Vacheron Constantin 2016 Overseas Collection.

This year Vacheron Constantin revamped their iconic Overseas collection. There are five new models this year. Each model comes with additional leather and rubber straps that are easily interchangeable. Slim is in and the Overseas Ultra Thin caught my eye: slim, chic and very good looking! Following are pics of three of the models that I have selected to feature.

 Overseas Ultra-Thin in 18K white gold, 44 mm case and 7.5mm thick.

A slim case with the automatic Cal. 1120 beating inside. 

The more affordable Overseas Automatic in stainless steel case (Cal 5100). There is also a pink gold version. Definitely more elegant than the older version.   

 White or blue dial?

I think the blue looks better!

Strap change on all Overseas models (spring lever) made easy with this new design. You don't have to use any strap changing tool and the risk of scratching the watch. 

 The Overseas Chrono (in-house Cal 5200) featuring a column wheel and vertical clutch system for a smoother start and stop of the chronograph.

Finally the Overseas Small model for ladies.

Looking good on a lady's wrist!

Omega 2016 Novelties.

Recently, I was glad to view the Omega 2016 collection. I would like to thank the Singapore Omega team for the preview. Below is a selection of some of my favorite pieces.

Slide presentation of the 2016 collection.

Press release: CORUM Presents Its Iconic 2016 BUBBLE Collection In A Whirlwind Of Psychedelic Fun.

Hands-On: Tudor Black Bay Bronze And Some Photos Of Black Bay 36 mm And Black Bay Dark.

Much has been written about the new Tudor Black Bay Bronze and I was privileged to be able to photograph it at the Tudor office a couple of weeks ago.

The imposing case size of 43 mm wears pretty well on my wrist. It is slightly bigger than the other Black Bay models (41 mm) and features Tudor's in-house movement MT5601 (70 hour power reserve/silicon balance spring).

Tudor did a good job on the Black Bay Bronze with the domed crystal and the snowflake hands that was inspired by vintage Tudors.

A big crown with the rose motif. The lugs are drilled unlike the other Black Bays.    

The case is made of an aluminium bronze alloy and brush finished. This alloy with aluminium enables the "patina" of the case to develop evenly. It also has a lighter shade as compared to other bronze watches with different metallic composition.  The watch comes with a fabric or an aged leather strap. 

Tudor priced this watch for the mass market and under such economic situation, I believe it will sell very well. 

I also photographed the Tudor Black Bay 36 mm and the Black Bay Dark.

Tudor Black Bay 36mm. Love this strap combo!

The 36 mm looks amazing on the wrist!

Black PVD coated

With different strap options. 

Thanks for looking!

Press Release: Panerai's Dive Into Time Exhibition in Florence.

MAY 2016 – It is an invitation to dive into time, to discover the past, the present and the future of the Officine Panerai high quality watchmaking brand: the exhibition “PANERAI – DIVE INTO TIME” will be open from 18 to 21 May 2016 in the fascinating crypt of the former church of San Pancrazio, home of the Marino Marini Museum in the centre of Florence.

Event Report: Montblanc Black and White Weeks 2016

Montblanc recently hosted its Black & White weeks in Singapore. The new Heritage Rouge & Noir Collection was unveiled to the media and customers in a series of events. Following are the highlights of one of the events.  

Press Release: Hublot introduces its first watch made in partnership with reigning Premier League champions Chelsea Football Club.

The Swiss brand presents the Classic Fusion Chronograph Chelsea, a limited edition watch of 200 pieces made in honour of the iconic English football club

Photo Report Part 2: IWC 2016 Pilot Watch Launch.

Following the preview dinner (click here for Part 1) held a week earlier, more than 250 guests and members from leading watch publications were invited to the official launch of the Pilot watch collection at the Red Dot Museum. I'm glad to be able to share with you the event pics of the evening!

Meeting Manuel Emch, CEO RJ-Romain Jerome.

Manuel Emch, CEO of RJ-Romain Jerome, was in Singapore recently to attend a Press luncheon hosted by luxury watch retailer The Hour Glass. 

Press Release: Heritage Pilot Cafe Racer Vintage Style Riding A Free-Spirited Breeze.

A new model with a strong character joins the Pilot collection from Zenith. Its broad 45 mm-diameter aged steel case houses a legendary movement – the automatic El Primero 4069 chronograph calibre – and displays a vintage dial boasting perfect readability. The Heritage Pilot Café Racer proudly takes its place in this iconic line composed of sleek, powerful watches. Its virile charm and well-built mechanism infuse it with the “Café Racer” spirit: when speed and getting away from it all are synonymous with independence and authenticity.

Photo Report Part 1: IWC Collectors Dinner 2016.

Last week, IWC showcased their SIHH 2016 Pilot watch collection to invited collectors of the brand. The venue was a cosy restaurant, The Refinery. 

Food was good and so were the watches. I had a great time meeting new friends and catching up with the old ones. Lots of pics so take your time.

The evening started with cocktails 

OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean 39.5mm

Press Release

Press Release: Mr François-Paul Journe Accomplished Watchmaker Back in Singapore Once Again!

