Simply Named Eterna KonTiki Diver Is Amazing And Heralds Eterna’s Return To The USA

Posted on July 5, 2008
Filed Under Dive Watches, Eterna, General, New Watches, Watch Buying, Watches | Leave a Comment

Good ol’ Eterna. I am so happy they are soon to be officially distributed in the US once again. Eterna is not well known, and that is a shame. The company actually started ETA, which makes most of the movements in all Swiss watches. ETA was later sold to the Swatch Group. Eterna also makes all the Porsche Design watches. In my opinion, it is one of the most underrated and unacknowledged brands out there. If their marketing department is paying any attention, that ought to change soon when they re-enter the US market.

The first watch to be sold along with their KonTiki Anniversary model, is the “Eterna KonTiki Diver.” This watch is actually a few years overdue, having been announced a while ago. For me, this is the best combination of features and elements one could ask for in a modern looking technical dive watch. It is an accurate chronometer, it is easy to read, has a power reserve, and has a nice sophisticated look that does not make you look like you drive a large truck everywhere. The KonTiki Diver is simply a dedicated tool with an obvious element of style, but no outward aggressiveness like many other large watches.

The really unique aspect of the watch is the skeletonized external case that the make watch rests in, and can flip out. There are three main reasons for this. First is to help protect the inner case from shock and damage. Second is to allow for an easy way to winding the watch while it is on your wrist (and while underwater, as the large crown does not need to be screwed down). Third is to act as a lock to prevent the bi-directional bezel from rotating unintentionally. The external bezel actually rotating the internal bezel, which is really cool. However, to ensure reliability, the external bezel can only be turned when you flip out the inner case. Otherwise the bezel is locked in position. To release the internal case, you need to press two buttons on the sides of the external case.

The rubber strap has a really nice steel deployment with diving extension. The strap also helps reduce overall weight. Parts of the watch case are PVD titanium, which is really nice as well. Inside, the watch has a well-to-do ETA 2897. It is resistant to 1000 meters, so and certainly looks it. Due to the complexity of the case, it is about 46mm wide and relatively thick. Personally I love large watches like, but I don’t think this watch will look totally appropriate in formal settings as it looks like you are a spy. Which may be good

Despite the very modern appearance of this watch, a lot of of the face styling is based in Eterna history. You’ll notice the many triangles in the face of the watch that go back to the original KonTiki. These make for excellent places to put Super Luminova. The hands as well are based on legibility, but like other Eterna KonTiki watches are broad like swords. The numbering style as well is in traditional Eterna motif. On the back of the case you’ll find a nice little engraved emblem. Eterna loves doing this with most of their models, in an attempt to give them each a reference point in the history of the company.

I’d say the only real downside of this watch is the price. The retail is about $10,000. Very steep and up there in Rolex Sea Dweller and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms territory. I’d expect a street price of $6,000 - $8,000 at first, but we shall see. Eterna made the right decision to make its way back to the US. Official presence here is sure to expand their line of offerings, which have always been of superb quality and taste. A real connoisseurs’ choice of watch, even among watch connoisseurs.

See Eterna watches on eBay here.

See Eterna watches on Amazon here.

ETERNA Matic NOS Vintage Swiss Steel Watch With Tag

US $200.00 (15 Bids)
End Date: Saturday Jul-05-2008 12:34:05 PDT
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ETERNA SWISS ETERNA-MATIC 3003 TV-CASE AUTOMATIC

US $102.50 (15 Bids)
End Date: Saturday Jul-05-2008 14:03:00 PDT
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Brunton Monocular / Eterna

US $15.50 (2 Bids)
End Date: Saturday Jul-05-2008 18:50:38 PDT
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NEW Eterna Ladies 1935 Quartz Diamond Dial Watch $2,995

US $305.00 (7 Bids)
End Date: Saturday Jul-05-2008 19:45:04 PDT
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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com

The UTS Bauhaus 1000 Meter Collection: Possibly UTS’s Most Attractive Watch Yet

Posted on July 4, 2008
Filed Under Dive Watches, New Watches, UTS, Watch Buying, Watches | Leave a Comment

UTS Munchen watch company is literally comprised of basically one extremely dedicate watch maker who puts each UTS watch together by hand. Utterly German in their form and function, these venerable watches make wonderful tools. Which is part of their appeal and drawback at the same time. The watches excel are their function, but could be described as being overly clinical in appearance. Of course it depend on who you ask, but this new line of UTS Bauhaus watches is certainly a fresh and appealing look that maintains the image and history of the brand.

