Hotel del Invalides from above

PARIS – Bell & Ross Time Instruments was on hand for year number 27 of the International Automobile Festival in Paris, France on January 25. The watch maker was there to present the Palme d’Or award and show off its exclusive watch collection.

This year the Festival was held at the luxurious Hotel des Invalides, near the famous Dome of the church right next door. The Festival is held to show off new concept cars from different manufacturers and to celebrate automotive innovation. Bell & Ross were there to strut their stuff along side auto manufacturers with their new exclusive line of watches.

The watch company also unveiled something that France had never seen; a new kind of item thatBell & Ross is not know for, a Harley Davidson. Bell & Ross teamed up with Shaw Harley Davidson and created the Nascafe Harley Davidson bike. The motorcycle has won many Custom Harley Davidson championships in the US and was well received by everyone at the International Automobile Festival.

Award winning Bell & Ross Harley on display at Automotive Festival

The Festival also bring out an exclusive watch collection from Bell & Ross each year. This year the watches were on display and available for purchase to anyone with the inclination to own such a luxurious timepiece.

Of course Bell & Ross was not only there to have fun and show off their award winning Harley, they had an award to present. CEO of Bell & Ross, Carlos A. Rosillo, presented the Palme d’Or to the Red Bull Racing F1 team who took the 2011 Championship title won by German driver Sebastien Vettle. The team’s owner, Dieter Mateschitz met Rosillo on stage to accept the award for his team.

French driver for the Citroën World Rally Team Sebastien Loeb was also presented with an award. Loeb has won the World Rally Championship (WRC) a record eight times in a row.

Rosillo is also a member of the jury which decided on 14 prizes championing the work of companies and people including the Palme d’Or were handed out at the Festival. A little more than 600 people attended the event in Paris.

The event celebrated 2011s innovators in the automotive field. The new years concept cars are unveiled and any new idea that involves automobiles will be brought to the floor. It has become a place where the future of the industry is born each year anew.

Fancois Bennahmias and Lebron James pose for a picture at An Audemars Piguet Fundraiser.

MIAMI, FL – Superstars Lebron James and Celine Dion teamed up with Audemars Piguet to help raise money for an expansion of Miami’s Cardiac & Vascular Institute on January 16.

The evening began with a private concert for 1,700 by Celine Dion and was followed by a dinner/auction sponsored by Audemars Piguet. Dion gave the sold out show at the Jackie Gleason Theater at Miami Beach in thanks to the Institute for a procedure they performed that saved her husband’s life, René Angélil. The Institutes founder and medical director Dr. Barry Katzen carried out the procedure.

“It started a little over two and a half years ago. We had quite a scare. Our family doctors discovered that René had a critical narrowing of the artery to his brain, the carotid artery, putting him at a high risk for stroke,” Dion said in her video which was played after the concert.

Celine Dion accepts a gift after performing at Jackie Gleason Theater in Miami

Fracois-Henry Bennahmias, President and CEO of Audemars Piguet, spared no expense at the dinner and auction, providing many elegant pieces to be put up for bid. NBA megastar James was there as well to promote his affiliation with Audemars Piguet and help raise money for the Institute.
One of the most prized pieces of the night was an 18K Jules Audemars Chronograph Tourbillion watch drenched in white gold and baguette diamond. Bennahmias was joined on stage with Dion to promote the watch, with Dion even taking stealing the show for a while by singing songs to help the crowd with their bidding.
James also added to the auction package, offering up two floor seats to a future Miami Heat and Boston Celtics match-up.
The show and auction was put together to support a new expansion on the Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute. The expansion that will cost upwards of $60 million will include the development of a national Center for Advanced Endovascular and Heart Therapy, Center for Aneurysm Therapy and more centers specializing in specific areas.
“Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute has been ahead of its time for the past 25 years, and this expansion will allow its leadership team to take the Institute to the next level in cardiovascular excellence,” said Brian Keeley, President and CEO of Baptist Health South Florida.
The concert pulled in nearly $6 million and the auction raised more than $500,000. Up to $5 million was matched by event benefactor and Baptist Health Foundation board member Victor E. Clarke.

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.

Face of the Blancpain L-evolution Tourbillion Grande Date

Blancpain reveals the newest edition to their stellar collection of watches, the L-evolution Tourbillion Grande Date Réserve de Marche sur Masse Oscillante.

The latest edition in the L-evolution collection by Blancpain, the Tourbillion Grande Data offers a new feature to the line. The Grande Date will feature a power reserve indicator not on the dial as normally the case in luxury watches, but on a subdial that will be displayed opposite the face of the watch. This allows for more room on the dial, which will allow for more functionality or simply for the dial to be more pleasing to the eye.

This breakthrough in luxury watches lets the owner know whether or not the watch needs to be wound at the most crucial times; before it is put on and after it is taken off. The power reserve is often on the main dial because it needs to be attached to two components near the main dial to know how much life is left in the main spring. What Blancpain has done is put the power reserve indicator on an oscillating weight, which makes it interdependent from the rest of the watch. Therefore, the power reserve dial can be displayed on the bottom of the dial rather than taking up space on the face of the dial.

The watch also comes with a seven day reserve of power before it needs to be wound. The movement of the watches intricate components can be seen through the sapphire crystal caseback. The watch also includes the Blancpain “flying” tourbillion to keep the watch accurate throughout the entirety of ownership and a double-disc large date mechanism.

The power reserve on Blancpain Tourbillion Grande Date

The watch is available in a red gold version or white. The L-evolution Tourbillion Grande Date offers the well know dial from the L-evolution collection, matching the color of the watch casing. The rubber-lined alligator leather strap completes the magnificent luxury watch and lets the owner know that comfort and performance were at the forefront of the watchmakers mind when the Tourbillion Grande Date was conceived.

