Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur now comes in a version with a front mounted flying tourbillon and exposed automatic micro rotor! Some watches lovers will rejoice. the high-luxury, high-style watch is the latest in the band’s revitalization effort. Several years ago the brand was very popular, then things went south, and now with refined designs and improved mechanics, they are really fighting to come back and reassert themselves. I will give it to them that the new watches are certainly easy on the eyes and have some novel design features.

The highly complex movement here is the RD 520, that is in-house made by Roger Dubuis. The case is 45mm wide in 18k rose gold, with a standard (large) Excalibur style case. The dial has those great looking sharp Roman numerals complete with sharp hands. You’ve see thins look on other similar watches - but those had double tourbillons, while this has a single tourbillon and a solid gold micro rotor. The face has a fascinating asymmetrical look, but symmetrical versions of the Roger Dubuis Excalibur are also really nice. The dial is further decorated with mother-of-pearl elements. A nice watch, this one isn’t at all cheap. Limited to 88 pieces, the Excalibur Automatic Tourbillon is priced at about $158,000.

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

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Automatic Tourbillon Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Coming in two large sizes of 48mm and 55mm wide, Kyboe, a Netherlands based watch brand offers very large sized fashion watches that comes in a ludicrous array of color combinations. Just visit their site to find the many, many color combos available of the “Giant watch.” Although it comes in two sizes and many colors, the watch itself is basically the same design. A mixture of elements from various dive watches, the dial feels very Rolex Explorer in theme. The case is in steel, and inside the watch is a Japanese Miyota quartz movement. Strap is rubber, and the main allure is the fashionable fun associated with the large size and wild colors. Not sure how much the watches are available in the US yet, though they are in many parts of Europe and Asia. Probably coming to the US more as their size, cost, and image would likely work here. Price looks to be about $200. Look for them soon.

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

Kyboe Watches: Fun Fashion From The Netherlands originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

I am amazed at just how many events the Big Bang watch can have a special, limited edition version of, and still seem to make sense. Whether it is music, culture, auto racing, or here, Polo, the Big Bang collection has a limited edition watch for the occasion. While no design is that versatile, Hublot seems to pull it off with their ability to be everywhere, all the time from a brand image standpoint.

The watch here started as a record, where a game of Polo had a team getting 80 goals, in an event sponsored by Hublot. Called the “Hublot, Perfect Polo Match,” this statement is placed on the back of the as an image on the sapphire exhibition crystal. The “Paris” part of the watch name has to do with the fact that the commemorative match took place in Paris. Hublot is a sponsor of the Swiss Polo team, as part of the Polo Gold Cup Gstaad, and reaffirms their dedication to the sport. This makes polo fans happy I am sure, as well as players on the Swiss team who are pretty happy to each be getting on of these limited edition watches.

It has a 44.5mm case made of titanium and ceramic in all black tones that Hublot is famous for as well as a vertically textured rubber strap. Movement is the HUB44 automatic chronograph. One thing confuses me, so don’t let it confuse you. There are two versions of the images of this watch. One with a subsidiary seconds dial at 9 o’clock, and one as seen here without. Another curio of the watch world… Look out for more Hublot polo themed limited edition watches in the future.

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

Hublot Big Bang Polo de Paris Limited Edition Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Want to know what some of the last Jacob & Co. watches look like before the brand gets totally revitalized next year? Here is Sylvester Stallone modeling a Jacob & Co. Skull Five Time Zone watch. With both white and black diamonds, the watch features the famous five time zone design (with four additional watch dials in addition to the main time. The case is 47mm wide in either black or polished steel, and the skull can be had in white diamonds with a black diamond background or vice versa. Inside the watch are Swiss ETA quartz movements (five of them). Being a Jacob & Co. watch, it is available with almost 10 carats of diamonds. Price starts at about $27,000. Does Stallone like it? Well, he liked it enough to wear it. Watches like this are gonna be collector’s items of sorts when Jacob & Co. transforms itself under leadership by Yvan Arpa starting soon.

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

Sylvester Stallone Wearing A Jacob & Co. Skull Five Time Zone Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

This new watch from Franc Vila has a ludicrously long name “actual” name. The post title is just a shortened version. Like many full Spanish name, this one is long and complex being the Franc Vila FVa35 SuperSonico 5-­Minute Repeater SuperLigero watch. Why all that? Not sure. Franc Vila could easily have gotten away with just “SuperSonico 5-Minute Repeater 5 watch.” Anyhow, the watch itself is pretty cool, and builds on the Franc Vila “Cobra” style case that really does like to polarize watch lovers.