Bauhaus design is difficult to describe, but has German origination and is deeply focused on function. Though it resembles minimalism, it is not that strictly speaking. For me, it is more a minimalist version of art deco or art nouveau. The real display of Bauhaus aesthetic is on the face of the watch. The rest of it is more or less standard UTS fare, which is not bad by any means.

I am impressed that despite it being a 1000 meter diver, the watch still has a sapphire window for viewing the movement on the rear of the case. Typically, you’ll need to completely seal up a watch for that level of water resistant. I’d love to see just how thick the rear crystal is (I think it is between 3-5mm thick). Size is good at 43mm, which to me is the prefect size for an everyday watch. Maybe 44mm, but it depends on the watch.

I have to admit I think at least a bit of the motivation in designing this watch came from the Sinn U1, which has an altogether different, but related design theme. Although the Bauhaus edition has a distinct look, even for UTS, it really isnt that much different than the rest of the UTS watches. Number indicators are now rods and dots, and the seconds hands is a slyly well-done combination of art and function. The bezel numbers and hash marks also have a special treatment. Inside is an ETA 2824-2 automatic mechanical movement. It is popular for rugged and deep diving watches for its hardiness and ability to withstand punishment. Both the steel and PVD covered steel versions are great to look at. I admit that these are probably the most desirable UTS watches I’ve seen thus far, especially due to the character in the style. They would probably look great with UTS’s mesh bracelet as well. Pricing is about $3,000-$4,000 depending on the configuration.

See UTS watches on eBay here.

See UTS watches on Amazon here.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com

The “It’s Good To Be King Watch:” Backes & Strauss Berkeley Diamond Watch

Posted on July 3, 2008
Filed Under Backes & Strauss, General, New Watches, Watch Buying, Watch Style, Watches | Leave a Comment

Ah…back way before you were even a sprinkle of DNA in your ancestors’ gene pool, Backes and Strauss was supplying the world with precious precious diamonds. This was in 1789, when I hear diamonds were still cut using dinosaur teeth, or something similar. From diamond supply all over the navigable planet, to headquarters in London, Backes and Strauss was supplying the landed aristocracy all over with shiny bling. There is bling-worthy, and then there is top-of-the-heap classy that will get even royalty to take notice of the not so small fortune on your wrist. This is where the Backes and Strauss watches come in.

The Franck Muller Group owned Backes and Strauss watch division has a mission that seems pretty simple. In my own words; make really nice, well designed watches, that are prohibitively expensive, with lots of diamonds. Despite this lofty ambition and young nature as a watch maker, they are succeeding. My favorite among their growing line, is the Men’s Berkeley watch. And what a watch it is. The colors and materials differ, as well as the surface area covered in diamonds.

Check out this beauty. The shape alone makes me think of a society where people are judged based on what they wear. Wearing this would make you king. It is just so handsomely done combing the square face and rounded curves. Does it smell a bit of Cartier? Sure, but thats ok, it is a pleasant odor.

Most of the design elements on this watch are meant to remind you of diamonds, and diamond edges, along with traditional London architecture. Hence the many sharp corners and polished surfaces, along with mod-Romanesque high stature design. The hands, almost over-sized for the face exude a sense of wealthy excess. As though the watch is conceding that the hands are too big for the face, but are meant to make a statement. Think of a solid gold cars, with solid gold 25 inch wheels. Total overkill, but seemingly appropriate. Having said that, I don’t need to remind you that the watches are all gold, or white gold, or other more expensive and luxurious materials. I might be sarcastic about it, but you take these things for granted when talking about watches of this caliber.

As to the subject of diamonds. You can see the Berkeley has at least two options. Diamonds on the bezel, lugs, and crown is one option. The other is essentially a watch thrown in with your diamonds. You can see for yourself. Because the watches are from the Franck Muller group, you know inside each watch is a mechanical movement. Not sure whether they are manufacture made, but it is entirely possible.

