Time Squared Magazine

Designer Watch Style - Small Faces!

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000

For starters, looks to Guess and D&G, whose small-faced bracelet watches are an affordable entry point to the trend. Or if you’re looking to spend more, Gucci’s slimline bangle watches have become a classic since their launch in the Tom Ford days, yet are right on point accompanied by Gucci’s new season flapper dress.

More ornate, as you’d expect from the flamboyant Vivienne Westwood, are her rococo watches in petite proportions with equally downsized spaghetti-thin straps. Meanwhile, Chanel’s SS12 show also championed genteel prettiness and what could be more elegant than its iconic Premiere watch to accessorise a bracelet-sleeved bouclé jacket? However, if your wrists are not as slender as you’d like, don’t despair; get the small-faced look with a Lilliputian padlock pendant watch from Oasis instead.

Designer Watch Style - Show Some Skin!

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:19:17 +0000

Longines does this look perfectly with its polished, slimline creations while Raymond Weil and Tissot are more affordable alternatives – especially Tissot’s sporty offering in refreshing winter white

Mixing classic good looks with a sprinkling of bling is Bulova’s chocolate croc-strapped watch subtly studded with stones. Juicy Couture’s lizard-print watch is a bit more jazzy yet strangely versatile. The combination of sober strap with crystal bezel means it does double duty as a glam day watch and even glammer evening accessory.

Equally striking is Maurice Lacroix’s 70s-style dress watch in chocolate lizard-print with gold casing. Another versatile buy, it effortlessly accessorises a little black gown or a more relaxed Lauren Hutton-esque silk shirt and tuxedo pants. For the full dose of glamour though, lizard and croc trail way behind leopard print. Guess gets top marks for its flamboyant approach, teaming its gold plated bracelet with a crystal-embellished leopard-print dial. Wild!

TAG Heuer Mikrogirder 2000 - New Concept Watch Unveiled

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:30:00 +0000

It's worth bearing in mind that until this time last year, the fastest mechanical Chronograph on the market was accurate to "only" 1/ 10th of a second- the TAG Heuer Grand Carrera Calibre 36. In the last 12 months, TAG Heuer have introduced the Mikrograph (1/ 100th of a second) and the Mikrotimer (1/ 1,000th of a second) in quick succession, meaning that the limits of the mechanical movement has been pushed even beyond even that of available quartz watches- the record-breaking digital TAG Heuer Micromtimer from 2004 was the first wrist-watch to offer 1/ 1,000th of a second accuracy.

But despite this incredible accuracy, what is perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Mikrogirder is not its speed, but rather its revolutionary regulation system. The principles of the basic mechanical watch have barely changed over the last few hundred years- still today, the time-keeping of almost every watch is regulated by a balance wheel and a hairspring. While this system works perfectly well for normal time-keeping, it is less suited to ultra-high precision watches, such as the Mikrogirder.

To get around this, TAG Heuer has introduced a totally new method of regulation- one that does away with both the balance wheel and the hairspring. The Mikrogirder uses a system of three small connected "blades", or "girders" which oscillate at high speed. This new method of regulation only works well at higher speeds, meaning that while it's unlikely to turn up in your every-day watch anytime soon, it could be used in Chronographs offering even greater accuracy than today's Mikrogirder. How much more accurate? TAG Heuer has tested the new system at 3-times the speed of the current concept watch.

The watch made to showcase this movement is derived from the classic Carrera case, but with a twist. Viewed side-on, it appears as though a stop-watch has been pushed into a soft metal case of a watch at an angle, which makes sense when you look at the Mikrogirder as a time piece that merges the watch with the stopwatch. The other reason for this design is that it allows the Chronograph pushers and crown to be moved to the top of the watch (known as a "Bullhead" Chronograph), again a nod to the form of the traditional stop-watch. The magic of the watch is watching the central chronograph had spin around the dial like a helicopter blade- it rotates dizzying 20-times every second.

