Tuesday, 25. May 2010
I loved the original Knight Rider series when I was a kid in the 1980s, and have been talking to my watches ever since. I have yet to summon a sympathetic, listening Trans-Am by doing so, but that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped hoping. (KITT, if you’re out there…)
If you’re feeling nostalgic, Casio makes a couple of inexpensive calculator watches that take us back.
And meanwhile, for old times’ sake:
Monday, 17. May 2010
Tired of boring luxury watches that all look the same? Looking to inject some playfulness and adventure into your style? Check out IWC’s Big Pilot Watch, which is classy and modern while also hearkening back to great men’s fashions of the mid-20th century. Everything about these watches is BIG: big clock face, big winding knob, big clock hands. They make a bold statement and are a lot of fun to wear with stylistic references to an airplane cockpit.
But these watches are also have all the quality craftsmanship and durability of subtler luxury watches. The watch also includes a 7-day power reserve, automatic Pellaton winding system,a Breguet spring, and smooth leather band. It weighs in at a hefty 122 g and has a wide face covered in cool blue sapphire glass that measures an audacious 4.6cm . The display includes the date and is housed in a soft-iron case to protect against magnetic fields. And as you might suspect, the watch is also resistant to changes in air pressure.
The Mark 11 that originally inspired the the current pilot’s watch went on to become one of the most famous watches in its day. Here’s to the return of the pilot’s watch!
Wednesday, 14. April 2010
Some of you may be thinking that this is just a silly question, that God, being omniscient and omnipotent, not only knows the time if He were asked, but is in fact, outside of time. The only way that He could be omniscient is indeed if He were outside of this petty human concept that we identify as time and which we break down into three distinct shapes that accord to our own perspective: past, present and future.
But enough of this metaphysical discourse. If God wore a watch, I think he would have to wear something to complement his long flowing robes. And his hair. It would also have to be of the best materials, so sorry silver, but you’re out. God would only wear platinum or gold, and God with a gold watch would look a little cheesy, doncha think?
Okay, would it be water resistant? Of course! It’s God’s watch! You think it’s going to break if He wants to go for a swim? I think it would be a relatively simple watch, because God favors simplicity, doesn’t he? Maybe just the date and day of the week. And some diamonds. Come on, it’s God, he’s not going to skimp on the diamonds. God, if you’re reading this, can you give us a hint?
Friday, 2. April 2010
No one likes skin and bones, unless it’s the skin and bones of your watch, that is. It’s actually really cool to watch your watch work – all the cogs and wheels turning really gives you a sense of the craftsmanship involved in the making of your timepiece. Some skeleton watches are front and back, some are back only, some are luxury, some are everyday wear, some are sporty, and some are casual.
In deciding what kind of watch you want, it depends on what your daily needs are. Then take into account extraordinary activity like how often you encounter water, and how often you want to wear your watch. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on your watch to enjoy it either. Many skeleton watches today can be had for around $100.
These watches are attractive because they are different, and are fascinating to watch. Be careful, though! You don’t want to be caught staring at the beauty of your watch’s mechanisms all the time because people may think that you can’t wait for an event to end and take it as a sign of rudeness. Or they may ask to see your watch.
Wednesday, 17. February 2010
After I got my tax refund last week, I wanted to get myself something special. I’ve been eyeing this Cartier Santos 100 for a long time now, and finally decided to treat myself.
You might be thinking, out of all the watches you could get, why that one?
The Cartier Santos is constructed with incredible craftsmanship and watch know-how of Cartier watchmakers, so the unbeatable quality was a huge selling point for me. The flat watch has a square but rounded face, that isn’t too slim or too thick. It’s comfortable to wear and goes great with formal or casual styles. That was crucial for me.
Although I wanted a luxury watch, I didn’t want anything too crazy or gaudy.
The brown leather band paired with the gold watch face puts a unique and modern spin on the classic stainless steel combinations you get with most watches. It’s easy to wear and see even in the dimmest lit-rooms. Another thing I like is that the watch is incredibly durable. Although it’s not built on a sports chronograph, you can wear in the most rugged conditions.
Once you buy a Cartier Santos, you really won’t need another watch for daily wear, it can go with jeans and a T-shirt or your best suit.
Monday, 15. February 2010
Manufacturing only the best timepieces since 1839, Swiss watchmaster Patek Philippe knows a thing or two about fine watches.
Patek Philippe is the only manufacturer that crafts its watches to the stringent specifications of the Geneva Seal. These exquisitely constructed watches are made with the latest technologies and the old world know-how that only comes from generations of experience.
