Essential Style for Men. » Timepieces

TIMEPIECES: TSOVET SVT-GR44

ESM — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:36:39 +0000

The TSOVET SVT-GR44 limited edition watch. Image from http://www.tsovet.com/GR221010-7750_p_85.html.

We’re suckers for limited edition timepieces commemorating motorsports greatness.

From the Tag Heuer Monaco to the BRM R50-VT to the Chopard Jacky Ickx Edition, there’s something about expensive watches that are built for people who love to go really, really fast.

For those that share our same passion of fine timepieces and motorsport, we would like to introduce the TSOVET SVT-GR44, built in dedication to the incredible accomplishments of the Chip Ganassi Racing Team.

According to TSOVET’s official website:

With multiple cars competing in various classes for the IZOD Indy Car Series, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and the Grand-Am Sports Car Series, Chip Ganassi Racing is familiar with victory lane.

14 championships & 145 victories, including 3 Indianapolis 500 wins, a Daytona 500, a Brickyard 400, and 4 Rolex 24 at Daytona victories.

Unable to overlook the dominance of Chip Ganassi Racing Teams in 2010: 19 victories and two championships, Racer Magazine named them Team of the Year.

In 2011 it was more of the same as Chip Ganassi Racing brought home two more championships and another victory in the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Pretty impressive.

The TSOVET SVT-GR44. Dedicated to the accomplishments of the Chip Ganassi Racing Team. Only 51 will be made. Image from http://www.tsovet.com/GR221010-7750_p_85.html.

Limited to 51 pcs worldwide with expected delivery in May 2012, The TSOVET SVT-GR44 lives up to the team it represents. It’s beautiful, made from some of the best materials and embodies the winning spirit of the Chip Ganassi Racing Team.

TIMEPIECES: Ernst Benz by John Varvatos Limited Edition Chronoscope

ESM — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:46:04 +0000

The Ernst Benz by John Varvatos Chronoscope Special Edition. Image from http://www.ernstbenz.com/.

The Ernst Benz by John Varvatos Limited Edition Chronoscope.

What a mouthful.

The watch is basically a limited, special edition chronograph created by Ernst Benz for John Varvatos. In our estimation, it’s probably because he carries their watches in all their stores.

Quite honestly, I would have never known where to buy an Ernst Benz if it wasn’t for John Varvatos.

This particular timepiece is beautiful and worthy enough to match up with your brand-spanking-new John Varvatos suit. As always, we love the contrast stitching on the strap and the classic arabic numberals on the face.

Our color option? We’d select the black face because real rock & roll studs always wear black.

For all the horology whores (can we say whorologists?) out there, here are the watch details from http://www.ernstbenz.com/:

CALIBER

Automatic Valjoux 7750 Incabloc
Glucydur Balance
Nivarox Alloy Hairspring

FUNCTIONS

Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds, Day and Date
Chronograph: Hours, Minutes and Central Seconds

CASE

47mm brushed stainless steel
Bezel: Angled and polished
Pushers: Square polished
Crown: Knurled, double O-ring sealed
Crystal: Domed sapphire glass with anti-reflective treatment on the lower side Exhibition back with sapphire glass
Water Resistant: 5 Atmospheres – 50m/165ft

DIAL

GC10410-1 Black Vintage Matte w/vintage luminous numerals
GC10410-2 Anthracite Vintage w/vintage luminous numerals

STRAP

Calf Leather
Aviator Leather
Handmade Alligator
Handmade Aviator Alligator

BRACELET

47mm – 22mm brushed stainless steel

To purchase the Ernst Benz by John Varvatos Limited Edition Chronoscope, you can go to the official John Varvatos website at http://www.johnvarvatos.com/Ernst_Benz_by_John_Varvatos_Limited_Edition_Chronoscope__/pd/c/41/np/41/p/1160.html.

For more information about Ernst Benz, you can check out their official site at http://www.ernstbenz.com/.

TIMEPIECES: Baume et Mercier Capeland 10006

ESM — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:11:14 +0000

Beautiful. Baume et Mercier Capeland image from http://www.baume-et-mercier.com/collection-Capeland/Capeland-10006.

