Swiss Watches: Straps or Bracelets?

There are many different types of straps and bracelets that come on watches. Some people like the durability of a metal while others prefer the comfort of a leather strap. There are others who believe that rubber offers a hybrid of durability and comfort. It all comes down to individual preference and I will discuss the pros and cons of each of the individual options.

Metal bracelets are great for folks who prefer not to worry about their watch bands for 20 years at a time. The merit of metal is most durable. Over the years the links will start to soften and give way, and you will need to replace your bracelet. In terms of lifespan, you can expect a steel, platinum, or titanium bracelet to last 15-20 years. A gold bracelet will only last about half of that because it is a softer metal.

Metal bracelets are great also because they are versatile. You can dress a watch with a metal bracelet up or down. They look great with a 3 button suit or a one button bathing suit. Over time your do need to clean your bracelet. Occasionally clean your bracelet with warm soapy water and an old toothbrush. Simply do that and rinse. They dry it with a soft cloth.

NOTE: If you watch is not water resistant, do not do attempt to clean it, take it to a jeweler.

Leather straps can be like an old pair of jeans. Once you break them in, they are incredibly comfortable. They can be dressed up or down. You can get a nice alligator strap if you want to dress up the watch or a Kodiak strap if you want a more durable look to your watch.

Unfortunately if you wear your watch everyday, you can go through a new strap in about a year before you have to replace it. A deployant buckle can add significant life to your leather strap since it eliminates the tugging and pulling aspect of taking your watch off and putting it back on. Heavy perspiring can wash out all the natural oils from your watch strap too. To preserve the strap, get the moisture off with a soft cloth. Another hint to preserve your strap is not wearing it tightly. Always leave enough space so that you can fit your pinky finger between the watch strap and your skin. This helps air circulation and lets moisture evaporate more effectively. Finally, remember that while your watch says it’s water resistant to 30, that does not mean your strap is too, so take care of that leather strap.

Rubber straps are great because they give you the comfort of a leather strap plus some extra durability. Rubber straps are not as durable as metal straps, but they tend to last around 5 year longer then leather straps. The downside of rubber straps is that they are not as versatile as leather and steel bracelets. You will find yourself hard pressed to dress up a watch with a rubber strap.

Rubber straps also need to be maintained to some extent. Salt and oil will start to deteriorate a rubber strap if you do not clean it. How do you clean them? They same way you would clean a leather or steel bracelet, with a little warm soapy water and a soft cloth. If you are wearing your rubber bracelet at the beach with suntan lotion on and happen to go in the water, make sure to rinse the strap at minimum when you get home if not the full cleaning. This will help keep extend the life of your watch strap and keep it looking good.

There are a few other types of watch straps out there that I don't need to comment on too extensively. Some women's watches come with synthetic or sink bracelets. These are very delicate straps and are meant for dressing up. They also do not agree with salt, perspiration, or water of any kind. The aforementioned elements will only stain and take away the straps luster away quickly if they are not looked after meticulously.

The good news is that most watches enable you to use different strap/bracelet combinations. I personally like metal bracelets and leather straps for all the watches I own. This allows me to dress my watches up or down. It also makes me feel like I got a new watch after I swap out a bracelet for a strap.

Supermodel David Gandy Choose Omega Watch

David Gandy is a guy that you definitely recognize, but have no idea where you know him from. With his amazing good looks, it's no surprise that he's one of the most sought after male models in fashion today. You might have seen him working for Dolce & Gabbana, Zegna, Zara, and many others.

In the red carpet for the much anticipated action movie "The Expendable",he is wearing in a dapper single button charcoal suit, perfectly finished with a black pocket square and a vintage Omega Speedmaster Chronograph watch. Solid choice, ringt?

Here are a few other supermodel-worthy timepieces we recommend for your next red carpet trek:

From left to right are: the De Ville X2 Co-Axial Chronograph; the Seamaster NZL-32 Chrono; and the De Ville Co-Axial Chronograph. All of these are from Omega.

Piaget Polo FortyFive watch: Salute Marcos Heguy

Argentina's most famous club's top polo players Marcos Heguy that become the spokesman for the world of Piaget Polo. In 1987, he received his first 10 points, and in the long-term domestic and foreign players in his career, he has won the sport's most high-end event for twice. Also Marcos Heguy is one of Argentina's Triple Crown in Pilará Piaget.

