Wednesday 11 September 2019

Magnificent Rolex Watches To Check Out – The Rolex Submariner, Daytona, and Yacht-Master


Out of all the watchmakers that do business, Rolex is probably the one with the most towering amounts of success. The watch manufacturer is an absolute beast when it comes to making excellent timepieces. Indulging in the history of the brand would tell you that it was founded in 1908 by Hans Wilsdorf and his brother in law Alfred Davis in the city of London. The firm then moved to Switzerland amidst tensions during the 1910s. While Europe was falling in the hands of fascist ideologies, horologists such as Rolex were building an empire for themselves. If you look closely, that is what the motto of the brand has always been, to push ahead no matter what the circumstances are.

Here is a list of the most exquisite Rolex watches you need to look out for this year.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42

The Yacht-Master 42 got released in 2019 at the SIHH in Geneva, Switzerland. The timepiece is a 42mm masterpiece with its case made out of white gold. The watch also features the popular Oysterflex bracelet and houses the potent Calibre 3235 movement. The timepiece is a part of Rolex’s Professional series.


Rolex Daytona

The Rolex Daytona is a rare animal but if you do manage to get your hands on it, never let it go. In today’s time, the watch is worth much more than its price tag. The watch pays for itself if you can keep it for a long time. Apart from the financial perspective, the watch is a gem. It is the brand’s only chronograph and features the coveted Cerachrom bezel. The Rolex Daytona truly defines what a Rolex timepiece should look like.

Rolex Submariner

When it comes to dive watches, there is nothing that comes close to the Rolex Submariner blue dial. The timepiece is an icon among dive watches and for a good reason. Apart from its legendary status, it also happens to be one of the most wanted timepieces in the world. In 2019, the brand launched the first two-tone version of the Submariner which features the blue dial. You could go for the full gold and white gold with the blue dial too if your pocket allows you to.

Rolex watches are simply one of the best in the industry today. They are precise, efficient, and technologically advanced. These timepieces do not offer the most exquisite complications, and in fact, are extremely basic in nature. Nonetheless, they are equally classy and elegant, which puts them a notch further than the competition.

Saturday 3 August 2019

How Much Do You Know About Rado And Its Watches?


What is it about innovation and technology that it has such a deep impact on the watchmaking industry? Since the very beginning of the Horlogerie business, innovation has always been a big part of the entire process. Let’s take Rado, for instance. The watchmaker has based its entire foundation on peculiar inventions that were way ahead of their time. We can talk about the DiaStar, the first-ever scratch-proof watch of the world, we can talk about the Esenza, a touch watch made of ceramics with no crown, and we can also talk about the V10K, the hardest timepiece ever made. The list can go on and on, and we’d still be on the first page of the book.

Rado has been a big name when technology in watchmaking is concerned. One such collection in the brand’s catalogue is the Rado True. The watch is as charismatic as it is futuristic. The watch has the staple Rado-Esque design codes and resembles the Centrix in many ways. What stands out most about the Rado True is the sheer finesse that it puts on display. Let’s get more information about this masterpiece from Switzerland.

State Of The Art

The timepiece is an absolute piece of art. They are simple, elegant, and undeniably smooth. This also brings up the fact that no Rado watch ever created is boring. Every watch in the watchmaker’s catalogue is exciting in its own right. The same goes for the Rado True collection. For luxury watch enthusiasts who are probably tired of precious metals, conventional design cues, and jumbo chronographs, Rado's True can be a healthy escape.

Futuristic

The timepiece looks like something that flew out of outer space. This might not be a factor that is considered by many while purchasing a watch, but for those who do want to stand out in the herd, Rado True does a fantastic choice.

Impressive Details

The watch might not have a traditional approach towards watchmaking like the Rado Florence, but it does have an impressive internal mechanism. With a power reserve of about 80 hours, a bracelet made of high-tech ceramic, and about 50 meters of water resistance, the True collection is worth the proverbial buck.

