aBlogtoRead.com » Temption

Temption CGK205 Version 2 Watch

admin — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 07:05:30 +0000

German brand Temption is a boutique watch maker that I like to follow. With very few new releases each year, this is one of the ultimate "in the know" brands that won't require your life savings to buy. For 2012 the main new release is a slight update/variation on the long standing CGK range. This one is called the CGK205 Version 2. Why not the CGK206? Probably just not enough new about it to go that far. I would just have called it the CGK205.5.

This Version 2 is based on the CGK205 which I first covered here and then did a hands-on article with the CGK205 among other pieces here. As far as I can tell the new version has merely a new dial - which is almost a hybrid between the CGK204/205 and the earlier CGK203.

Legibility on a watch like this is very high. Ever since the prominence of the Omega Speedmaster (for instance) high contrast black and white dials have made a strong case for themselves. The look of the Temption CGK range is almost like an artsy version of what Omega has popularized. An enduring touch is the black-on-black Temption brand logo - that offers attractive and subtle branding that is not "in your face."

For the CGK205 Version 2, the dial is a bit more three-dimensional. You'll notice that the subdials are recessed a bit and the hour markers are a bit more bold compared to the date numerals on the flange ring. I agree that the font used for the date looks better being more gray in color than white. You tend to look at the hour markers more than the date - and the 7751 does have the weakness of making the date indicator a bit too "in your face." Hands on the dial are a mixture between newer and older styles. The synchronized 24 hour hand at 9 o'clock is the new style, while most of the other hands are in the old style. It is a refreshing look that enhances legibility and a sense of purpose. That with an artistic designer twist the Temption does rather well.

The case is steel and 43mm wide, and looks about the same as the original CGK205. I like the pushers, simple looking bracelet, and onyx cabochon in the crown. I have a couple of Temption watches myself and really enjoy them. Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA Valjoux 7751 automatic chronograph movement with an annual calendar and moon phase indicator (along with a synchronized 24 hour hands). For the money the movement does a lot and Temption makes it look rather great through the sapphire exhibition caseback. I anticipate that this boutique, hard to find Temption CGK205 Version 2, watch will retail for a price close to the original CGK205 of about $3,670.

TEMPTION 20mm 20 mm LEATHER Strap CURIE CM02 OLYMPIC
$150.00
Time Remaining: 8d 15h 38m
Buy It Now for only: $150.00
Buy It Now

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

Temption CGK205 & CM05 Watches Hands-On

admin — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 07:02:14 +0000

In a little room underneath Basel I sit with the humble and talented Mr. Klaus Ulbrich of Temption Germany. Temption is one of those underdog watch brands that I have been rooting for, for years. I have written about their watches a lot on aBlogtoRead.com - and reviewed a few as well (such as the CGK203 and the Cameo). Which you can search for easily. This is the first time that I have actually gotten to meet Mr. Ulbrich and it is an honor to meet the man behind these watches.

Why Temption isn't more popular is a mystery to me. Little German brands such as this sort of stay in a small club. They don't advertise much (or at all), nor are they widely distributed. Temption is one of those brands many people can afford, but that you need to hunt for. It amazed me to learn that much of Temption's business comes from Japan. The Japanese watch consumer is known to be knowledgeable and finicky - so their adoption of these pieces means a lot. Could Temption also do well in other markets? Probably, but the real question is whether or not Klaus could make enough watches. Welcome to one of the many issues a boutique watch maker must struggle with.

What I like about Temption aside from their design is the focus on utility and quality. These are nicely made pieces that feel good on the wrist and look like they were designed using Feng Shui. According to Temption, the design process melds German Bauhaus with Japanese concepts of balance and a mixture of technical and organic aesthetics. While not for everyone, most of Klaus's designs are attractive in my opinion do balance form and function very well (as well as value).

The watches seen here are the new for last year CM05 and the Temption CGK205. You'll notice that the CGK205 still says CGK204 on the dial - I am not sure why. It is essentially a CGK204 with a new metal bracelet. The CGK205 will be Temption's flagship watch using a nicely decorated Swiss ETA Valjoux 7751 automatic movement. Based on the 7750 chronograph, the 7751 adds a moon phase indicator, annual calendar, and synchronized 24 hour hand (AM/PM indicator). In my opinion this is a very difficult movement to design a good looking dial around - and Temption does a pretty good job at it.

