Review: Riedenschild Original Blue Pearl Chronograph
Newcomer brand Riedenschild Original, based in Germany, has introduced another appealing design: the Blue Pearl chronograph, a stainless steel hand-winding two-register model (Ref. 1115-02-S14). 
Housed in an attractive screw-back case with a bold Teutonic personality, the watch features a white and blue dial with fantastic legibility and some lovely details. Elements such chapter rings, applied hour markers, numerals and text in blue nicely accent a stark white dial reminiscent of enamel pocket chronographs of past decades. Elegant blued-steel hands complete the visual package as seen through the sapphire crystal.
The steel case, rated at 50 meters resistance, features unique rectangular chronograph 
pushers and a large, easily grasped crown. A case back nicely engraved with the brand’s logo indicates also that this is an edition limited to 999 pieces. A sturdy bracelet of the 7-row style is attached via solid end-pieces and is secured with a signed flip-lock clasp. The bracelet length is ample for the large-wristed and size is adjustable via four settings on the clap and nine removable links. German-made leather straps are also available. Dimensions of the watch are 40 mm diameter—without crown—and fully 35 mm of dial diameter; 12 mm thickness; lug and bracelet width are a constant 20 mm; lug-to-lug length is approximately 47.5 mm.
The movement in this watch is provided by a new company called Gematic. Information from Riedenschild indicates that the movement in this Blue Pearl model is the first movement of many envisioned for the Gematic product line. Their hand-wound chronograph caliber is a modern update of the iconic Venus 175, now also being produced by Sea-Gull in China. 
Gematic receives their raw movements from a Japanese manufacturer and according to Riedenschild Director Dr. James Newell, the movement installed in the Blue Pearl is remarkably reliable and keeps better time than many other mechanical movements they have evaluated. Contrary to the experience of owners of similar movements from other makers, quality has not been an issue—Riedenschild’s rigorous testing ensures this. Winding and setting of the Blue Pearl’s movement is very smooth and its accuracy, though not electronically tested by this correspondent, appears to be well within expectations. Dr. Newell reported that future plans for the Reidenschild/Gematic partnership include introducing “a decorated hand-wind to replace the movement in the Blue Pearl, and another decorated hand wind with a swan bridge regulator.” Some COSC-certified chronometer movements are also in the pipeline.
The watch is delivered in an attractive black leather box with sporty red stitching. 
The brand’s logo is printed on the inside of the lid, which snaps shut to protect the timepiece wrapped around a soft pillow within. A two-year guarantee against defects accompanies each Riedenschild timepiece. The MSRP (USA) of this watch is $479; the Blue Pearl chronograph with leather straps is $469. 
All Riedenschild watches are hand-assembled by master craftsmen in Germany who follow DIN-certified processes to ensure quality. Dial designs of their watches are all exclusive, and are overseen by renowned designer Oliver Wolf.
A Blue Pearl automatic model with Swiss movement is also available, as are Black Pearl chronograph and automatic models with 18k rose gold-plated case and black dial. More information on these watches and dealer locations can be found at www.Riedenschild.com. For US pricing, model info and purchasing portal, visit this site.
Having just enjoyed successful exhibition at Inhorgenta in Munich, Riedenschild is planning further exposure in new markets, including the US, where they will be displaying their products at the annual JCK show. Future projects include an extreme-depth dive watch, various aviators’ models and some diamond watches for ladies.
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Labels: Chronograph, Designer Watch, German Made, Riedenschild
Review: Riedenschild Original AdvanceProDate
One of the latest Riedenschild Original watches to be powered by a Gematic movement is the bold pilot-style AdvanceProDate (Ref. 1107/02). The young brand from Germany started out with a variety of movement supplied from noteworthy manufacturers worldwide, but has recently been focussing on using Swiss ébauches, modified in Germany, to motivate its products. This new timepiece features a very thin, high-quality automatic which will be described presently. But first, some details of the overall design and quality of this watch.
Measuring an appealing 40 mm wide, the relatively narrow bezel of this sturdy 
stainless steel watch serves to emphasize the strength of the matte black dial and rehaut. The contrast between these surfaces and the glossy, luminous numerals and markers, as well as the polished and luminous hands, makes the entire ensemble eminently readable. The brand name and other text on the dial, though partially printed in somewhat large font, does not show such marked contrast and is consequently not a distraction when quickly reading the time from this watch. A long seconds hand makes timing events or simply taking accurate readings quite easy. The date window is unobtrusively tucked up near the 3:00 marker and is easily found but also easily overlooked when not needed.
Riedenschild has chosen a classic case shape, and one that is appropriate for a traditional pilot's-style wristwatch. To it they have added some appealing individual touches: a signed crown with black & white shield logo, sapphire crystals, and subtle model information etched around the display back. Sporty padded leather straps are well suited to this watch and feature a decorative button which, like the well-engineered butterfly deployant clasp, is also signed with the brand's logo.
