AEROWATCH Renaissance Black Tornado

AEROWATCH Renaissance Black Tornado

 

With its statement looks and the imposing diameter of its black PVD steel case, the Renaissance Black Tornado - even this finely skeletonised - doesn't go unnoticed. The architecture is modern, with fine circular chasing on the black NAC-coated movement. The dial has been removed to reveal the mainspring's fascinating coils, and the rotation of the different wheels as they mesh. Technical, elegant and contemporary, this new creation from Aerowatch appeals as much to aficionados of authentic mechanisms as to fans of finely-crafted Swiss watches at an attractive price.

Movement Hand-wound, Unitas 6498 calibre, 16½ lines, 18,000 vib/h, 17 jewels, 42-hour power reserve, NAC coated finish, fully skeletonised and hand-chamfered Functions Hours, minutes and seconds Case Stainless steel with black PVD treatment, 45 mm Curved sapphire crystal and transparent back Water-resistant to 50 m / 5 ATM Dial Hour and minute hands enhanced with Superluminova Small seconds at 6 o'clock Bracelet/Strap Black leather with personalised buckle in steel with black PVD treatment

(Text and photo courtesy of Swisstime)

Rolex Daytona Story - Osvaldo Patrizzi

ROLEX DAYTONA: A GROWING LEGEND

I’m sure you’ll all agree with us that the best way to honor this watch and give it the importance it deserves, is to put it, through the will of the people, in the Hall of Fame. In full harmony with Guido Mondani, we decided to contribute to this consecration by creating a special edition for a selected and limited number of elite collectors, a monumental publication which gives readers an even better opportunity to appreciate the watch which has represented for a long, indeed very long time the Holy Grail for timepiece lovers.

After “Rolex Submariner Story” and “Collecting Rolex Milgauss • Yacht-Master • Turn-O-Graph • Explorer”, Guido Mondani once again wants to touch the heartstrings of coronet enthusiasts with one more large edition, which I am sure will match up to its name: “Rolex Daytona Story”.

All the illustrated pictures in this volume are exactly what collectors have always desired: large, beautiful and depicting every minute detail of all the watches!
With my practical and easy to use “Pocket” editions I wanted to explain which are the most important aspects of Daytona production, but the real ultimate aim of an insatiable Rolex lover like me is to be the author of a masterpiece like this one. I have always affirmed that content is much more important than size, but in this case, the highest quality images, the unpublished information and the details described in this huge book make all the difference. The photos in fact have a magical power to them: a photo talks, stimulates and fulfills our visual and comparison needs.

Therefore I invite all of those who have the privilege to leaf through these pages, to enjoy all details of this book, being sure that they will be moved, just as much as we were, by the sheer beauty and power emanated from these watches.
I would like once again to remind people, who are still a little skeptical about the importance of having a watch in perfect condition, that a watch needs service, just like a car (even if a luxury car). The original spare part does not change either its authenticity or value; indeed, it lengthens its lifespan.


Osvaldo Patrizzi

(feel free to order the new Daytona Story book by Editore Mondani via my above Email.)

BLACKSAND Continuity Collection - Koala

This looks really like a beautiful piece of art. 

BLACKSAND Continuity Collection - Koala

 

The Continuity collection by Blacksand Genève draws inspiration from fauna and flora and gives life to an unusual bestiary. At its heart beats a movement exclusively personalised for the brand with jumping hours and a running minutes disc. The face of this refined watch sets the stage for grand feu cloisonné enamelling used to depict the koalas, as well as subtly integrated jewellery motifs with 80 diamonds enhancing the pink gold case. An elegant creation bearing a message of responsibility, both today and for future generations. 100-piece limited edition.

Movement Automatic, 28,800 vib/h, circular-grained and “Côtes de Genève” motif Functions Hours, minutes and day/night indicator Case 18K pink or white gold Bezel set with 80 TW VVS diamonds (0.60 ct) Dial Black, with two enamelled koalas and seven marquise diamonds serving as foliage (0.44 ct) Jumping-hour window at 12 o’clock, and running minutes disc at 6 o’clock Day/night indicator at 3 o’clock Bracelet/Strap Black satin with 18K pink or white gold buckle

(Text and photo courtesy of Swisstime)

DE BETHUNE DB28 “Aiguille d’Or”

DE BETHUNE DB28 “Aiguille d’Or”

