By now, we've probably gotten used to seeing strangely difficult to read
yet awesome watches from Tokyoflash, but we were definitely taken by
surprise when we heard one of them was coming in pocket watch form. Pretty much all of the Tokyoflash Kisai watches feature futuristic, space-like styling and designs so it's a bit strange in a cool way to see the Kisai Rogue in an antiquated pocket watch.
The Tokyoflash Kisai Rogue Pocket Watch is pretty much exactly like its wristwatch counterpart: featuring a confusingly futuristic digital dial that is capable of displaying two separate time zones, the date and an alarm clock. As with most of Tokyoflash's watches, the Rogue Pocket Watch
comes with four color options that are enclosed in a stainless steel
case with brushed edges. If you're interested in owning one of these
futuristic-yet retro time pieces, head on over to Tokyoflash to grab your own for $149.
Casio
G-Shock
Girard-Perregaux
Jaquet Droz
Rolex
12:20 PM
Phone Call Pc Laptop Watches Pocket Watch Kisai Pretty Wristwatch Tokyoflash Kisai Rogue squeezes modern look into classic pocket watch
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Labels:
Other
12:17 PM
Click Keypad Watch
Are you a retro computer geek (with big wrists)? Perhaps the Click Keypad Watch available from Watchismo is for you. Based on a numeric keypad, blinking lights on the number keys are capable of indicating both the time and date.
It's 40mm x 46mm x 10.5mm (1.6′ x 1.8″ x .4″) so not the most discrete watch around. Strangely enough it's not a wrist based calculator as well.
Available in black, grey, ivory and blue from Watchismo for $89.99
It's 40mm x 46mm x 10.5mm (1.6′ x 1.8″ x .4″) so not the most discrete watch around. Strangely enough it's not a wrist based calculator as well.
Available in black, grey, ivory and blue from Watchismo for $89.99
Labels:
Other
1:29 AM
Phosphor Appear Black Crystal Watch with Black Gloss Leather Strap Review
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
I really like watches, especially unusual ones. The Phosphor Appear Black Crystal Watch with Black Gloss Leather Strap
is certainly unusual. It reminds me of eInk screens in a way. Instead
of using LEDs to show the time, these watches turn over crystals to
show a clear side or a colored side to create the digits. When Phosphor
offered a watch to The Gadgeteer, I asked if I could try a black one.
I thought the black would be more discreet than the red I'd normally
choose. Turns out these watches are anything but discreet.
Most images in this review can be clicked for an enlarged view.
The watch arrived in an elegant black faux-leather box with the Phosphor name embossed in silver. The top opens up to reveal the very shiny, sparkly watch on a black velvet pillow. You also get a couple of booklets stored in a cunning compartment on the bottom of the hinged lid.
This is a big, heavy watch. It's very sparkly and attention-getting. It's not the watch for the shy, retiring lady.
The silver-colored case measures about 1.5″ wide X 1.75″ long (including the strap attachment arms), and it's about 0.5″ thick. It measures about 9.3″ from end to end. The watch weighed 2.8 oz on my kitchen scale. That doesn't sound like much, but it is a very heavy watch. You may need to do some curls to strengthen your arm to wear this one.
The numerals are very large on this watch; each measures about 0.5″ long. Even older eyes won't have a problem telling time on this watch.
The case back is marked stainless steel, but I can't find anything that tells me what the rest of the case is made of. The case bezel is encrusted with pavéd clear Swarovski crystals. The black face is also covered with clear Swarovski crystals. There's a small Phosphor logo near the top left of the face. The above photo shows the watch in the off position; time isn't displayed and all crystals are turned to the clear side. You can still see which crystals are used to display the time if you look closely.
The padded strap is made of very supple, shiny black leather. I believe this is true patent leather. I'd only ever seen the vinyl that passes for patent leather before, and this watchband is much nicer and much more flexible than the fake stuff. The strap is about 0.75″ wide. The band can be adjusted to fit a wrist between about 5.5″ to 7.5″.
Click on any of the photos showing the watch face and closely inspect the face. You'll see that the black numbers are made up of little bars with black crystals on one side and clear crystals on the other. I'm going to quote Phosphor here, because they can best explain how these watches function. ”Driven by Micro-Magnetic Mechanical Digital (M3D) technology, the Phosphor Appear watch utilizes miniature-sized rotors adorned with Swarovski™ crystals that revolve to reveal numerical or chronological information. With each minute, an electrical pulse generates an electromagnetic field that changes the position of the crystals on the face of the watch, to elegantly display the passing time, while producing a distinctive sound unique to the Phosphor Appear digital watch line.”
If you watch closely, you can actually see the little bars flip as the time changes. The “distinctive sound” is the sound of the bars moving. You hear a definite “click” sound as they flip. You'll best be able to see and hear the bars change in the seconds mode.
You use the two buttons on the right-side of the case to adjust the time and to change modes. You can turn the time off; the crystals all turn to clear and the watch becomes a bracelet. You can also toggle the watch between time mode and seconds mode.
A strong shock to the watch might cause the little rotors to get knocked out of position. The watch detects this and automatically corrects the position of the rotors to the correct time. If you ever notice that one of the rotors is out of position, simply change modes and the watch should correct itself.
When the watch arrived at my house a couple of weeks ago, it was 1 minute slower than my clock. I adjusted the time to match my clock. The watch time still agrees with the clock. I'm pleased with the accuracy.
My daughter Rachel is once again my watch model. You can see that this is a very large watch when you see it on her small wrist. It's good that the watchband has two strap keepers, because she has a lot of extra band that needs to be corralled.
If you know a lady who loves unusual watches and who isn't afraid of a shiny, attention-getting piece of jewelry, consider the Phosphor Appear watch for her. You can choose black strap/black numbers, red strap/red numbers, white strap/black numbers, and pink strap/pink numbers versions with the crystal-encrusted bezel for $249. If she'd prefer a little less bling, there are versions available with plain metal bezels for $199 to $210.
Most images in this review can be clicked for an enlarged view.
The watch arrived in an elegant black faux-leather box with the Phosphor name embossed in silver. The top opens up to reveal the very shiny, sparkly watch on a black velvet pillow. You also get a couple of booklets stored in a cunning compartment on the bottom of the hinged lid.
This is a big, heavy watch. It's very sparkly and attention-getting. It's not the watch for the shy, retiring lady.
The silver-colored case measures about 1.5″ wide X 1.75″ long (including the strap attachment arms), and it's about 0.5″ thick. It measures about 9.3″ from end to end. The watch weighed 2.8 oz on my kitchen scale. That doesn't sound like much, but it is a very heavy watch. You may need to do some curls to strengthen your arm to wear this one.
The numerals are very large on this watch; each measures about 0.5″ long. Even older eyes won't have a problem telling time on this watch.
The case back is marked stainless steel, but I can't find anything that tells me what the rest of the case is made of. The case bezel is encrusted with pavéd clear Swarovski crystals. The black face is also covered with clear Swarovski crystals. There's a small Phosphor logo near the top left of the face. The above photo shows the watch in the off position; time isn't displayed and all crystals are turned to the clear side. You can still see which crystals are used to display the time if you look closely.
The padded strap is made of very supple, shiny black leather. I believe this is true patent leather. I'd only ever seen the vinyl that passes for patent leather before, and this watchband is much nicer and much more flexible than the fake stuff. The strap is about 0.75″ wide. The band can be adjusted to fit a wrist between about 5.5″ to 7.5″.
Click on any of the photos showing the watch face and closely inspect the face. You'll see that the black numbers are made up of little bars with black crystals on one side and clear crystals on the other. I'm going to quote Phosphor here, because they can best explain how these watches function. ”Driven by Micro-Magnetic Mechanical Digital (M3D) technology, the Phosphor Appear watch utilizes miniature-sized rotors adorned with Swarovski™ crystals that revolve to reveal numerical or chronological information. With each minute, an electrical pulse generates an electromagnetic field that changes the position of the crystals on the face of the watch, to elegantly display the passing time, while producing a distinctive sound unique to the Phosphor Appear digital watch line.”
If you watch closely, you can actually see the little bars flip as the time changes. The “distinctive sound” is the sound of the bars moving. You hear a definite “click” sound as they flip. You'll best be able to see and hear the bars change in the seconds mode.
You use the two buttons on the right-side of the case to adjust the time and to change modes. You can turn the time off; the crystals all turn to clear and the watch becomes a bracelet. You can also toggle the watch between time mode and seconds mode.
A strong shock to the watch might cause the little rotors to get knocked out of position. The watch detects this and automatically corrects the position of the rotors to the correct time. If you ever notice that one of the rotors is out of position, simply change modes and the watch should correct itself.
When the watch arrived at my house a couple of weeks ago, it was 1 minute slower than my clock. I adjusted the time to match my clock. The watch time still agrees with the clock. I'm pleased with the accuracy.
My daughter Rachel is once again my watch model. You can see that this is a very large watch when you see it on her small wrist. It's good that the watchband has two strap keepers, because she has a lot of extra band that needs to be corralled.
If you know a lady who loves unusual watches and who isn't afraid of a shiny, attention-getting piece of jewelry, consider the Phosphor Appear watch for her. You can choose black strap/black numbers, red strap/red numbers, white strap/black numbers, and pink strap/pink numbers versions with the crystal-encrusted bezel for $249. If she'd prefer a little less bling, there are versions available with plain metal bezels for $199 to $210.
1:28 AM
Officine Autodromo places the spirit of vintage Italian racing on your wrist
Some watchmakers seek out automotive associations - typically in the form of licensing agreements
with automakers or racing series. But some just have octane just
dripping from their cogs. Like this latest collection from Officine
Autodromo.
The brainchild of industrial designer Bradley Price, the Officine Autodromo launch collection consists of three models - Veloce (Italian for “speed”), Brescia (named for the Northern Italian town that forms the start/finish line for the Mille Miglia rally), and Valelunga (for the racing circuit outside of Rome).
Each features a dial inspired by the instruments on 1960s and 1970s Italian racing cars, a Swiss-made Ronda quartz movement (with date window) and a 42-milimeter case in brushed or PVD-coated stainless steel. The perforated black leather wrist straps mount directly into the round case, not unlike the four-figure Manometro timepieces offered by Giuliano Mazzuoli, but far more accessible with prices pegged at $425.
The brainchild of industrial designer Bradley Price, the Officine Autodromo launch collection consists of three models - Veloce (Italian for “speed”), Brescia (named for the Northern Italian town that forms the start/finish line for the Mille Miglia rally), and Valelunga (for the racing circuit outside of Rome).
Each features a dial inspired by the instruments on 1960s and 1970s Italian racing cars, a Swiss-made Ronda quartz movement (with date window) and a 42-milimeter case in brushed or PVD-coated stainless steel. The perforated black leather wrist straps mount directly into the round case, not unlike the four-figure Manometro timepieces offered by Giuliano Mazzuoli, but far more accessible with prices pegged at $425.
1:25 AM
Quad Mountain Ultimate One Watchband for iPod nano Review
Most of the watchband cases for the iPod nano have one thing in
common – some part of the iPod comes into contact with your skin.
People who wear their iPods while exercising or working intensely find
it eventually suffers damage from coming into contact with sweat. Quad Mountain
has developed a watchband for the iPod nano that completely isolates
the device from contact with skin or sweat. I recently purchased the 7th
generation iPod nano, and I wanted to use it as a watch. I liked the
promise that my new nano would be completely protected from skin contact
and sweat, so I ordered a black one to complement the new Mickey Mouse
watch face.
The Quad Mountain Ultimate One watchband is another successfully-funded Kickstarter project. They designed a watchband to protect the nano and to be comfortable to wear. The band is made of a single piece of silicone with a stainless steel clasp. The band has several comfort features, like lots of openings for air circulation. Even the adjustment holes are big enough to let some air in.
The silicone has a powdery surface texture that keeps the watchband from sticking to your skin so tightly it feels glued on by your skin's moisture. The back of the nano area has a waffle pattern of ridges that allow air flow to help keep your skin cooler.
The band is about 9.5″ long, including the metal clasp. Quad Mountain says the band will fit wrists sized from about 5.75″ to 8.5″. It's available in black, white, blue, green, pink, orange, and red. The watchbands are available singly or in pairs at a discounted price.
The nano's clip snaps into the large center cavity
When I first saw the Ultimate One watchband, I thought there was no way I'd trust it to hold my iPod nano. It doesn't have any slots to put the clip through, and the wings that fit over two of the sides were too flexible to be able to hold the nano securely. Those wings aren't designed to hold the nano; they just protect the metal sides. The clip actually snaps down into a depression in the bottom of the holder area. Once the clip is snapped in place, the nano is held very securely. I tried shaking the iPod out of the Ultimate One watchband (over my bed, of course), but it wouldn't shake out. It should be nice and secure while you're running, exercising, or working.
