aBlogtoRead.com » Nubeo

Nubeo Jellyfish Arctic Snowmobile Adventure Chronograph Watch Review

admin — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 07:40:21 +0000

One of the things I love most about watches is the ability to be creative with how you present one. This means showing the time in a traditional way but having the watch look unique, or alternatively to display the time itself in a unique way. Such creative opportunity has attracted unique minds from all walks of life to participate in horology - and whether or not I like the outcome, I love the diversity.

The Nubeo brand is one that offers diversity I really like. Offering something extremely unique, Nubeo watches also seem to do it with a high level of refinement and sophistication. I am unclear of exactly what is going on with the quiet Nubeo brand, but you should be familiar at least with what they have done in the past - for me, this is really a one-of-a-kind gem. Released a few years ago, this piece is the Arctic Snowmobile Adventure Chronograph Limited Edition watch.Â It is one of two pieces that Nubeo made for a little snowmobile endurance race they sponsored in the arctic (duh). The race also has some cool outfits made and if you have one of those jackets (as a few people do), consider yourself incredibly lucky.

Coming from the Jellyfish collection, the Snowmobile Adventure watch (as I will call it) was a sort ofÂ evolutionary step between the Jellyfish (see hands-on here) and the later Black Mamba watch (see hands-on here - which didn't quite make it to retail yet as I understand). The Jellyfish name comes from how the watch is meant to appear from the side with the straps held down. Nubeo's talented designer Ivan Castro is fascinated by the incorporation of organic shapes into industrial design. The watch includes the look of a Jellyfish, with vertebrae like structures in the strap (which are actually black ceramic inserts), as well as a range of other beautiful curves mixed with into the time telling machine.

Getting attention is zero problem with a watch like this. It is your style? The watch doesn't care. It is a piece of art unto itself and if you like how it appears on your wrist - more power to you. I personally love how it looks on my wrist. I don't wear it everyday, but it is one of my most fascinating watches. Art it is, and art for me is about the smooth intersection of talent and skill. When it comes down to it, the Snowmobile Adventure watch isn't just unique looking but it works and functions well. The dial is amazingly legible despite the complexity, and the comfort of the specially designed steel case is impressive. This is a poster-child watch for something that combines both form and function (even if the form part of it is intense).

To say that the design and construction of this watch is complicated is a bit of an understatement. The Nubeo Black Mamba sort of stole the show by having the most complex watch case in the world, but this one has a case that is made up of 35 pieces (well over 100 for the Black Mamba). The dial is another series of little parts put together nicely, and even the ardillon buckle is complicated. One good thing that Nubeo proves (and I have mentioned this in the past), is that you are a fool if you only look for value in a watch's movement.

The Snowmobile Adventure watch contains a Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph. Not an exclusive movement by any means, but implement about as nicely as I have ever seen in this watch. The movement is polished up nicely and the engraved black Nubeo rotor is a thing of beauty. This watch really isn't about some exclusive in-house movement. Rather this watch is about exclusive everything else. I've never seen anyone else have a case that even looks close to this. It is so interesting and unique that there are far more fake Nubeo Jellyfish watches out there than real ones.

One of the most impressive elements of the case is the case back. Rounded and smooth, a series of pieces come together here for an underside that is virtually flush. This signals very careful engineering with components that have almost no tolerances. The bezel is also a thing of beauty. It involves machine cut steel and rubber,Â and is damn cool looking (the numerals are each individually cut and the rubber is there to help protect them). With a range of materials, the Jellyfish case actually follows the Hublot mantra of "fusion." In this 43mm wide case you'll find at least steel, rubber, and ceramic. According to Nubeo, the milling process for the case parts takes over 3 hours alone.

A fancy design alone is not enough to impress me but proper execution is. The Snowmobile Adventure is a high-end watch through and through. Details and beautifully crisp and the materials are all very high quality. One down-side of the complex construction is that bits of dust and grime can get in between all the little details. You can of course wash the watch, but with some wear debris will build up given all the hiding spaces on the case.

The large crown and smaller chronograph pushers are a quirky design twist that you won' find many other places. I think it looks cool, but others might wonder about the lilliputian chrono pushers compared to the monolithic style crown. The dial is really fun by my taste. Sporty and organic, it looks like something I'd expect to claim as loot after fighting (and hopefully beating) some sophisticated space alien that challenged me in combat. The dial is three layers and incorporates some design elements from other brands in a very tasteful way that feels more like actual homage than copying. The lume-lathered leaf style hands are a breeze to read and elegant to view. Can you see a bit of Panerai in the face? I can.

