Time Gallery

Phosphor Appear !!

2011-05-05T13:20:00.004+07:00

It is a rare day that a watch comes in that we can easily describe as being “unique” in the manner in which it displays the time. At time gallery, we generally see a lot of 3 handed dive watches, quartz chronographs and multifunctions digitals, none of them being especially unique when it comes to physically pointing out the time. Thanks to Phosphor, who you all likely know well for their work with E-Ink based watches, we can safely claim we have something rather original to show you today. The Phosphor Appear is a quartz watch with a bejewelled and somewhat mechanical way of showing you the current time. Phosphor has really created something different in the Appear so lets take a closer look:

44 x 15.5mm
49.5mm (lug to lug)
22mm Lugs
Dial adorned with Swarovski crystals
M3D 7 Segment physical display
50m Water Resistant
Black leather strap
Price Assume : $199

At first glance, especially in the “off mode” the Phosphor Appear looks like a silly fashion watch with too many gems on the dial (the dial is literally paved in Swarovski crystals). When the top pusher at two o’clock is pressed the Appear transitions to “time mode” and the display jumps to life. A magnetically actuated seven segment physical display swaps bejeweled areas for black segments that display the time in a readout that is familiar to anyone who has ever owned a digital alarm clock. As the time advances, the matrix of jewelled areas are progressively modified to show the time. This is all done using Phosphor’s M3D (Micro-Magnetic Mechanical Digital) technology that uses an electromagnetic field to change the positions of each cell, allowing them to create any number (0-9) in the contrast of the jewelled dial. This is almost impossible to describe in text so please, even if you are not interested after seeing the included photos, check out the attached video. The overall effect is definitely a party piece and it left even the most staunch objector with a sly smile on their face. In addition to the visual element of watching the display transition from time, to just seconds, to off and back on again there is an absolutely charming mechanical click as each segment falls in or out of its place. This is something you have to hear in the video, its my favourite part of this watch as it makes a sound something like a typewriter writing in Morse code.

The rest of the case is a polished stainless steel that is of a fair grade for its price and is shiny enough to match the dial. There are options in both the men’s and the woman’s variants of the Appear for a jeweled bezel. The woman’s line can also be had with red or pink jewels in the time telling array for a flashy effect with additional contrast. The Appear comes mounted to a simple and soft black leather strap, very comfortable with subtle matched stitching that compliments the watch nicely. At 44mm wide and 15.5mm tall the Appear is in a larger category usually home to divers and chronographs, not fashion watches. That said it doesn’t wear overly large but will definitely get noticed given the blinked out dial.

Generally, when you hear “unique” in any review of a watch you should be reaching for your big-boy (or girl) wallet. In watchmaking, anything that is bespoke or custom produced will come with a fair but lofty price tag. Luckily, the Appear wont break the bank with its $199 price point. No, its not high end watch making nor is it really my style given the sparkle that comes from the dial but it is a fun watch that isn’t taking its self too seriously and I have become addicted to the sound of the movement.

Our thanks to Phosphor for providing a review sample.

Casio Pathfinder PAG-240

2011-04-22T07:58:00.003+07:00

Casio recently updated their mid-range Pathfinder lineup — the "Solar Triple Sensor" line — by adding the PAG-240 which sports a series of refinements. The Pathfinder line is famous for melding large LCD screens with navigational and atmospheric data, all in a wrist-top package. The Casio PAG-240 uses a new duplex screen, and a new manner of navigating its many features.

Plastic resin case
51 x 15.5mm, 65g
Casio 3246 movement (+/- 15 seconds)
Solar powered
Compass
Altimeter
Barometer
Thermometer
Sunrise/sunset timer
Duplex LCD (two layers)
Countdown timer
World time
Automatic Calendar
Auto back-light with afterglow feature
Resin strap
Retail price of $250

This mid range Pathfinder sports most of what the higher end models have but, omits the radio synchronization for timekeeping. This allows the 240 to come in at a lower price but still offers much of the feature set available in the higher end models.

Casio has refined the PAG-240 with a new duplex screen which incorporates the main screen and an additional layer of "lines" on top. These lines can display an additional time zone, compass information, sunrise and sunset, or help you cycle through the menus. The new menu navigation is possibly the best feature of the PAG-240; as you cycle through the modes the duplex screen indicates what mode you are currently in — a huge improvement over the previous navigation systems. Combine that with the small matrix screen at 11 o'clock, and you can get a lot of information all at once without having to keep pressing buttons (see the video review for a demonstration).

In the past, I have not been able to wear an ABC (altimeter, barometer, compass) watch full-time because I always found they were too complicated to be instantly usable, but this is not the case with the PAG-240. The PAG-240 combines useful features and an intuitive user interface into an unbelievably light package. This Pathfinder actually weighs nearly half as much as the last dive watch I bought, and feels comparatively like you're not wearing a watch at all.

Retail price for the PAG-240 is $250 which is a good price for the complete package the Casio has going with this watch.

Casio Pathfinder PRW-5000-1ER

2011-01-22T17:27:00.004+07:00

If there's any one company that continues to innovate, it has to be Casio. Their newest Pathfinder/Protrek, the PRW-5000, takes their kitchen-sink feature list and completely rethinks to design with an emphasis on analog hands.

Let's start with the features:

Solar powered.
Atomic timekeeping, six bands: US, UK, Germany, China, Japan (2x).
Altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer.
World time, stopwatch, countdown timer, five alarms.
Low temperature resistant down to -10C.
Water resistant to 100m (330ft).
Mineral crystal, fixed stainless steel bezel.
Casio movement 5114 (PDF), with self-correcting hands.
49mm across, 14.6mm thick, 85g on the 22mm resin strap.
List price of $450.

Casio completely changed the look this time, yielding a watch whose complexity is less obvious. As a fan of analog-digital watches, this instantly became my favorite Pathfinder. There are, of course, compromises with the design, so read on to see if you agree or not.

In this design, the second hand is used to replace the second LCD layer in previous designs. It acts as compass needle, barometric pressure indicator, and altimeter, with the latter two read out from the orange inset on the dial. There's a graph on the right hand side of the LCD that shows trends over time for pressure and altitude to complement the instantaneous readout. Since the LCD is smaller in size, modes and indicators are more terse ('TR' instead of 'Stopwatch', for example), so reading the manual is required to learn how to use everything.

The watch is pointing close to due north, with the LCD showing the precise reading and the second hand approximating. Note that the second hand jumps, updating once per second and indicating to the closest minute marker. This works well, but takes a bit of getting used to as it differs from a magnetic compass. Note also that the compass is disabled when the LED is on, so you can't navigate at night with it (unless you have a flashlight, which you probably will).

The altimeter and barometer mode function similarly in that the second hand indicates relative readings on the orange section of the dial from 11 to 3. You can set two scales for the altimeter, and the barometer mode is quite nice for sailors or fisherman, as changes are visible quickly. I had no problem reading time and altitude change while biking on rough ground.

In time mode, you can switch the display from day of the week to barometer graph mode on the LCD by pressing Adjust -- a nice feature that I appreciate. Each pixel shows 2 hours, giving a days' view at a glance.

Nighttime viewing is done via a blue-white LED at six o'clock. The dial is brilliantly lit, and the LCD is fairly well lit, as well. I worry about impairing night-adjusted eyes, as the light is quite bright, but otherwise it works great. I like that solar power removes any worries about running down the battery with the backlight, too. In fact, every hiking watch should be solar powered in my opinion. It's just one less thing to worry about before you set out.

StrapCase, caseback, and strap are classic Casio: simple, functional, comfortable. There's an inset metal segment that I could do without, but it does complement the design. On this model, Casio went with a stainless steel bezel with four probably-decorative screws and nice crosshatch pattern. It looks great -- more durable and nicer looking than plastic. It's even satin-finished so reflections aren't a problem.

The main appeal of the Pathfinder line is you can grab it and go on anything from a dayhike to the Appalachian trail and never worry about your watch. Durable, water resistant enough at 100m, quartz-accurate even when it can't get a radio signal, and a good backup for your primary navigation, too. They're not cheap at $450, but good outdoor gear is no place to pinch pennies.

Seiko SBDC005, The "Sogun" from Seiko Corp.

2011-01-05T11:03:00.003+07:00

The Seiko SBDC line, dubbed the "Sumo" or "Shogun" by online collectors communities, have been out for a couple of years. Nevertheless, they are worth a detailed review. Today we will be takeing a closer look at the SBDC005, which is the orange version of the Sumo. This particular example was purchased with the bracelet that is normally only available on the black or blue dialed models. The Sumo represents Seikos response to the modern dive watch, the SKX series and their 7S26 movements have been staples of the dive watch world for years, but movements and manufacturing processes have improved. Seiko responded by making a Prospex dive watch with the venerable 6R15 movement from the Alpinist line. How does it stack up against the competition or even its cheaper SKX siblings?

Automatic 6R15
50hr Power Reserve
44x13.3mm
20mm lugs
Hardlex Crystal
Screwdown Crown
200m WR

The head on the Sumo is very nice, it is a definite step forward compared to my trusty SKX007. The Sumo has some very nice finishing on the sides of the case, mixing vectored lines, brushed and polished surfaces and even lug holes. The bezel action is smooth and clicky but the notched edge of the bezel is useless. Water or sweat will make using this bezel difficult without gloves. So much about the Sumo seemed to be designed with the intention of owners using it for diving that the bezel is a definite disappointment. While I think calling the SBDC a "tool" watch might be a stretch, it has the calling cards of a tool diver. Big hands and markers, an excellent screw down crown, and lug holes. I know many Seiko fans didn't like seeing lug holes on such a dressy looking diver, but it makes strap changes a blast and I love lug holes on any watch. Many divers have used the SKX (007 or 779) as dive watches and I believe the Sumo would easily be up to this task.

The orange dial on the SBDC005 really pops, it is bright and rich and really makes this watch feel like a dive watch. I generally prefer black dials on my dive watches but have very much enjoyed the orange dial, especially on a black rubber strap. The hands are sword style, like those seen on the SBDA005, and have a black border. This last point brings us to my biggest problem with the watch - the hour markers are outlined in a shiny chrome but the hands are outlined in black. This is a small inconsistency that I am reminded of every time I look at the watch. While we don't know why they made it like this, I think the markers would have looked awesome outlined in black. My guess is the chrome accents are to remind buyers of the upmarket Seiko SBDX001 Marine Master. All other marks, writing and even the border of the date window (at three o'clock) are black. On the SBDC001 and 003 (black dial, blue dial respectively) the hands are outlined in chrome, so this issue is only present on the orange dialed model. The lume on the Sumo is excellent and lives up to the repoutation set by its siblings.

