Big Bang Wally is a great novelty watch for those who are fond of yachting. Hublot is known to be one of watch brands that are related to the great world of yachting. The company collaborates with a great number of yacht clubs, for instance such famous ones as Monaco Yacht Club, the Real Club Nautico in Palma and many other world known yacht clubs.Since Hublot began collaboration with Wally – the Monaco-headquartered yacht manufacturer, it became the official timekeeper of Wally Class during their regattas.

The new Big Bang Wally caught attention of everyone – both ordinary watch connoisseurs and those who are involved in yachting. This model is a chronograph that is available in limited edition of 500 pieces only. The watch is made out of variety of materials, it includes rubber, titanium and Hublonium. Hublonium is a Hublot patented aluminium-magnesium alloy that is characterized by exceptional lightness. The crown and chronograph buttons of the watch are crafted out of PVD stainless steel. The watch features anti-reflective sapphire crystals. Hublot Big Bang Wally is water resistant up to 100 meters.

One more characteristic feature of the watch is that its case, bezel and dial are made in the same color. The timepiece has the black WALLY logo at 9 o’clock. The inside inserts, indices and the strap of the watch are also black.The timepiece is equipped with HUB4001 movement that offers power reserve of 42 hours. The movement has 37 jewels.The novelty timepiece, like many other Hublot timekeepers has a rubber strap that is known to be one of the most distinctive features of watches by Hublot.Hublot Big Bang Wally watch is the winner in the Sports watch category of the world known prestigious Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie de Geneve.

Big Bang Wally is not the only novelty in Hublot Big Bang collection. Also in this year the brand presented Black Pink Bang watch that is made out of black ceramics and white gold. The watch is decorated with pink sapphires. Black Pink Bang watch also has a traditional rubber strap. Also there is a version with strap that is made out of pink crocodile leather. The case of Black Pink Bang measures 41 mm in diameter. The bezel is decorated with 48 pink sapphires. The timepiece is water resistant up to 100 meters.

The used Rolex watch market is robust and maybe even a bit crowded. Why? Because pre-owned Rolex watches are big business given the fact that Rolex watches have such an incredible ability to retain value. Still, it is sometimes hard to justify buying an older model when new models exist. One good way to breathe life into older, good condition Rolex watches is to modify or customize them. That way you aren’t one of legions of people who have the exact same Rolex watch.

Rolex modification is a growing segment in the watch market with retailers offering everything from brand new Rolex watches that have been modified, to performing such modifications on used models. Many of these modifications have been around for years. Often involving the addition of extra gold or precious jewels such as diamonds to the watch. Recently such modifications have taken a less “blingy” route to offering modified Rolex models that have altered colors and materials. Opinions vary as to the desirability of modified Rolex watches – the same way people argue against the modification of luxury cars. Keep the Mercedes Benz stock, or take it to Brabus for a hot horsepower injection?

Of the most popular trends in Rolex watch modding is the “all black look.” Never has there been a factory black Rolex watch (to my knowledge). Thus, the market has met (assumed) demand and offering everything from high priced new Rolex watches with all sorts of black colored modifications, to doing the same to pre-owned Rolex watches. The latter being a better value than the highly limited new modified Rolex watches that are tough to get by all (except a host of celebrities who are gobbling up customized Rolex watches fast enough to make you think Rolex is suddenly shifting to making wallpaper). Producers of new stock Rolex watches can charge double or more than retail for the timepieces.

Modified Rolex watches (new or used) are only as good as the work put into them. The process is harder than it seems. So look carefully, and know what you are looking for. The most popular forms of black color treatment are either PVD or DLC coatings (the latter being more modern, but not as well refined in all instances as the much more common PVD treatment) Time and Gems, an outfit located in Los Angeles offers a host of modified or otherwise custom altered Rolex watches.

Time and Gems is not an authorized Rolex dealer, but instead specializes in the sale of used Rolex timepieces. They have recently got into the modded Rolex game and offer up a growing selection of DLC (and PVD) black Rolex Submariners, Sea-Dwellers, GMT Masters, Explorers, Milgausses, and more. The image above is of a Time and Gems DLC black Rolex Submariner watch (priced at $6,500). While modified pre-owned Rolex watches cost more than unmodified Rolex watches, they are arguably more interesting, and clearly involve a good deal of work. You can see black DLC Rolex watches from Time and Gems here.

