Luxist

Peerless Panerais in NYC Watch Auction

Jared Paul Stern — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST

In our regular coverage of the world's top watch auctions we usually concentrate on the highest-priced timepieces, which are almost without exception made by Patek Philippe.

On the occasion of Christie's Important Watches sale in New York on Dec. 12 however, we thought we'd focus instead on the unusually high number of beautiful examples by Officine Panerai, the storied Italian brand that's opening a stylish new Manhattan boutique, as we mentioned the other day.

The Panerais on offer at the Dec. 12 auction range from a limited edition 1950 model Luminor (right) est. at $10,000 - $15,000, to an "eccentric seconds" Marina model, est. at $2,500 - $3,500. See the gallery for pix.

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Peerless Panerais in NYC Watch Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prada & LG Team Up

Annie Scott — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Timepieces

Cell phones have nearly become the new watches.

Personally, I'm not a fan of this trend. I love watches. Watches have history, a long tradition of craftsmanship and beauty. Cell phones tend to last two years at most and break a lot. Using your cell phone as your watch may save you the money and trouble of finding and elegant watch, but it's sort of like using a backpack for a purse.

Prada has come out with an interesting pairing of watch and cell phone, above. Prada and LG have teamed up to bring you a watch that receives all your Prada/LG phone's text messages, call data, and it also has a Reject Call function. You wouldn't have to dig out your phone every time if beeps, you could just look at your watch and decide whether it was worth it. Very James Bond, or at least Penny from Inspector Gadget.

[via gizmodo.com]

Prada & LG Team Up originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barney's Hippie-Themed Watches Celebrate Peace

Rigel Celeste — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces

Think of the holidays and of all the images that come to mind I bet none of them are the famous hippie symbol of Peace, but this holiday season Barneys is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the peace sign with an exclusive collection of Nixon watches all featuring a Happy Hippie theme. Designs include watch bands made of hand-stitched hemp, hand-stamped leather, and even one limited-edition version designed by Gabriel Urist that has a band of sterling silver with coral and turquoise inlays. The watches are available only at Barneys CO-OP stores (click here to find one near you) and prices range between $500 and $8000.

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Barney's Hippie-Themed Watches Celebrate Peace originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daniel Craig Prefers Rolex

Jared Paul Stern — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces, Men's Style

Omega may now be the official watch of the James Bond films, but offscreen, nouveau 007 Daniel Craig is a diehard Rolex fan. In the original books, Bond creator Ian Fleming wrote that "[Bond] could not just wear a watch. It had to be a Rolex." In the early Bond films, Sean Connery sported a Rolex Submariner, and Craig has said in interviews that he favors the identical model. Over at the Rolex Blog, Jake Ehrlich has done some impressive sleuthing into the James Bond / Craig / Rolex connection, examining quotes, photos and other clues.

In a 7-part series of posts, he determined that Craig usually wears a Rolex Submariner on a NATO spec, striped nylon strap (sold as the "James Bond" model). It is in fact not exactly the same as the one Connery sported in Goldfinger, as his was on slightly different regimental stripe strap. Most recently, Craig has been spotted wearing an understated stainless steel Oyster Perpetual (above), so he obviously has more than one Rolex in his arsenal.

Daniel Craig Prefers Rolex originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vivianna Torun Bangle Watches

Rigel Celeste — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces

Designed by Vivianna Torun for Georg Jensen these bangle watches are sleek, elegant, and classic. Intended to "free people from the slavery of time," Vivianna Torun made these watches extremely simple -- featuring a plain face with no numbers and simple hands. In addition the open bangle design symbolizes that "time should not bind us" while the mirrored face serves as a reminder that "life is now."

Very dramatic sentiment but it works in this case as the watches themselves are certainly dramatic. Available in gold, silver, and black stainless steel, the simplest designs sell for $2,200 while the limited edition version (that includes 173ct of pavé diamonds) is priced at $28,500.