No expense really seems to have been saved in the design and construction of this watch. Even the rubber strap is all Swiss made. Even if you don't like the aesthetic choices of Nubeo watches, I challenge you to find one and tell me that it isn't a well made timepiece. Nubeo for me was the first brand that made me want to buy a case and not care what movement was inside (though I am perfectly content with the 7750 inside of it). There are about 300 pieces of this Nubeo Arctic Snowmobile Adventure watch around. Not sure of the original price but it was in the $13,000 - $14,000 range if I recall correctly. For me items like this are why I got into watches in the first place.

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

Nubeo Women’s Jellyfish Watch

admin — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:09:43 +0000

Please enjoy the original article below by established watch writer Meehna Goldsmith. From magazines to the freer writing form of the web, she is a knowledgeable watch junkie who knows high-end pieces.Â She contributes to publications such as Robb Report, International Watch, Watch Journal and Pink Magazine. You can visit her on her website www.meehnagoldsmith.com. I first wrote about the Jellyfish line from Nubeo here, with some hands-on images.

I’m pretty picky when it comes to women’s watches. Nine times out of ten, I prefer the men’s models over the ladies, because ladies watches are usually men’s watches dressed up in opulent drag and placed in a smaller case size. I also don’t like a lot of jewels on my watches (in my watches is A-okay). When I saw the Nubeo line of women’s timepieces, which includes some major sparklies, I had to backtrack immediately. I got a rush like I was a kid on a playground whisking down a slide. Wheee!!! I was in major covet mode and couldn’t wait to try them on.

Nubeo is a small, independent company that was launched by the effervescent and impassioned Spaniard Ivan (pronounced Ee-Vaughn) Castro in 2003. You can’t talk to him without getting a contact energy high. Perhaps because Castro is a jewelry designer and a naval engineer, he was able to bring a unique interpretation to the watch dial and case. The shape is like nothing I’ve ever seen, resembling that graceful underwater beauty the jellyfish.

Traditionally, haute horlogerie (high watchmaking) focuses on movement design and finishing. It’s not that the case and dial didn’t get attention, they just weren’t the stars of the show. Castro flipped the centuries-old notion on its head and asked why haute horlogerie couldn’t apply to the case. He gives a very compelling answer with his watches.

The cases are complex works of art, made up of many layers and surface treatments. Nubeo’s watches are not only appealing from a visual aesthetic, but also from a tactile one. They beg to be handled and examined. Just look at the bezel sculpted and polished to a high shine on several planes. The fluted crown is easy to grab and whispers, Wind me. Sensuous lines and curves define the back of the case. They aren’t just for show either. Sometimes a watch teeters awkwardly on your wrist. Not so with Nubeo. The case snuggles up comfortably for a perfect fit. While you’re wrapping the strap around your wrist, you can admire the gems and/or metals embedded there–a really nice design touch.

The dial also pops with detail, from the swirling guilloche to the individually cut and polished faceted hour markers.

Because Castro is a jewelry designer he has an appreciation for materials and gems. He has no fear of putting together unusual pairings that might make you turn up your nose at the concept. But then you see the rubber, stainless steel, gold and diamonds in beautiful collaboration, proving the intrepid Castro has impeccable taste. I love his use of color, showing off the beauty of fiery garnets, violet amethysts, and hot pink and orange sapphires.

Although the watches look elegant and pretty, they are sturdy and made to be used. All of them are water resistant so you can splash around in the pool, Jacuzzi or shower without worry. The gems are set below the bezel plane to accommodate the expected bumps and knocks in everyday life.

So, we need to talk about the price. These beauties don’t come cheap. The non-jeweled versions start at $6K, while the jeweled cases average about $20K+, though you can get one for around 10-12K. In this price range you definitely have a lot of choices from many of the established haute horlogerie companies. Some have questioned the price in comparison because Castro chose to use an ETA 7750, a reliable but mass produced movement. (The finishing on them is very good, however.)

