeger-LeCoultre allows the chronograph to be started, stopped and reset by pressing the sapphire crystal. Augmenting these functions in the AMVOX2 DBS Transponder is a miniaturised transmitter system that controls access to the owner’s DBS. As the driver nears the car, they simply press the ‘OPEN’
position on the watch glass (between 8 and 9 o’clock) and the door-opening system is activated.
Pressing the ‘CLOSE’ position (between 3 and 4 o’clock) locks the car again.
The unique connection between Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin is evident elsewhere on the watch, too. The exquisitely detailed dial features a suspended metallic grey DBS logo, there is a subtle Aston Martin emblem on the movement operating indicator, and the ruthenium grey bridges, satin finish and black background evoke the look of the DBS’s instrument panel. The outer dial ring, meanwhile, has an opening that allows a tantalising glimpse of the chronograph functions – just as the slender wheel rims of the DBS expose the mighty brake calipers behind.




Created specially for Aston Martin DBS owners, the AMVOX2 DBS Transponder is the first mechanical timepiece to operate not only as a chronograph but also as the key to a luxury sports car. An engineering masterpiece in miniature, its beauty and functionality stand as testament to the inspiration and expertise of the partnership that created it.













.

25.9.09

Tag Heuer Monaco V4 Limited Edition Watch. ($80,000)

(Tag Heuer Monaco V4 Limited Edition Watch)



Limited edition of just 150 watches the Monaco V4. It is the only Tag Heuer watch made from platinum (170 grams of it), fact that gives to it its modern style.

The Monaco V4 changes inspired from car engines. Like mechanical watches, it engines has the same concepts: transmission, friction, torque and power. But, the Tag Heuer First uses a 4.25-gram platinum ingot which acts as a sort of cylinder, in a linear movement. Then, changes the transmission of power from the traditional wheels to a drive-belt transmission: 13 belts with a gauge measure of 0.5 x 0.45mm.


The Monaco V4 uses 2.2mm diameter bearings with 0.25mm balls rotating inside, rather than synthetic rubies to reduce friction acting as energy generators with bridges made of transparent sapphire.


The Monaco V4 wristwatch was presented at Baselworld in 2004. Then, in 2007, a production ready piece was shown. 2009 was the year in which the Monaco V4 watch version was finally presented.



(Tag Heuer Monaco V4 Limited Edition Watch)


Transmission: 13 notched belts of 0.5 x 0.45 mm; 39 ball races of 2.2 mm diameter and 0.5 thick
Energy: 4 barrels storing 375g of energy each: 1.5 kg total strength
Automatic winding system: Linear oscillating weight: 4.25g platinum ingot.
Movement features: 18,000 vibrations per hour.














.

NEW Breitling Cosmonaute Limited Edition

(NEW Breitling Cosmonaute Limited Edition)



1962. The space race was well under way. Already a supplier to civilian and military aviation, Breitling naturally took a keen interest in this new human adventure. Based on the Navitimer chronograph, the brand’s technicians developed the Cosmonaute, a space-going version of this instrument indicating the daily 24 hours in a single sweep of the dial. Given the extremely relative nature of day and night in space, this configuration prevents possible confusion between midday and midnight. On May 24th 1962, the astronaut Scott Carpenter tested this instrument under real-life conditions during his orbital flight aboard the Aurora 7 capsule.



For its 125th anniversary, Breitling has chosen to issue a limited series of the model that became the first wrist chronograph to experience space travel. Only 1,000 of these Cosmonaute watches will be produced, all equipped for the occasion with an original version of the intriguing 24-hour dial. Further accentuating its distinctive character and in tribute to a modern design icon from the 1960s, the Cosmonaute Limited Edition is fitted exclusively with the rigid perforated Air Racer bracelet.
















[Source: Breitling Press Release]

24.9.09

The new 500 Fathoms surfaces in the Old Port of Cannes

(The new 500 Fathoms surfaces)




Blancpain presents the “1big sister” of its famous Fifty Fathoms watch: the brand-new 500 Fathoms. More high-performance and high-tech than ever, the brand’s latest diver’s watch displays an uncompromisingly sporting design. Water-resistant to 1000 metres, it is equipped with a helium decompression valve that is vital when diving in a closed environment. The ultra-virile 500 Fathoms is fi tted with a 48 mm-diameter titanium case – an unusual size for Blancpain.

Presented as the ultimate sports watch, the 500 Fathoms is making a striking entrance into the collection of Blancpain diver’s watches. Endowed with a new face, a new size and new performances, the 500 Fathoms is water-resistant to 1000 metres. It features a brushed titanium case measuring 48 mm in diameter, equipped with a crown guard. Placed inside the case at 10 o’clock, an automatic decompression valve guarantees the security and the reliability of the watch, without requiring any handling on the part of the wearer.

