Corum – Heritage Bubble

In the year 2000 Corum introduced the Bubble, an oversized Breitling replica watches uk with an even larger crystal. It was so radical it became the must-have timepiece of the new millennium. Now, exactly 15 years later, the Bubble makes a triumphal return, sealing its place as a pillar of Corum’s watchmaking heritage.

At the turn of the century watchmaking was a universe away from what it is today. Big watches were scarce, unconventionally shaped watches almost unheard of. The tectonic shift began as the 21st century dawned, with Corum riding on the top of the wave that would soon sweep watchmaking.

At Baselworld 2000 the Bubble was unveiled, an unparalleled 44 mm in diameter with a towering sapphire crystal so tall it distorted the dial. With a size and shape totally unprecedented in Swiss Breitling fake watchmaking, the Bubble was an instant hit.

The Bubble was the brainchild of the late Severin Wunderman, a relentlessly creative entrepreneur who acquired Corum that very same year. Wunderman, who survived both the Holocaust and cancer, had a roving, creative mind. In one instance, he was inspired by an experimental deep-sea dive watch from the 1960s, which was fitted with an enormous domed crystal to withstand the pressure of the ocean. That formed the genesis of the Bubble, one of the most recognizable wristwatches of its time.

While the Bubble was unquestionably unique, its unorthodox design was merely an extension of Corum’s long-established philosophy. Since its founding in 1955, Corum consistently excelled at designing totally original timepieces, ranging from the Rolls-Royce, shaped like the luxury automobile’s front grille, to the Golden Bridge, distinguished by its remarkably tiny, baguette-shaped movement.

Despite being a mere 15 years old, the Bubble is major part of the brand’s heritage, deserving of elevation into a hall of fame. The Bubble has now been revived as part of the Corum Heritage collection, putting it alongside other landmark timepieces like the extra-thin Coin cheap Cartier replica watches.
While retaining all the design codes of the original, the 2015 Bubble is not a mere replica of its predecessor. Fitted with a rubber-ringed, spherical crown, the case is a collection of smooth, rounded lines, just like the original.

But it has been enlarged to 47 mm, lending it impressively striking proportions, especially as it stands some 18.8 mm high, crystal included. But, as always, practicality was high on the mind of the development team, which paired the oversized case with short, curved lugs, allowing it to hug the wrist snugly.

A remarkable 8 mm high, this sapphire crystal is one of the largest of any watch. Sapphire is a material so extraordinarily hard it has to be cut with a diamond-tipped tool. This in itself is challenging enough that even when machining ordinary, flat Breitling fake watches uk crystals the job can take hours. Crafting the mountainous crystal of the Bubble requires exponentially more work. The task starts with cutting a block of crystal, then grinding it into a bubble-like shape, and finally polishing the crystal to flawless clarity with absolutely no optical imperfections.

Because the sapphire crystal is so tall, it acts as a lens, both magnifying and distorting the dial. Corum’s designers took advantage of this by designing a dial with a clever, op art (short for “optical art”) motif. Taking inspiration from Hungarian-born French artist Victor Vasarely, founder of the op art movement, the dial is decorated with squares in graduated sizes that grow larger toward the center of the dial.

Op art desired to create static patterns that gave the impression of movement or surprising, contradictory perspectives. Likewise, the dial of the Bubble is perfectly flat, formed from a lacquered, brass disc stamped with the cube motif, but appears sharply domed. In fact, it looks so rounded it might pass for the top of a sphere.

This arresting op art dial will be fitted only to a pair of limited edition, PVD-coated versions of the Bubble, each made in an exclusive run of just 350 pieces. The first is the Bubble Vintage, housed in a bronze-tone, PVD-coated case paired with Super-LumiNova treated for a vintage effect. A modern cheap Breitling replica watches made to look like an antique from an indistinct era, the Bubble Vintage is a nod to the original Bubble now 15 years old.

Taking another perspective is the Bubble All Black, clad entirely in a glossy black PVD coating, matched by a matte black dial, along with charcoal-colored indices and hands. The Bubble All Black removes all distraction, making a monochromatic statement that emphasizes the iconic shape of the Bubble.

Part of the regular collection of timepieces, the third model in the Bubble collection does away with the dial entirely. A skeletonized movement takes its place, with the domed sapphire crystal providing a magnified view of the exposed wheels of the CO0082 self-winding movement.

All of the Bubble timepieces are fitted with rubber straps topped with leather: calfskin for the op art editions and alligator skin in the case of the skeleton. And each is fitted with a buckle matching the case finish.

