300-Year Old Pocket Watch Discovered in Shipwreck

With the use of a highly specialized X-Ray machine, researchers were able to see inside a very old pocket watch, that was found while a diver was exploring a shipwreck off the coast of Scotland, that is estimated to have sunk at least 300 years ago. Best of all, though, is the CT (Computed Tomography) X-Rays revealed that the inner working are still intact. In fact, they were even able to make out the engraving of the baseplate which reads "Niccholas Higginson of Westminster." Historical records concur with the researcher's estimated time frame, as their was a Higginson making watches in Westminister, London, circa 1650. This is just further proof, that a mechanical timepiece is truly something that can last many generations.

Source: Gizmodo

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THE BIRD-MAN FLIES IN FORMATION WITH THE BREITLING WINGWALKERS

WORLD FIRST FOR YVES "JETMAN" ROSSY: THE BIRD-MAN FLIES IN FORMATION WITH THE BREITLING WINGWALKERS

Buochs, July 2nd 2010 - Yves "Jetman" Rossy has performed his first formation flight at Buochs in Canton Nidwald, Switzerland. After a drop-off from a Pilatus PC-6 at an altitude of 3,500 meters, he joined the two Boeing Stearman Breitling Wingwalkers planes that were waiting for him at an altitude of 2,500 meters. The two planes and the first jet-propelled flying man flew together for over six minutes within just a few meters of each other, an amazing feat when one considers that the jet wing is guided only by the pilot's body.

Source professionalwatches.com

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Concord C1 Summer Releases

C1 SEAFARER & C1 ZEST

The dynamic new versions of the famous C1 chronograph, the new C1 Seafarer and C1 Zest, are simply brimming with energy. Endowed with a vigorous design that sets the tone and a complex construction that excludes any half-measures, the summery Concord models are taking the measure of the season in limited editions.

Cool breezes or sunbathing? One is blue and the other orange. The COSC-certified C1 Seafarer and C1 zest radiate contagious energy. Whether underscoring the chronograph counters, taking their place on the central sweep seconds hand, or enlivening the straps as a total look or as overstitching, orange and blue cheerfully invade the functions and the construction of these watches. Enhanced by the immaculate white of the iconic vulcanized ring topping the middle, they radiate a dynamic approach to life and to time, while exuding extraordinary vitality.

C1 Seafarer lives up to its name by sailing freely amid blue "waters", driven by the regular cadence of its self-winding "engine". The white chronograph counters and the structured fiberglass-look dial are an invitation to revel in escapism, while the blue rubber-coated alligator leather strap also adopts the maritime look.

Meanwhile, the sunny, enthusiastic personality of the C1 Zest glows against a white, orange and black background that catches the gaze, lights up the passing hours and allows time to blossom. The black chronograph counters and the small seconds disc stand out against the orange honeycomb-pattern background, further enhancing their readability.

In harmony with the tried and trusted Concord mechanisms and construction principles, these stainless steel limited editions are built like impregnable fortresses. They embody the rugged features that have earned the brand its reputation for robustness and reliability, including a 3.3 mm sapphire crystal, 7 self-locking lateral screws, 3 dial levels, a thickness of 16.7 mm and a 44 mm diameter, 53 case parts, as well as 7 crown components. Behind this colorful and refreshing design lie the rigorous standards and impetuous strength of a construction that is truly unique in its kind.

Technical Specifications:

Movement
Cosc certified mechanical automatic movement, Valgranges
48-hour power reserve
28'800 vibrations per hour
25 Jewels

Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date and chronograph

Case
Stainless steel - bezel with 8 white rubber protections
Dimensions: 44 mm in diameter - 16.70 mm in depth
3.3mm thick sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Stainless steel and white rubber crown
Water-resistant to 200 meters
Open caseback secured with 8 screws

Dial
C1 Seafarer
Complex, multi-layered, white fiberglass structure with blue elements

C1 Zest
Complex, multi-layered, orange with black décor

Indexes and hour-minutes hands with superluminova treatment
Chronograph counters at 6 and 12 o'clock
Date opening at 3 o'clock
Small second on rotating disk

Strap
C1 Seafarer
Blue rubberized alligator leather with white stitching

C1 Zest
White rubberized alligator leather with orange stitching

Stainless steel Concord deployment buckle

Retail $10,000

Source: Concord

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Corum Admiral's Cup Chronograph 48 Grand Prix

Corum, a key player in the sailing world, now establishes itself in all the major competitions on the circuit. After announcing a double in 2009, partnering alongside the Okalys-CORUM team and giving its name to the Corum Grand Prix (one of the major races of the Challenge Julius Baer), the independent watchmaker is continuing its conquest in 2010, recruiting the talented and charismatic Loïck Peyron and announcing its partnership with the Bol d'Or Mirabaud in April. A prestigious calendar echoing the 50th anniversary of the iconic Admiral's Cup collection.

