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.

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!

Bell Ross Watch

By Emayeneme Gbemiye-Etta

Bell and Ross opened a new retail boutique in Hong Kong in December 2011, bringing the total number of boutiques in Asia to 8 and the number of boutiques worldwide to 9. The Company established its first boutique in Asia in Singapore in February 2010. The opening of the recent boutique in Hong Kong is part of the company’s international strategy to launch retail stores in strategic locations worldwide. This store is the second boutique in Hong Kong.  The fact that approximately 89 percent of Bel and Ross’ stores are in Asia shows the importance of this continent to its international development.

At present, there are no Bell and Ross boutiques in North or South America.

Bell and Ross was started in 1993 by two childhood friends, the French and Swiss designer Bruno Belamich and Carlos A. Rosillo. Bell and Ross is a company that creates watches that are used in a number of unusual locations. At first, it was able to collaborate with Sinn, a German watch maker manufacture that produces dashboard meters. This collaboration led to Bell and Ross products being on Space One and Hydro. This partnership ended in 2002.

Getting this collaboration with the Sinn Company at its infancy helped the Bell and Ross Company tremendously because, it was able to piggy back on the reputation and products of the Sinn Company and show the quality of their products at the same time.

Another strategy of Bell and Ross was to create a strong brand identity for the company and and provide an efficient chronometer to serve the needs of any customer that needs exact time. This product was adopted immediately by NATO, the Air Force and the French bomb quad.

The company also created Hydromax, which is deemed a reliable watch by divers, for deep underwater work . The watch holds a world record for water resistance up to 11,000 meters. The watch maker also includes watches that are used on airplanes. The company also reissued pilot watches that had been issued initially in the 30s and 40s and then forgotten; these watches are part of the Vintage collection.

Bell and Ross is a company that from the outset has focused on providing products for industries where precision and accuracy are an important and integral part of the job description.

Among the sea of music award shows in existence today, the Grammy awards are considered to be the best of the best with their Album of the Year award being one of the most prestigious awards to be given to an artist. The Grammy awards sets itself apart from the other reward shows as it is presented by The Recording Academy and does not award artists based on sales or their position on music charts but artistic achievement instead.

The actual Grammy award is a small, gold gramophone which is instantly recognizable. The same could be said for the classic Gucci logo with the interlocked double G as well as the eye-catching red and green stripes inspired by traditional saddle girths that can be seen on many of their leather goods and accessories. Gucci epitomizes the luxurious and glamorous lifestyle with their gorgeous leather luggage and handbags as well as jewelry and apparel. The classic Gucci handbag could be considered the quintessential high-end lifestyle accessory. The same could be said for Gucci watches as they appear quite different from traditional luxury watchmakers. Gucci combines fashion and style with each of their timepieces making their watches an accessory and a timekeeping tool.

Gucci and Grammy: A Timeless Collaboration

Although each organization belongs to two very distinct and separate categories in the world, the two companies actually share some common ground. Both the Grammy awards and Gucci have been at the top of their respective industries for over 50 years and counting. The two companies are both philanthropic with both parties deeply involved in charities. In 2011, there was a rare musical treasure found in a warehouse that housed thousands of hours of undiscovered musical recordings. Gucci teamed up with the Recording Academy to help preserve these recordings and digitize them for a later release for the public to enjoy.

Limited edition Gucci Grammy timepieces and dog tags

Another big milestone alliance between the two parties was the announcement of a limited three-year partnership between Gucci and the Grammy Awards. There was an exclusive I-Gucci watch as well as a line of special jewelry created to commemorate this partnership. The I-Gucci watch is Gucci’s first digital watch which can change looks instantly from a two time zone dial with enlarged numerals to a more streamlined and discreet version with digital hands showing the local time only. The rubber strap bears the famous gramophone along with the double G logos. Gucci reports that the edgy look of the watch was inspired by music itself. Perhaps Gucci took a  cue from composer Aaron Copeland in their design when he said “To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable.”

