Johnny Flyback - Rock star watch consultant-Rock On and Flyback!

What an Honor!

2010-03-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

Peter Speake-Marin

I get email requests all the time to write about various watch brands and things going on in the watch industry. I am very choosy about who and what I write about, because not just anyone or anything is worth mentioning. I am proud to report I received and email in the last couple of days from Olivier Marguerat, who came on to produce his first book with legendary watch maker Peter Speake-Marin "The Hands Of Time". Olivier asked me if I would mention this book and various other projects of Peter Speake-Marin on www.johnnyflyback.com, and I was thrilled to oblige his request.

For those of you who are not familiar with Peter Speake-Marin, he is truly one of the last important independent watch maker visionaries the world has seen in the last 20 years. Peter is an Englishman, who worked on masterpieces like Dent, Frodsham, Nielson, Breguet and Patek Philippe in London, which became the segway for his passion creativity and technical knowledge. He was recruited in 1996 by the illustrious manufacture Renaud & Papi (now Audemars Piguet Renaud &Papi) in Switzerland to develop high complications. During this time, he began acquiring his own machinery and constructed by hand a tourbillon pocket watch with two power trains. This timepiece became the Foundation Watch for his own independent atelier, established in 2000 in the picturesque village of Rolle, between Geneva and Lausanne. He has since been in demand by various watch companies such as MB&F, and Maitres du Temps where he was one of the three masters to develop the critically acclaimed Chapter One. He has also been asked to design and construct watches that are technical, prestigious and one of a kind.

Peter's new book " The Hands Of Time" is a celebration of 10 years of Speake-Marin watchmaking, as well as an introduction of the brand new Marin 1 timepiece & in-house SM2 calibre. So go and buy your copy now at www.watchprint.com to get what could be one of the next biblical watch books ever written! I would like to congratulate and thank Olivier and Peter Speake-Marin for thinking of me to write this article, What an Honor!

Chronoswiss is Bad In Black for Basel 2010!

2010-03-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

The Chronoswiss Opus has always been a watch that is aesthetically orgasmic. As much as I don't care too much for the brand I have always appreciated this watch for it's beauty, and most watch collectors I know would agree. For this years Basel 2010, Chronoswiss has evolutionized this watch by adding a little black magic. What do I mean by Black Magic, well I don't mean some crazy fucking Haitian curse that's for sure. What I mean is that Chronoswiss has changed the aesthetic of this cool timepiece by adding the powerful color of black DLC coating to make this once dressy ornate timepiece Bad In Black, which can be worn in any situation.

The new Chronoswiss Opus Black Magic will come in both varieties of the regular size and Grande SIze. The only thing funky is that they are calling this DLC coating Dianor, which is there Magnum as if they were fucking Zoolander. Who Cares? Coating is Coating. Sure some coating is harder and better than others, but to develop a name around the coating is kind of trivial. My thing is focus more on the watch and less on the coating because let's face it, the whole black watch thing has been on it's way out for a while and no one is going to remember that over other proprietary coatings, because it's old fucking news at this point. I love the fact that all the hands on this watch are red for ultimate contrast. I would totally wear this watch and depending on the price might even recommend you to go and buy one, we will just have to see how far up their own ass Chronoswiss is.

Breitling does it right with the new Super Ocean For Basel 2010

2010-03-17T15:19:00.001-07:00

For this Basel 2010, Breitling has amazed me with one particular model. Maybe it's because I am a huge fan of yellow when done properly. The new Breitling Super Ocean, is a modern sports divers watch with balls, creativity and the core of what bretiling is all about. I am happy to report it reminds me of the Breitling of old. The new stuff in the last 10 years has really been a visual nightmare because they have taken a very simple concept of aviation and taken it to a world that I really haven't been happy with because its really confusing. The key to any good brand is to be able to convey even through the most technical of information in the most concise way. The numbers on the bezel and dial are really big, iconic and striking. You definitely know what time it is and the inner yellow ring gives it character.