In November 2011, the DB28 model by De Bethune was awarded the Aiguille d’Or (Golden Hand), the supreme distinction in the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix. The manufacturer is now revisiting its award-winning creation by issuing it in a 50-piece limited edition. The characteristic aesthetic of the DB28 “Aiguille d’Or” is enriched with a pink gold baguette set into the minutes hand. The specific pocket watch-inspired shape of the titanium case, accentuated by the spherical moon and the silicon/palladium balance, features an exhibition back revealing a finely decorated movement. This exceptional timepiece radiates a pure, understated style based on taut lines, delicate hand-crafted finishes and a slender case, skilfully associated with technical innovations to provide a contemporary expression of the watchmaking art according to De Bethune

Movement Hand-wound, DB 2115 calibre with two barrels, 29 jewels, 28,800 vib/h, 6-day power reserve; plate decorated and snailed by hand, Côtes De Bethune motif Functions Hours, minutes, spherical moon phases, power-reserve and performance indicators Case Grade 5 titanium, 42.6 mm Floating lugs in mirror-polished titanium Anti-reflective sapphire crystal on both sides, front and back Screw-lock crown at 12 o’clock Horizontal power-reserve indicator on the back with an 18K gold hand Dial Performance indicator at 3 o’clock Spherical moon phases at 6 o’clock Bracelet/Strap Extra-supple black alligator with grade 5 titanium buckle

(Text and photo courtesy of Swisstime)

1969 Omega Speedmaster 145022

It appearsthat several astronauts also wore this kind of model on their flights. 

Vintage: Rolex Submariner Reference 1680

The Rolex Submariner is one of the most iconic watches and it is most likely the most iconic Rolex watch.

I am a big fan of the Submariner.  The Submariner has been made for close to 60 years now.  The basic looks of it have not really changed.  Although what is inside has experienced improvements that are maybe not all that noticeable.  The Submariner, or the Sub as many enthusiasts tend to call it, combines history of diving, movies, James Bond, Steve McQueen and other famous people who used to wear them, all in one timepiece.

I assume that the link behind this (thanks to my reader and friend Bert) proves that rumor about the Submariner being tested at the time when NASA decided to use the Speedmaster for the first flight to the moon is just a rumor, and probably not true.  That would also mean, that the rumor of why the Submariner did not make it back then was because of its automatic movement, is not true either.  To what extent they did not know back then if an automatic watch would generate enough energy in space, is not really known.  Well, now they and all of us know better.

The reference 1680 has a non quickset date function, and caliber 1575 is a true workhorse from the Rolex manufacture.  It is one of those movements that run very precisely, for a very long time without a revision.

I heard of 1680s that never had a revision and are still running accurately after 40 years.

Well, here you find some nice pictures from all angles of the vintage Submariner 1680.

Jean Claude Killy on collecting Rolex watches

My first Rolex was actually a gift. In 1965 the Genevese watchmaker awarded me a “Trophy of Precision”, a magnificent steel chronograph. This was literally spot on time as I won two gold medals for downhill and combination at the following year’s world championships at Portillo, a ski-resort on the borders of Chile and Argentina. Those medals will remain forever etched in my mind. Two years later, with my trusty Rolex still on my wrist, I brought three gold medals home with me from the Olympic Games at Grenoble. It was at this time in my career that I met André Heiniger, then President of Rolex, and his son Patrick, today’s President. A lasting friendship was born. Just like my loyalty to Rolex.

Not only do I wear a Rolex, but I also collect them and offer them as presents. I gave my brother a “Bubbleback” from my collection amongst other reasons because he prefers dress watches while I personally prefer sports models. I find there is a strange alchemy, an unusual symbiosis between my Rolex and me. It is something I attribute to the similarities between the sport I practiced and the watchmaker’s art. I believe I carried my art to a new summit just as Rolex has done in its area of excellence. My encounter with this watch Manufacturer with a capital “M” was inevitable, just a question of time.

