Friday, April 20, 2012

ARNOLD & SON - TB88 True Beat

ARNOLD & SON - TB88 True Beat NEW
Heir to the noble British watchmaking traditions, the Arnold & Son TB88 is entirely in line with the prestigious creations by the famous 18th century English horologist John Arnold. It revives the magic of marine chronometry in a wristwatch size. The TB88 True Beat is distinguished by its Manufacture-made true beat seconds movement which is so impressive that it has been inverted or “turned inside out” so as to reveal through the front the beauty of its symmetrical “double 8” architecture, its 16 bridges, its large balance and its two barrels. Finally, true beat seconds mark time in jerking motion as a tribute to the first chronometer, n° 36, now displayed at the National Maritime Museum in London.
 
John Arnold was an exceptional watchmaker who had several major patents to his name and created a minor storm in precision timekeeping with the Arnold No. 36. This was the first-ever watch referred to as a 'chronometer', a term used to this day to denote a supremely accurate timepiece. 
The TB88 is compelling proof that the brand has lost none of its appetite for innovative technology or precision timekeeping, all encompassed in distinctive English design for the Royal Collection.

 ARNOLD & SON TB88 True Beat - Ref. 1TBAP.B01A.C113A 
 
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The hand-wound, 32-jewel A&S5003 calibre unites all the technical and aesthetic characteristics of a classical Arnold chronometer. The letters 'TB' stand for True Beat, a complication that permits the precision timekeeping required for navigation at sea. Unlike a conventional mechanical escapement, a True Beat escapement has an unusual single-pallet design that measures out time in complete one-second steps rather than the fractions determined by the balance frequency. This enables a navigator to determine the exact time and, consequently, his longitude.
The TB88 is also a tribute to John Arnold's earliest known pocket watch, of which the original case bears the number '88'. The number is replicated by the design of the movement in this latest model, with its perfectly symmetrical layout featuring the twin barrels at the top, the balance wheel between 4 and 5 o'clock and the True Beat seconds indicator between 7 and 8. The watch movement is 'inverted', which means that the intricate, technically interesting features are visible on the dial side of the movement instead of being hidden away on the reverse. This showcases the two barrels, which generate a full 100 hours' power reserve when fully wound, and the Breguet overcoil balance spring. Bending and fitting the spring by hand is a delicate and highly skilled operation mastered by a precious few watchmakers.

  ARNOLD & SON TB88 True Beat - Ref. 1TBAS.S01A.C113S
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But the feature that unquestionably sets Arnold & Son's new TB88 apart is its unique 'English' design, as expressed through features like the straight-cut bridges. Each of the pivoting elements in the movement is mounted on its own bridge, 16 in total. Further shining examples of watchmaking at its finest are the hand-bevelled and polished edges of the bridges and other key parts of the mechanism, together with the juxtaposition of the black ruthenium or NAC grey movement and brushed components.
The TB88 from Arnold Son is housed in either a stainless steel or rose gold case measuring 46 millimetres in diameter, with a hand-stitched alligator strap. Water-resistant to 30 metres, it features a cambered sapphire crystal with multiple anti-reflective coating and a see-through sapphire case back. Manufactured entirely in-house, the TB88 is a scintillating combination of classical styling and leading-edge technology.

 Details  Сalibre A&S5003
Exclusive Arnold & Son mechanical movement, hand-wound, 32 jewels, diameter 37.8 mm, thickness 5.9 mm, power reserve 100 h, two barrels, 18'000 vibrations/h, Breguet spring Movement decoration: nickel-silver movement, black ruthenium treated with Haute Horlogerie finishing: manually chamfered bridges with polished edges and brushed surfaces, mirror-polished screws

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MovementHand-wound, Manufacture Calibre A&S5003, independent-lever true beat seconds system, two series-coupled barrels, Breguet balance-spring, 18,000 vib/h, 32 jewels, over 100-hour power reserve, black ruthenium or grey NAC finish, hand-chamfered and decorated bridges.
FunctionsHours, minutes, true beat small seconds
Case18K pink gold or stainless steel, 46 mm
Bezel in gemset or non-gemset versions
Domed sapphire crystal with multiple anti-reflective treatments and transparent back
Water-resistant to 30 m / 3 ATM