True story – when I first graduated from college and got my first real job the first thing I bought was… a watch.

Probably the dumbest thing for me to do financially (since I financed it), but I didn’t care. I had loved high end watches since I was in high school and the moment I had even a remote chance to buy myself one, I took it.

The watch? It was a steel Baume et Mercier Capeland with a chronograph, black face and steel bracelet.

It was beautiful.

When I saw it in the display at the jewelry store in the mall, I knew I had to have it. It was something I wore with pride every day and made me feel nothing short of awesome.

This was about 11 years ago and since then the Baume et Mercier Capelands have gone through a bevvy of facelifts, none of which I found appealing.

Fortunately for us, Baume et Mercier’s most recent version of the Capeland - especially the 10006 model with a flyback, white face and blue steel (woot!) dials - is the business.

The Baume et Mercier Capeland (10006) chilling. Image from http://www.baume-et-mercier.com/collection-Capeland/Capeland-10006.

It has a classic design with arabic numbers and markings (of which most people will probably never use) that harks back to the 1950′s.

I especially love the white contrast stitching on the leather strap. It adds that certain je ne sais quoi to the entire package.

With this new Baume et Mercier Capeland 10006, I guess things have come full circle.

And if you’re wondering what happened to my original Baume Capeland? I gave it to my father-in-law.

He is now the caretaker for the watch and it still looks awesome. Maybe it will go to my kids someday.

For more information about the Baume et Mercier Capeland, model 10006 you can check out the official Baume et Mercier site at http://www.baume-et-mercier.com/collection-Capeland/Capeland-10006.

TIMEPIECES: Graham Chronofighter Oversize GMT Black Steel

ESM — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:53:19 +0000

Maybe this should be your next watch. Graham Oversize Chronofighter GMT in black steel image from http://www.graham-london.com/en-gb/collection/chronofighter/oversize-gmt-steel/2ovgsb39a.aspx.

We’ve been seeing ads for the new Graham watches all over town.

Surprisingly, the billboard is almost the actual size of the watch (well almost – the watch is 47 mm).

As we see it more and more we’re starting to like the bulkiness of it all, especially with the clasp for the (nuclear bomb-esque) controls of the chronograph and time-setting.

You must feel like the U.S. President getting ready for war when you use the chronograph timer.

But I bet you’re asking yourself this one very important question: “Who the hell is Graham and do they make good watches?”

Don’t worry friends, ESM did the due diligence for you. Well, at least the online due diligence.

According to Graham’s website:

Graham is an unrepentantly English name for an exquisitely English watch. If you’re interested in the minutiae of watch making, Graham was the surname of George Graham, born in 1673, master watchmaker who lived in Fleet Street in London.

Like many Brits before and after him, Graham was more interested in generating lots of ideas than in making money. He created several inventions but never patented any of them.

For example, he created the first stopwatch. He devised a mercury pendulum system for making clocks more accurate in very hot and very cold weather. He also invented the dead-beat escapement which made clocks more accurate in general and built the master clock for Greenwich Royal Observatory. The escapement he invented is today simply known as the Graham Escapement and still used in high-precision pendulum clocks. It is actually a predecessor to the Swiss anchor movement almost universally used in wristwatches.

Graham became a veritable pillar of the scientific and clockmaking establishment and in 1721, he was elected as aFellow of the Royal Society and contributed over twenty papers to its scientific journal, the Philosophical Transactions. George Graham became Master of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1722.

So what they’re trying to say is, their heritage has been around for a while. Like over 300 years.

