Highlights of this year’s new Hamilton watches include the interesting Pulsomatic that runs on an self-winding movement, but displays the time on a digital display. The retro-futuristic piece is inspired from the world’s first digital watch that was manufactured by Hamilton in 1970. This combination of classic watch making and modern high-tech style reflects Hamilton’s innovation and their pioneer status.

The Pulsomatic

Three new mechanical models for women reflect Hamilton’s desire to reach out to what the company refers to as an under-served market. The strategists at the Swiss manufacturer believe that women lack options for well priced, mechanical watches. If the market is as strong as they think, Hamilton will be amongst the leading manufactures of mid-size mechanical watches at the entry luxury price level.

Particularly striking amongst these new ladies’ models is the Railroad Automatic, which runs on the self-winding 2824 calibre by E.T.A and starts at only C$950. It also showcases a new system of straps that incorporates easy-to-use pushers that allow the owner of the watch to interchange bracelets quickly and without tools. The 38mm size is not oversize, but far from the tiny timepieces that women had a decade or so back.

The rest of the Railroad series is also noteworthy. The largest model in the series is the chronograph, who’s stainless steel case spans 46mm. It is equipped with a Valgranges A07-211, a fantastic movement that is greatly less common than the 7750, albeit still manufactured under the control of E.T.A.

RailRoad Chronograph

One category that is never forgotten by Hamilton watches is the aviation-style watches and this year there are several new additions. Amongst the first releases of 2010, and already available for purchase is the 46mm, automatic, Khaki King Pilot. It captures the traditional “Big Pilot” look very nicely but is offered at amazing value, starting at C$995. Watchpaper readers already know the next one. If you haven’t read HAMILTON Khaki X-Landing it is worth taking a look at, and it is featured in a video presentation embedded below.

Fans of good ol’, classic, vintage elegance will not be disappointed. A few minor retouches have been done to the very popular Jazzmaster Slim to create the new Slim 43 Petite Seconds. As the name suggests these changes include the addition of a small subsidiary dial for the seconds. In order to compensate for the added thickness of the small seconds, the back of the case has been “closed.” While no longer see-through, the case back is engraved with the company’s vintage logo.

I had a real good time visiting Hamilton headquarters. I thank Vivian and Martine who helped me organize it and showed all the amazing new Hamilton watches.

Marco is a webmaster and blogger for MattBaily.ca and an enthusiast of Hamilton watches.

If you do not see a video embedded here, visit the original post on watchpaper.com.

For all the videos produced from the Hamilton visit go to: http://www.mattbaily.ca/blog/tag/hamilton_visit_2010/

Every major city in Canada has at least one power house store, equipped with all the biggest brands like Rolex and Cartier. In Montreal this store is Chateau D’Ivoire. It is perhaps the oldest store in the city to specialize primarily in luxury watches and was the only one for many years. This probably explains how they were able to amass their collection of brands that not only includes Rolex and Cartier, but almost all of the aggressively marketed horological brands of the Richemont Group (the newly acquired Roger Dubuis is the only one missing). The boutique offers a dizzying display of mainstream brands and is definitely worth a visit. Just up the street is the local Patek Philippe dealer. Kawfman de Suisse Jewellers, which also carries Bucherer. The boutique offers that old-time, white-glove luxury experience. Don’t be fooled by the traditional decor and expensive products, however. On all my visits I have received a warm welcome and was attended to generously.

For enthusiasts of up-and-coming and lesser known luxury brands, the Matt Baily boutique provides. It is located in Downtown Montreal, at the heart of many of the summer festivities. The small space of the store is simply, yet luxuriously designed and filled with some of the hottest brands. Matt Baily always searches for watches that are ready to burst in popularity and this explains why he was the first to bring in brands such as Bell & Ross and U-Boat to Canada. The staff of the watch department really know their stuff (toot toot!), and a talk with any of them will prove this. The Baily Blog, an online journal for the employees of Matt Baily to showcase new models and current events about the industry is further indication that these are knowledgeable watch enthusiasts. Matt Baily also offers the ability to trade-in your watch towards the purchase of another. This amounts to a pretty nice collection of pre-owned watches, which are offered with a one-year in-store warranty. Speaking of certified pre-owned watches, a visit to Timeless Watches is always a good stop for those who appreciate the advantages of pre-loved timepieces. The store is also an authorized dealer of Welder and TW Steel, but it is their used pieces and enthusiasm for collectible watches that make this small boutique a great place to visit.