DialOpenworked dial
Balance at 4.30
True beat small seconds at 7.30
Gilded or silver-toned hands
Bracelet/StrapBlack alligator with 18K pink gold or steel pin buckle


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www.Arnold&Son.com

HAMILTON - Khaki X-Patrol Chronograph







HAMILTON Khaki X-Patrol Chronograph NEW

The ultimate return-ticket between metric and imperial

Baselworld March 2012 – For much of its history, Hamilton has found inspiration in the skies and has a long list of aviation timepieces in its product logbook. Propelling its pioneering aviation spirit to new heights in the year of the brand’s 120th anniversary is the dynamic Hamilton Khaki X-Patrol. 
 

This highly sophisticated chronograph integrates the new H21 caliber with its excellent accuracy and extended power reserve. Equipping the wearer for today’s globally minded environment is a unique mechanical conversion facility to give accurate equivalents of a selection of units in either metric or imperial systems. In terms of styling and craftsmanship, this intricate timepiece visibly goes the extra mile with highly resistant modern materials and a keen eye for design detail.

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Instrument panel to go
The Hamilton Khaki X-Patrol acts as a portable cockpit for navigating lifestyles. It provides conversions for distances in miles (nautical or statute) and kilometers, heights or altitudes in feet or meters, volumes in gallons and liters, as well as weights in pounds and kilograms, using a turning bezel.
 
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Conversions are simple to make, through unscrewing the easy-to-grip crown at 9 o’clock and positioning an arrow for the first unit of measurement on the outer bezel scale. The appropriate equivalent is then visible on the inner scale. Once the reading is completed, the crown can be pushed back into place and re-screwed to secure it until required again.
 
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Three round chronograph discs, gravitating to the left-hand side of the dial keep track of hours, minutes and seconds, operated via push buttons at two o’clock and four o’clock. An easily legible day and date display is the centerpiece of the right-hand side of the dynamic dial. Whether this timepiece is co-piloting its wearer in the air or on the ground, nothing will escape its notice – even if it has a weekend off-duty, thanks to the 60 hours of power reserve

Designed to make a difference
Black or silver dials, with contrasting reflectors, are perfectly complemented by a black leather strap with fine white stitching, a sporty black rubber attachment, or a metal bracelet. Its aviation theme is omnipresent, even on the back of the watch, which integrates a propeller-inspired design, offering regular glimpses of the automatic chronograph movement in action. A ridged effect on the side of the bezel also reminds of precision engineering. Aviation is about accuracy and the Hamilton Khaki X-Patrol reflects this inside and out. Details such as the fine markings, screws visible on the case back and practical antireflective coating on the sapphire crystal underline the commitment to quality and durability. Water resistance to a pressure of 10 bar ensures that this watch is at home in all environments, airborne or otherwise.
 
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Hamilton
was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Hamilton watches combine the American spirit with the unrivalled precision of the latest Swiss movements and technologies. Known for its innovative design, Hamilton has a strong foothold in Hollywood, with products appearing in 400 films. The brand also boasts a strong aviation heritage. Hamilton is a member of the Swatch group, the largest watch manufacturer and distributor in the world with 160 production sites in Switzerland.
 
Hamilton Aviation History
Hamilton has an aviation heritage dating back to 1919. That was the year in which a Hamilton aeronautical watch accompanied the very first American airmail postal service between Washington and New York. This elevated activity went from strength to strength and by the 1930s Hamilton was the official watch of the commercial airlines, TWA, Eastern, United and Northwest. A major highlight of the era was the selection of Hamilton as timekeeper for the United Air Lines inauguration of the first coast-to-coast service - a 15-hour 20-minute trip between New York and San Francisco. Today the Hamilton range includes various aviation-inspired watches. The brand is also timekeeper to a variety of international aviation events and has Nicolas Ivanoff, the leading French aerobatic pilot as its ambassador.
  
