Category: Novelties

Oris Is on a Mission to Save the World’s Sharks

Posted on March 13, 2017August 20, 2019 by editor

On a mission to save the world’s sharks

The Oris Hammerhead Limited Edition will help fight the threat of shark extinction

In 40 years time, sharks will be extinct. That is the troubling prediction of leading ocean conservation experts who have tracked the decline of the world’s shark population over the last 50 years.

Oris made its first diver’s watch in the 1960s and has had a close relationship with the oceans ever since. Today, the independent Swiss company has a stated mission to make a difference to the future of endangered species, particularly those found in the ocean.

With that in mind, Oris is delighted to introduce the Oris Hammerhead Limited Edition, a watch that will help raise funds for a shark conservation project run by the non-profit organisation Pelagios Kakunjá, and supported by Oris ambassador and professional diver Jérôme Delafosse.

Pelagios Kakunjá’s mission is to understand movements and migratory pathways of marine top predators. Its latest project will look to learn more about migration routes of the endangered Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) species of shark in the Eastern Pacific. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the global population of Scalloped Hammerheads has declined by up to 90 per cent over the last 30 years.

Project scientists will tag sharks using MiniPAT satellite transmitters funded by Oris. Each transmitter will track the sharks for six to nine months before being automatically released on a set date and floating to the surface, from where they will transmit collected data to satellites. This data will help scientists understand sharks better so they can advise government agencies on fishing practices. Fishing is one of the greatest threats to sharks, which can become entangled in nets while feeding.

Jérôme will join the expedition together with fellow conservationists Dr James Ketchum, Pelagios Kakunjá’s Director of Marine Conservation; shark specialist Dr Mauricio Hoyos, who filmed the largest Great White Shark ever captured on film; and record-breaking freediver and underwater photographer Fred Buyle.

The Oris Hammerhead Limited Edition is based on the second- generation Aquis collection, also launched this year. The new line picks up on the spirit and design DNA of the original 2011 Aquis, bringing the same high-performance together with a more stylish silhouette. The new Aquis has a visually lighter feel than its predecessor. But it still offers a uni-directional rotating bezel with a black ceramic inlay, and water resistance to 50 bar (500 metres).

Limited to 2,000 pieces, the Oris Hammerhead Limited Edition reflects the colour of the ocean with a blue central seconds hand and a blue minutes scale around the outer edge of its grey dial. The case back is embossed with a hammerhead shark and the limited edition number.

‘This watch is both a stark reminder of the threat facing the world’s shark population, and clear evidence of Oris’s commitment to fighting the extinction of endangered species,’ said Oris Chairman Ulrich W. Herzog. ‘We are delighted to be supporting Pelagios Kakunjá and to be working with Oris ambassador Jérôme Delafosse, and we look forward to seeing the results of the project.’

‘We have to do something about the declining population of the world’s sharks,’ said Jérôme Delafosse, who has spent the last 20 years observing the world’s shark and dolphin populations. ‘Sharks play a vital role in the life of our oceans and we must do everything we can to ensure their future. It’s our duty to protect them, and I’m thrilled to be working with Oris and Pelagios Kakunjá on this fantastic project.’

The Oris Hammerhead Limited Edition is not just a high- performance diver’s watch – it will also play a significant role in the conservation of the hammerhead shark. It goes on sale in June 2017, priced CHF 2,550.

Oris save the sharks

Product Features

Oris Hammerhead Limited Edition

Ref. No. 01 752 7733 4183 MB, Ø 45.50mm

Limited to 2,000 pieces

Automatic movement Oris Cal. 752, based on Sellita SW 220-1, with big day and date at 3 o’clock
Multi-piece stainless steel case, screw-in security crown and crown protection. Water-resistant to 50 bar/500m
- Diver’s uni-directional rotating bezel with white minute scale on black polished ceramic inlay
- Sapphire crystal domed on both sides with anti-reflective coating inside
  - Screwed stainless steel case back with embossed hammerhead shark and engraved limited edition number
  - Grey dial with white/blue minute scale and applied indices filled with Super- LumiNova® Polished nickel hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova® inserts. Blue central seconds hand with Super-LumiNova® ‘lollipop’ insert
  - Black rubber strap with Oris-developed safety anchor and quick-adjust sliding-sledge folding clasp. Also available with a stainless steel bracelet
  - Special presentation box with an insignia on the inside featuring the hammerhead shark
  - Swiss retail price CHF 2,550

Introducing the Arnold & Son Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36

Posted on March 10, 2017August 20, 2019 by editor

Introducing the Arnold & Son Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36, a modern tribute to the historical high-precision chronometers made by John Arnold.

