Cindy Crawford and George Clooney

Ambassadors George Clooney and Cindy Crawford join in the celebration

OMEGA inaugurated a worldwide advertising campaign celebrating the tenth anniversary of its revolutionary Co-Axial technology, at a party at London’s Saatchi Gallery on the 14th of October. The campaign will have its global launch on the 19th of October.

Party guests toasted two of OMEGA’s prominent spokespersons George Clooney and Cindy Crawford who were on hand at the celebration.
The advertisements feature photographs of OMEGA’s high-profile ambassadors, including Crawford and Clooney, sporting or holding loupes, the magnifying glasses favoured by watchmakers.

Crawford and Clooney, joined by OMEGA president Stephen Urquhart, posed for photographs in front of poster-sized reproductions of their advertisements. They also looked at the larger-than-life images of their fellow OMEGA ambassadors including Buzz Aldrin, Michael Phelps, Michael Schumacher, and Caterina Murino.

The special guests came directly to the party at the prestigious gallery from the premiere of Fantastic Mr. Fox, an animated film based on Roald Dahl’s book of the same name. The movie features Clooney’s voice along with those of Meryl Streep and Bill Murray.

After taking in the exhibition, Clooney and Crawford chatted with international media and posed for photographs with fans and well wishers.

Cindy Crawford

Advertising as art: where better than the Saatchi Gallery?
The Saatchi Gallery on Kings Road, where the exhibition was held, has one of the world’s pre-eminent collections of contemporary art and along with works by established artists, it features work by largely unseen young artists or by international artists whose work is rarely exhibited in the UK.

Inspired by OMEGA’s award-winning advertisement
The campaign’s visuals were inspired by OMEGA’s award-winning “Watchmaker Wanted” advertisement featuring a Greg Williams photograph of George Clooney wearing a lab coat and a loupe.

The headlines in each of the advertisements refer both to the ambassador’s professional accomplishments and to OMEGA’s Co-Axial calibres.

Cindy Crawford’s features the bold legend, “The beauty is in the detail.” For Clooney, there is a reference to the fact that his father has been a long-time OMEGA wearer. “It runs in the family,” the headline says.

All of OMEGA’s other high-flying ambassadors are featured in the campaign. Advertisements featuring actresses Nicole Kidman and Zhang Ziyi are still in development.

George Clooney

The other “stars” in the adverts: OMEGA’s Co-Axial calibres
The Co-Axial escapement, introduced in 1999, was the first practical new watch escapement to be developed in some 250 years. The escapement is, in simple terms, the heart of the mechanical watch. It maintains the oscillations of the balance, the watch’s regulating mechanism. The Co-Axial Escapement reduces the friction among the parts that transmit energy to the other components, resulting in longer service intervals, a reduced need for lubrication and, above all, greater stability of the watch’s precision over time.

“Co-Axial has been a turning point”
Commenting on the advertisements, OMEGA president Stephen Urquhart said, “The Co-Axial has been a turning point for us. It has given substance to our message. Creating a campaign around the quality of OMEGA’s Co-Axial movements using these pictures of our brand ambassadors is an innovative and eye-catching way to communicate how proud we are that the calibers have been so well received and how confident we are about the role they will play in OMEGA’s future.”

Hamilton Khaki Conservation © Hamilton

“The conservation of biodiversity is the most important problem of our time.“
Harrison Ford

Hamilton unveils the Khaki Conservation, created in collaboration with Harrison Ford, to support Conservation International.

Harrison Ford’s love of action is not limited to daring stunts. It also embraces his commitment to finding innovative solutions to combat the threats posed to the global environment. For more than 17 years the actor has been on the board of directors of Conservation International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting life on earth and to demonstrating that human societies will thrive when in balance with nature.

Hamilton has been future-oriented throughout its 116-year existence and obviously feels that it is time to help protect the planet. Therefore, it has made a financial commitment to Conservation International to support this organization’s valuable work around the world.

Making a difference
The Khaki Conservation timepieces have GMT functionality, with the second time zone selection covering a range of focus locations for Conservation International projects, from Colombia to Indonesia. Harrison Ford was actively involved in the design of the watche and his signature of stylish adventure is clearly evident. The classical black dial bears bold numbers with inner and outer counter rings adding a touch of edgy dynamism. And just as the success of every heroic stunt depends on meticulous attention to detail, the watch comes with crafted finishing touches such as fine cut-out hands and date windows, or studded and stitched leather strap.

Hamilton Khaki Conservation © Hamilton

Every second counts
The preservation of planet earth is extremely time-critical. The highprecision Swiss Automatic GMT movement in the Khaki Conservation watch, visible through the see-through case back, mirrors this fact. Decorating this ’window’ is the engraved signature of Harrison Ford together with the Conservation International logo. Special packaging in corrugated cardboard also supports the message of preserving resources by utilizing recycled materials.

