By TLex Classico U-1001-IPB is a special edition of U-1001. It has been ion-plated, a process that gives its case its black color. The markers between 12 o'clock and 3 have been applied with black SuperLumiNova to further its stealthy appearance.
CASEIn grade 2 natural titanium, with subsequent treatment of coating IP black, vacuum application. Distinguishing crown on left side, with a special protective device (protected as a Trade Mark) and helium escape valve, serial number engraved on a steel plate, set on the left hand side of the case. Diameter 55 mm. Thickness 18,20mm. Weight 205 g approx.
Ref. Classico U-1001/1 IPB *Available also with case in grade 2 natural titanium without treatment. Limited edition 1001 units.
By TLex At 55mm the U-1001 is largest deep diver ever made. Its case is constructed Grade 2 titanium, a purer grade of titanium that is non-alloyed, so not quite a tough as Grade 5, which is more commonly used in watchmaking. However Grade 2 is highly corrosion resistant, so suitable for marine applications, namely dive watches, and in my opinion has a more attractive finish.
The U-1001 may recall the look of the Classico, with its oversized case and canteen crown protector, but is a far more capable looking dive watch. It is water-resistant to 1001 meters, an achievement for a watch with a such a large dial to crystal ratio. The crystal itself still 5.5mm thick! It sports a large manual helium decompression valve (8 o'clock) as if it to remind as that this is a dive watch. ;)
The U-1001's bold dial, which is available in three photo-luminescent color options (beige, orange, blue), is multilayerd or what is know has a sandwich dial. Recessed numbers and index markers are set into the dual layers to create a lovely 3-dimensional aesthetic. The hands and Arabic numerals with Superluminova.
An engraved titanium plate (single lug attatchment) acts as bridge between the case (6 o'clock) and its specialized rubber strap, which is attached to a divers deployante buckle at the other end. More engraving can be seen on the case sides and fixed bezel, but the coolest work is on the caseback, where a Deep Sea Angler Fish has been appropriately engraved another reminder of the its high depth rating.
The U-1001 is fitted with Swiss made automatic mechanical movement, that has been modified and decorated. The watch is limited edition of 1001 pieces. It come presented in the amazing exhibition box below.
The U-1001is one of the most desirable watches on the blue planet, I want one badly . . .
MOVEMENT automatic mechanical, modified and personalized to U-BOAT specifications for stem position at 9 o'clock. Height 4,60mm, jewels 25. Power reserve 40 hours.
FUNCTIONS hours, minutes, seconds, date at 4 o'clock. Frequency 28.800 vibrations per hour, 4 Hz.
CASE in grade 2 natural titanium, distinguishing crown on left side, with a special protective device (protected as a Trade Mark) and helium escape valve, serial number engraved on a steel plate, set on the left hand side of the case. Diameter 55 mm. Thickness 18,20mm. Weight 205 g approx.
BACK screwed in, limited edition 1001 units, serial numbering engraved in bas-relief. Rotor with Côtes de Genève decoration.
DIAL the dial of this model is made up of two superimposed dials: one treated with superluminova and coloured pigments added (beige, orange or blue) and the other one cut, treated with composed opaque black pigments. Arabic numerals, superluminova luminous hands. 1001 writing in high relief.
CRYSTAL high quality sapphire, scratchproof, 5,5 mm thick.
WATER-RESISTANCE 1001 metres - 100 ATM.
STRAP black, rubber (hypoallergenic) with plate in titanium, deployante buckle. Width 23/22 mm. Fastened to the case with screws.
LUCCA 1942 Ilvo Fontana, crafter of precision engineering instruments, received a prestigious commission from the Italian Navy: to design and build a new model of watch for their pilots. This challenge meant satisfying the high quality standards of the Navy and respecting very precise technical specifications, but above all guaranteeing maximum visibility and reliability in any light or weather condition. However circumstance at that time did not allow the project to materialize.
In 2000 Italo Fontana, Ilvo's grandson, discovered these precious designs, which were to become his source of inspiration for the creation of the first U-Boat watch and, his new dimension in time. U-Boat watches are characterized by their strong identity, large size, and perfect legibility in all light and weather conditions, along with its bold and distinctive design: the left crown protected by a specially designed safety cover.
LIMITED EDITION 29 UNITS This astonishing and exceptionally rare 65mm piece was designed with a reinvented hand-winder made from the same Grade-5 Titanium that was used for the back case, body case and bezel. The U-1942's winding crown was built in two parts: one is attached to the movement stem whilst the other is hinged to it with a pivot.
