Watches: Jacob's latest is Astronomical in every sense

Right near the beginning of the global financial crisis in 2008, Dutch designer Tord Boontje — best known for pretty, inexpensive garland lighting fixtures made from the same material as Fed Ex packaging — debuted a work of staggering craftsmanship and artistry: his Fig Leaf cabinet, a masterwork that required nine months of labor and featured 615 hand-painted leaves, each signed by the enamel worker who created it.

It was not design so much as art; it would go on the be the subject of museum shows and many a critical review. And when some observers looked back, they wondered: Was this display of outré opulence and luxury a sign of the economic collapse to come? In its way, it signaled the moment when we wanted not just a cabinet, but a cabinet handcrafted by hundreds of workers; no ordinary cabinet would suffice.

Now, looking back, can we see it as an indication that our valuations — and values — had become utterly unmoored from reality? 

Possibly. But not to the extent that we have ceased making such objects. To wit:

You're looking at Jacob & Co.'s new Astronomia Sky, a watch of singularly dazzling artistry. (You might remember Jacob & Co. from its favored status among the hip-hop and pop culture elite.) The watch is an update and creative expansion on the brand's Astronomia watch, which was itself staggeringly beautiful.

For watch lovers, the Astronomia Sky ups the ante by incorporating a sidereal-time complication, which measures time based on position relative to the stars, rather than the more common (and easily reckoned) solar time. For aesthetes, the watch is a magnificent bauble, with a star chart (matched to those above Geneva) and spinning planet beneath a rotating sapphire dome. But at $690,000, it's certainly not a bargain.

"[Founder Jacob Arabo's] idea was really to create a sort of planetarium with all the stars and planets going around," says Luca Soprana, who collaborated on the design. A personal planetarium: It's an idea the Medicis, and the other great patrons of old, would surely rally behind.

The 0.0000001% will love it. Only time will tell if they regret it.

Sport/Brands: Bolt on time with Hublot

- from A Timely Perspective 

About his partnership with Hublot, he says he is very pleased with the relationship and the watches. “I was shocked when they approached me and wanted me to be an ambassador. This is a prestige brand, and I do track and field, and I thought they would do golf, or polo, so for them to approach me was an honor and it was an easy answer to be a part of this,” says Bolt. “We have done so much together over the years and they respect my Foundation also, which is great. We have just become a real family over the years, and I really appreciate them and their support every step of the way.” [Editor’s note: The Usain Bolt Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the character of children through educational and cultural development.]

Bolt said he wanted the new watch to “pop” and the gold version truly accomplishes that .

Regarding the new Usain Bolt watch, he says this one what he really wanted was for it to “pop.” He says Hublot struck it right — mission accomplished.  Bolt ran that 100M in 9.81 seconds, with USA’s Justin Gatlin coming in for the silver. Next up: the 200M on Tuesday August 16.

Brans: A bond Guy's Rolex hits the (Auction) block

- from Inside Hook

In watch collecting, there are Rolexes, James Bond Rolexes and James Bond Rolexes.

And one of the finest examples of the latter is hitting the auction block on July 18th, when French auction house Articurial plans to unload the exact pre-Daytona chronograph ticker worn by one-time 007 George Lazenby in 1967 Bond flick On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.  

This is huge for three reasons:

First, it’s 6238 reference model predates the now legendary, decidedly more sporty and still in-production Rolex Daytona model, which in itself, while not impossible, has become increasingly rare to come by.

Second, the watch actually plays a role in the movie, and its unique red second hand — per special modification request of Eon Productions — makes it even rarer.

And third, it’s in excellent condition.

This is not the first time this watch has seen the auction block. The watch fetched $41K at an auction at Christie’s London back in 2003. And if there’s one thing we know for certain, it’s that Rolexes, like Bond, only appreciate over time.