The bracelet is very nice, the 20mm width that the lugs is odd at first as 22mm would be more standard for both Seiko and the size of the watch. That said, the bracelet is of standard Seiko quality: it's quiet, doesn't pull hair, and has solid end-links. The clasp is a push button fold over style with four micro adjustments and a safety. These links are secured by standard push-pins and there is a simple wetsuit extension hidden under the clasp.

In the end, the SBDC005 is a classic Seiko dive watch and there is very little to complain about. The movement is an upgrade from the more commonly seen 7s26, and the build quality is great. The Sumo will cost you quite a bit more than a SKX series watch - on bracelet the SBDC001 retails around $600. For your money you get a classy but dive-capable watch that will keep up with most styles, and may just make a perfect daily wearer.

The Omega Speedmaster Professional

2010-10-16T11:07:00.002+07:00

I have a thing for durable watches. Finding a watch that can stand up to an active lifestyle, and still look good and keep great time over the period of many years, is surprisingly difficult. If you want a really robust watch, the conventional wisdom is to go with a Casio G-Shock if you're looking for a quartz or digital solution, and a Rolex if you want something Swiss and high-end. But Omega fans know there's another option which has one of the most interesting backstories in the history of horology.

The Omega Speedmaster Professional lands squarely between a high-end G-Shock and sport model Rolex in terms of price, looks fantastic, and has stood up to some of the most rigorous testing that any watch has ever been subjected to. Not only have Speedmaster Pros gone into space on many occasions, but they have actually been worn outside a space suit on the surface of the moon.

Before I get into the history of the Omega Speedmaster Professional, let's cover the specs:

Stainless steel case and bracelet.
Legendary Speedmaster bracelet with push-button release.
Caliber 1861 manual wind movement; rhodium plated for corrosion resistance; 48-hour power reserve.
Hesalite crystal (a type of plastic similar to Plexiglass -- very shock resistant).
Water resistant to 50 meters, or 167 feet.
Chronograph function (with "small seconds" at the 9 o'clock position), and tachymeter.
42mm case diameter.

As you can see, the Omega Speedmaster Professional isn't a fancy watch in terms of complications and features. It has to be wound manually, it doesn't have a date display, I wouldn't get it wet beyond a shower, and the crystal is relatively easily scratched. But what it does have is a combination of simplicity, build quality, and well chosen materials that make it one of the most robust and interesting watches currently on the market. Let's take a closer look.

The Bracelet

This was my first experience with the legendary "Speedy" bracelet, and I'm hooked. I've handled a lot of stainless steel bracelets over the years, but I'm pretty sure this is my favorite. It's solid, perfectly machined and built, and completely silent (no squeaks). While it's robust, it's not so massive as to be a burden or feel like an anchor. The clasp design is simple and elegant, and the polished strips that cap the center links give it just a touch of class.

The Movement

Yes, the movement has to be wound manually, and no, there's no date or day or moon phase or GMT hand, but there's something to be said for a simple design in terms of robustness. The Lemania 1861 movement has changed very little over the history of the Speedmaster, and for good reason. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. It is now rhodium plated (which is the difference between the 861 movement, and the 1861 movement) for additional corrosion resistance, but that's about it. So how does it perform by today's standards? Mine is about 1.5 seconds fast per day -- as good or better than any other mechanical watch I've ever owned, including many that cost far more.

The Crystal

Now that practically scratch-proof synthetic sapphire is the standard in high-end watches, why would anyone want a throwback to the days of plastic? Two reasons. The first is simple aesthetics. Although sapphire is far more scratch resistant, some people simply prefer the look of the Hesalite (it tends to have a look which is more functional than classy, in my opinion). And the second is that although sapphire is very scratch-resistant, it breaks relatively easily. What do I mean by "easily?" Well, don't drop a watch with a sapphire crystal on a tile floor, and if you're going to be swinging your arm around with any velocity, make sure there's no chance your watch might hit anything of any substance. While the Hesalite crystal is certain to pick up minor scratch over the years, there's not a lot you can do to it to actually break it. The other advantage to the Hesalite is that it's very easily polished if the scratches start to bother you, and relatively inexpensively replaced if you really gouge it.

Water Resistance

Now that your typical Casio G-Shock is water resistant down to 200 meters (about 660 feet) and most of the big Swiss brands have watches with screw-down crowns that are rated to 300 meters (about 1,000 feet), 600 meters (about 2,000 feet) and even 1,220 meters (4,000 feet), why would you settle for a mere 50 meters, or 167 feet? Primarily because 50 meters if perfectly sufficient for most of us. If you're a diver or even a frequent swimmer and you don't want to change your watch, the Speedmaster certainly isn't for you. But if you just want to feel confident in a rain storm, rinse your watch off when it's dirty, take the occasional shower with it on, or not have to worry about falling into a pool, then 50 meters is perfectly fine. The Speedmaster has also demonstrated more than enough water resistance to function perfectly well in very humid conditions (more on this below).

The History

So what makes the Omega Speedmaster Professional such a legend? By now, most watch aficionados know that the Speedmaster was worn on the moon, but most don't know the details behind the story.

When the Speedmaster was introduced in 1957, Omega had no intention of sending it into space, but the combination of the chronograph and the fact that it is a manual-wind watch made it a great choice during some of the Mercury missions. Astronauts needed a manual-wind watch since automatic (or "self-winding") watches rely on a weighted rotor which doesn't work well in zero gravity, and they needed a highly accurate chronograph for timing rocket firing sequences. During the Mercury missions, astronauts could wear any watch they wanted, or even no watch at all, since watches were basically backups to the onboard clocks, but during the Gemini and Apollo programs -- which involved EVAs (extravehicular activities) which needed to be timed -- the right watch became far more important.

In 1962, NASA began searching for a more official piece of timing equipment to be worn by Gemini and Apollo astronauts. Several watches were purchased over-the-counter and subjected to rigorous testing including temperatures from 0° to 200° F, 12g's of acceleration, extreme humidity, and a violent vibration test. Some of the Mercury astronauts' instincts had been spot on: the Omega Speedmaster Professional was the only one to pass all of NASA's tests. In 1965, the Speedmaster was declared the official watch of the US space program.

The Speedmaster was subsequently worn by Edward White on the first America spacewalk in 1965, Buzz Aldrin in 1969 during his and Neil Armstrong's famous first lunar excursion, and it was used by James Lovell to time various burns during the ill-fated Apollo 13 flight since the onboard clocks were inoperable.

The Omega Speedmaster thus survived some of the most rigorous testing of any watch in the world as well as the harshest environments and conditions known to man, and even several political attacks by Bulova watch company who insisted that NASA should be using American technology rather than Swiss (the Bulova watches never passed all of NASA's tests like the Speedmaster did). The Omega Speedmaster became such an important and recognizable icon of the space program that Buzz Aldrin's Speedmaster -- the first watch ever on the moon -- was tragically stolen while being transfered along with other equipment to the Smithsonian for display.

Conclusion

At this point, there are several versions of the Speedmaster available. You can now get them with Co-Axial escapements, self-winding movements, sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coatings, date and day-date complications, display casebacks, 100 meters of water resistance, GMT functionality, and all kinds of variations in hand design, case and bracelet materials, dials, and straps. But Omega has continued to offer almost the exact same watch that was chosen by NASA in 1965 which I have now chosen as my first Omega all these years later.

While there are at least eleven different Speedmasters available today, there is only one true moon watch.

Casio Pathfinder PAG40-7V

2010-09-10T21:21:00.004+07:00

I've reviewed a lot of Casio Pathfinders here; they're highly functional outdoor watches that combine toughness with utility. Today, I was pleased to present the new PAG40-7V, a new model with a few interesting tricks up its sleeve. Let's start with a feature list:

Triple sensor: Altimeter/barometer, compass and thermometer.
Mineral crystal.
Rubber and plastic case with steel caseback.
53mm by 18mm and very light at 74g.
New 3-color design: white, black and green, with a distinctive asymmetic bicolor bezel.
Water resistant to 100m (330ft).
Five alarms plus optional hourly beep.
Dual-layer LCD with compass on the second layer in blue.
Multifunction graph (green rectangle) for plotting barometric pressure or altitude, either current or saved.
50-sample memory (15 minute intervals) of altitude or pressure.
Low-temperature resistant.
Non-ratcheting compass bezel for trekking.
Auto or manual electroluminescent backlight.
Casio movement module 2271 (PDF of manual).

Probably the biggest news with the PAG40-7V isn't about the watch at all, but it's availability. This model will be exclusive to Amazon.com, which is a first. Amazon sells a lot of watches, demonstrably enough to make it worth Casio's while. This is a trend we'll be keeping an eye on, as it might not be well received by other retailers or distributors. It's too soon to tell what the effect on us as watch customers will be.

Getting back to the actual watch, it's a pretty normal Pathfinder -- the watch you grab when it's time to get outside. It works well as a daily wearer, but the 53mm width is a bit large for most of us at the office. That said, the display is super-large and thus easier to read, especially the time, altitude, compass bearing, or pressure displayed on the large center digits. The use of a second LCD layer for the compass is a treat, as you can see here, with north indicated by triple needles and the the other cardinal directions lit up, as well, for quick orientation. Simple and effective. The nearest-quadrant abbreviation (NNW shown here) is displayed as well, allowing both precise and approximate readings.

Yep, I immediately took it hiking! On the wrist, the three color scheme is not overly ostentatious, and of course the functionality and readability are excellent. I like the fact that day, date, month, year, and time are all visible at once, yet it's uncluttered and reads well.

Compared to the ultimate Pathfinder, the PAG40-7V lacks solar power, radio set, countdown timer, and moonphase/tides, but not much else. We still have the shrouded buttons, similar displays, and overall functionality at a fraction of the cost. The PAW1500T-7V is $350 or $400 for strap vs bracelet respectively; the PAG40-7V is $200. For half the price, you're getting more than half features, which seems like a good deal to me.

The strap is a standard Casio, meaning that it's custom to the watch, well-designed, and very comfortable. On the right, you can see the L-shaped attachments to the strap which keep it shaped for your wrist, and also that part of the 18mm thickness is a plastic layer on top of the stainless steel caseback.

