WatchesOnNet - Luxury Watches For Men And Women Review

Washington power brokers and the fashion elite have something in common.  They are all watching the fashion choices of Michele Obama, as evidenced by the number of articles that cover every detail of her wardrobe on a daily basis.

But when it comes to the watch making industry, all eyes are “watching” the choice of timepiece worn by the leader of the free world, as well as his second-in-command.

He has already made headlines around the world for his less formal approach to White House protocol, and his wardrobe reflects a younger, more casual attitude than that of his predecessor, but President Obama’s most recent choice of a watch is a bit more formal than the rest of his wardrobe.  It is even issued by the government, complete with a Secret Service coat of arms.

This is because when Obama was still a senator; his Secret Service agents presented him with a black dialed chronograph.  He later wore at this watch at his inauguration, making it one of the most photographed Watches in US history.  The men’s watch was purchased as a gift for his 46th birthday, and came from the employee-only Secret Service store, housed in the agency’s DC headquarters.

While Obama-watchers cannot purchase the exact same men’s watwch for themselves, a similar model – the JGC 6500 – is available from Jorg Gray, the watch’s manufacturer.  Of course, this one won’t have the Secret Service emblem, but who knows; maybe a replica will be released if there is significant demand.

Prior to receiving the Secret Service watch, Obama wore a TAG Heuer Divers watch, Series 1500.

Omega has the honor of naming Vice President Joseph Biden as one of their more famous fans.  Biden wears an Omega Seamaster watch, with a stainless steel bracelet, featuring a precision quartz movement and water resistance of up to 1,000 feet.

Technorati Tags: luxury watch, Luxury Watches, Mens Watches, obama watch, Watches

Since 1884, the Breitling watch company has been known for creating some of the best-known luxury timepieces in the world.

It is no surprise that Breitling been a pioneer in the world of aviation, since they began by making chronographs for pilots and chronometers for airplanes. Early on, the Breitling Navitimer became the official watch of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. This was soon followed by the “Cosmonaute” model, which was worn by astronaut Scott Carpenter in space.

In recent years, Breitling has continued to introduce even more technology into its timepieces. The “Emergency” model is capable of transmitting an emergency aviation distress signal, and Breitling’s Colt SuperOcean and Chronomat models are both COSC-rated and waterproof up to 100 ATM.

After reviewing several of Breitling’s men’s watches, three models stand out as top competitors among competitors: The Aerospace, the Navitimer, and the Chronomat B01.

The Breitling Aerospace watch is a rugged, sporty and highly reliable timepiece, which has been recently modified with a more modern look.

The 2009 model, introduced at Baselworld, features a case and bezel made from 18-carat rose gold. The dial includes a luminescent “dot” at the twelve o’clock spt, and an etched sixty minute scale around the bezel. The brown dial is accented with rose-gold hour markers at the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o-clock, and the hands are luminescent as well. New in this model are two digital screens, one displaying the function name, and one the function itself. Functions include an alarm, chronograph timer, minute repeater and an additional time-zone.

Marking their 125th anniversary, Breitling recently introduced a special series of their well known Navitimer watch. Since 1952, the Navitimer has been considered the official watch of the aviation industry, and is worn by pilots around the world. This self-winding chronograph model acts like a navigation computer, allowing pilots to calculate flight details accurately. The new Navitimer uses the Breitling “caliber 26” movement, and features an elegant Air Racer bracelet.

The Breitling Chronomat B01 is known for its elongated profile in its case design, and is available in a variety of materials – steel, steel/gold and 18-carat rose gold. A truly refined timepiece, the Chronomat is extremely sturdy and masculine in its appearance, and its 500 meter water resistance makes it an excellent choice for the diver. What makes this watch particularly unique are the large, engraved Roman numerals around the bezel and raised steel markers at the quarter-hours. It also features a convex, scratch-proof sapphire crystal, which is glare-proof on both sides. Internally, the COSC certified Chronomat is equipped with Breitling’s exclusive B01-calibre movement, which vibrates at a 28,000 per hour. Its six functions include a ¼ second chronograph and a tachometer, making it unquestionably reliable and accurate. Bracelets are available in stainless steel, crocodile leather and luxurious Barenia leather.

Whichever Breitling model you choose, you can be certain that, like all other Breitlings, it will be a masterpiece of Swiss timekeeping technology.

Technorati Tags: Breitling, Breitling Watch, Breitling Watches, Luxury Watches, Mens Watches, watch, Watches, Women's Watches

The place: Via Condotti 8, Rome, Italy.  The time: Spring 2009.  The creative force: Gucci Creative Director, Frida Giannini

An icon of Italian design and craftsmanship, Gucci has long been synonymous with sophisticated Italian style.  They are known for their high-end leather goods, elegant apparel and scarves, and their signature fragrance, but Gucci is also a player on the luxury watch scene.

