tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24290501506734654852024-02-08T09:55:55.496+07:00Watches BlogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-76926643287553337262011-09-27T23:03:00.004+07:002012-05-13T05:48:11.409+07:00TAG HeuerTAG Heuer is a Swiss luxury watchmaker known for its sports watches and chronographs. It is a division of luxury goods company LVMH Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton. The company motto is "Swiss Avant-Garde Since 1860". In addition to watches, TAG Heuer produces glasses and cell phones.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDamVtNnY4tFdsut3C4_ukhdLJflOsPxEk-xD1CpBhmwIzfIB5EM9PN2qJjDzzBZdW59UXG8m5_KOgvwaebFw_LT1aVFGxQ4IVkljlf7T2qtYxe3GYi97X0lSQ-EyNRfqUJLWEAUm8vX0/s1600/Heuer+triple-date+chronograph+18k+ca+1955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDamVtNnY4tFdsut3C4_ukhdLJflOsPxEk-xD1CpBhmwIzfIB5EM9PN2qJjDzzBZdW59UXG8m5_KOgvwaebFw_LT1aVFGxQ4IVkljlf7T2qtYxe3GYi97X0lSQ-EyNRfqUJLWEAUm8vX0/s320/Heuer+triple-date+chronograph+18k+ca+1955.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Heuer triple-date chronograph ca 1955</b></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>History</b></span><br />
<b>19th century</b><br />
The TAG Heuer company has its roots in 1860 when Edouard Heuer founded Uhrenmanufaktur Heuer AG in St-Imier, Switzerland, patenting his first chronograph in 1882. In 1887 Heuer patented an 'oscillating pinion' still used by major watchmakers for mechanical chronographs.<br />
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<b>Early 20th century</b><br />
In 1911, Heuer received a patent for the "Time of Trip", the first dashboard chronograph. Designed for use in automobiles and aircraft, two large hands mounted from the center pinion indicate the time of day, as on a traditional clock. A small pair of hands, mounted at the top of the dial (12 o'clock position) indicates the duration of the trip (up to 12 hours). A top-mounted crown allows the user to set the time; a button mounted in that crown operates the start / stop / reset functions of the "duration of trip" counter.<br />
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Heuer introduced its first wrist chronograph in 1914. The crown was at the 12 o'clock position, as these first wrist chronographs were adapted from pocket chronographs. In 1916, Heuer introduced the "Micrograph", the first stopwatch accurate to 1/100 of a second. This model was soon followed by the "Semikrograph", a stopwatch that offered 1/50 of a second timing, as well as a split-second function (which allows the user to determine the interval between two contestants or events).<br />
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<b>Timepieces of the 1930s and 1940s</b><br />
In 1933, Heuer introduced the "Autavia", a dashboard timer used for automobiles and aviation (whence its name, from "AUTos" and "AVIAtion"). The companion "Hervue" was a clock that could run for eight days without being wound. Over the period from 1935 through the early 1940s, Heuer manufactured chronographs for pilots in the German air force, known as "Flieger" (pilots) chronographs. The earlier version featured a hinged-back case and one pusher (for start / stop / reset); the later version had a snap-back case and added a second pusher (for time-in and time-out). All these Flieger chronographs had two-registers, with a capacity of 30 minutes.".<br />
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In the mid-1940s, Heuer expanded its line of chronographs to include both two- and three-register models, as well as a three-register chronograph that included a full calendar function (day / date / month). As the highest development of Heuer's chronographs, these "triple calendar" chronographs were offered in stainless steel, 14 carat gold 18 and 22 carat gold cases. Dial colors were white, black or copper.<br />
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<b>1950s chronographs</b><br />
In the early 1950s, Heuer produced watches for the American retailer Abercrombie & Fitch. The "Seafarer" and "Auto-Graph" were unique chronographs produced by Heuer to be sold by Abercrombie & Fitch. The "Seafarers" had special dials—with blue, green and yellow patterns—that showed the high and low tides. This dial could also be used to track the phases of the moon. Heuer produced a version of the "Seafarer" for sale under the Heuer name, with this model called the "Mareographe". The "Auto-Graph" was produced in 1953 and 1954, and featured a tachymeter scale on the dial and a hand that could be preset to a specific point on the scale. This allowed a rally driver or navigator to determine whether the car was achieving the desired pace, over a measured mile. Advertisements and literature also pointed out that this hand could be rotated to count golf scores or other events.<br />
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<b>Late 1950s – new series of dashboard timers</b><br />
From 1911, Heuer manufactured timepieces to be mounted on the dashboards of automobiles, aircraft and boats. These clocks and timers included a variety of models, designed to address specific needs of racers and rallyists. In 1958, Heuer introduced a new line of dashboard timepieces, which included the Master Time (8-day clock), the Monte Carlo (12-hour stopwatch), the Super Autavia (full chronograph), Sebring (60-minute, split-second timer) and Auto-Rallye (60-minute stopwatch). Heuer continued to manufacture these dashboard timepieces into the 1980s, at which time they were discontinued. Heuer also introduced timing devices for ski and motor racing events, including Formula One.<br />
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<b>1960s chronographs</b><br />
From the 1950s to the 1970s, Heuers were popular watches among automobile racers, both professionals and amateurs. Heuer was a leading producer of stopwatches and timing equipment, based on the volume of its sales, so it was only natural that racers, their crews and event sponsors began to wear Heuer's chronographs. Special versions of Heuer chronographs were produced with logos of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as well as the names or logos of racing teams or sponsors (for example, Shelby Cobra, MG and Champion Sparkplugs).<br />
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In 1962, Heuer became the first Swiss watchmaker in space. John Glenn wore a Heuer stopwatch when he piloted the Mercury Atlas 6 spacecraft on the first US manned space flight to orbit the earth. This stopwatch was the back-up clock for the mission and was started manually by Glenn 20 seconds into the flight. It is currently on display at the San Diego Air and Space Museum.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKqwyjpQFIJQqe_AaxUHT_8hXjGzJ6KdrdnuCRggtDZV0HgVjIMH2dI3OMeSAL2ntfDuAhANdklOeSLSSQRpANaHUSBj1uKl1kfM4vKMGTgn0arBJkGpuT4IpgqlLrLCrMPXMtbqSjGw/s1600/Heuer_Autavia_1962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKqwyjpQFIJQqe_AaxUHT_8hXjGzJ6KdrdnuCRggtDZV0HgVjIMH2dI3OMeSAL2ntfDuAhANdklOeSLSSQRpANaHUSBj1uKl1kfM4vKMGTgn0arBJkGpuT4IpgqlLrLCrMPXMtbqSjGw/s320/Heuer_Autavia_1962.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>TAG Heuer Autavia, 1962</b></div><br />
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The Autavia chronograph was introduced in 1962 and featured a rotating bezel, marked in either hours, minutes, decimal minutes (1/100th minute increments) or with a tachymeter scale. All manual-wind Autavias from the 1960s had a black dial, with white registers. Early cases had a screw-back and later models (from and after 1968) had snap-backs. The "Autavia" name had previously been used on Heuer's dashboard timers (described above).<br />
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The Carrera chronograph, designed by Jack Heuer, was introduced in 1963. The Carrera had a very simple design, with only the registers and applied markers on the dial. The fixed inner bezel is divided into 1/5 second increments. The 1960s Carreras were available with a variety of dials, including all-white, all-black, white registers on a black dial, and black registers on a black dial. A three-register, triple calendar version of the Carrera was introduced around 1968.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrQ0D9hlo3dWCoegD2FWiJy1EJHbu7csc6SnaHqYq8IYTX0Yfll6HPZwCgopmK2iYd1LdTTCtpZ0UAc42ZHIzzEix0WMbWYjLAdubRDaxFBvT-Yhe8Vu6GdtZrahE64yJe1asxwt7DW0/s1600/Heuer_Carrera_1964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrQ0D9hlo3dWCoegD2FWiJy1EJHbu7csc6SnaHqYq8IYTX0Yfll6HPZwCgopmK2iYd1LdTTCtpZ0UAc42ZHIzzEix0WMbWYjLAdubRDaxFBvT-Yhe8Vu6GdtZrahE64yJe1asxwt7DW0/s320/Heuer_Carrera_1964.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>TAG Heuer Carrera, 1963</b></div><br />
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Most of Heuer chronographs from this period—including the Autavias and Carreras—used movements manufactured by Valjoux, including the Valjoux 72 movement (for a 12-hour chronograph) and the Valjoux 92 movement (for a 30-minute or 45-minute chronograph). The Valjoux 72 movement utilized a 'tri-compax' design, with three registers on the dial—one register for the chronograph hours (at the bottom), one register for the chronograph minutes (at the right), and a third register for a continuously running second hand (at the left). The second hand for the chronograph was mounted on the center pinion, along with the time-of-day hands.<br />
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Heuer acquired the "Leonidas" brand in the early 1960s, with the combined company marketing watches under the "Heuer-Leonidas" name. One of the designs that Heuer acquired from Leonidas was the "Bundeswehr" chronograph, used by the German air force. These "BWs" feature a 'fly-back' mechanism, so that when the chronograph is reset to zero, it immediately begins running again, to time the next segment or event.<br />
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<b>World's first automatic chronographs</b><br />
Commencing in the mid-1960s, Heuer was part of a partnership (with Breitling and Hamilton) that sought to introduce the world's first automatic chronograph. Seiko (a Japanese watch manufacturer) and Zenith (a Swiss watch manufacturer) were also seeking to be the first to offer these chronographs. These projects were conducted in secret, as none of the competitors wanted the other companies to be aware of their efforts. Most agree that the Heuer-Breitling venture was first to introduce their new line of automatic chronographs to the world wide market, with Heuer-Breitling-Hamilton holding lavish press conferences in Geneva and New York, on 3 March 1969, to show their new lines of chronographs.<br />
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Heuer's first automatic chronographs were the Autavia, Carrera and Monaco. These were powered by the Cal 11 and Cal 12 movements (12-hour chronograph); Cal 14 movement (12-hour chronograph and additional hand for GMT / second time-zone) and the Cal 15 movement (30-minute chronograph). Unusually, the winding crown was on the left, with the pushers for the chronograph on the right. The earliest of Heuer's Cal 11 chronographs (from 1969) were named "Chrono-Matic". In the early 1970s, Heuer expanded its line of automatic chronographs to include the Daytona, Montreal, Silverstone, Calculator, Monza and Jarama models, all of them powered by the Caliber 11 movement.<br />
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Several of the automatic Heuer chronographs powered by the Caliber 11 series of movements are associated with automobile racing and specific drivers. Steve McQueen wore a blue Monaco in the 1971 movie, Le Mans (with this model now referred to as the "McQueen Monaco") and Swiss Formula One star Jo Siffert customarily wore a white-dialed Autavia with black registers. In 1974, Heuer produced a special version of the black-dialed Autavia that was offered by the Viceroy cigarette company, in a special promotion for $88. The Viceroy advertisements for this promotion featured racer Parnelli Jones, this version of the Autavia got to be called the "Viceroy".<br />
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<b>Chronographs of the 1970s and 1980s</b><br />
In 1975, Heuer introduced the Chronosplit, a digital chronograph with dual LED and LCD displays. Later versions featured two LCD displays.<br />
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Heuer began using the Valjoux 7750 movement in its automatic chronographs, with the Kentucky and Pasadena models (both introduced in 1977). The Valjoux 7750 movement was a three-register chronograph (with seconds, minutes and hours), that also offered day / date windows.<br />
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In the mid-1970s, Heuer introduced a series of chronographs powered by the Lemania 5100 movement. The Lemania 5100 movements have the minute hand for the chronograph on the center pinion (rather than on a smaller register), greatly improving legibility. The Lemania 5100 movement is considered very rugged and has been used in a variety of chronographs issued to military pilots. There are ten models of Heuer chronographs powered by the Lemania 5100—Reference 510.500 (stainless steel), 510.501 (black coated), 510.502 (olive drab coated), 510.503 (pewter coated), 510.511 (Carrera dialed acrylic crystal PVD finish), 510.523 (Carrera dialed acrylic crystal stainless steel), as well as models with the names Silverstone (steel case with black dial) and Cortina (steel case with blue dial); the Reference 510.543 was made for the A.M.I. (Italian Air Force) and a special edition (with no reference number marked on the case) was made for AudiSport.<br />
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<b>Formation</b><br />
TAG Heuer was formed in 1985 when TAG (Techniques d'Avant Garde), manufacturers of high-tech items such as ceramic turbochargers for Formula One cars, acquired Heuer.<br />
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On 13 September 1999 TAG Heuer accepted a bid from LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A. of SwFr1.15 billion (£452.15 million) (US$739 million) contingent upon a transfer of 50.1% of stocks.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Current models</b></span><br />
TAG Heuer's current lines include Formula One, Aquaracer, Link, Carrera, Monaco and Grand Carrera.<br />
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TAG Heuer, in keeping with its image as a luxury brand with an innovative spirit, has long standing links with the world of sport and Hollywood. TAG Heuer has been the official timekeeper of the three Summer Olympic Games of the 1920s, the Skiing World Championships, the Formula One World Championships and having developed a watch for the McLaren F1 team. The brand has also had a long list of sports and Hollywood ambassadors.<br />
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Some of the more recently announced models include the Monaco V4 (the movement of which is driven by belts rather than gears); the Carrera Calibre 360 (the first mechanical wrist chronograph to measure and display time to 1/100 of a second) and the Monaco 69 (with both a digital chronograph accurate to a millisecond and a traditional mechanical movement, with a hinged mechanism allowing wearers to flip the watch between its two separate dials).<br />
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In January 2011 TAG Heuer announced the new Carrera Mikrograph, the first TAG Heuer to use the in-house Mikrograph movement, which is accurate to 1/100 of a second. In addition to that, TAG Heuer has also released the limited edition Carrera MP4-12C to commemorate the launch of the McLaren MP4-12C supercar. TAG Heuer has been a partner of the McLaren F1 team for over 26 years now.<br />
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At the Basel 2011 show in March 2011, TAG Heuer announced the Mikrotimer Flying 1000, a concept mechanical watch capable of accuracy of 1/1000 of a second- ten times faster than the Mikrograph.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2BJcNnDS8rfGOzDrdoRKz73BwD7ws_cZ5MoLZsKhbiLNym3EjAYkZpBr2r7TWCFF_IieHmZOuwhn8IMyZjeoLGWPuhfmMJD2p30QjuXboEdWHgLn-kBU367yqFw_husvYuSnb6Hr3Ok/s1600/formula1-lady-steel-ceramic-pavee-watch-tag-heuer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2BJcNnDS8rfGOzDrdoRKz73BwD7ws_cZ5MoLZsKhbiLNym3EjAYkZpBr2r7TWCFF_IieHmZOuwhn8IMyZjeoLGWPuhfmMJD2p30QjuXboEdWHgLn-kBU367yqFw_husvYuSnb6Hr3Ok/s320/formula1-lady-steel-ceramic-pavee-watch-tag-heuer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> TAG Heuer Formula 1 Lady Steel & Ceramic Pavee Watch </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>For Charming Ladies</b></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Awards</b></span><br />
In 2007 TAG Heuer won the iF product design award for its Monaco Calibre 360 LS Concept Chronograph. The award was given away by the International Forum Design Hannover GmbH, held in Hanover, Germany. The watch received the award in the Leisure/Lifestyle category. It was chosen among more than 2,200 timepieces presented by watchmakers from 35 countries. TAG Heuer received the iF product design award for the second time in two years. In 2006 another TAG Heuer watch, entitled Professional Golf Watch, won in the same Leisure/Lifestyle category. The design of the Professional Golf Watch was developed with Tiger Woods.<br />
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In 2010 The Carrera 1887 won La Petite Aiguille award (“the small hand” for watches retailing for less than CHF5,000) at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJO5RRpNkMAvJVikQlNMFSLEUY2uCuGORM_ovj0i6rZTBjCagjnnh4Sfx1xRbfMrAsm6O3LCC7C0Lv-LH4axSghgbYb3TQNsot05HMCHbPk510n_fS-60GdL5-YYbG46uLo99senQUzU/s1600/tag+heuer+limited+edition+indy+500+centennial+chronograph+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJO5RRpNkMAvJVikQlNMFSLEUY2uCuGORM_ovj0i6rZTBjCagjnnh4Sfx1xRbfMrAsm6O3LCC7C0Lv-LH4axSghgbYb3TQNsot05HMCHbPk510n_fS-60GdL5-YYbG46uLo99senQUzU/s320/tag+heuer+limited+edition+indy+500+centennial+chronograph+watch.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Tag Heuer Limited Edition Indy 500 Centennial Chronograph Watch</b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIUiXIZhZZe6mmUpii6KS580kTO4Mhrbx3NcekoQEvgxBYuI-CP6xG-g3YGwqxgOb1-QWkx9lueNKPnMhqfOjueciA3WBDAY1ND3lMU7CFgJFfUfwwQbRUskWMcA3vmmB-GcO7epo8bc/s1600/Tag+Heuer+Logo+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIUiXIZhZZe6mmUpii6KS580kTO4Mhrbx3NcekoQEvgxBYuI-CP6xG-g3YGwqxgOb1-QWkx9lueNKPnMhqfOjueciA3WBDAY1ND3lMU7CFgJFfUfwwQbRUskWMcA3vmmB-GcO7epo8bc/s320/Tag+Heuer+Logo+2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <b> </b></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-53943032931728090662011-09-27T22:28:00.002+07:002012-05-13T05:50:55.178+07:00TissotTissot is a luxury Swiss watchmaker company founded in 1853 by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son Charles-Émile Tissot who established the Tissot factory in the Swiss city of Le Locle, in the Neuchâtel area of the Jura Mountains.<br />
