Philip Stein luxury watches was founded in 2002 by husband and wife, Will and Rina Stein. Their combined business and watch designer knowledge led to the development and success of the Philip Stein brand. After discovering that natural frequencies had positive health properties, they decided to be the first to introduce a luxury watch that featured frequency-based technology.

Philip Stein Watches with Frequency Technology

So, what is frequency-based technology? Frequency technology was discovered in 1986 by a group of scientists who went on to patent the technology into a “TESLAR chip.” What these chips do is emit a signal that can make the body’s natural defenses stronger through a type of collaboration with its natural electromagnetic energy field. One study by Dr. Anthony Scott-Morley showed that the presence of a “TESLAR chip” allowed the body to obstruct ambient signals within the surrounding environment. Test results of the chip on patients showed positive results in the health field including improvement of sleep and reduction of the effects of stress. Also, the chip showed signs of reducing electronic pollution such as the use of a cell phone.

With this knowledge at hand, the Steins worked to combine a luxury watch that could affect the well-being of a person. Not long after launching their brand, testimonials soon poured in about the positive effects of wearing a Philip Stein watch. What really gave the Steins a major push into the commercial world was an endorsement by Oprah Winfrey who was gifted with a Philip Stein watch by Madonna.

And then came the design! With Rina’s 25 years of watchmaking design, the Steins incorporated distinctive features and beautiful textures to create the Philip Stein watch with Frequency Technology. The now well-known dual time zone dial and the window in the back of the face which shows the Frequency Technology metal disk are a sure sign it’s a Philip Stein watch. If you’ve never had the pleasure of looking upon a Philip Stein watch, be sure to check out their Collections which include:

• Prestige
• Signature
• Classic
• Active
• Bracelet

You can choose by dial color, single or double case, diamond or no diamond case or dial, and interchangeable straps.

We should thank the Steins. What other watch company has taken such steps to promote well-being and health? Who doesn’t want to be more resistant to stress and sleep better? There’s never been a better reason to wear a Philip Stein watch.

Those of you not familiar with Michele should certainly update yourselves! Michele Watches was founded in Belgium in 1940 and Maurice Barouh believed “that a watch is not merely a timepiece but an expression of life.” His belief in quality and refinement was passed on to his son Jack, who named the company after his daughter. The company originally started out making children’s watches but after great success decided to expand. The third generation of the family, Michele and Jeremy, have kept true to the beliefs, quality and details their grandfather was passionate about. The launch and success of the CSX Diamond chronograph Michele watch brought the company into the U.S. spotlight.

If you have never seen a Michele watch, attending the trunk show will be a pure delight! Michele watches come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Maybe you prefer diamond cases? Or perhaps the natural mother-of-pearl dial? One of their watch premiers includes the blue-faced Sport Sail Square Large watch with a stainless steel bracelet. Bold, yet subtle. All of their designs are desirable and artistic. They will definitely appeal to those individuals who love fashion as they are recognized as one of the leading fashion brands. The supplies Michele uses for the straps are drawn from many different resources. The collection of straps on Michele watches are known for their blend of quality and color. Michele makes sure their brand is aware of shifting fashion and changes in the industry. These new styles are introduced into their collections through a wide array of materials and designs. This blend is truly a work of magic.

Premier of the Sport Sail Square Large

Michele also allows its customers to customize their own watch. You just select the case you desire and then the strap. Simple! And if you prefer, you can also swap your strap with a different watch case! There is a strap for any event. Here’s just a few:

• Bracelet
• Grosgrain
• Silicone
• Alligator
• Patent Leather
• Stingray

Michele straps come in many colors also. If it’s fashionable, you are sure to find it with Michele. Past trunk shows have closed with many happy customers. Each year, Michele delights with new deco design elements and the same quality. This year shouldn’t be any different. Be sure to attend the trunk show and find out!

Gorgeous Hublot Pink Sapphire

Hublot is leading the way in the world of watchmaking with this brave and bold move. Watch companies are eager to control their own distribution networks and have direct access to customers. Single-brand boutique shops will do just that. Biver is quite certain that those customers looking for Hublot watches know what they want and having a dedicated store that can display all of their watches in one place will not only increase sales but give customers exactly what they’re looking for. Hublot boutique stores will be located in some of the most prestigious shopping spots in the world, such as Place Vendome and Bond Street in London, and Madison Avenue in New York.

