WatchesOnNet - Luxury Watches For Men And Women Review

Michelle Obama is much more than the woman married to the 44th President of the United States. She is a “First Lady”, a lawyer, a mother, and major fashion icon. Every move she makes, every dress she wears and every accessory she chooses is immediately noticed, analyzed and commented upon. I mean, who could forget the flowing white, one-shoulder gown she danced in at the Inaugural Ball? Loved it.
Mrs. Obama’s flair for fashion comes naturally. For many magazine shoots, she has chosen her own clothes and I’m pretty sure she’s too down to earth to ever have a personal stylist. In July 2007, Vanity Fair listed her among “10 of the World’s Best Dressed People” and in 2008 she appeared in People magazine’s list of Best Dressed Women.
As seen in this professional White House photograph, Michelle Obama is a flawless example of elegance. A black dress and white pearls, her classic and confident style is said to be reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy, perhaps the other most admired and fashionable First Lady ever.

Wait… what kind of watch is she wearing? It’s kind of hard to make out, but looks to me like it’s a Cartier Tank Francaise. Yep, that’s it. And she loves it so much that she also wore her Tank on the cover of People magazine in March of this year.
It’s not surprising that Mrs. Obama chooses the very classic Cartier Tank Francasie. Women all over the world swoon for anything that comes in that iconic red box and Cartier women’s watches are no exception. The Tank Francasie was originally created in 1917 by the founder of the House of Cartier himself. Due to its continued popularity over the years, there are now over thirty variants. The most recent version of the Tank, released in 1996, is the Tank Francasie. No doubt that sales of this watch have sky-rocketed due to the fact that Mrs. Obama wears it. Perhaps in our world of pop culture it should be known as the “Michelle Obama Watch?”
Where can you get one?

The Tank Francasie and Michelle Obama make a good pair. Each has a sense of style that is sleek, yet never over done. The Tank Francasie watch face is both square and rectangular, and though most have stainless steel or white, yellow or rose gold bracelets, they also come with alligator or satin straps, and most models can be embellished with diamonds. At WatchesonNet.com we have a complete selection of Cartier Tank Francasie watches. Which will you choose?

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The passage of time is naturally divided and is subjective, not absolute as we imagine. What is a year but the passage of our planet through its elliptical orbit around our home star? What is a day but the astronomical phenomenon of the earth spinning on its tilted axis? What is an hour but an equal division of a day? What is a second but the amount of time it takes a resting human heart to beat?

But we do divide time using artificial means, to achieve the smaller fractions that precise timekeeping require. Sun dials marked the movement of the sun around the face of a clock- clepsydras used tightly controlled flowing water.
And since 1657, oscillatory, delicate movements of mechanical pieces of metal have been used to keep track of the tiny divisions of time.  The digital age of tiny electronics and lightening-fast internet connections has not bypassed watches: in the 1960’s, a scientific group based in Switzerland created and tested the original watches movements based on electricity. These later became the ‘quartz movement’ watches, powered by batteries and allowing for a change from the age-old analog display that has been the timekeeping tradition since Roman times.
Because of how frequently their vibrations sound, quartz watches are highly accurate, and daily variations are much, much less than a second per day.  Compared to the slower oscillations of mechanical watches that can vary up to ten seconds a day, quartz movement watches are highly accurate.

The first and most important function of any good watch is to simply be appealing. Since personal tastes vary, sometimes pricing can seem arbitrary. But there are several rules of thumb one can use to figure out whether or not a watch is a good deal at any price range.
The movements of mechanical watches tend to be more expensive than those of quartz watches.  This is because of the size, complexity, and delicacy of the parts, as well as availability.
However, generally speaking, even cheaper models of watch will be well-designed and functional in terms of actual timekeeping technology. Manufacturing standards are very high for most brands. The pricing comes into play more on the non-functional aspects of each watch.
But another variable come in with case materials. Stainless steel, other metals, precious metals, resins, plastics, and other combinations are available. The back of each watch case should indicate which material it is made of, or at least the papers that came with the watch will explain. Obviously, plastic and resin will be the least expensive, and stainless steel, while not a precious metal, will cost more.
Then, the bracelets and their material affect the price, and whether or not there are precious stones included in the face or bracelet.

