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Pi Watch By Ben McCarthy Review

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:22:54 +0000

Proof that a nice watch doesn't need to come from major watch brand is right here in this artsy timepiece created by Australian designer Ben McCarthy. The watch was "industrialized" by the also Australian firm WORKSHOPPED, who is in the business of making beautiful creations come to life, and then offering them to you. McCarthy is an interesting fellow and industrial designer who makes clearly "modernist" designs, but always seems to emphasis core function in his work. As though it would pain him if form ever beat out function. I applaud this allegiance to the core concept that the things you make should never fail at their core duty. So many "minimalist modern art" items we see around us for sale excel at looking good, and fail at their core tasks. McCarthy lives in Hong Kong, and I am curious as to how being in Chinese culture affects his work.

You can tell that the Pi Watch is clearly a "modern minimalist" item. Stripped of many things we are used to in watches (crown, hour markers, lugs), the Pi Watch nevertheless is a good looking, and easy to use timepiece. I can't say that I know why the watch is called "Pi." I don't see 3.14 (etc, etc....) on the watch anywhere, and I am not enough of a math nerd (I mean, not at all a math nerd) to understand the "circular" motives in the name. Perhaps it stems from the basic metaphor that the equation of Pi is a mystery and currently unsolvable. Ben, are you trying to infer that this watch is an enigma? I would disagree. I get the watch, and I do quite like it.

In a 40mm wide steel caseÂ (water resistant to 30 meters) with brushed finish all the way around, the Pi watch is a good medium-large size watch. The crownless design makes it feel quite svelte and the integrated strap gives it a very seamless feel. The case is widest at the bottom and tapers a bitÂ toward the top of the case. A thick looking bezel frames a sapphire crystal over the dial - which is itself the most interesting part of the watch. More on that in a bit. The watch strap is a some type of resin plastic that has a satin finish and feel a bit like those used on Casio G-Shock watches. It is flexible and stiff - sort of at the same time. Makes for a very good texture and feel for the strap. It is one solid piece that is held in place to the case via the rear metal plate of the watch (the is attached via a series of screws). You can tell how the watch strap protrudes a bit before bending to wrap around your wrist - this is to have it fit comfortably on most all wrist sizes.

The watch is pretty comfortable to wear, I have no complaints. The watch looks neat, and is fun to wear. I think to myself how appropriate it would be for a suit and tie. You could pull that off really well, but they the luxury part of my mind starts to think that the design could actually quite easily lend itself to a more luxury build. Imagine a shiny alligator strap and gold case would look very cool. If the Pi Watch is a big hit, I can see it happening.

There is not a lot of banding on the case. Printed on the crystal is a little three hexagon shaped logo that also serves as the 12 o'clock indicator. The style of the dial is thematically like the Movado Museum Face watch, but I like the Pi Watch style better. On the rear of the case you see that it is designed by Ben McCarthy. He did a very good dial job with the dial. Maintaining that it is stylish, but also readable. The dial itself is a solid piece of brushed steel. But instead of being totally bare, it has little folds at each hour mark. The idea is that reflected light will make each little fold highly visible making it easy to read the time. The system works, and even in very low light you can clearly see the different angles for each hour. Hands are round tipped little black rods with holes in the ends of the hands - for added style. The little holes also help your eyes see where the hands are meant to end. Given the simplicity of the dial and the overall modernist presentation of the watch, it works quite well in terms of telling the time (and looking hip).

Adjusting the watch is done via a crown on the rear of the watch. It is pretty easy to operate, and the watch has a Japanese quartz movement inside of it. The Pi Watch is certainly a purist when it comes to industrial design and telling the time. Given that is probably the first, or one of the first watches from not only Ben McCarthy, but also WORKSHOPPED, the result is good. The watches are available as part of a limited edition set of 500 pieces (available with the pictured black strap, or a white one). You could call it a unisex design, but I feel it is more masculine in style. Given the limited availability (as well as production) and designer nature of the watch, the price of $430 seems fair. Check it out or get a Pi Watch at WORKSHOPPED here.

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

Suunto Elementum Terra Watch Review

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:24:16 +0000

Every time I run into someone wearing a Suunto watch, I can't help but ask them how they like their watch. Often times I catch them off guard. Before a "hello," I just spew out, "how do you like your (Observer, X-Lander, Elementum, etc...)." Usually they take a moment to process what I am asking them, until they finally respond with something positive. What I find interesting is that many Suunto watch owners I've met have a collection of watches that include pieces in the several thousands of dollars. Still, I don't see them wearing their Breitling, Rolex, or IWC, they have their Suunto on.

The Suunto Elementum line is a new more luxurious line from the "wrist top computer" brand. The Terra is my second Elementum model, as I previously reviewed the Suunto Elementum Aqua watch here. The theme of the Elementum watch line is interesting - it breaks away a bit from the main functional line for which Suunto has a large existing fan base. The Elementum line is more expensive and uses higher quality components that most of the models, but also represents something a bit differentÂ - simplicity. The Elementum watches are arguably much easier to use than the other Suunto models. Not that those other watches are difficult to use, but rather that the Elementum watches feature what I like to call "functional simplicity." The watches do just a few things, and try to do them effectively and simply. This means that after just a few minutes playing with the Terra watch you'll get the hand of how to use all of its functions. Suunto opted for broad functionality over inaccessible functionality.

Having said that, the Elementum Terra incorporates a handful of useful functions that are all quite easy to use. Actually that leads me to my biggest complaint about the watch. I think Suunto feels that the functions are so easy to use that it neglects to tell anyone about how to use them. The watch comes with a thick instruction manual. It looks promising, but once you look at it, you realize that instead of being thorough, it is just in a ton of different languages. There is no real guide in how to use the watch, not even really a guide discussing all the watch's functions. So while the watch is great and simple to use, for the cost of the watch, I think Suunto could take a lesson from Casio (who makes some almost comically intense guidebooks for their watches).

So let's discuss what the Suunto Elementum does. It has two sensors in it. A pressure senors an electronic compass. The pressure sensor (as seen on the back) has a dual purpose of giving the barometric pressure and altitude data. The main screen of the watch shows the time, date, altitude, and barometric pressure trend and reading all the time. I find that this is nice. Most of the watch's main functions are always right there for you to see. The compass can be accessed at a push of a button. The barometric pressure scale turns into a pointer for North, and the watch dial reads out the degrees you are pointing in. The watch also features an alarm and simple chronograph. The chronograph measures 1/100 of a second for a minute, and then after that measures up to 99 minutes (not 100% sure of the max chronograph time as I never went that far).

