This Sea-Dweller ref.1665 wasn’t owned by Steve McQueen and neither did James Bond wear it during one of his missions. According to the seller of this 180,000 USD Sea-Dweller from 1967,  it is:
“The first version of the Double Red Sea Dweller was produced in 1967. It is said that approximately 50 to 100 early versions [...]

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As soon as you buy (or collect) a few nice timepieces, make sure to store them safely to protect them for dust, moisture, children, hungry pets etc. The best way to store your watches would be in a safe, so make sure you pick a watch box that will fit your safe or the safe [...]

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In 1960, Bulova introduced the Accutron Spaceview 214 wristwatch. This battery operated non-quartz watch, was considered to be the most accurate timepiece available in those days. Using a tuning fork, this watch hummed all day and at night, it was impossible to sleep when you left this watch on the drawer next to your bed. There were several Accutron models available in the 1960s (as you can see in my 2001 article here), but the most pretty one imho is the Spaceview with the triangular shaped case as pictured below.

As you can see, the tuning fork mechanism, humming at 360 herz has been made clearly visible through the (then) plastic crystal of the Accutron watch.

At BaselWorld 2010, Bulova re-introduces the Accutron Spaceview because of its 50th anniversary. Although Bulova Accutron is nowadays a brand name for quartz operated watches, for this occasion they installed the original electronic 360hz Accutron movement. These hand made replicas will be limited to 1000 pieces and come with an incredibly nice looking wooden box and glass display case. It seems that even Bulova knows that tuning fork watches are bound to break and are only suitable for putting them on display. With a steep retail price of 4000 USD and given the fact that 1000 pieces will be sold quite quickly to collectors and Accutron aficionados, you might get an original Accutron Spaceview 214 on eBay for much less. These will break just as hard and need some conversion work to get them running with the current voltage batteries, but at least it is the original and it is a cheaper investment for a display watch.

The new Accutron Spaceview however, is really a stunning looking watch and has been a bit upgraded to current standards with respect to diameter and size.  Unfortunately, the circumstances in Basel didn’t allow me to take a better picture than the one below, but at least it gives you an idea about the re-edtion Spaceview.

Available in Fall 2010, just in time to celebrate its 50th anniversary on the 25th of October. Please check my old article here for some background information on Bulova Accutron timepieces.

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There aren’t a lot of American companies making watches these days — RGM, Kobold, Bathys; a handful of others. So let’s welcome new San Francisco brand Xetum — the brainchild of founder, Jeff Kuo. He’s started a new company with two original-design, Swiss-movement watches: the Tyndall (pictured), and Stinson. Jeff kindly agreed to loan us a Tyndall for review, so let’s dive into something quite rare: a brand-new, American-designed mechanical watch.

Today would be the birthday of Steve McQueen (24th of March), him being an avid Rolex wearer, I though it might be a good day to write about one of the new introductions based on an all time classic sports watch. The Rolex Explorer.

“Perhaps the classic Rolex sports watch of all times is the Explorer (or Explorer I, as it is sometimes referred to). Even James Bond wears an Explorer in the original books by Ian Flemming. The first Explorer models (1953) are quite similar to the current model, although it has – of course – been updated through time to keep up with modern requirements of the consumer. However, what didn’t change was the diameter of 36 mm.”

Now, in 2010, Rolex introduces the 39mm version of the good ol’ Explorer. An ref.214270 to keep your 36mm ref.114270 company, as the 114270 is still in the 2010 catalogue.

Technical specifications of this new watch are:

• Case diameter: 39mm
• Sapphire crystal
• 100/300ft water resistant
• Movement type: 3132 (Parachrom hairspring with Breguet overcoil Paraflex shock absorbers)
• COSC rated
• Powerreserve 48 hours
• Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock(ft.Easylink comfort extension link)

Please read my Wednesday Watch post at Motoring Exposure about this new Rolex Explorer 214270.

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Modern Watches Are Out Of This World

According to Wikipedia, a watch is a timepiece that is made to be worn on a person, usually on the wrist.  That is true, but it also stands true that watches are more than tellers of time.  Today’s watches come in all shapes and sizes, and are equipped with many innovative functions.  Watchmakers of yesteryear would hardly recognize some of these creations…as a matter of fact, a few of the watches I discovered, made me scratch my head.Let’s see if you recognize any of these modern marvels.

