30.10.09
Vacheron Constantin wins Watch of the Year Prize for its ‘Historiques American 1921’ wristwatch model
Born of a determination to highlight the wealth of our heritage, its design is inspired by an avant-garde cushion-shaped wristwatch featuring a crown at 1 o’clock, created for the crown in response to the wishes of an American client in during the Roaring Twenties. It blends creativity embodied in the daring style of the 1920s, with rigorous technical sophistication expressed through the new mechanical manual-winding Manufacture 4400 movement bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva to which we are firmly committed.”
‘Historiques American 1921’
Born of a determination to highlight the wealth of the Vacheron Constantin heritage, the ‘Historiques’ line is intended to revive models symbolising the spirit and expertise of the brand through contemporary contemporary reinterpretations.
After presenting the reinterpreted Chronomètre Royal 1907 on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, in 2008 Vacheron Constantin presented the ‘Historiques American 1921’, a piece inspired by an avant-garde cushion-shaped wristwatch featuring a crown placed at 1 o’clock and confidentially produced for an American client during the Roaring Twenties. In keeping with the spirit of that era, Vacheron Constantin has once again returns to creative roots by combining inventive design with rigorous respect for history in this eloquent tribute to the 1920s.
Radiating classic and understated elegance as well as genuine originality, this ultimate ‘dandy-style’ watch faithfully echoes the original with a 40 mm-diameter cushion-shaped case crafted in 18-carat pink gold and distinguished by diagonal time read-off and a crown positioned at 1 o’clock. The sandblasted dial is graced with 12 painted black Arabic numerals arranged around an equally black-painted railway track minute circle. The hands are in black oxidised 18-carat gold. Topped by a slightly convex sapphire crystal, the case is fitted with a transparent back enabling one to admire the exceptional finishing of the mechanical manual-winding Calibre 4400, developed and crafted in-house by Vacheron Constantin and bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva. Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, it measures 28 mm in diameter, 2.8 mm thick, and is endowed with an approximately 65-hour power reserve. This new model is water-resistant to pressures of 3 bar – equivalent to 30 metres – and is teamed with a hand-sewn saddle-stitched strap in dark brown alligator leather fitted with an 18-carat pink gold pin buckle shaped like a half Maltese Cross.
Produced in limited quantities, the ‘Historiques American 1921’ is bound to delight connoisseurs and devotees of classic and daring fine watchmaking who are looking for distinctive timepieces and whose horological curiosity naturally draws them to its timeless aesthetic and functional qualities.
[Source: Vacheron Constantin International – Press Communication]
5.8.09
Hublot Red Devil Bang For Manchester United

Swiss watch brand Hublot introduced a new Big Bang watch that commemorates its official timekeeper partnership with Manchester United football club. The new timepiece is called "Red Devil" as a tribute to Manchester's nickname.
Crafted from satin-polished black ceramic, the Hublot Red Devil Bang measures 44.5mm in diameter and features a strap in ribbed black rubber. Unique to the Red Devil Bang are bezel lugs in red composite resin; these eye-catching accents echo the dial details, most notably the Manchester United logo at 3 o'clock. It also features a 45-minute chronograph counter, specifically engineered to measure the halves of a football match, and it is fitted with glare-proofed sapphire crystals. It is water resistant to 100 meters.
Hublot will produce just 500 examples of the Red Devil Bang and each timepiece being individually numbered. A portion of the proceeds obtained from each sale will benefit the Manchester United Foundation which reaches out to young people through sports related activities.
