How to be Swell

Baume et Mercier Clifton Automatic

howtobeswell — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 14:02:33 +0000

Happy father’s day all you swell readers! I’ve been reading everywhere lately about so many gift ideas for dads on Father’s day. There are a lot of great ideas out there, but what every dad I know wants is time, time with his loved ones. A special moment that can be captured in a memory, a photo, or a memento. We dads really want more than anything for our day to be filled with our favorite people. Dads do quite of a lot for our families, and today is our day to reap the reward and be with them. If you want to take that gift of quality time for dad not so literally, then I have a great idea for you. Baume Mercier has delivered something that captures this idea perfectly; the Clifton Automatic.

This is my third post about one of my favorite brands- Baume et Mercier, and My second Father’s day with one on my wrist. I had the opportunity to wear this watch for a week recently, and let me tell you it is quite an impressive watch. My first impression was how clean and elegant the overall design was. I had the silver dial version on a bracelet, also I loved the sunburst dial with the blued hands, sub seconds, and large Arabic numbers. This gave the dial a very classic 50′s look, but also made it extremely easy to read even at a glance.The Clifton comes on leather strap or steel bracelet and in couple of dial variations; silver and black. Other models in the line have complications such as a moon phase or a GMT dial. The automatic version (10099) is powered by the Sellita SW260-1, self winding, 31 jewel movement; it is a 28800 vph movement base on the eta 2824 with a 38 hour reserve. The decoration on the Clifton Automatic’s movement is stunning, with circular grained bridges and a rotor lavished with snailed engraving and Côtes de Genève. This movement is housed in a 41mm stainless steel case with an anti-glare sapphire crystal on the front and back, which is water Resistance to 50 meters. I wore it on a heavy panther style linked bracelet with a nice deployant clasp. The bracelet also came with a few half-links to make the perfect fit easier to attain.

Baume Mercier is a historic brand that has a lot going for it lately. After their rebranding a couple of years ago they have churned out a number of great pieces, including the Capeland Flyback I have already blogged about, and now the Clifton. The Clifton is a watch that is unmistakably traditional in its design, but is gently pulled into the modern world with a larger case size and overall design. There is 180 years of watch making behind this watch, and it shows. The polished and satin case and bracelet contrasts perfectly, the dial is simple and un-cluttered, the size and weight are exactly you would expect of a luxury piece, and it is all executed so when you place it on your wrist is seems like it’s been there for years. To top it off, it is all available for under $3000, which is fantastic for this caliber of watch (pun intended).

So if you are looking to remind dad of how important he really is, or to give him that memento symbolizing all of that quality time together, then look no further. Baume Mercier is all about moments, and the Clifton is one of their best values blending tradition with quality, and success with reward. The watch for that Dad you already know is swell.

Baume & Mercier Watch Buying Guide – How to Buy a Baume & Mercier Watch (graciouswatch.com)
Fathers Day gift Guide (esquire.com)

Midwest Diamond & Watch Company-Minneapolis

howtobeswell — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 21:07:26 +0000

I was in Minneapolis a few weeks back listening to a speaker at a gemology event. I had some spare time before the event started so I took a stroll through downtown. I ended up in the US Bank Plaza (nice building) on a quest to look at some jewelry or watches, or whatever else I could find to play with while I was there.

On the second level of the building I walked into Midwest Diamond & Watch Company and was met by owner, Craig Zaligson. He was very polite and knowledgeable, and I was unaware that he was the owner until much later. He took me on a tour of the store and told me about some exciting changes coming up for them, including building a suite into the store for more relaxed and private viewing. The store was neat clean and well displayed with plenty of eye candy for us watch aficionados.

The brands that I picked out right away were; Astron and the Grand Seiko lines, Hamilton, and Graham of London, all in their respective segments of the store. In a large area toward the back of the store was a beautiful display for Ulysse Nardin and a nice comfortable table and chairs in front of it. Craig and I sat down there and discussed watches, sports, and cars over a glass of sparkling water, and later a glass of 12 year old Macallan scotch. While I was there I tried on one of my favorites, The Hamilton Khaki Navy Pioneer, I’ve blogged about it here.