So when Patel Philippe introduces a new collection, we have it on our radar.
For ladies who are admire the casually elegant style of the classic men’s Nautilus watch, Patek Philippe has come out with a women’s Nautilus Collection. This latest interpretation of the feminine Nautilus watch comes in stunning white or rose gold, with a diamond set bezel and a charcoal or silvery white dial. This watch is perfect for the go-getter who admires classic structure and without compromising her femininity.
For men, the Calatrava Ref 5153J is a very rare officier’s-style case made with superior Patek Philippe craftsmanship. This new style features a rounded bezel, a sapphire-crystal back protected by a hinged dust cover, a unique turban style winding crown, set with a brown alligator leather band. This watch is the perfect balance of refinement and casual comfort. If you’re looking for a chic, sophisticated watch that still has a laid-back air to it, this is the perfect watch for you.
Thursday, 21. January 2010
Everyone knows watches allow their wearers to keep time, but what else have they got to offer? Let’s take a look.
One reason people wear watches is that, frankly, people have been wearing watches for centuries—why stop now? Some of the earliest timepieces were 16th century pocket watches, which were mostly functional but involved a level of fashion as well. Back then, if you had a pocket watch you would wear it on your buttonhole or waistcoat to flaunt your status, a style some men employ even today.
Second, a watch shows off its owner’s personality and style, be it sporty, funky, classic, elegant, rugged, or perhaps a combination of these. With so many different colors, sizes, brands, and makes, in addition to “build a watch” services, there’s really no limit to your customization. A lot of people like to mix diamond and gold cases with rubber straps, for example, to combine both edgy and timeless elements.
There’s certainly a watch out there for everyone. Into name brands? Try a Rolex. Sick of remembering which is the little hand? Go digital. Keep browsing and you’re sure to find the perfect timepiece!
Wednesday, 20. January 2010
If you’re into sports like hockey, baseball, or football, you can actually use a sports watch to show people how much you love your favorite teams. I know most people think of a sports watch as a specific style of timepiece, which it is, but that’s not all it is. The sports watches I’m talking about are the ones emblazoned with the colors and logos of your favorite teams. For example, if I liked the Pittsburgh Steelers, I might enjoy something with a black rubber strap and Steelers logo on the watch face.
Pretty cool, right? Ever better, there’s a sports watch for almost every team in every sport, including football, baseball, basketball, and hockey—even NASCAR and college football and basketball.
And your watch doesn’t even have to look all that sporty, as most retailers offer as much variety in team watches as you’d find from a regular distributor. You can choose a variety of band materials (acrylic, rubber, metal, leather) and case materials (plastic, gold, silver, platinum). And just like regular watches, you can find the all the features you’re looking for, like water resistance, alarm clocks, and time zone support. You can even buy a Swiss- or German-made sports watch.
So go out there and support your team!
Monday, 18. January 2010
Idon’t know about your kids, but while mine are very well-behaved and have great manners, I still wouldn’t want either to have a watch over $50, especially my youngest. Kids lose and break things all the time, so your best course of action is to only buy your youngsters budget watches. This way, it won’t be such a big deal if anything happens to them. Once your kids reach a more responsible age, you can consider upgrading them to pricier models, like discount luxury watches.
Children’s watches vary almost as much as adult models, which means you have a wide selection to choose from. I bought my daughter a Mickey Mouse watch a couple of years ago—which she loved—but that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
For example, most boys are just crazy about Transformers watches. These don’t actually transform, but they sort of look like they might, which is enough for most kids! (They let their imaginations cover the rest.) Of course, not all children’s watches are themed—some are almost like adult watches, only smaller and in more childlike colors.
Overall, though, the most important thing is to find out which styles your children like and encourage them to express themselves through their wristwear.
Thursday, 14. January 2010
Shopping for timepieces can be so frustrating – it seems the cases and straps I like are never parts of the same watch!
I prefer to build my own watches online, which allows me to easily create the perfect designs for me.
For example, Fossil’s Build a Watch feature lets you mix and match watch cases and straps to find an ideal combination. Also, the program tells you the price, materials, and other info pertaining to each component, so you’ll never be surprised by your final product.
121 Time offers a similar program that allows you to create personalized watches in a variety of styles, from corporate to elegant, drawing from a selection of exclusively Swiss products. You can begin with a base watch and then modify the case, bezel, dial and hands, strap, and even the mechanical movement, or start entirely from scratch.
Blancier’s virtual workshop works the same way, with customizable options right down to the watch stem.
Of course, I’m not always in the mood to create my own watches. I like to mix it up and buy discount luxury watches designed by professionals as well.