RJ enters India

titanic dna

Romain Jerome in India

You thought that Swiss watches only had diamonds. How about watches with inaccessible materials like moon dust, parts of the Apollo 11 rocket and bits of spacesuits? Romain Jerome has done it or plans to do it. The Swiss brand now comes with “Titanic DNA” watches, made from steel and coal from the ocean liner that sank on its maiden voyage in 1912, which is now available in India.

Called Titanic-DNA rusted steel T-oxy III Chronograph, this model is equipped with a new movement developed by Concepto for RJ, the “C21RJ21”. This movement discovers variants of slate-gray and black and is equipped with a navy anchor as the oscillating weight. With a diameter of 50mm – 53mm including the screw-in crown – it features articulated horns and push buttons which blend perfectly with the design of Titanic-DNA timepieces, integrating the characteristic transverse paws.

The dial architecture is constructed on different levels, overlaying matt velvet finish for the back, a satin finish for the famous transverse cross and the Roman numeral XII, snailed counters, and numerous variations of black, with texture and hues obtained by vapourising charcoal dust from the wreck itself. The oxidised steel bezel is the result of an extraordinary blend of authentic steel from the wreck lying 3840 meters under the sea, and from the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, where the Titanic was constructed nearly a century ago.

Interestingly, the design of the small chronograph counters recalls those of steam engines; the hands are inspired by the anchor of the Titanic; and the unbalance takes the shape of a piece from the wheelhouse – a  host of refined finishes that echo the greatest naval achievement of the Belle Epoque. Price: On request

Available at: Jot Impex, T: +91 011 2569 2255 / +91 98102 70199

New Tissot Emissary

Tony Parker Tissot Emissary

Thiebaud with Parker

French professional basketball player Tony Parker has joined the Tissot ambassador team. The captain of the French national basketball team and NBA’s San Antonio Spurs player scores highly on the international scene for his energy, apparent fearlessness and strong sense of social responsibility. As Official Timekeeper of FIBA (International Basketball Federation), Tissot visibly shares the new ambassador’s dedication to performance and looks forward to a winning partnership.

Tony Parker has enjoyed an impressive career to date. His success with the French national team, which he led to a bronze medal in the 2005 European Championships, parallels an outstanding NBA track record. He has a trio of NBA Champion titles to his name from 2003, 2005 and 2007 and has been an NBA All Star on three occasions. In 2007 he was honoured as the MVP (Most Valuable Player) in the NBA finals, the first foreign-born player to do so. At the contract signing, Tissot President François Thiébaud commented, “His natural talent and focused determination are deeply impressive and our partnership will help spread his inspirational qualities around the world.

The Tissot involvement in basketball also appears destined to grow at a rapid date. Already in 2009, the first year of collaboration with FIBA, the Swiss brand was entrusted with the timekeeping and data handling for EuroBasket in Poland. Building on its success in this role, Tissot this year has been honoured with the same responsible role at the 2010 FIBA World Championship for men in Turkey (August 28–September 12), and for women in the Czech Republic (September 23–October 3).

Sporty & Stylish

Swarovski’s Octea in orange, red

octea orange

Swarovski “Octea” line has played a considerable part in the collection’s success to date. Now it offers three new colour variations—orange, red and black. “Octea Sport” in orange unites dynamic colouring, timeless design and an impeccable watch mechanism. At the same time, it offers all the features that brought its predecessor worldwide acclaim. The unidirectional rotating bezel is made entirely of faceted crystal and represents a significant technical achievement. This time it is exclusively clear crystal, with highlights provided by an eye-catching orange scale divided into minutes. Beneath the anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the luminescent hands and central second hand pass orange hand-applied indexes and Arabic numerals. The aperture for the date indicator is positioned at 3 o’clock, close to the Swan that replaces the 12. The sophisticated dial combines matt grey and sunray silver grey finishes, while the notched crown, which features a cabochon covering the Swan motif, completes the steel 39-mm case that houses the watch’s Swiss made ETA movement.

octea black

Complementing the sunray cut crystal of the bezel, six clear crystals punctuate the vibrant orange of the rubber strap at regular intervals, each of the crystal highlights is set and screwed down with the greatest craftsmanship. The faceted horns and ardillon buckle, as well as the case engraved with the Swanflower™ motif make this model unique and instantly recognisable.
The other “Octea Sport” models – in red and black – offer the same watchmaking finesse, with a clear crystal and red or entirely Jet Hematite crystal bezel. A red or black dial beautifully sets off the silver hand-applied indexes, and the black version offers black PVD Arabic numerals and logo. The pieces are completed with six clear crystals on a red rubber strap, and by tone-on-tone Jet Hematite crystals on a black strap, creating an incredibly elegant effect. Price Rs. 38,500.

