Longines 2010 Gifts

Briefly: Longines presents four new watches–two each for men and women

Longines 1001 nights

1001 nights

From the PrimaLuna collection comes the PrimaLuna Thousand and One Nights. The model’s alluring sparkle of diamonds covers the dial to light up the night with a thousand stars. The night star evokes the hours that pass during daylight, and reminds us of those moments when time can take on another dimension. The dial is covered with 314 VVS Top Wesselton diamonds (0.376 carats) and its bezel is set with 44 VVS Top Wesselton diamonds (0.299 carats), which sparkle like the stars in a clear night sky. The Longines PrimaLuna models in steel and rose gold are available in three sizes (23 mm, 26.50 mm and 30 mm) and house either a quartz movement or a self-winding mechanical movement. Available on a steel and rose gold bracelet or a black alligator strap, in some versions the sleek curves of the case or the delicate surface of the dial is enhanced by a slash of diamonds. Price; Rs 1,89k

Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph

longines chronograph

Having launched a watch fitted with an exclusive, self-winding chronograph movement with a column wheel which controls the chronograph functions in 2009, Longines has now identified new uses for this exceptional, user-friendly calibre. Under the name of the Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph, these latest models represent an updated version of the timing equipment that Longines has developed over the years. Price: Available on request.

Les Elegantes de Longines 2010

les elégantes

It was in the 1920s that the most important stylistic trends of 20^th century was created. The decades creative freedom and imagination helped to perpetuate a unique style within the Art Deco movement which exerted a marked influence even in watchmkaing during the 1920s. As it does each year, Longines has sought inspiration in this artistic trend for creating elegant ladies’ timepieces and is now presenting three new watches in the distinctive 1920s style. Limited edition watch, price available only on request

Lindbergh’s Atlantic Voyage Watch

In 1933 the American aviator Charles Lindbergh set off with his wife on a trip of 47,000 km around the North Atlantic. Having achieved a remarkable technical and human feat in being the first man to fly non-stop across the North Atlantic in his Spirit of St. Louis, Lindbergh wanted to explore possible future air routes across the far north before returning to the USA via Cape Verde and Brazil.

lindbergh's atlantic voyage

The equipment Lindbergh took with him on his long expedition included a wrist chronograph created specially by Longines for this very purpose. Re-issued, this exceptional timepiece, known as the Longines Lindbergh’s Atlantic Voyage Watch, is a tribute to the historical feat achieved by this pioneer of the skies. Price:  Rs 2,30k

Available at Longines Showroom Ambience Mall, NH-8, Ground Floor, Gurgaon; Cross Road 2, Ground Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai; K-15 Middle Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi. For more call 91-9818727743.

de Grisogono duo

Briefly : de Grisogono’s Fuso and Meccanico are two extraordinary watches priced at Rs 2 cr plus

Two dials, two timezones

fuso

Frequent travellers and everyone who regularly juggle timezones will surely be taken in by the latest de Grisogono collection, Fuso Quadrato (47mm) which features a totally original display of the second timezone function. A diaphragm mechanism hides or reveals it at will with its pair of distinct but equally handsome dials. The diaphragm’s 12 titanium blades can be either open to reveal the second timezone dial or closed to display only the local time in hours and minutes. At the heart of the watch a self-winding mechanical movement beats at 28,800 v.p.h. and provides a 42-hour power reserve. While the hours and minutes of local time are shown by a pair of centre-positioned hands, the second timezone is indicated on a 12 hour dial by a black frame hand.

The black upper dial’s centre area is satin-finished while its outer zone is fine-grain sandblasted. The de Grisogono-designed hour markers and applied numerals match the case metal color, as does the lower dial, featuring clou de Paris cobbled finish and a chapter inscribed with hour markers and Roman numerals.