Price is available upon request. You can see the li

Brands: motoring enthusiasts on their "Ps"

Swiss watch manufacturer Frederique Constant is the official timekeeper of the 2016 Peking to Paris Motor Challenge, one of the most extraordinary journeys that you can do in a motorcar universe.

With its first edition in 1907, The Peking to Paris Motor Challenge is one of the oldest automotive challenges still running today. Bringing vintage sports cars together side-by-side, their route includes driving in some of the world's toughest lands and requires the participants to maintain a demanding rally-time schedule.

Brands: Hamilton and the Movies

- from a Blog to Watch

On this, the 87th Anniversary of the first presenation on the Academy Awards (we have Academy Awards librarian Margaret Herrick to thank for the name 'Oscar" which she coined in 1931), we look at the role of watchmaker Hamilton in the movies, which it celebrates with its own awards show - the Hamilton Behind the Camera Awards

there may not be a definitive list of all the movies and shows Hamilton has been involved with, but there is a rather  extensive list of many of them on the watch brand's website. Most of those are from the last 20 years, but it is a good list to look at because it indicates the movie, the actor, and the watch. For more images and info there are fan sites out there with more details - though nothing super comprehensive.

The Hamilton Behind the Camera Awards drew quite a list of guests and presenters. Hamilton works with a series of consultants and industry insiders to choose the categories, the nominees, and award recipients.  The event was fun, and what I really liked was the intimate nature of it. It was more dinner party style rather than formal event. Plus, since it wasn't televised, the award presenters and recipients were more free to speak frankly, apply humor, and just generally have a good time. Guests I was happy to see there included JJ Abrams, Michael Bay, Jon Favreau, John Hamm, Antonio Banderas, Christoph Waltz (super cool guy), and of course Harrison Ford (who has a long standing relationship with Hamilton and was there wearing his own Khaki watch).

Brands: End of a [Swiss] Era: landmark ROlex Dealer relinquishes amid economic downturn

As a watch aficionado, I always want to see watch makers and retailers doing, not poorly This, from the Sunday observer, is especially sad

After more than 80 years of being the sole agent for Rolex watches in Jamaica, Swiss Stores has given up the agency, and starts a new phase in its business development as of today.

“We have decided after 80 years to give up the Rolex agency effective the end of April,” Managing Director of Swiss Stores Ueli Bangerter told the

Jamaica Observer on Friday. “It is our decision.”

The company will continue to sell jewellery and certified previously owned Rolexes from its 107 Harbour Street flagship store, but will now be closing its only other shop in Rosehall, St James.

Swiss Stores started in Jamaica in 1935 after forming a direct relationship with Rolex to sell the watches here. But changes in the economy, on both a local and global scale, helped prompt Bangerter to make the decision to discontinue the agency relationship.

“We are no longer an island as we used to be,” Bangerter told

Sunday Finance. “We were not able to recover from the 2008 crisis, including Olint and Cash Plus, that took a lot of money out of the market.”

The end result was fewer sales, making it harder for the company to maintain its six stores islandwide. Previous locations in Ocho Rios and in New Kingston were closed some time ago.

“Rolex and other luxury brands demand – rightfully – that you have a store of a certain style and in certain locations.”

To help boost profits, Bangerter – Swiss-born nephew of director Peter Bangerter – had started to extend the jewellery store’s core business into real estate and the restaurant business.

The Harbour Street store was remodelled into a trendy, upmarket restaurant, F+B – originally serving primarily sandwiches and soups to business executives in the area, but then extending the menu to include a greater variety of options, including Jamaican, pasta and Chinese dishes.

Competing jewellery store Bijoux will now carry the prestigious Swiss brand as the official agency – a move that Bangerter is happy about.

Bijoux is “an excellent company with an outstanding reputation,’’ Bangerter said.

Bijoux already sold several prestigious watch brands, including Omega, Breitling, Hublot and Raymond Weil, but until now could not offer perhaps the most prestigious of all – Rolex. Its locations include its headquarters on Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston and a location near the former Swiss Stores in Rose Hall. Other stores are at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James; Ocho Rios, St Ann, and in Falmouth, Trelawny.

