aBlogtoRead.com » Dive Watches

UTS 4000M GMT Dive Watch

phubbard — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:38:47 +0000

This is the latest watch from UTS Munchen. We've written before about UTS, it's basically the obsessive engineering of Nicolaus Spinner. Do you really need a watch that resists pressure from over twelve thousand feet of water? No, you do not. Do you want one? You just might.

Simply called the UTS 4,000M, there are two versions, a GMT with the ETA 2893 and a 3-hander with the ETA 2824.

Unlike most brands, UTS makes their own cases. Spinner is a mechanical engineer, and personally I have to say that watch-obsessed engineers make the most interesting watches. Think UTS, Damasko, ochs und junior, and probably others. You don't have to be a mechanical engineer, but it seems to help.

Anyway. The 4,000M is a massive 45mm by 17.5mm, with 6mm AR-coated sapphire crystal, bidirectional ceramic bezel locking system and special glued and screw system for the crystal. Despite the abyssal rating, it does not need a helium escape valve, as the superior case seals preclude helium from ever intruding. SuperlumiNova applied liberally, of course. Weight is 205g on rubber, 305g on bracelet. It looks to be a brick of serious steel.

Personally assembled, tested and finished by Niclaus Spinner himself, in a limited edition of 200. How awesome is that?

List prices are 5,000 Euros for GMT and 4,500 Euros for the 3-hand version. Those are suggested retail, so expect a bit less depending on VAT and currency rates. I've confirmed with their US distributor that they are available now.

Written by Paul Hubbard

1990s Eterna Two-Tone 200m Diver Watch Available

admin — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 23:35:11 +0000

It is only recently that Eterna has returned to the US market. For a long time, the lauded watch maker just sort of ignored US shores with its branded products. That isn't true with the watches that it makes for Porsche Design though. In 2008, Eterna returned to the US market with a couple of beautiful KonTiki line watches, and I can't wait to get one myself. You should be aware that for years, Eterna has been offering really good watches in Europe, with very few trickling over into the States. The pictured watch is a good example. I am not certain what the watch is called, but it is a thorough two-tone Eterna diving watch. The "Eterna-matic" moniker refers to the fact that it has an automatic mechanical movement as most every Eterna watch does. Inside this watch is the very competent ETA 2892-2 movement with a gold plated (maybe solid gold) rotor. The crown is also signed and done in gold.

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Eterna black leather ostrich watch band 22 mm
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Eterna black leather watch band 9 mm with steel buckle
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What I really like about this watch is how handsome it is with the right mixture of style and functionality. No doubt that this is a legible diving watch with a high level of construction quality. At the same time, it has gold accenting, caseback decoration, an interestingly engineered bracelet, and other features which communicate the watch's heritage and quality, above mere functionality. This is really Eterna's best take on the two-tone Rolex Submariner. Water resistance is 200m (the Submariner is 300m but is really doesn't matter). Like the Rolex, it has a similarly laid out dial with analogous markers. The hands are simpler than Rolex Submariner hands,but they offer another take on the classic theme. Like the Rolex, the Eterna is a certified Chronometer. The Eterna diver is also about as large as the Submariner at about 40mm in size. There is probably as much attention to detail and fit and finish in the Eterna as well.

The diver's bezel is one of the best parts with its plated gold looks. It is really hard to do two-tone right. The resulting look is often gaudy looking. Rolex did it right, and here Eterna has shown that there are other nice ways of getting the same look. Going back to the bracelet, you'll notice lots of smaller links. This allows for a very form fitting bracelet that is going to be as comfortable as possible.

One of these rare Eterna watches is available on eBay right now for under $1000. I think it is totally worth it considering the fact that it is in mint condition, comes with the box and manual, and the extra links. There are few watches like this around, and even as something for daily wear, this Eterna diving watch would serve nicely.

See Eterna watch on eBay here.

See Eterna watches on Amazon here.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Dievas Divergraph Orange Professional Watch Review

admin — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 10:56:07 +0000

Dievas is a new addition to the watch scene. Despite being new, the company is off to a running start with a large selection of intriguing timepieces. Starting in 2006, the watch maker has been releasing militaristic-styled watches; beginning with mostly classic looking models. As is the case with many watch makers, models start with one theme in mind, and begin to branch out, so that subsequent models each have and increasing level of unique character. Take this Dievas Divergraph as a good example. The design of the watch borrows from several classic themes. Namely, divers' watches and various military type watch designs. Even though the Divergraph is based on what are inherently existing designs, Dievas inserts a lot of its own character in all aspects of this watch. While you might recognize the genres it plays on, you've never seen this particular style in a watch before.