I also spent some quality time with the gorgeous Ulysee Nardin Freak 28,800 VH in 18 karat rose gold. It was an amazingly well done, and fun piece to work with. I suppose it had better be with a price reaching nearly $75,000. It incorporates the carousel tourbillion into the hands to show the time, and it sets with the aid of a lever on the dial side of the watch and a twist of the bezel. It is a UN200 (13 3/4”, 28,800vph) in-house movement manually wound by turning the case back with your fingers or a supplied wrench type tool. It is housed in 44.5mm 18k rose gold case with blue dial sapphire crystals on obverse and reverse attached to a matching crocodile strap.

Rounding out my trip, Craig showed me a few of the estate pieces they had in the store as well as their vast offering of watch winders from the likes of Buben & Zorweg, Underwood, and Scatola del Tempo. Also I saw some of my favorite tourbillion cufflinks by TF Est. 1968. He also mentioned the exciting news that they are picking up FP Journe and celebrating with an in store event. A guy could really kill some serious time in this store.

All in all it was a great trip, I got to visit with some old friends and reconnect, I was able to see an interesting speaker in my field, and take in some nice scenery. So, for my next trip there I know where I will be stopping again, Midwest Diamond and Watch Company, because Craig and his team sure know how to be swell.

(images courtesy of Seiko, Midwest Diamond & Watch, TF est1968, and Me)

Ulysse Nardin Launches Night’s Watch for Game of Thrones (watchalyzer.com)
-❶-Ulysse Nardin El Toro Men’s Rose Gold Automatic Perpetual Calendar Watch 326-00 (robinsongreg13.wordpress.com)

Citizen Proximity-Bluetooth Perpetual Calendar Chronograph

howtobeswell — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 20:36:56 +0000

Wow, what a mouthful in that name! Well, that’s because this watch can do a lot, really it is quite impressive. Citizen has been long known for some advanced technology in its watches, and this is no exception. Now, when you are dealing with quartz movements you can add some pretty impressive features, take a few of my favorite complicated quartz movements such as; the Tissot T-Touch, The Citizen Radio Controlled world timer, and of course the Breitling Emergency.

Citizen originally perfected the Eco-Drive technology in their watches, offering it in models starting in 1995. In November 2012, they presented their latest technological breakthrough: Eco-Drive Proximity. I had the opportunity to spend some time playing with this watch, after all I sell it in my store, Diamonds & Gold. It is truly a fun watch to use.

This watch has all of the features you would expect from the Retail Jeweller Watch Brand of the Year. It has many of the complications of their higher end watches; a perpetual calendar, 60 minute chronograph, 24 hour indicator, dual time zone, and a power reserve indicator, but what makes this watch really special is that it is equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy sync. Pairing these features with being water-resistant to 100 metres ensures its durability with some high-tech chops.

One of the first things I appreciated was the user manual included on a credit card sized USB drive, showing that it is high-tech from the get go. The watch has an accompanying iPhone App, which allows you to connect Proximity to your iPhone 4s or iPhone 5. Activating the Automatic Date and Time Synchronisation feature ensures that wherever you are, the watch adjusts accordingly through its connection with your phone, this also saves you from manually setting the watch initially when fresh from the box. The app is very easy to use and very intuitive. It offers alerts for email messages, incoming calls, missed calls, calendar alerts, and proximity(if you move too far away from your phone). Waiting for a call or email but have to be discreet? The Proximity will quietly alert you using a light vibration, with the second-hand automatically sweeping to point at various indicators on the dial so you can see whether you have a call, email or appointment.

My favorite feature is the iPhone search feature. If you’ve ever misplaced your phone, you know that awful feeling of worry, and having to retrace your steps to find it. With iPhone Search you would simply press a button on your watch and your iPhone will alert even if it is in silent mode so you can find it. Also, if you forget your phone and walk away, Proximity will vibrate to alert you that the Bluetooth connection is broken.

