2016: Roger Dubuis A sneak preview of the Roger Dubuis stand

— World Watches was amongst the first to see the very feminine Roger Dubuis stand 

The official opening of the Roger Dubuis stand has become a kind of informal opening ceremony for the SIHH at 9am on the Monday morning. But since the brand's CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué is adamant that men will be forbidden this year, your editor-in-chief took a peek behind the scenes yesterday evening with Isabelle Guignet.
For the brand the stand sets the scene for the communication throughout the year and will be found in various guises at the brand's events and points of sale. The red carpet theme of haute couture fashion shows is clear, although Alvaro Maggini stresses that the clothes were chosen for the intemporal nature to go with the new watches in the Velvet collection being presented. From some sixty creations from star designers, a shortlist of around 20 was made, from which only a handful have made it on to the glittering set of the stand.

© Paul O'Neil/ 

The new stand is a culmination of nearly a year's work for Maggini, who had a clear brief from his boss: "Jean-Marc wanted nothing but femininity, so that helped me to avoid anything that might disturb the theme," he explained to WorldTempus. "The theme of the collection is the Diva. She is someone who is always under the spotlight and we can see her in her element here. I also had to think about the characteristics of the woman who would represent Roger Dubuis, or at least the woman we would like to represent the brand. Then I built around the five pillars of the new collection and linked the dress of each model with the characteristics of each watch, which on its own took several months of work.
The challenge for Jean-Marc Pontroué was to bring together the worlds of haute horlogerie and haute couture which share similar values but in different locations, without the "fashion" aspect. "We were not looking to say this is what we will have today, this will be what we have tomorrow and this is what will come the day after tomorrow," he said. "This is an exercise in style. We want the Velvet to be one of Roger Dubuis's iconic watches in five year's time."

Frédérique Constant Classics Index GMT

— Frédérique Constant adds in 2015 fake Breitling UK, four new good looking and full functioning GMT watches to its Classics Index collection.
 

The acronym GMT refers in the watchmaking industry to a second time zone indicator. More precisely its means that the watch has a second hour hand that completes a full rotation in 24 hours.

The Classics Index GMT provides an alternate time zone reference at a glance. The GMT hand with it’s unmistakable red triangle, makes one rotation every 24- hours and can be used to read off a second time zone on the 24 hour scale placed beneath the hour markers. In addition to the GMT, all the watches feature hours, minutes, seconds and date. These reliable functions adjustable through the single crown are powered by the FC-350 automatic movement, which has a power reserve of 38-hour and 26 jewels. You can observe the precision movement in action through the sapphire crystal case back, which is water resistant to 50 meters.

 

Classics Index GMT stainless steel and leather strap (ref. FC-350S5B6) & Classics Index GMT Stainless steel rose gold plated and leather strap (ref. FC-350V5B4). © Frédérique Constant

The Classics Index GMT is available in four different variants. One combines a steel case with an intense black dial on a classical metal bracelet. The stainless steel models, with a silver dial are paired either with a black leather strap or a metal bracelet to match the case. The last distinguishes itself with a rose gold plated case and hand applied rose gold plated indexes, combined with an elegant brown leather strap.

 

Classics Index GMT stainless steel and silvered dial (ref. FC-350S5B6B) & Classics Index GMT stainless steel and black dial (ref. FC-350B5B6B). © Frédérique Constant

Corum Bubble Op Art

— Designed in partnership with Nicolas Le Moigne, two new models Replica Breitling Watches UK are added to the Op Art series.

In 2000, Corum introduced the Bubble, an oversized watch with an even larger crystal. Exactly 15 years later, the Bubble makes a its return, sealing its place as a major creation of Corum. Two new models are added to the Op Art series, launched last year.

A remarkable 8 mm high, this sapphire crystal is one of the largest of any watch. It acts as a lens, both magnifying and distorting the dial. The partnership with the industrial designer Nicolas Le Moigne, gave birth to two new designs. The patterns are inspired from Op Art, also called optical art, whose father is Victor Vasarely, the French artist of Hungarian origin. Op Art created static patterns that gave an impression of movement or surprising and contradictory perspectives. Nicolas Le Moigne took these codes, while optimizing 3D effects to an extremely reduced scale. The result is as vibrant as the effervescent energy emanating from the Bubble.