Hublot watches are unique and therefore present a niche market. They are recognizable for their futuristic Big Bang porthole design. Their goal is to have an endless stream of product variations. For instance, their line of gemstone beveled watches. These gorgeous stones are gathered from all over the world and include:

• Yellow Sapphire
• Green Sapphire
• Pink Sapphire
• Orange Sapphire
• Amethyst
• Andalusite
• Hematite
• Ruby
• Smoked Quartz
• Spinel
• Topaz
• Tsavorite

One of those stones includes the faceted Andalusite stone which displays red, green, and yellow colors that resemble a muted form of iridescence – simply gorgeous. The alumino-magnesian Spinel is also known as red diamond and shines like one – truly magnificent. The rare orange sapphire exhibits a sunrise color – very striking. Then there is the Tsavorite garnet which is a very vivid green stone that studies show may be 200 times rarer than emerald! Imagine being able to view these magnificent pieces in one boutique store!

The Hublot watch has a unique history which began in 1980 when gold was combined with rubber. This was the first time in watchmaking history that a precious material was combined with rubber. This watch combined polished and brushed gold, a minimalist black dial, and a distinctive black natural rubber strap, all which came to symbolize Hublot. With the company’s “Art of Fusion” concept, Hublot became a major player in the watchmaking world.

And now, with Hublot paving the way with single-brand boutique stores, they are poised to grow their brand, identity and reputation even further.

A few gorgeous Movado watches

Movado’s history is rich in innovation and design. In 1925, they created the Movado Pocket Watch. In 1926, they launched a unique pillow-shaped watch that automatically wound when the case was slid open. The year 1930 led to the Movado Digital Watch which displayed both hours and minutes. And then in 1946, Movado debuted the self-winding Calendomatic wrist watch featuring the month and day. Movado watches began their signature “iconic dot dial” in 1947 with their world renowned Movado Museum Watch. And since then, the Movado design has just kept expanding. The many beautiful “Collections” of today have a wide array of dazzling designs. To name just a few:

• Amorosa
• Bold
• Luno Sport
• Movado Master
• Red Label
• Sapphire
• Series 800
• Serio
• Vizio
• Bracer
• Chronicle
• Sport Classic

With bangles, polished bracelets, chronographs, leather straps and brushed metal chain links, the list goes on and on. There is definitely a watch for everyone!

If you’re looking for confirmation that Movado is top-notch in technology and design, then check out some of the popular magazines such as Marie Claire, Self, Bloomberg Businessweek, InStyle, and GQ. Their stylish designs have celebrities such as Jaden Smith, John Stamos and Blair Underwood showing off their own Movado watches. Movado also has Ambassadors the likes of Derek Jeter, Amanda Seyfried and Wynton Marsalis.

Like color in your watches? Be sure to browse through the “Museum Color Dials” which was introduced in 2007 with a sophisticated new color palette. Also in 2010, the Movado BOLD was launched. It is energized by color with bright accents and high-intensity hues.

So, as you can see, there are many reasons you would want to own a Movado watch. Let’s look at the top 5 reasons:

1. Accuracy
2. Beauty
3. Stylish
4. Classic
5. Wide selection

Movado is a modern classic watch. It is a watch steeped in history and yet able to expand to meet the expectations of today’s world. Movado has style, class, beauty, craftsmanship, and integrity. If you’re looking for a watch that you can trust and admire, there is a Movado waiting out there just for you!

Audemars Piguet is known for their luxurious, designer wrist watches. What many people do not know is that Audemars Piguet has been making wrist watch history since 1875 and continues to do so.

Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet

Audemars Piguet was establish in 1875 when 23-year-old Jules-Louis Audemars teamed up with then 21, Edward-Auguste Piguet. Audemars Piguet is still ran today by the founding families and remains the oldest fine watch manufacture to never have left the founding families circle. The company started out of Switzerland and the Audemars Piguet headquarters is still located there today.

Worn by many celebrities and those with fine tastes, Audemars Piguet is a reliable and stylish brand that makes one lucky to own such a special wrist watch. To establish ones self as a contemporary designer, it usually helps to have been around for a while and to make “firsts” in the industry.

