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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
$32.99
Time Remaining: 2h 47m
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Eterna vintage black leather watch strap 16 mm XL
$19.99
Time Remaining: 12h 23m
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Eterna black leather watch band 7 mm + steel buckle
$19.99
Time Remaining: 1d 53m
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Eterna black leather suede watch band 14 mm + buckle
$16.99
Time Remaining: 1d 1h 6m
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Black Eterna leather watch band 6 mm with plated buckle
$13.99
Time Remaining: 1d 5h 28m
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Eterna black leather watch band 9 mm with steel buckle
$19.99
Time Remaining: 1d 5h 32m
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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.

Home Needed For Foreign Seiko Credor GCLL997 Moonphase Spring Drive Watch

admin — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 13:42:03 +0000

A sick thing happens when you are involved with watches too much. You begin to anthropomorphize them to a degree; at least I do. Or in some instances the effect is less than anthropomorphism, but an animal-pomorphism. So I am treating this watch like a dog in need of a home. Only the watch will live a lot longer! And does not shed.

Credor is Seiko's ultra high end brand. They even have a $70,000 watch that I will discuss in the next few days. That's right $70,000 for a Seiko. Seiko's Spring Drive movement found its way into a few Credor watches, with this ref. GCLL997 Moonphase watch being a prime example. Style is similar but distinctly different than that of the Grand Seiko or Seiko Spring Drive watches that typically contain the movement. Further, Credor watches have never, and will probably never see American soil. At least from an official distribution standpoint.

So right now, straight outta Hong Kong comes this splendid number that needs your love. That's right folks, this immaculately made high end Japanese watch is looking for a new owner, that could be you. If you've never had the opportunity to experience a high end Japanese watch, they are very different from their European counterparts. For example, to get the fit and finish you see on Japanese high end watches, you'd need to spend roughly 3-4 times (and up) for a comparably finished European watch in most instances. Look at the images of the Credor closely and tell me you aren't impressed by the details.

There is something very "Eastern" in the design of the GCLL997. Some of it looks Middle Eastern to me, while other parts are pretty distinctly Japanese. The Credor logo almost looks Arabic, which is kinda cool. While it is hard to tell from the photographs, the dial is extremely well finished with a lot of texturing applied faceted markers, and materials that give off the richest of feelings. The case itself is a thankfully large for Asian watches at 43mm wide. None of this 35mm nonsense. And inside is of course a Seiko Spring drive movement. Functions include the time, moonphase, and a power reserve indicator.

The original price for this watch was over $6,000. The one needing a home on eBay is about $4,200, but you can make an offer on it. I suggest offering about $3,400, and then agreeing to $3,600 if there is a back and forth over price. Oh, and don't miss the mirror finish on the steel around the bezel; it is stunning.

See Grand Seiko, Spring Drive, and Credor watches on eBay here.

See Grand Seiko watches on Amazon here.

Yamaha 21V 15715 00 00 SPRINGDRIVE PLATE 21V157150000
$10.33
Time Remaining: 14h 50m
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NOS Vintage Honda CA95 Spring Drive Plate
$9.99
Time Remaining: 15h 41m
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SEIKO Grand Seiko Automatic Silver Dial SBGR001 9S55 0010 Excellent Condition
$1,575.00 (27 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1d 6h 1m

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Japan 1984 SEIKO High Grade Quartz watch CREDOR 22KGP SS Sapphire glass
$152.50 (26 Bids)
Time Remaining: 1d 6h 24m

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GRAND SEIKO GS watch Band 19mm Genuine Leather Strap BROWN SBGR061 SBGM021
$399.00
Time Remaining: 1d 16h 19m
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SEIKO SPRING DRIVE Caliber 5R66 GMT Power Reserve Model No SNR009 BNIB
$5,495.00
Time Remaining: 1d 17h 14m
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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Citizen Campanola Grand Complication AH4000-01X Watch Available

admin — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 19:12:00 +0000

This is the current best of the Citizen Campanola line up in my opinion, and a watch that I have and reviewed here. It is one of my favorite watches in my collection. I see maybe 1-3 of these watches that show up a year for sale on the regular channels. Buying them in America is more or less impossible, although there is a small handful of authorized dealers. You really can only get them imported via online dealers and even then it is hard to find the watch. You've probably read my words on the Citizen Campanola line of watches pretty often; but I will indicate again that the Campanola line is highest quality luxury line of watches from Japan's Citizen watch group.

