TwoTone

Omega De Ville Rattrapante Co-Axial Omega will present at Baselworld 2005 the new De Ville Co-Axial Rattrapante, with a revolutionary design inside and out. The 41mm case comes in polished or brushed stainless steel with a matching polished or brushed stainless-steel bezel. The silver or ruthenium dial has applied Omega symbol and name, facetted hour markers, silver totalisers with applied Roman numerals for the chronograph function and a truncated sector date window at 11 o'clock, as well as an unusual small-seconds counter with two sectors. The time is read off by luminous, facetted and diamond-polished Alpha hour and minute hands and a double-tipped small seconds hand. The split-seconds pusher has a varnished red circle that recalls the red zone at the tip of the split-seconds hand. Movement is the Omega caliber 3612 with split-seconds chronograph complication. This COSC-certified automatic movement is fitted with the unique Omega Co-Axial Escapement, has a power reserve of 52 hours and a double column-wheel mechanism. Its luxury finish includes blued-steel screws and two blued-steel column wheels, as well as a domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. It is water resistant to 100 metres and it is available with a black alligator leather strap. Courtesy Timezone

N E W B r a n d - Pierre DeRoche Based in Le Lieu, in the Valle de Joux, Pierre DeRoche’s first timepiece is the SplitRock chronograph. The mechanism displays the time measured on a single counter thanks to three concentric hands (hours, minutes and seconds). Movement is the automatic PDR 4001-1 caliber with 39 jewels. It has a power reserve of 41 hours. The case, in stainless steel, has mobile lugs and features double sapphire crystals. The dial is engine-turned in black or white with Arabics or Roman numerals. There is a 21 piece limited edition in 18kt pink gold with a 22kt rhodium plated rotor. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Alpina Avalanche Chronograph Alpina has added a new model to its Avalanche chronograph collection. The case is adorned with black rubber detailing on the bezel, push-buttons and the crown. The dial features large Arabic numerals and vertically aligned counters. The case, in stainless steel, measures 42mm. It has a sapphire crystal and it is water resistant to 100 meters. Movement is the automatic ETA caliber 7750 finished in Cotes de Geneva pattern. It has a power reserve of 42 hours. A rubber strap or metal bracelet is available. Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l – Alpina Regulator 1883 The newest from Alpina, to unveil at Baselworld 2005 is the Regulator 1883 in reference to the year Alpina was founded. It is part of the Avalanche collection. The “regulator” dial is distinguished by its off-centered hours display at 10 o’clock. The case, in stainless steel, measures 42mm, has a sapphire crystal, and is water resistant to 50 meters. Movement is a hand-wound ETA. Courtesy Timezone E X C L U S I V E – Hublot Release at Baselworld 2005 Here is the first high fusion concept of Hublot’s Big Bang chronograph done in 18kt white gold, with Ceramic, Kevlar, Carbon and Rubber components Movement is an automatic ETA caliber 7756 movement with a rubber rotor and black screws. More information will be available after its unveiling at Baselworld 2005. Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l – Omega De Ville Rattrapante Co-Axial Attention Mr. Gates. . . . Omega will present at Baselworld 2005 the new De Ville Co-Axial Rattrapante, with a revolutionary design inside and out. The 41mm case comes in polished or brushed stainless steel with a matching polished or brushed stainless-steel bezel. The silver or ruthenium dial has applied Omega symbol and name, facetted hour markers, silver totalisers with applied Roman numerals for the chronograph function and a truncated sector date window at 11 o'clock, as well as an unusual small-seconds counter with two sectors. The time is read off by luminous, facetted and diamond-polished Alpha hour and minute hands and a double-tipped small seconds hand. The split-seconds pusher has a varnished red circle that recalls the red zone at the tip of the split-seconds hand. Movement is the Omega caliber 3612 with split-seconds chronograph complication. This COSC-certified automatic movement is fitted with the unique Omega Co-Axial Escapement, has a power reserve of 52 hours and a double column-wheel mechanism. Its luxury finish includes blued-steel screws and two blued-steel column wheels, as well as a domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. It is water resistant to 100 metres and it is available with a black alligator leather strap. Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l – Omega Speedmaster Gemini 4 Special Edition This special Speedmaster model, created for Baselworld 2005, commemorates not only the 40th anniversary of the first space walk, but also the 40th anniversary of the Speedmaster's flight qualification for manned spaceflight missions. These important milestones are celebrated with a distinctive model with a blue dial and matching blue aluminium ring on the steel bezel. Only 2,005 pieces will be made. The Gemini 4 limited-edition Speedmaster is characterised by its blue dial and silver counters for the 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters and continuous seconds. The blue theme is also continued on the bezel, with the familiar tachymeter scale reproduced on a blue aluminium ring. The commemorative nature of the timepiece is indicated by a subtle red engraving 1965-2005 below the Speedmaster name at 12 o'clock on the dial. The applied Omega symbol above the name, as well as 12 rhodium-plated hour markers, also add a hint of luxury and indicate that this Speedmaster is special. In all other respects, the watch remains a classic Speedmaster, with the same case, bracelet and hesalite crystal found on the "Moon Watch" - the standard Speedmaster Professional model. Movement is the hand-wind Omega caliber 1861. However, one of its most striking features is destined to remain hidden most of the time, since it is the distinctive Gemini 4 mission patch, bearing the names of the crew, McDivitt and White, and an illustration of the first space walk, that is etched in colour on the sapphire crystal case back with the engraving "First Space Walk 40th Anniversary" and the limited-edition number (0001/2005). Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l s – Scalfaro North Shore Collection The latest from brothers Alexander and Dominik Kuhnle, founders of Scalfaro, is the North Shore Collection, a series of watches inspired the giant waves of Hawaii’s North Shore as well as the sophisticated charm of Long Island’s North Shore, America’s Gold Coast. They will be unveiled at Baselworld 2005. Aggressively luxurious timepieces that are not only the ideal companion for Oahu’s daring big wave surfers, but also for today’s active city people, sophisticated sportsmen and stylish cosmopolitans – all those who seek an intense feeling of life. Technical features of these watches include multi-level case architecture, anti-reflective sapphire crystals, meticulously finished Swiss mechanical movements, screw-down crowns, fluorescent hands, Guilloché dials with hand-applied indexes, transparent sapphire crystal case backs, ScalfaScrews, and water-resistance to 300 meters with unidirectional rotating bezels. Scalfaro is based in Neuhausen, Germany. Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l – DeGrisogono Occhio Minute Repeater Impressive example of Haute Orologie . . . A limited edition of 50 pieces, the Occhio (eye) minute repeater is patterned on the reflex camera constructional principle, and features a twelve-blade ceramic diaphragm mechanism. It opens to reveal the repeater movement for the duration of the chiming period then shuts again to shield the movement. The movement is a hand-wound caliber designed by Christophe Claret with cathedral gong strike. It has 37 jewels and 414 parts. The case measures 43mm X 56mm, it has 24mm lugs. This limited edition is available in two versions, one in 18kt red gold and the other in 18kt white gold. The horns, crown and repeater slide are made of platinum. Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l – Ulysse Nardin Royal Blue Tourbillon A limited edition of 99 pieces, all in Platinum, the new UN Royal Blue Tourbillon features a case that measures 41mm. It has double sapphire crystals and it is water resistant to 30 meters. The inside bezel is set with 48 diamonds and 12 blue sapphires. Movement is the manual-wind Nardin caliber UN-79 with 16 jewels. Courtesy Timezone

N E W M o d e l – Gant Park Avenue American fashion house Gant introduced a watch collection 4 years ago. Their latest is the Park Avenue line of classically inspired watches. Movement is a Swiss made Ronda quartz caliber 763, with 5 jewels. The case, measuring 38mm, is rose gold plated and is water resistant to 50 meters. The dial can be had in silver or black with a Hardlex mineral crystal that is AR coated. Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l – Nomos Tangomat Automatic NOMOS Glashütte has constructed and manufactured its first automatic movement. The Tangomat will be available in stores in the fall NOMOS Glashütte is a manufacture. The youngest of the Glashütte watch manufacturers is now bringing automatic watches to the market. The movement was completely developed at NOMOS Glashütte and produced in-house. This represents the last step needed for the company to become a manufacture. Within just one good year, Mirko Heyne, a 29-year-old NOMOS watchmaker, designed and developed this milestone. Not calculated in this amount of time is the test phase, which will begin in April 2005: 250 watches, 125 with and 125 without date, will from then on undergo the trials and tribulations of everyday wear by interested parties for four months before the test results finally make the watch officially ready for the market. A specialty of NOMOS: The centered rotor is made of one piece heavy metal. Its radius is larger than the radius of comparable components in other automatic watches, and for this reason the automatic NOMOS watches’ winding performance is exceptionally good. This watch is very cleanly made and can already now be said to be extremely robust and reliable. The subsidiary seconds are an element that will remain on NOMOS’ automatic watches. Advantage: This style is more legible than sweep seconds. In addition, the watch remains flatter because there are only two hands that need to be piled on the arbor in the middle of the dial, not three. Another well-known NOMOS characteristic is the sapphire crystal case back, a component that is especially important on the new watch. One not only sees how the movement ticks and winds, one can also find the NOMOS construction bearing the beautiful name Wippbewegungsgleichrichter (“teeter motion rectifier”) and a duplex wheel with a loose clutch. In the spring barrel a slipping clutch takes care that the mainspring doesn’t block when it is fully tensioned. So that it doesn’t experience too much wear and tear – many automatic movements run the risk of too much wear and tear – Heyne very simply adjusted the rotor and its weight exactly to the mainspring. Thus, the rotor moves more slowly when the spring is fully tensioned. And, naturally, the movement includes the Glashütte three-quarter plate, Glashütte click, Triovis fine adjustment, sunburst decoration on crown and duplex wheels, Langeleist perlage, Glashütte ribbing, and tempered blue countersunk screws. It’s all there. The automatic caliber developed by NOMOSmeasures 34.65 mm. The balance is much larger than those of many comparable calibers. A large movement also means great rate precision, according to the rule. And the prototype’s rate precision lay under one minute deviation per week. The height is a low 4.3 mm, making the automatic movement’s height-width ratio especially favorable. Mirko Heyne is the designer of NOMOS’ first autonomous movement. He is 29 years old and had an apprenticeship at Lange & Söhne. MSRP will be between 1,500 and 1,800 Euros. That makes it just about fifty percent more expensive than the manually wound classic Tangente. Inside the watch, however, almost twice as many parts see to the watch ticking properly. There are seven frame parts instead of four, 15 new wheels, and a completely new winding mechanism outfitted with rotor and ball bearings. NOMOS was founded in 1990. It employs 28 watchmakers, 2 research & development/technology staff, 9 mechanics, 3 workmen, 11 administrative staff, and 1 trainee. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Chopard L.U.C. Lunar One Movement is the Chopard automatic double-barrel caliber LUC 96QP with 32 jewels (354 parts). It is chronometer-certified by the COSC and carries the “Poincon de Geneve” quality hallmark. Power-reserve is over 70 hours. The case, in 18kt rose gold or in platinum, measures 40.5mm X 11.4mm and is water resistant to 30 meters. The crystal and display back are sapphire with AR coating. There are two limited editions of 250 pieces, one in 18kt rose gold and another in platinum. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Chopard L.U.C. Twist The LUC Twist is equipped with a decentralized sub-seconds hand. Movement is the Chopard automatic LUC 1.96 caliber with 29 jewels and which is chronometer-certified by the COSC and carries the “Poincon de Geneve” quality hallmark. It has a power-reserve of approximately 70 hours. The case, in 18kt white gold, measures 39mm X 10mm and is water resistant to 30 meters. The crystal is sapphire as is the display back. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Hublot Big Bang Chronograph Under the leadership of Jean-Claude Biver, Hublot is introducing at Baselworld 2005 the Big Bang chronograph. The case, in 18kt rose or white gold, measures 44.5mm. Movement is the Jaquet automatic caliber 8144 with a 42 hour power reserve. The movement includes a circular-grained bottom-plate, polished satin-finish bridges with chamfered edges, black PVD screws and an oscillating weight sporting the Hublot color scheme, made entirely of Tungsten and given a dimpled finish, also treated in black PVD. The dial is stamped carbon and has an enlarged bezel in ceramic now adorned with 6 sunken screws, polished and blocked with ‘H’-shaped slots. It features double sapphire crystals with AR coating. It is water resistant to 100 meters. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Tissot PRS 516 Automatic Chronograph Tissot’s PRS (Particularly Robust and Sporty) collection was first launched in 2004 in the form of an automatic time-only and a quartz chronograph. Now for Baselworld 2005, the PRS 516 is equipped with an automatic chronograph movement (ETA 7750). The case, in stainless steel, measures 41mm and is water resistant to 100 meters. The crystal is sapphire and the display back is mineral. Courtesy TimeZone