This model is the PVD coated Divergraph, which makes it all black. The case (which is the PVD coated part along with the buckle), bezel, dial, and strap are all black toned, and matte finished. The look is really bold and strong, perfectly suited for those who are partial to this look. The matte finish gives it a serious functional attitude, which again coincides with the target market, and is successful in its execution. All black watches such as this don't go with every outfit, but are certainly suitable with any sporty or casual wardrobe. After wearing the Dievas for a few weeks, I experimented with how well it looked on various occasions. It excelled at night, outside, and while doing laborious work. What the watch was telling me, is that it has a preference to be out in the open exposed to the elements, or worn while I engaged in manual labor. It looked restless sitting on my wrist while I worked at my desk. The watch wants you to go outside and do something.

While I would typically talk about a watch's strap later on, I am going to mention the natural rubber strap of the particular Dievas Divergraph that I have. The Divergraph comes with three strap options, a NATO strap (canvas cloth), ZULU strap (similar to NATO strap but made of weaved nylon which is the same material used on backpack straps), and of course a natural rubber strap. Some people are fans of NATO and ZULU straps, but I highly recommend the natural rubber. If you've never had a real rubber strap before, don't think it is anything like plastic resin straps (Casio watches, etc...). Natural rubber is pliable and stretches, making it very comfortable. It might not have the durability of weaved nylon, but it sure feels nicer on the skin. Even a few of my friends who put on the watch immediately commented on how niceÂ and secure it felt. This is really due to the thickness of the strap (22mm here), and the close integration with the case.

Further, the buckle secures the strap as tightly or loosely as you wish. This is one of those cases that I am happy not to have a fitted rubber strap (that needs to be cut to size) with a deployment. I have pretty small wrists, so there is an amount of strap slack after I put the watch on. It is important to ensure that the rubber sliders on the strap are over the excess band to keep it from snagging a bit on a sleeve. This however is a very minor issue and peculiar to people like myself who have small wrists. Overall, the Divergraph is an extremely comfortable watch while worn, having to do with the smooth case design, and the excellent fit of the case with the strap.

Speaking of the case, it is easy to miss some important thoughtful details. Take for example the unique crown guard. I have never seen anything quite like it before. The screw-down crown is covered by a curved little shield, as opposed to merely being flanked by protrusions from the case on each side. The purpose of this is to protect the crown, while at the same time deflecting snags. A really nice little touch. On the crown is an almost too tinny "Dievas" name signature. At first I thought to myself how cute the little engraving was, then I realized that I would have felt lacking if it was not there, so Dievas was proper in keeping the signed crown. The pushers are also screw-down, which is important to protect them and enhance the water resistance of the watch, which happens to be 200 meters.

Underneath the case you'll find a polished caseback with the standard information about the watch. From there you can appreciate the smooth yet well machined edges of the case. So often a case has sharper edges underneath, and it is surprising that the Dievas Divergraph, given the good value of its price, considers even these small, yet noticeable details. As such, I was equally surprised to find that the rotating bezel has a ceramic insert! Ceramic is known for its scratch resistance, and bezels are even more widely known as parts of a watch that get scratched. It is needless to say why a ceramic insert is useful. The ceramic piece in the bezel is well fitted and has a dark matte color that feels appropriate. I did notice a bit of movement, ever so minor in the bezel when you tap on it. This has to do with the way the bezel is attached and allows for it to click 120 times pretty comfortably around the case in a counterclockwise direction.

The dial of the watch has a lot going for it, with an attractive yet functional look. I have no qualms with the appearance, but there are a few issues with the actual data on the dial. You'll be happy to know that it is covered with a sapphire crystal (no mineral glass here). A slanted chapter ring around the dial greatly helps with reading comfort. The dial is deep, and the subdials have circular texturing which has a nice look. Between the hour markers are one tenth of a second hash marks. These are decorative only, as the chronograph only counts in one second increments (not less).Â The other issue I have is with the minutes subdial counter for the chronograph. The subdial is supposed to have 60 marks (one for each minutes), but for style reasons, the Divergraph only has a mark each 5 minutes. This makes it hard to use the chronograph function with down to the minute precision. I do like how each of the chronograph function hands are red which makes it very easy to read. From a glance though, the dial is handsome and functional, with the primary function (telling the time) a pleasure to deduce.

