Luxury Swiss Watches » Men’s Watches

New Steel Rolex Submariner Watch For 2010

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:27:58 +0000

The long awaited new steel version of the new generation of Rolex Submariner watches is here. The official name is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date. This is not a surprise release from the brand for 2010. However, the introduction of a standard green dial is something I didn't expect. Like clockwork, over the last few years Rolex has been updating their GMT Master II collection and then a white gold new Submariner. Last year the released a new two-tone (steel and gold) Submariner watch with a blue or a black dial. It was only logical that this year would see the release of a new all steel Submariner, ref. 116610. This is most important because the steel versions are the most popular - given their position as having the lowest cost version of one of the most popular timepieces on the planet (if not the most popular luxury watch on the planet).

The new watches have the same 40mm width, but a slightly different shape of case and a new "maxi dial." Like the other new Submariners and GMT Master II, the dial has larger hands and hour indicators. Plus the lume should glow blue. Another wonderful addition to the steel Submariners is the ceramic bezel. Rolex calls it "Cerachrom," and they do it probably better than anyone else. The ceramic has a beautiful tone and is very crisp looking. Compared to the ceramic bezel on the GMT Master II, the Submariner bezels are a more matte finished.

A broader case looks elegant as ever and still thin. Even though the Submariner is smaller at 40mm in size that most modern men's watches, it still holds it own quite well. A bold wrist look that you just can't beat. Don't forget that the case is water resistant to 300 meters in this "original" mainstream true diver's watch. The larger hands and indexes make the face easier to read and dare I say, more Rolexy. The case is not made of grade 316L steel, but rather the higher grade grade 904L steel that has all sorts of special chemical resistance abilities.

Green is a color that Rolex is known for using in special models. The release of a new mainstream Submariner model is a special occasion. It is a substantial tone that isn't too bright or dark. The dial is metallic, while Rolex calls "Green Gold." There is another reason for the green face - to help get existing Submariner buyers to get one. If you have a previous generation Submariner there isn't huge incentive to upgrade unless you are "that type of person." But with a new dial color, and potentially new personality, existing fans will see reason to add to their collection.
Thankfully we now have a Submariner with the famous Rolex Glide-Lock clasp. This gives the bracelet clasp a special micro-adjust ability that gives it a very precise fit. Plus, you can change the size as often as you like for tighter or looser days. Rolex isn't the first to have a special bracelet clasp like this, but they do it oh so well. Inside the watch is the same invincible 3135 automatic COSC Chronometer certified movement. Not much to say there, there are few better three-hand date movements out there. It is of course 100% made and designed by Rolex. Price for the new Submariner watches hasn't been released yet, but I suspect they will be almost identical to the outgoing models. Look for them in stores soon watch lovers. The new piece might not be a monumental upgrade, but that isn't watch Rolex does. They just keep making their good stuff better.

ROLEX MENS STEEL GOLD DIAMONDS SUBMARINER WATCH 2010

US $11,950.00

1h 10m

ROLEX MENS SUBMARINER 2TONE RED RUBY DIAMOND DIAL 2009

US $8,950.00

1h 10m

ROLEX MENS STEEL GOLD DIAMONDS SUBMARINER WATCH 2010

US $11,950.00

1h 10m

Rolex Mens White MoP Diamond Dial 2tone DateJust QS

US $249.99

2h 13m

Dial Rolex 5512 TiffanyCo Sub 660ft200m ORIGINAL

0 Bid

US $1,500.00

2h 32m

Dial Rolex 1680 Submariner 660ft 200m ORIGINAL

0 Bid

US $500.00

3h 6m

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Rolex Reinvents a Classic: The New Datejust II Rolesor

admin — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 17:24:52 +0000

Since its initial release in 1945, Rolex's Datejust Rolesor is one of the most recognizable and iconic watches the industry has ever seen. The timepiece is all at once classic and immortally modern, always a step ahead of design trends and expectations.

It can't be denied that Rolex is one of the most renowned watch brands, setting the standard for luxury time-telling, distinctive accessories. Not only meeting standards and the expectations of wearers world-wide, but setting new standards, innovating the industry and changing the way we tell time today.