This gives a flexible-joint configuration which allows the crown to protrude considerably from the watch itself for winding and setting, yet returning it to a protected, hidden position - diminishing the side clutter when in action. This type of crown is imperative under certain conditions as it is absolutely necessary for activities during which gloves are required such as underwater operations and environmental practice at Arctic temperatures.
The water-tight crown protection attached to the stem is assured by a clipping gasket in energized Polytetrafluoroethylene and by an O-RING twin-arrangement. This allows water-resistance to 400m.
All engravings on the watch are carried out with mechanical pantograph. Every single U-Boat timepiece is individually handcrafted in Italy by master craftsmen, dedicated to the highest level of precision engineering and finishing, where care and attention to detail span the entire process.
Strong identity, boundless use of the best materials. U-Boat straps are hand-stitched with the best and most defined calf-leather emboldening our collection with luxury and rare beauty. All straps are hand-made and hand-finished by Tuscan master artisans. This is where Made in Italy means something grand.
By TLex An incredible watch and well worth a second look. The U-42 is based on its colossal sibling, the 65mm U-1942. The U-42's Grade5 titanium case still measures an imposing 53mm x 18mm; a whopping 65mm with the crown.
It has all the features that one might expect of a watch of its ilk; automatic movement, solid 300m water-resistance rating, massive scratch resistant sapphire crystal and a rotational divers bezel (bi-directional), which is lockable by means of a lever on the right side of its case.
Its disproportionate and equally unusual winding crown has been built in two parts; the first is attached to the movement stem, whilst the other is hinged to it with a pivot giving a flexible joint configuration, allowing the crown to protrude considerably from the watch itself for easy winding and setting of the time, yet being able to return safely to a hidden position for a slightly sleeker appearance.
Its case houses an automatic Swiss caliber, the U-BOAT U-28 with 25 jewels, 28,800 vph and a power reserve of 40 hours.
Its special dial (available in either black or beige) is made from a single piece of galvanized brass, finished with a bright enamel coating. Its hands in German Silver and its beautiful strap handcrafted in sumptuous Italian leather, and finished with a Grade 5 titanium buckle.
The U-42 is a Limited Edition of 999 pieces. There are also 99 pieces of the 'Edizione Speciale' pictured at the top of the post (dial) and the very bottom of the post (caseback).
MOVEMENT Automatic movement, caliber U-64. Power reserve 46 hours.
FUNCTIONS Hours, minutes, small seconds.
CASE Back case fixed on case with 6 encapsulated hexagon screws. Watertight on axis reset and assured charge by PTFE gasket Bi-directional rotating bezel lockable with a lever on the right side of the case. Fixing of revolving bezel by 3 screws encapsulated in the back case; the bezel removing, for maintenance and washing obtained by removing the three screws, does not affect the watch watertight.
DIAL Brass dial. (black / beige)
CRYSTAL Sapphire glass
STRAP Brown leather handcrafted, width 23/23, and fitted with a titanium tongue buckle.
By TLex Marvin Boggs may not get out much, but he certainly appreciates the fine workmanship and attention to detail, that Italian, artisan watchmaker Ennebi Instruments put into the Decima Mas Strumento. As would it appear does John Malkovich, one of the most innovative screen-actors of his generation.
He plays Boggs in the upcoming Hollywood recreation of DC Comic's 'Red' in which Malkovich co-stars with Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren among others. Marvin Boggs, armed with an orange HILTI DX400 nail-gun can be clearly seen sporting the 47mm hi-grade titanium Decima Mas Strumento as made by Ennebi of Prato, Italy.
Malkovich's connection with Ennebi, doesn't end there. Provided I get the go ahead, I will be posting more exclusive material on John Malkovich and Ennebi, stay tuned . . . time to enjoy the pictorial!
From VICTORINOX The Maverick collection has become a Victorinox Swiss Army icon since its creation in 2004. Six years later, this sturdy sport timepiece comes back completely overhauled with a new attractive design, enriched dial and bezel details, and a new integrated stainless steel bracelet or a genuine rubber strap.
The redesigned Maverick line gains an extra GS indicating "Grand Sport" and features functionalities such as a chronograph with 1/10th of a second precision or a dual time version with a very easy to read second time zone.
MAVERICK GS The landmark Maverick sport watch from Victorinox Swiss Army gets a complete overhaul this fall with the new Maverick GS series featuring a chronograph, a dual time and a three-hand version.
GS stands for 'Grand Sport', and the redesigned Maverick certainly lives up to this title with its large 43 mm stainless steel case, its sturdy unidirectional rotating bezel sporting a 60-minute count-up feature, and its choice of stainless steel bracelet or new structured black rubber strap. The bracelet or strap integrate tightly into the smoother shaped case for perfect comfort at the wrist.