The watch also has two timezones. You can switch between the two relatively easily. You also get a nifty logging function for the altimeter. It tells you how long you have been climbing and how much altitude you gained. The logging features helps you look over your climb. Keeping with the simple nature of the watch, there is no seconds indicator on the dial. The watch case is steel in an almost sandblasted look. It is almost the same as that on the Elementum Aqua, but has an additional pusher. The top pusher is the cool job dial that I really like a lot on the Elementum line. Use it to access the chronograph, and climbing meter. When accessing the functions, the beep the watch makes have a nice volume and is substantial. Not a weak beep at all. There is also a bright backlight for the watch. Just push down the middle pusher for a couple of seconds to activate the entire screen illuminating green glow.

The high quality feeling steel case is 44mm wide with a 24mm wide 21mm leather strap. The available metal bracelet is thicker, and there are also a few styles of rubber strap available. I tested teh Suunto Elementum Auqa on the metal bracelet that I liked, and the leather strap on this model is equally nice (nice signed buckle as well). Like all models in the Elementum line, the watch is water resistant to 100 meters.Â The bezel is different than that on the Aqua, being thinner and without the screws in it. This makes the dial look bigger. This model has a standard LCD screen. I tend to like negative (reverse) LCD screens such as the one I had on the Elementum Aqua, but I have to admit that this is one of the most beautiful and clear LCD screens that I have ever seen. I don't think and LCD screen can get any more crisp than this. It also helps that the crystal is sapphire. If you've had Suunto watches in the past, but not an Elementum, you'll be impressed with the step up in quality and construction here. Not that Suunto was lacking before, but this is a new level of luxury for Suunto.

To replace the battery in the watch you need to unscrew the hour Philips head screws in the back of the watch. Suunto uses the very popular CR2032 battery that is widely available. That means you don't need to look much further than a drug store for a new battery. No more overpriced trips to the watch store or getting something questionable from China when the battery power goes out. In my experience, Suunto watches go for about 2 years on a battery. The dial should have a low battery indicator as well.

Suunto fan purists will be pleased to know that the Elementum line of watch is made in Finland, the home of the brand. This is just where you want the watches to be made - as the quality will be the best for your money. You want your Volkswagen built in Germany right? Not Mexico. Same idea. Prices for this luxury Suunto watch are in the same range as the Elementum Aqua. Retail for the Elementum Terra is $899 - $1199. An expensive proposition, but you'll quickly justify the price when you compare the quality of this timepiece to similar ones out there with the same functionality. With the Elementum watch line, Sunnto has take the multi-sensor watch to a new status level.

See Suunto watches on Amazon here.

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

Linde Werdelin 3-Timer Watch Review

admin — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 07:38:30 +0000

It isn't that some things are better left unsaid, it is rather that something cannot be said at all. Instead they need to be seen. This is the case with many a luxury watch. I can present you with a full dissertation on their feature set, beauty, and wearing enjoyment, that will do little to replicate the actual feel these timepiece have while on your wrist. So take my words for the significant value that they are worth, but if you are ever skeptical about a timepiece I endorse, then do yourself a favor and check it out for yourself. Having said that I want to share my experience with the Linde Werdelin 3-Timer watch with you. An interesting timepiece that has the makings of a true icon.

The 3-Timer comes in a dizzying array of several highly limited editions. Some with 222 pieces other with just 22 pieces. In 18k yellow gold or steel (or with both), a few dial colors, as well as strap options are available. I discussed at some length the watch and its various versions in these two previous articles on Linde Werdelin 3-Timer watch line (click for the first and second article on the watch). There you can also see more images of the various versions of the timepiece. This particular version is in steel with the brown dial and brown strap. The strap is an interesting element and I will discuss it right away. First of all, I love how Linde Werdelin does their straps. The tapering and style of how they are connected to the case are elegant but still manly. I also like the quality feel to the deployment and how easy they are to make comfortable. Linde Werdelin has many different strap styles and materials. This one is... leather I think. It has a segmented look to it, and because it is in brown I have given it the pet name of "worm hide." Look at an image of an Earth Worm and you'll know what I am referring to. So the strap is certainly something to look forward to on any Linde Werdelin timepiece. If you are interested, Linde Werdelin will even let you try them out for a few days to see how you like them. I give the watch a thumbs up for style and fucntion. If the price suits you, then you should certainly investigate the Linde Werdelin watch line.

Going next to the caseÂ you have the now familiar Biformeter case style that retains its basic shape over the different Linde Werdelin watches for a very specific reason. If you aren't familiar with the line, then let me tell you that Linde Werdelin offers several "instruments" that are small computer that attach on top of the watch. Currently they have the "Rock" and "Reef" instruments available. The shape of the case is specially made for the devices to attach right on to them. The case shape is also very attractive and represents what feels like a lot of thoughtful design work. It has a combination of functional and aesthetic elements to it, worthy of the finest classic sport watches out there. Linde Werdelin took a very hard segment to properly innovate it, and successfully did so with the case.

My personal favorite Linde Werdelin cases are the ones in steel or gold. The reason being that you can fully appreciate the contrasting polished and brushed finishes on the case surfaces. However, if you are going to be highly active with your watch, you might want to explore getting one of Linde Werdelin's DLC (diamond like carbon) coatings that is very strong and scratch resistant. Of course the gold cased versions are going to be the most luxurious (and expensive) of the bunch.

Linde Werdelin specifically wanted to tone down the dial of the watch line for the 3-Timer. It wanted to give it a more formal look that you could wear with a suit and tie, and not just your spy gear. Thus, you'll see that the hour markers and hands are all a bit more subdued. Still, they are applied and covered with SuperLumiNova for night viewing. The result is not quite as bright as the Linde Werdelin 2- Timer watch that I previously reviewed here, but like I said, has a more elegant charm to it. You'll also notice the fantastic looking dial pattern that the 3-Timer line has. Linde Werdelin takes a series of concentric circles and cuts them up like too many slices of pizza for a look that reminds me of how a large maps is divided for longitude and latitude. The pattern is cut deep into the dial and makes for a good texturing. The "global" look of the dial is also good as it is a GMT watch, so travelers are going to want one of these.

Being a GMT watch, you can see the long thin GMT hand with an arrow at the end. The watch features a bi-directional 24 hour rotating bezel, which you use in combination with the GMT hand to tell the GMT time. The GMT hand can be synchronzied with the regular time (to see the standard time in GMT format), or can be independently set for a second timezone. You can rotating the bezel to offset the time that gives you the ability to track a third time zone. Thus, you have the "3-Timer" watch. Having an automatic ETA 2893-A2 movement inside, the GMT hand is adjusted in 1 hour increments only. Which is VERY nice to have. This makes it easy and quick to adjust the GMT hand accurately. The previous "2-Timer" watch has a diver's bezel instead of the GMT bezel, but otherwise the functional operation of the watches are similar. Still, the design differences make the 3-Timer it's own beast, and a step in the right direction for the energetic young brand.