Girard-Perregaux – Minute Repeater Tourbillon with Gold Bridges

Deeply attached to its origins and to watchmaking traditions since 1791, Girard-Perregaux regularly shows in its Breitling replica watches uk creations to what extent innovation can contribute to the dynamism of the watch industry. By giving a totally new dimension to the mechanical structure of the striking mechanism, the Minute Repeater Tourbillon with Gold Bridges watch underlines the Swiss Manufacture’s constant determination to advance technically while respecting the aesthetic conventions and time-honored expertise that are so close to its heart.

The mechanical structure of this Minute Repeater Tourbillon with Gold Bridges offers an original opportunity to simultaneously observe on the dial side both the components of the striking-mechanism and the hammers that produce its sound by striking the wires of the gongs. In a major innovation, this positioning of the components facilitates optimum sound transmission when the cheap Breitling replica watches uk is on the wearer’s wrist. This underlines a desire not only to create a mechanism that is as attractive as it is efficient, but also to place it clearly on display for the enjoyment of one and all.

Girard-Perregaux took the ambitious decision of asking its teams of watchmakers and engineers to create a brand new type of caliber with a totally original mechanical structure that makes the invisible visible. Underlying this approach is an implicit desire to perpetuate the Firm’s expertise and watchmaking tradition, embodied by the Tourbillon with Gold Bridges also found in this model.  This emblem of the Girard-Perregaux brand, the design of which was patented in 1884, is today perceived as the aesthetic, technical and even symbolic essence of one of the most venerable Swiss watch manufactures still in existence.

Innovation through tradition

How to produce a strong, clear sound from a wristwatch equipped with a minute repeater mechanism only too often continues to be a stumbling-block for many Breitling fake watchmakers.  Scores, if not hundreds, of different solutions have been proposed in order to perceptibly improve the volume of sound produced by these timepieces, the principle of which first emerged at the turn of the 17th century.  However, Girard-Perregaux purposely chose not to implement any of the previously existing solutions.  None of these succeeds in both beguiling the ear by diffusing a powerful melody and delighting the eye by giving the wearer the opportunity to observe the components of the striking-mechanism during the course of their movements.

With its desire to infuse a spirit of creativity into the notoriously tradition-bound world of watch complications, the Girard-Perregaux Manufacture proposes a classic watch that displays on its front side not only a Tourbillon with Gold Bridges, but also, still on the same side, the majority of the components that enable the minute repeater complication to produce a strong, clear sound, even when in position on the wrist. To achieve such a result, the watchmakers were obliged to re-design not only the entire manual caliber, but also its method of construction and operation.

Giving sound the quality it deserves

The approach adopted here, which is as complex as it is original, perceptibly improves acoustic performance while offering observers the opportunity to appreciate the subtle mechanism of the minute repeater complication not only with their ears but also with their eyes. It should be noted that this is set in motion by sliding a bolt traditionally placed at 8 o’clock on the left-hand side of the case-band.  Sliding this trigger-piece rewinds the spring contained in the minute repeater barrel.  Once the maximum limit has been attained, this minute repeater winding mechanism releases the “on-off” control – an organ designed to prevent the striking-mechanism from starting if the winding of the trigger is not fully completed, thus preventing an incorrect acoustic indication of the time. The enhanced structure that allows the components of the striking-mechanism to be seen through the opening cut into the dial and the astute positioning of the hammers and gongs on the same side, enables the observer to follow the triggering operations with his gaze, while at the same time also new Breitling replica watching the hammers strike the gongs. It will be seen that, of all the minute repeater components, the only one that remains both invisible to the eye and almost undetectable by the ear is the complex organ known as the flywheel. Designed to regulate the hammers’ striking speed, it operates on the case-back side so as to limit any sound emissions, however feeble they may be, and thus guarantees this watchmaking musical instrument’s acoustic qualities.

In these enhanced conditions, the delicate components of the striking-mechanism, each given their own traditional finishing, wind up and then release the hammers so as to strike with absolute consistency first the hours (in a low tone), then the quarter-hours (in a combination of high and low tones), and finally the minutes (in a high tone).