Away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Montreal, several luxury stores serve the suburbs. Bijouterie Italienne and Créations Paul H. offer big names like Rolex and Bretling to the citizens of the East End of Montreal. A large community of Italians, a populous renowned for their love for luxury watches, probably explains the presence of these two stores within a few blocks of each-other. To the North of the Island of Montreal, the Carefour Laval shopping mall houses a couple of other luxury watch stores including the Pan-Canadian chain, LaSwiss.

In my view, LaSwiss is in a very fortunate predicament. This is because they are the exclusive authorized dealers of one of my all-time favourite watch brands, Audemars Piguet. Other than the infamous AP, the LaSwiss boutiques carry many brands. These include companies like the fantastic Parmigiani and the pervasive Breitling. The lineup varies from location to location. I’ve visited their newly built store on Ste.Catherine street several times to take a look at their stock of APs. Occasionally I found myself conversing with the manager or their in-house watchmaker. The strongest concentration of LaSwiss stores is, unsurprisingly, Southern Ontario.

I have never been to Toronto long enough to visit watch stores, but the largest market for luxury watches in Canada surely demands some pretty special retailers and so I have heard many accounts of the GTA’s watch boutiques. The Toronto boutique that most fascinates me and first on my list of stores to visit is Louis Black. Its intrigue is due to the extremely high-end nature of its brands. When I imagine what Frank Muller, Jaquet Droz, Richard Mille, DeGrisgono, F.P Journe, Antoine Preziuso, Urwerk, and Roger Dubuis must look lik under the same roof of a store not much bigger than my bedroom I get visions of Las Vegas and my mouth waters. Several stores serve the mainstream brands. Royal de Versailles strikes me as the big boy, resembling a branch of Tourneau. Some of the underdogs that come to mind are Cupido and L’Oro, which deal with cool brands such as Alpina, Ernst Benz, and Ball.

After Toronto there is no need to skip all the way to Calgary to find the next excellent luxury watch store. Abraham Jewellers, located in Windsor, carries a few cool brands including the big and bold U-Boat watches. The store seems to be more deeply rooted in diamond jewellery than in luxury watches, but after some talks with George, the owner, his passion for watches is obvious. Winnipeg has its share of luxury watch stores. Independent is the local Rolex dealer, so as can be expected, some of the other big names like Tag and Mont Blanc can be found there as well. Dimitra’s Jewellers is another of the few authorized dealers of U-Boat watches in Canada and is a must-see shop when visiting the Peg.

With the economic upswing of Alberta in the past decade or so, it is not hard to see why some of the country’s most important stores are located here. Calgary Jewelers has a stacked lineup including Bell & Ross, Hublot, and Jeager LeCoultre. A spacious and elegant boutique displays the watches. Brinkhaus is the Winnipeg dealer of big brands including Rolex and Patek. A second Brinkhaus store is located in Vancouver, but before we move to Vancity, lets jump to Edmonton, where you can find Swedish Jewellers. Its imposing facade leads to an impressive showroom and collection of luxury watches. I had the pleasure of meeting Al, the second generation owner of this family business, at Baselworld 2010 and it is clear that he knows his watches and is passionate about his products. I can only imagine that his staff share the same attitude.

Palladio is a name commonly linked to Vancouver. It is one of only three retailers in Canada to be authorized to sell Panerai watches and offers several other important brands as well. A boutique offering less mainstream brands in Vancouver is Rodeo Jewellers at the Oakridge Centre. As every other major city in Canada, Vancouver luxury watches can also be found at upscale boutiques who are not primarily specialized in horology. Birks is one. The storied jewellery store is an important dealer of Omega and Cartier watches and even has its own brand of timepieces. Chances are high that all Canadians who love high-end fashion have shopped at a Holts Renfrew at one point or another. Since a couple of years ago, this Quebec-born department store has offered Bell & Ross watches at some of their locations across Canada. The problem with these big stores tends to be the lack of knowledge on the part of staff. I have heard occasional reports of sales personnel being caught not knowing the difference between quartz and mechanical movements.