The more I wear the watch, the more it impresses me. The best way to judge a watch design is by wearing it on and off in the midst of wearing other watches. That way you get a sense of comparison and you can appreciate that one watch makes you feel better than other. If only this technique was socially acceptable to do with women, but I digress. The 3-Timer watch isn't for every occasion, but it satisfies in most of them. I return to the concept that it is good for both sport and a suit. A concept that many watches aspire to, but many fail to achieve. Price for the line is in the 4,000 - 4,800 euro range for the non-gold versions. Prices go up to about 18,000 euros for full 18k gold models. This brown dialed version comes in a limited edition of just 22 pieces, so it is closer that 4,800 euro price.

To buy or learn more about the Linde Werdelin 3-Timer watch go here.

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

Morpheus Culinary Watch Review

admin — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:46:22 +0000

I feel lucky being so deep in the watch world that I get to experience watches that most people don't even know exist. And when I mean most people - I mean even the majority of watch lovers out there. Part of my work (I hope) is toÂ share new and interesting products with you, that you in turn will share with other people - because while some of this stuff is very rare, it does not mean it is so unique as to be outside of mainstream taste. Take this Culinary watch from America-based Morpheus watches. It is a fun and inviting timepiece that I think will appeal to many people. Problem is that a lot of people who might like this watch will have a tough time finding out about it. Like many other industries, it pays to be connected so that you can learn about the newest and more interesting things.

The Culinary watch is the first timepiece from Morpheus and is not meant to be a timepiece that helps you cook. Instead, it is a watch that is meant to thematically remind you of a professional kitchen environment. At the same time, the watch is designed in such a manner that it does not scream "kitchen." This means that the "culinary" components of the watch are present, but subtle. So while you can't wear your "Kiss the Cook" apron out to a steakhouse, you can do so with a Morpheus Culinary watch just fine - or anywhere else for that matter.

It was important to Morpheus that they use a Swiss movement in the watch. A fact that they display conspicuously on the face. The movement they use however is a highly uncommon one, and something that I have never before seen myself. It is quartz, made by ISA and has a few interesting features. These include the time with subsidiary seconds dial, date, day of the week, GMT hand, alarm, and battery power reserve indicator. To be honest, I think that most people are going use the watch for the time, then maybe the subsidiary seconds, date, and day of the week (each to a lesser degree). Most people aren't going to use the GMT hand, alarm, or battery power reserve indicator at all. It is cool that they are there, but I think that even Morpheus knew this as they made the hour and minute hands wonderful and large, so that you'd see other things underneath them, but the real focus on the watch was telling the time. This overall situation results in a watch that looks interesting and complex, and does what you want it to do 95% of the time with ease. Looking at it for a second doesn't tell you that, but living with it for a while does.

Perhaps I would had liked to see some of the culinary theme in the watch dial, as there really isn't any. What you do have is a concentric circular dial pattern that is meant to remind you the bottom part of certain non-stick pans. Then again, this is a style that has been used for watches before. So that isn't "culinary" per se.Â I further wonder if the hour and minute hands are something out of a kitchen. I tried pretty hard to think about it. All I came up with was ice cream scoop and butter knife. You sorta see that right? For whatever the dial lacks in theme, it makes up for in visual interest. It isn't perfect, but does a good job given its overall purpose. If you live with it for a bit you'll see.

Now for the little culinary tidbits. The watch has a few little "delectable" pieces. First you have the sapphire crystal of the watch. It combined with the bezel emulate the look of a glass saute pan lid cover. See it? Clever right. Then you have the crown and pushers that are meant to look like knobs on stove range. The black color also contrasts with the gold (or steel) tone for a nice look. Check out the crown guard over the crown that looks like the handles on a pot (well rendered), and the lugs that look like the connectors of a handle rod on a pan. In my opinion these elements are well integrated into the look. Almost as though they have always been design elements of timepieces. In this regard I feel as though the Culinary and watch themes really meld well together.

The watch is in stainless steel and about 41.5mm wide (50 meters water resistant). The watch is quite tall due to the style of the lugs. The case of the watch is done nicely in terms of detailing and finish. The watch comes in three styles. Stainless steel, IP gold tone plating (as pictured), and a 24kÂ gold plated model. The overall hefty dimensions of the watch feels generous. Perhaps too large for some, but most of you will appreciate the size. Most of the time I am not the type to pursue a gold colored watch - but I like the look with the culinary watch. Gold watches with black faces and accents are really handsome in my opinion, especially matched with a gold colored bracelet (the watch is also available with a leather strap. The bracelet is satisfying and is comfortable, while it also micro adjustments in the clasp (which is signed). The bracelet could have felt a bit more substantial feeling and tight, but then again I like heavy, solid stuff.

Prices for the Morpheus Culinary watch range from about $350 - $375 for most versions of the watch, with the 24k gold plated version being $595. As a fun and functional timepiece it is enjoyable to have. You'll get the most out of it if you are an enthusiastic cook or are in a cooking related profession. Plus, the little culinary cues are nice to show off. I might wear the watch now as I am going to make dinner. Plus, even though it is a handsome looking watch, I don't need to worry to much about it. Think about how you'd fit a culinary timepiece into your life. Or perhaps someone you know. If the idea matriculates into a desire, have no qualms about picking one up.

Learn more about the Morpheus Culinary Watch.

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

Magrette Regattare Moana Pacific Limited Edition Watch Review

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:00:02 +0000

A watch like this is proof that details are important. An extension of the Regattare line of watches, the new Moana Pacific limited edition watch from New Zealand watch maker Magrette is a fun, fashionable, and affordable retro inspired timepiece that is an easy purchase to justify. Just ask anyone who has - if you can find one. That is the beauty of a watch like this. Only 500 will be made, and of those the first 100 are the most special. With buyers all over the world, you'll be part of a special club of owners and quite possibly never meet another person who has one. Try saying that with your Casio, or Tag Heuer, or Rolex.

I discussed the Magrette Moana Pacific watch when it was first announced here, where I discussed all the important details of the watch. The watch is in steel, about 44mm wide, and has a Miyota automatic mechanical movement. With all the style and charm, it is a fantastic value at $315. For the first 100 pieces, such as the one I have here, you get a special caseback for the watch that is really quite cool. In fact, I would say that the story is almost more cool that the caseback itself - and you'll enjoy telling it to people. I discussed it before, but here it is in a nutshell. It has a small plank of engraved Ancient Kauri wood and is individually numbered.Â Kauri is a tree species on New Zealand. This variety is only found on New Zealand, and they are currently protected. They are among the most ancient trees in the world and grow to massive sizes. Like all trees they can live to legendary ages - thousands of years. The caseback of the Moana Pacific watch does not have wood from modern Kauri trees.