The decision to position the two gongs facing the inner side of the hour circle crafted in 18K gold, and to also place here the hammers (the shape of which is inspired by the Gold Bridges first patented in 1884), goes beyond mere aesthetic considerations.  This positioning enables the acoustic wave, duly regulated at a carefully calibrated frequency, to reverberate harmoniously and not, as is only too often the case, to be confined by the excessive proximity of surfaces such as the skin, well known as possessing a density that easily absorbs sound waves.   In addition to this, the relationship between the size of the case and that of the caliber has been carefully studied so as to offer the best possible volumetric arrangement, as in the case of musical string instruments. Even better, the inside of the case has been specially crafted and finished so as to limit any acoustic interference that might arise.  And since there is no room for false notes in a musical performance, the sapphire crystal case-back has been crafted to give it the delicate curvature found in the majority of musical instruments equipped with a sounding-box, and the aim of which is to maximize the volume in which the sound can reverberate.

Half musical instrument, half kinetic sculpture

It is the highly unusual structure of the striking-mechanism, together with the adoption of a number of subtle technical solutions for this complication that has allowed the Minute Repeater Tourbillon with Gold Bridges to perform so exceptionally well.   Thus, in order to enhance the transmission of the sound wave between the heels of the two gongs, the link between the main plate and the 18K pink gold case-band has been stiffened. This is not all, however. To increase the speed of the hammers and consequently their striking impact, they are each mounted on a pair of jewels acting as ball-bearings so as to reduce friction.  The design of this structure has such a harmonious visual impact that it may seem simple.

However things that look easy are in fact often exceedingly complex to achieve. No fewer than 270 hours of painstaking labour by a master watchmaker are required to assemble and adjust this magnificent mechanism. This work is made all the more arduous by the fact that the method of production of the minute repeater complication, with its hammers placed on the same plane as the racks used to wind them up prior to striking, makes it necessary to adjust the hammers outside the movement using a special tool simulating their future position.  Nevertheless the final result is there for all to see, and these small components made from black polished tempered steel and beveled to highlight their original design inspired by the best replica Breitling watch‘s three gold bridges, produce thanks to their high degree of inertia a clear, powerful note at each strike.

A mechanical structure inspired by the Girard-Perregaux tradition

To house this exceptional mechanism, Girard-Perregaux has chosen a round case with a domed case-band prolonged by the slender lugs that are characteristic of models in the Haute Horlogerie collections.  Its gently inclined bezel allows for a wide opening out over the movement and facilitates the captivating spectacle of the minute repeater mechanism, of the hammers, gongs and Tourbillon. The emblematic arrow-shaped gold Girard-Perregaux Bridges and marking-plates identify the pedigree of this mechanism, with its irreproachable finishes, crafted in accordance with the long traditions of the Manufacture. The caliber is also revealed on the case-back side with a third Gold Bridge and the Girard-Perregaux logo engraved on the main plate.

A black alligator strap with a pink gold triple folding clasp adds the finishing touch to this timepiece.

Connected watches gatecrash Baselworld

Baselworld, the world Breitling replica watches uk and jewellery show, officially launched its 43rd edition on March 19th. With 1,500 exhibitors, of which close to 300 Swiss brands, there’s a lot to take in. Connected watches, however, were the main item on the menu on this opening day.

No-one can say Apple hasn’t done a good job. Only a fool would have imagined that the tech giant could allow itself the luxury of ignoring Baselworld, the premier event for watches and jewellery, described by managing director Sylvie Ritter, speaking at the opening press conference, as giving “the pulse of the industry”. The Cupertino firm didn’t go as far as to swamp the aisles with its wearables – something no smartwatch-only company has done so far – but it did fire some carefully aimed shots in the days leading up to the show as it continued to push its Apple Watch, billed as the product that will knock chunks out of Swiss cheap Breitling replica watchmaking. Is the industry to be dealt another crushing blow, akin to the quartz crisis that decimated the branch in the early 1980s? Who’s to say?

A drop in the ocean

Jean-Daniel Pasche, president of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, took time out to share his view, declaring that the connected watch is nothing new and that results have so far been less than conclusive, with last year‘s smartwatch sales struggling to reach the five million mark. This is a drop in the ocean of the roughly 1.2 billion watches that are produced each year. Apple’s power of persuasion is such that its arrival in the segment will doubtless open up new opportunities. So far, however, the Apple Watch’s battery life, water-resistance and applications have all been singled out as caveats… a new experience for a firm that is more accustomed to receiving a pat on the back than a shot across the bows. Even so, smart Breitling fake watches uk were at the centre of debate on this first day of the show, which takes place in a more difficult climate than previous years.