The Proximity comes in stainless accented with blue indicators, which is my favorite, and in black pvd with green accent. Both come on a great spot style perforated strap backed with the corresponding color and stitching. It is in a 45mm case and is water resistant to 100 meters. Powered by light using Citizens famous Eco-Drive Technology, the watch has up to a 6 month reserve without a recharge. For all of this crammed into a great looking package at a very reasonable price tag of $495, to iPhone users at least, this watch going to be swell.

(images courtesy of Citizen)

Users: iPhone 4 proximity sensor causes issues (reviews.cnet.com)
Citizen proximity review (ablogtowatch.com)

The Great Gatsby

howtobeswell — Mon, 27 May 2013 21:47:03 +0000

I had a busy and fun weekend with a friend of mine this past weekend (I wrote this May 20th). Over the weekend I; saw the Premier of Star Trek: Into Darkness (it was Amazing), test drove some exotic sports cars, and went to see The Great Gatsby in 3D. I may share some car pics with you, and I would love to tell you all about Star Trek, but that would include spoilers. So, what I am going to do is give my accolades to the Great Gatsby.

This movie certainly lives up to its name, in a word, it was great! The air of this movie is the same inspiration for this very blog that you hopefully read often. Gatsby takes place in the roaring 20′s jazz age. It was a time when Men knew how to look, and how to act (save a few of these characters). For the movie the costume designers teamed up with Brooks Brothers, Prada, and Tiffany & Co. Three names who have been at the forefront of fashion design for a long time. The jewelry and clothing were featured prominently with nice lingering close-ups. It all helped to enrich the feel of 1920′s high society with all of its pomp and circumstance.

The film is so visually appealing, being directed by Baz Lurhman . His films include; Romeo and Juliet, which also stars Leonardo Dicaprio, Moulin Rouge, which is one of my favorite films, and Australia. The pace and rhythm of this movie were unmistakably his, and he excells with those captivating visual masterpieces. I saw this one in 3D which did a great job to enrich the cinematography and environment of the movie; it really drew you in, rather than blasted you in the face with the 3D effect.

Now a director is only as good as his cast, and he has a great leading cast in Gatsby. Leonardo Dicaprio is cast as title character J. Gatsby; I have grown to be a big fan of his movies. Carey Mulligan is Gatsby’s love interest Daisy, and her husband Tom Buchanan is played by Joel Edgerton. In the film, the story is told by fictional author Nick Carraway played by Tobey Maguire. All of them have done an impeccable job portraying their respective characters. This film made it very easy to get lost in their story and forget about the world around me for a while. The movie is pulled from the 1925 novel of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

These actors were not the only stars of the film, as much as they made the story come alive, it was the beautiful cars transported us into their world. J Gatsby drove an absolutely breath-taking 1929 Dusenberg model J custom roadster in bright yellow. Some of the others include a 1930 Buick, 1933 Auburn as well as a few Packards and a model A Ford.

If you want to get a feel for one of the the themes that How to be Swell was conceived on, then see this movie. If you want to be entertained and escape for a while, then the job this film does with that, is swell….Old Sport.

(images courtesy of Great Gatsby-Warner Bros.)

A Visual Twist on a Twenties Classic: Great Gatsby Movie Review (bransonblazer.org)
The Great Gatsby (2013) Review (brianpnyc12.wordpress.com)

50th Anniversary Platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

howtobeswell — Mon, 20 May 2013 03:05:26 +0000

Yup, I am in the watch mood. Basel World 2013 just came to a close, and the world’s watch manufacturers had their finest on display and their newest, most exciting treats were announced there. I unfortunately did not attend Basel World, but I have had a close eye on what is new coming out of there. This piece, I am truly excited about, from a brand that I enjoy, but haven’t said a lot about. This watch is the stuff dreams are made of, it the type of piece that (excuse the expression) gives watch collectors a woody, in a word it’s breathtaking.