Harper’s Bazaar magazine has been in publication since 1867 covering the latest in pop culture, beauty, and fashion. The magazine considers itself to be the style resource for “women who are the first to buy the best, from casual to couture.” It is aimed at individuals of the upper-middle and upper classes and gathers photographers, artists, designers and writers to deliver a “sophisticated” perspective into the world of fashion, beauty and popular culture to its readers every month. Harper’s Bazaar covers everything from interviews with celebrities to high fashion to health and wellenss. In the January issue with singer Madonna as their cover girl; Harper’s Bazaar featured premium items in a segment titled Fanciful Finds: Choose Exquisite Extras with Timeless Appeal. The piece featured luxury items such as diamond jewelry, fur vests, champagne, handbags, and last but not least, Glam Rock watches.

Glam Rock timepieces have been essentials in celebrity and Hollywood socialite wardrobes for years. Established in 2005, Glam Rock creates beautiful and chic timepieces for glamorous men and women all over the world. Glam Rock prides itself in using only Swiss made movements and handcrafting each piece in France. Each watch has a unique changeable stainless steel case cover wrap and changeable watch strap which allows you to instantly change the style and colors of the watch and customize each look. Glam Rock uses only the finest leather in their watch straps which are made from alligator, python, or lizard skins. The back of each body case is curved for comfort and made to provide the best fit possible.  Due to the careful craftsmanship and the trendy and chic look of the watches, it is no wonder that Glam Rock is a celebrity favorite and is featured in a magazine such as Harper’s Bazaar.

Celebrities love their Glam Rock watches

Vanity Fair’s feature showcased a rose gold plated timepiece from the SoBe Collection calling it All-Out Glamour. The segment highlighted Glam Rock’s take on the classic gold watch with a more modern and lavish appeal. The watch features a diamond encrusted face a patented interchangeable watch cover. Glam Rock describes it as a perfect complement any look with a subtle stainless steel case cover which is ideal for the daytime and a metallic, diamond embellished cover for a more dramatic look in the evening. The SoBe collection features “Just Click” technology where you are able to change the strap and case cover of the watch by a simple click of the finger. All Glam Rock watches are customizable however, only the watches from the SoBe collection have the exclusive “Just Click” feature. Glam Rock recently expanded their collection to include jewelry and sunglasses.

The Glam Rock Sobe watch featured in Harper's Bazaar magazine

Luxury watches are functional as well as being beautiful pieces of wearable art. Most high-end timepieces are attractive but lack durability and resilience for their high price tag.  Baume et Mercier’s classic yet sporty timepieces set the standard for luxury watches for both males and females in the 20th century and continues to set trends in high-end watches.

Baume et Mercier appear to have found the perfect blend of elegance and functionality with the Riviera Sport Chronograph model. The Riviera was first released in 1973 and gained notoriety for being a lavish yet robust chronograph which underwent the ultimate test of durability by being mounted on the wheel of a BMW M1 before the start of the Le Mans 24-hours race.

The Le Mans 24-hour race or 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world’s first sports car endurance race which has been held annually since 1923 in France near the city of Le Mans. This race is universally known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency.  Teams must balance speed against the cars’ ability to run continuously for 24 hours without undergoing any mechanical breakdown and manage the cars’ fuel, tires and brakes. The endurance of the drivers is similarly tested as drivers frequently spend shifts of over two hours behind the wheel before stopping in the pits and allowing a relief driver to take over the driving obligations. Drivers then take a quick break to eat and rest and return to drive for yet another shift.

The indestructible Riviera by Baume et Mercier

The Riviera was able to withstand high speeds as well as the pressure of fast acceleration while not being affected by the centrifugal force of spinning wheels, heavy rain, or penetrating heat from the brakes. The watch was able to function with just as much precision at the end as it did in the beginning of the race. Though the Riviera’s resiliency is quite impressive, the timepiece is also extremely attractive. Its casing is in a classic stainless steel with a complementary steel bracelet. The watch bears a unique stainless steel bezel with 15-minute hash marks, has Swiss-automatic movement, and is water resistant up to 330 feet.

Photo of cars in the Le Mans race

The groundbreaking Riviera model was one of the very first steel sports watches to feature a twelve-sided design. The Riviera later became Baume et Mercier’s best-seller and its flagship model for 20 years. Baume et Mercier’s classic watches are definitely an investment piece and although their timepieces are at a higher price point; they will unquestionably remain in demand for their quality craftsmanship and stylish design.