Rachel is modeling the watchband. You can see this is a bit overwhelming on her small arm, but she says it was a comfortable fit. You can see the power and volume buttons and the headphone jack and docking connectors are exposed when the nano is worn with the Ultimate One watchband. I think headphones with a different plug would have worked better; headphones with a 90-degree angle plug would have kept the cable closer to the wrist.
I like the Quad Mountain Ultimate One watchband for iPod nano, but I think it would probably work best for exercising or when you are dressed casually. I like that it completely protects the nano from sweat. And I think the black looks great with my red nano and with the Mickey Mouse watch face.
The Quad Mountain Ultimate One watchband is another successfully-funded Kickstarter project. They designed a watchband to protect the nano and to be comfortable to wear. The band is made of a single piece of silicone with a stainless steel clasp. The band has several comfort features, like lots of openings for air circulation. Even the adjustment holes are big enough to let some air in.
The silicone has a powdery surface texture that keeps the watchband from sticking to your skin so tightly it feels glued on by your skin's moisture. The back of the nano area has a waffle pattern of ridges that allow air flow to help keep your skin cooler.
The band is about 9.5″ long, including the metal clasp. Quad Mountain says the band will fit wrists sized from about 5.75″ to 8.5″. It's available in black, white, blue, green, pink, orange, and red. The watchbands are available singly or in pairs at a discounted price.
The nano's clip snaps into the large center cavity
When I first saw the Ultimate One watchband, I thought there was no way I'd trust it to hold my iPod nano. It doesn't have any slots to put the clip through, and the wings that fit over two of the sides were too flexible to be able to hold the nano securely. Those wings aren't designed to hold the nano; they just protect the metal sides. The clip actually snaps down into a depression in the bottom of the holder area. Once the clip is snapped in place, the nano is held very securely. I tried shaking the iPod out of the Ultimate One watchband (over my bed, of course), but it wouldn't shake out. It should be nice and secure while you're running, exercising, or working.
Rachel is modeling the watchband. You can see this is a bit overwhelming on her small arm, but she says it was a comfortable fit. You can see the power and volume buttons and the headphone jack and docking connectors are exposed when the nano is worn with the Ultimate One watchband. I think headphones with a different plug would have worked better; headphones with a 90-degree angle plug would have kept the cable closer to the wrist.
I like the Quad Mountain Ultimate One watchband for iPod nano, but I think it would probably work best for exercising or when you are dressed casually. I like that it completely protects the nano from sweat. And I think the black looks great with my red nano and with the Mickey Mouse watch face.
6:24 AM
Bell & Ross Unveils World War I-Inspired Watches
Friday, November 4, 2011
Watchmaker Bell & Ross introduces a watch line based on a World War I-era pocket watch. The Vintage WW1 (Wrist Watch 1) pays tribute to the first wristwatches worn by pilots during World War
I with its very simple design consisting of just a black face with
silver hands and case, removable wire lugs welded to the sides of the
watch and an elegant-looking leather strap.
The WWI-92 edition watch (which goes by the nick name “Military”) has a mat grey steel housing and distressed strap. Its face is inspired from military aviation watches as the graduation emphasizes the minutes instead of hours. Meanwhile, the WWI-97 (code name “Reserve de Marche”) has a simpler clock face with a large date, crocodile leather strap, and a power reserve indicator.
If you want to go really retro, the PW1 (Pocket Watch 1) would be your thing. This B&R pocket watch features similar design details from the WW1 line. It also comes with a chain, a polished case, and a barleycorn guilloché caseback.
Check out the rest of the Bell & Ross WW1 and PW1 watches on its official website. They may be expensive, but B&R would rather cater to what the call “true purists.”
The WWI-92 edition watch (which goes by the nick name “Military”) has a mat grey steel housing and distressed strap. Its face is inspired from military aviation watches as the graduation emphasizes the minutes instead of hours. Meanwhile, the WWI-97 (code name “Reserve de Marche”) has a simpler clock face with a large date, crocodile leather strap, and a power reserve indicator.
If you want to go really retro, the PW1 (Pocket Watch 1) would be your thing. This B&R pocket watch features similar design details from the WW1 line. It also comes with a chain, a polished case, and a barleycorn guilloché caseback.
Check out the rest of the Bell & Ross WW1 and PW1 watches on its official website. They may be expensive, but B&R would rather cater to what the call “true purists.”
Labels:
Bell and Ross
6:22 AM
Tokyoflash Japan Announces Their First Touchscreen Watch
The Kisai Rogue Touch LED watch started out as a concept on the Tokyoflash Design Studio Blog less than a year ago, and it's now available for purchase. Tokyoflash Japan says the Rogue Touch has “time, date, alarm, dual time
zones, animation feature, LCD ‘always on' display, and LED backlight at
a touch. The watch has a perfectly round form since there are no
buttons on the case.” The watch has a polished gunmetal-colored case
and band and a slightly recessed mineral crystal lens. The watch has
four touch “hot zones” (top, bottom, left, and right) that switch
between modes; touch and hold on a hot zone to enter setup mode for that
function. The touch screen has a lock mode to prevent accidental
input. The Rogue Touch is available with a “natural” background with
blue LEDs, blue background with blue LEDs, red background/red LEDs, or
green background/green LEDs. Tokyoflash is offering a special
discounted price for a short time after release. If you order before
Sept. 30 at 10 am (Japan time), you can get the Rogue Touch for $179 and
free shipping. The normal price for the watch is $199.
6:21 AM
Kidrobot for Swatch Watches
Swatch has teamed up with Kidrobot, an art-driven toy and lifestyle brand, to create a series of eight Kidrobot for Swatch watches. The watches
are based on the unisex Gents model watch, and each watch comes with a
coordinating Dunny, the bunny-like 3″ toy. The eight artists who
designed these watches are: Gary Baseman, Jeremyville, Frank Kozik, Joe
Ledbetter, MAD, Tara McPherson, SSUR, and Tilt. The eight models are
available at Swatch and at points-of-sale around the world. Each watch
and Dunny set is $70.
6:21 AM
HEX Icon Watch Band For iPod Nano
The new Apple iPod Nano has just been introduced several days ago. And just like with all things Apple, many companies are also racing to come up with third party accessories that owners will use along with them. One of the earliest accessories to be introduced for the new iPod Nano is the new line of HEX Icon Watch Bands.
The new HEX Icon Watch Bands are designed for the Generation 6 or 7 iPod Nano. Since these new iPod Nano designs came out, they became quite popular not only as portable media players. People seem to fancy them as great timepieces as well with watch bands designed specifically for them. The HEX Icon Watch Bands provide some added elegant choices for this lot who enjoys using their iPod Nano as a wearable watch. The Hex Icon Watch Bands are available is several color choices at the HexShop for US$40. The iPod Nano's are sold separately.
The new HEX Icon Watch Bands are designed for the Generation 6 or 7 iPod Nano. Since these new iPod Nano designs came out, they became quite popular not only as portable media players. People seem to fancy them as great timepieces as well with watch bands designed specifically for them. The HEX Icon Watch Bands provide some added elegant choices for this lot who enjoys using their iPod Nano as a wearable watch. The Hex Icon Watch Bands are available is several color choices at the HexShop for US$40. The iPod Nano's are sold separately.
6:20 AM
Atomic time is so yesterday . . .
Most watches require the time to be set manually. Some watches have the functionality to auto set to the correct time when it receives a signal from an atomic clock. The Citizen Eco-Drive Satellite Wave watch gets its time differently. Like its name, this Citizen watch gets the time directly from satellites
orbiting the earth. No need to worry about batteries because the
Eco-Drive technology inside runs off the sun or any light source. With
the Satellite Wave, you'll have
the correct time whether you're in the middle of the Pacific Ocean,
stuck in the Sahara or lost in the Artic Circle. That is if you have
$3,000 to spare before this limited edition watch runs out.
6:19 AM
Motorola Introduces MotoACTV Smart Watch
Motorola has another card up its sleeve during its press event in
New York, where everyone expected the company to unveil its latest Droid smartphone, as it announces the MotoACTV, a “smart watch” for the sporty kind.
The MotoACTV features a 600MHz processor, a built-in heart rate monitor (without the chest strat), an FM radio, and weighs just 35 grams. It is a GPS-enabled watch with a “smart” music player. Smart because it takes notes of songs that makes users work out harder and plays them more often. The watch also relays every performance stat, from average heart rate to calories burned, to the user through a bluetooth headphone set.
The device can also sort out your performance stats based on your activities–whether it is running, walking, and cycling outside, or treadmill and step machine while indoors. It also syncs with your PC, providing access to a dashboard of performance stats saved at MotoACTV.com.
The MotoACTV smart watch will be available in the United States on November 6. The 8GB version will cost $249.99, while the 16GB model will cost $299.99.
The MotoACTV features a 600MHz processor, a built-in heart rate monitor (without the chest strat), an FM radio, and weighs just 35 grams. It is a GPS-enabled watch with a “smart” music player. Smart because it takes notes of songs that makes users work out harder and plays them more often. The watch also relays every performance stat, from average heart rate to calories burned, to the user through a bluetooth headphone set.
The device can also sort out your performance stats based on your activities–whether it is running, walking, and cycling outside, or treadmill and step machine while indoors. It also syncs with your PC, providing access to a dashboard of performance stats saved at MotoACTV.com.
The MotoACTV smart watch will be available in the United States on November 6. The 8GB version will cost $249.99, while the 16GB model will cost $299.99.
6:19 AM
New smartphones connected to G-Shock watches
NTT Docomo spoke about the new phones coming up in early 2012 called the Medias LTE N-04D and Medias PP N-01D.
Even though most of the technical specifications are still unknown at this time, it was told that both models will support Bluetooth 4.0 LE (Low Energy).
On the same day, Casio announced the new GB-6900 also equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 LE, this watch will enable you to synchronize time across your devices, but also receive notification of incoming messages and calls on your watch. This watch will go on sale on December with a price tag of 235USD.
Even though most of the technical specifications are still unknown at this time, it was told that both models will support Bluetooth 4.0 LE (Low Energy).
On the same day, Casio announced the new GB-6900 also equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 LE, this watch will enable you to synchronize time across your devices, but also receive notification of incoming messages and calls on your watch. This watch will go on sale on December with a price tag of 235USD.
Labels:
G-Shock
6:18 AM
Tokyoflash Tron-Inspired Wristwatch Costs $99 Until October 27
You really have to hand it to Tokyoflash for turning the boring task of telling time into a confusing, brain-squeezing activity with its complex ways of determining the time of day. The tradition continues with this Tron-inspired wristwatch called the Kisai Seven.
This watch takes its design cues from the classic sci-fi film from Disney, consisting of just two pulsing LED rings (available in blue and white) that are reminiscent of “identity discs,” the movie's weapon of choice. The rings can be customized by three animation pre-sets.
The Tokyoflash Kisai Seven is now available at its online store and you need to buy quick. That's because the company offers a special two-day sale (ending October 27) wherein the watch can be yours for only $99 and after that it is back to its original $139 price tag.
This watch takes its design cues from the classic sci-fi film from Disney, consisting of just two pulsing LED rings (available in blue and white) that are reminiscent of “identity discs,” the movie's weapon of choice. The rings can be customized by three animation pre-sets.
The Tokyoflash Kisai Seven is now available at its online store and you need to buy quick. That's because the company offers a special two-day sale (ending October 27) wherein the watch can be yours for only $99 and after that it is back to its original $139 price tag.
7:05 AM
Tokyoflash Kisai Night Vision Watch
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
It seems that today's wristwatches are not only designed to tell time.
They are usually designed to tell time in a different way. That's the
appeal of wrist watches like the Tokyoflash Kisai Night Vision LED
Watch.
Just like most of the watches that come out from Tokyoflash, the Kisai Night Vision LED Watch tells time in a different way that what is usual. Instead of the ordinary clock face or digital watch interface fond on conventional wrist watches, the Kisai Night Vision watch features a blank black face that will show the time at a touch of the top button. The outer rings that light up indicate the hours similar to the positioning of the hours on the analog clock. The minutes are shown as digits inside the rings.
The date can be shown when pressing the lower button on the watch. The months are indicated by the outer ring with the day as the digits in the center. The Kisai Night Vision watch is considered as one of the easiest watches to read from Tokyoflash. It also features an alarm mode as well as an interesting light animation mode that can be activated to show up every 15 minutes.