A 5 minute repeater is a chiming mechanism that has a small set of hammers hitting a gong in the watch to tell you the time to the closest 5 minute mark. You press the pusher on the side of the case, and the mechanical wonder sounds back the time to you in a little musical code. Different sounds stand for different parts of the time. Once the code is deciphered, you’ll get the time heard back to you in a little song that tells the time to the closest 5 minute mark. There are other types of repeaters out there as well - ones that are true to the minute repeaters, as well as quarter hour repeaters.

The case is made from blackened steel (there is also a gold model available), titanium, and an aluminum alloy known as “lightnium.” This sci-fi sounding material is dense and light, and assists with the sound traveling abilities of the case. Franc Vila’s intent behind the watch was to open the dial up and show you the workings of the 5 minute repeater in action. He does a good job at doing that, has the dial has the typical brand flair. For more details on the case dimensions and other elements of the watch that are standard to the Cobra cases, you can simply visit their website.

With a bold, technical, and slightly sinister look, the steel and titanium version of the SuperSonico are pricey at $44,000. Priced high, but Franc Vila apparently has found his niche. The gold version of course costs more. I just like saying “SuperSonico” out loud.

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

Franc Vila FV35 SuperSonico 5-­Minute Repeater Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Sports

Maurice Larcroix is now sponsoring kiteboarding. It is like surfing, only you have a large kite that pulls you across the water. It can be dangerous on many levels. The Swiss luxury watch brand is sponsoring “The Bering Strait Expedition.” During which, two athletes, Geza Scholtz and Troy Henkels, attempted to set a few new world records by kiteboarding across the Bering Strait? Why? Well just to see if they can. This was in July, and I think the brand will continue to work with kiteboarders in the future - “Maurice Lacroix, choice watch for windy water sports!”

Maurice Lacroix fitted the kiteboarders with their new Pontos Chronograph Rectangulaire Full Black watch (which I previously wrote about here). Not exactly an “extreme sports watch, but not too bad as matched to their outfits. It was a great endurance test for the timepieces as well. Seeing if they could put up with the water, wind, and potential shock. The watches also proved to be good timing instruments of the kiteboarders. Not my first choice but they did make without failure. The watch itself is in a special ceramic black coating over steel case with a rubber strap. Not too large at 38mm wide, and it contains a Swiss ETA 7750 chronograph automatic movement. We will see what other bouts of harshness Maurice Lacroix can put their timepieces through next!

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

Maurice Lacroix Pontos Chronographe Réctangulaire Full Black Watch & Their Bering Strait Expedition originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Celebrity Shopping

Brad Pitt, known watch lover, has a seriously intense watch collection. From the timepiece I’ve heard he buys (and at the frequency he does so), he must have a very large collection. Enough so that each of his kids are likely going to get a sizable timepiece inheritance someday.

Here is Brad wearing his Patek Philippe Nautilus timepiece while doing work with the Make It Right project in New Orleans . This watch debuted in the late 1970s, and came about when luxury steel sport watches really became en vogue. Today’s Nautilus watches comes in a few varieties, but Brad likes his in the classic style with a steel case and bracelet, with a blue face, and a three-hand Patek Philippe made automatic movement. Like all Patek Philippe movements, it is beautifully made and decorated - and visible here through a sapphire exhibition caseback window. I like how Brad matched the blue dial with his shirt. The watch is 43mm wide and in all steel except for the while gold hands and hour markers - which are applied.

The Nautilus is an interesting piece - and took a little while for me to appreciate. What really sold the watch for me a few years back was seeing it on the wrist. As you can see, it has a very masculine, flattering look on the wrist. The specific reference number for this piece is 7511/1A, and retails for about $23,000.

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

Thanks to Gabriella K. and JustJared.com.

Brad Pitt Enjoys Wearing His Patek Philippe Nautilus Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Part of the Swiss Chronometric company, Codex is a new luxury watch brand with a cool look, and three initial models. The models are more or less differentiated by their movement, and share an interesting looking 41.5mm steel or 18k rose gold case. These are the Codex Classic, Codex Chronograph, and a prestige collection called the Codex Venus.

The Classic and Chronograph are pretty straight forward. The design of the case and dial is interesting. I think I would sport the look - though it is probably a bit too much, and too busy for some people. I really like the almost checker style bezel treatments. The Codex Classic has a manually wound ETA 6498 movement that has a subsidiary seconds dial. No idea why they didn’t choose to use an automatic movement. At least the crown is large for easy winding.