This brings me to my absolute favorite part of the watch, which are the Tritium gas tubes in the watch specially made for Dievas by Swiss Tritium tube maker MB Microtec. I had been wanting for a Tritium gas tube watch for a long time, and I have to admit that having one has surpassed my expectations. Tritium gas tubes are harmless radioactive gas filled tubes that perpetually glow for about 25 years. The tubes can come in various colors, and be various lengths. Dievas uses them in the hands (chronograph seconds hand included), and each of the hour markers. Three different colors are employed here, with a miraculous effect. In a well lit room, the face of the watch emits no out of the ordinary light. Once the light levels are lower, you can see the glow coming from the markers making it perfectly viewable in any type of darkness. It honestly looks as though there are small LED lights at work, but this requires no electricity. This aspect of the watch makes it an instant favorite of mine, and secures its position as a useful tool in low-light situations.

Inside the Divergraph is a Japanese quartz movement from Citizen's movement maker Miyota. This movement maker is in the business of producing far more watch movements than its Swiss counterparts on a sheer yearly volume basis. The movements are reliable, and common enough so that parts are available for any problems. I have to say that my time with the Dievas Divergraph has left me feeling pretty confident about its quality. I also like the size of the watch at 43mm wide. The 22mm wide lugs hold the wonderful strap, while the watch itself just feels good in size and looks, it is also solidly built. Really, this is a man's watch, and while nothing is perfect, the minor quibbles I have with this watch are easily eclipsed by its value and proven usefulness. At $350 US, you really can't go wrong. I'll keep a close eye on Dievas, as should you. If there are other watches prove as competent, its a brand of watchesÂ worth having around.

Find the best selection of Dievas Divergraph watches at Gnomon Watches here.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

The Nivrel Wild Sea Chronograph Watch Cuts Through Time

admin — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:45:04 +0000

The Nivrel "Sea" watches have always impressed me. They are basic diver watches, with a colorful twist. The chronograph version is the Wild Sea. It comes in standard steel, and PVD steel. This watch is perfect for when you want a classic look, with a bit of an edge.

The Wild Sea goes with the red color trim approach. The hands looks like daggers tipped in blood. At least in my morbid sense of observation. For this reason I state that the watch "cuts through time," with hands like knives... The larger chronograph dials are effective, and I like how the standard seconds dial is made more diminutive. It is a functional, and designer approach to the somewhat generic look of the ETA Valjoux 7750 dial orientation, which of course is the movement inside the watch.

Size again is very ordinary at 42mm wide. Not too small, not to big. Perfectly medium in all ways. The elegant curves on the bezel are also welcome. I like how they focus on functionality, but there is just something nicely nautical about the look. This otherwise straight forward diver's watch has all these little hints of character that make it standout, but never in a bad way.

Smaller round hour index markers help to "unclutter" the look of the face, but are still effective, and filled with luminant. Lengthening the hour indicators would detract from the appeal of the watch. A sapphire crystal and high grade steel add to the quality of the watch. There is only 100m of water resistance, so unfortunately this watch is not ideal for actual diving duty, but that is ok for most people's uses.

Pricing is competitive at about $2000 on the high end, $1500 on the lower end. Nivrel German watches are not the easiest to find, but you'll get one if you look online hard enough.

See Nivrel watches on eBay here.

See Nivrel watches on Amazon here.

TIMEX HELIX HX390 02M10S Mens Diver Chronograph Watch
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Brand New Mens Invicta 1678 Specialty Collection Diver Chronograph Watch
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Mens SWISS LEGEND TRIMIX DIVER CHRONOGRAPH BRAND NEW
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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Rare Universal Geneve Super Diver Watch From When Quartz Was Cool

admin — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:40:00 +0000

Back in the 1980's and through the mid 1990's, it was all about luxury quartz watches. Brands would proudly adorn the "Quartz" identifier on their watches. At the time, Quartz was seen as a successor to mechanical watches for its obvious advantages in terms of accuracy, cost, and simplicity. Well, most of us know what happened in the late 90's due to the efforts of a few key luxury brands, and the resurgence of the mechanical watch, buts lets focus on a time before that happened.