Fashioned in 18K pink gold or white gold, its square silhouette’s sensual rounded lines are delicately arched outward in the 6-to-12 axis to hug the wrist closely, aided by the mobility of the strap lugs. The sapphire crystal itself is curved in harmony with the case profile. Water-resistant to 100 feet), the watch comes with a genuine alligator strap fitted with a triple deployment clasp color-matched to the case. Price: Fuso No1 (Pink Gold) Rs at 23,44,000 and Fuso No 2  (White Gold) is for Rs 24,97,000.

Marriage of  the best

meccanico

Designed to display the time in two time zones, de Grisogono’s Meccanico dG’s ranks as the world’s first watch with a mechanical digital display as well as an analogue face. A single mechanical movement, two time zones, two types of display: the Meccanico dG breaks truly new ground; for the first time in watchmaking history, a digital display and mechanical power come together successfully.

A proprietary de Grisogono calibre, its hand-wound movement comprises 651 components. It offers an analogue display of the hours and minutes on the upper  dial and the digital display of a second time zone on the lower section. The latter features the tens of hours, the hours, the tens of minutes and the minutes. The mechanism is activated via movable micro-segments driven by a set of 23 cams combined with gears plus a triggering and synchronization device.

Meccanico dG  has a power reserve of some 35 hours. The latter is displayed by a hand in a 90° sector on the back of the movement and is visible through a shaped crystal caseback giving a glimpse of the brand’s famous emblematic scrolls. The Meccanico dG is water-resistant to 30 metres and comes in a choice of pink gold, titanium, titanium and rubber, titanium and pink gold or titanium and platinum. A crown at 3 o’clock controls the analogue time display. Two correctors serve to reset the second time zone; the left-hand one controls the hours, the right-hand one the tens of minutes and minutes. The strap is in natural vulcanised rubber and features a deployment clasp adorned with the de Grisogono emblem. The Meccanico dG is being fashioned in a limited edition of 177 watches. Price : Meccanico N06 (Pink gold and Rubber) Rs. 2,11,50,000, Meccanico N03 (Titanium and Platinum) Rs 2,05,63,000 and Meccanico N02 (Titanium and Rubber) Rs 2,00,00,000.

Available at de Grisogono Flagship Boutique, Boutique N211, Upper Grnd. Flr., DLF Emporio, Nelson Mandela Rd., New Delhi 110070. Ph. 91 11 4609 8271.

Versace’s glam model

Briefly:Versace unveils “Destiny Spirit”,  a more glamorous version of its 2008 launch, at Basel World 2010

destiny spirit

Versace unveils “Destiny Spirit” the Maison’s new timepiece at the Basel Fair 2010. The watch, a more glamorous reinterpretation of the model first launched in 2008, is an even more perfect expression of the femininity and sensuality of the Versace woman. The steel case, with IP yellow gold treatment and engraved Versace logo, frames the black enamel dial embellished by the Medusa, unmistakable symbol of the Maison, positioned at 12 o’clock. Between the small case and the outer ring lit up by the Clous de Paris decorative detailing, precious mini spheres move sinuously to create a delightful motif. The strap in black crocodile skin completes the look of this timepiece

Tissot’s quartret unveiled

Briefly: Tissot unveils four new limited edition watches at Basel World 2010

The Tissot 2010 T-Race Thomas Lüthi Limited Edition

thomas luethi ltd edition

Swiss Tissot ambassador Thomas Lüthi will be racing in the brand new Moto2 class in the 2010 MotoGP World Championship and has a special new watch to mark the occasion, the Tissot 2010 T-Race Thomas Lüthi Limited Edition is dynamic and also highly desirable.While Lüthi’s Swiss nationality reflects the heritage and mythos of the Tissot brand, the design of his new timepiece clearly expresses his precision riding and powerful charisma. Limited edition 999 pieces.