Marcos Heguy

To celebrate the brand climb the pinnacle of sports, Piaget have introduced the famous Piaget Polo new watch in 2009, this series watch had been developed in 1979. Piaget FortyFive movement watch is the company's first titanium watch and not gold, it is equipped with automatic winding calibre 880P movement, and up to 50 hours of power reserve.


Piaget Polo FortyFive Limited Edition watch

This unique way to salute the sport's greatest athletes, Piaget was create this unique 45 limited edition Piaget Polo FortyFive watch, which was debut in USPA Piaget Gold Cup in Florida, United States Polo Association Piaget Gold Cup. This masterpiece with extraordinary charm, engraved with "10 Handicap" the black dial shines with navy blue timer. Sapphire crystal back display the entire watch movement at a glance, showing the Marcos Heguy impressively name, and his signature.

Omega released iPhone application APP

Omega released a new iPhone application (App), iPhone users simply touch by fingertips, you can easily swim Omega watches world.

Omega iPhone application presents all the watches exquisite pictures and technical information, guides the user free to explore a full range of Omega products. In the "Watchfinder" function, users can find the precision watches with their specific needs. It also can be save viewed watches to "My Favorites" into.

By the animated show of Omega De Ville Hour Vision watch, you can accurately read the time and date. Touch of a watch dial, the watch caseback will vividly on screen. Through the sapphire crystal back, the automatic operation of Omega coaxial 8611 movement is clearly visible - and now, the visual effects in the iPhone's screen can be a perfect reproduction.

When you need to go to Omega's flagship store, the application's "Store Locator" feature will help you find the nearest store, and the Omega store of any global sales network.

The new iPhone applications of Omega will also provide regular news updates and events on the Omega's global brand specific information. Also provide a range of wallpapers available for download, including a number of world-renowned celebrity and brand ambassadors.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Extreme Watches Book Publish

Jaeger-LeCoultre has produced a book dedicated to extreme watches, both the timepieces themselves and the adventurers who've worn them.

Since 1833, Antoine LeCoultre and his watchmakers began to personally testing their creations by climbing the highest peaks in the Alps, the brand has been associated with some of the world's most demanding environments.

When the Nautilus submarine was commissioned to dive under the ice pack,which is become the first to reach the North Pole in submerged mode, Jaeger-LeCoultre developed the Geophysic chronometer equipped with a magnetic resistant case.

Other expeditions linked with the marque include Emannuel Coindre's solo row across the North Pacific for which he wore a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Extreme World Chronograph, as well as last year's voyage of three mountaineers who climbed a virgin peak in the Himalayas for which they took the Master Compressor Extreme LAB2 Tribute to Geophysic.

The CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, Jérôme Lambert said: "This book is dedicated to all adventurers, explorers and other conquerors of the impossible. It tells the story of challenges, efforts and triumphs. It also tells of a key element in many such feats: time.”

The book will be given to buyers of Jaeger-LeCoultre technical watches.

Gucci U-Play Medium Version Watch

While many leather goods houses are concentrating on designing superior fashion handbags, these time-honored designer houses such like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel which are extending its antennae to manufacturing of other fashion accessories, haute couture, shoes, jewels and watches etc.. Gucci will offer a complete series of watches in each season.

The brand new U-Play collection watch is a creation of Gucci 2010 Fall Winter. There are several pieces in this collection and I like the medium version watch couple with white Guccissima leather straps particularly. There are two types offer to fans. It sounds to me two styles combined in a single designer watch.

This Gucci U-Play medium version watch features stainless steel case with black patent leather bezel and the case measures 35mm in diameter. There is silver sun-brushed dial with interlocking G in the case center. It is truly innovative and playful. This Swiss made watch enjoys a 2-year warranty. It has sapphire crystal covering glass and quartz movement. Besides, this designer watch by gucci is water resistant to 100 feet. The water-resistant functionality is not to encourage to go swimming wearing the watch, but at least when won’t have to worry about it in raining.

