A View of Baselworld, Video of Frédérique Constant Press Conference

BASEL, Switzerland – Yes, it's the same photo I used a few days ago when writing about Frédérique Constant's product introductions at Baselworld. But here’s an added bonus. Below is a video of the Swiss watch company's March 24 press event at its showrooms in the back of Hall 1.0. Peter Stas, Frédérique Constant's managing director, led the event, which was followed by lunch on the showroom floor. Give Stas credit. He said he wanted to keep his presentation to 10 minutes and he did, which is very convenient when downloading videos on YouTube.

TAG Heuer Carrera Heritage Line

One of the many, many things I did not get to see at Baselworld was the introduction of TAG Heuer's Carrera Heritage series to the annual watch and jewelry show. The watch, which actually debuted in October, “evokes the glamor and sophistication that defined the 1960s,” the company said, when the original Carrera was developed.

The timepieces are powered by a modern calibre 6 or calibre 16 movement, the collection is designed to look like they have been handed down across generations. This feel is achieved through details such as the flinque texture on the dials and a decorative motif of undulating lines that is traditionally found on vintage timepieces. This aesthetic is complemented by the timepieces' raised and curved Arabic numerals, which are featured in a blue, rose gold, polished silver or 18k gold, depending on the model. 

In designing the Carrera Heritage series, TAG Heuer delved into its archives, pulling specific elements, including the linear shape of the push buttons and tapered hour and minute hands, from a 1945 Heuer timepiece. Also drawn from this nearly 70-year-old watch were the hands for the small, second counter and chronograph, which boast an elegant delta shape. These stand in stark contrast to the stick-straight hands that sweep along today's timepieces, adding to the new models' antique appeal.

It is available in either a watch or chronograph.

New Online Luxury Jewelry Rental Website

This diamond and white Grable Cuff can be rented for $475. It has a retail price of $15,200, according to RedCarpetJewels.com.

RedCarpetJewels.com is a new website that offers fine jewelry rentals. Launched on March 28, persons can rent jewelry online for special occasions, such as including award season events, parties, weddings and galas.

Recognizing the demand for high-end jewelry at red carpet events and special occasions, RedCarpetJewels.com co-founders, Stuart Skolnik and Laurent Landau, saw a chance to create a luxury jewelry rental business.

“We wanted to give every woman the opportunity to dress herself up with something glamorous, something special, something indulgent. What could be more fitting than real diamonds, rubies and precious stones?” Landau said. “They can have access to a variety of fine jewelry without the huge cost or any buyer's remorse.”

The company has an expansive inventory of earrings, bracelets and necklaces on the website which they can borrow, or purchase outright online.

Seiko Looks Back to the Future

Seiko officials at Baselworld press conference.

BASEL, Switzerland - Whether it was a sign of defiance, solidarity or necessity it’s difficult to say. But all 12 Japanese companies scheduled to exhibit at Baselworld made the trip. None of them were as big as or more important to the world of timepieces than Seiko Watch Corp. A packed house of reporters attended Seiko’s press conference on March 24 as the Japanese watch giant honored its 130th anniversary by introducing seven new lines of timepieces for different markets, several of which look back to the company’s rich heritage.

In his opening remarks, Shinji Hattori, Seiko president and CEO and the great-grandfather of the founder of Seiko, Kintaro Hattori, expressed gratitude to the many members of the media who had sent messages of support to Seiko. After that it was all Seiko business until reporters asked about the Japanese crisis  during questioning (read about it, here). The event was largely led by Shu Yoshino, Seiko, general manager of the international advertising. 

Credor Spring Drive Minute Repeater
The one item that received the most positive response from those in the room was the Credor Spring Drive Minute Repeater. It is the first minute repeater watch ever built by Seiko and focuses on what the company calls, “The miracle of sound.” Described as a “lingering, clear and haunting sound” with “Japanese character,” it is enhanced by a totally silent spring drive mechanism made of steel forged by celebrated Japanese steelmaker, Munemichi Myochin, whose family’s blacksmithing heritage dates back 850 years. “Myochin” steel was used for the minute repeater bell gongs, which were calibrated and monitored to create the closest possible replica of the “Myochin wind bell sound,” described as a “clear and pleasing sound” attributed to the steelmaking skills of the Myochin family, which is used for wind chimes created by the company. Hattori said the sound is significant to Japanese heritage.