Instead the wood is known as "Ancient Kauri" and is collected in Northern New Zealand underground. There, is located a series of swamps where Kauri timber is somehow preserved underground in perfect condition being there for as long as 50,000 years. The trees that have been preserved lived for about 2000 years before falling into the swamp. Extracting the wood is apparently a very difficult process and quite expensive. Though, it is necessary as living Kauri trees are protected, and thus not legally allowed to be cut down. So there you have it, you have a true piece of New Zealand's ancient history in the caseback of 100 of the first Moana Pacific watches. In addition to just the wood, the Magrette logo in inlaid with paua shell that is similar to black mother of pearl. Just really cool overall, and a great conversation piece once you take the watch off to show it around.

The style of the dial is similar to other Regattare watches, but with enough differences. You have a thinned out dial, meaning the indicators are slimmer and more sleek looking, you also have special hour and minute hands, and a needle style seconds hand that is highly polished. I find that I really like how the title of the watch is written in cursive, and appreciate just how legible the dial really is. While the style of the watch makes it look perfect for boating, it is not a diver's watch - but no worries about getting it wet with its solid case and screw-down crown (which has a nice Magrette logo engraved in it).

A domed sapphire crystal over the case completes the slight bubble look that I have come to enjoy in Magrette Regattare watches. I previously reviewed the Magrette Kupe's Voyage watch that shares the case design. Unlike the Kupe's Voyage which has beautiful ornate engravings on the bezel, the Moana Pacific has a more simple polished case - that I understand some people actually appreciate more. For me each watch is nice in its own respect. Actually, it surprised me how seemingly little details like hands, straps, and dial designs can drastically alter the feeling of a watch. While I keep the Kupe's Voyage watch on a black strap, the Moana Pacific is on a nice light tan strap (you can also get it on a black strap or darker brown strap). The leather strap is really great. It is thick and wide (24mm), and very supple feeling. Aside from being very comfortable, it has a really nice "substantial" look to it - but it also feels very soft to the touch. The polished steel buckle is Panerai style in design and as wide as the watch case itself. It makes for an interesting and unique look where the buckle is as wide as the watch - again enhancing the large instrument-like feel that accompanies the character of the Moana Pacific timepiece.

The retro feel of the watch is enhanced by the tan strap that together with the highly polished case and matte black dial make for a good look all around. It is easy to forget that the watch is essentially a entry level timepiece at just over $300. Certainly a much higher level of character than most other watches in this price range, and it is nice to have an automatic movement. One thing I like about the particular Miyota movement inside the watch is that unlike some less expensive Japanese automatic movements, this watch can be hand-wound if you wish - an important feature for me. There are a couple of little things I would have liked on the watch including AR coating on the sapphire crystal as well as lume on the dial as well as the hands. Again, I am mindful of the value pricing of the watch and realize that in all, this is a fantastic value.

If you'd like to get a Moana Pacific watch, try not to wait too long as this is a limited edition watch of just 500 total piece and just 100 with the Ancient Kauri wood in the caseback of the watch.

Learn more about the Moana Pacific watch at Magrette here.

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

Skagen Steel Mesh and Crystal Model 644LSS Ladies’ Watch Review

Molly McDermott — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 21:45:15 +0000

You gotta love simplicity.Â Every woman - and let's face it, every man - needs a nice, classy watch that they can wear every day. Â Because you can't wear diamonds every day.

Well, at least most people can't wear diamonds every day....

But every day needs a bit of sparkle.

So, here comes Skagen.Â Answering the everyday needs of everyone.Â Â Defining and shaping its brand with Danish culture and style, Skagen shines with simplicity in every model.

The Skagen Silver Mesh and Crystal model 644LSS for women is a pretty timepiece.Â This design, along with many other Skagen designs, reflects the landscape and early evening in Denmark, like sunsets over still waters.

To capture that beauty and clarity in a watch is ridiculous to even imagine.Â Yet, they totally do it.

Except... Â Did they have to put the word STEEL on the dial? Â Really? Â I would imagine that most people would assume what the watch is made of... Â so what benefit is there to stamping the word STEEL on the otherwise clean dial? Â It's a bit distracting and destroys any chance of passing the watch off as something more than it is...

Circling around the face of this simple watch, the word STEEL not withstanding,Â the crystals made withÂ CRYSTALLIZEDâ„¢—Swarovski Elements, surround the case of genuine Mother-of-Pearl and create such a sweet, classy image - a dreamlike state, capturing time. Â Again, please forget the STEEL stamp.

The 32mm Stainless Steel case is the perfect size for any young woman.Â And at 6mm thick, it feels light as a feather. Â This is especially important for a young mover and shaker, as the watch is not weighing her down or holding her back. Â A heavy watch is nice, and is always a conversation starter, but Skagen is giving women the option of putting on a classy watch and not thinking about it for the rest of the day. Â Because who needs one more distraction...

The absence of hour and minute indicators makes this watch look that much more mysterious - as the woman who wears it ultimately must be.Â It's simple and sleek.Â Really the best intro piece for young woman who are just starting to find their style, taste, and footing.

With a posted battery life of approximately 5 years, this watch will definitely carry a young woman on to her next, more adult purchase. Â The quartz analog powered timepiece is really all you need - especially in times like these.

This is an entirely appropriate model, from a brand that I expect to do very well - right now and in the future.Â Â Skagen proves that affordable watches do not need to look cookie-cutter and boring.Â The addition of theÂ SwarovskiÂ Crystal elements makes the watch truly sparkle - and inspires the woman who gets to wear this piece.

Check this picture of a wrist, rocking the Skagen Silver Mesh and Crystal.Â You can just see that this is a great accessory for today's young women.

One thing that did catch my eye immediately, though, was the silver mesh band. Â This metal mesh trend started (again) a few years ago, and was incorporated into so many watches and fashion jewelry items... Â but I still can't figure out why. Â It's a hard design to pull off from a manufacturing perspective, and often comes off looking cheap sometimes. Â I understand what the desired effect was, but cannot say that it works all the time. Here the mesh strap feels quality made, especially for the price - and while it is possible to critique minor points of it, keeping in mind the price makes it an overall positive aspect of the watch. You either love it or hate it, either way Skagen does pull it off here.

It makes sense that Skagen has seen an outpouring of support from such countries as China, Taiwan, and Japan, where a constant need to meet trends has moved consumers towards purchases that lend instant gratification.

