Louis Moinet - GEOGRAPH: AUSTRALIAN EDITION

For the 225th anniversary of Australia Day celebration on the 26th of January, 2013, Louis Moinet has launched a special Geograph: Australian Edition. This limited-edition chronograph of 30 pieces pays tribute to icons of Australia: Captain James Cook, the Southern Cross and the colours of the national flag.

Geograph: Australian Edition by Louis Moinet is an elegant yet robust two-pusher automatic chronograph with a second time zone.

The red, white and blue of the dial as well as the star-shaped small seconds hand at 9 o’clock evoke the Australian flag, while six stars engraved on the case-back represent the flag’s Southern Cross constellation.

Engravings of a map and a sailing ship on the lower part of the case-back pay tribute to nautical explorer Captain James Cook, the first European to extensively explore and chart the eastern coastline of Australia.

Features

Hours and minutes indicated by central Gouttes de Rosée hands

Star-shaped small seconds at 9 o’clock

Chronograph central seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour counters

Second time zone indicated by serpentine hand

Date window at 9 o’clock

Case

Crafted in 316L stainless steel

Dial

Dark blue Côtes du Jura guilloche

24-hour, second-time-zone chapter ring with day (silver) and night (red) night indicators

Rhodium-plated hands

Strap

Blue, Louisiana alligator leather with alligator lining, hand-sewn.

Limited edition

30 pieces

Source: www.swisstime.ch

ZENITH - Pilot Big Date Special

Zenith Manufacture wins “the Petite Aiguille” prize

The prize of “the Petite Aiguille” category has been won by the Pilot Big Date Special. The jury of the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix has thereby rewarded the elegance and unimpeachable functionality of this chronograph.

Geneva, November 15th, 2012. The Geneva watchmaking Grand Prix aims to salute excellence in the field of watchmaking. Eleven prizes reward the finest creations and the most important operators in the watchmaking sector.
70 models were competing in the various categories, and a model from the Manufacture Zenith was honoured by the Grand Prix jury for “the Petite Aiguille” category at the prize-giving ceremony held in Geneva’s Grand Théâtre this Thursday.

Through the stellar PILOT collection, Zenith is reasserting its legitimacy and its expertise in the field of aviation. The brand has indeed been accompanying aviation history from its beginnings by producing time measurement instruments used to help pilots in flying aircraft, notably including onboard counters. Since 1865, Zenith is THE benchmark in terms of precision and reliability – twin qualities that are indispensable in the aeronautical field.

Echoing the historic chronograph watch from the 1960-80s, the new Pilot Big Date Special has functionality as its guiding principle. Its steel case is a moderate 42 mm in diameter, with classically styled alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes.

The matt black dial, sandblasted five times, sets off the time displays, which visually are in perfect balance. The small seconds counter is at 9 o’clock, exactly opposite the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. Both feature a snailed decoration.

A pair of hands treated with black ruthenium and highlighted with Superluminova mark the hours and minutes in a decisively masculine and modern style. Their sporty, dynamic shape matches the refined graphic style of the Arabic numerals that pay simple and solemn tribute to those of the 1960 chronograph. Behind the scenes, the El Primero 4010 calibre ticks away with an exceptionally consistent beat. Its finishes can be seen through the sapphire caseback. The winding rotor is decorated with thin Côtes de Genève in the purest watchmaking tradition.


Founded in Le Locle in 1865 by a visionary watchmaker, Georges Favre-Jacot, the Manufacture Zenith earned swift recognition for the precision of its chronometers with which it has won 2,333 chronometry prizes in a century and a half of existence – an absolute record in terms of pocket watches, onboard timers and wristwatches. Having earned fame thanks to its legendary El Primero calibre – an integrated automatic column-wheel chronograph movement launched in 1969 and endowed with a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour that ensures short-time measurements accurate to the nearest 1/10th of a second – the Manufacture Zenith has since developed over 600 movement variations. All Zenith watches are now fitted with an in-house Zenith movement and are developed and produced from start to finish by the Manufacture in Le Locle. The latter currently stands at the exact spot where its founder built the first company workshop – thus physically embodying a continuity that is a rarity in itself.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Movement

El Primero 4010, automatic
Calibre: 13¼ ``` (Diameter: 30 mm)
Thickness: 7.65 mm
Components: 306
Jewels: 31
Frequency: 36,000 VpH – (5 Hz)
Power-reserve: min. 50 hours
Finishings: Oscillating weight with “Côtes de Genève” pattern.