Symmetry and skeletonization are two traits that should come to mind whenever Arnold & Son is mentioned, and the Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36 is certainly no exception. Drawing inspiration from the John Arnold pocket chronometer No. 1/36, which will mark its 240th anniversary in 2018, the Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36 is a commemorative creation leading up to the milestone year for the historically significant John Arnold chronometer.

Tourbillon Chronometer No.36

The John Arnold Chronometer No. 1/36 or “Arnold 36” as it is more commonly called was not only the first pocket watch by John Arnold to use a larger movement with his “T” balance, but also the first to be referred to as a “chronometer” for its superior timekeeping capabilities. In this respect, the Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36 is faithful, contemporary horological homage.

a_s___tourbillon_chronometer_no

Following the classical codes of traditional English chronometer movements, the main pivoting elements such as the wheels, barrels, the tourbillon, and others are each mounted on their own bridge. The triangular, multilevel bridges (no less than thirteen) are mostly skeletonized, providing a more contemporary sense of three- dimensional depth to the entire timepiece.

The tourbillon, a central element of this timepiece, is highlighted in a most magnificent manner. Held by a skeletonized and mirror-polished top bridge, the one- minute tourbillon features a typically Arnold & Son three-spoke design. Weighing mere fractions of a gram, the tourbillon cage consists of no less than 58 components. Prominently positioned on the dial side, the tourbillon can also be viewed from the back, thanks to an opening in the main plate. The same kind of opening is made below the small seconds display, adding to the symmetry of the Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36. The apparent technical virtuosity of the Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36 is not only a treat for the eyes, as the watch is a COSC certified chronometer; something of a rare achievement for a tourbillon-equipped timepiece.

The apparent technical virtuosity of the Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36 is not only a treat for the eyes, as the watch is a COSC certified chronometer; something of a rare achievement for a tourbillon-equipped timepiece.

Arnold & Son Tourbillon Chronometer No.36

The decorative haute horlogerie arts are also lavishly demonstrated in the Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36. The entirely in-house conceived and manufactured A&S8600 calibre features a smooth sand-blasted main plate and bridges with chamfered and polished edges. The main plate and bridges are treated with a golden coating, echoing the aesthetics of the historical pocket watches made by John Arnold. The main plate also is set with several mirror-polished 18k gold chatons, while the wheels in the gear train are embellished with circular satin finishing with chamfered and polished edges. Even the screws are beveled and feature with mirror-polished heads.

The heart of the watch, the tourbillon, features a traditional construction with a top bridge, while the mirror-polished cage has the signature Arnold & Son three-spoke design, making a complete turn in 60 seconds.

The double barrels, embellished with laser-engraving decoration, provide a considerable power reserve of 90 hours when fully wound.

The Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36 is available in red gold as well as stainless steel, limited to 28 examples in each version.

Main technical characteristics: Tourbillon Chronometer No. 36

Calibre:	A&S8600 Manufacture Arnold & Son calibre, hand-wound, 33 jewels, diameter 37.8 mm, thickness 5.9 mm, power reserve 90 h, double barrel, 4 Hz / 28’800, COSC certified
Functions:	Hours, minutes, small seconds, tourbillon
Movement decoration:	Nickel-silver and steel movement, 5N red gold treated bridges and main plate with Haute Horlogerie finishing: sand blasted bridges with chamfered and polished edges, 18k gold chatons, screws with bevelled and mirror-polished heads Tourbillon cage: mirror-polished with hand-chamfered polished edges and circular satin-finished surfaces
Dial:	Inner bezel NAC treated with rhodium indexes
Case:	18-karat red gold or stainless steel, diameter 46 mm, cambered sapphire with anti-reflective coating on both sides, see-through sapphire case back, water-resistant to 30 m
Strap:	Hand-stitched brown or black alligator leather
Limited edition:	28 timepieces in each version
References:	Red gold: 1ETAR.G01A.C112A Stainless steel: 1ETAS.G01A.C112S

Discover the Tourbillon Chronometer No.36

Hublot presents Classic Fusion Italia Independent collection

Posted on February 22, 2017August 20, 2019 by editor

What do you get when you mix the watchmaking expertise of Hublot, the limitless creativity of Italia Independent through its founder Lapo Elkann, and the treasures of the famous Italian tailor Rubinacci?