A brief history of Audemars Piguet’s firsts:
1892: Audemars Piguet develops and produces the first minute repeater wristwatch.
1915: With a diameter of just 15.80 mm, Audemars Piguet constructs the smallest five-minute repeater calibre in existence.
1924: Audemars Piguet designs the first jumping-hour wrist watch of its time.
1925: With a calibre of just 81.32 mm, Audemars Piguet creates the world’s thinnest pocket watch.
1934: Audemars Piguet develops the first skeletonised pocket watch.
1946: Audemars Piguet designs the world’s thinnest wristwatch.
1957: The first Audemars Piguet wrist watch with a perpetual calendar is introduced to the public.
1967: With a central rotor, Audemars Piguet introduced the world’s first thinnest selfwinding calibre, measuring at 2.45 mm.
1972: The Birth of the Royal Oak gave Audemars Piguet the title of the first steel high-end sports watch.
1978: Audemars Piguet manufactures the first self-winding ultra-thin perpetual calendar wristwatch with a central rotor.
1986: Audemars Piguet designs the first ultra-thin selfwinding tourbillon wristwatch, measuring at 5.5 mm thick including the case.
1989: The smallest self-winding perpetual calendar watch is manufactured by Audemars Piguet
1994: The first wristwatch with Grande and Petite Sonnerie is created by Audemars Piguet featuring a quarter repeater striking on two gongs.
1996: Audemars Piguet designs the first self-winding Grande complication watch.
1997: The first Grande Sonnerie chiming model is introduced by Audemars Piguet, featuring a minute repeater with three gongs and three hammers.
2000: Audemars Piguet manufactures the first model with Equation of Time, featuring sunrise and sunset times and a perpetual calendar.
2006: Audemars Piguet introduces direct-impulse escapement.
2008: Audemars Piguet create the first watch featuring a carbon case and movement.
2009: Audemars Piguet introduces high-frequency chronometer with Audemars Piguet escapement and double balance-spring.

One can notice that around the World War II era that Audemar’s Piguet really stepped up their game in the watch industry making several new firsts. This could be due to the fact that business was starting to decline due to the stock market crash and the Great Depression.

With Audemars Piguet’s drive to constantly make firsts, they have really put themselves on the map for designer wrist wear. Audemars Piguet has invented several thin watches, making that their specialty in discovery.

The Audemars Piguet watch group is composed of 1,100 employees, 14 distribution subsidiaries and 16 boutiques located all around the world.  The Audemars Piguet manufacture produces about 26,000 time pieces a year, making it a luxury for one to own.

The name Chanel is synonymous with haute couture, classic handbags, elegant fragrances and a glamorous collection of cosmetics and accessories. The brand’s founder Coco Chanel who long lives in the hearts and closets of fashionistas worldwide, was once a revolutionary in the fashion industry. Chanel came from humble beginnings in an orphanage, became a seamstress, and slowly worked her way to the top of her fashion empire.

"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different." Coco Chanel

Chanel was a pioneer in many ways; she was the first to name a fragrance after herself a designer, and the first to incorporate the details of menswear into a collection of women’s wear. Many years later in the year 2000, Chanel would be the first to create a ceramic watch which would later create a fashion craze among celebrities and consumers alike. It would be quite fair to say that Chanel has designed many successful watches before their ceramic J12 timepiece however, eleven years later; it still remains as their most popular watch.

Ceramic watches in general became popular for a number of reasons. First, even if the timepieces are created by a high-end designer, the prices are still affordable despite the quality craftsmanship. Second, the ceramic watches offer much more bang for the buck with its scratch and fade resistant ceramic properties. It is also available in a variety of colors that are unique to only ceramic timepieces. Chanel’s J12 model was their first unisex timepiece which was wildly popular with both sexes. Lastly, the quality of ceramic watches is known to be more consistent throughout due to the design process involved with ceramics.

The Chanel J12 series has six styles within its collection; Chromatic, Jewelry, Classic, Chronograph, GMT, and Marine which are all sporty and distinct with a luxe feel. With such variety from style to style in the J12 collection, there is sure to be a watch to match the style of any stylish man or woman. Each timepiece is a reminder of what Coco Chanel first sought out to convey with her collection of hats and women’s wear-casual elegance. That is probably one of the main reasons why the Chanel J12 watch continues to be their most popular watches despite its release over 10 years ago.

The first ceramic watch, the Chanel J12

Chanel set such a trend with their J12 ceramic watches and ceramic watches overall have become so popular that just about every watchmaker features a ceramic watch in their line of timepieces.