On the other hand, the Codex Chronograph is an automatic. It has a specially modified ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement that has a periphery style date indicator and a moon phase indicator It is pretty nice, and I like the symmetry. Then you have the Codex Venus Master and the Venus Prestige. These two limited edition collections uses a newly finished vintage movement. The Codex Venus watches use classic Venus 203 manually wound movements that have the time, annual calendar, moon phase indicator, a some sense of vintage fun. The dials are also partially skeletonized. The Venus Master is limited to 100 pieces, these pieces come in 18k rose gold cases. The only slightly different Venus Prestige is just like the Venus Master, but is decorated with 431 diamonds on the side of the case, has a different dial design, and is limited to 75 pieces. Look out for Codex watches soon (well not likely any time soon in America).

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

Codex Classic, Chronograph, & Venus Watches originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Very classy, and very pricey (not sure of the exact price, but trust me), Badollet releases a new piece, the Observatoire (observatory) 1872 Minute Repeater watch. Available with or without precious stones, the watch has a serious elegance that can be customized by the buyer. Don’t like the hands? Don’t worry about it! Badollet has you covered.

The watch case is 44mm wide in 18k white gold, and has unique hinged lugs attached to a black crocodile strap. If you opt for precious jewels, see here the watch as 72 diamonds and and 12 sapphires. Without the jewels, the watch uses Arabic hour numerals. I usually don’t say this, but I like the watch with precious jewels better than without.

Functionally the piece uses a highly complex manually-wound mechanical movement. I do not believe that Badollet produces the movement. The Calibre BAD1655 features the time, a flying tourbillon, and a minute repeater complication. All with a very interesting partially skeletonized dial (that reminds me of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Grand Sonnerie watch. The rest of the dial is finely machine engraved.

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

Badollet Observatoire 1872 Minute Repeater watch originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

While this isn’t exactly a brand new timepiece, it is a revision of their 3-Timer watch made for women’s tastes (and wrists). Basically the first Linde Werdelin watch made specifically for women. While the 46mm wide steel case is the same as on the men’s model, the strap has been made shorter, and is here in a white pointed calfskin leather. I like the white color application inside of the hex screws. Linde Werdelin has been playing with the idea of coloring in this area, and I think it works nicely.

The dial is white, with steel hands, and applied steel hour markers. Linde Werdelin uses light colored lume to match the white look of the watch. Although the watch is 46mm wide, it wears smaller. The dial itself is 42mm wide and it has a nice feeling over the wrist. I’ve seen this style watch on women before, and it looks just fine - especially as large watches are in. With the smaller strap, the watch should fit nicely. As the watch is a Linde Werdelin 3-Timer at heart (which I reviewed here), it is a GMT timepiece with a Swiss ETA 2893-2 automatic movement on the inside. Limited to just 51 pieces, “The White Watch” won’t be easy to find. Price is 4,680 euros.

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

Linde Werdelin “The White Watch” For Women originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

For a while Fortis watches have come in special “art edition” forms. These highly artistic renditions of the popular dive, pilot, and overall high intensity activity watches provides an interesting departure from staunch utility. This is the Fortis Art Edition Mattern watch that looks a lot like something from the 1980s. With a look that mixes pop art and bauhaus, the timepiece is part of a collaboration with artist Michael Mattern - whose work is known to use a variety of colorful geometric shapes, and mechanical style imagery.

He designed the dial (and perhaps case) of the watch. To me it feels like a combo of Swatch and Max Bill. The case is 40mm wide in satin finished steel with a fascinating dial in white, black, yellow, and blue - that is partially skeletonized. While artistic, the dial is still easy to read. In addition to the metal bracelet, the watch is available with a black, yellow, or blue rubber strap. The movement is likely a Swiss ETA 2824 automatic, and the case is water resistant to 200 meters and has a sapphire crystal. Overall a very cool design and great project between Michael Mattern and Fortis. The watch is limited to 2012 pieces, and is priced at about $2,000.

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

Fortis Art Edition Mattern Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

IWC watches are displayed on the wrists of the two main characters in the new Oliver Stone movie, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps. Wasn’t this movie supposed to come out already? I think it got pushed. The infamous Gordon Gekko has Michael Douglas wearing an IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar watch in rose gold, while lead Shia LeBeouf is also wearing an IWC perpetual calendar timepiece. Only his character Jacob Moore is wearing an IWC Portuguese Perpetual Calendar in 18k white gold (model ref. IW376205). I guess they both really like knowing the precise date.