The Tokyoflash Kisai Night Vision watch is rechargeable via USB. A full charge can last for 1 month. This unique wrist watch is available at Tokyoflash as a limited edition offer for US$129.
source:Gadget.com
Just like most of the watches that come out from Tokyoflash, the Kisai Night Vision LED Watch tells time in a different way that what is usual. Instead of the ordinary clock face or digital watch interface fond on conventional wrist watches, the Kisai Night Vision watch features a blank black face that will show the time at a touch of the top button. The outer rings that light up indicate the hours similar to the positioning of the hours on the analog clock. The minutes are shown as digits inside the rings.
The date can be shown when pressing the lower button on the watch. The months are indicated by the outer ring with the day as the digits in the center. The Kisai Night Vision watch is considered as one of the easiest watches to read from Tokyoflash. It also features an alarm mode as well as an interesting light animation mode that can be activated to show up every 15 minutes.
The Tokyoflash Kisai Night Vision watch is rechargeable via USB. A full charge can last for 1 month. This unique wrist watch is available at Tokyoflash as a limited edition offer for US$129.
source:Gadget.com
7:03 AM
Momentum Format 4 Titanium Review
We are big fans of analog-digital watches here at WatchReport, so we’re
delighted to review the latest release from Momentum. This is the Format
4, an updated version of their Format 2 done in titanium and optional
sapphire. Let’s start with some specifications:
Like the Omega, the Format 4 is matte-finished titanium, one of our favorite metals for watches. Light, durable, low-key and, for those allergic to nickel, non-allergenic. It will scratch more easily than steel, but on a tool/functional watch like this that’s a minor drawback. The picture on the left (click to see the full image) shows the unusual teardrop-shaped buttons. The rounded shape contrasts the squarish case, but from the top view (see the first picture) they look unremarkable. In use, the larger size works very well with or without gloves, and the feel is good.
The closeup also shows the square teeth on the bezel. Easy to grab, and unlike the Omega this one is a ratcheting dive bezel, 120 clicks and a lumed pip at the top for nighttime usage.
On the right hand side, another look at the buttons and the unsigned, screwdown crown for the analog movement. This is the first inkling of how Momentum was able to ship a watch for a tenth of the price: the analog movement is not synchronized to the digital one, and is set separately via the crown. This is not unusual; Yes watches do the same thing, as does Phosphor and many others. It’s less expensive to design a new digital movement, by far, than a new analog-digital. Personally, since quartz is so accurate, I set them both and don’t worry about it until the next trip or timezone change.
Nicely made screwdown caseback, functional and watertight. The alarms aren’t as loud because of that, but still more than enough to wake me up. It’s incredibly difficult to make a super-loud alarm and retain any degree of water resistance.
You can also see the hooded lug design. I like this for a couple of reasons: stylistically it looks cleaner, where the ends of the strap are tucked under the case, and if you change straps they look better without the visible curved gap. Secondly, by doing so Momentum kept the watch a more wearable 45.7mm lug-to-lug. This one should work really well on smaller wrists.
Here you can see it on my average 7.25″ wrist. Very comfortable, and as you can see the reverse LCD has a nice wide viewing angle. I really like how the display are pixels and not segments, so words like ‘Chrono’,’ ‘LCD off’ and “New York” are cleared spelled out and scrolled. It makes the watch a lot more usable and less dependent on memorizing the manual. Momentum also put in icons and graphics: the countdown timer has an hourglass, the stopwatch has a reverse-L shape to separate lap count; little touches that aid usability and I appreciate them.
I’ be remiss not to note the similarity to another famous analog-digital, the Breitling Aerospace and its siblings. Upright Arabic numerals, dual LCD displays and the clean dial layout. In a lot of ways, though, I like the Format 4 better: It has a second hand, the font is upright and not italicized and quite frankly using the crown to control the digital movement is utterly useless in a plane. Just too fiddly; big buttons are much better.
One other feature I like a lot is the power-saving mode. You can press the lower right button and hold it, which turns off the LCDs until the next button press. You can also set the watch to automatically turn them off and on at set times, for example overnight. Saves power and makes for a clean, low-profile appearance. It’ll never be a dress watch, but with the LCDs off you could certainly wear it to more formal occasions.
The picture on the right was a tricky one to take, I had to charge the lume with a UV lamp, press the backlight button and then get it into the rig before the light went off in three seconds. Tricky, but hopefully you can tell how the dial is well-lumed and the backlight is the low-key EL type that lights up the lit pixels. A good watch if you want to read it in the dark and not have flashes of bright LEDs spoiling your night vision.
According to Momentum, later this year they’ll have a matching bracelet available which I think would be very nice. I’m a huge fan, as they’re more wearable in hot weather, work well in a wider variety of situations and look nicer. The vanilla-scented rubber strap is lighter, of course, and easily replaced if necessary. The bracelet should be available in December with an anticipated price of $355.
I would also like to thank Momentum for participating online in the watch forums. Us watch nuts really appreciate that; it’s one of the delights of the boutique brands.
As the right-side image shows, this is a handsome watch, with a very functional look and killer price. At $285 for mineral/rubber, it’s a fantastic deal for an analog-digital, with backlight, in titanium and rated to 100m. The displays are larger than most, making them a lot more readable and usable. (Some of the Casios, for example, are too small to read if you’re in a hurry, exercising or moving your arm.) The function set on the digital is excellent and the legibility on the analog is fabulous.
Our thanks to Momentum for the review unit.
source:Watch Report
- Titanium case, 43mm across at the bezel by 14mm thick. 45.7mm from lug to lug, 80g on the rubber strap.
- Mineral or optional sapphire crystal
- Water resistant to 100m (330ft)
- Available later this year with a matching bracelet
- Powered by separate analog and digital movements – the crown controls the analog, and the buttons the digital.
- Unidirectional 120-click bezel with lumed pip
- Lumed analog dial and hands
- Pixel-based reverse-LCD display with EL backlighting
- World time, five alarms, countdown timer, stopwatch, power-saving features and more.
- List price of $285 with mineral crystal and rubber strap, $365 with sapphire.
Like the Omega, the Format 4 is matte-finished titanium, one of our favorite metals for watches. Light, durable, low-key and, for those allergic to nickel, non-allergenic. It will scratch more easily than steel, but on a tool/functional watch like this that’s a minor drawback. The picture on the left (click to see the full image) shows the unusual teardrop-shaped buttons. The rounded shape contrasts the squarish case, but from the top view (see the first picture) they look unremarkable. In use, the larger size works very well with or without gloves, and the feel is good.
The closeup also shows the square teeth on the bezel. Easy to grab, and unlike the Omega this one is a ratcheting dive bezel, 120 clicks and a lumed pip at the top for nighttime usage.
On the right hand side, another look at the buttons and the unsigned, screwdown crown for the analog movement. This is the first inkling of how Momentum was able to ship a watch for a tenth of the price: the analog movement is not synchronized to the digital one, and is set separately via the crown. This is not unusual; Yes watches do the same thing, as does Phosphor and many others. It’s less expensive to design a new digital movement, by far, than a new analog-digital. Personally, since quartz is so accurate, I set them both and don’t worry about it until the next trip or timezone change.
Nicely made screwdown caseback, functional and watertight. The alarms aren’t as loud because of that, but still more than enough to wake me up. It’s incredibly difficult to make a super-loud alarm and retain any degree of water resistance.
You can also see the hooded lug design. I like this for a couple of reasons: stylistically it looks cleaner, where the ends of the strap are tucked under the case, and if you change straps they look better without the visible curved gap. Secondly, by doing so Momentum kept the watch a more wearable 45.7mm lug-to-lug. This one should work really well on smaller wrists.
Here you can see it on my average 7.25″ wrist. Very comfortable, and as you can see the reverse LCD has a nice wide viewing angle. I really like how the display are pixels and not segments, so words like ‘Chrono’,’ ‘LCD off’ and “New York” are cleared spelled out and scrolled. It makes the watch a lot more usable and less dependent on memorizing the manual. Momentum also put in icons and graphics: the countdown timer has an hourglass, the stopwatch has a reverse-L shape to separate lap count; little touches that aid usability and I appreciate them.
I’ be remiss not to note the similarity to another famous analog-digital, the Breitling Aerospace and its siblings. Upright Arabic numerals, dual LCD displays and the clean dial layout. In a lot of ways, though, I like the Format 4 better: It has a second hand, the font is upright and not italicized and quite frankly using the crown to control the digital movement is utterly useless in a plane. Just too fiddly; big buttons are much better.
One other feature I like a lot is the power-saving mode. You can press the lower right button and hold it, which turns off the LCDs until the next button press. You can also set the watch to automatically turn them off and on at set times, for example overnight. Saves power and makes for a clean, low-profile appearance. It’ll never be a dress watch, but with the LCDs off you could certainly wear it to more formal occasions.
The picture on the right was a tricky one to take, I had to charge the lume with a UV lamp, press the backlight button and then get it into the rig before the light went off in three seconds. Tricky, but hopefully you can tell how the dial is well-lumed and the backlight is the low-key EL type that lights up the lit pixels. A good watch if you want to read it in the dark and not have flashes of bright LEDs spoiling your night vision.
According to Momentum, later this year they’ll have a matching bracelet available which I think would be very nice. I’m a huge fan, as they’re more wearable in hot weather, work well in a wider variety of situations and look nicer. The vanilla-scented rubber strap is lighter, of course, and easily replaced if necessary. The bracelet should be available in December with an anticipated price of $355.
I would also like to thank Momentum for participating online in the watch forums. Us watch nuts really appreciate that; it’s one of the delights of the boutique brands.
As the right-side image shows, this is a handsome watch, with a very functional look and killer price. At $285 for mineral/rubber, it’s a fantastic deal for an analog-digital, with backlight, in titanium and rated to 100m. The displays are larger than most, making them a lot more readable and usable. (Some of the Casios, for example, are too small to read if you’re in a hurry, exercising or moving your arm.) The function set on the digital is excellent and the legibility on the analog is fabulous.
Our thanks to Momentum for the review unit.
source:Watch Report
7:02 AM
Bremont Supermarine S500 Review
Bremont's brand statement is "Tested Beyond Endurance" and the
Supermarine features a series of specialized systems that should make it
one of the toughest and most reliable divers on the market today not to
mention one of the most advanced sport watches in its class. While that
brand statement may seem like a nice footer for business cards and
power point presentations, Bremont takes these words as more of a
mission statement than marketing buzz words.
The Supermarine is named after the famed British aircraft manufacturer that made the Spitfire fighter plane which was flown in the World War II and the S6-B which can be seen on the case back of the S500 Supermarine. The case design its self is one of Bremont's biggest achievements. The Trip-Tick case features a three piece design (see expanded diagram in gallery below) which incorporates an upper hardened steel frame and lug chassis, a central DLC treated stainless steel barrel and a screw down case back. From a design standpoint this allows the lugs to carry a more sculpted, downward curve resulting in a more comfortable and slimmer feel than the S500′s 16mm height might suggest. The steel used in Bremont's watches is heat treated in Britain to harden its composition using a similar process to that which hardens jet turbine blades. The end result is a hardness rating of 2000 vickers (HV) which is some nine times harder than conventional 316L steel used in most watches. Rolex uses 904L stainless steel which is only rated to ~490 HV and Sinn makes some watches out of Tegimented submarine steel which has an outer layer rated to 1200 HV. A hardness rating of 2000 HV literally brings the hardness of the Supermarine's case into the same range as a quality sapphire crystal, so while the Supermarine is not scratch proof it is going to fight the signs of use better than most watches including all of it competitors.
The crown is located at two o'clock on the Bremont Supermarine and the right side of the case also features a gorgeous crown guard that is essentially a design element that raises the outer edge of the case to protect the screw down crown from direct impacts. Please take a moment to view the included photos as this is both a clever solution compared to conventional crown guards and suits the style of the S500 flawlessly. The left side of the case features an integrated automatic helium escape valve for saturation diving. While the HEV will not be used by the majority of Supermarine buyers, it is a technical benchmark seen on most luxury dive watches produced today. Technical benchmarks aside, the Supermarine has definitely been made for diving and in testing nearly tripled its 500 meter water resistance rating. Bremont does not take your attention for granted and has gone to great lengths (or depths) to make a watch that will keep up as well on a dive as it will to dinner that evening.
One of the few elements that is instantly noticeable on a high quality watch is the crystal. Budget watches use mineral glass while pricier options employ synthetic sapphire that can vary in clarity and hardness. In the luxury range the sapphire should be almost invisible under normal use and be as hard as possible (1800+ HV). Bremont takes their crystals very seriously, believing that the crystal should be protective but other wise unobtrusive and not distract or distort the view of the dial. The S500 Supermarine features a slightly domed sapphire crystal with nine layers of anti-reflective coating on each side. The crystal does not distort the dial nor does it exhibit much of the blue flaring that is seen on many crystals with anti-reflective coatings. The Bremont's sapphire crystal carries the same hardness rating as the case so it is quite unlikely you will scratch or superficially damage the crystal in any way. On wrist the crystal seems to disappears and leaves you to enjoy the beautiful details of the dial.