The first Oyster Perpetual Datejust Rolesor immediately became a coveted men's accessory, both masculine and highly luxurious. This year, Rolex has released a new, updated Rolesor, embracing all the latest watch making innovations and timepiece technology.

The new Datejust II features the slowly evolving design of the line, bring the hit watch of 1945 steadily into the contemporary age, making Rolex's Rolesor the go-to look for men, and now women as well, once again.

The four stunning dials of the Datejust II for men are testimonies to the brand's unparalleled stance in the industry as luxury watch maker. A fluted bezel in yellow or white gold makes a dramatic frame for the sleek texture of the dial, punctuated by bold Arabic numerals.

Classically pairing white and yellow gold with an either white or yellow Rolesor case brings the rich hues of the gold new brilliance while the large date at 3 o'clock is proudly magnified through the sapphire crystal. This time around, Rolex has extended its experienced and knowledgeable hand toward women, bringing female fans of the unparalleled brand the satisfaction of wearing the renowned Datejust Rolesor as well.

With a bezel crusted with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds, the design is elevated to a new level of femininity, and when paired with 10 additional diamonds found in the dial of some models, it's as if the Datejust were a women's watch all along.

The dial of the women's Datejust Rolesor allows for a wide range of versatility, ideal for women, who not only look to their timepiece to tell the time, but to act as an accessory as well. From dramatic green and delicate pink mother-of-pearl dials, to the classic and modern look of black mother-of-pearl, Rolex has created a Datejust Rolesor perfect for any occasion and personality.

As creator of the first self-winding mechanism with a free rotor, Rolex has always aimed at design and execution excellence, believing that aesthetics and function go hand-in-hand. This year, a favorite is reinvented and released to both men and women, reminding us why we all fell in love with Rolex in the first place.

18K Yellow Gold Rolex DateJust Watch Fluted Bezel

US $328.00

16m

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ladies Watch

US $4,134.00

26m

ROLEX MIDSIZE DIAMOND BEZEL DATEJUST WATCH Yr 2010 NEW

US $8,950.00

1h 10m

ROLEX MIDSIZE STEEL DIAMONDS DATEJUST WATCH V NEW 09

US $8,950.00

1h 10m

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Mens Watch

US $2,999.00

1h 45m

ROLEX OYSTER STYLE 13mm CURVED BAND ENDS IN S STEEL

US $7.50

2h 9m

Jules Audemars 30th Anniversary Perpetual Calendar by Audemars Piguet

admin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 03:05:30 +0000

Thirty years ago Audemars Piguet revealed world’s first ultra-thin self-winding perpetual calendar watch. This year, the Swiss watch manufacture presented its special anniversary edition Jules Audemars 30th Anniversary Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 26000PT.OO.D028CR.01). Limited to only 90 copies, this wonderful watch features a movement, which is only 4 millimeters thick. Now, try to imagine its price.

The watch is built around the Kaliber 2120/2802, ultra-thin, self-winding 355 parts movement and features the day, date, month, moon-phases and leap-year cycle complications. Company says that the watch’s perpetual calendar will not require correction before March 1st, 2100 meaning that even your grandson won’t have to bother with these annoying leap-year cycles.
Specifications:
Price range: N/A
Movement: Calibre: 2120/2802, ultra-thin, self-winding
Complications: Day, date, month, moon-phases, leap-year cycle
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case material: Platinum
Case diameter: 41mm
Case height: 9.15mm
Dial: Tuscany blue dial with white gold applied hour-markers. White gold hour and minute hands.
Water resistance: 20m
Strap: “Large square-scale” hand-sewn alligator leather with platinum AP folding clasp
Crystal: Sapphire

NEW AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK LARGE STL 15300ST SILVER

US $9,750.00

25m

AUDEMARS PIGUET LADIES ROYAL OAK STEEL DIAMONDS BLUE

US $6,750.00

1h 53m

NEW AUDEMARS PIGUET STEEL WORTH AVENUE LIMITED OF 100

US $24,400.00

2h 6m

NEW AUDEMARS PIGUET STEEL VOLCANO LIMITED 26170ST

US $16,900.00

2h 13m

Gucci Watch LADIES BANGLE TYPE 100 GENUINE LK

9 Bids

US $30.61

5h 31m

2009 AUDEMARS PIGUET Royal Oak Offshore Diamond 520ct

US $16,758.98

8h 46m

New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show Exhibits the Latest Trends in Vintage Jewelry, Watches, Estate Pieces, July 23- 26

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:23:28 +0000

NEW YORK - (Business Wire) The Fourth Annual New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show will exhibit the latest trends in vintage jewelry, watches and estate pieces July 23-26, 2010, at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City.

