In addition to the Admiral's Cup collection that is already celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2010, the Admiral's Cup Black Chronograph 40 already has the makings of greatness. Loyal to the aesthetic design that has forged the collection's admirable reputation, it proudly bears the identity codes of its siblings: a 12- sided case and nautical pennant hour-markers. Featuring a 40 mm diameter, well suited to ladies' wrists, the newcomer clearly tops the bill right from its first appearance. It is equipped with a chronograph that asserts its sporting nature, while clothed in intense black and diamonds that proclaim its feminine spirit.

Having earned international recognition as Corum's sports watch collection, the Admiral's Cup has been pay- ing tribute to the world of sailing for half a century. The bold aesthetics of its 12-sided case have made it an iconic model that is one of the four brand pillars alongside the Corum Bridges, Romvlvs and Artisans lines.

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Originally introduced in the 1960's, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Dive Alarm, is one of the most sought after collector timepieces from the first true Vallée de Joux watch manufacture. Jaeger-LeCoultre has produced many in-house calibers, references and patents over the years, hence their nickname The Grand Maison. Even with all their famous collections, calibers, patents and references - one seems to stand out the most. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox Dive Alarm watch. 

The first version was produced in the mid 1960's and part of its demand is driven by the fact that they are extremely rare, with an original production run of about 1,700 pieces.  There are a number of dial variations available, including the Tribute versions (which have been produced more recently). And some models even have a smooth caseback, instead of the pierced caseback.  The piercing of the caseback was done to ensure the alarm is very loud (even underwater).  Fortunately, this version I am showing you here, has the preferable caseback (pierced). This circa 1960 edition also features arguably the best looking dial of the the different editions. Maybe most important, though, is that every part of this timepiece is original and in immaculate condition.

The price is not listed for this specific timepiece, however, after doing numerous searches, I have determined that a Polaris can start as low as $13,000 (for a re-edition) all the way up to $29,000 (for a platinum re-edition). Being that this version is not platinum and it is an original edition (circa 1960), I would guess that the price is closer to $15,000 and $20,000.

If you do decide on this original Polaris, or even a re-edition, chances are the cult like following (and rarity) of the Polaris model will always ensure that it holds it value.

Source: Matthew Bain

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The new William Baume Collection is a tribute to time and its measurement. Through a splendid array of haute horlogerie models, it evokes the noble traditions of one of the oldest Swiss watch brands, Baume & Mercier. This time-honored expertise is admirably embodied by the figure of William Baume, the man who forged the company's contemporary destiny and was instrumental in earning it the prestigious Poinçon de Genève in 1921, the seal acknowledged as the highest watchmaking quality certification.

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From Miami to Shanghai and St. Tropez...

Appreciated by the jet set, Linde Werdelin's 3-Timer GMT series is now available in steel with green dial set on a black pointed calfskin strap.

The new addition will be limited to 22 pieces and will retail at $6,475.

The most refined piece of the LW models, the 3-Timer can be set to show three different time zones, using the GMT hand and the bidirectional 24-hour bezel.

The 3-Timer series available in steel with silver, black and green dials, retail from $5,450 and available to buy from any authorized retailer and LindeWerdelin.

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Girard-Perregaux, originally founded in 1791, is a haute horology manufacture located in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland and is part of the Sowind Group. Created in 2000, the ww.tc (World Wide Time Control) collection quickly became one of the Girard-Perregaux Manufacture's iconic lines (and a personal favorite of mine aside from the awkward name "ww.tc"). The "World Time" function provides a simultaneous display of all time zones on its dial. The secret of its exclusive system is a coupling mechanism used for driving a ring displaying the time for 24 time zones, represented by the same number of cities. The hour ring has a day/night contrast function which makes it easier to read.

Girard-Perregaux is a true manufacture (meaning they produce at least one caliber in-house). This particular movement is the GP033C0 calibre, a robust self-winding mechanical movement with 63 jewels. It runs at 28,800 vph (or 4 Hz, which is the most common rate for an automatic mechanical movement) and features a 46 hour power reserve.

Its finishes, which can be seen through the sapphire caseback, are examples of the finest watchmaking tradition: circular graining on the main plate, Côtes de Genève on the bridges and oscillating weight, and blued steel screws.

The matte black alligator strap has a deployant buckle to guarantee the wearer optimum comfort. A version with a steel bracelet, also with a full satin finish, is available as well.

This timepiece has been released in many other versions including gold and titanium, but never stainless steel. This is the first stainless steel case for this collection. The dimensions are identical to previous versions, at 43 mm in diameter and 13.4 mm thick.

Water-resistance is 50 meters.

You might also like some of their other timepieces and other versions of the ww.tc, which can be seen here.

REF: 49805-11-650-BA6A, REF: 49805-11-650-11A

Retail Est. $14,000

Source: Girard-Perregaux

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Photo: Larry Busacca / Getty Images

Last night, during a nationally televised press conference for NBA super star LeBron James to announce where he would be playing next year, LeBron (aka King James) was wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore wristwatch. Specifically the Royal Oak Offshore Volcano Limited Edition. Not only did he announce one of the most blockbuster free agent deals (sign-and-trade deal) in NBA history, with his decision to go to Miami (LeBron James, Dwanye Wade and Chris Bosh will all play on the same team), but he did so in style with one of the very best brands in the world of haute horology on his wrist, Audemars Piguet.

Check out other celebrity watches here.

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Roger Dubuis is well known for their complicated timepieces, specifically their tourbillons. They also make minute repeaters, chronographs and divers. Personally, I have always liked their flagship Skeletonized Excalibur Tourbillon (which will be featured on Monday), but at $250,000, it is unaccessible to most consumers. Luckily, they do actually make some more affordable timepieces too. In fact, as of 2010, they have lowered their entry level price point for men's watches. The men's Easy Diver collection now starts at just under $13K. This still may sound high, even though they took about $5,000 off the previous model's price. But it is all relative, and for an exclusive, limited production, in-house made movement, this price is about right.

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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.

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