Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The best new Certina watches for 2011 were the “Action Divers.” The name of the collection sounds as youthful as Certina wants the watches to be. Certina once made very impressive diving watches and are seemingly trying to return that image a bit. While intended to be for the mainstream buyer, these DS Action Divers are a nice watch and a good value that are also diving capable. They come in a few styles and colors, and on metal bracelets or straps. Size is just right at 43mm wide for most people. The dial is an amalgamated look from a range of successful high-end divers from brands such as Rolex and Omega. Certina sort of melded a few together to come up with this attractive look. The same concept applied to the steel case and bezel - not wholly original, but satisfying.

I love the clean integration of the date. None of the hour indicators needed to be removed, and the date disc is black to match the dial being placed between hour indicators. The watch case has a sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 200 meters. Inside the watch is a Swiss ETA 2824 automatic movement. Overall a great daily wear at a price that feels comfortable in the $800 - $1000 range.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Certina DS Action Diver Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 10 May 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

The pattern is one of those “so ugly it’s cool” designs and the zebra part of this Swash Zebra Scarf Silk Crepe de Chine Bags isn’t obvious at first but it’s there if you really look. The relaxed shape is uber comfortable in off-white silk crepe de chine with a single, extra wide black leather shoulder strap. Other features include designer stamped tag, an open top, and an interior lined in brown cotton (it’s wrinkled a little like a brown paper bag). Proof that statement bags don’t have to be just for evening. $505

Swash Zebra Scarf Silk Crepe de Chine Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 10 May 2011 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

Saying “orange, pink, and mustard” doesn’t sound very appealing but looking at orange, pink, and mustard on this Lucky Chyc Color-Block Tote by Yves Saint Laurent is another story altogether. Throw in some taupe, dark brown, and off-white and you’ve got an earthy but very modern take on color blocking. Details include visible black quilt stitch trim, very thin rolled leather double top handles, a “Y” compartment on the front exterior, protective feet, and a taupe twill lining with brown leather interior pouch pockets. In true tote style there’s no top closure and no shoulder strap. $1,350

Yves Saint Laurent Lucky Chyc Color-Block Tote, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 09 May 2011 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

The woven look makes me think basket, and baskets make me think summer, green meadows, and picnics, so it’s no wonder I like this Medium Flap Over Woven Print Bag from Carla Mancini. It’s very golden and rich, featuring a slightly slouchy shape to keep all that crazy texture looking relaxed and easy breezy for the season. Features include a single braided leather top handle, detachable shoulder strap, zippered front exterior pocket, and a roomy, fully lined interior. A deeper, more interesting way to accessorize your neutrals this summer. $490

Carla Mancini Flap Over Woven Print Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 08 May 2011 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

For the third time Swiss watch brand Hublot and UK Football team Manchester United come together for a special limited edition watch. The two have been in a long standing partnership, and the fruits of their efforts should appeal to more than just sports fans. This new watch however should be a particular treat for Manchester United fans. For one thing, part of the watch comes from the actual Old Trafford stadium. Look closely at the hour markers - these applied elements are a bit green in tone. They are actually made of the famous grass from the stadium. Hublot experimented with how to do this and finally came up with a process that involves freeze drying and then lacquering segments of the grass. They almost look like “sod crystals.”

The 48mm wide watch is based on the King Power collection and comes in two case materials. A limited edition version of 500 pieces comes in black matte ceramic, while a 250 piece limited edition will come in 18k King gold. Don’t know what King gold is? Neither do I, but it is likely some new gold alloy that Hublot will be using on its King Power timepieces. One new element to the case design is the chronograph pushers that now have a special security bar over them for style and protection.