The Tissot 2010 T-Race Nicky Hayden Limited Edition

nicky hayden ltd edition

Nicky Hayden is teaming up with a striking new numbered limited edition watch for the 2010 MotoGP season. The watch integrates Nicky’s colours and race number into a stunning GMT chronograph. Racetrack and bike inspired elements express themselves in high-tech, top quality materials, in a timepiece driven by a dynamic Swiss movement. Taking care of the demanding timekeeping needs of footballer Michael Owen in 2010 is a timepiece with precision, robustness and classical chic in its DNA. Limited edition 4,999 pieces.

The Tissot PRC 200 Michael Owen Limited Edition 2010

michael owen ltd edition

Dedicated to meeting the toughest goals for performance and style for the 4,999 wearers of the limited edition, the watch combines understated elegance with accuracy in a three-hand automatic. A transparent case back decorated with Michael’s Manchester United team number 7, a football and his signature confirm the watch’s additional role as talisman for the popular Tissot ambassador and his many loyal fans. Limited edition 4,999 pieces.

The Tissot Glam Sport Danica Patrick Limited 2010

glamsport danica ltd edition

The Tissot Glam Sport Danica Patrick Limited 2010 fulfills her clear wish to have a modern timepiece that expresses her sporty nature and love of elegance in equal measures. Contemporary elements such as a sculpted polished case and chic metal bracelet go hand in hand with intricate feminine details such as shaped hands and fine Roman numerals to mark key hours. The crowning glory comes in the form of 25 sparkling diamonds in a winning combination. Limited edition of 4,999 pieces

TAG Heuer begins 150th anniv fete

Briefly: TAG Heuer kick-starts 150th anniversary celebrations at Basel World 2010

tag heuer 150th year celeberations

TAG Heuer kicked off the celebration of its 150th anniversary with a grand event at Basel World 2010. The evening dedicated to the pioneering spirit of innovation served as the launch for the Odyssey of Pioneers – a unique travelling roadshow that will showcase TAG Heuer’s finest timepieces of past, present and future in 15 cities, between March and October 2010. The night was made even more special by the presence of actor, climate change activist and TAG Heuer Brand Ambassador Leonardo DiCaprio, who has an ongoing partnership with the company that benefits the NRDC and Green Cross International.

tag heuer ambassador leonardo di caprio

As an Olympic flame, the tour will be lead by the new TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster, an exclusive model introduced by electric carmaker Tesla Motors at the Geneva Motor Show in early March 2010. This one-of-a-kind collector’s car incorporates the defining TAG Heuer avant-garde design elements, and celebrates the core values of both brands: innovation, precision, prestige and performance.

The Grand Carrera Pendulum was also launched at this event. The Grand Carrera Pendulum is a 2010 concept watch that turns an immutable principle of mechanical watchmaking on its head – it is the first movement without a hairspring.

“Mastering time, this has been our challenge since 1860,” said TAG Heuer Honorary Chairman Jack Heuer as he opened the celebration.

Panerai’s Radiomir Regatta 1/8th second

Briefly: Panerai’s Radiomir Regatta 1/8^th Second Titanio (47 mm) for the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 2010

radiomir regatta 1/8th second titanio

Officine Panerai has launched the Radiomir Regatta 1/8^th Second Titanio – 47 mm for the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 2010. The watch is a split-second foudroyante chronograph, which also features a scale for calculating boat speed in knots.

The split-second function allows two simultaneous events to be clocked. Whereas the foudroyante function activates a small hand that rotates in the dial at nine o’clock, making one rotation every second: when the chronograph stops, the hand comes to a halt on the relative fraction of a second. The watch has an automatic OP XXI calibre, with a diameter of 13 ¼ lignes and 40 jewels, double column wheel, anti-shock device and finely decorated bridges. The balance ticks 28,800 times an hour permitting one eighth of a second precision and the watch has a power reserve of 42 hours.

In brushed titanium with a fine polished bezel, the 47 mm case is watertight to approximately 100 metres. The back plate has a large sapphire crystal window showing the complex movement, while the cut-off cone-shaped winding crown houses the control button for the split-second chronograph hand. A 1.9 mm thick anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects the Panerai dial, with two large luminescent Arabic numerals and hour markers. On the left is the small dial indicating fractions of seconds and on the right there is the minute counter with the scale in knots, in other words nautical miles (1,852 metres) per hour.