INDUSTRY NEWS - Tokyo Watch Technicum - WOSTEP Diploma Ceremony Tokyo Watch Technicum, a school dedicated to fostering watchmaking skills, held its WOSTEP Diploma Ceremony for its first class (which began on April of 2003) at the Swiss Ambassador's residence. 11 students who passed the final examination were awarded the WOSTEP Diploma by Mr. Maarten Pieters, the director of the Swiss program. The members of WOSTEP include Swatch Group, Richemont Group, Breitling and Patek Philippe, and all attended the event. At the ceremony, the students received congratulatory addresses by H.E. Jacques Reverdin, Ambassador of Switzerland to Japan and Mr. Toshiji Kotani, the Chairman of the Japan Watch Importer's Association. All graduates of the Tokyo Watch Technicum were offered jobs in the watch industry following their apprenticeship. Courtesy Timezone INDUSTRY NEWS – SoftWind Elan Watch Winders As with other SoftWind machines the Elan 1 is available in a selection of four exotic hardwoods. The introductory price of The Elan I is $250.00. List price is $365.00. More information can be found at www.primadyne.com. Courtesy TimeZone INDUSTRY NEWS – Richard Branson’s Breitling Emergency Raises £20,200 For Charity The auction of Sir Richard Branson’s Breitling ‘Emergency’ watch on eBay has closed with a winning bid of £20,200. The money raised from this is to be donated to ORBIS, the worldwide blindness prevention charity, which was the official charity for the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer record attempt. Richard Branson lent his Breitling watch, which has accompanied him on many of his own adventures, to his friend and fellow adventurer Steve Fossett for his solo, non-stop, circumnavigation of the world. Steve Fossett successfully gained the record in the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer on Thursday 3 March after successfully landing in Salina, Kansas after his 67 hour journey. The watch is not only equipped with an in-built Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) meaning that it can send a rescue signal using Global Positioning System satellites but it also has a rich record-breaking history as Richard explains: "In the years that I have owned this wonderful watch it has witnessed many, many adventures including a dunking in the Pacific Ocean on Christmas day 1998, after we had made it ¾ of the way around to world in our last Virgin Challenger balloon attempt where it helped save my life. It has raced across the English Channel setting a new World Record in the Virgin Atlantic Aquada car and last but not least witnessed the winning of the X prize by SpaceShipOne and the launch of Virgin Galactic. Steve Fossett has now taken it one step further and it is now the first watch and only watch to go around the world in a plane on a non-stop, solo flight. Hopefully the new owner of this watch will have as many wonderful adventures as I’ve had and if they ever find themselves in a sticky situation it may well save their life too! “ ORBIS was one of the first blindness prevention charities working in developing countries to make childhood blindness prevention and treatment a priority. The statistics are shocking - every minute another child will go blind, that’s half a million children every year who will not reach their full potential. With early diagnosis and treatment much of this blindness can be prevented. To find out more about the work of ORBIS visit www.ukorbis.org Courtesy TimeZone INDUSTRY NEWS - Franck Muller Watchland Purchases Rodolphe & Co. Rodolphe Montres et Bijoux has been acquired by the Franck Muller group of companies (Franck Muller, Pierre Kunz and European Company Watch). Rodolphe Cattin, founder of his eponymous company will remain with the firm. Whilst Rodolphe will showcase its products at Baselworld 2005, the Franck Muller group will show its creations at the rival “WPHH World Presentation of Haute Horlogerie” in Genthod from the 4th to the 10th of April. Courtesy TimeZone

N E W M o d e l - de Witt Differential Tourbillon The latest from Jerome de Witt's creativity is the Differential Tourbillon, a limited edition of 250 pieces that features a patented innovative power reserve winding system. Movement is the manual wind tourbillon DW8002 caliber with 24 jewels, beating at 21,600 bph and having a power reserve of 120 hours. The finishing on the plates and the bridge is done in Cotes de Geneve. The case is in titanium with 18kt red gold and rubber. The case measures 43mm X 12mm (21mm lugs). The crystal is sapphire as is the display back. It is water resistant to 30 meters. Courtesy TimeZone This post has been edited by nick212: Mar 22 2005, 08:32 AM N E W M o d e l – Ventura SPARC rx At Baselworld 2005 Ventura will unveil its new SPARC rx. Ventura is based in Volketswil, near Zurich. As all SPARC models, the rx has an «automatic digital movement» that requires no battery; the electric power is generated by the movements of its owner. Ventura still is the only manufacturer that offers a digital autoquartz. The SPARC rx was designed by Paolo Fancelli, an industrial designer from southern Switzerland. He shaped the watch body in the form of an electric switch. The company has an undisputed reputation for unusual designs and high quality; it is currently the only Swiss manufacturer to develop and produce its own digital movements. Inventions like the intuitive operating system EasySkroll, scratch resistant materials such as Durinox and Titanox and a very architectual, avant-garde design offer an interesting alternative to watch collectors. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Orvis Commander Chronograph Orvis, the purveyor of fishing and hunting supplies, has come out with a new affordable chronograph. The Commander features a bicompax layout in a 40mm stainless steel case. Movement is a Japanese Miyota quartz module. The crystal is mineral and it is water resistant to 50 meters. MSRP is $129. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Lorenz Theatro Moonphase The case, in stainless steel has a tonneau shape. Movement is the automatic ETA caliber 2824-2 with 25 jewels. It features double sapphire crystals and is water resistant to 50 meters. MSRP is 1,500 Euros. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Minerva Tourbillon Mysterieuse The latest from Le Villeret is this Tourbillon, the Mysterieuse. The case, in 18kt yellow gold, measures 47mm. Movement is the manual-wind Minerva caliber 6560 with 28 jewels, beating at 18,000 bph and designed by Demetrio Cabiddu. MSRP is 200,000 Euros. Courtesy TimeZone * SCOOP * – New Lange 1 Worldtimer An avid TimeZoner who lives in Germany has sent me this scan taken from a local newspaper showing a new Lange 1, which will make its debut in Geneva very soon. Alex writes: "Instead of a small second it has a dial for the second timezone, with the pusher at 8 you can turn the inner bezel. On both dials you can see a night-and-day indication. You can change the time on both dials over the crown while traveling from Frankfurt to NYC, including the date if necessary. It will be available in yellow and rose gold and in platinum." End quote. Courtesy TimeZone

N E W M o d e l – Eterna KonTiki Diver 1,000 Metersl This concept watch will be unveiled by Eterna at Baselworld 2005. The case, in stainless steel, measures 46mm x 16mm. The crystal is sapphire, with AR coating. It is water resistant to 1,000 meters. The dial, in black, has Superluminova indices and hands. It feaures a power reserve indicator at 4 o’clock and the date window at 7:30 o’clock. Movement is the automatic ETA caliber 2887 with personalized Eterna rotor. Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l – Lacoste Legend Automatic Lacoste’s first mechanical watch pays tribute to its founding year, 1933. It is a limited edition of 1,933 pieces. The case is in stainless steel with a sapphire crystal and a display back. Movement is an automatic ETA caliber 2824 with the rotor decorated with Cotes de Geneva finishing and engraved with the Lacoste crocodile. Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l – Gant Park Avenue American fashion house Gant introduced a watch collection 4 years ago. Their latest is the Park Avenue line of classically inspired watches. Movement is a Swiss made Ronda quartz caliber 763, with 5 jewels. The case, measuring 38mm, is rose gold plated and is water resistant to 50 meters. The dial can be had in silver or black with a Hardlex mineral crystal that is AR coated. Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l – Gant Union Square Another model being unveiled by Gant at Baselworld 2005 is the Union Square. Movement is a Swiss made Ronda quartz caliber 763, with 5 jewels. The case is also rose gold plated and is water resistant to 50 meters. The dial can be had in black or silver with hour markers, and a Hardlex mineral crystal with AR coating. Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l s - IWC Ingenieur Automatic and Chronographs The Ingenieur Automatic It is the flagship of an entire watch family. It has the new calibre 80110 with the Pellaton winding system and integrated shock absorbers. The extremely high magnetic field protection of its predecessors has been inherited and it has the unmistakeable look of the legendary Ingenieur SL from 1976. One of the best-known watches from IWC announces its return: the Ingenieur. For 50 years its name has been both mission and agenda. It stands for robustness, precision and technical progress. Now, the horological solitaire, which has perhaps been standing in the shadow of the larger complications in recent years, has spawned an entire family of sporty, attractive and especially tough timepieces. The Ingenieur Automatic starts the line and introduces the new family’s profile and face. The Automatic’s kinship with the best-known Ingenieur, the SL from 1976 (collector’s name: “Jumbo”), is unmistakeable and intentional. Since its inception in the 1950s, the Ingenieur has always been based on the principle of making what’s good even better. Using the Ingenieur as a platform for new watchmaking developments and improvements means it has achieved an enormous degree of perfection. The Ingenieur Automatic with its newly developed 80110 calibre automatic movement also carries on the never-ending story. Just like the large 5000 calibre family, this movement with its smaller dimensions returns to the ratchet winding system by Albert Pellaton. After all, it is thanks to this development that the Ingenieur has enjoyed its legendary reputation since its first appearance in 1954/55. Since then, no one has been able to improve on this self-winding system. But, for the first time, the technicians at IWC put the brilliant construction into a computer model. Then they applied tests and analytical processes that were not available to Pellaton in his day. The result is a definite improvement of the integrated shock-absorbing system that no other automatic movement has. The technicians at IWC have no doubts: Today the 80110 calibre automatic movement has the most effective protection against jolts and jarring. As with most of the Ingenieur models of the last 50 years, the movement is protected against magnetism by the typical IWC soft-iron inner case. The dial is also part of it. This forms a magnetic field conduction “cage” so that no poles are created. The Ingenieur Automatic is guaranteed protection against magnetic fields of up to 80,000 A/m (amperes per metre). The Swiss standard only requires a protection level of 4800 A/m for an antimagnetic watch. Externally, the Ingenieur Automatic also offers extremely attractive quality for a buyer. This includes its solid three-part stainless steel case with the integrated IWC metal bracelet, a screwin back, a screw-in crown and a sapphire glass antireflective coated on both sides. For the dial design, primary importance was placed on easy readability of the hour, minute, central seconds and date information. Powerful illuminated hands and indices on the nightblack background underscore the markedly masculine and functional impression without showing off. The IWC integrated metal bracelet with folding clasp also underwent a meticulous testing process down to the last detail. After months of durability tests, the results say: It keeps its promise. Ingenieur Automatic Ref. IW3227 Features Mechanical movement Pellaton automatic winding mechanism shock-absorbing system date indicator center second with stop device Movement Calibre: 80110 Vibrations: 28,800/h Jewels: 28 Power reserve: 44h Winding: automatic Case Material: stainless steel Inner case: soft iron for protection against magnetic fields Glass: sapphire, antireflective, resistant against pressure drop Crown: screwed Water-resistant: 12 bar (120 m) Diameter: 42.5 mm Height: 14.5 mm Weight Watch and bracelet in stainless steel 216 g The Ingenieur Automatic AMG The Ingenieur Automatic AMG in a titanium case is the first luscious fruit of a new partnership; a statement of the mutual values that connect IWC and Mercedes-AMG as “engineer’s brands” with a drive for perfection. “What counts is substance.” That’s how IWC and Mercedes-AMG, both “engineer’s brands” and idea-smiths – but from completely different sectors, describe their recently forged partnership. That philosophy rings true – for the exquisite luxury watches of IWC as well as for the high-end automobiles of Mercedes-AMG. The two companies share a joy in precision and perfection, for watches as well as for automobiles. What’s more, this substance seeks its appropriate expression and finds it in both companies. The Ingenieur Automatic AMG is the first time these common values have been embodied in a watch: it has the new 80110 calibre automatic movement and the Pellaton winding system. To stay with the images of the new partnership: a precision high-performance motor, designed for the continual strain of everyday use as well as for the extraordinary extreme situation, perfected by the construction engineers and finished and mounted with a high level of craftsmanship. And it’s protected by a soft-iron inner case against magnetic fields of up to 80,000 A/m (amperes per metre). The Ingenieur Automatic as the Edition AMG also manifests that “something special”: with a case of the precious metal titanium, which IWC introduced in the 1980s. They were the first company to use it in the construction of watch cases and now have more experience with the material than any other manufacturer. It is lighter than steel, comfortable to wear, agreeably warm on the arm, unusually durable, fully antimagnetic and absolutely allergy-free. A material seemingly created just for the confident expression of a dedication to unadorned style and understatement. Titanium was not only predestined for the Edition AMG of the Ingenieur line, it was reserved for it. It expresses Mercedes-AMG’s commitment to understatement, which is no contradiction to the fact that the manufacturer in Affalterbach makes luxurious high-performance vehicles from German world-class cars. Another special aspect of the Ingenieur Edition AMG is expressed in the dial design, which underlines its relationship to sporty automobiles with a strong instrument panel look and the exciting but discreet use of signal red elements, all stunningly implemented in the beautiful ensemble of a precision timepiece. The product is the message. The new partnership between IWC in Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland and Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach in southern Germany, is communicated by an engraving on the case back. The strategic alliance of these two companies, closely related in spirit and philosophy, has found its first mutual expression in the Ingenieur Automatic AMG and its counterpart, the Ingenieur Chronograph. Ingenieur Chronograph Ref. IW3725 Features Mechanical chronograph movement small second with stop device Movement Calibre: 79350 Vibrations: 28,800/h Jewels: 31 Power reserve: 44h Winding: automatic Case Material: stainless steel Inner case: soft iron for protection against magnetic fields Glass: sapphire, antireflective, resistant against pressure drop Crown: screwed Water-resistant: 12 bar (120 m) Diameter: 42.5 mm Height: 13.5 mm Weight Watch and bracelet in stainless steel 205 g The Ingenieur Midsize The new Ingenieur Midsize with a 34 mm case is an attractive offer. For lovers of the IWC classic of both sexes. Technology and, in particular, all aspects of technical aesthetics is no longer the sole domain of men. And who knows that better than IWC, who has for decades successfully produced fascinating “men’s watches”. All the while inspiring more and more women to become enthusiasts. A new Ingenieur family would therefore not be complete without a representative of the quintessence of everyday service and outstanding style for the somewhat less hefty arm. With a 34 mm diameter case, the Midsize is today’s smallest Ingenieur. The 30110 calibre automatic movement means it is mechanically well equipped. The silvered dial radiates a discreet elegance, and the integrated IWC metal bracelet system with its folding clasp keeps the watch securely on the wrist. The coated sapphire glass and proven water resistance to 120 m ensures that it is optimally protected in everyday life and for all kinds of sports challenges. Perhaps it actually is the most beautiful Ingenieur. In any case, it continues a fairly old and noble tradition that the Ingenieur should be available in a size that accommodates smaller wrists, both women’s and men’s. This wish was already fulfilled in 1988 by the almost graceful Ingenieur with the hybrid calibre 631 movement and integrated chronograph. IWC.com N E W M o d e l – Tissot Phileas Named after the traveler from Jules Verne’s “Around the World in 80 Days”, this new pocket watch from Tissot, will be unveiled at Baselworld 2005. Movement is a manual-wind Peseux. The case is in stainless steel and a day/night indication model will also be available. Courtesy TimeZone This post has been edited by nick212: Mar 22 2005, 08:35 AM