To celebrate the opening of the sailing season Corum has created a 25 piece limited edition Admiral's Cup Chronograph 48 Grand Prix watch. It features orange Superluminova markers and hands on a grey dial, which matches nicely with the orange stitching of the leather and textile-look strap. Full technical specifications below.



The waters of Lake Geneva are now under the CORUM flag who today celebrates the opening of the Challenge Julius Baer by launching a Grand Prix Corum 2010 limited edition timepiece.

Having concluded the 2009 season tied in points with Team Alinghi, we can expect the Okalys-CORUM team will stand out from the start of the season as an exceptional challenger.

Follow the race by visiting:
www.corum.ch
www.challengejuliusbaer.com

Source: Corum

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Baselworld 2010 drives the Industry

BASELWORLD 2010 closed its doors today after eight outstandingly successful days. With 100,700 industry professionals from all over the world, the show received extremely high attendance (+7% up compared to last year). At the close of the event, the exhibitors were delighted with the pace of business. The World Watch and Jewellery Show proved a real inspiration for the industry.

During the past few days, the most important and largest World Watch and Jewellery Show, BASELWORLD, confirmed its leading position worldwide. 100,700 trade buyers from 100 countries streamed into the elegant exhibition halls in Basel. Thanks to its unique presence, BASELWORLD secured its reputation as the highlight for the watch and jewellery industry, confirming its tremendous importance for all participants. BASELWORLD 2010 met the high expectations in terms of business performance and gave new impetus to the industry after challenging economic times.

Confirming the strength of the international show Jacques J. Duchêne, President of the Exhibitors' Committee, confirmed: "We are delighted with this year's BASELWORLD. Without being euphoric, we can optimistically look ahead this year. The show is and remains the place to meet for the watch and jewellery industry."
François Thiébaud, President of the Swiss Exhibitors' Committee, explained how BASELWORLD 2010 wholeheartedly endorsed the positive signs during January and February for the Swiss watch industry: "Exhibitors and visitors can smile again. More than ever before, Basel is indispensable for us and 'the place to be'."
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard, was also extremely pleased: "In comparison to last year, this year's show went much better. We welcomed more customers - especially from the USA - and received many more orders." Françoise Bezzola, Vice President Communication of TAG Heuer, commented: "This was an exceptional year. After a tense period, we experienced a festive and optimistic atmosphere at the show. Everyone looks much more relaxed again here in Basel."Roberto Passariello, Communication Director of Bell & Ross, is also delighted with the way the show went: "It was a highlight of the year. At this year's BASELWORLD, we welcomed significantly more trade buyers and journalists." CEO and President of Raymond Weil, Olivier Bernheim, describes BASELWORLD's strength as follows: "All market participants in the world watch and jewellery industry were present at this ideal event. This is where we launch our products to our customers annually and update the media about our latest news. BASELWORLD 2010 enables me to look ahead with optimism."

Source www.baselworld.com

Birthstones

For more than 45 centuries (3000 BC up to the 1500s), the acquisition of gems for their aesthetic qualities was a minor consideration. Though gem beauty is the dominant reason for the purchases in today's world, in the ancient world, gems were not luxuries at all. They were considered necessary to daily life.

The idea that gems contain special properties and powers is a concept that has survived for countless thousands of years, and lives on our modern birthstone charts. It is in fact the oldest of jewelry traditions to link a birth date to a particular stone and to accept the gem's ability to influence the wearer's life.

It is somewhat debated, but back in the remote recesses of time the idea of Gem Power was first cultivated in the societies of ancient India and Babylonia. Both of these ancient peoples elevated the idea and ascribed many magical powers and virtues to gemstones. In these times for these peoples this was no mean, primitive superstition, but a science, a complex and sophisticated system of beliefs.

