There is one watch that has gone beyond this earth in terms of its fame and reliability and that is the Omega Speedmaster Professional, the original Nasa moonwatch that has gone to space and to the moon.

This is the watch that Buzz Aldrin wore on the surface of the moon in July 1969(although Neil Armstrong was the mission commander and first man on the moon, he wasn’t wearing his watch on his first walk on the surface because the lunar module’s internal clock had broken down, and Armstrong left his watch behind). Unfortunately this watch has gone missing and is probably the most prized collector’s watch anywhere in the world. Buzz Aldrin wrote in his autobiography that he was required to hand over the watch along with some other personal effects to Nasa. He boxed these all up and they were sent to the Smithsonian museum, but when the box arrived it was discovered that someone had taken the watch.

The history of the Omega Speedmaster Professional

The most amazing thing of all about this amazing watch is that it was never designed to be worn in space.  It was originally designed for racing-car drivers and was thought of as a poor-man’s version of the more famous and more expensive Rolex Daytona. Yet some of the features that made it useful for racing drivers (including a prominent chronometer) also made it useful for space exploration.

Apparently Nasa had not given much thought to what watch its astronauts would be wearing until quite late in the space programme. A hurried shopping trip was undertaken and Nasa employees chose a few watches for testing from a local jeweller in Houston (although there is some dispute about this version of events). The watches were subjected to various tests including heat, pressure and shock to see if they could survive the rigours of space. The Omega Speedmaster was then chosen after passing the tests with flying colours.

In 1965 this watch was worn on a “space walk” strapped to the outside of a space suit by Ed White. It was then also worn on the moon by Aldrin.

The rescue of Apollo 13

Although the Omega Speedmaster won wide acclaim for its association with space and astronauts, it wasn’t an essential tool of space missions until it was credited with helping to save the stricken Apollo 13 spaceship and crew.

Apollo 13 was meant to be the third mission to land on the moon. But after blastoff an oxygen tank burst, causing great damage to the ship.

The ship was stricken with its navigation systems and computers knocked out. Luckily Nasa had figured out a way of navigating the ship using the earth’s terminator (the line between day and night on the planet, as seen from space). Having figured out exactly where the space ship was, there was still the difficulty of firing its rockets without a navigation computer or flight control system. In the end Nasa calculated how long the rocket-burn would have to be to get the ship back on a re-entry trajectory. Part of the credit for this goes to the use of an Omega Speedmaster Professional, which was accurate enough to time the rocket burn needed to get the ship on course.

An advertisement for the Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow watch from 2001

The Omega Speedmaster also kept its association with racing drivers, even though it is now seen as closely linked with space. An example of this is its advertising in the 1990s when it used Michael Schumacher as a brand ambassador (though I’m not sure it used the term then) when it quoted him saying “trust your judgement, trust your Omega” when pictured with an Omega Speedmaster Automatic.

An advertisement from 1996 showing Michael Schumacher wearing an Omega Speedmaster Automatic watch

The Omega Speedmaster Professional: The Original Nasa Moonwatch

As with Ford and Chevy, Canon and Nikon, BMW and Mercedes, or Coke and Pepsi, in the world of luxury watches, the debate between Rolex vs Omega is a heated one. These two titan companies (both Swiss in origin) have been battling each other to win the hearts, minds (and pocketbooks) of high-end consumers for decades- and are showing no signs of slowing down. As in other competitions such as these, the source of the debate is not the fact that one is actually better than the other- it’s the fact that they are both generally very good, and the decisive factors in choosing one or the other is more or less a matter of personal choice, and/or in some cases professional need.

The Rolex Submariner - a classic Swiss diving watch

History

As aforementioned, both watch makers have a long history. Before the time of Quartz watches, Omega was the top-selling brand of Swiss watches, and was consistently selling more units per year than Rolex. At that time, although Rolex was selling fewer units, they were doing so at a higher price point.