INDUSTRY NEWS – Omega Sponsors 1st Underwater National Ice Hockey Match The first official national ice hockey match under the ice, between Austria and Germany, ended in a friendly 8:8 (2:4/3:1/3:3) draw. A total of 16 goals, some tough underwater fights and action aplenty made for an ice hockey match that was out of the ordinary. Philipp von Heydebreck and Knut Stender of Germany had a 4:2 lead after the first period, whereas Austria's freedivers Christian Redl and Jaromir Foukal took the second period 3: 1. The decisive third period ended 3:3, bring the overall score to 8:8. Europe's highest bathing lake, the Weissensee in Kaernten, was the venue for the first official national ice hockey match between Austria and Germany "under the ice". The playing field measured 8 x 6 metres, the goals were fixed to the underside of the ice, the polystyrene puck floated under the ice and the players took it in turns to dive into the 2-degree-celsius water. All divers wore Omega’s for accurate timekeeping. Courtesy TimeZone INDUSTRY NEWS – John Travolta New Breitling Ambassador A seasoned pilot and a watch brand that has lived through some of the grandest hours in aviation history. John Travolta and Breitling were destined to meet each other. John Travolta is not only a movie star and a multi-faceted actor. He is also a peerless pilot and an aviation fanatic. As a young boy in his New Jersey garden, he already used to dream as he watched planes criss-crossing the sky near the New York airports. At the age of 16, he began flight lessons, funding his passion with his first actor’s paychecks. He earned his pilot’s license when he was 19. Today, John Travolta has more than 5,000 flight hours to his credit. He is certified on eight types of aircraft, including the Boeing 747- 400 Jumbo Jet, and travels the world at the controls of his own airliner. His residence in Ocala, Florida, has its own private runway able to welcome jumbo jets, a taxiway leading to the house and a fullfledged terminal to accommodate his various flying machines. Plenty of scope to fulfill his greatest dream: to fly at least once a day. For Breitling, aviation is second nature, a stronghold, an exclusive preserve. Since 1884, the company has shared in writing some of the finest chapters in the conquest of the skies. Several of its models, such as the Navitimer and the Chronomat, have become cult objects for pilots the world over. The brand has come to specialize in reliable high-performance "wrist instruments", designed for the most demanding professionals. Its chronographs meet the highest criteria of sturdiness and functionality, and are all equipped with movements chronometer-certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), the highest benchmark in terms of precision and reliability. John Travolta nurtures a passion for everything that embodies the authentic spirit of aviation. Which is why Breitling wrist instruments have accompanied him on some of his best flight hours. To illustrate this encounter, John Travolta will appear soon in a new Breitling advertising campaign. The visuals were shot by Patricia von Ah on the private runway of the Travolta residence in Ocala. The emphasis is clearly on John Travolta’s professionalism as a pilot, on his peerless experience, and on the authentic ties binding him to the brand with the winged B. Because when you are certified on eight types of aircraft and have chalked up over 5,000 flight hours, reliability, security and precision are definitely not about play-acting! Courtesy TimeZone INDUSTRY NEWS – Oris Plans Tribute to Frank Sinatra Oris is dedicating an exclusive watch collection to the great entertainer Frank Sinatra, which will be launch at Baselworld 2005. The Frank Sinatra Foundation has given the Swiss watch manufacturer permission to market watches under the name of Frank Sinatra, Chairman of the Board, or Ol’ Blue Eye. The collection comprises men’s and ladies’ watches with different mechanical movements and complications. The Oris Frank Sinatra collection is a tribute to The Voice, the crooner who still attracts fans from every generation, the lanky entertainer who embodies the heyday of show business. Courtesy TimeZone INDUSTRY NEWS – Bombardier Jets to Market Wristwatches Bombardier of Canada has licensed its name to B-Watches of Switzerland for the creation of wristwatches bearing its corporate logo and name. Bombardier produces regional jets, trains and snow mobiles. B-Watches is based in Porrentruy, in the Swiss Jura valley. Their first pieces, to be unveiled at Baselworld 2005, are the Vintage Chronograph collection. These feature 44mm stainless steel cases housing automatic movements from ETA. They are water resistant to 200 meters. Crystals are sapphire. Courtesy Timezone

N E W M o d e l – Lord Waltham Sports Chronograph This chronograph from Waltham is driven by a COSC-certified mechanical self-winding movement from ETA. It displays the hour, minute, seconds and date, as well as 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters. The case is in stainless steel case and features a sapphire crystal. The black dial features 6 Arabic numerals and 4 luminescent hour-markers. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Pilo Doppio Orario This new line remains in the Pilo & Co. spirit, with a new tonneau shape available in two colours of guilloche dials for gents and three colors of mother-of-pearl dials for ladies. We propose a watch with dual time dedicated to all people who travel around the world and who have a special thought for a beloved person. A play upon words, My Time–His Time or My Time–Her Time, is the usual original PILO & Co touch that adds a special charm to this collection. Movements are Swiss made quartz ebauches. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Lord Waltham by Cedric Johner The Lord Waltham GMT is a new new model which will be presented at Baselworld 2005. It was created by master watchmaker Cedric Johner. The case, in 18kt yellow or white gold, features a second time-zone pushbutton at the 9 o’clock position, placed opposite the knurled crown which is finished with a sapphire cabochon. The crystal is sapphire. The dial is mother-of-pearl with painted Roman numerals. The movement is an automatic ETA caliber 2892-A2 with a Agenhor dual time-zone module and finished with a “Cotes de Geneve” decorative pattern. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Pilo Automatic Chronograph Pilo & Co., based in Geneva, will show at Baselworld 2005 their new automatic chronograph which is done in a limited edition of 111 pieces. The case is in stainless steel with an automatic movement caliber ETA 7750. The crystal is sapphire as is the display back. It is water resistant to 200 meters. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Zenith ChronoMaster Open El Primero Retrograde The latest from Zenith is this retrograde chronograph. The case, in platinum or 18kt white gold, comes in two sizes, 45mm and 40mm. Both have sapphire crystals with AR coating and display backs. They are water resistant to 30 meters. Movement is the automatic Zenith in-house caliber El Primero 4023 with 39 jewels and a 50 hour power reserve. The rotor is 22kt white gold with a “Grain d’Orge” guilloche pattern. Courtesy TimeZone

N E W M o d e l – Aquanautic King Cuda Chronograph Based in Geneva, Aquanautic has released two new models. The King Cuda automatic and automatic chronograph. The chronograph has a stainless steel case that measures 47mm, with a sapphire crystal (and display back) offering water resistance to 300 meters. Movement is the automatic ETA 7750. The crown, screwed-in, has a patented safety lock. The pushers are also screwed-in and patented. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Aristo Vollmer Chronometer Aristo Watch’s brand Vollmer will unveil at Baselworld 2005 its Flieger Chronometer. Vollmer has been in business in Pforzheim, Germany since 1922. Originally a watch case manufacturer, Hansjorg Vollmer, the current president, became interested in watches of the Luftwaffe. The company started producing very traditional pilot's watches, using titanium cases and even a titanium onion crown. The offerings have grown a lot, several dials used during WWII were revived and a new steel case with a screwdown crown is being offered. There will be more information on this piece after Baselworld 2005. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Tiffany Atlas Perpetual Calendar This limited edition perpetual calendar is the top model of the Atlas collection from Tiffany & Co. The movement (base ETA with Dubois Depraz calendar module) is COSC certified as a chronometer. The case, in 18kt yellow gold, measures 40mm. The crystal is sapphire. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Seiko Brightz Automatic Chronograph The Ref. SAGP001 is a limited edition of 300 pieces. The case, in titanium, measures 42mm x 14.5mm. It is water resistant to 100 meters. The crystal is sapphire. The movement is the automatic Seiko in-house caliber 6S28 with 34 jewels. MSRP is $2,300. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Casio Overland Alarm The new Overland uses Casio’s WaveCeptor technology of radio control to assure accurate timekeeping. It also features an alarm. The case, in brushed stainless steel, measures 39mm X 12.5mm. It is water resistant to 50 meters. The movement is a quartz Casio ebauche. MSRP is $250. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l - Wenger Commando Special Mission The latest from Wenger’s Commando collection is the Special Mission chrongoraph. It features the hours, minutes, seconds, a 12-hour chronograph, a big date indication, a bi-directional rotating bezel operated by the crown at 9 o’clock with a black zone showing the period elapsed and a white zone showing the countdown. The movement is a Ronda Startech quartz module. The case, in stainless steel, measures 41mm. The crystal is mineral and it is water resistant to 100 meters. Thanks. MSRP is $425. Courtesy TimeZone