At the end of the day, watchmaking is all about that perfect combination of innovation, technology, and art. Apparently, that is exactly what Rado has accomplished. The Swiss watchmaker has combined all the said factors in a perfect ratio while managing to stand out all at the same time.

Getting To Know A Bit More About The Cartier Tank


Cartier has long been the symbol of beauty and elegance in the luxury goods business. What started as a venture in the jewellery business has today turned into a multi-faceted business that operates in several luxury goods domains. Cartier is a master of sumptuousness and extravagance, as can be clearly seen in its products. From jewels to watches, to accessories, Cartier is present everywhere with items of excellence in every field. This kind of mastery does not happen overnight. It takes a good odd amount of years to master a craft, the way Cartier has done.

Its watchmaking wing started way back in the late 19th century. In 1904, Louis Cartier made the Cartier Santos that took the world by storm as it was the first-ever men’s wristwatch ever created. This was followed up by the Cartier Tank in 1917. The history of the brand is rich and that cannot be denied.

If we discuss the watchmaker’s best designs, the Tank will surely make an appearance. Not to forget that it is also the brand’s most popular watch to date. The Tank has played a special role in Cartier’s success and eventual global presence. It would be safe to say that at the time of its release, even CartierTank Louis would not have anticipated the success that the watch would enjoy in the future. Let’s dive in a little deeper and check out some facts about Cartier Tank.

Created In The Image Of Tanks

Hard to believe, right? But this is absolutely true. As the legend tells us, the watch was created in the honour of the magnificent battle tanks used in the First World War by France and England. At that time, owning tanks was a privilege and not many armies had actual tanks on the battlegrounds. When Louis Cartier saw these tanks in action, he was inspired. This led him to create the Tank Louis Cartier in 1917.

Celebrated The Allied Powers

Cartier has always been a supporter of the Allied Powers and to show this support, the brand launched three different versions of the Tank. These were the Cartier Tank Francaise, Anglaise, and Americaine.

Worn By Royalty

A brand like Cartier is, of course, familiar with royalty. Since its days as a jeweller, it was given the title of ‘The jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers'. Its watches, especially the Tank has been seen on the wrists of personalities such as Princess Diana at numerous occasions.

The world of watchmaking is bigger than what people perceive it to be. Given the case, claiming to be the number 2 player in the business is a pretty bold move, or perhaps not, if your name is Cartier.


Wednesday 17 July 2019

The Most Popular In Breitling – The Navitimer, Colt, And Avenger

Tool watches have always had a special place in the watchmaking industry. They have played important roles in shaping modern civilization as we know it. Not only that but in their own way, tool watches have symbolized human excellence many a time. Be it crossing the English Channel, flying across the Atlantic, conquering Mount Everest, visiting the deepest pits of the ocean, or fighting in the most gruesome war that ever took place, tool watches have always signified human valour and courage.

That being said, tool watches of today like the Breitling Navitimer and Chronomat are in a different segment altogether. Although these timepieces do take cues from their legendary ancestors, the present day scenario tool watches are more of fashion accessories than indispensable devices. Nonetheless, they use the same design codes and are equally brilliant as they were half a century ago. Breitling, for one, is a brand that has successfully made this transition. In this discussion, we will go a little deeper and discover some of Breitling’s most popular luxury tool watches.

Breitling Navitimer

Breitling Navitimer is globally known as one of the best aviation watches ever to be made. It was introduced in 1952 in a post-war world and ever since it has managed to hold its ground. The watch is especially known for its famous slide rule bezel that was initially built for the Chronomat for advanced mathematical calculations. Today, this timepiece is available in various iterations and variations. The Navitimer is also a true icon of watchmaking excellence that stands proud in the booming Haute Horlogerie industry.