Functions

Hours and minutes in the centre
Small seconds hand at 9 o’clock
2-counter chronograph :
– Central chronograph hand
– 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock
Large Date at 6 o’clock


Case, Dial & Hands

Material: Brushed stainless steel
Diameter: 42 mm
Diameter opening: 35.6 mm
Thickness: 13.50 mm
Crystal: Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflection treatment on both sides
Case-back: Transparent sapphire crystal
Water-resistance: 5 ATM
Dial: Matt black
Hour-markers: SuperLuminova SLN C1
Hands: Black ruthenium, satined


Straps & Buckles

Calfskin leather strap with protective rubber lining or metal bracelet
References: 27.00.2118.722
Brown calfskin leather
27.02.2410.4010
Mesh bracelet

Stainless steel buckles
Reference: 27.01.0018.008
Stainless steel pin buckle
27.03.0138.940
Stainless steel triple folding clasp (optional)

Source: www.swisstime.ch

Geneva Watch Tour

The fruit of a collaborative effort between the Geneva tourist office and a private entrepreneur with a passion for watches, the Route de l’Horlogerie de Genève (Geneva Watch Tour) offers a unique experience through a meeting of two worlds synonymous with escapism: watch shopping and tourism.

The heart of the world’s luxury watchmaking, Geneva is home to the highest concentration on the planet of mono and multi brand boutiques per km², as well as many cultural institutions dedicated to showcasing the art of measuring time. A pedestrian itinerary now provides an opportunity to admire them while visiting the town’s most emblematic quarters and by walking in the footsteps of Swiss watchmaking history. The Geneva Watch Tour is available in three languages (English, Chinese and French) and two versions – notably on-line and in pocket card format: cultural and historic, and shopping. The Geneva Watch Tour map is also available from the Geneva Tourist Office as part of its collection entitled Geneva Amazing Experiences, in hotels and some boutiques.

Geneva’s watchmaking DNA

Do you know the watchmaking origins of Geneva’s famous Jet d’Eau? Do you know where to find the longest seconds hand in the world and the highest clock? More than any other city in the world, Geneva is characterised by its watchmaking DNA, symbolised in 1601 by the first watchmakers corporation in the world entitled "Maîtrise des horlogers de Genève". This watchmaking spirit that is omnipresent in the streets of the best known town in Switzerland is manifest in an unparalleled collection of 50 monobrand boutiques and 50 multibrand retailers spread across the centre of town. In a worldwide exclusive, the Geneva Watch Tour allows visitors to get to know the city from a new angle that is both fun and diverse, and where the osmosis between tourism and shopping results in an experience that is as incomparable as it is memorable.

The experience of a symbolic tour

The Watch Tour provides an overall perspective of the Swiss watchmaking panorama, while paying a visit to Geneva’s most symbolic neighbourhoods – the area where the tourist office is located near the lakefront for a start, as well as the business quarter in the city centre, the old town with its art and decoration galleries, the bank and cultural institutions district and their magnificent historical buildings, as well as the modern art quarter which stretches from the Patek Philippe Museum to the Manufacture F. P. Journe. 

Routes and profiles of boutiques can be found free of charge on www.genevawatchtour.com (in English, Chinese and French), and are also available as mobile versions. The referencing of boutiques and brands in Geneva makes it possible to pick out favourite watches in advance and pinpoint them on the map. And as a perfect complement, www.geneva-tourism.ch gives details of the cultural and historical aspects of the Watch Tour with a downloadable map.