The dial, including the hand set, is likely what will first draw buyers to the Supermarine. The design of the dial matches beautifully with the overall styling of the Supermarine which is classic without being faux-vintage or feeling outdated. The rich black of the dial is contrasted well by the slightly off white luminous paint used on the markers and hands. The twin aperture day/date window border is nicely finished and the white text on a black background is easily legible. Bremont has not cluttered the dial with paragraphs of text or busy logos. Instead, the S500 carries the Bremont name and minimalist logo, its own name, and its water resistance. The center of the dial is largely devoted to a gorgeous striped pattern bordered by a circular design similar to railway tracks. The striped pattern looks engraved like a counter-relief, not painted or applied to the surface but rather part of the dial and very much three dimensional. It is excellent in every way, and gives the S500 a unique aesthetic which dresses up an otherwise simple dial. Lastly, the hands are an attractive design that also aids legibility and accuracy as they are long enough to fully reach their designated scale. The "lolly pop" hour hand is a somewhat divisive style but one that I think is lovely and makes the Supermarine instantly recognizable among steel clad, black dial divers much of the world is wearing. The dial, applied markers and beautiful hands make for a very legible design that is as functional as it is attractive. If you want something with more color than the model shown here (the S500/BK) there are also options with blue (S500/BL) or silver dials (S500/SI) or a bezel with a cool green twenty minute scale (S500/BK-GN). Lastly, Bremont released the Supermarine Descent LE which boasts a complete DLC coating and a black/green bezel for a more stealthy look.
Most dive watches have unidirectional counter-clockwise rotating bezels that are used to time different aspects of a dive ranging from total dive time to decompression times. The bezel on the Bremont Supermarine is a 120 click unidirectional bezel that features a sapphire insert which sits above a minute scale that has been treated with luminous paint. The markings on the bezel charge via available light just like the hands and markers on the dial and the end result is as much fun as it is practical (see photos and video). The sapphire insert shares the same 2000 HV hardness rating as the domed sapphire crystal and should have no problems warding away the scratches and markings from normal use. The edge of the bezel is notched for grip and works well with wet or dry hands. The action of the bezel is positive and it does not exhibit any wobble or tendency to "swim" between each click. The S500's bezel is high quality, easy to use and should be more than tough enough for even a sporting owner.
The internal elements of the case are just as advanced as its exterior. The entire movement and its anti-shock system is housed inside a Faraday cage to protect the movement from magnetism. Inside the anti-magnetic casing is a proprietary anti-shock system that incorporates a rubberized movement mount that keeps the movement "floating" and confined to minute tolerances as opposed to being clamped to the case its self. Bremont developed this anti-shock system in co-operation with Martin Baker, the company responsible for manufacturing 70% of the worlds ejector seats for over ninety air forces world wide. The Bremont MB series was developed to be able to withstand the use of an ejector seat which subjects the timepiece and all of its internals (not to mention the pilot) to over 30Gs worth of force. Bremont's research subjected the test units to 40 years worth of vibration, and additional tests for shock, magnetic interference, corrosion and climate tests. All watches in this market are tested extensively but few are put through the kinds of field testing that Bremont subjects their watches to while they advance through development stages.
Underneath all of this hardened steel, sapphire and layer upon layer of luminous paint is of course the S500's movement. The Supermarine is powered by Bremont's BE-36AE which is a modified ETA 2836 Swiss automatic movement with a 36 hour power reserve. The BE-36AE boasts 25 jewels, a glucydur balance, an anachron balance spring and a nivaflex 1 mainspring. All of Bremont's watches are certified COSC chronometers and come fitted with a custom Bremont rotor. The movement cannot be seen on the Supermarine as it uses a solid stainless steel case back. The model provided on loan from Bremont ran a steady -1s per day on wrist and held a +3 average time on a winder, this variance is well within COSC timing and we think it simply suggests the Supermarine prefers a spot on your wrist over a spot in your watch case.
In person the Bremont Supermarine really shines, if you have not experienced a luxury watch on your wrist they have a distinctively different feel and visual appeal when compared to entry level options. The case design on the Supermarine (and indeed all Bremont watches) is outstanding, even in their price range. The lugs are drawn from the top section of the case and curve downward with a very unique shape. The mix of brushed and polished sections on the lugs is excellent and the shape of the case is unlike anything I have reviewed. In addition to their visual quality, the short downward shaped lugs make for a very practical lug to lug distance of just over 50mm. The Supermarine feels and looks 43mm wide and I think that is a perfect size for this watch. The case wears closer to 12mm or 13mm thick and was not prone to catch door frames, table tops or edges any more than a thinner watch would. When on wrist the Bremont comes into its own, its comfortable case is mounted to a soft but sturdy rubber strap that features a low profile buckle that hugs the edges of the rubber and reduces the buckles tendency to catch on sleeves or deep pockets.
With such a solid feature set and attractive design you're likely not expecting the Supermarine to be cheap, and it isn't. The Supermarine on a rubber strap carries an MSRP of $5150. The Supermarine battles directly against models from Omega, Breitling and IWC. At the $5000 price point, the Bremont is expensive but not overpriced. Most options from Omega, Breitling and IWC use modified ETA calibers but cannot match the S500′s exclusive case design, anti-shock system or low production volume. The most obvious competition is the IWC Aquatimer with its modified eta movement, illuminated sapphire bezel, and a matched list price of $5200 USD. I think the Bremont has the IWC outmatched in many crucial ways. Yes, the IWC is a more well known brand with more history than the Bremont but as a watch you're actually going to spend your own money on, the Bremont is simply better value and for my money, a better looking watch. The Supermarine features a more advanced and robust case design and composition, it will be more exclusive than the IWC, and (for the time being) you will pay less for the Bremont brand name. In all reality, most buyers choosing a watch solely on its brand name will overlook IWC or Bremont for Rolex, Omega or even Tag Heuer. Bremont is still a young brand that is proving its self on a watch-by-watch basis which means you are getting a different pricing structure than you will with a Swiss marque where the brand alone commands a price point regardless of the features or technology showcased by the watch. Bremont is commanding its price point with excellent and attractive designs that are backed by a relentless testing process and company leadership that places craftsmanship, quality and longevity above all else. While there are not a lot of distinctively British watch manufacturers there is a rich history in the UK concerning engineering, technology and design which can be seen in world class projects like the Concorde, the McLaren F1, the Millau Viaduct, and even planes like the Supermarine Spitfire and the S.6B. All of these endeavours were upstarts in their own way, challenging the status of their industry by boasting cutting edge technology, game changing design and raising the bar for the competition. The Supermarine is a beautiful, well made and thoughtfully designed watch that shows there is room for yet another serious contender in the luxury dive watch segment.
source:Watch Report
The Supermarine is named after the famed British aircraft manufacturer that made the Spitfire fighter plane which was flown in the World War II and the S6-B which can be seen on the case back of the S500 Supermarine. The case design its self is one of Bremont's biggest achievements. The Trip-Tick case features a three piece design (see expanded diagram in gallery below) which incorporates an upper hardened steel frame and lug chassis, a central DLC treated stainless steel barrel and a screw down case back. From a design standpoint this allows the lugs to carry a more sculpted, downward curve resulting in a more comfortable and slimmer feel than the S500′s 16mm height might suggest. The steel used in Bremont's watches is heat treated in Britain to harden its composition using a similar process to that which hardens jet turbine blades. The end result is a hardness rating of 2000 vickers (HV) which is some nine times harder than conventional 316L steel used in most watches. Rolex uses 904L stainless steel which is only rated to ~490 HV and Sinn makes some watches out of Tegimented submarine steel which has an outer layer rated to 1200 HV. A hardness rating of 2000 HV literally brings the hardness of the Supermarine's case into the same range as a quality sapphire crystal, so while the Supermarine is not scratch proof it is going to fight the signs of use better than most watches including all of it competitors.
The crown is located at two o'clock on the Bremont Supermarine and the right side of the case also features a gorgeous crown guard that is essentially a design element that raises the outer edge of the case to protect the screw down crown from direct impacts. Please take a moment to view the included photos as this is both a clever solution compared to conventional crown guards and suits the style of the S500 flawlessly. The left side of the case features an integrated automatic helium escape valve for saturation diving. While the HEV will not be used by the majority of Supermarine buyers, it is a technical benchmark seen on most luxury dive watches produced today. Technical benchmarks aside, the Supermarine has definitely been made for diving and in testing nearly tripled its 500 meter water resistance rating. Bremont does not take your attention for granted and has gone to great lengths (or depths) to make a watch that will keep up as well on a dive as it will to dinner that evening.
One of the few elements that is instantly noticeable on a high quality watch is the crystal. Budget watches use mineral glass while pricier options employ synthetic sapphire that can vary in clarity and hardness. In the luxury range the sapphire should be almost invisible under normal use and be as hard as possible (1800+ HV). Bremont takes their crystals very seriously, believing that the crystal should be protective but other wise unobtrusive and not distract or distort the view of the dial. The S500 Supermarine features a slightly domed sapphire crystal with nine layers of anti-reflective coating on each side. The crystal does not distort the dial nor does it exhibit much of the blue flaring that is seen on many crystals with anti-reflective coatings. The Bremont's sapphire crystal carries the same hardness rating as the case so it is quite unlikely you will scratch or superficially damage the crystal in any way. On wrist the crystal seems to disappears and leaves you to enjoy the beautiful details of the dial.
The dial, including the hand set, is likely what will first draw buyers to the Supermarine. The design of the dial matches beautifully with the overall styling of the Supermarine which is classic without being faux-vintage or feeling outdated. The rich black of the dial is contrasted well by the slightly off white luminous paint used on the markers and hands. The twin aperture day/date window border is nicely finished and the white text on a black background is easily legible. Bremont has not cluttered the dial with paragraphs of text or busy logos. Instead, the S500 carries the Bremont name and minimalist logo, its own name, and its water resistance. The center of the dial is largely devoted to a gorgeous striped pattern bordered by a circular design similar to railway tracks. The striped pattern looks engraved like a counter-relief, not painted or applied to the surface but rather part of the dial and very much three dimensional. It is excellent in every way, and gives the S500 a unique aesthetic which dresses up an otherwise simple dial. Lastly, the hands are an attractive design that also aids legibility and accuracy as they are long enough to fully reach their designated scale. The "lolly pop" hour hand is a somewhat divisive style but one that I think is lovely and makes the Supermarine instantly recognizable among steel clad, black dial divers much of the world is wearing. The dial, applied markers and beautiful hands make for a very legible design that is as functional as it is attractive. If you want something with more color than the model shown here (the S500/BK) there are also options with blue (S500/BL) or silver dials (S500/SI) or a bezel with a cool green twenty minute scale (S500/BK-GN). Lastly, Bremont released the Supermarine Descent LE which boasts a complete DLC coating and a black/green bezel for a more stealthy look.
Most dive watches have unidirectional counter-clockwise rotating bezels that are used to time different aspects of a dive ranging from total dive time to decompression times. The bezel on the Bremont Supermarine is a 120 click unidirectional bezel that features a sapphire insert which sits above a minute scale that has been treated with luminous paint. The markings on the bezel charge via available light just like the hands and markers on the dial and the end result is as much fun as it is practical (see photos and video). The sapphire insert shares the same 2000 HV hardness rating as the domed sapphire crystal and should have no problems warding away the scratches and markings from normal use. The edge of the bezel is notched for grip and works well with wet or dry hands. The action of the bezel is positive and it does not exhibit any wobble or tendency to "swim" between each click. The S500's bezel is high quality, easy to use and should be more than tough enough for even a sporting owner.
The internal elements of the case are just as advanced as its exterior. The entire movement and its anti-shock system is housed inside a Faraday cage to protect the movement from magnetism. Inside the anti-magnetic casing is a proprietary anti-shock system that incorporates a rubberized movement mount that keeps the movement "floating" and confined to minute tolerances as opposed to being clamped to the case its self. Bremont developed this anti-shock system in co-operation with Martin Baker, the company responsible for manufacturing 70% of the worlds ejector seats for over ninety air forces world wide. The Bremont MB series was developed to be able to withstand the use of an ejector seat which subjects the timepiece and all of its internals (not to mention the pilot) to over 30Gs worth of force. Bremont's research subjected the test units to 40 years worth of vibration, and additional tests for shock, magnetic interference, corrosion and climate tests. All watches in this market are tested extensively but few are put through the kinds of field testing that Bremont subjects their watches to while they advance through development stages.