Available at Swarovski, 231, Link Corner Building,Shop No.3, Linking Road, Mumbai 400050, T: 26402510. Swarovski, 14-A, Khan Market, New Delhi- 110003, T: 41757395

Only One

Blue Wave with 1925 chrono

blue wave

Hermann Grieb—watchmaking genius and one of the three partners comprising GRIEB & BENZINGER—has  conjured up a masterpiece of watchmaking: a rare Minerva column wheel chronograph movement estimated to be from about 1925. After countless hours of total restoration, hand skeletonization, hand-engraving and guilloche, the vintage base Minerva movement awakens to new life to become a characteristic new horological piece of art in typical GRIEB & BENZINGER style: the 18-karat gold monopusher skeletonized chronograph christened The Blue Wave.

The company’s typical blue platinum coating of the base plate has also found its way into the new unique piece. The base plate was first hand-skeletonized to its barest minimum in characteristic wave style and the case back hand-guilloche. All 34 steel screws were polished by hand and classically tempered a cornflower blue over an open flame. Today, steel screws are generally blued by use of galvanic coating.
In its heyday, Minerva was one of the finest and best chronograph makers in the world. Chronographs had already been in existence since around 1800, however Minerva was one of the first chronograph makers to incorporate a minute counter. Minerva named its company after the Roman goddess Minerva. Traces of this Roman deity can be found again and again in fine watchmaking—even A. Lange & Sohne has immortalized various depictions of the goddess as a motif or symbol on its most exclusive pocket watch cases. The Blue Wave is one-of-a-kind-watch and there will only be one lucky timepiece enthusiast worldwide to have the pleasure of wearing this exclusive watch on his or her wrist. Price: (€ 87,500).

Available at Georg Bartkowiak, T: +49-7231-983000 (office)& +49-171-4426903.
W: www.grieb-benzinger.com. E: Georg@grieb-benzinger.de

Sleek & Strong

Omega’s New Constellation range

New Constellation, a stunning new collection of watches from Omega reinforces its commitment of combining the best designs with the most innovative technology – this range presents a mix of sleek and strong looks. At the heart of the launch lies its promise of design superiority and exclusivity. In addition to traditional designs, the New Constellation offers to consumers contemporary yet dressy designs. The women’s design introduces leather straps for the first time in the Constellation range.

New Constellation Ladies

The white Constellation Ladies timepiece with a polished 18 Ct red gold case and a white alligator leather strap is an ideal accessory for any stylish wardrobe. Its dramatic brushed 18 Ct red gold bezel features Roman numerals, are coated with white Super-LumiNova. The silver lacquered dial features a supernova pattern which explodes from the Constellation star. Price: Rs 3, 47,000.

New Constellation Men's

Adorned with the 34 full-cut diamonds, a black alligator leather strap and a shaded grey dial makes this striking watch a unique creation. The polished facetted hour and minute hands are coated with white Super-LumiNova, which makes it easy to read in all light conditions. Price: Rs 5, 29,000.

For Him & Her

Milleret launches `soul mates’

soul mates gents

Celebrating the spirit of togetherness, the new ‘Soul Mates’ collection from Milleret is a tribute to love. Ideal for couples, the range comes with matching designs. Diamond encrusted classic dials ensures glamorous sophistication which is hard to resist.

soul mates ladies

The dial is understated, making this a timepiece for the lady who revels in freedom, for whom elegance, rather than time, is of the essence. For men, the collection offers pieces which define perfection and sturdiness. Fascinating style and traditional elegance, it is a must have for all those in love! Price: Rs. 76,100

Available  at Ethos/Kamla Retail (Vashi), Arena (Breach Candy and Borivali)