It is no mistake that as the company celebrates its 70th Anniversary; they remain on the cutting-edge of high-concept fashion.  This is because the creative force behind the Gucci brand is a 36-year old, Roman-born designer, who knows what today’s woman wants to wear.  She envisions a softer, lighter, and more moderate mood for the brand.

Frida Giannini is this visionary, and she represents a more casual way forward for Gucci. From her signature Converse All Stars, to her earthy and grounded personality, Giannini brings a confident, breezy approach to her designs. This is particularly evident in her inspired collections of clothing, accessories and watches.

An example of her youthful design theme can be found in the Twirl collection of Gucci watches, which are a departure from Gucci’s equestrian-styled “horse-bit” theme.  These fanciful timepieces incorporate whimsical, textured leather cuff bracelets with round dials, and are available in a brighter selection of colors than one would expect from a Gucci watch.

Try a Twirl on for size, and look for more inspired interpretations of Gucci favorites from Giannini.  Her vision for Gucci is already making waves on international runways.

Technorati Tags: Gucci, Gucci Watch, Gucci Watches, Luxury Watches, Mens Watches, Women's Watches

After perusing dozens of web sites in pursuit of a real Cartier Discount watch, I soon learned that there are a wide selection of Cartier watches to choose from online.  Some of the “haute couture” styles are akin to works of art, with layered asymmetrical shapes, super-modern dial designs, and swaths of glittering diamonds.  But it is hard to find these styles at a discount, so I narrowed my selection to three classic Cartier styles, all of which are readily available at a discount.

Cartier Watch #1: Tank Divan Watches

With their extravagantly elongated Roman numerals and rectangular face, the Cartier Tank Divan Watch is another representation of the company’s taste for distinctive shapes and innovative geometry, while remaining faithful to the classic lines of a Cartier watch.  Available in mini, small, and large sizes, and in steel, white and yellow gold finishes or leather strap, the Tank Divan is coolly sophisticated.  Some models are embellished with diamond bezels, but all are designed to express the originality of the wearer.

Cartier Watch #2: Santos Demoiselle Watches

A tribute to Brazil’s famous aviator, Alberto Santos Dumont’s signature airplane, the “Demoiselle”, these Cartier watches are designed for a lady of refinement.  Originally created by Cartier specifically for his friend “Santos” to be worn during his flights, the Cartier Santos Demoiselle carries on this tradition.  Models are available in three sizes, and finished in steel, steel/gold, yellow, white or rose gold.  They are all equipped with quartz movement and are water resistant to a depth of one hundred meters.

Cartier Watch #3:  Roadster Watches

The Cartier Roadster is a self-affirming and bold statement of design, recalling the legendary days of sleek roadster automobiles in a sculptural, understated timepiece.  Available in steel or gold, with interchangeable straps, the Roadster easily transforms from a dressy metal bracelet to the relaxed chic of sporty leather.  An extra large version is available in the GMT or chronograph series, and some models can be embellished with a bezel of diamonds.

Technorati Tags: Cartier, cartier discount, cartier ladies watch, Cartier Watch, Cartier Watches

If you’re into fashion and spend as much time looking at fine jewelry as I do, then you probably have some well-formed opinions about brands, designers, and the people who wear them.

I consider myself a luxury watch aficionado, so let’s say I pay pretty close attention to the kind of watch a man wears.  A watch can tell you more about a guy than his cologne, his shoes, and his hairstyle combined.

I’ve met my share of TAG and Rolex wearers over the years: Not surprisingly, they’re usually athletic (meaning they golf, play tennis or own a boat), subtly sophisticated and successful in business, but we’re not a good match.   This is because they usually have an ego to match their pricey watch and golf bag.

Movado guys have always been more my type, perhaps because I appreciate the aesthetic appeal of Movado watches, and their corporate focus on the arts, rather than sports.  In my experience, Movado guys are well dressed style-setters, more culturally aware, sensitive and creative.  They tend to enjoy a night out looking at art galleries more than a night at the ball game, and they remain a mystery to most of the women they meet, rarely revealing their innermost thoughts.  Women will claim that they don’t like these “mystery” guys, but let’s face it – they have a certain allure.

Sound like your kind of guy?  Then you may want to start looking for a man who appreciates Movado watches.  This is really quite simple if you give it some thought.  Just visit your local Movado boutique and hang out at the counter, or better yet, get a job there.  Stop at some gallery openings, visit a modern art exhibit, or peruse the Art History or Philosophy section of your local bookstore.  Better yet, just start wearing a Movado women’s watch – and he will come to you!