Underneath all of this hardened steel, sapphire and layer upon layer of luminous paint is of course the S500's movement. The Supermarine is powered by Bremont's BE-36AE which is a modified ETA 2836 Swiss automatic movement with a 36 hour power reserve. The BE-36AE boasts 25 jewels, a glucydur balance, an anachron balance spring and a nivaflex 1 mainspring. All of Bremont's watches are certified COSC chronometers and come fitted with a custom Bremont rotor. The movement cannot be seen on the Supermarine as it uses a solid stainless steel case back. The model provided on loan from Bremont ran a steady -1s per day on wrist and held a +3 average time on a winder, this variance is well within COSC timing and we think it simply suggests the Supermarine prefers a spot on your wrist over a spot in your watch case.
In person the Bremont Supermarine really shines, if you have not experienced a luxury watch on your wrist they have a distinctively different feel and visual appeal when compared to entry level options. The case design on the Supermarine (and indeed all Bremont watches) is outstanding, even in their price range. The lugs are drawn from the top section of the case and curve downward with a very unique shape. The mix of brushed and polished sections on the lugs is excellent and the shape of the case is unlike anything I have reviewed. In addition to their visual quality, the short downward shaped lugs make for a very practical lug to lug distance of just over 50mm. The Supermarine feels and looks 43mm wide and I think that is a perfect size for this watch. The case wears closer to 12mm or 13mm thick and was not prone to catch door frames, table tops or edges any more than a thinner watch would. When on wrist the Bremont comes into its own, its comfortable case is mounted to a soft but sturdy rubber strap that features a low profile buckle that hugs the edges of the rubber and reduces the buckles tendency to catch on sleeves or deep pockets.
With such a solid feature set and attractive design you're likely not expecting the Supermarine to be cheap, and it isn't. The Supermarine on a rubber strap carries an MSRP of $5150. The Supermarine battles directly against models from Omega, Breitling and IWC. At the $5000 price point, the Bremont is expensive but not overpriced. Most options from Omega, Breitling and IWC use modified ETA calibers but cannot match the S500′s exclusive case design, anti-shock system or low production volume. The most obvious competition is the IWC Aquatimer with its modified eta movement, illuminated sapphire bezel, and a matched list price of $5200 USD. I think the Bremont has the IWC outmatched in many crucial ways. Yes, the IWC is a more well known brand with more history than the Bremont but as a watch you're actually going to spend your own money on, the Bremont is simply better value and for my money, a better looking watch. The Supermarine features a more advanced and robust case design and composition, it will be more exclusive than the IWC, and (for the time being) you will pay less for the Bremont brand name. In all reality, most buyers choosing a watch solely on its brand name will overlook IWC or Bremont for Rolex, Omega or even Tag Heuer. Bremont is still a young brand that is proving its self on a watch-by-watch basis which means you are getting a different pricing structure than you will with a Swiss marque where the brand alone commands a price point regardless of the features or technology showcased by the watch. Bremont is commanding its price point with excellent and attractive designs that are backed by a relentless testing process and company leadership that places craftsmanship, quality and longevity above all else. While there are not a lot of distinctively British watch manufacturers there is a rich history in the UK concerning engineering, technology and design which can be seen in world class projects like the Concorde, the McLaren F1, the Millau Viaduct, and even planes like the Supermarine Spitfire and the S.6B. All of these endeavours were upstarts in their own way, challenging the status of their industry by boasting cutting edge technology, game changing design and raising the bar for the competition. The Supermarine is a beautiful, well made and thoughtfully designed watch that shows there is room for yet another serious contender in the luxury dive watch segment.
source:Watch Report
7:00 AM
Lark wants to change the way you sleep and wake up
The problem with alarm clocks is that they wake you up in the
middle of a dream, and not just you, but also all the people at your
place. Furthermore, alarm clocks don't know if you are already awake or
not, and therefore they don't know when to stop the alarm and when to
continue with it. The Lark
wants to change your awaking experience. The product consists of a
wrist band, charging dock and an App for your iOS device (Android App
will be available later). The functionality is simple, you set the alarm
on the iOS device and then the wrist-band will vibrate and wake you up
quietly. In addition to that, the wrist band also monitor your movements
during your sleep and can provide you with details like, how long it
took you to fall asleep, how many times you woke up, how long you slept
and the quality of sleep. You can use the ‘sleep coach' software that
enhances the lark to enable you to achieve your sleeping goals and to
receive feedback on how to improve your sleep quality. The product was
developed by ‘sleep and pro sport experts' and it costs 99$ or 159$ with
the personal sleep trainer bundle.
source:The Gadgeteer
source:The Gadgeteer
6:55 AM
An Alarm Clock with a New Age Twist
Some of us are such deep sleepers that transplanting Big Ben from
London to our night tables still might not wake us. If you aren't one
of those people, you might like to be awakened by the gentle tinkling of
wind chimes. This Wind Chime Alarm Clock from Vat19
can wake you with the sound of electronic beeps or with the wind
chimes. The clock runs on 3 AAA batteries, and it has 12- or 24-hour
modes for time display. If you like, you can set the chimes to play
continually, although that does quickly deplete the batteries. The
alarm clock is $19.95.
source:The Gadgeteer
source:The Gadgeteer
10:51 AM
OCEAN7 LM-4 V2 Review
Monday, September 12, 2011
New technologies and manufacturing processes afford the modern watch
buyer a dizzying array of choices for their next watch. Modern sport watches feature the use of carbon fiber, rubber, hardened steel, titanium, plastics, multiple types of stainless steel
and even ceramic materials. Ceramic is a compound that has long been
favored in manufacturing for its resilience, light weight and and
considerable strength when compared to most metals. As we mentioned in
our preview, ceramic has some excellent strengths that make it very
useful in watch making applications but the actual manufacturing process
is difficult and costly. The OCEAN7 LM-4 V2 is the second generation of
OCEAN7′s ceramic sport watch model that incorporates a fully ceramic case with a swiss automatic movement and healthy does of aviation styling.
The LM-4 V2′s ceramic case is fitted with an internal metal sub-case. In other ceramic watches the sub-case can sometimes be seen in the seam between the case and the bezel or the bezel and the chapter ring but the LM-4 V2 design effectively hides the sub-case out of sight so that the aesthetic of the ceramic and its finishing is uninterrupted. The ceramic is also a challenge in that no two of the cases are identical, internally they vary by tiny tolerances so the sub-case has to be measured and fitted individually to ensure a proper fit. OCEAN7 had to battle a series of set backs finding the right groups with the right ceramic experience to help them make the LM-4 V2.
Apart from the very cool case, the LM-4 V2 features a slightly domed sapphire crystal with an internal anti reflective coating. Inside beats a Swiss ETA-2824 movement which shows its date in a small aperture between the four and five hour markers on the dial. The ETA in our loaner was running steadily at +5 seconds a day which is well within the operating range of this movement. In the event that greater accuracy is required, buyers will be able to option the LM-4 V2 with a COSC certified movement which should improve the already acceptable accuracy. The luminous paint on this version of the LM-4 V2 is C3 Super Luminova which is an off white when in a bright setting but glows green in the dark. C3 is the brightest, longest lasting option in the color range and they aren't kidding when it comes to the LM-4 V2′s ability to glow. The lume ion the LM-4 V2 easily lasts the night and even when it nears complete depletion the hands and markers are large enough to still be visible when the lume is so low that a smaller hand size would disappear into the darkness. The LM-4 V2 will also be available with the option of orange lume or a shadow luminous paint that looks grey/black in daylight but glows white at night.
This unique OCEAN7 comes fitted to a carbon fiber style strap that is 24mm wide and carries a 3d pattern that works well with the matte black finish of the ceramic case. The strap has a leather liner and comes with a matching PVD black tab buckle. The end result is yet another OCEAN7 that will make for a very capable daily wearer thanks to its strong and scratch resistant case. The LM-4 V2 comes with all the usual amenities like a Swiss automatic movement, a sapphire crystal and some pseudo-military aviation styling but the watch its self is much more than that. OCEAN7 set out to make a quality ceramic timepiece at a reasonable price even though much of the Swiss competition falls into the $5,000+ price range. The LM-4 V2 can be had in the pictured configuration for $899. The going rate for an ETA powered sport watch from an indie brand is roughly $700 – $800 so you aren't paying a huge premium for the ceramic case but it adds a considerable amount of value and practicality to the LM-4 range. The LM-4 V2 is a well built sport watch with a dependable movement, good feature set and backing from a brand known for excellent customer service and reliable dive watches so the fact that the case is made of ceramic is really just a bonus on the score sheet for an already nice watch.
source:Watch Report
- 44 x 15mm
- 55.5 L2L
- 24mm Lugs
- Matte sandblasted ceramic case
- Domed sapphire crystal with AR
- ETA 2824-2
- Screw down crown
- C3 Swiss Super Luminova
- 100m/330ft WR
- $899
The LM-4 V2′s ceramic case is fitted with an internal metal sub-case. In other ceramic watches the sub-case can sometimes be seen in the seam between the case and the bezel or the bezel and the chapter ring but the LM-4 V2 design effectively hides the sub-case out of sight so that the aesthetic of the ceramic and its finishing is uninterrupted. The ceramic is also a challenge in that no two of the cases are identical, internally they vary by tiny tolerances so the sub-case has to be measured and fitted individually to ensure a proper fit. OCEAN7 had to battle a series of set backs finding the right groups with the right ceramic experience to help them make the LM-4 V2.
Apart from the very cool case, the LM-4 V2 features a slightly domed sapphire crystal with an internal anti reflective coating. Inside beats a Swiss ETA-2824 movement which shows its date in a small aperture between the four and five hour markers on the dial. The ETA in our loaner was running steadily at +5 seconds a day which is well within the operating range of this movement. In the event that greater accuracy is required, buyers will be able to option the LM-4 V2 with a COSC certified movement which should improve the already acceptable accuracy. The luminous paint on this version of the LM-4 V2 is C3 Super Luminova which is an off white when in a bright setting but glows green in the dark. C3 is the brightest, longest lasting option in the color range and they aren't kidding when it comes to the LM-4 V2′s ability to glow. The lume ion the LM-4 V2 easily lasts the night and even when it nears complete depletion the hands and markers are large enough to still be visible when the lume is so low that a smaller hand size would disappear into the darkness. The LM-4 V2 will also be available with the option of orange lume or a shadow luminous paint that looks grey/black in daylight but glows white at night.
This unique OCEAN7 comes fitted to a carbon fiber style strap that is 24mm wide and carries a 3d pattern that works well with the matte black finish of the ceramic case. The strap has a leather liner and comes with a matching PVD black tab buckle. The end result is yet another OCEAN7 that will make for a very capable daily wearer thanks to its strong and scratch resistant case. The LM-4 V2 comes with all the usual amenities like a Swiss automatic movement, a sapphire crystal and some pseudo-military aviation styling but the watch its self is much more than that. OCEAN7 set out to make a quality ceramic timepiece at a reasonable price even though much of the Swiss competition falls into the $5,000+ price range. The LM-4 V2 can be had in the pictured configuration for $899. The going rate for an ETA powered sport watch from an indie brand is roughly $700 – $800 so you aren't paying a huge premium for the ceramic case but it adds a considerable amount of value and practicality to the LM-4 range. The LM-4 V2 is a well built sport watch with a dependable movement, good feature set and backing from a brand known for excellent customer service and reliable dive watches so the fact that the case is made of ceramic is really just a bonus on the score sheet for an already nice watch.
source:Watch Report
Labels:
Other
10:49 AM
Doraemon GMT Master II and Lady-DateJust Replica by Runat
Note sure how Rolex will appreciate these latest GMT Master II and Lady-DateJust Replica from Runat featuring Japan favorite Cat Robot: Doraemon.
Anyway, if you can't afford a real Rolex why don't you get one of these cute Limited Doratch "elegant" Rolex replicas? AS you can see it look like a Rolex without quality build or the charm, but hey, sold at 21,120 Yen for either the "Journey" or GMT Master II Replica and the "Heart" or Lady-DateJust Replica, these watch will always have something "special" that Rolex can give you anyway.
Anyway, if you can't afford a real Rolex why don't you get one of these cute Limited Doratch "elegant" Rolex replicas? AS you can see it look like a Rolex without quality build or the charm, but hey, sold at 21,120 Yen for either the "Journey" or GMT Master II Replica and the "Heart" or Lady-DateJust Replica, these watch will always have something "special" that Rolex can give you anyway.