Officine Panerai recently introduced a 12 piece limited collector’s edition watch called the Radiomir PAM349, with a Cali dial, gold luminous hands and Minerva hand wound movement. It features an uncommonly large 47mm titanium case, which is actually the size of the 1936 prototype and 1938 production models for which it is based.

But the original model did not have a small seconds dial and was not made of titanium. I guess not all watches should be an exact replica of the original model in which they were designed to pay homage to, but at an estimated price of $29,000, shouldn’t it be a little more like the original? And as a “collector”, at that price, wouldn’t it be better to invest in a gold Radiomir?

While I rarely say this about Cartier items, this is a weird watch. That doesn’t meant I don’t like it, but rather that it is extremely avant garde. More so that I would expect from the brand. Torn apart, it is in fact easily placed among Cartier’s ranks of highly exclusive haute joaillerie timepieces, but taken at a glance, this is something “different.”

The watch is in 18k carat white gold, that interestingly has been rhodium plated. The case is 35mm wide (which Cartier considers large) with a bezel set with many diamonds that continues on to the dial as the hour markers. The watch face is actually quite tiny – with the hands being readable if you look closely. The dial is more art than watch. The elongated hour markers seem to burst in a sunray pattern. The upper lug extends into the face like part of a chain link. Chains hold things together – so perhaps that is how they came up with the “Captive” name.

Cartier gives the watch a canvas gray strap with a matching white gold strap. The watch is curved and comes with a sapphire crystal. Inside the watch is a Swiss quartz movement. A lovely little – and likely highly expensive – model.

Girard-Perregaux’s latest creation offers a stylish take on traditional watchmaking, integrating a column-wheel chronograph in an elegant case from its Girard-Perregaux 1966 collection.Combining technical virtuosity and authentic design in the same vision of perfection, this beautifully co-ordinated model is a consummate example of the Manufacture’s wide-ranging expertise.

Launched in 2006, the discreet elegance and superb craftsmanship of the Girard-Perregaux 1966 collection quickly established it as an icon of the Brand. The new model displays this classic spirit in both its style and functionality.

The clean lines of its 40-millimetre case disguise a sophisticated design and production process. Its curvature and lugs have been carefully fashioned to sit perfectly on the wrist. Designed in the Manufacture’s workshops, it has undergone meticulous finishing operations to reveal the brilliance of the precious material – either pink gold or white gold.

In order to perfect the timeless design of this watch, Girard-Perregaux opted for a traditional chronograph with a 30-minute counter and central second hand. The easy-to-read function displays create a perfect balance, while the tachometric scale running around the edge of the dial reinforces the model’s character.

Developed and produced within the Manufacture, its column-wheel chronograph movement comprises 304 components. The complexity of its mechanism and the quality of the finish can be appreciated via the watch’s transparent case-back.

Technical specifications

Pink gold or white gold case
Diameter: 40 mm
Sapphire crystal
Sapphire case-back
Water resistance: 30 metres

Girard-Perregaux GP030C0
self-winding mechanical movement
Calibre: 10 ½ ’’’
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz)
Jewels: 38
Power reserve: min. 36 hours
Functions: hours, minutes, column-wheel chronograph, small seconds

Alligator strap with ardillon buckle.

Source: Worldtempus et Girard-Perregaux

A split-seconds chronograph complication adds an exciting new dimension to Chopard’s evergreen Mille Miglia watch collection. Announced as a 500-piece limited edition, the Chopard Mille Miglia GT XL Chrono Split Seconds watch presents the most prestigious variation of the popular chronograph function, within a luxurious case wrought from highly polished 18-karat rose gold.

Styling elements for this complex Chopard timepiece have much in common with other members of the currently produced 1000 Miglia timepiece family. The 44mm case features strong, stately strap lugs, an engraved tachymeter bezel for the calculation of average speeds. A brilliant white dial with 12-hour and 30-minute chronograph totalizers presents a raised silvered subdial for the date, as well as an additional subdial for small seconds. Arcing gently above the dial is a crystal manufactured from scratch-resistant sapphire which features an anti-reflective coating as well as the stylish and contemporary detail of two large Arabic numerals transferred directly to the surface.