INDUSTRY NEWS – Rival Geneva Horology Show April 4 to 11, 2005 In addition to the venerable Baselworld and SIHH watch shows, another horology showcase will take place in Geneva on April 4 to the 11th. Founded by Time Evolution, which is headed by Georges Daniel Remy, this event will feature Cedric Johner, Golay Spierer, Olivier Roux, Prano, Burgond, Anatole Le Grand-Edouard, Steenman, Georges Daniel Remy, Alpha du Centaure, Jean Pierre Lepine and Waltham Watches. The show will be based in Geneva at the Galerie Amata. Courtesy TimeZone Article: Don't Buy That Fake Rolex! It Could Finance Terror NEW YORK (Reuters) - Think twice before you buy that fake Rolex watch or knock-off designer handbag. The money you pay could end up funding terrorists. It's not something most shoppers think about when tempted by the cheap and increasingly abundant wares of street vendors. But law enforcers say the threat is real and probably growing. There is evidence that counterfeiters operating in New York City have sent money to Hamas and Hezbollah, groups designated as terrorist organizations by the United States, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said at a conference on counterfeiting. So far, said Kelly, there had been no clear link between the selling of counterfeit goods and al-Qaeda, the group blamed for the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon (news - web sites) in 2001. But he said the low cost of entry into the counterfeit business, low risk of penalties and the potentially big payoff made the making and selling of fake goods an ideal criminal enterprise, one that would appeal to terrorists in the same way it attracts organized crime. "What we do know for certain is that the counterfeit trade has all the ingredients for an ideal criminal enterprise," Kelly said. According to estimates by the International Chamber of Commerce (news - web sites), counterfeit goods accounted for 6 percent of world trade, valued at about $456 billion. Kelly said that in New York, counterfeiting deprives the city of nearly $1 billion in tax revenues every year. The costs to security are more difficult to quantify. Juan Zarate, the U.S. Treasury Department (news - web sites)'s top terror funding cop, said terror groups have become more sophisticated in funding their activities as the United States and other countries crack down on money laundering through banks and other financial institutions. Counterfeiting is one of the methods used by terrorists to raise cash, he said. Zarate said the Treasury had "seen examples where traded goods have been used to support terrorist groups." But he added that it was often quite difficult to draw clear lines between the counterfeit trade and terrorists. DOING WELL BY DOING GOOD The link between terrorism and counterfeiting has not escaped the attention of luxury goods makers, which have long been fighting a battle to protect their lucrative trademarks. It's worth millions in lost revenues to the companies, but they say it's not just about money. Glossy magazine Harper's Bazaar has been trying to make the case to its fashion-conscious readers that the bargain bags they buy on the street might be made by child labor or to line the pockets of drug dealers or terrorists. "While purchasing just one fake accessory on a street corner might seem like an amusement, this is a far more serious crime than most of the public understands," said Valerie Salembier, publisher of Harper's Bazaar, the sponsor of the counterfeiting conference. Frederick Mostert, chairman of the Intellectual Property Group of the Walpole Committee, a trade association of British luxury goods makers, said it was impossible to make goods counterfeit-proof. "Anything can be faked," he said. Consumer education was the key. But it was hard to convince buyers to avoid cheap fakes when the fakes themselves often were considered chic. People must understand "it's not a $10 product. It's cash, it's money laundering, it's organized crime, it's child labor, it's linked to terrorism and to drugs," said Bertrand Stalla-Bourdillon, general manager at Louis Vuitton. PUT 'EM IN JAIL? France, which already has taken aim at organized criminals involved in counterfeiting, is now targeting average consumers, who face huge fines -- up to hundreds of thousands of dollars -- and even jail time if they are caught with fakes. Throwing shoppers into prison is probably not on the agenda in the United States. But fighting counterfeiters would be easier if international laws were streamlined, advocates said. "When you have the restrictions and limitations of territoriality confronting a global problem, where counterfeiters and pirates act without any boundaries, we've got a mess," said Timothy Trainer, president of the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition, a lobbying group. Slashing prices on luxury goods to put them more within reach of less well-heeled fashion lovers and discourage the purchase of cheaper knock-offs was not a viable option, said Armando Branchini, secretary general of Altagamma, the Italian association of high-end fashion companies. "It's impossible to finance the product innovation of these brands and to support the contents of excellence, of quality they put in every phase of their business with prices comparable to those you can pay for fakes on Fifth Avenue or on Canal Street," he said. "So, it's absolutely impossible." Author: Andrea Ricci Courtesy YahooNews PRESS RELEASE: Philip R Cooper Jewelers (PRCJewelers.com) has recently added to its collection of fine watches a one of a kind IWC Jacques-Yves Cousteau Aquatimer limited Edition, which commemorates the first Red Sea expedition by Jacques-Yves Cousteau in 1953. (PRWEB) March 7, 2005 -- Philip R. Cooper Jewelers ( PRCjewelers.com) is an up-scale, independently owned and operated full-service jewelry store located in Bridgewater, NJ. Founded in 1960, PRC specializes in fine custom-designed jewelry and Swiss watches. PRCJewelers.com also maintains a presence in New York, and has built long-term relationships with reputable stone dealers in London and Belgium. Philip R Cooper Jewelers (PRCJewelers.com) has recently added to its collection of fine watches a one of a kind IWC Jacques-Yves Cousteau Aquatimer limited Edition. This piece is one of only 1,953 watches produced worldwide, which commemorates the first Red Sea expedition by Jacques- Yves Cousteau in 1953. “We are very pleased with our latest Aquatimer acquisition for our collection. We carry some of the top Swiss-made watches brands, such as IWC, and Chopard. Many of these top brands are made by world renowned watch makers”, said Jack Kung, President of Philip R. Cooper. “The expert craftsmanship of these watchmakers is becoming a rare commodity, which is one reason why their watches are consistently sought after by the most serious collectors worldwide.” In addition, PRCJewelers.com also displays jewelry pieces from the store's collection. Every piece in the collection is made of only the highest quality and design in order to remain consistent with the PRC brand and mission. The in-house goldsmiths work with customers in creating jewelry pieces from concept or sketch to final fabrication. Through this type of commitment, experience, and expertise, PRCJewelers.com has established strong life-long relationships with its customers that is the foundation of the company's success. For more information, visit PRCjewlers.com online or stop by one of the store's locations. Courtesy PRweb This post has been edited by nick212: Mar 8 2005, 02:56 AM NEWS: Officine Panerai launches premium watches in India Officine Panerai, the 145-year old Italian company, on Friday launched a range of premium watches in India. It launched the same in New Delhi on Thursday. Romain Le Chevallier, Brand Manager, Panerai, said, "We feel that purchasing a watch is a very personal decision and one that should feel comfortable and informed about the making. At Panerai we make it possible to keep in direct contact with our individual customers by offering them special editions. These timeless pieces are an expression of contemporariness through the essentiality of its form, its content as well as its image". The watches are exclusively available at Time Avenue, Bandra, Mumbai and at South Extension outlet of Johnson Watch Company, New Delhi. The company will gradually expand its operations to other Indian cities including Bangalore, he added. The company targets the upper echelons of society and confident of making waves soon. The price-tags range from 3000Euros to 1.5lakhEuros for limited editions of its premium watches. Courtesy YahooNews ARTICLE: Presidential Watches Putin wears a 60,000-dollar watch in comparison with George W.Bush's Timex for $50. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi wears the most expensive watch - Constantin Vacheron for $540,000 A watch takes a distinctively special place among politicians' accessories. One may say that a watch is the only standard of luxury consumption. Real estate, yachts and jets are hidden from the public eye, as a rule. A watch is something that everybody can see every day. The Russian Newsweek conducted a research to find out which trademarks and models Russian oligarchs and politicians wear. It turned out as a result of the research that the Russian political, art and business elite prefer gold watches by best Swiss makers that count several centuries of experience. A watch underlines a high public status of its owner. Russian President Vladimir Putin wears most expensive watch among Russian politicians. The head of state wears a $60,000 Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar watch. Putin wears his watch on the right wrist, the magazine wrote. The cost of Putin's watch is equal to the amount of the president's annual wages. The Russian president makes $60,000 a year. It looks like Putin is rather devoted to this watch brand. In 2003, Putin also had a Patek Philippe, although it was a different model - Patek Philippe Calatrava. Patek Philippe is a very conservative and expensive brand. Patek Philippe is a watch for rich presidents, presidents and politicians. It is noteworthy, that this brand does not like public advertising. An NTV correspondent decided to find out once if Putin was really wearing a Patek Philippe. "I have heard that the president has one of our watches. It is a rather strict model, although it is not the most complicated one," a spokesperson for the watchmaker said. Several Russian deputies and governmental officials also have a fondness for the presidential trademark. Anatoli Chubais, the chairman of the energy giant RAO UES of Russia wears a classic gold Patek Philippe complete with indicator of lunar phases and two additional calendar meters. Chubais wears his watch on the left wrist, though. President of Alpha Bank, Peter Aven, wears a bourgeois Patek Philippe Annual Calendar that comes in a white metal case. Aven's watch costs not less than $19,000. Moscow Mayor Yiri Luzhkov owns a Patek Philippe Calatrava for $18,000. A year ago the mayor had a gold watch with a portrait of Alexander Pushkin on the back lid. Luzhkov received the watch as a gift from the company Breguet for the 200th anniversary of the poet. Chelsea's owner, oligarch Roman Abramovich has a selection of Rolex watches. Now he wears a $29,000 Rolex Daytona, although he had a gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Submariner for about $19,000 before. Mikhail Gorbachev wears Omega Constellation, Zhirinovsky owns a Soviet-made Slava watch. US President George W. Bush is a very modest person: he wears a 50-dollar Timex Indiglo watch. The American president is sure that he will never lose his watch: the presidential watch has a personal engraving on the back: George W. Bush President January 20, 2001. California governor and Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger wears Audemars Piguet, models Royal Oak Offshore and Paneria Luminor. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who has a great passion for watches, wears the most expensive Constantin Vacheron watch for $540,000. Courtesy Pravda.com Note: In no way is this a political statement.