Omega also made history but providing the first watches used in the NASA space program yet in the 1970s it lost its way in terms of marketing. The battle of Rolex vs Omega really tilted in the direction of Rolex, which did some brilliant marketing by providing its watches to world famous explorers and placing them in popular movies.

With the advent of Quartz-battery powered watches however, many Swiss watch producers (including Omega) unsuccessfully tried to compete with the Japanese in producing cheap quartz watches, while Rolex (which was owned by a private trust, and as such, didn’t have to cave in to market pressure) stayed the course, and continued to focus on producing high quality mechanical watches (although they did experiment a bit with quartz movements).

Under the worldwide economic crisis in the 1970s and a restructuring as part of the swatch group in 1983, Omega had become weakened, and Rolex increased market share until it became the undisputed ruler of the Swiss watch world.

Rolex advertisement from 1969

It was only in the past two decades that Omega managed to really make a comeback under the leadership of the Swatch Group. Part of this was due to new marketing strategies that focussed on product placements. James Bond started wearing an Omega (traditionally it had been a Rolex Submariner but in in the 1980s he switched to wearing an Omega Seamaster) and the popularity of Omega vs Rolex watches started to shift. You can read a fascinating history of James Bond’s watches here.

Since then, although Omega continues to produce quartz-battery powered watches alongside its traditional mechanical movements, it seems to have also adopted many elements of Rolex’s business model (i.e. higher pricing, tighter controls of dealer pricing, increasing advertising, etc) and has thus increased it’s market share to become more of a direct competitor.

In terms of the watches themselves, being quartz-powered most would agree that Omegas are more accurate (although Omega also makes a huge range of fantastic mechanical watches). As such for those who need a super-accurate timepiece for professional reasons, the Omega would definitely be the better bet. At the same time however, for those who are more interested in the prestige of a luxury watch, and can handle a higher up-front cost, Rolex would be best way to go. What the Rolex watch may lose in its accuracy (which is still extremely good), it makes up in its brand value. As Rolex is the most well known, desired, and copied watch brand in the world, (and most likely will continue to be so in the foreseeable future) it is the safest bed for re-sell. Furthermore, (and most likely as a function of it’s higher price) Rolex is known to have both customer service that is second to none, and a wider dealer network.

Even though Omega watches are both more revolutionary (while Rolex watches are ‘evolutionary’) and accurate, the brand name, resale value and customer service of Rolex make it an equal contender to Omega- if not in sales, then at least in the hearts of consumers. The contest between Omega v Rolex for the title of king of the Swiss watch brands will keep going for some time yet.

Rolex has also determinedly associated itself with adventure and sports and major personalities such as Reinhold Messner, a famous mountaineer who became a prominent brand ambassador for Rolex by saying he never climbs without his Rolex Oysterquartz (see picture).

The Omega Speedmaster and Space

Omega Speedmaster Advertisement from 1975

In his book, Marking Time, Michael Korda, tells the story of how Omega’s Speedmaster was selected by NASA for its astronauts. The selection was not, as you might imagine, an exhaustive process in which watchmakers were asked to supply specifications and to bid for a space watch (which would probably have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions, the way procurement projects usually do).

Instead, having not given much thought to the subject, NASA’s engineers suddenly realised quite late in the space programme that they needed a watch. They searched Houston’s watch stores and came up with the Speedmaster, which is lighter and a bit easier to wear than the Rolex Daytona, and also about a third of the price.

They picked it because it was waterproof, seemed quite sturdy and not too expensive.

“To own an Omega is to associate yourself with the astronauts, for the Omega Speedmaster Professional was the first watch worn on the moon and bore on the back of its case an engraved certification of that fact from NASA.”

On the other hand, he writes:

“To own a Rolex is to identify yourself with race car drivers, people who climbed Everest and sports celebreties of all kinds.

