Here’s a video review of a Breitling Super Avenger White dial that I did. This is the first generation of Super Avenger… it went through one change with the Pro II and larger Applied Wings logo, and next years model will lose the arabics and have trapezoidal indices instead.
The Super Avenger is a hulking watch and after some consideration, I decided that it is not the watch for me. Too big, though maybe one day I will wish I had one again!
The IWC Portuguese is one of the most recognizable classics in the IWC line of watches, having changed very little from generation to generation, though new variations have been coming out such as the F.A. Jones, 7 Day 5000 series Portuguese with the Pellaton winding system, and the new Regulateur Portuguese. The Portuguese Chrono is probably the most commonly seen variation of this IWC, and also the entry level model.
The one I have here is a Steel case, with Opaline dial and Gold Arabics and hands. The Chronograph hands are blued steel to differentiate them from the ones that tell the time. The movement is a modified Valjoux 7750 which IWC calls the Caliber 79350. The date wheel has been removed, and the seconds subdial moved from the 9 o’clock position to the 6 o’clock position. The movement is also the all gold-colored version of the Valjoux 7750 as you can see below.
The dial is a beautiful peice of work, with Guilloche subdials and finely lacquered writing, and the three-peice case is very well crafted. The bezel is polished stainless steel with a domed Sapphire Crystall, and the case and caseback are mostly Brushed Stainless. The Crocodile strap that came with it is on the thin side, but still quite serviceable. The only thing the watch is missing is a Date, but the dial would likely suffer from the addition of a date window.
A rear shot:
The case is 41mm in diameter, almost the same size as the Breitling Navitimer, and it wears very similarly as well. The style of the watch lends itself to the slightly older consumer as it is less sporty and more classic. Overall, an impeccable peice, with tons of history and style. Wearing the IWC brand tells those around you that you are a watch aficionado, not just a casual wearer.
This is a VERY cool promotional video by Patek Philippe showing their manufacturing process, perhaps illustrating a day (or month) in the life of Patek Philippe. One of the most well done videos I have ever seen made by a company showing the process. Not to mention that a Patek is probably one of the most carefully handmade watches that you can buy. Not really my cup of tea as I prefer A Lange, AP or Breguet when it comes to visual appeal for that kind of money, but I appreciate the craftmanship and the history of the brand.
Check out the video, it is outstanding. Probably the best quality control in the industry.
One of the more Charismatic members of the Breitlingsource Forums, acceldebt, posted one of his wonderful videos on Breitling Diamond bezels, to help educate and encourage the newbie to Diamond Bezels. They are a beautiful accessory when used correctly, at least in my opinion. Some people despise them, to each his own!
When Richard Mille first launched his collection of watches in 2001, he caused quite a stir with his unique cases and movements. Now his signature skeletonised cases and calibers with futuristic materials and style are an icon of high-end technology combined with old world horology.
The Mille-Starck watch, which is a collaboration with the designer Philippe Starck, is a one of a kind, based on the RM 005-1 Caliber movement. The timepiece was auctioned and went for a very high $343,000.
The watch is rectangular, and measures 35mm x 53.98mm. The beautiful movement uses blasted itanium and looks amazing in the Trademark Mille-style case. The watch will never be duplicated and this example that went for sale in 2005 is the only in existence.
I don’t know if I’ll even own a Richard Mille, but his watches are amazing in their uniqueness and really quite beautiful peices of horology.