It is estimated that the Canadian market for luxury watches is equivalent to about five percent of the US market. Having dealt with hundreds of Canadian luxury watch aficionados over five years, I can tell that this market is growing. Luckily Canada has some beautiful boutiques that specialize in high-end watches, and who’s managers and owners are just as excited to bring in new watches into Canada as the Canadian public is to see them.

Many authorized Canadian watch retailers have been left out of this article, but not on purpose. Please share what you know about your local AD in the comments below.

Marco is a watch specialist at Matt Baily in Montreal.

Watches Canada

Chapter One Round by Maîtres du Temps

Maîtres du Temps presents Chapter One Round, featuring a bold, architecturally-inspired round case housing Chapter One’s groundbreaking combination of complications. The interplay of the multi-level concentric circles of the case and dial entices the viewer’s eye inward to the majestic amphitheater of the indication-rich dial. There, attention might first alight either on the kinetic ballet of the sublimely finished tourbillon or on the eye-catching red of the counterpoised chronograph second hand, both in contrast to the backdrop of the dial’s dark brushed-satin finish. However, it isn’t long before the clear legibility of layout impresses with its elegant and functional design.

The circles within circles are perfectly balanced by the juxtaposition of the rectangular forms of the two roller indications showing the day and moon phase, which curve down from the top of the muscular case like buttresses and seamlessly integrate the lugs for the strap. Large polished chamfers running the full length on each side of the case catch and dynamically reflect the light and provide a foil to the brushed finish of the vertical elements.

Developed by a collaboration of world-renowned master watchmakers, Christophe Claret and Peter Speake-Marin, Chapter One Round features a world-first combination of complications: tourbillon, mono-pusher chronograph, retrograde date, retrograde GMT, and two rolling bars indicating the day of the week and phase of the moon.

Chapter One Round by Maîtres du Temps

A tour of the highly legible dial reveals central coaxial hours, minutes, and chronograph 60-second counter; tourbillon and day of the week roller at 6 o’clock; retrograde GMT at 9 o’clock; 60-minute chronograph counter and precision moon phase roller at 12 o’clock; and retrograde date at 3 o’clock. Stylish ergonomic correctors with a slide-to-unlock feature make adjusting the calendar indications a tactical pleasure.

“After working on Chapter One for nearly two years, I was struck by the strength in the design of this round version: it is far stronger in character and presence than I dared hope for,” says Peter Speake-Marin.

Actualizing the sophisticated case of Chapter One Round — comprising 96 individual components — requires the precision and care of an artist. The hand-polished and brushed-satin finishes of the three main case elements — central body and two lugs — demand meticulous exactitude to ensure that all of the finishes line up precisely so that the lines flow smoothly. The development of the case alone required a full year of research and development.

“Maîtres du Temps continues to diversify the Chapter One collection by offering timepieces with sophisticated design and technical mastery. This latest round-case version offers a sculptured structural feel with distinguished technical features,” says Steven Holtzman, founder of Maîtres du Temps.

Master watchmaker Christophe Claret

The ease of both reading and adjusting Chapter One’s indications disguises the fact that Chapter One is an incredibly complex timepiece crafted from 678 finely finished and beautifully decorated components. Chapter One Round stands as an enduring testament to the skill, patience, and dexterity of its world-class creators.

The bold architectural form, innovative indications, and ergonomic functions of Chapter One belie the incredible complexity of its unique movement and the structural sophistication of its case.

Chapter One’s master watchmakers have come together to craft a horological work of art, both inside and out. Alternating finishes play with light around the case, imparting a sense of strength and majesty without leaving a trace of the complexity involved. The ease of both reading and adjusting Chapter One’s many indications disguises the fact that this is a world-first combination of complications crafted from 558 components.

No wristwatch before Chapter One has ever featured a tourbillon movement incorporating a mono-pusher column wheel chronograph, retrograde date, retrograde GMT, and phase of the moon and day of the week indications displayed on their own distinctive rolling bars. Efficiently transmitting power 90° to the two rollers and ensuring that they work simultaneously with the time, date, GMT, and chronograph was an immense technical challenge. That the challenge was met and surpassed is further testament to Chapter One’s enormously talented team.

A tour of the dial reveals central coaxial hours, minutes, and chronograph 60-second counter; tourbillon and day of the week roller at 6 o’clock; retrograde GMT at 9 o’clock; 60-minute chronograph counter and precision moon phase roller at 12 o’clock; and retrograde date at 3 o’clock.