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Vivianna Torun Bangle Watches originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World's Finest Rolex Collection Up for Auction

Jared Paul Stern — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces, Auctions

One of the world's finest collections of rare vintage and classic Rolex watches will take place in Milan in March. The collection, amassed by Italian Rolex enthusiast Davide Blei, is not the largest Rolex collection in the world but may well be the finest, on account of its unprecedented level of quality and exclusivity.

Blei acquired only "exquisite, rare and unique" examples of Rolex models, stressing quality over quantity and buying only the very best. The auction will be conducted by the newly formed Patrizzi auction house, and a preview is being held at Asprey in London next week.

The highlight of the sale is a pink gold "Stelline" Oyster Perpetual Chronometer with star indexes, estimated at $ 260,000 - $320,000.
Another standout is this stainless steel "Paul Newman" Cosmograph Daytona with white dial, black subdials and applied gold indexes, estimated at $58,000 - $87,000.

[Patrizzi via Hodinkee]

World's Finest Rolex Collection Up for Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panerai to Open NYC Boutique Next Month

Jared Paul Stern — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces

In December, luxury Italian watch brand Officine Panerai will open a new boutique in New York City, its second stand-alone U.S. store (the other is in Los Angeles). Panerai has been on an expansion binge of late, with recently opened shops in Florence, Portofino, Hong Kong and Shanghai. In addition to the NYC store, openings are planned for Buenos Aires, Madrid, Qatar and Dubai. The furnishings in the Panerai Boutiques are inspired by the sea, as Panerai started out supplying instruments to the Royal Italian Navy. Teak and steel are the predominant materials employed in the shops' nautical design, while furnishing details evoke diving suits and equipment, with porthole-shaped display panels recalling yacht fittings.

Panerai to Open NYC Boutique Next Month originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TAG Heuer Grand Carrera Wins Sports Watch of the Year

Jared Paul Stern — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces

TAG Heuer's impressive Grand Carrera Calibre 36 RS Caliper Chronograph (above) just won top honors in the Sports watch category at the prestigious Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. The watch, which was presented at BaselWorld 2008 as the TAG Heuer Concept of the year, is the only automatic chronograph capable of measuring and displaying 1/10ths of a second. Visible through a tinted double sapphire crystal, the COSC-certified movement oscillates at an astonishing 36,000 vibrations per hour. It fatures a 43mm, black titanium carbide-coated case, a Calibre 36 RS movement with more than 50 hours power reserve, and two "Black Gold" Rotating Systems.

TAG Heuer Grand Carrera Wins Sports Watch of the Year originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bamford Custom Ferrari-Inspired Rolex Daytona

Jared Paul Stern — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces

Last spring we told you about a super-cool custom Rolex Daytona from London-based Bamford & Sons. Now the bastion of top-drawer British style has come out with a new version of the classic sports watch, designed as an homage to vintage Ferraris with a red dial.

The new Daytona (right) is treated with a military grade, scratch proof PVD coating over the stainless steel case and bracelet, though it is not flat black like the previous Bamford model. Only 25 examples of the Ferrari red watch are being produced at a price of $23,000 each, available by special order from Bamford's London flagship in Sloane Square.

In addition to its special limited edition pieces, Bamford is now offering customers a bespoke dial color matching and customization service on classic Rolex models such as the Submariner, GMT, Explorer II, Sea Dweller and Milgauss.

[via JustLuxe]

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Bamford Custom Ferrari-Inspired Rolex Daytona originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Icelink's Latest Ambassador, Santa Claus

Deidre Woollard — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces

Icelink, purveyor of six timezone rectangular diamond-heavy watches has found a rather interesting new ambassador, good old St. Nick. That's right, the brand has released a press releasing saying that they have "signed an exclusive deal with Santa Claus." They say that starting this year Santa Claus will fly back and forth across the skies of all the continents with the 6Timezone Santa Snow watch on his wrist. The 6Timezone Santa Snow replaces the diamonds of the Snow watch with rubies. We hope Santa is being well-paid for his promotional abilities and donating his proceeds to needy children.