TECHNICAL DATACase “Big Bang” diameter 44.5 mm in satin-polished black ceramic, with satinfinish
end pieces
Bezel Black, satin-polished ceramic with 6 titanium H-shaped screws –
sunken, polished and blocked
Crystal Sapphire crystal with interior/exterior anti-reflection treatment
Bezel lug Red composite resin
Lateral inserts Black composite resin
Back Titanium with sapphire crystal, interior anti-reflection treatment with
opaque Manchester United logo
Crown Steel with black rubber insert
Push-pieces Steel, rectangular with black rubber insert
Water-resistance 100 m or 10 ATM
Dial Matt black microblasted with red index appliqués markers, yellow
motion-work, 45-minute counter with yellow figures at 9:00, red Red
Devil logo in the counter at 3:00
Hands Brilliant black with yellow luminescent feature, red chronograph hand
Movement 45-minute counter mechanical chronograph with automatic winding,
Hublot HUB45 calibre
No of components 252
Rubies 55
Bridges Polished, satin-finish with chamfered edges
Screws Black PVD
Calendar Rectangular aperture at 6:00 with yellow date
Oscillating weight Tungsten carbide with dimpled surface coated with black PVD
Bottom plate Sand-blasted; rhodium-plated
Barrel With reinforced spring
Escapement Glucydur balance spring
Power reserve 42 hours
Strap Adjustable ribbed black rubber
Clasp Steel and black PVD deployant clasp
Limited Edition 500 numbered pieces 01/500 - 500/500
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3.8.09
Lexus LF-A
Racing toward its 2010 model year debut, the Lexus super car, spied during testing at the famed Nurburgring, is being developed to compete with no less than the Ferrari F430 and other high-strung sports cars.
About the same size as the F430, the LF-A is about two inches shorter than a Porsche 911, but has about nine extra inches of wheelbase.
According to its power plant, even it was originally conceived as a tribute to Toyota's Formula One prowess, even the team hasn’t yet scored a victory . The rumored 500-plus-horsepower V-10 might instead be a twin-turbo V-8 based on the LS' 5.0-liter engine. It needs at least 600 horses and a top speed of about 200 mph to play in the ultra-sport field.
2010 gets to be the model year debut, the Lexus super car, spied during testing at the famed Nurburgring, is being developed to compete with no less than the Ferrari F430 and other high-strung sports cars.
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20.7.09
NEW: Bell & Ross introduces the new BR 01-93 24h GMT watch with GMT function
Bell & Ross introduces the new BR 01-93 24h GMT watch designed for long travelers with its GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) function displaying the time at two different points on the globe simultaneously. The white hands on the main dial indicate the time at the wearer’s current location while the orange hand on the 24 hour graduated inner bezel shows the time in his country of origin. The large, white photoluminescent numerals, the inner bezel and the orange-colored GMT hand stand out against the black of the dial for perfect readability. This model comes with a glass bead blasted steel case with carbon powder coating, a black dial with the numbers, indexes and hands coated with photoluminescent finish for night reading, anti-reflection sapphire crystal glass is water-resistant for up to
Functions:
(Unidirectional interior bezel graduated to 24h). Date.
Case: Size
Dial: Black. Numbers, indexes and hands are coated with
Glass: Anti-reflection sapphire crystal.
Water-resistance:
Strap: Rubber or heavy-duty synthetic fabric.
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17.7.09
Omega Reference 3211.31.00 / Omega and Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher was born
Steel on steel
Reference: 3211.31.00
MOVEMENT
Caliber: Omega 1164
Self-winding chronograph, chronometer movement with rhodium-plated finish
Power Reserve: 44 hours
Domed anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
CASE & DIAL
Stainless steel case
White dial
WATER RESISTANCE
Down to:
330 feet
Size
Gents
Case Diameter:
Features:
Date
Chronograph
Chronometer
Small seconds
Tachymeter
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16.7.09
Omega Speedmaster Legend and Michael Schumacher / Reference: 3507.51.00

Steel on steel
Reference: 3507.51.00
MOVEMENT
Caliber: Omega 3301
Self-winding chronograph with column wheel mechanism. Officially certified chronometer. Rhodium-plated finish.
Power Reserve: 52 hours
CRYSTAL
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
CASE & DIAL
Stainless steel case
Black dial
WATER RESISTANCE
Down to: 100 meters
330 feet
size
Gents
Case Diameter: 42 mm
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10.7.09
NEW: Graham Big Silverstone Stowe Racing Watch 2009
The Graham Big Silverstone Stowe Racing is a very unique timepiece, with its name suggested by the Stowe Corner, this gets to be the return into the Silverstone Circuit. The timepiece, meant to conquer the hearts of passionate drivers, features a 48-mm-in-diameter high-grade stainless steel case.
Its case is fitted with a black concave carbon fibre bezel, creating a huge contrast within the turquoise blue ring and the 24 hour graduation in order to indicate a second time zone.