Recent industry reports show that sales of fashion accessories, including fine jewelry and luxury pieces, rose 17 percent in the first quarter 2010, after ending the year 10 percent lower in 2009. “Despite being a young show, coupled with global economic downturn, The New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show continues to grow and be amazingly successful for exhibitors and attendees alike. We attribute a great deal of our show’s success due to our location in the jewelry capital of the world, New York City,” said Andrea Canady, fair director for GLM’s New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show. “This year’s show is shaping up to feature truly extraordinary merchandise available at all consumer price points for viewing and purchase.”

With major retailers logging an uptick in sales due to increased consumer confidence and the stabilization of the stock market, luxury spending is on the rise. With signs pointing toward retail revitalization, the four-day New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, which opens two days prior to the JA Summer Show, will bring together more than 100 of the finest dealers in antique and estate jewelry and watches.

Show attendees, which include celebrities and well-known socialites from around the globe, will have the opportunity to view and purchase highly sought after rare and signed pieces, a wide variety of antique jewelry, exceptional jewels and gemstones and unique designer pieces, as well as the finest in personal timepieces representing multiple periods throughout jewelry history.

Some of the well-known brands on display will include, Louis Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany, Harry Winston, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Rolex, and many others. Here’s a preview of just a few of the most unique items available at the show:

Jacob’s Diamond & Estate Jewelry, based in Los Angeles, is featuring this rare late Victorian brooch, circa 1900. It is mounted in 18 karat yellow gold, featuring amethyst, carved ivory, diamonds and pearls.

Jerome Heidenreich, based in Los Angeles, will display this beautiful dragonfly brooch set with a GIA certified 1.81 carat natural fancy intense green-yellow diamond, circa 1960.

McTeigue Since 1895, based in New York City, is showcasing this magnificent Art Deco square sapphire and baguette diamond bracelet. The square sapphires are approximately 13.86 carats. Baguette diamonds approximately 8.40 carats in a platinum mounting.

Morelle Davidson, based in London, will display this brilliant Van Cleef & Arpels suite. This set is made of 18 karat yellow gold diamond and coral and is comprised of a necklace, which converts into four bracelets, a pendant, a ring and earrings. The diamonds are approximately 17 carats, circa 1980.

Raymond Lee Jewelers, based in Boca Raton, Fla., is featuring these exquisite platinum antique earrings with 10 carats of diamonds
Yafa Signed Jewels, based in New York City, is showcasing this stunning platinum, diamond and ruby brooch. It is signed by David Webb.
Show hours are from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 23; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 26. The one-time admission fee of $15 is valid for all four days of the show.

For additional show information, please call (239) 732-6642 or visit www.nyantiquejewelry.com.

New Black Bead Stainless Steel Decorative Lady Watch

0 Bid

US $.01

15m

UNIVERSAL GENEVE WATCH POCKER DIAL MANUAL WIND MEN

0 Bid

US $150.00

15m

Vintage Eterna 18K Eterna Matic Centenaire

US $1,675.44

15m

NEW DIGITAL SILVER STAINLESS MENS SPORTS WRIST WATCH

0 Bid

US $.99

16m

Mens Seiko Quartz watch 7N29 5049 Vintage deco

0 Bid

US $10.00

17m

New Vintage Lady Women Girl Bracelet Quartz Wrist Watch

0 Bid

US $.99

17m

Omega Seamaster 300m Automatic Watch: A Video Review

admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 03:44:45 +0000

A video review of the Omega Seamaster 300m Automatic Watch

BARGAIN OMEGA SEAMASTER BOND 007 AUTO GENTS WRIST WATCH

US $2,695.00

11h 8m

GENUINE NEW OMEGA SEAMASTER JAMES BOND MENS BLACK WATCH

US $2,695.00

11h 59m

Omega seamaster 300 166024 cal 565

US $2,950.00

12h 26m

Omega Seamaster Professional Cronometer

0 Bid

US $750.00

13h 3m

Vintage Working Omega 17J 3X Signed Ladies Wrist Watch

16 Bids

US $51.00

13h 45m

Omega Seamaster Automatic Blue Bond Stainless Steel

US $1,525.00

16h 50m

Rolex New Collection at BASELWORLD 2010

admin — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 19:19:47 +0000

Rolex New Collection at BASELWORLD 2010

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Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Regulateur Roue Carree Watch