The Grand Complication houses the most popular complications that are desired, but in a hand assembled quartz movement instead of a mechanical movement. I've commented before on the cost of a mechanical watch that houses all of these complications. Figure at least $80,000 and up, and up, and up. The retail price of the Citizen Campanola Grand Complication is about $4,000, and on eBay it can be had for less than half of that right now. The available piece is in mint condition and was likely originally purchased from an overseas Campanola dealer, even though it is being sold from the US. I highly recommend this watch, and you can read all about it if you click on my review above.

I first became smitten with these watches by seeing an advertisement for them in a watch magazine. I was taken by the design - being almost fantasy like, yet classic. I've had my Citizen Campanola for a few years, and while I do take good care of it pretty well,Â it is still in mint condition. Citizen uses a special coating (Duratect) on the ridiculously high polish steel (that I like), ensuring that it remains perma-shiny and free from scratches. A fine touch on a nice watch such as this. It is also very comfortable. You'd think that a 45mm wide case with a relatively thin alligator strap would be odd, but it isn't. The watch never slips off of the top of my wrist and is always very comfy. Check out this Citizen Campanola Grand Complication and see what you think.

See Citizen Campanola watch on eBay here.

See Citizen Campanola watches on Amazon here.

Citizen Campanola Minute Repeater Watch AH7050 06W
$2,350.00
Time Remaining: 4h 19m
Buy It Now for only: $2,350.00
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CAMPANOLA BY CITIZEN MEGARARE COSMOSIGN LTDEDITION 33 99SOLD OUTSO GORGEOUS
$3,499.00
Time Remaining: 17h 39m
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Campanola Cosmosign Watch by Citizen Limited Edition JP
$5,703.05
Time Remaining: 19h 41m
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CITIZEN CAMPANOLA Mens Stainless Steel Minute Repeater AH7000 04A
$2,750.00
Time Remaining: 3d 11h 8m
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NEW Citizen Campanola Minute Repeater Mens Alarm Regulateur Watch AH7000 04A
$2,695.00
Time Remaining: 3d 18h 2m
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NEW Mens Campanola Minute Repeat AH7000 04A
$3,500.00
Time Remaining: 5d 12h 21m
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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Rare German Temption CGK203 Valjoux 7751 Based Watch Available

admin — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:57:13 +0000

You are in luck! One of my favorite watches (that I happen to own) is available on eBay right now. If I didn't already have this watch, I'd most likely not inform you and try to get it myself. This is a rare Temption CGK203 watch that I reviewed here. Temption is a German based watch company that makes about 700 watches a year last I checked. Their Stuttgart headquarters welcomes guests and their new model, the Cameo has been totally sold out well into 2009. Like a few before it, this is a watch company that is able to do a lot correctly and focuses on extremely functional and attractive watches. I will not be surprised to see increased attention to Temption in the future.

The CGK203 watch is probably their most popular watch. It combines a classic look that they perfected in the late 1990s and kept into production until the early 2000s. Only 1100 CGK203 watches were ever made, so you can imagine that aren't available very often. This particular model features the gold plated movement, which is the most desirable in my opinion, and is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback.

There is not much I can say about the Temption CGK203 that I have not said before. You can read everything I have written about the watch line here. In summation, it is an extremely flexible watch with a hardy and complication rich ETA automatic Valjoux 7751 movement. Based on the popular Valjoux 7750, this movement displays: time, day, date, month, moonphase, synchronized 24 hour hand, and has a 12 hour chronograph. There is really nothing to be disappointed about in my humble opinion.

The pictured model is available right now on eBay. As is the case with every Temption CGK203 watch that I have seen available, they are in very good condition. Only serious watch lovers even know about the company, and typically take pride in taking immaculate care of their watches. Best of all, the eBay auction starts at $99, and is at about $165 right now. I can't say what the price will end up at but for this little known watch, you'll get a bargain for a great value that was about $4,000 brand new.

