Mechanical Watch
The Wide Range of Swiss Military Style Watches
by on Jul.05, 2010, under Mechanical Watch, Military Watches, Sport and Dive Watches, Watches of the World
Among Switzerland’s most famous brands is the wide range of military style watches that are produced. These draw on both Switzerland’s heritage of watch making and fine craftsmanship as well as on its tradition of independence and neutrality. Switzerland’s military has long been revered across Europe and the rest of the world and it has long been the country’s guarantee against invasion by its bigger neighbors. As such Switzerland has always ensured that its citizen soldiers have been well trained in marksmanship and tactics and equipped with the finest equipment. And Switzerland’s gift to the world has been the innovation and attention to detail that goes into items such as Swiss Army knives and Swiss Army Watches.
The best-known military style watches are clearly those associated with the Swiss Army knife, which made by two Swiss companies, Victorinox and Wenger. The two companies merged a few years back, yet still operate under different names in many parts of the market. That said, both offer unsurpassed quality and reliability. Victorinox and Wenger Swiss Army watches offer a really good blend of features and price. One of my favorites is the Wenger Commando Watch. This is a really rugged and tough watch. It also has a brilliantly lit up display that makes it easy to see at night. Two other favorites of mine are the Wenger Ranger Watch and Battalion Diver Watch, which is also made by the same company. The Victorinox Swiss Army Infantry vintage watch is also a really beautiful and classic timepiece with a real old-style look.
Both Wenger and Victorinox offer a really wide range of watches so that you can usually find something to fit almost any pocket with prices starting at under $100 and going up from there.
There are however quite a few other companies that you can look at when looking to buy a Swiss Military Watch. Most people overlook firms such as Hanowa, which makes a really high quality range of watches sold under the Swiss Military brand as well as the more exclusive Swiss Eagle watch brand.
Even tougher (and more expensive) is the range of watches produced under the CX Swiss Military brand. These are some of the world’s toughest watches and have stood up to all kinds of tests including being dropped out of airplanes, blown up with high explosives and shot at with a shotgun. They survived most of these tests whereas other watches just got smashed to pieces.
If you are looking for a cheap military-style watch then you could consider Invicta. These are Swiss-made watches but they have a bit of a mixed reputation when it comes to reliability. I don’t endorse them wholeheartedly but some people swear by them. That said, you can’t say they aren’t cheap. Some Invicta military watches can be bought for under $50. And although this blog is really all about Swiss Watches, there are also some other really popular manufacturers of military watches. Citizen has an eco-drive military watch that also has a really clear face with an easily-to-read dial. It also never needs its batteries changed,
Features of a Military-Style-Watch
Apart from the obvious point that most people buy Swiss military watches because they look good, some of the better ones also have some features that provide real tactical assistance. In this I’m thinking of a watch with a dial that is easy to read and a face that is not confusing. You also want something that is self illuminating, so you can see it even in the dark, and you almost certainly want a watch that will not beep and give away your position.
Related Posts:
The Rolex Daytona: A Guest Post by Sharmi
by on Apr.29, 2010, under Dress Watches, Mechanical Watch
The name “Rolex” immediately creates an image of a company that produces quality and luxurious watches. It is no coincidence. This is one of the world’s most reputed brands of Swiss Watch. This watch manufacturer makes approximately 200 watches each day. It also generates revenues of almost 3 billion dollars a year. Rolex stores are present in big cities around the world, like London, Paris, New York, Sydney, Santiago, etc. Immaculate technical craftsmanship along with a high degree of magnificence is responsible for the worldwide popularity of this watch.
Among this fantastic assortment of watches there is one watch, Rolex Daytona, which is bound to catch the attention of watch connoisseurs. According to its history, this amazing collection began its journey in the year of 1961. At that time Rolex started manufacturing the Rolex cosmograph-watches. Along with other sponsors, the company sponsored the 24-hr Daytona race. In honor of this f
amed race, Rolex ascribed the name ‘Daytona’ to its range of chronograph watches.
The rich vein of tradition still persists with these models. The initial versions of Rolex Daytona watches were 6239, 6238, 6240, etc. Newer models were also manufactured and this trend continued till 1987. After that Rolex stopped producing those versions, and instead launched models post-1988, which were slightly different from the former models. The size of the new models was bigger and the watches had self-winding motion. The new Daytona looked like an upgraded version of the El-Primero caliber from Zenith. In the year 2000, this Zenith movement got replaced by the 3-register Rolex-designed chronograph-movement.
The Daytona range of watches is bound to satisfy even the most fastidious of customers. These superior-quality expensive chronograph models are available in a limited manner. Hence, the Rolex Daytona is considered to be an extremely rare model to possess. The Paul Newman dial is the major attraction of the most exclusive Daytona watches that are available only in limited editions. This dial comprises of sub-dials having colors that contrast with the principal dial. The sub-dials instead of lines have block-markers and various other attractive features.