E.B.E.L. or Ebel, which stands for Eugene Blum et Levy in honor of the founders of the company, Swiss watchmaker Eugene Levy and his wife Alice Levy. The luxury watch company has long referred to themselves as the “Architects of Time.” From their early beginnings in 1911 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Ebel has been creating elegant and classic timepieces with their extensive link to the world of architecture and design. Ebel created and released their first timepiece in 1912. In 1935, they became the first Swiss watchmaker to introduce the Western Electric precision and quality control standards. They became most famous for their 1911 line of sports watches that debuted in 1986.

Photo of Ebel 1911 BTR watch

Regarding their rich history, the Ebel website states, “At the heart of EBEL watches beat an incredible artistic signature. One that shares with the finest architects a tireless quest for absolute beauty and perfection; one that honours know-how and talent…the EBEL brand has built its reputation upon cardinal values uniting classical elegance and sculptural designs with a passion for fine workmanship and watchmaking mastery. Faithfully preserved and yet constantly reinterpreted, these values are the fingerprint of the Architects of Time.”

Ebel has created timeless pieces which attract watch connoisseurs as well as everyday watch snobs alike. They set themselves apart from competitors by creating quality and premium pieces that are at a lower price point than other luxury watchmakers.

Ebel exudes class, elegance, and above all, they are philanthropic. In March 2011, the people of Fukushima, Japan as well as other nearby cities endured a horrible earthquake and tsunami. Many people lost their loved ones, homes, farms, cars, pets, and many other important things in their lives. Many people were also in danger of exposure to radiation as the Fukushima power plant was affected by the earthquake.

While many non-profit groups as well as celebrities as well as people from all over the world reached out to help the citizens of Japan, Ebel also stepped in to help.

In December 2011, Ebel released a short but touching video on their website titled Ebel Seasons Greetings for 2012 that simply yet powerfully says:

“In the Spirit of the Season, Ebel has chosen to share its wishes and support with a people touched by deep tragedy in 2011.Ebel is sending the nation of Japan a holiday gift to help fund the work of reconstruction. To you, our cherished friends, colleagues and customers, we offer our very best wishes for a peaceful 2012.”

Eloquently and humbly stated, Ebel shares their wishes for a peaceful 2012 for the world. Ebel, who has long made a name for themselves with their creative and quality timepieces will undoubtedly continue the legacy of Eugene Blum and Alice Levy.

Since 1884, Swiss watchmaker Breitling has been making high-end time instruments for professionals. Breitling watches are frequently branded by their polished cases and bracelets with large watch faces which are designed to increase the readability of the watch in a variety of environments. They have a worldwide reputation for creating luxurious, versatile, and durable timepieces. Their brand maxim of performance, precision, and sturdiness has made them the brand of choice for experts in the diving and aviation spheres as well as those who live high-end lifestyles.

The Breitling Flying Fish Chronograph inspired by Herbert Nitsch

The dependability combined with the attractive design has made Breitling the official watch supplier of world aviation. Breitling is also one of the rare companies to produce its own mechanical chronograph movement, which is entirely developed and manufactured in their own workshops and is also one of the last remaining independent Swiss watch brands. As Breitling keeps its finger on the pulse of all things extreme; they sponsor an event called the Breitling Extreme 800 which is an 800 foot free dive in the ocean. Free diving involves diving underwater without the use of any external breathing devices or scuba gear. It is an extremely deep dive on a single breath of air and who better to attempt this amazing feat than the Breitling sponsored Herbert Nitsch?

Herbert Nitsch is an Austrian airline pilot and free-diver who is the current world record champion in free diving. Known as the “deepest man on earth,” he has achieved thirty two official world records to date. Nitsch who has been nicknamed “The Flying Fish,” has been a Breitling representative for years and has a watch named after him called the Chronomat 44 Flying Fish. Nitsch recently announced that he is preparing for the Breitling Extreme 800 in Greece which is an 800 foot free drive off of the isle of Santorini in the Aegean Sea. Nitsch plans on utilizing a “no-limit” sled to aid him in his ultra-deep dive.

Herbert Nitsch, Austrian pilot and free diver

He has documented his training efforts and videos of his progress can be seen online where he can be seen wearing Breitling watches. This is truly a testament to just how durable and dependable these premium timepieces are. Breitling reports that Nitsch’s highly successful trials have provided the opportunity to check the performance of the “torpedo sled” facilitating the champion’s descent and ascent, complete with its underfoot ballast system, as well as the overhead inflatable buoy for bringing the diver back to the surface – all on a single breath.