Roger Dubuis Launches Excalibur in Dalian China

In order to celebrated the launch of its Excalibur collection in Dalian, China,Roger Dubuis recently have holding a cocktail party at the Dalian Jinhua Watches and Anshan Wisdom Swiss Watch Shop.

The new line is the Excalibur Visible Micro-rotor Automatic Tourbillion, which is equipped with the new RD520 movement. And also it is the first self-winding tourbillion fitted with a micro-rotor. It will available in a limited editior of 88 pieces.

Elsewhere you'll find the Excalibur Bi-retrograde jumping date (an evolution of the RD14B movement with Butterfly Calendar), the Excalibur Visible Micro-rotor Chronograph (featuring the new COSC certified movement RD781), and the EXCALIBUR Triple Time Zone World Time.

Dalian Jinhua Watches was created in 1992 and by 2008 in recognition of its services, its Chairman Liu Zhong Yang was named the sole Haute Horlogerie ambassador in China by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FIHH).

Miss Marc House of Card Watches by Marc Jacob

Marc Jacob have launched Miss Marc House of Card watches.

In this summer, Miss Marc takes on the role of the Queen of Hearts and gives us plenty of card-inspired designs to choose from. With a color palette of red, black and white, and recognizable patterns such as hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs, also keep a look out for the Keeper. The watch is features a fun design of quirky enamel charms on a black leather strap.

How Much is it ?

* (top) Miss Marc Keeper watch with enamel charms and black patent leather strap- HK$ 1,690
* (right) Miss Marc Blade watch with enamel bezel and dial patent strap- HK$ 1,490
* (bottom) White Miss Marc characters William watch HK$1,290

Unique IWC Adventure Ecology Edition Auctioned

IWC recently have auctioned its unique platinum Ingenieur Automatic Mission Earth Edition "Adventure Ecology". The price was raised €30,800, the entire sales is being donated to the "Sculpt the Future Foundation”.

This watch is purchased by a buyer that from UK, the platinum timepiece is water-resistant to 12 bar, and it is housed in a case to protective shoulders for the crown, and couple with IWC-manufactured 80110 calibre.

The stainless steel version of the timepiece was worn by crew members of the recently completed, IWC-sponsored Plastiki expedition. Led by David de Rothschild, they travelled from San Francisco to Sydney in a boat and used water bottles to highlight the damage inflicted on our oceans by plastic waste.

As official sponsors of the charitable venture, IWC held the auction to pay tribute to its successful completion as well as to help continue its legacy. The money generated by the sale will be given to the "Sculpt the Future Foundation” (a UK-based organisation) who will channel it into an ongoing project called the "Plastiki Pod".

"As a CO2-neutral company, we are particularly pleased that the proceeds from the auction will be used to support inspiring ideas in the struggle against environmental pollution," said IWC CEO Georges Kern. "It means that the basic idea behind the Plastiki expedition will live on."

Three Officine Panerai Models Coming to Hong Kong

In September,three Officine Panerai models will coming to Hong Kong,they are Luminor Marina PAM00351, Luminor Marina PAM00352, and Luminor Marina PAM00359.

All the timepieces are powered by Panerai-made P.9000. With the funciton of three-day power reserve and comprising 197 components, the calibre has a diameter of 13 ¾ lignes and a single piece rotor which winds by moving in both directions thanks to a clever ratchet device.

The diameter is 44mm, the case of the PAM00351 (above) is made by brushed titanium, whilst its brown dial is affixed with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers.

Also the PAM00352 (above) model is features the same case and dial, but unlike the former (which Panerai pairs with a brown alligator strap), this model couple with a titanium bracelet and vertical brushed finishing.

Completing the trio you'll find the PAM00359. It is also features on 44mm stainless steel case, and comes with a leather strap and a Panerai logo buckle in brushed steel.

All three watches are waterproof to 30 bar (equivalent to 300 metres).

Seven issues to be resolved before buying top watch

1. Overspending or not?

Luxury watch price is range more than one thousand U.S. dollars to 100 million or more. The most expensive is tourbillon watch, only the elite masters have technology to make it. (This two century-old mechanical devices constitute by the framework of the rotation, rotation frame fixed escapement and balance wheel, and to complete a rotation every 60 seconds to offset the timing error caused by gravity.)