Singapore, 5 APRIL 2016 – Mr François-Paul Journe’s illustrious status amongst Singapore’s burgeoning watch community is validated once as he makes his grand appearance to an impressive turnout of 200 over VIP guests at The Hour Glass’s luxury emporium, Malmaison on the 1st of April 2016. Earlier this year, The Hour Glass proudly announced their new and exclusive partnership with F.P.Journe, a highly acclaimed independently-owned maison of haute horology. Together, the very first Espace F.P.Journe was launched and housed in the upper storey of Malmaison amidst natural lighting and liberal space. To mark this momentous chapter, The Hour Glass was privileged to have the presence of the manufacture’s master watchmaker himself grace our city after a transient hiatus since 2011.

Press Release: Breitling Avenger Hurricane.

AVENGER HURRICANE

The superlative-charged Breitling

It immediately flaunts a standout 50 mm diameter. It revolutionizes watchmaking with its ultra-sturdy and ultra-light case made in a futuristic material named Breitlight®. It surprises observers with its Manufacture Breitling movement equipped with a 24-hour militarytype display. Close-up on a Breitling built for extremes.

Maître Cabinotier Retrograde Armillary Tourbillon

Press Release

In the wake of the most complicated watch ever made, the Ref. 57260 with 57 complications, Vacheron Constantin unveils the Maître Cabinotier retrograde armillary tourbillon model. This timepiece bearing the Hallmark of Geneva was produced by the three master watchmakers who created Ref. 57260, and they incorporated two of the complicated features of the superwatch: the armillary tourbillon and the double retrograde indication. Its contemporary styling opens the remarkable structure of the calibre 1990 movement to view. The high-precision manually wound movement is housed in a 45.7mm case in white gold. Four patent applications have been filed for this unique model.

Montblanc Celebrates 110 Years of Its Pioneering Spirit in New York City

Press Release

  Hugh Jackman & Jerome Lambert

110 years after Montblanc’s founders set off from New York on their Atlantic crossing home, inspired to establish Montblanc on their return, the Maison returned to its early beginnings and to New York City to celebrate its anniversary, and the pioneering spirit that has guided the Montblanc since 1906.

Press Release: Blancpain’s Métiers d’Art studio presents.. The Great Wave

Inspired by the motion of the sea, this latest Métiers d’Art creation highlights a gemstone used for the first time by Blancpain – Mexican silver obsidian – as well as a favorite Blancpain technique: Japanese rokushō patina.

Press Release: Blancpain Villeret Quantième Annual GMT Steel

 The Villeret Quantième Annuel GMT appears for the first time with a stainless steel case, which combines with the white dial and black leather strap to infuse this model with an aesthetic that is both contemporary and classic.

Press Release: Zenith Elite Lady Moon Phase.

In 2016, the Elite collection by Zenith appears in a distinctly feminine guise. Elegance goes well beyond gender boundaries. While the recent Elite models can be admired on the wrists of men and women of discerning taste, the new Elite Lady Moon Phase embodies the essence of refined femininity according to Zenith. A subtle blend of understatement, flowing curves and perfectly mastered technical sophistication – all tinged with modernity. The Elite woman makes her grand entrance with an unmistakable air of classic distinction.

Press Release: Zenith Elite 6150 in Rose Gold.

It is the face of the Elite collection. Its pure lines embody contemporary elegance from Zenith. Newly released and yet already timeless. The crowning glory of the Manufacture’s 150th anniversary collection, the Elite 6150 now also appears in rose gold, a precious variation pervaded by a sense of understated refinement.

Press Release: Baselworld 2016 Omega Globemaster 41mm

Press Release: Girard-Perregaux 1966 Skeleton.

Enter a world where transparency is king

Designed by the watchmakers of the Girard-Perregaux Manufacture as an ode to fine mechanics, the 1966 Skeleton offers a glimpse deep into the heart of its magnificent automatic caliber thanks to its impressive openworked components, all decorated by hand in an original and contemporary manner.

Press Release: Tudor Heritage Black Bay Bronze.

Images by Tudor

The Heritage Black Bay family is growing with the arrival of the new Heritage Black Bay Bronze model, a 43 mm divers’ watch inspired by the brand's history and fitted with a mechanical movement developed, manufactured and assembled by TUDOR.

Event Report: Jaeger-LeCoultre 2016 collection.

Recently, Jaeger-LeCoultre invited watch connoisseurs, the media and esteemed customers of the boutique to the unveiling of their latest collection at the ION Orchard boutique.

The Hour Glass and F.P.Journe Forges An Exclusive Partnership.

Chronomètre à Résonance

The Hour Glass is proud to announce its new and exclusive partnership with F.P.Journe, a highly acclaimed independently-owned manufacturer of haute horology, with creations that have spanned over three decades. This coalition marks once again The Hour Glass’s prominent status as a purveyor of independent watchmaking and a patron of this highly fastidious craftsmanship. The inclusion of F.P.Journe within the luxury watch retailer’s curated family of established watch brands, further augments as well the maturity of Singapore’s watch collecting community.

