It has been 18 years when the first of Urwerk’s iconic satellite indication watches appeared. At that time it must have been weird-looking at a new way of telling time but come to think about it, according to the owners of Urwerk watches, it gets so much easier. Like it or not, we all envy how Urwerk successfully changed the playing field from standard watches to out-of-this-world looking watches. It’s practically easy to say that URWERK is of an alien origin but who cares, as long as it looks crazy cool and performs crazy good, it’s a hell of a watch to have. Without further ado, let me introduce you to the new Urwerk UR–105 TA sporting an automatic winding movement compared to its manually-wound predecessor, the UR–105M. If you care about the difference between these two movements, it has all to do with Urwerk’s proprietary Turbine system which to the naked eye is an oscillating rotor connected to a set of turbines that gyrates with the rotor; it’s quite cool looking at the movement which is a way for Urwerk to show-off their mechanical prowess.
UR-105 TA RG
The case comes in different designs; UR–105 TA RG – black PVD titanium case, red-gold bezel, UR–105 TA “All Black” – black PVD titanium case, black PVD steel bezel, UR–105 TA “Black Lemon” – titanium case, black PVD steel bezel, and UR–105 TA ”Black Orange” – titanium case, black PVD steel bezel.
UR-105 TA “All Black”
Personally, I like the “all black” version where the titanium feel really stands out. The size is not that different compared to other standard watches, it comes in 39.50mm x 53mm x 16.80mm. Personally, it doesn’t appear to be bigger than most watches but the dial’s shape kinda looks like an alien device for all I care.
UR-105 TA “Black Lemon”
The dial is covered by a custom shaped Sapphire Crystal and it looks really nice when blended with the rest of the case. Oh and there is a bezel alright and of course lugs too, same old technology but unique presentation. The UR–105TA displays the time with hours and seconds in its satellite inspired presentation. It appears harder to get used to but I think if you use it in a day or two, you can easily get the hang of it.
UR-105 TA” Black Orange”
Placed at the traditional 12 o’clock is the big crown, it looks kinda big but totally blends in with the overall design. If you wonder about the dial’s materials, they’re made of top-notch metals — the Satellite hours are driven by Geneva that crosses in beryllium bronze, there’s the Orbital structure of PEEK (polyetheretherketone), and the Carrousel and triple main plates in ARCAP.
The new introduction of course comes with the new double turbine regulated Caliber 5.02 UR automatic winding movement. It has a power reserve of 48 hours and has 52 Jewels. The winding mode can be manually selected just behind the case when you want the watch to experience some “serious movement” and potential shock. The case back may not be fully see through but it looks cool and the twin turbines are lovely to look at. Oh and the straps are sporty too! Overall, the new Urwerk is really tough to beat. For more info, please visit urwerk.com Technical details Movement Caliber: 5.02 UR automatic winding regulated by a double turbine Jewels: 52 Frequency: 28,800v / h – 4 Hz Power reserve: 48 hours Materials Satellite hours driven by Geneva crosses in beryllium bronze; Orbital structure of PEEK (polyetheretherketone) Carrousel and triple main plates in ARCAP Surface finishes Perlage, bead-blasting, satin-finishing Beveled screw heads Indications Satellite hours; minutes – hour and minute markers treated with SuperLumiNova Case Materials – UR-105 TA RG – black PVD titanium case, red gold bezel – UR-105 TA “All Black” – black PVD titanium case, black PVD steel bezel – UR-105 TA “Black Lemon” – titanium case, black PVD steel bezel – UR-105 TA” Black Orange” – titanium case, black PVD steel bezel
Dimensions: width: 39.50mm; length: 53mm; height: 16.80 mm Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Water Resistance: Pressure tested to 30m / 3ATM
Ive fancied such a watch in such a short time my view is nothing more than simplicity , why wont they make engines this way it would be more sound .nevermind the chatter the watches are space age and like a lamborgini for your wrists far as I concerned.keep it uo urwerk that's my two cents.