First the DZ9024 Multi Display by Diesel.  This watch features five individual watches in one, each with its own face, dial and winding mechanism.  I guess the idea is to save time setting your watch to a different time-zone, but seriously…unless you are traveling from here to there at warp speed…it doesn’t take too long to adjust the time.

The Earth Watch from Seiko is another funky find.  This watch has a large round dial and a floating miniature Earth in the center.  The Earth makes an actual rotation every 24 hours, and that’s cool, but I really see how you tell what time it is.

And finally, the watch that’s only a watch when you want it to be?  The Hologram watch displays the time in the negative space between the bangles.  When you don’t care about the time and just want to look fashionable…it can do that too.

I know it’s 2010, but I kind of still love traditional watches that tell time, reliably and predictably…without an abundance of artistic intervention.  Call me old-fashioned.

Technorati Tags: Modern Watches, seiko earth watch, Watches

These days there is no real need to get in your car and go out searching for watches on sale, simply turn on your computer and within moments you can locate awesome deals on, pretty much any brand you might like.  Raymond Weil, Tissot, Tag Heuer, and more all great watch brands…all on sale.  No matter how well off you are, a deals a deal!  So, whether you’re looking to spend $100 or $1,000, shop wisely. 

Watches On Sale

If you’re the kind of person who knows exactly what he wants, you’re already half-way there.  The web makes is super easy to find products, especially if you realize your expectations.  On the other hand, if you’re not certain and need to compare watch brands and features…there are great sites that will help you navigate to the perfect spot and find the watches sale you’re searching for. Let’s check out a few sales I located on great watches. 

Raymond Weil is a fantastic Swiss-made watch brand, and the Tango Men’s Watch is a handsome example of their work.  This watch is a classic, with its stainless- steel and 18 carat yellow gold bracelet and steel blue face.  Of course, it’s all Swiss made movement and comes with the quality and integrity of the Raymond Weil name.  The 5590-STP-50001 Tango Men’s Watch from Raymond Weil normally retails for $850.00, but the watches sale on Watches on net is offering this fine timepiece for $399.00, that’s 53% down from retail.  Sweet deal!  I might pick this one up for my husband.

Tissot's Fabulous Garden Collection

Let’s talk about the softer side of Tissot watches.  Tissot’s women’s line is elegant and sophisticated, with all the quality and technology built right in, as well.  The Fabulous Garden collection is a perfect example of design and function.  This line of women’s watches come in five different versions…all are lovely.

My favorite comes in highly-polished stainless-steel.  The bracelet on this sweet women’s watch is grey steel with a floral embossing, and the face is in black Mother-of-pearl.  What a stunning combination!  The face of the Fabulous Garden is embellished with a silver framing and a floral cut-out.  The style and design of this watch is feminine and fun.  This comes in a ladies size and sparkles with diamonds on the face frame. 

The Tissot Fabulous Garden also comes in all stainless-steel with white Mother-of- pearl, white leather bracelet, and pretty pink leather bracelet with white Mother-of pearl face.  All are genuine Swiss made movement and possess the qualities that have always made Tissot famous.  This company has been watchmaking since the 1800’s and has only become more innovative in their craft.  This lovely ladies line of watches demonstrates their ability to merge Tissot technology into a stylish and elegant Women’s timepiece.  Discover Tissot.

Technorati Tags: Luxury Watches, Tissot, Women’s Watches

Not only do we have a review of two Orient watches today, they’re also yours to win on on Twitter contest detailed below. What we have here are two versions of Orient’s mechanical dress diver with automatic movements, day/date, dive bezels, and quickset day. The differences are in the style details, and overall appearance.

Rolex’s second announcement this year at BaselWorld 2010 was a redesigned Explorer. I’ve always loved the Explorer for its unparalleled simplicity and stark elegance, but at only 36 millimeters, it was a tad bit diminutive by today’s standards. Not anymore. The size of the new Explorer is much more in line with modern expectations.