While still a concept at the moment, TAG Heuer's track record of turning concepts into production is strong, so perhaps we will see the Mikrogirder brought to market, just as the Mikrograph and Mikrotimer were in 2011. Where the limit lies in the accuracy of mechanical time pieces is unknown. Reaching an accuracy of 1/ 10,000th of a second would mean a second hand rotating 100 times every second. Sounds impossible, but 12 months ago we would have said the same thing about reaching 1/ 1000th of a second, a mark that has just been exceeded.

Visit TAG Heuer at The Watch Gallery for current styles.

SIHH 2012 Ladie’s Watch Highlights

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:26:00 +0000

Montblanc dedicated an entirely new collection to Monaco’s Princess Grace (Collection Princess Grace de Monaco) with a range of watches reminiscent of her most famous dresses and evening wear. The watches range from very high luxury jewelry pieces to more wearable daily pieces still decorated with diamonds.

Women who enjoy mechanical watches have a lot to look forward to, but mostly at big prices. Roger Dubuis released a brand new collection for women called the Velvet. This beautifully bold and well designed ladies watch features an in-house made mechanical automatic movement and a stunning design. It looks best on a bracelet with a diamonds and mother-of-pearl dial. Though most women won’t think they have enough high society events to attend to wear one at.

Ralph Lauren has finally admitted that last year’s “unisex” Slim Classique Square (renamed the 867 this year) is a ladies watch (they even released a larger version for men). The lovely square watch with its slick retro dial is offered in a range of models and decorative styles. A special super high-end collection is decorated in a gorgeous art deco style and looks like something out of the 1920's.

Cartier’s pieces for woman are always magical in their presentation. This year a new mechanical watch called the Rotonde de Cartier Promenade d’une Panthere was not only technically interesting but also visually exciting. Using the theme of the famous Cartier panther, the brand created a large ladies piece with a rotating diamond covered panther right on the dial. The engraved cat figurine actually serves to wind the movement as the automatic rotor as it revolves around the dial. Other Cartier high-art watches for women were equally amazing.

Audemars Piguet offers a new 37mm wide version of their famous Royal Oak. The typically male-oriented model is updated and once again in a size suitable for women wanting a larger sport style watch that is both classic and durable in its appearance while being feminine without looking too girly.

Fans of extremely intricate art style watches should pay close attention to the typically amazing wonders released by Parisian Van Cleef & Arpels. The jewel of the show was a pair of high-complication watches called the “Poetic Wish.” One watch for a man and one watch for a woman – the pair features a new type of minute repeater that only indicates the time on the dial when activated. The two watches feature beautifully hand-crafted scene dials which depict the remote love of a man and a woman aching for each other. The two pieces in the collection if purchased together would cost over $100,000,000.

For beautiful and whimsical female luxury, Piaget’s new Limelight Garden Party II watches for women are simple treats with a lot of movement and the brands famous penchant for elegance and style. These are sure to delight most all women for those who can afford it. While economical options were certainly not a focus of this year, art and creativity were certainly a major part of what influenced the brands showing at the 2012 edition of the timepiece show.

See SIHH 2012 for more luxury watch news.

SIHH 2012 Men’s Watch Highlights

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:23:38 +0000

Audemars Piguet impressing passionate collectors with an updated version of their famous Royal Oak watch adding 2 millimeters to the case size and sprucing up the dial. Overall it was the year of the Royal Oak for them with a legion of standard and limited models that justify the value of the classic look.

Over at IWC things were a bit less classic but just as interesting as the brand focused on its Pilot watches. Most new models are sized at a very hefty 46mm wide with a likely 48mm wide model being added to the line-up. Boldness certainly mattered here as the entire range of new Pilot watches was highly masculine and contemporary. While nothing was too unique, it was a strong sellable collection with a new look for almost all types of men.