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Tissot should not be confused with Mathey-Tissot, a separate Swiss watchmaking firm established by Edmond Mathey-Tissot in 1886.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt0UK6JEDbVbIsUIEOTuT-VPE4Q2F45mb4S8K-qAPQeh2-p6jrRvp0m1VVWCLnktqlknbrbNb61yRXtNW-i4oz622Vnj8qZn6VcXwrxOMXW4VcqmW9GsHhglecP6gYa4-w0cr1d2farc/s1600/tissot+moto+gp+limited+edition+2008+watch+race+tracks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzt0UK6JEDbVbIsUIEOTuT-VPE4Q2F45mb4S8K-qAPQeh2-p6jrRvp0m1VVWCLnktqlknbrbNb61yRXtNW-i4oz622Vnj8qZn6VcXwrxOMXW4VcqmW9GsHhglecP6gYa4-w0cr1d2farc/s320/tissot+moto+gp+limited+edition+2008+watch+race+tracks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Tissot T-Race MotoGP Limited Edition 2008</b></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>History</b></span><br />
Tissot introduced the first mass-produced pocket watch and the first pocket watch with two times zones in 1853 and the first anti-magnetic watch in 1929-30. Charles-Emile Tissot left for Russia in 1858 and succeeded in selling their savonnette pocket watches across the Russian Empire. The Tissot company was also the first to make watches out of plastic (IDEA 2001 in 1971), stone (the Alpine granite Rock watch in 1985), mother of pearl (the Pearl watch in 1987), and wood (the Wood watch in 1988). Tissot merged with the Omega watch making family in 1930 and Tissot-Omega watches from this era are sought after by collectors.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtswltRmhaaVXgq5bu5XzZlg3o6OwlU5H2Oqp8al5bXOQAbxEcYDAMZ2IbSf_EJA15talsf32NZPnrRbpj2ly03ceYW-eXDh8_J9L461XduXXNtup6La_bA12XiG1YBUTgRpXQC60nTk/s1600/Tissot+T-Tempo+Gent+Automatic+Watch+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtswltRmhaaVXgq5bu5XzZlg3o6OwlU5H2Oqp8al5bXOQAbxEcYDAMZ2IbSf_EJA15talsf32NZPnrRbpj2ly03ceYW-eXDh8_J9L461XduXXNtup6La_bA12XiG1YBUTgRpXQC60nTk/s320/Tissot+T-Tempo+Gent+Automatic+Watch+Family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Tissot T-Tempo Gent Automatic Watch Family</b></div><br />
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Still based in Le Locle, Switzerland and present in more than 150 countries around the world, Tissot has been a member of The Swatch Group Ltd., the largest watch producer and distributor in the world, since 1983.<br />
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Tissot is an official timekeeper for the world championships in cycling, motorcycling, fencing and ice hockey, and was used for the Davis Cup in 1957 and Downhill Skiing in Switzerland in 1938. Tissot was also a key Sponsor for the Formula one teams Lotus, Renault and Sauber. Tissot's first engagement as an official timekeeper was in 1938 where they timed a series of Ski races in Villar, near the company's home town in the Jura mountains.<br />
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For early events, handheld stop watches were sufficient to provide official timings. Today Tissot works with various sporting bodies to develop system to produce ever more accurate timings for specific events. In competitive cycling for instance, sensors and placed on bikes and the track and linked by computers to provide track timings and performance data.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOa7kAa9poFdTdDBWOMMmT-YHvY6BVRyxPwlaSCK5D0MdaztfG2ywNX5TcYg-VmjBgzJ_pFfDTeeP75M2PyQ70cvMi4EWOW6KYxYoUluk9Pf0-8osyGw6JPQK6I29_kksj6Wz1dp6MjlM/s1600/Tissot+Men%2527s+PRS+516+Quartz+Watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOa7kAa9poFdTdDBWOMMmT-YHvY6BVRyxPwlaSCK5D0MdaztfG2ywNX5TcYg-VmjBgzJ_pFfDTeeP75M2PyQ70cvMi4EWOW6KYxYoUluk9Pf0-8osyGw6JPQK6I29_kksj6Wz1dp6MjlM/s320/Tissot+Men%2527s+PRS+516+Quartz+Watch.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Tissot Men's PRS 516 Quartz Watch</b></div><br />
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Tissot has become known in recent years for its tactile, or "T-Touch," technology; several new watches have touch-sensitive sapphire glasses and include compasses, barometers, altimeters and thermometers. T-Touch watches have been recently featured on Angelina Jolie's wrist in the movies Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life and Mr. & Mrs. Smith.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsZrWhebkqybDIEIUbU3WLXQDI6oiOvYfnnoHYYMcYZD_4SYN9JUwY9pDyuzaVjQ8O5VU1tTiUYue2aVKv43_WEN-mbQUnCDUEXbv4ACfIxwf_PQVDgPkY_wKwV3p4vMXgpSGECjqNmc/s1600/Tissot+Classic+Prince+Watches+in+Art+Deco+Style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsZrWhebkqybDIEIUbU3WLXQDI6oiOvYfnnoHYYMcYZD_4SYN9JUwY9pDyuzaVjQ8O5VU1tTiUYue2aVKv43_WEN-mbQUnCDUEXbv4ACfIxwf_PQVDgPkY_wKwV3p4vMXgpSGECjqNmc/s320/Tissot+Classic+Prince+Watches+in+Art+Deco+Style.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Tissot Classic Prince Watches in Art Deco Style</b></div><br />
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Famous people who have worn Tissot watches include the actress Sarah Bernhardt, singer Carmen Miranda, Elvis Presley, Grace Kelly, and Nelson Mandela. James Stewart also wears a Tissot watch in the movie "Rear Window".Indian actor Kamal Hassan also wears a Tissot watch in the Tamil Movie "Dasavatharam".<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sponsored people</b></span><br />
<ul><li>Nicky Hayden, American MotoGP Rider<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Buzzle_2-1"></sup></li>
<li>Danica Patrick, American Indycar Driver<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Buzzle_2-2"></sup></li>
<li>Michael Owen, English Footballer<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Buzzle_2-3"></sup></li>
<li>Huang Xiaoming, Chinese Actor<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Buzzle_2-4"></sup></li>
<li>Barbie Hsu, Taiwanese Actress<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Buzzle_2-5"></sup></li>
<li>Deepika Padukone, Indian Actress</li>
<li>Thomas Lüthi, Swiss 250cc Rider</li>
<li>CBA Official Timekeeper</li>
<li>IIHL Official Timekeeper</li>
<li>NASCAR Official Timekeeper</li>
<li>MotoGP Official Timekeeper</li>
<li>AFL Official Timekeeper</li>
<li>Asian Games Official Timekeeper</li>
<li>Steven Stamkos Hockey Player</li>
<li>Tony Parker Basketball Player</li>
</ul><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Watch models </b></span><br />
<ul><li>Sailing T-Touch</li>
<li>SeaTouch</li>
<li>T-Touch Expert</li>
<li>T-Touch</li>
<li>T-Touch II</li>
<li>T-Race MotoGP</li>
<li>T-Race</li>
<li>T-Navigator 3000</li>
<li>T-Sport</li>
<li>T-One</li>
<li>TXL & TXS</li>
<li>PRS 516</li>
<li>PRS 200</li>
<li>PRC 200 Chronograph</li>
<li>PRC 200</li>
<li>PRC 100</li>
<li>PR 50</li>
<li>Bascule</li>
<li>Six-T</li>
<li>T-Wave</li>
<li>Ice-T</li>
<li>Equi-T</li>
<li>Diver Seastar Automatic 1000</li>
<li>Seastar 660</li>
<li>Seastar 7</li>
<li>Seastar 2</li>
<li>Bellflhour</li>
<li>Flower Power</li>
<li>V8</li>
<li>Cocktail</li>
<li>Le Locle</li>
<li>Heritage</li>
<li>T-Lord</li>
<li>LOVE T-TOUCH</li>
<li>Stylist BB</li>
<li>High-T</li>
<li>Visodate</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xI5g7ETGw3gSSHYDBvS1y98dgziF7busUnRCpZC7N1KNDzQum3lJd4iUDV1LKo2IuHZPZgyU6sQXD1uik7InYhDSD5ICMxQ6w7RwPBGyzoxFHmXYS8NFSZk9MU89RMmUZfpPMXKf3HQ/s1600/Tissot+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xI5g7ETGw3gSSHYDBvS1y98dgziF7busUnRCpZC7N1KNDzQum3lJd4iUDV1LKo2IuHZPZgyU6sQXD1uik7InYhDSD5ICMxQ6w7RwPBGyzoxFHmXYS8NFSZk9MU89RMmUZfpPMXKf3HQ/s320/Tissot+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul></ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-41665026549760833642011-09-27T21:54:00.004+07:002012-05-13T05:53:30.475+07:00SeikoSeiko Holdings Corporation is a Japanese watch company. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>History and ongoing developments</b></span><br />
The company started in 1881, when Kintarō Hattori opened a watch and jewelry shop called "K. Hattori" in the Ginza area of Tokyo, Japan. Eleven years later, in 1892, he began to produce clocks under the name Seikosha, meaning roughly "House of Exquisite Workmanship." According to Seiko's official company history, titled "A Journey In Time: The Remarkable Story of Seiko" (2003), Seiko is a Japanese word meaning "exquisite," "minute," or "success."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnhzom4S2eeakQRHVAE2326MPXZ7tPIreWAsBOjkVgeYpOGmHdGbnsjwYPvxlD14YHC-f84oEqNLYjJ1bocWB9mP-RUQ54-PxUSln-bdmNoqL2dxo8aQNs9kWM0vfROPbm6KAL7BI5DE/s1600/Seiko+Sportura+FC+Barcelona+Chronograph+Watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnhzom4S2eeakQRHVAE2326MPXZ7tPIreWAsBOjkVgeYpOGmHdGbnsjwYPvxlD14YHC-f84oEqNLYjJ1bocWB9mP-RUQ54-PxUSln-bdmNoqL2dxo8aQNs9kWM0vfROPbm6KAL7BI5DE/s320/Seiko+Sportura+FC+Barcelona+Chronograph+Watch.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Seiko Sportura FC Barcelona Chronograph Watch</b></div><br />
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The first watches produced under the Seiko brand appeared in 1924. In 1969, Seiko introduced the Astron, the world's first production quartz watch; when it was introduced, it cost the same as a medium-sized car. Seiko later went on to introduce the first quartz chronograph. In 1985, Orient Watches and Seiko established a joint factory.<br />
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The company was incorporated (K. Hattori & Co., Ltd.) in 1917 and was renamed Hattori Seiko Co., Ltd. in 1983 and Seiko Corporation in 1990. After reconstructing and creating its operating subsidiaries (such as Seiko Watch Corporation and Seiko Clock Inc.), it became a holding company in 2001 and was renamed Seiko Holdings Corporation as of July 1, 2007.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxAJ9lJwc9kGx0_sGsgw4eqsIYaGb0tmMGqNlBG5ZaE74TV2JG0bpc78d-JNvhQUxO7hQT75RTRZX_SelvAuhe17pwS_tm4kJ1Hi1DIIg10HVCmeDjgODYEovgcuCIYjJo0VgJygI4TY/s1600/seiko+ananta+automatic+chronograph+divers+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxAJ9lJwc9kGx0_sGsgw4eqsIYaGb0tmMGqNlBG5ZaE74TV2JG0bpc78d-JNvhQUxO7hQT75RTRZX_SelvAuhe17pwS_tm4kJ1Hi1DIIg10HVCmeDjgODYEovgcuCIYjJo0VgJygI4TY/s320/seiko+ananta+automatic+chronograph+divers+watch.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Seiko Ananta Automatic Chronograph Diver’s watch</b></div><br />
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Seiko is perhaps best known for its wristwatches, all of which were at one time produced entirely in-house. This includes not only major items such as microgears, motors, hands, crystal oscillators, batteries, sensors, LCDs but also minor items such as the oils used in lubricating the watches and the luminous compounds used on the hands and the dials. Currently watch movements are made in Shizukuishi, Iwate (SII Morioka Seiko Instruments), Ninohe, Iwate (SII Ninohe Tokei Kogyo), Shiojiri, Nagano (Seiko Epson) and their subsidiaries in China, Malaysia and Singapore. The fully integrated in-house production system is still practised in Japan.<br />
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Seiko produces both quartz and mechanical watches of varying prices. The least expensive are around ¥4,000 (US$45) (Alba); the most expensive (Credor JURI GBBX998) costs ¥50,000,000 (US$554,000). Seiko's mechanical watches are highly prized by collectors—from the Seiko "5" series (the 5 reflects the five essential features of the watch, namely shock resistant, water resistant, automatic, and day and date display), which is the most common; the Seiko automatic Chronometer series; the "Bell-Matic," with a mechanical alarm; to the highly prized luxury "Credor," "King Seiko," and "Grand Seiko" lines. Seiko Kinetic watches account for a large proportion of sales nowadays and combine the self-energizing attributes of an automatic watch with quartz accuracy. The watch is entirely powered by its movement in everyday wear. On 7 October 2005, Seiko announced the launch of the Seiko Spring Drive, a new movement that provides 72 hours of power compared to 40 hours for mechanical and 3 years for battery powered quartz watches. This new movement uses a "Tri-synchro Regulator". The power from the spring is used to turn the gear train and a generator. The generator powers a circuit that includes a low consumption (~25 nanowatts) quartz crystal oscillator. The oscillator is a part of a continuous feedback circuit, which holds the speed of the generator close to eight revolutions per second. According to Seiko records the resulting movement delivers accuracy commensrate with other quartz timed watch movements.<br />
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To the frustration of collectors, Seiko does not release all of its watch lines in every region; some are exclusively available in Asia, for instance. Many online retailers will ship watches overseas, though.<br />
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Seiko Corporation of America is responsible for distribution of Seiko watches and clocks, as well as Pulsar brand watches, in the United States. The models available in the United States are normally a smaller subset of the full line produced in Japan. Seiko Corporation of America has its headquarters (and Coserv repair center) in Mahwah, New Jersey. In the United States, Seiko watches are sold primarily by fine jewelers and department stores as well as 19 company stores located in various cities.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzyYP2pBvTe1NxOthUtRzC2Tz0izL82mqaH99pDFRSejP2F2_9isC3opXQeNVYaJyajkB30CeHWrjvnksTvMZCcASOhLXUMxEiuP9gN77iSmJgE4sHTvCEPV9qkmCsRqvwwpjsbOelgw/s1600/Seiko+Premier+Kinetic+Rose+Gold+Chronograph+Watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzyYP2pBvTe1NxOthUtRzC2Tz0izL82mqaH99pDFRSejP2F2_9isC3opXQeNVYaJyajkB30CeHWrjvnksTvMZCcASOhLXUMxEiuP9gN77iSmJgE4sHTvCEPV9qkmCsRqvwwpjsbOelgw/s320/Seiko+Premier+Kinetic+Rose+Gold+Chronograph+Watch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Seiko Premier Kinetic Rose Gold Chronograph Watch</b></div><br />
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Seiko's 2004 marketing campaign emphasized that a watch, as opposed to other traits (such as what car they drive, for example), tells the most about a person.<br />
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Various Seiko watches were worn by the cinematic James Bond 007 in four films starring Roger Moore from 1977 to 1985. Also, a Seiko watch was worn by Sean Connery in the 1983 Bond film Never Say Never Again. A Seiko Chronograph is also worn by Jason Bourne in the book "The Bourne Identity" by Robert Ludlum. <br />
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Seiko also produces other electronic devices. Notably, during the 1980s, the company produced a range of digital synthesizers, such as the DS-250, for use in electronic music. Today, the music division, a part of Seiko Life Sports, produces metronomes & tuning devices.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Official timekeeper</b></span><br />
Seiko is also the official timer of many major sporting events:<br />
<ul><li>Tokyo Olympic Summer Games in Japan, 1964</li>
<li>1978 World Cup in Argentina</li>
<li>1982 World Cup in Spain</li>
<li>1986 World Cup in Mexico</li>
<li>IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Italy, 1987</li>
<li>1990 World Cup in Italy</li>
<li>IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Tokyo, Japan, 1991</li>
<li>Barcelona Olympic Summer Games in Spain, 1992</li>
<li>Lillehammer Olympic Winter Games in Norway, 1994</li>
<li>Nagano Olympic Winter Games in Japan, 1998</li>
<li>Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games in USA, 2002</li>
</ul>Seiko is also named as the official timekeeper of the <i>Gran Turismo</i> racing game series, published by Sony. It's also the sponsor of FC Barcelona.<br />
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Seiko used to sponsor Honda F1 (previously known as BAR [British American Racing] Honda). The Seiko name cannot currently be found on the Honda racing cars because Seiko Japan refused to be advertised whilst the names of tobacco companies are still appearing on the cars. They can, however, be found on the lollipop used in the pitlane.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnFjpXDU1BByy6JepZDvb61X_P-KidDZKPPnKj-k5cJW6yTjVf-sEVOqaobEQyXqGjUiHJBpxDmg5EdzZ4BPW7vTN8BBk91PBdzUrCeoXuDSh_psPhKCHr1YXNNuboNMcIuav5izDzQM/s1600/Seiko+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnFjpXDU1BByy6JepZDvb61X_P-KidDZKPPnKj-k5cJW6yTjVf-sEVOqaobEQyXqGjUiHJBpxDmg5EdzZ4BPW7vTN8BBk91PBdzUrCeoXuDSh_psPhKCHr1YXNNuboNMcIuav5izDzQM/s320/Seiko+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-4933478637649183292011-09-25T13:46:00.001+07:002012-05-13T05:57:06.244+07:00RadoRado is a Swiss manufacturer of watches, with headquarters in Lengnau, Switzerland. It is noted for its use of scratch-proof materials, a field in which it is considered a pioneer. Today the company produces about half a million watches a year with a staff of about 470 in total. Rado's watches are obtainable in more than 150 countries, at over 5900 ponts of sale. The most important markets are Southeast Asia, Japan, China, Middle East as well as countries within Europe (Switzerland, Germany, Italy) and the USA.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>History</b></span><br />
Formed in 1917 as Schlup & Co., Rado initially produced watch movements only. In 1957 the company launched its first collection of watches under the Rado brand. In 1962 the Rado Diastar, the world's first scratch-proof watch, was launched. It has been in production ever since, now sold as DiaStar The Original.<br />
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In 1983 Rado became part of the SMH group which was renamed in 1998 as the Swatch Group. Rado's sister brands within the Group include Omega, Breguet, Hamilton, Longines and Tissot.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Design</b></span><br />
RADO differs from the traditional Swiss watch makers in that it leans towards innovative uses of high tech materials in distinct design. RADO has focused on pioneering the use of a number of materials that are unique within the watch making industry, such as e.g. hardmetal (tungsten- and titanium-carbide), ceramics, lanthanum and sapphire crystal.<br />
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In 2004 RADO created a 'high-tech diamond', by the transformation of carbon into a nanocrystalline diamond with a Vickers hardness number of 10,000, thus naming the watch the V10K. It is the hardest watch on Earth, certified by the Guinness Book of World Records.<br />
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The newer RADO watches are also distinct from the traditional Swiss watch industry in that their aesthetic is unique. Market reaction tends to be mixed to such a strong aesthetic, with many who appreciate the unique and distinct RADO look and those who do not.<br />
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During their time, RADO has received more than 20 elite international design awards, from the RED DOT Award to the iF Design Award, for both their product and most recently, their collaboration with Jasper Morrison for an innovative watch box that mimics the shape of the human wrist.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVV_k0Z48wG5To5L0Y6zQyhKRS8URLaHDe0I22g38FT7w5bRFTcUoacBlfmTumF_xUMtX1thMUci5lBRQSe1k3KB5_LK6zq6xJ8HwG6SN3LGxfug_iLXF55qirwEXJk6pVkZf4pKiwyQ/s1600/Rado+Silver+Star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVV_k0Z48wG5To5L0Y6zQyhKRS8URLaHDe0I22g38FT7w5bRFTcUoacBlfmTumF_xUMtX1thMUci5lBRQSe1k3KB5_LK6zq6xJ8HwG6SN3LGxfug_iLXF55qirwEXJk6pVkZf4pKiwyQ/s320/Rado+Silver+Star.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Rado Silver Star</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9_52rWY4Jcu7baZYBfE0S0YYOHL03i7d3AqSLN_EKOpEnS1nlFlEY5ppH4Xt0zpUHuFE9OImJh45JHoUfkfnakd2mh2ISjCAHsmX2foBFAffnyCSIICRe3zjcaDIxr6ygS2Ot9bLO54/s1600/Rado+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9_52rWY4Jcu7baZYBfE0S0YYOHL03i7d3AqSLN_EKOpEnS1nlFlEY5ppH4Xt0zpUHuFE9OImJh45JHoUfkfnakd2mh2ISjCAHsmX2foBFAffnyCSIICRe3zjcaDIxr6ygS2Ot9bLO54/s320/Rado+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-75839822360857501972011-09-25T13:37:00.002+07:002012-05-13T06:00:10.000+07:00OrientThe Orient Watch Company is Japan's largest producer of mechanical watches. It has been a subsidiary of the Seiko Epson Corporation since 2001 and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Seiko Epson in 2009. The company produces both quartz and mechanical watches, but concentrates its marketing efforts and receives 55% of its international sales from the latter.<br />
