Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Omega - Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT

Omega introduces the Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT. The Co-Axial calibre 8605/8615 is the first of Omega’s proprietary movements to be equipped with a GMT complication, meaning that along with the central hour, minute and seconds hands, there is a GMT hand which completes one rotation every 24 hours, making it possible to keep track of the time in two time zones. Find a wallpaper image inside.
The 43 mm case is available in a choice of metals: 18k red gold or stainless steel or, in a bicolor version in 18k red gold and stainless steel. The sapphire crystal on the screw-in caseback allows a clear view of the Co-Axial movement inside. The watch is available with either a bracelet in the same metal as the watch case or with a black, brown or blue leather strap.
The dial is distinguished by the teak pattern associated with the Aqua Terra collection. The vertical lines are reminiscent of the wooden decks on luxury boats. The applied 18k gold brushed and polished indexes are coated with white Super-LumiNova and the faceted hands are crafted from 18k white or red gold. Like the indexes, they are coated with white Super-LumiNova which allows ease of reading in all light conditions. The GMT hand’s red arrow makes it easy to distinguish the two time zones. The GMT hand can also be used for compass orientation: when the watch is held parallel to the ground with its hour hand pointed in the direction of the sun, the GMT hand, when it is adjusted to the same time on the 24-hour GMT display, will indicate north in the northern hemisphere.

































At the heart of the Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT is the Co-Axial caliber 8605/8615. It is part of the family of movements Omega introduced in 2007 built around the first practical new watch escapement to be developed in some 250 years. The Co-Axial escapement in the Omega calibers is used in conjunction with a free sprung-balance and its function differs considerably from that of a conventional lever escapement with index. The watch’s rate can be adjusted by modifying the moment of inertia of the balance by means of two gold regulating micro screws embedded in the circular balance. This design avoids the disturbing effects of contact between the balance-spring and the index pins and therefore ensures that the stability of rate offered by the Co-Axial escapement is maintained over long periods of use. The result is reduced friction which means that there is almost no need for lubrication; the Co-Axial calibers have long service intervals and the Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT, which is also equipped with a silicon balance spring, is delivered with a four-year warranty.
The image below may be enlarged with a click.

Fortis - Marinemaster Vintage Limited Edition

This year Fortis marks its 100th anniversary and to celebrate, the brand is issuing a limited re-edition of the Marinemaster. First distributed at the beginning of the 1940s, that model became one of the brand’s most popular watches. Over the years, the look of the watch was updated, and the 100th anniversary re-edition is inspired by the model produced during the 1970s.
The Marinemaster Vintage LE is a 40mm automatic chronograph in polished stainless steel on leather strap, available with orange or blue dial highlights. A total of 500 of each version will be produced.
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A. Lange & Söhne - Datograph Up/Down


A. Lange & SöhneDatograph Up/Down Platinum

Many collectors consider A. Lange & Söhne’s Datograph a must-have timepiece. This newest version, with several enhancements, demonstrates that Lange’s engineers can improve on an already-excellent design. The new model features a 41mm platinum case, an extended 60-hour power reserve, a power-reserve indicator, and a proprietary oscillation system. Find wallpaper images inside. 

When it debuted in 1999, the Datograph was a sensation. The functions, aesthetics, and perhaps above all the movement, generated excitement the world over. A high-resolution image of its caliber L951.1 became desktop wallpaper for collectors wherever the internet reached. The dial, with its instantly-recognizable outsize date and the two bright subsidiary dials, assured legibility and signaled the owner’s appreciation for fine watchmaking.

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The new Datograph Up/Down embodies these features as well. What meets the eye first is the larger case. The new 41 millimeter size provides added prominence on the wrist. The Roman II, VI and X have been replaced with Rhodiumed gold baton hour markers to enhance the clear design and identify the watch as a member of the Saxonia family. The date-display aperture was adjusted by 4% to match the bigger size of the case and the maintain the balanced dial architecture.

The “Up/Down” designation refers to the power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock, which reliably tells the owner how much running time remains available. When the display hand enters the red zone after three days, it it necessary to supply the caliber L951.6 movement with fresh energy. A larger mainspring barrel generates the additional 24 power-reserve hours compared with the previous model.

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The large balance developed by Lange and crafted in-house has six eccentric poising weights that can be precisely adjusted to fine-tune its rate accuracy. It is powered by a balance spring, also developed and crafted on site by Lange. To assure optimized rate values at its classical frequency of 18,000 semi-oscillations per hour, the spring is carefully matched to the characteristic of the movement.