 Buzz Aldrin’s missing Omega

In his book, Magnificent Desolation, the astronaut Buzz Aldrin says that all the astronauts were required to hand back their watches after their missions. All of the watches are accounted for (and housed safely in the vaults of the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC) except for the one that he wore on the moon.

He said he handed over his Omega Speedmaster to NASA’s Johnson Space Center to be shipped to the Smithsonian. The box with his other stuff got there but not the watch.

“People have told me that the Speedmaster I wore on the moon is the Holy Grail of watches for serious collectors, and I assume that the search for it will go on.”

Aldrin writes that 40 years after he stood ont eh moon he was invited by Omega to Basel where it presented him with a brand new Omega Speedmaster.

The history of Omega watches

Omega dates back to 1880 when it was part of the firm, Louis Brandt and Son. At the time this was one of the world’s leading watchmakers with production of over 100,000 watches a year (Vintage Wristwatches by Reyne Haines).

The name Omega was apparently suggested by as early as 1903, but the first watch to appear under this name was released in 1909 at the Gordon Bennett Cup, an international ballooning contest and fitting place to launch the watch. It was soon adopted widely as a aviators’ watch and in 1917 the Royal Flying Corps, which later become the Royal Air Force, adopted it

A display advertisement for Rolex from 1983 showing the famous mountaineer Reinhold Messner wearing his Rolex on Everest

Rolex Vs Omega: A Brief History of Two Great Watch Brands

The history of some of the more popular Swiss Watch brands dates as far back as 1735. Swiss watch makers today draw on a tradition and craft that has been built up over centuries. So although many Swiss watch manufacturers use the most modern techniques and technology, their craft is one that runs deep in their blood.

Is is for this reason that Swiss watch companies are still so renowned for their high quality and why many of these watches are even more popular today than they were 100 years ago. There are numerous brands to choose from, however, there are a few that stand above the rest and are the most sought after watches and famous Swiss watch brands available.

Rolex

One of the most well-known and most  popular Swiss watch brands is Rolex. This is partly because Rolex watches are a well recognized status-symbol. The Rolex brand has a rich history that has developed since 1908 when the name was submitted for trademark. Rolex watches are distinctive and breathtaking. Today it is still one of the most counterfeited watches around the world. An authentic Rolex will cost at least $4800.00 with many styles that will cost over $45,000.00. You can find pre-owned watches for as low as $2500.00 depending on the age and style of the watch.

Some of the most popular lines include the Submariner, Oyster Perpetual, the Yachtmaster-II, Day-Date, Datejust, Daytona and the GMT Master II. It is a wide enough range that there is one for every taste, from the stylish dress watch to a rugged outdoor one. The most popular Rolex is probably the Rolex Submariner although the Rolex Daytona has a huge following too.

Omega

The original Nasa-issue Omega Speedmaster watch

Omega is probably the second-most famous Swiss Watches. In popular culture it is renowned for having been adopted by James Bond (who traditionally used to wear a Rolex). More important is the fact that Omega was the first wristwatch that was sent to space. In the past these watches were seen as something of a poor man’s Rolex, but in recent years Omega Swiss watches have managed to re-establish their reputation in their own right.

The leading Omega is the Speedmaster. In times past this was thought of as a cheap version of the Rolex Daytona. But since it was selected by Nasa it is now widely known as the first watch on the moon. Nasa notes that although it was never specifically designed to be used in space, it performed admirably. In space-walks it was worn on the outside of the space suit. It as, Nasa says, still worn on many current missions too.

In more recent years the Omega has also gained fame as being the watch worn by James Bond (or 007). In 1995 Bond dumped his Rolex for an Omega Seamaster Ocean with a blue dial.

Hublot

Hublot Watches are a real newcomer to the market. This is a brand that has only really emerged over the past decade or so under the leadership of Jean-Claude Biver, an inspirational marketer with a real passion for watches. These watches are unimaginably modern, using materials that include Kevlar and rubber. The Hublot Big Bang deliberately sets out to differentiate itself from all other Swiss watch brands. Unless you are young, modern and rich you probably won’t get a Hublot as your first watch but you may well choose to get it as a second watch to add to a collection.