Labels:
Other
10:48 AM
Infiniti and Bell & Ross unveil $5,000 wristwatch
Watches and cars go together like fine wine
and good crystal stemware. Many automakers collaborate with great
watchmakers to produce beautiful homages to to some of favorite
machines. Infiniti and Bell &
Ross are two manufacturers of quality goods that have worked together
in the past, and the two are back at it again with a new limited-edition
timepiece.
It's called the Bell & Ross BR02-8 Carbon Case Purple 8 Pro Dial, and that mouthful of a 44-millimeter timekeeper will set you back $5,080. That is, if you can find one of the only 200 examples to be produced. How does this watch relate to Infiniti? The second hand and eight digits sport the same purple-hued luminescence that Infiniti automobiles feature in their gauge cluster. The eighth digit was chosen because it is considered a lucky number in Asia, and it's also the symbol for infinity when it's turned on its side.
It's called the Bell & Ross BR02-8 Carbon Case Purple 8 Pro Dial, and that mouthful of a 44-millimeter timekeeper will set you back $5,080. That is, if you can find one of the only 200 examples to be produced. How does this watch relate to Infiniti? The second hand and eight digits sport the same purple-hued luminescence that Infiniti automobiles feature in their gauge cluster. The eighth digit was chosen because it is considered a lucky number in Asia, and it's also the symbol for infinity when it's turned on its side.
Labels:
Other
10:47 AM
An Introduction to The Mutewatch
If you happen find a conventional digital watch too obtrusive with its
pedestrian “always-on” display and audible alarm, the Mutewatch might
just be the solution. The Mutewatch is a single piece rubberized watch from a Stockholm,
Sweden based company of the same name. This one-size -fits-all
minimalist watch incorporates a capacitive touchscreen, an led segment
display, a motion sensor, and a
vibrating alarm. There are no buttons and the screen is activated by
flicking your wrist (presumably similar to the Auto-EL feature
on G-Shocks) or touching the screen. Once the watch is visually active
you can swipe between the clock, an alarm or a timer. Setting the
functions is as easy as tapping and sliding the digits you would like to
change.
The stand-out feature for the Mutewatch will be the vibrating alarm which can actively adjust its strength given data from the motion sensor. The Mutewatch is powered by an internal battery which is rated for 1-2 weeks of use depending on the application (more vibration and screen use will render less battery life). Replenishing the battery’s charge is done via a usb connection and a fill up should take about 2 hours. The Mutewatch is a rare example of a product that looks like a design study but is still going into production. The combination of $259 and 5-6 weeks of your patience will land you a Mutewatch in your choice of red, grey or white.
The stand-out feature for the Mutewatch will be the vibrating alarm which can actively adjust its strength given data from the motion sensor. The Mutewatch is powered by an internal battery which is rated for 1-2 weeks of use depending on the application (more vibration and screen use will render less battery life). Replenishing the battery’s charge is done via a usb connection and a fill up should take about 2 hours. The Mutewatch is a rare example of a product that looks like a design study but is still going into production. The combination of $259 and 5-6 weeks of your patience will land you a Mutewatch in your choice of red, grey or white.
Labels:
Other
10:44 AM
Urwerk UR 1001 Pocket Watch
Pocket watches nowadays are not as popular as they were before. With
other gadgets and devices now able to provide people with time, having a
pocket watch only seems to be something sort of a weighty addition to
what one brings along. They somehow may have been relegated to a
collectors item this time. And boy, how makers like Urwerk have made
them into something more than just a collector's item. Simply looking at
the new Urwerk UR 1001 Pocket Watch will make it all clear.
The new Urwerk UR 1001 is more than just any ordinary pocket watch. Yes, it tells its owner the time and date. But it also does more. It is able to provide owners with a means to keep track of its own functional life. It contains a gauge that tells the owner when the watch is to be serviced. This watch also has an indicator that goes up to 1,000 years. And to ensure that the watch can extend for that number of years, it is made of tough non-magnetic ARCAP alloy with the watch face encased in sapphire crystal. The Urwerk UR 1001 pocket watch is also quite a collectible as it is a limited edition watch from Urwerk. This pocket watch comes at an astonishing 340,000 Swiss Francs. That's around US$425, 690, truly a pocket watch that only serious collectors can afford.
The new Urwerk UR 1001 is more than just any ordinary pocket watch. Yes, it tells its owner the time and date. But it also does more. It is able to provide owners with a means to keep track of its own functional life. It contains a gauge that tells the owner when the watch is to be serviced. This watch also has an indicator that goes up to 1,000 years. And to ensure that the watch can extend for that number of years, it is made of tough non-magnetic ARCAP alloy with the watch face encased in sapphire crystal. The Urwerk UR 1001 pocket watch is also quite a collectible as it is a limited edition watch from Urwerk. This pocket watch comes at an astonishing 340,000 Swiss Francs. That's around US$425, 690, truly a pocket watch that only serious collectors can afford.
Labels:
Urwerk
10:41 AM
Bremont Supermarine S500 Review
Every traditional and long standing industry has its upstarts, those who
forge their own path to heights and praise that is seldom achieved
quickly and done in an environment that sees more brands flash and burn
than it does succeed. The world of exotic cars has Pagani, Koenigsegg,
and Noble who flaunt their youth at the kingdoms of speed built by
Bugatti, Ferrari, and Mercedes Benz. The same comparisons, albeit with
different timelines, can be drawn in fashion, sports, technology and
even watchmaking.
The luxury sport watch range (conservatively $2500 – $25,000) is one of the most difficult segments within which a new brand could to attempt to build its credibility. The competition is exceeding fierce and includes perennial favorites and horological icons from Rolex, IWC, Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Hublot and even some watches from elite manufactures like Audemars Piguet. If watchmaking were more sporting, this would be the big leagues where only those willing to innovate and play at the highest possible level will garner any attention at all. One of the few young brands jostling for just some of that spotlight is the British brand Bremont which formed in 2002 under the direction of Nick and Giles English. Their appreciation for fine craftsmanship, top notch design and an understanding that this unforgiving market meant they didn’t actually have a watch to show until 2007. Bremont is a brand deeply rooted in the English brothers love and fascination for military aircraft. They quickly carved out a reputation for making high quality military inspired watches that melded Swiss technical prowess with a distinctly British flair. In 2009 Bremont released their first dive watch, the S500 Supermarine. The Supermarine is a beautiful dive watch with classic styling cues that, for only a brief a moment, mask the considerable amount of research and technology that is represented in its design and execution as Bremont’s first dive watch.
The Supermarine is named after the famed British aircraft manufacturer that made the Spitfire fighter plane which was flown in the World War II and the S6-B which can be seen on the case back of the S500 Supermarine. The case design its self is one of Bremont's biggest achievements. The Trip-Tick case features a three piece design (see expanded diagram in gallery below) which incorporates an upper hardened steel frame and lug chassis, a central DLC treated stainless steel barrel and a screw down case back. From a design standpoint this allows the lugs to carry a more sculpted, downward curve resulting in a more comfortable and slimmer feel than the S500′s 16mm height might suggest. The steel used in Bremont's watches is heat treated in Britain to harden its composition using a similar process to that which hardens jet turbine blades. The end result is a hardness rating of 2000 vickers (HV) which is some nine times harder than conventional 316L steel used in most watches. Rolex uses 904L stainless steel which is only rated to ~490 HV and Sinn makes some watches out of Tegimented submarine steel which has an outer layer rated to 1200 HV. A hardness rating of 2000 HV literally brings the hardness of the Supermarine's case into the same range as a quality sapphire crystal, so while the Supermarine is not scratch proof it is going to fight the signs of use better than most watches including all of it competitors.
The crown is located at two o'clock on the Bremont Supermarine and the right side of the case also features a gorgeous crown guard that is essentially a design element that raises the outer edge of the case to protect the screw down crown from direct impacts. Please take a moment to view the included photos as this is both a clever solution compared to conventional crown guards and suits the style of the S500 flawlessly. The left side of the case features an integrated automatic helium escape valve for saturation diving. While the HEV will not be used by the majority of Supermarine buyers, it is a technical benchmark seen on most luxury dive watches produced today. Technical benchmarks aside, the Supermarine has definitely been made for diving and in testing nearly tripled its 500 meter water resistance rating. Bremont does not take your attention for granted and has gone to great lengths (or depths) to make a watch that will keep up as well on a dive as it will to dinner that evening.
One of the few elements that is instantly noticeable on a high quality watch is the crystal. Budget watches use mineral glass while pricier options employ synthetic sapphire that can vary in clarity and hardness. In the luxury range the sapphire should be almost invisible under normal use and be as hard as possible (1800+ HV). Bremont takes their crystals very seriously, believing that the crystal should be protective but other wise unobtrusive and not distract or distort the view of the dial. The S500 Supermarine features a slightly domed sapphire crystal with nine layers of anti-reflective coating on each side. The crystal does not distort the dial nor does it exhibit much of the blue flaring that is seen on many crystals with anti-reflective coatings. The Bremont's sapphire crystal carries the same hardness rating as the case so it is quite unlikely you will scratch or superficially damage the crystal in any way. On wrist the crystal seems to disappears and leaves you to enjoy the beautiful details of the dial.
The dial, including the hand set, is likely what will first draw buyers to the Supermarine. The design of the dial matches beautifully with the overall styling of the Supermarine which is classic without being faux-vintage or feeling outdated. The rich black of the dial is contrasted well by the slightly off white luminous paint used on the markers and hands. The twin aperture day/date window border is nicely finished and the white text on a black background is easily legible. Bremont has not cluttered the dial with paragraphs of text or busy logos. Instead, the S500 carries the Bremont name and minimalist logo, its own name, and its water resistance. The center of the dial is largely devoted to a gorgeous striped pattern bordered by a circular design similar to railway tracks. The striped pattern looks engraved like a counter-relief, not painted or applied to the surface but rather part of the dial and very much three dimensional. It is excellent in every way, and gives the S500 a unique aesthetic which dresses up an otherwise simple dial. Lastly, the hands are an attractive design that also aids legibility and accuracy as they are long enough to fully reach their designated scale. The "lolly pop" hour hand is a somewhat divisive style but one that I think is lovely and makes the Supermarine instantly recognizable among steel clad, black dial divers much of the world is wearing. The dial, applied markers and beautiful hands make for a very legible design that is as functional as it is attractive. If you want something with more color than the model shown here (the S500/BK) there are also options with blue (S500/BL) or silver dials (S500/SI) or a bezel with a cool green twenty minute scale (S500/BK-GN). Lastly, Bremont released the Supermarine Descent LE which boasts a complete DLC coating and a black/green bezel for a more stealthy look.
Most dive watches have unidirectional counter-clockwise rotating bezels that are used to time different aspects of a dive ranging from total dive time to decompression times. The bezel on the Bremont Supermarine is a 120 click unidirectional bezel that features a sapphire insert which sits above a minute scale that has been treated with luminous paint. The markings on the bezel charge via available light just like the hands and markers on the dial and the end result is as much fun as it is practical (see photos and video). The sapphire insert shares the same 2000 HV hardness rating as the domed sapphire crystal and should have no problems warding away the scratches and markings from normal use. The edge of the bezel is notched for grip and works well with wet or dry hands. The action of the bezel is positive and it does not exhibit any wobble or tendency to "swim" between each click. The S500's bezel is high quality, easy to use and should be more than tough enough for even a sporting owner.
The internal elements of the case are just as advanced as its exterior. The entire movement and its anti-shock system is housed inside a Faraday cage to protect the movement from magnetism. Inside the anti-magnetic casing is a proprietary anti-shock system that incorporates a rubberized movement mount that keeps the movement "floating" and confined to minute tolerances as opposed to being clamped to the case its self. Bremont developed this anti-shock system in co-operation with Martin Baker, the company responsible for manufacturing 70% of the worlds ejector seats for over ninety air forces world wide. The Bremont MB series was developed to be able to withstand the use of an ejector seat which subjects the timepiece and all of its internals (not to mention the pilot) to over 30Gs worth of force. Bremont's research subjected the test units to 40 years worth of vibration, and additional tests for shock, magnetic interference, corrosion and climate tests. All watches in this market are tested extensively but few are put through the kinds of field testing that Bremont subjects their watches to while they advance through development stages.
Underneath all of this hardened steel, sapphire and layer upon layer of luminous paint is of course the S500's movement. The Supermarine is powered by Bremont's BE-36AE which is a modified ETA 2836 Swiss automatic movement with a 36 hour power reserve. The BE-36AE boasts 25 jewels, a glucydur balance, an anachron balance spring and a nivaflex 1 mainspring. All of Bremont's watches are certified COSC chronometers and come fitted with a custom Bremont rotor. The movement cannot be seen on the Supermarine as it uses a solid stainless steel case back. The model provided on loan from Bremont ran a steady -1s per day on wrist and held a +3 average time on a winder, this variance is well within COSC timing and we think it simply suggests the Supermarine prefers a spot on your wrist over a spot in your watch case.