In 2013 Piaget released the 3.65mm thick Altiplano 900P making it the world's thinnest manually-wound watch ever. It is so thin that the backplate of the movement is also the caseback. I don't really think anyone will be able to appreciably decrease this minuscule size anytime soon. So what did Piaget do for 2016? Jewelry watch lovers, feast your eyes on the Piaget Altiplano 900D - the thinnest manually-wound mechanical watch with a case and dial covered in diamonds. Ultra-thin "haute joaillerie" has never looked better as the Altiplano 900P is transformed with 304 diamonds into the impressive Altiplano 900D.
The good news is that the watch is still very thin, and for the most part, has the same look and feel as the 900P (hands-on here). The bad news is that, of course, some extra thickness is necessary, but it really isn't much. Even at the new "thicker" size of 5.65mm thick the 900D is still thinner that most of the competition. Really, the only difference visually is that now the case doesn't look thinner than the strap, and it also doesn't look like a coin with attached straps.
One of the coolest things about the 900D, is just how many diamonds and how many places Piaget found to put diamonds. If you are the type of person who tends to be in the market for high-jewelry watches, then the Altiplano 900D is going to be hard to resist. The 18k white-gold case is given an extra bezel structure which is set with baguette-cut diamonds, while the rest of the case sides and lugs are set with round-cut diamonds. For the size, it is really a brilliant exercise in gem-setting.
Of course, it would not be a 900D ("D" for diamonds!) if the dial were not also set with diamonds. The trick here, is that the dial is also mostly the movement with a section for the off-centered dial for the time. Dial or movement, all of it is set with either baguette or round-cut diamonds. Even the screws are set with diamonds, and even if you aren't a precious stone lover you have to appreciate the clever effort that went into transforming the thinnest mechanical watch in the world into the thinnest high-jewelry manually-wound mechanical watch.
The Piaget Altiplano 900D watch doesn't have a separate designation for the movement, because if you'll recall, watch and movement are quite literally merged. The movement is built on the caseback as the backplate and together they are comprised of 145 parts. The movement operates at 3Hz (21,600 bph) and has a power reserve of 48 hours indicating just the time with hours and minutes. On the dial, you can view the oscillating balance wheel as well as the gear train and much of the mainspring barrel.
At 38mm wide, the Altiplano 900D wears well as a dress watch. The black hands are remarkably legible, especially because the dial for the time is highlighted with the ring of baguette-cut diamonds. I would have loved a bit more demarcation for the hour markers, but for a watch like this, why complain about something like that? In total, the 900D case and dial contain 5.77 carats of diamond stones.
The extra 2mm of thickness compared to the 900P without diamonds is a small sacrifice to make in exchange for this fascinating jewelry watch creation. It would not have been reasonable to expect this type of gem setting with much less extra space, and, in person, the watch doesn't really feel that much thicker even though it is a thicker watch that is a super slim counter-part. Attached to the Piaget reference G0A41122 Altiplano 900D is a black alligator strap and the price for this non-limited edition model is $165,000.
I hope you enjoyed this little article as I found it amazing to know so much more about piaget myself.
very best tehanks to all those whom helped in creation of this article.
Baume & Mercier is a lot older than many may think. This year, the brand will celebrate its 185th anniversary. And to mark the notable and special occasion, Baume & Mercier is releasing a limited edition Clifton watch. The watch is the Baume & Mercier Clifton 8-Day Power Reserve.
Baume & Mercier has been quietly and steadily making waves for the past couple of years with some very solid releases. Ever year, the brand’s Clifton and Capeland collections are bolstered with very competent and nice new pieces. I’m particularly fond of the Clifton Complete Calendar and also the very vintage looking Capeland chronographNew for this year and to mark the brand’s 185th anniversary is the Baume & Mercier Clifton 8-Day Power Reserve. The watch comes in a 45mm wide red gold case and the overall aesthetic of it is very classic and clean. The 45mm case is fairly large for such a watch, but is absolutely necessary, as you will find out later. And as befits an anniversary piece, the bezel and case is endowed with mirror and satin polishing. The sides of the case and lugs are satin-finished, whereas the top facing parts of the bezel and case are given a mirror finish. The end result is a case that plays well with the light and is very interesting to behold.