This design perspective also works for a younger generation of watch aficionados, who want everything.Â Now.Â For Cheap.

Critics love to say that watches are dead - people get their time from their cell phones or computers - blah blah blah.

But, with watches like this one and brands like Skagen, younger people are allowed an opportunity to get into watches. Â Start rocking them now, when we can afford them and match them to current trends, and you can bet that this will be a luxury that we entertain into our later years.

Fortunately, with a retail price tag of $130 (cheaper 'street' price) and many distribution points across the nation, this is an attainable watch. Â For all of us.

Read a review of similar, but men's line, Skagen watch here.

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Time Remaining: 8d 18h 45m
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Written by Meehna Goldsmith, also a luxury watch matchmaker

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.

Skagen 355XLSSB Steel Collection Watch Review: Distinctly Danish

admin — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 08:40:30 +0000

This is my first Skagen watch. I felt as though this was necessary to say, because for me, this brand is ubiquitous, but I've never owned one. While this sentiment should come as a delight to Skagen’s marketing department, it means that as a watch lover, I consider Skagen to be one of the most well known brands out there. The first day I wore this super thin watch on my hand, I began to see lots of other Skagen watches on people’s wrists. There has got to be a good reason for that. In fact, even the people I talk with who I don't consider to be watch lovers, still know the Skagen name. "That Danish watch brand right?"

As such, you can categorize Skagen as a mainstream watch brand. It is the more fashionable metaphoric cousin of Timex (no relation to Timex). This review comes from a very non mainstream watch lover. As a bit of an expert on the topic, I am going to discuss this watch in comparison to the universe of watches that I know, categorizing my Skagen for what it is; namely, an excellent value, nicely built watch, and more importantly, the most honest example of a wearable fashion statement that I know of.

Lets start with placing this Skagen watch model within the current company line up. This is one of the more basic models, and I chose it for that purpose. Skagen’s core consumers are people interested in nice looking watches to compliment their lifestyle. They use their mobile phone to check the time, as much as they check their wrist. So I wanted to choose basic model to evaluate - given what a lot of people interested in the brand might choose. This model 355XLSSB watch is in Skagen’s Steel Collection. Other major collections are the Titanium and Swiss Movement collection. This makes it almost entry level for the brand.

In a nutshell, the watch has a very thin profile steel 40mm wide case (without the diminutive crown), with a handsome looking mesh steel bracelet. With it’s thin bezel, the watch face looks very large, even though the size of the watch is only in the upper medium range. I think the size is perfect actually. The dial has a lot of grazing space for your eyes, but also has a nice circular arrangement of Arabic numerals. This makes it one of the more legible Skagen watches in my opinion. The dial is slate (gray) colored with some vertical texturingÂ when you look closely (actually brushed metal), and the applied hour makers and hands are chromed, and raised just a bit.

The date window is a very well designed feature of the face. Placed above 6 o’clock, the square window is actually framed by a concave circle with a fancy internal polish. It keeps the dial symmetrical, but more important, the circular shape around the date window keeps the face balanced. In accordance with the minimalist look of the watch, needle shaped hands are minimal, but mostly effective. Personally, I would have liked to see more of a difference between the hour and second hand. At a quick glance, it is hard to tell between the two hands. A second later, when you see the seconds hand ticking, you know what time it is. There are a few potential ways that Skagen could have remedied this, keeping in line with the style of the watch. They could have added color to the seconds hand, and/or made it a bit longer. Not a big deal though.

I'd like to focus on the case of the watch, as it is a strong point. Looking at it from the side, you realize that the wide bowl looking case is even smaller than you think. The internal Japanese quartz movement does not take up a lot of space, so the case tapers out to 40mm from a smaller size (20mm or so) where the movement is housed. Including the caseback, the case is made up of three parts, put together in a quality manner. The steel is nicely crafted, and the lightly brushed finish of the case works well with the shinier face and bracelet. The lug design is interesting, and I like the use of exposed screws underneath the watch to secure the bracelet, as this gives it a more quality look in my opinion. One area that I think might be improved is the very sides of the lugs where the strap is exposed inside the lug structure. I would have liked the bracelet to be housed inside the lug connectors totally without being exposed on the sides, but then again, it does allow for a flush integration with the lugs when looked at from above. So not really a problem at all, just an observation for future design ideas.Then you have the signed (with Skagen's logo) crown, which while little, is easy to use.

The hardened mineral crystal on the case is impressively domedÂ (just a bit), which is a nice touch. It just wouldn't have felt right being flat. There is no AR coating on the mineral crystal, but this is usually reserved for more expensive sapphire crystals that would have increased the price of this watch by at least 50%. On to the bracelet which is a great part of the watch. I was excited to have my first mesh steel strap ever, and it is really cool. The construction uses a thin weave of metal that results in more than enough flexibility. It is also really thin at just over a millimeter. The fit is very comfortable on your wrist, and attractive. It does not go with every piece of clothing I have, but overall a good and modern look (even though mesh bracelets have been around at least 60 years). For us men, the mesh bracelet sometimes catches arm hair. Not a big deal, but something you should know about if you are particularly sensitive to this.

There is a reason I am going back and forth between the term bracelet and strap for this watch model to discuss the mesh steel. It is honestly a hybrid of both. Like a strap, it disconnects all the way without a deployment, but has something more interesting than a mere buckle. The unique patented attachment system on the strap works really well. The first step is sizing it. You place the watch on as you'd like it to fit, and the move the adjustable clasp over notches built into the mesh to a suitable location. This requires using a rigid tool (to release the lock on the clasp). Now that you have a suitable size for your wrist, each time you put the watch on, it fits the same, with the excess strap easily fitting around your wrist. Putting the watch on is simple to do, even with one hand. There is a little hook on one side of the strap that sits over a bar on the other side. Once you connect this (really easy), you push down one locking clasp to make it secure, and then another locking clasp (similar to clasps on diving watches) to make it doubly secure. For this reason, this watch features what I would consider to be a 'double locking clasp strap.' When closed, it looks clean and feels secure on your wrist with the Skagen signature staring back at you.

Living with my Skagen for a while has told me a lot about a brand that I was missing in my collection. It isn't a watch like the other ones that I have; so obsessed with function, materials, and construction. It is a simple and elegant timepiece, about as simple as you'd want while working to perform its task well. The Danish minimalist design and attitude carry throughout the watch and make it easy to live with. It doesn't seek to replace my more rugged looking or functional watches. It is instead like a breath of fresh air on less serious days, when what you wear isn't nearly as important as having an attractive clean looking watch that no one can argue with. And then there is the price, which at at $115 retail (a bit less online in most places), makes this watch a bona fide bargain for what you get. I think the only way Skagen can keep the price low is because they enjoy a high volume of watches being made and sold each year - thus keeping costs per a unit down. It means a good value for you, and a testament to their worldwide high marketability. You won't find too many similar watches with a good value like this. And for that reason I am going to consider a good deal and a recipient of my aBlogtoRead.com Good Value award.

