Baume & Mercier, or Baume et Mercier if you want to get technical, has a new ambassador for Baume & Mercier & Me campaign. Who, you might ask? A certain Cuban-American actor with quite a few accolades in the film industry has been chosen by this elite Geneva-based watchmaker: the one and only, Andy Garcia!
The Baume & Mercier & Me campaign is essentially a philanthropic campaign in which the company champions several environmental causes, as well as medical research and children’s funds.
So why was Garcia chosen? Well, according to the Baume & Mercier website, Garcia was selected because he shares several “common denominators” with the brand. For instance, like Baume & Mercier, Garcia radiates a certain elegance, an authentic personality and charisma, along with a timeless and natural presence.
Ever wondered about the history of luxury watch makers Patek Philippe?
Patek Philippe has a long history and started when a Polish watchmaker by the name of Antoni Norbert Patek began making watches in 1839 in Geneva, along with a fellow Pole named Franciszek Czapek. The company might have been known as Patek and Czapek (kind of has a nice, symmetric ring to it, doesn’t it?) but the two separated in 1844, when Patek went on to partner with French watchmaker Adrien Philippe. Patek Philippe Co., as we know it today, was founded in 1851. They made their first wrist watch in 1868, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Patek Philippe watches have sold for record prices in auction houses around the world and are undoubtedly a symbol of high social status and wealth. They were the watch of choice for Queen Victoria and her consort, Prince Albert, and Patek Philippes have been worn by royalty, political leaders and rulers ever since.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hollywood star turned Governor of California, swears by Audemars Piguet, a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer founded in 1875. In recent years, the Austrian hulk has become synonymous with the brand, endorsing it wherever possible. Last month, he was at a New York gala benefit honoring Francois-Henry Bennahmias, President and CEO of Audemars Piguet North America, among others, who supports the Governor’s programs for at-risk children. The highlight of the evening was a Sotheby’s auction of a pre-sale Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Legacy timepiece, scheduled to have a general release in March 2011. The auction raised over $500,000.
Celebrities just can’t get enough of their luxury watches. Why? Luxury watches exude style, quality and function and they scream power and success – they’re a status symbol. Famous singers, actors, musicians and sportspeople can be seen casually wearing Rolex, Omega, Christian Dior, Jaeger LeCoultre and other watches that cost thousands of dollars.
Actor John Travola of “Grease” fame wears a Breitling Navitimer watch, one of the world’s greatest cellists Yo-Yo Ma wears a Rolex Datejust watch, and the eternally young-looking Leonardo DiCaprio wears a Jaeger LeCoultre Master Minute Repeater watch that will set you back over one hundred thousand dollars.
Tennis pro Roger Federer, who has won more grand slam titles than any other male tennis player in history, is one of the faces of Rolex. Check out Roger playing tennis in a suave suit and pricey timepiece in the Rolex advertisement which aired during Wimbledon 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!
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?
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.
A lot of people think diamonds are best reserved for special occasions, but this simply isn’t true. Yes, certain ornate pieces of jewelry and watches — the kind that compete with the chandelier for attention — are probably most appropriate for holidays and celebrations, but not all diamond pieces are this showy. Womens diamond watches, for example, are often demure enough for everyday use.
The appropriateness of your diamond watch really depends on three things: size, quantity, and color. Watches with large diamonds are usually on the more formal side, so you can keep things casual with gems of a smaller size. Similarly, a watch covered in diamonds is bound to attract attention, while small amounts of diamonds embedded along the strap, bezel, or face — note the “or” — are safe, subtle choices.
Color, too, is very important; white diamonds are more likely to stand out on yellow or rose gold, and virtually any pattern of colored diamonds (with the exception of black) is going to elevate your timepiece from your daughter’s piano recital to an evening at Carnegie Hall, whether you want it to or not.
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.
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.