Bubble Sphere2 © Corum

The dial of the Bubble Sphere2 is aptly named, since it is pictured as the continuation of the dome-shaped crystal sapphire, giving the illusion of a sphere in a sphere. The lines that deftly traverse the dial and glass are full part of this optical effect.  With the second model of the Op Art series, the designer makes us travel with a dial akin to symbolized scenery, full of landforms, in a perfectly controlled alternation of highs and lows. Furrows and shadows effects, imitating the surface of moving water, give their name to the Bubble Drop.

 

Bubble Drop. © Corum

These two Op Art models are a limited edition, each made in an exclusive run of just 350 pieces. The first one is housed in a brass dial and a PVD-coated case, both in blue-tone. The hands are in the same shade and treated with Super-LumiNova. Using the same materials, the second model is entirely brown PVD coated. The hands follow this monochromatic statement, while breaking with the dial.
The two new timepieces are fitted with rubber straps topped with leather. And each is fitted with a buckle matching the case finish.

Corum Bubble Op Art. © Corum

IWC Aquatimer Automatic 2000

— The Aquatimer Automatic 2000 is now available in an eye-catching black-and-yellow combination.

 

IWC announced the addition of three new members to its diver’s watch family. We presented you last December the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “La Cumbre Volcano” dedicated to the eponymous volcano in the Galapagos Islands. Today we introduce you to the second model, the Aquatimer Automatic 2000.

(Ref. IW358001) © Cheap Replica IWC UK

IWC’s Aquatimer Automatic 2000 sees the launch of a model that now comes with yellow hands and numerals and a black dial. The ori­gins of this timepiece go all the way back to 1982 and a watch designed by Ferdinand A. Porsche for mine clear­ance divers. Water-resistant to a 2,000 metres, the Aquatimer Automatic 2000 is a piece of equip­ment intended for ambitious amateur and professional divers alike.

(Ref. IW358001) © IWC Watches

Its power comes from an IWC-manufactured 80110-calibre movement with automatic winding and a 44-hour power reserve. The watch has a mechanical external/internal rotating bezel, the SafeDive system and luminescent elements. The movement is housed in a 46-millimetre titanium case. The engraving of a deep-sea diver on the case back and the black rubber strap com­plete the overall sporty look.

Hublot Video. Homage to Mexico!

— To celebrate the Grand Prix's hotly anticipated return to Mexico, Hublot has created a collection of 10 unique Big Bang Ferrari Tourbillon Mexico pieces.

On the eve of the Mexican Grand Prix, Hublot Replica Watches UK has invited clients and friends of the brand to come and exclusively discover this collection.

Panerai Radiomir 1940 42mm Watches

— Our specialist has tested the new Radiomir 1940 42mm. His impressios and conclusions. 

Panerai occupies a unique position in the watchmaking world. Although the original “Officine” was created in 1860, the watches it produces only became available to the public in 1993. Until then, the various developments and products by the Florence-based brand were dedicated exclusively to the Italian navy, an experience that enabled Panerai to patent a number of systems and above all to test them in the most credible possible manner. Their arrival in watch stores implied its own challenges, largely due to their substantial size of its cases with their eminently military design. However, the daring bid proved successful since the brand immediately found its place on the wrists of a number of male and female stars, igniting a trend for outsized watches. Since them, Panerai has adopted a slightly more low-key approach and the model loaned to us for this test bench is a prototype of the new Radiomir 1940 42mm.

