Platinum

For all of those that can't understant the "steep" increase in price of Platinum watches/cases here is a great explanation from URWERK.

PDF...



If this is still not enough and your German is more than acceptable I recommend some of these documentaries on DVD. It's worth seeing what kind of work goes into doing the cases.

ZZL...

Ding Dong....

Word of caution to Switzerland, the Japanese are back! ... or at least they are trying, but with a different approach this time. While the Chinese are busy developing low cost movements that not long ago were Monopolies of the Swiss, the Japanese are attempting to enter the high-end finishing market. I must admit that Credor was amongst the interesting stands at the Basel Fair (wait, I forgot to add them to my BEST list, will correct that right now...) and really think that their effort will eventually show sooner or later. It will take time though before people will accept that the Japanese are capable of making serious watches and it will take even longer before people would be willing to pay close-to European prices. I won't be sorry about that since it was their fault in the first place. That's what you get guys for flooding the market (and almost destroying the Swiss Watch Industry in the process) with cheap crap. Serves you well guys, now fix it.

At this point what I find unrealistic is a Seiko priced at over 100,000 €, even if it is a repeater. What becomes ludicrous are statements like;

"The very first production timepiece for the international market will be available at the SEIKO Center in Paris in November for private viewing by appointment."

So now, you need to take an appointment to see a Seiko? What will be next, background checks and recommendations to have the honor to own one? Pride would be a big reason why I would never ask for an appointment to see a Seiko. Especially since most really big names (Patek, AP, Jaeger...) will INVITE you personally to see even more extraordinary pieces than this. Some people should definitely be checked for drugs on a regular basis. A good clue is when they come up with ideas such as this. Lange tried something like that with their Tourbograph, but was discarded because the dealers refused to enforce and tell the client that first he had to be accepted, allowed and qualify to spend over 400,000 € on a watch. I dare not say what I would tell my dealer if he came with such demands (in the unlikely case I would ever consider something like that, let alone even afford it!). "Stick it where the Sun don't shine" ...would be the first thing that comes to my mind.

I will not be surprised when the first pieces of this Credor start to hit the secondary market at 60% to 70% discounts rather sooner than later.

Nice "exercise" though...

Press release...

Credor...

A. Lange & Soehne "Hommage to Richard Lange"

This is one of those watches that jump at you when seen in the flesh. Pictures just don't do it any justice. Definitely going after Patek's Calatrava, will they succeed? Difficult, but then who would have thought 10 years ago that Germans where capable of such finishes...

A. Lange & Soehne...

My WORST of the 2006 Shows...

PATEK vs. VACHERON "slugfest": PP and VC have entered a contest with the theme; "who's got the ugliest". Both are very close, yet the Patek in this instance takes the title. These two atrocities come straight out of what could be the imagination worthy of a 12 year old youngster trying to design his perfect watch. Since a picture is wort a thousand words I will let you be the Judge...


















LIGHTING: Although they look great, LEDs are not the ideal way to showcase watches. The accentuate minor scratches, misguide you in color and make the watch look dim. Many have opted this year to go with this type of lighting. Big mistake!

ROLEX: Another blank year... No, wait!!! Some "classy" diamond Daytonas anyone?



ZENITH: Sorry, but their stuff just looks cheap. It's vulgar, gaudy and keeps getting worse. Creating a marketing campain with models (giving the impression of an IQ barely over 60) and trying to bank on the excelence of their movements is not the best way to sell this product. Looking at their publicity it becomes apparent that most people that are targeted by Zenith don't know the difference between an Automatic and a Quartz movement. At this level, people that know so little about watches will spend their money on any other options...

HARRY WINSTON & deGRISOGONO: Simply pathetic that manufacturers like Harry Winston and deGrisogono showcase they jewelry lines leaving their watches on a second level. Jewelry belongs in the other building! Winston didn't even have their Z1, Z2 or Opus V. Instead what they had plenty of were diamonds and girls, that had no idea what they where talking about (jewelry included). This should be addressed by the organizers so that people that take advantage of the watch "magnet" should not be allowed to showcase jewelry instead. This was only confirmation that watches from "these" brands should not be bought... especially considering the importance that their timepieces have in their book.