Among many other technical refinements, the Datograph Up/Down features the technically complex flyback function. Originating from the early days of aviation, this mechanism makes it possible to instantly preform consecutive time measurements by combining three steps – stop, reset, restart – into one: a single push of a button will stop and reset the Datograph Up/Down in the middle of an ongoing time measurement. When the button is released, a new time measurement is immediately initiated.

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The sapphire-crystal caseback reveals one of the most beautiful chronograph movements ever made. Highlights include the precisely jumping minute counter that guarantees exact time measurement, the column wheel that controls the chronograph functions, and the whiplash spring-secured precision beat adjustment system on the hand-engraved balance cock. All surfaces are meticulously finished by hand.
As this story is being published, the Datograph Up/Down price is still to be determined.
The images below may be significantly enlarged with a click.

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Contact information for the media
Arnd Einhorn, Director Press and PR
* Tel.: +49 (0)35053 44 5505
* E-mail: presse@lange-soehne.com
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Glashütte Original - Limited Edition Senator Observer 1911 – Julius Assmann





Glashütte Original - Senator Observer 1911 Limited Edition Julius Assmann


Ahead of Baselworld 2012, Glashütte Original presents the Limited Edition Senator Observer 1911Julius Assmann. This timepiece, handmade in the firm’s manufactory, is limited to 25 pieces and pays homage to the pioneering spirit of Julius Assmann and Roald Amundsen. Find wallpaper images inside. 

Julius Assmann started his company at the age of 25 and is revered today as one of the founding fathers of watchmaking in Glashütte. Pocket watches, chronometers and observation watches crafted by Assmann and his employees were to play a significant role in establishing the company’s far-reaching reputation: the observation watches in particular were known for their remarkable precision and superior craftsmanship. In 1907/08, the young Glashütte watchmaker Paul Löwe crafted a watch that proved to be exceptionally precise, and he was urged to send it for testing to the German Naval Observatory in Hamburg, the institute officially responsible for testing and certifying the accuracy of navigational timekeepers made in Germany. It was there that Roald Amundsen saw the watch in 1910 and purchased it for his historic voyage.

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On December 14th, 1911, the Norwegian polar explorer and his team became the first persons ever to reach the geographic South Pole. Observation watches, also known as “deck watches” were used by navigation officers in conjunction with marine chronometers and other instruments to determine as precisely as possible a ship’s position at sea, and Amundsen made good use of his observation watches during his voyage to Antarctica on the polar ship, Fram. Once he and his team set out from their base camp, the time kept by his observation watches became the only standard: one watch was set to a home time and assumed the function of the marine chronometer on a ship; a second watch was set to local time; measurement of the difference between the two was used to calculate, using spherical trigonometry, the team’s position during the trek to the South Pole; a compass and sextant were also used. Thus, Amundsen’s observation watches were critical to his mission. Without them, he could not have reached his destination and claimed victory for Norway. In Oslo today, the Fram Museum displays, along with many other artifacts documenting the historic trek, one of Amundsen’s Glashütte observation watches, complete with the inscription “J. Assmann – Glashütte” on the dial.

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 Observation watches continued to be manufactured in Glashütte until 1971, a testament to the ongoing production of high quality timepieces even during challenging times. In homage to those historic timekeepers, Glashütte Original has created the Senator Observer 1911Julius Assmann in a limited edition of 25 pieces.

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The name honors Julius Assmann’s observation watches and Amundsen’s achievement in reaching the South Pole. The Senator Observer 1911’s lacquered silvergrain dial is built up slowly from three separate layers of white lacquer, the third of which features a finely textured, silver-grain surface. The dial presents subsidiary seconds and power reserve displays at 9 and 3 o’clock, respectively; Glashütte Original’s characteristic panorama date display at 6 o’clock; and blued and polished sweep minute and pear-shaped hour hands. A milled railroad chapter ring frames the black Arabic numerals.

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The Senator Observer Limited Edition 1911 – Julius Assmann features a cylindrical case fashioned in white gold, complemented by a brown calfskin strap evocative of the age of pioneering adventurers and explorers epitomized by Amundsen. The case back, engraved with the limited edition number (01/25), frames an antireflective sapphire crystal bearing the dates of Amundsen’s arrival at the South Pole and its centennial anniversary: 14 Dec. 1911 – 14 Dec 2011; the name Julius Assmann – Glashütte i/SA, and “Tribute to R. Amundsen”.