2. Rose gold, platinum or gold?

Gold color is decided by copper and silver content that mix with pure gold. Gold is always fashionable, but you can consider numerous rose gold watch. Rose gold with highest copper content in the three gold, there is a soft, slightly pink tone.

3. Steel or titanium?

High-strength stainless steel, good gloss, and a high degree of rust and corrosion-resistant. However, titanium compare with steel, the strength of 30%, 50% higher light, and more corrosion-resistant, anti-magnetic, or even low allergic. Less is more soft gloss of titanium sheet (some would say dull), and although the high intensity that can be easily scratched.

4. Simple or complex?

For the watchmaking, the complicated mechanical watch that is other features in addition to a simple timekeeping, such as calendar, or moon phase indicator. Complex is involved sophisticated mechanical devices, such as calendar and dual second timer, which contain hundreds of tiny, hand-assembled parts. Making it need labor-intensive, and a special feature, so it is very precious.

5. Large watch or more?

Men's watch, as if the same hormone stimulation, gradually increased; their breakthrough the boundaries of a diameter of 40 mm at the turn of this century. The wave of this watch is draw inspiration largely from the older Italian drivers to wear watch, designed to give drivers in the Mediterranean region can be dull reading watch at the beginning. If your watch like hockey, it will be different depending on the season, more elegant or compelling.

6. Do you need chronograph watch?

Most men respected chronograph watch is for those buttons and dials look deputy man, and shining. They are also play a role in mechanical watches and chronograph accurate to one-fifth of a second, while the quartz digital watches are accurate to hundredths of a second. But unless you sign for the Iron Man, otherwise they are mostly decorative .

7. Water Resistance: 5bar or 20bar?

Water resistance of watch is varies, mainly marked in the dial or case back. Note those small lettering, because the depth units are not uniform. Most companies in meters for water resistance, it may encounter ATM (atmospheric pressure) or bar, 1ATM and 1 bar is equivalent to 10 meters. As long as the depth can be selected, 50-meter water resistance means you can wearing a watch when take a bath.

Of course, the ultimate final question for yourself, and to repeatedly ask: you spend a year in wages to buy the watch in the end for what?

Union Glashutte Sera Watch

While this watch may look like a man's watch, it is... well sometimes a man's watch. Union Glashutte creates a "boyfriend watch" in a woman's size. But a man who likes more "classically sized" watches will wear this new Sera timepieces from Union Glashutte as well.

It is 36mm wide case, the timepiece is sized under what most men's watch today, and about what most women's watches are sized at. Union Glashutte was calls it as a business watch - implying that it is meant to be slim and demure. That may be, but the aggressive hands and hour markers remind me of other watches, and they aren't exactly the opposite of bold. This watch does have legibility going for it, and the steel case with sapphire crystal and Swiss ETA 2892 automatic movement,which are plus factors as well. The watch is available in a few dial colors like silver, black, silver with gold toned hour makers and hands, and also available on a metal bracelet in addition to the leather strap. Ladies (and gentlemen) interested in this piece,and which can expect to pay about 1,350 euros, when it is available soon.

Marion Cotillard and Dior Watch in Vogue

On the July,you can see the Oscar winning actress Marion Cotillard appears on the cover of American Vogue, though it’s the Mario Testino photographed editorial that's of greater interest to us – for wholly self-interested reasons. Also you can else visit Vogue to see more pics and read the accompanying article.

Our eyes, naturally, were immediately attracted by the Dior watch that wearing by Marion Cotillard in the cover. As always, we bemoan our inability to make out the exact model she wears, but we’ll enjoy speculating.

I love the classic simplicity of these pieces; they're at once modern and reminiscent of something from the grandmother's jewel box.

Corum Admiral's Cup Chronograph 40 Diamonds Watch

Corum Admiral's Cup Chronograph 40 Diamonds watch is an illustrious new addition to the famous watch collection inspired by nautical adventure and the architecture of high performance yachts. Created for women of confidence and dynamism, this timepiece presents the unmistakable Corum Admiral's Cup design with its 12-sided bezel and nautical pennant dial signatures in opulent materials. The sparkling addition of 66 round brilliant diamonds on the bezel contributes a luxurious and subtly feminine touch that moderates the purposeful angularity of the powerful Admiral's Cup form.