See Skagen watches on Amazon here.

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

Tissot T-Touch Expert Watch Review: The King Of Quartz

admin — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:43:27 +0000

This review of the Tissot T-Touch Expert is about the quartz watch that made quartz watches cool again. Years ago when I first began my acquaintance with mechanical watches, the notion that quartz watches were inferior began to develop. These less expensive, economy movements of mass production couldn’t hold ground to the growing fascination I was having with mechanical movements. Even though mechanical movements are less precise than their quartz contenders, I still feel a preference for the level of dedication and time that goes into mechanical watch creation.

I then realized how narrowly I was thinking - there is a place for quartz movements in my heart. Mechanical watches are amazing for what they are: wrist borne machines, wrought of history, tradition, and immense amounts of pride. What began as tools, evolved into status symbols and emotional objects of desire. You wear a mechanical watch when you want to smile with appreciation when glancing at your wrist. The quartz watch on other hand is a separate beast all together, and unfortunately shares the same title, “watch.” Perhaps a different name should be given to those quartz watches that don’t compete with mechanical watches, but rather fill in the gaps where mechanical watches cannot enter. A good quartz watch can be something altogether different that a mechanical one. They can do things mechanical watches cannot, and they do the same things in a different way or for different occasions. You take your mechanical watch to meetings, parties, and social occasions. You take your quartz watch into the garage, the yard, and the hard wilderness. While there are some mechanical watches built for this duty, you are among the minuscule few if you can afford to subject your beloved timepiece masterpieces to almost certain abuse and possible destruction. Most of you have “beater” quartz watches I am sure.

Enter the Tissot T-Touch Expert. You can read elsewhere on aBlogtoRead.com or otherwise to learn about the interesting history of the T-Touch watch that began in 2000 with the original T-Touch. Suffice it to say that the T-Touch Expert is the 4th iteration of the T-Touch line up (after the original T-Touch, T-Touch Navigator, and T-Touch Trekking). Look for the next version which is the diving version, the Tissot Sea-Touch, due to arrive this year.

The T-Touch expert is an extremely appealing, though not perfect watch. It quickly became one of my favorite acquisitions, and I am continually charmed by its abilities. I don’t use everything the watch can do, but then again most people who own it will not. This review will focus on what I consider to be an average style of T-Touch Expert ownership. Then you have people like survivalist Les Stroud from The Discovery Channel’s Survivorman who opted to wear a Tissot T-Touch Trekking, planning a different line of duty for a similar watch. Tissot makes a well-rounded watch indeed.

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The T-Touch Expert has a few notable improvements over the original T-Touch. It is bigger, has a slightly refined case and face, a larger LCD screen, and adds some extra functionality while smoothing out operation overall. I’ll start with look at the watch first.

Most men love the looks of the T-Touch line, I know I do. More notably, most of us can’t really describe why we like it. It is easy to say “cool!” in reaction to the watch. Or “that is pretty manly looking.” What are we getting at though? The case has a design that reminds you of a piece of space ship or exotic looking tool. It is futuristic, while believable. The angles and curves all seem to make sense and flow, but are so far from being boring, and it is easy to think that the design is more complex than it really is. The most striking feature is the lugs, that are crafted like cybernetic fangs. The bracelet is modern looking as well, but really no more complex than it needs to be. That is the trick behind the design; it deceives you into thinking there are more lines than there actually are, a sign of a lot of design refinement. If you happened to be someone who doesn’t like how it looks, that’s fine — enough people do to keep Tissot happy.

The T-Touch Expert is one of the only carbon fiber faced watches that I actually like. This proves that the material is useful in some instances (I tend to get annoyed when carbon fiber is just thrown on a watch face in a futile attempt to make it look better). The carbon fiber works because the hands, hour indexes and LCD panel contrast so well, and it is extremely easy to read the dial. I opted for the Arabic numeral version of the T-Touch Expert, and I am happy that I did. The other Tissot T-Touch face design version features quasi-diamond shaped areas meant to serve as some of the hour markers. They function well to highlight the areas of operation touchable on the face, but make the watch a bit hard to read in my opinion. The Arabic numerals on this version are printed in a manner attempting to remind you of a [sports] car tachometer, complete with a red-lined area. Something to do with Tissot’s affiliation with organized racing maybe, I really don’t care about such things and focus strictly on the looks independently of other factors. The red colored hour markers add a visual interest and welcome splash of color to the face. It isn’t particularly functional, but I don’t mind the deviation from the white indicators. A few of the numerals are absent on the bottom of the dial due to the LCD panel, but Tissot thankfully kept some hour indexes there for your benefit.

The watch hands and hour markers are richly covered in a very bright luminant that works beautifully. This watch is easy to read in the dark with a sharp looking lume that isn’t blurry. In the event you are in total darkness, a red hued backlight glows against the LCD panel where you have the option of reading the time along with other information. The watch bezel rotates in both directions, and functions to assist with keeping track of north during certain periods of navigation, or helping you stay on a bearing. The bezel rotates smoothly, but a bit to easily in my opinion. I would have liked just the slightest bit more effort required to move bezel. A minor issue though.

Before moving on to the many functions of the watch, I’d like to cover a few more important items about wearing the watch. The T-Touch Expert is entirely crafted in titanium, which makes it very light. Titanium was an optional metal on some previous T-Touch watches, but for the United States, the T-Touch Expert is only available in titanium. The result is a watch that is light, and stronger than steel. Although the watch case is a bit over 43mm wide, with a 22mm wide bracelet, you barely know it is on your wrist. I actually think the leather or rubber strap models might be heavier than those with the titanium bracelet. Titanium has historically been very hard to machine with precision. You used to have titanium cases that where too rounded and lacked fine angles. That seems to have diminished in the last few years, the Tissot T-Touch Expert being proof of that. The level of polish and alternating finish on the watch surfaces are impressive, and the finely cut or angled edges on this watch wouldn’t have been possible too long ago. The color of titanium is also improving a bit, offering more of a sheen, and less of a dull gray look. There are some downsides to titanium though, namely that it is easy to scratch. You’ll need to be OK with fine lines developing on any titanium watch. While the metal is stronger than steel, it does not deflect scratches as well. I take excellent care of my watches, but still notice wear showing up a bit faster (especially on the bracelet) of my T-Touch Expert.