Rarely will you hear me fawn over Rolex, their watches are classically designed beautiful pieces; simple, elegant, and timeless. Many of their models have remained largely aesthetically familiar or unchanged throughout their run. This is not a negative, they design a classic watch that you adopt into your lifestyle, and you define what it means to you, not the other way around. They stand on their own; they are robust advanced movements in classically designed cases. No need for me to pour on the adulation….usually.

The Daytona model dates to 1963; it was not the first Rolex chronograph, but a tachymeter that was designed to be used in the racing world. The first models were not initially very popular and weren’t even Rolex in-house movement. They were fitted with Valjoux caliber 72 manual wind movements, and later with embellished Zenith El Premiro automatics. Actor and racing legend Paul Newman is the one who really propelled the Daytona to the lofty status it holds today. When he and his team won the GTS-1 class at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 1995, he was awarded a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona chronograph at the end of the race. A proper trophy for someone who had worn this model since the early 1970s, when he began racing. The Daytona accompanied him throughout his career, and the specific dual-colored and cross haired dial pattern he wore has become the ultimate collector piece.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Daytona, Rolex introduced a new version of the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, along with a few other nice pieces, at Basel world 2013. The Daytona model originally launched in 1963, exactly 50 years ago this year. This chronograph is offered, for the first time, entirely in 950 platinum, and is fitted with a chestnut brown monobloc Cerachrom bezel and an ice blue dial. As I said earlier it is a tachymeter, which is an instrument used to measure speed. A key part of this Daytona’s identity is the ceramic bezel and tachymetric scale; it can be used to measure average speeds of up to 400 miles or kilometers per hour.

I absolutely adore the color ensemble. I have always been a fan of the blue dials, as you may have seen in the review of my Air-King. The Glacier blue dial that is used exclusively on their platinum pieces really looks better on this than any other platinum model, ahe rich chestnut brown bezel and enameled chapter rings of the sub dials is what sets this soft blue dial off perfectly. The brown is almost the color of the so called “tropical” patina color that vintage black dials have aged to and have become so popular. The numerals and graduations are easily read thanks to the thin layer of platinum via a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) laid over them. All of this mated with the bright lustrous platinum case and bracelet makes this truly a sight to behold.

Now I couldn’t praise this watch just on beauty (even though it is gorgeous), but it is a fantastically built work horse as well. The reference number 116506 is this Daytona; the 40mm oyster cased monoblocked in platinum on an oyster bracelet. The Oyster case is one of the foundations of the reputation for excellence of Rolex watches, a system of screwing down the bezel, case back and winding crown against the middle case. This piece also features a triplock crown and pushers; and scratch resistant sapphire crystal making it water-resistant to 100 meters. Like the mollusk it is named for, the Rolex Oyster is robust and clamped shut. It provides a hermetic environment that protects the high-precision perpetual movement from water, dust, or pressure.

The Cosmograph Daytona is equipped with caliber 4130 self-winding mechanical chronograph movement. It is entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, and it incorporates far fewer components than a standard chronograph movement, thus improving reliability. The 4130′s functions include Center hour and minute hands, small seconds hand at 6 o’clock, chronograph center second hand accurate to within 1/8 of a second, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock, as well as stop seconds for precise time setting. The movement’s oscillator is a paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, which offers greater resistance to shocks and to temperature variations, and is self-winding via a bidirectional perpetual rotor. Like all of the Rolex Perpetual movements, the 4130 is a certified Swiss chronometer, which means that this watch successfully passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) tests.

This watch is disappointingly not at all for the average collector like you and I. With a retail price of $75,000 when it hits stores later this year places it out of the reach of all but the most serious collectors. As I stated “it is the stuff dreams are made of.”The 50th Anniversary Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is not only beautiful and refined, but it is totally swell.