See Temption watches on eBay here.

TEMPTION 20mm 20 mm LEATHER Strap CURIE CM02 OLYMPIC
$150.00
Time Remaining: 9d 2h 45m
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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Hot Deal On A Tiffany & Co. Mark T-57 Tri Retrograde Chronograph Watch

admin — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 11:05:50 +0000

Ah, Tiffany & Co. With what reverence I hold your outsourced watch creations. No matter how much I understand your lack of personal involvement in manufacturing your timepieces, I can't help but be impressed by them. The pictures watch is the very nice looking Mark T-57 Tri Retrograde Chronograph model. The lineage of this model stems from the original Mark T-57 line. The Tri-Retrograde adds a customized automatic mechanical movement (of unannounced origins) that modifies a 12 hour chronograph with retrograde dials (instead of a full revolution, hands go to one end of a dial and shoot back to the start). The movement is further skeletonized. Thus, you can see some of the movement construction and operation through the dial itself. Hands remain bright red for legibility, and you have a white disc date window that is also partially exposed.

The Tiffany & Co. Mark T-57 Tri Retrograde came in both stainless steel and 18k gold. The steel version here retailed for over $7,000 (gold version was almost $20,000). It was a pricey model, but you got the Tiffany name, and Tiffany style. While the design certainly has a degree of grace, the Mark T-57 line was always very sports oriented in looks. The case features rare use of vulcanized rubber, which can been seen on the bezel and tips of the pushers and crown. It has a soft feeling that feels like high quality foam, but stronger.

The strap is rubber with an excellent folding and locking clasp. You do have to cut the strap for size though. The case is a large 45mm wide (and 17m thick which makes it thicker than the base T-57 model), but you have a domed sapphire crystal over the face along with a sapphire movement window. There you can see Tiffany's signature black rotor and the well decorated movement. Perlage polishing can be see on the movement from both sides, and looks particularly nice where applied on the face.

This rare Tiffany & Co. watch is currently available on eBay. It is a hell of a deal with an auction starting at $2,500 for a pristine example of this Mark T-57 Tri-Retrograde model. Worth checking out, as this increasingly rare model has a lot of desirable features and functions.

See Tiffany & Co. watches on eBay here.

See Tiffany & Co. watches on Amazon here.

Tiffany Co Mark T 57 Tri Retrograde Chronograph 2 Tone 18k Rose Gold VERY RARE
$12,349.05
Time Remaining: 1d 13h 40m
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MENS TIFFANY CO MARK T 57 CHRONOGRAPH STAINLESS STEEL WATCH
$1,995.00
Time Remaining: 3d 11h 32m
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Tiffany Co Mark T 57 Certified Chronometer Stainless Watch
$3,600.00
Time Remaining: 3d 15h 35m
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Tiffany Company Mark T 57 Quartz Resonator Watch Stainless Steel No Reserve
$999.99
Time Remaining: 4d 9h 56m
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TIFFANY CO MARK T 57 CHRONOGRAPH WATCH
$1,675.00
Time Remaining: 5d 13h 32m
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Mens Tiffany Co Mark T 57 Two Tone Quartz Chronograph Date Watch
$1,895.00
Time Remaining: 7d 10h 1m
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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Save 15% For 15 Hours On The 27th Of November At Marcello C. Watches

admin — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:14:19 +0000

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Sales at Marcello C. watches don't come often. Maybe once or twice a year you get an opportunity to own one these already affordable watches at a discount. For those of you waiting to get a Marcello C. watch, a good opportunity has shown itself. Marcello C. watches is celebrating 15 years of watch making; which now makes it an old, young watch company. Though old is good in watch terms, and the exciting, high-value brand keeps delivering solid products that I heartily recommend. There aren't a lot of places to get Marcello C. watches in the US, so going to their US website at Marcello C. watches is your best bet to get a hold of one of these. My choice is their line of diver's watches (See my Marcello C. watch reviews here).

