Less than a hundred days to the World Cup 2010 in South Africa, and the coach of Argentina National Team, DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA is having a new accessory besides his trade-mark earrings. From now on, there will be a BIG BANG MARADONA WATCH on the wrist of the “Hand of God” as the famous brand in football HUBLOT releases a Special Edition Watch to pay homage to the football living legend who is widely considered Best Football Player of The 20th Century.

Released in limited edition of 250 pieces – numbered from 01/250 to 250/250, the BIG BANG MARADONA has an oversized case measuring 44.5 mm in diameter in micro blasted textured black ceramic. The material is also employed on bezel set with six H-shaped titanium screws which is embedded, polished and locked. As for the case back, the black ceramic is coated with sapphire crystal featuring etched silhouette of Diego Maradona raising arms in victory.

Diego Maradona celebrates his team’s winning or goal by raising his hands

Image of Maradona raising hands in victory - silhoutte engraved at the back of the case

There are only two colors in this Special Edition Hublot Timepiece; they are black as the main color and Argentine’s flag color as well as their trademark national team’s jersey as the accent color on the watch. The Argentine Blue is applied on the appliqués, dial, case back, seconds hand and stitches on the luxurious alligator leather strap.

Hublot Big Bang ‘Maradona’ Watch - detail of caseback

Maradona wearing Argentina’s jersey number 10

Its bezel lug and lateral inserts are made of black composite resin; while black-rubber-insert crown, rectangular push-pieces, and screws incorporate black PVD steel; as for the screws, the chronograph watch uses black PVD titanium. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment covers the “Big Bang” case at the front and back.

Diego Maradona’s Watch by Hublot; it’s an oversized wristwatch

The watch’s black dial features Diego Maradona’s connections that include:

• Argentine blue color on the appliqués.
• 45-minute counter at 9 o’clock. This feature is the same like the other Hublot’s Football Watch such as Red Devil Bang II – The Official Manchester United Watch. “45 minute” is a period of half time in football match. Each match consists of two half-times.
• Maradona jersey number while he was at Napoli F.C and Argentine National Team - “10” is inscribed on a sub-dial at 3 o’clock position.
• Diego Maradona’s signature at 6 o’clock in Argentine blue.

details of dial - Hublot Big Bag Maradona Chronograph Timepiece

The hands are faceted and set with diamond; it has also luminescent white; while the chronograph hand includes H-shaped counterweights and Argentine blue Duco.

The HUBLOT BIG BANG MARADONA CHRONOGRAPH is animated by automatic winding caliber Hublot HUB 1146 movement with 55 jewels and 42 hours power reserve. The details include satin finished, bevel and polished bridges, sandblasted and rhodium-plated main plate, reinforced spring barrel, and glucydur hairspring escapement.

Rectangular date display window is positioned at 6 o’clock. Steel clasp is set with black PVD deployant.

Diego Armando Maradona is wearing Hublot Big Bang ‘Maradona’ Watch
(photo from freshnessmag.com)

Maradona is probably one of the sport’s most controversial and newsworthy figures. His outspoken manners have sometimes put him at odds with journalists and sport executives. However, his skills and achievements have been very spectacular. The ‘Golden Boy’ was awarded Ballon d’Or in 1995 for services to football; he finished first in an internet vote for the FIFA Player of the Century award; and his magnificent goal in 1986 World Cup – a spectacular 60-metre weave through six England players – is commonly referred to as “THE GOAL OF THE CENTURY”.

What is on the wrist of Maradona, the coach of Argentina National Team?

HUBLOT has linked to football since a few years ago that made the Swiss Watches very popular among footballers. Some notable soccer players who were spotted wearing Hublot are Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso of Spain, Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast, Eric Abidal, Claude Makalele and Franck Ribery of France. Well, looks like we’ll see many Hublot on the wrists of players in World Cup 2010 in South Africa, 11th of June - 11th of July 2010.