“This has been a busy time for the watch and jewellery sector,” noted Sylvie Ritter, quoting the Swiss national bank’s decision to unpeg the Swiss franc against the euro, tensions between Russia and Ukraine, protest movements in Hong Kong, and the slowdown in growth in China. Putting this into figures, François Thiébaud, who presides the Swiss Exhibitors’ Committee at Baselworld, said that exports of Swiss watches had entered a slower phase, growing by 1.9% in 2013 and again in 2014 in the wake of double-digit increases the previous three years. Jean-Daniel Pasche predicts a period of stabilisation for Swiss watchmaking. Figures announced by François Thiébaud took on a triumphant note nonetheless. Over the five years from 2009 to 2014, the value of Swiss replica watches uk exports rose from CHF 13.2 to CHF 22.2 billion, setting another record. Better still, over the same period exports of mechanical watches almost doubled in value to CHF 16.5 billion.

“We’re ready”

And we’re meant to believe that Swiss watchmaking has reached the end of its run? At least this statistical reminder put the debate back on track. “Swiss timepieces and smartwatches are two fundamentally different worlds,” commented Sylvie Ritter. “One is about expertise, emotion and enduring appeal. The other focuses on the technological aspects of marketing-driven products with suspicions of planned obsolescence. Two very different worlds then, but also two approaches that can cohabit.” Swiss watchmakers would indeed be making a big mistake were they to ignore the opportunities that come with the connected replica Breitling watches uk sale, even if these are still very much early days.

“We’re ready,” promised François Thiébaud, who is also at the helm of Tissot, a Swatch Group brand. “We mastered the technology to produce our own smartwatch a long time ago. For the moment though, we can only wait and see how the market responds, and whether this type of product will reach a new clientele of people who don’t usually wear a watch, as we’re hoping it will.” Based on announcements made at the opening of the show, a dozen or so Swiss brands, Tissot and TAG Heuer among them, will use Baselworld as a launchpad for their own ventures in the connected watch market. For the moment though, plenty of people are still wondering why they would want to walk around wearing a miniature version of their smartphone which, without said smartphone, amounts to not much more than just another digital best Breitling replica watches.

H. Moser & Cie. – The Dual Time midnight blue fumé Venturer Tourbillon

Deep, mysterious blue: the sumptuous midnight blue fumé dial adorning the Venturer Tourbillon Dual Time by H. Moser & Cie. is the key to unlocking a world of dreams. The fascinating beauty of the Breitling replica watches uk tourbillon is matched by the enchanting reflections of its azure colour, which add a new dimension to the Venturer Tourbillon Dual Time collection. This model is a real invitation to dive in and discover the delights of the Venturer Collection.

Following the huge success the Venturer collection has experienced since its launch,H. Moser & Cie. continues on this note and enriches its range with the new Venturer Tourbillon Dual Time. The refined, understated elegance of this white gold creation reinterprets the Venturer family aesthetic, with its pure lines and design inspired by the historic H. Moser & Cie. pocket watches and the convex shapes popular in the 1960s. Featuring a convex profile, the Tourbillon Venturer Dual Time boasts an exceptional dial and hands, which are curved at the edges to follow the curvature of the rounded sapphire crystal. The roundness and sensuality of the curves on the case is echoed in the deep, fascinating and mysterious colour of the dial – a midnight blue fumé – the truly iconic signature for H. Moser & Cie. The refined, elegant bezel framing the dial reveals the subtle but impressive play of light in the sunburst pattern, which gradually reduces towards the edges of the cheap Breitling replica watches uk.

Venturer Tourbillon Dual Time, white gold model, midnight blue fumé dial, black strap

Designed in two parts, the dial of the Venturer Tourbillon Dual Time works on two levels. The lower part of the dial, which is traditionally chamfered, adds depth to the piece and enhances the finish. The mysterious beauty of the dial gives the illusion that you are really diving deep into the heart of the tourbillon cage, at 6 o’clock, an impression which is further reinforced by the tourbillon’s skeleton bridge which reveals the self-winding movement powering this timepiece. The calibre HMC 802 manufacture movement is fitted with a Straumann® Double Hairspring, for improved accuracy and isochronism, guaranteeing a minimum power reserve of 3 days. Last but not least, H. Moser & Cie. has conceived this creation with an interchangeable tourbillon module, a world-first in hot Breitling replica watches uk design.

By marrying the sensual curves of the Venturer collection with the timeless beauty of its midnight blue fumé dial, H. Moser & Cie. has created an exceptional model, whose enchanting depth takes elegance and refinement to an entirely different level. The Venturer Tourbillon Dual Time successfully marries traditional top Breitling replica watchmaking and attractive design.