N E W M o d e l – Haldimann H2 Resonance Beat Haldimann’s double central flying tourbillon model is a masterpiece comprising a movement entirely developed and assembled by hand. The technical and aesthetic know-how is visible on the dial which features the resonance carriage with two balances and two constant-force escapements. Movement is a hand wind H Zen B caliber, with central flying tourbillon with three barrels beating at 18,000 bph. The case is in 18kt yellow or white gold or in platinum. It has double sapphire crystals. Dials can be had in black, silvered, or rhodium-plated. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Chopard Mille Miglia GMT 2005 New for 2005 is the Mille Miglia GMT in a limited edition of 2,005 in stainless steel and 250 in 18kt rose gold. The case, in stainless steel, measures 42.5mm X 15mm. It is water resistant to 50 meters. The crystal is sapphire, with integrated magnifying glass. Movement is an automatic Chopard (base ETA 7750) with 25 jewels and a 46 hour power reserve. It is COSC certified as a chronometer. The dial is silvered with applied hour markers with Superluminova dots and numerals. The strap is natural rubber with a 1960s Dunlop Racing tire tread decoration (21mm lugs). Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l s – Cimier Collection 1924 Cimier is a small manufacturer located in Zug, Switzerland. It was founded in 1934 as Rego Watch Company. It became Cimier in 1954. Showing at Baselworld 2005 will be their “1924” collection of mechanical timepieces. The cases are in stainless steel and in steel/18kt gold plate. They measure 40mm and have sapphire crystals. Movements are automatic ETA caliber 2836-2 with day and date feature. They are water resistant to 50 meters. MSRP starts at 498 Euros to 795 Euros. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Oris Big Crown Flight Timer Limited Edition “1945” May 8, 1945, the Second World War is over. To mark the beginning of peace 60 years ago, Oris is launching an innovative pilot’s watch. This special edition is limited to 1,945 watches, all individually numbered. This complex instrument is actually three watches in one: the well-known Oris worldtimer movement, enabling the display of two analogue time zones, is combined with a third time scale. The vertically positioned additional crown at two o’clock enables the inner ring to rotate over the dial and set the third time zone. This is the first time that Oris has used this concept, which originates from cockpit watches in planes. The movement is an automatic ebauche (base ETA) with second time zone, hours and minutes from the centre, small second at nine o’clock, hours and minutes of second time zone at three o’clock with day/night display, day date at six o’clock. The dial is black guilloche with white applied indices and numerals, white lacquered hands with Superluminova inlays, a 42mm stainless steel case with applied fluted bezel, secured with nine screws. It is water resistant to 50 meters. The crystal is sapphire, curved on both sides, spherically cut from the inside. The engravings on the case back, a dove of peace over a fighter plane, symbolise the end of World War II. The edition is presented in a special box containing an additional metal bracelet, the tool for the exchange of the strap, a wooden propeller, and a certificate. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Breguet No. 5 The celebrated No. 5 watch, finished by Breguet in 1794 and recently purchased at auction by Nicolas G. Hayek, Chairman of the Swatch Group (owner of Breguet) has been widely coveted for over 210 years now . Making absolutely identical reproductions of this exceptional design using the craft techniques of yore was made possible by the determination of Nicolas G. Hayek, who unhesitatingly accepted so daunting a challenge. The original movement was disassembled down to the tinie st screw, photographed, and entirely drawn for reproduction. The only concession to our age was the choice of a modern escapement to ensure better performance. So a masterpiece of technical genius and enduring beauty has now been reborn. It reflects the full range of talents and skills of the master watchmakers and craftsmen at Manufacture Breguet. The case, engine-turned by hand in « barleycorn » pattern, comes in 18kt yellow gold. The crystal is shaped mineral glass. The dial, cambered, in 18kt gold is engine-turned by hand in “vieux panier à l’ancienne” pattern on a totalizer at 6 o’clock, “Clou de Paris” cobbling at center, bias patterned “vieux panier” on the power -reserve sector, lozenge-pattern “Clou de Paris” on the moon –phase sector; Roman numerals and Breguet name engraved by hand and painted black, hand-finished blued steel “open-tipped” Breguet hands. The movement, an automatic, features a quarter repeater. The rotor is in platinum. Power reserve exceeds 60 hours. Courtesy TimeZone

N E W M o d e l – Hermes Clipper Plongeur Chronograph Hermes has updated its Clipper chronograph with new colors and straps of rubber that cover steel inserts. Movement is a quartz ETA caliber 251.262 with 27 jewels. The case, in stainless steel, measures 40.5mm. The crystal is sapphire with an AR coating. It is water resistant to 200 meters. The dial can be had in a lacquer polished red or blue, with a red or blue rubber and steel bracelet. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l - Jean-Mairet & Gillman Alexander 2 Chronograph Based in Vesenaz, this small boutique watch manufacturer will unveil at Baselworld 2005 the Alexander 2 chronograph. The case, in 18kt rose gold, measures 41mm. The Swiss automatic movement (base ETA) has a centralized 45 minute counter. The rotor, in 22kt gold, is hand engraved. The dial comes in a sand-blasted grey color with applied numerals, the hands are 18kt gold. The crystal is sapphire and it is water resistant to 30 meters. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Beuchat Abyss Automatic From French maker Beuchat comes the new Abyss Automatic. The stainless steel case measures 42mm and is water resistant to 300 meters. The crystal is sapphire. Movement is the automatic ETA caliber 2836. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Beuchat Nautyl Diver The Nautyl is another diving watch from French maker Beuchat. The case, in stainless steel, measures 40.5mm. It is water resistant to 300 meters and the crystal is mineral. Movement is a Swiss ISA quartz ebauche with a 10 year battery life. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Clerc CXX Scuba Automatic Chronograph A limited edition of 250 pieces, the CSS Scuba features an automatic ETA caliber 7750 chronograph movement. The case, in stainless steel, measures 42mm. It has a sapphire crystal with AR coating and is water resistant to 200 meters. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – deLaCour Bi-Tourbillon This deLaCour “Grand Complication” was commissioned by founder Pierre Koukjian from master watchmaker Christophe Claret. The movement, an automatic caliber DC 297, features two tourbillons, one turning to the left, the other to the right, driven by a differential gearing system. It beats at 21,600 bph, and has 78 jewels. It has a power reserve of over 100 hours. The case is in 18kt yellow gold or platinum, with double sapphire crystals. The dial also features a “shooting star” passing by the moon-phase display every 6 minutes. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l - Louis Erard Heritage The Ref. 92256 is the latest addition to Louis Erard’s Heritage collection. This model features all functions on an off-centered subdial at 3 o’clock. The case, in stainless steel, measures 41mm. It has a sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 50 meters. Movement is an automatic ETA. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Chanel J12 Tourbillon Chanel’s sporting J12 collection now has a “grand complication” added to the lineup, a Tourbillon. The J12 Tourbillon comes in black or white ceramic or in an 18kt white gold case, measuring 40mm. This limited edition of 12 pieces each will debut at Baselworld 2005. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – deGrisogono Instrumento Chronograph The latest from deGrisogono is the Instrumento Chronograph. Available in stainless steel or in 18kt. white gold. It measures 39mm X 48mm. Movement is an automatic chronograph (ETA base). The crystal is sapphire and it is water resistant to 30 meters. MSRP starts at 8,150 Euros to 25,750 Euros. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – BRM V6 Automatic The latest from BRM is the V6 automatic skeletonized. The case, in stainless steel, measures 44mm. It has double sapphire crystals and is water resistant to 100 meters. The movement is an automatic ETA caliber 2824-2 with 25 jewels. MSRP is $5,500. Courtesy TimeZone

INDUSTRY NEWS - Pierce Brosnan Launches Omega Constellation Double Eagle Omega, the renowned Swiss watch manufacturing company, part of the Swatch Group, the world's biggest manufacturer of finished watches, today announced the launch of its very latest collection - The Omega Constellation Double Eagle Chronograph. Omega's global brand ambassador Pierce Brosnan was invited to India to launch this timepiece. Omega India brand ambassadress Sonali Bendre Behl along with G. Kannan, Country Manager, Swatch Group, were also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Mr G. Kannan, Country Manager Swatch Group India said, "The popularity of Omega has grown manifold during the last couple of years. It was only imperative that we honour our patrons with something more. We are grateful to our global brand ambassador Pierce Brosnan to take out time and travel to India to launch the Constellation Double Eagle." Omega ambassador Brosnan congratulated the International Indian Film Academy for its success in promoting Indian cinema across the globe. The newly launched Omega Constellation Double Eagle promises to be a much sought-after timepiece. It is equipped with the Omega caliber 3313 movement. The watch has an intricate rhodium-plated finish of circular graining, Geneva wave decor and gold-plated engravings, with a blue-steel screw as the centerpiece. Another attractive feature of this watch is its revolutionary Co-Axial Escapement, which reduces friction in the movement and offers better long-term accuracy; it also has a column-wheel chronograph mechanism. The column-wheel chronograph ensures precision operation of the chronograph functions, with a vertical coupling ensuring zero delay in the start, stop and reset functions. Courtesy TimeZone

INDUSTRY NEWS – Zenith Night in Geneva Last week, at Geneva‘s “Batiment des Forces Motrices”, Zenith celebrated its “Zenith Night” where over some 700 guests, convened to celebrate the magical moments of love. Clients from all over the world, as well as members of the international press, gathered to attend a memorable gala dinner, a celebration of chic glamour and pure emotions. Zenith showcased the Starissime, the first tourbillon chronograph for women. Thierry Nataf, President of Zenith Manufacture, greeted his guests by stating “Dreams have the power to light the stars. At Zenith we have dreamt of this Manufacture at the pinnacle of perfection and today we are proud to see the achievement of our extravagant ambition. Our success confirms that Beauty and Truth are values with eternal character and that the loving care we apply to manufacturing our watches transcends the object and has the power to move you. I thank everyone who has shared this dream with us.” Courtesy TimeZone INDUSTRY NEWS – Universal Watch Acquires Ernst Benz The Khankin family, owners of Universal Watch Company in Birmingham, Michigan, have acquired the USA-based business and worldwide manufacturing and marketing rights of Ernst Benz Limited. Efim Khankin, President of Universal, said “Our relationship with Ernst Benz began several years ago as one of their original dealers and also as their exclusive USA after sales service center. We experienced great success with their massive 47mm timepieces in our Birmingham retail store. My sons, Boris and Leonid, and I have watched the Ernst Benz sales grow exponentially; first with the collection which we helped to develop and then the expanded dealer network. With the introduction of the new 40mm series, along with other models in development to be released later this year, the future of Ernst Benz seems quite promising and is rich in the tradition of the art of watchmaking and aviation watches.” Mr. Khankin continues “Through the many conversations with our friend Chuck Agnoff, Ernst Benz’s founder, he had made clear to us that he felt that it was in the best interest of the future of the company to find someone who could take over and continue to grow the Ernst Benz brand and expand its distribution.” The rest is now history. Agnoff, who is also the founder of Orbita Watchwinders, had a good problem which this acquisition solves. Orbita’s remarkable growth and success in the watchwinder business caused Agnoff to expand both in the USA and in Europe where Orbita has become an important supplier of private label watchwinders to several major Swiss watch manufacturers. Mr. Agnoff has had to establish a European factory to meet increased watchwinder demand and this growth requires his full attention. “My relationship with the Khankin family was the other factor in putting this deal together,” Agnoff explained. “They were easy to work with, very dynamic, and full of enthusiasm.” The new USA office of Ernst Benz will be located in Birmingham, Michigan, while the manufacturing office will remain in Biel, Switzerland. The change will bring both an expanding collection as well as an increased dealer network both in the US and internationally. Leonid Khankin comments, “We are looking forward to partnering with many of the fine dealers with whom we have established relationships over the last 27 years through our service company, Universal Watch Repair, and working with our suppliers to continue developing an evermore interesting and innovative collection.” Leonid adds, “Our family has grown Universal Watch Repair, which began as a small watch-repair shop working for six local jewelers, into a premiere facility providing after-sales service and restoration for over 4,000 jewelers, 24 Swiss manufacturers, and watch collectors worldwide. We expect to have the same success with Ernst Benz.” The official handover is on March 25, 2005 and Agnoff said, “The change in ownership will take place in a manner which will be smooth and transparent and will not affect the current Ernst Benz dealer network, repairs or customer service.” For further information from Universal, contact Efim Khankin at 248-723-5550. For further information from Ernst Benz Limited, contact Chuck Agnoff at 910-792-9802. Courtesy TimeZone