So what kind of deals are 15% off at Marcello C. watches going to get you? Lets take the pictured model which is the Nettuno 3 GMT in black. The watch takes a legendary (to me at least) Marcello C. Nettuno 3, inserts an ETA 2893-2 movement (with a fully independent second timezone GMT hand) and a bi-directional 24 hour rotating bezel. The look is very handsome, and the watch reflects what Marcello C. is best known for, quality, functionality, and superb value. The usual price of the Marcello C. GMT is $1429.00, but with the 15th Anniversary Sale discount, that prices comes down to about $1215.00; a pretty nice deal for what you get.

The terms of the sale are simple. You have 15 hours (12:00am CST to - 3:00pm CST) to cash in on the offer on November 27th. All you need to do is make your order within that time period. Shipping is still extra. Check out Marcello C. for all the Nettuno 3, Tridente, Diavolo, and other fine watch lines they offer. You may not know, but they actually have pretty nice women's watches. Now you have something to do before stuffing yourself at Thanksgiving dinner. Frankly, any day when I order a watch is a good day. The tough part is waiting for it to arrive!

Information on Marcello C. watches' 15th Anniversary Sale.

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

Discussing DLC: Linde Werdelin Talks About The Hard Black Elemental Watch And Diamond Like Carbon Coating In General

admin — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 11:23:29 +0000

You've probably seen at least something about DLC. You might not know what it is though, and the three letter term might go right past you. That's OK, because DLC is a relatively new addition to a watch maker's arsenal. Speaking with the very knowledgeable people at Linde Werdelin, IÂ recently have a new understanding of DLC, and am excited about Linde Werdelin's future incorporating the special coating on select lines of watches. Be aware that while DLC has many industrial applications, finicky watch makers demand only the highest grade materials and processes.

DLC stands for "Diamond Like Carbon." Which is a bit confusing, as so many things are made from carbon, including diamonds. The idea is simple, diamonds are extremely dense in terms of their carbonic make up, and so is DLC. However diamonds have a crystalline atomic make up, where as DLC is more hexagonal in shape and formation; think of something that look likes. DLC shares a lot of diamond properties, but is simply different in terms of make up and production. This is a very simple explanation of course, so just the basics that I think are best to know are being covered.

DLC is a coating, and not a compound suited for material building, at least as of now (my hopes are that in the future, you'll have an entire watch made out of DLC, not just coated with it). The process of producing DLC requires a 'bond,' or something for it to stick to. Typically, DLC is a thin coating (a few microns thick). The actual process of making and bonding DLC are proprietary techniques which are either trade secrets or patented, depending on who is applying the DLC or making it. Though, universally, the metal to be applied a DLC coating is placed in a special chamber where the DLC coating is literally blasted to the surface of the metal. My understanding is that is not a precision application, so the entire piece of metal placed in the chamber will be coated. Linde Werdelin is particularly proud of their DLC process which is said to be stronger, and of a higher quality than other DLC coatings that you may find. The reason for this is the hydrogen content of the DLC coating. DLC that contains any hydrogen has carbon molecules that are not as close together because of the hydrogen present. A hydrogen free DLC coating (such as used by Linde Werdelin) allows for the carbon to be closer together, and thus the coating overall is harder (rated at about 5000 Hardness Vickers, HV). Really hard!

DLC as applied to watches was first seen on Japanese models, but was quickly adopted by European watch firms that were attracted by the wonder compound. The value in DLC is in its immense durability. One test I read about took a piece of steel that, given a particular type of wear, had a durable life of one week. With a DLC coating, that life was increased to an estimated 85 years. DLC offers at least two types of desirable durability traits. First, is resistance to shock. Meaning that it takes a lot of physical shock to damage, rub off, or dent the DLC coating. Second, is the related concept of scratch resistance; DLC is not only hard, but it is difficult to distort or displace. The natural appearance of a DLC coating is a dark gray, almost black appearance with a slight sheen. To the touch it is very slick (meaning it is also highly water resistant). As an added benefit to germaphobes, bacteria is unable to grow on DLC coatings.