I have always lived with time, often down to the nearest hundredth of a second. Just as for some, money is coined freedom, for me mastery of my own time allows me to have more of it to enjoy. Moreover I am well placed to know that the difference between winning and losing a race is often a question of a hundredth, indeed even a thousandth of a second. I remember the coach at Val d’Isère used to clock us to the nearest second when I was still a youth. About ten years later our runs were being electronically measured down to the thousandth of a second. This pursuit of precision is very much like the athlete’s pursuit of the perfect movement: the one that gives the perfect result. All hours are of the same length, there is only one true hour and it takes an exceptional watch to measure it. I pride myself on my punctuality. I feel I have an acute sense of the passing of time, and am consequently more wary of it and thus have time on my side.

But precision is not the only thing that a Rolex has in common with skiing. A racer must not only be fit but also exceptionally tough in order to stay on the best, the smoothest line leading down a course. A high speed yet delicate task which when done successfully gives one a few hundredths of a second’s edge: the margin for victory. This is similar to a Rolex, an expertly engineered mechanical object which must work perfectly even in the most extreme conditions. This is what I have always expected from my Rolexes and I have yet to be disappointed. Among the twenty-five Rolexes in my collection, whether they be new or second-hand, there is one I particularly care for: a gold manual wind chronograph 6036 from the 1950’s.

Rolex’s values are like my own and I could not imagine wearing another make. I feel my watch is a bit like me. It suits me perfectly.

Jean Claude Killy

(Source)

Henri-Germain Delauze, founder of COMEX, died.

Henri-Germain Delauze, born in the French Provence on September 17th, 1929, he is considered to be one of the biggest pioneers in professional diving.  He is the founder of COMEX, the famous diving company that also served their logos on many Rolex watches. 


(picture source)

One of his biggest friends was Jacques Cousteau with whom he went on many archeological diving expeditions.

After a bad accident in 2008, he gave the lead of his company COMEX to his daughter Michele Fructus.  


Henri-Germain Delauze died in his house in Marseille yesterday at the proud age of 82.  Rest in peace.

FREDERIQUE CONSTANT Vintage Rally, La Carrera Panamericana

FREDERIQUE CONSTANT Vintage Rally, La Carrera Panamericana

 

Already a longstanding partner to many vintage and classic car rallies, Frédérique Constant is taking its commitment to an even higher level by sponsoring the legendary Carrera Panamericana. The brand commemorates the 24th race with two renditions of a single timepiece, each limited to 1,888 pieces. Frédérique Constant also takes this opportunity to reveal the new hand-wound FC-435 calibre. The watch comes with a 43 mm polished steel case and a silver-toned dial, engraved with the race name. Distinguishing the two versions are the applied hourmarkers, in steel or pink gold-plated.

Movement Hand-wound, FC-435 calibre, 17 jewels, 42-hour power reserve, blued screws, bridges with "Côtes de Genève" motif Functions Hours, minutes and seconds Case Polished stainless steel, 43 mm Domed sapphire crystal and transparent back Water-resistant to 50 m / 5 ATM Dial Silver-toned with guilloché "Clous de Paris" motif Applied hourmarkers in steel or pink gold-plated Small seconds at 6 o'clock Bracelet/Strap Brown crocodile-pattern calfskin with folding clasp

(Text and photo courtesy of Swisstime)

Metropolitan Art Exchange in Chicago

Not often does it happen that I blog on art, but this one I cannot miss, of my dear friend in Chicago, who is a wellrespected artdealer in the community.

welcome     artists     art    poetry broadsides     books    links   jewelry    art adventures     news     contact

Salvador Dali (1904-1989)  "SURREALISTIC ANGEL" "LOVE" by Boris Pjanic Happy Valentine's Day!   Boris Pjanic's original painting "LOVE" is being offered in honor of the season of love. Please contact us for price: tel: 312.852.8200 or info@metroartexchange.com    "THIS IS HOW I FELT THE      FIRST TIME I MET YOU" by Arica Hilton   Limited edition graphic on paper or canvas (30" x 24")  HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!! Quick Links METARTNEWS ARTISTS ART Paintings Limited Edition Graphics Glossary of Definitions  Photography Jewelry Glass Art Sculpture POETS Poetry Broadsides What is a Broadside  ART ADVENTURES  -Catalan Spain & Mallorca -Ancient & Modern Turkey -Himalayan Journey-Ladakh/Zanskar MORE ABOUT US   How to sell your art  How to buy art CONTACT US