Here are some more details about the Graham Chronofighter Oversize GMT in black steel:

Chronograph (seconds, 30 minutes counter). GMT / second time zone. Big date with double discs at 12 o’clock
Hours, minutes, seconds
Calibre G1733, automatic bi-compax chronograph, 28’800 A/h (4 Hz), Incabloc shock absorber
28 jewels
Power reserve: 48 hours
47 mm steel case
Steel with black PVD left hand fast-action start/stop trigger and reset pusher
Steel and sapphire bezel – Black and silver with GMT scale
Domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating on both faces
Smoked sapphire case back
Water resistant to 330 feet /100 m
Black dial with silver counters
White Super-LumiNova central, seconds counter hands and numerals, white skeleton GMT hand with white Super-LumiNova head and red contour, red chrono and minutes counter hands
Integrated black croco strap

For more information about Graham watches and their Chronofighter Oversize GMT in black steel, you can check out their official site at http://www.graham-london.com/en-gb/collection/chronofighter/oversize-gmt-steel/2ovgsb39a.aspx.

INFOGRAPHIC: History of Rolex Watches

FRANK — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:45:45 +0000

Love Rolexes?

Ever wonder about the history of their brand but were too lazy to do the research? Are you even too lazy to read long paragraphs? Want their heritage represented in pictures beside a gold Rolex?

Boom. Here you go:

History of Rolex Watches Infographic

This timeline shows us how from a humble beginning Rolex became one of the biggest names in watches. This infographic was provided by our good friends over at Swiss Time Machine!

TIMEPIECES: Chopard Jacky Ickx Edition V

ESM — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:35:11 +0000

The Chopard Jacky Ickx Edition V. Images from www.chopard.com.

Not a big enough gearhead to know who Jacky Ickx is?

According to Wikipedia:

Jacques Bernard “Jacky” Ickx (last name pronounced “Ix” or “Icks”) (born 1 January 1945 in Brussels) is a Belgian former racing driver who achieved 25 podium finishes in Formula One and six wins in the 24 hours of Le Mans.

Count ‘em boys – 6 wins for Le Mans. But that’s just the beginning – he could match toe-to-toe with our ESM Icon, the Most Interesting Man in the World: (more from Wikipedia)

During the 1970 Spanish Grand Prix he had a crash and his car caught fire. It took at least 20 seconds for him to leave the burning car and was hospitalized with severe burns. After 17 days he was back in his car at the Monaco Grand Prix, where he ran fifth before retiring with a driveshaft failure. The car started to improve and at the German Grand Prix (held at Hockenheimring as his favourite Nürburgring was boycotted for safety reasons) he fought with Jochen Rindt for the win, but finished a close second. At the Austrian Grand Prix it was Ickx that took the win.

So he caught on fire and raced 17 days later. Can you say, badass?

But enough about Jacky Ickx the man. We’re here to talk about Chopard’s tribute to Jacky Ickx’s accomplishments, the Jacky Ickx Edition V.

According to Chopard’s official site, the Jacky Ickx Edition V has the following specifications:

Indication(s): hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph’s hand, 60-minute counter, 24-hour counter
Movement: self-winding
Power Reserve: approximately 40 hours
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour)
Jewels: 49
Material: 18-carat rose gold or stainless steel
Diameter (case): 42.40 mm
Thickness (case): 14.23 mm
Water-resistant up to: 50 metres
Sapphire crystal: scratch-proofed, cambered and glareproofed
Case back: engraved with Jacky Ickx’s signature
Straps: hand-stitched alligator (black or brown) or rubber (Dunlop design)
Buckle: 18-carat gold or stainless steel folding clasp
Certification(s): COSC
Limited edition: 500

In ESM’s estimation, the Jacky Ickx Edition V is a great reflection of his amazing racing career.

Why? Because on a scale of 1 to 10, it’s awesome.

For more information about the Chopard Jacky Ickx Edition V, you can check out Chopard’s official site at http://www.chopard.com/.

TIMEPIECES: Cartier Santos-Dumont Skeleton 9611 MC

ESM — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 17:36:11 +0000

The Cartier Santos-Dumont Skeleton 9611 MC. Image from http://www.cartier.us/#/media/images/show-me/product-visuals/w2020033_1-png?view=1&return=show-me/timepieces/w2020033-santos-dumont-skeleton-watch.

It’s that time of year again.

It’s the time ESM puts out their “ultimate timepiece of the year” in the hopes that some Saudi prince who happens to be a fan of our site is feeling extra generous.