Seiko says the Spring Drive is the only mechanical movement in the world to measure time silently and continuously with no tick. The “silent governor” uses the viscosity of air to control the speed of the striking gongs. While most minute repeaters follow the traditional hour, quarter and minute system, the Credor Spring Drive Minute Repeater uses a decimal system in which the hammers strike one-hour, ten-minute and one-minute sounds. At 1:59, the hour sound is struck once, the ten-minute sound is struck five times and the one-minute sound is struck nine times.

The watch has no less than 660 components. The high-speed “flight” of the blades of the silent governor is visible from the front, and the striking of the hammers can be seen through the sapphire crystal caseback. The case is 42.8 mm in diameter and has a power reserve of 72 hours when the minute repeater mechanism is not used. Just three pieces will be available in December. 


Grand Seiko
The company also unveiled three limited edition Grand Seiko timepieces. All three models house a newly developed mechanical hand-winding movement, caliber 9S64, which boasts a three-day power reserve. The design pays homage to the original Grand Seiko model from 1960. Until last year, the watch was almost totally exclusive to the Japanese market. It is now available in more than 20 major countries. It comes in hand-polished steel, 18k gold or platinum (the latter two are pictured). The dial and buckle are exactly the same as the original model, the company said. The watch’s iconic “lion” symbol adorns the caseback. The gold and platinum versions of the watch are offered in a limited edition of 130, while the steel edition will be limited to 1,300.


Sportura
Seiko’s history as a producer of sports watches dates back to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, when the watch company served as the official timekeeper for the event. Touting this tradition, the company introduced new versions of its decade-old Sportura line, the Alarm Chronograph and Kinetic Diver. Precision timing, high durability, security and high legibility are the fundamental qualities of this watch line, the company said. Wide-surface, cone-shaped chronograph buttons provide precise operation. An angled dial edge allows the watch hands and markers to align even when turning the diver’s watch away from one’s eyes. Arabic hour markers arranged as follows: the 2, 4, 8 and 10 numerals are silver, while the 1, 5, 7 and 11 are in pure white. This is done to ensure that the hands contrast sharply with the dial and markers make the watch easier to read.

The company also announced that the Sportura brand is in a three-year joint marketing alliance with FC Barcelona, one of the most successful teams in world soccer. In making the announcement, Yoshino, removed his conservative business attire to expose an FC Barcelona shirt.


Ananta
Another diver’s watch introduced by the company is the Ananta Automatic Chronograph Diver’s watch, which will be sold in a limited edition of 700 pieces, and again taking a note from its history of building diver’s watches since 1965, creating the first titanium diving watch in 1975 and the world’s first computerized diving watch in 1990.

The company said the redesigned calber 8R39 addresses safety concerns by divers at depth. The new movement uses a balance spring made of Seiko’s proprietary alloy “Spron610” with up-graded shock-resistance and antimagnetism. The watchcase has three clamps, one more than is normally used in other chronographs. Then there’s the jet black lacquer. Seiko commissioned Isshu Tamura, a world-renowned lacquer artist, to create a dial that is truly jet black, so the hands and numbers can be easily seen while diving at great depths. Each dial is painted in layers and polished by hand by Tamura in his studio, the company said. Tamura is a master of “Kaga Makie” which is a traditional style of lacquer. 


Premier Collection
For its dress watches, the company introduced new versions of its Premier watch brand for men and women in traditional mechanical calibers, and in kinetic movements. The company describes the watch as classic and modern. For the new line the cases are slightly more rounded, the dials are little more textured, the crowns are new and the bracelet links are slightly smaller for a softer fit, the company said. For 2011, a new automatic movement was created: a 24-jewel 21,600 vph caliber with a power reserve of 41 hours. The heart of the movement with its gold plated balance wheel is visible through the dial at the nine o’clock position, and the whole movement, with its specially engraved rotor, can be seen through the case back. The three time-of-day hands are complemented by a 24-hour hand set into a subdial at the 11 o’clock position. The movement is both automatic and hand-winding.


The Lorus Collection
Three totally different watches under the Seiko’s Lorus brand were unveiled during the event. 