For fans of IWC, the dial layout might seem familiar to you, and it should, because this watch is powered by the IWC caliber 59210, which sees action in the Portofino Hand-Wound 8 days. It also explains why the watch has a large case size of 45mm. This is not the first time Baume & Mercier has used movements from IWC, the Capeland Worldtimer (review here) uses the same movement as the IWC Pilot Worldtimer. The movement in the Baume & Mercier Clifton 8-Day Power Reserve is finished nicely with Geneva strips on the bridges, bevelled edges and blued screws. Power reserve is 192 hours or 8 days, courtesy of a single extra-large barrel. The balance wheel runs at 4Hz and has a hacking mechanism.
All in all, the Baume & Mercier Clifton 8-Day Power Reserve is a nicely executed watch and ideal for anyone who likes a large yet classic looking dress piece. The Baume & Mercier Clifton 8-Day Power Reserve is limited to just 185 pieces and is priced at around $17,500. This is about a quarter less than an IWC Portofino Hand-Wound 8 days in 18K gold. Just saying. baume-et-mercier.com
Id like to thank baume and mercier of this fantastic launch and such elegant watches till next time
Every Android Wear watch detailed so you can pick the right smartwatch
Wednesday January 13, 2016
Choosing the best Android Wear smartwatch is a confusing task, with a grand total of 16 different devices now hitting officialdom. Or 18 if you count different sized models. Or just 17 if you take away the one that got cancelled. See, we told you it was confusing.
Google's smartwatch OS is an exciting hot-bed of wearable innovation, with updates constantly arriving offering likes of GPS, offline music and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Getting to grips with the platform can be tricky, so when you do bag yourself a brand new smartwatch, make sure you check out our Android Wear hub of tutorials to help get the most from your device.
But here's the main event: the juicy details on every single Android watch on the market, with our favourites up top...
Top pick: Sony SmartWatch 3
Sony's third stab at the smartwatch comes with either a rubber sports strap in a choice of colours, or a slick stainless steel one, along with a 1.6-inch 320 x 320 pixel LCD display. The screen isn't spectacular but battery life benefits as a result, with two days of use easily achievable.
The big win for the SW3 is that it was the first Android Wear watch with built-in GPS, so it's great for tracking runs, cycles, and even tapping into golf apps. It's looking a little dated now though, Sony could be playing catch up if the Sony SmartWatch 4 doesn't make an appearance soon. And the Moto 360 Sport is hot on its heels.
For max customisation: New Moto 360
The 2015 Moto 360 may still have that annoying flat-tyre at the bottom of its circular display but the rest of the setup is very promising indeed. It now comes in two sizes - 42mm and 46mm - in fact, it's three sizes if you count the different band sizes. Using the Moto Maker platform there are hundreds of different combinations of straps, bezels, finishes and colours to choose from.
On offer are two different sized displays: 1.37 or 1.56-inch. On the larger size, the resolution is 360 x 360 - a 233ppi count.
Put the new Moto 360 next to the first-gen Motorola watch and you can see the subtle differences that really turn this design into a 'watch' rather than last year's circle on a strap.
For build quality: Tag Heuer Connected
The Tag Heuer Connected is now official and while it doesn't boast the 'Swiss Made' tag of its mechanical brethren, it's by far the best example of watch craftsmanship in the Android Wear world. The build is incredibly high quality; the case, lugs and back are all made from grade 2 titanium. The display is 46mm in diameter and it's covered in crystal sapphire.
Also, don't worry that your expensive smartwatch will be useless in a couple of years - at the end of the 2-year warranty period, you can use it to trade in for a mechanical Tag Heuer watch.
Have a gander at our Tag Heuer Connected review $1,500,
Best for running: Moto 360 Sport
Finally an Android Wear smartwatch to rival the Sony SmartWatch 3's GPS skills, the Moto 360 Sport is actually a better running aid thanks to the Moto Body app built in.
The 360 Sport boasts a single-structure silicon case and band, with a special UV coating to wick away sweat. The AnyLight LCD display is naturally adaptable, meaning it should be nicely backlit in dim lighting situations but be easily readable when out running in sunnier conditions.