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At the heart of the Senator Observer 1911 – Julius Assmann is the automatic Caliber 100-14 self-winding movement. Traditional observation watches used hand-wound movements; Glashütte Original has chosen to outfit the Senator Observer 1911 – Julius Assmann with a contemporary automatic movement to maximize comfort for the wearer. Thus, the ‘Ab Auf’ indicator on the dial represents a true power reserve, rather than a simple indication of running time.


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The base movement is outfitted with a zero-reset mechanism, which makes for easier synchronization of the second hand with standard time. In contrast to other reset mechanisms, the second hand is not coupled with the winding stem or the crown, allowing the balance to continue oscillating and the movement to continue running with the crown pulled out, reducing wear and tear on materials. The reset mechanism is activated by pushing a separate corrector. A bi-directional winding rotor delivers energy to a patented, stepped reduction gear, and then to two smaller, serially operating spring barrels. Large amounts of energy are transmitted to the mainspring, and the spring barrels are filled quickly.

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Visible through the sapphire case back, the Caliber 100-14 is a fitting tribute to Julius Assmann. The movement features the characteristic Glashütte three-quarter plate, screw-mounted gold chatons, and a rotor with 21-carat gold oscillating weight and the gold-plated double-G mark that distinguishes mechanical watches from Glashütte Original.
The images below may be enlarged with a click.
 
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Chopard - Paul Miller Racing Limited Edition Mille Miglia GTXL














Chopard - Mille Miglia GTXL Paul Miller Racing Limited Edition NEW


To support its partnership with Paul Miller Racing in the American Le Mans Series, Chopard introduces the Paul Miller Racing Limited Edition Mille Miglia GTXL. Available with a leather or rubber strap and set in 18k rose gold or stainless steel, these timepieces will be available at select Paul Miller dealerships and the Chopard boutique in New York City. Find prices and wallpaper inside. 

The watches are COSC-certified chronometers and water-resistant to 100 meters. The stainless steel version will be produced in a limited series of 100 pieces, and the 18k rose gold model is limited to 25 examples.







































Chopard is an established presence in the motorsports arena through its sponsorship of two of the world’s most prestigious motorsports events: Italy’s Mille Miglia 1,000-mile drive from Brescia to Rome, and the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique race.

“The partnership has reinforced Chopard’s long standing affiliation with cars and car racing,” said Marc Hruschka, Chopard USA President & CEO. “We are pleased to join forces with the Miller family. They have a strong passion for the sport that is shared with the Scheufele family. The Paul Miller brand is respected and trusted in the fine auto industry. The core values of both brands align to create a strategic and beneficial relationship.”







































“Chopard is a universally recognized luxury brand that has a long history of successful motorsport involvement,” said team owner Paul Miller. “There are many synergies with the two brands starting with the family ties between the Miller and Scheufele Family. Both brands are family owned and operated. The bond is also built on the parallels of precision between fine watches and automobiles. We hope to host memorable experiences for both sets of clients. We look forward to a long and mutually fruitful relationship.”









































The Paul Miller Racing Limited Edition Mille Miglia GTXL in stainless steel retails for $9,650. In 18k rose gold the price is $26,010. Additional information appears below the images, which may be enlarged with a click


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Mille Miglia GTXL Special Edition Paul Miller Watch set in Stainless Steel

Reference: 168457-3013
Automatic Movement
Black Dial with Paul Miller Racing Logo
Chronometer Certified (COSC)
Power Reserve Approx. 46 Hours
24 Jewels
Glare proof sapphire crystal and crystal back case with special engraving
Water Resistant up to 100 meters
Power Reserve Indication
Date Window
Folding Buckles
Limited Edition of 100 Pieces
Retail: $9,650
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Mille Miglia GTXL Special Edition Paul Miller Watch set in 18kt Rose Gold

Reference: 161272-5003

Automatic Movement
Silver Dial with Paul Miller Racing Logo
Chronometer Certified (COSC)
Power Reserve Approx. 46 Hours
24 Jewels
Glare proof sapphire crystal and crystal back case with special engraving
Water Resistant up to 100 meters
Power Reserve Indication
Date Window
Folding Buckles
Limited Edition of 25 Pieces
Retail: $26,010

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