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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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The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Memovox International was introduced at SIHH 2010, in January. It is based on the Memovox Wortimer, which was introduced 1958. Jaeger-LeCoultre also introduced a new version of the original Memovox, which I actually prefer because its a more simple dial. Originally, the Memovox was powered by a 489 Calibre, then the 916 Calibre, both new models are powered by the new 956 Calibre. The new calibre features improvements over the original, such as; a variable-inertia balance, fast-date setting, and ceramic ball bearings. The Memovox International, like the watch it replaces, features an alarm disc with 24 cities listed. This allows you to not only set an audible alarm to go off, using the crown at 2 o'clock, it also allows you to read the time in any of the 24 time zones. This is a great classic model, and I am glad Jaeger-LeCoultre decided to revive this collection.

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During my recent Jaeger-LeCoultre manufacture visit I had a chance to view and photograph the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor World Chronograph, which was originally unveiled at SIHH 2010, in January. It is available in a 46.3 mm diameter stainless steel and titanium or 18k pink gold and titanium case (pictured). This new sports watch features a number of innovations that help the watch withstand tough conditions. The new Extreme World Chronograph is driven by an in-house 752 calibre automatic movement, and it is protected by an unprecedented air cushion shock absorber system. It features a vertical clutch, a large variable inertia balance and a laser-welded balance spring, which help with reliability, precision and endurance. The dial even features a rugged new material called Texalium™.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre just announced a new timepiece, the AMVOX5 World Chronograph. This is the first AMVOX to feature both a worldtimer and chronograph. Since the concept was introduced in 2006, Jaeger-LeCoultre has introduced numerous AMVOX models from 2007 until now. The first production AMVOX watches, introduced in 2007, allowed the wearer to activate the chronograph via a patented vertical trigger which is activated by applying pressure to the sapphire crystal, after unlocking the crystal. Then in 2008, they added a micro transmitter to the inner case band of the AMVOX2 Transponder allowing the wearer to lock and unlock their Aston Martin via pressure to the crystal (video example). They even made a GMT Tourbillon version of the AMVOX.

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La Chaux-De-Fonds based manufacture, JeanRichard, part of the Sowind Group, has released a preview of their new Worldtimer. It features a unique metal called Zirconium and it is powered by a new, modified version of their in-house movement, the JR1060. Instead of indicating the second timezone via an additional hand, this watch has an aperture at 12 o'clock that indicates the time digitally. The second timezone also features a day/night indicator. To control the second timezone, the crown on the left side of the case is used, and you adjust the city, using the city indicator window at 6 o'clock. This timepiece will be officially unveiled at the upcoming SIHH 2010, in Geneva, January 18th-22nd.

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TX just released a new quartz powered world time watch, the TX 530 World Time Airport Lounge. It features a 44 mm traditional circular shaped stainless steel case with a raised sapphire crystal. It is available in combinations of silver or rose gold case with mirrored globe finishes, multi-color accents and tone-on-tone graphics.

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The TX World Time Sport is great for keeping time in a second time zone. At the push of a button, you can select one of 24 cities from around the world. After selecting a city, the upper left (second time zone) hand moves to the correct time. In the lower right of the dial is the daylight savings time indicator. This hand is adjusted via the pusher on the left side of the case. You can toggle between "summer" and "winter" time on the lower display and the upper display adjusts accordingly.

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[ via Oceanus ]

Oceanus recently introduced a new flagship version from their high-end atomic wristwatch line, the Cachalot. They sent me one to photograph and review. Here are my impressions:

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