Linde Werdelin doesn't just have a DLC coating applied to its watches and call it a day. The process of hardening is very involved with their first DLC watch, the Hard Black Elemental. While these processes are often not publicized, the high costs of many luxury watches can stem from the involved and time consuming processes that must occur to get the perfect end result. Lets go through the process with the case part of the watch. First the case is milled out of 316L high grade steel. Milling literally cuts steel into the right shape, versus having to bend or shape it. The steel is then specially heated in an oven, and a process called Kolsterising takes place. The Kolsterizing process takes advantage of the fact that the surface of the steel become porous, and another hardening compound is applied before the steel cools, whose molecules settle in the steel. This process is another means of hardening the steel even before the DLC coating is applied. By the time the DLC coating is blasted on the watch case, it is already very hard. A reason that you typically don't see watches finished with just Kolsterizing is because it results in a blotchy look to the steel surface. The caseback of the Hard Black is not DLC coated steel, though it appears as such. Another metal used on the Hard Black DLC watch is aluminum. If you look closely at the image of the rear of the Linde Werdelin Hard Black, you'll notice holes drilled in to the rear of the watch to allow for unscrewing of the case back. The holes are drilled through a layer of brushed anodized aluminum which is placed over the screw-on stainless steel plate on the rear of the watch. Anodized aluminum has a great ability to be colored (much more easily that stainless steel), and is very light. Thus its application on the caseback.

DLC is an amazingly rugged material and is still young in its applications, especially in the watch industry. The benefit of having a DLC coating on a watch makes for a serious tool that you can easily throw around without worry. It is another (big) step forward to achieving a common dream of many; having a luxury watch that will keep its polish and sheen regardless of the abuse you subject it to.

Linde Werdelin's Hard Black DLC Elemental watch is available as a limited edition, with more DLC watches to come from Linde Werdelin soon. It is based on the very attractive and unique Elemental Biformeter watch line. The watch is 46mm wide with an automatic ETA 2892 inside (with a 42 hour power reserve). Pricing is around $5000 US, but you'll be paying in British Pounds. This is a true luxury, sports activity watch, and you can feel comfortable doing just about anything with it. Personally, I like the design, but it takes a while for it to grow on some people. One of the best aspects of Linde Werdelin is their personal touch and communication; you know that as a customer or prospective customer, you'll have their full attention if you have any issues, and they love feedback.

I want to thank Linde Werdelin for talking with me about the DLC coating process, and especially their particular use of the impressive technology. Please contact Linde Werdelin here, and look out for more DLC watches in the near future.

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

Vacheron Constantin Returns To What It Is Good At With The Collection Excellence Platine Patrimony Double Retrograde Watch

admin — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:29:31 +0000

Vacheron Constantin isn't good at everything, but they are good at a few things. One of those things is making effectively simple luxury watches. Getting too avant garde really isn't their thing. Releasing "modern" watches really isn't their thing either. In my opinion the newer Quai de l'Ile collection was a visual and logical disaster.

Moving forward, Vacheron Constantin has been focusing a great deal on platinum watches. The expensive and hard to work with metal has been increasing in popularity, especially as many of the world's wealthy watch lovers are seeking more and more exclusive materials for their watches. While there is nothing new about platinum, it has always been of the rarest precious metals, and notorious for requiring extreme efforts to work.

The Platine Patrimony Double Retrograde watch (Limited Edition of 100 pieces) features a platinum case, with a platinum dial, platinum hands, and even platinum threading (exclusive to Vacheron Constantin) on the strap. However, the hour indices are white gold (easier to polish, and the contrast with the sand-blasted platinum dial assists with legibility). You then have the blue hands for the retrograde date (on the top), and day of the week (on the bottom). The layout is really nice and simple. Not the same as Patek Philippe, but similar in terms of simplicity. It is a good idea to keep things easy to ready, and this is one of the better executions of a retrograde calendar that I have seen.

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Inside is an in house Vacheron Constantin caliber 2460R31R7 with 27 jewels, beating at 28,800 bph and with a power reserve of 40 hours. Pretty simple, but the power reserve is a bit low in my opinion. The decoration of the movement is impressive however. Meticulous polishing on the movement itself, and the 22k gold rotor is guilloche engraved for a great classic look. Further, the rotor is coupled with ceramic ball bearings which are proving to be a better alternative that steel ball bearings that rely much more on lubrication.