Icelink's Latest Ambassador, Santa Claus originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rare Patek Philippes & Rolexes in Geneva Auction

Jared Paul Stern — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces, Auctions

In Geneva on Monday, Christie's is staging a stunning sale of Important Watches. Top of the timepiece heap is a fine, large and rare stainless steel chronograph by Patek Philippe made in 1941, one of Patek's rarest chronograph models, which could fetch up to $1 million. There are several extremely precious Patek Philippes in the sale, including an 18K gold dual crown world time wristwatch made for Tiffany & Co. in 1963, est. $500,000 - $760,000; and a large and rare 18K pink gold chronograph with a pink dial from 1941, est. $425,000 - $850,000.

Also included are several superlative Rolexes, including a very fine and rare stainless steel automatic triple calendar wristwatch with moon phases from 1953, est. $127,000 - $212,000; a stainless steel chronograph with pulsometre scale and a black dial from 1941 (above), est. $127,000 - $212,000; and an atimagnetic stainless steel triple calendar chronograph from 1960, est. $100,000 - $150,000. See the gallery for pix.

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Rare Patek Philippes & Rolexes in Geneva Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Ducati Watches from Binda

Jared Paul Stern — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces, Wheels

Ducati and Swiss watchmaker Binda have released two new timepieces stemming from their collaboration that my colleague Deidre Woollard first wrote about last summer.

Styling of the Ducati One (right) is strongly influenced by the iconic Italian-made motorcycles, with several design characteristics reflecting engine and construction details, down to the tire tread strap.

The name of the second model, Desmo, is derived from the Desmodromic control system featured in all Ducati motorcycles. The steel and titanium chronograph, influenced by racing bikes, is water-resistant.

[via Motorbiker.org]

New Ducati Watches from Binda originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Postage Stamp Watches Inspired by Love and Holidays

Rigel Celeste — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces

Postage stamps have featured some of the best art and most beautiful designs over the years, and now your favorites can be yours to enjoy for longer than just the time it takes to send a letter. P.S. Collection by Arjang & Co. is now offering two new timepiece collections that are inspired by some of the most popular U.S. postage stamp designs: the Love series and the holiday series.

The watches range in price from $95-$135 and feature Japanese movement, soft sheepskin and nubuck straps, a space on the back for engraving, and every one is stamped with the official insignia of the United States Postal Service.

Browse the gallery below and tell us which one is your favorite!

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Postage Stamp Watches Inspired by Love and Holidays originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 'Impossible-to-Counterfeit' Qaue de L'ile Watch

Rigel Celeste — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces

Every luxury watch brand has knock-off versions, in varying degrees of quality and effort, but if you want a timepiece that can't be copied then the Quai de L'ile by Vacheron Constantin is for you. The Qaui de L'ile is named after the watchmaker's historic address in Geneva and has a laundry list of high-tech features that are said to make the watch "counterfeit-proof." Some of the most interesting are tiny words printed with special inks like those used to make money, laser engravings on the dial so small they can't be seen without a magnifying glass, and layers of invisible markings that only show up clearly under UV light (you can almost see one, a sun symbol, in the picture above between the 1 and the 2 on the dial).

The Vacheron Constantin Quai de L'ile was just launched last month and, depending on features, is priced between $29,000-$60,000.

Via DVICE
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The 'Impossible-to-Counterfeit' Qaue de L'ile Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Curtis & Co. Watches

Annie Scott — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Apparel, Timepieces

You've probably heard of Curtis & Co. watches. They've been seen on everyone from 50 Cent to Paris Hilton, to Stuart Scott on ESPN. They list famous wearers here, on their "Awristocrats" page.

Their collections all start with the words "Big Time," and include Air (in blue with black casing at right), Ice, Hers, and Limited Edition pieces like a gorgeous rectangular watch celebrating the new golden age of Dubai.

Are these watches "Big Time?" Yes. Each watch has a beautifully crafted face, multiple first-rate functions, and there is an extensive selection of straps in different colors and textures. Curtis & Co. makes exquisite and stylish watches for gifts or to be seen wearing.

Click here for retailers.