Casio has long made excellent outdoor watches, and this one continues that tradition. They managed to reduce the price while retaining many of the features that made the Pathfinder so great. I thought that the lack of solar power would bother me, but in fact the only thing I really miss is the countdown timer which I find to be very useful for cooking, parking meters, and the like.

If you need a reliable, inexpensive hiking or everyday watch, give the PAG40-7V a look. Available this fall on Amazon.com only.

Our thanks to Casio PR for this review unit. Always appreciated!

Casio Pathfinder PAG-240

2010-09-04T11:11:00.000+07:00

Casio recently updated their mid-range Pathfinder lineup -- the "Solar Triple Sensor" line -- by adding the PAG-240 which sports a series of refinements. The Pathfinder line is famous for melding large LCD screens with navigational and atmospheric data, all in a wrist-top package. The Casio PAG-240 uses a new duplex screen, and a new manner of navigating its many features.

Plastic resin case
51 x 15.5mm, 65g
Casio 3246 movement (+/- 15 seconds)
Solar powered
Compass
Altimeter
Barometer
Thermometer
Sunrise/sunset timer
Duplex LCD (two layers)
Countdown timer
World time
Automatic Calendar
Auto back-light with afterglow feature
Resin strap
Retail price of $250

This mid range Pathfinder sports most of what the higher end models have but, omits the radio synchronization for timekeeping. This allows the 240 to come in at a lower price but still offers much of the feature set available in the higher end models.

Casio has refined the PAG-240 with a new duplex screen which incorporates the main screen and an additional layer of "lines" on top. These lines can display an additional time zone, compass information, sunrise and sunset, or help you cycle through the menus. The new menu navigation is possibly the best feature of the PAG-240; as you cycle through the modes the duplex screen indicates what mode you are currently in -- a huge improvement over the previous navigation systems. Combine that with the small matrix screen at 11 o'clock, and you can get a lot of information all at once without having to keep pressing buttons (see the video review for a demonstration).

In the past, I have not been able to wear an ABC (altimeter, barometer, compass) watch full-time because I always found they were too complicated to be instantly usable, but this is not the case with the PAG-240. The PAG-240 combines useful features and an intuitive user interface into an unbelievably light package. This Pathfinder actually weighs nearly half as much as the last dive watch I bought, and feels comparatively like you're not wearing a watch at all.

Retail price for the PAG-240 is $250 which is a good price for the complete package the Casio has going with this watch.

Casio G-Shock GW-2000

2010-08-11T10:04:00.000+07:00

Casio G-Shocks play many roles: fashion icons, hardcore tool watches, respectable divers, etc. Today, we look at something of a new phase for the G-Shock line in the form of a “multi role fighter.” The Casio G-Shock GW-2000 sports aviation styling while retaining the GMT features of many of its older siblings. The GW-2000 combines the radio controlled technology which Casio is now famous for with a refreshed style more reminiscent of the MR-G series.

Let's take a look at the details:

Mineral glass crystal.
47mm at the widest point (wears more like 43mm).
15m thick.
Radio controlled atomic calibrated module.
Solar powered.
Stopwatch with a resolution of 1/20th of a second.
24-hour countdown timer.
Alarm.
Multiple timezones.
Perpetual calendar (with day and date).
Water-resistant to 200 meters (about 650 feet).
Neobright luminous paint.

The last multifunction watch I reviewed was the Citizen BL-5250 which shared some features with the GW-2000. Both watches are aviation style chronographs with alarms, chronographs, and solar powered movements. The GW-2000 adds world time tracking, shock resistance, and Casio’s excellent 6-band radio synchronized movement.

The model that we received came in full black with a bracelet fitted to a push button fold-over clasp. While the GW-2000 does wear smaller than its size would suggest, it's not a small watch; at 15mm thick, it is definitely a sport-oriented timepiece. But the GW-2000 is very light and easy to wear, and it's also available with a resin strap if you want to reduce the weight still further.

The GW-2000 comes in a standard G-Shock tin canister with a miniature users manual. Keep the manual handy; unless you have owned many G-Shocks, you will be referencing it as you get to know your new watch. Much like the BL-5250 and the Oceanus I had before it, freely moving between and activating features with reliable results takes a lot of practice. Any feature that requires the hands to move to a new reading (like the alarm) takes some time and a little patients. Additionally, the alarm is a little on the quiet side — it's sufficient, but it won't wake you from a deep slumber.

The nine o'clock subdial is the function/day indicator. To change features, you press the mode button, and it will cycle through the options which include day of the week, DST settings, alarm, and chronograph. This system takes some time to use properly, but you get used to it eventually. Using the second hand to select the city for the second time zone is simple enough, but I found it difficult to be sure that I was not changing my home time zone in the process. If you make frequent use of all these different features, you may prefer a model with a digital display (like the GW-2500 or the MTG-1500) as it makes navigation and configuration much easier.

The GW-2000 features a 6-band atomic synchronization system which uses radio signals from atomic clock broadcasts. These include clocks in the US, Japan, England, Germany, and China. This feature allows the watch to correct its timekeeping several times a day (or on deman), and is one of the features we like best about G-Shocks.

The most noticible feature of the the GW-2000 is the styling; much in line with the GW-2500, it is designed to be reminiscent of aviator watches and shares styling with Casio's flagship MR-G models (like the MRG-7500). The wide hour and minute hands make reading the time simple and remove much of the guesswork present in some of its thinner-handed predecessors. Additionally, the large "12" marker gives the GW-2000 a distinctive aviation look. This is a great improvement, and seeing as I normally wear dive watches, I felt right at home with the large hands. The luminous paint that Casio uses is called Neobright and can't quite keep up with the power of Superluminova (which is common on dive watches), but it's sufficient for something like this.

Combining the above features, the new styling, and 200m (650ft) water-resistance makes the GW-2000 an appealing sport watch that is light enough and suitable for most wrists (considering today's large-watch standards). The Casio GW-2000 is a great update to the GW lineup, and boasts an attractive $300 price range for the reviewed model. If the dual-display GW-2500 is not to your liking, the GW-2000 drops the additional LCD display but retains many of the features like radio controlled timekeeping, a light and comfortable bracelet, and the slick aviator styling.

Rogue Warrior Red Cell GMT

2010-05-12T05:47:00.000+07:00

Following hot on the heels of our review of the Rogue Warrior Avenger, let us introduce the Red Cell. Named after the unofficial title of Richard Marcinko's Navy security team, the Red Cell combines some interesting technology with a rough-and-tumble case and crystal guard.

Rogue Warrior is a new brand making hardcore watches for people who expect their watch to make it through just about anything. Rogue Warrior's tag line reads "When bad-ass is not bad ass enough." Is this simply marketing fluff, or is this a watch that sets a new standard in resilience?

Let's start with the specs:

Stainless steel case.
Japanese quartz movement with GMT hand.
44mm wide.
4mm anti-glare sapphire crystal.
Superluminova and Kryptolite illumination system.
Krypton gas filled case.
d3o shock absorbing system.
3-year battery.
20 ATM water resistance (200m/660ft).

The first thing that stands out about the Red Cell is its styling which is polarizing at best. It's definitely not a beautiful watch as the designers seemed to have made concessions in the aesthetics in attempt to make the watch as functional and resilient as possible.

The dial design is highly functional with both the standard hands and the GMT hand easily legible at a glance. The chapter ring and the GMT hand work together to keep track of a user defined timezone, and the hand is manipulated on the first pull position of the nicely knurled screw down crown.

The luminosity of the paint on the dial is excellent; Rogue Warrior uses Superluminova paint on the markers, numbers, and hands combined with Krypton gas which fills the case. The combination is called Kryptolite and allows the material to glow brightly and charge quickly. While it does work as well as the best Superluminova implementations I have seen, it does not seem to last as long as examples like the Seiko Monster -- a reasonable tradeoff, in my opinion. The Krypton gas in the case also works to prevent condensation from forming after drastic temperature or humidity changes.

The case is a stark combination of hard edges and those less-than-attractive crystal guards. When the overal goals of this watch are considered, picking on its looks begins to feel like comparing a tank to an italian sports car: they weren't designed with the same purpose (or buyers) in mind.

The case is very well finished for a watch at this price point. The edges are crisp, the sapphire crystal fits flush to the bezel, and the short strong lugs will suit a number of different strap options. The Red Cell certainly is heavy, but not in a cumbersome way, never feeling more weighty than most dive watches. Our test model was fitted to a digital camo leather strap, but the Red Cell can be optioned with a bracelet. The back of the case shows a gun and the acronym "W.G.M.A.T.A.T.S". To find out what that stands for, visit the FAQ section of Rogue Warrior's website.

Rogue-warrior-red-cell-lume The Red Cell definitely feels like it can take a beating, and if you happened to have read our review of the Rogue Warrior Avenger you will recall the incident that combined the Avenger with a tile floor from a considerable height. No serious damage, and the base functions of the watch were still perfectly intact. The Red Cell features d3o shock absorbing material that uses "intelligent molecules" to lock together and absorb the shock placed against the movement. The end result is a watch specifically designed to deal with the stresses of an active/dangerous lifestyle. Think: a tank for your wrist.

The Red Cell is available directly from the Rogue Warrior website and buyers can choose from a series of strap options. The Red Cell starts at $400, and given the market for tough military style watches and the technology seen in the Red Cell, that seems like a fair price. So whether you are a rogue warrior or just a weekend warrior, the Red Cell will likely keep ticking regardless of what you throw at it.

Luminox SR-71 Blackbird 9052

2010-04-29T10:48:00.002+07:00

If you like analog-digital watches, today's review might just make your day. This is the limited-edition Luminox SR-71 Blackbird, model #9052. Limited to 999 pieces, this seems to be their version of the Omega X-33. Let's start out with the specifications:

44mm across, 50mm at the widest point, 15mm thick.
PVD-finished stainless steel case and bracelet.
Bracelet is three-link, solid, with solid end links, fliplock, and 23mm lugs.
Domed sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating.
Inner dive bezel, operated by a screw-down crown at ten o'clock.
Tritium tubes on hours, bezel, and hands.
Reverse LCD display.
In an interesting twist: it also has an electronic compass.
Like the X-33, the caseback is a soundboard to increase the volume of the alarm.
Also like the X-33, the crown is actually a push button; rotating it has no effect.
45 month battery.
ISA quartz movement.
Water resistant to 100m (330ft).
Three time zones, countdown timer, alarm, stopwatch, and my favorite: seconds-only mode.