The PT950 stamp on the watch dial and the rear of the watch indicate the purity of the platinum, which in this case is very close to being pure. The watch case is 42.5mm wide, a good size. It is good to see Vacheron Constantin focusing more on the things it is good at. No brand wants to hear that it cannot do everything, but it is important to focus on a company's strengths. Watches like the Platine Patrimony Double Retrograde fall into this category, and should be seen as an example of Vacheron Constantin as a whole. Price? Well consider the Vacheron Constantin name, and the fact that it is Platinum and you are shooting upward of $50k.

See Vacheron Constantin watches on eBay here.

See Vacheron Constantin watches on Amazon here.

VINTAGE VACHERON CONSTANTIN PAPER
$100.00
Time Remaining: 3h 10m
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Vacheron Constantin dial and hands for cal k 1121
$199.00
Time Remaining: 5h 9m
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Vacheron Constantin Watches Catalog
$7.99
Time Remaining: 6h 25m
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Vacheron Constantin Watches Catalog
$19.99
Time Remaining: 6h 25m
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18 kt Gold Vintage Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Mens Watch circa 1967
$6,999.00
Time Remaining: 8h 30m

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VACHERON CONSTANTIN STAINLESS STEEL MENS WATCH 32mm CASE ROMAN NUMERALS LEATHER
$4,000.00
Time Remaining: 10h 2m

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

‘Real Avant Garde’ German Temption CGK204 Watch Available

admin — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:31:27 +0000

Tag Heuer's marketing slogan is "Swiss Avant Garde..." Maybe I understand avant garde differently, but while a lot of Tag Heuer watches are really nice, I would not consider most of them to be avant garde. The term avant garde is one I use with particular frequency, and the concept is simple. The phrase itself is French for "advance guard" but the English analog does not translate really well. Basically, avant guard refers to edgy experimental things, art, or practices that push limits, and advance what ever genre they are in to new areas.

Avant garde design pushes into previously untested or new areas. If I call a design avant garde, I am suggesting that while the design is new and uncommon, it works for the open-minded and appreciative viewer. In my own lexicom when discussing watches, avant garde is the opposite of 'conservative,' which I used to refer to a tried and tested design.

So with having the concept of avant garde in mind, I wish to discuss the Temption CGK204, which is a different take on the Temption CGK203 (which I own, and love, and have reviewed here). Both watches share the infinitely capable ETA Valjoux 7751 automatic movement that as you can see has a ton of complications. This is probably the most complex movement that is as low priced as it is. Valjoux 7751are based on the very robust Valjoux 7750, and are typically contained in watches costing between $5,000 - $10,000. The price that you can get a Temption CGK204 is significantly lower than this. The Valjoux 7751 offers a lot of complications including, hours, minutes, seconds, synchronized GMT, 12 hour chronograph, annual calendar (with day, date, and month), and a moonphase indicator. All that, and Temption does such a splendid job of displaying the full functionality of the movement and keeping the face relatively uncluttered; an admittedly tough job if you've seen other watches that share the same movement.

I am not going to spend a lot of time discussing the design as I could never do it full justice. All Temption watches are a combination of modern minimalism, Bauhaus, and a Japanese aesthetic known as Wabisabi. What you end up with is a distinct look that really does not fall into any one design group, but has a healthy dose of each of them. Seeing the clean lines, you might think the CGK204 design is minimalist, but viewing all the specifically aesthetic design features on the watch, you'd agree it was too designer to be mere minimalism. I'd venture to say that the design of the CGK204 is almost futuristic, maybe not in the most modern of senses, but certainly something out of Star Trek or Star Wars (think of all the instrument panel designs).

One of the best parts of many Temption watches are the color variations offered. As you can see, the red theme is prevalent in this particular Temption CGK204. The same watch is offered in black, yellow, and I believe blue. Further, it is offered with white or black faces. The watch itself is about 43mm wide not including the crown. Temption makes extremely high quality steel cases with jeweled cabochons (in the crown and pushers) matched to the color trim, on the case. This is a really cool cosmetic features that Temption applies to most of their watches.