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The company was founded in Tokyo, July 1950; though, it has roots that date back to 1901 when Shogoro Yoshida opened a wholesale watch shop in Ueno. Through its sixty-year history, the company has contributed several technological advances in watchmaking efficiency such as the development of power-reserve indicators and use of in-house movement production of watches in the hundred-dollar price range.<br />
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In-house movement production, defined as a watch manufacturer having direct intellectual property rights to the movement they produce, is not common; the list of companies that do this is very short.<br />
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Orient sets itself apart from the other major Japanese watch companies by focusing on self-winding mechanical watches; Seiko, Citizen, Ricoh Elemex and others primarily or exclusively sell quartz watches.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRw_xtv9CNK6pyIuoC9FzZ0Iba5DTM89NXTEn9FTR8jwNAm0HWVXVbfpoZHAoHKRcRmmWVoJo9QNaQvkwKy-KK1PeukHsZdv4OaZ_6FzTHU8gNbSS0h6GqGGEHrU2O0zmmEyH9ZINAsLA/s1600/An+Orient+mechanical+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRw_xtv9CNK6pyIuoC9FzZ0Iba5DTM89NXTEn9FTR8jwNAm0HWVXVbfpoZHAoHKRcRmmWVoJo9QNaQvkwKy-KK1PeukHsZdv4OaZ_6FzTHU8gNbSS0h6GqGGEHrU2O0zmmEyH9ZINAsLA/s320/An+Orient+mechanical+watch.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>An Orient mechanical watch</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQv08NVGU2oZToSMwJ3daH8yWmnWE5qdwQNVo-7U-vCo7KDthQmSmf51Fs7we3c7ZUC0nlTTPY61imxMtxcw5j32ZmMHPOHHTDppEuJ-pvVamBfq1NdEWGNcns1CGqtVBVAWEs3Lhz0GE/s1600/orient+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQv08NVGU2oZToSMwJ3daH8yWmnWE5qdwQNVo-7U-vCo7KDthQmSmf51Fs7we3c7ZUC0nlTTPY61imxMtxcw5j32ZmMHPOHHTDppEuJ-pvVamBfq1NdEWGNcns1CGqtVBVAWEs3Lhz0GE/s320/orient+logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-31054551966859716552011-09-25T13:20:00.004+07:002012-05-13T06:02:15.605+07:00CorumCorum is a Swiss watchmaker based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Canton of Neuchâtel. Founded in 1955, it makes high-quality and high-price watches, many of which are limited editions and thus especially pricey. The benchmark watch series for Corum is its "Admiral's Cup" series.<br />
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Corum has also been the maker of the World Series of Poker watches that accompanied World Series of Poker bracelet in 2007, and became the maker of the bracelets themselves in 2007.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEdDyzL87Po5SJuCmstlQXupo95gKgmh-X1b6usY2QZPvvwsoLN6AvIl3UIfoz6P5CmSyJWFrD4T1XIcPmRfuC7syupE5lEnTqesiX0g69yMFldReJN6lQ5C85A8jMoCcKP0SWmGsrZI/s1600/corum+grand+precis+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEdDyzL87Po5SJuCmstlQXupo95gKgmh-X1b6usY2QZPvvwsoLN6AvIl3UIfoz6P5CmSyJWFrD4T1XIcPmRfuC7syupE5lEnTqesiX0g69yMFldReJN6lQ5C85A8jMoCcKP0SWmGsrZI/s1600/corum+grand+precis+watch.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Corum Grand Precis Watch</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb2SnR63212y1cqCtKRdNqXqvaoK5oS7YrwIk87UfAQ10eORv0VLktKG6iUW7tQChK9jO4V2elLGZrlWs5k4d32QNIa7xgK4vfhfB5As9qN9ffsHJEUdlH_ZFdXXBcmNngVAS2NtSYq4/s1600/corum+admirals+cup+challenge+48+black+flag+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb2SnR63212y1cqCtKRdNqXqvaoK5oS7YrwIk87UfAQ10eORv0VLktKG6iUW7tQChK9jO4V2elLGZrlWs5k4d32QNIa7xgK4vfhfB5As9qN9ffsHJEUdlH_ZFdXXBcmNngVAS2NtSYq4/s320/corum+admirals+cup+challenge+48+black+flag+watch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Corum Admiral's Cup Challenge 48 Black Flag</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykQUmDjBtL7tFFnu5RIvym6pXNA1bkgp24ccjGKD2qY7kbr8z21asHedfXR2BW3i4Pp2cN1-6Xx5nUSwQNIl3lUunwvw5k_Jo3DqjNc9nHtFwilfbRKX0efs2s_BP2_Adni8mNL_uTlA/s1600/corum+admirals+cup+challenger+40+chrono+diamonds+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykQUmDjBtL7tFFnu5RIvym6pXNA1bkgp24ccjGKD2qY7kbr8z21asHedfXR2BW3i4Pp2cN1-6Xx5nUSwQNIl3lUunwvw5k_Jo3DqjNc9nHtFwilfbRKX0efs2s_BP2_Adni8mNL_uTlA/s320/corum+admirals+cup+challenger+40+chrono+diamonds+watch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Corum Admiral's Cup Challenger 40 Chrono Diamonds Watch</b><br />
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</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-61873274250474351122011-09-19T14:36:00.001+07:002011-09-20T20:41:03.584+07:00Edouard BovetEdouard Bovet (1797–1849) was a Swiss watchmaker and founder of the Bovet watch company.<br />
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He was born in Fleurier in Neuchâtel, moved to London in 1814 and went on to Canton in 1818 where he set up in business in partnership with his brothers in 1822. The enterprise, that had luxury watches made in Switzerland for export to China, was a resounding success. Two generations later the Bovets were running a flourishing Swiss-Chinese commercial enterprise and were no longer interested in watchmaking. The name was sold several times and relaunched in 1994. The current Bovet watches are modeled on their luxury precursors from the 19th century and look like pocket watches for the wrist.<br />
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Although the "Genève" tag is virtually compulsory for Swiss prestige name watches in the highest price bracket, it is the lesser known place name "Fleurier" that graces the watches from the Bovet company in Geneva: for the Bovet originated from this village in the Val-de-Travers, to the west of Neuchâtel. Watchmaking was introduced there between 1730 and 1740 by David Vaucher, probably a pupil of the legendary Daniel JeanRichard. The number of watchmakers in the Val-de-Travers grew very rapidly in the first half of the 19th century. The lace making that had provided work for a good third of the people living in the valley had been replaced by the much lower cost production on jacquard machines in France and Flanders.<br />
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The Bovet family was responsible for Fleurier’s specialization on the Chinese market. The birth of Edouard Bovet, the son of Jean Frédéric Bovet, was registered in 1797. Four more sons and a daughter were born in the following years. After completing his apprenticeship as a watchmaker, Edouard Bovet and two of his brothers moved to London, then the center of watch assembly and the watch trade. He found a job at once, with the Magniac company who sent him to Canton in 1818 as watch repairer; this was the sole Chinese port that tolerated European merchants and businessmen - the so-called “red-haired barbarians”.<br />
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The flourishing watch trade with China prompted Edouard Bovet to set up on his own in 1822: he founded a general partnership with the two brothers in London and one brother who had remained in Fleurier; the fourth and youngest brother also entered the business. Soon every first class watch in China with a high practical value and elegant exterior was simply called "Bovet" (pronounced "Boway" or read backwards "Tevob"). Pearl ornamentation and enamel miniature painting carried out in Geneva on Bovet watches ensured first class aesthetics at prices that, in contrast to the exaggerated luxury watches of the time, were affordable, at least for the upper class.<br />
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For years a Bovet watch was considered an asset in China and was accepted in payment everywhere. The movement was frequently finely engraved and chased and could be observed through a glass cover at the back. The central second hand that jumped every second, like modern quartz watches, was a Bovet specialty. Bovet adapted its production to the Chinese tradition of making gifts of valuable objects (statues, vases, horses even concubines) in pairs. So he could often sell two identical watches at the same time: if one failed, there was a replacement to hand. But Bovet’s enamel painters found it very difficult to paint two identical but mirror-image miniatures.<br />
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Edouard Bovet returned to Fleurier in 1830 as a made man, accompanied by his four year old half-Chinese son Edouard-Georges. At that time it was customary for the European merchants in China to take a "temporary" wife for the duration of their stay. If children were born of this liaison, the father had to accept full responsibility. As a fervent republican, Bovet exposed himself in the abortive Neuchâtel revolution against Prussian rule in 1831. The house that his brothers had built for him in Fleurier according to his written instructions from China had to remain empty for the time being. Bovet had to move to Besançon where he continued watchmaking with the help of other exiled watchmakers.<br />
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Edouard Bovet’s brothers and nephews - all of them shareholders in the company - made sure that the cornerstones of the Bovet empire in Fleurier, London and Canton continued to flourish. Once the political situation was back to normal, in 1840, the firm was re-registered as Bovet Frères et Cie.; the share capital amounted to 1 million francs. Edouard Bovet died in 1849; he lived long enough to witness the triumph of the republic and the withdrawal of the Prussians in the previous year. The succession was settled and the production for China continued; in 1855 Bovet was awarded a gold medal at the world exhibition in Paris for an absolutely identical pair of watches ordered by the emperor of China.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IQCtFtzpWl2VSsCuAhV6jITplFcD98ZoBzDfc128juD_5xeU4ied6A4aY37WUz-sCT8ZaYRge725MQgSi5OYS7DmAc5R5hSYKPxzJnzYiUbj7eAXUzN4xxDShEbUz-_5birNey4ilos/s1600/chronograph-cambiano-edition-2011-watch-bovet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IQCtFtzpWl2VSsCuAhV6jITplFcD98ZoBzDfc128juD_5xeU4ied6A4aY37WUz-sCT8ZaYRge725MQgSi5OYS7DmAc5R5hSYKPxzJnzYiUbj7eAXUzN4xxDShEbUz-_5birNey4ilos/s1600/chronograph-cambiano-edition-2011-watch-bovet.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Admire Bovet Chronograph Cambiano Edition 2011 Watch </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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Functional Layout and Alluring Colors</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjga7sMJ8PwoUkDjPutZ1k2ShLbK51_4y_caE1thiFBQj2jCACSdP32bF3wBpj-tSDFfl15-lbcqI9XXoiY3w32soc52v28xfj2PEKcM4UHPQctf_CoTCOSQ0J-5hhbtJ1mdpsOZz66Pww/s1600/Ernest+Borel+Borel+Chrono+Watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjga7sMJ8PwoUkDjPutZ1k2ShLbK51_4y_caE1thiFBQj2jCACSdP32bF3wBpj-tSDFfl15-lbcqI9XXoiY3w32soc52v28xfj2PEKcM4UHPQctf_CoTCOSQ0J-5hhbtJ1mdpsOZz66Pww/s320/Ernest+Borel+Borel+Chrono+Watch.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Ernest Borel Chrono Watch</b></div><br />
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Ernest Borel SA is headquartered at their new factory premises at Le Noirmont, Switzerland. Previously it was located at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The current CEO of Ernest Borel is Mr Raphael Bouillat, who has been at the helm of the company since 1997.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Products</b></span><br />
Ernest Borel currently produces traditionally styled automatic and quartz-movement wrist watches for men and women. The majority of their product line are fashion and dress watches, with a quartz chronograph line. They have recently discontinued their diving line, "Deep Blue".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIKY3FUT27FtaZfzErBrEor4umAF-SSRwyUHKLSfcaRDGVrdkPC4X0t5uIMXBi96AZuQZ47mHsNqQDd50KcTBXD1AXLLjQI3XypPmDEkbKHNm_eRFh8MshuDHlPRgnayEefejb_mLS30/s1600/Ernest+Borel+Jules+Borel+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIKY3FUT27FtaZfzErBrEor4umAF-SSRwyUHKLSfcaRDGVrdkPC4X0t5uIMXBi96AZuQZ47mHsNqQDd50KcTBXD1AXLLjQI3XypPmDEkbKHNm_eRFh8MshuDHlPRgnayEefejb_mLS30/s1600/Ernest+Borel+Jules+Borel+watch.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ernest Borel Jules Borel Watch</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Elegance and Romanticism</b></div><br />
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This is speculated to be a brand positioning attempting, with the company choosing to focus on a traditional and conservative image. This is in keeping with the fact that their designs are often of a similar style to Longines.<br />
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The manufacturer's life-time warranty on movements, sets Ernest Borel apart from most competitors.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Corporate logo</b></span><br />
Their corporate logo of a dancing couple in 19th-century dress is intended by the company to reflect the elegance, tradition and inspiration of romance, however this traditional logo is seen by many as being old-fashioned in modern times. It is often cited as a reason for overlooking the brand in favour of its competitors.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Market</b></span><br />
The brand is a second-tier Swiss brand, competing with brands such as Enicar, Oris, Titoni and Sandoz. Its major approach to the market appears to be price-based, but without sacrificing the quality expected of a Swiss made watch.<br />
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The prices of their watches range from the low hundreds of USD up to the mid thousands of USD.<br />
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Ernest Borel appears to be focussing their marketing on China at present, with the opening of a dedicated Ernest Borel shop in Beijing in late 2007. This also reflects the marketing strategy of their competitors.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMIpdpq-UONNhIVTL8kMXcKEw9SgJJvIAY8Uqva3XX3b0IzyctRwVhcHVt4YMJ0vOUmJI4G4CXY5YeubrlGSuSr7-Hk1fdgGIQQntVWS10L4Jxo90QqBxd2O5IkI3UujVqGqKcEyK84Y/s1600/Rocky+II+Series+from+Ernest+Borel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMIpdpq-UONNhIVTL8kMXcKEw9SgJJvIAY8Uqva3XX3b0IzyctRwVhcHVt4YMJ0vOUmJI4G4CXY5YeubrlGSuSr7-Hk1fdgGIQQntVWS10L4Jxo90QqBxd2O5IkI3UujVqGqKcEyK84Y/s320/Rocky+II+Series+from+Ernest+Borel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Rocky II Series from Ernest Borel</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfT7Suh1zrh-eItjGBSUTwh6D63VApZYqknSmJly2dxiZWdbQNzMmrLBnN4bZ1IuLaMY5784TgbrCj4-2orcXPy8UfhxduAGZLmk74FlxNNluOxTS_P5PuyHWnpd8A2JMbTKe0LRLTYk/s1600/Ernest+Borel+logo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfT7Suh1zrh-eItjGBSUTwh6D63VApZYqknSmJly2dxiZWdbQNzMmrLBnN4bZ1IuLaMY5784TgbrCj4-2orcXPy8UfhxduAGZLmk74FlxNNluOxTS_P5PuyHWnpd8A2JMbTKe0LRLTYk/s320/Ernest+Borel+logo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-4073720607239101942011-09-19T14:09:00.001+07:002012-05-13T06:08:29.142+07:00Bedat & CoBedat & Co is a Swiss watch brand that specializes in feminine luxury timepieces. The company was founded in 1996 by Simone Bédat and her son Christian Bédat. Bedat & Co watches are sold on four continents.<br />
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Today, Bedat & Co is owned by LuxuryConcepts Timepieces, a Malaysian-based firm. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>History</b></span><br />
After more than 50 years of experience in the watch industry, Simone Bédat decided to create her own brand with her son, Christian, in 1996. Their first collection of timepieces, the N°3, N°7.Ref. 304 and Ref. 314 was presented in 1997 during BaselWorld.<br />
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In 2000, Gucci Group acquired 85% of Bedat & Co with Simone Bédat serving as the chairwoman while her son Christian remained the chief executive officer and a shareholder.<br />
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In 2006, Simone and Christian Bédat departed from the company making the Gucci Group the sole owner of Bedat & Co. Following their departure, the Bedat & Co's company worked with new designers.<br />
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In 2008, the Swiss watch brand launched its very first stand alone boutique in Kuala Lumpur, the opening of which was officiated by the Queen of Malaysia, Her Majesty Sultanah Nur Zahirah.<br />
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In 2009, Malaysia based company, LuxuryConcepts Timepieces announced their acquisition of Bedat & Co. In spite of this, the brand remains a 100% Swiss company with global distribution.<br />
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In 2010, Bedat & Co returned to the roots and worked again with the designer Dino Modolo for the last collection.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfHMEq5lu1sImng3YbTu2XxPZE2YuXaW8kIMwa-WtZvxbjasklJznHJXGSe6MxswTqzO3aoHBafcu_nIPKWdOLQjzNr9BY1a0lc_ufBVTDU7ZU6-L_vPxkFnYN8_UgwA1mizsTa8UVPc/s1600/no+8+bedat+and+co+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfHMEq5lu1sImng3YbTu2XxPZE2YuXaW8kIMwa-WtZvxbjasklJznHJXGSe6MxswTqzO3aoHBafcu_nIPKWdOLQjzNr9BY1a0lc_ufBVTDU7ZU6-L_vPxkFnYN8_UgwA1mizsTa8UVPc/s320/no+8+bedat+and+co+watch.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Bedat and Co No 8 Watch</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Tribute to Femininity</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_P8ay1EQjEmWP-Gh-I_LsrFyuEUQSEbpSzzaMk1ahq4sveL52CQOI3D9VWhS3UdAls-MFjtJfIMbz1Xiah-ZaeiLUKa4KKzdOKiW-nVeXF4xHm_kRfmdir8NTWbcrhI9xnq_roqQkg0U/s1600/bedat-co-ref228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_P8ay1EQjEmWP-Gh-I_LsrFyuEUQSEbpSzzaMk1ahq4sveL52CQOI3D9VWhS3UdAls-MFjtJfIMbz1Xiah-ZaeiLUKa4KKzdOKiW-nVeXF4xHm_kRfmdir8NTWbcrhI9xnq_roqQkg0U/s320/bedat-co-ref228.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Bedat Co Creates Precious Watches for Ladies</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iN8RXfUjFx9fUc39WHNbh7tWqcNydpcLscLzKMedmdofp7eT6kZyGlLoOeqS8K7X76bUkNfIkJ0HOBmyhqa0rdOL8nTwJRycRcTnYQyAdSkkT5V_PREFdZLkg0J6FC6TpLCuLPocP5M/s1600/883+extravaganza+watch+bedat+co.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iN8RXfUjFx9fUc39WHNbh7tWqcNydpcLscLzKMedmdofp7eT6kZyGlLoOeqS8K7X76bUkNfIkJ0HOBmyhqa0rdOL8nTwJRycRcTnYQyAdSkkT5V_PREFdZLkg0J6FC6TpLCuLPocP5M/s320/883+extravaganza+watch+bedat+co.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Bedat Co 883 Extravaganza Watch</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Epitome of Femininity</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUlivs8wx6PYWR9dKpE1fx3evfsX-8-6YtPMkjZJ7z0cyLKokU3UyfHZWLMBIKbGK63jlv1teL5zNpTTRnb5FqQgr_BRHvLvlGeM2hK2uETxpdiK7WxdDUn0asf-9NyKAiTDI5sVFdp0/s1600/N+388+bedat+co+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUlivs8wx6PYWR9dKpE1fx3evfsX-8-6YtPMkjZJ7z0cyLKokU3UyfHZWLMBIKbGK63jlv1teL5zNpTTRnb5FqQgr_BRHvLvlGeM2hK2uETxpdiK7WxdDUn0asf-9NyKAiTDI5sVFdp0/s320/N+388+bedat+co+watch.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Bedat Co Presents New N 388 Watch </b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf85v4U_oxXsxrVv8eW2JaP8BpTNCj_UfOHm9xpLw8N63FSYuI8oZGrUNKK_aE1t7qBKUde-s-hS0l9kkEea0qQ6fxT9Zi1c-6UjCObarFfPqDr1XcuJ2wItoxhYI_bj81QQVWPtkS16s/s1600/Bedat+Co+Ref384+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf85v4U_oxXsxrVv8eW2JaP8BpTNCj_UfOHm9xpLw8N63FSYuI8oZGrUNKK_aE1t7qBKUde-s-hS0l9kkEea0qQ6fxT9Zi1c-6UjCObarFfPqDr1XcuJ2wItoxhYI_bj81QQVWPtkS16s/s320/Bedat+Co+Ref384+watch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Bedat & Co's Ref. 384 watch</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMwFuNe3s1JpM8mMxzzIGM_bDdBRsk8PyK6jyh_otDZOf0SfSMVFLUaBb0n3f4nC8HdG4cvASnsoZLTE41AO01s8Z2nStP_qnnxuntDjAdKz1ssunS7qX4T1R-Xg39bxWc8yjWJa9XlM/s1600/Bedat+&+Co+logo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMwFuNe3s1JpM8mMxzzIGM_bDdBRsk8PyK6jyh_otDZOf0SfSMVFLUaBb0n3f4nC8HdG4cvASnsoZLTE41AO01s8Z2nStP_qnnxuntDjAdKz1ssunS7qX4T1R-Xg39bxWc8yjWJa9XlM/s320/Bedat+&+Co+logo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-4287876879081090572011-09-19T13:50:00.001+07:002011-09-19T13:57:34.143+07:00Ball Watch CompanyWebster Clay Ball (October 6, 1847 – 1922) was a jeweler and watchmaker born in Fredericktown, Ohio. After a two-year apprenticeship to a jeweler, Ball settled in Cleveland, Ohio to join a jewelry store. When Standard Time was adopted in 1883, he was the first jeweler to use time signals from the United States Naval Observatory, bringing accurate time to Cleveland.<br />