Vacheron’s Overseas in Titanium

Vacheron Constantin’s Dual Time for all seasons

dual time in titanium

Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas collection dedicated to travel as its name implies is based around three best-sellers – Overseas Self-Winding, Overseas Chronograph and Overseas Dual Time – available in steel, gold and steel/titanium versions. It is now rounding off the Dual Time range by introducing a steel with a titanium bezel variation. The Overseas Dual Time Self-Winding Steel and Titanium is both resolutely sporty and elegantly distinguished. It adjusts smoothly to all kinds of situations, whether on golfing greens, at sea, in the mountains or during chic evening occasions. The elegant design of this model is adorned with subtle shades of grey created by the steel base, the titanium bezel and the slate grey dial. Grey reigns supreme and unrivalled on this new model reflecting the signature features. These include sleek lines, a generous  42 mm diameter, a titanium  bezel with a cut-out inspired by the Maltese Cross, water resistance to 15 bar equivalent to a depth of 150 metres, along with the emblematic Overseas motif depicting a two-masted sailboat engraved on the solid case-back.

In addition to its classic hours, minutes and seconds functions, the Overseas Dual Time Self-winding Steel and Titanium features two subdials – one for the date at 3 o’clock and another for the dual time zone at 6 o’clock – along with a power-reserve display and a day/night indicator. Its tech-oriented, sporty grey dial ensures excellent readability of the various functions. Mechanical self-winding Calibre 1222 is protected by a screen that makes it completely insensitive to the effects of magnetic fields that are omnipresent in our daily environment and can be detrimental to the regularity of rating and thus the precision of the watch. Finally, the construction of the pusher and its protected crown ensures completely secure handling. The watch is delivered with two straps – one in anthracite grey alligator leather and the other in black rubber. Price on request

Available Vacheron Constantin at The Boutique, DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi & Dia Store- Taj Mahal Palace, Apollo Bunder, Mumbai

Ocean Riders

Titan Raga Aqua collection’s ode to ocean

aqua raga nymph

Titan Watches will soon launch a collection of watches inspired by the Ocean, called Titan Raga Aqua (for women). Brought to life in metallic hues, with mother of pearl dials and the sparkle of genuine Swarovski crystals each Raga Aqua watch is present in eight styles and 25 different models.

Nymph: A delicate design to lure the beholder. With over 200 hand set Swarovski crystals along the form, exquisite patterned mother of pearl dial, pearl enamel inlaid crown, Nymph truly flaunts a mythical aura, leaving behind a trail of enchantment.

aqua oyster

Oyster: This exquisitely crafted design emanates the beauty of the exotic oyster. The watch is an exotic form in metallic finishes of yellow, white and rose gold. Shimmering hand laid Swarovski crystals, genuine mother of pearl dial and pearl inlays along the crown and bracelet truly makes it a treasure. Flaunt it and watch the allurement manifest.

aqua whirl

Whirl: A jewel from the ocean immortalized in a watch! Inspired by the shell, Whirl is a collectible. The contours are encrusted with Swarovski a crystal holding within it natural mother of pearl dial and the whole look is held together by a delicate bracelet. Priced between Rs. 1,750 to Rs. 9,000.

Available at all World of Titan showrooms, leading multi-brand outlets and department stores across the country

Harry’s Perpetual

Harry Winston’s Premier Perpetual Calendar

premier perpetual

Harry Winston introduced the first Bi-Retrograde Perpetual Calendar in 1989 sparking a revolution in contemporary mechanical watch making. Two decades later, this iconic design returns to centre-stage with a blend of strength and sophistication. The 41mm white gold case has been reinvented with even more refinement, adding a subtle groove in the side to highlight its elegant contours, while maintaining the three signature arches. The highly dimensional dial articulates the quality of craftsmanship and places the focus firmly on the complications. Surrounded by a snailed black base, the silver coloured Côtes de Genève pays eloquent tribute to fine watch making tradition. The anthracite colour contrast highlights the various indications: off-centered hours and minutes, retrograde months at 10 o’clock and retrograde dates at 7 o’clock are arranged in a contemporary manner, while the understated leap-year and moon-phase apertures are set opposite each other. Touches of Harry Winston’s signature blue shade further accentuate the design and enhance the readability of the dial. Driven by a mechanical self-winding movement with a 45-hour power reserve, the Premier Perpetual Calendar is also available with a silvered dial. Price: On request.