"UHREN-Chronos" Magazine: Several publications make sure they are in the Newspaper Stands for the Basel and Geneva shows. If you have to take a train or plane you will most likely buy most of yesterdays news to make long hours seem shorter. However, what I did not intend to buy was last years news... Incredibly; according to this publication the Rolex GMT II is this years news, they even benchmark it as an absolute novelty. Rolex, if you wish to be in the news please do something worth mentioning and don't just buy first pages in watch magazines.





OVERDONE STANDS: Expensive and reminiscent of a Greek mausoleum, they could invest more money in training future watchmakers, spend it in developing new better movements or reducing the cost of their "after-sales services" instead. Many look to me like it's more about their egos than making an impression. Simply obnoxious...

SWISS HOTELS: Small, expensive and taking advantage of the situation.

FISH TANK: What's up with that?!?

My BEST of the 2006 Shows...

PATEK: They finally got the message. They presented a 39 mm version of their World Time, the 5130. Not only have they increased it in size so larger wrists don't look awkward but they have added the original hour hand. There is no doubt in my mind, this one will be a hit.





CHRONOSWISS: One of the nicest stands in he show. Friendly to look at and relaxing to observe... Very much in sync with their brand image.







CORUM: They had the best lighting and presentation. Considering the other poor performances I had to mention this.

SIHH: An absolutely flawless organization. Very impressive

MAURICE LACROIX: I must admit that I was surprised by LaCroix's two Limited Editions. The new in-house Chrono, although a bit pricey, is a joy to look at. The GMT is also and interesting design that has not bee seen in that brand before, and it's nod bad... not bad at all.

U-BOAT: Interesting design and finish. Unfortunately the size makes it completely unwearable. It's actually worth looking into, if you weigh 150 kg. (about 300 pounds) or simply like HUGE watches.

URWERK: They keep getting better. When you think they just can't, they show up with two models that are simply breathtaking.

SWISS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: It is a real blessing to be able to completely do without renting a vehicle. No mater in what city you are and if you have to go to Geneva or Basel... a train, a bus, a tramway, or a plane will leave you practically at the entrance of the fair. Always spot-on, on time and very clean.

CERAMIC: Several manufacturers are retaking "Ceramic" as an option. Panerai, AP, IWC and Hublot are proposing either full or part ceramic cases. About time!

CREDOR: An interesting development is the increase of Japanese watch makers going into the high-end finishing segment. Credor is still Seiko's baby but showing some promise, I am very curious as to how things will develop in the future. Time will tell...

HUBLOT STAND: First price for the coolest display! It consist in a column that will sense if somebody gets too close to the watch, zap!!! The showcased item is instantly retracted inside the safety of the column. The advantage of this is that you are able to have an unobstructed view and see the watch without having a glass between you and the product. What is being displayed is another story...

JAEGER LECOULTRE: It has been several years now that Jaeger are the most innovative brand. They keep introducing new models and not just Limited Editions with different color dials. The difference between Jaeger and the others is that they do develop new movements at more humane prices, not just 200 pieces at insane costs with loads of hot air. They 75 anniversary Squadra is really something.

GERALD GENTA: Their BiRetros keep getting better and finally they decided to make the better looking QuattroRetro.

Bang & Olufsen "SERENE"

The Serene is one of the coolest phones, it opens and closes by itself with the help of a small motor! The effect is quite dramatic, especially when on its charger and you receive a call. The software is limited, plain and unhelpful just like most Samsung phones, actually the graphics have been improved and simplified (a bit too much for my taste). Dialing is a nightmare and SMS'ing takes all of your attention and the whole afternoon... but it opens by-itself! The rubber surface (B &O claims it regenerates itself over time) is a bit unsettling and does not offer many guarantees as to durability... but it opens when you receive a call! The software is limited and you can't change or upload ring tones... did I mention that it opens by-itself? Another concern would be servicing, in most countries they would have to be sent via many places to have this done. This means one to three months, at least, to have the phone back...

look, it's opening!!!



Serene...