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In 1891 there was a collision between Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway trains at Kipton, Ohio, which occurred because an engineer's watch had stopped. The railroad officials commissioned Webb C. Ball as their Chief Time Inspector, in order to establish precision standards and a reliable timepiece inspection system for railroad chronometers.<br />
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He established strict guidelines for the manufacturing of sturdy, reliable precision timepieces, including resistance to magnetism, reliability of time keeping in 5 positions, isochronism, power reserve and dial arrangement, accompanied with record keeping of the reliability of the watch on each regular inspection.<br />
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His original jewelry business in Cleveland grew into the Ball Watch Company (currently headquartered in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland), which used other watch companies' movements, perfecting them and then reselling them. Ball Watch Company also ordered watches complete from other watch companies. Ball used movements from the top American manufacturers, Elgin, Hamilton, and Waltham, and switched to Swiss movements as early as the 1940s in their wristwatches. The Waltham Watch Company complied immediately with the requirements of Ball's guidelines, later followed by Elgin National Watch Company and most of the other American manufacturers: Aurora, Hamilton, Hampden, E. Howard & Co., Illinois, Seth Thomas, later on joined by some Swiss watch manufacturers: Audemars Piguet, Gallet, Longines, Record Watch, Vacheron Constantin.<br />
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Webb C. Ball became the vice president of the Hamilton Watch Company and focused his efforts on developing watches for the railroads. On February 10, 1907, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers honored his efforts by appointing Ball as an honorary member.<br />
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They were the first wrist watch allowed to be used on the Railroads, (using a Swiss manual wind movement) followed quickly by the first American made wrist watch on "the roads", Elgin.<br />
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The firm was family owned by direct descendants until the 1990s when the right to use the name was sold. The new firm continues the tradition, using Swiss-made (primarily ETA) movements and making watches for sportsmen and even for some small railroads.<br />
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At the end of his career, Webb C. Ball was overseeing over 125,000 miles of rail tracks in the U.S.A., Mexico & Canada, having greatly contributed to the safety of all railroad systems. The Horological Institute of America celebrated his efforts on October 20, 1921. He died in 1922.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7P0L_0MLXmXOgGx4ZZVivwNjDuySL5KnZBhH6-KLtC5d_y7nncZ75_pYOc0wXnE9kaX6gUN2PqDohqvCbFa__SPaAaj6YF_WgIGknA3hd9Enz1V0qjPT1iG6tF7Wba-nMGLQ36xbhQA/s1600/ball+watch+trainmaster+celsius+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7P0L_0MLXmXOgGx4ZZVivwNjDuySL5KnZBhH6-KLtC5d_y7nncZ75_pYOc0wXnE9kaX6gUN2PqDohqvCbFa__SPaAaj6YF_WgIGknA3hd9Enz1V0qjPT1iG6tF7Wba-nMGLQ36xbhQA/s320/ball+watch+trainmaster+celsius+watch.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Ball Watch Trainmaster Celsius Watch </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Tribute to Anders Celsius</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9La6w5iX2bge6faWb9_qEvEG_PuIHEcpc05B8_bcPRIicUsltsxJaQxDUpIZBPI3r268A-vPKnsYIZvkbRGIK-vuV-4Ii_I3DAAs3OxmxPn6TkIjqmbsDfPILPI9InGfqo1T-ZE_ZcI/s1600/ball+watch+trainmaster+one+hundred+twenty+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9La6w5iX2bge6faWb9_qEvEG_PuIHEcpc05B8_bcPRIicUsltsxJaQxDUpIZBPI3r268A-vPKnsYIZvkbRGIK-vuV-4Ii_I3DAAs3OxmxPn6TkIjqmbsDfPILPI9InGfqo1T-ZE_ZcI/s320/ball+watch+trainmaster+one+hundred+twenty+watch.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Ball Watch Trainmaster One Hundred Twenty Watch</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>120 Years of Accuracy</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTsOea-EfPv1Ksi5jVFtQ8tgGBuCG3wv7KlXFU1pe_r9O70c1Ocd_ESV6mWuXdqqhiKRZvYsUFoE5Acu8xtKbEG3gJBdf-GGFka0F7uIUZtdyc4DRK1NZdHhhzGLxdgE4c1EbIiNHdmo/s1600/ball-watch-engineer-hydrocarbon-magnate-watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTsOea-EfPv1Ksi5jVFtQ8tgGBuCG3wv7KlXFU1pe_r9O70c1Ocd_ESV6mWuXdqqhiKRZvYsUFoE5Acu8xtKbEG3gJBdf-GGFka0F7uIUZtdyc4DRK1NZdHhhzGLxdgE4c1EbIiNHdmo/s320/ball-watch-engineer-hydrocarbon-magnate-watch.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ball Watch Engineer Hydrocarbon Magnate Watch <br />
Optimal Reliability</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ76kO27PMHggZLLtYMRNIjpqrd6n_U3GwcLaTU3h-hHnUYQCLhLMcxC3pSskKm6VwHjhgURj3xpPyh587kKi4xNkcUfglgiNegQcrwIIRUTY8rJ_P8IAaVx1yDbdYq88kIBZ3We1kgM/s1600/ball-watch-storm-chaser-dlc-glow-timepiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ76kO27PMHggZLLtYMRNIjpqrd6n_U3GwcLaTU3h-hHnUYQCLhLMcxC3pSskKm6VwHjhgURj3xpPyh587kKi4xNkcUfglgiNegQcrwIIRUTY8rJ_P8IAaVx1yDbdYq88kIBZ3We1kgM/s320/ball-watch-storm-chaser-dlc-glow-timepiece.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Ball Watch Storm Chaser DLC Glow Timepiece </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Unrivalled Legibility</b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-23945366906420913472011-09-19T13:41:00.000+07:002011-09-19T13:41:10.059+07:00Alpina WatchesAlpina Watches International SA is a manufacturer of wrist watches based in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland. The company was founded in 1883 by Gottlieb Hauser, watchmaker in Winterthur, who founded the Swiss Watchmakers Corporation ("Union Horlogère Suisse"). A number of watchmakers joined to purchase watch components and organized their manufacturing. All representatives of Union Horlogère depended on the Association, which aimed to sell high quality watches under the Alpina brand. Quickly, the new concept gained acceptance. Together with qualified manufactures, the Association started to develop its own calibres and to enlarge its distribution network.<br />
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Everything ran well until the seventies, when the quartz crises violently crushed the Swiss watch-industry. Alpina was powerless to counter the overwhelming emergence of electronic watches. Other major brands got together to form groups (predecessor of the Swatch Group), but Alpina tried to fight it alone without really succeeding. In 1972, Alpina Watch International SA was incorporated with new German investors, which purchased all shares in Alpina Union Horlogère SA. In 2002, Alpina Watch International SA was acquired by Frederique Constant SA and Alpina watches were relaunched worldwide.<br />
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Named "Régulateur 1883" in reference to the year Alpina was founded, Alpina introduced a new model in 2005 as a fitting tribute to the long and rich tradition of the Geneva-based brand. The "regulator" dial is distinguished by the off-centred hour display at 10 o'clock, an exclusive Alpina feature.<br />
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In 2008, Alpina Genève celebrated its 125th anniversary with the inauguration of the first movement to be made entirely in its own workshops.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Su8gPYngNJ0d928Ss48idI6T3g7api17M6922UFlLaKV8OI2qmkhNPIQ8Rhw9MBSbUbboq_qfFDoAYyTUHE_CXDuM1KE-h90W6DUGpMz-zBpSfHt15DQe2uas3pkNHJ7xDFk9IW5WmU/s1600/alpina-sailing-watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Su8gPYngNJ0d928Ss48idI6T3g7api17M6922UFlLaKV8OI2qmkhNPIQ8Rhw9MBSbUbboq_qfFDoAYyTUHE_CXDuM1KE-h90W6DUGpMz-zBpSfHt15DQe2uas3pkNHJ7xDFk9IW5WmU/s1600/alpina-sailing-watch.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Alpina Sailing Watch </b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPj298Kmlk8e-DzQAGckh0wi3Csah0DNZ-HHGe2Pz68L9j9mrD_hf2EqRqGvEWGcz3-uSrZqENYvEAUv9nUJq3iuYoOOTUmToIU8_iRGlw-_WOQjB35mSEKeNUTU-SI3Q44wbmaAB0J24/s1600/alpina+startimer+automatic+pilots+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPj298Kmlk8e-DzQAGckh0wi3Csah0DNZ-HHGe2Pz68L9j9mrD_hf2EqRqGvEWGcz3-uSrZqENYvEAUv9nUJq3iuYoOOTUmToIU8_iRGlw-_WOQjB35mSEKeNUTU-SI3Q44wbmaAB0J24/s1600/alpina+startimer+automatic+pilots+watch.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Alpina Startimer Automatic Pilots Watch</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGlQIwtFKnqK-GCXdhGgdhLcvWDIe4ASFmDPXNGGF9EVO-5TlSBFzru3WJypYlEtbTOOZlnhyphenhyphenVSl3InZeGw7-aYV3_Kq5RCC0Z7jSqwlzJgenG8utsA4In3NO9OvCOO0lsamM-2nQpuE/s1600/Alpina+extreme+diver+1000-meters+summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGlQIwtFKnqK-GCXdhGgdhLcvWDIe4ASFmDPXNGGF9EVO-5TlSBFzru3WJypYlEtbTOOZlnhyphenhyphenVSl3InZeGw7-aYV3_Kq5RCC0Z7jSqwlzJgenG8utsA4In3NO9OvCOO0lsamM-2nQpuE/s1600/Alpina+extreme+diver+1000-meters+summer.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Alpina extreme diver 1000-meters summer</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDe2ZYIyterAxqbRrnVhOrrAP4j2uQ7rCqOq2SCcYcVbrIY_McI_qj1mjkqv_jHGrDSzJgbNGIZ0CAnlZXiA2WO8a4zi-GvBMxJOxJPiHEfj5iYd-t72fTVcKPQC30Vq_7OTBLJEeVHXA/s1600/Alpina+Extreme+Watch+2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDe2ZYIyterAxqbRrnVhOrrAP4j2uQ7rCqOq2SCcYcVbrIY_McI_qj1mjkqv_jHGrDSzJgbNGIZ0CAnlZXiA2WO8a4zi-GvBMxJOxJPiHEfj5iYd-t72fTVcKPQC30Vq_7OTBLJEeVHXA/s1600/Alpina+Extreme+Watch+2009.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Alpina Extreme Watch 2009</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrgqdb1YayxC4oEsMUd3OPehWjo9i2M3h3C16UvQr9V4rZgdadRi5usx726S5keu5ka5rWhVMgHahGzxP-ZvoI2BpQuoHJYExnuI1BrwXfSZmHv_lq-_cmCPGB8UQe3RwBLsw0zyWjbI/s1600/new-extreme-tourbillon-regulator-manufacture-alpina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrgqdb1YayxC4oEsMUd3OPehWjo9i2M3h3C16UvQr9V4rZgdadRi5usx726S5keu5ka5rWhVMgHahGzxP-ZvoI2BpQuoHJYExnuI1BrwXfSZmHv_lq-_cmCPGB8UQe3RwBLsw0zyWjbI/s1600/new-extreme-tourbillon-regulator-manufacture-alpina.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The <strong>new Extreme Tourbillon Regulator Manufacture watches</strong></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFi-IJgQWRvqHW-ECRWF5bFF-O3vL3VLxxCJOMuu8LIuTiB2AH4_tuJJSCVKKfwAVmhgi8GI4aQkFe8lSvIo_o3cPHYAl6MhwURbYWAbOZN4CPM3TBzTwWmK_4uU36bet52SenR6NYCdM/s1600/alpina-watches-history.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFi-IJgQWRvqHW-ECRWF5bFF-O3vL3VLxxCJOMuu8LIuTiB2AH4_tuJJSCVKKfwAVmhgi8GI4aQkFe8lSvIo_o3cPHYAl6MhwURbYWAbOZN4CPM3TBzTwWmK_4uU36bet52SenR6NYCdM/s320/alpina-watches-history.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Alpina - Swiss Watches Since 1883</b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-2499793064696259852011-09-19T13:13:00.001+07:002011-09-19T13:26:56.370+07:00Waltham Watch CompanyThe Waltham Watch Company, also known as the American Waltham Watch Co. and the American Watch Co., produced about 40 million high quality watches, clocks, speedometers, compasses, time fuses and other precision instruments between 1850 and 1957. The company's historic manufacturing facilities in Waltham, Massachusetts have been preserved as the American Waltham Watch Company Historic District.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtD4zOLmwdAcpGo_BEaNvkgj8bsx76Ob8Oizx7JUTK89vH6UZu9tewvG-VORUthNpxUbyweWRWPZLC1ltJMmV3_6JY76rQgL17HrL0ihTsmzfB9BgtbfyaXZGnB_-kclHHVIc3qe_9rk/s1600/ind+sir+waltham+sw39+waltham+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtD4zOLmwdAcpGo_BEaNvkgj8bsx76Ob8Oizx7JUTK89vH6UZu9tewvG-VORUthNpxUbyweWRWPZLC1ltJMmV3_6JY76rQgL17HrL0ihTsmzfB9BgtbfyaXZGnB_-kclHHVIc3qe_9rk/s1600/ind+sir+waltham+sw39+waltham+watch.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Sir Waltham SW39 watch</strong></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>History</b></span><br />
In 1850, Roxbury, Massachusetts, David Davis, Edward Howard and Aaron Lufkin Dennison formed together the company that would later become the Waltham Watch Company. The revolutionary business plan was to manufacture the movement parts so precisely that they would become fully interchangeable. Based upon the experience of earlier failed trials, Howard and Dennison would eventually perfect and patent their precision watch making machines and create the American System of Watch Manufacturing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD-2GTacqVx_KbY2ULuISabHIau6IXW6-Tr4b0ahN-pWt5kGuwlkjmLMpe5RCAx5oxPoYHM_U5Q-KHHo1r206rCGKqVrtlDA1J44Lt0zQPfNnBa4Kfa52tdLQlmVHgPGc-aX_1CmeAao/s1600/waltham+lone+eagle+sw45+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD-2GTacqVx_KbY2ULuISabHIau6IXW6-Tr4b0ahN-pWt5kGuwlkjmLMpe5RCAx5oxPoYHM_U5Q-KHHo1r206rCGKqVrtlDA1J44Lt0zQPfNnBa4Kfa52tdLQlmVHgPGc-aX_1CmeAao/s1600/waltham+lone+eagle+sw45+watch.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Lone Eagle SW45 watch</strong></div><br />
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<b>American Horologe Company (Warren Manufacturing Company)</b><br />
In 1851, according to some sources, the company took the name "American Horologe Company" and production started in the new factory building. However, in October 1886, Waltham co-founder, Aaron Lufkin Dennison, in a letter to author Crossman, refuted the name and stated that the first Company name was the Warren Manufacturing Company, named for General Warren of Roxbury, a famous soldier of the War of Independence.The word "watch" was specifically omitted to retain secrecy of the novel operation.<br />
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Late 1852, the first watches were complete. The first 17 watches, which ran for 8 days, marked "Howard, Davis & Dennison" were distributed among company officials. Number-1 given to Edward Howard resides in the Smithsonian Collection. Numbers 18 to 100 were named "Warren, Boston" and the following 800 "Samuel Curtis", after the financial backer. A few, marked "Fellows & Schell", sold for $40. January 1853 saw the introduction of the "P.S. Bartlett" watch (named for Patten Sargeant Bartlett, an early employee).<br />
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<b>Boston Watch Company</b><br />
The company was renamed Boston Watch Co. in September 1853. A new factory was built in Waltham, Massachusetts, on the banks of the Charles River, which grew over the years to its present size. In October 1854 the company moved into the new factory. These buildings still stand, and were added to the United States National Register of Historic Places in 1989.<br />
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The next movements manufactured (1001-5000) were marked "Dennison, Howard, & Davis", "P.S.Bartlett", and "C.T. Parker". The company had financial difficulties and Edward Howard left to form E. Howard & Co.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zToeO1v6uv4SVRS_b-7O8ZkF1Mp5GMvSaAxhSmyWbPK4QKrk5MNMSQ2jKZ5Mk9WA3MgzvBQs5MLNxjCArCa1sQSgfdpdOTLKL3Wph7r0RPGuxw4QATSSgd6pgO7qmMLu8GGkZEXllro/s1600/new+crescent+watch+waltham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zToeO1v6uv4SVRS_b-7O8ZkF1Mp5GMvSaAxhSmyWbPK4QKrk5MNMSQ2jKZ5Mk9WA3MgzvBQs5MLNxjCArCa1sQSgfdpdOTLKL3Wph7r0RPGuxw4QATSSgd6pgO7qmMLu8GGkZEXllro/s1600/new+crescent+watch+waltham.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Waltham </b><strong>New Crescent watch</strong></div><br />
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<b>Appleton Tracy & Company</b><br />
Upon bankruptcy, the company was sold at auction to Royal E. Robbins, who reorganized it under the new name Appleton Tracy & Co. (ATCo) in May 1857. Bearing this name, the next movements produced, Waltham Model 1857 was the 1st pocket watch produced in America of standard parts. Serial numbers 5001 to 14,000. The "C.T. Parker" was introduced as the 1857 model. 399 units were made. Also 598 chronometers were manufactured.<br />
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<b>American Watch Company</b><br />
The Waltham Improvement Co. merged in January 1859 with the Appleton, Tracy & Co. forming the American Watch Co. (AWCo). In 1860, as President Abraham Lincoln was elected, the country was in Civil War. Production ground to a halt. However, the company decided to downsize to the lowest possible level to keep the factory open. It worked: Upon his Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln became the proud owner of a Waltham watch: Model 1857, grade "Wm. Ellery", serial number no 67613. A.W.Co. made unusual 14 size watch with "Push button" at 1 o'clock position to set the time. Serial No.2875426 Name: Bond St.<br />
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Waltham became the main supplier of Railroad chronometers to the various railroads in North America and in as many as 52 other countries of the world. In 1876, Waltham disclosed the first automatic screw making machinery and obtained the first Gold Medal in a watch precision contest at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. Not only the American Horology but also the world owes much to the early members of the Waltham Watch entity, such as Bacon, Church, Dennison, Fogg, H. Marsh, Webster and Woerd for their technical inventions and developments.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gw-nrNkpce0E8kPkJFkSDeEZve1Rl0UPpmMNOebdkTTqIRmkMeRc6Sv3rUuL7G2I48Dxpgep1zrUKsaOsGZlgCso_FBbQcDPRbBDVbB6jHmvxf02d5vySmhXBKbc5fZqLinKYKDhXqM/s1600/lady+amelia+chrono+waltham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gw-nrNkpce0E8kPkJFkSDeEZve1Rl0UPpmMNOebdkTTqIRmkMeRc6Sv3rUuL7G2I48Dxpgep1zrUKsaOsGZlgCso_FBbQcDPRbBDVbB6jHmvxf02d5vySmhXBKbc5fZqLinKYKDhXqM/s1600/lady+amelia+chrono+waltham.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Lady Amelia chronograph</strong></div><br />
