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.
Showing posts with label watches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label watches. Show all posts
8/22/2010
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).
7/20/2010
How do we choose a valuable watch ?
A lot of people always concerned a core issue when in the consumer watches - "where my money on?" Design, process, technology, brand ... these are likely to be the value of a watch. After all, for most people, watches still be a costly "large child", how do I choose a valuable watch is definitely a technical problem. Swept the world in design, rugged and reliable "movement", a unique feature function, the star watches, as you should not miss in the shopping season.
How does the appearance design important? So to speak, even if you did not intend to buy the table, but when you occasionally into the watch shop, they will be attracted by you, especially if they can buy watches everyone know, let it be your own logo and "speak people ", this watch will not merely as simple as watch, it may be a symbols that you pull out yourself. In the watch industry, there are many well known fashionable design, they are not only moral, but also become the brand's "endorsement" series, you choose them, choose the watch industry's "high prevalence indicators", high recognition rate and a very rare creativity.
1. Omega Constellation watch series
Highlights Design: Care claw design
Although we do not have specific figures, the Omega Constellation watches is popular more than 10 years, as one of the best products in each brand will sell a lot of family. Cindy Crawford is not only
because of the wonderful smile that year and the classic advertising slogan "my choice", the constellation design is especially fashionable at the time, Care claw design has not only beautified the external, and real meaning to protect the wrist watch from water.
2. Hublot Aero Bang watch
Highlights Design: Relief-type dial, mix and match a variety of materials
This watch, the titanium metal, tantalum metal and harmonious coexistence of 5N rose gold, the bracelet is still based on the introduction of Hublot building material industry rubber. Both the
Hublot LOGO design in the bracelet or the dial design, there is a kind of relief type's transparent design, makes clear to see the brand referred to.
3. Cartier blue balloon Series watches
Highlights Design: Unique design of dial lines and precious sapphire crown
Although the cartier prior have Tank, Pasha and other signs of watches, but the birth of Cartier blue balloons still pocketed the occasion of the eye, not only from the comic inspiration, but also extremely elegant lines and the crown decorated with the precious Sapphire as their image for their own signs.
How does the appearance design important? So to speak, even if you did not intend to buy the table, but when you occasionally into the watch shop, they will be attracted by you, especially if they can buy watches everyone know, let it be your own logo and "speak people ", this watch will not merely as simple as watch, it may be a symbols that you pull out yourself. In the watch industry, there are many well known fashionable design, they are not only moral, but also become the brand's "endorsement" series, you choose them, choose the watch industry's "high prevalence indicators", high recognition rate and a very rare creativity.
1. Omega Constellation watch series
Highlights Design: Care claw design
Although we do not have specific figures, the Omega Constellation watches is popular more than 10 years, as one of the best products in each brand will sell a lot of family. Cindy Crawford is not only
because of the wonderful smile that year and the classic advertising slogan "my choice", the constellation design is especially fashionable at the time, Care claw design has not only beautified the external, and real meaning to protect the wrist watch from water.
2. Hublot Aero Bang watch
Highlights Design: Relief-type dial, mix and match a variety of materials
This watch, the titanium metal, tantalum metal and harmonious coexistence of 5N rose gold, the bracelet is still based on the introduction of Hublot building material industry rubber. Both the
Hublot LOGO design in the bracelet or the dial design, there is a kind of relief type's transparent design, makes clear to see the brand referred to.
3. Cartier blue balloon Series watches
Highlights Design: Unique design of dial lines and precious sapphire crown
Although the cartier prior have Tank, Pasha and other signs of watches, but the birth of Cartier blue balloons still pocketed the occasion of the eye, not only from the comic inspiration, but also extremely elegant lines and the crown decorated with the precious Sapphire as their image for their own signs.
7/07/2010
Piaget Emperador Full-Set Coussin Calendar watch
It is reported that recently Piaget's one million watch has just graduated from the factory with Piaget logo mark. This Piaget Emperador Full-Set Coussin Calendar watch has inherited the Piaget all traditional, fully demonstrated the consummate skill of Piaget La Côte-aux-Fées senior high watches and Geneva fine jewelry in two areas.
2010 only limited manufacturing 20 pieces this watch, very collectable for collector.
This masterpiece has contain very high technical, developed and design by Piaget, also manufacturing and assembly in the brand La Côte-aux-Fées factory. Piaget is famous for the manufacture of complex multi-functional watch, here, watchmaking heart continues to beat. They are still using traditional methods to modify core, 856P movement is no exception. The movement is manufacturing in La Côte-aux-Fées , and watch case is in the factory of Plan-les-Ouates to mosaic jewel.
2010 only limited manufacturing 20 pieces this watch, very collectable for collector.
This masterpiece has contain very high technical, developed and design by Piaget, also manufacturing and assembly in the brand La Côte-aux-Fées factory. Piaget is famous for the manufacture of complex multi-functional watch, here, watchmaking heart continues to beat. They are still using traditional methods to modify core, 856P movement is no exception. The movement is manufacturing in La Côte-aux-Fées , and watch case is in the factory of Plan-les-Ouates to mosaic jewel.