The watchmaking origins of Geneva’s Jet d’Eau

Who would have believed it? Geneva’s iconic emblem, the Jet d’Eau has its roots in the watchmaking foundations of the city. Indeed, Geneva’s watchmaking vocation, in conjunction with the divided organisation of labour (l'établissage) from the 18^th century, led to some 4000 watchmaking craftsmen setting up shop around the Rhône in order to harness its power, notably that linked to the Bâtiment de la Machine from 1872 onwards, as well as that issuing from the hydraulic plant at la Coulouvrenière from 1886 onwards. This pressurised water made it possible to mechanise a large number of operations in watch movement and case manufacturing, such as grinding. In their cabinets or workshops, at the end of the day, the watchmaking artisans called the cabinotiers turned off the indispensable taps at about the same time, resulting in excess pressure for which the machine operators at the Coulouvrenière had to compensate urgently by stopping the pumps. One of them had the bright idea of installing a security valve that would allow the over-pressured water to shoot out 30 metres high into the air. This became a ritual show for those living on the banks of the river, which resulted in it being moved and becoming a tourist attraction that was institutionalised by Geneva’s Administrative Council in 1891. Today, it has its rightful place in the heart of the Geneva Watch Tour, along with a dozen other historical monuments linked to watchmaking.

 

Source: www.swisstime.ch

Christmas Swiss Watches - Part Three

Some of the finest Swiss brands have eventually released their end-of-the-year models. Please enjoy below a selection from the most representative brands.

ORIS Oris Challenge International de Tourisme 1932

From August 12th to 28th 1932, Berlin throbbed to the distinctive sounds of the aircraft taking part in the daunting race organised by the FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale or World Air Sports Federation): the International Tourist Plane Challenge. Pilots vied with each other in three types of competition – technical, rally-type and speed tests – in an overall contest won by Franciszek Zwirko of Poland. Oris now pays tribute to this legendary team by offering the Oris Challenge International de Tourisme 1932. The knurled bezel vividly recalls its connection with the Big Crown collection of models dedicated to aviation. In a nod to the aircraft starting number in the race, the counterweight of the central seconds hand carries a small 08, and the caseback features the silhouette of the RWD-6 as well as an engine-turned decorative motif. Its understated vintage look evokes a glorious past in which performances were as much due to mechanical engineer as to the heroism of the protagonists. The presentation book also features a certificate and a Zipp cigarette-lighter that will bring back plenty of memories for those who feel nostalgic for this wonderful era. 1,923-piece limited edition.

Movement Automatic, Calibre SW 200, 26 jewels, 28,800 vib/h, 38-hour power reserve Functions Hours, minutes, seconds and date Case Steel, 44 mm Screw-lock crown and knurled bezel Cambered sapphire crystal, front and back with anti-reflective coating on the inside Caseback engraved with the limited-edition number and the outline of the RWD-6 plane, engine-turned décor Water-resistant to 100 m / 10 ATM Dial Black Polished applied numerals Superluminova-coated hands and hourmarkers Seconds hand with counterweight adorned with a 06 Date at 3 o’clock Bracelet/Strap Dark brown leather with steel buckle

CUERVO Y SOBRINOS Historiador Retrogrado

Swiss-Made but Latin through and through! The Historiador Retrogrado is the quintessential Cuervo y Sobrinos timepiece, when 1940s Havana meets centuries of watchmaking expertise. Each model becomes an expression of this uniquely individual and eclectic style. The form of the Historiador Retrogrado case takes us back to a watch which the brand made early in its history, while the name is inspired by its functions of day indicator and retrograde date. The pink gold-plated case houses an automatic movement while the traditional "Clous de Paris" decoration of the dial makes an elegant counterpoint to the blued "Breguet" style hands. This is a statement watch for a gentleman of character and sophistication who will never compromise on style or performance. Available from February 2013.