As a sign of humility or design, the Temption logo is always black on black (or white on white). You have to look at the dial in the right light to see the logo - else the dial looks logoless. Most Temption watch dials are black, but theÂ occasionalÂ light model shows up as well. For instance the CGK204 in white with black and red trip is an amazingly bold piece with a slick design. There are also other pieces with yellow, blue, and other trims for other Temption pieces.

The CM05 had a special limited edition for the Japanese market that was all black called the "Black Rain." That was what Klaus was wearing and I wanted to show it to you as it is a very neat looking, but simple piece. You can click above for links to more full length articles on the CGK205 and CM05.

Temption has usually impressed me with their bracelets. Having a boutique brand that makes bracelets is impressive enough. This one uses all horizontal steel links and reminds me of some of those older Porsche Design bracelets that are now classics. I believe that the CGK205 and CM05 use the same style bracelet. Leather and rubber straps are also available.

Speaking of Porsche Design, sometimes I feel as though Temption's watches look like an intersection between the DNA of Porsche Design and Alain Silberstein. Does anyone else see that? Good stuff all around and I recommend these timepieces for those who enjoy the look and concept.

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

Temption CGK205 Watch

admin — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 23:18:07 +0000

Temption is one of my favorite boutique German watch brands, and will release this new version of their CGK collection soon. The CGK205 is the follow up to the CGK204 (based on the CGK203 - which I reviewed here). The collection houses a decorated Swiss ETA Valjoux 7751 automatic movement (a 7750 with an annual calendar, moon phase, and synced 24 hour hand), and lays out the dial info really nicely. For the CGK205 Temption refines the design a bit and ads a new metal bracelet option. I think it looks stellar.

While the CGK205 doesn't offer a lot new, these are limited production watches from a boutique brand that is hard to get. For me the design is a fantastic mixture between form and function - but not everyone will have the same sense of taste. What I think the watch does well is take the design of the CGK203 and mix it with the CGK204 is a more conservative and classic manner. For me this watch is more exciting than the CGK204 because it updates the design but includes what I loved about the CGK203.

The steel watch and bracelet are 43mm wide, while the bracelet now uses horizontal style links (though a middle link is hidden on the inside for greater wearing comfort). Really nice with that typical German boutique watch makers attention to detail and quality. Price is $3,670. Contact Temption to ask where to get one (or direct from them). Last I heard most of what they produce is sold in Asia (often Japan).

Tech specs from Temption:

CGK205

Self winding mechanical chronograph with complications

- Movement T18.1 based on Valjoux 7751 with fine adjustment and incabloc, 25 jewels, 28800 semi amplitudes/h, power reserve min. 42h, finish: Rotor circular stripes, engraved, bridges pearled, blued screws.

- Central hour, central minute, decentral second at 9

- Central stop second, stop minute at 12, stop hour at 6

- Analog date (dedicated hand aims to the date)

- Synchronized 24h indicator at 9

- Moon phase at 6 with rapid change mechanism

- Curved sapphire glass on the top and sapphire glass bottom

- Housing 43mm, SST 316 L, satinized, 14,7 mm height, water proof 100m

- Screw on crown with integrated onyx and 3 screw on pushers (the pusher at 11 is a rapid change mechanism of the day)

- SST bracelet - fully integrated (all large head screws with two ¾ links or leather/rubber strap (calf) 22/20mm with single wing security clasp

- Price: 2680‚ (Approx. USD 3670)

TEMPTION 20mm 20 mm LEATHER Strap CURIE CM02 OLYMPIC
$150.00
Time Remaining: 8d 15h 38m
Buy It Now for only: $150.00
Buy It Now

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

Temption CM05 Watch

admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:06:16 +0000

I have a really strong affinity to the small, independent German watch maker Temption. I have two of their watches, the CGK203 and the Cameo (click on those links for my reviews). Each year they try to release a new model, and I eager await what they have to share. Last year it was the beautiful Cameo, and this year is the CM05. While the Cameo was a totally new design for the brand, the CMO5 is more of an evolution on their classic look. Emphasis here is on build quality, and the simple design aesthetic that made the Cameo as popular as it was.