As you can see from the profile, the Blackbird has quite a different appearance than the Luminox Blackout. It's tapered, subtle and considerably more understated. Take a close look at the bezel: it has a tapered profile that I quite like. The PVD finish is flat (non-glossy) which combines with the reverse LCD on the dial for a very stealthy look. You can also see in this picture how the lugs curve down around your wrist for a good fit. I did notice that when on bad pavement on a bicycle, the lugs dug in a bit due to the weight of the watch (175g), so I wouldn't recommend this as an exercise watch.

The Blackbird has some fascinating design decisions that I don't pretend to understand. For example, the inner bezel is set via the screw-down crown at ten o'clock; well and good. However, on your left wrist, it's quite tricky to operate, requiring removal. It's nice, but you probably won't use it much given that the watch has a digital stopwatch and countdown timer, anyway. The bezel does have a tritium marker, though, making it more useful at night.

Another oddity is the primary crown: as noted above, it's actually a button only, and unlike the bezel crown, it's not screwdown. I would have expected either a conventional button or a threaded crown. And lastly, there's no analog seconds hand. Seconds are displayed by a dedicated ring of segments on the outer edge of the display. It works, but I do miss the analog hand.

Here you can see the sounding board caseback design, very similar to the X-33. It's etched and inked with a very nice rendition of the SR-71 which, as an engineer and pilot myself, has always been one of my favorite planes. The alarm is good, though not as loud as the 80dB Omega. Luminox managed this compromise while still maintaining 100m water resistance, though, which is a good tradeoff and a strong point in their favor.

The face and dial are, in contrast to the Raptor just reviewed, quite sparse and understated. Stark white hands, minimal text and graphics, and a reverse LCD display; it all adds up to outstanding legibility. The sapphire crystal -- minimally domed with an inner camber and inner A/R coating -- also helps quite a bit. And, of course, at night the tritium tubes rock. Note, however, that the digital portion is not backlit, and therefore not useable in the dark.

The watch has some really unusual features you might enjoy like the compass, and the "week of year" and tachymeter modes. I like that you can select a display mode that suits you: time, full date (day/date/year/month), seconds only (very clean), time, second or third timezone, alarm or countdown timer. It's an extremely functional watch, and as with the X-33, the large curved segments are easy to read and use. The buttons and pushbutton crown are well-sized and spaced, and work fine even with gloves on; that's one advantage for the crown design.

Case and packaging are quite good; it comes in a very nice travel pack with padding and cleaning cloth that you can actually use as opposed to something you store on a shelf or discard. It also has internal pockets to hold the manual and warranty card -- another thoughtful touch.

The bracelet is good and fully PVD coated, including the inside bits of the clasp. It has snap closure, fliplock, four micro-adjustments, solid links with pins, and solid end links -- a good match for the watch, and with standard lugs on the case so you could try your own strap if you want. I suspect it would work well with a dark leather strap, as well.

ClaspOn the wrist, this is a fun watch to wear: substantial, but not massive, uniquely styled, and tremendously legible day or night. The sculpted bezel and profile mean that it's more cuff-friendly than you might expect which is one more thing to like about the design.

List price on the Blackbird is $1,500, consistent with Luminox's recent push into higher-end watches. For a watch that compares well to the X-33, that seems like a reasonable price, especially given the discounts usually available, and how much easier the Luminox will be to find.

If you like analog-digital watches as much as I do, this one is a clear winner: more waterproof than the X-33, tritium illumination, good alarm, tons of functions, cool inner bezel, cuff-friendly profile, and a clean, understated dial.

Our thanks to Luminox USA for the review loan.

CASIO G-SHOCK PRESENTS BLVCK SCVLE COLLABORATION

2010-04-09T19:52:00.002+07:00

DOVER, NJ, April 8, 2010 – A unique collaborative effort, DW5600BLK-7 fuses the G-Shock foundation of uncompromised toughness and technology with the Blvck Scvle (pronounced Black Scale) interpretive style. A new perspective on the timeless DW5600, the G-Shock x SUPPLY CIRCUIT for BLVCK SCVLE Special Project boldly reinvents the classic.

The DW5600BLK-7 conjures up fond memories of the very first G-Shock (DW5000C) with its classic square shaped bezel. A crisp white backdrop accented with black Blvck Scvle emblems; the watch features a custom engraved back case, imperial purple dial design and contrasting red Blvck Scvle logo in the EL backlight. A true collector’s item, the DW5600BLK-7 will be available exclusively on Karmaloop.com.

“We are very excited for the release of this new model and to have had the pleasure to work with G-Shock,” said Wil Eddins, Supply Circuit. “This design is a fashionable yet functional piece that translates to our lifestyle.”

As with every G-Shock timepiece performance and durability are the trademarks, the DW5600BLK-7 features include shock resistance, water resistance to an incredible 200 meters, flash alert, multi-function alarm, countdown timer and stopwatch.

“G-Shock is pleased to partner with SUPPLY CIRCUIT and Blvck Scvle to create the exclusive DW5600BLK-7,” said Shigenori Itoh, Vice President of Casio’s Timepiece Division. “We are thrilled offer a fashion forward timepiece that caters to the influencer who is cut from a different cloth.”

Exclusively sold at Karmaloop.com, the G-Shock x SUPPLY CIRCUIT for BLVCK SCVLE Special Project (DW5600BLK-7) retails for $150. For more information, visit www.gshock.com.

Casio Pathfinder PAW-5000-1

2010-03-05T21:06:00.002+07:00

Are you one of casio products fans? so be prepared to spend your shopping money on next April. Since Casio Pathfinder PAW-5000-1 will released. After got success resounding tje Casio Pathfinder PAW2000T-7V, which has a good function in waterproof watch, that can go onto 100m or 330 feet. This series lead to the impression as if you are a secret agent with a digital compass that can show your position. For more details about the review of Casio PAW2000T-7V, you can read the related article on review section.

Departing somewhat from the dominant style of "mostly digital face", the new model sports a reduced-size digital screen and more dive-watch-style face. Here's a list of specifications to pique your interest in the meantime, before the launches on april of course :

Tough solar power.
Six-band radio set timekeeping.
Water resistant to 100m (330ft).
Plastic case, urethane band.
Triple sensor (temperature, altimeter/barometer, compass).
Resistant to low temperatures.
New tough movement, as seen in the GS-1200 and the MTG-1500, where it can check and correct the position of the hands. A very cool piece of engineering.
The second hand doubles as a compass needle. Clever, huh?

Oh, by the way. Have I Tell you how much you must pay this watch ? its about $450. ehhh ???

10 Tips to Care for your Luxury Watches

2010-03-01T19:30:00.000+07:00

I found some interesting article that migh be helped for you who wearing wrist watch.

If you have a middle or high-grade mechanical watch, Maybe you should give it a complete maintenance every two or three years, i.e, replace water resistant Components, check whether it's still accurate and how about movement deterioration, clean the movement and make appearance maintenance, etc. these will surely extend the service life of your Mechanical watch. Just take a rest to check the following 10 simple tips about how to maintain your mechanical watches:

Not Wearing watches for days, maybe you should wind it up manually, shake or swing for several minutes to get it winded up if your watch is automatic, which may keep all the functions fine.
Don't open the back case too often, to avoid getting dust in and being out of normal work.
Don't place your watches everywhere there's camphor balls, which will drive the oil in the watch useless.
Don't put your watches on or besides your amplifier machine, audio, TV and other similar home devices, to prevent from magnetization.
When wearing your watches, note that your sweat out of your skin will corrode the case, better if it's made of Ni-Cr alloy for overall steel watches, or it may get corroded in case worn on your wrist for many hours, therefore, it will be nice to dry the sweat with cloth or lay a watch stand below the back case during a rest.
Cystal renovation. After months' wears, your crystal may get scratched. Give a few drops of water on the face, and a little of toothpaste, then you can get the crystal back to new by Rubbing the face!
When receiveing your lovely watches, and unfolding outer package, do remember keeping all the boxes. these boxes can protect your watches from dropped or stricken! it's very nice if you can lay it back to boxes when you don't wanna wear them, which will reduce the rate of damage greatly.
Better not wear the same watch for days, more than one watch in storage will be good. not only it helps you be more stylish, but avoid more dust accumulation on the same watch. Take more care of your leather watch bracelet, in case of wear and tear duing to often wearing, or it may look likes an old item even a new watch.
Don't sleep with your watches on your wrist. It's bad for your health if it's luminous, this is because the luminous watch dial indicator and the coating of luminescent material, is mainly a mixture of radium and zinc sulfide, radium-ray can stimulate light-emitting zinc sulfide crystals. Sleeping with watches, you may get unhealthy ray radiation, too. Better way you may folllow is taking off you watch from you wrist and laying it on your desk.
Mechanical watch gets damped? dont worry, try pressing it with dry cotton, then baking for 5 minutes besides a 40W bulb(laid about 15cm away), all the humidity will get out! But how if you gotta a quartz watch? Just take a bit of calcium chloride, packed with soft coth, then open the case of your quartz watch, and encase the packed calcium chloride and your watch into a sealed plastic bag or glass bottles, normally you will get your quartz watch fine three hours or more later.

Article Source : http://www.articlesbase.com

Casio PAW2000T-7V "Slim Pathfinder"

2010-02-26T21:15:00.001+07:00

Every new Pathfinder I get tends to become my favorite, and the PAW2000T-7V is no exception. In fact, not only has it become my favorite Pathfinder, but it is also one of my favorite digital watches in general. I've typically thought of Pathfinders purely as outdoors watches in the past — watches you only wear while hiking, boating, stargazing, etc. — since all the features they pack have traditionally required large, knobby cases to accommodate sensors and circuit boards. But not so with PAW2000T-7V. Although still obviously a feature-rich digital watch, the PAW2000T-7V is the thinnest, cleanest, and most subtle Pathfinder I've ever owned.