Movement Automatic, calibre CyS 240, 30 jewels, 11½ lines, 42-hour power reserve, CyS logo engraved on the rotor Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, day, retrograde date and power-reserve indicator Case 5N pink gold, 40 mm Double curved sapphire crystal, anti-reflective on both sides Water-resistant to 30 m / 3 ATM Dial Silvered, "Clous de Paris" guilloché centre inside a circular satin finish surround Applied CyS logo at 12 o'clock Retrograde date at 3 o'clock Power-reserve indicator at 6 o'clock Bracelet/Strap Brown alligator with 5N pink gold-plated steel buckle

Source: www.swisstime.ch

Christmas Swiss Watches - Part Two

Some of the finest Swiss brands have eventually released their end-of-the-year models. Please enjoy below a selection from the most representative brands.

HAMILTON Khaki Navy Pioneer Edition Limitée

The Khaki Navy Pioneer Edition Limitée aims to be different. First for its functionality, as Hamilton has designed this timepiece to be enjoyed as a wristwatch and as a desk clock, when set in a parallel position inside its distinctive hevea hardwood box. Then for its heritage, as Hamilton celebrates 120 years of time measurement and boasts watches of unparalleled accuracy. Indeed, the marine chronometers it produced in the 1940s demonstrated a degree of precision that was qualified as "zero rate". Equally noteworthy, the hand-wound calibre 6498-2 has the hallmark of a fine watch movement and bears a unique engraving in honour of this milestone year. Nostalgia is very much in evidence in the watch's design, whether in the profiled, blued hands, the velvety finish of the silver-coloured dial, or the top-stitched brown leather strap. A timepiece whose dual function makes the transition from past to present with intelligence and ease, proposed as a limited edition of 1,892 pieces in reference to Hamilton's founding year.

Movement Hand-wound, 6498 calibre Functions Hours, minutes and seconds Case Stainless steel, 46.5 mm Anti-reflective sapphire crystal Water-resistant to 100 m / 10 ATM Dial Silvered with velvet finish Blued hands Seconds counter at 6 o'clock Bracelet/Strap Brown leather with top stitching and buckle

LOUIS MOINET Jules Verne Instrument III

Louis Moinet takes us 20,000 leagues under the sea with the Jules Verne Instrument III, a timepiece that sends us off on a voyage with Captain Nemo. Inventive, technological and original all describe this chronograph. Inventive for the subaquatic-style monopusher and an astonishing function indicator (patent pending) inspired by chadburn ships' telegraphs. Technological because of its high-precision mechanism featuring ceramic ball bearings that ensure more efficient winding. Original with its black dial finished with "Côtes du Jura" guilloché, and a gold and titanium case with more than a hint at Nemo's Nautilus submarine. The monopusher at 2 o'clock also rates high in the originality stakes. A journey into time that fans of Louis Moinet will not want to miss! Proposed as a 365-piece limited series.

Movement Automatic, calibre LM30, 13¼ lines, 27 jewels, 28,800 vib/h, 48-hour power reserve; "Côtes du Jura" motif, blackened finish, blued steel screws, rotor mounted on ceramic ball bearings Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph and "Start-Stop-Reset" indicator Case 18k pink gold and grade 5 titanium with black PVD treatment, 45.50 mm Bezel with 6 hex screws Two sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coating on both sides Individual number and Louis Moinet markings engraved on the back Water-resistant to 100 m / 10 ATM Dial Black with "Côtes du Jura" motif Luminescent hands and hourmarkers (blue and white) Small seconds at 9 o'clock 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock and central 60-seconds chronograph "Start-Stop-Reset" indicator at half past 4, operated by the monopusher Date window at 7 o'clock Bracelet/Strap Rubber with folding clasp in grade 5 titanium and stainless steel

TUDOR Heritage Black Bay

Introduced in 2010, the Tudor Heritage collection is home to the brand's iconic models revisited to meet the latest stylistic aspirations. The Heritage Black Bay is the perfect example with its curved black dial - a fabulous vintage touch -, striking burgundy bezel and snowflake hands, all three inspired by the iconic, early dive watches of the 1950s. The long, slender lugs of the original model have been supersized to match the contemporary 41 mm steel case that is water-resistant to 200 metres. The pink gold of the hands and hourmarkers adds a hint of nostalgia by suggesting the distinctive patina of older timepieces. With characteristic attention to detail, the same burgundy circles the insert for the winding crown, which is engraved with the Tudor rose.