Temption is proud that the CM05 is totally screwed together. There are no rivets, studs, or pressed points (though the sapphire crystal might be an exception). As such, you can see the screws in the caseback and all over the bracelet. The case itself is in high-grade steel and 42mm wide and 11mm tall (very wearable). The case is 100 meters water resistant as well. The sapphire crystal is 2.6mm thick and domed for strength (also AR coated on the inside). It is a satisfying look and makes for a good every day wear.

The dial reminds me of UTS watches, and is very Germanic. Simple and highly functional with a Bauhaus theme. The dial is a matte black with a black on black Temption logo and a small frame around the centrally mounted date window (that is also a black disc). Temption places a black disc over the central axis of the hands to hide the connection point. It is a new style for them, even though others have done it. It keeps the look of the face cleaner. The hour markers and hands have luminant applied to them. It is a modern looking watch dial in a very pure form, with a distinct emphasis on understated artistry - exactly what many men are looking for. It is actually easy not to appreciate the dial at first, but look at it, think about it, and then look at it again in a little while and then see how you feel.

The rotating bezel is an odd element on the case. I really like Temption's older style rotating bezel. Not sure how I feel about this new one. It is certainly more style oriented, and I would have to live with it for a bit before coming to a conclusion on it. Plus, it is sort of a GMT pilot's bezel and the watch has no GMT hand. So it is just another place for hour markers maybe. Don't forget that the crown has Temption's signature onyx stone cabochon in it. Even if the watch dial is almost bare, the movement is nicely decorated. Temption puts another sapphire crystal on the rear of the watch with a view into the finished and perlage polished Swiss ETA 2892A2 automatic movement. Looks like a slightly new type of decor for Temption watch movements.

One of the best parts of the watch is the bracelet. In fact, Temption most always does a good job with their bracelets, and this one it totally new. From the outside it is all horizontal links in brushed steel to match the case. Though looking on the inside you can see how it is constructed (again, lots of screws holding it together and an inner connection link). Temption has comfort in mind as well. In addition to the full size links, Temption provides two 3/4 size links for a more precision fit when sizing the bracelet. It closes via a butterflyÂ deployment clasp that has the Temption logo engraved in ti, and blends in with the rest of the bracelet pretty well. The bracelet is also thick at 24mm wide, and nicely integrated into the watch case (that is sort of lugless).

You can tell that the Temption CM05 certainly has a "small workshop" feel to it, but is also a very cohesive watch that is put together with the refinement of a fine piece of Jewelry. I look forward to checking it out soon. Price is not too bad at about $2,325 (1710 euros).Â Plus it is a good type of look for those who miss the early to middle 80s IWC/Porsche Design watches. While the watch is not part of a limited edition, Temption makes under 1000 watches a year, so these aren't gonna be a ton of these around. They should start being available in April 2010.

See Temption watches on eBay here.

TEMPTION 20mm 20 mm LEATHER Strap CURIE CM02 OLYMPIC
$150.00
Time Remaining: 8d 15h 38m
Buy It Now for only: $150.00
Buy It Now

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

Temption Cameo Watch Review: Boutique Eccrentric Good Taste

admin — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 08:03:17 +0000

When I first heard about the Temption Cameo watch being released (this was last year) I was pretty excited. Not only was one of my favorite watch companies about to release an entirely new model, but it was one of those awesome looking watches that was within my grasp (financially speaking) to afford. The funny thing is that most of my fellow watch lovers don't even know about Temption watches. For me the small Stuttgart company is larger than life, producing some of the [in my opinion] best designed watches out there (especially for the price). Even with just 700-1000 watches made each year, they are still able to provide incredible values.

Before looking at a Temption watch you need to understand what goes into their watches. I've written about Temption at length on aBlogtoRead.com, so I won't emulate a broken record by going over their design theory yet again. Let it be said that Klaus Ulbrich is a fan of Bauhaus, modernism, and a Japanese aesthetic called Wabisabi. The watches are all what I would consider a healthy mixture of architecturally poised Romanesque style with a veneer of Bauhaus and modernism to soften the edges and help emphasize function. That being said, the design is actually deceptively simple and almost a triumph of the understated.