The PAW2000T-7V shares a very similar set of features with the PAW1500T-7V we recently reviewed with the following exceptions:

The PAW2000T-7V is water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet) rather than 200 meters (660 feet). Although more is usually better when it comes to water-resistance, 100 meters is more than enough for anything but diving.
The PAW2000T-7V doesn't have the moon or tide graphs that make the PAW1500T unique, however in exchange, it does some other interesting tricks.
The digital compass on the PAW2000T uses a transparent LCD to overlay direction indicators over the entire face of the watch with numerical bearing information displayed underneath. The PAW1500, on the other hand, uses small squares around the parameter of the main LCD (see the photo album for pictures of the compass in action).
The PAW2000T-7V has an additional Sunrise/Sunset Mode which lets you check sunrise and sunset times for any location on any date. In addition to the raw data, the PAW2000T uses the compass LCD overlay to chart not just sunrise and sunset times, but also the current time relative to the two (see the photo album for a visual). This is really a fantastic addition to the Pathfinder feature set.

The differences outlined above should help you decide between the PAW1500T and the PAW2000T, but there's one more thing to take into consideration: size. The PAW2000T is about 2.5 millimeters thinner than the PAW1500T. 2.5 millimeters may not seem like much, but in the context of a watch case, it's significant. So significant, in fact, that I've found the PAW2000T to be the first Pathfinder that doesn't overwhelm my paltry 6.5" wrist, and can easily be worn daily as both a fantastic outdoors tool, and an easy-to-read, lightweight, nice-looking, hugely functional timepiece. In other words, the size and form factor of the PAW2000T is a feature in and of itself, and one I'll be very reluctant to give up in future models.

Review For Victorinox Classic XLS MT

2009-08-22T18:56:00.003+07:00

As a former pilot, there are two watches that represent the absolute finest gear for flying: the Omega X-33, and Breitling Aerospace. Both are quartz and analog/digital, and have very different looks. Today's post is about a very similar watch that has a much more reasonable price tag to the Aerospace, the Victorinox Swiss Army Classic XLS MT. I've not yet confirmed this, but I strongly suspect that it has the exact same movement as the Aerospace, the ETA 988.432, making it one heck of a deal. Specifications of the Victorinox are:

* Swiss made, Swiss quartz movement.
* Anti-reflective-coated sapphire crystal.
* Stainless steel case, PVD-coated 'gunmetal'.
* Luminous hands and hour markers.
* Crown guard.
* Countdown timer, alarm clock, stopwatch, dual time zone, multiple languages.
* Water resistant to 100m.
* 45mm by 12m, quite large.

List price is shown as $1,095USD, but I would expect a discount from that. Let's compare to the Breitling Aerospace:

* Titanium case.
* Night-vision-goggle-compatible backlight. (I have no idea what that means, but it sure sounds cool.)
* Second timezone, alarm, stopwatch, countdown timer.
* Crown-driven operation.
* 100m waterproof.
* AR-coated sapphire crystal.
* 42mm by 10.4mm, 38g.

Picture_1(Picture snipped from the Breitling website)

You can kind of see from the pictures that the displays are identical, which makes sense if the movements are the same. You can also see that the Victorinox is larger. 45mm is large but not huge; I'd be happy to wear one.

As with many Swiss brands, Breitling bars selling over the Internet, but Amazon sells them with a list price of $2,795.

There are two things I dislike about this movement: the lack of a second hand (useful for 30-second turns), and the crown-driven operation. It's really hard to manipulate while wearing it, which limits the functionality a bit. Nevertheless, I'm hoping that I can try the Victorinox, as that price is much more up my alley, and I really like how it looks.

http://www.watchreport.com/

Casio Edifice EQW-M1000DB-1ACR

2009-08-06T21:38:00.002+07:00

Today's review is of the Casio Edifice EQW-M1000DB-1ACR, introduced at Basel 2009. It's a multifunction analog quartz watch with an unusual dial.

Specifications:

Six-band atomic set (Japan, US, UK, Germany and China - state of the art).
Tough solar power. This is Casio's G-Shock technology, meaning its shock-resistant solar power with a rechargeable battery.
Five motors driving the various hands and dials.
World time (29 cities, as seen around the chapter ring).
Daily alarm.
1/20th of a second stopwatch.
Countdown timer.
PVD-plated tachemeter bezel.
Stainless steel case, and solid-link bracelet with push release.
Mineral crystal.

In my opinion, this watch represents Casio's competition to the Oceanus models. It's got a very similar feature set and a list price of $450. What sets it apart immediately is the striking two-level dial. As you can see, the lower left portion is about 3mm lower than the rest, showing an asymmetric 24-hour dial that mostly looks cool. It also resembles the structure of a balance wheel in a mechanical watch, which I suspect was deliberate. The upper dial level is translucent, showing a bit of the under-structure, and the overall effect is pleasant and intriguing.

There are several design touches around the dial to note: the applied hour markers at 2, 4, 8 and 10 o'clock that resemble slotted screw heads, the nice even PVD finish on the contrasting bezel, the unusual use of a marker-on-dial for the indicator at 10 o'clock, and the deeply inset 24-hour dial at 2 o'clock. A lot of thought and effort went into how the watch presents, which is something you'll appreciate as you wear it long-term.

In terms of function, this Casio is, as you'd expect, a laundry list of awesome. No one does quartz like Casio, Citizen, and Seiko -- as of this posting there isn't another manufacture that has radio-reception, solar and multi-motor analog. The triple play of solar, atomic, and quartz means that you never have to change the battery, never have to set the time, and never have to sweat when daylight savings takes effect. OK, you might need to if you're outside radio reception. However, six-band receive means that even less of the Earth is in that category. Rounding out the feature list with alarm and countdown means there's nothing to miss here.

I think Casio aimed this watch at someone who travels and wants a single watch. It straddles the border between dressy and sporty quite well; I consider it unobtrusive in both settings. The low-profile shape and sleek bezel let it slip without effort under dress shirts, and the stainless steel and 100m (330ft) water resistance mean it's good for everything short of a full SCUBA dive. The bracelet is solid, comfortable, and has a simple two-button side release, which lacks the flip lock of more sporty watches. Since it has standard lugs, you can also change it out for a strap if you like. Given the dial complexity, the hands are easy to read at a glance. The dark red seconds hand also presents a nice bit of color without being too obvious. The 2 o'clock dial, used for the second time zone, countdown timer and stopwatch, is a bit small to read precisely, so if you really need exact timing, you might be better off with a digital dial. The dial indicator at 10 o'clock spins once per second in stopwatch mode, making a interesting whirl of light from the grooves before stopping after one minute elapses. (When you stop the stopwatch, it spins to the final reading.) Weight is reasonable at 160g, and the watch is well-balanced by the mass of the bracelet.Left-side

From the sides, you can see the button guards and buttons. The right-side button has the Casio logo on it -- a nice touch.

Overall, this is an excellent maintenance-free watch for those who want a bit of style without trying to show off. The 3D dial gives you something to appreciate in a unique style, and the solid Casio movement means never having to worry about the timekeeping. The list price of $450 is good value, and you can probably find it online for even less. Casio for the win!Bracelet-and-back

Our thanks to Casio PR for the loan of this review unit. Much appreciated.
Article Source : http://www.watchreport.com/

Omega Adds a New Bond Seamaster

2009-06-15T18:25:00.000+07:00

Omega and James Bond have had a long and mutually profitable relationship. It used to be a Rolex Submariner that Q modified with non-standard complications and handed over to Sean Connery to get him out of tight situations, however starting with Pierce Brosnan in Golden Eye the Omega Seamaster became the choice of British spies. Omega seized the opportunity to not only make James Bond a brand ambassador, but they also created the special James Bond Omega Seamaster.

Now that there's a new Bond, Omega has taken the opportunity to outfit him with a new tool: the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean. I've written about the Planet Ocean and handled several under the watchful eyes of jewelry store clerks, and they are truly majestic watches -- very fitting of Bond, and an excellent choice for a fresh beginning of the Bond franchise.

What I find interesting, however, is that to my knowledge, Rolex never made a limited edition commemorative James Bond Submariner while Omega has released a couple Bond Seamasters. I'm guessing the idea of soldering a "007" to the end of a Submariner second hand, or adulterating the dial with some Hollywood inspired action graphic made the folks at Rolex swoon. Frankly, I'd have to be a pretty big James Bond fan to drop that kind of money on a movie souvenir, but I suppose if you're a collector, there's nothing like the phrase "limited edition" to get you on the phone with your favorite authorized dealer.
Article Source : http://www.watchreport.com

Seiko goes global with Ananta

2009-06-12T21:55:00.000+07:00

One of the frustrations of being a Seiko fan is that many of their finest watches are only released to the Japanese domestic market. At this year's Basel watch fair, Seiko announced the global release of more models under a new line called Ananta. Described as "an exclusive collection of luxury timepieces with Spring Drive and high-grade mechanical movements, targeted at those who truly understand and appreciate fine watchmaking."

Ananta includes both high-grade mechanical as well as SpringDrive watches, giving us Seiko fans ample material for appreciation. Look for more posts here as we learn more.

From reading the press release and reviews by attendees, the other big news on Ananta is the new steel process that they invented for it. Based on processes used in making katana swords, the finish is incredibly even and mirror-like. I can't wait to see one in person. As you can see from the images below, they also used the curve of the katana as inspiration for the rotor notches above and the sides of this case:
Very promising indeed. We look forward to learning more.
Article Source : http://www.watchreport.com

Reviewing the Orbita Watch Winder

2009-05-29T05:14:00.000+07:00

Looking for the ideal winder automatic watch to meet your requirements can be as simple as researching your choices. How much is your watch really worth when you consider it in terms of both money as well as sentimental value? Would you rather have a plain functional storage unit or a sophisticated display case with all possible features? These are the kind of questions you have to ask yourself before you decide on an Orbita watch winder or one of any other make.

The Orbita watch winder which is manufactured in the Unites States is said to be one of the best watch winders available. It can be set to move at various turns per day starting from 500 and going up to even 950. This brand in particular has an auto-reverse feature and a battery which has a life ranging from six to twenty four months. The Orbita watch winder is one of the less costly models and run quietly without over winding automatic watches. The Orbita watch winder comes in the single, dual and multiple heads to house more than one piece at a time and each can be programmed for a different number of turns per day.

The high-priced Rolex too has a wide range of winder automatic watch available. These watch winders come in a great variety starting from the simple ones to elegantly designed and elaborate ones. Most of their models can hold from one to ten watches at a time in a box. It is proposed that if you are not sure about the certain brand of watch winders you should opt for, you should take the assistance of a watch expert or jeweler to narrow down your search.

