Tuesday, August 30, 2016

JAQUET DROZ – Les Ateliers d'Art THE CHARMING BIRD Gold Edition

















JAQUET DROZLes Ateliers d'Art THE CHARMING BIRD Gold Limited Edition NEW


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THE CHARMING BIRD - The art of nature at its peak

A universally symbolic creature cherished by the world of Jaquet Droz, the singing bird now appears in two new versions which put mechanical virtuosity hand in hand with contemporary poetry.


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Hailing from a family of peasant-watchmakers during the Age of Enlightenment, Pierre Jaquet-Droz (1721-1790) embraced the vast naturalist movement so prevalent amongst 18th-century scientists, artists and philosophers.

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Sensitive to the beauty of plants and the animal world, he was the first watchmaker to introduce a singing bird on a pocket watch – a virtuoso complication also used as an ornament on snuffboxes and other objets d'art which captivated a cosmopolitan clientèle from Madrid to Beijing.

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True to this spirit, the brand known by its twin stars recently presented two exceptional models with miniature automata that combine the best of its Ateliers d’Art: the Bird Repeater and the Charming Bird, which was awarded the Mechanical Exception prize at the 2015 Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève).

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The brand's craftsmen have reinvented the cult dial of the Grande Seconde and its tutelary 8, devoting the upper section to displaying the hour and minutes and the bottom to a veritable singing bird, a small wonder housed within a sapphire crystal dome. Jaquet Droz now reaffirms this effort by unveiling a unique version of the Charming Bird, in which the dial is adorned with delicate mother-of-pearl for a captivating and refined aesthetic.

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A technical feat – with two different mechanisms driving the Charming Bird, both patent-protected – this watch required years of research and development, all geared towards introducing two major innovations. For one, the song of the tit bird is now generated by air compression and not by vibration, an innovation made possible by introducing three minute sapphire crystal tubes.

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Air enters the first tube, then is stored inside the second and finally pushed into the third, thus regulating the melody according to the volume of air and the speed of the piston. On the mechanical side, the regulator harnesses a magnetic effect in order to prevent any contact between the metallic components and to eliminate auditory interference within the watch.

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The miniaturization of elements and the extreme mechanical complexity of the Charming Bird are matched only by its aesthetic sophistication, a result of the well-honed expertise of the Ateliers d’Art. This is the case not only for the tit bird, a truly miniaturized sculpture, but also for the entirely hand-decorated movement and the background of the dial, in which hand-painted and engraved mother-of-pearl evoke the landscape of the Swiss countryside, a historic Jaquet Droz motif.

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The traditional technique of paper cutting inspired this representation, which brings together the peak of expertise in engraving and miniature painting skills, the only means of producing the astonishing richness of detail in this work of art.

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At last, the beautiful elegance of volume is given center stage on the striking 47 mm case, presented in a choice of either red or white gold, with each version limited to 8 unique pieces. A rare opportunity to offer oneself pure Jaquet Droz watchmaking excellence, as well as an ultimate, intangible luxury: the sweet song of Time itself ...

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Collection Les Ateliers d’Art  

Model: THE CHARMING BIRD Gold Limited Edition

Reference: J031534200; 18-carat White Gold

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Reference: J031533200; 18-carat Red Gold

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DESCRIPTION
Hand-engraved and hand-painted white mother-of-pearl dial, black onyx center.
18-karat Red Gold /White Gold case and applied ring.
Hand-winding mechanical automaton movement with push-button
triggering mechanism. Hand-engraved singing bird. Sapphire whistle system.
Self-winding mechanical hours and minutes movement.
Power reserve of 38 hours.
Diameter 47 mm.
Numerus Clausus of 8.
AUTOMATON
Opening flower automaton movement. 24 jewels.
18-carat red gold petals hand-engraved and hand-enameled. Briolette diamond (0.24 carat) swivels both ways. Automaton mechanism triggered directly by pressing a push-button at 2 o'clock.
MOVEMENT 
Calibre Jaquet Droz RMA615
Self-winding mechanical movement.
Silicon balance spring and pallet horns.
Platinum oscillating weight 
INDICATIONS
Off-centered hours and minutes
JEWELLING
Caliber 29 jewels, automaton 15 jewels
POWER RESERVE
38 hours
FREQUENCY
21,600 v.p.h
CASE
  • 18-carat Red gold
  • 18-carat White gold
Diameter: 47 mm
Height 1: 15.75 mm
Height 2: 22.85 mm
Individual limited serial number engraved on the case-back
WATER RESISTANCE  No
DIAL
  • Hand-engraved and hand-painted white mother-of-pearl dial.
    18-karat red gold ring, black onyx center.
  • Hand-engraved and hand-painted white mother-of-pearl dial.
    18-carat white gold ring, onyx hours and minutes subdial.
HANDS
  • 18-carat red gold
  • 18-carat white gold
STRAP
Rolled-edge hand-made black alligator leather strap with black alligator leather lining.
BUCKLE
18-karat red gold prestige folding clasp.
18-karat white gold prestige folding clasp .