The bracelet itself features a nicely crafted locking clasp and a diver’s extension. The watch is water resistant to 100 meters, making it perfectly safe for diving. The bracelet is comfortable, though it took me a while to size it properly. I would have liked the underside of the broad case to be a bit more rounded, though this would have likely proved to be more effort for Tissot than it might have been worth. The bracelet has links that are a bit more flexible than they look (a good thing), making it wrap around your wrist well. The links are attached via pins. Come to think of it I don’t think I know of many titanium bracelets that feature screwed links. This is probably the perfect watch to have a metal and alternative strap option for, as you want to protect the handsome bracelet if you are taking the watch along during a potentially high impact activity.

Now for the touchy feely part of the watch and the reason behind the T-Touch name. Fans of the T-Touch line are already more than familiar with the many functions and uses of the touch screen interface. For those who aren’t, let me give you just the slightest primer. There is a large button with the letter “T” on it where the crown would normally be (above and below this button are “+” and “-” labeled buttons). Press the “T” button and you’ve activated the touch receptive sapphire crystal on the face of the watch. You now have 15 seconds to make one of seven decisions. Either press your finger over one of the six labeled areas on the periphery of the case to activate the named function, or press in the center of the watch where the hands connect to cycle through the two time zones, the date, and some settings functions.

The six functional areas around the dial are METEO (Barometer and weather tracking), ALTIMETER (altitude as well as rate traveling up and down), THERMO (ambient temperature), CHRONO (stopwatch and 24 hour countdown timer), COMPASS, and ALARM. Some of the features have a bit of a learning curve but are easy to use and pick up for the most part. Obviously, my daily usage of the watch doesn’t have me using the complex compass features aside from finding my direction, and the same goes for the altitude and barometer functions. The thermometer must be taken off your wrist for a solid 10 minutes to cool down - else the temperature display will be affected by your body temperature. And I can’t quite figure out how to use all the barometer functions yet. Then again, living in California’s weather, I don’t really need to worry about the weather much. I like knowing these features are there, and am comfortable with the fact that I’ll most likely not use some of them. Still, I’d be upset if Tissot neglected to insert any of them! This is what you need to take away from me on this topic, that there are lots of features in the watch, all work, and you'll likely neglect a few. Tissot has thoroughly tested the movement, and the use thereof. There really aren’t many neglected areas of refinement or basic use. The features that logically should be there, are. For example, if you are using the stopwatch, while the numbers in the LCD panel are timing, the hands on the face are telling the time and not just idly pointing at the CHRONO section.

Information for the sensors is obtained through the back of the watch. There are some slits in the caseback that allow air and pressure to enter. Still, recall that I mentioned this watch is fully water resistant to 100 meters. Other watches such as Sunnto or Casio (that offer watches with similar functions) often place the sensors on the side of their watches. Tissot has each of these watches beat when it comes to user enjoyment as well as watch style. Operating any of these functions has the hands of the watch magically come to life and either point to the function you are using, or actually help. For instance, in compass mode, the hands of the watch form a compass need pointing to North, while the LCD panel reads out the degrees. This little aspect of the Tissot T-Touch line never gets old, and you’ll find yourself fiddling with it when you are bored. The people behind the ETA E48.351 movement (both ETA and Tissot are part of the Swatch Group) that powers the Tissot T-Touch Expert have really created something special. There are two major complaints people have behind the movement. Well, they are more wishes than complaints. Fans want to see a solar powered movement (though that would affect how nice the watch dial is, as that is where light would need to come in), and people have wished to have an atomic clock controlled Tissot T-Touch. I don’t know if either of these are really necessary. My take is that they would be nice, but only if Tissot was able to incorporate them and keep the Tissot T-Touch the beautiful watch that it is. In fact, I know of just one European watch maker that features atomic clock controlled watches (known battery hogs), that being Junghans (and the watches aren’t nearly as awesome looking as the T-Touch Expert). The majority of the atomic clock controlled watches out there are Japanese and simply fall into a different category than the Tissot T-Touch Expert watches.

Returning to my original statement regarding my feelings for quartz and mechanical watches, I’d like to tell you how the Tissot T-Touch Expert made me feel good about wearing a quartz watch again. No mechanical movement now or in the future will be able to do what this watch does. Not a chance. I don’t see this watch as being an homage to the fine tradition of watch making. Rather, the T-Touch Expert is a complex and wonderful gadget — one that happens to tell the time and sit on your wrist as well as perform many other functions. The Tissot T-Touch would make any boy the envy of the school yard, and make any grown man giddy at all the functionality. Men young and old alike will appreciate its looks and its character. This Tissot just epitomizes the watch you walk by seeing in a window and instantly know you want one. With retail price of around $1000 it isn’t the cheapest indulgence, but it’s well made, something you won’t regret, and can easily function as your weekend or weekday watch.

See Tissot T-Touch watches on eBay here.

See Tissot T-Touch watches on Amazon here.

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

Linde Werdelin Land Instrument Review: More Than A Watch, More Than A Wrist Computer

admin — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:11:03 +0000

"Instrument" is probably the best term to describe this nifty little device. It packs a lot of functionality, probably more than you'll ever use. The best way to describe it is a multifunction wristtop computer (term borrowed from Suunto) suitable for extreme conditions that can actually help you survive if you use it properly. The Land Instrument is made by Linde Werdelin, a manufacturer of primarily... luxury watches, and interestingly enough, the Land Instrument is more reasonably priced than you might suspect given its pedigree and functionality. The current price is about $1,100.

The name really sums it up: "Land Instrument." It is meant for land based operation as opposed to Linde Werdelin's upcoming Sea Instrument. Specifically, the functions are focused on cold weather, high altitude exploration. For example, it features such notices as an "avalanche warning" or "frostbite warning." This might seem gimmicky, but using the external thermometer and internal barometric pressure gauge and altimeter - as well as its logging functions - the Land Instrument can actually give you accurate information that is worth paying attention to (and can save your life in dire situations).

To help you understand the full functionality of the Land Instrument, it is best to go over everything it does and what it comes with. Let's start with what is actually contained inside the instrument itself, and then move on to the included accessories which contain external sensors. Inside the land instrument is a 3 axis compass with a tilt sensor (this provides you with a compass as well as ascent and descent monitoring), and an atmospheric pressure sensor (for barometric pressure and altitude reading). There is also the internal low power consumption 16 bit RISC computer with 4Mb of storage that has wirelessly upgradeable software. While the storage might seem scant by today's device standards, this is plenty to store the log data for all the sensors. Then there are the external sensors. First is a carabiner clip with a temperature sensor built in. This accessory does two things rather cleverly. First, it serves as a connecting point for the Land Instrument itself. Meaning you attach the Land Instrument to the clip and it can hang off of a belt or bag. Second, the internal thermometer in the clip communicates wirelessly with the Land Instrument. Not having the temperature sensor in the Instrument itself is helpful because it allows you to get an accurate reading of the ambient temperature. If the sensor was included in the Land Instrument itself, it would potentially be influenced by your body heat (as is the case with virtually all other temperature reading watches). The other included sensor is a heart rate strap that goes around your chest. This also connects wirelessly to the Land Instrument and provides you with accurate heart rate data every 5 seconds.

