Vacheron Constantin Overseas Gray

The color gray has always been used to describe something to the negative. Think about it..."skies are gray!" Everyone is afraid to get "old and gray", etc... Vacheron Constantin would like to change your perception of the color with a new slate gray look to the brand's sports watch, the Overseas Gray watch line. The Overseas collection has been a bit of a departure from the classic, more conservative watch company. From its textured dial to its overall divers heritage. This new Gray lineup continues that lineage and is a real beauty to look at.The monochromatic tonalities of this collection are based on a design from the thirty's, which has been re-interpreted by VC several times in the past.

There are 2 versions available, an automatic and an automatic chronograph, both 42mm, housing an automatic Vacheron Constantin caliber 1226 and 1137 respectively. Titanium bezels and mouse gray straps finish off the look for these pieces. Pricing on both of these will be released shortly.

Glashutte PanoTourbillon XL on JamesList.com

So I was perusing this great new website, JamesList.com. It is sort of like a rich man's version of Craigslist. It really has some of the most unique (expensive!) toys I have ever seen in one place. The best part, all of them are for sale.

Take for instance this stunning Glashutte Pano Tourbillon XL This is a new version of the most complicated watch movement equipped with minute tourbillon by Glashutte Original. The dial of the watch is divided into two parts: the upper one is silver and shows the tourbillon indications; the lower one is galvanized and contains the dial with minute and hour hands and two arc scales of date indicator and mainspring winding indicator. The tourbillon, the most demanding of all complications, was perfected by Glashutte master watchmaker Alfred Helwig. In a so-called “Flying Tourbillon”, the balance, pallets, and escapement wheel are located in a cantilevered carriage.

The case is a 42mm round design in 18k white gold. The case back is a sapphire exhibition crystal that exposes the spokes of the balance wheel and other components. An alligator leather strap with 18k buckle pulls it all together.

The list price for this piece is usually close to the $115,000. USD mark but you can have the one on JamesList for the bargain price of $99,000. USD. Check out the listing here and feel free to make an offer.

Watchmaker Bedat & Co seems to be closing up shop!

The down economy and soft luxury market has seemed to affect, yet another watch company. Bedat & Co. which started in 1996 will close its doors and cease operations soon, according to multiple industry sources. The luxury watch maker had a number of interesting watches for both men and women, such as favorites like the No.3, No. 7, and No. 8.

Bedat & Co. was founded by Simone Bedat who branched off after being a business partner of Raymond Weil. Bedat & Co could be found in large retailers as well as luxury boutiques. Bedat & Co. was purchased by Gucci in 2000, which means
that its closure might be a preemptive financial security measure taken by Gucci in anticipation of harder times ahead for the luxury group of brands.

At this time there is no specific date for Bedat & Co. to close up shop, or indication of whether it has filed for bankruptcy. Though, several sources indicate that we will be seeing the end of Bedat & Co. soon. It is a shame, and the worst part is that we never know what brand will kick the bucket next.

Chronoshark.com - Woot! for watches!!

So you are all familiar with WOOT!.com, right. You know that great website that offers one tech-like item per day at a crazy low prices for a limited amount of time. (or until SOLD OUT!) Well it seems that it was only a matter of time before someone came out with a similar version for timepieces.

The guys at Chronoshark.com (launched in 2008) created a place to go for a super daily watch deal. It was started by the people who do DiamondShark.com (same premise, blinged out diamond watches only!)

The concept is pretty similar to WOOT! and all of its competitors. It's real simple to use. First you visit ChronoShark.com everyday to see the deal of the day. If you want, you can get e-mails from them, or get their deals via RSS. If you like what you see, you can view some technical information, a clear image of the watch, some relevant details about the watch, and most importantly you get some some comparison prices as to what the same watch model would cost on major retails elsewhere. There is a countdown clock telling you how much time is left on the current deal.

Pricing seems real good on their current selections. They are limited to limited to mainstream brands with high distribution. Chronoshark says the main brands offered right now are: Accutron, Bulova, Citizen, ESQ, Invicta, Movado, Seiko and Technomarine. Both women and men's watches are available. Nice heritage brands for sure, but don't hold your breath for any Rolex or Richard Mille pieces to go through anytime soon. (LuxuryShark??)

I suggest you pop by every now and then to see what they have available. The deals are great but you had better hurry!!

SIHH 2009 WC Ingenieur Automatic Mission Earth

Ingenieur Automatic Mission Earth (IW323604)
in stainless steel with stainless steel bracelet

Ingenieur Automatic Mission Earth (IW323601)
in stainless steel with black rubber strap

Classic Ingenieur in a 46-mm case with magnetic field protection to 80,000 A/m, IWC manufactured movement with Pellaton winding mechanism and integrated shock absorber system, central hacking seconds hand, date with rapid advance via the crown, calibre 80110, power reserve of 44 hours, automatic winding, sapphire glass (antireflective), screw-in back cover, screw-in crown, water-resistant to 12 bar, case height 15 mm, diameter 46 mm.

We are now listed on ALLTOP!!

So if the first day of SIHH wasn't enough, I just got word that my little blog here, just got listed on ALLTOP. I couldn't be more excited.

If you have not checked out ALLTOP, as of yet...what the hell are you waiting for? Guy Kawasaki and his team give you all the information you will ever need on just about everything. Think if it as a "digital magazine rack" of the internet. (their words, not mine) =)

Head over there and check 'em out. You may never leave.

SIHH 2009 Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillon Regulator with Invisibly Set Diamonds

Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillon Regulator
with Invisibly set Diamonds

Technical Data

Reference:
Malte Tourbillon Regulator with Invisible Setting
30682/000G-9477

Movement: 1795 R
Tonneau shaped tourbillon regulator movement,
designed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin
manual wind

Power-reserve: Approx. 40 hours


Case:
18K white gold, 39,60mm x 50 mm
Fully paved with 270 baguette-cut diamonds, total weight of approx. 12.25 ct.
Crown set with 4 baguette-cut diamonds, total weight of approx. 0.1 ct.

Dial:
18K white gold set with 261 baguette-cut diamonds, total weight of approx. 5.63 ct.


Strap:
Black hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square-scaled alligator leather

Clasp:
18K white gold folding-clasp, half Maltese cross set with 30 baguette-cut diamonds, total weight of approx. 0.9 ct.


Total of the weight of approx 18.98 ct.