admin — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 18:33:38 +0000

Maurice Lacroix Unveils Revolutionary Masterpiece Regulateur Roue Carree Watch

The renowned watch manufacture Maurice Lacroix has redefined the frontiers of technical accomplishment by launching its revolutionary Masterpiece Regulateur Roue Carree watch. The timepiece, unveiled at Baselworld 2010, offers a subtle blend of impeccable functionality, innovation and up-to-date aesthetics.

Incredible as it is, the new Maurice Lacroix watch will surely win the hearts of watch lovers worldwide. Created by watchmaker and engineer Michel Vermot, the timepiece has firmly cemented the company’s position in the third millennium.
Encouraged by traditional regulator watches, the marvelous Masterpiece Regulateur Roue Carree watch accommodates an anthracite in-house manufactured mechanical movement - ML 153, featuring linear satin finish. The mechanism is enclosed in a 43 mm case, sculptured in steel. It can be admired through a wide sapphire case-back.

The main plate of the movement serves as the watch’s dial. It represents a perfect union of functional layout and noble design. The display catches the eye with its central minutes hand and small seconds counter, located at 6 o'clock. It also features a power reserve indicator, positioned at 3 o’clock. The large minutes hand and engraved numbers, treated with a Superluminova compound, ensure that visibility is outstanding even under reduced light conditions.

However, the undeniable highlight of the dial is the display of hours. They are shown by a square wheel with geometrical openwork, a groundbreaking phenomenon in the world of watchmaking. Activated by another wheel, created in the form of a cloverleaf, it revolves regularly. It grabs attention with a Superluminova-applied raised corner, which serves to indicate the hour.

This unique device for the Masterpiece Regulateur Roue Carree watch was born as a result of fruitful cooperation between the Maurice Lacroix esteemed specialists and Haute Ecole Arc Ingenierie at Le Locle. The fine adjustment, calculations, simulation and testing, necessary for its manufacturing, demanded many hours of intensive efforts. It is known that the gear profiles for non-circular wheels cannot be regular by definition. Therefore, the main difficulty was to define the shapes of the teeth in order to assure the constant power transmission through the gear. After numerous simulations, the aim was achieved, utilizing LiGA technology.

The highly-qualified specialists in the field of watchmaking have definitely squared the circle: the angles and profiles of the teeth of these two exclusive wheels coordinate perfectly with each other and produce an incredible visual effect.

Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Phase de Lune Triple Date

US $2,477.00

1h 37m

Brand New MAURICE LACROIX Swiss Movement Mens Watch

0 Bid

US $238.00

1h 57m

Brand New MAURICE LACROIX Swiss Movement Ladies Watch

US $379.00

2h 15m

Brand New MAURICE LACROIX Swiss Movement Ladies Watch

0 Bid

US $379.00

2h 32m

Brand New MAURICE LACROIX Swiss Mechanical Mens Watch

US $1,499.00

2h 47m

Brand New MAURICE LACROIX Swiss Movement Ladies Watch

0 Bid

US $259.00

2h 56m

Breitling Creates Avenger Seawolf Chrono Blacksteel Watch

admin — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 18:27:01 +0000

At Baselworld 2010, Breitling is to unveil its new Avenger Seawolf Chrono Blacksteel watch. The timepiece is best characterized as robust and highly technical.

The zest of the new Breitling watch is the brand’s exclusive, patented magnetic push-piece system concealed inside the case. The system allows to activate the timepiece through the metal case with no direct mechanical contact. Most chronograph watches cannot be activated while diving, but this system provides the Avenger Seawolf Chrono with the total water-resistance and functionality at a record 1,000-meter depth.