Crafted from richly hued 18-karat red gold, the case of the Corum Admiral's Cup Diamonds watch measures 40mm in diameter. Defining characteristics of the design include sharply angled lugs, and a dodecahedral bezel surrounded by rubber elements which extend over the sharply sloping shoulders protecting the winding crown. The chronograph pushers are attractively integrated into the case design, above and below the crown, and have an integrated look, while remaining easy to operate; the upper push-piece controls starting and stopping of the chronograph, while the lower resets the chronograph hand to zero when a timing sequence is completed.

The dial is crafted from black Polynesian mother of pearl, displays a similar mix of intricacy and sporty elegance. The elapsed small seconds subdial at 3:00 features a background design that calls to mind a mariner’s wind rose navigation instrument, and the angled rehaut surrounding the dial bears the famous nautical pennants that are inseparable from the world’s most celebrated regattas. Superluminova applied to the hands enables the watch to be easily read, even under conditions of poor or nonexistent lighting.

The Corum Admiral's Cup Chronograph 40 Diamond watch is water resistant to 50 meters, and features a sapphire crystal that is highly resistant to scratching. Fitted to the watch is a luxurious strap in alligator leather complete with a red gold buckle bearing the Corum insignia. Corum also offers a somewhat sportier version in stainless steel; this model features the diamond-set bezel of its sibling, but substitutes a rubber strap for the version in crocodile. The stainless steel Admiral's Cup Chronograph 40 Diamond is also water resistant to 100 meters, rather than 50.

Another U-Boat: U-42 Limited Edition Watch

Another U-Boat Limited Edition watch is going to hit the streets soon, featuring a limited production of 999 pieces and a 53mm Titanium Case. This one harks back to the classic Italian Navy style watches, and one can’t help but compare it to the Panerai Egiziano in terms of looks.

The crown device is interesting on this one, and I’m not quite sure how it works from the description, but as I understand it, the crown flips out and can be turned when it is released by the lever on the bottom.

There is lever on the case at around 4 o’clock that when engaged, prevents the crown from turning, which is a pretty cool feature, especially if you’re going to use it for diving. The watch is good to 300m. The watch features a caliber U-BOAT U-28 automatic movement, which I assume is probably based on a [EDIT] ETA 2824, though I can’t be certain.

Dial is available in black or beige, and caseback is a signed solid back with some cool inscriptions. I kind of hate to admit it, but I like this watch!

Cartier Santos Triple 100 fine jewelry watch on three sides

Santos Triple 100 classic black and white fine jewelry watch on three sides of dial. Light and dark shaded two-tone dial, continuation of Cartier watchmaking exquisite technology, and the 18K platinum movable prism is simultaneous start with crown, driven by the small gear system, the gradual change of direction, showing a different style dial. One side is the majestic tiger, other side is diamonds and black sapphires elegant style, the third side is the Roman numeral. Precious materials combined with superior design, interpretation of the watch design concept of designer, and unique in the world, but also demenstrate the producers' superb skill.

Parameters: 18K platinum, Cartier Cal. 9601MC manual-winding movement, embedded 723 diamonds, weighing approximately 7.15 kt, mosaic 138 black sapphire, weighing approximately 1.21 kt, sapphire crystal surface, limit edition 50.

OLMA Launched Sea Cup Series Limited Edition Watch

In 1952, Sea Cup series have been launched, then used "Monoflex" crown gear, "BP" Radial compression crown gear and many other technologies of the Swiss waterproof patent, which makes "Sea Cup" at the time almost become a synonymous of waterproof watches.

The new limited edition Sea Cup men mechanical watch, engraved older classic, elegant and full sense of the times. Rose gold belt section and the whole section of steel with a total of 490 limited edition. This Sea Cup watch have continues the elegant and unique before,simple and sleek design of the big dial. Stainless steel case, built-in Swiss original ETA2897 power reserve automatic movement, used for many other watches. Silver white dial with line decoration, polished rose gold plating hours of needle, blue black second hand, 6 positions with power reserve display small dial, full of dynamism and passion. 50 meters water depth, adequate water standards to everyday life. New Sea Cup Series watch is engraved with the brand founder Mr. Long Mazhen Olmar portraits on the case cover and unique limited edition number, very valuable.