Curtis & Co. Watches originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolex Celebrates with Oyster Perpetual Day-Date II

Rigel Celeste — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces

In celebration of their 100th anniversary Rolex is offering an updated and upgraded version of their original Day-Date timepiece called the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date II. Features include a bigger 41mm face (up from 38mm), a Super-President bracelet, Crownclasp, and your choice of 18 kt yellow gold, Everose gold, platinum, or (if you're really feeling spendy) a white gold version with 8 diamonds and 2 baguettes set into the dial.

The five versions of the Day-Date II all have their own individual personalities so choosing your favorite will be a little more complicated than just picking a favorite color. $20,000 and up.

Via Dvice
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Rolex Celebrates with Oyster Perpetual Day-Date II originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Austin-Healey Watch by Frederique Constant

Jared Paul Stern — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces, Wheels

Swiss watchmaker Frederique Constant is celebrating its longstanding sponsorship of events for enthusiasts of Austin-Healey sportscars with a new limited edition timepiece inspired by the classic British marque.

The Austin-Healey automatic watch (right) has a two-way winding system activated by movements of the wrist. The turning rotor is visible through the sapphire glass on the back of the watch, which comes on a hand-stitched leather racing strap. A high quality miniature Austin-Healey car in a luxurious wooden box will accompany each $1,795 timepiece.

"Our Healey sponsorship is a celebration of the appealing classical design and excellent engine performance of Austin Healey cars," says Frederique Constant Geneva CEO Peter Stas. "These are the same core values we emphasize at Frederique Constant."

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The Austin-Healey Watch by Frederique Constant originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Louis Moinet Magistralis Watch

Deidre Woollard — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces

A piece of a 2000 year-old lunar meteorite is part of the mechanism inside the one-of-a-kind Louis Moinet Magistralis watch. The 18K gold watch has a movement that includes complications such as the minute repeater, perpetual calendar and mono-pusher chronograph. A striking mechanism hammers out the hours, quarter-hours and minutes. The movement was created 100 years ago and beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour. Even the case is complex involving 90 pieces that include a pressure-controlled striking mechanism lever.
The presentation box includes an original of Louis Moinet Traite d'Horlogerie, the second edition, dated 1856, a book on watchmaking techniques with illustrations of watch movements hand-drawn by Louis Moinet. The watch costs one million Swiss Francs (around $862,000).

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Louis Moinet Magistralis Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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F.P. Journe Announces No Salon In 2009

Deidre Woollard — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces

For the last few years, watchmakers have been on a record pace, cranking out new complications and editions as fast as they could to catch the eyes of the watch-hungry public. Now one of them, Swiss watchmaker F.P.Journe is taking a breather. The company has announced they will not be holding their annual salon in its Manufacture in Geneva in 2009 as the company has decided not to launch any new watch creation. The company launched new watches in their elegant Souveraine line in 2007 and 2008 and François-Paul Journe has said he wishes to "concentrate his forces" on these watches. It's not known if this decision is related to the general downturn in luxury spending.

[via JCK Online]

F.P. Journe Announces No Salon In 2009 originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blancpain Donates A Watch To The Forbidden City

Deidre Woollard — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces

The Carousel Volant by Blancpain has become the first wristwatch displayed in the Forbidden City. The timepiece was first displayed in the Palace Museum in Beijing's Forbidden City during a unique donation ceremony. The Palace Museum has a Watch and Clock Hall that has a collection of over 1,000 mechanical timepieces from the 18th and 19th Century but this is the first modern timepiece in the collection.

The watch which is called the Blancpain Qiankun Carousel, is done in 18K gold and the half-worked opaline dial shows the Yin and Yang symbol.The 43.5 mm case has a special design on the back with the words "The Palace Museum" and "Piece Unique." Under the sapphire crystal you can see the oscillating weight which was specifically designed for this piece. The Carousel is similar to a tourbillon and completes a full rotation in 60 seconds. Close up pics of the watch front and back showing the intricate detail are in the gallery below.

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Blancpain Donates A Watch To The Forbidden City originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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