Roger Dubuis reinvented themselves once again with a new look and model called the Pulsion. While quizzical in its positioning, the Pulsion is a modern looking luxury sports watch that recalls the wild early years of the 2000s. It has a super thick sapphire crystal bezel and open dial that is eye-catching and almost comical in its presentation. Roger Dubuis is back to their old highly-stylized selves and whether you like it or not, the brand once again demands your attention.

A. Lange & Sohne had some subtle but beautiful new watches for this year. The best is a slight update on its classic Datograph (called the Datograph Up/Down) that has a bit more size added to it jumping it up to 41mm in diameter with a few extra complications. Easily the best classic looking sports watch of the show.

Jaeger-LeCoultre was again a perennial favorite of buyers and writers alike. Their Duometre Spherotourbillon was an exotic masterpiece of technical prowess and visual splendor. Very legible and masculine, it really pulled together the brand’s strengths. Another likely hot model from the manufacture-based brand is going to the new Annual Calendar version of their Grande Reverso.

Montblanc’s line up was also impressive with a new mid-range version of their Timewalker with a chronograph and GMT complication that will add a great new flavor to the classic lineup. The show was filled with lots more exciting men’s watches that push size and masculinity back to contemporary standards. A good sign moving forward and I expect more risk taking in terms of design in the years to come.

TAG Heuer Unveil New Formula 1 Series (Geneva 2012)

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:40:45 +0000

The new Formula 1 comes in three varieties - a Chronograph, a Watch and a Watch with Alarm function - each powered by a quartz movement. All models share the same 42mm stainless steel case (water-resistant to 200m) and are available with either a black or a white dial. You also get the option of two different types of external bezel - a black titanium-carbide coated bezel, or a stainless steel bezel. These two options give the watch a very different character, depending on whether you want the watch more for the office or for the weekend and while the black bezel is the traditional style associated with the Formula 1 series, I found myself preferring the stainless steel look.

The Chronograph is also available in an "Indy 500" edition (Anthracite dial; silver sub-dials and stainless steel bezel with "Indy 500" in Red) and a "Stealth" edition, the later being almost all-black, expect for the red tip of the seconds hand.

It's clear that there has been a lot of work on upgrading the "look and feel" of the new range, with a focus on small details, such as the use of polished surfaces and applied hour markers. For example take a look at the profile shot of the new Chronograph and you noticed the polished edges on the bezel and the polished crown. It's the small details like these that distinguish the new series, even though they're not features that are immediately apparent. Combined with a simple, clear dial, the overall effect is a more "grown-up" and premium series.

In addition to the core range, TAG Heuer has also introduced two models with "high performance" materials - a Chronograph with a "star-burst" anthracite dial and matching Ceramic bezel (and the option of a Steel/ Ceramic bracelet) and a bold Black and Red Chronograph with a bright-red aluminium bezel. Ceramic is an interesting material

The Black and Red Chronograph is the standout of the new range and comes with a black titanium-carbide coated case, black dial, black lume and a black rubber strap. To contrast with this black-on-black look, the Chronograph hands, hour-markers and numerals on the dial are bright red, with the look finished off with the bright red aluminium bezel. It's a very cool design and continues the range of black-on black/ "stealth" designs that TAG Heuer have introduced over the last two years. Visit Calibre11.com for more images HERE.

The 2012 Formula 1 range starts shipping over the next few weeks and will launch online mid-February.

Browse our range of TAG Heuer watches at The Watch Gallery now.

Blancpain To Unveil X Fathoms Watch At SIHH 2012

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:30:00 +0000

This diver’s watch revisits the iconic characteristics of its Fifty Fathoms forerunner, and combines them with a mechanical depth gauge to create the most high-performance mechanical watch of all time. Bursting with world-first features, such as depth measurement to 90 metres and maximum depth reached memory, separate display for the 0-15 m zone with exceptional +/- 30 cm precision, and a 5-minute retrograde counter for decompression stops, this model eloquently demonstrates the innovative ability of the Manufacture from Le Brassus.