Here are the specs
Movement: Breitling Caliber 17, officially chronometercertified
by the COSC, selfwinding, high frequency
(28,800 vibrations per hour), 25 jewels. Calendar.
Case: steel. Water-resistant to 1,500 meters (5,000 ft).
Screw-locked crown. Unidirectional ratcheted bezel.
Cambered sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides.
Diameter: 42 mm.
Dials: Abyss Black, Abyss Silver, Abyss Blue, Abyss Red, Abyss Yellow.
Straps/Bracelet: rubber Diver Pro or Ocean Racer/steel Professional.

If Breitling can cut out this Breitling for Bentley Bullshit and focus on the models in their arsenal that have been part of their heritage like this Super Ocean, then they are on their way back with a vengence.

Bell & Ross Go Green Ceramic For Basel 2010, But it should have been Bigger

2010-03-17T11:45:00.001-07:00

I am totally digging the new B&R Instrument in green ceramic. The only thing is, it belongs on a women, because it's 42 mm. The whole instrument thing works best in 46 mm. That's the whole point! I wont hold it against them because green ceramic is an amazing military looking asthetic and I am sure it will be available bigger if they actually want to sell watches. If you look at what dealers are stuck with in Bell & Ross inventories as far as instruments go, it's usually 42 mm.

Here are the specs
42mm green ceramiccase, eta 2892 movement, dial, rubber strap also available.

Rolex Makes It official For Basel 2010

2010-03-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

Steel Rolex Submariner Black Dial

Steel Rolex Submariner Green Ceramic Bezel Green Dial- Oh Puke!

Steel Rolex Explorer 1

It's official. The official Rolex roster is out. Finally. Well, I was right. The 40 mm Steel Submariner has been upgraded with all the trimmings, with a better bracelet, black maxi dial for ultimate clean legibility, and ceramic bezel for longevity. This was expected and an important move For Rolex. For those of you who doubted me, you can all suck it hard!

Then the kermit got greener. Why? I don't Fuckin know. To add insult to injury. A 40 mm steel submariner with green ceramic bezel and green maxi dial. Besides Rolex promoting the corporate colors on their watches to throw us all off, it's just not enough to have me convinced, at least pretend and say that we are a green company or anything. This watch is hideously shiteous in my opinion. The sad part is it will probably sell out.

The Curveball thrown by Rolex this year was The 39 mm Explorer 1. I wont lie I was expecting a new Explorer 2 for this years Basel 2010. The Explorer 1 is a fucking legend and this year the watch got bigger from 36 mm to 39 mm and was upgraded with the better bracelet, the dial stayed the same, black arabic with luminous hour markers and hands. There use to be a cult following for this watch 10 years ago in Japan which sent the value to the moon, I have a feeling that this new modification will reignite the same fire worldwide for this watch. Up until two years ago with the introduction of the new Air King, The Explorer 1 was the only Rolex watch to be certified a chronometer without a date.

Vacheron Constantin Lands In India

2010-03-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

Anybody who is switched on, realizes in the last couple of years how important the Indian Market is for business. India has the largest middle class in the world. You have a population of almost 1.5 billion people, out of which 200 million have a ridiculous earning capacity to afford all the best luxuries in life. Vacheron Constantin has very strategically decided to open their first Indian boutique. This is a huge undertaking and a momentous occasion for the brand and India. It goes to show you how much the brand and India have evolved.

This Boutique is located on the first floor of the DLF Emporio Mall, located just outside of New Delhi. The official launch was March 11th 2010, where Marc Guten, International Director of Vacheron Constantin ,and Mr. Yassin Tag, Brand Manager for Middle East & Indian Subcontinent who were sharing this special occasion with their long-term partners Mr. & Mrs. Anoop Mehta, Directors of Dia Precious Jewellery Pvt. Ltd., exclusive distributors of Vacheron Constantin in India. This new boutique is very reminiscent of the design aesthetic of the manufacture’s historical Maison in the heart of Geneva. According to Marc Guten "Vacheron Constantin and India share great history. Since the days of the Maharajas, Vacheron Constantin has been producing masterpieces for great families and discerning Indians such as astonishing platinum bracelet made in 1916 for the Maharaja of Patiala. He also goes on to say that "Indian customers expectations have risen considerably in terms of both service and product quality. Our Indians clients in particular, display a very sophisticated level of horology knowledge and taste for Grandes Complications and Métiers d’Art timepieces".