Read our
For stunning display visuals: Huawei Watch
The Huawei's AMOLED display is a 1.4-inch, 400 x 400, one with a 286ppi count. That's the highest on any Android Wear device so far.
Huawei's effort is made all the more impressive thanks to a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. Side by side with the smaller – its closest rival in terms of aesthetics – it's clearly a better display. Not just because it offers genuine 360-degree visuals, but because everything just looks sharper.
Have a look at our
Great for style: LG Watch Urbane
The Urbane is a more female-friendly and, we have to say it, 'blingy' version of the G Watch R, with a high end styling that's a bit more dressy than sporty. It isn't designed to replace the R, simply add an extra option for smartwatch shoppers looking for a classier, 'luxury' smartwatch.
You can't miss the Urbane, whether it's the silver or gold model; that fully round bezel is seriously eye- and light-catching. It also comes with a higher quality leather strap, which can be changed out for something more personal. If you really want splash out, the LG Watch Urbane Luxe has a 23-karat gold case and comes with an alligator leather strap. It'll set you back $1,200.
Take a look-see at our
Best for traditionalists: LG G Watch R
LG's first round Android Wear model added an improved two-day battery life, a heart rate monitor and better quality materials (stainless steel and leather) to the original G. It's sharp, well-built and feels like the most mature Android Wear watch yet. The diver's bezel makes it easily the most 'traditional' looking Google-powered smartwatch.
The 1.3-inch P-OLED display is smaller than the norm, which means the 320 x 320 pixel screen looks sharper, though the internals are the same. An IP67 rating means showering is okay but swimming isn't recommended.
Drink down our
The most unisex: Asus ZenWatch 2
The ZenWatch 2 comes in two sizes - one measuring 49 x 41mm, with a 22mm strap, and a 45 x 37mm model that sits on an 18mm strap. Essentially, that's a male and a female model.
There are a plethora of strap options including rubber, steel, leather and even a Swarovski covered one. Messaging has been targeted by Asus, who clearly feels that Android Wear needs a bit of spit and polish. ZenWatch Message brings direct messaging with emojis from the watch and a new Smart Assistant app enables you to view more content from emails and calendar alerts.
Check out our full
For nostalgics: Fossil Q Founder
Looking a heck of a lot like the Moto 360, complete with a chunky chassis and that ever-so-annoying flat tyre at the bottom of the circular display, the Fossil Android Wear smartwatch was revealed alongside a trio of other Intel-powered connected devices.
To be honest, there's not a lot to write home about for Fossil's AW debutant. But, if you're a tech collector and like the look of a chunky metal watch, then the Q Founder could be a useful addition. Especially if you happen to own the 2002 Palm Pilot.
Read our comprehensive
The Android Wear old-timers
These are the bottom of the pile when it comes to Google's smartwatch family. Only really consider them if you can get a super cheap deal and are looking to test the Android Wear waters.
Moto 360
With a circular face, stylish looks and wireless charging, the Moto 360 is a looker, yet performance saw it marked down against some of its newer rivals. However, with a host of new colours and designs from Motorola and new straps available from Dodo, it's super simple to customise.
It brings with it a rounded 1.5-inch 320 x 290 pixel LCD display, and despite its chunkiness it feels like a watch rather than a gadget.
Take a look at our
Asus ZenWatch
The Asus ZenWatch packs a curved rectangular display to help it stand out. It's just masculine enough to be worn with a suit, yet the curved lines make it the female friendly too. The Asus ZenWatch sports a 1.63-inch 320 x 320 pixel screen, which certainly isn't the best in class, but amply does the job.
Achieve a zen-like state with our
Samsung Gear Live
The Samsung Gear Live launched alongside the LG G Watch. Aside from a slightly more refined look, the key differences between the two are the Gear Live's heart rate monitor and its superior 1.63-inch 320 x 320 pixel SuperAMOLED display.
The Gear Live sports a slightly smaller battery, though it should see you through a day's use, and again it's IP67 certified so water and dust shouldn't be a problem.