Limited Edition exclusive 8 pieces

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MONTRES JAQUET DROZ SA
Allée du Tourbillon 2
CH-2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds 2

· press@jaquet-droz.com
tel +41 32 924 28 72 · fax +41 (0)32 924 28 82
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www.facebook.com - Jaquet.Droz
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www.Jaquet-Droz.com

Monday, August 29, 2016

Glashütte Original – PanoMatic Luna Boutique Edition















Glashütte Original PanoMatic Luna Blue Boutique Edition NEW


Heavenly blue
The new Boutique Edition of the PanoMatic Luna

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The most recent version of the PanoMatic Luna ladies' watch lends a truly heavenly dimension to the fine art of watchmaking: a silvery moon appears on a pale blue mother-of-pearl dial, and diamonds sparkle like stars in the sky. The characteristic off-centre hour/minute display, a small seconds and the classic Glashütte Original Panorama Date make checking the time a distinct pleasure.

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The dial: A wondrous blue

The iridescent, shimmering blue mother-of-pearl dial on the new PanoMatic Luna is an eye-catching wonder. The product of elaborate manual craftsmanship, it is made by the manufactory's own dialmaker in Pforzheim. Mother of pearl is an organic material harvested from the innermost layer of sea shells.

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Its fragile nature demands that it be handled with extreme care. In order to achieve precisely the right colour, the back of the delicate white base material is coated with a layer of lacquer. Mother of pearl's naturally textured hues lend the dial additional character and make each watch utterly unique.


The moon phase display: the woman in the moon

People have always been fascinated by the moon. The PanoMatic Luna captures its magic gracefully: the softly curving moon relief appears against a silver-coloured, starry sky. Its elegant curves emerge as the result of careful, skilfully executed diamond milling, which gives it greater visual depth. Traditional and artistic at once, the display at 2 o'clock represents an authentic rarity in a mechanical ladies watch.

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The Panorama Date: typical Glashütte Original

The characteristic Panorama Date is one of the unmistakable elements of Glashütte Original style. It is based on two dial discs, mounted concentrically on the same level. In this way the two numerals comprising the date can be presented without the central separation bar typical of common date displays, thus assuring optimal legibility. In harmonic consonance with the PanoMatic Luna's elegant design, the Panorama Date is set within an oval dial window at 4 o'clock.

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The finely polished stainless steel case, 39.4 mm in diameter, is framed by 64 radiant white brillant-cut diamonds on the bezel, enhanced by 18 brillant-cut diamonds set on the dial's 9 rod-shaped indexes. The winding crown, too, combines functionality with sparkling beauty: a large, 3 mm brillant-cut diamond makes it even more glamorous. Light is thus captured by 83 brillant-cut diamonds in all, totalling 1.09 carats. The watch is fitted with a pale blue Louisiana alligator leather strap and pin buckle; taking up the colour of the dial, the strap lends a final touch of refined elegance to the ensemble.

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Ticking within the PanoMatic Luna is the manufactory's own Calibre 90-12 automatic movement, which can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back offering clear views of the exquisitely decorated mechanical heart of the watch and its treasured duplex swan neck fine adjustment. Numerous traditional elements of Glashütte watchmaking such as the three-quarter plate, blued screws and the characteristic Glashütte decorative finishings, provide further, incontrovertible proof of its origins.