In a world where watch companies are scaling back and cutting distribution it's nice to see that Vacheron Constantin has the forsight to land in India and reach arguably the largest emerging watch market in the world!

12 Faces of Time, Book Signing At Basel 2010

2010-03-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

In case you are at this years Basel Fair 2010, and you are absolutely horny for some amazing watch porn, and sick of the mediocre brands and the disgusting food, then you must rock the book signing of The Twelve Faces Of Time. This Horological Virtuoso is a masterpiece of the 12 masters of watch making.

Ralf Baumgarten and Elizabeth Doerr will be doing two book signings with 11 of the watchmakers during Baselworld. Here is the line-up:

When: Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21 at 14 h / 2:00 pm

Where: Messeplatz, directly in front of Hall 1.0, in the book hut run by Watchprint

Who: Elizabeth Doerr (author), Ralf Baumgarten (photographer), 11 of the watchmakers portrayed in the book: Philippe Dufour, Vianney Halter, Felix Baumgartner, Thomas Prescher, Volker Vyskocil, Paul Gerber, Beat Haldimann, Dr. Ludwig Oechslin, Kari Voutilainen, Roger Smith, and François-Paul Journe.

Sounds really good if your into that sort of thing, please cop on to yourself and try not to have an accident from the excitement!

Hublot becomes Official watch of F1 Racing and it's not bad.

2010-03-13T14:11:00.000-08:00

So Happy Together!

OK People, I don't want to worry you, I know I have written more about Hublot in the last 3 month's, than I have since the birth of Johnny Flyback, but I haven't gone to the dark side yet. Hublot has officially become the official watchmaker of Formula 1 racing. With all their partnerships in the last couple of years this one makes the most sense. I am not on board with all the other partnerships which makes no fucking sense at all. This makes sense because cars and watches have always been one in the same because we are talking engineering, innovation and performance all the way. That's why people buy cars and watches for, movements and engines and aesthetics and design.

This new Hublot F1 is so stealth and raw, that it really compels you when you look at it. You can feel the car and watch association deep with adrenaline within your veins. The new Hublot King Power will be just the first of a series of Hublot F1 King Power watches. This will be a multi year deal which will include Hublot boutiques to open in the F1 Paddock Club at several events.

According to Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot SA is full of enthusiasm:

“I have always had great admiration for the exceptional and unique achievements of Bernie Ecclestone. Without him there would be no Formula 1: he created this global phenomenon’. I have also had a great deal of admiration for the drivers who are able to control these ultra-sophisticated racing machines down to the slightest movement, all at incredible speed. Nor should we forget the cradle of high technology that F1 represents. It’s such a delight to be here with Hublot today, so close to Bernie, the racing, the drivers, the cars, the high technology and the F1 Grand Prix in general. This is the start of a very special relationship”.

Not to felate him, but Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of the Formula One group was equally complimentary of Hublot:

“I have long had a keen interest in watches and the art of watchmaking and I am very pleased to be announcing this deal today. Hublot’s meteoric rise in the industry has been a very well managed achievement and I would like to congratulate Jean-Claude for this. There is an energy, creativity and dedication to perfection about Hublot which sits very well with us and I could not think of a better brand with which to begin a new chapter in Formula One’s enduring association with luxury watches”.

JLC Supports a Worthwile Cause

2010-03-13T10:48:00.001-08:00

Starting March 18th-24, JLC will start it's second online Tides of Time Auction. 100% of the proceeds of this auction will benefit India's Sundarbans UNESCO world Heritage site. The item being auctioned off is one of two very rare but cool Geophysic Chronometers ref# E168 which was tested by Stephan Schaffter who is a renowned climber and his team during the Geophysic Expidition in October 2000 To the Himilaya's. Collectors, Philanthropists, Humanitarians please support this great cause because you will help preserve the exceptional natural environment of the Vallée de Joux and give support to ambitious projects on an international scale of preserving land and endangered species.

Watch Details:
Vintage Geophysic Chonometer Model E168 - Timepiece worn by the climbers during the 2009 Geophysic Expedition.

Casing in steel, diameter 35 mm with Antimagnetic properties: Farraday's cage made of soft iron inner case and soft iron dial. Case-back: engraved number 748166, blue and metallic Geophysic Chronometre seal.