As mentioned above, one of the most significant elements of this watch is the movement. Gematic Caliber 0988 is a 24-jewel automatic based upon the current industry-standard thin Swiss movement found in many high-end watches from brands as diverse as IWC, RGM, and Ulysse Nardin. This variant is elaborated in Germany with 
blued screws, plates and bridges covered in perlage, and a gilt rotor with decorative engraving. The timekeeping rates of this review example were not specifically tested, but in general use it exhibited accuracy typical of this high-grade caliber and no deviations were noted. Hand-winding and setting functions are very smooth and effortless; the rotor spins freely and no rattling or rubbing inside the case were detectable.
As with all Riedenschild Original watches I've had occasion to examine, the quality of this piece is very good. The brand prides itself in following rigorous standards in assembly and manufacturing, so it is no surprise that the watches are impressive. What is surprising, almost across the entire Riedenschild line, is the pricing. This model has a suggested US retail price of $799, a target that most makers of well-built European watches with exclusive movements could only consider in their dreams. For that price, the buyer receives a nicely packaged watch and a two-year guarantee.
If you are a regular reader of my reviews, you will know that I am impressed with what Riedenschild Original has been able to produce in the few years they have been in existence. Some of the styles are rather bolder than many traditional mechanical collectors prefer, but the market for these pieces is strong and Riedenschild has tapped into it. Their variety of simple, classic watches as well as gadgety, attention-getters seems likely to provide something to appeal to even the most discerning consumer, and the quality cannot be exceeded within the price range. For more information visit www.riedenschild.com.
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Labels: AdvancePro, Mechanical Watch, Riedenschild, Watches Made in Germany
Hard to ding but likely easy to shatter - the hardest watch...
Avant garde Geneva-based watchmaker Urwerk produces what they claim is the world's hardest timepiece, the 103.08 TiAlN, the
Wealth Bulletin reports. That stands for Titanium Aluminum Nitride, a coating less than 4 microns thick and much lighter than gold and platinum but much, much harder - more than 5 ½ times harder than steel, in fact. Nearly indestructible, the watch is practically immune to scratches, shocks, oxidation and even acids, they claim. Theirs is the first timepiece ever to use the coating.
Shown here in rose gold, the limited edition watch will run you about $70,000. The slanting sides of
Urwerk's signature "orbiting hour satellites" allow you to see what time it is without turning your wrist. The company, which launched in 1997, has been doing revolutionary things to timepieces, yet their inspiration goes back several centuries. The name is an homage to
Ur, an ancient city in southern Mesopotamia, one of the earliest known civilizations in the history of the world.
SourceCreditLabels: scratch resistant, Timepieces, Titanium Watch
Watches on the Auctionblock at Antiquorum
World Records Set at $8.5 Million Rolex AuctionPosted Apr 21st 2008 3:02PM by Jared Paul Stern
Nine world records were set at
Antiquorum's massive vintage Rolex auction on April 17, entitled
Revolution: The Evolution of the Rolex Sport Watch, commemorating the brand's 100th anniversary. In total, $8,515,260 worth of timepieces were sold to bidders worldwide.
Among the records set was $237,600 each for two highly-prized 1967 Sea-Dweller Submariners, and $166,800 for a 1973 Submariner originally issued to the British military. The
most beautiful watch in the sale, the rare "Jean-Claude Killy" Antimagnetic Oyster Chronograph, fetched $155,000, while the highest price was brought in by a 1979 "Comex" model Sea-Dweller, which went for $248,800.
While collectors certainly paid a premium for historical value, not all the most attractive watches hit six figures. The super-stylish version of the Explorer known as the "Straight Hand
Steve McQueen" pictured here went for a more modest $40,800, still a significant sum for this model.
SourceCredit Labels: Antiquorum, Auctions, Patek Phillipe, Rolex, Timepieces
e-Motion of Colors - Rainbow and a New Watch Concept
Official Press Release June 1, 2008 - Rainbow e-motion of colors
We are very proud to officially launch our Rainbow e-motion of colors collection during the JCK Watch & Jewelry Exhibition 2008 in Las Vegas by utilizing the marketing platform of the EUROPEAN WATCH GROUP.
The IdeaRainbow e-motion of colors is an innovative and absolutely new style and form of visualizing time on analogous time pieces. The new design implementing aesthetically appealing colors lends a refreshingly new meaning to the expression “nice time”.
The ConceptThe concept in its form and variety of colors was developed by the famous German artist Paul Heimbach.