To enhance readability, Blancpain has designed large phosphorescent Arabic numerals that are hollowed into the sunray-brushed metal appliques. The luminescent coating on the hour-markers, bezel markings and hands, along with the red tip of the sweep seconds hand, ensure optimal readability in all circumstances. The luminescent base of the black dial reveals its fluorescence only in the dark, while the date appears in white against a black background at 4 o’clock. The unidirectional ratcheted bezel facilitates handling and avoids any involuntary extension of the dive time. Crafted in titanium and sapphire crystal, it features a gentle cambered relief that reduces the risk of impacts.


(The new 500 Fathoms surfaces)


The 500 Fathoms is powered by the self-winding Calibre 1315, specifically designed to equip sports watches. It incorporates balance with micrometric regulating screws, which helps to prevent any jarring from disturbing the smooth running of the watch. Three series coupled barrels guarantee constant energy and a five-day power reserve. The calendar mechanism enables the user to make fast date adjustments in either direction even at midnight, without any risk of damaging the mechanism. Another noteworthy feature of the 500 Fathoms is its sapphire crystal allowing one to admire its self-winding movement, as well as its engraved oscillating weight shaped like a boat propeller, without compromising either water resistance or safety.
The new 500 Fathoms is equipped with a sturdy, sporty and watertight strap in rubber-lined black sail canvas. A brand-new triple-blade folding clasp secured with two pushers on either sides sets the finishing touch, while an additional rubber strap and the implement required to fit it complete the set which comes in an ultra-rugged presentation box designed to withstand extreme conditions. The performances and the reliability of the 500 Fathoms represent a major new technical accomplishment bearing the unmistakable signature of Blancpain, which is thereby eloquently reaffirming the expertise of its Manufacture in the demanding world of diver’s watches.













[Source: Blancpain Press Release]
.

23.9.09

Henry Graves' Platinum Minute-Repeater - Patek Philippe - wristwatch.

.


(Platinum Minute-Repeater - Patek Philippe)


Henry Graves was an American banker descended from John Graves of Concord, Massachusetts born in March 11, 1868 in Orange (New Jersey) and died March 21, 1953 in New York City. He married Florence Isabel Preston on January 21, 1896.

Born into a prominent banking family, Mr. Graves was a very passionate watch collector; Graves was a patron of Patek Philippe, competing with James Ward Packard, the famed automobile manufacturer, for ownership of the most complicated watch in the world. In 1927, Packard commissioned the world's most complicated watch but not to be outdone, Henry Graves surpassed his rival in 1933 to become the owner of the most complicated watch ever made, spending 60,000 SF, nearly five times the price paid by Mr. Packard. It took over three years, and the most advanced horological technique, to engineer this truly one-of-a-kind timepiece; only one watch was ever built. Called "the Supercomplication", this pocket watch was held in the Museum of Time near Chicago, IL for years until it was sold for a record-breaking $11,002,500 to a secretive anonymous bidder at a Sotheby's auction held in New York City on December 2, 1999. The watch currently resides in the Patek Phillippe Museum in Geneva, Switzerland, and is the most expensive single piece on display.

One of the timepieces commissioned by Henry Graves Jr is the Patek Philippe Platinum Minute-Repeater that was made for Henry Graves, Jr. in 1927 and sold on August 16, 1928. It has been kept in private collection for over 50 years.

The 1927 platinum minute repeater is the second-most important Graves wristwatch ever offered at auction, following the Graves tortoise-shaped minute-repeater sold in an Antiquorum sale in 1989. This magnificent timepiece is a very fine and extremely rare cushion-shaped, minute-repeating, platinum wristwatch. Which estimated price was between $250,000–$ 350,000.

Henry Graves’ wristwatch was of a great significance during the sale. It was the Patek Philippe Henry Graves' unique platinum minute repeater sold for an impressive $630,000.

Platinum Minute-Repeater Sold to Henry Graves Jr. Patek Philippe, Genève, No. 198095. Made for Henry Graves Jr. in 1927. Very fine and extremely rare wristwatch. It featured a tonneau-shaped, a minute-repeating system. Platinum wristwatch.














.

22.9.09

The most box office successful movies from the decade: The Lord of the Rings, The Caribbean Pirates, Harry Potter, Shrek, Spider-man and Finding Nemo.

.



(The Lord of The Ring, the most succesful movie from the first decade of the XXI century).




