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. Continue reading
Category Archives: Watches
Omega Co-Axial Advertisement-A Journey Through Time
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.
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Mad Men Marketing Part I: The Limited Edition Jaeger LeCoultre
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 1: The Limited Edition Jaeger LeCoultre Continue reading
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King
My first foray into the world of Rolex is the simple, yet wonderful watch loaded with history. I have been acquainted with many of the Rolex models, and I have a few favorites, I mean who wouldn’t love a Daytona, and I can’t ignore a Submariner with or without a date, but for my entrance into the world of Rolex I chose a simple model with a rich history. The air king has been a part of Rolex for what seems as long as Rolex has been a part of horology.
Rolex Deepsea Challenge
Great and wonderous things happen when worlds of technology and exploration collide in pursuit of a common ambition. The catalyst of exploration has spurred technology many times in the past, and technological advances have paved the way for some fantastic voyages in history. This wonderous ballet has provided man glimpses of the most magnificent views on earth and in space, as well as some of the most complicated and ingenious gadgets you have ever laid eyes on. You will soon be able to see, on the National Geographic Channel, one such history making adventure. Continue reading
Baume et Mercier Capeland Flyback Chronograph
One year ago I shared my first post on my own Baume et Mercier Capeland, so I thought it proper for the one year anniversary of How to be Swell I would again write about a Baume Mercier Capeland, only this time one that unfortunately isn’t in my personal collection. The Capeland flyback chronograph was part of their re design the year before last. The flyback is at the top of the Capeland series that was redesigned to a more classic shape and dial design harkening back to the gilded age of horology. Baume & Mercier describes it as: The sport-chic Capeland epitomizes a relaxed lifestyle and strength of character. This charismatic series resolutely embodies shapes, colors and authentic functions that uniquely represent the brand’s universe of seaside living at its best.
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The Cartier Roadster
This may not be a new and exciting timepiece for everyone, but for me it is an all time favorite, that I have yet to write about. The Cartier Roadster had been a “Holy Grail” watch for me for a long time. You know the type, that piece that you would want to acquire using any means necessary, but has always been just out of reach. Rest assured my crusade was not in vain, I’ve made my conquest and this watch rests in my personal collection. I didn’t consider this to be a grail watch because of some technical prowess, or revolutionary complication, the feeling was purely about style and design. Being the car aficionado that I am, when I first laid eyes on this watch and understood its nuances, I was captivated. I knew that I would have to have this object of beauty. It was unmistakably the most interesting watch that I had ever seen.
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JFKs watches
Our 35th president was a man who exuded style and class. John Fitzgerald “Jack” Kennedy became one of the most popular presidents and his administration was refered to affectionately as Camelot. He garnered respect from politicians on both sides of the aisle, but he also had a fair share of detractors. Some disliked him so vehemently that they were able to take his life on November 22 1963. Of course any discussion of JFK can go in so many directions; His politics are open for debate, his storied personal life, and many rumored trysts make for sordid conversation. He without a doubt left a huge legacy here in america and depending on your perspective will decide the degree of said legacy. I wont be addressing those topics here, I want to talk about Jack’s personal style, specifically his taste in watches. There are four specific watches related to JFK that tell stories of their own. Four distinguished pieces belonging to the president that he wore for various reasons in noteworthy situations. Continue reading
1964 Heuer Carrera Re-Edition Chronograph
Admittedly I have over looked Tag Heuer for some time, aside from a couple of models, not much has got me going from them. Of course I do love the Monaco (you may see that in a subsequent blog post). Recently I acquired a great watch from them, and it happens to be a watch they made twice. One of the only watches that they produced under both the Heuer name, and post acquisition by Techniques d’Avant Garde then again under the Tag name (I’ll explain in a bit). Heuer began as a watchmaker in St-Imier, Switzerland in 1860 with foundation of Uhrenmanufaktur Heuer AG by Edouard Heuer. The company was purchased by TAG Group (Holdings) S.A. in 1985 and Heuer became TAG Heuer. In 1999 TAG Heuer was sold to French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH -Moët Hennessy, Louis Vuitton.
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Omega Seamaster- Bond Skyfall edition
As this year trudges on, I am looking forward to the blockbusters that are coming out in the latter part of the year, specifically the 23rd release of a James Bond film called Skyfall. I am a Bond fan, and I like Daniel Craig in the role, you can be sure I will be seeing this one right away.
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How to be Swell 