6/09/2010
Unusual watches：break the routine
SIHH has just ended in Switzerland shortly, the surprise of full year on the watches was blooming at the moment of time at the same time. This month, we got from some of virtual watch design for you, they are outside of SIHH and it is also the surprise behind. They come from Virtualideas Switzerland, a company that specifically for watch design,these three designs are breaking the conventional time watch, so you can see an interesting, lively, poetic time.
Toxic (Concept5)
This is called "Toxic" watch have 2 visible small pipe, above pipe is display hours, minutes is display by the following. In these two small pipes,there were two group of cylinders, they will "contraction" with over time, when the whole cylinder is contracted entirely, and then they will "turn", starting from zero. Virtualideas' this design brings you the new, simple time experience.
Pink Panther Concept
Your watch are circle direction, and tell you time elapsed, the "Pink Panther" watch want to show the new concept of time goes by: from the circle flow to sliding left and right. It is rose gold, full circle inlaid rectangle diamonds. Instructions time for you is two round diamonds, they are slide in two parallel lines, on-line to see hours and minutes to see off the assembly line.
Concept 1
The watch is near the square (50mm, 45 mm),the form is even more resolute and steadfast, and the time instructions are divided into two areas: left for hours, right in minutes. Prior to Italy's Carlo Ferrara watch brands have also launched similar structural design watch. Now this watch make you have a musical rhythm.
Aeternitas complex Tourbillon top series
Franck Muller is a legend, he was not only establish the brand's advanced position in the complex and watch the performance , and also boldly retro barrel and square watch body, exaggerated figures face dial, it has rapid establishment of the fashion status of their watch . The Franck Muller latest complex Tourbillon Aeternitas top series in China's listed (ordering),when it was debut in 2006, it has shocked the watch industry.
Toxic (Concept5)
This is called "Toxic" watch have 2 visible small pipe, above pipe is display hours, minutes is display by the following. In these two small pipes,there were two group of cylinders, they will "contraction" with over time, when the whole cylinder is contracted entirely, and then they will "turn", starting from zero. Virtualideas' this design brings you the new, simple time experience.
Pink Panther Concept
Your watch are circle direction, and tell you time elapsed, the "Pink Panther" watch want to show the new concept of time goes by: from the circle flow to sliding left and right. It is rose gold, full circle inlaid rectangle diamonds. Instructions time for you is two round diamonds, they are slide in two parallel lines, on-line to see hours and minutes to see off the assembly line.
Concept 1
The watch is near the square (50mm, 45 mm),the form is even more resolute and steadfast, and the time instructions are divided into two areas: left for hours, right in minutes. Prior to Italy's Carlo Ferrara watch brands have also launched similar structural design watch. Now this watch make you have a musical rhythm.
Aeternitas complex Tourbillon top series
Franck Muller is a legend, he was not only establish the brand's advanced position in the complex and watch the performance , and also boldly retro barrel and square watch body, exaggerated figures face dial, it has rapid establishment of the fashion status of their watch . The Franck Muller latest complex Tourbillon Aeternitas top series in China's listed (ordering),when it was debut in 2006, it has shocked the watch industry.
6/02/2010
Selection of the value Limited Watch
Compared to the history of clocks and watches, "limited edition" concept has been proposed fairly short, but in size they are very spectacular. Especially in the first two years, a variety of brands are offering limited form models, the limited number ranging from 1 to 9999. When your economic conditions are truly permit to buy the luxury forms, the watch is naturally the more scarce, the more highlight the unique personality and tastes. But so many limited edition watches, how to select investment targets ? Be sure to polish your eyes and give your whole attention to this.
The movement for the watch, which is same like the engine for the car, "independent research and development," was repeatedly stress mentioned,why ? If a car brand have no engine for itself, but use the other brands' engines, how to define this? Similarly, the "heart" of one mechanical movement watch is the movement, parts, shape, thickness, light and heavy ... each term are represents the brand status in the industry.
Jaeger LeCoultre large-scale traditional watch series
Limited 100
Reference Price: RMB 1,914,000
In this month Jaeger-LeCoultre had just held a top treasure show, Gyrotourbillon I fully set - the world's unique ball platinum Tourbillon laden with whole diamond watch, and also La Rose Rose watch are ranked among them, they are simply too much praise, and everyone were shocked. Since 1983, the brand created the first batch of limited edition watch to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth, Jaeger LeCoultre have excellent work continuously, the overall level is in the superior rank. You can see this new watch with new gold, fully hand-made,and most important is the 947R manual winding mechanical movement, silicon escapement is also the main points, the small movement is consist of more than 400 parts, do you dare to imagine? Power reserve is up for two weeks. Nearly 200 million price is the best evidence.
Zenith ChronoMaster Open Flagship Happy 40th Anniversary watch models
Limited 69
Reference Price: RMB 230,000
Despite the well-known Zenith El Primero movement has full red for 40 years, and even this watch is being done for that, but the Color Bar Microhyla that throughout the dial is the most important section that truly add luster to its wonderful color, it have the features of LOGO! The balance wheel frequency is up to 36000 times / hour, and also it could chronograph accurate to 1 / 10 seconds. And happy watch models as the anniversary watch, it is the type of smart and connotation definitely among the male watch.
