Eberhard & Co: Strap culture

Ulysse Nardin: Cellphone Chairman

[ via Uncells Home ]

Celebrated Swiss vanguard watchmaker Ulysse Nardin has partnered with the European firm, SCI Innovations, to create the world's first hybrid smart phone: the Chairman.

Inherently green, this smart phone pairs cutting-edge kinetic technology with the pedigree of the 163-year-old timepiece innovator.

The Chairman will be launched at Baselworld 2009 at Ulysse Nardin’s booth.

While details are limited, it has been confirmed that the Chairman will be able to use any mobile phone service provider in the world and includes several components never seen before in a smart phone.

It will incorporate a Ulysse Nardin designed kinetic rotor system which is blended into the mechanical and aesthetical design of the smart phone. This smart-phone is hand-assembled under the strictest guidelines mandated by Ulysse Nardin.

via JLC: A prototype of the latest Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm Tides of Time

The timepiece is a "Tides of Time" edition of the fascinating Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm model. Symbolising the "Tides of Time" partnership between Jaeger-LeCoultre, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the International Herald Tribune, this timepiece associates two of the Manufacture's emblematic complications: a highly readable Memovox alarm function and the world time system, the simultaneous display of the time in 24 time zones.

TIDES OF TIME

Three of the cities on the outer world time dial ring have been replaced by three natural sites appearing on the World Heritage list benefiting from a dedicated preservation programme supported by Jaeger-LeCoultre (Scandola in France, Galapagos in Ecuador, and Tubbataha in Philippines).

The conception of the extraordinary patent-filed two-part case fulfils the highest performance demands: the case is connected to its support by an original system that absorbs shocks to an unprecedented degree and enables the movement to pursue its task smoothly and accurately, by protecting it from vibrations and impacts during use in extreme conditions.

Thanks to the ingenious patented interchangable wristband system integrated within the case middle, the straps can be removed in no time at all and replaced by another one.

The 36.2 mm diameter automatic movement, Calibre 912, is one of the most imposing of its generation. It is naturally equipped with the latest technical feats stemming from Jaeger-LeCoultre's ongoing research: a variable-inertia balance fitted with adjusting screws on the outer rim; unidirectional winding; as well as an oscillating weight with ball-bearings in ceramics - a high-tech feature offering the invaluable advantage of requiring no maintenance or lubrication. As the ultimate proof of its extraordinary sturdiness, the original alarm mechanism of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 912 is subjected to the implacable trial of the striker test, 45-hour power reserve.

The distinctive conception of the Master Compressor Extreme's shock-absorbing case called for in-depth research on the acoustic qualities of the alarm, leading to the creation of a state-of-the-art gong. Instead of the traditional gong fixed to the back of the case, the gong actually surrounds the movement and is secured to the case middle by two pins. It is struck by the hammer at a precise point near this point of attachment. The geometry has also been specifically revised so as to optimise the qualities of the sound emitted.

The alarm function comprises a double pushpiece enabling the owner to decide whether to start or stop the alarm function.

Reflecting these inner technical innovations, the Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm watch is distinguished by an original display of the alarm time by means of two juxtaposed discs that appear through a perfectly readable window at 9 o'clock. The positioning of the hour disc is followed by the minute one, thus enabling the user to select any time in five-minute intervals. The watch dial also carries a date window at 3 o'clock with fast adjustment.

MOVEMENT

• Automatic
  
• Pieces number: 315
  
• Vibrations per hour: 28800
  
• Power-reserve: 45 Hours
  
• Jewels: 23
  
• Barrel: 2
  
• Height: 7.78 mm
  

FUNCTIONS

• Hour - Minute
  
• Seconds
  
• Date
  
• World time indication simultaneously indicating the time in all 24 time zones.
  
• Alarm with double hour and minute display.
  
• Alarm function on/off selector.
  

CASE

• Stainless steel (support) / Titanium (case)
  
• Case-back engraved PROTO 
  

Debaufre Nav-B Limited Edition Flieger

F-DW.03.08LE

This Limited Edition Nav-B pilot's watch is an exact reproduction of the historic Flieger Uhr with a world-wide limited production quantity of 200 pieces (update: the 200 watches are sold out), each with its unique Limited Number printed on the stainless steel case-back. The Nav-B Limited Edition watch is powered by the Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic movement with Hour, Minute and Central Seconds function.

The case is crafted of 316L surgical stainless steel and measures in at 48-mm. The dial is black without markings like brand name, model number or any such writing and the time-markers are coated with Super-Luminova to glow brightly. The curved sapphire crystal glass is coated with an anti-reflective coating on the inside. The beautiful calf leather strap is 22-mm by 22-mm and adorned with two metal studs. The stainless steel buckle is attached with screws and is engraved with our brand name. 

This is an absolutely beautiful watch and has been requested numerous times by watch collectors and watch-forum members, so here it is, but only 200 pieces have been made

Dimensions:

lug-to-lug = 57mm

thickness = 13.8mm

incl. crown = 53.7mm

weight incl.band = 4.7oz

strap length = 149.6 x 82.6mm

Stowa Airman: Nothing but Perfect

photo courtesy of Hary (C)

Omega Hour Vision

Charriol Actor XXL Automatic Chronograph

DESIGNED UNCONVENTIONALLY with unusually large dimensions, the Actor series of watches deviates from the traditional vertical school of design. With its strong predisposition for fancy, whimsical silhouettes, Charriol gives the tried-and-tested tonneau, rectangular, and square case a new twist by stretching it—horizontally. Bracelet straps are likewise expanded width-wise, and just like their namesake, they can assume a new identity (they are actually interchangeable).

Charriol’s latest Actor, the XXL Automatic Chronograph is quite the looker. True to its thespian heritage, the XXL Automatic Chronograph conceals nothing from the public eye—both the oscillating self-winding movement (seen through the sapphire caseback) and the case’s side screws are visible to all and sundry. Its robust square case also comes with a unique knob-like crown (Charriol calls it a “shackle crown”). That’s not even the best part. Seen on the dial’s sleek silvered surface are three overlapping chronograph counters (12 hours at 6 o’clock, 30 minutes at 9 o’clock, and small seconds at 3 o’clock). These geometric sub-dials are bordered by a daunting Roman “XII” at 12 o’clock, and applied angular hour indexes are set around the periphery.

A crocodile leather in dark brown fastened by a pushpiece folding clasp complements the XXL Automatic Chronograph’s stainless steel square case.

Exposed side screws and a shackle crown make Charriol’s Actor XXL Automatic Chronograph memorably unique.

Series: Actor
Functions: Chronograph
(12 hours + 30 minutes + small seconds), date, hours, minutes, seconds
Case: Stainless steel, 
Ø 42mm
Movement: Self-winding
Water Resistance: 50m
Bracelet Strap: Brown crocodile leather fastened by a pushpiece folding clasp

MSRP: USD 4,800 .--