Archive for February, 2010
Discount Watches For Savvy Shoppers
Discount Watches are Quality Finds
Discount watches come in all shapes and sizes. What Discount means is great, quality watches at reduced prices. It doesn’t refer to, cheap. First, let’s understand that retailers discount watches for many reasons. It may be as simple as the fact that the watch wasn’t as popular as hoped, and there is excess inventory…or they could be trying to pass off a fake. When purchasing a discounted watch from a third party, make sure you have a way of verifying its authenticity. Having said that, great deals can be had online and here are a few examples.
I located the 4898 Invicta Men’s Corduba Chronograph selling for $119.00. This bold men’s watch is one of the diver’s series and is made in all stainless-steel and durable rubber. The dial is black and displays luminous minute and second hands. The dial also features sub-dials and day and date calendar. The Invicta Men’s Corduba Chronograph is water resistant to 200 meters. Great discount watch at an 83% discount from retail. The website this was found on offers a 30-day money back guarantee. Not bad.
Ladies are in luck as well. That same site offered the 96X108 Bulova Crystal Watch and Pendant set for $149.99. Bulova is well known for their quality and style, and this woman’s watch is particularly stunning. This discount watch is made from all stainless-steel materials, with a white dial and sparkling crystals encircling the face and making up the bracelet. This watch is feminine and elegant, and accompanies a beautiful crystal pendant.
As I said earlier, phenomenal deals on discount watches can be found on the internet. Just be a savvy shopper and do your research before you buy. Happy shopping!
Cartier Watches Are Legendary
- Cartier stands for luxury
Cartier is world-renowned for their superior craftsmanship. Their Watches exude style and success, and the wearer feels certain they have chosen a quality timepiece. Since the mid 1800’s Cartier has been creating breathtaking jewelry and watches. As they expanded through Europe, Cartier became increasingly popular and in 1902, after gaining the appreciation of many royals, Cartier was named “Jeweler of Kings”.
Modern-day Cartier is no less respected. The company has evolved and kept up with the times, while remaining one of the world’s premier watchmakers. In 2002, Cartier celebrated its 100 birthday by unveiling the Santos 100.
The Santos series was named after a friend of Louis Cartier, who had complained about the unreliability of pocket-watches. His comment was answered with the release of the first men’s wrist-watch in 1902. The Brazilian aviator, Alberto Santos-Dumont can be thanked for the Cartier Santos line.
This series comes in a variety of combinations, but my favorite is the stainless-steel and gold version, with brown leather strap. The W20091X7 men’s gold and steel watch makes a bold statement. The contrasting polished steel, with gold accents set against the rich brown strap, is a handsome mix.
Whichever Cartier you choose, make sure it’s authentic. Here are a few tips. Cartier watches are very heavy, make sure the watch is weighty. Drop a bead of water on the glass, it should roll right off and not smear. Check that the serial number is engraved on the back or side of the watch, and finally, open the case back. Genuine Cartier watches will have the name “Cartier” engraved on the movement. Bottom line, this is a high-quality watch you want to pass on to your children, don’t get ripped off.
Breitling, Watches With Integrity
- Breitling, precision timepieces
In 1884 Mr. Breitling founded his watch company, although he would be appalled if he heard me call it that. Breitling’s vision held a scope far beyond making timepieces…he wanted to create precision instruments for professionals. Instruments such as chronographs and stop watches for aviators were the first pieces Breitling put out.
In the early 1900’s wristwatches became more mainstream and Breitling was the first to offer a wrist-worn chronograph. In fact, Breitling was the inventor of the push-piece, a separate part that would operate the chronographic features of the watch. The push-piece would start, stop, and reset the stop watch function, with a single button.
The company’s innovation and dedication to excellence has maintained its reputation, and continues to come up with amazing watches. The models include the Navitimer, the Windrider, the Professional, and the Aeromarine. All of these models are offered in various styles, but none of them are ordinary watches…they art technological works of art.
If precision and accuracy are on the top of your list of priorities, a Breitling watch is the cream of the crop. The company warns not to attempt to purchase a Breitling on the internet. The watches offered on the web may not be authentic and if you want the real deal, you must buy from an authorized dealer.
By the way, please check out their website…it is full of information and as impressive as their impeccably crafted instruments.
Michele Watches, Fun And Funky
Michele watches in vibrant colors
Michele Watches new, 2010 Tropical Paradise line puts the fun back into buying a watch. The limited edition timepieces are all girl…fusia, flirty, and shimmering. Of course, the line also comes in brilliant turquoise and canary yellow, for those who prefer something other than the, stereotypical pink…but that’s not me.