Caliber Jaeger-LeCoultre P478BWSbr (signature "LeCoultre"), number 1373188, year of Manufacture: 1958. White varnished dial, matt finishing, applied hour-markers. Hands: steel, skeletonised luminescent for hour/minute, crown: steel, O’ring joint fixed to the tube, two straps: ‘Expedition’ Ostrich leather strap (used by the climbers), 1 additional new black leather strap. Caseback engraving: Geophysic Expedition ; Mt Antoine LeCoultre, 6589m, Himalayas, October 22, 2009.

Please take note that the water resistance can not be guaranteed for the auctioned model, as aesthetical and functional features of the historical timepiece are preserved.

Packaging: exclusive box Geophysic Expedition, 210 x 260 x 100 mm. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Extract from the Archives, accompanied with an exclusive publication “Tides of Time” presenting the Unesco World Heritage marine sites protected within the Tides of Time partnership in 2009.

Guess Who Hublot Hires For North & Latin American President?

2010-03-12T20:07:00.000-08:00

Hublot has been on fire the last couple of years. I really don't know why? It's really not that original and even though the brand is almost an exact copycat of AP, they have managed to make this brand hugely successful globally. You may ask how was this achieved? It's quite simple really. When you have LVMH money and Jean Claude Biver's legendary vision, who in my opinion is Captain Jean Luc Packard of the watch industry, it makes it really easy. So, to further reinforce the focus of You Blow in the United States, I mean Hublot, there is a new appointed North and South American President.

Beatrice de Quervain Blanchard is no stranger to the watch industry. This gorgeous Swiss Miss, has been involved in many different ventures starting in 1993 with Omega where she worked with Jean Claude Biver to oversee marketing in the US, to Chopard in 1999 where she became the first marketing director of the brand to gain valuable experience to see through the vision, then in 2001 she started her own company in distribution before she joined Harry Winston in 2004, where she was recruited to run the luxury timepiece division of the East Coast and Caribbean markets. In 2007, she was further promoted within Harry Winston to Global Marketing Director, where she headed communication initiatives, and I must say she did a fine job, because Harry Winston is actually taken seriously amongst collectors.

With all this experience and credentials like these, it's safe to say that she passed the test and can totally run this brand successfully, even though some might say, it should be run by a man. I congratulate her and wish her the best. Once you create stardom it's maintaining it which is the hardest part. We will have to wait and see! Please weigh in. What do you think?

Even The Inglorious wear JLC to the Oscars!

2010-03-10T18:22:00.000-08:00

The Oscars

Vanity Fair After Party

The Oscars this year really fucking blew. I was not impressed. It was really boring for one, but a great year for certain underdogs, and not as big for the tent poles. The only thing hot about the Oscars this year was that Inglorious Bastards Star Diane Kruger was wearing something really cool and tasteful, The JLC Art Deco which is infamous for housing the worlds tiniest movement.

Since this German born goddess happens to be a timeless beauty, it was really fitting that for the Vanity Fair after party she was rocking it old school with a heritage piece from 1949 lent from the JLC Museum in Switzerland, which happened to be dripping in 225 diamonds. See that's cool. That's when it's appropriate to wear diamonds on a watch, when your a hot women who happens to be a great actress attending the Oscars walking down the red carpet, not if you a rapper or man playing sports, because it's downright offensive! Despite my annoyance with JLC of late, at least they are moving and shaking in the right circles when it matters, because even the Inglorious are wearing JLC to the Oscars.

Fortis does something weird but cool for Basel 2010

2010-03-08T15:33:00.001-08:00

To celebrate 100 years of watch breaking, I mean watch making, Fortis have been smart for once to collaborate with Volkswagen Designs in the making of their Space Leader for Basel 2010. I must say this reminds of Porsche Design but cooler. It has a very futuristic asthetic, but still incorporates the pilot aspect on the dial with chronograph function. The watch is limited to 2,012 pieces for the world.

The watch has a very interesting feel and look to it. From the ergonomically constructed caoutchouc rubber bracelet for design and comfort purposes which starts at the six o'clock position and wraps around the right side of the case covering the beautifully high polished stainless steel case on one side, while the left side of the stainless steel case is exposed. I would never wear one or accept one as a gift, but I certainly can appreciate the ingenuity of the design aspect. If Fortis continues to make interesting shit like this, they may have a chance to stay in the game.