Movement Automatic, approximately 38-hour power reserve Functions Hours, minutes and seconds Case Polished and satin-finish stainless steel, 41 mm Unidirectional rotating bezel with a burgundy red disc Domed sapphire crystal Water-resistant to 200 m / 20 ATM Dial Black Luminescent hands and hourmarkers, edged with 18K pink gold Bracelet/Strap Aged brown leather strap or steel bracelet with folding clasp and safety catch, and a second black fabric strap with buckle

VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY Night Vision

S

2012 has brought the renewal of the Night Vision by Victorinox Swiss Army. First launched in 2003, the watch has been entirely revamped and was presented at Baselworld 2012. The new edition features a more urban, streamlined design, seamlessly incorporating into the case design the lighting features of the original model – LED light modules for the dial illumination, flashlight and emergency strobe. As of October 2012, this iconic timepiece also shines on the internet via the nightvision.victoriniox.com website, inaugurated to coincide with the market launch of this new model. Devotees of the brand with the Swiss shield logo will thus have the possibility of testing all the watch functions online. They will also be able to follow the exhibitions and events featuring the Night Vision around the world, as well as attempting to win one model per month. A fine example of what can happen when Swiss multi-functionality is expressed through a timepiece.

Movement Quartz, Ronda 705 Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, date, dial illumination, flashlight, emergency strobe, and battery end-of-life indicator Case Stainless steel, 42 mm Scratch-resistant triple anti-reflection sapphire crystal Screw-down caseback Water-resistant to 50 m / 5 ATM Dial Anthracite grey with silver-toned grey ring Luminescent hands, hourmarkers and numerals Date window and LED at 6 o’clock Bracelet/Strap Stainless steel with butterfly folding clasp Other versions Silver-toned dial with anthracite grey ring and steel bracelet or brown aviator-style leather strap with buckle and beige overstitching MAURICE LACROIX Masterpiece Lune Retrograde Perfetly summing up the expertise of Maurice Lacroix, the Masterpiece collection establishes its timepieces firmly in an urban, dynamic and elegant vision of the 21st century. The brand’s flagship range distinguishes itself in the interpretation of complications, especially of the retrograde and lunar indication type. The Masterpiece Lune Retrograde provides a splendid demonstration of this expertise. The moon pursues its path at 6 o’clock, moving across a black design providing a striking chiaroscuro backdrop. It dominates the upper part of the royal blue or silver-toned dial, while sharing its space with the hand counting off the days. The date appears at 10 o’clock in a broad retrograding arched segment, while the power reserve is dynamically displayed at 2 o’clock. The entirely in-house manufactured automatic ML 192 movement reveals its vertical-brushed and broadly snailed “Grand Colimaçon” finishing through the exhibition case-back, admirably reflecting the light playing across its jewels. A profound sense of authenticity shines through this model that embodies a decidedly mature approach to time. Movement Automatic, Manufacture Maurice Lacroix Calibre ML 192, 18,000 vib/h, 59 jewels, rhodiumed, vertical-brushed and “Grand Colimaçon” décor, 52-hour power reserve Functions Hours, minutes, day, date, moon phase and power-reserve indicator Case Stainless steel, satin-brushed and polished finishing, 43 mm Cambered anti-reflective sapphire crystal Screw-down back Water-resistant to 50 m / 5 ATM Dial 925 sterling silver, deep blue or silver-toned, satin-brushed and sunburst brushed finishing Retrograde date display at 10 o’clock Moon phase and day at 6 o’clock, power reserve at 2 o’clock Bracelet/Strap Blue or black crocodile with large scales and brown calfskin lining, steel folding clasp Source: www.swisstime.ch

Christmas Swiss Watches - Part One

Some of the finest Swiss brands have eventually released their end-of-the-year models. Please enjoy below a selection from the most representative brands.