So there you have it. The watch meant for a king. The watch you will most likely never own, and be lucky to see. Like the Crown Jewels, this watch is statement of pure luxury excess, and you love every line of it. It’s not practical or a good value, but it is beautiful and decadent. The two things you want when you have acquired everything else on the needs hierarchy in life.

See Backes & Strauss items on eBay here.

See Backes & Strauss items on Amazon here

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com

The Marcello C. Senatore, A Curious Wink To The Rolex Daytona That I Want To Get My Hands On

Posted on July 2, 2008
Filed Under General, Marcello C, Watch Buying, Watches | Leave a Comment

I’ve said some negative things about Rolex. I think they act really slow, haven’t innovated much lately, and play it too safe. Regardless, Rolex has a few powerful classic designs under its belt. The two major ones for me are the Submariner lines, and the Daytona. Speaking of the Daytona, I understand that it is one of the most desirable watches on the planet from a demand standpoint, meaning more people want one, that can get one. Rolex has taken this opportunity to increase the prices dramatically. Meaning you can’t really get one for under $10k. Steep.

Well what do you do when you want a something like a Daytona, but can’t afford or get one. Sure there are legions of “imitations” that are simple low cost alternatives or play out fakes, but you aren’t that type of person? You like the style, but you want something nice you can be proud of on your wrist. For me, this is a totally logical approach to satisfying a need. Others feel that if you can’t afford a Rolex, you don’t deserve to wear the style. Well let those stop here, and the rest of you can keep reading.

Marcello C. is a great German brand, that I love to talk about. I own four of their watches at the moment, and have been extremely satisfied with my ownership experience. One watch I’ve been curious about is their Senatore. A Rolex Daytona inspired watch, that certainly has a lot of Marcello C. in it. You’ll notice a lot of their limited edition Titanium Tridente diver watch in the Senatore (large 12, and the hands). There is also a wonderfully cohesive look that takes the Daytona style, and moves is a different, dare I say Teutonic, direction. My model of choice is the Marcello C. Senatore 2020.4, made in the color scheme of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. The black face with the red trim is snazzy. The tri-compax layout of the chronograph dials, never had a more flattering frame, and the red arrow tipped seconds counter hand for the chronograph fits nicely in place. Marcello C. uses a Valjoux 7750 automatic movement which is about as trusted a movement as you can get.

An interesting thing about the Senatore is bracelet with the wide middle link. I’d love to see how this looks, but I have a feeling it gives the watch a really impressive look on your wrist. The bracelet is 22mm wide, while the case is 42.5mm wide. I am not sure how I feel about the see-through caseback window being mineral glass, but the crystal on the face is sapphire of course. This watch actually represents the most expensive, non-precious metal watch that Marcello C. makes. At a current price of over $3,600, it is several times more than Marcello C. largest seller, the sub $1000 Nettuno 3. You do have to consider the price of a Rolex Daytona too, and the fact that a Marcello C. is a finely made watch, with little comparison.

The Marcello C. Senatore 2020.4 is only sold in Europe, but other Senatore models are offered in the US. I’d love to get my hands on one of these watches, and if I do, you’ll hear all about it.

Visit Marcello C. US here.

See Marcello C. watches on eBay here.

See Rolex Daytona watches on eBay here.

Marcello C. Nettuno 3 swiss made watch

US $300.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Jul-07-2008 17:22:19 PDT
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THE MARCELLO THEATRE, 19 C. ETCHING BY G. B. PIRANESI

US $199.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Jul-09-2008 11:10:09 PDT
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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com

New Steampunk Watch Direction: Asymmetry, Big Gears: New Items From Olga Clock Works

Posted on July 1, 2008
Filed Under Business, General, Marketing, New Watches, Watch Art, Watch Buying, Watch Reviews, Watch Style, Watches | Leave a Comment

It’s been a while since I covered new work from one of my favorite watch and clock artists; Olga Narozhna (click to visit her site). I wrote an at length article about her here. Among her many fine efforts, she offers really interesting steampunk watch creations, that if you are lucky, she sells on eBay. For the initiated, steampunk is a design style that melds industrial revolution era technology aesthetic, Victorian era design cues, and a hefty dose of Jules Verne science fiction wonder.