The winder automatic watch also comes in three different ways of winding – clockwise, anti-clockwise of bi-directionally. Some products even have an option to let it sleep as it is required if you are to simulate the normal wear if a person was wearing it; that is the winding and then unwinding. Continuous over winding can lead to damage of your precious watch. Then you have other models of the winder automatic watch which let you wind the watch clockwise for half an hour, then anti-clockwise for the next half hour followed by a three hour rest thereafter. This is desirable as continuous winding can damage the watch.

You can find a lot of other winder automatic watch makes which are a favorite among watch collectors. Like the top brands, they are beautifully made with accurate engineering. Designed to delicately, gradually and steadily wind your watch, the Orbita watch winder makes sure that your watch is well wound and ready to wear when you choose to. Some of the watch winders come with a glass front so you can see the time pieces and at the same time keep it protected from dust. Some of the watch winders can hold even four watches at a time and the motor doesn’t really make any sound.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

Selling Swiss Army Watches

2009-05-20T19:02:00.002+07:00

One of the more popular items sold on online auction sites are Swiss army watches. These watches are well-known for being reliable and difficult to break. They can be worn underwater and under extreme heat conditions. Selling these watches is a good way to earn a steady income. When displaying a Swiss army watch, be sure to photograph it from many angles. This will give the buyer an opportunity to see the watch and decide if they want to buy it. Always offer as much information as possible. This will also catch the buyers attention. The desired effect is a bidding war between two or more buyers. This will raise the asking price which will make a person more money. Making a valuable item seem even more valuable by providing pictures and details will hopefully cause buyers to bid more money.

Selling swiss army watches online requires a person to be able to write descriptions of the watches that are better than their competitors. Many people sell these watches. Being able to offer many different styles with descriptions that will make people bid will sell more merchandise. Having styles of swiss army watches that other sellers do not have will also keep people coming back to place bids. Collectors of these watches will visit many sites throughout the day. The more varieties a person can offer, the more business they will be conducting which will make them more money. A full online store is a store that will make money.

Sellers find Swiss army watches at garage sales, auctions, and through ads placed in newspapers. They will even buy from other online vendors. It is important to be honest about products that one would like to sell online. If a watch is scratched, the buyer must be told about it. Chances are, they will still choose to bid on the watch. If not, there will be others who will not have a problem with a scratch. If a person does not inform a buyer about a scratch, the seller is subject to a poor rating which could destroy his business. People are willing to pay lots of money for Swiss army watches whether or not they are deformed in any way. Knowing in advance the kind of merchandise they are bidding on will determine how much they are willing to bid. Online auction sites, though very large, are still small enough for people to make judgments about sellers. Buyers talk to each other will warn others about dishonest behavior. Selling watches honestly will keep a person in business for many years. There is nothing wrong with making a product look as good as possible, as long as they are honest about any defects that may be present.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

Reviewing the Orbita Watch Winder

2009-05-15T21:08:00.002+07:00

History of Casio Watches

2009-04-19T22:18:00.001+07:00

Sometimes things start out in the most surprising ways. Take the watch company of Casio for example. If you were asked to guess what the first product that was made by Casio, you may think it was the calculator or some other type of electronic product. You would be wrong. The Casio Company was started 1946 by Tadao Kashio. Understand that this was in Japan following World War II. The financial situation was dire in Japan at the time to say the least. When Mr. Kashio began his company, he was a fabrication engineer hoping to catch a big break.

His big break showed up in a very unique way. Tadao Kashio developed a product called the yubiwa pipe. Its design allowed it to be worn on the finger. It was used to hold a cigarette, allowing the smoker to smoke the cigarette to the filter, all while still being able to use both hands. In the impoverished Japan of the times, cigarettes were a hot commodity and the product was an overwhelming success. The yubiwa pipe is a far cry from the calculators and watches that were to follow, but it did start the company down the road to success.

Since it is obvious that Mr. Kashio was an inventive sort of man, it only took a little while for him to decide to explore different products. At the business show in Ginza, Japan in 1949, he discovered electronic calculators. With the proceeds from the sale of the yubiwa pipes, Mr. Kashio and his brothers began to experiment with making their own calculators. At the time, most calculators were run by the use of gears. With diligence and hard work, the Casio Company came out with the first calculator to use solenoids. The new type of calculator went on sale in 1954. This calculator also was the first to have the 10 digit keypad and had only one display window as opposed to the competitors' that had three.

As you well know, calculators weren't the only product manufactured by Casio. After the release of the Model 14-A calculator, many more products were designed and released to the general public. The same year as the release of the 14-A, the company also became the Casio Computer Co., Inc. This is about the time when watches from Casio first made their mark on the watch industry. Casio has been well known for the huge variety and innovation of their watches almost since the beginning of production. They were one of the first watch companies to manufacture the now famous quartz crystal watches. The quartz watches produced by Casio were available in both digital and analog styles. It is possible that the most well remembered watch produced by this company was the calculator watch. For those of you who don't remember, it featured all of the amazing time keeping capabilities of the regular Casio watches, with an added feature. It had a tiny calculator complete with miniature keypad built into the watch. During its hey day it was the bane of math teachers everywhere and the savior of every math deficient student.

Considering the calculator watch was so much fun, Casio continued to raise the bar. This company was also the first to design and produce a watch that could provide its owner with some interesting details. One such watch could display the time of many different time zones at the touch of a button. Others were equipped to give weather details like the temperature and barometric pressure. Mountain climbers of ages past particularly were fond of the version that came with a gauge to indicate the altitude. While other watch makers were stuck on the same old, same old, Casio consistently offered new and exciting variations on the classic wristwatch.

With the true gadget geeks of the world in mind, Casio came up with a watch just for them. It is the Wave Ceptors line of watches. They really outdid themselves with this one. These watches are equipped to receive radio signals that enable the watch to keep accurate time. They also are able to tell the time in different time zones, the user can set alarms and timers. This line of watches also came with an incredibly extensive user manual to provide all of the necessary instructions to the owner.

From the yubiwa pipe to the finest calculators and watches in the world, the Casio has come a long way from its humble beginnings. They continue to challenge themselves and their competitors to new higher peaks and offer the best products electronics can build.

Casio WVA-105HDE-1AVER

2009-04-19T21:47:00.004+07:00

Today, our review product Came From Casio WVA-105HDE-1AVER. An elegant wrist watch that maybe you will receive or buy it.
This watch has silver color with the specified :

EL Backlight
An electro-luminescent panel causes the entire face to glow for easy reading. Includes an After-Glow feature that keeps the EL backlight turned on for a few seconds after the light button is released.
DCF/MSF Radio Signal Receiver
A built-in radio signal receiver ensures that the exact time is displayed across much of Europe. Watches with this symbol can pick up radio signals from Germany and the UK.
Time Memory 30
At the press of the button, the current time and date are frozen and stored. Then you can exactly log the start and finish of a project, for example. The memory can store up to 30 entries.
World Time
Displays the current time in major cities and specific areas around the world.
Date Alert
A mark appears on the display when a preset date is reached.
Stopwatch function (1/100 - 1HR)
Elapsed time, split time and final time are measured with 1/100-sec accuracy. The watch can measure times of up to 1 hour.
5 Daily Alarms
The daily alarm reminds you about recurring events with an acoustic signal at the time you have set. You can also activate hourly time signal that indicates each full hour. This model has 5 independent alarms for flexible reminders of important appointments.
Snooze Feature
Each time you stop the alarm, it sounds again after a few minutes.
2 Years - 1 Battery
One battery will supply your watch with the power it needs for about 2 years.
Full Auto Calendar
Allowances are made automatically for months of different lengths, in case date corrections for leap years are required.
12/24-hour Timekeeping
Times can be displayed in either a 12-hour or 24-hour format.
Spherical Glass
The surface of the glass is rounded. So you will look as a simple personality
Resin Case
Stainless Steel Band, it' wouldn't break or scratch.
Safety Catch
Always reliable: This watch has a particularly secure safety catch, which helps prevent the strap from opening by mistake.
Water resistance classification (5 bar / 50m)
This watch can be worn when showering and bathing - it is tested for water resistance up to 5 bar / 50 metres. The metres value does not relate to a diving depth but to the air pressure used in the course of the water resistance test. (ISO 2281)
Type of battery
CR1620. The type of battery that will keep your motor life about 2 years
Dimensions
approx. 56mm x 41,4mm x 13,3mm (H x W x D)
Weight
approx. 88 g

How to Assess an Automatic Watch Winder

2009-03-18T11:40:00.002+07:00

If you have just purchased an automatic/self-winding watch, or if you plan to invest in one, you should know that a watch winder is a necessary accessory
. The function of an automatic watch winder is to keep the timepiece wound when it is not in use. Therefore, it is very important to know how to purchase a quality product to keep your watch in the best shape for a long time.

You may think that the practical need for such a product is minimal, but the general recommendation is that you use a winder for your automatic watch every time you do not use it. Moreover, if you have a collection of two or more watches, which you obviously cannot wear all at once, or you have purchased one of the latest products on the market with sophisticated settings that you will need to reset if the watch is unwound, it is highly suggested that you purchase a winder.

Therefore, once you have decided you need to buy an automatic watch winder, you should obtain accurate information about how to discriminate the quality product from the cheap one. You need to assess a number of features prior to making the purchase: the brand that produces them, the capabilities of their internal circuit and other technical details like battery life and, of course, the appearance.

If you have enough money to invest in a popular brand watch winder, you will avoid carefully going through all the details of the product before buying it. You can be certain that brands with decades of experience in the field will offer you only the best quality products. After spending a lot of money on a valuable timepiece, you should not risk buying a low priced and questionable quality watch winder. Some examples of the most famous brands that produce quality automatic watch winders are Orbital, Eilux and Revolutionary.

However, if you wish to be certain about the quality of the watch winder you are about to invest in, you should consider its internal abilities. The winder should provide full automation and control by means of an internal circuit, which means it should not require manual turn on or turn off. It should also be able to run the "Turn and Rest" program that specialists view as a standard nowadays. This program allows the motor to stop for a period after a cycle of spins, in order to mimic the normal daily activity of an automatic watch. The risk is to over-wind the watch and shorten the life of its components.

Another aspect you should consider is the appearance of the winder. The case or box has a dual function as a winder and as storage medium for your valuable watch. Therefore, the case or box should create the most appropriate atmosphere to protect the watches’ components, but also offer a presentable look. There is a wide variety of models available on the watch winder market, from classical and elegant cases made of wood and glass to more modern and sophisticated models.