Technorati Tags: luxury watch, Luxury Watches, movado, Movado Watch, Movado Watches, movados

Many watch lovers around the world have wondered, who is the “Michele” behind the Michele Watch Company, and how did she get started in making these gorgeous designer watches?  Well, I did a little research, and here is the scoop.

“Michele” is actually Michele Barouh, daughter of Michele Watches founder Jack Barouh.  The company was named for her when she was a very small child, but Michele Barouh has grown to continue the tradition of the Michele Watch Company into the 21^st century. 

As the company’s creative director, Michele is known for incorporating her love of travel into the designs that she creates, and she brings a younger, more whimsical perspective to the collections.  She instinctively understands the balance between developing the brand and keeping the company on the cutting edge of fashion.  One of her major contributions to Michele is the design and launch of Michele watches with interchangeable bands, a development that has made an impression on the fashion world as well as the watch making community.

As a third generation watchmaker, Michele studied at Sotheby’s Institute, earning a Masters degree in art and business.  Michele now serves as the creative mastermind for the manufacturing, creativity, design and retail marketing aspects of the company.

In addition to their color schemes and beautiful designs, Michele watches are also known for their functionality and craftsmanship. Even though the Fossil watch company acquired Michele Watches in 2004, Michele Barouh remains as the dynamic force behind the brand, keeping Michele watches consistently at the cutting edge of international fashion trends.

This relatively young watch company is quickly rising to the top of the women’s luxury watch market, and it looks like with Michele Barouh leading the way, they are well positioned for continued growth.

Technorati Tags: michele borouh, michele ladies watch, michele watch, Michele Watches

Omega is famous for many things, most notably for creating the NASA-approved timepiece worn by astronaut Neil Armstrong on the first moon landing in 1969.  The company is also known for its association with the Olympic Games as “official timekeeper” and as the creator of the legendary timepiece worn by Agent 007 in James Bond movies.  So it will be no surprise to diehard fans that Omega continues to push the boundaries of technology in watch making, most recently with the development of the coaxial escapement.  This Omega innovation allows the intricate movement within their watches to require very little or no lubrication over time.

Two newer Omega creations caught the attention of horologists and luxury jewelers recently at Baselworld.  They are the De Ville Hour Vision and the reissue of the Ploprof Divers’ Watch.

Omega’s De Ville Hour Vision, first released in 2007, is considered the “total package” of Omega’s technical achievements.  It features Omega’s 8500 caliber in-house movement, which represents a return to Omega’s glorious roots as a world-class watch maker.  The chronometric precision within this movement is uniquely visible through a side-view on the inner-casing of its sapphire crystal, as well as on the exhibition backing.  It is the 3-piece architecture of this watch’s case that makes it so refreshingly different – allowing for the display of more minutiae while remaining elegant and pure in form.  Details like the 18 karat gold hour markers and hands, the angled window displaying the date, and polished bevels that highlight a brushed satin finish, make De Ville Hour Vision one remarkably beautiful timepiece.

With all the outstanding value that this watch represents, it is surprisingly luxurious for its price.  Many Omega fans have been pleased to find such “haute horology” within a mid-range price point, and so far no one has been heard complaining.

Another exciting development from Omega is this year’s reissue of the Ploprof Divers’ Watch.  Making waves at the 2009 Baselworld exhibit in Switzerland; this was welcome news for many sport watch fans.  The reissued model is as distinctive and bold as the original Ploprof, only this one is has a water resistance of 1200 meters, far exceeding the 600-meter limit of the original issue.  It also includes the in-house 8500 caliber Omega movement, complete with co-axial escapement.

Besides doubling its water-resistance, Omega has set the bar very high for the Ploprof’s instrumentation too, making it a top competitor among divers’ watches.  One of the main characteristics is the chunky profile of the Ploprof’s massive one-piece case, fashioned in solid stainless steel.  A smartly designed bezel lock allows rotation of the dial only upon depression of a security button, and the crown is further protected by a crown-locking nut and imposing steel slabs.

Toughness and elaborate “bank-vault” construction are not the only features that make the Omega Ploprof exceptional though.  This super-professional divers’ watch is also unique in its unmistakable uniqueness and faithful representation of the legendary original.  Omega Watches has also added the option of a stainless steel mesh bracelet, in addition to the classic rubber strap.

While the price of this watch is one of the highest in its category, this is a testament to Omega’s uncompromising use of technology and materials.  The Omega Ploprof reissue would undoubtedly impress one of its biggest fans, the pioneering Jacques Cousteau, who wore the original on many of his saturation-dives.

Technorati Tags: luxury watch, Luxury Watches, omega, omega watch, Omega Watches

The renowned Swiss watch maker, Omega, is launching a worldwide advertising campaign for its Speedmaster chronographs, featuring images of President John F. Kennedy.