 

Panerai Radiomir 1940, 42mm, PAM574. © Panerai Replica Watches

Exterior
Panerai’s historical developments and patents mostly related to the case. How about today? First of all, the object of this test bench is accurately named, since it features the 1940 version of the Radiomir cushion-shaped case. That was the year that the welded wire-lugs and the cone-shaped crown were replaced by monobloc lugs and a screw-locked cylindrical crown meeting new norms.
Despite its more discreet 42mm size and its transparent sapphire crystal back, the case of this Radiomir is reliably water-resistant to 10atm. In its 2015 version, the dial displays the small seconds at 9 o’clock in addition to the hours and minutes. Otherwise, the design and the iconic construction of the Panerai dials remain the same. A first plate is coated with a luminescent material. These days Super-LumiNova replaces Radiomir (actually the name of a luminescent material patented by Panerai) while providing comparable luminescent properties. A second plate, in which the numerals and hour-markers are cut out, is laid over the first. The indications appear distinctly by day or night.
Although the design of this watch as a whole has always been guided by a purely functional vocation, it features a powerful design with a pleasingly balanced combination of curves and sharp angles.
Movement
Yesterday’s military secret is now common knowledge: movements that equipped Panerai watches during the brand’s navy-dedicated history were supplied by Rolex that held a virtual monopoly of the reputation for reliability. As soon as it opted to pursue civilian missions, the Italian brand naturally had to find movements. Its first “public” models were equipped with Unitas calibers – a wise choice, since their reliability and size were a perfect match for the product. But this was not an “in-house movement” and it joining the Richemont group that sealed the brand’s destiny as a Manufacture.
The P.1000 caliber powering this watch stems from a fully integrated development process. It is driven by two barrels ensuring a 72-hour power reserve and its balance oscillates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, a standard frequency these days. This caliber has nothing else to prove other than its reliability and its precision, two missions it fulfills to perfection. The only “fancy touch” is the seconds-resetting when the winding stem is in the time-setting position.

 

Calibre P.1000 © Panerai

The architecture and the construction of this caliber are entirely in tune with Panerai’s vocation and its “military” past. Functionality and reliability are the predominant first impression. One might even at first glance consider these models as somewhat austere. But they desire a closer look. The decoration on the bridges is a daring but praiseworthy choice. Panerai has decided to finish their surface with straight-graining, an apparently simple choice that is nonetheless delicate and difficult to perform, especially by beveling the edges. While the polishing of the angles is pretty standard (and perfectly acceptable), the various surfaces are quite distinct from each other. The focus here is on consistence and common sense rather than the trend among certain Manufactures to aspire to the realm of Haute Horlogerie whatever their identity. Finally, the design of the barrel bridge and the going train centered around the fourth wheel.
Tests
It is not surprising to note that the watch exterior lives up to its promises. Functionality, robustness, water resistance and readability: all the qualities one expects from a Panerai are indeed there.
In terms of movement performances, the amplitudes are good at 0, 24 and 48 hours, respectively measured at between 255° and 295° in horizontal positions and between 235° and 275° in vertical positions. The two power-reserve measurements were also well beyond the data supplied by the manufacturer, at more than 75 hours in both instances. It is on the wrist that the Radiomir 1940 42mm reveals its key assets. Its exceptional ergonomics make it both comfortable and elegant to wear for both men and women.
Conclusion
In “going public”, Panerai also sparked a number of trends and fashions. The Florence-based brand has nonetheless succeeded in preserving its identity, its values, but above all the remarkable qualities that have forged its well-deserved reputation. A tricky transition that has caused many brands to lose their way. As confirmed by this Radiomir 1940 42mm, Panerai has managed to become more widely available and to adapt to every-day life situations while safeguarding its technical assets and its unique character within the watch industry. Given its excellent price positioning, the Radiomir 1940 42mm is probably one of the finest possible responses to the difficult times watchmaking is currently going through.

Breguet Watches Conference on the art of living à la française

— French High Society on display in Xi’an, China. 

Following the success of its conference on the art of living à la française organized in November in Tianjin, the House of Breguet repeated the experience in the city of Xi’an. The brand’s guests gathered in a location selected with care to discover the customs and traditions of French high society, from the 18th century through today.

Appreciated by King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette, cheap replica watches have always represented expressions of high human ideals – creativity, beauty and impartiality. The brand’s archives, which record every Breguet watch sold since 1787, confirm its position as a benchmark of fine watchmaking and part of European cultural history.