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The new pale blue edition of the PanoMatic Luna complements two existing models, one in classic white and the other in darker hues. It forms part of the Saxon Manufactory's exclusive Boutique Collection, and is available exclusively in the watchmaker's own Boutiques around the world.

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Technical Specifications:

Lady Collection  
Model: PanoMatic Luna Blue Boutique Edition

Reference: 1-90-12-03-12-02 Stainless Steel and pin buckle, 16 mm

Movement  
Manufactory Automatic movement
Calibre 90-12
Dimensions: Ø 32.6 mm, height 7 mm
Balance: screw balance with 18 weighted screws
Oscillating frequency: 28,800 vph, equivalent to 4 Hz
Power reserve: 42 hours
Balance spring: Anachron
Shock protection: Incabloc
Jewels: 47 jewel bearings 
Additional details:    
Automatic movement, hour and minute (off -centre), small second (off -centre), second
stop, Panorama Date, moon phase, exquisitely fi nished movement, bevelled edges,
polished steel parts, polished/blued screws, skeletonized rotor with 21-ct gold oscilla-
tion weight, plate with Glashütte stripe fi nish, duplex swan-neck fi ne adjustment
Dimensions:
Case: Ø 39.4 mm
Height: 12 mm
Material: Stainless Steel
Waterproof up to: 3 bar
Glass: sapphire crystal, on both sides anti-reflective
Bottom: sapphire crystal
Dial
Display: 31.15 mm,
Blue mother-of-pearl dial with 18 diamonds
Hands: White gold
Strap/bracelet:    
Louisiana Alligator leather strap grey-blue (W682027413)
Strap: 19/16 mm  

BRILLIANT-CUT DIAMONDS. (alle Brillanten TW-vvs | all diamonds Tw vvs)
Crown: 1 (approx. 0.10 ct)
Dial: 18 (approx. 0.04 ct)
Bezel: 64 (approx. 0.95 ct)
In total: 83 (approx. 1.09 ct)

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For further information please contact:
Glashütte Original I Press Office
Altenberger Straße 1 I D-01768 Glashütte i. Sa.
Telephone: +49 (0) 350 53 46 - 0
E-Mail: pr@glashuette-original.com

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www.Glashuette-Original.com

Saturday, August 27, 2016

TAG HEUER – AQUARACER 300 M Black Titanium















TAG HEUERAQUARACER 300 M Black Titanium/Ceramic 43 Calibre 5 NEW


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The quintessential sports watch inspired by the lure of the deep

Ever the pioneer, in 1892, Edouard Heuer filed the first patent for a watertight case in the history of watchmaking. It was an immediate success. Since that time, the Aquaracer (the collection created by TAG Heuer in 2003) has continued to evolve, developing into the perfect timepiece for all kinds of extreme conditions, not just diving and other seafaring activities.

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Robust and water-resistant to 300 metres, this watch — featuring a ceramic uni-directional rotary bezel, with its twelve sides and six studs, screw-down crown, large luminous indications on the indexes and hands for improved visibility and screw-down case back engraved with a diver's helmet — is immediately recognisable.

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New for 2016, the Aquaracer Black Titanium version features Grade 2 titanium with black titanium carbide coating, a strap made from blue nylon with a rubber inner, and a case measuring 43 mm in diameter. The ceramic bezel has a sophisticated new design featuring engraved numerals with blue lacquer. The crystal of the date window also features a magnifier, reintroduced last year. At its heart beats the Calibre 5 automatic mechanical movement, offering proven accuracy and reliability.

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The high quality of the Aquaracer's finishes and functions make it one of the best value timepieces on the market.
This model is available in three colourways: blue, black-and-red, and sand-coloured.