The Art of Fusion!

We are very proud to be able to continue this partnership with Italia Independent and Lapo Elkann, whose creativity and character never cease to surprise us. This new project was an extraordinary experience for us: putting Hublot’s capacity for technical innovation and willingness to experiment to the service of the House of Rubinacci—a monument to Italian elegance—and the incomparable style of Lapo Elkann. The Classic Fusion Italia Independent truly represents the fusion of three forms of expertise.

Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO Hublot

VIEW WATCHES HERE

Since 2014, two collections have been born from the partnership between Hublot, Italia Independent and Lapo Elkann. Although both of the previous collections were based on the legendary Big Bang Unico model, this time the magic of this wildly creative team was unleashed on the Classic Fusion model. Its name seems to have predestined it for this new special edition: there has never been such a fine example of the fusion of the ‘classic’ and innovation..

As a creator, I have always put customisation and bespoke designs, which for me represent real luxury, at the heart of my different projects. It is with this in mind that I conceive and design unique objects, which meet my tastes and requirements, but also satisfy my clients. I like the fact that they become truly mine and that they are distinctive, and this is the case for the Classic Fusion Italia Independent collection.

Lapo Elkann, Founder and Artistic Director of Italia Independent

This was a task that was made-to-measure (no pun intended) for Lapo Elkann who is frequently named the most elegant man in the world and who has made bespoke designs and customisation his signature.

He brought Ferrari’s ‘Tailor Made’ programme to life, and he is continuing and expanding upon the concept with Garage Italia Customs; cars, boats, planes and helicopters, with a unique level of customisation, personalisation and innovative creativity for the whole mobility industry. Lapo also applies this same expertise to the creations that he designs for Hublot and Italia Independent.

VIEW ENTIRE COLLECTION HERE

The “sartoria Rubinacci” was not chosen at random: since 1932, three generations of Rubinacci have been at the reins of this institution of good taste and masculine refinement: Gennaro, the founding grandfather, Mariano, the father who now manages the house from Naples and, of course Luca, master of the store in Milan, and one of the most photographed men on the planet thanks to his unique style. Between them they have dressed everybody from the Duke of Kent to singer Bryan Ferry, not to mention of course the Agnelli family, of which Lapo Elkann is the worthy successor.

The House of Rubinacci holds the most beautiful collection of fabrics in its archives. It was here, in the more than 60,000 square metres of precious houndstooth, tweeds and other cloths that Hublot and Lapo Elkann found a collection of tartans—squared coloured wool weaves from the seventies—that they brought back to life by including them in the Classic Fusion as a chronograph. The dial and straps havetherefore been made using these precious fabrics to offer this range of 45 mm timekeepers an end result that is the epitome of elegance. “La vera sprezzatura ”

I chose these fabrics thinking about the costumes that we make for Lapo Elkann. I began with the extravagant colours of a vivid tartan with a sporty tone, then a more traditional houndstooth—in the style of an Italian gentleman—that I wanted in black and white, the colours of his favourite team Juventus F.C. I didn’t think that it was possible to put wool on the straps and dial of a watch. But, Hublot managed it and the result is better than I could have hoped for. We have achieved a balanced watch,with a pattern effect that is neither too bold nor too light.

Luca Rubinacci

Nord-Zeitmaschine Variocurve

Posted on September 28, 2016August 20, 2019 by editor

Nord Zeitmaschine is a watch brand that is known for their unique hand and dial arrangements. Always searching for the new and innovative, Nord Zeitmaschine have created a watch with a revolutionary mechanism for the watch hand movement. Their Variocurve watch dial is very unique to other watches, because it uses one hand to indicate the minutes which sit on the top half of the entire dial. The incredible new mechanism places the minutes on the dial in an area shaped like a waning moon, sitting only at the top half of the dial. This means that instead of the minutes being read in a circular motion, they are read in a half-ellipsis motion, causing the watch to have a fantastic and revolutionary mechanic to be able to precisely read time. The watch hand, which resembles a pendulum swinging axe, sits atop two cogs that rotate one each other. This causes the hand to have a very interesting movement, moving like a bottle in the ocean, slightly elevating with every wave passing wave and then coming back down once the wave has passed. Seeing the watch in action is very special. The minutes displayed on the top half of the dial are cut off right after 35 minutes and right before 25 minutes. In the space between the 35-55 minutes and 5-25 minutes, the watch opens up to have two rotating faces that make up the time between those two cuts. The reason this had to be implemented, is because for the watch to be able to read the minutes precisely on such a unique looking dial, the corners of the half circle had to be modified. These corners are where 25 and 35 minutes’ sit. The innovators at Nord Zeitmaschine added this unique feature on the corners of their half circle dial in order for the watch to effectively read time.

