The Breitling Watch Blog

Vulcain recently released a sweet re-issue of an old watch from the 50’s, with an updated 42mm case diameter. This watch is the Vulcain 50s Presidents Chronograph. It features a heritage dial, and indeed it really looks like a blast from the past.

This new model from Vulcain is available in Stainless Steel as well as 18K Rose Gold. Both models feature Rose Gold hands, which I think pair up really nicely with the black, antique lumed dial. I am such a sucker for re-issued vintage style watches and Vulcain is a brand of watch I have been considering for a very long time now.

This is truly an outstanding piece that I would love to get my hands on to see in person. I really want one!

CASE: steel 316L or 18K Rose Gold
Diameter 42.00 mm – Length 50.00 mm
Height 13.75 mm
CRYSTAL: sapphire front and back
WATER-RESISTANCE: 50 meters/160 feets
CALIBRE VULCAIN V-57: 13 1/4-lignes mechanical automatic single-pusher type chronograph movement, 25 rubies, 105 components, lift angle 50°
FUNCTIONS: hour, minute, seconds counters at 9 o’clock, date window at 6 o’clock, centre second chronograph, 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock
FREQUENCY: 28’800 vibrations per hour
POWER RESERVE: 42 hours
DECORATION: Côtes de Genève motifs, blued screws
MOVEMENT COATING: rhodium

Panerai manufactures watches that are all around stunning. This is certainly the case with the Panerai Luminor North Pole GMT. One look at this timepiece and there will be no doubt in your mind that the 44mm watch is a powerful piece of technology that is sophisticated and powerful in its appeal. Your first impression will be right. But Panerai will surprise you further with some incredible features integrated within the watch.

The Panerai Luminor North Pole GMT is the result of the pioneering work of explorer Mike Horn, who along with Borge Ousland, organized an Arctic winter expedition. The thousands of kilometers or ice pose a serious challenge to any explorer. This location between northern Russia and the Arctic is an inhospitable place. Having a device that will guide them through is important. Now, you would think that they might as well take a bulky GPS-like machine with them. Fortunately, powerful features have been fitted in the Panerai watch.

Expect powerful and seamless performance from this watch with its automatic movement. What distinguishes this particular Panerai apart from the other popular Luminor and GMT watches, is that the Luminor North Pole was especially designed to withstand extremely cold conditions. It contains a special type of lubricant that ensures that the watch will work perfectly in the Arctic. It doesn’t stop there. Within the wade, the company has created another type of case made from soft iron.

As explorers know, there is a magnetic field in the North Pole. With the additional iron casing inside, the time-telling capabilities of the watch isn’t compromised. The screw-down caseback has also been engraved with a route map of the Arctic. This alone makes it worth collecting. Additional features include a rotating bezel that contains four letters: N, S, E, W, representing the four points of the earth.

Despite the technology, innovation, and functionalities included in the Panerai Luminor North Pole GMT, it surprisingly utilizes a practical design. This complements the message that the company wants to convey through this watch that you are entitled to use a special and powerful timepiece for everyday wear. The design also makes it easy for you to observe astrology even during nighttime without any hassles. You won’t get lost even in the Arctic Pole if you have this accessory to accompany you.

So whether you want to go out exploring or even if you simply want to have a highly sophisticated watch in your collection, the Panerai Luminor North Pole GMT might be right up your alley.

THIS EVENT WAS CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES

On Monday 23rd July Fellows will be auctioning one of only two watches to have been worn on the first ever round-the-world flight in a hot air balloon. In addition, the Birmingham based auctioneers are hosting a fundraising evening – complete with a talk from the balloon’s co-pilot, Brian Jones – to help raise money for Winds of Hope, a charity started as a result of this record-breaking expedition.

Since 1981 there have been 21 failed attempts to make the first uninterrupted circumnavigation of the globe in a hot-air balloon. Richard Branson failed in December 1998 when his attempt ended dramatically with a crash landing in the Atlantic. In March 1999, however, Brian Jones and Bertrand Picard made the first complete flight around-the-world aboard the Breitling Orbiter 3, becoming the undisputed winners of a race that had lasted almost 20 years.

After months of tireless preparation, these intrepid pioneers started their journey at 0805hrs on Monday 1st March, departing from Château-d’Oex in the Swiss Alps and finally coming to rest again almost 20 days later in Egypt at 0600hrs on Sunday 21st March. Their balloon was of the Rozière variety, which combines the qualities of both a hot-air balloon and a gas balloon. The gondola was made of a mix of Kevlar and carbon fibre to ensure it was extremely durable, yet light.

The entire expedition was sponsored by the watch brand Breitling – the obvious choice considering their pedigree in manufacturing instruments for aviation professionals. Their contribution included providing each of the avid balloonists with their own watch, perfectly suited to the job in hand. The timepiece they received was the Breitling Emergency – an instrument watch with a built-in micro transmitter allowing rescuers to locate one’s position following a crash or forced landing.

Read more on Fellows Website:
http://www.fellows.co.uk/Fellows-news/fellows-to-host-the-greatest-adventure-around-the-world-in-19-days

Been wanting one of these for a while and finally snagged a couple from DaLuca straps. These are great on Panerais as well as pilot watches I think. I picked up one in 24mm and one in 22mm. These ones are amazing and smell fantastic since their made from the highest quality Horween Shell Cordovan. I love the feel of the Shell Cordovan leather and these are also very well made to boot. Great Natos from DaLuca. Check out the PaneraiSource link before to see my full review.

Review here:
http://www.paneraisource.com/aftermarket_straps_daluca2.shtml

The new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 007 Limited Edition has been released! The new Skyfall Seamaster is released to commemorate the new 007 film starting Daniel Craig due out fall 2012. This new Planet Ocean features the smaller 42mm case, a Ceramic Dive Bezel, Textured Dial with 007 logo on the 7 o’clock index. The watch also features Omega’s new Co-Axial calibre 8507 which has a Si14 Silicone Balance Spring and a 4-year warranty to boot.

Very nice looking piece.