Inside the watch is a special chronograph movement for measuring soccer game halves. It is the HUB4245 skeletonized automatic chronograph with centrally mounted chronograph hands. Plus, the chronograph measures up to 45 minutes - the length of a football game half. The dial also has a bright red Manchester United Devil mascot figure that looks great with the overall theme. Attached to the strap is a new style of rubber bracelet with fun red strip in the middle. Each of the Hublot King Power Red Devil watches will come specially signed by Manchester United’s own Sir Alex Ferguson - this is probably one of the best watches ever for a soccer team. Look for them soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews website aBlogtoRead.com

Hublot King Power Red Devil Watch For Manchester United originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 08 May 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Equipe watches has produced a special edition watch to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet. It makes sense that this is celebrated via a watch as Chevrolet was started by a man who was Swiss. Both out of Detroit, Equipe and Chevrolet come together for this unique version of the “Big Block” watch. The 12 o’clock indicator is the special 100 Years of Chevrolet logo, which the automobile brand’s logo plated in gold.

The watch itself is in steel, in a rectangular shape is 42mm wide (49mm wide with the pushers). It has a Japanese Miyota quartz chronograph movement and attractive looking dial meant to please car-loving gear heads. The case itself is actually meant to evoke the look of an engine block, with the crown and pushers being pistons. The watch is attached to a rubber strap that looks like tire tread. Not sure on the pricing, but this watch was just released and should be available soon where Equipe watches are sold.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Equipe Big Block Watch For 100 Years Of Chevrolet originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 07 May 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

Here’s one for the girly girls who are tired of bows and lace. A shimmering pink pailette treatment to catch eyes and invoke images of bubbly champagne and dainty lingerie. The Delray Pailette-Embellished Leather Shoulder bag by Marc Jacobs is a large shoulder bag made of blush leather covered front and back (the sides are left exposed leather) with perfectly matched oval-shaped pailettes. It has double rolled leather top handles and a heavy golden chain shoulder strap, plus the top closes via a darling push-clasp fastener with a designer stamp. Other features include protective metal feet and an interior fully lined in tan satin with one zippered pocket. Gorgeous. $2,350

Marc Jacobs Delray Pailette-Embellished Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 07 May 2011 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Ball’s 2011 lineup of wrist watches includes a compelling mixture of both very modern watches, and those which are retro inspired. One of the latter is this Trainmaster One Hundred Twenty - a watch that is meant to celebrate 120 years of Ball watches. The story of the brand is linked to the American railroad industry. Ball watches were among the original innovators of an on-time and safe railroad system.

The Trainmaster One Hundred Twenty is a classic looking timepieces with modern components typical to the brand. The most noteworthy of which is the very shock resistant and antimagnetic case (here in 18k rose gold and 39.5mm wide), as well as use of tritium gas tubes in the hour markers and hands. These tubes are filled with a naturally glowing material for perfect darkness reading for about two decades before the light begins to dim.

The dial of the watch is slightly domed and comes in gray or silver with 18k rose gold hour markers and hands. The watch has a sapphire crystal and is attached to brown or black crocodile strap. Inside the Trainmaster One Hundred Twenty is a Swiss ETA 2892 automatic movement.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com

Ball Trainmaster One Hundred Twenty Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 06 May 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

Upgrade your staple black leather look with this Bottega Veneta Crocodile-Effect Leather Messenger bag. It’s slouchy, weathered, and casual, but also a little tough, edgy, and even glamorous. It features faded black leather with crocodile-effect trim, signature intrecciato detailing, and an adjustable shoulder strap with padding. The fold-over flap front closes via a small tab with a press stud (cute but not the most convenient to fasten) plus there’s a pocket on the outside rear and several inside the roomy interior. It’s fully lined in black leather and brown suede. $9,500

Bottega Veneta Crocodile-Effect Messenger, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 06 May 2011 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I have had a love affair with Tag Heuer Formula 1 watches for a long time. The most modern ones are the best Formula 1 watches ever in my opinion. A new special model for 2011 celebrates an historic partnership that Tag Heuer enjoyed, as well as the furtherance of the F1 collection. This is the Formula 1 Gulf Edition watch, which presents itself in a similar manner as the range of Tag Heuer Monaco Gulf watches does in partnership with Gulf Oil and auto racing.