The last and most important issue that needs consideration before buying an automatic watch winder is the budget you have available for this investment. It is best that you make a financial sacrifice and purchase a good quality product from a renowned brand. These types of winders come with highly quality mechanisms. Nevertheless, if you are on a limited budget, you should choose one of the medium-priced items, but concentrate to make the best deal.

These are some of the ideas to consider before buying an automatic watch winder. Going through all of them stepwise, by first asking about the manufacturer, then about the characteristics of the inner circuit, and price will considerably ease your research. You can find the perfect winder for your valuable watch or watches just by browsing lists of products here, on our website. It is easier, less time consuming and more money saving than going to consult with a jeweler, for instance.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

The Watch Winder is a Great Invention

2009-03-18T11:04:00.003+07:00

Our greatest inventors have produced improved technology to let the people of the world stay on time. This new generation of time pieces or automatic watches make use of an altogether different system to keep watches wound and working. There are plenty of automatic watches with the most modern designs which don’t require manual winding at repeated intervals of time. Such watches actually run on the motion of the wearer’s wrist or arm as he or she goes about their daily chores. The only problem comes when the watch is left on the dresser and not worn for whatever reason. When this happens, the watch stops for an indefinite period of time. Although it might be possible to wind these watches manually, watch winders are the best solution. You can choose from Orbita watch winders besides plenty other makes.

The main rule of functionality is that the watch winder mimics the motion of a regular wearer by moving the watch in a round pattern. The Orbita watch winders or any other are designed in such a way that they will not wind up the watch more than is absolutely required or as much as will damage it. Most of the watches available today that wind up automatically when the owner uses them require a motion lasting about half an hour per day and the watch winder can easily satisfy this need.

If you want to be sure about the superiority of the watch winder you are on the verge of purchasing, try to look into its internal capabilities. The winder should give you complete control and automation with the help of an internal circuit; in other words it should not need to be turned on or off manually. It should also have the ‘Turn and Rest’ function so that the motor stops after a cycle of rotations in order to mimic the movement of the wrist which is not moving constantly. Over-winding the watch is risky and can shorten the life of the components within.

The appearance of the watch winder too is important. The watch winder case or box functions doubly as a winder as well as a storage medium for your precious watch. So the watch winder box or case should not only protect the watch from the environment but also give a great look. There is a wide variety of Orbita watch winders available on the web, ranging from the classical and sophisticated ones made of wood, leather and glass to the even more modern and stylish ones.

Lastly, before you purchase one of the Orbita watch winders or any other make of watch winder for that matter, decide on the budget for this purchase. It is better that you invest a little more and buy a good quality product rather than a cheap product that might damage your precious watch. You can also find the perfect automatic watch winder by searching the Net. It is not only simpler, consumes less time but will also save you some money as compared to consulting a jeweler perhaps.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

Buying a Luxury Watch

2009-03-11T15:56:00.002+07:00

Seven Things You Should Consider Before Buying A Watch

Purchasing a luxury watch these days isn't as easy as it once was. In fact, if you're considering a luxury watch purchase in the next few months, here are some things you might want to think about.

1. Watch Case Size: With the extensive variety in watches these days comes a number of different case sizes to consider. From the larger cases offered by names like Ulysse Nardin to the average sized cases like Chronoswiss tends to produce, you should select a size that meets your personal needs.

2. Your Personal Style: Who you are should be reflected in what you wear. If you're bold and progressive, wear something that makes a statement like a Franck Muller. If you love innovation, consider purchasing a Piaget.

3. Your Specific Purpose: Before you purchase a luxury watch, consider your needs. If you simply need something to wear to the office, perhaps a formal Patek Phillipe will do the trick. If you need something for a day on the yacht, a BlancPain Leman Perpetual Calendar would be more efficient. Consider where you will be wearing the watch before you make the purchase.

4. The Extras: Luxury watches come with GPS technology, two way radios, and a variety of numbering systems. Consider which added benefits might actually be useful to you and be sure to look for a watch that has what you want.

5. Your Personality: Only those in love with style should purchase a Bvlgari. Similarly, only those who want to be first should consider IWC. Think about what you want to say with your timepiece, then make the luxury watch purchase that best matches your needs.

6. The Brand: Brand names are everything in this industry. Purchasing a watch from a discount store or a knock-off luxury watch just won't do it if you want to make the right impression. Look for a brand that matches your ideals as you shop.

7. The Exclusivity: Some watches are made for lots of people, and some luxury watches, like those created by Vacheron Constantin are just for the few. Consider whether you're looking for something with limited production numbers or something many can afford.

Consider what you're looking for from every aspect, and the purchase of your next luxury watch should be much smoother.

www.Vialuxe.com provides you with the largest selection of the world's most recognized luxury watch and jewelry brands including Audemars Piguet, Baume Mercier, Bell & Ross, Blancpain, Breguet, Cartier, Bulgari, Chopard, David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Ebel, Girard Perregaux, IWC, Jaeger LeCoultre, Omega and Tag Heuer.

Unlike Google or eBay, Vialuxe only display products from authorized dealers which saves you, the customer, the time and risk associated with using the internet to purchase luxury goods.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

Can Luxury Watch Market Continue to Grow During the Economy Crisis?

2009-03-02T13:11:00.001+07:00

Luxury watches in the United States are quite popular. Although not everybody wears one of these, if you do, it is safe to say that you are showing off your style in a good way. Many of the most popular luxury watch models sold in the United States are manufactured in other parts of the world. But with that being said, it does not matter where the watches come from. The only thing that does matter is that the luxury watch market in the US is on the up and up……before the US economy crisis hit.

Prior to economy crisis, why are luxury watches so popular in the US? First and foremost, people want to look good. If you are going to buy a watch, you might as well search for one that is known for its luxurious look and feel. For instance, if you can afford a Rolex you will be wearing one of the most popular luxury watches in the world. For this reason, you will not only feel good, but you will look good at the same time. People don’t mind spending their future money to make them look good.

Another reason for the increased popularity of luxury watches is status. In today’s day and age, more people than ever before are interested in showing the rest of the world just how much money they have. If you are interested in showing that you live the high life, there are many ways of doing so. Wearing a luxury watch that carries a price tag of several thousand dollars is one of the best ways of doing this……wearing these watches had become a must for the Wall Street’s people.

One of the biggest benefits of the luxury watch market in the United States is its depth. In other words, there are many different options available, as well as several price points at which you can purchase them. For instance, you will find that some Rolex watches can be had for as little as $5,000 whereas others are pushing $15,000. A market that offers products at a wide range of prices makes it easier for more people to get involved.

There are quite a few luxury watch brands that have become popular in the United States. In addition to the biggest name, Rolex, there are many other including Longines, Tag Heuer, Omega, Panerai, Versace, Fendi, LV, Chanel and Breitling among many others.

Had the economy not melted down, it is safe to say that the luxury watch market in the United States is going to continue to grow over the next few years. Economy crisis changed the landscape and outlook of luxury watch market entirely. It may not be a good idea anymore to wear luxury watches when people are jobless. Even if people have to wear it, they are looking at cheaper but good quality which can continue to make them look good and yet save a lot of their money. That’s why a lot of people in the US are also looking for alternative watch to wear, and this includes replica watches.

Replica watch can be a hit again during this global economy crisis and it may become a good way to help people save money. www.perfect-watch.com is one of the leading sites that help people save money and yet makes them look good during this difficult period.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

History of Gucci Watches

2009-02-01T14:06:00.002+07:00

Guccio Gucci, son of an Italian trader founded the House of Gucci in Florence in 1906. Guccio, an extraordinary craftsman, started selling luxury goods in the 1920s. In 1938, Gucci opened a boutique in Rome. After Guccio's death in 1953, his son, Aldo expanded the company by opening more stores. In 1953, New York got its first Gucci store and by the late '60s, more such stores were launched in London, Paris and Tokyo. Gucci continued to be one of the leading luxury brands until the late ‘70s. After that a string of devastating business decisions led the company to the brink of bankruptcy.

To gain its lost glory, the brand made its entrance into the watch market once again in the 1990's. This step was taken to put emphasis on their place in the fashion market. Gucci watches commenced its production in 1997 by means of an attitude based entirely on advanced quality, precision and thought to detail. Gucci pooled its creative skills in the midst of an unparalleled accuracy of Swiss craftsmanship to produce Gucci watches.

In the same year 1997, Gucci Group got hold of the operating assets of the ‘Severin Montres Group’ (being the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of watches) and fashioned its first Timepieces. To gain an upper edge in the market, the group went on to take some bold steps in the form of mergers and acquisitions in 1999. It bought ‘Yves Saint Laurent Couture’ and ‘Sanofi Beauté’ and also claimed a 70% stake of Sergio Rossi.

This move provided Gucci with a strong base in the form of market coverage and it got a "prepared" market to launch its watches. The plan to take control of the whole market got a boost in the year 2000 when it acquired Boucheron International group. It created a ripple effect in the market by securing license rights to run ‘Yves Saint Laurent Couture’ watches.

All these moves not only placed it in a stronger position but also replicated Gucci's promise to be a leader in the worldwide watch market. By initiating such steps, Gucci made a place for itself in the luxury goods market as well. Gucci watches quickly earn recognition as each watch are mark of a distinctive style by means of a fresh edge and urbane flare.

Gucci watches are largely procured by fashionable men and women who appreciate its design immensely even without taking care of its movement and an array of utilities. Right from the beginning, it has presented only the fashionable watches to win over the hearts of youths.

Stainless steel, sapphire crystal and soft silver are some of the major constituents, characterizing the appeal of the brand. Soft silver is still extensively put into use to fashion some of the model’s dial. Its model 3900, launched to nullify another rival’s product, possesses a fabric wristlet. Now when a niche has been created for its products, its watches presents sophisticatedly designed timepieces, standing at the very summit of excellence. They are churning out watches, both exciting and seductive, of the finest Swiss watch design, in their own style and grace to give a tough fight to rivals.

The watch’s core design follows the Swiss movement which is known for its dependability. Whenever the designer watches are no longer in fashion, you might come over this dilemma by going to the Gucci way, which assures of consistency.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

A Quick Guide to Shopping for Watch Winders

2009-01-19T12:09:00.002+07:00

Many people may overlook watch winders because they think that they are non-essential items. This could not be more untrue. Watch winders are actually great for keeping expensive or vintage watches in great condition. They will also keep the watch running with the correct time, all of the time.