The watch will be unveiled in the Cité du Temps, located on the Pont de la Machine bridge spanning the Rhone River. It will be accompanied by a photography exhibition, featuring shots drawn from the fourth edition of the “Fifty Fathoms” book published by Blancpain and highlighting the fascinating world of scuba diving viewed through the lens of the greatest names in the field.

Apnea freediving being the focus this year, the photographers – Aaron Wong, William Winram, Fred Buyle and Ethan Daniels – have immortalised unique encounters between man and shark. They set the stage for some dreamlike and poetic depictions, since the absence of diving equipment enables them to create and capture certain truly exceptional moments.

In addition, Blancpain is showcasing various Blancpain collections, including the legendary Fifty Fathoms, the first modern diving watches that have accompanied frogmen since 1953.

Visit Selfridges to browse our range of Blancpain watches.

Pre SIHH-Roger Dubuis Velvet Watch

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:53:10 +0000

Still, this bold looking timepiece has a sincere appeal mostly based around the smooth integration between the dial and the bracelet. Rather than looking much like a watch case with an attachment, the design is meant to integrate the two together. The pictured version is in 18k pink gold decorated with diamonds.

The diamonds really help make the design. The bracelet and case have set diamonds that make up a “chain link” like assortment. There are 66 diamonds on the bezel and another 196 diamonds on the 18k pink gold bracelet. The pink gold color is then continued on the dial as the 12 and 6 o’clock Roman numeral hour markers are also in gold to contrast with the others which are in black. The dial itself is opaline silver with a sunray brushed pattern. Other versions of the Velvet will likely have dial differences and varying amounts of diamonds. This model has in total about three carats of stones.

Following such popular models as the Roger Dubuis Excalibur and King Square, the Velvet is a new and very feminine model but one that retains a healthy amount of the brand’s DNA. “Outstanding boldness” is a good way of thematically describing this DNA. It often translates into watches that have large, sharp looking Roman numerals on otherwise stark dials. Hands retain that sharp look being in this case dauphine style hands.

The Velvet watches will for now only display the time in hours and minutes. Though if successful future models could include a wide array of other complications. As it is an item of haute horology, the Velvet contains an in-house made Roger Dubuis caliber RD821 automatic movement. The watch case is an ample 36mm wide and will likely contain a sapphire display caseback for a visual appreciation of the movement and its 18k pink gold automatic rotor.

While a bit avant garde in its style, the Velvet is still a high-end timepiece with the ability to appeal to a wide audience. The focus for Roger Dubuis recently has been on men’s models, so it is nice to see them focus on a unique product dedicated to the female market. Look for Roger Dubuis Velvet watches soon.

Pre SIHH-Montblanc Villeret 1858 Vintage Tachydate Watch

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:17:54 +0000

What is uncommon about the Montblanc Villeret manufacture is how the watches are made. Maintaining many traditional manufacturing techniques, the Villeret location produces timepieces using historic machinery and carefully honed skilled human labor. The result is timepieces with not only a friendly vintage charm, but also those with beautifully produced, hand assembled and decorated mechanical movements.

New for 2012 to be debuted at SIHH is this Montblanc Villeret 1858 Vintage Tachydate watch. It contains a beautiful movement being the Minerva caliber 16 22. One can view the movement through the case-back window of the watch. The manually wound movement has the time, a 30 minute chronograph, as well as a date indicator dial. The movement features a mono-pusher chronograph activation system that is integrated into the crown for a very seamless look. Mono-pushers cycle through a chronograph’s functions rather than rely on two pushers for the job. These tend to result in much classier looking timepieces.

The watch itself is an admirable 43.5mm wide and 13mm tall. Montblanc will offer the Tachydate in limited editions of both 18k white and rose gold. The dials are likely enamel, and designed in the historic Minerva manner. Montblanc personality comes through in the logo and hour markers, but the instrument-like dials are all Minerva. This watch features a prominent tachymeter scale around the periphery of the dial and smaller chronograph subdials. The mixture of colors on the dial is again, very attractive on this piece. The watch features blued-steel hands and red and black indicators on the dial for a sporty yet elegant look.