The glorious play of colors and their characteristic emotional features led him to time-steered color pattern and displays. Optically the exceptionally striking designs are excellently suited for reading analogous time. All designs were created using the 4 basic colors Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black.
The ProductsAll Rainbow models are eye-catchers. Whether day or night the displays of the watches and clocks radiate an ever-changing array of colorful impressions.
Designed as pieces of art the wall clocks not only beautifully display time, they complement every living space. The Rainbow wristwatches also aesthetically attractive in their own right - whether as a stylish man‘s or elegant lady’s‘ watch.
The Team„The Management of Rainbow has solid marketing expertise and extensive contacts to watch and clock distributors and retailers which will allow the company to assertively pursue the commercial potential of the German Rainbow trademark,“ said Joachim Baer, CEO of Rainbow Watch GmbH.
„Our launch in Las Vegas is an important step in our strategy to fully make the most of this innovation. My partner Erich Kastenholz is responsible for all design development and will also supervise all financial and logistic matters”.
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Labels: Fashion Watches, Made in Germany, Quartz Watch, Rainbow
Review: Riedenschild Original WavemasterPro Diver
Ref. 1128-02
by C. Bradley Jacobs
7 MAY 2008
On the heels of their very successful DarkSea and Wavemaster diver lines, Riedenschild Original, based in Germany, has introduced another appealing diver design: the Wavemaster Pro (Ref. 1128-02), featuring the 25-jewel GeMatic Cal. 0888. Available as a steel or rose-gold plated watch, the German-made WavemasterPro is an attractive interpretation of the classic scuba watch and is built to handle the rigors of the sport. The sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, helium release valve, uni-directional rotating bezel and sturdy rubber straps all attest to the claimed ability of this watch to remain water-resistant, and functional, to a depth of 300 meters.
Not content merely to be a tool watch, the rose gold-plated version of the Wavemaster Pro (shown here) is easily transformed into an elegant, almost formal, timepiece by a quick change of the accompanying leather straps, with matching buckle. The retro-style dagger hands and pointed hour markers will appeal to fans of classic watches, while the sapphire crystal in the optional display back (still WR to 50 meters) will appeal to fans of modern timepieces.
The watch is delivered with two casebacks--one solid steel back to ensure water resistance, and a display-back with a sapphire crystal. On display behind the latter is one of the new movements to the Riedenschild line-up: the Gematic Caliber 0888. This gilt 25-jewel automatic is based upon an iconic Swiss movement, modified and installed in Germany by GeMatic who, according to Riedenschild executive Dr. James Newell, blues the screws, balances and decorates the rotor and adds finishing to various movement parts. Clearly Riedenschild is taking its claims of quality seriously, by offering movements based upon proven calibers, and is backing these claims with a two-year warranty.
Measuring 40 mm in diameter and XX mm thick, the WavemasterPro is sufficiently large without being excessively bulky or merely large to suit the current fashion. The watch is delivered in an attractive black leather box with sporty red stitching which matches some of the available OEM straps. The brand’s logo is printed on the inside of the lid, which snaps shut to protect the timepiece wrapped around a soft pillow within.
Priced at $999, this edition of 1000 watches will certainly be in demand among fans of the Riedenschild Original marque, and should make those just becoming aware of the brand sit up and take notice. Information is available via the brand's web portal (www.Riedenschild.com) which provides the means for contacting the manufacturer, learning about the full model line or locating authorized retailers.
This bold new Riedenschild Original model sports many features watch buyers expect of limited editions (which this is) at high prices (which this watch has not):
* Crowns with logo cabochon
* Form-fitted rubber straps with signed buckle
* Signed leather straps with signed buckle
* Sapphire crystals
* Two case backs - one that displays the movement, another to ensure 300m WR
* Leather box with sporty red stitching
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Downturn in US Economy to affect Watch Sales?
Every year the watchmakers and jewelers converge on Basel, Switzerland in the spring for Baselworld and the SIHH show. It is the place where exhibitors display some of the most dazzling luxury goods in the world. But this year, fears over the U.S. economy may be dampening the usual excitement.
The show, like fashion shows, is one that looks ahead, trying to sell buyers on the goods they will want in their stores in September and October for the holiday season. Many are already predicting that the Christmas business of 2008 will be bad news for both the U.S. and Europe. The annual event has over 2,000 exhibitors and attracts around 100,000 buyers. According to Jacques Duchene, president of the BaselWorld Exhibitors Committee
quoted in National Jeweler, last year was a boom year for Swiss watches: Swiss watch exports reached about $15.75 billion last year which was a 16 percent increase over the previous year, and a rise of more than 50 percent over the previous four years.
In this Reuters article, Rolf Schnyder, the chief executive of Swiss watchmaker Ulysse Nardin is quoted as saying that the slowdown in the U.S. market will generally affect the mid-range products. This reflects the general trend we have seen where luxury consumers at the top of the market are spending but those that are at the lower end of the affluence spectrum are cutting back.