Many people wonder if they really need a watch winder. For people who live extremely busy lives, being without the time can be a great hindrance. As a result, a watch winder can be a great time saver. Not to mention, watch winders can extend the life of a watch. If a watch is continuously running, the gears will not suffer from stagnation. Watches have lubrication built in, so if the gears stop, this lubrication can dry up and cause problems. However, if continuously running, the watch should stay stronger for longer.

Watch winders are also great because they can save you money. Watch repair can be extremely costly. Having a watch winder is a very sound investment that ends up paying for itself and more. Additionally, watch winders serve to protect the watch. Many people lose or misplace their watches. However, with a watch winder, it will always be in a safe place. Simply putting the watch in the winder before bed, and it will be there in the morning. Also, the watch will be sitting in a case, surrounded by soft material and protected from the elements. For the most expensive watches, having a safe place to store it is very helpful. Some people can even lock their watch winders, which can help prevent theft.

Understanding why watch winders are important, and deciding to buy one, is only half of the battle. Actually, buying a watch winder can seem like a daunting task to someone who has never done it before. The best technique is to search online and find the best watch winder seller to fit your needs. There are many different kinds of online stores that offer a variety of watch winders for sale. The best online stores usually stress their customer service, and display other trustworthy elements such as SSL certification and membership in the Better Business Bureau.

Deciding the type of watch winder you need simply comes down to preference. Some watch winders are relatively fancy, while others feature a simple design. If the watch being wound is expensive, then it might make more sense to have a nicer watch winder to go with it. However, if the watch is not of the greatest concern to you, then a simpler watch winder would suffice. Some watch winders can hold more than one watch, and others are equipped with cases and locks. The best way to buy a watch winder is have a clear idea of what you want before you start searching. But if you're new to watch winders, browsing an online store can give you ideas as to the different options available.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/

omikron watch

2009-01-19T11:36:00.002+07:00

Today review was came from Omikron Swiss Watch Corps. The type are Sentinel Watch.

The Stinson L-5 Sentinel was designed as a Liaison airplane with enough room for 2 crew and no arms of any kind. Eventually as demand progressed, some Sentinels were built with an additional door was placed on the back to carry stretchers as an air ambulance. Others were used exclusively for observation purposes, spying on enemy sites from above typically with the co-pilot taking photographs.

The Omikron Pilot series watches share the names of these mid 20th century aircraft to remember them and the heroes who flew them. They have also been made with exclusive Swiss Leschot LM-196 super automatic caliber movements. A triad of subsidiary dials offers their own incredible insight into timekeeping. The date of the month, day of the week, and even a secondary timezone are on exhibition upon the smooth, dual tone dial with only the crown on the edge of the brushed stainless steel case to set them. The true luxury, perhaps, is the textured leather strap that curls around your wrist, while held with an opulent slip butterfly buckle to create the perfect fit.

These pieces are offered in a limited edition that is sure to become a wonderful collector’s item for years to come. Available on 2 color style : Black and Steel Blue

Detail for sentinel Steel Blue :
Model #: 62608804
Movement:

Swiss Made;
Modified LM-196 automatic movement with 21 jewels

Functions:

Hours, Minutes, Sweep seconds;
Day subsidiary dial at 10 o’clock;
Date subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock;
24-hour dual time subsidiary dial at 2 o’clock;
Luminous hands & markers

Case:

44mm x 12mm stainless steel;
Curved mineral crystal;
Exhibition back wuth decorated gold tone bridges & rotor;
Water resistant up to 3 ATM

Band:

190mm x 20mm genuine stitched leather;
Spring release slip butterfly buckle

Price: $5,995.00

Detail For Sentinel Black

Model #: 62608803

Movement:

Swiss Made; Modified LM-196 automatic movement with 21 jewels

Functions:

Hours, Minutes, Sweep seconds;
Day subsidiary dial at 10 o’clock;
Date subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock;
24-hour dual time subsidiary dial at 2 o’clock;
Luminous hands & markers

Case:

44mm x 12mm stainless steel;
Curved mineral crystal;
Exhibition back w/ decorated gold tone bridges & rotor;
Water resistant up to 3 ATM

Band:

190mm x 20mm genuine stitched leather;
Spring release slip butterfly buckle

Price: $5,995.00

Casio G-Shock AW590-1A

2009-01-13T22:28:00.000+07:00

You either casual fans watch? Looking for the latest watches seen a comfortable and elegant, sporty without leaving an impression? Casio watches issued a product that will not be less interesting product of hours of hands dipasan for this.
AW590-1A Casio G-Shock Mens Watch Countdown timer, exit as a recent innovation that arouse appetite among casual and sporty young. With color and black digital support system.
Analog and Digital timepieces that are as calm or cool as you want them to be. 27-city World Time, Auto LED light, 200M Water Resistance and Shock Resistance, they’re a stylish addition to any wrist.
Technical Specs
o Shock Resistant
o 200M Water Resistant
o Auto LED Light with Afterglow
o World Time, 29 times zones (27 cities), city code display, daylight saving on/off
o 5 Daily Alarms (1 with snooze)
o Countdown Timer
Measuring unit: 1 second
Countdown range: 1 minute to 60 minutes
Auto-repeat Function, time up alarm, progress beeper
o 1/100 second stopwatch
Measuring capacity: 00'59.99"
Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
o Hourly Time Signal
o Auto Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2099)
o 12/24 Hour Formats
o Accuracy: +/-15 seconds per month
o Battery: CR1220
o Approx. battery life: 3 years
o Module 4778
o Size of case/total weight
52.0 x 46.4 x 14.9mm / 57.2g
Interested to have the latest watches this? This product is sold for $ 57.95 (USD) See more information in http://www.xcelwatches.com/

Hot New Diamond Jewelry And Swiss Watch Trends

2009-01-12T23:53:00.000+07:00

The jewelry industry has gotten very creative over the last couple of years and with that creativeness has come an amazing assortment of jewelry designs. Technology has also advanced and complicated styles that weren't possible are not being made. Finally, manufacturing costs have come down and now can you choose from an amazing collection of jewelry styles while spending much less than in years past. Read more and you'll learn what's at the front of the pack.

Add-A-Bead Charm Bracelets

Pandora and TrollBeads have created a new phenomenon in jewelry that includes a contemporary spin on the charm bracelet. TrollBeads is a brand name "add-a-bead" charm bracelet designed by Scandinavian artists using sterling silver and Murano glass beads. The silver beads are a collection of symbols and animals each with a meaningful story behind them. Each artist has there own bead that they've created using inspiration from mythological stories and fairy tales. The Murano beads are hand-blown genuine Murano glass - made by Italian craftsman. Pandora is similar in style and concept but places a bigger emphasis on the silver while TrollBeads has both sterling silver and glass to choose from.

These charm bracelets make wonderful gifts and most people buy one for themselves as well as for friends. The beauty of the jewelry is the ability to build bracelets together with friends and family, once built they look amazing and very fashionable.

Yellow Gold is on the Move

For years white gold and platinum have dominated jewelry fashion however, many jewelry designers are now showing new styles in yellow gold. This recent movement has been seen in styles created by Tacori and Simon G, most notably with Tacori's new yellow gold Medallion. This medallion has been voted the hottest new jewelry style by readers of various women's magazines. What we've seen is that women are now wearing yellow and white gold jewelry together and it seems to be quite fashionable. Look for two-tone bridal jewelry to make a comeback very soon as well.

Be a Star

Tiffany & Co. has been selling a diamond studded silhouette of a star and this necklace has created an interest in star jewelry. You'll notice many jewelry stores carrying similar stars in necklace, pendant, rings, and earrings. Most of these stars are basic but classy looking 5 point stars pave set or channel set with round diamonds or baguettes. Carat weights for these items normally range from .25ct to 1.50ct total diamond weight. These styles have been hitting the market since Summer of 2007 but you'll see many more variations as time goes on.

Journey Jewelry Debeers created the concept of Journey Jewelry a couple of years ago but it took a while to catch on. Recently, it became one of the most popular diamond jewelry gifts available. Journey Jewelry is created with a collection of diamonds growing in size from smallest to largest, these diamonds symbolize the growth of love that people have for one another. As your love grows so should your diamonds, at least that's what Debeers believes. Journey styles have been shown mostly in white gold set with princess or round diamonds. The concept is based loosely on the Past, Present, & Future 3-stone jewelry that was also created by Debeers. You can view great diamond journey jewelry styles at http://Rokstok.com.

Automatic Swiss Watches

For men, fine quality Swiss watches have become a very important choice in timepieces. The sport watches created by Movado, Rolex, and Breitling have driven the market and still remain the leaders in men's wrist watches. Another craze seems to be oversized or very large watches, you'll see this in many of the Breitling designs. The styles are getting bigger and bigger and the bold use of decorative dials is quite striking.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Purchasing A Luxury Watch

2009-01-11T00:44:00.001+07:00

As consumers, we are highly receptive to the word luxury; luxury cars, luxury boats, luxury vacations, luxury homes – all come attached to visions of high-end quality and instant status recognition. Included in these sought after luxury items is the luxury watch; part timepiece, part style accessory.

Since the inception of the wristwatch owners have found new and better ways to showcase its beauty – encasing it in diamonds, adorning it with gems, and wrapping it in silver and gold of every variety. The luxury watch is held in just as much esteem today, its purchase considered an investment – much as a ring or other precious jewelry.

For many, the luxury watch is simply about style. While less expensive watches are swapped to match different outfits, a luxury watch is classic as an accessory – it goes with anything and everything. Further, in many cases the luxury watch – such as a designer watch – is considered something of a status symbol, much like a high-end vehicle. It tells of the owner’s success and ability to treat themselves to the finer things.

For others, the luxury watch is an investment in the future; an heirloom that can be handed down from generation to generation. Perhaps the owner received their own luxury watch through the passing down from a family member. In this case, the watch is esteemed for sentimental – as well as monetary – value.

While a luxury watch can be expensive, it is wise to remember that you are purchasing more than just a watch. You are purchasing a commitment from the manufacturers to uphold their standards by maintaining the high quality operation of your watch. Should you have repair needs in the future you can return to the manufacturer or authorized dealer and be assured that your watch will be treated with the same care with which it was made.

A luxury watch is more than just an ordinary wristwatch; it is a piece of jewelry that reflects your personality and personal style – and can be enjoyed for a lifetime.