For this year’s wishlist, we are asking for the Cartier Santos-Dumont Skeleton 9611 MC in white gold which retails at about $51,000 (sorry folks, we’re not fans of the titanium version).

This is pretty much what my dreams look like. Especially with the red velvet background. Cartier Santos-Dumont Skeleton 9611 mc image from http://www.cartier.us/#/media/images/show-me/product-visuals/w2020033_1-png?view=1&return=show-me/timepieces/w2020033-santos-dumont-skeleton-watch.

What makes this watch so special?

You mean, aside from the fact that this watch is oozing awesomeness and would look fantastic with our New Year’s outfit?

According to the official Cartier website, the Cartier Santos-Dumont Skeleton 9611 MC is encased “in 18k white gold (word), octagonal crown set with a faceted sapphire, sapphire crystal, Roman numerals dial formed by the bridges of the movement, bridges in nickel silver, sword shaped blued-steel hands (blue steel!), sapphire case back, alligator skin strap, double adjustable deployant buckle in 18k white gold, (and is) water resistant to 30 meteres/100 feet.”

Cartier Santos-Dumont Skeleton 9611 mc image from http://www.cartier.us/#/media/images/show-me/product-visuals/w2020033_1-png?view=1&return=show-me/timepieces/w2020033-santos-dumont-skeleton-watch.

So in reality, it is because it would look awesome with my New Year’s outfit.

For more information about the Cartier Santos-Dumont Skeleton 9611 MC, you can check out Cartier’s official site at http://www.cartier.us/#/show-me/timepieces/w2020033-santos-dumont-skeleton-watch?tab=2.

Any extra-generous Saudi-prince fans interested in donating one of these to the cause can hit us up at info@essentialstyleformen.com.

TIMEPIECES: Hillary Tenzing Edition

ESM — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 04:29:51 +0000

The Hillary Tenzing Edition timepieces. You can brag about these things for days.

What makes a timepiece special?

History and heritage.

Now if you are the type of person that just sits at a 9 to 5 job, creating the history and heritage for your particular timepiece may be a bit difficult.

You’re probably not in a position to claim having conquered the amazon, or climbed the peaks of K2, or traversed the deserts of Africa.

Hell, you probably have never even used a hunting knife.

The Hillary Tenzing Edition watches, however, helps solve your personal shortcomings for history and heritage by allowing you to purchase timepieces that represent the storied lives of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, who were the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

The Rolex Hillary Tenzing Edition consists of a handcrafted wooden crate as used in the 1953 British expedition.

Here are excerpts from their Wikipedia entries:

Sir Edmund Percival Hillary, was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer and philanthropist. On 29 May 1953 at the age of 33, he and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers known to have reached the summit of Mount Everest. They were part of the ninth British expedition to Everest, led by John Hunt. He was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century.

Tenzing Norgay was a Nepalese Sherpa mountaineer. Among the most famous mountain climbers in history, he was one of the first two individuals known to have reached the summit of Mount Everest, which he accomplished with Edmund Hillary on 29 May 1953. He was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century.

If you think about it, the lives of these two men kind of makes your personal accomplishments seem - I dunno - rather pedestrian doesn’t it?

A closeup of the Hillary Tenzing Edition packaging.

To make you feel even less accomplished, their sons, Peter Hillary and Jamling Tenzing Norgay also climbed the summit of Mount Everest in honor of their fathers’ feat.

The Hillary Tenzing Edition timepieces commemorate both generations’ accomplishments.

The Hillary Tenzing Edition Rolexes. Lots of history and heritage in these bad boys.

According to the press release from http://www.hillarytenzingedition.com/:

The Rolex Hillary Tenzing Edition (HTE) project is the successor of the Rolex Single Red Deepsea project in which we cooperated with Swiss adventurer Bertrand Piccard (www.singlereddeepsea.com), son of legendary Jacques Piccard who dove 10 kms into the Pacific Ocean. From the deepest point in the sea, the next logical step was to go to the highest point on earth, Mount Everest.