Harrison Ford vividly sums up the urgency of environmental protection in his own words – “Our health relies entirely on the vitality of our fellow species on Earth. When we protect the places where the processes of life can flourish, we strengthen not only the future of medicine, agriculture and industry, but also the essential condition for peace and prosperity.”

Conservation International Conservation International (CI) applies innovations in science, economics, policy and community participation to protect the Earth’s richest regions of plant and animal diversity and demonstrate that human societies can live harmoniously with nature. Founded in 1987, CI works in more than 40 countries on four continents to help people find economic alternatives without harming their natural environments. For more information about CI, visit www.conservation.org.

Technical Specifications

Khaki Conservation
Size 42 mm
Material Stainless steel
Dial Colour Black
Attachments Beige nubuck leather
Movement Automatic 2893
Crystal Sapphire
Water resistance 200 m
GMT Time Zones COLOMBIA – MEXICO – SURINAME – BRAZIL – SOUTH AFRICA – MADAGASCAR – CHINA – PHILIPPINES – INDONESIA

Harrison Ford with his Hamilton Khaki Conservation watch © Hamilton

What made Hamilton the choice for this project?
As is often the case in life – a series of coincidences! Some time ago I came across a Hamilton watch that I really enjoyed wearing. Then, since Hamilton has a strong presence in Hollywood with its watches being chosen to feature in lots of major movies, I came into contact with some of the Hamilton guys, including their designer. We then got talking about my work as Vice Chair of Conservation International. Our conclusion was that it would be great to create a watch inspired by the charity’s activity in nature conservation, to benefit the charity. That is how I got to the Hamilton drawing board to give birth to the Khaki Conservation watch!

How did you come up with the design for the watch?
Hamilton gave me a lot of freedom for the design of the watch! First of all, it was important for me that the resulting watch should reflect the global scale of the vital work of Conservation International. To satisfy that need I came up with the idea of using the GMT functionality, with its second time zone selection, to draw attention to a range of focus locations for Conservation International projects, from Brazil to Indonesia. Also, the preservation of our planet is an extremely time-critical issue that should always be at the forefront of our minds – that’s why each watch has the Conservation International logo, together with my signature, engraved on it – as constant reminders of the urgency of our work. Finally, the choice of materials that expresses the colors and richness of Nature was key – right down to the watch’s special packaging in recyclable corrugated cardboard!

The Hamilton Khaki Conservation © Hamilton

Are you happy with the way it turned out? Why?
Since I had such freedom in designing the watch I have no excuses – I love it of course! I really like the way the mixture of precision timekeeping, while the vintage design touches reflect the message of Conservation International concerning the fragility of time.

Why is this cause the one for you? Why do you feel it’s important?
Our health relies entirely on the vitality of our fellow species on Earth. When we protect the places where the processes of life can flourish, we strengthen not only the future of medicine, agriculture and industry, but also the essential condition for peace and prosperity. This summarizes the mission of the Conservation International organization and I can’t think of anything more relevant – to me or any other human being!

Khaki BASE Jump Automatic

An adrenalin kick for the wrist

Hamilton literally looked up to the skies for design inspiration for the new Khaki BASE Jump watches. These robust timepieces may not have a ripcord, but their appearance visually recreates the adrenalin-filled spirit of BASE jumping (jumping with an unopened parachute from a Building, Antenna, Span or the Earth). There is an automatic version containing a 2824 ETA-movement, as well as a sophisticated automatic chronograph with a 7750 movement. With their bold 50 mm cases and rugged color scheme, the Khaki BASE Jump timepieces give wearers wings when it comes to style.

High-flying functionality

A unique feature of the Khaki BASE Jump Auto Chrono is the chronograph functionality activated via the turning bezel. The Khaki BASE Jump Automatic version also integrates a turning bezel, in this case for an original bi-directional countdown. Both watches use a typeface of the sort commonly found on ‘classified information’ files, ensuring that the looks signal dynamic operation possibilities. The robust character is highlighted by a protected crown, positioned on the left-hand side of the watch for easy use in extreme situations, and an easy-grip finish on the bezel’s outer edge.

Elevated precision

Just like the sport that inspired the watch’s name, the Khaki BASE Jump timepieces have precision at the top of their checklist. An eye for design detail complements the quality of the Swiss movements. The dimensions of the case commensurate to the parachute are contrasted provocatively and stylishly with a ‘Clous de Paris’ pattern. The chronograph model comes with a choice of a titanium case with a black finish, or a stainless steel case coated in black or brown with matched dials. All versions have rubber straps to match the dial and underline the edgy, sporty statement. The non-chronograph interpretation has identical color combinations and a stainless steel case. In all of its declinations, the Hamilton Khaki BASE Jump promises to become as iconic as Icarus – hopefully bringing their wearer more luck in high-flying activities.