The official watch of the Blades air display team and the chronograph is built to perform as the U.K. civilian acrobatic air squad pilots spin, loop and fly in close formation. The sub-dial layout of the movement is easy to read. The steel screw caseback, security clasp and 10-bar water resistance of the Lorus Blades Collection is built to withstand harsh treatment. The timepiece carries the Blades insignia on the dial and with the insignia of the air squad’s charity partner, the Royal Air Forces Association, on its caseback. 

The Lorus evening women’s model has a silver sunray dial encased in a bezel with fifty four crystals that add sparkle to the case and white leather strap. The new creation is five bar water resistant and has a full steel case. The company describes it as a “smart dress watch for that special occasion.”



The Lorus Sports Fusion has a VD53 caliber has a new sub-dial layout and a dial that includes a screw-motif surround to the minutes display in the nine o’clock position. The case and bracelet are made of stainless steel, it is 10-bar water resistant, the crown is protected and the clasp has a three-fold structure for additional security.




130th Anniversary Commemorative Clock Collection
Finally, the company unveiled two modern, mechanical decor mantel clocks, which pays homage to the company’s beginnings in 1881, as a clock maker. The mainspring of both clocks delivers consistent torque with no change in output power. The gears are engineered to ensure low friction and the precise engagement of each gear. The clocks will run for 30 days when fully round and delivers an accuracy of plus-minus two seconds per day. 
 

The hands of “The Samurai in Contemplation” resemble Katana swords. The indicator at the base evokes the Samuri’s fan. The arched shape at the 12 o’clock position represents the helmet and the engraving on the barrel is the armor.

The space around the movement for “At the Tea Ceremony,” highlights the intimacy of the “chashitsu” or tea room and the engraving on the back depicts the gentle flow of water in a stream passing through a Japanese garden.

A Tiara Fit for a Princess

The Royal Asscher tiara superimposed onto Kate Middleton.

Royal Asscher Diamonds has created a sparking tiara for Catherine Middleton to celebrate her royal wedding.

The Amsterdam-based diamond company said the tiara was designed to highlight Middleton’s beauty. Created by Toronto-based jewelry designer Reena Ahluwalia for Royal Asscher, the bejeweled headpiece, currently in production, is set with 36 Royal Asscher Cut diamonds, as well as pear and round shaped white diamonds. The vintage inspired piece is placed on the forehead, inspired by the Strathmore Tiara placement.

"Flowers and buds represent nature's most beautiful creations and here they symbolize the blossomed love between Catherine and Prince William. Royal Asscher wishes the couple all the best and a happy marriage,” Ahluwalia said, adding that she “imbued the tiara with romance and wishes for love that is long-lasting.”

Lita Asscher, president of Royal Asscher Diamond Company, said the tiara's design is an homage to the upcoming Royal Wedding and to the Royal Asscher diamonds that grace Great Britain's Crown Jewels.

The idea, she said, is to, "Bring back the love for royal pieces and show that the tiara does not have to be old fashioned, but can be beautiful and romantic and modern all in one."

Lita Asscher, also said that this tiara will not be duplicated. "It is so unique that we would only make one."

If Middleton does choose to wear a crown on her wedding day, she will no doubt select one from the royal collection. However, it is not out-of-the-question that the Royal Asscher tiara would be worn by Middleton in some capacity, particularly when taking into account the Asscher family dynasty’s influence on the diamond industry and on Great Britain’s Crown Jewels since establishing the family owned company business in 1854.

In 1902, The Asscher Diamond Company cut the Excelsior diamond, found in 1893 and weighing 971¾ carats, into ten stones. It was the largest known diamond in the world until 1907, when the larger Cullinan diamond was found.

The Cullinan diamond is the largest rough gem-quality diamond ever found, at 3,106 carats. The diamond was presented to Great Britain’s King Edward VII who asked the Asscher brothers, Joseph and Abraham, to cleave it. Joseph cut the stone into 9 large gems and 42 small gems. The largest polished gem from the stone is named the Cullinan I, also known as the Great Star of Africa, at 530.4 carats. The second largest gem from the Cullinan stone is called the Cullinan II, or the Lesser Star of Africa, weighing 317.4 carats. Both stones can be found on Great Britain’s Crown Jewels.