HUBLOT, a unit of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA made their debut with Swiss Team at World Cup 2006, later linked up as the official watch of Euro 2008 and latterly to Spanish Federation. In 2008, Hublot agreed a sponsorship deal with Manchester United football club, worth £4 million a year. It was then followed by the launch of Official Manchester United Timepieces: Hublot Red Devil Bang in 2008 and Red Devil Bang II in July 2009.

About Hublot

Founded by Carlo Crocco in 1980, HUBLOT Company gained many successes in the 1980’s, but when watch industry genius Jean Claude Biver joined the firm in 2004 a phenomena was born. Hublot remains one of the last independent family-run watchmaking businesses with a unique mono-product concept. Hublot was able to preserve its personality and extend its range to include an array of collections, some featuring sports complications and limited editions.

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Watch sales has been declining due to the global monetary crisis. Rec

ent data shows that Swiss watch export has drop from 19 million units (2008) to 14 million units (2009) during period of January – September. For instance, the most demanded brand, ROLEX, underwent an export fall of 42.3 percent in 2009, to become only US $3 million.

Moreover, Rolex retail price since 2006 has escalated 13 – 20 percent, which significantly lowered the buying power of middle income consumers. For example, ROLEX STEEL MARINER which happens to be the best selling timepiece is offered US $6,000 from the prior price of US $1,000.

Rolex Submariner Date 40 mm (image by www.rolex.com)

However, the second world’s biggest market after USA – Asia is predicted to start recovering from the crisis this year. With Hong Kong as the epicenter, the continent has imported 30 percent of its watch need from Switzerland. Not to mention, Shanghai and Singapore which will encounter a major growth this 2010.

ROLEX, a brand which is counterfeited the most, constantly focus on Asia as its main and biggest market. To do so, the Swiss luxury wristwatch manufacturer comes with one of its innovations: the oversized dial; it is widened from the conventional size of below 40 mm in diameter into 41 mm.

“The era of oversize has just begun and lots of products engage this trend, including Rolex,” said PIETER SANTOSO, the wristwatch expert. According to him, the trend will last for such a long period. The dial is over 40 up to 50 mm in diameter; in fact, for ladies it could take more than 50 mm. Officine PANERAI – the Italian brand of watches presents watch whose dial is 52 mm in diameter.

Panerai Luminor 1950 Watch PAM 127 as worn by Orlando Bloom incorporates vigorous 47-mm-case

Why is it the Oversized Watch? One of the reason said that it could be worn by male or female whose wrist is small, medium, or even big. With an amazing overall design, an oversized wristwatch will give macho look.

The overall design may include black or grey or white color on the dial, an interchangeable strap: leather, rubber, or metal bracelet, Roman or Arabic numbers, not-too-busy dial, calendar / date display and automatic movement. “Just remember, watch with quartz (rather than an automatic one) is more demanded if it has Grande complications or sophisticated machine,” added Pieter.

In other words, full appearance of the watch represents the elements of simplicity as well as robustness. You don’t need to worry to look odd wearing an oversized watch even if your wrist is small. Yet, a big wrist of yours will emphasize the macho look. As maxim said, “Size is everything”.

“Well, it doesn’t mean small-dial or medium-dial-watch is off the trend today. A lot of men don’t like the oversized-dial watches. On the contrary, most women from ev

ery segments love them,” said Pieter. This unisex character makes ladies look more elegant wearing gent’s watch like the 42-mm-Panerai.

Panerai Radiomir GMT 42 mm (image courtesy www.panerai.com)

Apparently, large watches are simply associated with Panerai Watch. It is no wonder as in its early beginning, the Italian watchmaker are the official supplier of the Royal Italian Navy. In fact, its RADIOMIR and LUMINOR series is notable for their use by Italian commando frogmen, who relied upon their Panerai wristwatches to execute the sinking of Allied naval vessels in World War II. Since five years ago, PANERAI has been the pioneer of oversized wristwatch. The model is so popular so that it often disappears from the market; and the price goes sky-high.