(images courtesy of Rolex)

Rolex Releases 50th Anniversary Rolex Daytona Watch at Baselworld (Video) (watchtime.com)
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona Platinum Watch (uncrate.com)

Omega aqua terra 15000 gauss

howtobeswell — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:24:13 +0000

Omega has recently unveiled a fantastic new watch that will drastically improve timekeeping for almost everyone. The Aqua Terra 15,000 Gauss is a revolutionary way to address the major flaw in mechanical watches. Through history the one Achilles heel to a mechanical watch was magnetism. Even a small amount of magnetism (measured in units as a Gauss) can drastically affect or even stop a mechanical watch. The parts of a watch movement can become magnetised and begin to move erratically due to their magnetic attractions to one another.

Demonstrating the Watch’s Capabilities

Aimed squarely at the Rolex Milgauss,The Omega 15000 gauss has come up with a new way of preventing magnetism from affecting a time piece. Most typical watches today are rated to about 80 gauss. The most popular method used to make a watch resistant is to surround a movement with a non ferrous metallic ”cage” usually iron. IWC’s Big Pilot and the Rolex Milgauss are two prominent models to use this technique. The Milgauss which is rated to 1,000 gauss,and is a fantastic watch, does not approach the level of magnetic resistance found in the Omega.

Up until now the Iron cage solution has worked, but has always been an imperfect one. The large and bulky cases cannot block magnetism above about 1,000 gauss. Also, they tend to block the view of the movement much to the disappointment fo watch enthusiasts . Omega went in a completely different direction to avoid all of these disadvantages.

This is not Omega’s first trip in the development of an anti-magnetic watch, but it is their best executed. They were working on magnetically protected models as far back as 1957, with the Omega Railmaster. The Railmaster, was a benchmark itself being the first watch to achieve a resistance of 900 gauss. What they have done with the Aqua Terra 15000 gauss was create a movement based on their Co-Axail caliber using non ferrous materials thus, making the movement itself resistant to magnetic interference, they call it the caliber 8508. Omega already had the basis for such an invention in place: Omega’s in-house movements already include several important non-ferrous parts, including silicon balance springs and nickel phosphorous escapement wheels. With this movement they went further than just that and they used their best movement to represent the brand. The other non-magnetic parts developed for Caliber 8508 have yet to be revealed, but Omega did announce that it expects the first models of the 15,000 Gauss to be available in late 2013.

Using this as their flagship or exhibition model their intentions are to eventually to include the new anti-magnetic technology in all Omega movements produced in-house. Taking a Popular model; the Seamaster Aqua Terra mating it with a with a revolutionary movement in the Co-Axail caliber, and developing that into an anti magnetic movement Omega has created something truly swell.

(images courtesy of: Omega, and Omegablog.net)

New Watch Alert: Omega Anti-Magnetic Seamaster Aqua Terra (bocaratonpawn.com)
Omega Anti-magnetic Seamaster Aqua Terra Watch (hydro-carbons.blogspot.com)

Men’s Jewelry Courtesy of GIA

howtobeswell — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:58:01 +0000

Here is an interesting post on gentlemen’s jewelry I “borrowed” it from my Alma Mater, the Gemological Institute of America. The text is theirs, but the photos are mine. You may have seen one or two of these photos in my post called Real Men Wear Pearls. I wanted to share this with my readers so I am re-blogging it here, because as with all things GIA, it is totally swell.

With the cultural conversation of today’s well groomed, sophisticated, and cosmopolitan man – it’s no wonder that men’s jewelry is approaching center stage in the fashion world.

Jewelry design experts at the world renowned GIA (Gemological Institute of America) say men’s jewelry is not just a passing fad. In fact, designers and retailers are devoting more time, attention, and store space to men’s jewelry than ever before.

“Men today are demonstrating increasing fashion sophistication among themselves. They are undoubtedly more comfortable wearing jewelry – non-wedding rings, necklaces, and bracelets, for instance – than their fathers were,” says Stephen Roehl, product manager for GIA’s jewelry manufacturing arts department where students from all over the world learn to design and manufacture jewelry.