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.

Technical Specifications

Khaki BASE Jump Auto chrono
Size 50 mm
Material Titanium / PVD black or bronze
Dial Color Black / bronze
Attachments Black rubber / brown leather
Movement Automatic 7750
Crystal Sapphire
Water resistance 100 m
Price Ca 1495 Euro, 1945 US$, 2250 CHF
Launch September 2009

Khaki BASE Jump Automatic
Size 50 mm
Material Stainless steel / PVD black / PVD bronze
Dial Color Black / bronze
Attachments Black rubber / brown leather
Movement Automatic 2824
Crystal Sapphire
Water resistance 100 m
Price Ca 895 € , 1195 US$ , 1345 CHF
Launch September 2009

BASE jumping is an activity using a parachute to jump from fixed objects, with the parachute remaining unopened at the start of the jump. BASE stands for the four recognized categories of fixed objects from which BASE jumpers can jump – Building, Antenna, Span (a section between two intermediate support and earthen objects such as a bridge) and the Earth.

Providing a further link with Hamilton, the acronym “BASE” was coined by film-maker Carl Boenish. He was the real catalyst behind modern BASE jumping and in 1978 filmed the first BASE jumps (from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park).

Hamilton Jazzmaster Slim Automatic - pink gold plated

Hamilton  presents a refreshing new dimension in precision timekeeping

With their slender cases, the Jazzmaster Slim Automatic watches bring new dimensions of elegance and comfort to classical design. A fine Swiss automatic movement takes its place underneath a black or silver dial, enclosed by a choice of 40 mm or 43 mm housing in polished stainless steel. The large 40 and 43 mm diameter contrasts the slenderness of the polished stainless steel case. The variation with a ‘Milanese’ metal bracelet underlines the Hamilton commitment to uniting modernity with craftsmanship.

About Hamilton

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 300 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.

Hamilton Jazzmaster Slim Automatic

www.hamiltonwatch.com

Price:
43mm – Ca 625 €, 795 USD, 950 CHF
40mm – Ca 525 €, 695 USD, 795 CHF

Ryan Reynolds wearing Piaget

Los Angeles, CA — After sponsoring the 24th Annual Independent Spirit Awards last month, Piaget continues its dedication to cinema and the arts, by hosting the exclusive Los Angeles world premiere of “Adventureland” directed by Greg Mottale and staring leading actors, Ryan Reynolds, Kristen Stewart, and Bill Hader.

Hollywood heartthrob, Ryan Reynolds selected Piaget’s newly launched titanium timepiece, the Piaget Polo FortyFive for the evening festivities. As an avid outdoorsman, Ryan instantly became a fan of the Piaget Polo FortyFive, a watch that perfectly embodies his casual, sporty style. Designed to celebrate Piaget’s 30th anniversary of its historic Piaget Polo collection, the Piaget Polo FortyFive has become Ryan’s signature timepiece.

Following the movie, guests continued the celebration at Los Angeles’s finest destination, Teddy’s at the Roosevelt Hotel, where party-goers enjoyed an evening of all-American fare and cocktails.

Kristen Stewart - click on image for high resolution

Actor Bill Hader - click on image for high resolution

Steve Carell

Piaget continues to be the timepiece of choice for Hollywood’s leading men. At last night’s 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, Steve Carell, star of NBC’s hit sitcom “The Office” and nominated for Outstanding Performance in a Comedy Series stepped onto the red carpet in style, sporting Piaget’s classic Altiplano timepiece to complete his black tie ensemble. His wife, Nancy Walls-Carell, also looked stunning by his side in Piaget’s dramatic 18K white gold Limelight earrings accented with 40 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx 3.74 cts) and 4 blue sapphires (approx 8.29 cts). On her wrist she wore Piaget’s Limelight Paris-New York bracelet set in white gold and featuring 419 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx 8.51 cts). Hollywood heartthrob, Emile Hirsch, the young star of “Into the Wild” and “Speed Racer,” and nominated for his performance in “Milk,” looked relaxed, yet elegant in his own white gold Piaget Protocole XXL.

A longtime supporter of the creative arts, Piaget will continue its love affair with Hollywood when it returns for the second year as the proud jewelry and watch sponsor for the 24th Annual Independent Spirit Awards.

Steve Carell and wife at the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards © Piaget

Emile Hirsch at the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards © Piaget