Panerai has released some variants based on two models: Luminor and Radiomir. Revolutionary fashion changes and Panerai’s success marketing large watches has also led other companies to introduce larger watches such as classic brand ROLEX, OMEGA or TAG HEUER; not to mention contemporary me-too brand like U-BOAT (Italy) and SINN U2 (Germany).

U-Boat Watch - U1942, oversized watch; 64 mm in diameter
(photo from ww.ablogtoread.com)

Those two brands have hallmarks of high-end technologies, specifically for diving. U-BOAT claims that its watches have been the choices of Navy all around the world; while U2 Watch bezel is made out of German submarine steel that is guaranteed to be corrosion-proof, as well as impervious to salt water. It is almost scratch-proof due to a process called “Tegiment” which causes steel to get reinforced to ceramic levels.

Sinn U2 Watch - oversized Germany timepiece

There are thousands of watch brand available in the market today with “Swiss Made” certificate for high quality. Their prices vary from hundred to thousand dollars. And if you have to make a choice, you’d better follow the best practice to always notice your budget. After all, the original and main function of a timepiece is to show you the time.

| source: Kompas Newspaper, 21 February 2010, article by Budiarto Shambazy |

I have some friends living in Qatar (Arabic: شعار قطر‎). They’re not Qataris.  Actually, they are Indonesian who works there and brings their family, move to Doha, host of Asian Games 2006. Therefore, I feel quite close to this emirate country on the northeasterly coast of the larger Arabian Peninsula. When I found this QATAR WATCH BY THOMAS PRESCHER I was immediately intrigued to feature it on this blog.

Akin to my story, I think the luxurious watchmaker THOMAS PREACHER has also strong bound to this emerging country of nearly millions people, whose GDP per capita is the highest in the world; whose gas reserves is the third largest in the world (after Russia and Iran). When the inventor of flying Triple Axis Tourbillon was challenged to create a watch with a flag or national symbol, he came with the Tempus Vivendi Qatar watch. He was inspired by a COAT OF ARMS OF QATAR which shows two crossed swords in a yellow circle. Between the swords there is a traditional sailing ship called dhow, sailing over the waves beside an island with two palm trees. The yellow circle is surrounded by a white and brown band, which is divided horizontally with a zigzag line.

Thomas Prescher - the designer / creator of Tempus Vivendi Qatar Watch

Thomas Preacher apparently revealed the coat of arm literally on the QATARWATCH rather than make it a metaphor or sort of. He depicts the sword, dhow, island, palm tree and else plainly with an excellent design, finest materials and perfect processing. The watch has no hand. As a substitute, the two swords show the time: one indicates the hours while the other shows the minutes. At the beginning, the idea could not be realized properly as the swords would cross while indicating the time. After a long and elaborated developing process, the Master Watchmaker modified the mechanics to accommodate the function. He applied the retrograde system which allows the swords to jump back to the beginning and rise again after they reach the end of the index sector.

The making of Thomas Preacher’s Tempus Vivendi Qatar Watch

Thomas Preacher’s Tempus Vivendi Qatar Watch - caseback

If you push the crown button, the hands will jump to a resting position to show the original coat of arms engraved on gold. Pushing it for a second time, the swords will move back to continue showing the actual time.

The video showing how the Tempus Vivendi

Qatar Watch works

The TEMPUS VIVENDI QATAR WATCH by Thomas Prescher features oversized 18-ct-gold case sizing 39 mm in diameter (including module) which is ornamented all over; its height is 13 mm, including module. Its caseback is visible through the crystal convex sapphire crystal showing the engraved automatic 180 carat gold rotor. The dial is made of laquer material while the figure, index plates and name plates are from 18-karat gold. The case is set with hand-cut and sewn alligator leather strap; and 18 karat buckle/clasp.