Tag Heuer

Tag Heuer watches have quickly become popular and some styles are as expensive as Rolex watches. Known for creating a watch with a high level of accuracy it has become a favorite watch of sports enthusiasts. Tag Heuer has become the official watch for many sporting events. You can find some of there styles that sell for $775 and many of their high-end styles will range up to several thousand dollars or more. The watches are beautiful and have quickly become a very popular watch among men and women alike.

Breitling

Breitling watches are a favorite and unofficial watch choice of pilots. These watches are exceptional quality timepieces that were originally marketed to professionals such as pilots. You can find some styles for approximately $1895.00.with a few styles such as the Breitling Bentley that sell for $99,000.00. Designed with the best technology, the watches will last a lifetime. Breitling watches are distinctive and have unique features that set them apart from many of the high-end watches on the market.

Affordable Swiss Watch brands

Wenger: One of the most popular Swiss Watch Brands

Most of the luxury Swiss watches mentioned above are the finest in the world. But they also happen to cost thousands of dollars each (if you are lucky).  That doesn’t mean that people of more modest wealth can’t also enjoy Swiss quality and style. For there is also a large range of affordable Swiss watches that start much more cheaply. Generally these will have quartz movements, rather than mechanical ones, but they will still be made to exacting standards. The cheaper Swiss watch brands won’t cost more than a month’s salary, but they still give satisfaction and can be worn with pride.

Wenger

If you are looking for affordable Swiss watches you would do well to look at the high quality Wenger brand. Wenger Swiss watches are popular and very affordable as many styles start at a $210.00. The company was established in 1886 and was a well-known manufacturer of the Swiss Army Knife. Wenger started making watches in 1997 and the company was committed to making an attractive line of quality watches. Since then, they have developed a line of ladies watches and sport watches. The watches are very attractive and made with Swiss accuracy and precision. They may not carry the exorbitant price tag of the many other popular watches; however, they are a beautiful line of stylish watches.

Swatch

Many more popular Swiss Watch Brands available are affordable. Swiss quality is not limited to watches that carry a high price tag. Swatch makes a great line of cheap Swiss watches that are still pretty well made. Many of the most popular watchmakers have developed more affordable lines of watches. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars to have a quality Swiss made timepiece. Although, if you are looking for a status symbol that advertises your individual success, a high-end Swiss watch may be a solution. You will want to shop at a reputable dealer to avoid purchasing a counterfeit.

People looking for an affordable watch can do a lot worse than try a Swatch. These generally don’t cost much more than $50, yet because they are still pretty well made and look good they are among the world’s most popular watches. They also come in enough designs and colours to make almost anyone happy. I own a couple for times when I’m running at night or going into a bad neighbourhood and don’t want to risk having an expensive watch stolen.

The Most Popular Swiss Watch Brands

Pocket watches have an aura of romanticism and charm that wristwatches could never really claim—at least not until about the turn of the century. Antique pocket watches simply ooze with charm and sophistication. As early as 1462, an Italian pocket watch maker was made by Bartholomew Manfredi for a friend of the Duke of Modena. Since then, pocket watches flourished through the 15th and 16th centuries, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that a practical pocket watch was invented. Instead of having only an hour hand, it now was manufactured with the hour and minute hands—the ones that we know today.

Henry Pitkin is credited with manufacturing the very first fully-functional pocket watch in 1830. Later on in the 19th century, Schaffhausen-Japy watches were coming out of Switzerland at an alarming rate. America responded with the American Watch Company; it made more than 50,000 pocket watches. This only made the Schaffhausen-based watchmaker eager to produce the most precise and the most accurate pocket anybody had ever seen. From that, the Swiss Army Knife/Watch was born.