Why all the hoopla about just some new watch? Because it is so different. The combination of price + market distinction make it an important watch industry piece in my humble opinion. While many unique watches exist out there, so few have the type of broad appeal that I think Temption was able to bestow upon the Cameo.

A lot of what I want to say about the Cameo in this article will be from my personal experience with the watch. I've written a few pre-release articles here that you should look at for the fullest 'picture' of what the Cameo is all about. There you'll get a few details that are important but I won't reiterate here. I will however add again that the movement is an automatic ETA 2892A2 with some decoration. This is the highest grade base type three-hand automatic movement that ETA offers.

All Temption watches come in muted cool looking black boxes. This time a wooden (pretty sure its wood) box exterior houses leather inside - all black in color). The Cameo, being a watch rich with brown tones immediately stands out. One of the things that make Temption watches different is that while the production process of the watches is perfect, there is something so “un mass-produced” about them. Everything is limited run, everything is rare, and everything is finished very well.

The square-ish case is 38mm wide and about 50mm tall from lug to lug. Being square makes it feel bigger than it is, which is a good thing with a case like this. The entire case is curved so that it conforms to one’s wrist all the better. What is so cool about the Cameo, is that the entire watch case is curved, not just the back. It is extremely comfortable (and good looking) for that reason. I would consider the lugs to be integrated into the case structure, which have large retainer screws on the side which are a distinct feature of the overall design. The brown leather strap matches the mood of the dial color, and reminds me of the straps on the Bell & Ross BR01 watches. At the lugs the strap is 30mm wide and tapers down to 20mm at its smallest point. The strap is a bit thicker than you would expect, but I appreciate this added heft. Someone commented that it is a very ‘masculine looking watch, without being brash.” Holding the straps together is a folding metal clasp with a dual button release. The strap can be easily adjusted for any wrist. Temption actually includes a larger strap end for larger wrists. Funny enough, on my narrow wrists I wear the smaller strap on the smallest setting. One odd point is the orientation of the engraved Temption logo and signature on the clasp. It appears upside down, at least from the way I am used to seeing it. Perhaps this is intentional or Temption’s engraving supplier screwed up. Really not a big deal, but I thought it was worth pointing out. It adds character to say the least. Overall, I have to admit that the claps and strap are very well designed and go together well — they are a strong point of the watch.

Despite the unorthodox design of the case, the Cameo is still water resistant to 100 meters. No doubt the screw down crown and screw secured caseback assist this. I like knowing that I don’t need to be too delicate with the watch, as it is perfect for causal or formal wear. The rear of the watch features an exhibition caseback with a view into the moderately decorated movement. Perlage polishing coat some exposed parts of the movement, with cotes de Geneve polish is applied to the Temption signed rotor. A few nice details are included on the back — including the numbered watch as part of the 500 limited edition, as well as part of Temption’s design theory in Latin, “pulchritudo in claritate,” or “beauty and simplicity.” On the side of the case is a tiger's eye gem cabochon set in the crown.

The part of the watch that you will spend the most time with is the dial of course. At first the Temption dial is attractive, but simple looking. Just recall the “beauty and simplicity” aspect of the Temption design philosophy and you get the point. The most important aspect of any dial design for Temption legibility. In this the Cameo succeeds. Although the case is square, the dial is round with perfectly sized hands and hour and minute markers. The contrast between the white and deep brown adds to both the beauty and clarity of the dial design. You’ll notice that the lume covered hands feature hands in a style that is common in other Temption watches — part an important branding exercise. Just as car companies try to maintain similar grills on cars, some watch companies do the same with watch hands. Unique to Temption is the “label hiding” that they do on each of their watch faces. The Temption logo and Cameo name are set on the dial in a slightly darker brown, only visible in the right angles or in the right light. I’ve always liked this about Temption because it results in the most unpretentious of looks. Around the raised circular dial are visual extensions of each hour marker, in a sunburst style.