Tudor Launched Pop-up Installation At Marina Bay.

If you walk along Marina Bay, you might have noticed various art installations lining the scenic waterfront. These structures belong to the i Light Marina Bay 2016, a light art festival held to promote environmentally-responsible behaviour for a sustainable future.

Marina Bay Sands and Tudor are the main sponsors of this year's festival. Tudor has launched a Pop-up installation located at the Marina Bay City Gallery displaying their various iconic timepieces. Do visit the interesting light exhibits along the bay as well as the Tudor Pop-up stall from 4th to 27th March 2016.

Breitling Launched The Exospace B55 Connected in Singapore.

Last week Breitling held a preview party to showcase the Exospace B55 Connected Chronograph to the media, customers and fans of the brand in Singapore. The Exospace B55 is a chronograph with added wireless connectivity. More on that later..

Press Release: IWC Extends The Aquatimer Family

IWC Schaffhausen is proud to announce the addition of three new members to its diver’s watch family. The Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “La Cumbre Volcano”,  limited to 500 pieces, is dedicated to the eponymous volcano in the Galapagos Islands. At the same time, the Aquatimer Automatic 2000 will now be available in an eye-catching black-and-yellow  combination. Finally, the Aquatimer Automatic Edition “Expedition Jacques-Yves Cousteau” is the latest special edition produced in honour of the French scuba-diving pioneer.

Preview Baselworld 2016: Glashütte Original

Press Release: Senator Chronometer

With the most recent edition of its successful Senator Chronometer the Glashütte Original manufactory offers certified precision in a distinctive and expressive dark blue version, uniting two richly traditional elements of its history: the continuing effort to achieve the highest levels of performance in watchmaking, coupled with a refined sense of timeless elegance and beauty.

Press Release: New Zenith Ambassador- Koji Uehara, Major League Baseball Player.

Zenith is pleased to announce MLB Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara as its new brand ambassador, a partnership presented in front of more than 50 journalists and media representatives in Tokyo. Zenith, which has earned worldwide fame for its legendary El Primero calibre, chose Uehara for his commitment to excellence and skilled technique – values shared by these true visionaries. Koji owns several Zenith watches and mainly wears the El Primero Stratos Spindrift. Zenith will be proudly supporting this fine athlete both in Japan and the USA.

Press Release: The Longines DolceVita – when steel and gold are combined to embody glamour and grace.

Since its inception, the Longines DolceVita collection has illustrated the contemporary elegance of the Longines watchmaking brand worldwide. Inspired by the "Dolce Vita", it is an homage to the sweetness of life. Today, Longines introduces new models blending rose gold and steel that enrich the collection. The timeless glamour of these variations will not fail to impress women who have made charm a way of life.

Press Release: RJ-Romain Jerome Sky Lab 48 Speed Metal Skull.

Photo credit RJ-Romain Jerome

Skulls are making their way onto space with the new Skylab 48 Skull collection. The independent Swiss Maison rocks things up by adding a more unconventional touch to its technical skeleton timepiece.

OMEGA Pre Basel Press Release: Introducing: the Speedmaster Moonphase Chronograph Master Chronometer.

The first thing that strikes you about this extraordinary new timepiece is the representation of the moon. It has never looked more realistic. The high resolution image, in sharply contrasting black and white, is as detailed as a NASA photograph; so detailed in fact, that a closer look reveals an astronaut's footprint.

Radiomir 1940 3 Days Acciaio - 47mm & Luminor 1950 3 Days Acciaio - 47mm

Press Release:
Those interested in the history of watchmaking are well aware that the names Radiomir and Luminor, which today identify the cases, originally referred to the two luminous materials created to achieve the legendary visibility at night or underwater which have always been a feature of the dials of Panerai watches. It began with the invention of Radiomir: this was a powder based on radium, patented by Guido Panerai in 1916, to make luminous gun sights and other optical devices exceptionably visible in the dark. It was Radiomir which was used on the dial of the firstever Panerai watch in 1936, and for several years this remarkable luminous substance was one of the closelyguarded military secrets which enabled the commandos of the Royal Italian Navy to carry out their extraordinary missions in the depths of the sea at night, equipped with instruments specially created by the Florentine watchmaker.

In the 1940s people were concerned about the radioactivity of radium powder and therefore in 1949 Panerai patented Luminor, a new luminous substance based on tritium, some 20 times less radioactive. The replacement happened gradually, because some of Orologeria Panerai’s clients preferred the unrivalled visibility of Radiomir even after the invention of Luminor, and this explains why some watches were produced using this substance even in the 1950s.

At a distance of several decades, it is the colour of the dial which tells this story about Panerai’s exceptional luminosity. The effect of the radium-based powder – and also to a lesser extent that based on tritium – has been to bring about a change in the colour of the dials of some vintage watches, transforming the original black into a characteristic brown, which helps to make each of these models unique and different from all the others. Two new Special Editions, made in 1,000 examples each, draw inspiration from this detail to appeal to lovers of the history of watchmaking: the Radiomir 1940 3 Days (PAM00662) and the Luminor 1950 3 Days (PAM00663).

 PAM 662