The Details:

The case, in stainless steel, measures 43mm. It has an AR-coated sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 100 meters.

Movement is the Swiss automatic ETA caliber Valjoux 7750 with 25 jewels.

Corum Sold back To Corum SA

2010-03-05T17:25:00.000-08:00

As of this Past October 2009, Corum was Sold back to Corum SA. Corum SA, much like Rolex is a trust. The Wunderman family who brought this iconic brand to the forefront and made it relevant, have now decided to move on. Michael Wunderman, son of legend Severan Wunderman is enjoying retirement, while cousin Johnny Wizman, has decided to focus on the ladies market and bought the distribution for the US market for Bedat & CO. There is no doubt in my mind that he will make this brand successful, because of his incredible work ethic, passion and determination and it helps he has a watch war Veteran like Agnes Campanile who has been with every watch company under the sun and is one of the most respected people in the watch industry. Even though this family has endured hard times, they have been able to overcome the odds and rise above the bullshit with their integrity in check and money in the bank.

How Convenient, Jean Marc Bories Calls it Quits With Breguet right before Basel 2010?

2010-03-05T13:44:00.000-08:00

In breaking News, according to a reliable source, Jean Marc Bories Breguet President for North Amwerica, who In my opinion is the Napoleon of the Watch industry, has decided to call it quits with famed watch manufacturer Breguet after 10 years with the Swatch Group. Bories led Breguet to a triumphant pinnacle with arrogance and disconnection at the same time. This must be a huge blow to the Evil Empire of Swatch, because he projected the image of Breguet in every way and had a crucial role putting this brand back on the map in the US with Nicholas Hayek's vision. What a douche? He couldn't even wait till after Basel?

So what's next for the Frenchman? Well, according to the same source, he plans to pack up the family, move to England and work for the Renault F1 Team. I guess watches and cars are one in the same. He will probably bring value to whatever he does, I guess he got sick of making $150,000 a year. At some point you need to be compensated, but then again look who the employer was? As much as I am not the biggest Jean Marc Bories fan because of his rude arrogant nature, I wish him and his family only the best of luck in the UK.

Hamilton goes JLC for Basel 2010 , for under $2500!

2010-03-02T14:49:00.000-08:00

As I have eluded to before, it appears that all the low end watch brands lately are trying to emulate the high end brands and vise versa to some degree. Much is the the case with Hamilton for this years Basel Fair 2010, where they are launching the Khaki X-Landing. This watch is kind of reminiscent of the JLC Extreme world chrono from the overall design aesthetic and even though it's technically not an in house movement, it kind of is because Swatch Group owns ETA and Hamilton, and the best part is that it's under $2,500 ,which is an absolute bargain! The problem these days is that all the high end brands are making these kind of extreme watches and unless they are highly limited, their value plummets dramatically as soon as you buy it, so it makes sense to buy watches like the new Hamilton Khaki X-Landing because at least you won't get butt raped in the process. Here are the details of the watch.

The case, in stainless steel grey PVD, measures 44mm. It has a sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 100 meters.

Movement is the Swiss automatic ETA caliber 7754 with GMT complication. Dials can be had in black or grey, with a bracelet or leather strap.

Hublot and Depeche Mode's collaboration a major success!

2010-02-28T16:55:00.000-08:00

It's official, Hublot and Depeche Mode have raised over six hundred and twenty thousand dollars benefiting The Teeenage Cancer Trust. This is outstanding because this all happened only within a couple of months from start to finish. According to Hublot CEO Jean Claude Biver “This joint project has proven to be a tremendous success! The result is amazing and we are so proud to have been part of this historical charity event. Depeche Mode have committed themselves with such enthusiasm to this project! It has been a humbling experience to join them on this journey. They are fans of Hublot and I am proud to associate our brand with their music and for a cause as important as the Teenage Cancer Trust…when you are passionate and successful in what you do, you should share and give to those less fortunate! This is exactly what Depeche Mode has done and I am proud that Hublot could help them achieve this. ”

I guess JCB was happy with the outcome. He should be, because this goes to show how powerful the medium of joining forces with two big icons Hublot and Depeche Mode can be, especially in the name of charity.