INDUSTRY NEWS - Omega Congratulates Ellen MacArthur’s Round-the-World Solo Record Ellen MacArthur and her 75 foot trimaran B&Q/Castorama set a new world record for the non-stop single-handed circumnavigation of the planet, beating the already incredible time set only last year by Frenchman Francis Joyon. Ever since she was old enough to save her school dinner money to buy her first boat, Ellen MacArthur has lived for sailing. As of October 2002, she already held the record as fastest female to race solo around the world in the 2000/2001 Vendée Globe and the transatlantic east-west solo record from Plymouth (UK) to Newport (US). Only a couple of months after becoming an Omega ambassador, she went on to win Class 1 Open 60 in the Route du Rhum on board the Kingfisher monohull, setting a new record of 13 days, 13 hours and 31 minutes in the IMOCA Open 60 class. She is the only woman among a mere handful of incredible personalities to complete this voyage. Last year, although she narrowly missed breaking the transatlantic west-east solo record by only 75 minutes, she nevertheless set a new female record for the single-handed crossing. This was the first flat-out test for the new B&Q/Castorama trimaran before it set off on the voyage for which it was intended: Ellen’s attempt to break the record for single-handedly sailing non-stop around the world. Ellen MacArthur has already proven herself as a yachtswoman of extraordinary character, stamina and resistance on several occasions. However, this latest record attempt put her under the severest of pressure, with her only competitor being the on-board Omega clock that counted down the time of previous record-holder Francis Joyon’s voyage. This meant constant stress and extreme sleep deprivation for Ellen during every hour of every day of the 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds that it took her to sail around the world – the ultimate three-month test of stamina! The harsh sailing conditions and variable winds saw her lead drop from almost five days in the Southern Ocean to a deficit of 1 day in the South Atlantic, before recovering to a healthy advantage as she headed back into the northern hemisphere. Omega is extremely proud to have been the official timekeeper of Ellen’s record voyage and has produced a unique trophy as a souvenir for Ellen in the form of a mounted globe depicting her route and the records she broke along the way. We are also happy to note that, like B&Q/Castorama and Ellen, the Omega Seamaster watch she chooses also withstood the travails of her voyage, just as it was built to. Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l – Vacheron Constantin Saint-Gervais The Saint Gervais is a limited edition of 55pieces, all done in platinum. Its claim to fame is a 250 hour power reserve movement! Movement is the hand-wound Vacheron caliber 2250 with 33 jewels, beating at 18,000 bph and with a 250 hour power reserve. Indications & functions are: hours and minutes, seconds at 6 o’clock, a Tourbillon, double independent power reserve indicators, a perpetual calendar showing the day of the week, the date, the month and leap years. It features the Geneva Hallmark quality seal. The case, in platinum, measures 44mm X 15mm. Lug width is 22mm. The crystal is sapphire as is the display back. It is water resistant to 30 meters. Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l – Vacheron Constantin Metiers d’ Art Part of Vacheron’s 250th Anniversary, the Meties d’ Art is a limited edition of 12 collectors sets, each housing one timepiece to illustrate each season, making 48 individually numbered watches in all. Movement is the automatic Vacheron caliber 2460G4, which functions by means of 4 apertures around the dial showing the hours, minutes, day of the week, and the date. It has 27 jewels and beats at 28,800 bph, with a power reserve of 43 hours. It features the Geneva Hallmark quality seal. The rotor is 22kt gold. The case can be had in 18kt pink or white gold, or in platinum. It measures 40mm X 12mm with 20mm lugs. The crystal is sapphire as is the display back. It is water resistant to 30 meters. Courtesy Timezone NEW MODEL from Cartier The first watch to be powered by the new MC8000 calibre is the Jumbo Pasha. Measuring a huge (for a Cartier) 42mm diameter, without the crown, this new size for the Pasha follows the current fashion for larger men’s watches. It is fitted with a solid gold dial, finished in a “Clous de Paris” radial pattern, wide polished bezel, sapphire glass and, as with all Pasha models, the screw crown is surmounted by a cabochon sapphire and held in place by a security clasp. The watch has a brown crocodile strap with the classic Cartier deployant clasp and “D” buckle, despite having a skin strap it is waterproof to 30m (around 100ft). No prices have yet been announced for the model. Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l - Glashutte Original PanoMaticReserve The PanoMaticReserve is the newest GO Pano model. It features a power reserve display in the shape of a 240° circle. Movement is the GO automatic caliber 90-03 with 61 jewels. It features a duplex swan-neck fine adjustment for precise setting of both the movement’s beat and rate. Finishing is done in the Saxony watch tradition of a three-quarter plate, blued screws, and a screw balance with 18kt gold weighted screws. The new PanoMaticReserve is available in three cases, stainless steel, 18kt rose gold, and in platinum (limited to 200 pieces worldwide (with a black galvanized, silvered dial). Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l – TAG Heuer Professional Golf Watch After more than a year of close collaboration with TAG Heuer Global Ambassador Tiger Woods, TAG Heuer is proud to announce the limited-edition launch of the world's first professional golf watch, designed and developed to meet the unique ergonomic and subtle aesthetic requirements of top-level and stylish golfers. TAG Heuer will release the watch in April of 2005, in a limited edition of 8,000 pieces. The clasp and folding buckle of a conventional watch are often awkward and can hurt the wrist when playing golf intensively. The standard placement of the crown at 3 o'clock can also penalize the golfer when the wrist is bent. To overcome these obstacles, TAG Heuer integrated the clasp into the watch head with a revolutionary patented system and moved the crown across the dial to 9 o'clock. A regular watch often slides on the wrist, snagging on the golfer's glove. When the strap of a regular watch is too loose, the watch hits the wrist and glove, which is uncomfortable. Too tight is uncomfortable too, as the wrist's diameter changes during the course of a game--even during the course of a single swing. To combat these problems, TAG Heuer developed an exclusive, ultra-flexible rubber strap with amazing elasticity. The strap never slides, prevents any shock on the wrist and adapts its length to any change in wrist diameter. Made of ultra-light titanium, stainless steel and silicon rubber, the watch weighs only 55 grams, making it an astonishing 60% lighter than a TAG Heuer 2000 Steel watch. The Professional Golf Watch’s ultra-light weight, strap elasticity and anti-shock design and construction gives an incomparable 5,000 G of shock absorption - 45 times more than the shock received by the watch during a golf swing. This limited edition with Tiger Woods' logo on the dial and signature on the case back, is powered by a Swiss quartz movement. The indexes and markers are hand-applied and luminous. MSRP is $1,100. Courtesy Timezone This post has been edited by nick212: Feb 14 2005, 08:52 AM N E W M o d e l – Vacheron Constantin Jubile 1755 Another collection from Vacheron celebrating its 250th Anniversary is the Jubilee 1755. It is done in a limited edition of 1,755 pieces. They come in 18kt pink, yellow, and white gold, and in platinum. Movement is the automatic Vacheron caliber 2475, with 27 jewels, beating at 18,800 bph and with a power reserve of 43 hours and a 22kt hand-decorated rotor. The movement features the Geneva Hallmark Seal of quality. The case measures 40mm X 12mm with 20mm lugs. The crystal is sapphire as is the display back and it is water resistant to 30 meters. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – Rado New Generation Sintra Rado has redone the look of its Sintra line with a more modern, fluid design, barrel-shaped case made from scratchproof high-tech ceramics. The new Rado Sintra is available in three variants, each in three sizes: either with band and case in platinum-color high-tech ceramics with a silver dial or iridescent blue, or with band, case and dial in black. Movement is a Swiss-made ETA quartz. The crystal is sapphire. Courtesy TimeZone N E W M o d e l – DeGrisogono Instrumento Grande The case, in 18kt rose gold, measures 39mm X 48mm X 13mm and features sapphire crystals top and bottom, and on the sides. Movement is an automatic ETA (base 2892) with exclusive to DeGrisogono big-date feature. MSRP is 15,900 Euros. Courtesy TimeZone

Omega puts on the ritz with first U.S. boutique Swatch Group brand Omega plans to launch its first boutique in the United States on tony Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Calif. The new, 2800-square-foot, split-level store is slated to open in summer 2005. The 150-year-old brand, whose ambassadors include Cindy Crawford, Anna Kournikova and recent swimming Olympian Michael Phelps, will feature a selection of museum pieces, its current collection and new jewelry collection, Bijoux. "There are several addresses in the U.S. that say prestige, but perhaps none have the cachet of Rodeo Drive," says Robert Emmons, president of Omega US. "That is why Omega chose to open its first retail boutique here." Courtesy EuropaStar Watch exports for 2004 reach record high The value of Swiss watch exports last year reached a record SFr11.1 billion ($9.3 billion), the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry said on Thursday. This represents a jump of 9.2 per cent on 2003, underlining the strength of the sector’s recovery. “The year 2004 saw in particular two very strong monthly increases in June and August, as well as two successive records with the highest monthly values ever achieved, in October and November,” said the Biel-based Federation in a statement. It added that the decline recorded in 2003, where watch exports fell by 4.4 per cent to SFr10.177 billion, had been reversed due to the more stable world geopolitical situation and a sustained economic recovery in the United States. “The pleasing growth recorded by Swiss watch exports should continue in 2005 with, however, a different development of the main regions compared with 2004,” added the Federation. Exports of finished watches made even stronger gains than the sector as a whole, with their value rising to SFr10.2 billion, up 9.9 per cent compared with 2003. The value of steel timepieces, which accounted for one in two watches exported, rose by almost 11 per cent and that of gold timepieces by around ten per cent. US on top The US remained the premier market for the Swiss watch industry, with an increase of 12.9 per cent to SFr1.9 billion. The Federation said that this was mainly due to the good economic climate in the country during 2004. It was followed by Hong Kong, whose economy has recovered from the outbreak of the Sars virus and where watch exports rose by 15.6 per cent and Japan, where watch exports remained stable with a 0.5 per cent increase. The news came as the world's largest watchmaker, the Swatch Group, said on Wednesday that its 2004 sales had increased 4.7 per cent to SFr4.15 billion from SFr3.97 billion the previous year. Swatch said this was largely due to good results from its luxury watch business and added that it expected its full-year profit, to be announced in March, to increase, despite the negative effects of exchange rates. Courtesy SwissInfo What are the ranges of luxury watches available? What should I expect to pay and get within each range? And what brands are in each range? The actual relationships and who exactly is better than whom is highly debated among wristwatch aficionados. This table is intended only to show very broad, general groupings of brands based on what each of these brands are most known for and what the bulk of their product lines represent. Many brands have a few special higher-end collections and some have lower-end models. Courtesy Chronocentric Attached image(s) TV documentary star wearing a fake YM.. Has anyone seen the show called "Mythbusters"? It's a USA show where everyweek 2 guys put myths to the test to see if they are true or false and conduct experiments to simulate the myths in reaching their conclusions. There is 1 of the 2 stars of the show who wears a stainless steel/platinum Yacht-Master. The only problem is that the dial is black and without the maxi dial features. Every week for the past 4-5 weeks I've been looking at his watch. This week the show gave a number of close ups of the watch and it got me a little bit angry how a guy who stands to prove or disapprove whether something (like whether a bullet manufactured from ice can be shot from a gun to injure someone) actually wears a counterfiet Rolex where the design has been stolen. Does Rolex have the right to do something when a person is known to be flaunting a fake Rolex as one of the main stars on a real life TV show? P.S. I otherwise like "Mythbusters" as its a pretty cool modern day documentary. Courtesy Timezone - Rolexplor1 INDUSTRY NEWS - Omega Congratulates Ellen MacArthur’s Round-the-World Solo Record Ellen MacArthur and her 75 foot trimaran B&Q/Castorama set a new world record for the non-stop single-handed circumnavigation of the planet, beating the already incredible time set only last year by Frenchman Francis Joyon. Ever since she was old enough to save her school dinner money to buy her first boat, Ellen MacArthur has lived for sailing. As of October 2002, she already held the record as fastest female to race solo around the world in the 2000/2001 Vendée Globe and the transatlantic east-west solo record from Plymouth (UK) to Newport (US). Only a couple of months after becoming an Omega ambassador, she went on to win Class 1 Open 60 in the Route du Rhum on board the Kingfisher monohull, setting a new record of 13 days, 13 hours and 31 minutes in the IMOCA Open 60 class. She is the only woman among a mere handful of incredible personalities to complete this voyage. Last year, although she narrowly missed breaking the transatlantic west-east solo record by only 75 minutes, she nevertheless set a new female record for the single-handed crossing. This was the first flat-out test for the new B&Q/Castorama trimaran before it set off on the voyage for which it was intended: Ellen’s attempt to break the record for single-handedly sailing non-stop around the world. Ellen MacArthur has already proven herself as a yachtswoman of extraordinary character, stamina and resistance on several occasions. However, this latest record attempt put her under the severest of pressure, with her only competitor being the on-board Omega clock that counted down the time of previous record-holder Francis Joyon’s voyage. This meant constant stress and extreme sleep deprivation for Ellen during every hour of every day of the 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds that it took her to sail around the world – the ultimate three-month test of stamina! The harsh sailing conditions and variable winds saw her lead drop from almost five days in the Southern Ocean to a deficit of 1 day in the South Atlantic, before recovering to a healthy advantage as she headed back into the northern hemisphere. Omega is extremely proud to have been the official timekeeper of Ellen’s record voyage and has produced a unique trophy as a souvenir for Ellen in the form of a mounted globe depicting her route and the records she broke along the way. We are also happy to note that, like B&Q/Castorama and Ellen, the Omega Seamaster watch she chooses also withstood the travails of her voyage, just as it was built to. Courtesy Timezone