Without sounding silly, I would suggest that the sunburst hour marker extensions on the dial give the watch a more ‘majestic’ look. While the dial could not be considered ‘exciting’ it is certainly pleasing to the eye. My feeling on the Cameo is that the watch is a look enhancer, rather than attention stealer - a subtle but bold timepiece that seems to make anyone look a bit better with it on. I’ve been wearing my Cameo watch a lot since I got it and it keeps making me happy. I love how it looks, how it feels, and how unique it is. Some people (like me) enjoy the idea that no one else seems to be familiar with the Temption brand. I’d like to change that, but admit to feeling hip with a strong, but little known brand. For that reason I am giving the watch my aBlogtoRead.com Seal of Approval award.

I got my Temption Cameo watch through WatchExpo.com, which is in my opinion the best US Temption watch dealer. If there is a watch they don’t have in stock they can order it for you at a better price than any other US Temption watch dealer.

Temption Cameo Silver Model Watch

admin — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 07:18:17 +0000

Temption watches will present a twist on the still new Cameo model at Baselworld this year. The new model is called the Cameo S (for silver) and has the popular new Cameo watch with a revised face. The dial is silver colored with different hands and some red minute markers to add color to the face. Further, the watch will offer some light vertical texturing on the dial to match the sides of the watch case, and a onyx rather than tiger's eye cabochon in the crown. Like the standard Cameo watch line, the Cameo S will be introduced as a limited edition of just 500 watches.

The rest of the Cameo S model will be the same as the regular Cameo watch. This includes the architecturally themed square case unique to Temption with an ETA 2892A2 automatic movement powering the watch. Temption is proud of the special technique they use to chemically bond the square sapphire crystal to the case. This process is very difficult to do because the Cameo is of the only square watches with a true square sapphire crystal. The stainless steel case is beautifully cut in a high polish and brushed finish, with some satin finished segments on the side.

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As I write this I am wearing my Temption Cameo watch and can say the both dial choices are beautiful and highly legible. I anticipate that pricing will be competitive at under $2,000 which is a good value from the boutique German watch maker who produces well under 1000 watches each year. The Cameo Silver watch will be announced officially at Baselworld later this month and available sometime after that.

See Temption watches on eBay here.

TEMPTION 20mm 20 mm LEATHER Strap CURIE CM02 OLYMPIC
$150.00
Time Remaining: 8d 15h 38m
Buy It Now for only: $150.00
Buy It Now

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

Temption Cameo and Fortis Square Watches – Square Off

admin — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:41:17 +0000

Temption and Fortis are two admirable watch makers who share nary a sneer or historic competition.Â Interestingly, they now have what I consider to be closely matched competing watches with the new Temption Cameo and the Fortis Square. Through what I believe might be no fault of either company, a battle between these watches now ensues for a leader of this micro niche (or maybe I am just egging on a fight). What is the niche you ask? Well just compare the properties and design of these two watches and you can see what I mean.

The Temption Cameo and Fortis Square are both (approximately) 39mm wide and high - steel - square-cased watches with round dials. Each primarily arrives with dark brown leather straps, and have dark against white colored faces. Each has a shaped rear on the watch case to better fit to your wrist. Each contains a Swiss ETA automatic mechanical movement with a sapphire crystal caseback window (an ETA 2892-2 in the Cameo, and an ETA 2836-2 in the Square, though a chronograph or GMT version of the Square is also available with other movements). Both have a retail price between $1,500- $2,000. Both are functionality focused with a stylistic edge. In my book that makes these two watches competitors.

Sure, the differences are a plenty, but they reflect the market purpose and demographics of each watch. Fortis, the larger of the two companies volume wise,Â is known for making aviation professional watches that need to be clear and easy to use and read. German Temption is more focused on thoughtfully designed Bauhaus styled watches that stressÂ architected looks without sacrificing any utilitarian appeal. Looking at the Fortis, you'll notice the large mostly Arabic number markers and thick plain pointed hands. The ETA 2836 movement adds a day of the week indication complication next toÂ the date. Further, the chapter ring around the round dial is tilted with number indexes to improved legibility when viewing the watch at an angle. On the other hand, the layout of the Temption is equally clear, but more minimalistic. While the ETA 2892 is a higher grade movement, it lacks a day of the week complication, and the date is placed at a symmetrical center position on the dial versus at the 3 o'clock position.