LONGINES The Longines Avigation Watch Type A-7

Established 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, Longines enjoys a long tradition of supremely elegant timepieces. The Longines Avigation Watch Type A-7 draws inspiration from this rich history, and the brand's longstanding association with the world of aviation. The refinement of this single-pusher chronograph is sure to impress. Its steel case measures 49 mm in diameter and houses the calibre L788, an exclusive column-wheel movement developed for Longines. The black dial, set at an angle of 50° to the right, and the bold white Arabic numerals give this watch a character of its own. The tachymeter scale around the outside of the dial together with the "Breguet" hour and minute hands complete the eyecatching aesthetic of this watch, which is mounted on a black alligator strap. The back of the case is fitted with a cover that opens onto a sapphire crystal to reveal the movement in motion.

Movement Automatic, column-wheel chronograph, calibre L788.2, 13¼ lines, 27 jewels, 28,800 vib/h, 54-hour power reserve Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph and tachymeter Case Steel, 49 mm Single pusher at 12 o'clock, incorporated into the crown Anti-reflective sapphire crystal Engraved and numbered back cover opening onto a sapphire crystal Water-resistant to 30 m / 3 ATM Dial Black, angled 50°to the right 10 white Arabic numerals, white minute circle and tachymeter scale Rhodium-plated "Breguet" hour and minute hands 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock, small seconds and date window at 6 o'clock Bracelet/Strap Black alligator with buckle

MAURICE LACROIX Miros Date Lady

Seductive, sporty and chic, the Miros collection from Maurice Lacroix returns centre-stage. Its distinctive features are the same, its proportions as perfect as ever, its principle still "less is more". The Miros Date by Maurice Lacroix, in versions for men and women, is the ultimate in sophisticated elegance. Hours, minutes, seconds, date. Nothing more. The men's model comes with five variations while ladies are spoiled for choice with a full seven versions. The 32 mm case exists in steel, in pink gold-plated steel, and set with diamonds. The elegantly sporty dial is a pleasing blend of balance and lightness; only the date window at 3 o'clock marks a hiatus in the harmonious proportions. The Miros Date is the one accessory that guarantees men and women will make the right impression whenever style and elegance are de rigueur.

Movement Quartz Functions Hours, minutes, seconds and date Case Steel, 32 mm Bezel in steel, steel with black PVD treatment or 18k pink gold-plated, plain or set with 60 TW VVS-VS diamonds (0.45 ct) Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inside Water-resistant to 100 m / 10 ATM Dial Silvered or black with sunbrushed finish and horizontal lines Plain or set with 9 TW VVS-VS diamonds (0.045 ct) Black or 18k pink gold-plated hourmarkers and numerals, with or without rhodium-plating Luminescent hour and minute hands Date window at 3 o'clock Bracelet/Strap Brushed steel, triple links, central link in fine steel with black PVD treatment or 18k pink gold-plated, folding clasp with pushers

MAURICE LACROIX Pontos S

If ever a dive chronograph could capture the spirit of the moment, this is the one. The Pontos S handles short intervals with ease, and with a modern design that strikes the perfect balance of form and function. The stainless steel case - 43 mm in diameter - is water-resistant to 200 metres. It features a winding crown and pushers whose shape is designed for easy grip while accentuating the chronograph's assertive personality. The internal rotating bezel breaks with convention. As well as creating a more streamlined aesthetic, this concept minimises wear. A patent has been filed for this original feature. The chrono counters on the dial are visually balanced and easy to read. Proposed in a range of colours, the Pontos S is driven by the Valjoux 7750 automatic movement which has nothing to prove in terms of performance and precision.

Movement Automatic, personalised calibre ML112 (Valjoux 7750 base), 25 jewels, 28,800 vib/h, 46-hour power reserve, rhodium plating Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, date and chronograph Case Steel, 43 mm Internal black rotating bezel in brushed aluminium Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, engraved back Water-resistant to 200 m / 20 ATM Dial Black, sunbrushed Applied hourmarkers and diamond-polished hands, enhanced with Superluminova 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock, 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock, small seconds at 9 o'clock Date window at 6 o'clock Bracelet/Strap NATO nylon strap to match the dial with steel buckle, or triple row steel bracelet with double security folding clasp and extension system for wearing over a diving suit

Source: www.swisstime.ch