Available in a single edition of 500 units, the watch comes with leather strap fastened by a brushed titanium buckle.

Rolex award for two Indians

Briefly: Hari Prabhakar and Piyush Tewari short listed for projects on providing health services

Twenty-seven outstanding individuals from 16 countries including two from India have been selected for the Rolex Young Laureates Programme. The projects of the finalists strive to bring major benefits to their nations and the wider world.

Rolex Awards for Enterprise: Young Laureates Programme enables visionary young men and women to tackle the most pressing issues facing our world. Rolex launched last year the Young Laureates Programme to foster innovation in the next generation. The programme seeks out  budding pioneers and provide them with funding and encouragement to implement their original ideas and gain the experience to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Hari Prabhakar (USA) has been selected for his project to develop an airborne health care service for remote parts of West Bengal and Piyush Tewari (India) has been shortlisted for his project to establish a network to provide rapid medical care for road accident victims in Delhi.

The programme rewards creativity in five areas: science and health, applied technology, exploration, the environment and cultural preservation. The young Laureates will be announced in April 2010.

The Awards provide financial support – US$50,000 over two years – to advance each person’s project. Rolex will also promote the winners through international media coverage. The Young Laureates will become active members in the Rolex community of innovators, taking advice from former Laureates and Associate Laureates, and, in turn, passing on their knowledge to other young people.

Fashion Olymp-2010 award for VC

Brifely: VC’s Quai de l’Ile collection bags Fashion Olymp-2010 award

nicolas deflers

Vacheron Constantin Quai de l’Ile collection was awarded “The Most Innovative Men’s Wristwatch Collection” title during the Fashion Olymp – 2010 ceremony in Moscow. Receiving the award Vacheron Constantin brand-manager in Russia & CIS Nicolas Deflers said, “We greatly appreciate the decision to grant Vacheron Constantin “The Most Innovative Men’s Wristwatch Collection” award. This title is a genuine representation of commitment to a perpetual development and innovation which are inherent in entire 255 years of our brand’s uninterrupted history.”

The Quai de l’Ile line was named after the historic Geneva address of the first Vacheron Constantin Manufacture. The revolutionary 7-part construction of the case and middle now allows every Quai de l’Ile watch owner to personalize their timepiece. The dial incorporates the most advanced horological techniques as well as Security Printing technologies, the movements are designed and developed by Vacheron Constantin and are stamped with the Geneva Hallmark. Quai de l’Ile collection is peerless, with its contemporary and innovative timepieces combining the most advanced technologies with the finest horological savior-faire: personalization, security, excellent workmanship and finishing and high quality service.

Fashion Olymp is an international fashion, style and design award which is granted for exceptional achievements in world’s fashion industry. Expert judgement committee comprising of fashion-professionals selects the best from various fashion trends. Fashion Olymp award ceremony is organized by an international TV channel Fashion TV Russia in cooperation with Rodionov Publishing House.

Actor Andy Garcia stars for B&M

Briefly : Hollywood actor Andy Garcia is the new star ambassador of Baume & Mercier

andy garcia and baume & mercier

To celebrate the fifth edition of its Baume & Mercier & Me charity campaign, the Geneva-based watch brand is associating with actor Andy Garcia as the new star ambassador of its now famous humanitarian initiative.

An American actor of Cuban origin, Andy Garcia (54) became famous as of 1987 for his film roles, which have since included The Untouchables, Black Rain, The Godfather III as well as the Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen trilogy. In addition to the 60 films and TV series in which he has acted, he has also produced around 30 feature films, including two that he also directed  (The Lost City in 2005, and Cachao… Como Su Ritmo No Hay Dos in 1993).

Garcia is also a musician and composer who has also performed the title soundtracks for several films such as The disappearance of Garcia Lorca, Gary and Linda or The Lost City.