According to historians in GIA’s library, the emergence of men’s jewelry is not a recent phenomenon. Early monarchs and noblemen wore extravagantly bejeweled items—clothes lavished with diamonds, pearls, and gold buttons; fashionable pearl stickpins; ornamental timepieces; ornate diamond necklaces; and swords set with decorative gemstones.

Men today are showing the same desire to want to show their identity to the world, and they’re at ease and confident enough to complement a watch with a bracelet, necklace, or ring. But what kind of jewelry do modern men want? What catches their eye? What do they think catches the ladies’ eyes?

Roehl says old and new styles are merging. Recognizably masculine pieces are being paired with a fresh, feminine twist, and designers are taking advantage of the growing trend of genderless fashions. Soft and lustrous Tahitian pearls – a tradition in women’s pieces – are being incorporated with leather for a sensuous male touch. White gold and rubber is an emerging combination seen in bracelets and necklaces for men.

Cufflinks are more popular than ever. Classic designs in gold, silver or platinum are always a big hit for the conservative businessman. Integrating diamonds, black pearls, black onyx, malachite, garnets, rubies or sapphires represents a novel departure for the sophisticated man who likes to match accessories with his attire.

And, men don’t have to be professional athletes or rock stars to wear earrings these days. Handcrafted designer pieces in silver or platinum can create an elegant blend of contemporary masculinity. A diamond stud is perfect for a night out on the town.

The attractiveness of stainless steel, most prominently seen in the watch segment, has found its way into fine jewelry for men. It has the same high-polish appearance and durability of platinum – but is much more affordable. Stainless steel and other metals, such as silver and titanium, are gaining popularity in rings. Chain necklaces are designed for an industrial, manly look. Steel pendants can also be combined with a leather cord for a nouveau bracelet or necklace. Some designers are even setting diamonds into stainless steel pieces.

Any diamond purchased should come with a GIA grading report, which gives details of the quality of the diamond based on the 4Cs (Color, Cut, Clarity)

GIA Offers Scholarships For Jewelry And Gem Education Programs (forbes.com)
Real Men Wear Pearls (howtobeswell.com)

Omega Co-Axial Advertisement-A Journey Through Time

howtobeswell — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:03:43 +0000

Omega recently released a fantastic and visually striking advertisement for their Co-Axial movement. Proof positive they have thrown their full weight behind the movement. The coaxial movement replaces a typical lever type escapement with a revolutionary wheel design which Omega claims reduces friction, improves accuracy, extends the time between service intervals, and is more durable.

The Co-Axail movement was released in 2007 in Omega’s top line watches, and they have made it plain that their ambitions are to have the Co-Axail escapement in all of their models by 2015. They recently released, with much fanfare, a serious horological accomplishment; the Omega Aqua Terra 15,000 Gauss. To celebrate this movement they have produced this ad; A journey through time. In the same style as Cartier’s Odyssey, you will take note of a few Omega icons; the Hippocampus resting on a pedestal near the sea, James Bond’s Aston Martin, and The Moon landing among others. I hope you enjoy it, because I think it is swell.

Justin Timberlake The 20/20 Experience

howtobeswell — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 23:55:48 +0000

So I have Been Listening to Justin Timberlake’s New Album fo a couple of weeks and I have to say I love it! Now, Admittedly I am a big fan of his and I was pretty sure that I was going to enjoy it any way, but I was still pretty impressed. His timing of the release is perfect to make this album a great summer sound track. It is consistent for his style of music, and it has a great vintage quality to it. For this album of his it seems more adult, or “grown up” for lack of a better phrase. I have made the daring comparison before, but Timberlake’s music always strikes me as the new millenium’s Michael Jackson. And with that comparison JT should be flattered.

Leading up to the release of The 20/20 Experience Justin has done great job of self promotion. He has made appearances at the Super Bowl and the 2013 Grammys executing excellent performances of Suite and Tie with his “big band”. He performed both of his singles, Suite and Tie, and Mirror recently on Saturday Night Live as Musical Guest and Host. During that episode he entered the exclusive “5 timers Club”.

