The Launch of the New exclusive - first of its kind, LETEL Watches.

Laura Colgan, at LETEL. Model: LPD504.

LETEL, a new company that creates and delivers exceptional custom-design timepieces, has launched in the world of Haute Horlogerie.

LETEL Watches Llc is a unique company specializing in exclusive custom timepiece designs and manufacturing for a selective Clientele. Founded by Christopher Durrell, LETEL has been building on a concept of personalized watches, and is ready to cater Luxury to the world of Horlogerie.

Turning an idea in nature into a luxurious concept, LETEL has designed a brand of watches that glamorize a letter, an initial that any person can relate to, by making it a Signature. Each LETEL watch is artfully designed, bearing the brave, bold and beautiful concept, which was inspired by the features of two of nature’s most distinguished entities: the Black Panther and precious stones.

Model: LOEYG.515

Just as the wildly brave Black Panther is fearless of its existence, these timepieces are fearless of their unique concept; just as the wildly bold Black Panther is distinguished by the appearance of its strength, these timepieces are distinguished by how their bold design makes a statement; and just as the beauty of both the Black Panther and the precious stones is marked by their glowing nature, the beauty of these timepieces is marked by their detailed nature, which is characterized by different arrangements of stones and carvings.

                                                                                                     

LETEL aspires to create some of the finest twenty-first century luxury timepieces that are brave, bold, and beautiful.

Designed for both men and women, these timepieces are a revolution of expression and a symbol of exotic love. We offer distinguished customized quartz, automatic and preferred mechanical luxury watches. LETEL encompasses custom watches adorned with exquisite jewelry. At each stage of our conception, we adopt exclusive avant-garde techniques.

Our timepieces are made with a passion of excellence, quality and Prestige. Sharing common goals of aspiration partnering with Uber digital luxury, an extensive Luxury network, LETEL Watches now launched a unique concept of its kind, the Write Time. The custom timepieces are for the distinguished selective, in addition aimed for Star achievers, celebrities, musicians, athletes, for the names with fame of success measured in diverse manner without borders. In reality for someone who strives for success and not only would love to be rewarded, but deserves the Custom service of traditional craftsmanship is what ticks at LETEL.

“The letter watch held a very personal meaning to me, as it resonated from my name's first letter. Name being an identity, the most beautiful music to ones ears, its an official  signature when written to win all and know no bars.” - Christopher Durrell.

If you would like to go online and order a custom timepiece, which will be made exclusively for you, bearing the initial of you first name on it- no matter where in the world you live-please visit www.letelwatches.com.

From pocket watches to the 21st Century, Bell & Ross today.

The brand was launched in 1992. The first watches were designed by Belamich and Rosillo and made by a German watchmaker Sinn.

Two boyhood friends, joined forces for one of the most beautiful adventures in watchmaking of the late 20th century.
They decided to launch a simple idea: “function shapes form.” Efficiency, legibility, and reliability were the three words that was the philosophy of the Bell & Ross brand.

Watches such as the BR Instrument have been designed to replicate the shape of a cockpit instrument taken from an aircraft. The BR02 range caters for diving professionals through the use of highly legible dials and cases water resistant to withstand 1000 metres of pressure.

Space One and Hydro were the fruit of this collaboration..
The second idea was to get the concept off the ground by presenting it a strong identity as an efficient chronometer, to meet the requirements of the most exacting user. Immediately adopted by NATO and the Air Force, Bell and Ross also found takers within the French security service’s bomb disposal squad.
Another offering is the Hydromax; which contains hydraulic fluid within the case to counteract the effects of external pressures.

They created Hydromax, the most reliable watch in the world, for deep underwater work, with the world abyssal record for water resistance to 11,000 meters. They also managed to restore with great success the taste for pilot watches that had flourished in the 50s and 60s, but which had since been forgotten.