MetArtNews  Metropolitan Art Exchange makes its Debut in Chicago!  Metropolitan Art Exchange, an all encompassing fine arts organization specializing in paintings, limited edition graphics, glass art, sculpture, photography, poetry broadsides, jewelry, antiques, and classic and exotic cars, makes its debut in Chicago at the historic Metropolitan Tower across the street from the Art Institute on Michigan Avenue.   With over 25 years experience in the art industry, we work with an international database of artists, photographers, private collectors, galleries, dealers, publishers and jewelry designers. We also work with collectors to help them acquire or sell parts or entire collections privately and safely.  Contact us today to help you sell your art.   In addition to the visual and literary arts, we offer fine art adventures  that are meant to expand the experience base of our collectors and artists by offering comprehensive journeys unlike any you have or will experience. This year we have two trips planned.  One to Catalan Spain (Barcelona & Mallorca) and the second, to Ancient and Modern Turkey.  These journeys will be hosted by artists, architects, poets, writers and experts in the arts and history of the regions.  Located in the heart of the museum district of Chicago, the Metropolitan Art Exchange offices are across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago, Grant Park and two blocks from Millennium Park. By appointment only.   Tel: +1.312.852.8200 or email: info@metroartexchange.com 1951 Ferrari 212E by Scott Jacobs   Scott Jacobs' work is remarkable for its photo realistic excellence. Depending on the size, each of Scott's paintings usually takes more than one hundred hours to complete. Much of the work is done with a brush that is so small, it is like using a pencil point. He has found this to be the only way to render the necessary detail which allows the work to earn the title "Photo-Realistic". Famous for painting sportscars and Harley-Davidson's, Scott Jacobs has chosen this rare 1951 Ferrari 212E as his latest subject.     HISTORY:  Ferrari's early commercial success started with the 166 and, from 1951 onwards, relied on the 212 for continued prosperity. While the factory focused on their larger 340 America for overall wins, the 212 was put in the hands of wealthy clients and spread the Ferrari name abroad. Being a dual purpose car, the 212 was built in two distinct states of tune. For the serious enthusiasts, 27 examples called the Export model were built for racing in the GT and sports classes. These cars featured a large fuel tank and radical carburetion that sometimes included the thirsty triple setup Weber 32 DCF setup from the 340 America. Power produced by the Export 212 varied from 150 to 170 bhp......click for more information.... FEAR NO ART:  THE DINNER PARTY Elysabeth Alfano, host of Fear No ART, is branching out with a new show and new format.  In addition to Fear No ART which will continue to air, The Dinner Party is a monthly show broadcast live on the internet in front of a live audience at the Mayne Stage.  Alfano invites 3 creatives (mostly artists, but also entrepreneurs and inventors) to join her for dinner.  Each monthly dinner is created by a different celebrity chef.  While the chef is preparing the meal (and our cameras capture the culinary art),  the 4 diners sip wine and the conversations flow! Buy tickets to be a part of the audience for the filming of the 1 hour show and then STAY for a sampling of the chef's creation and a continuation of the conversation with Elysabeth and the artists.  Don't live in Chicago?  Invite your friends over, watch The Dinner Party on FearNoArt.tv and have a dinner party of your own, while tweeting in your questions or comments during the show.   If you miss the live broadcast, snippets will be posted on FearNoArt.tv and youtube later, but wouldn't you rather be a part of it?  Tickets go on sale on December 14th for the January 30th show.  Details for this multi-sensory show are below.  See you at dinner! Fear No ART  presents  THE DINNER PARTY: the last Monday of every month at Chicago's Mayne Stage Theatre.  Click here for more information VANISHING CULTURES by DENNIS MANARCHY Over 10 years in the making, Vanishing Cultures is an audacious 20,000-mile mission to capture the uncommon beauty and individuality that defines the American people in a way that has never been done before.  The means will be one of the WORLD'S LARGEST FUNCTIONING FILM CAMERAS capable of producing timeless images in microscopic detail not possible in the digital world.   Dennis Manarchy, renowned as one of the world's top photographers and commercial directors, has built by hand a mammoth-sized prototype camera that stands 35 feet long, 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide.  It is a fully functioning prototype...and it works in spectacular fashion.     The result will be stadium-sized traveling outdoor exhibitions featuring 24-foot portrait prints in captivating detail, documentaries, educational materials and cultural celebrations....   click here to read the rest of the story and to see the video.  We look forward to an exciting new season of art and adventure with you!      Cheers!   Metropolitan Art Exchange

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