Check out our full
LG G Watch
One of the oldest Android Wear smartwatch out there, you'd be a fool to pay the RRP with super cheap deals now widespread on both sides of the pond.
Described by LG's own CEO as "no-nonsense", the LG Watch lets you try out Android Wear without breaking the bank. It's solid yet unspectacular in both looks and features, with a 1.65-inch, 280 x 280 pixel IPS LCD display and no heart rate monitor or GPS unit on-board.
Read our definitive
The one that got away
LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition
Looking a lot like the original Watch Urbane, the LG sequel has a pretty big ace up its sleeve - the cellular connectivity is a first for Google's smartwatch platform.
The display on the 2nd Edition has also been improved. It's a 1.38-inch full circle P-OLED, 480 x 480, one - that's a meaty 348ppi. The battery is an impressive 570mAh.
However, in a crazy turnaround, it has been cancelled with no timeline for it to go on sale again. This was down to an unspecified hardware issue. So essentially we don't know if and when we will see the Watch Urbane Second Edition, with or without 3G/4G, in the US, Europe or elsewhere.
Coming soon: Casio and New Balance
A couple more Android Wear devices were announced at CES, both going on sale later this year.
A surprise star of was the Casio Smart Outdoor WSD-F10 – an outdoors focused smartwatch that is waterproof, shockproof, vibration proof and certified to US military standard. It's out in April, priced around $500.
The as-yet unnamed New Balance Android Wear model is set to rock GPS and built-in storage for smartphone free music listening, and is being built in collaboration with Intel and Google
prices have soared in usa for all watches and this a inaccurate resnse but still approximate let us know what you think of this article.
The watch cases are made of stainless steel and feature ceramic bezel rings with diving scales in matt chromium nitride except for the red "50", a subtle reminder of Bond’s film legacy. Each watch is presented on a classic brushed and polished stainless steel bracelet.
AESTHETICALLY DAZZLING
The James Bond 007 50th Anniversary Collector's Piece is aesthetically dazzling. Both versions feature OMEGA's calibre 2507 self-winding chronometer movement fitted with the revolutionary Co-Axial escapement. Its screw-in case back is stamped with a gun-barrel design. The "bullet" decoration on the rotor can be viewed through a central sapphire crystal.
PROFESSIONAL DIVING FEATURES
The watch also has a unidirectional rotating bezel. A helium escape valve allows helium atoms to escape during decompression, particularly necessary for professional divers operating from diving bells. As its name suggests, the watch is water resistant up to 30 bar (300 metres / 1000 feet). The 41 mm version was produced in an edition limited to 11,007 pieces; the smaller watch was created in a limited edition of 3,007 pieces.
living in the eyes of a spy with this handsome collectable watch is a treat knowing that this watch is one od only a few naturally omega has outshined itself in productions and commerable watch making once more. summoned as a time piece of elegance this proud piece is now an antiquity forever more.
A PROUD LINK TO 007
The lacquered black dial features a 007 monogram. The 41 mm version has 11 applied indexes; the 36.25 mm watch has ten with a diamond index at the 7 o'clock position – another tribute to reminder that this watch was created to honour the film history of agent 007. The indexes are coated with white Super-LumiNova with a blue emission, allowing ease of reading in all light conditions. There is a date window at 3 o'clock. The James Bond 007 50th Anniversary Collector's Piece will prove irresistible to fans of 007 and to anyone interested in elegant, distinctive timepieces.
When you are talking about vintage divers there are certain names that regularly come up. Rolex, Panerai, Omega, to name just a few of the common Swiss brands in regards to these vintage watches. There is another name, one that has a cult-like following in regards to these older divers, and it’s not Swiss but rather Japanese: Seiko. Here is a brief look at the first dozen years of Seiko diver development.
The development of Seiko’s diver line of watches began in the 1960’s. At that time the company felt it was vital for them to develop a wristwatch that could withstand the pressures of the deep to help them compete with the Swiss brands and attempt to beat them in terms of quality and performance. There was also a large sense of pride in Japan in the mid 1960’s following the Tokyo Olympics. The country had felt it was entering a new era after its defeat in the second World War. As a company Seiko shared in this pride and put those efforts into their competition with the Swiss. Seiko wanted to make sure their watch was truly best-in-class which is an important factor given in the 1960’s divers truly relied on their watches to ensure their dive was safe. To this end Seiko knew their watches had to be waterproof, shockproof and easily legible.