Bell & Ross's first watches were virtual re-issues of Sinn models and carried the Bell & Ross logo as well as Sinn's. The partnership ended in 2002, when Bell & Ross began its own independent production in its facilities La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

BR 03-94

Today, Bell & Ross released their new Golden Heritage collection featuring the BR 03-92 and BR 03-94 Chronograph models , both to feature the industry standard SW300 ETA 2894 movement underneath a 42 mm satin-brushed steel and an anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

This piece has a gloriously vintage appeal to it, with the black face offset by gold dials, also including a date indicator. A black calfskin strap completes the piece, nicely touched with white stitching.

Movement: mechanical automatic SW 300 – ETA 2894.
Functions:
• BR 03-92 : hours, minutes, seconds. Date.
• BR 03-94 : hours, minutes, seconds. Date. Two-counter chronograph (with 60-second and 30-minute accumulator).

Case: diameter 42mm. Satin-brushed steel.
Dial: brown. Golden appliqué index and numerals. Golden hands.
Crystal: anti-reflective sapphire.
Water-resistance: 100 meters.
Strap: calfskin with hot stamping and black heavy-duty synthetic fabric.
Buckle: pin buckle. Satin-brushed steel.

Left: Czech boutique, Right: Bell & Ross Basel booth - 2013.

After opening its first European sole ownership boutique in Paris in 2011, Bell & Ross continues to expand around Europe by inaugurating its third store in Europe, in Prague, capital of Czech Republic.
Two years after opening its first store in Singapore, Bell & Ross chose the historic center of Prague to open its 14th self-owned store.
The new boutique will shelter the entire collection, through lines AVIATION, MARINE, VINTAGE, as well as exceptional pieces such as the BR01 Tourbillon.
"This long-awaited opening will offer collectors a wide selection of watches in a venue consistent with the aesthetic codes of the brand, and a bespoke service," said Carlos Rosillo, Bell & Ross CEO.
Like all Bell & Ross boutiques, this one perfectly reflects the identity and principles that characterize the brand: pure lines and timeless elegance.

ref: www.bell&ross.com.

Global watch market & presenting Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane !

Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane.

Global Watches Market to Reach US$46.6 Billion, While Clocks Market to Record US$5.4 Billion by 2017, According to a New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Watches and Clocks market. The global market for Watches and Clocks is poised to reach US$46.6 billion and US$5.4 billion respectively by the year 2017. Recuperation in demand for luxury watches post recession, robust demand from developing markets especially Asia-Pacific and rising popularity of fashionable, vintage and innovative models are forecast to drive market growth.

Rising income levels and increasing purchasing power of many young affluent professionals provides an opportunity for watch manufacturers to tap substantial demand for ultra luxury watches. As an effort towards this end, global luxury-watch brands are competing with each other to introduce innovative watches with new technology, design and materials. Key luxury watch companies across the globe are focusing on meeting all the necessary prerequisites for competing with the Swiss manufacturers such as Rolex, Swatch Group and Richemont, which lord over luxury watch segment. Presenting watches that feature advanced capabilities such as use of robots, hi-tech coating, and advanced materials such as ceramics and titanium, etc.

                                              The Power ball and the Fusée-chain constant-force transmission system.

However, this genius timepiece above from Zenith proves the reason why - with this immaculate creation one does not have to wonder about the magnitude of the success in Luxury market. Not a timepiece that sells everyday, but innovation as such are the epitome of the Luxury world.

The Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane ($280,000) has not one but two complications that clear this bar, so we leave you unprepared when you hit the power ball.

It wont be easy to acquire or own, since it is a limited edition of 25 pieces ONLY, 45mm x 14.35mm rose gold case (21.4mm thick with domed sapphire crystal).
It may seem somewhat unusual with its “bubble” and all the visible components with impressive mechanics underlying it all.

Since its founding in Le Locle in 1865, the Manufacture Zenith has constantly pushed the boundaries of precision. A quest notably expressed through the conception of the El Primero movement beating at the exceptional frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, followed by the invention of a gravity control system – the ultimate evolution of the marine chronometer. While the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane combines these two guarantors of absolute precision, it adds a third enhancement, this time based on the suppression of deviations from isochronism. Its fusée-chain transmission system guarantees constant force, resulting in rigorously stable amplitude throughout the running period.