This innovation allows for more functions or more room for great looking dials which Blancpain is known for. The L-evolution watches are top tier in luxury and the new power reserve indicator will only make them better. Anyone would be lucky enough to own such a fine timepiece.

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!

The Rotonde de Cartier Annual Calendar

The Rotonde de Cartier Annual Calendar made its first appearance this year at the watch show in Geneve. It’s a very large time piece with a case measuring in at 45 millimeters. The watch offers a new capability in which the crown adjusts all functions of the watch. Two versions of this watch are available. The first is available with an 18-karat white gold case and a black leather strap. The other version is available in pink gold with a brown leather strap. The function that makes this watch so unique and appealing is the multi-layer dial. Each layer is in charge of keeping track of a specific time. The first layer of the dial contains a weekday scale. The next layer out contains roman numerals for displaying the current hour. After that one will see the month scale and then last but not least, a minute track that runs in the outside rim. By the 12 hour roman numeral, one can find a date window, another great calendar function of The Rotonde De Cartier Annual Calendar. This luxurious time piece contains blue sword shaped minute and hour hands that point to the hours while red hammer shaped hands with only the tips showing, point to the week and month scales.

The Rotonde de Cartier Perpetual Calendar

The Rotonde de Cartier Perpetual Calendar is available in two versions just like the Rotonde de Cartier Annual Calendar. The first variation contains a polished round pink gold case. The other version offers a polished round white gold case. Both of the cases measure in at 40.5 millimeters in diameter, a decent average size watch that will fit just about any man. Both come with black alligator straps that contain gold clasps. The gorgeous silver dial is elegantly decorated with guilloche. The dial contains blue sword shaped minute and hour hands that point to large black roman numerals which indicate the hour. There is also a centrally located thin blue pointer that points to the date displayed on a circular scale inside of the outer rim. Located at the hour six, one will find a retrograde weekday indicator. Located at the hour twelve, one will find a disk that shows the month as well as a leap year. The crown is an absolutely stunning feature of the watch. It is decorated with cabochon blue sapphire and beads.

2012 has been good to Cartier so far, it will be difficult to top what they have accomplished thus far.

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!

Ebel Classic 100

This watch is a very sacred treasure to own being that it is limited edition. Ebel only made 1911 Classic 100 watches. Ebel was established in 1911, defining why the company chose to only make that many pieces. The silver dial has the original Ebel logo written across it enclosed by a polished silver case. The case measures at 40 millimeters, making it a decent average size watch for most men. The round face sticks to the brands true identity: pure and trendy. The dial contains silver leaf shaped minute and hour hands as well as a blue sweeps second hand. No numerals are displayed, however there are four evenly spaced applied baton shaped hour markers to guide one to the current time. A great feature of this watch is that it has a little date window by the hour three.

Valued for its mechanical automatic movement, the Ebel Classic 100 makes the perfect gift for any man with fine tastes. Its classic beauty makes this time piece perfect for events and meetings and even vacations!

Ebel 1911 BTR 137 Stainless Steel

Another new design that Ebel released to celebrate their 100th year anniversary is the Ebel 1911 BTR 137. This watch is also limited edition, making it extremely rare and unique to own. This watch comes in the chronograph style. This time piece is available in either pink gold or stainless steel. Only 100 pieces were made in the pink gold style. 500 pieces were made of the stainless steel version. The original Ebel logo is also displayed across the dial of this particular watch as well. There is a small date window located by the hour six. This dial contains no numerals, however, the second, minute and hour hands point to surrounded applied hour markers to tell the current time. The screw down crown is also a great feature that ensures its owner water will never makes it way inside of the watch.

Ebel worked very hard to keep the simple luxury style that their brand has been presenting for years while working to design the Classic 100 and the 1911 BTR 137. It’s safe to say that Ebel succeeded.

Bvlgari Grande Sonnerie Quantieme Perpetual Watch

The most unique feature of this watch is its perpetual calendar, which has full calendar indications up to the year 2100. The watch has a very complicated making, since it contains such a unique feature, which is probably why it took almost a year to create such an accessory. The watch is made up of 923 parts. This beautiful elegant time piece is also quite artsy with a complicated design. It is said that this watch has already made a place on the list of the top ten most complicated watches to have ever been made.

The Bvglari Grande Sonnerie Quantieme Perpetual watch contains two self-winding barrels. The purpose of the first barrel is to maintain all of the usual timekeeping functions that a watch has. The second barrel is specifically meant to aid the striking mechanism, as well as promising a full 24-hour power reserve in Grand Sonnerie mode. The Petite Sonnerie mode is known for its mechanism which doesn’t repeat the hours once it strikes the quarters.

This chic watch will function properly and will have no need for maintenance until the year 2100. This time piece tracks the months that have 28, 29, 30 and 31 days. 2100 is going to be a leap year so the watch will need to be fixed so it can provide accurate  calendar information till the year 2200, which will also be a leap year.

The one of a kind uniqueness that this watch possesses is due to the fact that it was modeled after a vinyl record player. The case is a beautiful eye catching 18kt pink-gold with a black alligator leather strap and a 18kt matching pink gold triple blade folding clasp.  Another great feature that this watch contains is that it is water resistant in up to 30 meters or 99 feet of water, making this watch ideal for a day of water sports at the lake or that big summer cruise. The physical mechanical beauty of this time piece also makes it perfect for those weekend long business trips as well as meetings. This watch is sure to make you the envy amongst all of your friends with its luxury and punctuality.