I Have always enjoyed him on SNL, he has the wit and charisma to fit right in and usually outshine the other cast mates. Timberlake has successfully made himself into a triple threat. He is a great musician and writer, his status as a man about town is cemented, he will show up anywhere and every where as an icon of class and style, whether it be an SNL stint or at a Red carpet even. And in this bloggers opinion he has proved his acting chops as well. He’s been in a fair amount of film, I enjoyed “In Time“, and “Social Network” and I am looking forward to ‘Trouble with the Curve” . The album, The 20/20 Experience made its début at no. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. What made things even better is how well it did in sales; it sold, 968,000 copies in its first week. Not bad for a third album, this proves that the 32-year-old singer is still a favorite among many. Congratulations on another win, Justin, keep it up, and continue to be swell.

(Images courtesy of JustinTimberlake.com)

Justin Timberlake Returns To SNL This Weekend (mix1041.cbslocal.com)
Amazingly High Album Sales For Justin Timberlake (renardmoreau.wordpress.com)

Mad Men Marketing Part II- Banana Republic Mad Men Collection

howtobeswell — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 19:09:49 +0000

Okay I admit it, I am a sucker. I love cross promotion, I fall for product placements, and believe brand ambassadors. There are literally hundreds of examples of great partnerships and cross promotions out there; The James Bond Omega, Breitling for Bently, and Ball for BMW. Product placement has been around since Thomas Edison and Moving Pictures, and Mad Men is a show that is built perfectly for and flawlessly executes good product placement. For seasons Five and Six, the “Mad Men” creators are going at the idea of cross promotion and going at it hard. I admit they have some great ideas and it has worked on me yet again. That’s why I am writing about it here; a two-part series on Mad Men Marketing.

Part 2: Banana Republic Mad Men Collection

Season Six begins on April 7th and ushers in one of the most unique partnerships. Teaming up with the Gap brand Banana Republic, the clothing designer came up with an entire line inspired by the show and it’s characters. What “Mad Men” did with JLC was a very interesting move which garnered lots of publicity, although it was not mass market oriented. Unlike AMC’s collaboration with JLC however, teaming up with Banana Republic has been heavily promoted.

This is not the first time that “Mad Men” has inspired clothing, or had a succesful product partnership. In the past we were able to see many promotional activities from AMC production company Lionsgate Television and various companies or brands. My Swell female readers might remember in spring of 2010, Mattel released a limited-edition series of Barbie and Ken dolls based on the characters Don and Betty Draper, Joan Holloway and Roger Sterling.

The show’s huge popularity persuaded Banana Republic bosses to prepare the Mad Man inspired collection for this season. This partnership is different than any other for “Mad Men”, designed by Banana Republic in collaboration with Mad Men‘s Costume Designer Janie Bryant. The new collection is inspired by costumes worn in the latest seasons of the series. The clothing line is made in the theme of the mod vibe of the later part of the ’60s decade. Key influences in the designs come from Joan’s form-fitting silhouette, Peggy’s accessories, Megan’s dresses in psychedelic prints, as well as her youthful effect on Don’s classic wardrobe. The menswear collection includes bold plaids and stripes, the emergence of the sport coat, and the sophisticated suit for the boardroom. Accessories include a mirrored heel shoe, graphic scarves, and geometric jewelry for women, along with fedoras and skinny ties for men.

The sixth season of “Mad Men” premieres with a two-hour episode on April 7, 2013. While your watching, look for some of those styles you might want to own, and look for that beautiful Jaeger LeCoultre on someones wrist. This year’s line is the third Mad Men inspired collection from Banana Republic, and I think that we will see the fourth in season seven. From a show that everyone is taking their styling cues from, the look on-screen is now translated it in a way that today’s Don or Megan will aspire to wear. So when you walk into Banana Republic for those great vintage fashions, or try on that gorgeous Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso, you know you’re going to look swell.

(images courtesy of AMC and Banana Republic)

5 reasons why more product placement on Mad Men won’t be a problem (brandsandfilms.com)
Dress Like Mad Men (stilettocity.com)

How to be Swell

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