If you were focusing on the movement, you’d be considering the watch from the wrong perspective. Castro makes no bones about what movement he uses and his primary criterion is reliability. Where Castro put the investment is in the best materials and manufacture of the case, which is top-notch. I don’t think you will find better.

Admittedly, these watches are not conventional and that’s what I love about them. They are conversation starters with character and style. As Castro makes less than 1000 pieces a year, you won’t find them on everybody’s wrist either.

If you’re just dipping your toe into luxury timepieces, this may be a big leap. But once you take the plunge, I think it will become a favorite in your collection.

Kobe Bryant Likes My Nubeo Black Mamba Watch Review

admin — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:48:37 +0000

I was extremely flattered when I learned that LA Lakers player and sports celebrity Kobe Bryant featured an article of mine on his Facebook page. I recently wrote about the Nubeo Black Mamba watch line that was created in conjunction with Kobe Bryant. See the article on the Black Mamba watch here. Yesterday on Kobe's Facebook page, the first content item you saw was a link to my article. I don't know if you realize this, but Mr. Bryant is a popular guy , and he has almost 1.3 million Facebook friends! As of writing there there are 450 comments on the article and over 6,000 views. I am thrilled to see that his fans like Black Mamba watches and of course I will continue to cover the impressive watch line.

This is all good news for Nubeo as well who is getting much deserved praise and attention for their Black Mamba watch line. Thanks Kobe!

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

Nubeo Black Mamba Kobe Bryant Watches In The Flesh

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:44:36 +0000

Here are four models from the new Nubeo Black Mamba watch collection that have been made in partnership with Kobe Bryant. There are a few fantastic styles in this collection, and here are four versions that I have been fortunate enough to check out and share with you. The three styles here are the basic Black Mamba (chapter ring with hour and minute markers), the Black Mamba Ultimate (black sapphires on the chapter ring on the outer dial and Arabic numerals on the bezel), and the Black Mamba MVP (black or whiskey sapphires on the bezel and the dial chapter ring). Last I heard, Kobe Bryant himself was sporting the Nubeo Black Mamba MVP with the natural whiskey sapphire stones - a truly awesome timepiece once you handle it. Let's check out the bling for a moment on these watches. It should be obvious why whiskey sapphires are named as such. Pour yourself a glass and you'll see a familiar color - oh, and they are also called orange sapphires. The Black Mamba MVP has 48 baguette cut stones on the chapter ring of the dial, 72 black sapphire round brilliant cut stones that line the chronograph subdials, and then another 48 baguette cut whiskey sapphires on the watch bezel. Nubeo's founder Ivan Castro is a skilled jeweler and it shows through not only the choice of stones, but the design and setting on the timepieces. Black sapphire stones are quite interesting. They certainly shine, but have a more under-the-radar style of luxury that asserts itself in confidence and pride of ownership each time you glance at the watch. The Ultimate is an interesting version is the Black Mamba with the precision-cut Arabic numeral bezel (with natural rubber inlay) and the black sapphires in the chapter ring - quite cool. The Nubeo Black Mamba watch has the most complex watch case in the world that I previously discussed here. The cases themselves are made up of 131 parts. I was unclear as to the physical outcome of these complex cases until I got to handle the watches themselves, and I was instantly sold. As a testament to Nubeo's abilities, these complex cases are still 100 meters water resistant. This means that each piece of the watch case is so precision engineered that is still able to keep water and dust out of the watch despite having so many pieces that need to fit together just right. These watches are actually pre-production prototypes, so the final versions will have even more distinct lines and a higher level of finish - incredible. Nothing is totally impressive until you get a chance to wear the watch yourself, so if you get a chance, I highly recommend it. Younger generations sometimes have trouble finding lust in more traditional ultra luxury watches. I think the Nubeo Black Mamba might at least be a partial solution to this problem. With prices starting at about $25,000 for the basic Black Mamba watches, and going up to $285,000 for the Black Mamba MVP watch models - these are by all means luxury to "high," or "ultra" luxury timepieces. They also have that Lamborghini type of appeal that is lost in so many other more traditional luxury watches. Sure there is a world of extravagant and complex luxury watch out there - many not traditional looking at all, but the Black Mamba seems to have a pop culture appeal that is just absent in some of the other [circa] $285,000 watches out there. Plus, it is all design and craftsmanship. The movement inside the watch is a tried but true Valjoux 7750 automatic mechanical movement. A very mainstream and reliable movement. The application of the movement works, and Nubeo watches have never been about movement technical prowess, more about the complex engineering of the watch cases. Stop for a moment and consider this. So many watch makers spend years on complex movements that are only viewed by other watch makers for the most part - but they neglect having an interesting case and dial for the watches. Nubeo takes the opposite approach here by focusing on what you see and what is worn on your wrist everyday. Take it from me, a guy who has seen and worn A LOT of watches - Nubeo is very capable when it comes to making a very high quality case in terms of design and construction. So what is the Black Mamba watch made of other than jewels on some models? I will give you the run down of the major materials and leave it to Nubeo to show you how they are each applied. Ceramic is a major component in the case, especially the "lip" that fits so nicely over your wrist. There is also titanium, steel, and rubber. Click on the article above about the Black Mamba having the most complex case in the world to get some more details on that and some cool "explosion" shots. The watch is also big, but probably the most comfortable "big" watch I have ever worn. This is all due to Nubeo's clever and well-conceived design - much of which you'll notice, and some of which you'll only learn about years after wearing the watch as you discover new intricacies to the design. Kobe looks stunning in this watch, and so will most people who are comfy with the avant garde looks. It is the most different looking watch you'll end up being chummy with right away when you wear it. It succeeds on so many levels, and the newer Nubeo brand is only going to get better - always looking to innovate and continue refining the core strengths that founder Ivan Castro brings as a corporate asset. Therefore it is a great brand to watch, and the Black Mamba is a serious player in the game of luxury sports watches or otherwise. See more about the Black Mamba watch at Nubeo here.