Maitres du Temps Chapter One Watch
To-order production
Reference Price: RMB 3,000,000
The world's three most talented and the greatest watchmaker Christophe Claret, Roger Dubuis and Peter Speake-Marin is togethered by one person named Steven Holtzman, to creating this unique watch and ultra-difficult complicated watches in the world that equiped with tourbillon,Jump calendar pointer, reverse jump GMT pointers, one-touch chronograph as well as at 6 points and 12 o'clock position to set the function relative to weeks and monthly display features such as.
Its unique skill is allow anyone watch become the "Limited"
Zero = Full Limited
Rolex Submariner 50 Anniversary Watch
In fact, i have no pay attention to which one of Rolex watch is limited, because even if you pick anyone in hand, its origin, the brand reputation, technology is the real deal... entirely solid. If you buy a watch, and less detours is better! Rolex Submariner 50 anniversary watch is the dream watch of many people, the movement skills are so excellent.
Patek Philippe Ref.5130 World Time Watch
The top works of top brands, it known as "the world's most convenient world time watch", in the operation, you only need to promote the 10 o'clock set button, the clock will immediately move forward to a grid, while the corresponding urban Name and day and night ring is back to a grid, completed a leap in time zones. Elegant appearance, easy to handle and brands reputation are let 5130 watch so popular anomalies. And people do not mention what the limit or not, anyway, the number are rare, and if finishes one and sold one immediately. The rest is queued in the waiting list.
Montblanc stars Nicolas Skye Bank single-button chronograph watch
Limited 125
Reference Price: RMB 260,000
The movement for the watch, which is same like the engine for the car, "independent research and development," was repeatedly stress mentioned,why ? If a car brand have no engine for itself, but use the other brands' engines, how to define this? Similarly, the "heart" of one mechanical movement watch is the movement, parts, shape, thickness, light and heavy ... each term are represents the brand status in the industry.
Jaeger LeCoultre large-scale traditional watch series
Limited 100
Reference Price: RMB 1,914,000
In this month Jaeger-LeCoultre had just held a top treasure show, Gyrotourbillon I fully set - the world's unique ball platinum Tourbillon laden with whole diamond watch, and also La Rose Rose watch are ranked among them, they are simply too much praise, and everyone were shocked. Since 1983, the brand created the first batch of limited edition watch to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth, Jaeger LeCoultre have excellent work continuously, the overall level is in the superior rank. You can see this new watch with new gold, fully hand-made,and most important is the 947R manual winding mechanical movement, silicon escapement is also the main points, the small movement is consist of more than 400 parts, do you dare to imagine? Power reserve is up for two weeks. Nearly 200 million price is the best evidence.
Zenith ChronoMaster Open Flagship Happy 40th Anniversary watch models
Limited 69
Reference Price: RMB 230,000
Despite the well-known Zenith El Primero movement has full red for 40 years, and even this watch is being done for that, but the Color Bar Microhyla that throughout the dial is the most important section that truly add luster to its wonderful color, it have the features of LOGO! The balance wheel frequency is up to 36000 times / hour, and also it could chronograph accurate to 1 / 10 seconds. And happy watch models as the anniversary watch, it is the type of smart and connotation definitely among the male watch.
Maitres du Temps Chapter One Watch
To-order production
Reference Price: RMB 3,000,000
The world's three most talented and the greatest watchmaker Christophe Claret, Roger Dubuis and Peter Speake-Marin is togethered by one person named Steven Holtzman, to creating this unique watch and ultra-difficult complicated watches in the world that equiped with tourbillon,Jump calendar pointer, reverse jump GMT pointers, one-touch chronograph as well as at 6 points and 12 o'clock position to set the function relative to weeks and monthly display features such as.
Its unique skill is allow anyone watch become the "Limited"
Zero = Full Limited
Rolex Submariner 50 Anniversary Watch
In fact, i have no pay attention to which one of Rolex watch is limited, because even if you pick anyone in hand, its origin, the brand reputation, technology is the real deal... entirely solid. If you buy a watch, and less detours is better! Rolex Submariner 50 anniversary watch is the dream watch of many people, the movement skills are so excellent.
Patek Philippe Ref.5130 World Time Watch
The top works of top brands, it known as "the world's most convenient world time watch", in the operation, you only need to promote the 10 o'clock set button, the clock will immediately move forward to a grid, while the corresponding urban Name and day and night ring is back to a grid, completed a leap in time zones. Elegant appearance, easy to handle and brands reputation are let 5130 watch so popular anomalies. And people do not mention what the limit or not, anyway, the number are rare, and if finishes one and sold one immediately. The rest is queued in the waiting list.
Montblanc stars Nicolas Skye Bank single-button chronograph watch
Limited 125
Reference Price: RMB 260,000
5/16/2010
Vacheron Constantin Historique Wafer-Thin Watch
Vacheron Constantin is really the unsung hero among high and dress watches, but it is too often wallowing in the shadow of Patek Philippe.
Vacheron Constantin celebrated their bicentennial in 1955 and through introducing the thinnest watch available at the time, named the Patrimony. Therefore,the fans of understated dress watches might be glad to know that Vacheron Constantin were released two watches to commemorate the company’s past.
The first one is Historique 1955, that is a hand-wound affair and measures 36mm wide,the thin is only 4.1mm – this is the thinnest mechanical watch available. Equiped with original movement caliber 1003 is only 1,64mm.
The second is Historique 1968, which is slightly heftier at 5,5mm thick. It is caliber 1120 automatic movement watch, which is probably the reason why added weight.