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Technical Specifications

Model: TAG HEUERAQUARACER 300M Black Titanium (43mm) Calibre 5 Automatic

Reference:  WAY208B.FC6382: Blue details and blue nylon strap
  • WAY208A.FC6381 (Red details and black strap with red topstitching)
  • WAY208C.FC6383 (Sand-coloured details with sand-coloured strap)

Movement   
TAG HEUER Calibre 5

Automatic calibre. 
Diameter: 26 mm (11 ½''') — 25 to 26 rubies depending on the execution.
Rapid date correction.Hours — minutes — small seconds at 3.
Display:
Hours — minutes — seconds.
Date window.Balance frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz).
Power reserve: about 40 hours.
Oscillating oscillating mass: "Côtes de Genève", engraved "TAG HeuerCalibre 5 — Swiss Made".
Dial   
Matt black dial with striations
Blue, red or sand-coloured faceted, polished, hand-applied indices with luminous grey markers
Blue, red or sand-coloured faceted and polished hour and minute hands, with luminous grey markers
"TAG Heuer" logo & "Aquaracer" printed in blue, red or sand colour at 12 o'clock,
Inscription at 6 o'clock reads "CALIBRE 5AUTOMATIC – 300M/1000FT" (in blue, red or sand colour)
Timers printed in grey
Date window at 3 o'clock with magnifie 
Case
Diameter 43 mm
Grade 2 titanium with black titanium carbide coating
Uni-directional rotating bezel in matt black ceramic
Engraved numerals with blue, red or sand-coloured lacquer and a SuperLuminova™ dot at 12 o'clock
Sapphire crystal with antireflective, scratch-resistant coating
Screw-down crown in sand-blasted black titanium carbide
Screw-on case back in sand-blasted black titanium carbide engraved with a diving bell
Water-resistance: 300 metres  
Strap
Made from nylon, in blue with black topstitching, or black with red topstitching or sand colour with white topstitching.
Black titanium folding buckle with black titanium carbide coating and push-piece safety mechanism
Rubber inner

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Availability: From July 2016 (ex La Chaux-de-Fonds) – From November for the RED

Estimated SRP:
  • Switzerland    2’600 CHF
  • Europe    2’500 EUR
  • North America    2’800 USD
  • Japan (without tax)    290’000JPY
  • Hong Kong    21’700 HKD

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Press release
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www.facebook.com - TAG Heuer 
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www.TAGheuer.com

Friday, August 26, 2016

DeWitt – ACADEMIA Skeleton
















DeWittACADEMIA Skeleton Rose Gold NEW

DeWitt’s new Academia Skeleton watch is the latest addition to the Geneva Manufacture’s series of emblematic watch creations.

The watchmaker returns to its roots by developing a new movement with a strong character that embodies DeWitt both in its aesthetics and in its functions.

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For the manually wound skeleton movement, Jérôme de Witt has chosen a highly complex mathematical structure. The power reserve system is based on the satellite principle already created for the Tourbillon Differentiel model, which won an award in the innovation category at the Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie de Genève in 2005. The power reserve is indicated by an arrow located on this differential, which is in constant rotation.

The power reserve, with its indicator at 1 o’clock, has been expanded to over 100 hours thanks to the use of a double barrel. The three-dimensional bridge in which it is housed is itself crafted in the form of a car wheel-rim, a field of inspiration that has often been explored by the brand.

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The most distinctive particularity of the movement, however, lies in its bi-directional seconds at 7 o’clock.


The seconds hand changes direction after 30 seconds thanks to a disconnecting gear system, and performs an instantaneous jump that sends it in the opposite direction to mark the following 30 seconds. The seconds are therefore indicated in two different directions, which gives the seconds hand a totally new way of moving. The principle is that of windscreen-wipers of certain sophisticated cars, constantly moving backwards and forwards to clear the entire windscreen surface.

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So as to highlight these disparate elements, each of which is marked out in its own way by a distinctive design and construction, the “black gold” colour tone skeleton displays a harmonious aesthetic that inspires a sense of purity. Great care and attention has been paid to the quality of the hand-crafted finishes and the bridges with their indented angles.

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This manually wound movement is made up of 263 parts. It is housed in the new Academia case, with a diameter of 42.5 mm. The alternating rose gold and rubber serve to recreate the famous imperial columns that are a characteristic feature of the watchmaker. The total thickness of the case is only 10.3 mm.

On the case back, the sapphire crystal reveals the wheels sculptured in relief, giving the movement a sense of volume and perspective.

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Like all DeWitt timepieces, the Academia Skeleton watch meets the very highest standards of finishing adopted by the Manufacture right from its origins: hand-crafted finishes, satin-brushed finishes, circular graining, polished chamfering and indented angles.