The Breitling watch also boasts the brand’s exclusive thermocompensated SuperQuartz TM movement, Breitling 73 calibre. The outstanding COSC-certified mechanism offers the precision ten times greater than the precision provided by common quartz movements. The SuperQuartz TM movement measures times to 1/10 of a second and indicates intermediary times.

The watch provides a range of useful functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date, split-seconds chronograph, and direction memory.

The steel case of the Avenger Seawolf Chrono measures 45.4 mm in diameter and is provided with ultra-resistant carbon coating. The case incorporates a ratcheted unidirectional rotating bezel. The face of the watch is shielded by a convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides.

The Breitling watch demonstrates a flange with the compass card to be used for memorizing directions above and below water.

The volcano black dial is completed with luminescent hour-markers and hands, including the central direct-drive seconds-hand and split-seconds hand. You will notice the 12-hour chronograph counter at 10 o’clock, while the 1/10-second counter is positioned at 2 o’clock. The date window is found at 4 o’clock.

The Breitling Avenger Seawolf Chrono Blacksteel watch, reviewed by Watches.InfoNIAC.com, is presented on the brand’s signature black Diver Pro rubber strap or Ocean Racer strap with holes. The bold timepiece will be available in a limited number of 2,000 pieces.

10 watch Clear Top Rosewood Display Case Box Gift

US $42.00

15m

24 Watch Quality Black Lacquer Display Case Gift

US $75.00

15m

8 Watches Quality Black Laquer Winder 10 Storage

US $275.00

15m

10 watch Clear Top Rosewood Display Case Box Gift

US $42.00

15m

10 watch Clear Top Faux Leather Display Case Box Gift

US $39.00

15m

2 Watch Brown Traveling Storage Case Box Fits Panerai

US $15.99

15m

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Watch Review

admin — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 17:26:35 +0000

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms diver watches constitute the apex of the company's Sports Collection. Fifty Fathoms timepieces combine technologically advanced movement (Calibre 1315) with a leaner, more restrained design than the testosterone-pumped Speed Command and Air Command. Yet despite shedding some “muscle mass”, the collection displays unmistakable masculine character – only instead of a body-builder's physique, the watches show off a swimmer's body, as appropriate for a diver watch. Fifty Fathoms include a women's line, which abandons the deep black in favor of a more mellow mother-of-pearl (also appropriately found in the sea) off-white palette.

All Fifty Fathoms watches include a unidirectional rotating bezel (to prevent it from moving accidentally backwards and deceiving the diver by showing more than actual amount of remaining diving time and air), large illuminated indexes and numerals, and massive illuminated hands. As exemplified on the website, the focused glow enables to read time quickly in dark conditions. Red-tipped seconds hand, self-winding movement and a case that has undergone antimagnetic treatment add another set of useful functions. Overall, design elaborations and subtleties cannot change the true character of a Fifty Fathoms watch: it is decidedly sports and function oriented. A historical collection (the first Fifty Fathoms watch was manufactured in 1953), it continues to evolve, as Blancpain dedicate time and research to this line of diver watches.

RARE 18K BLANCPAIN LUCIEN PICCARD WATCH 18K BRACELET

US $2,500.00

Gucci Watch LADIES BANGLE TYPE 100 GENUINE LK

9 Bids

US $30.61

5h 31m

Excellent Cond Blancpain 18k Leman Chronograph 2185

US $7,200.00

7h 55m

Blancpain Leman Complete Calendar 2863 1127 53b

US $8,975.00

9h 4m

BLANCPAIN LEMAN AUTO CHRONO DATE FLYBACK NR

US $7,500.00

10h 41m

BLANCPAIN AIR COMMAND TRILOGY COLLECTION FLYBACK NR

US $7,000.00

10h 43m

Top Watches Revealed At BaselWorld 2010

admin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 04:00:29 +0000

The following five watches were singled out by writers at AskMen.com as ones they like the best.

NO.1 - HUBLOT CLASSIC FUSION

The last decade saw a major rebirth of Hublot under the leadership of the charismatic Jean-Claude Biver. Circa 2004, the Big Bang was released and it hit the market like a sledgehammer. Since then, the onslaught of limited and unlimited editions has thrust the Big Bang forcefully into the collective psyche of the watch world, such that what was the invigorating and unique design of the Big Bang is oddly enough now a classic. Chalk it up to the genius of Mr. Biver at the helm of the Hublot ship, but that is how a classic is made with haste.