The development of Seiko watches is pyramid as most watches have their own brand name , symbol and trust as paramount as it is the suffocation can be none other its ability in any watch business is trust and reliability and Seiko have proven time and time again as much as I love this I wonder whats to come from this company as Seiko should go forth and explore new grounds in watch technology id be interested to hear from others expecially on power sources such as e co drive and more.
Seiko’s designers were not done, however satisfied with their first effort they were, and two years later released a 300M diver, the 6215. Here Seiko doubled the water resistance of the watch and used a monobloc case as part of that process along with a screw down crown. The design of the watch changed to move the crown to 4 o’clock; the markers and hands are also different on this model as well. the hands are thicker and contain more luminous material over its predecessor and the dial used a combination of square and round markers. In 1968 Seiko released the 6159, a variation on the 6215 with the same hi-beat caliber used in the Grand Seiko of the time. This was a big step up and earned the watch the Professional moniker. The look of these two watches will be familiar to many as it was resurrected in the currently available Seiko Marine Master. As with the 6217, the 6215 and 6159 are highly collectible and very much sought after by collectors of Seiko and dive watches and again can run several thousand dollars.
divers watches are a favourite of my speciality and without being biased rolex , Seiko and even Omega seamaster . varied models have been tried and tested
One of the more popular Seiko dive watches, probably due to it’s more accessible price range as well as length of availability, is the Seiko 6105. The 6105 was produced from 1968-1977 in either a cushion-case style (6105-8000 & 8009) or the more traditional style of case (6105-8110 & 8119). This 150M water resistant watch was available on US military bases and as such it became quite popular with US soldiers during the Vietnam war; there are many examples of G.I.’s wearing a 6105 in combat. A 6105-8110 is famously worn by Martin Sheen in “Apocalypse Now” which is perfectly fitting for the character. Finding one in good condition can be tricky, but they are out there for a price.
ranges basing from simple prices to larger ones are good but Seiko have managed to market these in such a way that their own reinvention cant be bought as from time dot. such classic example.
Seiko 6105 its a god reliable all round divers wath at the fraction of the cost , but not be compared to watches such as rolex seadwellers or omega seamasters.
Seiko’s next achievement in the dive watch realm came about as a result of the experiences of a real diver. Seiko had received a letter from a from a saturation diver with some very serious concerns about Seiko’s dive watches. He explained that the crystal of the watch would frequently break as the diver ascended due to helium gas encountered in diving. In addition there were concerns of the shock resistance of the watches as they would frequently stop when bumped against rocks encountered during dives. Seiko’s engineers took these concerns very seriously and were tasked with creating a new dive watch that was geared towards professionals such as the one who wrote the letter. Seven years later, in 1975, Seiko introduced the Seiko Professional 600M diver’s watch.
The Professional 600M consisted of several firsts, many of which are standard on today’s dive watches. It was the first watch with a titanium case, used for its light weight and high corrosion resistance; the strap had ribbed sections on each side to allow for shrinking and expanding of the diver’s wet suit; and the case itself was constructed as such to prevent helium gas from entering the case during saturation dives. This last innovation eliminated the need for a helium escape valve that many Swiss brands had begun putting into their watch cases to bleed out the gas. In addition the watch looks like a big, beefy tool watch. It has a shrouded case, large arrow pointed hands and large luminous markers. The watch addressed all the concerns put forth by the professional diver who wrote to Seiko years earlier. The watch was extremely successful and was the launch of the Seiko Professional Diver series, which continues today.
professional diving watches have a calibre of their own they seek out new territorys and find a elegance in the making from a marketing and commercial prospective, narrowed down to they have the goods and what can be spoken is noted by their craftsmanship and design.
more will be said soon in the next continuation of this blog .
thankyou to all my readers feedback would be fantastic if and is encouraged.