Master watchmaker Peter Speake-Marin

Meticulous attention to every minute detail throughout the design and execution of all facets of Chapter One’s development has resulted in a timepiece of exceptional presence and refinement. The harmoniously integrated rolling bars, for example, had to be both large enough to be easily read and small enough to be ultralight and homogeneous with the case. Scintillating, laser-pierced moon and stars on the outer roller of the moon phase indication add to its stellar elegance.

Myriad details make Chapter One a timepiece that richly rewards a closer look, from the small window between the day roller and the tourbillon, which allows a unique view of the superbly finished gyrating tourbillon cage, to the contrast of the hands against the brushed-satin finish of the multi-strata dial. Even the locking corrector pushers are formed from curves running concentrically to perfectly follow the graceful flow of the circular case.

The story of Chapter One Round is one of glorious complexity in celebration of the men behind it.

Technical Specifications – C1R.55.2E.22-2

Chapter One Round Movement Dial Side

Displays
Central hands indicating hours and minutes
Central chronograph counterpoised second hand
60-minute counter at 12 o’clock
Retrograde date at 3 o’clock
Retrograde GMT at 9 o’clock
One-minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock
Day of the week indication on roller at 6 o’clock
Patented precise moon phase indication on roller at 12 o’clock

Functions
Two-position winding crown: pushed in to wind the watch; pulled out to set the time
Chronograph: start/stop/return-to-zero function activated by single pusher in the crown

Correctors
Date corrector at 2 o’clock
Day of the week corrector at 4 o’clock
Moon phase corrector at 8 o’clock
GMT corrector at 10 o’clock

Chapter One Round Movement Back Side

Case
18K 5N red gold
Number of components: 96
Dimensions: 62 mm x 59 mm x 22 mm
Sapphire crystals with double anti-reflective coating
Display back: sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
High polish and satin finishes
Correctors with integrated locking system

Dial & Hands
Number of components: 24
Multi-faceted and beveled with brushed and velvet surface finishes
Diamond-cut facet applied markers with Super-LumiNova
Red counterpoised chronograph hand
Diamond-cut facet hands for chronograph counters, hour, minute, date, and GMT

Rollers
Day roller: matte anodized Anticorodal finished aluminum
Moon phase roller: anodized Anticorodal finished aluminum inside a matte anodized cover with laser-pierced moon and stars
Window between day roller and tourbillon

Strap
Hand-sewn alligator strap with 18K 5N red-gold deployant buckle

Source: www.maitresdutemps.com

BLANCPAIN L-EVOLUTION, “Super Trofeo” Flyback Chronograph

The second season of the “Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo” championship is now under way. The very first races have just ended on the Hockenheim circuit in Heidelberg, Germany. The new Blancpain-branded Gallardo LP560-4 cars vied with each other throughout the weekend within the context of the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) championship. Blancpain once again salutes the remarkable performance of its President and CEO Marc A. Hayek, racing alongside famous driver Peter Kox of the Netherlands.

This second season confirms the important place Blancpain occupies in the world of motor-racing. While now serving as official timekeeper for the new FIA GT1 World Championship, the Manufacture from Le Brassus also remains the title sponsor of the “Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo”.

Blancpain has created an exceptional new sports watch in honour of this prestigious championship: the L-evolution Super Trofeo 2010* features a titanium case with all carbon-fibre dial and lugs. A chronograph model equipped with a flyback function, this timepiece is also distinguished by its appliques symbolising the Lamborghini Gallardo tail-lights and by its oscillating weight shaped like a double chequered flag, while, the alcantara strap is subtly reminiscent of car upholstery.

Blancpain results (Team Reiter Engineering – no 24):

Marc A. Hayek / Peter Kox (2nd in the 1st race ; 1st / 2nd ; 1st / 3rd)

The next five rounds in the Super Trofeo series will take place in:

• Brno (Czech Republic), May 22-23
• Paul Ricard Le Castellet (France), July 3-4
• Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), July 30-31
• Budapest (Hungary), August 21-22
• Vallelunga (Italy), September 25-26

HAMILTON Khaki X-Landing

Aviation shows its true metal

Biel, January 2010 – The Khaki X-Landing takes the emotions on a nostalgic journey back to the first all-metal aircraft of the 1920s, and the rationale on a trip co-piloted by a feature for measuring the top of descent (TOD). The Khaki X-Landing provides pilots with precision and style in a sophisticated GMT chronograph, with design touches reflecting the materials and structures of the early metal planes. This duo of limited edition watches passionately tells the story of an aviation tradition in the language of today.