Now, the brand strips down the look for a thinner, more elegant watch known as the Hublot Classic Fusion. In a 44mm- or smaller 42mm-wide case, the simpler watch evokes the trend of classic timepieces while staying true to the brand. In steel or gold, various styles are available in the easy-to-read watch with a Swiss automatic movement, and a bit of the stuff that makes Hublot so hot. Nowadays, even the trendiest of sport watch brands can be true classics. Price in gold is about $20,000.

NO.2 - CHANEL J12 MARINE

Chanel as a producer of an important watch? These days, yes. Quality timepieces from fashion houses are growing in popularity and demand. In fact, tough economic times have seen a consumer stickiness to highly regard luxury brands as opposed to less known or unknown brands. Over the last several years, Chanel has single-handedly made ceramic the new emerging material of choice in the watch industry, and its J12 models have proved popular beyond belief.

While the Chanel J12 was a dive-style watch, the brand now releases a real diver’s piece with the J12 Marine. The case on the black version is done in a matte finished ceramic with dive-style hands on the easy-to-read dial. Matched with a vented rubber strap, the watch is a highly competent dive watch from a house of fashion -- and it will be highly successful. In addition to serving as an example that watches from popular brands are hot, the Chanel J12 Marine also serves to show that dive watches are still the most popular types of watches out there.

Available in black (with a matching black or blue bezel) or white, the piece is still very Chanel in style, but offers a more mainstream piece for the hungry watch-loving fans of the brand. The message is clear: A quality watch from a popular fashion house is a recipe for success in today’s market. Price is likely in the $5,000 range.

NO.3 - ROLEX SUBMARINER (IN STEEL)

Anything but unpredictable, the latest release from Rolex is an all-steel version of its ubiquitous Submariner. A new version of the best-seller is sure to help the brand stay strong and keep the watch world’s key markets busy with (relatively) high demand. Be sure to see bolder dials and a retro-shape on Rolex Submariner models everywhere. The case is now made out of exotic 904L grade steel, and there is even a quirky green dialed and bezeled version of the iconic black watch available. Still the rock-solid Rolex everyone expects, purists are split in whether the bolder look is best for the super brand’s signature product. No one can argue, however, with its more durable materials and ultra-comfortable bracelet as an improvement. Rolex keeps the mainstream luxury watch market strong with new models such as this.

NO.4 - CORUM ADMIRAL'S CUP

A new, simpler model in the aggressive 48mm-wide steel, PVD coated case, is the underdog winner of the brand this year. Black against white, the sharp, bold dial is uncomplicated and legible, deeply evocative of the Admiral’s Cup collection while being a less pretentious model. A mixture of polishes under the black PVD on the case adds to the visual interest of the angular case design, while the automatic mechanical movements (exclusive to Corum) offers useful and reliable timekeeping (keeping it simple with just the time, subsidiary seconds dial and a day/date indicator).

Interesting is the lack of Corum’s confidence that the model is a clear winner. As it is a limited-edition piece of just 500 whose success should hopefully spur the newly invigorated brand to continue in this high-fashion, though utilitarian, direction with at least a segment of its pieces. Price is $7,400.

NO.5 – SEIKO

Impressive almost every year, Seiko’s laurels are mostly technological. While a Seiko watch is clearly one of the top five pieces this year, the exact model we like best is a toss-up. Impressive are the new e-ink “EPD” watch and the 40th Anniversary Seiko Quartz Astron: The Commemorative Edition. Both take the limit of watch tech in important directions, but the new Quartz Astron wins simply because it will be available much sooner. Limited to just 200 pieces, the worst thing going against the watch is the hefty price of about $5,700.

The original Seiko Astron was the first quartz movement watch. Using the core style of the original, the contemporary version is in a highly polished titanium case with a double personality dial with a style that evokes the Grand Seiko. The new 9F62 quartz movement is very reliable, hand-built and accurate to within 10 seconds a year. It also has an instant change date, and the ability to move much heavier hands. This gives the Astron the personality of a mechanical watch with the reliability and accuracy of a quartz movement -- further reminiscent of the time when the quartz movement was making serious progress, and not just something found in every dime-store timepiece.