In person the Bremont Supermarine really shines, if you have not experienced a luxury watch on your wrist they have a distinctively different feel and visual appeal when compared to entry level options. The case design on the Supermarine (and indeed all Bremont watches) is outstanding, even in their price range. The lugs are drawn from the top section of the case and curve downward with a very unique shape. The mix of brushed and polished sections on the lugs is excellent and the shape of the case is unlike anything I have reviewed. In addition to their visual quality, the short downward shaped lugs make for a very practical lug to lug distance of just over 50mm. The Supermarine feels and looks 43mm wide and I think that is a perfect size for this watch. The case wears closer to 12mm or 13mm thick and was not prone to catch door frames, table tops or edges any more than a thinner watch would. When on wrist the Bremont comes into its own, its comfortable case is mounted to a soft but sturdy rubber strap that features a low profile buckle that hugs the edges of the rubber and reduces the buckles tendency to catch on sleeves or deep pockets.
With such a solid feature set and attractive design you're likely not expecting the Supermarine to be cheap, and it isn't. The Supermarine on a rubber strap carries an MSRP of $5150. The Supermarine battles directly against models from Omega, Breitling and IWC. At the $5000 price point, the Bremont is expensive but not overpriced. Most options from Omega, Breitling and IWC use modified ETA calibers but cannot match the S500′s exclusive case design, anti-shock system or low production volume. The most obvious competition is the IWC Aquatimer with its modified eta movement, illuminated sapphire bezel, and a matched list price of $5200 USD. I think the Bremont has the IWC outmatched in many crucial ways. Yes, the IWC is a more well known brand with more history than the Bremont but as a watch you're actually going to spend your own money on, the Bremont is simply better value and for my money, a better looking watch. The Supermarine features a more advanced and robust case design and composition, it will be more exclusive than the IWC, and (for the time being) you will pay less for the Bremont brand name. In all reality, most buyers choosing a watch solely on its brand name will overlook IWC or Bremont for Rolex, Omega or even Tag Heuer. Bremont is still a young brand that is proving its self on a watch-by-watch basis which means you are getting a different pricing structure than you will with a Swiss marque where the brand alone commands a price point regardless of the features or technology showcased by the watch. Bremont is commanding its price point with excellent and attractive designs that are backed by a relentless testing process and company leadership that places craftsmanship, quality and longevity above all else. While there are not a lot of distinctively British watch manufacturers there is a rich history in the UK concerning engineering, technology and design which can be seen in world class projects like the Concorde, the McLaren F1, the Millau Viaduct, and even planes like the Supermarine Spitfire and the S.6B. All of these endeavours were upstarts in their own way, challenging the status of their industry by boasting cutting edge technology, game changing design and raising the bar for the competition. The Supermarine is a beautiful, well made and thoughtfully designed watch that shows there is room for yet another serious contender in the luxury dive watch segment.
The luxury sport watch range (conservatively $2500 – $25,000) is one of the most difficult segments within which a new brand could to attempt to build its credibility. The competition is exceeding fierce and includes perennial favorites and horological icons from Rolex, IWC, Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Hublot and even some watches from elite manufactures like Audemars Piguet. If watchmaking were more sporting, this would be the big leagues where only those willing to innovate and play at the highest possible level will garner any attention at all. One of the few young brands jostling for just some of that spotlight is the British brand Bremont which formed in 2002 under the direction of Nick and Giles English. Their appreciation for fine craftsmanship, top notch design and an understanding that this unforgiving market meant they didn’t actually have a watch to show until 2007. Bremont is a brand deeply rooted in the English brothers love and fascination for military aircraft. They quickly carved out a reputation for making high quality military inspired watches that melded Swiss technical prowess with a distinctly British flair. In 2009 Bremont released their first dive watch, the S500 Supermarine. The Supermarine is a beautiful dive watch with classic styling cues that, for only a brief a moment, mask the considerable amount of research and technology that is represented in its design and execution as Bremont’s first dive watch.
- 43 x 16 mm hardened steel case
- 50.5 mm Lug to lug
- Sapphire crystal with dual-sided 9 layer anti-reflective treatment
- Fully luminous sapphire unidirectional bezel
- Bremont BE-36AE Automatic movement (COSC)
- Proprietary Faraday cage and anti-shock system
- Day/date display
- 500m water resistant
- Automatic helium escape valve
- Screw-in case back
- Available in blue, silver, black, black/green
- $5150 ($5600 with bracelet)
The Supermarine is named after the famed British aircraft manufacturer that made the Spitfire fighter plane which was flown in the World War II and the S6-B which can be seen on the case back of the S500 Supermarine. The case design its self is one of Bremont's biggest achievements. The Trip-Tick case features a three piece design (see expanded diagram in gallery below) which incorporates an upper hardened steel frame and lug chassis, a central DLC treated stainless steel barrel and a screw down case back. From a design standpoint this allows the lugs to carry a more sculpted, downward curve resulting in a more comfortable and slimmer feel than the S500′s 16mm height might suggest. The steel used in Bremont's watches is heat treated in Britain to harden its composition using a similar process to that which hardens jet turbine blades. The end result is a hardness rating of 2000 vickers (HV) which is some nine times harder than conventional 316L steel used in most watches. Rolex uses 904L stainless steel which is only rated to ~490 HV and Sinn makes some watches out of Tegimented submarine steel which has an outer layer rated to 1200 HV. A hardness rating of 2000 HV literally brings the hardness of the Supermarine's case into the same range as a quality sapphire crystal, so while the Supermarine is not scratch proof it is going to fight the signs of use better than most watches including all of it competitors.
The crown is located at two o'clock on the Bremont Supermarine and the right side of the case also features a gorgeous crown guard that is essentially a design element that raises the outer edge of the case to protect the screw down crown from direct impacts. Please take a moment to view the included photos as this is both a clever solution compared to conventional crown guards and suits the style of the S500 flawlessly. The left side of the case features an integrated automatic helium escape valve for saturation diving. While the HEV will not be used by the majority of Supermarine buyers, it is a technical benchmark seen on most luxury dive watches produced today. Technical benchmarks aside, the Supermarine has definitely been made for diving and in testing nearly tripled its 500 meter water resistance rating. Bremont does not take your attention for granted and has gone to great lengths (or depths) to make a watch that will keep up as well on a dive as it will to dinner that evening.
One of the few elements that is instantly noticeable on a high quality watch is the crystal. Budget watches use mineral glass while pricier options employ synthetic sapphire that can vary in clarity and hardness. In the luxury range the sapphire should be almost invisible under normal use and be as hard as possible (1800+ HV). Bremont takes their crystals very seriously, believing that the crystal should be protective but other wise unobtrusive and not distract or distort the view of the dial. The S500 Supermarine features a slightly domed sapphire crystal with nine layers of anti-reflective coating on each side. The crystal does not distort the dial nor does it exhibit much of the blue flaring that is seen on many crystals with anti-reflective coatings. The Bremont's sapphire crystal carries the same hardness rating as the case so it is quite unlikely you will scratch or superficially damage the crystal in any way. On wrist the crystal seems to disappears and leaves you to enjoy the beautiful details of the dial.
The dial, including the hand set, is likely what will first draw buyers to the Supermarine. The design of the dial matches beautifully with the overall styling of the Supermarine which is classic without being faux-vintage or feeling outdated. The rich black of the dial is contrasted well by the slightly off white luminous paint used on the markers and hands. The twin aperture day/date window border is nicely finished and the white text on a black background is easily legible. Bremont has not cluttered the dial with paragraphs of text or busy logos. Instead, the S500 carries the Bremont name and minimalist logo, its own name, and its water resistance. The center of the dial is largely devoted to a gorgeous striped pattern bordered by a circular design similar to railway tracks. The striped pattern looks engraved like a counter-relief, not painted or applied to the surface but rather part of the dial and very much three dimensional. It is excellent in every way, and gives the S500 a unique aesthetic which dresses up an otherwise simple dial. Lastly, the hands are an attractive design that also aids legibility and accuracy as they are long enough to fully reach their designated scale. The "lolly pop" hour hand is a somewhat divisive style but one that I think is lovely and makes the Supermarine instantly recognizable among steel clad, black dial divers much of the world is wearing. The dial, applied markers and beautiful hands make for a very legible design that is as functional as it is attractive. If you want something with more color than the model shown here (the S500/BK) there are also options with blue (S500/BL) or silver dials (S500/SI) or a bezel with a cool green twenty minute scale (S500/BK-GN). Lastly, Bremont released the Supermarine Descent LE which boasts a complete DLC coating and a black/green bezel for a more stealthy look.
Most dive watches have unidirectional counter-clockwise rotating bezels that are used to time different aspects of a dive ranging from total dive time to decompression times. The bezel on the Bremont Supermarine is a 120 click unidirectional bezel that features a sapphire insert which sits above a minute scale that has been treated with luminous paint. The markings on the bezel charge via available light just like the hands and markers on the dial and the end result is as much fun as it is practical (see photos and video). The sapphire insert shares the same 2000 HV hardness rating as the domed sapphire crystal and should have no problems warding away the scratches and markings from normal use. The edge of the bezel is notched for grip and works well with wet or dry hands. The action of the bezel is positive and it does not exhibit any wobble or tendency to "swim" between each click. The S500's bezel is high quality, easy to use and should be more than tough enough for even a sporting owner.
The internal elements of the case are just as advanced as its exterior. The entire movement and its anti-shock system is housed inside a Faraday cage to protect the movement from magnetism. Inside the anti-magnetic casing is a proprietary anti-shock system that incorporates a rubberized movement mount that keeps the movement "floating" and confined to minute tolerances as opposed to being clamped to the case its self. Bremont developed this anti-shock system in co-operation with Martin Baker, the company responsible for manufacturing 70% of the worlds ejector seats for over ninety air forces world wide. The Bremont MB series was developed to be able to withstand the use of an ejector seat which subjects the timepiece and all of its internals (not to mention the pilot) to over 30Gs worth of force. Bremont's research subjected the test units to 40 years worth of vibration, and additional tests for shock, magnetic interference, corrosion and climate tests. All watches in this market are tested extensively but few are put through the kinds of field testing that Bremont subjects their watches to while they advance through development stages.
Underneath all of this hardened steel, sapphire and layer upon layer of luminous paint is of course the S500's movement. The Supermarine is powered by Bremont's BE-36AE which is a modified ETA 2836 Swiss automatic movement with a 36 hour power reserve. The BE-36AE boasts 25 jewels, a glucydur balance, an anachron balance spring and a nivaflex 1 mainspring. All of Bremont's watches are certified COSC chronometers and come fitted with a custom Bremont rotor. The movement cannot be seen on the Supermarine as it uses a solid stainless steel case back. The model provided on loan from Bremont ran a steady -1s per day on wrist and held a +3 average time on a winder, this variance is well within COSC timing and we think it simply suggests the Supermarine prefers a spot on your wrist over a spot in your watch case.
In person the Bremont Supermarine really shines, if you have not experienced a luxury watch on your wrist they have a distinctively different feel and visual appeal when compared to entry level options. The case design on the Supermarine (and indeed all Bremont watches) is outstanding, even in their price range. The lugs are drawn from the top section of the case and curve downward with a very unique shape. The mix of brushed and polished sections on the lugs is excellent and the shape of the case is unlike anything I have reviewed. In addition to their visual quality, the short downward shaped lugs make for a very practical lug to lug distance of just over 50mm. The Supermarine feels and looks 43mm wide and I think that is a perfect size for this watch. The case wears closer to 12mm or 13mm thick and was not prone to catch door frames, table tops or edges any more than a thinner watch would. When on wrist the Bremont comes into its own, its comfortable case is mounted to a soft but sturdy rubber strap that features a low profile buckle that hugs the edges of the rubber and reduces the buckles tendency to catch on sleeves or deep pockets.