Model No. 2BLBH.B02A.K45B
Size Gents Movement Mechanical - Automatic
Water Resistant 50m/165ft
Case Size 48mm
Clasp Hidden Folding Clasp
Case Steel Black PVD Dial
Black Bezel Fixed Bracelet/Strap Rubber
Functions Date, GMT
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NEW: CHANEL J12 Superleggera 2009

In order to decrease the weight of the model, the ‘J12′ Superleggera collection is equipped with an automatic chronograph ETA2894-A2, which is a streamlined model of Caliber 7750.
Sporty, with a light weight and masculine, the Superleggera were inspired from the ultra light racing cars of the 1950s combining the ultra-light articulated black rubber bracelet with a ceramic case.

Specifications:
Materials: Matte black ceramic and aluminum.
Bracelet: Ultra light, black, articulated rubber with steel automatic double-folding buckle.
Case Back: With central disc in black sapphire revealing the words ‘CHANEL-Superleggera’.
Dial: Silver-plated satin finish with black numerals
Crown and Pushbuttons: Screw-in in ceramic and aluminum
Hands and Indexes: Phosphorescent SuperLuminova
Functions: Chronograph with two counters and tachometer scale to calculate speeds in km/hr or mph
Movement: Automatic. It is certified as a chronometer by the COSC (Contole Official Suisse des Chronometers).
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Model #h1624
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1.7.09
Breitling for Bentley – Bentley Perpetual
As Bentley blends tradition and technology in each of its models, the Bentley Perpeutal Chonograph was manufactured following the same principles. Its mechanism features 500 pieces. This Chronograph with Perpetual Calendar indicates day, date, week, month, season, moon phases and it is also prepared to count the variations according to leap years. This watch, its mechanism, its machine, its engine and the way it works and the accurate is results is certificated by Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
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30.6.09
Breitling for Bentley - Bentley GT Racing
Through the Bentley GT Racing, Breitling presented a Chronograph version that approached motor racing in a very unique way. It case still preserves it compact lines on its case featuring a combination of fine-brushed and polished finishes on the case and bracelet. The Bentley GT Racing also features a decoration on the caseback with an outline shape of the Bentley Continental GT. The Bentley GT Racing watch embodies all the refinery of elegance and sportsmanship characteristic of Bentley’s design.
Model: GT RacingProduction Years: 2007-Current
Movement: Breitling 13B
Power Reserve: 42 Hours
Water Resistance: 100m
Bezel: Bidirectional
Crown: Screwdown
Crystal: Sapphire
Diameter: 44.8mm
Thickness: 15.6mm
Weight: N/A
Bracelet: Speed
Lug Width: 22mm
Watchwinder Direction: Both
Reference Numbers: a133363
Complications:
Chronograph
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Breitling For Bentley - Bentley GT
The GT initials pay tribute to Gran Turismo automobiles, those which most emblematic models still belong to Bentley’s engineers. So as the most powerful ones, like the Continental GT model, with its 560 horses. The GT Bentley Chronograph was created in the same technique and exclusiveness spirit as all of Bentleys Chronographs were created. For its decoration, Breitling chose metallic colours, but in Bentleys tonalities. The Bentley Gt is equipped with a very exclusive and powerful engine: The Breitling 13B Calibre, with Chronometer, day and date calendar certificate. Its tachymeter is a variable one. This is another exclusive feature by Breitling as its triggered through an external rotation of its bezel guarantying a precise lecture of the average speeds.
Model: GT
Production Years: 2004-Current
Movement: Breitling 13B
Power Reserve: 42 Hours
Water Resistance: 100m
Bezel: Bidirectional
Crown: Screw-Locked
Diameter: 44.8mm
Thickness: 15.6mm
Weight: N/A
Bracelet: Speed
Lug Width: 22mm
Watchwinder Direction: Clockwise
Reference Numbers: a13362
Complications:
Chronograph
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Breitling for Bentley - Bentley 6.75
While Bentley continued working on its most powerful engine , the 6.75 litres one with which Arnage limousines are equipped. As a way of paying tribute to its unique knowledge, Breitling designed the Bentley 6.75 Chronograph, a watch that blends tradition and high precise technology. Its particularity lies on the date different indicators: one for the tens and another one for the units. This sophisticated timepiece was certificated by COSC as it certified its chronometer.