A closer look at the Chopard 1000 Miglia GT XL Chrono Split Seconds watch reveals two distinct details that indicate a masterful accomplishment of complicated watchmaking: a third pusher at the 7 o’clock position, and a second central chronograph hand, which lies superimposed beneath the primary one. These elements are visual hallmarks of the split-seconds chronograph or rattrapante–a brilliant variation of the chronograph which pushes horological technique to its highest point, and allows the timing of two events taking place simultaneously. In ordinary operation, the two central chronograph hands travel together, and stop, start and return to zero as a conventional chronograph would, via the two pushers flanking the winding crown. However, should the owner wish, a press of the aforementioned split-seconds button halts the underlying chronograph hand independently. When the button is pressed again, the split-second hand instantly catches back up with the main chronograph hand.

The complex workings of the rattrapante chronograph are controlled by a specially elaborated version of the ETA-Valjoux 7750 chronograph caliber, a self-winding movement widely considered one of the most precise, robust, and reliable in production today. Equipped with a smooth balance beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, this movement can record elapsed chronograph time to the nearest 1/8th second. Power reserve, despite the demands imposed by the split-seconds mechanism, remains a very reasonable 42 hours. As with other Mille Miglia timepieces, Chopard submits each of the movements to an office of the Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres (COSC), where they must undergo and pass 15 days of testing as a verification of exemplary timekeeping precision.

Each of the 500 Chopard Mille Miglia GT XL Chrono Split Seconds watches are fitted with a crocodile leather strap that displays the appealing detail of contrasting white stitching. A sapphire crystal exhibition window in the caseback reveals the complex chronograph mechanism and the decorated central winding rotor which feeds energy to the mainspring through every slight motion of the wrist.

Project X Designs, a new London-based Rolex customizer, has already won some high-profile fans including James Bond himself – Daniel Craig. Project X, which also produces its own Limited Edition Rolex designs in small runs, began with a custom Submariner and Daytona a few months ago which have nearly all sold out. Two new Daytona models have just been released. Founder Daniel Bourn, 37, also launched the London Watch Company in 2003 which specializes in building collections of vintage “investment grade” Rolexes for private clients. Bourn is actually a former investment banker who developed an “obsessive compulsion” for collecting rare, modern and vintage luxury watches and decided to change careers.

Bourn launched Project X Designs (PXD), which has offices in Hanover Square, London W1, out of a desire to “provide a service to clients who appreciate the history and allure of original manufacturers’ brand name – guaranteeing maximum performance with minimal maintenance – but who seek the individuality that contemporary high volume production does not offer.” It’s an aesthetic that appeals to celebs like Kanye West – The Classicist reported on his blacked-out Rolex earlier this year – and Craig, a diehard Rolex enthusiast as we noted last year, who owns PXD’s custom Submariner.

PXD offers two distinct services via its website: the first, a bespoke service which, like a bespoke suit, tailors a new luxury wristwatch with unique features to the clients’ own personal specification. For example, a leading Formula One Racing Team have commissioned a special Daytona – carrying the company logo on the reverse together with the details of the race victory – for each of its Grand Prix winning drivers. Ex Bond actor Roger Moore also has a bespoke watch in development from PXD.

The second element of PXD is the introduction of collectible limited edition (runs of 24) customized Rolex watches inspired by the retro styling of the classic Rolex models from the past.

Following the success of his jewellery lines, which have caught the eye of a growing number of international stars, Edmond Avakian is now launching his first watch for men, designed and developed in collaboration with his son, Haig Avakian, who heads the company’s US operations. The world premiere of this unique model, available in a limited edition and sold exclusively in Avakian stores, was held in the United States on  December 4th last year during the gala opening night of the Avakian store in Beverly Hills. Following the opening of stores in Geneva, London and Moscow, this is the latest step in the company’s diversification and international expansion.With an avant-garde design, the new watch has a second time zone, large date display and instantaneous date change with quick correction, all assembled on an 11 ½ line movement, with manual or automatic winding.

The model will be available in 6 formats in the following colour combinations: white gold, brown gold, black gold and pink gold. An interchangeable gold bezel fits onto the case, and may be plain or diamond studded to suit both mood and contemporary trends. Rigorous workmanship and a commitment to perfection have always ensured that Avakian retains its independence and maintains an irrefutable quality of finish.