With such a solid feature set and attractive design you're likely not expecting the Supermarine to be cheap, and it isn't. The Supermarine on a rubber strap carries an MSRP of $5150. The Supermarine battles directly against models from Omega, Breitling and IWC. At the $5000 price point, the Bremont is expensive but not overpriced. Most options from Omega, Breitling and IWC use modified ETA calibers but cannot match the S500′s exclusive case design, anti-shock system or low production volume. The most obvious competition is the IWC Aquatimer with its modified eta movement, illuminated sapphire bezel, and a matched list price of $5200 USD. I think the Bremont has the IWC outmatched in many crucial ways. Yes, the IWC is a more well known brand with more history than the Bremont but as a watch you're actually going to spend your own money on, the Bremont is simply better value and for my money, a better looking watch. The Supermarine features a more advanced and robust case design and composition, it will be more exclusive than the IWC, and (for the time being) you will pay less for the Bremont brand name. In all reality, most buyers choosing a watch solely on its brand name will overlook IWC or Bremont for Rolex, Omega or even Tag Heuer. Bremont is still a young brand that is proving its self on a watch-by-watch basis which means you are getting a different pricing structure than you will with a Swiss marque where the brand alone commands a price point regardless of the features or technology showcased by the watch. Bremont is commanding its price point with excellent and attractive designs that are backed by a relentless testing process and company leadership that places craftsmanship, quality and longevity above all else. While there are not a lot of distinctively British watch manufacturers there is a rich history in the UK concerning engineering, technology and design which can be seen in world class projects like the Concorde, the McLaren F1, the Millau Viaduct, and even planes like the Supermarine Spitfire and the S.6B. All of these endeavours were upstarts in their own way, challenging the status of their industry by boasting cutting edge technology, game changing design and raising the bar for the competition. The Supermarine is a beautiful, well made and thoughtfully designed watch that shows there is room for yet another serious contender in the luxury dive watch segment.
Labels:
Other
10:40 AM
Stauer Eremos Regulator Watch
The Eremos watch from Stauer
features a stainless steel case (42mm diameter, 12mm thick) and a
leather band. That's where the similarity to regular watches ends. The
Eremos is a regulator watch, which is a timepiece based on the
observatory clocks of the 1800s that were so precise because they
separated the hour and minutes dials. This miniature regulator has a
scrolling hour display and a sun and moon dial. The watch works are
visible through the Cotswold crystal and through the exhibition back.
It's water-resistant to 3ATM, and it fits a 6.5-8.5″ wrist. It's $196
at Stauer, and it will be available 9x22.
source:The Gadgeteer
source:The Gadgeteer
Labels:
Other
1:27 AM
Phosphor Appear Review
Friday, August 12, 2011
44 x 15.5mm
49.5mm (lug to lug)
22mm Lugs
Dial adorned with Swarovski crystals
M3D 7 Segment physical display
50m WR
Black leather strap
MSRP: $199
At first glance, especially in the “off mode” the Phosphor Appear looks like a silly fashion watch with too many gems on the dial (the dial is literally paved in Swarovski crystals). When the top pusher at two o'clock is pressed the Appear transitions to “time mode” and the display jumps to life. A magnetically actuated seven segment physical display swaps bejewelled areas for black segments that display the time in a readout that is familiar to anyone who has ever owned a digital alarm clock. As the time advances, the matrix of jewelled areas are progressively modified to show the time. This is all done using Phosphor's M3D (Micro-Magnetic Mechanical Digital) technology that uses an electromagnetic field to change the positions of each cell, allowing them to create any number (0-9) in the contrast of the jewelled dial. This is almost impossible to describe in text so please, even if you are not interested after seeing the included photos, check out the attached video. The overall effect is definitely a party piece and it left even the most staunch objector with a sly smile on their face. In addition to the visual element of watching the display transition from time, to just seconds, to off and back on again there is an absolutely charming mechanical click as each segment falls in or out of its place. This is something you have to hear in the video, its my favourite part of this watch as it makes a sound something like a typewriter writing in morse code.
The rest of the case is a polished stainless steel that is of a fair grade for its price and is shiny enough to match the dial. There are options in both the men's and the woman's variants of the Appear for a jewelled bezel. The woman's line can also be had with red or pink jewels in the time telling array for a flashy effect with additional contrast. The Appear comes mounted to a simple and soft black leather strap, very comfortable with subtle matched stitching that compliments the watch nicely. At 44mm wide and 15.5mm tall the Appear is in a larger category usually home to divers and chronographs, not fashion watches. That said it doesn't wear overly large but will definitely get noticed given the blinged out dial.
Generally, when you hear “unique” in any review of a watch you should be reaching for your big-boy (or girl) wallet. In watchmaking, anything that is bespoke or custom produced will come with a fair but lofty price tag. Luckily, the Appear wont break the bank with its $199 price point. No, its not high end watch making nor is it really my style given the sparkle that comes from the dial but it is a fun watch that isn't taking its self too seriously and I have become addicted to the sound of the movement.
Our thanks to Phosphor for providing a review sample.
source: Watch Report
49.5mm (lug to lug)
22mm Lugs
Dial adorned with Swarovski crystals
M3D 7 Segment physical display
50m WR
Black leather strap
MSRP: $199
At first glance, especially in the “off mode” the Phosphor Appear looks like a silly fashion watch with too many gems on the dial (the dial is literally paved in Swarovski crystals). When the top pusher at two o'clock is pressed the Appear transitions to “time mode” and the display jumps to life. A magnetically actuated seven segment physical display swaps bejewelled areas for black segments that display the time in a readout that is familiar to anyone who has ever owned a digital alarm clock. As the time advances, the matrix of jewelled areas are progressively modified to show the time. This is all done using Phosphor's M3D (Micro-Magnetic Mechanical Digital) technology that uses an electromagnetic field to change the positions of each cell, allowing them to create any number (0-9) in the contrast of the jewelled dial. This is almost impossible to describe in text so please, even if you are not interested after seeing the included photos, check out the attached video. The overall effect is definitely a party piece and it left even the most staunch objector with a sly smile on their face. In addition to the visual element of watching the display transition from time, to just seconds, to off and back on again there is an absolutely charming mechanical click as each segment falls in or out of its place. This is something you have to hear in the video, its my favourite part of this watch as it makes a sound something like a typewriter writing in morse code.
The rest of the case is a polished stainless steel that is of a fair grade for its price and is shiny enough to match the dial. There are options in both the men's and the woman's variants of the Appear for a jewelled bezel. The woman's line can also be had with red or pink jewels in the time telling array for a flashy effect with additional contrast. The Appear comes mounted to a simple and soft black leather strap, very comfortable with subtle matched stitching that compliments the watch nicely. At 44mm wide and 15.5mm tall the Appear is in a larger category usually home to divers and chronographs, not fashion watches. That said it doesn't wear overly large but will definitely get noticed given the blinged out dial.
Generally, when you hear “unique” in any review of a watch you should be reaching for your big-boy (or girl) wallet. In watchmaking, anything that is bespoke or custom produced will come with a fair but lofty price tag. Luckily, the Appear wont break the bank with its $199 price point. No, its not high end watch making nor is it really my style given the sparkle that comes from the dial but it is a fun watch that isn't taking its self too seriously and I have become addicted to the sound of the movement.
Our thanks to Phosphor for providing a review sample.
source: Watch Report
1:26 AM
New for Review – The Armida A1 Diver
This ETA powered beast is called the A1 and is the first model from new comer Armida Watches. It’s 45 mm stainless steel case is 19 mm tall due to its dramatically domed sapphire crystal. The A1 also features a lumed bezel and a helium escape valve allowing it to achieve 1000m water resistance. Armida was kind enough to let us borrow one so stay tuned for our review in the coming weeks.
source: Watch Report
source: Watch Report
1:25 AM
Prometheus Jellyfish Review
14.4mm thick, 44mm wide, 47.2 at the 6.9mm crown.
195g sized to 7.5″ wrist
316L stainless steel case, sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating
90-click unidirection bezel with inset tritium tube
Tritium tubes on all three hands and hour markers. Green color except at 12, which is orange.
SII NE15A (6R15) automatic movement, handwinding and hacking, quickset date, 40 hour power reserve.
Signed, screw-down crown
Water resistant to 300m (990ft)
3-link Oyster-style bracelet with screwed, solid links, solid end links, brushed throughout. Clasp is snap closure with signed fliplock and 3 microadjustments.
One of the things I quite like about the Prometheus watches I've reviewed is their consistently uncluttered and readable dials and designs. A lot of new brands put lots of text on the dial; the Jellyfish has only a small logo and the brand name. Wonderful! Even the caseback is an etched Jellyfish, a nice change of pace from some of the macho model names I've seen.
The Jellyfish is available with black, white yellow or blue dial. In white or black it's most versatile and would make an excellent do-anything watch. In yellow it's more of a casual timepiece, quite fun to wear.
This is my first watch with the SII NE15A. Introduced in 2007, this is a competitor to the ubiquitous ETA 2824 and I'm quite pleased. Smooth to handwind, no rotor noise, fast date change, excellent timekeeping, good date wheel alignment, it's a great movement and in my opinion is at least as good as the competition Miyota 9015 and ETA 2824.
Notice how you can read the time quickly, and how the date window at 4:30 is visible but unobtrusive. The uncluttered yellow dial reminds me a bit of the Halios Holotype,another nice design. Also note how they rotated the tubes at three, six and nine to make room for an Arabic numeral. Simplicity is harder than it looks.
The bracelet is excellent, and at this price point I was taken aback. Screwed links, solid end links, signed clasp and lots of extra links, no squeaks or rattles here.
As suits a solid watch, the bracelet is non-tapering, which helps keep it from shifting around on the wrist. The brushed finish is low-key and businesslike.
The bezel is great. Easy to use, even when wet, with 120 clicks and markers all the way around, plus tritium pip at 12.
At this point you might question my enthusiasm for the Jellyfish, so I should explain that it costs just $345 (non-EU price). At that price, it has no competition, and the quality is amazing. You really cannot go wrong here.
I personally like the cheerful yellow dial, but it's a less versatile color and would be a stretch to wear in a formal environment. More of a summer, casual-Friday look. The black or white dials would work better for that, or perhaps the blue variant.
There aren't a lot of watches I can recommend like this one. The price is fantastic, the quality amazing, and the style is versatile enough for most occasions. A bit sporty for the truly dressy, if anything, the combination of automatic movement and tritium illumination also excels at starting conversations.
Highly recommended.
Our thanks to Prometheus for the review loaner.
By Paul Hubbard
source: Watch Report
195g sized to 7.5″ wrist
316L stainless steel case, sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating
90-click unidirection bezel with inset tritium tube
Tritium tubes on all three hands and hour markers. Green color except at 12, which is orange.
SII NE15A (6R15) automatic movement, handwinding and hacking, quickset date, 40 hour power reserve.
Signed, screw-down crown
Water resistant to 300m (990ft)
3-link Oyster-style bracelet with screwed, solid links, solid end links, brushed throughout. Clasp is snap closure with signed fliplock and 3 microadjustments.
One of the things I quite like about the Prometheus watches I've reviewed is their consistently uncluttered and readable dials and designs. A lot of new brands put lots of text on the dial; the Jellyfish has only a small logo and the brand name. Wonderful! Even the caseback is an etched Jellyfish, a nice change of pace from some of the macho model names I've seen.
The Jellyfish is available with black, white yellow or blue dial. In white or black it's most versatile and would make an excellent do-anything watch. In yellow it's more of a casual timepiece, quite fun to wear.
This is my first watch with the SII NE15A. Introduced in 2007, this is a competitor to the ubiquitous ETA 2824 and I'm quite pleased. Smooth to handwind, no rotor noise, fast date change, excellent timekeeping, good date wheel alignment, it's a great movement and in my opinion is at least as good as the competition Miyota 9015 and ETA 2824.
Notice how you can read the time quickly, and how the date window at 4:30 is visible but unobtrusive. The uncluttered yellow dial reminds me a bit of the Halios Holotype,another nice design. Also note how they rotated the tubes at three, six and nine to make room for an Arabic numeral. Simplicity is harder than it looks.
The bracelet is excellent, and at this price point I was taken aback. Screwed links, solid end links, signed clasp and lots of extra links, no squeaks or rattles here.
As suits a solid watch, the bracelet is non-tapering, which helps keep it from shifting around on the wrist. The brushed finish is low-key and businesslike.
The bezel is great. Easy to use, even when wet, with 120 clicks and markers all the way around, plus tritium pip at 12.
At this point you might question my enthusiasm for the Jellyfish, so I should explain that it costs just $345 (non-EU price). At that price, it has no competition, and the quality is amazing. You really cannot go wrong here.
I personally like the cheerful yellow dial, but it's a less versatile color and would be a stretch to wear in a formal environment. More of a summer, casual-Friday look. The black or white dials would work better for that, or perhaps the blue variant.
There aren't a lot of watches I can recommend like this one. The price is fantastic, the quality amazing, and the style is versatile enough for most occasions. A bit sporty for the truly dressy, if anything, the combination of automatic movement and tritium illumination also excels at starting conversations.
Highly recommended.
Our thanks to Prometheus for the review loaner.
By Paul Hubbard
source: Watch Report
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)