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<b>American Waltham Watch Company</b><br />
In 1885, after 26 years, the company name changed to American Waltham Watch Co. (AWWCo) where it was to remain for the next 32 years. Most widely known under this name, the company would produce some of the finest examples of pocket watches ever created.<br />
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<b>Waltham Watch Company</b><br />
In 1907 the name changed to Waltham Watch Co. (WWCo), in 1923 briefly to Waltham Watch and Clock Company and finally in 1925 to Waltham Watch Company (WWC).[dubious – discuss]<br />
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Two high-quality groups of watches were produced by Waltham as direct result of orders placed by the Canadian Pacific Railway. One large group has the shield and beaver emblem of the Railway engraved on the movements, and is known as the "CPR" type. The second group has "Canadian Railway Time Service" engraved on the movements, and is known as the "CRTS" type. They are both highly prized by collectors.<br />
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<b>Waltham Precision Instruments Company</b><br />
Waltham closed its factory doors and declared bankruptcy in 1949, although the factory briefly reopened a few times (primarily to finish and case existing watch inventory for sale). Several different plans were presented to restart the business, but all failed for various reasons. In 1958, the company decided to get out of the consumer watch business completely, and reorganized into the Waltham Precision Instruments Company. All remaining watch inventory had been sold to the Hallmark Watch Company the previous year, and rights to the "Waltham" trademark were sold to a new Waltham Watch Company incorporated in Delaware in exchange for stock.<br />
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However, specialized clocks and chronographs for use in aircraft control panels continued to be made in the Waltham factory under the name of Waltham Precision Instruments Company until the company was sold in 1994. The company is now based in Alabama as the Waltham Aircraft Clock Corporation.<br />
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<b>Waltham International SA Switzerland</b><br />
The Waltham Watch Company went out of business in 1957, but had founded a subsidiary in Switzerland in 1954, Waltham International SA. Waltham International SA retains the right to the Waltham trade name outside of North America, and continues to produce mechanical wrist watches and mechanical pocket watches under the "Waltham" brand. It is a full-fledged member of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH.<br />
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<b>Hallmark Watch Company</b><br />
During their restructuring efforts in the 50's, Waltham opened an office in New York for the purposes of importing Swiss watch movements and cases. Due to restrictions placed on the company by their main creditor (the Restructuring Finance Corporation, they couldn't sell these watches directly, so they were sold through an independent company; the Hallmark Watch Company.<br />
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<b>Waltham Watch Company (Delaware)</b><br />
The Waltham Watch Company (later known as Waltham of Chicago) was founded by one of the executives of the Hallmark Watch Company to carry on the Waltham trade name in the watch business. In exchange for rights to the name, existing Waltham Watch Company (Mass) shareholders received 1 share of the new company for every 5 shares of the original company.<br />
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In 1959, the Waltham Watch Company merged with the Hallmark Watch Company, giving the new company access to replacement parts to service existing Waltham watch owners. Notwithstanding their efforts to present a seamless transition, the company came under much scrutiny by the FTC throughout the 60's, and ultimately was forced to change their advertising and branding policies to clearly indicate that they weren't directly related to the original Waltham company, and that their products were not made in America.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejhpq1DS_SNRJmxqI8hyphenhyphenonYpMAljkFV_HEQGYCLaMScRh6FKusAHbjB2lgj8T2El7HKmqVvfdo-3-DZIYVxU5qRp2hBUU1WLUIL3Xbos7HpXpSFxSa6Lm9nl-9DZ3krS1hVDe674OXnk/s1600/fidalgo+watch+waltham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejhpq1DS_SNRJmxqI8hyphenhyphenonYpMAljkFV_HEQGYCLaMScRh6FKusAHbjB2lgj8T2El7HKmqVvfdo-3-DZIYVxU5qRp2hBUU1WLUIL3Xbos7HpXpSFxSa6Lm9nl-9DZ3krS1hVDe674OXnk/s1600/fidalgo+watch+waltham.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Waltham Creates Fidalgo Watch</b></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Today</b></span><br />
<b>US & Canada Business</b><br />
The United States & Canada businesses of Waltham are now owned by MZ Berger and Company manufacturing cheap watches in China for distribution solely in U.S.A. and Canada, outside of the watch industry dealerships.<br />
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<b>Serial Numbers</b><br />
Every watch movement was engraved with an individual serial number which can be used to estimate the date of production. Volunteers have created a database of Waltham serial numbers, models and grades, and descriptions of observed watches.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Historic Waltham watches</b></span><br />
<b>Abraham Lincoln's Watch</b><br />
In tribute, upon the Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln was presented with a William Ellery, key wind watch Waltham Model 1857, serial number 67613. This watch is now in the collection of the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.<br />
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<b>Waltham watch on the moon</b><br />
Astronaut David Scott, commander of the Apollo 15 mission in 1971, wore a Waltham watch on his third lunar EVA when his standard Omega Speedmaster Professional chronograph became damaged. This was a Waltham branded Swiss made watch.<br />
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<b>Waltham speedometer in a Ford</b><br />
Reputedly the only speedometer in a Ford, to bear the manufacturers name. The 1937 Ford sedans (at least), had Waltham speedometers. A testor at the time was quoted to say that accuracy had to be "plus or minus 10 MPH".Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-31942949166156719612011-09-18T16:31:00.001+07:002011-09-18T16:36:47.888+07:00CitizenCitizen Holdings Co., Ltd. is the core company of a Japanese global corporate group based in Tokyo, Japan. The company was originally founded as Shokosha Watch Research Institute in 1918 and is currently known as the manufacturer of CINCOM precision lathe machine tools as well as CITIZEN watches. The trade name originated from a pocket watch CITIZEN sold in 1924. It is one of the world's largest producers of watches.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSADTbUxyaq92sp5xayXGeA_ZgdidLwLEkuHpF4XdW82clkeFyDf_XpkQzEhmG6b7nmscke9zZEmCS8hxa1JUdYB964SolrGY60KHVTzQbvssNIl24k-Rg4JvEfODC_4bo1sl6SpF6ew/s1600/Citizen+Promaster+Eco-Drive+BN0000-04H+Diver%2527s+300+m+on+a+Watchadoo+bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSADTbUxyaq92sp5xayXGeA_ZgdidLwLEkuHpF4XdW82clkeFyDf_XpkQzEhmG6b7nmscke9zZEmCS8hxa1JUdYB964SolrGY60KHVTzQbvssNIl24k-Rg4JvEfODC_4bo1sl6SpF6ew/s320/Citizen+Promaster+Eco-Drive+BN0000-04H+Diver%2527s+300+m+on+a+Watchadoo+bracelet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive BN0000-04H Diver's 300 m on a Watchadoo bracelet</b></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Eco-Drive</b></span><br />
Eco-Drive watches use a battery recharged by a solar panel hidden under the watch face. In the rare and discontinued Eco-Drive Duo series, the solar power was supplemented by an automatic quartz power source. There was also an Eco-Drive Thermo model that exploited temperature differentials between the wearer's skin temperature and ambient temperature to recharge the battery. However, the only Eco-Drive system currently described on the Citizen Watch Official Web Site is the one depending solely on light to recharge. The Eco-Drive feature is similar to the Tough Solar battery charging system used in G-Shock watches by Casio. All Citizen Eco-Drive models are made in Japan but may also be assembled in China.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1n76_5qgKv_LDewvfVBW2l3uvbEG-uSAl7duwdAOMw6mi2a-sNc19UsMuykqohaHRjW5hygn_4NEkPNWMYr5o2NgF87CFfsDRVo6B7dsHEKI74pDx0XF1rYb6VcEtLKJFWdUtfJP_Pk/s1600/Citizen+Attesa+Eco-Drive+ATV53.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1n76_5qgKv_LDewvfVBW2l3uvbEG-uSAl7duwdAOMw6mi2a-sNc19UsMuykqohaHRjW5hygn_4NEkPNWMYr5o2NgF87CFfsDRVo6B7dsHEKI74pDx0XF1rYb6VcEtLKJFWdUtfJP_Pk/s320/Citizen+Attesa+Eco-Drive+ATV53.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Citizen Attesa Eco-Drive ATV53-3023 analog-digital chronograph </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>with 4 area Radio Controlled reception</b></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Atomic Timekeeping</b></span><br />
The Skyhawk A-T line of watches features Radio Controlled Timekeeping. The watches can synchronize with radio clocks in Japan, North America, and Europe and will automatically select the correct frequency for doing so based upon location of home time zone. The watch actually tracks two time zones--home and world—but synchronizes to the 'home' zone. When traveling, the user may swap the 'home' and 'world' zones—thereby enabling proper time signal reception on a different continent while retaining the other time. The day, date, and Daylight Saving Time settings are also set automatically when the watch is synchronized. These features are comparable to the synchronization with atomic clocks found in Casio Wave Ceptor watches.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Contemporary watches</b></span><br />
Citizen also produces the Independent Watches line, featuring a more modern, contemporary design than the traditional Citizen label.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Collector's watches</b></span><br />
Citizen also manufactures watches for collectors. For example, a watch bearing the colors and logo of the Blue Angels. This watch is part of the Skyhawk A-T line, which utilizes Eco-Drive as its primary power source and features Atomic Timekeeping. The bezel of the watch includes a slide rule useful for calculating time, distance, speed, conversions, and other computations useful for pilots. The Blue Angels use blue and gold as their trademark colors and the watch bears this color scheme. In the UK, a version of the same watch bears the colours and logo of the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force's world-famous acrobatic display team.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>DCP clasp</b></span><br />
The Deployment Clasp with a Push Button (DCP) is a clasp available for many Citizen watch bracelet bands. The clasp, as with the Calibre 8700, is also used with leather bands as if they were metal bracelet-style watchbands; however, when the clasp is fastened, the band appears to be a normal eye-hole and link pin leather watchband.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Other products</b></span><br />
Apart from watches, Citizen also manufactures calculators and small electronic organizers. Some non-watch devices such as handheld televisions and computer printers, have been marketed under the Citizen brand name.<br />
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In the early-mid 1990s, Citizen partnered with Compaq Computer Corporation to build notebook computers in Japan for the Japan and Far Eastern market to be sold under the Compaq name.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Corporate divisions</b></span><br />
<ul><li>Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. - manufacture and sale of watches and clocks.</li>
<li>Japan CBM Corporation - sales of timepieces, including the Q & Q brand.</li>
<li>Citizen Systems Japan Co., Ltd. - sales of business and consumer electronic devices.</li>
<li>Citizen Miyota Co., Ltd. - production of Wristwatches, Quartz Crystal Oscillators, Electronic Viewfinders, LCD Back-light Units, CCD/CMOS Image Sensors, Ferroelectric Micro LCDs, LCoS, High-density Mounting Equipment.</li>
<li>Citizen Fine Tech Co., Ltd. - Manufacture and sales of electronic components (Ceramic parts, Quartz crystal oscillator chips, etc.)</li>
<li>Citizen Seimitsu Co., Ltd. - Manufactures watch movement components, watch appearance components, automotive components, LCD cells, mini printers, measuring instruments, lubrication units, secondary machining LC lathes, glass scribers.</li>
<li>Citizen Watch Company of America</li>
</ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-91688156527702557102011-09-18T16:19:00.001+07:002011-09-18T16:21:10.346+07:00ChronoswissChronoswiss is a German watch manufacturer based in Karlsfeld. The company was founded by Gerd R. Lang in 1983 with the mission to make the most extraordinary mechanical timepieces. Prior to founding Chronoswiss, Lang had gained significant experience in manufacturing movements for other major brands.<br />
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Chronoswiss tries to stay exclusive by only producing about 7,000 watches per year. Though a German company, every component is produced in Switzerland and then the watches are hand-finished. While many of the movements used in Chronoswiss watches are based on the Enicar 165 movement, the Chronoswiss versions feature significant improvements, both technical and aesthetic. Although a relatively new brand, innovative timepieces have continued to earn Chronoswiss significant respect within both the horological industry, and among collectors. Founder Gerd Lang is well-known for his love of detail, and their highly detailed crowns, bezels, and casebands are some of Chronoswiss' distinguishing features. As a brand valued mostly by collectors, Chronoswiss watches generally sell at the low-end of their price range at auctions, representing what may be unique value in the collectors market.<br />
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With an eye to increasing its presence in the key North American market, the company recently (2009) restructured, and appointed Hartmut Kraft CEO of Chronoswiss North America.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDWNLI84OvDR19EWHuYosFPkDhRr1Q60D0xr1GkU6eES6WCc6tJKONob_tKUSKNDs1886Wnp6LHd3WNqFP6LFt4m9KfHTp57FsdLk6IGjhR7Cwr1atJwnv3Zj7LZjp5nv2eSwFLChCtg/s1600/Chronoswiss+black+Delphis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDWNLI84OvDR19EWHuYosFPkDhRr1Q60D0xr1GkU6eES6WCc6tJKONob_tKUSKNDs1886Wnp6LHd3WNqFP6LFt4m9KfHTp57FsdLk6IGjhR7Cwr1atJwnv3Zj7LZjp5nv2eSwFLChCtg/s320/Chronoswiss+black+Delphis.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Chronoswiss Black Delphis</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVEzcX-Bw9jEzGDGnt4g00SDoiK6xtsLu5ptwXSROQiILaEUK9EORvT3kwIGUJQxuOrgPEi-RBmXVxgIvWxV4dHlCYULLNSYVM1hFZ4Fxk8tCwZVN9KmrBGiuhB3PsUcQSqUnXEbs0Kk/s1600/Chronoswiss+Chronometer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVEzcX-Bw9jEzGDGnt4g00SDoiK6xtsLu5ptwXSROQiILaEUK9EORvT3kwIGUJQxuOrgPEi-RBmXVxgIvWxV4dHlCYULLNSYVM1hFZ4Fxk8tCwZVN9KmrBGiuhB3PsUcQSqUnXEbs0Kk/s320/Chronoswiss+Chronometer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Chronoswiss Chronometer</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8krbI21j8XfDLew3GZan-QkPWTfinIjDzXTWS07caML4g1e1iXWu3OTdHrPQqalVLjcQakHKKCoD7etkMqWy0Wb7Da2K8ArlH2zmnqvOJn5xRVOW4ljZLpshu_pAFgp2YgN5jmvT_Vn0/s1600/Chronoswiss+Chronoscope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8krbI21j8XfDLew3GZan-QkPWTfinIjDzXTWS07caML4g1e1iXWu3OTdHrPQqalVLjcQakHKKCoD7etkMqWy0Wb7Da2K8ArlH2zmnqvOJn5xRVOW4ljZLpshu_pAFgp2YgN5jmvT_Vn0/s320/Chronoswiss+Chronoscope.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Chronoswiss Chronoscope</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4DquXybip0Fe30OrFcEAhwFMpaZ-rGubKjh6Fk9E7BordfETZ9Uw6G44B492VRTxrXQPMumeq80uIUstGLKrj-fp2x-r2ArhNIMC58b5sEB8vYaix2QKVaCsuCxH2pTvc6QzZlVRL2I/s1600/Chronoswiss+Opus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4DquXybip0Fe30OrFcEAhwFMpaZ-rGubKjh6Fk9E7BordfETZ9Uw6G44B492VRTxrXQPMumeq80uIUstGLKrj-fp2x-r2ArhNIMC58b5sEB8vYaix2QKVaCsuCxH2pTvc6QzZlVRL2I/s320/Chronoswiss+Opus.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Chronoswiss Opus</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SkYjXqXtd8e8VcWJVn4IedzrnzYLHXrGsEjVNXICKEi8M322-Nh1pCa0T33DvYE12T8b2bsMw9w8JNelROybmXcq1gKMnfZsIkwsr4THZ57R_nULfbp-u6kkDbduPo7yKZ0y1luKJeQ/s1600/Chronoswiss+Regulateur+and+Delphis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SkYjXqXtd8e8VcWJVn4IedzrnzYLHXrGsEjVNXICKEi8M322-Nh1pCa0T33DvYE12T8b2bsMw9w8JNelROybmXcq1gKMnfZsIkwsr4THZ57R_nULfbp-u6kkDbduPo7yKZ0y1luKJeQ/s320/Chronoswiss+Regulateur+and+Delphis.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Chronoswiss Regulateur and Delphis </b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIJz3_fBciQtgbmrCWAZx3mTMD6-YjSM-x-cNA4A-cdvqVAjjqENRLyMrbXcQtXNzYKfCaAbshH2Z2_JVflfjw-1o_CxwX66-L8VFF8dkoZlogRA8tzNlr0RNBIPcLOy1DWf7EIn5B-g/s1600/Chronoswiss+Tourbillon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIJz3_fBciQtgbmrCWAZx3mTMD6-YjSM-x-cNA4A-cdvqVAjjqENRLyMrbXcQtXNzYKfCaAbshH2Z2_JVflfjw-1o_CxwX66-L8VFF8dkoZlogRA8tzNlr0RNBIPcLOy1DWf7EIn5B-g/s320/Chronoswiss+Tourbillon.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Chronoswiss Tourbillon</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVh93_LeLTSkGANvvypOSHs7CJfVqyYukG0ixZETtEg5wwF9Xsf8eX_jwEMeb1D4i4mjnS-6xc8IxHAkLCOcorVlpNdThnJXeKBGBAjbxijPcu4zvE_rbpfgnsrM09QszMgUnObnA7gO0/s1600/Chronoswiss+Zeitzeichen+V.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVh93_LeLTSkGANvvypOSHs7CJfVqyYukG0ixZETtEg5wwF9Xsf8eX_jwEMeb1D4i4mjnS-6xc8IxHAkLCOcorVlpNdThnJXeKBGBAjbxijPcu4zvE_rbpfgnsrM09QszMgUnObnA7gO0/s320/Chronoswiss+Zeitzeichen+V.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Chronoswiss Zeitzeichen V</b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-66108483298214426382011-09-18T16:04:00.000+07:002011-09-18T16:04:17.103+07:00ChopardChopard is a Swiss based luxury watch, jewelry, and accessories company founded in 1860 by Louis-Ulysse Chopard at the age of 24. Chopard initially concentrated on developing precise pocket watches and chronometers based upon innovative ideas. Chopard is regarded as a manufacture, in other words that they make many of their watches and movements in-house rather than using the base movements (ebauches) of other manufacturers. Chopard, which also has production facilities in Fleurier, is one of four participating brands in the Fleurier Quality Foundation (together with Bovet, Parmigiani and Vaucher), which certifies a very high level of quality to manufactured watches (www.fleurier-quality.com). The "Qualité Fleurier" standard is meant to compete with the Geneva standards such as the exclusive Geneva Seal manufacturing standard.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>History</b></span><br />