Model: 6.75
Production Years: 2005-Current
Movement: Breitling 44B
Power Reserve: 42 Hours
Water Resistance: 100m
Bezel: Bidirectional
Crown: Screw-Locked
Crystal: Sapphire
Diameter: 48.7mm
Thickness: 15.6mm
Weight: N/A
Bracelet: Speed
Lug Width: 24mm
Watchwinder Direction: Both
Reference Numbers: a44362, k44362, j44362
Complications:
Chronograph, Big Date
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19.6.09
NEW Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Jackpot Tourbillon
The integrated movement comprises 502. It features a separate barrel; the lever can be pulled an unlimited number of times without affecting the four-day power-reserve of the watch. This exceptional timepiece is hollowed out and delicately lacquered making of this a very unique piece.

Description:
White gold case
Dimensions: 43.00 x 43.95 mm
Height: 17.30 mm
Crystal: antireflective sapphire
Case-back: sapphire crystal secured by four screws
Water resistance: 30 meters
Movement: GPFAY08, manual
Caliber: 38.60 x 32.60 mm
Frequency: 21,600 vib/h (3 Hz)
Jewels: 38
Power reserve: min. 96 hours
Functions: tourbillon, hour, minute, slot machine with chime mechanism, small second on the tourbillon
Alligator strap with folding buckle
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12.6.09
Korea officially launched Vacheron Constantine's Q uai de I’lle Collection
On
Hosts were welcomed in the main hall where they could encounter Quai de I’ile watches for the first time. They were next guided to the theatre right next door moved by the mystic dial and dynamic design of the Quai de I’ile collection. Mr, Yann Bouilonnec, Asia Pacific managing director made a speech to announce the launching of this new collection in
During dinner glamorous and dazzling models showed the watches walking around tables and letting the guests appreciate the close look of the timepieces being able to try them on as well as configuring their own personalized watches by the simulating programs in the tablet PC.
[Source: Vacheron Constantine Press Release]
11.6.09
Breitling news: NEW Raven Edition
[Source: Breitling press release]
8.6.09
2009 The Piaget Polo Watch: 30th Anniversary.
The Piaget Polo watch, with its unique style and design, was launched in 1979 and soon became one of the brand’s iconic models. Inspired by the characteristic elegance of the polo clubs and their associates, the Piaget Polo Watch was adopted not only by the polo circle but also by stars as a luxurious object. It was a symbol of its time as it became a new way of wearing entirely gold timepieces.
It was then during the 80s that Piaget, under the lead of Yves G. Piaget, associated the watch brand to polo sport as it was an activity that clearly reflected the brand’s values: boldness, rigour and precision.
In order to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this emblematic collection, Piaget gave birth to five new versions in 2009 with a remaining faith to the 1979s design, the historical dials reveal their precious character without ostentation. Piaget’s anniversary models pay tribute to the characteristic design of the collection. But the landmark above all is represented by the new sporting chic model that opens up a whole new phase for the watchmaker company.
1979-2009: the Piaget Polo collection has made its mark on 30 years of watchmaking history. A brand icon, Piaget Polo is more timeless than ever.
29.5.09
NEW TAGHeuer MONACO Cal 11 1969 LIMITED Re-Edition
Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer has announced a special, limited edition Monaco Chronograph. The NEW Monaco1969 Original Re-Edition will count with just 1,000 pieces. It is launched in order to celebrate TAG Heuer Monaco’s 40 years of precision, immortalized by actor Steve McQueen in the film "Le Mans". The blue-dial Monaco Re-Edition comes with an exclusive case back signed by Jack Heuer and engraved in honor of its mythical ambassador Steve McQueen. Each of the 1,000 TAG Heuer Monaco 1969 Original Re-Edition Chronographs features a perforated leather strap with a steel buckle. The blue dial features sporty red accents on its hands, its distinctive horizontal diamond-tipped hour indices and also a hand-applied date window in polished steel. The signature of TAG Heuer honorary chairman Jack Heuer graces the stainless steel caseback. The Tag Heuer Monaco 1969 Original Re-Edition is limited to 1,000 pieces and in contrast to the new re-engineered Monaco Calibre 12 still features the Calibre 11 movement.