For this campaign, Garcia wears a Baume & Mercier Classima Executives XL MOAO 8688 steel watch. This classic, timelessly elegant watch with its guilloché dial featuring an opening that reveals the balance, is a perfect match with his personality. With its Roman numerals, straight-line guilloché dial and blued hands, it features the best of traditional watchmaking interpreted in a contemporary manner ideally suited to all circumstances.

Garcia, like the Hollywood celebrities in the previous campaigns, is offering voluntary use of his reputation and his image by serving as a Baume & Mercier ambassador for a full year – in exchange for the brand providing financial support to the charities of his choice.

All royalties normally due to Garcia will be donated to several organizations working in the fields of cancer research, child education, helping underprivileged women and the struggle against poverty – all causes that Baume & Mercier has been actively supporting for some time now.

Watch them!

Briefly: Celebrities as brand ambassadors create a buzz

sachin tendulkar and audemars piguet

Do celebrities help sell products, and in this case watches. No one can say for sure that they do. But what they are able to do I’m sure help in creating awareness about the brand. Being popular faces their association brings in the zing factor or the buzz. In a market where hazar brands are trying to vie for attention or eyeballs it does make a sense to make Shahrukh Khan brand ambassador of Tag Heuer. Thanks to SRK and his magnanimity–giving away watches to his Kolkata Night Riders of IPL or a singer in a reality show Tag Heuer does get mention in the press.  But the same can’t be said of master blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s association with Audemars Piguet.

svetalana zakharova and audemars piguet

Though Sachin has been with the brand since long ordinary folks are not well versed with AP. Interestingly, Sachin is the most searched Brand Ambassador.

Brands engage only those celebrities who have the staying power and Sachin has proved it for AP. It would be interesting to know why the Swiss luxury watches has not yet roped in Big B despite his immense popularity. May be the age is against him. But then oldies like Gorbachev and Sean Connery have endorsed Louis Vuitton. It could be that Big B, the brand has spread himself so thinly endorsing cement, hair oil, face cream, chocolate et al and now Gujarat has lost the tag of exclusivity. But then SRK has done the same. Well, well age, I feel is in SRK’s favour.

lewis hamiton and tag heuer

In India where celebrities come from either movies or cricket, how come Swiss luxury watches has not yet got hold of  Akshay Kumar or Saif  Ali Khan. Or Sehwag for that matter. A not-so-well brand like Sonata (from Titan Group) snapped Dhoni before even the big brands could spell D-H-O-N-I. Tissot did the same with Deepika Padukone before she could even become worthy of the gossip columns. Last year Chronotech, an Italian watch brand roped in Kareena Kapoor as its brand ambassador and splashed Mumbai with KK’s commercial in two sizzling get-ups — a Cat Woman and a Mermaid look.

aishwariya rai bachchan and longines

While another Italian watch and jewellery conglomerate Morellato & Sector SpA, whose brands include Sector, Philip Watch, and Roberto Cavalli and the iconic Miss Sixty strapped their watches on the wrists of Preity Zinta and Neel Nitin Mukesh. We all know that Aamir Khan’s favourite brand is Titan.

While cricket and Bollywood movies are staple diet of an urbanite (and rural too), thanks to liberal coverage in the media, many of us are not aware that ace golfer Jeev Milkha Singh is the brand ambassador of Rolex, a brand popular among generations of Indians.

For that matter did you know that ballet dancer Svetlana Zakharova is an Audemars Piguet brand ambassador?

di caprio and tag heuer

That musician and fund raiser Sir Bob Geldof, Justin Rose, an extraordinary golfer who defied all odds by going pro at just 17 and  Jimmy Wales, the incredible internet entrepreneur , who founded Wikipedia  are brand ambassadors of Maurice Lacroix. Geldof, Justin and Wales are the celebrities behind its  “Follow Your Convictions” campaign.

Still can’t understand why brands have not yet snapped our music wizard A R Rehman?