In 1920 Chopard relocated to Geneva and launched into the production of quality watches.<br />
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In 1963 the Chopard Company was taken over by the young goldsmith and watchmaker Karl Scheufele, after Paul-Andre Chopard, the last master watchmaker who maintained the horological roots of the family, was forced to give up the business since his sons, following other careers, refused to manage the business. Paul-Andre agreed to sell the business to Karl Scheufele, who as the new head of the company, gained significant experience with watchmaking and jewelry making. He contributed to modernization of the company and added the jewelry segment into the Chopard watch production.<br />
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In 1975 the Chopard factory moved from the center of Geneva to Meyrin-Geneva. It marked a new stage for the company as it started producing ladies' and jewelry timepieces. In 1976 Chopard introduced the Happy Diamonds collection. Watches from the collection featured mobile diamonds that floated freely between two transparent sapphire crystals.<br />
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In 1980 the Chopard Company debuted with sports watches on leather straps. The range of Happy Diamonds watches was enlarged by jewelry pieces. The first Chopard boutiques were opened in Hong Kong, Geneva and Vienna in the 1980-s.<br />
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In 1988 Chopard established the cooperation with the Mille Miglia, an annual Italian rally where vintage and classic cars take part. To mark the partnership, Chopard has maintained the tradition of developing a new special edition Mille Miglia timepiece every year.<br />
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The Chopard Happy Sport collection appeared in 1993.<br />
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In 1996, the Chopard Company opened its independent movement factory in Fleurier.<br />
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Also in 1996, after years of planning and development, the first Chopard in-house movement of the late 20th century was produced, the calibre 1.96, encased in the "1860" hunter-back case, named for the historical origins of the manufacture. This was to be the flagship watch of Chopard, their re-entree as it were to manufacture status, and Chopard spared no effort with it. Only 300 of the 1860 hunter-back units are known to have been produced. However, the calibre 1.96 was incorporated into later iterations of the 1860 watch without the hunter-back. Many of these 1860 watches, called "16/1860/2" and "16/1860/3" and all without hunter-backs, were produced. The calibre 1.96 achieved a level of design and finish that set it apart and qualified it as haute horlogerie in many ways. It was stamped with the Geneva Seal which is a designation reserved for the highest level of construction and finish, incorporated a 22k micro-rotor into a very thin (3.3 mm) movement and with a unique bi-directional winding mechanism, had twin mainspring barrels allowing for a 65 hour power reserve, a breguet overcoil hairspring and a swan-neck micro regulator. It had 32 jewels and ran at 28,800 beats per hour. It was found to be a highly accurate movement. The calibre 1.96 was in many ways a ground-breaking movement for Chopard. Walt Odets wrote a comprehensive technical review of the 1.96 movement (see link below). It has been referred to as perhaps the finest Swiss automatic movement now produced.<br />
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In 1998 the Company partnered with the annual Cannes International Film Festival. In 2000 the beginning of the new millennium was marked by the introduction of the Chopard L.U.C Quattro watch, powered by a technically advanced caliber with four barrels - an innovation that provided 9-day power reserve.<br />
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In 2001 the horology world was joined by the Chopard L.U.C Tonneau watch powered by the first-ever tonneau-shaped self-winding movement with off-centered micro-rotor. In 2002 Chopard new Golden Diamonds concept enlarged the jewelry range.<br />
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In 2003 the Chopard Tourbillon watch enlarged the Manufacture's L.U.C. range and the Happy Spirit collection was born. In 2004 the Company unveiled the L.U.C. Regulateur watch and the Butterfly jewelry pieces collection. In 2005 ,Chopard presented the Copacabana and Golden Diamonds collections and introduced the L.U.C. Lunar 1. The brand became a part of the sailing world, having initiated the Grand Prix Chopard Decision 35 sailing regatta.<br />
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In 2006 the company celebrated the 30th anniversary of Happy Diamonds watch collection and the 10th anniversary of the movement factory in Fleurier.<br />
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Mr. Scheufele is still the president of the Chopard Company. He has kept the Company as a family business. In the 1990s his children joined the business. Caroline Scheufele is the head of the jewelry division, while Karl-Friedrich manages the watchmaking department.<br />
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Chopard holds three production sites located in Geneva, Fleurier in Switzerland and Pforzheim in Germany. The Company has organized its products distribution through 13 subsidiaries placed all over the world. In addition, the brand has opened over 90 brand boutiques.<br />
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By 2007, the United States has Chopard boutiques in New York City, Beverly Hills and Costa Mesa, California, Bal Harbour and Palm Beach, Florida,and Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. A ninth boutique will open in Boston in 2008 and in San Francisco in 2008 as well. There are hundreds of Chopard Authorized retailers in the United States, and thousands worldwide in every major world city like in Kuala Lumpur.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hPZ9UkYpiHzBNJwncyKJa_8UMmGXwZcybbjrRQ_Mkej46jZuWi2bu2z-okWNZncnabCcMUS1czJaOLsX3rG8qx-HRikQiPMH9C8atAboEZFJrdIUY2MIv8wN9LOR79sMPnSLFCtB2RA/s1600/chopard+mille+miglia+2008+gt+xl+chrono+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hPZ9UkYpiHzBNJwncyKJa_8UMmGXwZcybbjrRQ_Mkej46jZuWi2bu2z-okWNZncnabCcMUS1czJaOLsX3rG8qx-HRikQiPMH9C8atAboEZFJrdIUY2MIv8wN9LOR79sMPnSLFCtB2RA/s320/chopard+mille+miglia+2008+gt+xl+chrono+watch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Chopard Mille Miglia 2008 GT XL Chrono</strong></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Watch collections</b></span><br />
The Chopard Company has developed a variety of watch collections, including quartz and mechanical timepieces, gem-set and technically complicated models, classic and sporty ones. The list of the leading Chopard collections is the following: Mille Miglia, L.U.C., Happy Diamonds, Happy Sport, Happy Spirit, Classiques, Your Houre, La Strada and Haute Horlogerie.<br />
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Chopard Mille Miglia watch collection comprises mechanical timepieces of sporty style. These timepieces appeared as a result of the brand's partnership with Italian car rally, the Mille Miglia. The Chopard Happy Sport ladies' collection features timepieces that unite sporty style with precious stones and bright colors. The L.U.C collection features massive sporty-styled chronometers and elegant classy men's watches.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaoXC_o6DPhvPBJcGO03SJP7RbovdM0hjDtF2m7ge-TnIT39ihM-I9YivMgvKnIAbpOYhW-nUZSS_lbvodloYeQp4qcfRxkOaFXjB82H91Ukai7DH7Nqt4f27uWUCB3qwIOroBraZuQ8/s1600/chopard+mille+miglia+gt+xl+gmt+watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaoXC_o6DPhvPBJcGO03SJP7RbovdM0hjDtF2m7ge-TnIT39ihM-I9YivMgvKnIAbpOYhW-nUZSS_lbvodloYeQp4qcfRxkOaFXjB82H91Ukai7DH7Nqt4f27uWUCB3qwIOroBraZuQ8/s320/chopard+mille+miglia+gt+xl+gmt+watch.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Chopard Mille Miglia GT XL GMT</strong></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Charity</b></span><br />
Chopard has contributed to the development of medical research, taken part in different charitable events and helped a number of foundations, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Chopard has continuously cooperated in fight against AIDS with Sir Elton John who established the foundation in 1993 and still holds the post of its Chairman. The brand launches limited-edition Elton John watches to benefit the foundation. Chopard co-sponsors the charity events annually held by the foundation - Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party, White Tie & Tiara Ball and An Enduring Vision.<br />
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Caroline Scheufele, presently the co-president of Chopard worldwide, is responsible for supporting other charity organizations such as the International José Carreras Foundation involved in the fight against leukemia and the Sabrina foundation for sick children. The Sheufele family is also involved with The Prince Charles of Wales foundation donating timeless Chopard pieces as a symbol of their dedication to the Prince's cause.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NH1ip0mrYJ7Nd1ZgU3vrLrXsMMzPtKfKehop8Gds1bXGhXkY1dpJiJL3F7eFaiq96g-42LY_eNJ9dotOTP1as0C-WxQ7l8h_Kb4aRG7KTnqn3FJO52d1Aj1ItGTyuJPsLOz_XeStmu8/s1600/chopard+mille+miglia+gt+xl+chrono+speed+black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NH1ip0mrYJ7Nd1ZgU3vrLrXsMMzPtKfKehop8Gds1bXGhXkY1dpJiJL3F7eFaiq96g-42LY_eNJ9dotOTP1as0C-WxQ7l8h_Kb4aRG7KTnqn3FJO52d1Aj1ItGTyuJPsLOz_XeStmu8/s320/chopard+mille+miglia+gt+xl+chrono+speed+black.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Mille Miglia GT XL Chrono Speed Black</strong></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Partnership </b></span><br />
<ul><li>The Chopard Company and New York William Goldberg Diamond Corporation have established a close partnership. William Goldberg is found among the major suppliers of precious stones worldwide.</li>
</ul>William Goldberg Diamond Corporation is responsible for recreating a classic diamond cut named the Ashoka. The cut is based on the distinguished original Ashoka diamond that represented a 41.37 carats (8.27 g) D flawless diamond. The gem inherited its name after Ashoka Maurya, the Hindu warrior-emperor. It was mined in southern India. The diamond is special for its unique cut and superior aesthetic characteristics received legendary status over the years. The William Goldberg Ashoka trademarked was patented by William Goldberg Corp. in 2000. In 2006 Chopard initiated the production of a new line of luxury watches set with Ashoka diamonds to be supplied by William Goldberg Diamond Corp. The new Chopard Ashoka Watch Collection will comprise six timepieces set with the rare diamonds,crimeajewel.<br />
<ul><li>Member of the American Watch Guild</li>
</ul><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chopard at Cannes Festival</b></span><br />
The partnership between the Chopard Company and the Cannes Film Festival started in 1997. It was initiated by the meeting between Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele, Chopard Co-President, and Pierre Viot, President of the festival. By Viot's request, Mrs. Gruosi-Scheufele with the team of Chopard master craftsmen redesigned the Golden palm award. The Palme d'Or redesigned by Chopard was unveiled on May 24, 1998.<br />
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The partnership between Chopard and the Cannes Film Festival continued with Chopard's introduction of a new award to promote creativity in films. Since 2001, the Chopard Trophy has been awarded to two young actors as Male and Female Revelation of the Year.<br />
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During the festivals, for every red carpet, the Chopard Company dresses celebrities in its jewelry pieces and watches. The company employs a staff of over 100 people who work with the stars at a suite of offices at the Carlton Hotel. Chopard is credited in all the magazines covering the event.<br />
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To mark the 60th Anniversary of the festival, for the Cannes Film Festival 2007 opening ceremony the Chopard Company developed the Red Carpet Collection in cooperation with Valentino. Caroline Scheufele created 60 high jewellery pieces inspired by the celebrities at Cannes, while Valentino designed ten gowns to complement ten of the company's jewels.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-752092152595338772011-09-16T22:16:00.000+07:002011-09-16T22:16:30.103+07:00Certina Kurth FrèresCertina Kurth Frères SA is a Swiss luxury watchmaker company founded in Grenchen, 1888, by Adolf and Alfred Kurth, and currently an affiliate company of the Swatch Group.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>History</b></span><br />
Certina Kurth Frères SA was founded in 1888 when Adolf and Alfred Kurth opened in Grenchen their first movement and supplies factory for the watchmaking industry. At the start Certina's staff consisted of three employees working in a workshop that was connected to the family home. Certina did not begin producing complete watches and timepieces for a few years which they then did alongside their work producing movements for other companies. By 1938 the company had expanded and 250 employees celebrated the 50th anniversary of the company. At that time Certina were already known as pioneers.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37TVKqOyBMGVzP2lwsz6DvX6L4TkCPK_1WWFkf8krJdPelvD41oLGnU4O9eeiJn_hSDogP2QfnzqU9mUWgeWXRLtswGNAUz5g2YAd2CxdzoQ6zYrHiPGGGaP4x938l1taGrfpOpEoBqA/s1600/Certina+DS+Podium.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37TVKqOyBMGVzP2lwsz6DvX6L4TkCPK_1WWFkf8krJdPelvD41oLGnU4O9eeiJn_hSDogP2QfnzqU9mUWgeWXRLtswGNAUz5g2YAd2CxdzoQ6zYrHiPGGGaP4x938l1taGrfpOpEoBqA/s320/Certina+DS+Podium.jpg" width="254" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Certina DS Podium</b></div><br />
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Certina continued to expand and by 1955 the company had 500 employees working between the factory and offices, producing 1'000 timepieces every day. Certina worked up a new business plan that expanded its operations and was at the time considered the most modern and best equipped watchmakers in the world.<br />
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By 1972 Certina employed 900 people and produced 600,000 watches every year. The company was ranked first in most major jewellery watch fairs, and they obtained both the "International Diamonds Awards" and the "Golden Rose" award. By this time Certina was producing 375,000 watch components per day and used 53,000 rubies.<br />
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1983 Certina became a member of the SMH Group (Swatch). <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Affiliation to General Watch Co, Allgemeine Gesellschaft der schweizerischen Uhrenindustrie AG (ASUAG)</b></span><br />
By 1971, the owning family had wisely decided to join General Watch Co, the newly created sub-holding of ASUAG, in order to concentrate their efforts with others. The onslaught of the Japanese Watch Industry (under the rules of their strategic management: see Strategic management ) with their own reliable and much cheaper automatic, and then Quartz watches, stopped Certina's expansion to a relative standstill. The restructuration involved the abandon of their own manufacture of Certina movement styles calibres , and by the end of the 1970s, Certina operations were moved to Biel/Bienne and the entity Edox & Technos. Under the new management, Certina managed to hold onto some of their strongholds, especially in the Scandinavian countries. Upon the merger of SSIH and ASUAG companies, Certina became a member of a new managerial entity, together with Mido and Tissot, which has now established itself in Le Locle, (the newly elected Unesco World Heritage Site in Switzerland ).<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wristwatches, World’s First & Lines of Collection </b></span><br />
<ul><li>The first wrist-watches : were already produced by the company in 1938 : predominately ladies watches, because men still preferred pocket watches. For "exceptional performance" the founders received the Milan Fair's gold medal award.</li>
<li>Digital Watch: 1936 Certina was the first company to produce the digital watch. It was driven by a spring movement. Rotating disks bearing inscribed numbers were used to display the time, instead of hands.</li>
<li>DS (Double Security) Line: In 1959 Hans and Edwin Kurth had set themselves the objective of creating a brand new niche in the marketplace, based on quality through engineering and technical designs. Thus Certina created the concept of suspending the watch movement inside a highly reinforced case, which they named DS for "Double Security". The Certina DS were the first watches to raise the water resistancy and shock protection down to 6 m (previous watches were set at 2.2 meters). The Certina DS watch was taken up the Himalayas by a team who climbed the Dhaulagiri and the watch withstood all changes in pressure and altitude.</li>
<li>Biostar: In 1971 Certina introduced the Biostar, the world's first watch that displayed human biorhythms.</li>
<li>"Scratchproof" : Certina went on to produce many world firsts including the "unscratchable" DS-DiaMaster in tungsten carbide and scooped many awards.</li>
</ul><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Advanced Systems and Materials</b></span><br />
Recent collection of Certina include Titanium, 316L high grade stainless steel, sapphire glass, its own DS feature (such as the current "DS Podium", "DS First" or "DS Action") and ETA Swiss made movements are standard features. It currently offers collections, classified under the names "Automatic", "SPORT Classic", "SPORT Elegant" and "SPORT Xtreme", including some models claimed to perform up to 100 m underwater. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxCwUZFyGLOVZTBYHyhuKaa1bVfO0M93m_2bqIDMLU14-renZuJTRSMpDsSUx4mC-t28P7dWJ27gMsK8tMG3CV82bDpHuSZy1N8_oInSvASPCXSSl0jajzjI2hP7Rgs2Eu6JhETE_D9Y/s1600/Certina+Basic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxCwUZFyGLOVZTBYHyhuKaa1bVfO0M93m_2bqIDMLU14-renZuJTRSMpDsSUx4mC-t28P7dWJ27gMsK8tMG3CV82bDpHuSZy1N8_oInSvASPCXSSl0jajzjI2hP7Rgs2Eu6JhETE_D9Y/s320/Certina+Basic.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Certina Basic</b></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Motoring Sponsoring & Partnerships</b></span><br />
The 2000s saw many new partnerships with motoring companies including Colin McRae, Sete Gibernau, and finally the Sauber Petronas Formula One team, which is nowadays known as BMW Sauber Formula One team, of which Certina is currently engaged in a sponsorship.<br />
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Certina was timekeeper of the Motorcycling Grand Prix in the 1990s.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Certina brand</b></span><br />
In 1906 the Certina brand name was used for the first time, with Adolf and Alfred choosing to call their watches "Grana", the short form of "Granatus", the Latin name for Grenchen.<br />
