After two years of development, Urwerk unveils the UR-110 Torpedo and continues using orbiting satellite complications

Urwerk unveils the UR-110 Torpedo and continues the brand’s radical tradition of telling the time using orbiting satellite complications by two years of development.

The three arrow-shaped torpedoes – the hours – fly in formation with the mission of indicating the time that is always shown on the right side of the watch. The titanium back encloses the innovative automatic winding system regulated by dual turbines of the calibre UR 9.01.

The satellites follow a vertical line, graded from 0 to 60 minutes, in a downward motion. The ingenuity of this layout lies in allowing the wearer to view the time discreetly and elegantly without the need to pull a cuff or sleeve back.

In fact, the planetary gearing keeps the three hour satellites in parallel formation as they take turns to indicate the time as they pass the 60-minute track. The three counter-rotating hour modules – each comprising an hour satellite, minute hand and counter balance – are each mounted on a planetary gear. These three modules are in constant counter-rotation to counter the direction of rotation of the central carousel.

Secured in a raw but perfectly finished titanium (grade 5) case, the technology of the UR-110 Torpedo can be appreciated though the large panoramic sapphire crystal.

The UR-110 also features a Control Board on the dial side with indicators for Day/Night and ‘Oil Change’ (Urwerk’s service interval display), as well as small seconds on a sub dial.

2011 Van Cleef & Arpels Cadrans Extraordinaires Animal Watches-limited to 22 pieces

 

Each represents hand-engraved 18k white gold figurines and scenery skillfully done using precious materials and complex processes. I am usually excited to see what pretty new dial creations Van Cleef & Arpels has in store for me when I visit with them. They have an ongoing collection they call the "Cadrans Extraordinaires" which refer to the dials being... extraordinary.

Last year a major theme of the dials was Butterflies (seen here). This year, for the lady's models, animals are still in. The focus is on the Arctic and the Africa. The dials are really incredible works of art. The watches are 38mm wide in 18k white gold cases with diamond decoration throughout.

Don't forget that the dials take a lot of time to complete. This will be a visual journey through the collection. Some of the animal characters look better than others, but the backgrounds are universally stunning.

There is an amazing amount of color and depth to them, especially because they rely on a lot of enameling and mother-of-pearl. It is hard not to be impressed when seeing them.

One other theme that is important to note is the concept of mother and child. Each of these dials has a mother animal with her young. The idea is to have the watch owners acquire the pieces and think of their children when wearing the watches.

Each of these Van Cleef & Arpels watches is limited to just 22 pieces and contain manually wound Swiss mechanical movements. 

An avocado tree turned into the inspiration of Sarah Graham’s latest line of jewelry

 she said during the Buyers Market of American Craft show in Philadelphia, February 17-21. Nature has always been the source of this accomplished California metalsmith's work, but lately she has taken her inspiration to new levels by employing different techniques and using new metals,

“It’s a combination between nature and manmade materials,” she says. Graham has changed from being primarily someone who casts her creations to wax carvings. One of the materials she is using is oxidized cobalt chrome, a metal more known for its use in the medical industry for implants.

Whether casted or carved Graham’ has always been skilled in creating nature-inspired jewelry with organic textures and surprising shapes and the new items on display at BMAC certainly reflect this.

For example, the pendant pictured at top retains much of the same texture of her inspirational wood her interpretation of the shapes and textures adds something special to the nature-inspired design.

The circular patterns of the oxidized cobalt chrome are slightly different. Lines along the chrome add another dimension of texture not evident in the decaying wood.

The BOSS Black Regatta Chronograph is perfect for the man and BOSS announces Graham Bell's particip

 The BOSS Black Regatta Chronograph is inspired by the new HUGO BOSS yacht, featuring a robust yet classic stainless steel case and an eye-catching face in the official colors of Alex Thompson’s racing team.The countdown function allows the wearer to see the exact time remaining until the start of the regatta. During the countdown, an alarm function with different signals acoustically indicates the time remaining.

The regatta timer starts automatically following the countdown and accurately records the duration of the regatta (up to 96 hours). This exclusive model is completed by a soft silicon strap with a BOSS Black logo.

BOSS announces Graham Bell's participation in the Rolex Fastnet Race. August 6th 2009 -- BOSS Watches and Alex Thomson, Skipper of HUGO BOSS are pleased to announce that Graham Bell, former Olympic skier and adventurer will be part of the crew aboard HUGO BOSS for this year's landmark anniversary of the Rolex Fastnet Race.

BOSS watches and Alex have set Graham the challenge of competing in one of the world's most challenging sailing races that will test both his physical and mental strength.

Graham Bell, a total novice at sailing, will undertake a sea survival course ahead of the race and will sail alongside record breaking sailor Alex Thomson, youngest ever skipper to win an around the world race. They will be joined by a host of talent onboard the newly re-fitted Open 60 HUGO BOSS for the 2009 replica Rolex Fastnet Race, including Sir Keith Mills (Head of the British America's Cup campaign Team Origin and founder of the Air Miles International Group).


This will be the first race onboard HUGO BOSS after Alex was forced to retire from the Vendée Globe in December last year, the Open 60 has undergone a full re-fit at Endeavour Quays in Gosport.

"I am sure Graham will enjoy every minute of this historic race, seeing the Fastnet Rock for the first time is one of those special moments in sailing that I'm sure he won't forget. I'm looking forward to a good race and hopefully a good result," commented Alex.

As a celebration of the continued partnership with Alex Thomson, BOSS watches has ensured that the new HB-229 mirrors key features on the yacht, designed by Alex himself. Boasting a quartz chronograph movement on carbon fibre dial, the watch features orange accents and also luminescent hands for a high contrast, practical display. Each member of crew aboard HUGO BOSS will be presented with a new HB-229 that they will put through its paces during the race.