Breitling Colt

The Breitling Colt is a collection that resonates military style and functionality. The origins of the watch indicate that it was made for armed forces to assist them in harsh conditions. This can be clearly seen in the watch’s overall appearance and built. That being said, the iconic rider tabs on the bezel that were actually added for increased functionality, add a little bit of panache as well.

Breitling Avenger

The Breitling Avenger is a sight to behold. It is bold, stout, and massive. Perhaps the most impressive quality of the watch is its sheer size and masculine vibe. The timepiece was reinvented in 2013 and renamed Avenger II. This re-issue consisted of two chronographs in different sizes, a professional diver’s watch, a timepiece with GMT function, and finally, the Breitling Avenger II Blackbird.

Breitling is home to many other watches that are worth your appreciation. Some honourable mentions are the Chronomat, Superocean Heritage, and Aerospace Evo collections. In conclusion, tool watches will always be an integral part of the brand's identity and the way it approaches matchmaking.

Thursday 4 July 2019

Cartier Tank: A Short Stroll Through History


Cartier has been in the luxury goods industry longer than most of its counterparts. Through years of work and persistence, the brand has established itself as a stalwart in the business. Cartier started off as a jeweller and soon began its watchmaking business. Before anyone knew, it ended up making the first men’s wristwatch ever known. And not for a second think that Cartier left any stones unturned. In an era where marketing was still an idea yet to be born, Cartier made globally renowned inventor/aviator Alberto Santos Dumont endorse its watch.

The watch we will be pondering upon here today, however, is the Cartier Tank. The most successful watch in the history of the brand is the way it is for a reason. The watch exudes class beyond measure. In addition to that, it is widely characterized as a unisex watch. Not that it really matters in the times we live today. You know, feminism and stuff.

Over the years, Cartier has had various versions of the Tank made. Most of these gems made an impact in the Haute Horlogerie industry, while some attained legendary statuses.

Origins

The Cartier Tank saw the light in 1917 when the idea of a watch that celebrated the formidable war machines from the First World War came to mind. The first tank was a simple yet classy rectangular watch with a leather strap. It had nothing fancy about it, and perhaps that is what made it so appealing. Today, one of the most sought after Tank timepieces is the Cartier Tank Anglaise. It is different in many ways than its ancestor, but somewhere down the line it still radiates the same energy.


Popularity

The watch has experienced unprecedented popularity since its inception. There is no particular reason for it, except for the fact that it belongs to a ‘Maison’ that is known for its excellence in luxury goods. For instance, when Tank Americaine was launched, the collection already had a stern grip on the markets. The Cartier Tank MC is another fine example of what the horologist is capable of. The watch was the first Tank reference to be delivered with a manufacture calibre.


Surviving The Quartz Crisis

When the oppression from the East started affecting manufacturers in Switzerland, there seemed no way out. Despite the fightback, it took a good couple of decades for the Swiss watch markets to return to their long lost glory. One brand, however, had different ideas. We all know Cartier also has a background in jewels, which obviously did help it out during this period of turmoil. The other reason for its survival was the ability adapt. The result was the Cartier Tank Solo, a Quartz powered watch that was launched in 2004.
Business is usually a tricky task and determining one’s future is near to impossible. Nevertheless, as it seems, Cartier has done the impossible. It has not only cemented itself in the industry but has managed to do it at the very top.

Tuesday 18 June 2019

Which Breitling Watches For Women Should You Go For?


When we talk about Breitling watches, we tend to think about masculine objects that exude raw and potent testosterone. The brand has always delivered timepieces that have time and again reminded us of the watchmaker’s prowess in the men’s watches segment. There are countless collections such as the SuperOcean, the SuperOcean Heritage, the Chronomat, and of course, the Navitimer which would bring a smile to any man alive. Their sheer size and irresistible charm are just exemplary of the intoxicating charisma of an alpha male. But times have changed and today, women’s watches are flourishing equally in the market. This brings us to the question, which Breitling women’s watch should you go for?