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At WatchesonNet.com we send our condolences to the family and fans of Michael Jackson…

We all know that Michael Jackson had his share of problems over the years. Although brilliant and talented, the King of Pop was also troubled.  Even after amassing such an amazing fortune and so much fame, he often found himself in financial turmoil. His bizarre lifestyle, wild spending sprees, the Neverland estate, and his many unfortunate court cases, kept him constantly strapped for cash.

Now, one of the smartest things he ever did was buying the rights to Beatles song catalog, talk about something that will always hold and most likely gain value, but one of his biggest mistakes was thinking he could those rights at any time to the highest bidder.

On June 14, 2001, Mr. Jackson was hard up for cash and hoping that Sony Music Company, whom he had already borrowed $200 million dollars from (no, that is not a typo), would again come to his rescue and purchase the Beatles catalog. When Sony said “no”, Jackson used a “King Kalla” watch, made by Vacheron Constantine and valued at roughly $2 million dollars, as collateral to borrow money from Bank of America.

Even though he got the cash, the watch was barely his to sell. ONE day before he received the two million dollars, Jackson settled with Beverly Hills jeweler David Orgell, who had sued him almost a year earlier. Orgell had let Jackson take the watch on approval that he would buy it, but Jackson never paid. When Jackson finally brought the diamond Vacheron Constantine back, Orgell said it was a mess; “The watch was scratched … had food particles intertwined. This is a gem of a watch, and it was obviously used.”  On June 13, 2001, the case was settled.  The very NEXT day, the King of Pop pawned his “King Kalla” and one can suspect that he used those proceeds to pay Orgell, who would not take the watch back because of the state it was in.

The Swiss company, Vacheron Constantine was founded in 1775, making it the oldest watch manufacturer in the world. Vacheron watches are some of the most exclusive and expensive ever made. Take for example, the Kallista. It was made in 1979 with an initial price tag of $5 million dollars. Today, that watch is valued at around $11 million dollars. The Vacheron King Kalla, the one that Michael Jackson temporarily owned and then sold, is the mac daddy of the Kalla series. Made in 1990, this watch holds 103 carats worth of bling and features diamonds that completely cover the bracelet and dial. Apparently, less than ten King Kallas were ever made.

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Readers of this blog probably know a lot of “facts” about TAG Heuer watches; like how this Swiss watch company was founded by Edouard Heuer in 1860, and how they have earned their reputation for making the highest quality precision timepieces.

You may also know about the company’s longstanding associations with the world of performance sports, like auto-racing and sailing, as the “official timekeeper”.  Or perhaps you’ve heard that John Glenn strapped a Heuer stopwatch on his wrist back in 1962, making it the first Swiss made chronograph to orbit the earth.

But you may not be familiar with the “Fiction” of TAG Heuer watches.

TAG Heuer watches have recently made inroads into the high-end luxury watch sector, with a full range of fashionable and interesting styles to catch the attention of even the most jaded billionaire.  In the world of TAG Heuer watches, the top of the line collection is known as “haute joaillerie”, and the top of this range is known as “Diamond Fiction”.  Perhaps the “fiction” part is because these watches are so sparkly that they must be seen to be believed.

The Diamond Fiction doesn’t even resemble a watch at first glance, but rather a piece of very fine jewelry, which is so densely loaded with diamonds, it borders on the audacious.  Set with 879 full-cut Wesselton diamonds totaling 5.8 carats, this glittering timepiece emits the time through a high concentration of 54 LEDs.  Digital time-keeping has never been more glamorous – glowing red as it is against a brilliant sea of diamonds, and paired with a red satin strap. The TAG Heuer Diamond Fiction “haute joaillerie” watch literally begs to be noticed.

So if the sky’s the limit and money is no object, there is no need to worry about running into another one of these TAG Heuer watches at your next cocktail party.  Only three of them have been produced!

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When one thinks of Movado, an image of minimalism, high style and modernity comes to mind. The infamous “Museum Watch”, with its single dot at the 12 o’clock hour is often regarded as icon of minimalist design.

