The Architectural Digest Mexico, which happens to be one of the world-famous architecture, design and lifestyle magazines, has recently conducted a special ceremony in order to award distinctions to the most talented architects and designers in Mexico. The event was held for the 5th year in a row, on November 12th, 2009.

The Architectural Digest Mexico’s Editorial Board has studied over 650 projects in order to select candidates worthy of the “Icons of Design” awards, which are regarded as the most important and popular in the domain of design and architecture.

The candidates, who earn a place on the winners’ rostrum, are usually bestowed with a special prize, which represents a masterpiece, born by one of Mexico’s most gifted modern sculptors or artists. This year, it was sculptor Jorge Marin who carried out an honorable mission of creating a trophy, namely a bronze sculpture of a wing. read more

Conquering a new mountain always represents a remarkable adventure, especially when it comes to the magnificent Himalayan range running along the north of Nepal. This time the challenging task was accomplished by three courageous climbers, sponsored by the renowned Swiss watchmaking house Jaeger-LeCoultre.

The team was formed of the Swiss mountaineer Stephane Schaffter, 19-time Everest veteran Apa Sherpa and Little Karim, who happens to be an acclaimed expert in this domain. The members of the party succeeded in ascending a 6,589-meter peak, in spite of constant avalanche threats and the base camp, being heavily snowed. The mountain has been officially entitled "Antoine LeCoultre's Peak" in order to pay homage to the brand’s participation in the event.

Jaeger-LeCoultre watches, distinguished by impeccable functionality, were exposed on the wrists of all three mountaineers. It is worth mentioning that the watches chosen to represent the brand, were issued in different periods of time. read more

The Double Tourbillon Technique watch from Greubel Forsey was bestowed with the Best Complicated prize in the course of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie, which took place in Geneve this Saturday, 14th November.

This prestigious honor was achieved by the brand shortly after its Quadruple Tourbillon watch had won a title of the Best Complicated watch at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie Asia 2009, which was held in Singapore last September.

The Technique is the model, developed, executed and assembled in the brand’s ateliers, located in La Chaux-de-Fonds. A true embodiment of the mystery and sophistication, it employs the Double Tourbillon 30 degrees, which happens to be the first invention of Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey.
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To mark 40th anniversary of the first automatic chronograph movement’s release, the famous horological company Breitling is proud to unveil two limited editions of its Chrono-Matic watch. Encouraged by the 1969 original in terms of its exterior, the new models incorporate sophisticated horological complications, offering the functions of leap-year or perpetual calendars.

A remarkable year for the aviation, 1969 saw the first flight of the Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet and that of the supersonic Concorde: two legendary achievements the aeronautical history is notable for. Just as well, 1969 happened to be a significant year for the watch-making industry: the watch-making house Breitling introduced its first automatic chronograph movement.

The launch of the latter resulted in creating of the entire spectrum of Chrono-Matic chronographs. The newest Chrono-Matic models, measuring 49 mm in diameter, pay homage to the predecessor of oversized timepieces.  read more

Founded by avid divers and watch fans, a young brand Helson Watch Company has recently unveiled its first timepiece – the Shark Diver watch. Created intentionally for divers, this timekeeper demonstrates the highest degree of excellence.

The model is equipped with an automatic helium escape valve, a characteristic, generally inherent to a more expensive lineup of timepieces.

The Helson Shark Diver watch is available with a case, which has the dimensions of 45 mm x 18 mm and is sculptured in 316l surgical stainless steel, featuring brushed or black PVD-treatment. The watch case embraces a black, blue or brown dial, fitted with the matching bezel. read more

On the occasion of the upcoming Christmas holiday season, the illustrious Swiss timepiece and jewelry manufacturer Swatch is delighted to unveil its novel spectacular collection.

The line embraces six elegant timekeepers with an exclusive Star Edition among them, as well as a dazzling lineup of bijoux, which are themed around the Infinite Elegance, the night and its dominating black color. The latter sets the tone for the season and definitely reigns in the enchanting world of a true woman.

Manufactured from solid black plastic, the Swatch Star Edition watch case houses a perforated dial, which features impressive stars, intentionally created to brighten the Christmas evening. Each of the three golden stars mentioned demonstrates a white crystal at its centre. The timepiece dial reveals slender hour and minutes hands, as well as a slim black seconds hand. read more

The Hublot Research & Development department is proud to reveal its new noteworthy creation - the UNICO movement. The chronograph movement, developed independently by Hublot, is presently found in its “functional prototype” stage until the end of this year. It is assembled from 330 components.

The UNICO movement is meant to animate the latest Hublot watch named King Power. At the moment, the Hublot watchmakers are producing bridges, main plates and assorted steel components for the movement. Hublot intends to produce 2,000 UNICO movements in 2010, and approximately 20,000 movements in the medium term.