                                                                                   Sentosa Tanjong Beach Club.

Zenith unveiled the Basel 2013 collection through an exciting platform, Fashion TV’s first beach event in Asia held on August 3rd 2013 at the Sentosa Tanjong Beach Club.
Along with the luxury show line-up, Zenith’s new collections were showcased on three of the fashion runways highlighting the year’s main collection – Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20. The evening ended on a high note with guests thoroughly enjoying themselves and having fun with our huge Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 GMT Red Baron. It was indeed a night to remember where great styles, outstanding quality and amazing trend-setters all came together to share and appreciate the finer things in life. A perfect embodiment of Zenith’s core value – Pleasure.

And that is exactly what Luxury is in one word, as a great reward " Pleasure ", for success. 

The Glitz of Chopard at the Oscar & Cannes, 2013.

Left to right: Imperial Black Chrono, Perpetual T, Sport Diamantissimo.

Going back in time to find a unique time, a paradigm but a pleasant journey.
Such is the case when we explore and glance through the window of some of the Elite glamour and glitz creations of Time.

1860, Louis-Ulysse Chopard establishes a high-precision watchmaking factory in Sonvilier, in the Jura region of Switzerland.
1937, Chopard relocates to Geneva and launches into the production of quality watches.
1963, Karl Scheufele takes over Chopard. He owns the German firm Karl Scheufele, founded in 1904 and specialized in watches (under the Eszeha brand name) and jewelry.
Production from both manufacturing entities continues under the Chopard brand.

Rest was a part of a great journey in history, as we unfold some of the gems of 2013, presented by Chopard.

Even though Chopard was a victim of a theft of $1Million reported at the Cannes Festival of 2103, a Glamorous party continued.

Observing the fine timepieces firstly, the Imperiale Chrono Black (top left) has a signature of details, alluring to the finest hours of the imperial age. Roman numerals, a dial delicate with arabesque motifs and embroidered cushions that monarchs used. The exquisitely curved hands cater to the daggers used in combat.

Imperiale Chrono All Black is machined from the finest steel in Chopard workshops, and then treated to a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, presenting a distinctive shiny black finish. This 40 mm watch driven by a mechanical self-winding movement is water-resistant to 50 metres.

This year in Basel, Chopard presented one of its most complicated L.U.C watches (centered above). The new L.U.C Perpetual T timepiece features a perpetual calendar and a tourbillon, and it has an outstanding power reserve of more than a week. This newcomer is definitely Chopard’s flagship at Baselworld 2013. The Perpetual T epitomizes the highest standards integral to the legacy of the company’s founder, Louis-Ulysse Chopard.

Next, presenting the Happy Sport Diamantissimo, an offering from Swiss luxury watches and jewelry maker Chopard. The brand launched this masterpiece as ode to it completing a glorious 20 years with its Happy Sport series, and taking a first look at this watch, you’d certainly wish Chopard to celebrate many more such joyful years – each celebration unveiling a spellbinding masterpiece.

Build in 18-carat white gold and diamond washed in 958 baguette-cut diamonds and 1,978 brilliant-cut diamonds, the Happy Sport totals an astounding 65 carats!

Chopard Manufacture L.U.C 96.17-L movement. The dial, case, and bracelet links of the watch have been embellished with an “invisible” setting technique that zeros down any ugly gapping spaces. Additional features of the watch include a central display of the hours and minutes, rhodium-plated hour and minute hands, water resistance up to 30 meters, facetted glare-proofed sapphire crystal and an exhibition back with transferred anniversary inscription.

Forbes reports that Chopard Happy Sport Diamantissimo retails for 1.5 million Swiss francs.

Jennifer Lawrence, Oscars 2013.