The base watch is the steel 44mm wide Tag Heuer Formula 1 Big Date watch. It contains a Swiss quartz movement with the time, subsidiary seconds dial, and big date indicator. The dial is black with a light gray cross-hatching pattern. You then see the Gulf racing stripes (with a thinner orange bar) and the Gulf logo. I think the racing stripes and dial pattern are a really neat edition. Not only is the piece attractive, but it will be particularly attractive to Tag Heuer collectors. The watch will be available on a steel bracelet or rubber strap. I don’t believe the piece is a limited edition, and prices should be in the $1,000 range when it is available in a few months.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tag Heuer Formula 1 Gulf Edition Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 05 May 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

This bag makes me happy. Meredith Wendell takes the season’s color-blocking trend and gives it a preppy, slightly artsy vibe for giving everyday casuals a boost of energetic vibrance. The Bucket Leather and Canvas Shoulder Bag features shades of blue from deep indigo to bright baby blue, plus rich red in the form of patent leather “stripes” that end in designer-stamped metal tabs. It’s divided into three major compartments plus one zippered pocket, has a bright red lining, and has double magnetic fastenings under the front flap. $795

Meredith Wendell Bucket Leather and Canvas Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 05 May 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Last year my favorite new Fortis watch was the Spaceleader. The futuristic chronograph watch was designed by the Volkswagen Design team and offered as a special limited edition of 2,012 pieces. I first wrote about the Fortis Spaceleader watch here. For 2011 Fortis is offering two additional limited edition versions of the Spaceleader Chronograph. Each have white dials and are great looking in a sort of “Omega Speedmaster evolved” sense. One model has a white rubber strap and the other models has a black rubber strap. The case is in polished steel and is “wrapped” by the strap structure. Fortis and Volkswagen really hit on a good design and I think these new color variations will be just as popular as the original Spaceleader watch. Inside the watches are Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic movements. Look for these timepieces soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Fortis Spaceleader Volkswagen Design White Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 04 May 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

One of their loveliest creations, the Stockholm is the newest limited edition model from Swedish watch makers Gustafsson & Sjögren (GoS). It will be limited to just five pieces total. Four pieces will have rich mother-of-pearl dials and one model will have a blue lapis lazuli dial - each set in a 42mm wide steel case.

Dials epitomize the art and skill of the knife and watch maker’s use of Damascus steel. The hour indicator ring, hands, subsidiary seconds hand, and crown are all in Damascus folded metal. The dial makes for a lovely presentation of this aesthetic, and is still very legible. Inside the watches are restored vintage movements, being manually wound Alpina 592R Swiss calibers. Over the dial is a sapphire crystal and each of the watches will be fitted to an alligator strap. For the lapis lazuli dialed model GoS will place a blue alligator strap. Overall these are finely makes pieces and quite rare - a fantastic example of “out of the box” thinking independent watch makers.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gustafsson & Sjögren Stockholm Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 03 May 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Coming in loads of colors and styles. The Volta II collection is a bright new range of women’s pieces from watch brand Bertolucci. More playful and decorative than the original Volta range, the Volta II has an off-centered dial for the time, and other a pair of hears or clover designed as the seconds hand. The hearts or clover on the dial spin around whimsically as the time passes. Inside the watches are Swiss quartz movements.

The cases are large at 42mm wide (for women) and comes in either steel or 18k rose gold. The watches themselves come in a large variety of colors. All have diamond studded bezels and more diamonds as well as other precious stones on the dials. The watch is matched to a colored alligator strap. Pretty fun pieces that still say “luxury watch” when worn.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Bertolucci Volta II Watches originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 02 May 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Anyone who claims that timepieces are merely for telling the time simply hasn’t worn enough nice watches. Even before watches were able to measure the time in a halfway decent manner they were made out of precious materials and dutifully decorated. It seems that the timepiece and luxury have been cooperating since the very beginning. It was not until the 20th century that the watch became mainstream through mass production - and even modest wage earners could afford one. Rather than destroy the elite status of having a watch, all this did was strengthen the high-end watch market as timepieces at this level needed to try even harder to separate themselves from their distant, more affordable cousins.