It is because of Omega’s longstanding connection with our nation’s first manned space flights that an image of JFK was chosen for this campaign.  By the time astronaut Gordon Cooper made his history-making space flight on May 15, 1963, he was already a huge fan of the Omega Speedmaster, and this watch had become the first “exclusive watch” of NASA, approved for use on all manned space flights.

Mr. Cooper was one of seven heroic astronauts to enter the Mercury space program.  Then, another astronaut, Wally Shirra, wore the Omega Speedmaster on his flight into space.

President Kennedy played a vital role in promoting America’s space program, and the first lunar landing, starting with the challenge that he voiced to Congress in May of 1961.  He echoed this challenge a year later in a speech at Rice University, where he said, “We choose to go to the moon.”

It is those words that are featured in the new Omega Speedmaster campaign, alongside Kennedy’s image and the iconic Omega Watches that made the historic trips.

While Kennedy was no longer alive when it finally happened, a few years later Apollo 11 would land squarely on the face of the moon, with Neil Armstrong’s historic steps being taken while wearing an Omega Speedmaster.

Technorati Tags: omega, omega speedmaster, omega speedmaster watch, omega speedmaster watches, omega watch, Omega Watches

After trying on several Breitling Watches in Switzerland last summer, I was a bit confused about which one to choose.  Then, the salesperson brought out the new line of Breitling watches called Breitling for Bentley.  Having always been a fan of Bentley automobiles, I had a feeling one of these would be the watch for me.

Breitling partnered with Bentley to unveil a new line of watches inspired by the refinement and sophistication of this world renowned British automaker.  The collection includes the Bentley Motors series, the GT and GMT racing models, a limited edition Mulliner Tourbillon, and three versions of the Mark VI, but my favorite is the Flying B series.

Commemorating the perfect marriage between Breitling watches and Bentley automobiles, the “Flying B” series combines the well known “winged B” Bentley mascot with Breitling’s legendary reputation among aviators, to create the luxuriously appointed Flying B collection.  The cambered rectangular case expresses the daring originality of both companies, which is also reflected in the knurled motif, sculpted mother-of-pearl hour markers, and beveled sapphire crystal.  The exceptional motorization of this timepiece utilizes the chronometer-certified Breitling Calibre 25B self-winding movements, and the caseback is engraved with Bentley’s legendary Flying B.

These chronographs clearly assert themselves as superb timepieces, with the attention to detail and stunning aesthetics that distinguish all Breitling watches.  The Flying B chronographs are all hand made by Swiss artisans, and it shows.  I was especially taken by the subtle lines of the case, radiating hour markers and inlaid mother-of-pearl Roman numerals.  Like the automobiles, the dials can be customized with classic Bentley colors, like Royal Ebony, Silver Storm, Desert Dune and Neptune.  All in all, the Flying B chronograph has all the originality and distinction that has made Breitling and Bentley the finest brands in their respective industries.

Technorati Tags: Breitling, breitling chronograph, breitling flying b, Breitling Watch, Breitling Watches, Mens Watches, Women's Watches

New York’s fashionistas are buzzing about a vibrant new collection of watches for women. In Diane von Furstenberg’s runway show, it wasn’t just the clothes that caught the attention of global fashion editors; it was introduction of a daring new collection of women’s watches.

New Yorkers always expect a few surprises at Fashion Week, and von Furstenberg didn’t disappoint. Her spin on watches and jewelry played a starring role in her dynamic “nomadic” theme. Mixed in with the luxurious textiles, layered knits and whimsical touches of her clothing line, was the Sutra Sport women’s watch collection, created for the Diane von Furstenberg for H. Stern timepieces, which blended well with her oversized Power rings and Sutra bracelets.

The Sutra watches, which represent a direct complement to her jewelry line by the same name, were released in the US, Europe and Middle Eastern countries last fall, selling for about $1500 each.

A woman who never stops reinventing herself, Diane von Furstenberg made waves in 1972 with her radical campaign that told women they should “feel like a women and wear a dress”. This statement prompted the “wrap dress” frenzy, for which von Furstenberg became famous. Often called the most marketable female designer since Coco Chanel, Newsweek also lauded her as an icon of women’s liberation. After launching a cosmetics line and a collection of home furnishings, she moved to Paris, and reentered the fashion world in the early nineties with a home shopping debut called Silk Assets. Today, her empire includes sportswear, fragrance and beauty collections, with a flagship store in the newly fashionable meatpacking district of New York.

Technorati Tags: Diane von Furstenberg watches, Luxury Watches, Mens Watches, watch, Watches, women's watch, Women's Watches