Water resistant is 1 ATM (10 meters).

Details of Tempus Vivendi Qatar Watch by Thomas Prescher

The Qatar Timepiece is animated by automatic winding with 25 bearing jewels, frequency of 28,800 vph, Swiss lever escapement, flat balance hairspring, Incabloc shock protection as well as completely hand-engraved and gold plated decoration.

Thomas Preacher Qatar Watch with strap - front

Tempus Vivandi Qatar Watch with alligator leather strap and 18 carat gold clasp

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I love it… I love it… I Love it.…

I really love this wallet. And this is from Lady Gaga’s favorite designer, Alexander McQueen. Made from genuine brown ostrich leather, the wallet with an embossed skull and protective metal edging happens to be one of the most exclusive men’s fashion accessories ever created by the ‘enfant terrible’ English fashion designer. It is offered US $500.

As its name suggest, the ALEXANDER MCQUEEN OSTRICH LEATHERED SKULL WALLET is characterized by the soft finish pattern of quill sockets and the famous skull motif which commonly appears on Alexander McQueen’s shirts, sweaters, scarves, cufflinks, belts and rings. The wallet encompasses black leather interior, four credit card slots, a coin compartment and two banknote pockets. It prices US $500.00.

Shocking Newsflash!
Today I found the news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand has been found dead at his home (10th February 2010) – as announced on the official website. And this astonishing wallet was one of Lee McQueen’s last creations.

Lee McQueen, the founder of Alexander McQueen fashion line

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TAG HEUER is one of the brands that continue sticking with the world’s best golfer, TIGER WOODS despite his alleged infidelities. The company spokeswoman Mariam Sylla said:

“We will continue. He’s the best in his domain. We respect his performance in the sport. Wood’s personal life is not our business.”

And recently, the Swiss watchmaker which has been sponsoring Tiger Woods since 2002, surely proves their commitment as they launches a fashionable golf watch collections, offered for US $1,600.

Designed for the professional golfer, THE TAG HEUER GOLF WATCH TIGER WOODS WHITE RUBBER WATCH features an ergonomic white silicon elastic strap with tactile grip and TAG Heuer logo. It has also brushed titanium with stainless steel case measuring 36 mm in diameter and 10.6 mm thick as well as scratch resistant sapphire crystal protection. Its white dial includes a golf ball design on the white dial, inscription ‘GOLF’ in silver color at 6 o clock, date display at 3 o’clock and Arabic numeral for only two numbers: 6 and 12; not to mention the luminescent hands and markers.

Animated by TAG Heuer Quartz movement, the watch has water resistant up to 165 feet.

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Red is the favorite color of Ronnie Wood. He has ordered custom color of Vincent Bérard LUVORENE I Watch to indulge his infatuation. Red is also the color of Christmas and Santa. And in this February, Red is the epitome of an undying love.

To celebrate the St. Valentine’s Day 2010, Swiss luxury-watchmaker, HUBLOT – the official brand of Manchester United’s Watch – launches a dazzling, feminine and elegant “BIG BANG IN RED”. It will be a perfect gift for your woman as it says more than any poem. It is said an adorned watch proclaims love better than any words. Unlike flower that gets withered, a premium timepiece will last long and eternal. 

First released in April 2005 in Basel, “Big Bang” Chronograph Collections has soon become the Hublot’s head model. It gained immediate success as the sale increased threefold in one year. In fact, in the same year, the Big Bang model was awarded international recognitions: the “2005 Design Prize” in the “Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix“, the “Sports Watch Prize” at the “Watch of the Year” ceremony in Japan, and the Middle Eastern Prize for the “Best Oversized Watch” and the Editor’s Choice “Watch of the Year” in Bahrain.

