October 2010

Richard Mille has announced two limited edition pieces of their thinnest timepiece, the RM 016. The titanium case measures only 8.25 mm thick, which makes this a great dress watch that can easily fit under a dress shirt or suit. The black DLC coated titanium case is 49.80 mm x 38 mm, which is the brands only rectangular timepiece. Richard Mille originally introduced the RM 016 in 2007, and it was very popular due to its ultra-thin case design that is specially tapered to fit the wrist very comfortably. The machining of the case's three sections require 202 separate machine operations. The movement features Richard Mille's signature variable geometry unidirectional rotor that allows fine tuning of the rotor's winding. The automatic movement is skeletonized, something you can pretty much expect from any Mille timepiece. Sapphire crystals are used on

Earlier this year, at Baselworld 2010, Chopard introduced a very special L.U.C. collection timepiece, the Engine One. The L.U.C. collection consists of beautiful haute horology timepieces. Chopard has actually been creating their own "manufacture" movements since 1996. This movement runs at 28,800 vph, 29 jewels and is COSC chronometer certified. The watch motor is mounted on silent blocks and held by 3 lever-arms inserted into the case middle, much like the way an engine is mounted inside an automobile. Chopard L.U.C. timepieces are unique within the market, featuring both classic and contemporary elements, along with top of the range quality - like the L.U.C. Tourbillon Tech Twist, which was introduced in 2008. The new Chopard L.U.C. Engine One was arguably one of Chopard's nicest introductions for 2010, and I cannot wait to see Chopard's new introductions at Baselworld 2011.

For the 50th anniversary of Grand Seiko six models have been created, including automatic, quartz and Spring Drive powered models. The one (shown above) is the most accurate of these new mechanical Grand Seiko timepieces. It runs at -2/+4 seconds per day, which is slightly better than the Swiss standard for chronometers (COSC certified-chronometer's rate should be between -4/+6 per day).

Jaeger-LeCoultre has an ongoing partnership with the United States Navy Special Forces, the Navy Seals. The La Sentier manufacture, Jaeger-LeCoultre, sends its prototype and production Master Compressor Navy Seal limited edition timepieces to actual Navy Seals, for real life testing. Jaeger-LeCoultre then uses any feedback to continuously improve features, functions, usability and comfort of this highly tactical line of timepieces. The end result is a collection of timepieces that are designed for rugged daily use, whether you are a Special Forces soldier or not. The Master Compressor Navy Seal collection consists of a mechanical alarm watch, a chronograph and a basic diver watch (pictured above). They are extremely shock resistance, highly water-resistant and highly legible. All have a 60-minute dive bezel and the signature Master Compressor wing-nut style screw down crown system. I like all three Jaeger-LeCoultre Navy Seal timepieces

Earlier this year, at Baselworld 2010, Rolex unveiled new steel Submariners with the ceramic bezel upgrade, as seen on the gold Submariners last year, and the GMT bezels the year before. Click here for a video of about the ceramic bezel production process. In comparison to aluminum, ceramic is much harder, as well as being extremely resistant to scratching. The all steel Submariners come with either a green or black ceramic bezel. The green is $7,800 and the black is $7,400. Regardless of which color you choose, the 2010 ceramic bezel steel Submariners will be very collectable, as this is the first year of production. (Ref. 116610LN)

Breitling rarely introduces timepieces with clear casebacks, so this Navitimer is very special, with its transparent caseback. But that's not all. This is also the second watch that is powered by Breitling's 100% in-house movement (a movement which you can now enjoy more often, because the back is clear.) If you had not heard about the introduction of the new Caliber 01 movement (Breitling's first in-house movement) last year, then you can read about it here. The Caliber 01 was originally launched in the Chronomat B01.