Probably too ritzy for his character in real life (maybe he bought the watch after making the money), the Portuguese Perpetual Calendar combines the classic look of the famous Portuguese models, with the intricate complication of IWC’s very popular 7 day power reserve automatic perpetual calendar with the date, day of the week, month, leap year, year indicator, power reserve indicator moon phase indicator, and the time. Like I said, the case is in white gold, just over 42mm wide, and retails for $38,800. Check out IWC watches in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps when it hits theaters soon.

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

Shia LeBeouf Wears IWC Watch In Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps Movie originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

From their popular Artisan collection comes this new Angular Momentum Verre Eglomise “Little Green Humming Bird” timepiece. It features a beautiful reverse painted green humming bird applied on the back of the sapphire crystal with a special enamel pain. Extremely hard to do, this hand-painted creation looks amazingly life-like. Angular Momentum often releases pieces like this and each amazes me. The idea of wearing a small painting on your wrist is probably strange to most people, but In my opinion it is a tasteful endeavor.

Angular Momentum uses their newly developed two-part 12 sided dodecagon case, that here is 39mm wide in Staybrite steel. The interesting design uses a formal style crown with an onyx cabochon. Inside the watch is a Swiss automatic movement that uses a single revolving disc to tell the time in the open window. Angular Momentum has refined this time telling format by adding a small indicator hand that allows for more precise reading of the time.

Is the watch for men or women? Not really sure. At 39mm wide it is sort of in that unisex gray area. I say if you like it, contact Angular Momentum and see how they can make one to your specific specifications.

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

Angular Momentum Verre Eglomise Green Humming Bird Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Seiko Galante Mighty Atom Limited Edition Astro Boy Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Celebrity Shopping

I am not sure exactly what model Panerai Luminor Marina watch this is - but it doesn’t really matter because Panerai doesn’t sell this diamond studded model. This highly diamond encrusted Panerai watch has been seen on Heid Klum’s wrist and is more than likely the product of some aftermarket jewelry work. The standard Panerai Luminor Marina case and steel metal bracelet have been redone with dozens and dozens of sparkly diamonds. With a base price of some where between $7,000 - $10,000, tens of thousands or more dollars went into this special modification. Many people perform such modifications to increase the value of their timepieces, as well as ensure that no one else in the building will be wearing the same timepiece.

Klum is known fine watch lover, and typically has a penchant for those timepieces that have precious jewels on them. The last watch I saw on her was an Hublot Tutti Frutti in green with emeralds. The Panerai is a large watch being at least 44mm wide. Large for most female wrists, but Heidi is able to pull it off nicely. Interesting that she wears the watch on her right arm.

Via Zimbio.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com

Heidi Klum Wears Diamond Encrusted Panerai Luminor Marina Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos

Car crazed fans of all types and budgets flock to Monterey, CA each summer to experience the Concours de Elegance, Quail Lodge car show, races at Laguna Seca, and a number of other events and auctions that all celebrate the appreciation of fine cars. The Concours de Elegance itself is all about, well…. elegance. A highly subjective concept that a panel of trusted judges are called to determine. I wonder why then they seem to choose the same 1930’s era French cars as “Best of Show” each year. Though you’ll find cars new and old - specially some of the most expensive and exotic motorcars in the world all in one weekend.

So I travel to Monterey this year with one of the world’s most exotic watches - priced as much as many brand new luxury cars. Though not quite up to the cost of a rare vintage European sports car at auction around town that weekend, the watch should be an impressive sighting for those “in the know.” With millions of dollars exchanged each day of the event in car auction sales, the demographic of people who attend the events is comprised of the wealthier elite. These people are often watch lovers as well. So in cooperation with MB&F, I see how their Horological Machine Number 3 (HM3) “Sidewinder” watch (which I wrote in more detail about here) adds to my, and the experience of others during the show.

At Pebble Beach, the attention you get is often linked to what you are doing, and who you are with. Myself, toting a backpack and camera was likely taken as a photographically inclined car fan (which I am), or a member of the media (which I also am). Thus, people didn’t look carefully at my wrist expecting to see something special. Among the ranks of collectors with their rare cars, it felt good having a rare watch - a bit like I was part of the “in crowd.” Perhaps this crowd is something you can buy in to, but your status there is all about what you bring to the party - and I had something interesting. An avant garde Italian sports car from the 70’s equivalent in watch form.