Watch parameters:

Sea Cup Limited Edition Men watch (steel strip and the belt watches limited edition 490 total)

Series Sea Cup

Model H03.472.7

Movement ETA2897 automatic movement with power reserve function

Case Shape: Round

Diameter: 39 mm

Switzerland 316L stainless steel case, PVD rose gold

Dial silver white dial with line decoration, polished rose gold plating hours of needle, blue black second hand, power reserve show disk

50 meters water resistance

Embossed dark brown calfskin strap

Double click the System butterfly clasp

Market retail price of RMB9, 900

About OLMA Brand:

Century Swiss watchmaking brand OLMA was born in 1906,descended from Swiss Legend. "Less expensive, more professional" has been the key to enduring OLMA brand, whether material or process, OLMA has maintained its authentic Swiss watchmaking tradition, while maintaining the individuality of the art customized luxury, but also close to public life, is a complex of art and life, both extraordinary ability to innovate continuously energize the brand.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Just Lady calendar watch

Basel Watch Fair 2010, Rolex watches show its new "Rolex Oyster Perpetual Just Lady calendar watch". There are several different dial color, from chocolate to gray etc., inlaid with precious stones of 24 or 46 flashes. Roman numerals markers, delicate, elegant, just as its name labeled "Just Lady", I believe it will continue to be loved by many women of all ages.

Dior Released Christal 8 Special Timepiece Series

This August Dior has released a special timepiece series for the number eight, which is an auspicious number in Chinese culture as well as the lucky number of couturier.

The watch is called Christal 8 series, the two watches are available at gold and lacquer Art Deco styling (above picture), or a mother-of-pearl design. The former is being made in an eight piece limited edition series while the latter will be produced in a limited edition run of 100 units.

The Art Deco timepiece is powered by "Dior 8 Fuseaux Horaires" calibre movement that created by watch movement designers Orny and Girardin. It is displays three items of information on the same index: local time, time in eight cities worldwide and day/night.

The satellite indicating the eight time zones revolves in 24 hours, the face of the dial in 12 hours, and the circular seconds hand in 60 seconds.

Also the mother-of-pearl edition watch have the functions on the same Orny and Girardin designed movement and offers the same display items on a white mother-of-pearl dial with engraved moldings and golden finishes, as well as a bezel full set with diamonds.

Both of the watch is water resistant to 50 metres, the Art Deco model is priced at 450,000 HKD, whereas the mother-of-pearl number is priced at 141,800 HKD.

Rado Centrix Ceramic Watches For 2010

If you are the fans of Rado, it is not strange that Rado has been engaged in a serious new brand push this year - trying to make themselves more relevant in the Western world. As we know ,Rado is the quintessential ceramic watch brand, and ceramic watches couldn't be hotter. Rado really doesn't want you to forget that they were one of the main reasons ceramic watches are as popular as they are. While most brands are stuck on black or white ceramic, Rado offers more colors for your choice. These Centrix pieces (for men and women) are in a silver-toned ceramic.

The larger men's version has an Swiss ETA automatic movement, and rather handsome appearance. The nice classy look is enhanced by the highly durable and long lasting ceramic case material. There are also Jubile models for women with mother-of-pearl dials and diamond accents. Available soon, these watches have a starting price about 570 euros.

Bvlgari OCTO stainless steel watches with double reverse jump

Bvlgari OCTO stainless steel watch equipped with a Calibre GG 7722 automatic movement,jumping minute counter and calendar, stainless steel case, black ceramic bezel, crown inlay oval onyx, Case diameter is 43 mm,at 12 o'clock there is hop character type display window, 210 degree reverse jump-minute show, shown 10 minutes of a scale grid, the watch decoration ring nut on the bezel could help to read out the exact minute of every new instruction, the calendar in the dial will display at the bottom of the area of 180 degrees, rubber strap, stainless steel folding clasp three buckles, 45 hours power reserve, water resistant to 100 meters.