The pink version is appropriately named, Tropical Paradise Fish. The face is decorated with a scene from under-the-sea, gone Technicolor. A total of fifty-six diamonds on the face and dial of this watch, light it up and serve to accent the brightly colored underwater scenery. The bracelet is made of brightly colored alligator and is interchangeable with other Michele straps.
If you happen to be more into turtles, I recommend the Sea Turtle version with turquoise alligator strap and featuring diamond embellished turtles, crawling from the sand, back into the sea. The combination of hues in this creation, truly remind you of the ocean. The blues and greens, paired with the tan of the sand, produce a lovely effect.
And finally, if you’ve gone completely bananas…there is always the Tropical Paradise Monkey. This watch highlights a jungle scene, with a playful monkey searching for bananas. It’s fun and the golden-yellow alligator strap allows you to wear this watch with gold or silver jewelry.
The entire line is priced around $1100.00 and any of these watches would make an interesting statement. C’mon, step out of the box and show your jovial side. These watches are well-made, eclectic, and beautiful, not to mention…they just plain make you feel good.
IWC Makes Quality Timepieces
International Watch Company (IWC) has gained unparalleled respect as a premier luxury watchmaker. The company, founded in 1868 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland has been wowing us with incredible designs ever since. IWC’s flawlessly crafted timepieces have been enjoyed by many, and their popularity continues to grow.
IWC is best known for their innovation. They offer many different styles of chronographic watches, such as the Pilot’s Chronograph, which features three dials for accurate time-telling. The dials on this watch are bold and easily read. The Pilot’s Chronograph comes with either a leather strap or stainless-steel. This men’s watch is both handsome and highly-functional.
International Watch Company is also famous for their diving watches. The Aquatimer is offered with the needs and wants of the professional diver. This watch has fantastic under-water visibility and was born from decades of technological innovation.
And then there is IWC’s Da Vinci line. The Da Vinci is the most luxurious and sophisticated line of watches, coming in stainless-steel, solid gold and high quality diamonds. This watch comes with an automatic self-winding movement that IWC developed and is, truly a work of art.
These incredible timepieces will put you back a bit, but they are worth every penny. The care and craftsmanship that goes into each piece before it is introduced to the public is unmatched. And if you need a real working watch, like the Pilot or the Aquatimer…the IWC won’t disappoint. If you, very simply desire a high quality watch made with the utmost care, you cannot go wrong choosing a timepiece from IWC.
Movado Offers Timeless Style
Movado watches define style
Back in 1881, when 19 year old Achille Ditesheim founded Movado, I wonder if he had the vision of what this company would become. From his small village in Switzerland, is it possible he had could imagine the 100 patents and the 200 International awards that would be part of the Movado legacy…or was he, simply following his passion?
Design, innovation, and quality are keywords when thinking of Movado. Creating many of the most sought-after timepieces has made Movado famous. The company didn’t stop with their dedication to beautiful design, there was enormous attention paid to functionality and comfort. In 1912 Movado patented a revolutionary movement, designed to fit into a case that was curved to the line of the wrist. These, seemingly small adjustments made huge differences in the look and feel of a Movado watch.
The most well-recognized watch in the line is the Museum. It is presented with a clean, blank face, only embellished with a single dot at the 12 o’clock mark. This watch has become an iconic symbol of modern design and was the first watch to ever be chosen as part of a permanent display at the Museum of Modern Art, in New York.
Movado’s delicate designs distinguish them from other watchmakers and that style, naturally transitioned the company into jewelry making. With boutiques around the world, Movado offers exquisite jewelry made from 18 ct. gold, gemstones, and their patented 114 facet Movado Diamond.
Movado, literally translates into, “always in motion”, and that standard is what sets Movado apart. I for one, believe that young entrepreneur would be proud and excited to see that his vision has been expanded beyond his own imagination. Movado is style, design, and innovation at its best.
Authentic Watches
Authentic watches are classics
Rolex is, arguably the most recognized luxury watchmaker in the world. Rolex has become a symbol of wealth and success in our culture in the states, and around the world. Wearing one of these coveted watches is a sign that you have arrived, and that status is what many of us dream of. The Rolex Presidential is worn by many company heads, and signifies to others your position.
Cartier was founded back in 1847 and has remained a premier, quality watchmaker since. Cartier is sophistication, epitomized. Creating many diverse and beautiful designs, has served Cartier well. The name stands for luxury and high quality, and the look of these watches is unmistakable.
