My friends, the alchemists at Baume et Mercier are at it again. Brewing up something for this fall. Its directed at all of us die-hard racing enthusiasts. Last year, Baume & Mercier surprised and delighted us with the release of the Capeland Shelby Cobra collection. Created in partnership with Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc. in Las Vegas, the line was a complete success, so this year they are doubling down. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Chronograph
Omega “bullhead” Chronograph
This is an absolutely swell watch re issued from omega this year. Its a great funky looking watch with one of their new coaxial movements in. I love the vintage look of many of these watches being issued lately, but this one is one of the most interesting to look at, I especially like the red stitching and lettering and the racing strap. Re blogged from Hodinkee:
The late 60s were an exciting time for Omega. The Constellation line was in full stride, the Speedmaster was heading into space, and the Seamaster Bullhead was finding love in a growing sea of sporty chronograph fans. More than 40 years later, the Speedmaster is still on top of its game and the Constellation is… well it’s still here (though a far cry from the 561s of the 60s). The Bullhead however, was been but a faint memory, only discussed within the nerdiest of WIS “watch idiot savant” circles (you know who you are). That’s about to change though, thanks to a faithful re-issue of the 1969 Bullhead Chronograph unveiled in Basel this year.
Timekeeping 101: How to Read a Bezel
I have written a lot about watches, it is something I enjoy. I spend a serious amount of time reading about, looking at and playing with watches. I am always on looking at what is called “watch porn”, the same way one might go to Motor Trend or Hemmings to check out the motor in the latest corvette, I go to International Watch or Hodinkee to see the inner workings of the calibre 9001 in the Rolex Skydweller-oooh, aaah check out that Ssaros gear system!, look at those perlage’ bridges!
So with all of this writing about watches I’ve addressed a few tool watches as well, and I thought I should really do a How-to on using the bezels and complications of some of these watches. Well, the great guys at Gearpatrol have already done it for me. I found this recently, and thought it the perfect tutorial for How to be Swell readers. So I am sharing it here for all of you. If you want to read the original check it out here. I also suggest that you go visit the site and browse around, it is a great resource for all sorts of things from food and drink to watches, clothing, outdoor gear and personal care, they write about everything. So here it is the best guide to deciphering those cool looking rings courtesy of Gearpatrol.com: Continue reading
A Swell Week With the Baume et Mercier Clifton Chronograph
Its been a very cold week here in the Polar Vortex where I live, Well and in most of the US as well. I have been yearning for something to keep me busy, While trapped inside my Igloo. My good friends at Baume et Mercier were Happy to deliver. I have been dreaming of all of the watches being introduced at the SIHH show, and what I want to see first, when I got a package containing the New Baume Mercier Clifton Chronograph. Their newest Clifton model is mine to wear for a week, how swell. Continue reading
50th Anniversary Platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
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. 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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Omega Speedmaster
I lived a milestone recently, a few weeks ago I graduated from the Gemological Institute of America and I am now a Graduate Gemologist (I get to put the cool little G.G. after my name). I thought this was the right reason to give myself a graduation gift. There has been one watch that I have pined for, to add to my collection, for quite some time. Being the Omega fan that I am, it won’t surprise you to find out that it is, of course one of their models- The Speedmaster professional. So I rewarded myself with a 1968 “Pre-moon” Omega Speedmaster. There are a number of reasons I chose this particular watch, but one very important one I’ll tell you about later on. For now we will dissect why I like this model.
It is a Chronograph:
Men like machines; gauges, speed, and technology. The chronograph captures all of this in one package all available on your wrist. The chronograph balances aesthetics, technical prowess and utility all effortlessly and equally. They are typically masculine timepieces waiting to spring into action metering; Le Mans races, Olympic track events, and medium-rare tenderloin. No other watch allows you to connect with the movement the way the chronograph does. Starting the timer, you’ll hear a solid click of the clutch engaging and the sweep hand smoothly journeys around the dial. The Speedmaster testifies that its wearer is both capable and refined. Continue reading
How to be Swell 