BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends September 27, 2013

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends September 27, 2013 ABTW Round-Ups

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends September 27, 2013 ABTW Round-Ups

Rounding off September, we take a look at the Omega ’57 Co-Axial Chronograph, Arnold & Son’s DBG watch and what is purportedly China’s most complicated watch, the Wu Ji Bi-Axial Tourbillon. We also find out what Richard Mille, the man behind the brand is like, learn about the basics of watch modifications and visit the Hong Kong Watch Clock Fair 2013.

1. Omega Speedmaster ’57 Co-Axial Chronograph Watch Review

One of those adjustments made to the new A&S8220 calibre is that the tourbillon cage has been reworked too to show off more of this mechanism while retaining the three-dimensional design which has become a signature of the earlier Arnold & Son UTTE watch. Furthermore, the tourbillon cage measures 14mm across, while the movement is merely 32mm. This makes the tourbillon the single most visually commanding component of the skeletonized dial. And as if it had any help to stand out much more, the whole tourbillon cage is hand-polished and chamfered, so it glows like a superstar when shown off at the perfect light.And you’d expect, the remainder of the movement was completed to an extremely high standard as well. The main plate and bridges are made from German Silver and adorned with finely executed Côtes de Genève. The borders of the main plates and bridges also have been finely chamfered and polished by hand. The screw thread are polished and the screws and stones all sit closely in polished countersinks. It is a real visual treat for any mechanical watch enthusiast, and the simple fact that the Arnold & Son UTTE Skeleton watch is skeletonized signifies its lucky owners won’t have to turn it around to be able to admire all the excellent handiwork that’s gone in the watch.On the other hand, legibility has been slightly changed since now there’s not any true dial to talk of. The hands on the first UTTE watch were already little, but now that there is not any dial to provide comparison, the hands of the Arnold & Son UTTE Skeleton watch, which are gold and have white lacquered tips, are more difficult to see over the sapphire disk with published hour numerals. However, that is a small price to pay to be able to observe the Arnold & Son’s A&S8220 calibre in all of its mechanical glory. The Arnold & Son UTTE Skeleton is limited to just 50 pieces, and the cost is currently $76,750.

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends September 27, 2013 ABTW Round-Ups

The Speedmaster is one of the most storied watches in all of history. It is after all the moon watch. And in 2011, Omega debuted the Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph featuring the new Caliber 9300. This year, Omega is looking to their past to reinvigorate the Speedmaster. Find out what we think about the new watch which incorporates design elements from the 1957 Speedmaster.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

2. Beijing Watch Factory Wu Ji “Infinite Universe” Bi-Axial Tourbillon Watch Hands-On

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends September 27, 2013 ABTW Round-Ups

While it is true that the Swiss still maintain a certain degree of monopoly when it comes to high complications, the fact is that the Chinese watch industry has made significant progress in recent years. And this year at the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair, Ariel had a look at Beijing Watch Factory’s Wu Ji “Infinite Universe” Bi-Axial Tourbillon, which they claim to be China’s most complicated watch.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

3. Arnold & Son DBG Watch Review

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends September 27, 2013 ABTW Round-Ups

Arnold & Son is a brand that has been making a name for themselves in creating timepieces that are classic in their design and yet contemporary in their execution. Their new UTTE (Ultra-thin Tourbillon Escapement) and also the Time Pyramid are examples of such watches. In this article, we review the exquisitely made DBG (Double Balance GMT) watch.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

4. The Streets Of London: Watch Hunting With A Watchmaker

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends September 27, 2013 ABTW Round-Ups

If there’s is one thing master watchmakers have in common, it is probably that all of them developed a passion for watches from a young age. Peter Roberts, the master watchmaker behind the Concentrique Grand Complication 5, shares with us how he spent his youth prowling the streets of London in search of watches to practice his skills on.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

5. TAG Heuer, New Aquaracers, A Smartwatch, Team Oracle, And The America’s Cup In San Francisco

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends September 27, 2013 ABTW Round-Ups

Congratulations, Oracle Team USA on that stunning victory! Tag Heuer is synonymous with sports and we recently visited Tag Heuer in San Francisco to learn about their relationship with the sailing team Oracle Team USA. There were watches of course, and we got to see Tag Heuer’s new limited edition Aquaracer Calibre 72 Countdown Chronograph, a regatta timer; and also the special Aquaracer 72 sailing smartwatch – customized for each team member and designed to help each person perform their job better (coincidence they had these watches For The Win?!)…

Source: aBlogtoWatch

6. Hong Kong Watch Clock Fair 2013: Examining Watch Design & Culture

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends September 27, 2013 ABTW Round-Ups

Hong Kong and by extension, China, are important markets for watches because they not only consume but also produce. For the second time, Ariel travels to the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair to find out more about the Asian watch industry and how it relates to and affects the traditional Swiss watch industry.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

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