Wishing to perpetuate the family tradition and preserve the authentic Avakian style, Edmond Avakian has enlisted the exclusive services of independent Swiss craftsmen to design and produce his new watch. The manufacture of the gold middle sections and the leather work required to make the straps have therefore been entrusted to a number of small workshops in Geneva, ensuring that the entire design and assembly process is purely Swiss.

Watchmaking – a tradition

The watchmaking expertise of Edmond Avakian goes back a long way. In 1976, when he joined the family firm, the company were specialists in jewellery sales. Committed to develop and expand the business, Edmond Avakian turned his attention to jewellery design and became the exclusive distributor of a number of prestigious Swiss watchmaking brands. Since his arrival in Geneva in 1985, he has been a distributor for the most prestigious brands in the Swiss watchmaking industry, positioning himself as a benchmark for rare models and exceptional timepieces.

To pay homage to the watchmaking tradition of the Avakian brand and offer his clientele an increasingly extensive range of products, Edmond Avakian set himself the goal of launching his own model … an exceptional model to match the company’s image. This end of year 2009 will also be marked with the launch of several other variants of the watch Concept 1 and a new line of watches for women is planned for 2010.

Bamford & Sons had been creating unique bespoke watches for the seekers of fine luxury time pieces since 2004. The portfolio of brands they have worked with include some of the most coveted watch makers in the world such as Rolex and Tag Heuer. With a passion for engineering excellence, the brand had gone above and beyond in their crafts to personalize elements on time pieces with their own unique formula of military grade PVD and bespoke dial color options.

This September, colette gets their share of bespoke time piece with Bamford & Sons on a special customized iconic Rolex Milgauss. The gun metal straps are paired with dial color dressed in –of course– colette blue. The Oyster Perpetual Milgauss not only sports a classic look but is also resistant a magnetic flux of 1,000 gauss, enabling the watch to stay stable even in the most magnetic environment.

The collaboration watch will be available Sep 9, and we believe this will be a good investment and collector’s time piece to own.

Since its initial release in 1945, Rolex’s Datejust Rolesor is one of the most recognizable and iconic watches the industry has ever seen. The timepiece is all at once classic and immortally modern, always a step ahead of design trends and expectations.

It can’t be denied that Rolex is one of the most renowned watch brands, setting the standard for luxury time-telling, distinctive accessories. Not only meeting standards and the expectations of wearers world-wide, but setting new standards, innovating the industry and changing the way we tell time today.

The first Oyster Perpetual Datejust Rolesor immediately became a coveted men’s accessory, both masculine and highly luxurious. This year, Rolex has released a new, updated Rolesor, embracing all the latest watch making innovations and timepiece technology.

The new Datejust II features the slowly evolving design of the line, bring the hit watch of 1945 steadily into the contemporary age, making Rolex’s Rolesor the go-to look for men, and now women as well, once again.

The four stunning dials of the Datejust II for men are testimonies to the brand’s unparalleled stance in the industry as luxury watch maker. A fluted bezel in yellow or white gold makes a dramatic frame for the sleek texture of the dial, punctuated by bold Arabic numerals.

Classically pairing white and yellow gold with an either white or yellow Rolesor case brings the rich hues of the gold new brilliance while the large date at 3 o’clock is proudly magnified through the sapphire crystal. This time around, Rolex has extended its experienced and knowledgeable hand toward women, bringing female fans of the unparalleled brand the satisfaction of wearing the renowned Datejust Rolesor as well.

With a bezel crusted with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds, the design is elevated to a new level of femininity, and when paired with 10 additional diamonds found in the dial of some models, it’s as if the Datejust were a women’s watch all along.

The dial of the women’s Datejust Rolesor allows for a wide range of versatility, ideal for women, who not only look to their timepiece to tell the time, but to act as an accessory as well. From dramatic green and delicate pink mother-of-pearl dials, to the classic and modern look of black mother-of-pearl, Rolex has created a Datejust Rolesor perfect for any occasion and personality.

As creator of the first self-winding mechanism with a free rotor, Rolex has always aimed at design and execution excellence, believing that aesthetics and function go hand-in-hand. This year, a favorite is reinvented and released to both men and women, reminding us why we all fell in love with Rolex in the first place.