Having the date on a Minerva-based watch is actually uncommon. While it is a minor touch, incorporating a date dial into the Montblanc Villeret 1858 watch look is meaningful addition to the design. Doing so with a dial versus disc and window helps retain the natural look of the dial and allows it fit into the rest of the collection seamlessly.

These watches are going to be highly limited in production. Montblanc will produce just 58 pieces in rose gold and 58 pieces in white gold of the new Villeret 1858 Vintage Tachydate watches.

Browse our range of Montblanc watches at Selfridges.

DM London Acquires The Watch Gallery & The Watch Hut

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:49:10 +0000

As a result of these acquisitions, DM London will be divided into both luxury and designer watches. The company's luxury watch business will be marketed under The Watch Gallery and its designer watch business under The Watch Hut. The changeover from the current trading name, TIME², will take effect within 3 months.

The Watch Gallery store on Fulham Road will continue to operate as a premier luxury watch venue where customers will have time to view the most exclusive Swiss brands in a unique environment, served by the most knowledgeable of staff. The website is already one of the leading independent luxury watch sites in the UK and will be merged with DM London’s current site TIME2.co.uk during March 2012, to create the UK’s destination for online luxury watch retail.

The Watch Hut is the leading independent designer watch website in the UK, and has grown dramatically in the last 3 years. By combining the resources of DM London and The Watch Hut, the intention is to continue the rapid growth of this highly successful designer watch business by offering customers the widest possible selection of brands combined with the very best service.

These acquisitions reflect current market trends and the ever increasing power of e-commerce in watch retail, both luxury and designer. With a number of cutting edge features and ambitious plans for The Watch Gallery, in addition to a predicted annual group turnover for 2012 in excess of £50 million, DM London will further strengthen their position as the UK’s leading independent watch retailer.

The Great Gatsby Style – Put On Your Pearls!

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:30:00 +0000

Designers including Alexander McQueen and Chanel embraced pearls for Spring with Chanel showing them as jewelled neckpieces, pocket trims and even dotted in the hair. While I wait patiently for someone to design a multi-roped pearl bracelet watch, there are other ways to interpret the look for now.

To accompany Spring’s intense pastels, I love the idea of creamy, pearlescent timepieces with contemporary styling. Frederique Constant combines a cream satin strap with mother of pearl dial and warm gold case resulting in a versatile day-to-night watch. Slightly more masculine is Gc’s white ceramic watch with mother of pearl dial and chunky rose gold trim.

Triwa’s dark cream unisex watch with golden dial is a softer version of the popular stark white ceramic watches that will look modern against a white shirt, black dress or Marc Jacobs’ modern flapper-esque dresses. But if you must have Chanel, then you can’t go wrong with the classic J12 with mother of pearl dial and diamond index markers.

Browse our range of designer watches now.

Bulova Accutron – A Brand History!

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:40:29 +0000

In 1960, as the crowning achievement of years of research and development, Bulova introduced Accutron - the world’s first fully electronic watch. It was heralded as the only fundamental technological advancement in timekeeping in over 300 years. The Accutron was instantly adopted as the standard-bearer in accuracy and elegance, used aboard Air Force One and given as an official Presidential Gift of State during the terms of both John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.

During the space race, Bulova’s Accutron technology became an integral part of 46 NASA space missions. On July 20th, 1969, at exactly 8:17 and 41 seconds, a Bulova Accutron timer landed on the Moon as part of the first lunar landing, and was placed in the Sea of Tranquility to control vital data transmissions.

Today, honouring this unique heritage, Bulova Accutron offers superior mechanical and quartz technologies, the finest materials and exceptional styling in meticulously crafted Swiss-made timepieces defined by a spirit of innovation.