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In 1938 the company adopted the name "Certina", taken from the Latin "certus", meaning "assured", "certain", as their exclusive trademark for the export and marketing of their outstanding quality Swiss Made watches.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-3032682996592855262011-09-16T21:59:00.002+07:002011-09-16T22:04:37.462+07:00Casio OceanusOceanus is the elite line of Casio watches designed for both men and women. The line uses technology from both the G-Shock and Waveceptor watch series.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Characteristics</b></span><br />
All Oceanus watches are known for the following key characteristics:<br />
<ul><li><b>Analog Watchface</b> -- All Oceanus watches are analog, with some earlier models having a combined analog and digital watchface.</li>
<li><b>5-Motor Drive</b> -- present on more of the contemporary models, the 5 motor drive consists of 5 internal motors running independently to control dials for time, stopwatch, seconds, day of week, and hours.</li>
<li><b>Multi-band 5</b> (USA) or <b>Multi-band 6</b> (Japan) -- perhaps the most significant aspect of the Oceanus line is the ability of all watches to automatically synchronize with the Japanese time signal (JJY), the American time signal (WWVB) from Colorado, and the European time signals from both England (Time from NPL) and Germany (DCF77). The Japanese Multi-band 6 models add the Chinese time signal in Shangqiu City, China, at 68.5kHz. Thus, the Oceanus watches will auto-synchronize themselves if one is to visit either Europe, North America, Japan, or China (Multi-band 6 models). <i>(Note: Not all American Oceanus watches carry the Multi-Band 5 Technology as it is relatively new. Only Models 700 and above have the Multi-Band Function)</i></li>
<li><b>Sapphire Crystal</b> -- the watch crystal that encases the Oceanus watch is a Sapphire crystal which is very scratch resistant and found on higher end watches.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY69TCraDcwGnc_MY1072FL57w2Za2zStEInOgC6m9a1H5HE1zmwPQGzObdi8GZGwb-ct_MR2TlNF0LGvFULFM6uADchEICmnIwOsChKgjgNwiWU1hm5rjYqDZxdlmq-FcMbSibzzPUiY/s1600/Casio+OCEANUS+OCW-S1350PC-1AJR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY69TCraDcwGnc_MY1072FL57w2Za2zStEInOgC6m9a1H5HE1zmwPQGzObdi8GZGwb-ct_MR2TlNF0LGvFULFM6uADchEICmnIwOsChKgjgNwiWU1hm5rjYqDZxdlmq-FcMbSibzzPUiY/s320/Casio+OCEANUS+OCW-S1350PC-1AJR.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Oceanus Manta OCW-S1350PC-1AJR<br />
This is the limited model and this one is among 300pcs.</b></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oceanus 600 series</b></span><br />
The Oceanus OCW-T600 series wristwatches are the basic oceanus model of a Japanese market. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oceanus CACHALOT</b></span><br />
The Oceanus CACHALOT series wristwatches are designed imaging marine sports. Moreover, it includes the rotation bezel and the yacht timer chronograph.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oceanus 700 series </b></span><br />
The Oceanus ocwm700tba series watches are the newest Oceanus watch model in the American market. It features a complete analog face with no LCD screen as well as the standard characteristics for Oceanus watches. It also includes a tide meter to show the status of the ocean tides in the current time zone. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oceanus 1000 Series "Manta"</b></span><br />
Released on June 1, 2007, the Oceanus Manta is the newest in the line of Japanese Oceanus watches. Complete with the sapphire crystal and the MULTI-BAND 5 technology, the Manta is by far the most versatile and the most expensive watch out of all the Oceanus watches with a base price of 100,000 Japanese Yen (approx. $1000 American). It does not include the tide meter that appears on the 700 series. It closely resembles the 600 series watch style however thinner than both the 700 and 600 series watches.<br />
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The most significant characteristic about the Oceanus watch is that it has the world's thinnest solar-powered chronograph. The watch has a thickness of about 9.8mm.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Availability</b></span><br />
The Oceanus line of watches is currently available in Japan and America. However any watch dealer may import them in other countries.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-13275091526710155312011-09-16T21:51:00.000+07:002011-09-16T21:51:20.043+07:00Casio G-Shock FrogmanThe Frogman is a high-end model of the Casio G-Shock line of watches. It was one of the first models of the "Master of G" line, a line of G-Shock watches designed for special uses. The Frogman has an asymmetric shape and is attached eccentrically on its straps. It is specially made as a diving watch for scuba divers and is the only ISO 6425-compliant G-Shock line with a 200 m Divers rating.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuzTB2F1YLz71ury1wvUeDDb7KSHDHJL0wvf3wAOytSqhwF_nQvGA2on1oqW6864wDx_BgMeq75UXyBtZzLTELLX4-v629hzpJRHvyGfoXZhDNlP8oCUlDLwyVCygoCkrH_PUn68K-DU/s1600/Casio+G+Shock+Final+Frogman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuzTB2F1YLz71ury1wvUeDDb7KSHDHJL0wvf3wAOytSqhwF_nQvGA2on1oqW6864wDx_BgMeq75UXyBtZzLTELLX4-v629hzpJRHvyGfoXZhDNlP8oCUlDLwyVCygoCkrH_PUn68K-DU/s320/Casio+G+Shock+Final+Frogman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Wristshot of a Casio G-Shock Frogman. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The pictured model is the "Final Frogman" GW-200Z-1JF.</b></div><br />
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The first Frogman model (DW-6300) was released in November, 1993. While Casio started to use a newer, four-screw back plate for its watches around that time, the DW-6300 retained the older back plate design. In June 1995 a second generation Frogman model was released, the DW-8200. From then on the Frogman became very popular under G-Shock collectors and many special editions have been released.<br />
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A unique model in the Frogman lineup is the limited edition MRG-1100-2. This model was part of the MR-G series, a high-end G-Shock line of metal watches. While all other G-Shock models are constructed with resin bezels and straps, the MRG-1100-2 is constructed completely of titanium.<br />
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In April 1999 the DW-9900 model was introduced. This Frogman was slightly smaller than the DW-8200. For the next two years both DW-8200 and DW-9900 models were produced. The DW-9900 seems to be a less popular model as it was soon followed up with the solar-powered GW-200 models in June 2001. Except for the "Snake Killer" and the "Carbon Fiber Frogman" (GW-201-6JF and GW-201NT-1JF), this Frogman has the Tough Solar 2422 module. The last GW-200 series Frogman is the GW-200Z-1JF "Final Frogman" that was released in November 2009. The model has been around for at least seven years, longer than the DW-8200. Typically, the "GW" designation refers to G-Shocks that can receive atomic signals, but no Frogman has been equipped with this feature prior to the release of the GWF-1000.<br />
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The GWF-1000 is the latest addition to the Frogman line, introduced on September 2009 in Japan. It represents the fifth generation of the Frogman series. The GWF-1000 is now capable of receiving atomic signals from six locations worldwide, while retaining ISO 6425 200 m water resistance, shock resistance, dive time measurement and solar power. It also incorporates a tide and moon graph function. Like the first generation Frogman, the GWF-1000 employs a stainless steel construction with the addition of diamond-like coating (DLC) to improve corrosion resistance.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-13785069615937289602011-09-16T21:47:00.000+07:002011-09-16T21:47:14.597+07:00Casio DW-5600EThe Casio DW-5600E is a model of digital watch, manufactured by the Japanese firm Casio and a member of Casio's G-Shock product line. Casio introduced this model in 1996. It has 200m water resistance, one alarm, a countdown timer and a stopwatch. These features trigger an audible alarm.<br />
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This model replaces the older Casio DW-5600C and features Illuminator, an EL backlight with flash function. The dual-time function was deleted, but the current time is also displayed in countdown timer and stopwatch mode.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpa5Hb_Vhu2ifjZZ3wlcdG8EQ6qFOXOKu_CcwPIUclm2oz8icBYIEo0czrlfU-quT3EN3CdU5XwQ-PcMWLUFS-vHlw4zY93YjQ1pSbHm6N4YwYzQMFsm_4kOIunVkqORDeHdPhTf4ERA/s1600/Casio+DW-5600E.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpa5Hb_Vhu2ifjZZ3wlcdG8EQ6qFOXOKu_CcwPIUclm2oz8icBYIEo0czrlfU-quT3EN3CdU5XwQ-PcMWLUFS-vHlw4zY93YjQ1pSbHm6N4YwYzQMFsm_4kOIunVkqORDeHdPhTf4ERA/s320/Casio+DW-5600E.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A DW-5600E-1V G-Shock. A Casio G-Shock DW-5600E in regular timekeeping mode. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Also this was one of the first ILLUMINATOR watches.</b></div><br />
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One of the major differences between this model and the original DW-5600C is the use of a polymer case material with a stainless steel case back secured with four screws. The original design featured a stainless steel case and screw-down case back and is highly sought after by collectors.<br />
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It has been flight-qualified by NASA for space missions.<br />
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Casio has updated the module, replacing the usual 1545 module with module number 3229. The new module just features an extended calender, the 1545 calender goes up to year 2039, while the 3229 calender goes up to the year 2099.<br />
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Four subsequent iterations of this design have been released:<br />
<ul><li><b>G-5600</b> Tough Solar.</li>
<li><b>GW-5600</b> Tough Solar and Wave Ceptor.</li>
<li><b>GW-M5600</b> Tough Solar and Multi-band 5 Wave Ceptor.</li>
<li><b>G-5600E</b> Tough Solar - a variant of the GW-M5600 without Wave Ceptor(for sale in non-Wave Ceptor markets)</li>
<li><b>GW-5000</b> Tough Solar, Multi-band 6, Wave Ceptor and <b>stainless steel screwback</b>.</li>
</ul><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Features </b></span><br />
<ul><li>Time display in 12-hour or 24-hour format. In regular timekeeping mode, the current home time is displayed to the second, along with the month, date, and day of the week, without any button presses.</li>
<li>Auto-calendar correctly calculates month lengths, leap years and days-of-the-week between 1985 and 2029.</li>
<li>One alarm. An unusual feature is that in addition to the hour and minute, a month and/or date may optionally be set, so the alarm will only sound during the specified month or on the specified day of the month.</li>
<li>Time signal (hourly chime.)</li>
<li>Countdown timer: Can be set for any duration from one second up to 24 hours, in one-second increments; optional auto-repeat function. The current home time is also displayed in countdown timer mode.</li>
<li>Stopwatch: 1/100th second, which measures net time, split time, and first- and second-place times; rolls over at 24 hours.</li>
<li>Illumination: Backlight is via Illuminator, an electroluminescent backlight, where a blue/green luminescence makes the whole display visible at any light conditions.</li>
<li>Shock-resistant design, intended to survive a 10-meter fall. The new composite-case and steel panel back made the watch about 30% lighter, and better fitted to the wrist.</li>
<li>Water resistant 200m.</li>
<li>Battery: One lithium button cell, CR2016 (module 1545). Was expected to last two years or more.</li>
</ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-73886543308570726762011-09-16T21:37:00.001+07:002011-09-16T21:38:43.967+07:00Casio DW-5600CThe DW-5600C is one of Casio's early G-Shock model watches. It was manufactured from 1987 through 1996. Many are still in use today, in part due to its rugged design. This model has also become something of a collectors' item among G-Shock aficionados. It was flight-qualified by NASA for space missions.<br />
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Like its immediate predecessors, but unlike most newer models, it was cased in a heavy stainless steel screwback "tuna can." (Most current G-Shocks use a resin or composite case, and a stamped metal back held on by tiny screws.) Internal buffers around the module, a thick mineral-glass crystal, and a replaceable protective plastic bezel made the design resilient enough to withstand abuse which would destroy more traditional watch designs.<br />
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The DW-5600C was superseded by:<br />
<ul><li><b>DW-5600E</b> composite case and Illuminator, and electroluminescent backlight.</li>
<li><b>G-5600</b> Tough Solar.</li>
<li><b>GW-5600</b> Tough Solar and Wave Ceptor.</li>
<li><b>GW-M5600</b> Tough Solar and Multi-band 5 Wave Ceptor.</li>
<li><b>G-5600E</b> Tough Solar - a variant of the GW-M5600 without Wave Ceptor(for sale in non-Wave Ceptor markets)</li>
<li><b>GW-5000</b> Tough Solar, Multi-band 6, Wave Ceptor and <b>stainless steel screwback</b>.</li>
<li><b>DW 5600VT</b> Limited Edition series includes Star Wars Darth Vader, Atmos, RX-78-2 Gundam and many others manufactured in quantities as little as 1000.</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Features </b></span><br />
<ul><li>Time display in 12-hour or 24-hour format. In regular timekeeping mode, the current home time is displayed to the second, along with the month, date, and day of the week, without any button presses.</li>
<li>Auto-calendar correctly calculates month lengths, leap years and days-of-the-week between 1985 and 2029.</li>
<li>Alarm: One alarm. An unusual feature is that in addition to the hour and minute, a month and/or date may optionally be set, so the alarm will only sound during the specified month or on the specified day of the month.</li>
<li>Time signal (hourly chime.)</li>
<li>Dual time: Hours and minutes can be set separately for a second time zone (seconds are synchronized with the home time.) The current home time is also displayed in dual time mode.</li>
<li>Countdown timer: Can be set for any duration from one second up to 24 hours, in one-second increments; optional auto-repeat function. The current home time is also displayed in countdown timer mode.</li>
<li>Stopwatch: 1/100th second, with one split; rolls over at 24 hours.</li>
<li>Illumination: Backlight is via a tiny incandescent bulb at the left edge of the display.</li>
<li>Reminder mark: A peculiar feature seldom seen on newer watches, this is a user-enabled display flag which slowly blinks in all modes. It has no function except to serve as a visual reminder to the wearer.</li>
<li>Shock-resistant design, intended to survive a 10-meter fall.</li>
<li>Water resistant to 200 meters.</li>
<li>Battery: One lithium button cell, CR2320 in older models (module 691) or CR2016 in newer models (module 901.) Either was expected to last ten years or more.</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYQv3Js6tdON9Ou5tm5F2ZVpsAZezeRnwrKtMSGoSHvYDxvsyhfLENa7LwHmb4EEO66dFc7hm5ZHfpIL20hOqMlhEJXpnOPml4XRCLmQDdkzjC30Ny3Q7Ci714R61TEfB9mTjkfGZCvI/s1600/Casio+DW-5600C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYQv3Js6tdON9Ou5tm5F2ZVpsAZezeRnwrKtMSGoSHvYDxvsyhfLENa7LwHmb4EEO66dFc7hm5ZHfpIL20hOqMlhEJXpnOPml4XRCLmQDdkzjC30Ny3Q7Ci714R61TEfB9mTjkfGZCvI/s320/Casio+DW-5600C.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A Casio G-Shock DW-5600C-1V in regular timekeeping mode.</b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-49134579915687315002011-09-16T21:06:00.000+07:002011-09-16T21:06:35.751+07:00Casio Wave CeptorThe Casio Wave Ceptor is a line of radio watches by Casio. Wave Ceptor watches are able to calibrate themselves to the correct time by receiving time signals from various government time services around the world. These signals are normally driven directly by ultra-accurate atomic clocks, and so by synchronizing with the signals, the Wave Ceptor watches achieve long-term accuracy - the same accuracy as the atomic clocks that drive the time signals, which is on the order of one second in three million years.<br />
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The Wave Ceptor watches are not the only radio-controlled wristwatches on the market. The German manufacturer Junghans and Japanese manufacturer Citizen Watch Co. also have this feature. Like most radio-controlled watches, the Wave Ceptor watches require no setting or resetting of time, date, daylight saving time, or year; and like most other watches of this kind, they synchronize at least every 24 hours, usually in the middle of the night. Their long-term and short-term accuracy is thus better than 500 ms.<br />
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As with all radio-controlled watches they revert to free-running quartz accuracy in areas out of range or shielded from time setting signals. The time setting signals usually come from radio emitting towers. However, they are still as accurate as other quartz watches in this mode.<br />
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The receivers to which the watches can tune themselves vary by watch submodel. CASIO mentions that in Europe, the watches will tune to the low frequency time signal radio station DCF77 located at Mainflingen in Germany or MSF at Anthorn (formerly transmitting from Rugby, Warwickshire) in the United Kingdom. In Europe the reception range is approximately 1500 kilometres. In the United States, they will tune into WWVB at Fort Collins. In Japan, they will tune to JJY on 40 kHz Mont Otakadoya, and 60 kHz Mont Hagane. Some watches can register only some of these signals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArtN4raB2Y8G9q5Vci30hIk8Co59ktp0UhWpauvxlRAV_Sk8VRixC-Zv9IE54dJTFFZ0O74YgDVntNopLNFeBnj0TvDVu-QM_PWLmvFae0bDlUEApQnitUa9g4IZh1Smgjuw2kCwmVbk/s1600/Casio+Tough+Solar+Wave+Ceptor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArtN4raB2Y8G9q5Vci30hIk8Co59ktp0UhWpauvxlRAV_Sk8VRixC-Zv9IE54dJTFFZ0O74YgDVntNopLNFeBnj0TvDVu-QM_PWLmvFae0bDlUEApQnitUa9g4IZh1Smgjuw2kCwmVbk/s320/Casio+Tough+Solar+Wave+Ceptor.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A Casio Wave Ceptor. This one can receive the signals </b><br />
<b>from WWVB in Fort Collins and both of the JJY signals in Japan.</b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-83351285404126766192011-09-16T21:00:00.001+07:002011-09-16T21:05:35.600+07:00Tough SolarTough Solar is the name given by Casio to the solar powered battery charging system used in its G-Shock, ProTrek, Pathfinder and other lines of watches.<br />
<br />
A self-contained, environmentally-friendly solar cell provides a supply of energy to the watch. Spare solar energy is saved in a battery.<br />
<br />