Vacheron Constantin celebrated their bicentennial in 1955 and through introducing the thinnest watch available at the time, named the Patrimony. Therefore,the fans of understated dress watches might be glad to know that Vacheron Constantin were released two watches to commemorate the company’s past.
The first one is Historique 1955, that is a hand-wound affair and measures 36mm wide,the thin is only 4.1mm – this is the thinnest mechanical watch available. Equiped with original movement caliber 1003 is only 1,64mm.
The second is Historique 1968, which is slightly heftier at 5,5mm thick. It is caliber 1120 automatic movement watch, which is probably the reason why added weight.
5/10/2010
2010 Geneva International Watch & Clock Fair New Watch Preview
What's new watches will have in 2010 Geneva International Watch & Clock Fair? In 2010 which will have most cutting-edge information in turn watch industry's? Here, let us preview.
Cartier New Watch
In 2010, the 20th Geneva International Exhibition for Watches, Cartier will show its latest innovative and exquisite skills: self-developed self-winding movement, avant-garde design of hollow floating tourbillon watches, as well as dazzling The Jewelry Design watch models, have great expectations for the industry.
Lady Arpels Extraordinary Butterfly Series of Van Cleef &Arpels first application of a new stained-glass enamel process. This technology magnificent stained glass windows of Georgia will the beauty of butterflies fluttering trippingly solidification in the three-dimensional dial.
Lady Arpels Extraordinary Hummingbirds series is to pay tribute to the hummingbird. Five watches of Van Cleef & Arpels, each of the watch's dial are use three kinds of extraordinary creative technical : precious stones inlaid, Cloisonne enamel and three-dimensional process, that showing the birds and flowers life-like demeanor.
Cartier New Watch
In 2010, the 20th Geneva International Exhibition for Watches, Cartier will show its latest innovative and exquisite skills: self-developed self-winding movement, avant-garde design of hollow floating tourbillon watches, as well as dazzling The Jewelry Design watch models, have great expectations for the industry.
Lady Arpels Extraordinary Butterfly Series of Van Cleef &Arpels first application of a new stained-glass enamel process. This technology magnificent stained glass windows of Georgia will the beauty of butterflies fluttering trippingly solidification in the three-dimensional dial.
Lady Arpels Extraordinary Hummingbirds series is to pay tribute to the hummingbird. Five watches of Van Cleef & Arpels, each of the watch's dial are use three kinds of extraordinary creative technical : precious stones inlaid, Cloisonne enamel and three-dimensional process, that showing the birds and flowers life-like demeanor.
4/20/2010
Swiss Made Mickey Mouse Collectible Watches
About Mickey Mouse
Who could have predicted the legend that was being created when Steamboat Willie, the first Mickey Mouse film, came out in theaters back in 1928? Not only was it the first Mickey Mouse movie, but it was the very first time a cartoon with sound had been shown in movie theaters. Mickey Mouse's creator, Walt Disney, was already familiar with the cartoon industry since he had created Oswald the Rabbit, another animal character that was extremely popular at the time.
The story goes that on a long train trip, Walt Disney doodled until he came up with the initial design for the adorable mouse, who his wife dubbed "Mickey." Disney was so taken with this little character that he got together with animator Ub Iwerks to create a cartoon featuring Mickey Mouse. The film was a smash success, drawing both young and old to theaters to follow the exploits of the spunky little mouse.
Mickey Mouse Watches
It didn't take long for manufacturers to come up with products to cash in on Mickey's success. Before long the stores were filled with things like Mickey Mouse dolls, banks, and watches. The first watch was made by the Ingersoll-Waterbury company (which is today known as Timex) in 1933, five years after Mickey Mouse first charmed audiences in his big screen debut. Like many companies during the Depression Era, Ingersoll-Waterbury had been struggling along, barely able to make ends meet, but the Mickey Mouse wrist watch solved the firm's cash flow problems. More than 11,000 units sold the day the watch first came out.
The company followed up this success with a Mickey Mouse pocket watch. Seeing the success of Ingersoll's watch, other watch companies quickly began developing Mickey Mouse watches of their own. Over the years these timepieces have become popular amongst both watch collectors and collectors of Mickey Mouse themed items.
Bradley Mickey Mouse Watches
Bradley, a division of Elgin National Industries, produced Mickey Mouse collectible watches between the years 1972 and 1985. Although Bradley was based in the United States, they used Swiss movements for their watches and many of the Swiss Mickey Mouse watches for sale today are Bradley watches. Bradley made other Disney themed watches, including Cinderella, Donald Duck, Goofy and more. Most of the Bradley watches were the wind-up variety, however in the 1980s the company produced some quartz models that ran on battery power.
Styles of Mickey Mouse Watches
It is amazing how watch manufacturers have managed to take the Mickey Mouse character and show him in new and different ways to create unique Mickey Mouse collectible watches. A common style for Swiss made Mickey Mouse collectible watches shows a smiling Mickey in a jaunty pose with his arms serving as the hour and minute hands, but there are other types of Mickey watches that show only Mickey's happy face. Still others show Mickey hanging out with one of his friends. With so many different Mickey Mouse watches available, it'll be hard to make a choice when you're ready to buy!
