Skeleton Watches are Hot

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.

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Diamond Watches for Any Occasion

Tuesday, 23. February 2010

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.

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Watches Will Always Be In Style

Monday, 22. February 2010

Many watches are jewelry pieces. They have diamonds, gold, platinum, and for the workmanship alone that goes into them, some can be placed in museums. But if you think that you have to spend a lot of money to have a nice watch…you’re probably right. But you can still get a lot of cool watches for a couple of hundred dollars or less.

And digital watches never go out of style. You can program them to read military time so that people think you’re a little more serious, or if you don’t care what people think you can go to your local pharmacy to get a ten dollar one.

In today’s age, with the predominance of cell phone clocks, watches seem to be falling out of style. Though that isn’t necessarily the case. If you really just wanted to know the time, you could ask a passer-by or your buddy sitting next to you, but if you want to know what you’re doing with your time, then it’s time to buy a watch.

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My Watch History…And My Watch Future

Thursday, 18. February 2010

I’ve been hard on my watches, ever since I was a little kid. That doesn’t lessen my love for them though. Yes, ever since I had my first watch which was digital with a Batman wrist band I wore them until they became unattractively scratched and beaten. When I was in fourth grade I had this sick Remote Control watch, and you could program it to work for different TV’s and sitting on the couch, I didn’t have to get up and change the channel, I could just use my watch. One day in math class, I even turned on the TV that we never used and no one knew what it was for, and even though it was just a black screen, it was still fun, and everyone thought I was cool. (I think).

After that I had a nice Seiko, which had chronographs and a chronometer, but because I wore it every day, it too eventually became completely scratched, and when I tried to replace the crystal, I was told it’s just not worth it. So today I’m waiting for my next watch. Maybe I’ll get a Tag from my parents when I graduate from law school, (if I go to law school) or maybe I’ll buy it myself after I make the New York Times Bestseller list when I publish my book of blog posts.

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Cartier Santos 100: Style and Versatility

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.

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The Latest Styles from Patek Philippe

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.

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Cherishing Chanel: J12 & Superleggera Watches

Tuesday, 9. February 2010

When it comes to fine watches, it doesn’t get any finer than Chanel. Like the brand’s clothing, handbags, and other products, Chanel timepieces exemplify a certain cool aesthetic — sleek, refined, minimalist.

All of these qualities are present in Chanel’s J12 watches, available in masculine chronographs, feminine quartz models, and gender-neutral automatics. Designed in various manifestations of pristine white and impenetrable black, these timepieces are also marked by their distinct circular cases, a friendly nod to Swiss design.

And of course, since we’re talking Chanel, even the high-end, diamond encrusted models manage to look tasteful and restrained. These luxury timepieces feature twin rings of either classic white or exotic black diamonds set into the bezel.

For a more dynamic twist on classic Chanel style, we recommend the  Superleggera Ceramic Chornograph for men, featuring a uniquely shaded black ceramic case coated in tungsten-carbide. The bracelet is based in this same black, though lightened with an elegant stripe of aluminum ceramic. Finally, a silver dial and silver subdials complete the look as a middle-ground between Chanel’s typical black and white polarities.

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D.I.Y Watch Repair: Replacing The Battery

Thursday, 4. February 2010


Many people bring their timepieces to the jewelry store whenever they need to have a battery replaced, but like most things, you can save money if you install your watch battery yourself. All you need are a few basic tools and a couple of minutes.

For tools, you’re going to need pairs of needle-nosed pliers and tweezers, in addition to the screwdriver from an eyeglass kit. You can buy find these things individually, or purchase them as a set as part of a watch repair kit (which makes a great present, by the way).

Your first step is to check the back of your watch’s case. If there is a depression around the edge of the case then you can pry it off with your pliers. Alternatively, if you see holes for screws, you’ll have to unscrew each of these and then lift off the case. Next, you need to remove the watch’s rubber gasket, which sits along the rim of the case back.

The battery itself will be a small metallic circular disc fastened either by a cover and screw or spring clip. If there is a cover, you’ll have to unscrew it with your eyeglass screwdriver. For a spring clip, you can pull the battery out with your tweezers or pliers (whichever fits best).

Do not throw out the battery! You need to pay attention to its exact make so that you can buy the same kind as a replacement. After you’ve found your new battery, simply reverse the above instructions to put everything back where it belongs.

Pretty simple, huh?

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Do I Really Need To Insure A Watch I Send?

Monday, 1. February 2010

The thing that a lot of people don’t like about paying for insurance, is that it can sometimes be expensive, depending on the size of the box, weight of the item, and how much you insure it for. However, insuring an item (any item) ensures YOU of two things. First off, if the item gets lost somehow, and you have proof (receipt) of the item, in this case a watch, you can show it to them and they will reimburse you the full amount. It’s still going to be a pain in the butt to replace the item, but replacing it is much better than not getting anything back in return!

Second off, when you insure an item they will most likely give you a tracking or confirmation number. And the person will usually have to sign for the package as well – I believe the sign-age is optional though. Honestly, I think everyone should appreciate the benefits of the tracking/confirmation number and the sign option. This is going to truly allow you to see that A) the package or item got to the person and that B) they, the intended person, got the package.

I have had about three mishaps where I did NOT get insurance on a package and it somehow got lost and I lost everything and never got anything in return! Pay the few extra dollars and save yourself some major heart ache, money and time! This can be especially important if you are sending a relative or a friend a watch and it’s a little on the expensive side. I would think you would WANT to be protected!

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Shipping News: How to Mail a Watch

Monday, 25. January 2010

If you’re looking to send a watch to a friend, family member, customer, or buyer, you need to keep in mind some guidelines before placing your timepiece in the mail.

First, if you are in the United States, consider shipping your watch through US Postal Service Express Mail. This might be a little more expensive, but your package will be taken care of and not thrown or jostled around.

After you’ve chosen a shipping method, begin by wrapping the watch in a soft cloth—these can be bought just about anywhere. This will protect the bracelet and case back. Next, place the watch in a zip lock bag to prevent water damage. To further cushion your timepiece, wrap it in an extra layer of bubble wrap before shipping.

For optimum protection, most seasoned watch shippers add even one more layer: an acrylic box that fits in your cardboard mailing box. Put your watch in the acrylic box, then tape it shut, surrounding it inside the cardboard box with a light layer of Styrofoam peanuts to keep the two boxes from banging together.

Congratulations, you’re watch is ready to be shipped!

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