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
 
 
Case Size: 42 mm
Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Black / Silver-colored
Attachment: Black stitched leather / Black rubber / Stainless steel
Movement: H21 Chronograph (ETA 7750)
Crystal: Sapphire with antireflective coating
Water resistance: 100 m / 10 bar
 Prices are $1,295 on a leather strap or $1,345 for the watch on rubber or a metal bracelet.
For further information


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Hamilton International Ltd.
Mattenstrasse 149
2503­­ Biel/Bienne
Switzerland
Telephone +41 32 343 38 63
Telefax +41 32 343 38 61
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For further information:
Hamilton International
media@hamiltonwatch.com
Telephone +41 32 343 39 48
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www.HamiltonWatch.com

BADOLLET - Ivresse

BADOLLET - Ivresse NEW 











The exhilaration of time stems from its absolute infinity.

It is the epitome of the elegance of time. The purest expression of time, with no superfluous ornamentation, yet devoid of austerity. With an innate elegance over which time has no hold it revels in the spontaneity of the passing hours.

"It" Is the new finely crafted watch from Badollet: Ivresse.


















Beneath an apparently understated air lies an uncompromising personality. The gentle curves and softened angles of the rectangular platinum case enfold the wrist in a warm embrace. Its finishes radiate a deep and intense purity that highlight its midnight blue face. The play on contrasts is heightened by the brushed finish of the dial set against the circular satin-brushed chapter ring. The latter appears to be literally suspended thanks to striking light and shadow effects, while the discreetly cut-out hands accompany time in its perpetually renewed cycle. The design, pared down to its most obvious and natural expression, celebrates functionality and readability rather than aesthetic excess, as the Badollet griffin appears in solitary splendour at 12 o’clock.









































The aesthetic refinement, created by Eric Giroud, is equalled only by the mechanical complexity of this timepiece. The flying tourbillon movement, exclusively designed and developed for Badollet, is deliberately hidden from sight. Visible only through the transparent case-back, the tourbillon carriage recaptures the delicate modesty of vintage watches. The sapphire opening is shaped like the symbol of infinity, in a tribute to time as the universal driving force. Elusive, yet perceptible, immutable and yet exhilarating. In a 21st century fascinated by disorder and the ephemeral, equilibrium is the exception. The fine balance epitomised by this timepiece, Ivresse, represents an art of living favoured only by those who prefer authenticity to frivolous exuberance.


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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

MOVEMENT: BADOLLET 2012
Dimensions: Length 35.00 mm. Width 19.50 mm. Thickness : 6.40 mm.
Distinctive feature: Domed movement with cone-shaped going train
Winding: Manual
Power reserve: 120 hours
Description: Central hours and minutes, flying tourbillon, hanging barrel
Mainplate: Nickel silver, entirely hand-decorated with chamfering, chasing, concave chamfering, circular graining and straight graining executed in the traditional manner

CASE:
Material: 950 platinum
Crystal: Sapphire, colourless anti-reflective treatment on both sides, extra-hard treatment
Caseback crystal: Flat sapphire, colourless anti-reflective treatment
Crown: 950 platinum
Length: 53.80 mm
Width: 30.00 mm
Thickness: 12.30 mm
Interhorn width: 20.00 mm
Water-resistant to 30m

DIAL:
Dark blue vertical satin-brushed base, applied riveted circular satin-brushed silver-toned chapter ring 12 nickel-plated mirror-polished riveted metal hour-markers, 36 nickel-plated incised 0.40 mm-diameter beads, riveted applied BADOLLET symbol

STRAP:
Material: Genuine full-grain alligator leather strap, large square scales
Finish: Safari finish, rolled edges, flat profile, genuine tone-on-tone "pompon" alligator leather, tone-on-tone stitching, heat-embossed
Colour: Midnight blue
Buckle: 950 platinum

www.badollet.com 

Girard-Perregaux 1966 Minute Repeater

The New Face of Tradition Girard-Perregaux


Girard-Perregaux - 1966 Minute Repeater Limited Edition


A masterpiece of elegance and technology, the Girard-Perregaux 1966 Minute Repeater unveils a magnificent mechanism that produces an intense sound. Its acoustic merits and the purity of its lines rely on over 220 years of tradition and excellence. The timepiece symbolises all the expertise of a brand that pushes back the boundaries of watchmaking with grandes complications.
 