Now look at this wonderful examples of a Swiss Quartz watch, from what is likely the heyday of the Quartz watch movement. The Universal Geneve Super Diver is a Rolex Submariner homage watch, with it's own little style twist. Most notable, are the raised gold-plated sections of the bezel that add that 'golden class' the 80's so very much needed! They aren't very functional, but they look nice.

It is hard to tell the exact age of this watch is. I would place in the late 1970s to the mid 1980s. I base this on the slightly aged look of the lume on the dial and hands, and the look of the quartz movement. Further, the watch features an acrylic crystal, which pushes the age closer to the 1970s, as these types of crystals were popular at the time. If I had this watch, I would have it modified with a sapphire crystal.

The dimensions of this watch are very similar to what a Rolex Submariner is sized at. The case is thus 40mm wide. Pretty medium sized. The metal work on the watch looks good, and with a cleaning and polishing, this Universal Geneve Super Diver would be a great addition to any collection. Consider yourself lucky if you are able to get one.

See Universal Geneve watches on eBay here.

See Universal Geneve watches on Amazon here.

Vintage Universal Geneve moonphase dial cadran zifferblatt
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Vintage Rolex Submariner Bezel Insert ref 5512 5513 1680
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Universal Geneve 871171 Swiss Made UG Caliber Automatic Copper Dial Sapphire SS
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UNIVERSAL GENEVE UNISONIC STAINLESS STEEL WATCH Ca 1970s
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Vintage RolexSubmariner Instruction Manual from 2003
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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Dievas Oceantimer 1330 Blue Is Nice Budget Diver Watch

admin — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:37:07 +0000

There is a lot of competition out there for your diving watch dollars. With so many options, it is hard for us to find that single diving watch that will suffice. Well, for me there is no one watch. Instead I try to stretch my budget out to acquire as many diving watches as I can to satisfy that insatiable hunger. So for that I am happy that Dievas has a nice range of aggressively prices diving watches that embody the modern chic-strong look that many diving watches are adopting.

The Oceantimer 1330 Blue has...a metallic blue face, large red toned minute hand, and a striking legibility. The maximum sized minute hand is supposed to allow for supreme visibility under water, and just looks cool. While it is hard to tell in the images, the minute hand is a rich red metallic tone with lots of luminant in the middle. The smaller hour and seconds hand are while, also with luminant.

The Dievas doesn't feel the need to make a "huge" watch, so the size of the Oceantimer 1330 is a very sober 42mm. The water resistance however is 400m, which is pretty nice. I like the shape and style of the bracelet that looks very comfortably with all the links, and should offer a well suited fitting.

The case of the Oceantimer is custom made for Dievas and is very nautically themed, but subtly so. It is a modern interpretation of diving instrumentation, and fits in well with the rest of your SCUBA gear. This particular watch is not a mechanical movement based watch, but for the price, the ETA 955.612 quartz caliber is just fine. The case it held together by six large hexagonal screws.

The retail price on the Dievas Oceantimer 1330 Blue is $370, a pretty easily absorbed price for a decent beater watch, or something fully usable for all diving needs. One is available on eBay now for under $300, and represents, in my opinion, a very good value. Dievas watches are hard to come by in the US, so your only option is to buy online at the moment.

See Dievas watches on eBay here.

See Diving watches on Amazon here.

DIEVAS AQUALUNA GRAY BNIB
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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Black On Black; The Sinn U Black Limited Edition Watch

admin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:56:29 +0000

For whatever reason black on black colored watches are all the rage right now. First black watches were in. Then, there was a glut of black watches on the market. Then white watches were in. Then people realized that they liked black watches more than they liked white watches, and decided that instead of going to some other futile color like yellow or blue. they'd just resort to making black watches again. Sometime in that moment of intellectual pontification among watch design, a rouge designer must have boldly suggested that black be placed on black, but in a manner where one black would not blend in with the other black so as to inconvenience one's view of the time. So the black on black watch was born.

Maybe it was Bell & Ross who started the black on black craze with their BR01 Phantom. The thickly coated hands and indexes glow a pale gray in the dark, adding to the ghostly demeanor. One idea behind the black on black look was stealth. So that only the wearer would be able to read the time. But then enough people probably realized it was a silly notion, and just relented the concept to being fashionable. Still, it is mostly those aggressive instrument like watches which tend to bear the black on black look.