Who could have predicted the legend that was being created when Steamboat Willie, the first Mickey Mouse film, came out in theaters back in 1928? Not only was it the first Mickey Mouse movie, but it was the very first time a cartoon with sound had been shown in movie theaters. Mickey Mouse's creator, Walt Disney, was already familiar with the cartoon industry since he had created Oswald the Rabbit, another animal character that was extremely popular at the time.
The story goes that on a long train trip, Walt Disney doodled until he came up with the initial design for the adorable mouse, who his wife dubbed "Mickey." Disney was so taken with this little character that he got together with animator Ub Iwerks to create a cartoon featuring Mickey Mouse. The film was a smash success, drawing both young and old to theaters to follow the exploits of the spunky little mouse.
Mickey Mouse Watches
It didn't take long for manufacturers to come up with products to cash in on Mickey's success. Before long the stores were filled with things like Mickey Mouse dolls, banks, and watches. The first watch was made by the Ingersoll-Waterbury company (which is today known as Timex) in 1933, five years after Mickey Mouse first charmed audiences in his big screen debut. Like many companies during the Depression Era, Ingersoll-Waterbury had been struggling along, barely able to make ends meet, but the Mickey Mouse wrist watch solved the firm's cash flow problems. More than 11,000 units sold the day the watch first came out.
The company followed up this success with a Mickey Mouse pocket watch. Seeing the success of Ingersoll's watch, other watch companies quickly began developing Mickey Mouse watches of their own. Over the years these timepieces have become popular amongst both watch collectors and collectors of Mickey Mouse themed items.
Bradley Mickey Mouse Watches
Bradley, a division of Elgin National Industries, produced Mickey Mouse collectible watches between the years 1972 and 1985. Although Bradley was based in the United States, they used Swiss movements for their watches and many of the Swiss Mickey Mouse watches for sale today are Bradley watches. Bradley made other Disney themed watches, including Cinderella, Donald Duck, Goofy and more. Most of the Bradley watches were the wind-up variety, however in the 1980s the company produced some quartz models that ran on battery power.
Styles of Mickey Mouse Watches
It is amazing how watch manufacturers have managed to take the Mickey Mouse character and show him in new and different ways to create unique Mickey Mouse collectible watches. A common style for Swiss made Mickey Mouse collectible watches shows a smiling Mickey in a jaunty pose with his arms serving as the hour and minute hands, but there are other types of Mickey watches that show only Mickey's happy face. Still others show Mickey hanging out with one of his friends. With so many different Mickey Mouse watches available, it'll be hard to make a choice when you're ready to buy!
4/14/2010
Swatch sapphire love-autumn winter series of 2009
Sapphire Love ExplosionBrussels was chatting with her Mr. Right online at 7pm.The romance is blooming within their body.The perfect sapphire love explosion presents glaring and splendorous light of the crystal.
Each azure crystal is connected to the broad polished rings,swinging with the fingers,Sending forth a clear romantic call and passing on surprised and perfect memory among the couples.
NIGHT-BLOOM
Four cohesive delicate and spiritual daisies looming quietly at midnight are made up of for dazzling elegant azure crystals. The strap is also made of four polished flowers.
With transparent rubber case and silver dial, the watch is perfect and takes on femininity, setting off by the blue flowers.
MODIE DANCE
The curves, which are rich in carving feel, walk through the azure light-spots and dance with them.
The alluring Irony Medium wrist watch has light streamlined embossment design and trimmed with dazzling azure crystal. The unique quality feeling and aroma are revealed spontaneously. It will never be forgotten when matching with Bijoux of the same pattern.
Sky Finery
9 am in Paris, I was on the way to my additional studies,the abstract high quality genuine steel and blue crystal tulip have stroke up the fashion sonic. The charming azure is looming beneath the delicate petals. Mysterious lure and unique implicit charm are perfectly demonstrated under the light.
Each azure crystal is connected to the broad polished rings,swinging with the fingers,Sending forth a clear romantic call and passing on surprised and perfect memory among the couples.
NIGHT-BLOOM
Four cohesive delicate and spiritual daisies looming quietly at midnight are made up of for dazzling elegant azure crystals. The strap is also made of four polished flowers.
With transparent rubber case and silver dial, the watch is perfect and takes on femininity, setting off by the blue flowers.
MODIE DANCE
The curves, which are rich in carving feel, walk through the azure light-spots and dance with them.
The alluring Irony Medium wrist watch has light streamlined embossment design and trimmed with dazzling azure crystal. The unique quality feeling and aroma are revealed spontaneously. It will never be forgotten when matching with Bijoux of the same pattern.
Sky Finery
9 am in Paris, I was on the way to my additional studies,the abstract high quality genuine steel and blue crystal tulip have stroke up the fashion sonic. The charming azure is looming beneath the delicate petals. Mysterious lure and unique implicit charm are perfectly demonstrated under the light.
4/12/2010
Limited Edition-Six Luxurious Wrist Watch
The majority of the following limited edition wrist watches have the above mentioned characters.The point is that you may not be able to buy it,even if you are in the queue for ordering.However,it’s the fun of limited edition,isn’t it?
The First one is the Omega Constellation Man and Lady Size Wrist Watches-Limited Edition of 888 pieces
In order to celebrate the one year count down for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games,Omega has especially publushed this “Beijing Olympic Games Series”,both man and lady size are available.The four backstops on the bezel are classic design of the Omega Constellation series.