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20.5.09
Kobe Bryant: Nubeo's Black Mamba's new Ambassador.
Kobe Bean Bryant was born in
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant will be ambassador for Nubeo’s new Black Mamba wristwatch, a
Black Mamba represents, as a symbol, the association of values between Kobe Bryant and Nubeo. Sacrifice, perseverance, adaptation, strength, speed, inspiration and creativity were the values chosen when creating and designing this unique timepiece.
Black Mamba Wristwatch
Nubeo features a black ceramic outside case with the shape of the snake across the case. The watch is made of thirty-five pieces, including a bezel with the twenty four marker numbers. All of them, all the parts composing this timepiece, come together in a titanium
case and six screws that undergo carbon like diamond treatment (CLD). The Black Mamba features a rubber bracelet attached to the case. According to its hands, it is said to resemble the bionic snake scales, covered with a white SuperLuminova.
Black Mamba’s watch
The are two models of Black Mamba’s watch: The black Mamba described one and The Black Mamba Ultimate, with a forty-eight baguette-trapeze cut black sapphires and the 30 minutes together with the 12 hours counters, are both framed with 38 black sapphire.
Black Mamba Ultimate
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18.5.09
Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo - 1st leg at Adria: A flying start and a podium for the President of Blancpain!
The first race in the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo got off to a flying start in
Competing alongside famous driver Peter Kox from the
Featuring six events in the 2009 racing calendar, the Super Trofeo provides an opportunity to see the brand-new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 cars (delivering 570 horsepower and 540 N/m – 398 lb/ft torque enabling them to reach top speeds of over
Setting the crowning touch to this partnership, Blancpain has created a new horological gem: the Super Trofeo Chronograph. Like the ultra-powerful Gallardo, this timepiece equipped with a flyback function displays sophisticated character and cutting-edge technological features. Sporty by nature right through to the last component, the Super Trofeo Chronograph is issued in a limited edition of 300*. The next five European legs of the season are scheduled to take place between June and October of this year, as follows:
• Norisring (Germany), June 26-28
• Spa Francorchamps (Belgium), July 23-25
• Silverstone (UK), August 15-16
• Catalunya (Spain), September 18-20
• Paul Ricard (France), October 2-4
* For further details of this exceptional model are provided at Blancpain's web site.
Source: Blancpain web site.
14.5.09
Graham launches the NEW Chronofighter Trigger Tourbillograph
Extremely well known as "the father of the chronograph", George Graham (1673-1751) has also been the man who had great ideas and invented the first wall chronograph or mercury pendulum.
Commissioned by the Greenwich Royal Observatory to create the master watch used by the astronomers, Graham became the first and great watchmaker of eighteenth century named by the Royal society. To continue with this spirit of extraordinary innovations and technical ability, Graham is nowadays a contemporary firm of watches dedicated to those who are enthusiastic about mechanic arts.
[Complete Graham’s history]
Graham debuts the Chronofighter Trigger Tourbillograph
Four years ago, Graham decided to make a timepiece in order to pay tribute to the genius of its namesake, famous British watchmaker George Graham. To achieve this goal, the brand joined with well-known movement manufacturer La Joux-Perret (with whom it partnered on the development of Graham's chronograph foudroyante).
The result of years of making their best innovations, we are able to enjoy the result: the Automatic Chronofighter Trigger Tourbil-lograph, a combination of tourbillon and chronograph with a unique ‘British eccentric’ off-centre tourbillon.

The movement powering this timepiece is the Graham Caliber G1780, a tourbillon with column-wheel chronograph, known as ‘roue À colonne’ in French. Available in a 46mm 18 carat 5N red gold case, the new Tourbillograph features a domed sapphire crystal on the front and a flat see-through back. The frequency of its movement is 28,800, while the spiral, balance, escapement wheels and anchor are reinforced with an Incabloc anti-shock system. The Tourbillograph's tourbillon cage weighs just 0.485 grams and is made of 48 pieces.
The Automatic Chronofighter Trigger Tourbil-lograph comes in five variations - Ruthenium, Havana, Raven Black, Carbon Black and All Black.
[Source: Europa Star Magazine Issue]