Sinn's almost iconic U1 is the latest to enjoy the black on black look. Instead of red and white trim, we get the same type of black toned luminant on the hands and number indexes. It certainly has a "bad ass" look. The trick to such watches being readable is the contrast of texture and tone. This way you can have the same colors, but still have some ability to read the watch.

Everything else about this Sinn U Black Limited Edition is the same as the standard U1 watch. Why they call it the "U" rather than U1 makes no sense to me. Well, there was a U1 All Black (also called the Sinn Tempus U1 Limited Edition), which was not actually "all black." And the U Black, is certainly more black, than the U1 All Black. The U Black, also had the code name "U1 Stealth," which makes a lot more sense actually, but then again, the watch is black. And unless your arm is the same color black, it is not very stealthy. So I think I get it.

Sinn held a party to unveil the watch at The Hour Glass in Singapore. Sounds like a watch store doesn't it? Well it is. I don't know that having an all black watch is enough of a reason to have a party. Especially to fly from Germany to Singapore. It is possible that Sinn just wanted to have a party. Haven't you ever thought about making up a special occasion to invite friends over? I don't know that muck to do Frankfurt, so it makes sense. Sinn gets lonely too you know.

Aside from all that, the Sinn U Black shares the same interesting Bauhaus design at the U1 and the rugged superman strength that Sinn watches are known for. Price? Not announced yet, but expect it to be a few grand. Nothing more.

See Sinn watches on eBay here.

See Sinn watches on Amazon here.

MicroSpike Ultimate Strap Tool for Sinn Watch
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Mens Steel Bell Ross by Sinn Chronograph Watch
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Mens Bell Ross Stainless Steel Sinn Chronograph 2031073
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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Automatic Movement Based Seiko Prospex Marinemaster SBDX001 Is Worthy Swiss Competitor

admin — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 08:50:26 +0000

This watch is not to be confused with the other Seiko Prospex Marinemaster watches that I have been talking about. Those don't have automatic movements, but rather Kinetic Direct Drive or Spring Drive movements. For example, I spoke of the similarly named Seiko SBDD001, which has a similar name, but different look and movement. The Seiko SBDX001 is an amazing offering by Seiko for a number of reasons.

Japan has always toiled with the dive watch. They certainly release a number of them, and models range from Swiss watch homages, to avant garde designs with limited appeal. The Citizen Aqualand series has always been highly functional, but I am sorry to say a bit ugly in my opinion. On the other hand Seiko has released a number of diving watches, some with names like Samurai and Monster. Again, some good, some bad style wise, but I am sure each of them are dependable. The Japanese have always played around with various movements in diving watches (all of their watches for that matter). I can think of at least 6 different types of movements I've seen in Japanese diving watches (quartz, Eco-Drive, Kinetic, Kinetic Direct Drive, Spring Drive, and Automatic). The last four of these movements is at least somewhat mechanical. However, Japan is the only other country next to Germany and Switzerland that can design and produce reliable quality mechanical movements on any mass scale.

So inside the Seiko Marinemaster pictured is one of Seiko's best automatic movements. The 8L35 automatic with 26 Jewels and a 50 hour power reserve. Accuracy easily matches certified chronometer levels, and often exceeds them. For example an average chronometer is accurate to within 6 seconds a day, while the Seiko 8L35 is accurate to within 10-15 seconds a month. Pretty nice for quartz crazy Japan.

The Seiko SBDX001 is the only Marinemaster watch that actually says "Marinemaster" on the watch. Seiko has never been known as one who artfully names their watches, so just know that this watch is a Seiko, in the Prospex line, which is a Marinemaster, and is the model number SBDX001. Know that and you can find one in a store, I hope. Actually, you'd have to travel to Japan to get one in a store, but they are available online.