Types of antique/modern pocket watches

Antique pocket watches are, nonetheless, one of the most prized collector’s items of modern times. They are also widely produced and still worn in the mainstream. Two of the most notable types are the hunter-case and the open-face. The hunter-case pocket watch boasts a spring-hinged, round metal cover; this houses the crystal, dials and inner workings, and shields them from soot in the air, dirt, debris, nicks and scratches and other items.

The other mainstream type is the open-face. The main difference is that it has no cover over the crystal, or the watch face itself. Both models use various combinations of pendants (for winding), dials and “sub-second dials” for setting the time.

Facts about “modern” antique pocket watches

• Most of them are made in partial or solid gold, stainless steel, antique brass and similar fashions.
• Many hunter-case watches come with ornate compasses inside the lids. This type simply exudes sophistication and style.
• “Steampunk” is a subculture of style that heavily relies on such things as antique pocket watches, Victorian-era design, and steam-powered machines.
• Gold pocket watches are often given to employees as a retirement gift by many employers, families and friends.
• Men who want that extra-classy, traditional look use them as time-pieces inside their business suits—where they are attached via a chain or some sort of lapel.
• As many did in olden days, men sometimes wear these pocket watches on their belt-loops.
• Additionally, many of these open-faced and hunter-cased pocket watches are family heirlooms or part of a collector’s prized collection.

A treasured pocket watch can be for anybody

Antique pocket watches make superior gifts. Especially prized are genuine Antique Swiss Watches. They are hard to come across but keep their value and are real treasures. Do you have a relative who is about to retire, or is newly-retire? Do you have a college graduate as a son, sibling or friend and want to purchase something really classy for them? Check out the abundant selection of pocket watches online and you’ll find one that is absolutely perfect for you, a family member or friend.

Buying an Antique Pocket Watch

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. There are a number of cheap military watches on the market that I haven’t mentioned here but be sure to do your research first as if you end up paying a very low rate you may end up with something that is also not very good quality either.

Wenger® Men’s 72328 Battalion II Diver Swiss Watch $125.00

Wenger Battalion Diver Watch NA Wenger Mens Black Battalion Iii Diver Watch $208.12

Wenger Men’s 72325 Battalion II Diver Swiss Watch $97.94

The Wide Range of Swiss Military Style Watches

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 famed 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.

The Rolex Daytona: A Guest Post by Sharmi

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.

Breitling Navigator Products, Things to Know About Products for Professionals

Ever since the advent of the quartz watches, people have been asking themselves which is better.  To answer that question depends on what you prize in a watch, more accurate time keeping ability, or a more solid, heirloom like piece.  Whichever you prefer, take a moment to learn a little about both types of watch and see for yourself which type is best for you or the person you are buying a watch for.

Why Buy a Watch, Don’t All Cell Phones Keep the Time?

Yeah they do, till the battery dies and you are stuck somewhere without any idea of time.  Divers need quality watches, hikers should always keep one, no self respecting business man ever catches himself watch less, and farriers (that would be a person who shoes horses) always keep one hand as you always need to know if you are on schedule, so that you can let your appointments know if you will be on time or not or even if you are going to make it.  You may have to take an injured animal’s pulse, and you can’t do that with a cell phone. Cell phones can be unbelievably fickle, and I can think of good reasons for everyone to have a watch handy, so ask yourself which side of the watch war you are on.

Quartz Watches: Pros and Cons

The pros to keeping a quartz watch are mainly the time is more accurate, with quartz watches losing as little as a second a week.  They are said to be over sixty times as accurate as a mechanical watch, and require significantly less maintenance and care.  They are much cheaper that the average mechanical watches, and you barely have to think about owning one at all.  They can be found almost everywhere and have very few moving parts for things to go wrong with or for time to wear down.