The flyback chronograph stands out due to the position of its mechanism and the renowned “column wheel” on the side of the dial. The list of major innovations is highlighted by the removable platform escapement, so the watch owner may have his initials engraved on it. read more

Girard-Perregaux has created a new 2010 version of its legendary Tourbillon with three gold Bridges to join the brand’s Haute Horlogerie collection. The new masterpiece of the brand reflects the rich heritage, dating back to the middle of the 19th century. It is synonymous to supreme elegance, equally timeless and highly contemporary.

Now, the Girard-Perregaux watch demonstrates a round case crafted in pink gold and measuring 41 mm in diameter. The case demonstrates proportions and curves to provide a perfect fit on the wrist.

The new Tourbillon with three gold Bridges boasts a rare shape for the bridges themselves, actually inspired by the bridges found on the watch that received the prize by the Neuchatel Observatory in 1860. read more

The world of Chopard watches is closely associated with the world of classic cars, and racing cars in particular.

The watchmaking house has created classic yet sporty watch collections highly appreciated among men who opt for an extremely active lifestyle. The 1000 Miglia, Jacky Ickx and Grand Prix de Monaco Historique watches are found on the list of Chopard’s best-sellers.

The watches mentioned above belong to the Chopard Classic Racing collection that comprises models characterized by technical and aesthetic innovations suggested by the automobile field. The highlight of the collection is the Classic Racing watch.

The Chopard Classic Racing watch is an ultra-powerful chronograph that boasts a boldly designed case, 45 mm in diameter. This is the right timekeeping companion for those who love high speed and reliable mechanisms.  read more

Girard-Perregaux’s iconic 1966 collection, introduced in 2006, has been joined by a new timepiece – the 1966 Chronograph watch. The timepieces from the collection stand out due to their subtle elegance and perfect craftsmanship.

The new Girard-Perregaux watch has inherited the classic spirit of its predecessors in both its style and functionality. The case of the watch, 40 mm in diameter, is crafted from pink or white gold. The thoroughly fashioned curvature and lugs provide perfect comfort on the wrist. The precious material reveals meticulous finishing.

The 1966 Chronograph watch is a traditional chronograph presented via a 30-minute counter and a central seconds hand. The chronograph function is really easy-to-read on the perfectly balanced dial. read more

Bell & Ross has a big surprise for all fans of the brand and all watch lovers – they have created a watch sculptured entirely from carbon fibre, including the case, dial and strap.

The Instrument BR 01 Carbon Fiber watch, inspired by aeronautical construction techniques, boasts the case fashioned in one block made of carbon fibre layers that are superimposed over each other. The Bell & Ross watchmakers have opted for carbon fibre as this is an ultra-light and remarkably strong material that provides supreme comfort of wearing and improves the case solidity.

The solidity of the high-tech-architecture case is further strengthened by the bezel and upper plate with angle ribs.
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The renowned watchmaking house Hublot has recently moved into a new building, which is currently housing both ateliers and offices of the brand. To mark this important step, which signifies a giant leap in the company’s development, the Hublot management has arranged an official celebration.

As suggested by the brand’s CEO Jean-Claude Biver, the opening ceremony is to be overseen by the LVMH Group Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault together with Philippe Pascal, President of the LVMH Timepieces and Jewellery division. This festive event will see the attendance of various celebrities, friends of the company, and important figures from the local authorities, as well as press representatives.

It took the company two years to complete the building, which sprawls out to cover 6,000 m2 and is designed to house 300 employees. Jean-Claude Biver is proudly stating the fact that the new Hublot manufacture is already running at full capacity. It is also in the plans of the company’s management to establish a training centre to welcome apprentice watchmakers into its ateliers. read more

Officine Panerai is proud to unveil its new hand-wound mechanical movement - the P.999 caliber, designed, developed and produced absolutely independently at the Neuchatel manufacture.

The P.999, characterized by reliability, robustness and precision, has a special structure with wide separated bridges, a distinctive feature of all the other manufacture calibers.

The P.999 caliber measures 27.4 mm in diameter and is 3.4 mm thick. Thus, the movement is a little smaller than other calibers of the brand. It represents a perfect heart for timepieces smaller in diameter and thickness.

The 154-component, 19-jewel, single-barrel movement gives an advantage of a 60-hour power reserve. It animates small seconds at 9 o’clock. It has a balance wheel performing 21,600 alternations per hour. read more

On Saturday, 7th November, the first Aeternitas Mega 4 Grande Sonnerie Westminster Carillon watch from Franck Muller was officially delivered to its owner in the prestigious interior of the salon Empire, in the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo.

The event mentioned was a crowning point of the extremely demanding project, initiated in 2004. The Aeternitas Mega 4 watch happens to be the most complicated timepiece ever produced in the world, with 1483 individual elements. The movement of the watch incorporates 36 complications: 25 of them can be admired via the dial and through the case-back window.