As these watches are extremely expensive, people with modest means are not able to purchase one of these exclusive hand-pieces. However there is a viable alternative present for them and that is to buy replicas of Rolex Daytona models. These watches also maintain high levels of quality and craftsmanship, and are available at affordable prices. Many people have been able to fulfill their dreams to a certain extent by buying these replica watches.
Rolex has always been involved in innovating constantly to cater to the increasing demands of its customers. These innovations have also influenced the watch industry in a positive manner. The notable innovations of this brand which have opened new vistas are – the water-resistant watch case, automatic date-changing feature on the watch-dial, simultaneous display of 2 different time zones, etc. Rolex was also the pioneer to receive chronometer-certification for its wristwatches.
In the catalogue of this company, one can find men’s as well as women’s watches, sports watches, chic watches, classic watches, etc. Various chronographs are offered by Rolex, addressing unique needs and preferences. If a person plans to gift one of these watches to his close friend or relative on any special occasion, he might be tempted to consider opting for a replica watch. But, no matter what people may say about the quality being the same, it just isn’t. There is no doubt that the copies are of inferior quality.
Superior quality is always maintained and most of the features are present in these replica watches. It is claimed that certain accessories like watches and shoes truly reflect a person’s taste and style. Even if a person does not utter a single word about himself, his accessories would portray the background from which he is hailing.
But it also needs to be kept in mind that the exorbitant price of the original Rolex Daytona watches makes it out of reach for most of the people. The hefty price-tags that are attached due to the brand value and reputation of the product are sometimes impractical. Hence the replica watches are crucial in providing respite to those people who have the requisite class but do not have the excess money to spend.
Related Posts:
Breitling Navigator Products, Things to Know About Products for Professionals
by on Feb.10, 2010, under Mechanical Watch, Sport and Dive Watches
The Breitling Cosmonaute
First and Foremost, Breitling does not service products purchased online, as they estimate the vast majority of these are counterfeit. The unfortunate circumstances of this make getting a low price on Breitling time pieces almost impossible, as you will have to buy from an authorized dealer. The upside of that is unlike many products that you would buy online, this you will get to see and try on in person, and you will know for sure that you really love it before it arrives on your doorstep. With the trusted reputation and variety of products Breitling has available, they are sure to offer what you are looking for and it will be something you enjoy for the rest of your life.
The Navitimer Line
There are eleven models in the Navitimer line, starting with the:
Navitimer- These hit the market originally in 1952, and have been a big hit ever since. Sporting a sleek design and attractive black leather band for the wrist, this piece also comes with a built circular slide rule for pilots to calculate flight plans with. This is the world’s oldest chronograph.
Navitimer World- The two distinguishing features of this time piece is that not only is it ten percent larger than the other products in this line, but it also is capable of charting two time zones, a handy feature for any pilot.
Cosmonaute- Made for service in space, today these are used also in the armed forces. The face on this product has a twenty four hour dial, avoiding the confusion between midnight and noon, as night and day have no real meaning in space.
Limited Edition Cosmonaut- Very similar to the piece mentioned above, but with a metal band bracelet and a retro styling to the face. Only a thousand of these will be made, and the lucky few who will own them will own a piece of history.
Montbrillant- A smaller face, about 38 mm as opposed to the usual larger sizes in the 40mm to 45mm range, this piece was crafted in mind of older times, the styling that was used in 1940, with the screw in back and the Breitling logo designed on the back. The 18 carat gold face is an attractive look as well.
Montbrillant Legende- Unlike its counterpart above, this large time piece by Breitling sports a 47mm 18 carat gold face, as well as a metal bracelet band, which makes it both considerably heavier as well as larger.
Montbrillant Olympus- Complete timing through the leap year cycle, this time piece is made up of almost two hundred fifty different components which makes it exceptionally accurate, as well as a nostalgically designed tool.
Montbrillant Datora- The uniqueness of the date and weekday display is beautiful, and the calendar month is also not only attractive but practical. An old favorite of Breitling, this piece is neither too gaudy nor too awkward.
Chrono-Matic 49-This 49mm self winding monster is a simpler piece compared to some of those mentioned above, but is no less legendary in quality to any of them. Chrono-Matic itself is a long standing tradition in Breitling, and remains so today.
Chrono-Matic 1461- The current model offered by Breitling, this time piece has a braided metal band for the wearer to enjoy. 49mm just like the model offered above, this model has its own unique look which was a surprise to me.
Chrono-Matic QP- This amazing piece of equipment has five hundred miniature moving pieces, and is immune to the effects of even the leap year, charting moon phases, times, dates, you name it. The only model to have the rubber comfort band, this model is capable of it all.
Other lines offered by Breitling are the Windrider line (featuring seven models), the Professional line (also featuring seven models), and the Aeromarine line (featuring a whopping sixteen models). With this many great products to offer the public, why not trust one of the best names in the chronograph business and enjoy a truly legendary time piece. More than mere watches, these can be an invaluable piece of equipment should you find yourself in a survival situation and it would then really be priceless, should your life ever be on the line.
Related Posts:
-
Welcome to Swiss Watch Guide
You can also subscribe by email by filling the field below:
