The Breitling Watch Blog

Tendence watches has created a special edition watch to help support the Japanese People in wake of the 9.1 magnitude earthquake. The watch runs a very affordable $300, with half of the proceeds going to Japan. Here is the message from Tendence:

“Following the devastating 11th March earthquake and tsunami in Japan many thousands of people have been left homeless and in critical need of aid and support. The incredible strength, energy and determination Japanese people have shown in the aftermath of this atrocious natural disaster could have been misinterpreted by some as a sign that Japan is coping on their own and discourage aid from the rest of the world. But there should be no doubt that Japan is a country in urgent need of help!

Tendence decided to find a concrete way to contribute as much as possible to the relief effort in order to help the Japanese people.

From the new Tendence Gulliver Sport line a special edition watch has been created: “Tendence for Japan”.

Tendence will donate 50% of the proceeds from every watch sold to the Japanese Red Cross, in order to help provide a concrete and ongoing support to those people who need it most.

This special watch will be sold exclusively through the Tendence website in order to enable the maximum proceeds to be donated from each watch sold. For every Tendence for Japan watch bought, the purchaser will receive a certificate in recognition of their support and contribution.”

After only two years, Rolex has replaced former CEO Bruno Meier with Riccardo Marini who was previously the head of Rolex Italia. Reuters Online Reports that this could indicate “possible management problems” at Rolex.

There is some speculation that the reason for the change may be due to internal differences on their level of openness to the outside world. This has not been a secret obviously since in this age of transparency and the Swiss Bank shakedown, clients appreciate knowing where there money is going.

Bruno Meier was finance director prior to his appointment as CEO of Rolex and was the first CEO outside fo the Heiniger family in nearly half a decade. This move by Rolex definately shows what appears to be some instability after such solid management for so long. The Hans Wilsdorf Foundation controls the company, and the driving force behind these changes.

Riccardo Marini, shown above, has much better style and pizzazz. Something that I think Rolex could benefit from! Just look at his Italian flair.

Here’s the Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph video review I just uploaded to Youtube. Hope you guys enjoy it. The Carrera Chronograph is one of my favourite Tags, and in this classic 41.5mm case looks fantastic on my wrist. Check out the video and let me know what you think!

I’ve always liked a few of Baume & Mercier’s designs, but never thought I would end up with one of the Flagship Magnum XXL’s with the Rose Gold and PVD Case. While its not a brand that commands the respect of some of the others, its still a luxury watch company that has quite a bit of brand penetration and awareness.

The Magnum XXL 8825 in 18K & PVD is one of their most expensive watches, and features some nice combination of Rose gold and PVD, which is a popular color combination these days.

The watch is a generous 48 x 37.4mm, and wears like a 44mm round-cased watch. This is an imposing watch with some serious color combinations that really makes an impact. Beautiful crafted case and Rose Gold inset pieces are really impressive.

As you can see there is a 18K Rose Gold insert on the side that is screwed in. Nice extra touch on an already beautifully crafted watch. This watch certainly isn’t everyone’s taste, but there is a certain charm to it that I really find compelling. When I strap it on I do find that it is a bit harder to match than other watches I have due to the PVD and Rose Gold.

The Deployant Clasp is PVD and blends right in with the Alligator pattern strap – both of which suit the watch wonderfully. The strap construction is quite well done on this watch, and has a nubuck finish to the leather, which I cannot seem to find a concensus on whether it is Leather or Alligator. If I had to guess, I would say Leather.

Movement is a modified ETA/Valjoux 7750 with a signed Baume & Mercier Rotor. I would have liked to see at least a DLC’d rotor in this watch. The half-moon window is a nice touch, however. The movement works well and is an established work horse that just about any competent watchmaker can fix blindfolded.

The watch is well made and I am quite happy with mine. I received it in a trade and it is fun to wear. The Rose Gold portions are generous with the large crown and the full Rose Gold bezel that goes past the dial as evidenced by the inside of the watch under the crystal. The weight of the watch also does not let you forget it! A nice piece by a company that I don’t usually consider.

Been loving the Dievas Vortex since it came out two years ago, and this new Vortex Professional Diver is even more awesome! The Dievas Vortex Professional adds several new features over the original Vortex.

A few of the new features of this Dievas Professional include a DLC Black Rotor, even though its hidden beneath a solid caseback; the same German-made titanium Fricker case, but this one featuring a scratch resistant Plasma Finish; and a killer off-white fully SuperLuminova’d dial!

Specs:
Caliber: ETA 2824-2 automatic w/DLC Rotor
Jewels: 25
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Case Metal: titanium w/scratch resistant Plasma treatment
Diameter: 44mm
Height: 14mm
Finish: Waterproof: 50 atm/ 500m
Crystal: sapphire with anti reflective coating
Dial: off-white with Full SuperLuminova
Lug Width: 22mm