HAMILTON Khaki X-Landing Morphing

Timely start of descent

The TOD marks the transition from the cruise phase of a flight to the descent phase. Pilot wearers simply mark the aircraft’s cruising altitude in feet at the 9 o’clock position, using the crown located at 10 o’clock. Integrating a standard descent angle of 3°, the Khaki X-Landing then reveals the number of nautical miles before the final destination that marks the start of the optimal descent in a small, dedicated window. The language of aviation continues on the bezel’s surface where 24 different time zones are printed. On one model these are represented by place names, on the others by terms from the military or name time zones, appealingly taking in hotel, tango and whiskey.

Aviation style

True to form, the brand with a long and proven aviation history, demonstrates an astute eye for detail in all of the Khaki X-Landing pieces. One model has a distinctive dark grey PVD case that complements the predominantly black and white color scheme and contrasts with a red GMT hand. Sections of its dial resemble the corrugated metal panels of the aircraft that took to the skies in the 1920s and 1930s. True class is certified visually by an elegant integrated black leather strap reminding of traditional sporty perforated gloves with holes of different sizes. The other version, with an impressive round-the-world tour logged around the bezel, has a brushed stainless steel case and choice of metal or integrated brown leather attachment. Subtle touches of red add dynamism, standing out against the dial’s background with a woven metal effect that catches the light as the sky makes sure it has the final word.

Hamilton was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Hamilton watches combine the American spirit with the unrivalled precision of the latest Swiss movements and technologies. Known for its innovative design, Hamilton has a strong foothold in Hollywood, with products appearing in over 350 films. The brand also boasts a strong aeronautical heritage. Hamilton is a member of the Swatch group, the largest watch manufacturer and distributor in the world with 160 production sites in Switzerland.
www.hamiltonwatch.com – www.facebook.com/hamiltonwatch- www.twitter.com/hamiltonwatch

Source: www.swisstime.ch

2010 Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Collection: moon phase, complete calendar, column-wheel controlled flyback chronograph

A New Complete Calendar Moon Phase Flyback Chronograph

Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms Collection is home to the most rugged sports watches in all of Blancpain’s lines. For 2010 Blancpain expands the Fifty Fathoms domain of sport to embrace the complications of a moon phase and a complete calendar married with the traditional sport companion of a column-wheel controlled flyback chronograph.

This newest member of the Fifty Fathoms family, with its complicated 448-part movement, has been fitted with a host of Blancpain movement innovations. The moon phase complete calendar mechanism is drawn from the caliber F185 movement, offering the unique capability of risk-free setting of any indication regardless of the time of day or night. Other complete calendar moon phase mechanisms offered in the industry forbid setting of indications at certain times because of risk of damage to the delicate components of the calendar. Blancpain solved this problem with its unique design that frees the owner from worrying about whether it is safe to set the calendar indications. Setting itself is further facilitated by the incorporation of Blancpain’s patented under lug correctors that eliminate the need for adjusters on the sides of the case and which allow finger-tip setting in place of an adjusting tool.

The chronograph base is Blancpain’s classic vertical clutch column-wheel controlled flyback movement.

The stainless steel case is 45 mm in diameter and fitted with a blue colored sapphire unidirectional bezel and blue dial.

2010 Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Collection: moon phase, complete calendar, column-wheel controlled flyback chronograph

Technical Specifications

Ref: 5066F-1140-52B

FIFTY FATHOMS, Complete Calendar Flyback Chronograph, moon phases, under-lug correctors, blue dial, one-way rotating bezel, self-winding

Caliber
66BF8

Thickness
7,50 mm

Diameter
32,00 mm

Power-reserve in hours
40

Jewels
37

Components
448

Case
Steel

Thickness
17,40 mm

Diameter
45,00 mm

Water-resistance
30 bar (The water-resistance value expressed in metres corresponds to overpressure expressed in bars. Each bar corresponds to a 10-metre water column.)