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

Sporting Jellyfish & Medusse Watches While Spending Quality Time With Nubeo

admin — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:14:37 +0000

The more time I spend with innovative independent watch makers, the most I find myself being drawn to that world. Nubeo is one of my newest favorites because founder Ivan Castro is first a jewelry man, second a watch maker. The sentiment translates into a totally unique interpretation into watch design as well as construction ethic. He is a humble guy, but has a no tolerance attitude for deviations from his strict concepts of quality in both aesthetic and construction. These are a few watches from one of his first lines of watches, the Jellyfish. There is also the Black Jellyfish, and Medusse (which is the women's line). Then for the ceramic built versions, they are called the Keramik watches. All of these are based on the same type of design. The Jellyfish looks comes out best when you turn the watch on its side and look at the outline shape. Looks like the profile of a jellyfish right? All Nubeo watches has this theme of "organic" influence, and it works really well for the brand.

The first thing you notice when holding a Nubeo watch is that they have a level of detail typically unseen in other timepieces. Edges are so perfectly cut, colors are vivid and sharp without holding back, lines are fluid and meld together. These are truly works of art that have been translated into haute horology, and imbued with a very high level of manufacturing pride. The first watch pictured is the Black Jellyfish in rose gold and rubber. The case features both brushed and polished surfaces and rubber is used in unique ways over the bezel. The strap is exquisite and you have these gold links that move like spinal vertebrae when you move or twist the strap. Part of the "organic" aspect of the design. The dial is meld of various textures and materials that remind you of sea shells and fossils. Still, the face of the watch is very easy to read. Inside the watch is a modified automatic ETA Valjoux 7750 movement. The traditional chronograph movement has the chronograph part of it taken out. The reason the movement is used is that it was likely the easiest way to have the subsidiary seconds dial placed in the correct position while still retaining a hardy movement that did not require a module to be placed on it. Actually across all Nubeo timepieces, I'd say the Valjoux 7750 is their favorite movement to use.

Looking at the rear of the watch you see a fantastic thing, but I might need to explain it to you so that you can appreciate it. The case of the Jellyfish is made up of several parts, but do you see how they are all flush on the curved back? This is so hard to so, making sure each pieces is so exact in size that the rear of the watch feels like one solid piece if you run your finger over it. You can also see the kidney bean shaped sapphire window through which you can see the movement and the black textured automatic rotor.

Next you'll see whimsical model of the Jellyfish, the Camouflage model. It is a fun timepiece with a cool sort of marine camo look. It hide a complex secret though. The camo rubber strap is very hard to make. Most camo straps are painted, not this one. A technician at the factory must hand apply globs of rubber to make the patterns for each strap as opposed to using the basic injections molds. There just might be the most luxurious camouflage rubber straps out there. I am going to leave it to Nubeo to tell you each detail about the watch. I think the images speak for themselves to a large degree.