The red calf leather strap features a Temption folding metal clasp, that they do really well. The combination of the soft light weight strap and secure fit make for a nice comfortable wearing experience. It is a highly recommended watches, from a highly recommended company. The retail price is $3,000 plus, but one can be had on eBay right now in mint condition for closer to $2,000. What a deal!

See Temption watches on eBay here.

See Temption watches on Amazon here.

TEMPTION 20mm 20 mm LEATHER Strap CURIE CM02 OLYMPIC
$150.00
Time Remaining: 9d 2h 45m
Buy It Now for only: $150.00
Buy It Now

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

Essence Of “Guy Watch” In The New Breitling Super Avenger Blacksteel Chronograph

admin — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:32:18 +0000

It is funny how sometimes one watch can epitomize a theme. Breitling watches are known to most people who know anything at all about watches, but think about what they actually mean to you. You probably thing "professional" watch, or "pilot" watch, but what does any of that really mean? Well a large part of it is Breitlings clever advertising, which has gone to great efforts to make the Breitling name synonymous with Swiss rugged watches. When it comes down to it, they have ingrained themselves as being part of the essence of masculine watches, with so much being compared to them. In a sense, I have always felt that Omega (part of the Swatch Group) and Breitling have been head to head battling for the standard "nice" man's watch.

Well, sometimes a watch comes out that just epitomizes a brand, and a theme; like started saying earlier. It really sums up most of what a brand is trying to be. Here, I am suggesting that the Super Avenger Blacksteel chronograph includes most of what Breitling wants to be known for. However, conspicuously missing is the complex slide rule bezel! You have a automatic mechanical chronograph movement, inside of a very large (48mm) black steel case. The black coating is a exotic carbon nitride-based movement, which is even more rugged than PVD.

Look closely at the chronograph pusher buttons, which are protected by castle like crenelation. Really nice and tough looking. the crown itself is well protected and grooved for each of use. Then you have the standard Breitling rotating bezel that couldn't look more at home than on this watch. Next is the military stencil font used for the numbering which again, is so aptly executed. The watch works so well from a design perspective, you just seem to take it for granted. Of course, there is the Breitling chronometer certified movement (Breitling caliber 13) inside that you can also take for granted in terms of accuracy and reliability.

The Super Avenger Blacksteel is a large and heavy watch, which is probably why it is on a rubber strap. I don't mind the weight and would prefer it on a steel bracelet with the same tone. This is likely available, knowing how much Breitling likes to provide options to its customers. Actually their pricing tends to reflect a separate price for the bracelet and "body."

So if you want an everlasting tribute to manliness in your watch collection, and you like the Breitling style, the Super Avenger Blacksteel chronograph watch is the way to go.

See Breitling Avenger watches on eBay here.

See Breitling watches on Amazon here.

Mens Breitling Super Avenger Black on Black Diamond Watch 30 Ct Fully Loaded
$9,899.99
Time Remaining: 7h 7m
Buy It Now for only: $10,999.99
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Mens Breitling Super Avenger White on White Diamond Watch 5530 Ct Fully Loaded
$19,799.99
Time Remaining: 7h 7m
Buy It Now for only: $21,999.99
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Breitling Super Avenger Chronograph SS A13370 White Large 48 Arabic Chronograph
$4,099.00
Time Remaining: 7h 39m
Buy It Now for only: $4,099.00
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MENS BREITLING AVENGER SEAWOLF CHRONO W DIAMOND BEZEL
$4,900.00
Time Remaining: 12h 27m
Buy It Now for only: $4,900.00
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Breitling Super Avenger Factory Original Diamond A13370 Black Chronograph Watch
$5,995.00
Time Remaining: 13h 20m
Buy It Now for only: $5,995.00
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Breitling super avenger ststeel bracelet link from my A135 24 22 mm bracelet
$75.00
Time Remaining: 20h 40m
Buy It Now for only: $85.00
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Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.