Sapphire crystal back
Yes

Interhorn space
23,00 mm

IndyCar Series Champion & Indy 500 Winner Dario Franchitti Announced as TW Steel Brand Ambassador

Amsterdam, The Netherlands (16 April, 2010) – TW Steel, the Dutch brand specializing in oversized watches, announced Friday that reigning IZOD IndyCar Series Champion, Dario Franchitti, is to become a Global Brand Ambassador.

Franchitti, IndyCar Series Champion in 2007 and 2009, was announced as TW Steel’s latest ambassador as he began preparations to defend his ‘Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach’ race title with this year’s event once again taking place on the streets of Long Beach, California, Friday 16th – Sunday 18th April.

TW Steel is equally delighted to announce that in addition to the 36-year-old Scottish racer becoming an ambassador for the brand, he will also be involved in the design and subsequent promotion of the ‘TW Steel Dario Franchitti’ edition – the first watch to sport the 2007 Indy 500 Winner’s name and official logo.

“I think it’s tremendously exciting to have someone with Dario’s record of success associated with TW Steel,” stated Stewart Bain, TW Steel’s Chief Commercial Officer. “The Franchitti name has come to represent excellence in the world of motorsport with Dario renowned amongst his peers, fans and the media for being a sportsman, and gentleman, of significant stature.

“He is also, and critically, extremely knowledgeable about watches so we were delighted with Dario’s reaction to ‘The Watch in Steel’ and we look forward to working with him further on the Franchitti edition. North America is undoubtedly one of the most important territories for the continued growth of TW Steel. We’re naturally relishing the opportunity to partner our brand voice with Dario’s substantial popularity to reach out and continue to engage our consumers.”

Franchitti, who currently drives for Target Chip Ganassi Racing in the IZOD IndyCar Series, is equally excited by the new partnership.

TW Steel Dario Franchitti edition Photo: Michael Voorhees

“Anyone who knows me will tell you that if I had a passion away from racing, other than my love of cars, it would be for watches,” stated the Scot.

“I’ve always appreciated a fine timepiece and when I was first introduced to TW Steel I was certainly impressed with their commitment to designing something unique but very appealing. As I compete all over the world I’m delighted to be working with them as a brand ambassador here in North America and internationally as well.”

He continued; “The opportunity to work with TW Steel to come up with a ‘Dario Franchitti’ edition was particularly exciting to me. If something’s going to bear your name you have to have complete faith that it’s a true representation of what you stand for. In TW Steel I’ve found the perfect partner. We’re both driven by a pursuit of excellence and a true passion for watch design. I have a new found appreciation for what goes into producing these watches and I’m excited to be unveiling my own edition later next month!”

Details of the ‘TW Steel Dario Franchitti’ execution will be announced next month along with an exclusive ‘Launch Party’ in Indianapolis on Saturday 22nd May.

TW Steel is available in America through leading retail partners including London Jewelers in New York, Reis Nichols in Indianapolis, Hyde Park Jewelers in Denver and Las Vegas, Swiss Fine Timing in Chicago and David Orgell on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

TW Steel, celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2010, continues to develop and lead the oversized watch market. A family-owned company, headed by 27-year-old Chief Executive Officer and co-owner, Jordy Cobelens, ‘The Watch in Steel’, has emerged as an innovative, bold lifestyle brand – now available in over 50 countries worldwide.

Source: www.twsteel.com

Admiral's Cup Chronograph 48 Bol d'Or Mirabaud - Photo: Marc Ninghetto

CORUM links its name to the world’s most important regatta on an inland lake by becoming Presenting Sponsor of the Bol d’Or Mirabaud, which will commence on June 12. Reaffirming its commitment to sailing, CORUM is continuing its history and expanding its presence in the sailing sponsorship arena.

The Bol d’Or Mirabaud, currently in its 72nd year, is unlike any other regatta in the world. The legendary race is a place where sailing stars are mixed with non-professional sailors, and the event is the pride of the Lake Geneva region and delights sailing enthusiasts.

Organized for the first time in 1939, this large nautical festival has become one of the greatest classics of the international regatta calendar. Each year, nearly six hundred sailboats and champions from all over Europe meet at the starting line, in the company of more than 3,000 participants from all backgrounds, having their passion for sailing in common.

CORUM is very pleased to be associated with this major event. This partnership is completely consistent with existing partnerships and is in line with the brand’s primary goal which is to create long-term value.