Two new wearable pieces of functional art on available from Olga, and really show a new level of refinement in her style. I can attest that the craftsmanship of her work is very good. She makes very solid and well put together pieces. These are no flimsy show pieces, but completely functional and rugged.

Olga is a collector and scours the world for bits and pieces to add on her art. From sifting through yard sales, purchasing bulk parts online, to dissembling aging machines, she finds little treasures that find perfect places in her art. Likewise, you’ll notice this in her art, and can be assured each is an amalgamation of machinery from yesterday and today.

Like most artists, Olga has moods, and right now she seems to be on an asymmetry kick. Placing an uneven thick leather strap with an interesting timepieces set to the side or in the middle. The high point of her work is not just the materials she uses, but also her talented layout and design. See how nicely the items flow together, even though there is meant to be an organic quality to the layout. I love her use of tarnished metals, old clock gears and oversized rivets. Only a mad alchemist (or a sane Olga) could put something like this together with such methodological disarray, and I love that.

Her pieces sold on eBay always attract a fair bit of attention. She can’t seem to produce enough items due to the demand. I feel lucky to see her work available when it is. Her humility as an artist cannot be matched, and can only be attributed to the dedication she places in her work. Take a look at these very cool pieces of functional art.

See Olga Narozhna’s eBay items here.

Visit OlgaClockWorks.com here some more information the artist.

Steampunk Industrial Watch Movement Winged BrassTie Pin

US $24.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday Jul-07-2008 17:42:55 PDT
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Steampunk Ant. Watch Gears Industrial Art Necklace Goth

US $9.99 (1 Bid)
End Date: Sunday Jul-13-2008 19:15:00 PDT
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LOT OF 11 WATCH PARTS STEAMPUNK ART

US $5.00 (1 Bid)
End Date: Saturday Jul-05-2008 13:16:01 PDT
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LOT OF 8 WATCH PARTS STEAMPUNK ART

US $4.00 (1 Bid)
End Date: Saturday Jul-05-2008 13:17:12 PDT
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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com

Experience With the Tiffany & Co. Mark T-57 Line Of Watches

Posted on June 30, 2008
Filed Under General, Tiffany & Co., Watch Buying, Watch Experiences, Watches | Leave a Comment

Luxury goods companies like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. sell watches in addition to their other goods. These watches are often highly limited and of good quality these days (the story was different 20-25 years ago). Often times, these watches are given oversight as not coming from a traditional watch company, but they deserve praise, even from die-hard fans who see watches are tools and not fashion accessories.

I’ve had my eye on Tiffany & Co. watches for a while. The company has a new distribution relationship with Swatch, in addition to carrying Patek Philippe watches. This means they have some serious clout in the industry. Still, there has been an intriguing line of Tiffany & Co. branded watches over their history.

In several instances I have mentioned the Tiffany & Co. Streamerica watch (design by Jorg Hysek). Tiffany & Co. does not design their watches in-house, but instead will buy good designs, or commission them. The Streamerica line of watches is no longer being made, but I anticipate a resurgence. Regardless, the newest line of men’s watches by Tiffany & Co. is the Mark T-57 line. There are several iterations to the new line of watches, still some are no longer being made. There is the three hand model, a chronograph, and a retrograde chronograph. The retrograde chronograph Mark T-57 is the newest model, but I will focus on the latter two.

I stepped into the Tiffany & Co. store in San Francisco on Post St in Union Square yesterday to handle the watches. They had three of the watches on display, and each were the chronograph models, one an automatic, the other two quartz watches. The styling of the watch is very different, but I am convinced it has roots in the two-tone Movado Gentry watch. The Mark t-57 comes into models, a two tone with steel and vulcanized rubber covered steel, and an all steel version. Further, the three hand model comes with a really nice quality rubber strap for the sportiest look.