For those who make watches and jewelry, bright spots can be found by looking east. Increased demand in Asia, Russia and the Middle East will likely provide most manufacturers with market growth even if other economies continue on their gloomy course. One thing that I will be curious to see is if the change in consumers will change the products. The big spenders in these markets often have particularly lavish tastes and a taste for diamond and jewel-covered watches as opposed to more subtle watches with elaborate complications. I wonder if in the next few years, the major manufacturers will be shifting their output to attract these customers.
SourcePostedLabels: Baselworld, Swiss Watch Exports, Watch Industry, Watch Sales
Luxury Watches
Watches by Kudoke!
Author: Ines Chulina
Article:
If money permits, one of the most important accessories is perhaps a luxury watch. Luxury watches aren't just functional, they are also a wonderful addition to your wardrobe.For quite a long time, luxury watches have been recognized as asymbol of a person's success. Brands such as Rolex, Cartier,Patek Philippe, TAG Heuer, and also others seem to demandinstant respect and admiration.Although the primary purpose of luxury watches is to tell the time, more and more of today's styles offer wonderful,additional benefits.
For example, some serve as two-way radios, small computers, or even as a display for your position on earthusing GPS technology. It is amazing to think how sophisticated the capabilities are on luxury watches. While many watches have increased their capabilities, some have opted to go above and beyond the latest technology to offer something more--time pieces that are built to last a lifetime. Of course, these premier watches are known as luxury watches.
Before you purchase a luxury watch, there are a few things youshould know. Once you do, you should have no problem choosing the luxury watch that is right for you.When it comes time for you to shop for a luxury watch, it is important to know the difference between an automatic watch that doesn't run on batteries, and a quartz watch that does.
An automatic watch runs by the physical movement of the wearer's wrist. It means that if it isn't worn for a period of time, it will stop ticking. Shaking it will, however, bring it back to life.
A quartz watch uses batteries and is usually less expensive than an automatic. Next you must compare caliber automatic watches to standard automatic watches. Automatic luxury watches function without theuse of batteries, but after a while the time will be slightly off. A caliber automatic luxury watch is able to provide better precision.
For example, after a standard automatic luxury watch is worn for a month, it will typically be off by 12 minutes, while a caliber36 automatic will be off by only 2 minutes. In addition, a standard automatic, if stored, will run for 36days before it stops ticking, while a caliber 36 automatic willrun for 50 days. Of course, the higher the watch quality, the higher the price. Lastly, choose a watch that fits your personality.
There are so many luxury watches available today, it can be very overwhelming trying to choose which will best meet your needs. Each brands tend to specialize in certain areas of timekeeping. For example, A TAG Heuer is known for its accuracy in the sportsworld, especially when it comes to gold and auto-racing.
In fact, Tiger Woods, a well-known professional golfer, has helped the company to design the Link Tiger Woods LimitedEdition luxury watch, his own signature. It was designed for golfers who prefer to wear a lighter watch on the golf course.
Now that you know what to look for, you can easily narrow down what type fits your needs from the various type of luxury watches available.
About the author:Watches: Resources andInformation about it
Labels: Article, Automatic Watch, Caliber, how to, know how, Kudoke, Quartz Watch
The Design of Watches - The More Unusual Part 1
The Magellan watches are named after the explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who is famous for completing the first circumnavigation of the world proving that the earth is round. The watches pay homage to that feat with a distinctive dial that is shaped like a half globe and is under a scratch-resistant anti-reflective sapphire dome. Thhe watch uses an automatic movement (a de-centric weight winds the main spring) with the crown fully incorporated into the case and the hands curved with the circumference of the dial. It also has a 24-hour hand which indicates the longitudainal position of the sun at any given time.
Their latest model is the Magellan 1521golf series which uses an actual golf ball. A section is cut from the ball and mounted in a bronze support. The cool thing is that you can get a custom edition made using your own golf ball (providing it is a solid core ball). What a perfect way to memorialize a hole in one. The gallery below has pictures of the rest of the Magellan watches including their classic line with the dial as the top part of a globe and the diamond version which has the same map done in diamonds and gemstones. There is also a Lady Magellan necklace.
[via WatchLuxus]
Source
Labels: Fashion Watches, Unique Watches, Watch Designs
Housed in an attractive screw-back case with a bold Teutonic personality, the watch features a white and blue dial with fantastic legibility and some lovely details. Elements such chapter rings, applied hour markers, numerals and text in blue nicely accent a stark white dial reminiscent of enamel pocket chronographs of past decades. Elegant blued-steel hands complete the visual package as seen through the sapphire crystal. 