This latest and highly inventive watchmaking creation is a true embodiment of the DeWitt spirit.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Model: ACADEMIA Skeleton Gold

Reference: AC.SKE.001 Rose Gold colour tone indications
Reference: AC.SKE.002 Silver colour tone indications

Movement
Manufacture Calibre: Ref  DW1105S
Mechanical manually-wound movement with a double barrel, manufactured by DeWitt
Diameter: 36.6 mm
Power reserve: Over 100 hours
Frequency: 21,600 vph
Balance: Balance with screws
Balance spring: Flat
Escapement: Swiss lever, 44° angle of lift
Jewelling: 50 jewels
Number of components: 263
Functions

Hours, minutes, bi-retrograde seconds
Case
Round case with DeWitt imperial columns on sides
Material: 18-carat rose gold and black rubber
Diameter: 42.5 mm
Total thickness: 10.25 mm
Crown: 18-carat gold, “W” signature
Case back: Open back, sapphire crystal
Distance between lugs: 21 mm
Water-resistance: 30 metres
Dial
Dial bridge in “black gold” colour tone, satin-finished, with indented angles
  • Seconds and power reserve indications in rose gold colour tone (Ref: AC.SKE.001)
  • Seconds and power reserve indications in silver colour tone (Ref: AC.SKE.002)
Satin-finished bezel flange in “black gold” colour tone, with indication of the hours by index appliques in rose gold
Hands
Hours and minutes: open-worked hands in the shape of double edged swords, 18-carat rose gold
Seconds: open-worked hands in the shape of double-edged swords, rose gold colour tone
Wristband
Mat brown alligator leather
Buckle: 18-carat rose gold pin buckle, «W» signature


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MONTRES DEWITT S.A.
Rue du Pré-de-la-Fontaine 2,
1217 Meyrin, GENEVA,
SWITZERLAND +41 22 750 97 97 info@dewitt.ch
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www.DeWitt.ch

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Kees Engelbarts – Platinum Tsuba Watch Unique Piece



Kees Engelbarts – Platinum Tsuba Watch Unique Piece

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The dial of Kees Engelbarts' latest watch depicts a scene, inspired by a Tsuba with a Hawk and Sparrow, from Hamano Masanobu, circa 1836 (late EDO). A Tsuba is the hand guard mounted on a Japanese sword. These Tsuba eventually became elaborate pieces of art - far beyond their practical use.


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The watch has a 950-platinum case and an AS 690, 8-day power reserve, movement. The movement has been decorated with mokume gane of white-gold and silver in a star-like shape. The screws are hand-polished, beveled and heat-blued.

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Kees
has used a variety of different materials to make the dial. The hawk is made of red gold, the branch is made of mokume gane of pink gold/shakudo. The leafs are in green gold and the little sparrow is made of bronze. The smallest details are also in various materials, like the eye of the hawk that is in yellow gold with a silver center.
 
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The eye of the sparrow is also in yellow gold. The hawk's feet are in yellow-gold and the claws made of silver. 

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The base plate, on which the scene is mounted, is white-gold/silver mokume gane and has been treated with nitric acid. This acid will attack the silver and leave the white-gold unharmed and this accentuates the vertical shape structure and creates a relief. Finally, the hands are in heat-blued steel.

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All elements have been cut out by hand, adjusted and then soldered together. Once assembled the elements are engraved by hand in the low-relief technique that gives a 3d-effect when watching the scene from different angles. Some elements have been heated and /or treated chemically in order to change the colors giving the whole scene an antique atmosphere.

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It took Kees several months to make this watch.. Each step is delicate and extremely time-consuming. For additional and price info please contact him at: mail@kees.ch or visit www.kees.ch
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Technical specifications:

Movement 
     
Hand-wound AS 690
8 days power reserve
17 jewels
18'000 BPH
Pusher at 2 o'clock position for time-setting
Case             
Platinum 950, matte finish
49 mm x 16mm
Sapphire crystal both sides with double anti-reflection treatment
Protrusion at 5 o'clock position to accommodate the main-spring barrel
Strap            
Exterior black alligator leather
Interior black shark leather
Solid platinum 950 buckle
Weight:  Total 301 grams

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Contact Info
Email: mail@kees.ch
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www.facebook.com - Keesengelbarts
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www.Kees.ch