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The Temption Cameo case is obviously more "engineered," featuring a case with design elements like column texturing on the sides of the case as well as finer cute edges. I'd have to say that the Temption wins in any 'haute horologie' contests. Further, the CameoÂ dial is stunning. The main round dial is raised and complimented by supplemental indexes around the rest of the dial that fan out. The hands have more visual appeal than the strictly utilitarian ones used on the Fortis. However, the Fortis hands are functional, and enjoy more lume covering (Temption themselves uses almost identical hands on other watches). The Fortis is a bit easier to read given the diagonally oriented chapter ring and large Arabic numerals. Both watches are still very legible, and it is up to the user to really decide what they like better. I saw each is fit for a different purpose, so no clear winnder in these departments.

Each watch has a thick leather strap. The Square has a standard buckle clasp, which the Cameo has a folding deployment clasp. The ETA 2892 in the Cameo is a higher quality movement than the ETA 2836 in the Square, though the 2892 does not have a day of the week complication. Notice that the date disc in the Temption is colored to match the dial color, while the Fortis uses the standard white color of the date and day discs. Given these fact as well and the higher costs in case construction, the Temption Cameo is a more expensive watch, but not by too much, and the value is there. The little details in the Temption certainly make for a more designer looking watch, though I have little to complain about with the Fortis Square. Unlike the Fortis, the Temption has a perfectly square sapphire crystal that is much harder to attach to the case, whereas the Fortis has a square shaped crystal that has rounded edges. You'll further notice the cabochon gem in the Temption crown, while Fortis has a signed crown.

No watch is a clear winner as they are each good at different things, even though they have a lot in common. I'd suggest that the Temption is a better value even though it costs more given its construction quality and details. The Square is going to be a lot easier to find given the higher volume output of Fortis watches and is about $1,20o given the street price, while the Temption hovers nearer to $2000). Further, while I am a fan of both designs, I am partial to the Temption for being outstandingly unique, and attractive, while serving admirably in ease of use. Neither of these watches is a bad choice though.

See Temption watches on eBay here.

See Fortis watches on eBay here.

See Fortis watches on Amazon here.

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

New Temption Cameo Watch Finally Available

admin — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:00:43 +0000

Last summer I told you about the new watch from Temption called the Cameo. It is their first square cased watch, and certainly unique. As is the case with most new watch announcements, the Cameo was announced long before actual release. Well, Temption has just announced that the Cameo is finally available. Actually, the watches are being shipped, but many are sold out until the beginning of 2009. For a company that makes fewer than 1000 watches a year, the demand for the Cameo watches must be overwhelming. Still, I don't doubt that Mr. Ulbrich, President of Temption is ensuring that each watch comes out perfectly.

Temption is very proud of the process involved in attaching the sapphire crystal to the dial of the Cameo. As you can probably imagine, sapphire crystals are usually glued into place. This gives it a nice sealed look, but how strong is the bond? The Cameo uses a unique curved rectangular sapphire crystal (which I can imagine is expensive). Instead of gluing it to the dial and bezel, the sapphire crystal on the Cameo is chemically bonded (which sounds a lot like gluing) to the watch itself, which is apparently a more secure form of bonding that glue. Why is this? Well if you think about it, most sapphire crystals have all curved edges (most are simply round).Â However, looking at the Cameo, the crystal has square edges, which are notoriously difficult to seal. Thus, if Temption used the ol' gluing method, it could not ensure a good watertight seal. Never wanting to let anyone down, Temption decided to involve a more complex process in attaching the sapphire crystal so that it would be as watertight as possible. There is a special mirrored coating on the sides of the crystal to hide the bonding, making the effect completely transparent.

The image above is the first actual photo of a Cameo that I have seen. My earlier post has a computer generated image of the watch. As you can tell, they came out really nicely, and I like the shades of brown used on the watch. The design is so wonderfully simplistic it tricks you into thinking that not as much design effort went into the watch. It is just that type of detail that I appreciate and come to expect from Temption. I will certainly be wanting one of these watches when I get a chance.

See Temption watches on eBay here.

TEMPTION 20mm 20 mm LEATHER Strap CURIE CM02 OLYMPIC
$150.00
Time Remaining: 8d 15h 38m
Buy It Now for only: $150.00
Buy It Now

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: 8d 15h 38m
Buy It Now for only: $150.00
Buy It Now

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: 8d 15h 38m
Buy It Now for only: $150.00
Buy It Now

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