According to the Worldwide BoxOffice, in the movie industry there’s a top 20 of the most successful movies produced during the first decade of the XXI century and their capital gain.
In first place, we can find the trilogy directed by Peter Jackson in which he adapted the Tolkien novels, The Lord of the Rings. Particularly speaking, the third one – The Return of the King - was the most successful one gaining 1.129,2 millions placing itself as the second most successful movie after Titanic (James Cameron) with 1835,4 millions.

After that triumphant trilogy comes The Caribbean Pirates with 2.672,2 millions earned and in the third place Harry Potter (the last three ones) with a profit of 2.623,6 and then Spider-man with 2.498,4 followed, again, by two other fantasy movies, Star Wars (2.423,7 millions) and, finally, Shrek (2.163,6 millions).

1. The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, 1.129'2 millions.
2. The Caribbean Pirates, Dead Man’s Chest, 1.060'6 millions.
3. Harry Potter, The Philosopher’s Stone , 976'5 millions.
4. The Caribbean Pirates, At World’s End, 958,4 millions.
5. Harry Potter, The Order of the Phoenix, 937 millions.
6. The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, 924,7 millions.
7. Shrek 2, 902,5 millions.
8. Harry Potter, The Goblet of Fire, 892,2 millions.
9. Spider-man 3, 885,4 millions.
10. Harry Potter, The Chamber of Secrets, 879 millions.
11. The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, 870,8 millions
12. Finding Nemo, 865 millions.













.

21.9.09

Watches in Movies: Daylight, Win a Date with Tad Hamilton, Superman Returns, Pulp Fiction and Ronin.


Daylight (1996)

A runaway car hits a truck full of toxic waste causing an explosion that seals both exit of an underground tunnel between Manhattan and New Jersey. It's up to Kit Latura (Sylvester Stallone), disgraced ex-chief of the city's Emergency Medical Services, to find a way in and bring out the survivors before air runs out or the Hudson River runs in.



Kit Latura (Sylvester Stallone) wears a Panerai Luminor Marina.






Win a Date with Tad Hamilton (2004)

This is a story about a young girl who lives in west Virginia named Rosalie Futch. She is a huge fan of Hollywood’s bad-boy Tad Hamilton. When a contest called "win a date with tad hamilton!" is set up, Rosalie enters and wins. When Tad meets her, he falls in love with her. At the same time, her best guy friend, Pete Monash (who is in love with Rosalie and confesses his love for her). Poor Rosalie finds herself in the middle of a love triangle having to choose between her best friend and the Hollywood hunk whose pictures and posters are hanging from the walls of all American girls bedrooms?



Tad Hamilton (Josh Duhamel) wears a TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph.






Superman Returns (2006)

After a long period in the space looking for the remains of planet Krypton, Superman returns to Earth. He misses Lois Lane, who lives with Richard White and has a son. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor has plotted an evil plan, using crystals he stole from the Fortress of Solitude, to create a new land and submerge the USA.



Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) wears a TAG Heuer Autavia





Pulp Fiction (1994)

Jules Winnfield and Vincent Vega are two hitmen who are out to retrieve a suitcase stolen from their employer, mob boss Marsellus Wallace. Wallace has also asked Vincent to take his wife Mia out a few days later when Wallace himself will be out of town. The lives of these seemingly unrelated people are woven together comprising of a series of humorous, bizarre and unprovoked incidents.



Winston Wolfe (Harvey Keitel) sports an 18k gold plated Gucci '3000' with integrated bracelet in Pulp Fiction.




















.

18.9.09

Mid-September: Peugeot's RCZ Sports Car is up to make its final debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show


Peugeot's RCZ sports car is up to make its final debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September. First unveiled as a concept two years ago, this unique model with such singular shape houses some remarkable technology: F'rinstance, an active rear spoiler, a Twin-Scroll turbocharger, direct petrol injection, variable valve lift and variable valve timing, Hill Assist to facilitate maneuvers on steep gradients, an intelligent traction control system (ASR), electronic brake force distribution (EBFD) and emergency brake assist (EBA). There's also a concept RCZ Hybrid4 which uses a 120 kW 2.0-liter HDi FAP diesel engine at the front and a 27 kW electric motor at the rear to deliver 70 mpg.

17.9.09

Celebrities' Cars: Pierce Brosnan, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Kevin Costner, Paris Hilton and Justin Timberlake.

Pierce Brendan Brosnan was born 16 May 1953 in Ireland. He is also a film producer and an environmentalist, who holds both Irish and American citizenship. After leaving school at 16, Brosnan an acting career he rose to popularity in the television series Remington Steele.