The lady size is equipped with ceramic luster dial with sapphire,topaz,black diamond,emerald and ruby respectively embeded from the 10 to 2 markers,signing the colors of the Olympic Games’five rings.The remaining markers are embeded with dazzling diamonds,so is the bezel.
The man size is equipped with automatic movement and five rings are attached to the second pointer end.The black Roman markers are marked on the bezel.
Tag Heuer Lincon Series Tiger Woods Wrist Watches-Limited Edition of 5000 pieces
In order to memorize the collaboration with an elite Tiger Woods,Tag Heuer has specially published this Lincon Series Tiger Woods Limited Edition Wrist Watches.
With Tiger Woods’ lucky color-wine red,the simple streamlined dial means that it’s going to pass Tiger Woods’ fortune to each owner.The wine red circle on the small dial goes well with the black border’s twist grain.
However,the design of the strap also inherits the representative classic S shape of the Tag Heuer Lincoln series.Meanwhile,it adopts reputed Calibre movement with water resistant deep to 200 meters and dazzling camber mineral scratch durable glass face.The luminova pointers are utility and convenient for reading time at night.The sapphire crystal back goes well with sculptures like “Tiger Woods” signature and limited edition serial number,taking on its unique identity.
The Bvlgari Assioma Half-Skeleton Multi-Functional Wrist Watch-Limited Edition of 20 pieces
Bvlgari published this new series in 2007,which have architectural camber frames on the left and right bezel ,surrounding the other bezeld engraved with BVLGARI and upholding the whole watch structure.It’s just like an appealing art-work with soft feeling and trimmed markers,layering dial and lightproof sapphire glass face.
This complex wairt watch has also included calendar,tourbillion and double display the time of GMT two time zones.the whole movement consist of 416 parts,while the daimeter is only 27.4mm and 7.57mm thick.It’s really an engineering wonder.
BLACNCPAIN Feminine “Lotus”Wrist Watch-Limited Edition of 138 pieces
Specially designed and published for Asia market,this BLACNCPAIN Feminine “Lotus”Wrist Watch with a limited edition of 138 pieces,has broken through the tradition and tailored for ladies.The pattern has bold and progressive border and guilloche pearl dial,presenting a natural and splendorous look.
The unique irregular pearl dial and the vivid numeral markers add flair to the guilloche.Your noble character will be manifested totally wearing this soft wrist watch,which has a white dial and ruby embeded bezel and red leather strap.
Limited edition—Black titanium alloy 250 pieces;titanium alloy 750 pieces,titanium alloy and 950 platinum 200 pieces.
The talented AMVOX2 Chronograph Concept chronograph wrist watch has become the strongest performer both in the car field and watch field.Traditional button of this chronograph wrist watch has taken place by a brand-new vertical chronograph start system.All you need to do is slightly press the sapphire crystal glass face,then you can control chonograph,just like starting the car engine.
MIDO Multi-Functional Central Chronograph Wrist Watch-limited edition of 99 pieces
Unlike other patterns,it’s easier to read the time by setting the second hand and minute hand of the central chronograph in the middle.It was once designed for pilots in the 40’s.
A 12-hour small dial and independent small second dial.We can see the running of the movement from the transparent back.The watch adopts ultra-big crown and chronograph buttons,which is easier to handle.MIDO can always bring unique design.Both the crown and the buttons are connected on the bevel of the diamond bezel,which takes on a unique character.Also,this watch is water resistant deep to 100 meters and has sapphire glass face.
The First one is the Omega Constellation Man and Lady Size Wrist Watches-Limited Edition of 888 pieces
In order to celebrate the one year count down for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games,Omega has especially publushed this “Beijing Olympic Games Series”,both man and lady size are available.The four backstops on the bezel are classic design of the Omega Constellation series.
The lady size is equipped with ceramic luster dial with sapphire,topaz,black diamond,emerald and ruby respectively embeded from the 10 to 2 markers,signing the colors of the Olympic Games’five rings.The remaining markers are embeded with dazzling diamonds,so is the bezel.
The man size is equipped with automatic movement and five rings are attached to the second pointer end.The black Roman markers are marked on the bezel.
Tag Heuer Lincon Series Tiger Woods Wrist Watches-Limited Edition of 5000 pieces
In order to memorize the collaboration with an elite Tiger Woods,Tag Heuer has specially published this Lincon Series Tiger Woods Limited Edition Wrist Watches.
With Tiger Woods’ lucky color-wine red,the simple streamlined dial means that it’s going to pass Tiger Woods’ fortune to each owner.The wine red circle on the small dial goes well with the black border’s twist grain.
However,the design of the strap also inherits the representative classic S shape of the Tag Heuer Lincoln series.Meanwhile,it adopts reputed Calibre movement with water resistant deep to 200 meters and dazzling camber mineral scratch durable glass face.The luminova pointers are utility and convenient for reading time at night.The sapphire crystal back goes well with sculptures like “Tiger Woods” signature and limited edition serial number,taking on its unique identity.
The Bvlgari Assioma Half-Skeleton Multi-Functional Wrist Watch-Limited Edition of 20 pieces
Bvlgari published this new series in 2007,which have architectural camber frames on the left and right bezel ,surrounding the other bezeld engraved with BVLGARI and upholding the whole watch structure.It’s just like an appealing art-work with soft feeling and trimmed markers,layering dial and lightproof sapphire glass face.
