Monthly Archives: December 2014

Montblanc Metamorphosis II: The Transformer in Action

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Montblanc’s Metamorphosis II, introduced in 2014, shown in the classic position displaying the hour, minutes, seconds and date. This is a regulator-style layout with the hour sub-dial at 12 o’clock, the calendar date display at 6 o’clock and with a central continuous sweep seconds hand. Take note of the minute display counter, which is over a 210-degree arc beginning from 8 o’clock and ending at 4 o’clock. The retrograde minute hand begins it “tour of duty” every hour at “”00” minutes (8 o’clock position) and ends at “60” minutes (4 o’clock position) before “jumping” back or returning to “00” minutes to begin its next hourly shift. Observe the vertical “line” which can be seen on the hour sub-dial and date display. The “curtains” open and close at this vertical line in the “morphing” process. Limited to 18 pieces. Priced at EUR270,000 / SGD404,800. Price correct as at the time of writing. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. Watches&Wonders 2014

The transformation process of Montblanc’s Metamorphosis II, launched in September 2014 at the Watches&Wonders exhibition in Hong Kong, is a sight to behold. If you had just gawked at the price, do note that there are good reasons for this. Obviously, this is not an ordinary wristwatch so do look beyond its face value, literally. As its name implies, this … More →

Chanel J12-G.10: Pulling the right “G” strings

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Chanel has transformed the G10 or NATO strap and brought it upmarket with its super-luxury alligator skin version on its J12.G10 watches. Photo: © Chanel

The “NATO strap” generally refers to the wristband for watches that is made of reinforced nylon or strong fabrics. It originated as a military issue watch strap that secured the watch to the wrist even in the event of a broken or dislodged spring bar. [Reference: TimeWerke Volume XI, pages 267 to 272.] Military personnel would refer to it as … More →

RJ-Romain Jerome H9C-DNA: Biker watch

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This is the customised 1943 WLC Harley Davidson showcased by RJ-Romain Jerome at the annual BaselWorld watch fair in 2014. This motorbike was customised by Hardnine Choppers (owned by Danny Schneider) and was sold together with the RJ-Romain Jerome H9C-DNA wristwatch. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. BaselWorld 2014

At the annual BaselWorld watch fair in 2014, RJ-Romain Jerome put the spotlight on a very special motorbike that was customised by Hardnine Choppers. Founded and owned by Danny Schneider, Hardnine Choppers is a specialist garage based in Switzerland that customises motorbikes. The motorbike on display at the RJ-Romain Jerome booth was the 1943 WLC Harley-Davidson 750cc which was previously … More →

PAM 785 Special Edition Set: Panerai Luminor Black Seal 8 Days Acciaio DLC and Luminor Daylight 8 Days Acciaio – “Slytechs” without Slytech

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Panerai Luminor Black Seal 8 Days Acciaio DLC 44mm. Introduced in 2014, it is equipped with the Panerai Calibre P.5000 manual-winding movement with 8 days of power reserve. The steel case is coated with DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) and the watch is water-resistant to 30 bar (approx 300m). This Luminor Black Seal 8 Days Acciaio DLC is sold together with the Luminor Daylight 8 Days Acciaio as a set – The Special Edition Luminor Black Seal and Luminor Daylight Set – PAM00785 that is limited to 500 sets. Recommended retail price: SGD26,450 / MYR65,100 / AUD23,000. Prices are correct as at the time of writing. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. Watches&Wonders 2014

While Hollywood action movie star Sylvester Stallone is best known for two leading characters, “Rocky Balboa” and “John Rambo”, in the movies, he is probably not as well remembered as “Kit Latura”, even for most hardcore Panerai fans. However, Panerai fans will be more familiar with the 1996 movie that Stallone played Latura: Daylight. This is simply because this particular … More →