What I really like about this watch is the cohesiveness of the design and the nice features. To me, this is what the quintessential Japanese mechanical diving watch should be. Seiko was finally able to take everything people loved about Japanese styled diving watches and combine them together into one watch that absolutely typifies the theme. You aren't buying a Japanese copy of a Swiss watch, you are getting something that is pure Japanese refinement from the look of the dial and hands to the philosophy in the movement (which has a wonderfully smooth seconds hand unlike cheaper automatic movements). Seiko watches have always preferred functionality over form, but a style has developed overtime. One of these elements is the 4 o'clock position of the crown, as well as the large number indexes and no nonsense bezel. Inside the face you'll notice a sloped chapter ring with minute increment marks that make the watch easy to read, and happens to add a nice 3-D look to the watch. Further, the rich luminant on the face and hands are a bright plus as seen in the video above.

The price of this watch is about $2,000 retail and is a good value considering all the high points. The watch is not perfect, as few watches are. Though allow me to clear a few things up. The watch is rated for 300m water resistance. Some might wonder why not deeper for the money. Well, unless you like seeing large number written on a watch, consider how often if ever your body is not only going to be diving that deep, and surviving. So 300m will satisfy just about anything you'll ever need. The watch is also heavy. To be rugged and reliable the Marinemaster is essentially a hunk of solid steel. It is over 200 grams and about 44mm in size. If you want to reduce the weight you can put on the included rubber strap that comes along with the metal bracelet. Further still, you can simply wear the watch for a few days until your weak wrist adapts. Seriously, that is all it takes to acclimate to a heavier watch.

Lastly, the only real complaint which may be justified is to the bracelet. Let me start off with saying that this Seiko Marinemaster bracelet is really cool. It features a ratcheting system for easy fitting and adjusting, which I just love. The thing is, Japanese watch bracelets have just never equaled the refinement and quality of their European competitors. They just aren't as fluid or feel as solid. It is not about comfort necessarily, but expect a Swiss watch that is upwards of $5,000 to typically have a pretty darn impressive bracelet. Someday soon, Japanese will figure out how to match Swiss and German bracelets, and for less cost. But until then, you should know that the Europeans have the Japanese beat on that end.

The Seiko Prospex Marinemaster is a handsome addition to any collection, especially those that love Japanese or dive watches. It is another of those perfect everyday watches that will dutifully see its owner through any occasion. One thing this watch does communicate to me over its European cousins is "rough me up." In a good way that is. Swiss watches make me want to shield them from the elements and danger to maintain their appearance, while a good Japanese watch always appears ready for duty and willing to take whatever you can throw at it. This is one of the reasons a high-end Japanese watch such as this calls to me, and why it ought to call to you too.

See Seiko Marinemaster and Prospex watches on eBay here.

See Seiko Prospex watches on Amazon here.

SEIKO PROSPEX Watches SBDP025 Sale CHRONOGRAPH 7T62 Caliber New SPEED MASTER
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SEIKO PROSPEX SBDG001 SUPER RUNNERS Unisex Runners Sports Solar Radio Watch NIB
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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Angular Momentum Illum Aqua Water Sports Watch Is Absolutely Gorgeous Dive-Style Timepiece

admin — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:12:28 +0000

I am man enough to admit it. This watch is beautiful, gorgeous even maybe. I keep finding myself consistently impressed with the artistic watches coming out of Angular Momentum, which are not only creative, but straightforward, thus keeping my attention and interest. Instead of staring at the watches for a while to decide whether or not I like them, I immediately know that I like them, then gaze at them to figure out why. I have to say however, that this Angular Momentum is part of its "Water Sports Watch" Collection, which really is a silly name. I don't think about watches where I hear about water sports, as I am much more likely to envision women playing water polo or something like that. I'd love to see them put a bit more marginal effort in to the naming schemes behind the watches, at least for US audiences.

You don't see watches like the Angular Momentum Illum Aqua very often. It is very hard to describe from a style perspective. You could say that this watch is the natural combination of watch making and black light poster creation, or you might better connect the watch as product of Tron and Star Trek instrumentation having a night together. There is also an air of vintage diving bell water exploration and mystique of Russian submarines. I don't really know all that went into the design philosophy, but I like it.

The blue and green substances on the watch are a new luminant that promises 35 hours of glowing without being radioactive! Simply "charge" the luminant under light for 10 minutes or so. Way to go Angular Momentum. They call the compound Ãˆmail Lumineuse, which combines a new type of lume material with enamel. The colors are "aqua blue" and "pale green." I will certainly need to see this watch in action to fully appreciate it. It is supposed to have an almost spectral glow.