Bell & Ross Goes Goes International For the First Time and Lands In Singapore

2010-02-28T15:20:00.000-08:00

As you can see from the lengthy title of this article, Bell & Ross, renowned French Swiss watch company have made the bold move to launch their first international boutique in Singapore. Obviously the brand is not facing hard times like the rest of the watch industry and expanding into foreign territory. This is a smart move for the brand because it gives them more control over their brand and to launch something so monumental, especially in one of the most die hard watch capital's of the world like Singapore just gives them more credibility and power worldwide. To further launch this boutique and make collectors perpetually wet, Bell & Ross decided to produce a 50 piece limited edition left-handed crown Phantom ref BR 01-92 exclusively for the Singapore Boutique.

According to Bell & Ross worldwide CEO "The opening of the first Bell & Ross flagship boutique in Singapore symbolizes a very significant milestone for our brand, and it is only possible with the strong support of Bell & Ross' loyal followers," said Carlos Rosillo, CEO of Bell & Ross. "We are very pleased to present a unique left hand crown timepiece for our first stand-alone boutique, which we believe our collectors will appreciate" adds Bruno Belamich, Creative Director of Bell & Ross. I am really fucking happy for the Bell & Ross because they are one brand that have stuck to their guns, making innovative instruments that collectors have to have for today and tomorrow!

The Return Of a Digital Revolution

2010-02-26T01:11:00.001-08:00

Pretty Fucking Cool!

Digital watches are either considered cheap and disgusting or culty pop culture sensations. Today, there is a style of digital that is purely utilitarian without design. The design is just as important as the function in my opinion, and no watch company other than Ventura, has been able to execute this vision so effortlessly. Ventura is known for MGS (Micro Generation Systems) which is a clever system that uses an automatic self winding rotor to generate electricity to power quartz digital movements. In 2007, Ventura went bankrupt.

Today, with the resurrection of this cool brand and their original founder, Pierre Nobs back on the scene, this once sought after analog and digital minimalistic Bauhaus inspired timepiece is back with a vengeance! The timing couldn't be better because their isn't a hell of a lot of interesting shit out there today. Everything is played out and recycled, and this is a refreshing resurgence that needed to happen. The price point is modest between $1500-$5000 and will be available for sale on their website for purchase sometime in the very near future. With a new round of financing this time around, we are in the midst of the return of a digital revolution.

A Downward Spiral

2010-02-25T22:08:00.001-08:00

The last two years have been extremely trying for the watch industry in every way. From sales, to distribution, to marketing, allocation and production. These things are all so intertwined. Everything is really fucked up. Consumers have been having a field day in this down economy, because they are able to get prices on watches that were never possible before. This is all supply and demand. So, What's really Happening? Because consumers aren't buying nearly what they were 5 years ago. and retailers are stuck with crazy inventories, the retailers are forced to give this shit away to pay their bills which means giving 30% of on everything , and that's just to start with. Some retailers are giving consumers 5 to 10 % over cost just to move inventory and stay in this blood bath of a game.

Now, this creates a serious problem for the watch companies. Their product ain't worth shit! To counter this, the watch companies are seriously cleaning house in the most severe ways. Cartier, has recently just cut a hundred plus doors in the US and dropped their margin by a couple percentage points with their retail partners in order to preserve and hold their reputation and value. The new Cartier President's attitude in my opinion, is cut retail partners and strengthen their boutique presence world wide to uphold their image and control their distribution. What does this mean for the you as the consumer?

This means it will be nearly impossible to get a discount on Cartier which translates to buying something that actually has value. This is for the greater good for all the watch brands for the time being, but the issue is still not resolved because other countries will be the source to buy watches at a better price in the near future. It's not just Cartier, it's the entire watch industry. Every brand is cutting distribution and retailers to validate who they are. It's pretty sad that it has to come to this but the last five years have been a downward spiral because of greed and power. We will have to wait and see what happens next?

A Made -To -Measure Watch Arrives in Beverly Hills, Finally de La Cour is Here!