(Translated by Google Language tools) N E W M o d e l s - Breguet Navy 5817 New face and new movement for the flagship Breguet In 1815, Abraham Louis Breguet, then at the top of its prestigious career, became Horloger of the Royal Navy. In the honor of this past as glorious as priceless, Breguet proposes to the amateurs of chronometer of exception his superb collection "Navy". Very new NAVY 5817 presents a case increased out of steel, equipped with a crown protected for a better sealing. Its generous dimensions accomodate a guilloched dial "vague" silver plated carried out with the hand. Index and Breguet needles out of steel turned blue, on bracelet rubber, Navy 5817 adopts a resolutely sporting pace. Great date with double counter and new visible movement through a bottom sapphire for the greatest happiness of the amateurs of beautiful mechanics. Technical Data: Boîtier: Out of steel, with finely grooved breadth. Melts: Guilloched with the hand with ice sapphire. Crown: Screwed. Dial: Silver plated, guilloched with the hand. Movement: Mechanics with automatic reassembly, Cal 517GG, 11½ lines. 35 rubies, numbered and signed BREGUET. Great date with 6h. Needles: Of type BREGUET to hollow apple. Reserve of Power: 65 hours. Waterproof: Seal with 100 meters. Courtesy lacotedesmontres N E W M o d e l - Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean The design of the Seamaster Planet Ocean recalls that of the first-ever Seamaster 300 metre models, which were launched in 1957. In the same year, the brand's Railmaster watch and the now legendary Speedmaster watch were also launched. It is, therefore, hardly a coincidence that the 21st century equivalents of these models share certain similarities in their design - above all the distinctive case design with contrasting polished and brushed surfaces. The Planet Ocean has a stainless-steel case available in two sizes, 45.5mm and 42mm. The dial has applied hour markers with SuperLuminova inserts and 12, 6 and 9 Arabic numerals, with a date window at 3 o'clock. The watch has a grooved, unidirectional rotating bezel, the aluminium ring of which has two zones: the inner third in bare brushed aluminium and the outer two-thirds in black or orange. In addition to a stainless-steel bracelet with foldover safety clasp, a rubber strap and leather bracelet are also available (the latter in orange for the orange bezel and dark brown for the black bezel). The crystal is sapphire. Movement is the Omega caliber 2500 with Co-Axial Escapement. It has a power reserve of 48 hours and a rhodium-plated finish of Geneva wave decor and circular graining. The Seamaster Planet Ocean is available with a new brushed stainless-steel bracelet with polished sides and a foldover safety clasp. The new bracelet has subtly curved links that immediately catch the eye and offer excellent comfort for the wearer. Black rubber straps available on all models offer a sporty and equally robust alternative, whilst matching alligator leather straps (orange with the orange bezel, dark brown with the black bezel) give the watch an entirely different look for the more fashion conscious. The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is water resistant to 600 metres or 2,000 feet. It will be in stores as of May 2005. Courtesy TimeZone Attached image(s) N E W M o d e l – Ulysse Nardin Circus Minute Repeater The UN Circus was shown as a prototype at the Baselworld 2004 exhibit. The model is now available in either platinum or 18kt rose gold. It is a limited edition of 30 pieces in each metal. The dial is done in onyx, and depicts a circus scene with six figures, which are hand-carved in 18kt gold. When the minute repeater lever is activated, the monkey begins interfering in the ballgame of the clown; this movement indicates the hour chiming. The trainer with the whip reaches out to the tiger, indicating the quarters. The tiger stretches its paw, indicating the minutes. The bear bows in front of the ballet dancer while the chiming mechanism is activated. The Ref. 746-88, in 18kt rose gold, measures 42mm as does the Ref. 749-88, in platinum. Both have sapphire crystals are are water resistant to 30 meters. MSRP is $575,000. Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l – Martin Braun Astraios A TimeZone exclusive from Germany before the Baselworld 2005 watch show, here is the World Premiere of Martin Braun's "Astraios". It is a combination of the Heliozentric the World Position System (WPS) combined with the EOS in one, the sunrise and sunset function! Martin said: "It was a tough challenge and a complete new construction must be done to bring all the parts into the module. There was no increase in height, but a increase in parts and a suffering of available space in the module." He did combined dial design of 2 together also, as you can see still has the sunburst of the original from EOS, flat dial from the Heliozentric united in the middle. And here are the easy to use improvement that Martin was talked about: "There is also a advantage in the usability of the EOS system. To set the sunset times, our customers must respect, that during the quick setting, the cam turn backwards. Means, that the month occur in the wrong way December, November, October... With the Astraios it is much easier to set, because you must take out of the chart only the right sunset time for the actual day, and press now the quick corrector until he show the right month with the WPS system and stop at the read time from the chart. The sunset time has to be set in the same way as EOS. But this was never a problem, because this cam turn forward in the right direction during the adjustment." The Astraios is only available in 42 mm diameter case in various metal, sapphire crystals with invisible I ring gasket, screw down glassring see through back fixed with 8 screws and screwed bars for the alligator strap. The movement has massive 18K rosegold rotor. Courtesy Timezone N E W M od e l - Vacheron Constantin’s Tour de l’Ile – World’s Most Complicated Watch Vacheron’s Tour de l’Ile is a limited edition of 7 watches, crafted in 18kt pink gold, individually numbered and each featuring a one-of-a-kind hand-guilloched motif on the back dial. Movement is the hand-wound Vacheron caliber 2750 with 834 parts (necessitating 10,000 hours of Research & Development by VC). The movement beats at a leisurely 18'000 bph, with a power reserve of 58 hours. It has 38 jewels. Indications & functions are: hours and minutes, seconds at 6 o’clock, repetition of the hours, quarters and minutes on request. A Tourbillon, power reserve indicator, second time zone indicator, phases and age of the moon and striking-mechanism torque indicator. The perpetual calendar shows the day of the week, date, month, leap years and perpetual equation of time with sunset and sky chart indicators. It is branded with the Geneva Hallmark of quality. The case, in 18kt pink gold measures 47mm X 18mm, with a lug width of 23mm. The crystal is sapphire as is the display back. There will be a 1 piece done with a black dial that will be auctioned by Antiquorum in its thematic Vacheron auction of April 3rd in Geneva. Courtesy Timezone

Biography: Abraham-Louis Breguet, Keeper of Time During the religious wars in France, the Protestant Breguet family left its native Picardie in 1685 to find refuge in the western part of Switzerland. The Breguet name was thus destined to become famous in both countries, each claiming its famous son, Abraham-Louis Breguet. The future watchmaker was born in Neuchâtel, a village of 3500 inhabitants, on January 10, 1747. His father, Jonas-Louis Breguet, was a merchant who belonged to the local bourgeoisie. In 1752, he became proprietor of an inn in Les Verrières, a small village near Neuchâtel, which was a stopover point for travelers on their way to Burgundy and Paris. Abraham-Louis spent a rather normal childhood although in school he was considered a bit of a dreamer who did not really apply himself. In 1758, tragedy struck. Jonas-Louis died, leaving his wife, Suzanne-Marguerite, alone with their two young daughters and the 11-year old Abraham-Louis. Sometime later, Suzanne-Marguerite married her late husband's cousin, Joseph Tattet, a watchmaker who had business contacts with France. Learning his craft In 1762, Tattet found his 15-year old stepson an apprenticeship with a watchmaker friend in Versailles. Three years later, the young Breguet was in Paris, and would study with famous artistic watchmakers such as Ferdinand Berthoud (1727-1807), watchmaker-mechanic to the King and Navy, and Jean-Antoine Lépine (1720-1814), watchmaker to the King. Breguet also took classes in physics, optics, astronomy, mechanics and mathematics at the College Mazarin where he met the Abbot Joseph-François Marie (1738-1801). This generous man would later take the young apprentice under his wing and provide protection and support for him and his younger sisters. During these early years, Breguet learned his craft well. The love of his life Love came into the young watchmaker's life with Cécile L'huillier, the daughter of a wealthy family. The young couple married in 1775. As a wedding present, Cécile's father helped Breguet and his bride settle into an apartment at 39 Quai de l'Horloge on the Ile de la Cité in Paris. This neighborhood was already the home of many of the most prestigious watchmakers in Paris. At 28 years of age, Breguet now launched his own business, and was about to launch his own family. A son, Antoine-Louis, was born the next year. Business was prospering and his life's dreams seemed fulfilled. But tragedy struck again. In 1780, during the fifth year of their marriage, Cécile died. Grief-stricken, Breguet plunged himself into his work and his inventions. He never remarried. The watchmaker of reference On a commercial level, Breguet was becoming well known and highly regarded. His brother-in-law and the Abbot Marie introduced him to the aristocracy. His first major customer, the Duke of Orleans, bought one of his "perpétuelle" watches in 1780. Two years later, the House of Breguet gained an even greater client, Marie-Antoinette. With the queen's support, his reputation grew not only in France but all over the Continent. In 1784 he earned the title of Master Watchmaker. Soon Breguet became the watchmaker of reference for the scientific, diplomatic, military and financial elite Europe. His understanding of technical mechanics as well as human character and talent allowed him to attract the best craftsmen and train them in order to realize the many products which emerged from his abundantly fertile imagination. In addition, Breguet possessed that unique combination of intuition and intelligence so necessary to provide for the skillful marketing of his products. He built up an international sales network through his personal contacts and his prestigious client base that, over the years, would be constantly renewed by the changing political picture. From perpétuelles to politics Concerned with social reform, Breguet was sympathetic to the political ideas that were gaining ground at the time in France. He joined the Jacobins, a revolutionary group under the leadership of the radical Jean-Paul Marat, whose sister made watch hands for Breguet. The threads of the lives of these two men were to become closely intertwined on at least two other occasions. In the 1780s, Paris was a boiling cauldron of political unrest. By the early 1790s, the situation was so dangerous that Breguet sent his son, Antoine-Louis to England for safety. Early in 1793, the Jacobins split into two groups, the moderate Girondins and the radical Montagnards. They began fighting not only the royalists, but also each other. The rabble-rousing radical Marat allied with the Montagnards. Marat and the Reign of Terror Despite their political differences, Breguet and Marat remained friends. In April 1793, while the two men were visiting a mutual acquaintance in Paris, a royalist crowd gathered outside demanding Marat's head. He was trapped. To save his friend, Breguet dressed him up as a woman, complete with powdered face and reddened cheeks. They waited until evening and then calmly walked out arm in arm, mingling with the crowd until Marat could flee to safety. The revolutionary had the opportunity to return the favor two months later. Hearing that Breguet, because of his royalist connections, had been placed on a death list by the Revolutionary Committee, Marat urged him to leave France. He arranged for safe-conduct passes for Breguet and his son, who had returned from England, to get across the Swiss border. It was the last time that the watchmaker would see his friend. On July 13, the eve of the Fête Nationale, Jean-Paul Marat was stabbed to death in his bathtub by a young member of the Girondins, Charlotte Corday. A month later under the blazing August sun, Breguet and his son fled Paris for Switzerland. Because of his escape, Breguet was condemned as a traitor. The Committee of Public Safety confiscated his factory and shot one of his workers. His home and workshops were ransacked. His tools and equipment were destroyed. France's Reign of Terror had begun. Sanctuary in Switzerland In the relative calm of Switzerland, Breguet first went to Geneva and then in November returned to the village of his birth. By the end of the year, the inventor had settled in Le Locle, a village near Neuchâtel, where he set up a small workshop. Breguet used his two-year exile to perfect many of his ideas and innovative techniques in watchmaking. The House of Breguet The Terror passed. Calm returned to France. In May 1795, Breguet returned to Paris, reclaimed his house and obtained the restoration of his workshops from the new government. But the city was emotionally and economically exhausted. The Reign of Terror had decimated the aristocracy, the main clients of the House of Breguet. In their stead, though, new social classes were forming. This rich bourgeoisie, along with the new Napoleonic aristocracy became Breguet's new clients. The economic difficulties which still plagued the watch industry caused Breguet to create a unique system of "souscription". A buyer could pay 25% down for a watch of a limited series, with the balance due upon delivery. In this manner, Breguet watches became more accessible and the payments in advance helped finance the development of other projects. The latter part of Abraham-Louis' life was amply marked by recognition. Clients of the House of Breguet included the Empress Josephine (1806), the King of England (1810) and many other crowned heads of Europe. Breguet was appointed to the Board of Longitude in 1814 and a year later was named as Watchmaker to the Royal Navy. In 1819, he was nominated to the prestigious Academy of Sciences by decree of King Louis XVIII. That same year, he was awarded the Legion of Honor. At the 1819 Paris Exhibition, the master watchmaker proudly presented a resume of his life's scientific achievements. Time claims the keeper The aging Breguet remained professionally active and enjoyed good health, except for a hearing loss. Tuesday September 17, 1823 found the inventor at his workshop as usual. As the morning sun filtered in through the half-shuttered window, the hands on his beloved pocket watch stopped. It was 8:37. Time claimed its keeper. According to his wishes, Abraham-Louis Breguet's body was laid to rest in Père Lachaise in Paris. His spirit and legend live on. Courtesy Europastar