My favorite part of the Mark T-57 is the hybrid styling of the watch. It retains a Tiffany & Co. classiness, but maintains a very sport like demeanor. Further, my pick is the two tone models for their unique look. The all steel version is a bit heftier, but not as distinct looking. For the price, I would also stay away from the quartz models. The movement is a decent quality ETA chronograph movement, but you can get the same movement in watches that are a fraction of the price. The ETA chronograph does add a second timer (timing two events), but but the overall luxury appeal of the watch is a bit lost to me. If you must have a quartz watch, then so be it. Alternatively, there are automatic versions of the three-hand and chronograph version available. The three-hand version has an ETA 2892-2, and I believe the same movement with a chronograph module, or a modified Valjoux 7750 for the chronograph version of the watch. Both watches are certified chronometers, which is nice. The rear of the mechanical watches has a window with a view of Tiffany & Co.’s common black finished rotor. It is a nice touch.

The face of the watch features the classic Tiffany & Co. love for Roman numerals, but done in a subdued manner. Of paramount focus is that hands, which more for good visibility. The crown at the 10 o’clock position actually functions to turn the rotating bezel, which can also be done by simply rotating the bezel with your hard. It is a nice little gimmick, but I’m not too convinced of its usefulness.

One of the most interesting aspects of this watch is the use of vulcanized rubber which I have not seen before. In pictures it may look like PVD, but it is not. A rubber treatment is applied over steel for a soft, slightly rubber touch. The color is a dark gray. To be honest, I am not sure how well this material holds up over time, though it is certainly unique and interesting. Personally, I am willing to give it a test.

The rubber strap on the three-hand version is a very high grade of rubber that makes for a lovely fit. The deployment is a delicate array of metal and rubber that has a very rich feeling to it. The watch is very hard to categorize, but Tiffany & Co. prefers it that way. As the San Francisco Tiffany & Co. store only had chronograph versions on display, I was a bit disappointed when I could not find a three-hand model. Only to realize on my way out that the security guard was wearing just the watch I wanted to see. Now I want to be a security guard as Tiffany & Co. Look out for more Tiffany & Co. watches, as they often impress as much as the other brands the store carry.

See Tiffany & Co. watches on eBay here.

See Tiffany & Co. items on Amazon here.

14k Solid Gold & Sapphire Tiffany & Co Wristwatch Watch

US $569.99 (15 Bids)
End Date: Saturday Jul-05-2008 18:37:49 PDT
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Tiffany & Co Catalog 1970-1971 Blue Book Jewelry Watch

US $9.99 (1 Bid)
End Date: Saturday Jul-05-2008 19:14:06 PDT
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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com

$100,000 Music Box, Four Songs, On Your Wrist: Mermod Freres Primo 4 Musical Watch

Posted on June 29, 2008
Filed Under Mermod Freres, New Watches, Watch Buying, Watches | Leave a Comment

There are far more watches costing $100,000 than you’d guess; and many that exceed that price. If you are going to spend that type of money on a watch, it might as well have a unique novelty, considering you aren’t going to wear it very often. Here we have an interesting toy for the uber-wealthy, from obscure watch maker Mermod Freres. What an ostentatious sounding name even.

The Primo 4 Musical is a manually wound mechanical watch with a musical twist. It has four disc with grooves underneath that play a bit like a cog in a music box. Each disc contains 10 seconds of music, one from each of these four works; Magic Flute by Mozart, the Canon by Pachelbel, the Hungarian Dances by Brahms and the Four Seasons by Vivaldi. Pressing one of the pushers activates a disc to rotate and melody be played.

The discs are displayed in an attractive arrangement on the face of the watch under well designed bridges. They are obviously the highlight of the watch, but are equally attractive as a design statement as they are functional elements. Adding to the musical theme, the border around the face is broken up into section that look like sheet music (without the notes). This is a subtle, but nice touch.

You’ll agree that this music playing watch focuses on being an expensive toy, but does so in tasteful manner. Despite the high price, the design is pleasantly subdued and focuses on the richer elements of the watch, being the skeletonized dial, rich materials (it comes in 18k white or yellow gold), ornately carved crown with bird logo, and the bountiful 45.5mm size. Don’t expect to see many of these watch around, but if you are lucky enough to spot one, take a nice hard look, and listen to its songs.

See Mermod Freres and other musical watches on eBay here.

See Musical watches on Amazon here.

Mickey Mouse Disney Musical ladies w/DIAMOND watch WOW!

US $26.00 (4 Bids)
End Date: Saturday Jul-05-2008 13:18:31 PDT