From time to priceless precious world of jewelry, Chopard made a long time presence. Some of which today comes from - Jennifer Lawrence stuns on the red carpet at the 2013 Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday (February 24) in Hollywood.
The 22-year-old actress looked amazing in a Dior Haute Couture dress, a Chopard jewels, a Roger Vivier clutch, and Brian Atwood shoes. Especially the long chain necklace hung low to the waist at the back which added the infinite sexiness and imagination!

Elton John & Chris Brown, AIDS Foundation awards.

Sir Elton John and Chris Brown attend Chopard at 21st Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party at Pacific Design Center on February 24, 2013 in West Hollywood, California.

Enclosing such an appalling journey of fine craftsmanship and steady growth of success, one would imagine there would be serious discussion for major constructive contribution plans - where Elton John has been well reputed. 

But,  who do you think had the best timepiece on their wrist ?

Let us know at info@letelwatches.com, we would love to hear from you. 

The Spirit of Piaget's legacy & Hollywood.

                                                           Matthew McConaughey, Common and Chris Tucker, Helen Hunt.

Piaget jewelry and watches were the ultimate accessory for the Spirit Awards brightest stars in Los Angeles.

It was in 'LA CÔTE-AUX-FÉES', a small village in the Swiss part of the Jura, that Georges Edouard Piaget sketched the first strokes of what, decades later, was to become an inimitable signature in the world of Luxury.

In 1874, he started his first workshop on the family farm and devoted himself to making high-precision movements that he soon began supplying to the most prestigious brands. The business developed very quickly. Piaget’s fame spread far beyond the crests of the mountains around Neuchâtel, increased by demand from those who already recognized his signature on a movement as a mark of seldom-equaled expertise, and his workshop grew.

An enterprising spirit, willingness to take risks and the desire never to rest on its laurels were indelibly inscribed on Piaget’s DNA, which is why in 1943, the company made a decision that was crucial to its future by registering the brand. From then on, the movement Manufacture from La Côte-aux-Fées produced watches signed by and sold under its own name, created with the same close attention to aesthetics and technical performance. This rebirth can be ascribed to Gérald and Valentin Piaget, the founder’s grandsons. They also started the brand’s geographic expansion and worked to increase its international recognition.

Today, Piaget pushes back the boundaries of refinement and the ultra-thin with a double world record! Two years after launching the double record-holding 1200P calibre, both extremely thin (2.35 mm) and reliable, Piaget presents the thinnest self-winding skeleton watch in the world (5.34 mm), housing the thinnest self-winding skeleton movement in the world (2.40 mm). The result of unique expertise acquired by Piaget since 1874, this exceptional watch nonetheless belongs to its time, as evidenced by its resolutely modern lines. Its skeleton movement has been delicately engraved and hollowed by highly-skilled craftsmen. An especially complex operation accomplished with extreme attention to detail without sacrificing reliability or component rigidity. Paying homage to the watchmaker's traditional art, which they excel in perpetuating, the calibre has a balance bridge with harmonious symmetry and long curves which cross the base plate and add overall rigidity. The search for style is two-fold with unusual decorative work containing alternating matte surfaces - sun-brushed and sand-brushed - contrasting with the shimmering brilliance of the edges. This work of art, only available in Piaget boutiques, has finishing touches such as the beveling and drawing done completely by hand bearing the hallmark of highly accomplished craftsmen. The attention to detail also applies to the screws (traditionally blued), the hands and the micro-rotor in black. A contemporary and harmonious work of art following traditional craftsmanship from the case to the bracelet.

Piaget Limelight collection. 

With a touch of audacity and a pinch of seduction, Piaget explored with refinement the Limelight collection with inspiration - rings which dares to experiment with light decoration that is as entertaining as it is refined, attaining with its sugary flavors the status of a veritable jewelry exploit. This rings court the night lights and turns all heads with its ingenious charm - matched by the creativity of its setting and the nobility of precious stones. Only the hand of the greatest gem-setters and the most expert eye can ensure the creation of a work of such painstaking, delicate but luscious.

May the journey continue, following the leading inspiration of which the Write Time, thrives to learn and grow from the brilliant minds of History.

ref: http://en.piaget.com/