Brosnan portrayed the secret agent James Bond in GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day. He also provided his voice and likeness to Bond in the video game James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing and James Bond 007: Nightfire. In 1993, Brosnan starred in Mrs. Doubtfire playing the part of 'Stuart Dunmeyer'. He also played the part of volcanologist Harry Dalton in the film Dante's Peak along with actress Linda Hamilton in 1997. In 1996, he formed, along with Beau St. Clair, a Los Angeles-based production company named Irish DreamTime. He was married to Cassandra Harris until her death, and is now married to Keely Shaye Smith.

Since leaving the role of James Bond, Brosnan has starred in films such as The Matador and Seraphim Falls. He became an American citizen in 2004. In his later years, he has been known for his charitable work and environmental activism. He starred in the movie musical Mamma Mia! as Sam Carmichael, though he received a Golden Raspberry for "Worst Supporting Actor"



Pierce Brosnan – Owns an Aston Martin Vanquish.





William Bradley "Brad" Pitt was born December 18, 1963. He is an American actor and film producer. He, cited as one of the world's most attractive men, has received two Academy Award nominations and four Golden Globe Award nominations, winning one.

Pitt began his acting career with television guest appearances, which included a role on the CBS soap opera Dallas in 1987. He gained recognition as the cowboy hitchhiker who seduces Geena Davis's character in the 1991 road movie Thelma & Louise. Pitt's first leading roles in big-budget productions came with A River Runs Through It (1992) and Interview with the Vampire (1994). He was cast opposite Anthony Hopkins in the 1994 drama Legends of the Fall, which earned him his first Golden Globe nomination. In 1995, he gave critically acclaimed performances in the crime thriller Seven and the science fiction film Twelve Monkeys, the latter earning him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor and an Academy Award nomination. Four years later in 1999, Pitt starred in the cult hit Fight Club. Subsequently in 2001, he starred in the major international hit Ocean's Eleven and its sequels Ocean's Twelve (2004) and Ocean's Thirteen (2007). He has had his biggest commercial successes with Troy (2004) and Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005). Pitt received his second Academy Award nomination for his performance in the title role in the 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Following a high-profile relationship with actress Gwyneth Paltrow, Pitt was married to actress Jennifer Aniston for five years. As of 2009, he lives with actress Angelina Jolie in a relationship that has attracted worldwide media attention. He and Jolie have three adopted children, Maddox, Zahara, and Pax, and have also given birth to three biological children, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne. Pitt owns a production company named Plan B Entertainment, which produced the 2007 Academy Award winner for Best Picture, The Departed, among other films. Since beginning his relationship with Jolie, he has become increasingly involved in social issues, both in the United States and internationally.



Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie drive a BMW Hydrogen 7.




Kevin Michael Costner (born January 18, 1955) is an American actor, musician, producer and director. He has been nominated for three BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Awards, won two Oscars and a Golden Globe Award. Costner's roles include Lt. John J. Dunbar in the film Dances with Wolves, Jim Garrison in JFK, and Ray Kinsella in Field of Dreams.



Kevin Costner drives an Audi Q7 and Audi S8.






Paris Whitney Hilton (born February 17, 1981) is an American socialite, heiress, media personality, model, singer, author, fashion designer and actress.

Hilton is known for her appearance in a sex tape in 2003, her appearance on the television series The Simple Life, her several minor film roles (most notably her role in the horror film House of Wax in 2005), her 2004 tongue-in-cheek autobiography, her 2006 music album Paris, and her work in modelling. As a result of several legal incidents, Hilton also served a widely publicized sentence in a Los Angeles County jail in 2007.



Paris Hilton – Owns a Mercedes Benz SLR.






Justin Randall Timberlake was born January 31, 1981. He is an American pop musician. He has won six Grammy Awards as well as two Emmy Awards. He got his big break when he appeared as a contestant on Star Search, and went on to star in the Disney Channel television series The New Mickey Mouse Club, where he met future bandmate JC Chasez. Timberlake became famous in the late 1990s as the lead singer of the boy band 'N Sync, whose launch was financed by Lou Pearlman.

In 2002, he released his debut solo album, Justified, which sold more than 7 million copies worldwide. The album was a commercial success, spawning the hits "Cry Me a River" and "Rock Your Body". Timberlake continued his success with his second solo album, FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006), debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, and produced the US number-one hit singles "SexyBack," "My Love," and "What Goes Around.../...Comes Around."

Timberlake's first two albums made him one of the most commercially successful singers in the world, each selling in excess of 9 million copies (in addition to his 55 million albums sold with 'N Sync). Aside from music, he has also begun an acting career, while his other ventures include record label Tennman Records, fashion label William Rast, and the restaurants Destino and Southern Hospitality.


Justin Timberlake – Drives a white Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.
















.