Last week in Cape Town, the “round the world” Volvo Ocean Race crowned its victors of the first of eight legs in the globe-spanning trek, the crew of the Camper run by Emirates Team New Zealand. This twenty-four hour challenge was sponsored in part by IWC Schaffhausen, the Swiss watchmakers who have been established in the world of timepieces since 1868.

IWC sponsors the Laureus Foundation and all of its many offshoots; the Laureus World Sports Academy and the South African Laureus project both sent down teams to participate in the weekend portion of the event. IWC played the role of official time keepers for this Volvo Open 70 class race – the fastest class of what are called “monohull” boats that there are.

The ships launch for the 2011 Volvo "round the world" Race.

The race will end in Galway, Ireland once the eight month race comes to a close and the crew that has the fastest overall time (not necessarily the winners of the competition) will receive Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph Edition “Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012” watches to commemorate their “timely” arrival. This titanium watch is the epitome of what the IWC stands for when one considers the great strides they have made on the world front; it is yet another endorsement for the Laureus Foundation, a prize for the winners of an international race – the first race which has ever had a middle-eastern port – and a way to fund an event that people from around the globe have been enjoying for weeks.

For those that are curious as to the sports watch that will be the prize of the special event IWC is sponsoring, the Portuguese model is water resistant to six bar, comes with a flyback function, and has a second knob to adjust the time down to the quarter-second for precision and making the difficult calls in timed-trials. It has a sixty-eight-hour power reserve and is accented in a sleek, stylish carbon-black. It is designed with all of the precision of nautical instruments, and so is an elegant and highly appropriate reward for excellence and sportsmanship on the open seas.

Further details on the Volvo race and the prize Portuguese watch can be found on IWC’s website where you can watch the progress as the second leg of the race begins. The teams will be leaving Cape Town and headed for the sheltering port of Abu Dhabi, whose competing team was unfortunately forced to drop out in the first leg of the journey.

If you haven’t heard the news yet, now is the best time to get your hands on discounted luxury watches from the Invicta line. The luxury brand, whose notoriety comes from their creative use of bold color and natural rubber, has been discounted for a limited time on Watchesonnet.com at an astounding 92% off.

Invicta's most recent collection features watches that mimic the fantastic colors and textures of the jellyfish.

When I first entered the culture of luxury watches, I was shocked to see just how much more a true brand-name watch costs than the timepieces that you see every day at Walmart or Dillards. Where even the cheapest brands in high-fashion normally cost upwards of $1,000, for a limited time, Watchesonnet is releasing Invicta and Sturhling Original brand names for as little as $45.

Invicta watches were established in 1837 by Raphael Picard in Switzerland, making this company one of the oldest Swiss clock-makers in the business. In 1991, the company was taken over by an investment conglomerate and now Invicta also distributes pieces through five brand-names that function under the umbrella of Invicta’s name: S. Coifman, Activa, Activa Kids, Potger-Pietri, and Poseidon. In the case of this particular sale, you will not see these sub-brands featured; only tried and true Invicta time-keepers are featured for your viewing (and hopefully purchasing) pleasure.

If you are uncertain of the standard features of Invicta watches, the brand is fond of color. Where most watch-makers prefer the look of plain steel and gold, these watches go a few steps further and mimic the audacious colors of jellyfish, creating entire sets out of pure moon-jelly white and rich lotus-reds. Their watch faces are not overly complex, featuring elegant and easy-to-read numbers with clearly defined hands. Most of the pieces are water-resistant up to 50 meters and have a one year minimum warranty. To reduce glare on the faceplate and ensure the most daring display of color, the watches are all covered in flame-fusion crystal that is difficult to scratch.

Invicta designs pieces for both men and women, so if the brash red and black designs don’t tickle your fancy, ladies, there are soft milk-flower blues and rich greens, as well as traditional gold, silver, and a few elegantly polished gunmetal items.

As the Christmas season is winding into a frenzy, take advantage of the 1-2 day shipping and get your luxury items to your loved ones while this sale and the holidays last!