Normally, the solar cell and rechargeable battery should be able to last as long as the watch.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArtN4raB2Y8G9q5Vci30hIk8Co59ktp0UhWpauvxlRAV_Sk8VRixC-Zv9IE54dJTFFZ0O74YgDVntNopLNFeBnj0TvDVu-QM_PWLmvFae0bDlUEApQnitUa9g4IZh1Smgjuw2kCwmVbk/s1600/Casio+Tough+Solar+Wave+Ceptor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArtN4raB2Y8G9q5Vci30hIk8Co59ktp0UhWpauvxlRAV_Sk8VRixC-Zv9IE54dJTFFZ0O74YgDVntNopLNFeBnj0TvDVu-QM_PWLmvFae0bDlUEApQnitUa9g4IZh1Smgjuw2kCwmVbk/s320/Casio+Tough+Solar+Wave+Ceptor.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A Casio Tough Solar watch</b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-78702479411252446492011-09-16T20:58:00.000+07:002011-09-16T20:58:07.271+07:00Master of GThe Master of G series were a collection of G-Shock watches produced by Japanese electronics and wristwatch manufacturer Casio in the late 1990s. There were several models in the range, of which many were designed to showcase a new form of technology that Casio had introduced into the G-Shock range, such as the Tough Solar power source and a digital compass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdkXmdZ-5i70wJyMim8-wWE_u04jBjTPn-Yvfx_sS1s97BFkyyppNmNdNymt2HnzH1J9O7ZKacChGSFu0qYoIwNDQBal4PUcZN2JtEeoiIn655zkebeIRfM4jo2RWJg5uuNRGgSCF0ac/s1600/514px-Casio_G-SHOCK_GW-9200J-1JF01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdkXmdZ-5i70wJyMim8-wWE_u04jBjTPn-Yvfx_sS1s97BFkyyppNmNdNymt2HnzH1J9O7ZKacChGSFu0qYoIwNDQBal4PUcZN2JtEeoiIn655zkebeIRfM4jo2RWJg5uuNRGgSCF0ac/s320/514px-Casio_G-SHOCK_GW-9200J-1JF01.JPG" width="274" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Riseman GW-9200J-1JF</b></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>History</b></span><br />
The Master of G series began in 1985 with the G-Shock II, model number DW-5500C. This was a classic square G-Shock, but the bezel contained softer parts and slipped over the buttons. This way Casio created a Mud Resistant structure. The DW-5500C was therefore nicknamed "Mudman". It took until November before Casio came up with the Frogman model, however at this stage the watch was not called a Frogman. The Frogman was a heavy divers model that featured a unique asymmetrical design of thick rubber shielding around a self-contained module, with titanium screw-back case—an unusually high-cost design. A thick double-tang resin strap and multitude of digital features including dive timing completed a competent diver's watch. The Frogman proved to be very popular, and this is presumably one of the key reasons why at some point between then and 1995 Casio decided to produce more high-end premium models, and with them limited edition colour variants that, due to their scarcity, have in some cases become very valuable indeed.<br />
<br />
It seems that the last of the "first wave" of Masters watches ceased production around 2000, but there are signs Casio is keen to keep the range alive, not just with limited edition releases but with re-designs of some of the old Masters, such as the new Mudman models released in 2006, followed by new Gulfman models in 2007.<br />
<br />
Three of the current Masters of G have been included in a new collection launched on February 2009, the Men In Rusty Black (MIRB) series. The watches under this theme, which include the Riseman (GW-9200MS), the Frogman (GW-200MS) and the Mudman (G-9000MS), are said to feature a military-inspired look.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Models</b></span><br />
<ul><li>Antman, discontinued -</li>
<li>Codename, discontinued -</li>
<li>Fisherman, discontinued -</li>
<li>Frogman, current(2008) models is GW-225E.</li>
<li>Seaman, discontinued</li>
<li>Gaussman, discontinued -</li>
<li>Gulfman, current(2007) models are G-9100, GW-9100 and GW-9125C.</li>
<li>Lungman, discontinued -</li>
<li>Mudman, current(2007) models are G-9000, GW-9000, GW-9010, G-9010 and GW-9025C.</li>
<li>Raysman, discontinued -</li>
<li>Riseman, current (2008) models are GW-9200 and G-9200.</li>
<li>Wademan, discontinued -</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Characteristics </b></span><br />
Master of G series watches are invariably amongst the largest G-Shock designs Casio produces, usually suitable only for those with larger wrists. They almost always named with a "man" suffix, after the initial Frogman model which itself was named for scuba divers. Three models, the Mudman, Gaussman and Raysman all feature a thick rubber outer layer that surrounds the buttons and case completely, ensuring they offer mud-resistance. The Gaussman was also ISO-certified anti-magnetic.<br />
<br />
Most models consist of a steel case surrounded by a thick neoprene or polyurethane bezel and outer protection. All models except the earliest Frogmen feature Casio's Illuminator display lighting system and are water resistant to 20 atmospheres (20bar/200metres), and are thus suitable for scuba-diving except at depths requiring helium-oxygen gas.<br />
<br />
Some of the modules incorporate highly advanced functions. The Riseman featured twin sensors that measured both temperature and atmospheric pressure, thus allowing it to serve as a barometer and altimeter. The Raysman was the first model to make use of Tough Solar technology to power its functions, the Wademan featured a digital compass, the Fisherman helped introduce the now-common tide graph and moonphase readouts, and the Antman was the first watch Casio made that received an atomic signal that calibrated its timekeeping with atomic clock transponders in Japan.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Collectibility</b></span><br />
Because they are no longer in production most of the Masters series command strong resale values; examples in NOS (New Old Stock) condition command a premium. Prices are sometimes higher outside of Japan, not least because many models were produced only for the domestic market rather than for North America and Europe.<br />
<br />
There have been several limited editions of the Masters series, and depending on their scarcity these command some of the highest prices for any of Casio watches. The Men in Black and Men in Yellow series are black and yellow versions of the Masters and typically command anywhere between two and three times the resale value of the regular versions. Some models such as the "Brazilian" Frogman and A.R.T.P.I Wademan are even scarcer and can command even higher prices, though their value is hard to predict as there are limited numbers and the price is largely determined by demand from individual collectors.<br />
<br />
Although not always available, all models are usually valued at 500 USD or less, providing an affordable alternative to the collecting of prestige watches.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-34944187823156611502011-09-16T20:43:00.001+07:002011-09-16T20:48:50.129+07:00G-ShockG-Shock is a brand of watches manufactured by Casio, known for its resistance to shocks (e.g. hard knocks and strong vibrations). They were, and continue to be, designed primarily for sports, military, and outdoor adventure oriented activity; for example, practically all G-Shocks have some kind of stopwatch feature, countdown timer, light and water resistance. Recent models have become more luxury and design oriented as well as becoming very popular among youth.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfW6MeyZswKIYeqkxjJ0p6GgiLqX5vHvkfPCStni_JgckjVIQKAuxEJhTe-dwEBHzaDIJmQ2P5liZU4yk9sb_Zc23IxMxqVtBQmtcCGBP3eJW7KjeF1OU43V1AhpEAYe8mAcGwmBEHFRg/s1600/G-Shock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfW6MeyZswKIYeqkxjJ0p6GgiLqX5vHvkfPCStni_JgckjVIQKAuxEJhTe-dwEBHzaDIJmQ2P5liZU4yk9sb_Zc23IxMxqVtBQmtcCGBP3eJW7KjeF1OU43V1AhpEAYe8mAcGwmBEHFRg/s320/G-Shock.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A well used G-Shock DW-6600</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>History</b></span><br />
The first G-Shock was the DW-5000C designed by an engineer working for Casio named Kikuo Ibe. It was released in April 1983. For the next few years Casio released a handful of new models each year. The Baby-G models were released in 1991. The popularity of G-Shocks increased rapidly throughout the 1990s. By 1998, 19 million G-Shocks had been sold worldwide, and there seemed to be a peak in demand as over 220 new models were released in that year alone. Casio has collaborated with many designers including Dee and Ricky, musicians and other pop culture luminaries to release hundreds of limited edition G-Shocks with custom designs. This long tradition of unique watches has helped build an avid following among collectors world-wide over the years.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_PkdxY_axk1OKshYxTgQHAZKHclO7NE68v-_RzsY_jDkoaBC3OsPzQyD4KYBrPa0fth6V1S-Q8CjsoztAPF4KVUmzmDLXuOAdEW6bn5fPPnc1y6Tt3RhKfHCTAX1BMte5wC2JoWvz3U/s1600/G_shock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_PkdxY_axk1OKshYxTgQHAZKHclO7NE68v-_RzsY_jDkoaBC3OsPzQyD4KYBrPa0fth6V1S-Q8CjsoztAPF4KVUmzmDLXuOAdEW6bn5fPPnc1y6Tt3RhKfHCTAX1BMte5wC2JoWvz3U/s320/G_shock.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A classic white G-Shock GA100A-7A</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Today</b></span><br />
This line of watches has expanded considerably since then and now includes atomic clock synchronization and Tough Solar functionality in the latest models. The Cockpit Series G-Shock is the official timekeeper of Nismo Racing. Many newer G-Shocks feature metal (steel or titanium) banding, and ornate analog timekeeping.<br />
<br />
Twice a year (Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter collection) the basic models are updated. New limited models are introduced more frequently through the year. As with Swatch watches, G-Shocks have become collectors items. Arguably, the most sought after line is the Frogman. Limited edition Frogmans such as the Brazilian, Men in Yellow, Black Helios and Black Spots are some of the most desirable Frogmans.<br />
<br />
Casio also produces collaboration models, often with popular fashion brands, like A Bathing Ape (Bape), Stussy, Xlarge, KIKS TYO, Nano Universe, Levi's, Lifted Research Group, as well as Coca Cola, Lucky Strike and Marlboro.<br />
<br />
Also there are special models released to put attention on the environment, like the International Cetacean Education and Research Centre (I.C.E.R.C) models, also known as the Dolphin and Whales models.<br />
<br />
G-Shock is very popular with paramedics, police officers, astronauts, firemen and soldiers. According to Mark Bowden's book Blackhawk Down, the DELTA Operators wore G-Shock watches during the combat events of October 3rd and October 4th. Since then, G-Shocks watches have become very popular with Special Forces groups in both American and other NATO nation units, due to their being "battle tested".<br />
<br />
In the '90's a lot of mooks (subtraction of Book and Magazine) were released to promote G-Shock. Casio released the "G-Shock Official Book" in 2006 in Japan, reviving the interest of (mostly Japanese) G-Shock collectors. Also in 2010 ("G-Shock Perfect Bible") and 2010 ("The Book of G-Shock") a special mook was released.<br />
<br />
Casio G-Shocks are also popular among the military, and military divers. As the name of G-Shock's divers watch implies. The Casio G-Shock Frogman was released in the early 2010 and is very popular amongst military Frogmen.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Models/series</b></span><br />
<ul><li>Baby-G was created as an addition to the G-Shock brand.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Master of G</li>
<li>Tough Solar</li>
<li>Wave Ceptor</li>
<li>Pathfinder</li>
<li>DW-5000-5200</li>
<li>DW-5600C</li>
<li>DW-5600E</li>
<li>DW-5900</li>
<li>DW-6100</li>
<li>DW-6600</li>
<li>DW-6900FS</li>
<li>DW-8200</li>
<li>GW-2500</li>
<li>AWG-101</li>
<li>AWG-100</li>
</ul><ul><li>Frogman Series</li>
<li>Cockpit Series</li>
<li>G-Lide</li>
<li>Giez</li>
<li>Gulfman</li>
</ul><dl><dt><b>Limited Models</b></dt>
</dl><ul><li>MT-G</li>
<li>MR-G</li>
<li>Go Green Project: G5600GR-7, G6900GR-3, G2300GR-3</li>
</ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2429050150673465485.post-80587457309307062732011-09-15T23:06:00.021+07:002011-09-18T23:19:06.628+07:00BulgariBulgari is an Italian jeweler and luxury goods retailer under French control since 2011 (LVMH). The trademark is usually written "BVLGARI" in the classical Latin alphabet, and is derived from the surname of the company's Greek founder, Sotirio Voulgaris (1857–1932). Although the company made a name for itself with jewelry, today it is a recognized luxury brand that markets several product lines including watches, handbags, fragrances, accessories, and hotels.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcd2faLwsNT4VM1QgdsE00Whnq8jjna6vJL6HUWI1O5P8XpaJFUaS6s4gQbyGO7QmznqeZESYoloSwCOOc2zN8_RRPb4x9LROnim9S2pNOPSDCr-6jvLecXOQl-WGY0trPrSLHhP7E1PE/s1600/bulgari-moon-phase-watch-ladies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcd2faLwsNT4VM1QgdsE00Whnq8jjna6vJL6HUWI1O5P8XpaJFUaS6s4gQbyGO7QmznqeZESYoloSwCOOc2zN8_RRPb4x9LROnim9S2pNOPSDCr-6jvLecXOQl-WGY0trPrSLHhP7E1PE/s320/bulgari-moon-phase-watch-ladies.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>History</b></span><br />
Sotirios Voulgaris (Greek: Σωτήριος Βούλγαρης; Italian: Sotirio Bulgari) began his career as a jeweller in his home village Paramythia (Epirus, Greece), where his first store can still be seen. In 1877, he left for Corfu and then Naples. In 1881 he finally moved to Rome, where in 1884 he founded his company and opened his second shop in via Sistina.<br />
<br />
The current flagship store in via dei Condotti was opened in 1905 by Bulgari with the help of his two sons, Costantino (1889–1973) and Giorgio (1890–1966). The store quickly became a place where the world's rich and famous came for the unique, high quality jewelry designs combining Greek and Roman art.<br />
<br />
During the Second World War, Costantino Bulgari and his wife, Laura Bulgari, hid three Jewish women in their own Roman home. They were strangers to them; the Bulgaris opened their doors out of outrage for the raid of the Roman ghetto in October 1943. For their generous action, on 31 December 2003, they were awarded the title of Righteous among the Nations at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.<br />
<br />
On 6 March 2011 French luxury group LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA announced that it was acquiring Bulgari SpA in an all-share deal for €4.3 billion ($6.01 billion), higher than LVMH had offered for any other company. Under the deal, the Bulgari family sold their 50.4 per cent controlling stake in exchange for 3 per cent of LVMH, thereby becoming the second-biggest family shareholder behind the Arnaults in LVMH. The takeover doubled the size of LVMH’s watches and jewelry unit, which at the time of the acquisition included Tag Heuer timepieces and De Beers diamond necklaces.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>International expansion</b></span><br />
Bulgari opened its first international locations in New York City, Paris, Geneva and Monte Carlo in the 1970s. For many years the company maintained a showroom in New York's The Pierre Hotel. Today Bulgari has more than 290 stores worldwide.<br />
<br />
In 1984, Sotirio's grandsons Paolo and Nicola Bulgari were named Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the company and nephew Francesco Trapani was named CEO. Trapani's goal to diversify the company was started in the early 1990s with the release of the Bulgari perfume line. Under his tenure the company has established itself as a luxury goods brand recognized throughout the world.<br />
<br />
In 1995, the company was listed on the Borsa Italiana. The company has seen 150% revenue growth between 1997 and 2003. Currently outside investors hold about 45% of the company's stock.<br />
<br />
In the beginning of 2001, Marriott International formed a joint venture with Bulgari Spa to launch a new luxury hotel brand, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts. Luxury Group, the Luxury Division of Marriott operates Bulgari Hotels & Resorts as well as the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Bulgari opened its first hotel in Milan in 2004, and a second in Bali in 2006. In 2011, Bulgari Bali has been choosen by the readers of Smart Travel Asia magazine as number-2 of top places to stay in Asia. Bulgari is the supplier of luxury goods used in guest suites and public areas aboard the ships of the Italian cruise company Silversea.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Designs</b></span><br />
Bulgari jewelry design is distinctive and often imitated (and counterfeited). In the 1970s, many of the more expensive Bulgari pieces (such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings) were characterized by instantly recognizable, bold, almost brutal designs combining large and weighty gold links with black-surfaced steel. Genuine Bulgari watches have a unique serial number that is registered with the company.<br />
Bulgari necklace<br />
<br />
The environmental group WWF rated a number of luxury brands for sustainable practices in a report called Deeper Luxury, Bulgari came ninth out of the ten brands with the lowest possible rating (F).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bGrVOfRhyphenhyphennA57S439U_k7Gun70S7QFAxN5tdUdUOZ374fP95wPElVVCTAtAEiihqpP46e0vhWTOfK0ffYVRqpbD7UXjJVziuw6GnwmfahGGJZmhpK_mhb8kc_Pxu50146VqE_q2XwDw/s1600/bvlgari-sotirio-bulgari-watch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bGrVOfRhyphenhyphennA57S439U_k7Gun70S7QFAxN5tdUdUOZ374fP95wPElVVCTAtAEiihqpP46e0vhWTOfK0ffYVRqpbD7UXjJVziuw6GnwmfahGGJZmhpK_mhb8kc_Pxu50146VqE_q2XwDw/s320/bvlgari-sotirio-bulgari-watch.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Boutiques</b></span><br />
<b>North America</b><br />
North American Bulgari boutiques are found in Atlanta, Beverly Hills, Bal Harbour, Boca Raton, Boston, Chevy Chase, Chicago, Costa Mesa, Dallas, Honolulu, Houston, New York, Las Vegas, Mexico City, Montreal, Palm Beach, San Francisco, Short Hills, Waikiki, and Scottsdale, Arizona. <br />
<br />
<b>South America</b><br />
South American Bulgari boutiques are found in Lima, Bogotá, São Paulo, Margarita island & Quito.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVHpUCIai09la3XBYMWzkD2s6hXhHCU_TyMd6DrHa4A05H6sR-a1r7t4vlufekNsRJMh9jCNPb8fmiSNe-6uXDjPzyMGQkUco28vBgCXyX_30pbSjVGLdK5-NZFXHuJ7tmmfmubRDdI0/s1600/bvlgari-bvlgari-watches-luxury.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVHpUCIai09la3XBYMWzkD2s6hXhHCU_TyMd6DrHa4A05H6sR-a1r7t4vlufekNsRJMh9jCNPb8fmiSNe-6uXDjPzyMGQkUco28vBgCXyX_30pbSjVGLdK5-NZFXHuJ7tmmfmubRDdI0/s320/bvlgari-bvlgari-watches-luxury.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wristwatches </b></span><br />
The company's Swiss subsidiary, Bulgari Time S.A., is responsible for Bulgari watch production. It was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Neuchatel. Bulgari Time SA employs about 500 people.<br />
<br />
Today, Bulgari watches make up approximately 29% of the company's total turnover. Bulgari has started developing its own calibers and parts, including highly complicated mechanisms and basic calibers. The Bulgari watch collection comprises the following lines: Bulgari-Bulgari, Sotirio-Bulgari, Assioma, Astrale, B.Zero1, Daniel Roth, Rettangolo, Ergon, Gérald Genta, Serpenti and Diagono.<br />
<br />
At BaselWorld 2006, Bulgari unveiled the complicated Assioma Multi Complication watch, equipped with tourbillon, perpetual calendar and second time zone.<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgari#cite_note-8"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08568640011241241808noreply@blogger.com