The asymmetric quality of the design is curious, but seems appropriate. Regardless of the obvious "designer" slant on the look of the dial, it remains legible and useful. A seconds hand has been omitted and the large hour and minute hands are whimsically large, yet serve their purpose well. The case itself represents a classic large diver's watch look and feel. The top sapphire crystal is curved and 3mm thick. Making for a nicely water resistant watch (200 meters), as any good diver watch should be. The rubber strap is very traditionally designed as a diver's strap, but the watch is also available with a metal bracelet.

Although you really could not tell from merely looking at the Illum Aqua's face, it has an automatic movement inside. This is nice to know, as I prefer my artsy watches mechanical. Angular Moment does provide quartz movements in some of their entry level watches, but remain purists when it comes to those watches they mean to impress the world with. If anything, I give them respect for taking chances. This is an example of that, and the risk is a success in my opinion. I'd have to say that your money well spent on an Angular Moment, especially when they come out with watches such as the Illum Aqua (Water Sports Watch).

See Angular Momentum watches on eBay here.

See Angular Momentum watch on Amazon here.

New ANGULAR MOMENTUM Tage Olsen Silver Dial 7019 Watch Limited Edition FREE SHIP
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Angular Momentum Illum V Swiss made Blue Ret1000 NEW
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Angular Momentum Illum V Swiss made Green Ret1000 NEW
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Unisex Angular Momentum ILLUM Swiss Red Ret1100 NEW
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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

I Admit It, I Have A Weakness For Fashion Brands, And The Release Of The 2008 Hermes Clipper H1 Diver Watch Does Not Help

admin — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:43:09 +0000

What is a fashion watch? Well it can mean a couple of things, but in this instance it means a company that mostly makes clothes or other fashion accessories, and then embarks on releasing watches. The nicer the underlying brand, the more expensive the watch. French Hermes not new to this game, but in the last 10 years or so have stepped up their watch offerings. Releasing more mechanical watches along with a more masculine line.

I have always been a fan of the Clipper line. The good looking sports watch depicted numbers oriented toward the center of the watch, with well crafted bracelets and cases that are meant to remind you of clasps and metal patches on the company's signature leather work. The new for 2008 Hermes Clipper H1 200m Diver has a name that makes it blend in with the other models, but is really something new and must more interesting.

The first thing you'll notice is the new dial and big date. The "H" pattern on the dial is typical of Hermes' use of the letter "H," and makes for a really nice sporty effect. This is one of the most understated "big dates" that I have seen. Nicely done in the lower section of the case with a white on black coloring. Retained is the sloped chapter ring to enhance legibility, and the numbers are raised with what looks to be a welcome amount of lume.

The case and bezel have always been the star of the show to me. They are equally well done here with the many screws and "plate" effect. Relief numerals on the bezel look crisp and nice to the touch. Always riding on the tail of the Rolex Yachtmaster. I really just want to take the bezel for a "test spin." Honestly, I don't even really care about Hermes as a fashion maker. Granted, they aren't exactly focused on the male market that much, with their scarves and all, but the new Clipper Diver 200m is proof that they can make a well balanced men's watch that combines sportiness and style well.

The best part is the size. While I enjoyed previous Clipper watches, to me, they were always a bit small, petite even. With the 2008 Clipper Diver, size is up to 43.5mm. Suddenly I am more excited and take the watch all that much more seriously. Inside is a automatic Hermes Cal. H1. Hermes does not make movements, so this is probably an Hermes branded ETA 2892-2 or something similar. UPDATE: I recently learned that the H1 movement inside of this watch is the first in-house movement for Hermes. Actually that is a bit of a misnomer, because it is an in-house movement made exclusively for Hermes by Vaucher, but not by Hermes. The H1 movement is a double barreled movement with a power reserve of 50 hours, and uses ceramic ball bearings for the rotor that winds the movement. These ceramic ball bearings don't require lubricant. The case back as a sapphire window for seeing the movement.

Hermes would be offering a stellar package if the leather strap was used the high quality Hermes leather. Not sure about this, but it is entirely possible. The strap also uses a nicely polished steel deployment rather than mere buckle. There are actually two straps (leather or alligator) offered and a steel bracelet. So here you have it, a great offering from Hermes in the form of a new diving watch. Really subtle good looks on an impressive watch fit for a fashionista, or otherwise.

See Hermes watches on eBay here.

See Hermes items on Amazon here.

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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.