Valentine’s Day 2010 Watch by Hublot: “Big Bang In Red” Ladies Watch

Akin to other “Bing Bang” series, the VALENTINE DAY’S 2010 WATCH BY HUBLOT also incorporates an oversized case measuring 38 mm in diameter. The white ceramic case is set with red composite resin bezel lug and lateral inserts, steel crown with red rubber insert, sapphire crystal with interior and exterior anti-reflective treatment, and last but not least, a red gummy alligator strap with steel clasp. The details of bezel consist of 126 diamonds (0.87 ct), six H-shaped sunken as well as polished and blocked titanium screws.

As its name suggest, RED is the dominant color in this Valentine’s Day Ladies Timepiece. Besides on the parts mentioned above, red is also applied on the dial – en suite with satin-finished appliqués and numerals – and the accents on the rhodium faceted hands which include diamond and white luminous markings.

The HUBLOT VALENTINE’S DAY BIG BANG LADIES WATCH is animated by Hublot HUB41 Calibre a Mechanical Chronograph movement which allows a 42-hour power reserve. The watch has 100-meter (10 ATM) water resistance.

About Hublot

Founded by Carlo Crocco in 1980, HUBLOT Company gained many successes in the 1980’s, but when watch industry genius Jean Claude Biver joined the firm in 2004 a phenomena was born. Hublot remains one of the last independent family-run watchmaking businesses with a unique mono-product concept. Hublot was able to preserve its personality and extend its range to include an array of collections, some featuring sports complications and limited editions.

Hublot is a famous name in sports of football (soccer) and yacht regattas.

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St. Valentine’s Day 2010 is coming our way; and for you who still don’t get the idea for the Valentine’s Day gift, then a pair of watches can be the answer. You may be intrigued to try “De Ville Co-Axial Chronograph” Special Edition Valentine’s Day Watch by Omega or this recent Very Zino Special Edition Valentine’s Day 2010 Watches by Davidoff.

Both Davidoff Very Zino Watches, either For Him or For Her, are sculptured in 18-carat red gold. Each watch blends a functional arrangement with a dazzling design that epitomizes devotion. It’s a perfect pair to show your love.

Davidoff Very Zino Gent’s Automatic Red Gold Watch For St. Valentine’s Day 2010

The DAVIDOFF VERY ZINO GENT AUTOMATIC RED GOLD WATCH (ref. no 20178) features a 44 mm oval-shaped case with a sapphire crystal in the back and set by a dark brown alligator leather strap. Its dial – covered by a toric-shaped sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating on its inner side – demonstrates centralized hours and minutes with a small seconds counter. Date display is also located at 6 o’clock, below the small seconds counter.

Detail of Davidoff Very Zino Valentine’s Watch For Him

Davidoff Very Zino Valentine Watch - detail of Crown

Animated by a self-winding mechanical movement – ETA 2895-2, the Davidoff Gent’s Watch for Valentine’s Day 2010 includes a côtes de genève finishing as well as the 27-jewel-studded oscillating weight which bears the Davidoff logo. The movement provides a 42-hour power reserve while water resistance is down to 50 meters (5 ATM).

Davidoff Very Zino Ladies Red Gold Watch For St. Valentine’s Day 2010

For your lady, DAVIDOFF VERY ZINO LADY RED GOLD WATCH (reference number 20328) features a 35.5 oval-shaped case with a sapphire crystal in the back and set by a dark brown alligator leather strap. Its dial – protected by a toric-shaped sapphire glass with anti-reflective inner coating – demonstrates centralized hours and minutes with a small seconds counter at 6 o’clock.

The Davidoff Ladies Watch for Valentine’s Day 2010 is animated by a quartz movement, ETA 980.163, paved with 15 gemstones, and set with end of live (EOL) function.

About Zino Davidoff SA.

From a tobacco (cigar) business founded by Kiev-born Zino Davidoff in 1930, the company ZINO DAVIDOFF SA has been developed into a luxury international brand offering premium products in the categories of perfume, eyewear, textiles (ties), leather goods, writing instruments, cognac and coffee. The brand is renowned for its finest quality, style, authenticity, honesty and positive lifestyle that bring the philosophy of “pleasure and enjoyment of the beautiful things in life”.