Just as the saying goes, there is plenty of fish in the see, you just need a good eye and a little patience.

The Navitimer Collection

The Navitimer watch is in a league of its own. Since its inception in the 1950s, the watch has been iterated and relaunched several times. The interesting thing, however, is that its original design has been retained unconditionally. The Navitimer put the brand on the map because of its cutting-edge slide rule bezel. The bezel helped pilots in making complex flight related calculations and this made the watch immensely popular. Today, it can be safe to say that no one is going to make an arbitrary calculation while mid-air. Nonetheless, the watch has remained a constant point of attraction for people with a taste for finer things in life. Breitling watches for women may sound like a rarity, but they are very much present. The timepiece is available in case sizes of 38mm to 41mm with an option between steel bracelets and leather straps. 



The SuperOcean Automatic Collection

The Breitling SuperOcean is yet another collection that allows the brand to thump its chest with pride. The collection is globally renowned and revered for its sturdy and functional timepieces. Needless to say, the Breitling SuperOcean is one of the best watches available in the dive watches segment.
When it comes to women’s watches, the collection fosters a healthy amount of variations that would suit the needs of various buyers. The case size varies from 36mm to 41mm, while strap options vary between rubber and steel.

The Premier Collection

The collection is a relatively newer one but possesses equal importance as the rest. These timepieces are especially elegant and clad with class. Strap options vary between steel and leather, with cases made of steel and yellow gold. The collection also proudly presents the in-house manufactured calibre B01. The collection also offers options between leather straps and steel bracelets. Watches in this series are particularly big with case sizes of 40mm and 42mm.

There are plenty of women-centric watches in Breitling’s bag of goodies and this was merely a glimpse.

Thursday 6 June 2019

Longines Conquest And Longines Heritage – Which One To Go For?


When was the last time you looked back at the high-middle range of Swiss watches and gave it a thought? Perhaps, it is time you do so. The range of watches in question here is perhaps one of the most neglected segments in the entire market. Longines is one such watchmaker that faces the consequences of this trend. Nonetheless, the brand houses some of the best timepieces this generation has seen.

Two of the most popular collections in Longines’ arsenal are the Conquest and the Heritage. The duo has established themselves as cornerstones on which the brand thrives today. Both have their merits and unique features that make them worthy companions on the wrist. The Longines Conquest family is more of a modern take on watchmaking, whereas the Longines Heritage collection, as the name suggests, is a rather classic approach to quality watch building.

Longines Conquest

Making its debut in 1954, the Conquest watch family has evolved a lot since. The collection is one of the brand’s most popular ones in the present day scenario. Perhaps, the best thing about the collection is that it has been loved by athletes and adventurers as well as common watch enthusiasts. These watches fit all types of styles and trends and leave a long lasting impression due to their traditional mechanical and not-so-traditional precision Quartz movements. At the very core of the watch, is a precious concoction of traditional grandeur and avant-garde design.



Another key fact that separates the present day Longines Conquest from the rest of the flock is that after over half a century later, the collection not only still exists but is a major hit among people who appreciate a little sportiness with their elegance.

Longines Heritage

The Longines Heritage collection is like no other. The collection, as the name suggests, has the style and panache of historic Longines timepieces. What’s most interesting about the family is that it manages to secure buyers’ interest in classic references without compensating in quality at all.
The collection features watches such as the Flagship Heritage, the Heritage Diver, and the Heritage Military. Longines is one of the few brands in global luxury watches that still has a vast array of historical references, and this clearly reflects on the Longines Heritage collection.



The Verdict

Speaking from a strict watch enthusiast’s point of view, both the collections have their pros and cons. In the end, it is solely dependent on the personal preference of the buyer as to which watch he or she would narrow down on. One needs to identify oneself with the watch to really love it. On a personal note, in terms of a modernistic approach to watchmaking, the Conquest will obviously have the upper hand. But the Heritage series is not far behind with its authentic mid-century aesthetics.