Available at Harry Winston Boutique, #244, DLF Emporio, New Delhi. T :91 11 4660 90 90.

Gift Ideas for the Bride

TAG   Heuer’s Bridal Collection

It’s the season for weddings and festivities! And what better way to celebrate than to gift your better half that perfect watch. A watch that is an extension of their personality. TAG Heuer presents it’s Bridal Collection, a selection of the brand’s most classy and elegant pieces to match your exclusive moment.

Link Lady Diamond Dial and Bezel Steel and gold

link lady diamond

A diamond is forever: paying tribute to this precious stone and to sophisticated women such as its ambassador Maria Sharapova, TAG Heuer has created a timeless collection of sports and fine jewellery editions. Mounted on the Link’s signature double-S bracelet, the curves and refined lines of the chronograph evoke grace and femininity. This elegant, feminine version of the Link, with a 27 mm diameter, has a natural mother of-pearl dial. 52 top Wesselton diamonds are set on the fixed bezel and 11 on the dial, making the Link an adaptable timepiece, fitting for every occasion. Price Rs 2,01,000

Link Calibre 16 Automatic Chronograph (Steel and Gold)

link calibre 16 automatic

The Link Calibre 16 automatic chronograph appeals to sports fans and lovers of elegant and contemporary watches. Powerfully designed, it has a fixed bezel with tachymetre scale, a scratch-resistant convex sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective treatment,  sapphire case back and a folding buckle in solid steel. This timepiece is available in 4 dial versions: black, silver, anthracite and blue. Price: Rs 1,90,000

Grand CARRERA Calibre 17 RS Chronograph

grand carerra calibre

This Rose Gold (18K)  43 mm watch is in limited edition. 500 pieces with silver dial / 500 pieces with brown dial. Rs 9,00,000.

Formula 1 Lady Steel and Ceramic

TAG Heuer asked tennis superstar Maria Sharapova to help design its new TAG Heuer Formula 1 ceramic watches because she is a woman — a TAG Heuer woman — endowed with special qualities and the systematic approach that comes with the territory. Strong and exquisite, ceramic it is especially appealing to women. Combined with stainless steel, it creates a sublime bracelet with butterfly clasp — perfect for the most delicate wrist. The bezel on the jewelled version sparkles with 36 diamonds.

f1 lady steel

The black edition is perfect for night on the town; the white, for anytime and anyplace. For total star power, opt for the fully set bezel version with a new bracelet in ceramic and steel — the ideal accessory for those seeking something different, not overly showy or ostentatious, and always in the best of taste, no matter the circumstance.  Price Rs 99,000.

TAG Heuer Carrera Lady Diamond (Black)

Built for speed, the gorgeous TAG Heuer Carrera Tachymetre is the must-have accessory for women in the fast lane. Stylish and slightly vintage looking it bears resemblance to its masculine equivalent yet set apart by its feminine charms: a petite 27mm case, 13 diamonds on the index, a diamond-set bezel, and steel bracelet. Simplicity and efficiency are the governing style principles, revisited with the TAG Heuer woman’s superlative elegance and grace Price Rs. 1,99,000

Carrera Calibre 4 Lady with Diamond Dial &Bezel

TAG Heuer offers a dressed-up interpretation of its classic Carreea for women who share the brand’s driving passion. The ladies’ Carrera Calibre 4 features a mechanical movement, clean design, 27 mm case and polished/ fine-brushed steel gold bracelet. The bezel sparkles with 54 top Wesselton diamonds. The appeal of a mother-of-pearl dial with diamond-set markers is heightened by a spiral effect. This model is also available in a steel version, reinforcing its identity as a piece of fine jewellery. Built for speed, the gorgeous TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 4 Lady is the must-have accessory for women in the fast lane. Bearing resemblance to its masculine equivalent yet set apart by its feminine charms. Rs 2,70,000.

carerra calibre 16 chrono

Carerra Calibre 16 Chronograph

The refined dial has a spiral effect and the tachymetre scale on the bezel is solid gold. In steel and gold, the automatic TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph has incomparable allure. The seductive chocolate edition of the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph has elegant and trendy retro appeal. Chocolate dial, sporty orange accented chronograph seconds hand at the center, tachymetre scale and matching brown leather strap. At once vintage and contemporary, it is an instant classic. Price Rs 1,99,000