These timepieces aren’t merely functional, they tell a bit of a story. They become, very much a part of whom we are…or who we want to portray to the world. The wrist-watch has become an extension of our personality, and an emblem or our achievements.
Authenticity can take many forms, when we are speaking of watches. It can come in a very expensive package or in a simple brown box. To me, authenticity means honest, steadfast, quality. Many watchmakers today fall into that category.
The authentic watch for you has to be made well, feel and look amazing enough on you to wear everyday, and be matched with your pocket-book. Be choosy…this is something you’ll have for quite a while.
Panerai-Serious Watchmakers
Panerai - Serious Watchmakers
- Panerai Watch is a family owned company, founded in 1825, by Giovanni Panerai in Florence, Italy. They immediately partnered with the best Swiss watchmakers and began their journey. By the early 1900’s Panerai began experimenting with products to create luminescence in their watches and other instruments they supplied to the Royal Italian Navy. Mr. Panerai’s grandson invented and patented the Radiomir and Luminor watches that the company is famous for.
Much of the companies early efforts were directed in creations for the Navy. In 1943, Panerai released the first Chronograph prototype, this watch was water-proof up to 200 meters, an unheard of depth for this time. But, less than 40 years later the company showcased a titanium watch that could withstand depths of 1000 meters! They continued working closely with the Navy to provide valuable instruments.
By the mid 1990’s Panerai switched gears a bit and started offering more styles for the civilian market. The Panerai Sub-Mariner was one of the first watches from them for the general public.
Having said that, Panerai didn’t give up much when offering a watch to the average Joe. These watches are, definitely a piece of machinery. The L’Astromono Luminor 1950 Turbillon GMT is a beautifully designed watch. With a case made from titanium, a polished titanium bezel and see-through back made from sapphire crystal, this timepiece lacks nothing.
Granted, the Panerai watches have maintained much of their conservative features throughout the years, but the inner workings are phenomenal. The history behind Panerai watches is rich with innovation and design. I don’t believe you can find a more well-crafted watch in the world.
Watch Sales Find Omega At Great Prices
Omega Watch Sales are a great find for anyone looking for a fine watch at the best price. On-line searches of Omega watches can produce substantial savings for a savvy shopper.
A recent sale highlighted several Omega styles such as the Men’s Constellation Perpetual Calendar Steel Yellow-Gold watch for the super sale price of $545.00. That’s a savings of $295.00 off the list price of $840.00. The 123.20.35.60.02.002 Omega Constellation Perpetual Calendar Steel Yellow-Gold watch is from the Constellation line and is one of Omega’s signature styles.
Another fantastic deal was on the Omega Women’s Constellation Automatic Champagne Gold Cindy Crawford Watch. The 1292.10.00 Omega Women’s Constellation Automatic Champagne Gold Cindy Crawford Watch is being offered for $465.00, an astounding 33% off the list price of $690.00.
The Omega Constellation series is the cornerstone of Omega design. Showing off the craftsmanship and attention to style has made Omega the premier watchmakers they are today. Finding these quality timepieces and incredible prices makes owning one all the more sweet.
Watches, Then And Now
The first watch was created in Italy around 1500 CE, yet the Egyptians were using sun-dials to keep time even before that. The early timepieces were quite inaccurate and not very user-friendly. It wasn’t until nearly 100 years later that watches were invented that could keep time to the fraction of the minute. Before this, keeping time was only as accurate as down to the fraction of the hour.
Over time technology has improved, greatly. Accurate timekeeping is invaluable and often taken for granted in our advanced society.
Back as early as the 1600’s we began decorating our watches. The watch was looked at as more of a piece of jewelry, and watchmakers showcased this by engraving watches and encrusting them with stones and gems.
As time passed, watches became smaller and more polished in appearance. Thus, more sought after and readily available. Watchmakers from around the world worked on perfecting their trade.
Until the early 1800’s watches were all hand-made. The parts, of course, were not interchangeable. The Swiss would soon change this. They believed that was a huge market for mass production watches and went forward in creating that.
Fast forward to today and you will find many, quality, accurate, mass-produced watches.
The history of the watch has seen much innovation, but a watch does more than simply tell time. Your watch makes a statement about you. Are you practical or artistic? Do you like bright or muted colors? Do you want to blend in with the crowd or sparkle? All of these questions can be answered by looking at your wrist. A watch is something you wear everyday, it is an extension of your personality.
Albert Einstein wore a Gold Longines, John F. Kennedy wore the Omega Ultra-Thin, and President Barrack Obama wears the Elini New Yorker Men’s Chronograph.
Whatever statement you want to make about yourself…there is a wrist-watch out there to convey it.