Our project is on the one hand a tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay and their achievement and legacy on Everest. On the other hand it is homage to Rolex and its impressive heritage as sports tool watch. We are contractually linked to Peter Hillary and Jamling Tenzing Norgay, the drivers in creating the Hillary Tenzing Edition package. We are not in any way affiliated with Rolex.

Name change

Despite the essential role of Rolex watches in the Himalayas, this package is not created by Rolex. As the Explorer is a well known model made by Rolex, we decided in July 2011 to change the name of our project from Hillary Tenzing Explorer to Hillary Tenzing Edition, to stress we are not affiliated with Rolex and avoid any further confusion. Hence, you will find information online on our project under the previous name Hillary Tenzing Explorer and the new name Hillary Tenzing Edition, they are both the same.

The new name Hillary Tenzing Edition also reflects the exclusiveness of our Hillary Tenzing homage, as it is truly a unique edition. In a limited series of only 88 packages it is already a sought-after collector’s item. Each package contains a one of a kind silver HTE pin, a special HTE edition of the great book Everest by George Band and a leather bound map of the original 1953 expedition route to Everest, to name a few highlights.

Rolex Hillary Tenzing Edition watches

Centrepiece will be the 3 Hillary Tenzing Edition watches. Each HTE watch celebrates the success and legacy of the daring Hillary & Tenzing adventurers and their Rolex Explorers during extreme expeditions.

The HTE 36mm is based on the Oyster Perpetual model used by the 1953 Everest expedition and is tribute to the first ascent of the highest mountain by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.

The new Explorer I is chosen for HTE 39mm, honouring Sir Ed and son Peter Hillary as the first and second generation to reach the top of Everest.

Peter Hillary and Jamling Tenzing Norgay both wore an Explorer II while climbing the summit of Everest. The HTE 42mm uses the new Explorer II to commemorate the achievement of retracing their father’s footsteps.

Additionally:

Exclusive Himalayan Trek Buyers of a Hillary Tenzing Edition package get an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join Peter Hillary and Jamling Tenzing Norgay to Everest Basecamp in May 2012. Peter Hillary: “This is the first time ever, Jamling and I will take a group together to Everest Basecamp. We will be following in the footsteps of our fathers’ 1953 expedition, trekking through picturesque villages and experiencing the culture of Sherpa people in their homeland.”

Undoubtedly, this is a unique chance to get first hand anecdotes about their fathers and their own adventures in this private Himalayan trek.

The Hillary Tenzing Edition event in Geneva.

So for the low, low price of about 28,800 Euros, not only do you have the ability to obtain timepieces that are oozing with history and heritage, you can also add some of history of your own.

For more information about the Hillary Tenzing Edition line of watches, you can visit their official site at http://www.hillarytenzingedition.com/.

But if you’re trying to answer why they used the last name of one dude and the first name of the other dude… you may be out of luck.

TIMEPIECES: Chopard 150th Anniversary Collection L.U.C. Engine One Tourbillon

ESM — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:54:04 +0000

The Chopard 150th Anniversary L.U.C. Engine One Tourbillon. Image from http://www.chopard.com/#/en/l.u.c.

As you already know, we love high-end watches. We also love luxury exotics and high end vehicles.

Thankfully for us, Chopard (for their 150th anniversary) has created the L.U.C. Engine One Tourbillon as an homage to the automotive spirit.

In other words, they essentially made a really, really, really nice watch that looks like an engine. To add exclusivity to the piece, they also threw a tourbillon on it.

At this angle, the Chopard L.U.C. Engine One Tourbillon looks like a V8 encased in awesomeness. Image from http://www.chopard.com/#/en/l.u.c.

According to the official Chopard website:

L.U.C ENGINE ONE TOURBILLON – FOR LOVERS OF BEAUTIFUL ENGINEERING

To celebrate Chopard’s 150th anniversary, Chopard is introducing the L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon Model.

From its strong lines to the most subtle details, everything about this powerful timepiece honours the automobile spirit also admirably accentuated by a fine watch movement machined like an engine block.

The L.U.C Calibre 1trm is mounted on silent blocks – that absorb shocks – and held by three lever arms inserted into the case middle.