At the early 2000, the DAVIDOFF brand made a repositioning to meet the needs of more active and modern target group. They introduced a new logo which bears the contemporary lifestyle positioning. It also includes the establishment of Zino Davidoff Trading AG to manage the luxury accessories products by itself. Later in April 2008, at the BASELWORLD Fair, Zino Davidoff SA launched its new lifestyle concept that convey an immaculate collection of Swiss-made watches or men and women, leather goods originally crafted in Italy, and writing instruments from Germany.

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Twenty years before the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, world has already recognized a football maestro, considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time. The one and only, DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA (born 30 October 1960 in Lanús, Buenos Aires) finished first in an internet vote for the FIFA Player of the Century award; and his magnificent goal in 1986 World Cup – a spectacular 60-metre weave through six England players – is commonly referred to as “THE GOAL OF THE CENTURY”.

Maradona’s Best Goal Ever!

Besides his phenomenal achievement in soccer history, Maradona is always a newsworthy figure because of his controversial life. He has an outspoken manner that brought him odds with journalists and sport executives. Likewise, he used to be a drug addict that often put him in trouble: suspended from football for 15 months, sent home from 1994 World Cup, as well as suffering ill health and weight gain. But that’s not all. He apparently accumulated unpaid taxes of 37 million Euros (23.5 million euros of which was accrued interest on the original debt) during his time playing for S.S.C NAPOLI in 1984 to 1991. The Italy’s highest court has ordered DIEGO MARADONA to pay the debt since 2005, but the current head coach of Argentina national team has not come up with the settlement yet.

Diego Maradona at Napoli FC (1984 - 1991)

The Italy’s financial police have been persistent about getting the money back. In 2005, they seized the fee MARADONA had earned for participating in the Italian version of the television show “Dancing with the Stars”. And recently in September 15th, 2009, when the football living legend checked into a weight-loss clinic in Italy, the Guardia di Finanza (Italian Finance Police) had also confiscated his earring (it was only one, not pair). So far, it is reported that Maradona has paid only 42,000 euros, two Rolex watches – worth around 11,000 Euros, seized when Maradona returned to Naples for a charity match – and an EARRING.

Diego Armando Maradona, head coach of Argentina National Football Team

Argentina National Team’s Coach: Maradona wears Earrings

“The earrings may be a drop in the ocean, but this gives an important signal to honest taxpayers,” said a local politician, Maurizio Fugatti, from the separatist Northern League party.

Diego Armando Maradona has been being regularly seen in public wearing diamond earring. He loves to wear white gold earrings with diamond.

Diego Maradona wears earrings (photo by AP)

Diego Maradona wears sunglasses and earrings

In January 2010, Guardia di Finanza EQUITALIA auctioned Maradona’s earring in the northern city of Bolzano with the proceeds went to Italy’s tax agency. An unidentified woman with a Neapolitan accent purchased the diamond-studded gold earring for 25,000 euros (£22,000 / ($36,000) - five times its asking price. She also gets a copy of the police’s charge sheet with Maradona’s signature. The woman said she was “satisfied” with the purchase, before being ushered into a lift by a bodyguard.

Diego Maradona’s earring on auction
(photo by Reuters)

Maradona’s Earring auctioned and sold; bonus: Police charge sheet and Maradona’s signature
(photo by Getty Images)

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Omega is not the only brand which produces the WINTER OLYMPIC WATCH series. Recently, we have also Swiss watchmaker RICHARD MILLE who modify their Felipe Massa timepiece to celebrate the VANCOUVER 2010 this February. Along with the lighting of the Olympic torch in BC Place Stadium, the new RM 011 “Americas Four” will make its debut. There will only be 30 pieces available at retailers in North and South America.