Then you have the women's line which I wanted to show you. These are of the most stunning women's watches out there. So cool you'll actually want her to have one. They are basically men's sized anyway, with masculine enough colors I would probably wear one. The women's Jellyfish watches are called Medusse. Which is a play on another name for jellyfish. These watches illustrate Nubeo's jewelry background. Mr. Castro is very talented when it comes to picking the right stones. You'll find that the various watches have been meticulously thought out when it comes to choice of colors, cuts, and sizes. I think that he did a very good job without going overboard. It is a tough line to reach to being clearly a jewelery timepiece without beingÂ reduced to a framework for a precious gem orgy (you know you've seen those watches).

The overall Jellyfish line of watches include dizzying amount of variations. If you are interested in one you'll certainly want to explore your options with Nubeo. Nubeo's newest line is the Black Mamba watch collection that I've written about before, but I thought it was important to give emphasis the brand's other collections as well - as they each embody something special.

Visit Nubeo here for more information.

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

Nubeo Black Mamba Watch Sheds Its Skin: Shows Off Complex Construction

admin — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:23:23 +0000

A typically complex watch case consists of about 5-10 parts. Sometimes you'll run into something with more than that, but it is rare. A watch case can't be too complex because it needs to hold up for longer periods of time and retain structural integrity, while at the same time ensuring water and dust resistance. So you can imagine that the pieces need to all fit together particularly well. Tolerances in manufacturing must be minute so that the many pieces fit together just right. Well, the Nubeo Black Mamba has 131 case components making it the most complex watch case every made. Plus, it still enjoys water resistance of up to 100 meters. Nice job.

Let's explore a bit of the complex construction. Words on this will bore, but the images will impress. The case is made of mostly ceramic and titanium with bits of rubber and other materials. Some versions of this limited edition watch will feature various types of sapphire gems. The not so basic, "basic" model is show with the numeral applied bezel made of mostly titanium, ceramic, and some rubber.

The case itself is 48mm wide total and will incorporate two major elements; an inner titanium case, and an outer ceramic case (which is more organically shaped and is made to fit well on the wrist). Some of these organic shapes are due to Nubeo's underwater creature theme. To help conform the land-based snake's (the Black Mamba) status to the ocean environment, Nubeo indicated "snakefish mutation" on the bottom of the watch case. I think "sea snake mutation" would have made more sense (as there are such animals), but the watch is cool enough that they can take such artistic liberties. Side note: the sea snake is one of the most deadly snakes in terms of venom on the planet.

Nubeo's approach on the Black Mamba's construction is totally different than other watches that often attempt to compliment the wrist through simplicity. This is a "cyborg creating" watch in the sense that it imbues the human wearing it with a feeling of technological enhancement. Yes, the watch is still an automatic mechanical watch at heart (Valjoux 7750), but it certainly gives off an extra-futuristic vibe. Nubeo is proud of the fact that the Black Mamba watch was closely developed with pro basket ball player Kobe Byrant (whose on-court nick name is Black Mamba). Future developments will shed light as to what types of influences he had on the watch design, which are apparently significant. I look forward to hearing about it.

Going back to the construction of the watch - you'll be impressed at the intentional over-engineering of the case, pushers, bezel, and even screws. In addition to the basic titanium screws used all over the case, the Black Mamba uses highly detailed "turbine" screws in to hold down the rubber strap. Two forms of grade 5 titanium are applied on the case, one of them being with a DLC (diamond like carbon) coating. This specially hard coating not only makes the watch more durable but adds various scratch free surfaces that will not lose their polish.

Hands on the interesting though legible dial are segmented like snake scales - this continues the reptilian theme. Speaking of which, this watch reminds me of another reptile aside from the snake, the turtle. Though not just any turtle. This would be a kick-ass watch for a Ninja Turtle, would you not agree? And of all the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles I would say that Donatello, the most clever and cultured would adorn this fine timepiece. Prices start at about $22,000 for this limited edition watch of 810 pieces, with other limited editions (or fewer pieces)Â featuring healthy amounts of sapphire jewels going for more.

Learn more at Nubeo.ch here.

Nod to Relojes Especiales for the photograph of the Black Mamba above.

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