This complex wairt watch has also included calendar,tourbillion and double display the time of GMT two time zones.the whole movement consist of 416 parts,while the daimeter is only 27.4mm and 7.57mm thick.It’s really an engineering wonder.
BLACNCPAIN Feminine “Lotus”Wrist Watch-Limited Edition of 138 pieces
Specially designed and published for Asia market,this BLACNCPAIN Feminine “Lotus”Wrist Watch with a limited edition of 138 pieces,has broken through the tradition and tailored for ladies.The pattern has bold and progressive border and guilloche pearl dial,presenting a natural and splendorous look.
The unique irregular pearl dial and the vivid numeral markers add flair to the guilloche.Your noble character will be manifested totally wearing this soft wrist watch,which has a white dial and ruby embeded bezel and red leather strap.
Limited edition—Black titanium alloy 250 pieces;titanium alloy 750 pieces,titanium alloy and 950 platinum 200 pieces.
The talented AMVOX2 Chronograph Concept chronograph wrist watch has become the strongest performer both in the car field and watch field.Traditional button of this chronograph wrist watch has taken place by a brand-new vertical chronograph start system.All you need to do is slightly press the sapphire crystal glass face,then you can control chonograph,just like starting the car engine.
MIDO Multi-Functional Central Chronograph Wrist Watch-limited edition of 99 pieces
Unlike other patterns,it’s easier to read the time by setting the second hand and minute hand of the central chronograph in the middle.It was once designed for pilots in the 40’s.
A 12-hour small dial and independent small second dial.We can see the running of the movement from the transparent back.The watch adopts ultra-big crown and chronograph buttons,which is easier to handle.MIDO can always bring unique design.Both the crown and the buttons are connected on the bevel of the diamond bezel,which takes on a unique character.Also,this watch is water resistant deep to 100 meters and has sapphire glass face.
4/08/2010
Wind up Watches vs Battery Powered Watches
Wind-Up Watches Vs. Battery Powered
What is the difference? Well, a wind-up watch, as denoted by the name requires winding by the wearer while a battery powered watch simply uses a small watch battery that can be purchased at any watch dealer, major department stores, on the Internet or at some jewelry stores.
Wind-Up
The pros and cons of wind-ups are in some cases obvious and other times not quite so clear-cut.
Pros
You never have to worry about tedious watch replacement.
Most wind-up watches are automatic and use your body’s energy to recharge for superior convenience.
The time kept by a self-winding watch is generally considered to be much more reliable.
Cons
If you forget to wind a non-automatic winding watch, you lose the time and have to reset.
Self-winding watches that operate using your body’s natural energy will stop when taken off – this is not a plus if you switch watches regularly. Automatic watches are often much more expensive though they generally provide most of the same functions.
Battery Powered
Quartz battery powered watch by AlpinaIt seems easy enough to have a watch that operates using a battery and most watches work this way. However, some of the unseen factors may be:
Buying a battery on short notice or on a vacation may be very difficult or in some cases, not possible at all.
Batteries for some watches can be hard to find and may have to be ordered directly from the seller or manufacturer.
Removing the back plate for replacement of a battery on jewelry watches can be difficult and if not done by a professional can result in damage to the watch.
An older battery powered watch may use a type of battery that is no longer in production or that can be extremely difficult to hunt down.
Which is the Type of Watch For You?
Depending on what seems easiest to you, wind-up watches vs. battery powered watches is an argument of opinion and not necessarily of facts and figures. Often times, a winding watch can be more expensive, but this is not always the case.
Makers of Self-Winding Watches
The following are some of the most popular names in self-winding watches:
Rolex
Fossil
Omega
ChronoSwiss
Swiss Army
Bvlgari
Some of the most popular brands of battery powered wrist watches are:
Casio
Timex
Seiko (Seiko was the maker of the world’s first battery powered watch.)
Citizen
Cartier
Breitling
An Alternative: Solar Watches
Aside from battery powered and self-winding watches, there are also solar powered watches. These watches work by reserve the energy from just about any source of light and therefore never need to have a change of battery or a need to be wound. When not in the presence of light, these types of watches conserve the energy they have stored.
Solar Watch Makers
Solar powered watches are not new, but they are catching on now as a trend more than ever before. Some of the most celebrated names in solar watch designers are:
Invicta
Luminox
Polar
Tag Heuer
Casio (The Atomic Tough Solar Collection for men and women)
Wenger
Timex
What is the difference? Well, a wind-up watch, as denoted by the name requires winding by the wearer while a battery powered watch simply uses a small watch battery that can be purchased at any watch dealer, major department stores, on the Internet or at some jewelry stores.
Wind-Up
The pros and cons of wind-ups are in some cases obvious and other times not quite so clear-cut.
Pros
You never have to worry about tedious watch replacement.
Most wind-up watches are automatic and use your body’s energy to recharge for superior convenience.
The time kept by a self-winding watch is generally considered to be much more reliable.
Cons
If you forget to wind a non-automatic winding watch, you lose the time and have to reset.