The Bol d’Or has indeed become one of the favorite venues of the Okalys-Corum team who won the regatta twice in the past five years (in 2005 and 2007). It is also to be noted that at the time of these two victories, the skipper alongside Nicolas Grange was Loïck Peyron, CORUM’s new ambassador. With his breathtaking list of accomplishments, the Frenchman, who is regarded as one of the greatest sailors, keeps a unique memory of his past participation in this regatta: « To win the lake’s most popular regatta is quite an achievement. Before I used to follow it from a distance, but in 2005 when we won it for the first time, Nicolas Grange presented us with a small replica of the highly coveted trophy. It still takes pride of place on my desk.»

This new partnership is strengthening the brand’s ties not only to amazing sailors such as Ben Ainslie and Loïck Peyron but also to prestigious sailing events such as the Grand Prix Corum, which this year will be the final race in the Challenge Julius Baer, taking place on September 17, 18 and 19.

In order to celebrate this partnership, CORUM will launch a limited edition “Admiral’s Cup Chronograph 48 Bol d’Or Mirabaud 2010 “ of 35 pieces. The special edition of the brand’s iconic model famous for its dodecagonal bezel and a dial decorated with nautical pennants, will play with the colors of the regatta which are Blue and Gold. The model will symbolize the partnership by becoming the official watch of the Bol d’Or Mirabaud and one of these limited edition timepieces will be presented to the winning team of the Bol d’Or and the Bol de Vermeil.

Michel Glaus, Antonio Calce and Antonio Palma Photo: Marc Ninghetto

CORUM CEO Antonio Calce said:
« The rebirth of the CORUM brand, which has expressed itself by returning to its roots, has naturally brought us to support the sailing world to which we have always had a strong connection. I am proud to associate CORUM with the historical regatta of the Bol d’Or. Today we build our future in continuity as in 1994, the Corum boat that participated in the 56th edition of the Bol d’Or won the monohull class competition and still holds the record in this category (Bol d’Or Vermeil). We therefore are looking forward to participating in this great adventure of which values cherished by CORUM, such as authenticity and passion, are also the key words of the event. »

Managing Partner and Member of the Executive Committee of Mirabaud, Antonio Palma, added:
« Every year we look forward to the unique event that is the Bol d’Or Mirabaud. At the 72nd regatta, we are pleased to welcome CORUM by our side as presenting sponsor. We anticipate that the future of this collaboration will bring great rewards to all parties during one of the most important sporting events in Geneva. »

Bol d’Or Mirabaud Organization Committee President, Michel Glaus, said:
« As the world’s most important regatta on an inland lake, the Bol d’Or has always been able to count on very prestigious partners. The 2010 regatta will not be an exception as the Bol d’Or Mirabaud is pleased to welcome CORUM as the new “presenting sponsor”, alongside our title sponsor, Mirabaud private bank. We look forward to our future collaboration with this renowned watchmaking company, long known for its strong identification with the world of international sailing.»

While passion, determination and innovation are associated with CORUM’s image today, it is mainly shared values that are at the heart of this partnership. The magnificent adventure will take place June 11-13, 2010.

CORUM

Over the past few years, CORUM has undergone a complete transformation that has enabled it to achieve a perfect match between the products and the demands for quality and creativity that are the very foundations of its credibility. Its firmly upscale move is a logical result of the brand’s efforts to recapture its historical standing while significantly reinforcing its horological substance. CORUM’s substantial investments have led to the integration of watchmaking skills, the development of production tools, the enhancement of human resources and the promotion of staff training. The result is a brand once again entirely in tune with its genetic heritage.

Positioned as an exclusive brand, CORUM offers high-quality watch collections featuring innovative and distinctive design, and equipped with sophisticated mechanical movements. Its 150 current models, spread between four key pillars – Admiral’s Cup, Romvlvs, Corum Bridges and Artisans – enjoy a legitimacy rooted in the brand history. The full set of collections comprises models at prices ranging from 5,000 to 1 million Swiss francs and giving pride of place to precious metals and horological complications.

In 1960, the first interpretation of the Admiral’s Cup model paved the way for CORUM’s success. This model remains thanks to its history, which is inextricably bound up with major sailing competitions and prestigious sailors, as well as for its inimitable esthetic based on a twelve-sided case and a dial set off by twelve nautical pennants. These are its distinctive and unmistakable identifying characteristics.