Breguet: Did he Really Invent Everything? Abraham-Louis Breguet. Did he really invent everything that he is credited with? For some, the answer is as obvious as the question is ridiculous. In their view, the heritage left by Breguet is so important and so far-reaching that there has been no significant innovation in watchmaking since his time. Jean-Claude Nicolet, watchmaking historian, gives his opinion, Pascal Brandt comments. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Setting the record straight There are others, however, who would answer that question differently. One of these is Jean-Claude Nicolet, an expert consultant with Europa Star and a former professor at the School of Watchmaking in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. This watch historian would like to set the record straight: "It would be erroneous to say that Breguet invented all that he is credited with. When Breguet started working on watches, the balance spring was already in existence and the gear train system was already being used. It would probably be more accurate to say that Breguet's main contribution was in perfecting a number of existing principles and mechanisms." To support his conclusions, Nicolet explains how watches were constructed during Breguet's time: "They were made of two plates, one superimposed over the other, with the various parts of the mechanism sandwiched between them." Using this basic principle, Abraham-Louis Breguet then adapted an idea of Lépine, which was to hollow out the mass, make bridges and generally improve on the construction. In Nicolet's opinion, Breguet certainly does deserve credit for his remarkable sense of the aesthetic, "which was so advanced that his cases and movements are still very much appreciated today. In this regard, his work is perfectly contemporary." Setting the record straight, again... It would be incorrect, however, to credit Breguet only with having perfected certain existing techniques and mechanisms. Among others, he invented the drop-protection device, the forerunner of today's anti-shock mechanism. He also developed the Breguet key, a watch key with a ratchet arrangement which prevents the watch from being wound in the wrong direction. Jean-Claude Nicolet does credit Breguet with his innovation of an ingenious system using two barrel springs geared in parallel to a center pinion, "an idea which had not been exploited even though it would save energy from the standpoint of friction." Professor Nicolet also admits that Breguet, even though he did not create everything, still did give birth to a number of brilliant inventions. Nicolet credits Breguet with the invention of the balance spring that bears his name. The Breguet spring, an overcoil form of balance spring, was created by raising the highest exterior turn of the spring and giving it a shape which prevented it from moving concentrically, thus maintaining its center of gravity on the rotational axis. "Breguet was, in fact, a genius in the sense that he was among the first to make very high quality watches." In conclusion," with a Breguet in your pocket today, you will never have an outdated watch. His creations are extremely modern."

Theft: Prostitute trial over $1m watch theft A PROSTITUTE accused of stealing a $1-million watch from a Crown Casino high roller has been ordered to stand trial at the Victorian County Court. Michelle Taylor, 20, of the Docklands, today pleaded not guilty to one charge of theft when she appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates Court for a one-day committal hearing. It is alleged Taylor accompanied a Chinese businessman to the Crown Towers Hotel after he visited the brothel she worked for, the Daily Planet, on January 27 last year. In a document tendered to the court, Taylor told police she took the watch from a bedside table drawer in the hotel room because the client "did a few things I wasn't too happy about". She denied she took the watch, a Patek Philippe watch containing 580 diamonds, to sell. Watch repairer for the Swiss Watch Service Centre, Jason Wigg, said the Patek Philippe watch was a made to order, one-off piece that was worth about $1.1 million, in a statement tendered to the court. Magistrate Felicity Broughton ordered Taylor to appear at the Victorian County Court in April. Courtesy news.com

Watch Ads you won't see... Courtesy Timezone - ®KNY

N E W M o d e l - Harry Winston Excenter Tourbillon Say “Tourbillon” at Harry Winston and you will see people’s eyes light up. This is because the word immediately brings to mind the horological marvels which the company has unveiled: Opus 1, 2 and 4, representing exceptional models produced in conjunction with some of the most creative watchmakers of our times. This time, Harry Winston has decided to incorporate a Tourbillon, not within an Opus watch, but within the inimitable Excenter collection. On this occasion, in keeping with its tradition of working with the most talented individuals around, it has developed this project with a young but truly great English master-watchmaker based in Switzerland: Peter Speake-Marin. A movement faithful to the Harry Winston spirit A first glance at this exceptional timepiece reveals two original characteristics. The first, while both small and discreet, is nonetheless a world première. To grasp its significance, it is impor-tant to point out that the Excenter Tourbillon is endowed with a double power-reserve indica-tor totalling 110 hours (almost 5 full days). However, since this retrograde double indicator is located on the rear bridges of the movement, the wearer has to be warned of the imminent need to rewind the mechanism. The Harry Winston master-watchmakers have drawn inspira-tion from certain British vintage collector’s cars equipped with two fuel tanks, one in each wing, with a warning that enabled the driver to know when it was time to stop off at a petrol station. In the case of the Excenter Tourbillon, this warning appears at 6 o’clock on the hour-minute dial. Engraved on the sapphire crystal, the silvered HW logo “turns” electric blue 25 hours prior to complete unwinding, thus signalling to the owner that it is time to rewind. The second characteristic has been used amongst others on the world’s most complicated watches: the rotation system of the carriage is placed inside the latter, thereby endowing this micro-mechanical wonder with greater resistance to shocks, as well as enhanced regularity. One should also mention an “important detail”: the movement beats at the above-average frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring a high level of precision. Exquisitely contrasted hand finishing One of the first things one notices about the Excenter Tourbilon is that this is a watch based on contrasts. The platinum or rose gold of the case are associated with the ruthenium (metal-lic charcoal grey) of the bridges and under the tourbillon carriage. The reasons behind this harmonious combination are essentially aesthetic, since the ruthenium makes the polished steel tourbillon bridge stand out, while also highlighting the hour numerals engraved in white gold. While keen observers will note the subtle evocation of certain antique models – the diamond set in the centre of the tourbillon bridge or the curves of the three bridges integrated at the rear of the movement – they will also admire the extreme quality of the finishing. By way of example, the traditional jewels are replaced by blue sapphires, housed in white gold chatons secured by three blued screws. The tourbillon carriage is supported by two pivots and the balance features adjustment screws. While all the other bridges are adorned with entirely hand-bevelled blued steel screws, polished white screws embellish the distinctive tourbillon bridge. N E W M o d e l – Carl F. Bucherer Alacria Bucherer, the Swiss jeweler, has created the Alacria, a collection of women’s watches. The case is in 18kt yellow gold, with 102 diamonds (1.7 carats total). The crystal is sapphire and it is water resistant to 30 meters. Movement is a Swiss Made quartz ebauche. The dial is in mother-of-pearl. MSRP is $14,000. Courtesy timezone N E W M o d e l s – Casio Oceanus Tonneau Collection Japanese maker Casio has added a tonneau shaped subgroup to its Oceanus collection of analog timepieces. The lineup include a chronograph with alarm and a time-only model. The cases are in stainless steel and are water resistant to 100 meters. The chronograph model measures time up to 1/20 of a second. Movements are Japanese quartz ebauches. Dials can be had in either black or white. The crystals are mineral. MSRP is $89 to $129. Courtesy Timezone N E W M o d e l – Carl F.Bucherer Pathos Diva New from Swiss jeweler Bucherer is the limited edition Diva from the Pathos collection of ladies watches. Only 25 will be made. The case, in 18kt yellow gold, measures 32mm and has 16 diamonds (Princess cut) with a total weight of 1.1 carats. The dial has 156 rubies (1.36 carats total) and 28 diamonds (3 carats total). Movement is a Swiss Made quartz module. The crystal is sapphire and the watch is water resistant to 30 meters. MSRP is $85,000. Courtesy Timezone

N E W M o d e l - Vanceur Royal Sport Chronograph The latest from Vanceur are these limited edition chronographs. These chronographs (500 in steel, 500 in gold/steel) measure 42mm X 16mm. The crystal is sapphire as is the display back. The dial is carbon fiber. They are water resistant to 200 meters. Movement is the automatic ETA caliber 7750 with 25 jewels. MSRP is $1,850 to $1,950. Courtesy timezone

Rolex - The "Submarine" by Eric Engh Oldwatch.com The year 1922 is not one of those years I recall as being very important in the scheme of life. I believe 1922 took place, and it holds the string of years together in the history book, but I don’t recall having to worry about 1922 on any history exam in school. Remarkably, even though prohibition was in full swing, many important events and inventions that have shaped our present life took place in 1922. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated and “Readers Digest” was first published. The first woman was appointed to the US Senate and the USSR was formed. Al Jolson was singing “Toot Toot Tootsie Goo’bye.” Insulin was successfully used in the treatment of diabetes, and the Eskimo Pie was patented. In the watch world John Harwood invented the self winding wristwatch, later patented in 1924, and an aggressive Swiss company named Rolex trademarked the “Submarine”, a water resistant wristwatch. Moisture! Probably the biggest enemy of the wristwatch is moisture. A wristwatch without a proper seal, worn on a hot and humid day, will soon have the crystal fog up. Imagine what is happening to the movement! Hans Wilsdorf, cofounder of Rolex knew if the company was going to increase its sales in the humid tropical climates, it was going to have to find a way of making a watch that was waterproof. The evolutionary process that led to the “Oyster” first started with one of the oddest ideas, in retrospect, to deal with the moisture problem. Rolex simply used a case that fit in a case. What is amazing is the watch called the “Submarine” was a success! It did work as it was intended, but it was a very difficult watch to operate. The outer half of the case is one piece, fitted with a hinge pin. The inner case, that houses the watch, is hinged to the outer case, has a snap cover for the movement and a snap bezel over the dial. The outer case also has a threaded screw on bezel to protect the watch. The “minor” problem with this design was the outer bezel had to be removed each day to wind the watch or to reset the time. This was not only function over form, it was function over utility. It did the job it was asked to do, but it was just not owner friendly. Even with this huge drawback, the need for a water resistant wristwatch was so important in the tropical climates, the watch was still a good seller for Rolex. It was quite obvious that although the “Submarine” was successful, the short comings of the long term use of the watch demanded a more practical solution to the moisture problem. The “Submarine” was just one large step in the evolutionary path that led Rolex to the production of the “Oyster” by 1926. The watch pictured, was made in the twenties. The inner and outer cases are made of sterling silver with wire lugs and has a Swiss sterling silver hallmark stamped in it. It is signed “Rolex 7 World’s Records, Gold Medal, Geneva Suisse.” The case houses a 16 jewel movement that is adjusted to 6 positions and signed “For All Climates.” The dial is double sunk porcelain with a sub seconds dial at the 6 o’clock position. Today, most of the watch collecting world knows this watch as the “Tropical” but Rolex has no records calling this watch anything but the “Submarine.” Very few of the Submarines have survived in good condition because of the constant opening and closing of the case during normal use. Two major weaknesses are quite apparent in the survivors. The hinge holding the inner case is delicate with most suffering from metal fatigue, and most of the outer bezels have significant wear to the coin edge, and the threads are worn out. Although most of the existing examples suffer from these problems, this important step in fighting the elements makes the “Submarine” or “Tropical” wristwatch an important addition to any serious Rolex collection. Attached image(s)