Mr. Michael J. Gould, an avid timepiece collector, arrived to the ceremony in his private jet, accompanied by his family and friends. He was delivered the first exclusive Aeternitas Mega 4 watch personally by Mr. Franck Muller and Mr. Vartan Sirmakes, the co-founders of the Franck Muller watchmaking house. read more

The first Certina DS1 collection joined the world of watchmaking in 1960 and has enjoyed remarkable success ever since. The year 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of the Double Security Concept, indicated by the letters “DS” in the name of the timepieces, as a symbol of top quality and utmost reliability.

To celebrate the anniversary, Certina has created a new DS1 Automatic watch. The limited edition timepiece has smartly united “retro” inspiration with modern spirit.

The famous Double Security Concept represents a unique system of movement protection that was improved by the brand in 1959. Its reliability was proven in a number of scientific expeditions, as an ideal testing ground for the Certina watches. The first DS1 watches were tested in 1960 in the Himalayas.
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Nowadays, people are able to enjoy amazing flora and fauna all over the world. The extraordinary life, which exists in the ecosystem of the Galapagos archipelago, however, is considered to be beyond compare. This paradise on the earth has recently attracted a very small group of American and South American journalists, anxious to give a better coverage to the cooperation between IWC and the Charles Darwin Foundation.

In January, 2009, the IWC Watch Company officially involved in supporting the Charles Darwin Foundation, focusing its activity on preserving the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, which is threatened by invasive pests, animals and other non-indigenous species. Besides, the brand will render financial assistance to CDF, for the latter to carry out scientific research within the area of archipelago.

The IWC brand has always regarded the ocean and the earth as people’s common wealth. To accentuate this idea, the watchmaking house has developed an exceptional Galapagos Islands watch within its Aquatimer lineup. The part of the funds to be raised from the watch’s sale will serve the company’s noble purpose. read more

The Richard Mille RM 025 Diver’s watch, unveiled at the beginning of 2009, represents an extremely high-tech tourbillon chronograph watch that incorporates a carbon nanofiber baseplate and boasts 300-meter water-resistance.

Now, Richard Mille has equipped its bold timepiece with a new strap, made of perfluoroelastomer Kalrez. The material used for the strap is perfect for pharmaceutical industry, aerospace and aeraunautics fields that need a supreme degree of purity. Kalrez significantly reduces absorption, desorption and products of extraction, thus guaranteeing minimal contamination.

It is remarkable that the perfluoroelastomer Kalrez strap offers almost absolute chemical resistance. It maintains its properties at high temperatures up to 327 degrees Celsius. read more

Vacheron Constantin has decided to mark the 55th anniversary of the birth of its ultra-thin Calibre 1003 by unveiling a newly designed version of the movement.

Calibre 1003, that tops the list of the most beautiful and refined ultra-thin movements ever created, has been challenging mechanical laws for more than 50 years.
The process of the movement production is extremely sophisticated and the most highly qualified Vacheron Constantin specialists are responsible for its adjustment.

The redesigned version of the caliber is still the slimmest movement available, with its 1.64 mm thickness and 21.10 mm diameter.

The finishing of the caliber has become even more refined, with its bridges and mainplate sculptured from 18K gold. The 117-part movement operates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour. The tiny movement provides more than 30 hours of power reserve. read more

Extremely graceful, the new Classico watch line from Ulysse Nardin has definitely conquered its place at the pinnacle of timelessness.

The watches from this exceptional collection have borrowed their most remarkable features from both Ulysse Nardin's iconic San Marco assemblage and the currently-discontinued Ulysse I watch. Creating these spectacular models, the brand designers drew their inspiration from the case shape of the latter, namely the scarab-style lugs.

Sculptured in 18-karat white or rose gold, the Classico watch for men is available with a case, which boasts a lavish diameter of 40 mm. The case surface demonstrates a polished finish, which fits perfectly with the finishing of both leaf hands and hour markers.

The interpretations, rendered in rose gold, come with the choice of a black or a silvered dial. The white gold version of the Classico timekeeper demonstrates a blue dial, done with genuine enamel. read more

Last July, the Cuervo y Sobrinos watchmaking house established a museum boutique in the historical down-town of Havana. This province of Cuba is where the company was created at the end of the 19th century.

This special store, entitled El reloj Cuervo y Sobrinos, occupies the area in a 19th century historical building, located in the center of the Muralla Street. This particular space also includes a museum, displaying antique timepieces, as well as an elegantly designed bar, where reigns the atmosphere of Havana from the 1940s.

This exquisite art deco area also welcomed the original safe of Cuervo y Sobrinos, which was exhibited in the former brand’s boutique on San Rafael Street. Both decoration and exhibition of the museum boutique demonstrate the brand’s utmost attention to detail. It pays homage to its over 100-year history.
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