Bulova Accutron recently introduced British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson as its brand ambassador. Bulova said the partnership with Sir Richard, a self-made man synonymous with a pioneering vision, reaffirms Bulova Accutron’s commitment to the notion that Innovation Never Rests.

Browse our range of Bulova Accutron watches. [SOON TO LAUNCH ONLINE!]

Bulova – A Brand In Focus!

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:22:54 +0000

From the first jewelled wrist watches in 1919, the introduction of the world's first fully electronic watch, Accutron, in 1960, and to the company's latest achievement, Precisionist, the world's most accurate watch with a continuously sweeping second hand, Bulova continues in its quest for innovation.

Dedicated to providing the finest quality products to a broad range of consumers worldwide, Bulova has consistently led the industry with creative approaches to technology, design and marketing, such as pioneering the world’s first radio and TV adverts in 1926 and 1941 respectively. Its first ever TV commercial was aired before a Brooklyn Dodgers Vs Philadelphia Phillies baseball game in 1941. The slogan read - "America runs on Bulova time" – and it remains the advertising strap line today.

From its early days selling fine pocket watches in unprecedented numbers, to keeping time during the first moon walk in 1969, the company has a rich history of achievements.

Browse our range of Bulova watches now.

VIDEO - Baume & Mercier A Brand History!

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:44:14 +0000

VIDEO - TIME² Reviews Watches From Hublot, IWC, Chopard and Bell & Ross

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

VIDEO - Bell & Ross: A Brand History!

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:30:00 +0000

VIDEO - TIME² Interviews Rolex Watchmaker Jamie Hardes

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:09:28 +0000

VIDEO - Patrick Moufarrige Talks About U-Boat's Brand History

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:41:06 +0000

Review - Bell & Ross BR02-92 Phantom

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0000

However, it’s in the ocean that their range of marine diving watches have been put to the test and Bell & Ross even hold the World Record for water resistance (11,100 metres deep) which was earned by their classic HYDROMAX® watch.

Their present range of diver watches sit in between the BR01 and BR03 aviation range. Called BR02, these watches are often overlooked and seem to get less press attention than the square instruments. However, for many true Bell & Ross fans, the BR02 collection offers an alternative look and given they can withstand up to 1000m deep in water, they’re more than capable of standing their ground against their more popular siblings!

Keen to refresh the collection this year, Bell & Ross released two new variations on it’s BR02 range and it’s one of these models which are focussed here - the BR02-92 Phantom. This watch is available in TIME² at Selfridges, please enquire in store for more details.

Now I know what you’re probably thinking...A diving watch which is 100% black isn’t exactly legible! Despite having huge water resistance, it’s highly unlikely you’d be able to tell the time at say 500 metres deep using this watch. What they’ve done here is taken a very popular concept of a ‘black-out’ watch, first seen on the BR01 and applied it now to the BR02, but with a twist. Rather than simply re-colouring the dial of an existing BR02-92 they’ve redesigned the face and applied glossy indexes. In addition to this, they’ve added larger metal hands and a greyed out bezel marker around the edge, so when you look at the watch and it reflects the sunlight, it’s just breathtaking!

As with the rest of the BR02 range, the chunky 44mm case remains the same. The heat of the watch is a quality Swiss ETA movement and it comes with a rubber strap which is curved and moulded around the case. Want a more luxurious look? Then it’s worth upgrading to a black alligator strap if you’re happy to pay the extra premium.

Okay so it’s probably not going to truly work as a deep diving watch, but if you’re like me and most of the watch owners I know, you don’t go anywhere near that level of depth... However as a rugged masculine watch which screams luxury, it’s hard to beat.

I’ve long been a fan of the BR02 range - these watches really are underrated and would highly recommend anyone interested in buying a Bell & Ross to try one on... even if you don’t plan on getting it wet!

Why not browse our range of Bell & Ross watches online now.

Note: All photos shown are of a prototype model so some details may change.

VIDEO - Bremont Talks About The Ronnie Wood Clock Collaboration

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:59:44 +0000