2010-02-20T18:27:00.001-08:00

I am writing this article and I am in two minds about it,let me tell you! On one hand, I feel that today there are no real made to measure bespoke options for the consumer within the watch industry except for the Vacheron Constantine Quai de L'ille. On the other hand, I really have my reservations about newcomer de La Cour. How are these two things related, you may ask? Well, in about a week it will be official, that de La Cour will be landing on Cannon Dr. in Beverly Hills CA at the Montage Hotel, which will be their first boutique in the United States. This Swiss brand has no heritage and is about to make a skid mark in an industry that is virtually next to impossible to penetrate, like a midget in steel underpants. When you have brands like Blancpain, Vacheron Constantine, and Breguet, who are all so proud of their heritage since some time in the 1700's which is used in their advertising campaigns. De La Cour has a very laissez-faire attitude with their tag line Since Tomorrow, which is actually a refreshing change to the dramatic stuffiness that all the other watch brands are screaming and shoving down the consumers throats, like a dildo in a porn star.

As far as I am concerned, as much as they are a new brand that nobody has ever heard of in the US, they seem to have one fundamental basic service that none of the other brands have been able to adopt, which is offering a made -to -measure service of customization from their website, where you can mix and match from the entire collection. This is brilliant because the consumer actually gets what they want instead of the ugly shit they are forced to chose from. If the watch companies would take a cue from this infant company and learn something, that would be fucking great! This would take the pressure off of the watch brands spending shit tons of money on R&D to develop new novelties every year, or at least make a limited number of novelties instead of an entire collection. Even though De La Cour is years behind in watch making, they are a real Swiss watch company who are light years ahead in common sense and innovation compared to the rest of the watch world, so please don't underestimate them and check them out!

What Will The Almighty King, Rolex Do At Basel 2010?

2010-02-19T14:16:00.000-08:00

We all love to speculate. It keeps things interesting and fun. Whether it's The End of The World? or Haiti relief, it makes you think, as long as it doesn't become obsessive. In the watch world, much is the case with Rolex. There are so many interesting brands out there but the one that everyone including the entire watch industry is on the edge of their seat for is the Almighty King, Rolex. They are the benchmark that everybody follows regardless if they want to admit it or not.

For this years Basel Fair 2010, I believe we are going to see three important new novelties the world has been waiting for. This is not confirmed, so please? sit back let your mind wander and enjoy the mental masturbation that I am communicating to you all. I think it's safe to say as I have already written in an earlier post, now that legendary ref#16610 Stainless Steel Submariner has been officially discontinued in it's current version, the upgraded version will be unveiled with the new bracelet, ceramic bezel and maxi dial.

Some of my readers got their panties majorly twisted and told me Rolex never releases this information. My answer, as kindly as I can say Wake Up! and get a clue. I have connections and insight from many credible sources all over the world, and it amazes me how serious and anxiety ridden people get. The second watch I feel that we are going to see from Rolex at this years Basel Fair is an upgraded stainless steel Rolex Explorer 2. I believe it to be available in both variations black and white dials, with a throwback to vintage with an orange GMT hand instead of the current model which has a red GMT hand, as well as the upgraded bracelet and possibly bigger case. Finally, the one the world has been salivating for would be The Stainless Steel Daytona is getting bigger in a 43 or 44 mm case in both black and white dials, and we are finally going to see a date although this could be far fetched because it's not in line with Rolex heritage. There you have it people. Please weigh in and email me your thoughts as I would love to know what you all think?

Zenith Gets Classically Refined For Basel 2010

2010-02-18T12:42:00.000-08:00

I am happy to report as far as I can see for the moment that Zenith has finished producing ugly watches like the Dephile, I mean Defy. Zenith is known for superior robust movements like the El Primero and within the last few years they have done nothing but put these movements in watches that have no character and look like they belong on American Gladiators. For this years Basel 2010, Zenith have taken a more classically refined approach to watch making by digging deep into their arsenal to revive the classical aesthetic they were once known for.

So the watch that I speak of for this years Basel Fair 2010 is the new Zenith El Primero Foudroyante 1/10th Chronograph. I must say the words debonair, handsome, technical and all around vintage come to mind when I look at this watch. From the case shape and design to the gorgeous silver dial with multi colored subdials to the chronograph pushers and the red chronograph register hand which are so flawlessly put together to make this The First Automatic El Primero Integrated Chronograph with 1/10th of a Second Display.