I'll now list the major functions of the Land Instrument based on its sensors and computer. This in my opinion, is the best way of explaining what it can do:

Time
Date
Chronograph with four split times
Altitude (with graphical tracking) and a freezing level warning
Barometer for weather prediction
Compass
Tilt sensor for calculating the degree of rise on your ascent or descent with an included avalanche warning.
Heart rate monitor with calorie replenishment data (the harder you work, the more energy you'll need in a climb).
Logging function that tracks various monitors such as heart rate, barometric pressure, altitude, and more.

Everything is displayed on the Land Instrument's surprisingly sharp gray four-tone 128x128 pixel LCD screen. There is a backlight that can be activated during low light situations for a few seconds at a time. Linde Werdelin's other Instrument, the Sea Instrument, features a color screen. I don't really think that a color screen is necessary on a device such as this. To properly display different colors the backlight would need to be on too much and significantly reduce the battery life. A gray scale screen is just fine here, and accordingly, it has a good level of battery life with about 60 hours of standby time. This will give you a good day or two of usability, but it will need to be recharged. It is important to note that Land Instrument is not a watch per se, meaning that it is not made to be worn all the time like a watch. If you do, you'll need to charge it pretty regularly (makes me think of the Microsoft SPOT watches). Right out of the box, the Land Instrument cannot be worn on your wrist by itself. However, a special wrist strap can be purchased separately from Linde Werdelin that you'd probably want to get if you don't have a Biformeter watch. The Land Instrument also comes with a world charger. If you take your Land Instrument on adventures, it'll be a good idea to bring along a solar charger or other types of charging equipment.

The Land Instrument is a nice feeling device, and is built to be light (41 grams) yet durable. The body is constructed from aircraft grade aluminum, with a mineral glass screen. While the device looks thick, most of the underside in concave allowing for it to fit on a Linde Werdelin Biformeter watch - making it pretty slim in reality. Size wise, it is about 44mm long, 52 mm wide, and 18mm tall at its highest point. Two little hinged clips on the side of the case allow for it to be clipped on to a Biformeter watch, charger, or the Land Instrument's accessories that come with it or can be purchased from Linde Werdelin.

All this information is nice and dandy, but any device, no matter how much it does, isn't worth your time if you cannot figure how to use it. Features need to be accessible, menu's can't be contrived, and I don't want to have to carry around an instruction manual for basic operation. For the Land Instrument to receive my full praise, it would need to enjoy logical operation in addition to looking nice. So I put the Land Instrument to the "idiot test." Evaluating how easy it was to use the device right out of the box, and seeing how much I could do with it in just a few minutes. This also involved handing the watch to the mechanically disinclined and asking them to play with it. In all, the Land Instrument fared really well. To accomplish my testing, I used the device myself and handed it to a few other people and asked them to perform a specific function with it. I'd say for example, "Use the device and tell me which direction is north," or "what altitude are we at." None of these requests ever took more than a few seconds, even from someone who never saw the device before. Further, when using the Land Instrument myself, I don't recall even feeling inclined to look at the instructions to figure it out. I thought there might be a few advances features that I was not really thinking about, but nothing felt illogical or overly complex. It performed with a smooth grace that most anyone can figure out in just a few moments. No wide learning curve here, and "idiots" may apply. Allow me to go into a bit more detail, and feel free to use the images as a reference.

It is easy to tell when a company hires competent UI (user interface) designers. Linde Werdelin clearly did in this case, as the Land Instrument is actually pleasant just to play with. Mimicking the sound of machinery, a small speaker in the device sounds a satisfying "click" every time one of the four comfortable buttons are pressed. Around the screen are eight labels identifying various modes of function. They are pretty easy to figure out: "ALTI" obviously means altitude, and "PULS" obviously means pulse, the mode that measures your heart rate. Pretty simple right? The central part of the screen has a tab that moves around, connecting to the written labels. This gives you a very clear indication of what mode you are in, and you can cycle between the modes in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. This is done by the outside buttons on the lower part of the case. Also nice is the fact that labels show up on the screen telling you what the buttons do in any given mode. This takes most of the learning curve out of using the device making it really easy to use. Further, and of great importance, is that I didn't notice any computer lag when using the Land Instrument. That means the processor isn't being over burdened.

You'll probably spend most of your time using the Land Instrument in "VIEW" mode. Here you see the time and date, but it also gives you handy information (that is customizable) like the barometric pressure, altitude, and operation of the stopwatch. A push of the center button on the bottom of the device brings up relatively easy to use menus for adjusting the settings of the watch. When you want to turn the Land Instrument off, you push the single button on the top left down for a few seconds, and you have the option of turning it off. Turning it back on is done in the same way. This all might seem esoteric, but if you are used to using multifunction devices that come in small packages, you know that too many of them are frustratingly complex with un labeled buttons and deep menus. Engineers are brought in to make something work, designers are brought in to make something look nice, and most of the time companies don't take the extra step that Linde Werdelin did by focusing on design efforts to merely use the device. Thank you Linde Werdelin for considering that people will actually use the Land Instrument. I hope other companies will pay attention.

What is interesting is that all this effort was spent for what is arguably a niche device. The Land Instrument doesn't really have any competitors that I know of. Sure there are some similar devices, but nothing quite like this.Â Again, go back to the traditional European ideal of "no matter how small the market it must be perfect." This philosophy pays offÂ and separates European manufactures from those in the rest of the world. The result in the Linde Werdelin Land Instrument clearly illustrating this concept. No piece of software is ever really done, and Linde Werdelin is proud of the fact that ongoing efforts are involved in upgrading the device. As the Land Instrument is user upgradeable, the company will likely ensure you are always up to date with the Land Instrument's firmware.

More urban and nature adventurers should probably know about the Land Instrument. It is a pretty handy tool, and it doesn't take up too much space. The Land Instrument is perfect for the occasional nature excursion or the serious world adventurist. Either with one of the Biformeter watches or with its own accessories, it offers a lot of functionality, reliability, and is more than a digital toy. It is a serious tool, it is an 'instrument.'

See the Land Instrument at Linde Werdelin here.

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