The downside to quartz watches is that in the end, they are a cheap product and are simply not going to last the way a properly maintained mechanical watch is going to.  No one hands a quartz watch down to their children in a will after they die, and even if they do know one is going to fight over dad’s old cheap watch.  They are not an heirloom piece and no matter what you pay for one they never will be.

Swiss Mechanical Watches: Pros and Cons

The big plus to owning a Swiss mechanical watch is that they are items of exquisite quality and beauty.  Not just any bozo can make a mechanical watch, and the craftsmanship is really impressive.   These are heirloom pieces, real works of art, and anyone who leaves one to a favored relative or friend is leaving behind a real treasure, something that if properly maintained, can last for generations. If anything does go wrong with one, they are all moving parts, and one can usually be replaced with relative ease should it fail.  They also stand cold much better than does quartz.

The cons to purchasing a mechanical watch is that they have to be wound, a lot, they are also expensive, and there are fewer of them due to quartz taking over the lower end watch market.  In short, there are no cheap mechanical watches.  They also have to be maintained regularly, at minimum every four years, and more if you do any sort of outdoor activity with the watch.  Get ready to be on first name terms with your jeweler, because if you own a mechanical Swiss watch you will be seeing a lot of the guy.

The Mechanical Watch vs. the Quarts Timepiece: What You Need to Know Before You Purchase

The story of Jean-Claude Biver and how he has shaken up one sleepy Swiss watch company after another is a great one, but today I’m only going to focus a small part of it, and that will be how he revolutionized Hublot, a tiny company, with his Big Bang watch. Everyone who has met Mr Biver knows that he is a character who is far larger than life. So after leaving the Swatch Group where he had done various jobs including overhauling the Omega brand,  Mr Biver seemed to have gone to ground. When he emerged it was as a part-owner and manager of Hublot.
Now Hublot was a relatively new Swiss watch producer. It was only formed in 1980. But it was one that had been incredibly creative and had innovated from the very beginning when Carlo Crocco , its founder, introduced rubber straps on expensive gold watches. The idea seemed mad to most people in the industry but it soon picked up a dedicated following. For one thing, people were attracted by the fact that the rubber didn’t cause allergic reactions to some people who struggle with traditional watch straps and materials. It is also not quite clear why, but the Spanish royal family soon took a liking to the early Hublot watches. That started a craze in Spain where the watch has been popular ever since.

In 2004 when Mr Biver took charge of Hublot he thought that its line up had become a bit stale and he wanted to make a huge impression while still keeping with Hublot’s tradition of using innovation. His answer was the Big Bang, which took unusual materials such as gold and ceramic and fused them together with a bang. All sorts of strange materials are used. While titanium watches have become quite popular in recent years,Hublot takes things 10 steps further by combining materials such as Kevlar, red gold, magnesium, titanium and carbon fibre. Mr Biver describes it as a fusion of traditional Swiss Watch making with the Twenty-first century.

These are big and bold watches that are designed to stand out on the arm, not to blend in. Hublot has also crafted a large number of special editions such as the million dollar watch which is covered in diamonds, or a bright red valentines day Big Bang (which would match nicely, I suppose with a pair of red earrings).

Hublot has continued to expand and to innovate on the Big Bang. It recently opened in big new factory and has started making and designing its own mechanical movements, a move which sets it apart from quite a large number of other Swiss Watch companies that simply build the case and buy a movement to go in it.

Some of those who watch the industry closely worry about whether Hublot is too focused on a single watch, even though it comes in many variations, but for now it is doing well. Mr Biver is a consummate marketing expert and keeps finding new ways to innovate and promote his watches. Among his recent moves were to sponsor Manchester United football club and to get involved in the Americas Cup yacht race. The man whom the Economist magazine called a “salesman of the irrational” seems likely to keep coming up with ideas and designs that should keep Hublot a trend-setting Swiss watch producer for years to come. These are not your classic Swiss watches, but give them 50 years and they sure will be.

A bright red watch to match the season

The Hublot Big Bang: A Modern Classic Swiss Watch