In fact, Nathan Horwitt’s design is so much a part of the Bauhaus-inspired movement; it is even part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. So it is big news when a new collection is released that breaks out of Movado’s comfort zone. The new Movado 800 series has done just that. These sporty watches are vibrantly colored, athletically modeled, and affordable! Available in a variety of color combinations, exotic materials, and boldly sculpted cases, the 800 series is a true departure from the dressier, chic models for which Movado has become known.

Just in time for summer, the Movado 800 series watches offer a more casual collection for every day wear, without sacrificing their legendary craftsmanship and cutting edge design. These timepieces use stunning colors on the dial, portraying a bolder outlook for the company, making them an ideal choice for sports enthusiasts.

My personal favorite, and one of the splashiest versions available, is the men’s quartz model with a yellow dial, luminous hand and hour markers and the date displayed at the 3 o’clock spot. As with all other Movado watches, it has the Movado signature “dot” at the 12 o’clock hour. The heavier, substantial case measures 42mm in diameter and is 11mm thick, and is made of brushed and polished stainless steel. Bracelets are available in sports fabrics and classic stainless steel, but on this model I prefer the black, Kevlar-reinforced “xtremeresin” strap, which pairs well with the bright yellow dial.

If you are looking for a tough, resilient, sporty watch with an eye for design, look no further than the Movado 800 series.

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Movado has a long history of creating some of the world’s most coveted luxury watches. Best known for their Museum Watch, a modern icon of style and minimalism, the company has continued to expand its collection of stunning timepieces. For ladies with discriminating taste, no other watch company offers the style and sophistication of Movado. Two of their bestselling collections for women are the Amorosa and Esperanza series.

My personal favorite within Movado’s Amorosa series takes the elegance and simplicity of the Museum dial to a new level, with a two-tone gold and stainless steel bangle bracelet. The round black dial features Movado’s signature concave marker at the 12 o’clock hour, and gold-toned Dauphine hands, all housed within a steel case that is framed with a shiny, silver-toned bezel. The delicate and sparkly bangle bracelet is accented with two-tone links and holds eighteen round sparkly diamonds. Another popular choice among women is the fashionable ladies timepieces in Movado’s Esperanza collection.

These utterly feminine watches combined rhodium plated hands against a genuine mother-of-pearl dial, with twelve sparkling diamonds around a polished silver-toned bezel. Stainless steel bracelets are available in a variety of polished finishes. A hidden crown setting below the case edge gives this watch that sleek and contemporary “Movado” look. No matter which ladies’ Movado watch you choose, you can be certain that it will be crafted with the highest quality materials, Swiss watch-making technology, and will be accurate to within seconds per year. All of their timepieces are individually tested to meet the highest standards of excellence and quality. Movado has received over 200 international design awards, and their watches can be found in the permanent collections of several worldwide museums of art.

One glance at some of the lavishly opulent watches on Cartier’s web site will convince you – Cartier watches are in a class all by themselves.  Not only are they some of the most elegant and glamorous timepieces in the luxury watch category, Cartier watches are often treasured by their owners as “works of art”.

While the Cartier brand is largely inaccessible to even most well-heeled luxury watch seekers, if you can afford to buy one it will definitely be worth the price.  Cartier’s La Dona watch is one that deserves more than just a passing glance.  This ladies’ timepiece has a silver “guilloche” dial set with Roman numerals, and an 18K gold case and bracelet that is studded with the highest quality round-cut diamonds.  Operating with the power of Cartier’s Calibre 690 Quartz movement, the hands of this watch are azure blue, and shaped like swords.  A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal tops an octagonal gold crown, which is also set with a single, dazzling diamond.

Cartier also offers several highly distinctive watch collections for men, including a few very imaginative, flamboyant timepieces.  For example, the Cartier Santos 100 is a limited edition men’s watch that features an artful rendition of a dragon on the face, with hands that are shaped like small swords.  The Cartier Roadster is a more elegant timepiece, reminiscent of earlier Cartier designs, featuring Cartier’s signature Roman numerals and timeless design elements.

Cartier watches are known for attracting celebrities and royalty, as they are without a doubt the crème-de-la-crème of fine watch making.  Whether your taste in watches is flamboyant or conservative, modern or classic, there is a distinctive Cartier timepiece just for you.

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The driving force behind TAG Heuer’s newest Aquaracer, the 500M Calibre 5, is fueled by the company’s ongoing passion for excellence.  This new luxury TAG Heuer watch is inspired by professional deep-sea divers, and the extreme requirements the sport requires.

Reviews from divers and other Aquaracer fans say it all:  the 500M Calibre 5 pushes the boundaries of reliability, prestige, design and precision.

The TAG Heuer Company’s long history with the world of high-performance watersports started back in 1895, when it first patented the “water resistant case”.  Then, in 1950, TAG Heuer launched the Mareograph, the first chronograph timepieces with special functions for tides and regattas.

Later, in the early eighties, TAG Heuer launched the 2000 collection.  This was the first-ever series of watches designed specifically for the needs of professional divers, and was the precursor to today’s Aquaracer collection.

The newest addition to the Aquaracer series is the 500M Calibre 5, and it delivers the most exceptional functionality for watersports enthusiasts to date.  Outfitted with all the bells and whistles that have become the known as the “essence” of the TAG Heuer brand, and pushed to new extremes of luxury and performance, this new timepiece is clearly the crème-de-la-crème of professional diver’s watches.

Here are some of the features that make the TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500M Calibre 5 the top choice for professional divers and watersports enthusiasts:

Water Resistance, Guaranteed to 500 Meters: This watch has been subjected to the most rigorous and exacting operational tests known by the Swiss watch making industry.

Unidirectional Turning Bezel: Not only is this a strong component of TAG Heuer design, the brushed steel multi-function bezel is also an essential safety feature, and makes the Aquaracer instantly recognized as a professional divers watch.

Oversized Screw-in Crown and Easily Gripped Studs: The oversized case of the new Aquaracer is fitted with studs that are easily manipulated, even when wearing diving gloves.  Also, the color-coded, screw-in crown features double gaskets, preventing the penetration of water and dust.

Luminescent Markers: For easy reading in dimly-lit spaces, even underwater, the new TAG Heuer Aquaracer has luminescent markers on the indexes and hands, and an orange second hand.

Helium Release Valve: This automated function provides for the release of helium gases when divers remain at great depths for long periods of time.

Automatic Calibre 5 Movement: The TAG Heuer Swiss-made, in-house, automatic 26mm movement is COSC-certified and guaranteed.

TAG Heuer’s new Aquaracer 500M Calibre 5 is a well designed, high-performance diving watch, utilizing the type of premium technology that will allow it to last a lifetime.  Masculine, quintessentially Swiss, and technologically advanced, this Aquaracer is a prestigious instrument for serious divers.

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Long recognized as a leader in Swiss-made mechanical chronographs, the Breitling Company has recently established itself as a pioneer in the world of electronic watches as well.  Breitling is a favorite among pilots, aviators and anyone associated with the world of flight, so it is no surprise that they would want to be at the forefront of any technology related that enhances the flying experience.

Everything about the Breitling watches‘ new “Airwolf Instruments for Professionals” is made with a pilot’s needs in mind.  First of all, it is the first Breitling Calibre 78 movement that uses chronograph “pushers” rather than locating the function controls on the crown.  This 1/100-second SuperQuartz chronograph includes a secondary time zone, perpetual independent alarm, countdown timer, and back light.   It even includes a slide-rule on the bezel.  The hefty case of the Breitling Airwolf is 43.5 mm wide, and topped with a double-coated sapphire crystal, and surrounded with a black PVD-coated bezel.  With bracelets available in either polished metal or sporty rubber, this watch is a model of efficiency and style.

How do all these functions help a pilot, you may ask?  Well, the dual time zone allows the pilot to calculate landing times in both the origin and destination time zones.  Ergonomically, the new curved push-pieces allow for easier manipulation, in flight.  The oversized hands and glowing backlight allow for greater visibility and legibility.

But perhaps the most remarkable feature of this watch is a portion that is not even visible while it is worn.  The caseback of the all-new Breitling Airwolf evokes the whirling turbines of a jet engine.  This three-dimensional “turbine” not only looks good, it also serves as a resonance chamber for the watch’s alarm and other indicators.  This same motif is subtly echoed in the decoration of the dial.

Whether you are attracted by the generous dimensions of the case, the sophisticated detailing on the dial, or the jet-engine inspired caseback, the Breitling Airwolf is truly an instrument of inspired form and function.

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