Akin to its original shape of Felipe Massa Special Edition Watch, the new model of RM 011 watch also features the brushed black DLC case in Richard Mille’s signature oversized tonneau shape – measuring 50 mm x 40 mm x 16.5 mm – and flyback chronograph complications that are essential to athletes and sports fans alike. This specil edition RM 011 exemplifies the historic synergy between timekeeping and sports in a precision performance.

The watch’s elements include:

• skeletonized automatic winding movement with adjustable rotor geometry for fine-tuning of the winding mass oscillation
• 60-minute countdown timer
• 12-hour totalizer
• Annual calendar with automatic adjustment for months of 30 or 31
• Semi-instantaneous and oversized date display which is positioned in a horizontal aperture under 12 o’clock.
• Semi-instantaneous and oversized month display in Arabic numerals, placed between 4 & 5 o’clock
• 55 hour power reserve
• Double barrel system
• Bottom plate, brides and balance cock made of titanium
• Spline screws in grade 5 titanium for the bridges and case
• Grade 5 titanium crown with double seal o ring and collar in Alcryn.

Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, 12 - 28 February 2010

Sumi - Quatchi - Miga, the mascot of Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver 2010

The new RM 011 DLC Titanium Americas WHITE limited edition makes connection to the Winter Olympics 2010 by the sprinkling of white details around the dial, crown, hands, and numerals; they epitomize the snow that blankets the slopes of Whistler, British Columbia, as the Olympic begin. Black titanium DLC coating on the center titanium case lends a ‘night’ effect to the watch – the same effect applied on F1 Night Race Watch.

With rubber strap and sapphire crystals on the both sides, this exclusive timepiece is worth US $90,000.

About Richard Mille

Swiss watch brand Richard Mille was founded by Richard Mille in 1999 with factory located in Breuleux, Switzerland. Using state-of-the art materials as well as advanced technology, the Richard Mille watches are sometimes called “the F1 Watch”. Its most famous model is the Tourbillon RM008 (vortex split-seconds chronograph) which combines an engine with manual winding tourbillon, a chronograph with split seconds, an indicator of torque, and power reserve indicator. The series is one of the most sophisticated watches in the world pricing around USD 500,000.

The exclusive brand has been sponsoring Brazilian F1 driver FELIPE MASSA, to whom it dedicates the special edition of RM005 model. Richard Mille is also the sponsor of the Perini Navi Cup in Sardinia and the Le Mans Classic race.

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I’ve covered Hublot All Black series a few months ago. Apparently, the company is not the only one which produces such All-Black timepieces. There are still more. One of them is the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer PIERRE DEROCHE which recently launches its SPLITROCK MDA FULL BLACK WATCH. But unlike its name suggest, black is not the solitary color of the watch. Instead, it also includes red color as the accents on the date indicator, on the small seconds hand as well as on its strap’s stitches.

In my opinion, compare to Hublot’s All Black Series, Pierre DeRoche’s is less consistent in applying the concept.

Anyway, the timepiece features a black PVD-treated 316L stainless steel case set with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, sapphire back and a black crocodile leather strap. It measures 46 / 31.6 mm and thickness of 13.7 mm. The watch also includes the crown and push pieces. Pierre DeRoche has created a fascinating piece between sport and high tech, the mystery of the night and the hectic pace of a busy day.

The watch’s black guilloche dial features oversized black numerals with black SuperLuminova, black sub-dials and black hands; not to mention the chronograph functions of hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph (60-second, 60-minute, 12-hour indicator) plus three concentric hands, as well as of the date, displayed through the medium aperture.

The All Black series timepiece is animated by an exclusive automatic movement of self-winding Dubois Dépraz calibre, equipped with the cut-out and engraved oscillating weight. Water resistant is up to 30 meter (3 ATM).

The casual Full Black Watch by Pierre DeRoche prices 12′639 CHF = US $12259.45.

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