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It is one of the few watches to combine mechanical excellence with exceptional musical qualities to such a degree. The Girard-Perregaux 1966 Minute Repeater model pays homage to the most prestigious of Haute Horlogerie traditions. Pure design, noble materials and a beautiful complication: the piece displays all the signs of an exceptional timepiece.
Its classic, elegant exterior houses one of the greatest of grandes complications: the minute repeater. The invention of repeater watches was originally intended to meet the need to strike the hours during the night before the existence of electric lighting. Today, the charm of striking the hours, quarters and minutes makes it one of the best-loved complications for enthusiasts of beautiful watchmaking.

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The construction of the Girard-Perregaux 1966 Minute Repeater watch fully respects the great watchmaking tradition. The creation of the sound relies on a device that requires the presence of two circular gongs coiled inside the case and small hammers that strike them at regular intervals. In order to create a vibration to produce the sound that comes closest to perfection, the tuning of the chimes remains one of the most delicate elements; one that Girard-Perregaux takes particular care in refining.


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The watch's special design required thorough research into acoustic qualities. In particular, the Manufacture worked on three construction points on the case. The diameter of the calibre and the interior diameter of the case are perfectly balanced, a ratio that guarantees maximum resonance. The case-back is curved in order to increase the volume of air between the movement and the case, which significantly improves the propagation of the sound. Finally, the lower part of the case-back is diamond-polished, an operation that allows acoustic interference to be reduced.

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In order to further highlight the nobility of the timepiece, craftsmen have taken great care over every aesthetic detail. The white enamel dial exhibits absolute restraint. The leaf-shaped blued hands and applied hour markers bear the unmistakable mark of purity. The watch contains a hand-wound mechanical movement equipped with a power reserve of over 4 days, housed in a pink-gold case with a diameter of 42 mm.
Combined with its unique decoration and finishes, the watch is the most successful expression of a minimalistic philosophy. The desire for aesthetics is taken to the extreme. The master watchmakers have chosen a half-arrow shape recalling the gold Bridges, the brand's signature, in order to perfect the balance bridge of this meticulously decorated and rounded calibre. Rounding consists of filing the extremities of the arms in a perfectly regular manner in order to give them a semi-cylindrical shape, while at the same time respecting the delimitation of the centre and heels. In order to finalise the operation, the craftsmen smooth it using stones, buffs, pegwoods and diamond pastes in order to obtain perfect rounding. All the movement parts require the same care, thus blending function and design in a perfectly coherent relationship

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 Though not a true Limited Edition, production is nonetheless exclusive by virtue of the fact that Girard-Perregaux can produce only about 15 to 20 pieces per year. The price is SFr. 250,000.

Girard-Perregaux 1966 Minute Repeater
Technical specifications

Girard-Perregaux E09-0001 movement
Mechanical with manual winding
Display: hours, minutes, small seconds
Dimensions: 14¼’’’ - 32 mm
Total height: 5.36 mm
Number of components: 317
Jewels: 27
Power reserve: minimum100 hours
Winding: manual  Variable inertia balance wheel "Rounded" gold balance bridge, half-arrow type
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations / hour (3 Hz)
Mainplate: rhodium-plated and circular-grained
Bridges: Côtes de Genève, polished re-entrant angles
Striking mechanism with two opposing hammers, hours, quarter hours, minutes
Striking-mechanism speed regulation via inertia wheel, countersprings accessible on the bridge side, inverted minutes rack; conventional striking gongs.
Strap in full black matt alligator
Pink gold ardillon buckle
Numbered edition
Reference 99650-52-711-BK6A
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 www.thenewfaceoftradition.com