Continue reading Luxury Watch & Cars: Wearing An MB&F HM3 In Monterey At the Car Shows

Luxury Watch & Cars: Wearing An MB&F HM3 In Monterey At the Car Shows originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

If the standard Cartier Calibre watch (new for 2010) that has an in-house made movement isn’t enough for you - and the gold version is also not enough for you - I am pretty sure I have the watch for you. This is the diamond studded, solid 18k rose gold version of the very attractive Cartier Calibre watch. For more on the Cartier Calibre watch itself, read more here.

Cartier always uses high-quality diamonds, and it shows with the large, good color diamonds on the bezel - and the massive diamond set into the crown. The rounder cut diamonds on the bezel each display a very good sheen and sparkle, and are set quite nicely. You can see the image of the diamond in the crown in the gallery below. Otherwise the watch is the same Calibre in rose gold - but this one is for the diamond lovers out there. Plus, given the good looks of the watch itself, and the tasteful arrangement of the stones, I would not consider this to be a “blingy” watch. Pretty much as tasteful as “solid gold with diamonds” gets. Price is $43,400 - and production is likely limited.

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

Cartier Calibre Watch With Diamonds Hands-On originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

How special is the Mido Multifort PVD Special Edition Chronograph? Pretty special. It looks really cool for the price. I’ve been a fan of the “new” Multifort (dumb name for about 50 years or more now) watch (in both three-hand and chronograph models), but this black with orange marker and hands edition is pretty cool. The orange is mostly all lume, and the design of the hour markers is very attractive. The watch has a satisfying combination of sportiness, utility, and cool avant garde style. At a price under $2,000 for a Swiss watch - that isn’t too bad!

The case is 44mm wide in a PVD black coated steel case with a sapphire crystal (double AR coated). Water resistance is 100 meters and it comes on a comfy rubber strap. You can also get the watch is a more simple non-black, non orange version (but it wouldn’t be as “Special”). The dial also features the look of Geneva stripes (cote de Geneve) that is a decoration usually reserved for movements. Speaking of which, the Mide Multifort Chronograph has a Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement - pretty straight forward. Pretty cool and worth a look with a price of about $1,700 - $1,850.

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

Mido Multifort PVD Special Edition Chronograph Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

New Yorkers who have a desire for a connection to the past will highly appreciate this New-York-only special edition model of Girard-Perregaux’s Vintage 1945 watch. Limited to just 10 pieces the watch replaces its Roman numeral at 12 o’clock for a “NY” marker. Only the perceptive will notice that. The case is 36mm wide by 37mm tall and in 18k white gold. A handsome, and almost petite watch by “large watch’ standards.

Dial is a gorgeous black enamel, with easy to read hands and indexes along with a splash of red. According to GP, the dial is not only made personally by them, but it uses a closely guarded secret formula for the beautiful black. The in-house made Girard-Perregaux Calibre GP1900 is manually wound, and features the time with subsidiary seconds, power reserve indicator, and a date dial. Will all 10 watches be on the hands of proper New Yorkers? Not likely. More than enough tourists who have a taste for the town will probably find happiness in the watch. You can only get it at Girard-Perregaux’s newer Madison Avenue boutique store. Price is likely high enough to make most New Yorkers yell.

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

Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 New York Limited Edition Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Here is another good sub $1000 watch from a reputable Swiss brand. This is the newest Mido Ocean Star, the Ocean Star Captain IV watch. In a 42.5mm wide steel case, it makes for a solid diver style timepiece for those who love blue. The dial is textured a bit like water, and the hands and hour indicators are easy to read. Blue is used further in the bezel, and a dash of red is used for the seconds hand. The case is water resistant to 200 meters, and has a sapphire crystal - which makes it a solid sports watch.

Inside the case is a Swiss ETA 2836-2 automatic movement with a day/date complication. The watch is available on a metal bracelet or rubber strap. Prices start at $880, which is actually surprisingly good. Brands are pushing prices down a bit trying to enhance the desirability of entry level luxury brands. Several years ago all brands wanted to increase their level of luxury and prices, but that just didn’t work. Mido, and other Swatch Group brands thankfully have more watches like this that are handsome without too handsome prices. Look for the new Ocean Star Captain IV soon.

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

Mido Ocean Star Captain IV Watch originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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