In India, wise sages used gems as a practical means of attunement to life forces and spiritual cleansing. Wearing these stones would align the wearer with the life energies and the currents the gems exerted. From these practices evolved the nine-gem Vedic system of birthstone matching. This system is still in use in many Eastern cultures as The Vedas are the foundations of Hinduism.

From the ancient Eastern Cultures this birthstone tradition found its way into what would become the foundations of western religious ideology through Judeo-Christian teachings. The famous Breastplate of Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first priest of The Arc Of The Covenant, was constructed at Moses' command to specifications given him by God. Over the last 3500 years Both Jewish and Christian theologians have interpreted the significance of the 12 gems used in the breastplate's construction. Josephus, the great Jewish historian, described the protective armor in detail and this description is believed to be the real origin of our modern birthstone record.

This Age of Enlightenment not withstanding, the birthstone tradition has survived into this modern era of ours. The current birthstone list was established in Kansas City, MO in 1912 when the National Association of Jewelers met to rework and revise the list that had been in use since the 1400's. The list as it stood by 1912 was one that had evolved over centuries and carried the influence of many eras and cultures. The 1912 revision drew much fire from gemstone purists who felt that the list's importance was being subjugated by commercialism. Only six of the stones from the older, traditional list were retained and revisions such as the movement of Ruby from being December's stone to July's and the addition of tourmaline as an October alternate were considered scandalous.

Theological debate over the centuries has revised and remolded many of the ancient world's ideals but gemstones continue to play important roles in daily life. Throughout the ages gems have been treasured amulets prized for their ability to influence the energies of nature and the life force itself. Even today much of the attraction to gems still centers on the mystical over the decorative.

Design your own one-of-a-kind jewelry piece for someone you love!

Choosing Your Watch

So, what must you consider before you decide on the best suitable watch for you. Consider the following points:

Luxury Timepieces

If you'r looking for one watch that will keep excellent time and remain in style for years to come, the classic design and renowned craftsmanship of Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Cartier, Chopard watches for men and women are unparalleled. Rolex men's and women's watches also offer the perfect hybrid of style and performance.

Diamond Watches

For a watch so beautiful it becomes a piece of jewelry, view our watches with diamonds. Diamonds are durable so they create a timepiece that's as useful as it is beautiful. You'll find watches with diamond hour markers, diamond bezels, or diamond cases in our Aqua Master, Chanel, Chopard, Fendi, Cartier, Ulysse Nardin and other collections.

Working

If you want a watch that will help keep you punctual, look for a watch with a second hand and clear markers. You can even find watches with easy-to-set timers that can remind you when you need to move on to the next meeting. For watches with alarms and clear markers, view our Aqua Master, Blancpain, Hamilton, Hublot, Swiss Army, Jacob & Co and others. If you travel regularly, you should consider our Aqua Master 2 Time Zones watches that are specifically designed for accuracy in multiple time zones.

Casual

Look for casual features that ensure you can keep your mind on taking it easy. Choose a watch with a comfortable band and higher water resistance so you don't have to worry about your watch when you're reaching in the cooler for a drink or slipping in for a swim. View our casual Baume & Mercier, Jorg Gray, Swiss Army, TAG Heuer, Tissot and others.

Dressy

For a more formal look, choose a watch that matches your attire. A stainless steel bracelet band and a black face perfectly match a black sweater and gray pants. Men's Gucci watches come in stainless steel, black, or brown leather bands to match any suit. Breguet, Cartier, Chopard, De Grisogono, DeWitt, Patek Philippe, Piaget, Richard Mille, Roger Dubuis, Rolex, Ulysse Nardin, Urwerk, Vacheron Constantin, Zenith watches for women feature luxury touches like diamond and gemstone bezels.

Sport

If you are looking for a watch that can meet the demands of your active lifestyle, look to our sporting watches Tissot, Swatch, Swiss Army, TechnoMarine, Zodiac and others. Some diving watches feature screw down crowns and casebacks, as well as water resistance up to 600 ft.

Hip & Stylish

For watches with cutting edge style, look for features like unique case shapes, face colors, and band materials. You're guaranteed to find these features if you look to established fashion brands, like De Grisogono, Ice Tek, Michele, Piaget and others.

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