But Swiss Stores is still maintaining good relations with Rolex. Although it will no longer sell new Rolexes, the jewellery business will still sell previously owned Rolexes and will also repair the timepieces.

“We will continue after-sales service and will remain the official Rolex service agent, with our state-of-the-art workshop,” Bangerter said.

“Swiss Stores will continue to retail fine jewellery, watches and selected gift items and also produce custom-made, high-end jewellery in our own workshop,” he declared. 

Branding: Swiss timing "TAGs" the Premier League

Already the Official Timekeeper for the German Bundesliga, MLS (Major Soccer League) in the USA, the 2016 Copa America which will take place in the USA in June, the Chinese Football Association Super League, and the Australian National Football team, TAG Heuer is now also the partner of The Premier League, which is one of the most popular competitions in global sport.

Yesterday, the new partnership between the Premier League and TAG Heuer was being jointly unveiled in simultaneous announcements taking place in London (picture above) and Hong Kong.

Twenty teams, all their matches, and the most followed football league in the world, will now be running on TAG Heuer time, both on English pitches and on broadcasts across the globe in 185 countries.

On the field, the fourth official's boards will now be shaped like a TAG Heuer Carrera watch, and will bear the name of the Swiss watch brand.
The referees will be sporting the TAG Heuer Connected smartwatch.
Finally, the TAG Heuer logo will appear during Premier League match broadcasts to 730 million homes in 185 countries across the world. Of course, TAG Heuer branding and its brand motto, #DontCrackUnderPressure, will also feature across all of the Premier League’s digital platforms, including its website and social media.

Brands: Citizen partners with UK Rugby League

 - from A Timely Perspective
Just about 10 days ago, the  Red Bull stadium played host to the first professional rugby match hosted in the United States. The match was between the London Irish and the Saracens of the UK Premiership Rugby League.

Keeping track of it all: Citizen Watch Company of America. Additionally, the brand’s Time Square flagship location in New York played host to a meet and greet with league CEO Bob Casey as well as players from the UK Premiership League. As sponsor, Citizen displays the ‘Try’ of the week’ — as well as the ‘Try of the Month’. For non-rugby fans, a “Try” is  when a point is scored in rugby. The try of the week is decided by supporters, and the try of the month is featured on the ITV station. The station reaches over 30 million viewers per season. The partnership between Citizen and  Rugby means that the brand will also develop educational and charity initiatives with Premiership Rugby, as well as special Limited Edition pieces.

To celebrate this first historic match played on US soil, each player received a Citizen Nighthawk. The flight inspired nighthawk has been on the market for sometime, however that doesn’t negate its appeal. The blacked out watch features a 1/5 second chronograph that measures up to 60 minutes. The dial features a 12/24 hour time indicator and tachymeter. The 42mm case has been given a black ion coating and is resistant to 200m. The piece retails for $475.

Many watch enthusiasts are known to be reserved about their brand allegiances.  Not so Jay-Z. The rapper-producer-club owner-entrepreneur has often dropped his preferred brands, notably Audemars, Rolex and Hublot, in his tracks  - more than a dozen watch brand references over the course of about 19 albums (solos and collab).

He has also been seen rocking pieces from Richard Mille and Jaeger-leCoultre. Details about the actual size and composition of his collection remain a closely guarded secret

Watch Brands: Omega recounts a Mission that's out of this world

This year marks the 45th Anniversary of Apollo 13 and, given the Omega Speedmaster's crucial role in the Apollo program, it's not surprising that Omega would want to celebrate one of the finest moments in Moonwatch history. Pulling out all the stops, Omega collected a bevy of media types, brought them all to Houston, and packed a day full of NASA-certified fun to highlight their connection with the Apollo program and the cult of the Moonwatch. From getting up close and personal with a Saturn V rocket, to a Q&A with Apollo astronauts, and finally a Tang and vodka fueled dinner on the Moon with George Clooney, I'm fighting every urge to say it was an out-of-this-world experience (sorry).