A new, more vivid and scratch-resistant polished lacquer is now applied on the bezel, available in red or black. The dial design has been enriched with more depth and details and it has been redesigned for enhanced legibility with unified chronograph hand colors on the Chrono model.
In its dual time version, the Maverick GS is ready to take the road with its easy to read second time zone with dedicated hour and minute hands and its large date display at 12 o'clock.
The new Maverick GS is also available as an elegant and sporty three-hand model, a perfect all-round timepiece for an active lifestyle.
MAVERICK GS DUAL TIME Swiss-made quartz movement (Ronda 6203.B) / 43mm stainless steel case (316L)
FUNCTIONS Hour, minutes and seconds / Dual time subdial at 6 o'clock / Big date at 12 o'clock
AVAILABLE WITH Black bezel and black dial on stainless steel bracelet or genuine black rubber strap. Black bezel and silver dial on stainless steel bracelet.
MSRP (without VAT) 553CHF
MAVERICK GS CHRONO Swiss-made quartz chronograph movement (ETA 251.272) / 43mm stainless steel case (316L)
FUNCTIONS Chronograph with 1/10th of a second precision timing, 60-second central counter and 30-minute counter / Date calendar at 6 o’clock / Small second at 6 o'clock
AVAILABLE WITH Black dial and black bezel on stainless steel bracelet or genuine black rubber strap Silver dial and Victorinox red bezel on stainless steel bracelet or genuine black rubber strap
MSRP (without VAT) 641CHF/ 604CHF
ALL MAVERICK GS SERIES Unidirectional rotating bezel with count-up scale.Screw-in caseback. Crown protection. Water resistant to 100m(10 ATM, 330 ft). Scratch-resistant, triple-coated anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Luminescent hands, hour and bezel markers polished applied numerals.
CANDINO, a brand which is deeply anchored in the tradition of Swiss watchmaking,–is enhancing its image by means of its new spirit and its innovative strategy.
The sponsoring of PlanetSolar and the launch of cutting-edge products reflect the company's new strategic direction and the long-term positioning of the brand. With the launch of new collections, CANDINO offers a tempting range in a booming price segment, This project fits into the brand's global expansion strategy.
SETTING OUT FOR NEW HORIZONS TÛRANOR PlanetSolar, the first solar-powered vessel that will circumnavigate the globe, celebrated its public debut in Hamburg before hundreds of thousands of visitors at the International Port Festival. The big media frenzy surrounding the boat and its revolutionary propulsion technology have already made the vessel a celebrity before it has even set off on its around-the-world journey.
The watch collection 'PlanetSolar', a series of the highest quality with the label 'Swiss Made', has been developed in the context of this project. Elements of solar cells, water and dynamism distinguish this line of sport models and are meant as a tribute to this unique adventure.
Every watch from this sporty collection comes with an Automatic (ETA 2824) or quartz movement, a sapphire crystal, and a metal or PU (polyurethane) strap. The heart of the collection is a 100 piece Limited Edition, ETA 2892, with 40-hour power reserve, available in fine specialty stores this autumn.
Through its involvement with PlanetSolar, not only is the FESTINA group setting a milestone for the future, but also it is following in the footsteps of its founder. In spite of its new dynamic, CANDINO stays true to its principles: quality and responsibility.
THE MILESTONES - 25th of February 2010: Unveiling - 31th of March 2010: Maiden voyage - May 2010: Public debut of the catamaran at the Hamburg Port Festival - September 2010 or spring 2011: Launch in the Mediterranean to start the first global circumnavigation with solar energy!
THE CREW Raphaël Domjan (above) – The adventurer from Neuchâtel is a consummate fan of solar energy and technology and has been dreaming for years of such a world circumnavigation. He is convinced that our planet deserves better treatment than in the past and created PlanetSolar to live out both his passions.
Gérard d’Aboville – In 1980, he was the first to cross the Atlantic in a row boat. Eleven years later, he made a fabulous Pacific crossing. He has been involved in the project from the beginning, and his maritime experience makes him an important consultant to PlanetSolar.
THE BOAT - Dimensions: 31 x 15 x 6.1 meters - Weight: 85 tons - Total area of solar panels: 537 m2 - Average speed: 7.5 knots (14 km/h) - Estimated cruising range: 3 days without light, unlimited with sun...
THE CHALLENGES I. The first circumnavigation of the globe through a solely solar-powered method of transportation II. First round-the-world voyage with a solar boat III. First crossing of the Indian Ocean on solar energy IV. First crossing of the Red Sea on solar energy
DEVELOPMENT - Solar energy production, storage and use - Propulsion system and energy efficiency - Tactics of deep-sea navigation with solar energy - Simulation software and solar boat route optimization - Solar boat simulator