Writing about very expensive timepieces and the world that conceives them has been an interesting journey for me as one with no elite upbringing or sense of entitlement to the “nicest things life has to offer.” This have given me a unique perspective on wearing luxury watches and the people that consume them.

Continue reading Wrist Regalia: What It’s Like To Wear Ultra Luxury Watches

Wrist Regalia: What It’s Like To Wear Ultra Luxury Watches originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 01 May 2011 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

We have the Ralph Lauren Collection to thank for this metallic western-meets-bohemian shoulder bag. The Embellished Fringed Leather Shoulder Bag is not for the timid as it’s not only really large but metallic silver all over and covered in long, thick, light-catching fringe. It also features several metallic discs in various shades, sizes, and designs, as well as a few pieces of genuine turquoise for an all around glamorous and eclectic look. The fold-over flap fastens with a button and the interior features three roomy pocket sections and whipstitch trim. $3,995

Embellished Fringed Leather Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 30 Apr 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

German based Nivrel is finally back with a new dive watch for 2011. It is called the Deep Ocean (not a super creative name by today’s standards), and has a nice sporty, yet conservative look. While Nivrel quality is high, their prices are very fair compared to some of the competitors. A few years ago Nivrel has a really awesome lineup of dive watches. Those seemed to have gone away in favor of more classic pieces, but for 2011 Nivrel couldn’t hold back their sport collection any longer.

As a tool watch the 43mm wide steel Deep Ocean is an attractive piece. It has a carbon fiber dial and combo of applied Arabic and circle hour markers mixed with sword hour and minute hands. Each of them slathered in SuperLumiNova luminant for darkness viewing. The watch is made in Germany and has 500 meters of water resistance and a sapphire crystal over the dial. I love dive watches and enjoy that Nivrel has offered a sober utility watch with just a hint of style - perfect for today’s conservatively dressed guy who wants a watch that hints to an active sense of adventure. The watch comes in a metal bracelet along with a rubber strap. Inside the Deep Ocean is a Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic movement.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Nivrel Deep Ocean Diver Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 30 Apr 2011 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Aside from having an interesting and artistic dial, this special limited edition Chaumet Dandy contains a high-beat Zenith El Primero automatic chronograph movement. Zenith sometimes offers El Primero movements to good brands, and having one in a designer Chaumet is a sweet deal for watch lovers and fashionistas alike.

This piece is in all platinum, and has the Chaumet Dandy cushion style case. The dial is fascinating and done in Grad Feu blue enamel. The design is meant to look like Chaumet store fronts - which was designed by J.M. Wilmotte. I like the matching blue stitching on the black alligator strap. This rare piece will be limited to just 12 watches in the limited edition set.

Ariel Adams publishes the wrist watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Chaumet Dandy Chronograph El Primero Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

This sherbet-hued creation from Marc Jacobs offers a lot in the way of color and personality despite being quite simple. The Snake Suede and Leather Clutch features raspberry suede paired with orange leather and raspberry python trim — literally in the form of a python. The little snake has a small brown leather tongue and eyelash details, plus as a single pink crystal eye. The bag closes via concealed magnetic closure and the interior is divided into three compartments, the center zipped, and is lined in brown leather. $1,095

Marc Jacobs Snake Suede and Leather Clutch, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Handbags

Few do faux leather as well as Stella McCartney, and this reincarnation of her Falabella style is no exception. The ultra-thin style doesn’t leave much room for stashing any but the most basic of necessities but the sophisticated rocker-glam vibe it puts off is more than worth it. The Falabella Faux Leather Wristlet Bag is all bright Ecru faux leather and gleaming gunmetal hardware, plus a little designer-stamped tag and some whipstitching details. It has a zip-top closure and is fully lined inside in designer-stamped twill. $380

Falabella Faux Leather Wristlet Bag, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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