By today's standard's, Apollo went to the Moon and back with little more processing power than a calculator and the invaluable support of Mission Control. But even after suffering a mission-ending systems failure and despite all odds, Apollo 13 had all of the brain-power and tools required to make it back to Earth with no loss of life. One of the tools that brought them home was the Omega Speedmaster, a mechanical chronograph watch that allowed the crew to time the course corrections required to keep their ship pointing towards Earth. With their guidance computer turned off to preserve battery power for re-entry, the Omega Speedmaster played a major role in ensuring that Apollo 13 was both a "Successful Failure" and one of the most impressive achievements of skill, ingenuity and teamwork in NASA's history.
Perhaps a brief re-cap is required for those of you who don't remember the broad details of the Apollo 13 mission. In short, Apollo 13 was the 7th manned mission within the Apollo program and should have taken Commander Jim Lovell, Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert and Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise to the Moon and back. Two days after their April 11th, 1970 launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an oxygen tank in the Command Module exploded, forcing the crew to abort their Moon attempt, abandon the crippled Command Service Module (CSM), and return home in their Lunar Module (LM). The LM was not designed to support three people for a 4-day trip, so the astronauts worked with Mission Control to develop special procedures to conserve fuel, battery power, oxygen, and water. With the LM running on minimal resources and well outside of tested usage, Apollo 13 circled the Moon and set a course to limp home with just enough of the ship turned on the keep its precious cargo alive. After a series of truly impressive manual burns for course correction, Apollo 13 successfully re-entered Earth's atmosphere and touched down in the South Pacific on April 17th, 1970.

- from ablogtowatch.com

localjoe.myorganogold.com

Watches: The Coming Smartwatch Glut

Launching the Huawei watch

A funny thing happened on the way to the expected launch event for the Apple Watch on March 9 — a number of high-profile tech competitors have all launched competing versions of a smartwatch in just the past two weeks. And that’s in addition to all the smartwatches that already exist in the market, such as the Moto 360.

The new offering that everyone’s talking about, of course, is the Pebble Time, which has raised over $15.5 million on Kickstarter (including the first $1 million in less than one hour) to create a new smartwatch. The Pebble Time may appeal to a lower end of the smartwatch market than the Apple Watch, but there will soon be a new version that comes in beautiful gleaming steel.There’s also Huawei (Who? What?), which became the breakout star of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona with a high-end smartwatch that’s being marketed the same way the Apple Watch is — as more of a fashion accessory than a new tech device. And there’s also LG, which now has a beautiful new LG Watch Urbane, also announced this month.

Watches: RM gives us "Baby Blake" in Black

Last year Richard Mille unrelieved the first edition of the RM61-01, the less expensive version of a watch they made with Yohan Blake (one of the fastest men alive). It featured his colours (green and yellow) and a fairly simple yet very cool looking skeletonized dial. The watch was made of TZP black ceramic with parts of carbon and rubber, and had a very distinctive look. The problem for some people was.. the colour. While many might enjoy this splash of green and yellow as it underlines the DNA of the watch and can start a conversation, many would prefer to have the same beast of a watch but in a more discreet and subtle colour scheme.

-from WATCH ANISH

Hamilton is "Hollywood's Watch"

From Elvis wearing the famed Ventura model in "Blue Hawaii" through to "2001: A Space Odyssey" and this year's "Abduction" watchmaker Hamilton has seen its products featured in more than 400 films, a more venerable career than many human Hollywood stars.

this feature, from International Watch, interviews Hamilton chief Sylvain Dolla, on the occasion of the company's "Behind The Camera" awards.

http://iwmagazine.com/2012/03/07/behind-the-scenes/