THE BOL D’OR MIRABAUD

The racecourse is as simple as it can get: Genève – Le Bouveret – Genève. There is only one mark on the course, halfway through the race (at Le Bouveret).

The real time winner of the Genève-Le Bouveret-Genève race wins the Bol d’Or Challenge, which is presented each year, however if it is won three times in the previous five years by the same owner, it can be kept by the winner indefinitely. Only three boats have achieved this in over 70 years of the regatta: the Marie-José II owned by Horace Julliard (1961, 1962 and 1963), the Altaïr IX owned by Philippe Stern (1980, 1982 and 1984) and Ernesto Bertarelli’s Alinghi (1997, 2000 and 2001).

The Bol de Vermeil Trophy rewards exclusively the first monohull to cross the finishing line. As for the Bol d’Or Challenge, it has to be won three times in five years to be awarded indefinitely.

ROMAIN JEROME Eyjafjallajökull-DNA

A contemporary legend

With this unique Eyjafjallajökull-DNA model, RJ illustrates the legends of our time and the mythologies that will forge the memory of the 21st century. A timepiece with its finger on the pulse of the latest events, designed with ash from the erupting Eyjafjallajökull which is establishing itself as one of the most intimate symbols of our global contemporary emotions.

As if revealed beneath the dial through a bold stylistic effect and ready to burst forth at any moment, the lava ejected from the core of the planet illustrates an inner strength capable of setting fire to time – in this case held captive by a steel bezel and volcanic ash. Conveying memories of fire and lava, swept over by powerful images of dust and winds, and testifying to primeval energies as well as human vulnerability, the rough, brutal, fissured dial is crafted from ash ejected by the Eyjafjallajökull volcano.

Above and beyond the words and pictures heard and seen over and over again on our TV and computer screens, the visual impact of this form of telluric inevitability serves as a fresh reminder of the inherent vulnerability of our world view. Behind the ash cloud lies the vanity of our philosophies of time.

This one-of-a-kind model is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity confirming that the volcanic rock and the ash do indeed come from the Eyjafjalljökull volcano.

Source: www.romainjerome.ch

The 53mm diameter does not include the crown system

One of the highlights of Baselworld 2010 was the U-Boat booth. Not only did this edition of the watch fair inaugurate U-Boat’s inclusion in the main hall, amongst greats such as Rolex and Patek, but this achievement was backed by the manufacturer with the release of some very impressive, new models. Amongst these, perhaps the most anticipated by U-Boat watch fans, was the U-42. Fans were not disappointed.

The U-Boat U-42 is closely related to last year’s 65mm U-1942, albeit more accessible in many ways. The case of the U-42 is 53mm, which is par with basic Classico models. While this is still a decisively oversize watch, it is remarkably comfortable on the average wrist. The price took a welcome turn downhill from the $40k of the U-1942 to an estimate CDN$7K for the U-42. The look of the U-42 as well as a few other things are directly inspired by the U-1942 such as the use of grade 5 titanium and limited production. Only 999 of the U-42 will be manufactured in each dial variation.

A few peculiar aspects of the case set the U-42 apart from other watches. The most obvious is the crown system. The crown of the watch is actually quite long and therefore has to fold into the case where it is held in place by a trigger-like mechanism. The functionality behind this is related to the history of this timepiece. Italo Fontana, owner and designer of U-Boat, based the U-42 watch on a design that his grandfather had produced for the Italian Navy. The size and length of the crown were meant to facilitate operation while wearing thick, protective diving gloves. This heritage also explains how the U-42 came to be a diving watch with a water resistance rating of 300 meters. The best way to appreciate this distinctive crown system in action is to see it. I show this as best I can in this video taken directly at the U-Boat booth in Basel.

The U-Boat U-42 is amongst many watches released this year that attempt to capture a vintage style. The difference is that Italo Fontana does it in a way indicative of U-Boat watches, largely by drawing inspiration from his own grandfather’s actually vintage design. The thick rugged strap, and even the smoky tone of the high grade titanium marry well with this concept. The U-42 is conspicuous and unique, but its bark is backed by the quality of its materials, manufacturing, and its Swiss automatic movement.

The large, intricate crown, while functional, can also double as a conversation starter

Written by Marco: specialist of watches in Canada