Nitsch states that he plans on attempting a 900 then his ultimate goal of a 1000 foot dive after the Breitling Extreme 800 which is to take place in the summer of 2012.

Christian Bedat, creator of Red8 watches, the affordable luxury watch

Christian Bedat is a well-known name amongst circles in the high-end watch industry. His mother is Simone Bedat with whom he created Bedat & Co watches in 1997. Bedat & Co quickly gained success for their high quality components and innovative designs. In 2006 after Bedat & Co was sold to Gucci, both Bedat and his mother Simone Bedat parted ways with the company. In 2009, Bedat released his revolutionary concept Red8WORLD, presenting his new vision in high-end watches and watchmaking. In 2011, he released the Red8WORLD website.

Red8WORLD.com offers an innovative and exclusive concept with an online shop along with a one-of-a-kind design center and museum. The design center allows one to custom design your very own Red8 watch and submit it to the museum on the website. Every two months, a custom design will be chosen by the Red8WORLD team who will rank all of the submitted designs and choose one winner of a Red8WORLD watch. Red8 has both men and women’s luxury watches and are only sold on the Red8WORLD website.

The interactive nature of the Red8WORLD website allows the community to share ideas and interests with 3D animations to compliment the experience. Since the initial release of the website in July 2011, Bedat has revamped the website once again to improve and intensify the overall Red8WORLD.com experience.

Red8 watches have have a "Designed on Earth, Made in Asia" inscription

Bedat was recently interviewed by reporter Jonathon Ho and stated that luxury has lost his path, turning into a behemoth where profit has become the be all and end all for shareholders and management. Although Badet is part of the luxury watchmaking elite, he craved change and a revitalization of sorts in the high-end watch industry. “When I was running Bedat & Co, I enjoyed the attention to detail and care when selecting the finest materials. I continue to believe in refinement, sophistication and elegance. But now, I believe it can apply to more than products, it can be a location, food even and it doesn’t have to come with a high price tag” says Badet.

Bedat went on to talk about going out on his own and being able to “flirt” with the dark such as the case with many luxury items being made in China. Bedat even went so far as to etch “Designed on Earth, Made in Asia” on the case back of the Red8 watches as a challenge to the “Swiss made” label.

Red8 offers luxury watches under $2,000 with the same quality but with a more modern and sporty flair. Bedat could quite possible pioneer a new age of affordable luxury with the Red8 watch, but will the trend prosper? Only time will tell.

As one of the biggest name-brands in luxury apparel to date, it is no surprise that Michele comes out with new and dazzling sets of accessories on a regular basis. Most recent is the addition of the Cloette Diamond line of ladies wrist watches to Michele’s already extensive list of collections. This charming three-piece release features a whimsical assortment of insects – ladybug, bee, and butterfly.

Each of these watches is bedecked by over 100 diamonds that circle their bezels. Their faces are made of polished mother of pearl and their stainless steel bands are polished to give the most shine and glitter from whatever light you are nearby. The linked band with its small interlocking pieces also helps to encourage this effect with the added facets. The trademark Michele logo sits at the top of the clock face and the inlaid red crystal on the adjusting knob make pleasant highlights in a predominantly silver and white display. These watches have no numbering to denote the time, but instead have small metal spheres that mimic the shape of the frames and the way that the highlighted insects have been rendered.

All three of the new Cloette watches by Michele. Ladybug, bee, and butterfly.

There is little information available at the moment even on Michele’s webpage about further specifications of these charming pieces, but the starting prices have been fixed at $2,145 per piece at retail value. Considering how many diamonds have been inlaid into these accessories, it would seem the money is not only well spent, but that for up to one hundred and fifty diamonds, the set price is a bit of a steal. Of course, this is not the watch to buy on a modest budget – because these watches are so new to the market, it is likely that their prices will decrease given time. However, as the holiday season is upon us, if you simply know that these adorable figures will thrill a member of your family: this is the season of giving and perhaps digging a little deeper into your pockets than normal.

Really, just when it seemed like the culture of luxury watches was growing too serious, these new pieces are a pleasure to see. The watches lose none of their flare or elegance to the somewhat cartoonish insects and what little color there is on them does not overpower the diamonds which reflect the stainless steel. As always, we await with pleasure Michele’s future releases and additions to their lines.