Designed, developed and produced by Chopard manufacture, it beats at a cadence of 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts a 60-hour power reserve. Chronometer-certified by the COSC, a sure token of reliability and precision, this tourbillon movement drives displays of the hours, minutes, seconds and the power reserve.

The titanium case is water-resistant to 50 metres and features alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes; it also carries slightly curved applied lugs that enhance the overall dynamic effect.

The L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon is produced in a limited and numbered edition of 150.

Shock absorbers and titanium on a watch? Whaaat?

So how much to acquire this incredible piece of art? According to http://blog.perpetuelle.com/index.php/limited-edition-watches/baselworld-2010-chopard-l-u-c-engine-one-tourbillon/, the Chopard L.U.C. Engine One Tourbillon is going to be “easily north of $50,000″.

Well, it’s cheaper than buying a car I guess.

For more information about Chopard and their 150th Anniversary Collection L.U.C. Engine One Tourbillon, you can visit their official site at http://www.chopard.com/#/en/l.u.c.

TIMEPIECES: Rolex Day-Date II in Yellow Gold

ESM — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 01:56:44 +0000

The Rolex Day-Date II in yellow gold. Image from www.rolex.com.

Whoever said a Rolex made entirely out of yellow gold is cheesy obviously didn’t know about the circular cheesiness scale.

Wait, you don’t know about the circular cheesiness scale?

The circular cheesiness scale postulates that objects measured on the scale hits a cheesiness limit wherein if you go beyond a certain amount of cheese, it actually becomes cool.

See the diagram below.

ESM's Circular Cheesiness Scale.

What does this all mean in relation to the Rolex Day-Date II in yellow gold? It means it has gone beyond the “Cheese, bro” measurement back into the “Super Fucking Cool” area on the scale.

Trust us – if you want to rock out like a big baller whose got OG 80′s style, go cop yourself a Rolex Day-Date II in yellow gold with a white face and presidential bracelet.

We would recommend pairing it with a double breasted blazer, some Ray-Ban aviators and a pair of your favorite jeans.

For more information about the Rolex Day-Date II and other Rolex products, you can check out the official Rolex site at http://www.rolex.com/en#/rolex-watches/day-date/day-date-ii-41mm-yellow-gold-m218238-0002.

TIMEPIECES: Tag Heuer Carrera Automatic Chronograph Day Date in titanium and carbon fiber

ESM — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:43:22 +0000

The Tag Heuer Carrera Automatic Chronograph in Titanium and Carbon Fiber. Where the hell was this watch when I was ready to buy one? Image from www.topperjewelers.com via http://www.calibre11.com/carrera-titanium/

Want to know the best way to wind down in the afternoon after you had a rough day at work? By looking at high-end, luxury watches.

I like to imagine I am shopping for my extensive watch collection, where I can rotate watches on a daily basis for 2 or 3 weeks.

To make me feel like I am finding bargains, I personally like to check out the folks from PrestigeTime.com because they’ve got fairly good deals on the better brands.

Yesterday, I came across the Tag Heuer Carrera Automatic Chronograph Day Date in titanium and carbon fiber.

It's like your watches' younger and hotter sister. The Tag Heuer Carrera Automatic Chronograph in Titanium and Carbon Fiber image from www.topperjewelers.com via http://www.calibre11.com/carrera-titanium/

My first thought? DAMMMITTT! I should have picked this watch up before I got the regular Tag Heuer Carrera Automatic Chronograph.

My second thought? Oh it’s unavailable anyway so I wouldn’t have been able to buy it.

I checked out a few articles on the watch and the folks from Calibre11.com said the following:

The titanium version of the usual steel Carrera Day/ Date features a carbon-fibre look dial and the Calibre 16 movement (ETA/Valjoux 7750).The 43mm titanium case has a brushed finish and weighs in about 20 grams lighter than the standard version- safe to say that the benefits of titanium are aesthetic rather than to save weight….