The Imperial State Crown (pictured above), one of the Crown Jewels, contains the Cullinan II, the Black Prince’s Ruby and the Stuart Sapphire. It has a total 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 5 rubies. The Crown Jewels are worn by Queen Elizabeth II at the opening of Parliament and at the conclusion of the Coronation service. As the most frequently worn royal crown, the Imperial State Crown has constantly been replaced. Due to its constant usage, it is also the crown that requires the most outside repairs and recasting. 

The Crown Jewels also include the Sovereign’s Sceptre (pictured above), atop which the Great Star of Africa, or Cullinan I is mounted. The Sceptre was especially redesigned after the discovery of the Cullinan diamond. The Great Star of Africa can be removed from the Sceptre to be worn as a brooch.

Elysee Turns to Facebook Friends for its New Face

German watch brand, Elysee, is turning to its Facebook friends to find the latest brand ambassadors for their timepieces. The brand's "Face Of The Month" contest provides U.S. consumers with the opportunity to win an Elysee men's or women's watch of their choice up to $750 retail, their photo on the Elysee Facebook wall for the following month, and a chance at a trip to Las Vegas in June.

Each month, consumers who "Like" the Elysee USA Facebook page can upload their photo, a short bio, and a comment on why fans should consider them as the most likable face. The contestant who receives the most Facebook "Likes" becomes the Elysee Face of the Month winner. Official contest rules are available at www.Facebook.com/Elyseewatches.

The 50-year-old European brand entered the U.S. market in 2010. A retro style is one of the company's hallmarks of its automatic and quartz-powered watches. For the other styles, construction is enhanced with high-end complications, surgical-grade stainless steel and finely-stitched leather bands. The collection includes timepieces for women and men. All timepieces are designed and crafted in Germany, with retail prices ranging from $295 to $995.

Jewelry and Coin Auction Saturday at Weschler's in D.C.

Art Nouveau 18k yellow-gold, platinum, diamond, Plique-à-jour and Cameo Bangle Bracelet, Masriera Y Carreras ($3,000-$5,000)

Weschler's Auctioneers and Appraisers will hold its annual spring auction of Jewelry, Coins & Watches on Saturday, April 2, in their Washington, D.C. gallery. The offerings will span the Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Victorian and Modern periods, plus a selection of U.S. gold coins and lady’s and men’s watches will be on the auction block.

10-ct. emerald-cut solitaire diamond ring, set in platinum ($40,000-$60,000)

Highlighting the jewelry offerings is an almost 10-ct. emerald-cut solitaire diamond ring, set in platinum, which is anticipated to fetch $40,000-$60,000; an Art Deco platinum, diamond and black onyx brooch ($10,000-$15,000); an Art Nouveau tested 18k yellow-gold, platinum, diamond, plique-à-jour and cameo bangle bracelet by Masriera y Carreras ($3,000-$5,000); and a Van Cleef & Arpels platinum and diamond bow-knot brooch, together with a letter of authenticity, which carries a $5,000-$7,000 pre-sale estimate. Other offerings include an Art Deco 14k yellow-gold, white-gold, platinum, diamond and synthetic blue sapphire mesh evening bag and change purse ($5,000-$7,000) and an Art Deco 14k yellow-gold cigarette case by Cartier holds, with a $3,000-$4,000 pre-sale estimate.

Men’s 18k yellow-gold manual watch, Patek Philippe ($2,000-$4,000)

A selection of U.S. gold coins will feature two U.S. Double-Eagle twenty-dollar gold coins, dating 1876S and 1889S, each carrying a $1,200-$1,500 pre-sale estimate and a Sesquicentennial two-and-one-half-dollar commemorative gold coin, dated 1926, is expected to bring $400-$600.

Showcasing the watch offerings are a lady’s platinum and diamond 17-jewel manual-wind cocktail wristwatch by Hamilton ($1,500-$2,000); an Omega gentleman's stainless steel manual-wind wristwatch, Speedmaster, Swiss ($1,000-$1,500); and a men’s 18k yellow-gold manual-wind wristwatch, Patek Philippe, Swiss, holds a pre-sale estimate of $2,000-$4,000.

For more information on Weschler’s April 2nd auction of Jewelry, Coins & Watches, contact John Weschler at (202) 628-1281. The items may be viewed online at www.weschlers.com or at www.artfact.com. The gallery is located at 909 E Street, NW, Washington, D.C.