The bottom half of the dial contains a number of features as well. In the bottom half, you can clearly see how the mechanics of the minute hand work, which divides the bottom of the watch dial into two sides. On the right side of the minute hand mechanism, is the date along with the unique number of the watch. The Variocurve has 4 versions, each one limited to 97 watches that all come numbered and are visible on the dial. On the left side of the mechanism, 120-degrees of a circular dial are exposed containing the hours of the day. The watch face is covered by a curved sapphire glass, as well as the back of the watch which also exposes the beautifully crafted rotor. The stainless steel case has a diameter of 43.6 mm and a thickness of 15.2 mm. The innovative watch has a 42-hour power reserve.

The masterpiece created by the innovative Nord-Zeitmaschine is a sight to behold. Not only is the watch dial unique to look at, the movement is breathtaking and revolutionary. The Variocurve’s four versions, black-gold, pink-gold, yellow-gold, and blue, come in limited numbers of 97, making the obtainability of this incredible timepiece all the more exclusive.

Corvette Racing Celebrates 100 Wins With a Limited-Edition Timepiece

Posted on September 28, 2016August 20, 2019 by editor

Introducing the newest addition to the licensed collection: BRM’s V12-N, honoring the team’s 100-victory milestone.

View Watch >>

[DALLAS] – Bernard Richards Manufacture (BRM) and Corvette® Racing are celebrating the team’s 100th win with a new limited-edition timepiece. Licensed by General Motors, the Chevrolet ® Corvette ® C7.R Racing Collection now boasts a customized watch marking the milestone, in addition to the original five watches released in 2015.

Already sporting an unmatched collection of historic moments, Corvette ® Racing achieved its 100th race victory at the 2016 Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park. Drivers Oliver Gavin and Tommy Milner piloted their No. 4 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet ® Corvette ® C7.R to the landmark triumph, making Corvette ® Racing the first team in IMSA history to score 100 event victories.

“Achieving 100 victories is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet ® U.S. Vice President, Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. ” We certainly couldn’t have achieved this milestone without the support of our partners . . . Everyone with Corvette ® Racing operates as one team and embodies the competitive spirit of Chevrolet ® . We’re happy to share this success with our passionate Corvette ® owners and supporters.”

Comprised of only 50 numbered V12-N timepieces, the brand-new series in the Chevrolet ® Corvette ® C7.R Racing Collection features signatures including custom-painted hands and dials in classic Corvette ® red, Corvette ® Racing team logos, and “100 Wins” engravings on the case and crown. A titanium case with black PVD anchors the chronograph-automatic V12-N, which is designed with a 48H power reserve, crystal sapphire front/back, and water resistance up to 100 meters.

The original four series of watches within the Chevrolet® Corvette® C7.R Racing Collection are based on BRM’s V12-44-COR chronograph and the V6-44-COR automatic, and both are available in a combination of yellow/black or black/grey. BRM also engineered two special editions of the V12-44-COR in recognition of the collection’s debut at the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans; the pair of exclusive 24-model, numbered series reflects the team’s dual C7.R track cars.

About BRM: Inspired by motorsports, driven by craftsmanship and engineered for exclusivity, BRM’s bespoke timepieces are defined by pure racing spirit. Devoting more than two years to experimentation before launching the label’s inaugural chronograph in 2003, founder Bernard Richards channeled his mechanical expertise to establish a brand that’s gone the distance as the only French watchmaking manufacture. Fully customizable, BRM products are built for authenticity and performance, and the company’s iconic, limited editions have garnered elite global partnerships including Gulf Oil; Abarth; IndyCar drivers Marco Andretti and Simon Pagenaud; and many more.

About Chevrolet®: Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Trademark Notice: Chevrolet®, the Chevrolet® Bowtie Emblem, Corvette®, the Corvette® Emblem, and the related vehicle body designs are General Motors Trademarks used under license to BRM Americas.

Source: Official Press Release