This is my favourite of the current Carrera model range- the Day/ date version has a larger case than the previous date-only version and borrows some of the detailing- such as the Arabic numerals and “double-crown”- of the Calibre 360 Carrera but at a fraction of the price. Likewise, the RRP is around half of the other titanium Carrera, the Grand Carrera Ti2. Complaints? Does the watch really need that much writing on the dial? Take off “Calibre 16″, “100 meters”, “Chronograph” and “Automatic” and you’d have a much cleaner look.

I would agree, but I definitely wouldn’t kick this watch out of bed after a night of heavy partying. I also love the carbon fiber and titanium look – I mean, we would wallpaper our house with those materials if we could (right guys?).

Flyback?!?! Are you freaking kidding me!?!?!? The Tag Heuer Carrera Automatic Chronograph in Titanium and Carbon Fiber image from www.topperjewelers.com via http://www.calibre11.com/carrera-titanium/

For more information about the Tag Heuer Carrera Automatic Chronograph Day Date in titanium and carbon fiber, you can check out the original Calibre11.com article at http://www.calibre11.com/carrera-titanium/.

For more information about Tag Heuer and their complete line of Carrera timepieces, you can go to their official site at http://us.tagheuer.com.

TIMEPIECES: Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Small Seconds

ESM — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:16:47 +0000

The Girard-Perregeax Vintage 1945 XXL Small Seconds. Nothing small about it.

Sometimes watches do not have to be overly complicated to be stunningly elegant.

Proof of this concept can be found with the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Small Seconds just released for this year’s SIHH. According to Girard-Perregaux’s official press release:

The Vintage 1945 collection is a modern reinterpretation of the spirit of an Art Deco-inspired model with a rectangular case. Girard-Perregaux is once more demonstrating the Brand’s creative mastery by unveiling a reimagining of this iconic design.

In its fifty-plus years, the Vintage 1945 collection has opened the way for a wide variety of creations. Paying a new tribute to its heritage, the Manufacture completely reworked this historic model to unveil one of the purest expressions of its line in 2009. The profile of the case was redesigned in a spherical form, with the crown discreetly integrated into the middle; the dial boasts dual curves and is enhanced by elegant Dauphine-style hands.

Girard-Perregaux further extended its creative quest with a sober and contemporary model: the Vintage 1945 XXL. Its generous dimensions give it a strong presence, while its curved shape makes it especially comfortable to wear. Just like the original model, its dial features Arabic numerals, “railway” minute track and a subtly concave small second at 6 o’clock. This pleasing symmetry, the guiding principle of Art Deco, gives the design perfect balance, lending it an understated air emphasised by the attention paid to each and every detail.

This aesthetic sophistication is supplemented by technical specifications illustrating Girard-Perregaux’s comprehensive expertise. True to the principles of the Manufacture, the Vintage 1945 XXL is also distinguished by its self-winding mechanism. The calibre GP3300, known for its sophistication and reliability, can be appreciated through the watch’s crystal case-back, and sports traditional decorative finishes: Côtes de Genève, circular graining and blued steel screws.

A profile supermodels would be envious of. The Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Small Seconds.

We especially like the rose gold casing and simplicity of the face design. We would pair it with a nice Brioni suit, Bentley Mulsanne and George Cleverly shoes.

Truth be told, regardless of what you matched the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Small Seconds with, you would be more than happy to check the time over and over again.

Just make sure your arm does a big wind up so everyone sees your sleeve drop down to unveil your new GP.

The Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Small Seconds. Print this picture out and put it on your wrist. We bet it will look awesome.

Here are some technical specifications, for all the horologists (amateur or professional) out there:

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Pink gold case
Dimensions: 35.25 x 36.20 mm
Antireflective sapphire crystal
Sapphire case-back fastened with 4 screws
Water resistance: 30 metres (3 ATM)
Girard-Perregaux GP3300
Mechanical self-winding movement
Calibre: 11 ½ ’’’
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz)
Jewels: 32
Power reserve: minimum 48 hours
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds
Alligator strap with folding buckle
Also available in a steel version

For more information about Girard-Perregaux and the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Small Seconds, you can check out their official site at http://www.girard-perregaux.com/collection/collection-en.aspx?type=1&id=1.