Self-winding watches that operate using your body’s natural energy will stop when taken off – this is not a plus if you switch watches regularly. Automatic watches are often much more expensive though they generally provide most of the same functions.
Battery Powered
Quartz battery powered watch by AlpinaIt seems easy enough to have a watch that operates using a battery and most watches work this way. However, some of the unseen factors may be:
Buying a battery on short notice or on a vacation may be very difficult or in some cases, not possible at all.
Batteries for some watches can be hard to find and may have to be ordered directly from the seller or manufacturer.
Removing the back plate for replacement of a battery on jewelry watches can be difficult and if not done by a professional can result in damage to the watch.
An older battery powered watch may use a type of battery that is no longer in production or that can be extremely difficult to hunt down.
Which is the Type of Watch For You?
Depending on what seems easiest to you, wind-up watches vs. battery powered watches is an argument of opinion and not necessarily of facts and figures. Often times, a winding watch can be more expensive, but this is not always the case.
Makers of Self-Winding Watches
The following are some of the most popular names in self-winding watches:
Rolex
Fossil
Omega
ChronoSwiss
Swiss Army
Bvlgari
Some of the most popular brands of battery powered wrist watches are:
Casio
Timex
Seiko (Seiko was the maker of the world’s first battery powered watch.)
Citizen
Cartier
Breitling
An Alternative: Solar Watches
Aside from battery powered and self-winding watches, there are also solar powered watches. These watches work by reserve the energy from just about any source of light and therefore never need to have a change of battery or a need to be wound. When not in the presence of light, these types of watches conserve the energy they have stored.
Solar Watch Makers
Solar powered watches are not new, but they are catching on now as a trend more than ever before. Some of the most celebrated names in solar watch designers are:
Invicta
Luminox
Polar
Tag Heuer
Casio (The Atomic Tough Solar Collection for men and women)
Wenger
Timex
How Does Watches Working ?
There are two basic elements in a watch - the power source and the movement.
Power Source
The power source is what allows the watch to run, whether the watch is powered by light, a battery or by the watch owner winding a knob crown out of the side. If the power source is not functioning, if the battery is dead perhaps, or the watch hasn't been wound, then the watch stops.
Light powered watches have a receptor located just beneath the dial. The receptor absorbs light streaming in and converts it into energy to run the watch. The energy is stored in a permanent battery to ensure that the watch works at night and in dark places.
Movement
The movement is the name for the inner workings of the watch, the part that actually keeps time. Movements generally are divided into two categories: automatic and quartz.
Automatic Watches
In aiming to understand how watches work, we'll need to look at automatic watches. These watches contain automatic movements, which have been existed for centuries in clocks before they were adapted to watches. When the watch is wound, it winds up a spring, which provides the energy needed to operate the inner workings that keep time.
An escapement keeps the time, while the gears connect the escapement to the hands of the watch in the display. There are also automatic, or self-winding, watches on the market which will work without a battery and without being wound by hand. Self-winding watches are designed to wind the spring from the natural movement of your wrist. While the watch is being worn it continues to wind, and when it is removed it has enough energy stored to work for a while, sometimes for a few days, sometimes even months, depending on the watch.
Quartz Watches
Quartz watches first arrived on the scene in the seventies and quickly became popular. Quartz watches do not need to be wound because they receive their power from batteries or sometimes from light. They use tiny quartz crystals to keep time. The battery inside the watch causes the quartz to begin vibrating. This is converted into digital pulses that operate the circuitry in the watch.
Atomic Watches
A relatively new development is the atomic watch, which uses radio signals to synchronize the watch with an atomic clock kept elsewhere to ensure accuracy. These watches typically use quartz movements.
Power Source
The power source is what allows the watch to run, whether the watch is powered by light, a battery or by the watch owner winding a knob crown out of the side. If the power source is not functioning, if the battery is dead perhaps, or the watch hasn't been wound, then the watch stops.
Light powered watches have a receptor located just beneath the dial. The receptor absorbs light streaming in and converts it into energy to run the watch. The energy is stored in a permanent battery to ensure that the watch works at night and in dark places.
Movement
The movement is the name for the inner workings of the watch, the part that actually keeps time. Movements generally are divided into two categories: automatic and quartz.
Automatic Watches
In aiming to understand how watches work, we'll need to look at automatic watches. These watches contain automatic movements, which have been existed for centuries in clocks before they were adapted to watches. When the watch is wound, it winds up a spring, which provides the energy needed to operate the inner workings that keep time.
An escapement keeps the time, while the gears connect the escapement to the hands of the watch in the display. There are also automatic, or self-winding, watches on the market which will work without a battery and without being wound by hand. Self-winding watches are designed to wind the spring from the natural movement of your wrist. While the watch is being worn it continues to wind, and when it is removed it has enough energy stored to work for a while, sometimes for a few days, sometimes even months, depending on the watch.
Quartz Watches
Quartz watches first arrived on the scene in the seventies and quickly became popular. Quartz watches do not need to be wound because they receive their power from batteries or sometimes from light. They use tiny quartz crystals to keep time. The battery inside the watch causes the quartz to begin vibrating. This is converted into digital pulses that operate the circuitry in the watch.
Atomic Watches
A relatively new development is the atomic watch, which uses radio signals to synchronize the watch with an atomic clock kept elsewhere to ensure accuracy. These watches typically use quartz movements.
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