El Primero 4052 B automatic calibre,
the new El Primero Jumping Seconds chronograph comes in a choice of 18-carat rose gold or stainless steel
42mm case
water-resistant to 100 meters and fitted
sapphire scratch resistant crystal front and back.

A Charitable Time

2010-02-17T14:23:00.000-08:00

Chronoswiss is a brand I strongly dislike. They are known for their clunky tuna can cases and their penis shaped watch crowns. I am happy to say that I don't own one because I think they are hideous to look at and I may suffer all kinds of humiliation wearing it. Although,I can recognize when a brand I don't love does something great, and yes in this case it's PornoSwiss I mean Chronoswiss. Recently they auctioned off a watch that famed actor Steve Carrell was wearing at this years 2010 Golden Globes.

This watch was the Chronoswiss stainless steel Kairos which is the best selling watch in their collection because of it's modest $3800 price tag. This watch was auctioned off at their NYC boutique this past Valentines Day weekend From February 11-14 and the sale of this watch went to The Red Ribbon Foundation which raises money to help fight AIDS. Read on for Specs on this watch.

Automatic (self winding) ETA 2892-A2 21 jewel Swiss movement with a 42 hour power reserve.
Guilloche sterling silver dial with printed numerals and blued polished steel hands.
Stainless steel case with the classic Chronoswiss decorative coin edge front and back and Chronoswiss Onion crown.
Sapphire crystal front and back.
Exhibition back allows you to view the beautifully decorated movement.
Genuine Louisiana crocodile leather.
Steel Chronoswiss buckle.
Case Dimensions: 38 mm in diameters and 9.5 mm thick.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers wears Pro Hunter

2010-02-14T05:23:00.000-08:00

In the recent Feb 4, 2010 interview with Movie Phone, promoting his new film Paris With Love, famed actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers was wearing the 2009 Rolex Pro Hunter GMT edition on green nylon strap. This is great for Pro Hunter and once again are establishing themselves as the cult watch to have. Here are the specs of the watch.

Diamond Like Carbon Coating
31 jewels
Black dial with luminous markers
Black rotatable bezel
Sapphire crystal
Anti reflective coating on Case and Glass
Individually engraved case back (001-900)
Fixed Lugs (Military Style)
Black or Green Military NATO Strap
Date Function
Waterproof to 300m/1000 feet

It's all about the new F.P. Journe Vagabondage 2

2010-02-14T03:44:00.000-08:00

MUST HAVE NOW!

I think I am going to Cum!

F.P. Journe is a true watch collectors wildest fantasy. It's bold, yet understated, technical yet simplistic round and now touneau? This brand is known for it's round cases and complicated movements the last ten plus years, which has arguably earned them the number one spot for finest watch in the world. Alas, we are now confronted with a new case design, which is a refreshing addition to the Journe repetoire. The new F.P. Journe Vagabondage 2 has officially become my favorite watch of 2010, in a touneau shaped case and get's a Rock On Award for it's excellence in execution. Where do I even begin? The Digital display? The smokey sapphire crystal? The 40 hour Power Reserve? The amazing clear back. Every aspect of this watch is mere perfection. The windows of the digital display of hours and minutes are in the same shape as the case. The cote de Geneve finishing of the movement is arguably the best finishing I have seen, and the fine brushed strokes of the case are almost poetic. The watch is a cross between a Richard Mille and Berguet Tradition, and even if these two companies merged to make one watch, they are still nowhere near this. F.P. Journe has achieved everything and more that A Lange & Soehne wishes the could have achieved with the Shitewerk, I mean Zeitwerk. Try not to have an accident in your pant while enjoying the technical specs.

The case, available in platinum in a limited edition of 69 pieces, or in 18kt rose gold in a limited edition of 68 pieces, measures 45mm x 37.5mm x 8mm.
Movement is the manual wind FP Journe in-house caliber 1509, in 18kt rose gold, measuring 29mm x 28mm x 5mm, with 30 jewels, 21,600 vph and with a power reserve of 40 hours.