Interwatches.com Blog posts for 2009/04
Interwatches Blog
Wednesday 29 April, 2009 - 10:20 am
BREITLING NEWS - BREITLING THE BOOK
The comprehensive new reference work on Breitling
A specialist in chronographs and technical watches, Breitling has also shared the finest hours in the conquest of the skies. For the very first time, a magnificent new publication tells the detailed story of this grand adventure so inseparably entwined with that of modern times. Based on new historical research and enlivened by more than 450 images, including numerous original documents, Breitling The Book is destined to become a must-have reference work for brand lovers, as well as for devotees of watchmaking, chronographs and aviation.
Breitling The Book describes 125 years of passion for chronographs, reminding readers of the crucial role Breitling has played in the technical development of this type of watches – from the first pocket watches created by Léon Breitling from 1884 right the way through to today’s “instruments for professionals”, and along the way the invention of the first independent pushpiece in 1915, the separation of the “stop/start” and “reset” functions in 1923, the invention of the second independent pushpiece in 1934 and the first selfwinding chronograph in 1969.
The account also highlights the close links between the brand and the aeronautical world ever since the era of the great aviation pioneers. A combination of words and pictures provide a chance to discover the famous onboard chronographs that gained Breitling a special place in airplane cockpits from the 1930s onwards and enabled it to accompany the boom in airline transport by becoming “official supplier to world aviation”. Not to mention the numerous wrist instruments intended for aviators, including the famous 1952 Navitimer that quickly became a cult model for pilots the world over.
Published at a time when Breitling has taken a decisive new step by launching its own mechanical chronograph movement, this book also outlines the chief characteristics of the new Caliber B01 which represents the culmination of a longstanding quest for excellence, performance and independence.
Past, present and future thus unite in a shared momentum fueled by “the chronograph spirit, the Breitling spirit”.
Written in a lively tone, extremely well documented and presented in an original and pared-down graphic design style, Breitling The Book is available in five languages: French, English, German, Spanish or Italian. It can be ordered via the [http://www.breitling-the-book.com/] www.breitling-the-book.com website, as well as from authorized Breitling retailers.
Breitling The Book by Hervé Genoud
336 pages, bound, 24 x 30 cm
450 black/white and color illustrations
Available in French, English, German, Spanish and Italian.
[http://www.breitling-the-book.com/] Order online
Tuesday 28 April, 2009 - 12:20 pm
Zenith Movement
El primero, 40th Anniversary
Developed in 1969, El Primero is a masterpiece of innovation. Its perfect integration enables a movement that occupies very little space to be reliable and accurate: the position of each plate, each gear and each component is optimized.
(Chronomaster Open Anniversary)
El Primero is the only chronograph movement capable of measuring short periods of time with 1/10th of a second accuracy by using a balance that oscillates at 36,000 vibrations per hour. This absolute accuracy means that the movement passes the tests of the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute).
(Class Open Anniversary)
El Primero features a pearly, angular and planished decoration. As a symbol of its excellence, its calibre requires a total of nine months of work. It also needs 5 to 50 separate operations per piece, demands 50 separate grinding operations for the bridge dimensions. Then, more or less twenty watchmakers are actively involved in making one movement and no fewer than 18 different metals are used.
Two special series: The Originals and New Vintage 69
In 2009, Zenith celebrates the 40th anniversary of the El Primero, created in 1969. And so, in order to celebrate this occasion, Zenith launches two special series: The Originals and New Vintage 69.
(Defy Classic Open Anniversary)
The El Primero calibre for these Anniversary series has been named the 469 in acknowledgment of the year in which it was created. This automatic Date Chronograph movement features 278 components and 31 rubies.
« The Originals » is faithful to the vintage design, but with a subtle twist for the counters which meet and almost touch at the centre of the dial.
(New Vintage 1969 - Pink Gold)
« New Vintage 1969 » comprises models also inspired by the original model. The El Primero Anniversary logo on the dial at 7 o’clock is engraved on the transparent sapphire back of the case. The dials are unusually crossed by a band of light.
(Port Royal Anniversary)
The pieces of the New Vintage 69 collection will all be available, during 2009 only, in a limited and numbered series.
Possible Related Links:
[ Zenith's Official Website ]
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Zenith Watches at Interwatches!
Wednesday 1 April, 2009 - 11:30 am
BREITLING NEWS - CHRONOMAT B01
The ultimate chronograph
A powerful, unique and quintessential design, masterfully reinterpreted. A selfwinding chronograph movement entirely developed and crafted in the brand workshops. A stunning presence on the wrist distinguished by a blend of strength and elegance. Breitling has created a highly exclusive version of its leading Chronomat model, which is asserting itself more forcefully than ever as the benchmark in the field of mechanical chronographs. Equipped with the very first 100% in-house chronograph movement, the Chronomat B01 majestically heralds Breitling’s grand entrance into the selective circle of genuine watch movement manufacturers. Designed to guarantee maximum precision, reliability and functionality, it represents the culmination of the long-running quest for performance characteristic of Breitling "instruments for professionals". Crafted with extreme concern for details, this flagship luxury model is bound to delight devotees of fine timepieces born to accomplish great feats. Chronomat B01: the mechanical chronograph has a new name.
