Golf lovers, are you prepared for another golf themed watch? Ready or not here is one sure to put a smirk on your face. This is the Iron watch by Charriol, shaped just like one of your clubs. The watch dial is complete with the iconic horizontal grooves and a dial shaped like the club head. Charriol calls the watch unisex being suitable for a man or a woman, but whoever you are, it takes a dedicated lover of the sport to wear one of these.

The watch case is in steel and not so large at 33mm wide by 29mm tall. Dots on the dial make the time readable, and the case is attached to a leather strap with an embossed crocodile pattern on it, and a steel butterfly clasp. In addition to the pictured black tone, the watch is available in a "green" green color that you shouldn't miss. Movement is quartz.. I like that Charriol is able to not take themselves too seriously and release a fun watch like this. Price is 1,260 Swiss Francs and it is available on their website.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com

Asymmetric diamond layouts are in. Harry Winston showed us this here on the Talk To Me, Harry Winston Snowflake watch, and not Montblanc gives us a taste of what this design aesthetic can produce. coming in January, Montblanc will reveal the new Star Pluie d'Etoiles watch for women. I do quite like the look. The case and dial work together harmoniously, as the watch wouldn't be what it is without both.

The case is 36mm wide and in 18k white gold. The out bezel is lined with baguette cut diamonds, while the inner side of the bezel is done in what looks to be round cut diamonds. The diamonds are top Wesselton, and there are 298 of them on the watch. The dial itself is in black Tahitian mother-of-peal, with a nicely engraved Montblanc star "falling" with the diamonds. Movement is a Swiss ETA automatic, and you know it is a Montblanc by the logo on the side of the case, as well as the characteristic "12" in their standard font. It is all on an alligator strap. A nice wintry ladies' watch this season.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Chronoswiss watches have been gaining popularity as of late and they have finally cleared up one of my biggest questions. Why are they called "chrono-Swiss" when they are a German company? The official response is here: "Though [Chronoswiss is] a German company, every component of the timepieces is manufactured in Switzerland and then hand-finished and assembled in Germany." Oh... OK. That makes more sense now. I do like the watches too!

Just in time for what everyone hopes will be the big rebound shopping season, Chronoswiss will open a brand new shop in SoHo in New York City. I love that the store front is both inviting and eye catching. It has that charming brick look, with a few little tables inside and a cute little entrance way. There is no large intimidating sign for the brand, just a cool looking banner showing a portion of one of their watch dials. A soft sign with the brand name is in the window. I really hope the inside of the store is as well designed as the outside. The boutique is located in SoHo on West Broadway. Although the store is now open, their official grand opening event will be held on December 2nd from 7-11pm.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Watches in rings have been done before, but not quite like this. This is a new approach and quite interesting. The Digit Watch is design to appeal to both men and women, and given its high level of customization - the company can make one for you. Produced in London, the Digit Watch takes existing mechanical watch movements from major luxury watch brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Breitling, Blancpain, and others (buyer can choose), and places them inside of an 18k white gold ring with an Aquamarine jewel face, decorated with 142 diamonds. The ring has a watch face on it, and a crown for winding and setting the movement.

The concept is nifty for women who want something different, and as a second timepiece on ones hand for men who want the bling of a pinky ring. That rhymed... "Yo, look at my ring... I'm talking here!" I like who the movement is actually special and often a bit unique. It would have been easier to just put in a quartz movement, but that is not what the designer wanted to do. You can see in the image gallery who the small 17 jewel manually wound movements are inserted into the watch. An interesting idea and available starting at about 8,000 British pounds.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

49 watches from the private collection of Prof. F. A. Porsche of the famed sports car marque and his sons will be auctioned by Bonhams on Dec. 2 in London during its Fine Watches and Timepieces sale. Included are timepieces by Eterna, Porsche Design, Rolex, Panerai, Jaeger LeCoultre, Breitling, Chronoswiss, Omega and more. Of particular note are prototypes and unique examples of Eterna and Porsche Design watches custom made for the Porsche family. The latter includes a fine 18 carat gold chronograph (above) made especially by Eterna (now owned by Porsche) and presented to Dr. Ferdinand Oliver Porsche for his 40th birthday, estimated at £4,000 - £6,000. Also included in the collection is a very rare Rolex Explorer with ivory dial (£,5000 -£7,000), a selection of Panerai watches including a Luminor Flyback (£3,000 - £5,000), and an original Jaeger LeCoultre Polaris from 1960 (£5,000 - £7,000).

[via JamesList]

Frequent among the Forbes Magazine list of world's richest people, South African native Johann Rupert has been appointed the new CEO of the Richemont Group, who is owns a bevy of world-class watch and jewelry labels. Among these are Cartier, Panerai, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and A. Lange & Sohne. It is unclear to me why Richemont Group's previous CEO left (sources say he retired), but with Rupert's history in the luxury realm, as well as charismatic personality, he seems like a good fit. Plus, he is wealthy enough to afford his company's own products.

One thing that Rupert made clear, is important for the company's future. Unlike the recent increase of detailed oversight of the brands under the Richemont umbrella, Rupert has indicated that he desires autonomy for the group brands. This is one of the major reasons we saw a rash of CEO resignations from Richemont brands (such as A. Lange & Sohne and Baume & Mercier). Hopefully Rupert is aware of the fact that micromanaging didn't do anyone any good, ever.

Rupert is not exactly a self-made man, but has done well with the incredible wealth that he inherited. His business record is quite impressive. It is well known in the watch industry that times are tough for luxury items. Richemont Group and main competitor Swatch Group have been hit hard, so it will be interesting to see their plans for recovery over the next few years.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

A Patek Philippe Yellow Gold Calibre 89 pocket watch, the world's most complex timepiece as mentioned by my colleague Ariel Adams last month, just sold for a world record price of CHF 5,120,000, or $5.068 million at Antiquorum's 35th Anniversary Sale in Geneva. "The incredible result realized for the Calibre 89 in our 35th anniversary auction indicates that the market for the most complicated and important watches in the world remains exceptionally strong," notes Antiquorum Chairman Robert Maron. "We are extremely honored to have sold this exceptional and unique timepiece for the second time in Antiquorum's history and are thrilled that we have once again achieved a world record price at auction." With a staggering 33 complications, the watch weighs nearly 2.5 lbs. and has an 18k yellow gold case. It was made to honor the 150th anniversary of the famed Swiss watchmaker.

Arriving in a limited edition of just 25 pieces is another throw-back style watch model from German Glashutte Original. This is the Strasser & Rohde Regulator watch, which is just that - a traditional style regulator watch. A regulator is a watch where the minutes scale takes charge, filling up the whole dial, while there are subsidiary dials for the hours and minutes. The name refers to the fact that these were historically produced as extra-accurate clocks that were used to "regulate" the time on other smaller clocks and watches. The layout you see is the most typical look for this type of watch.

The hand wound Glashutte Original GO 49-04 watch movement is new and totally in-house made by Glashutte Original. The watch case is 42mm wide and in 18k rose gold. The movement is completely viewable through the rear sapphire caseback window and is stunning to behold. Glashutte Original really did a nice job designing it and decorating it. The dial itself is highly minimalistic, but not in the modern sense. Despite just telling the time, the watch has the added visual interest of subdials, a reason why regulator style watches are so popular these days.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

I've been fascinated by the upcoming collection of Armin by Armin Strom, Elements watch collection (that I previously mentioned here). The four versions are each named by another element, giving us the Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. The very interesting dials are special because they are designed well enough to live with as your daily watch. Reading the unique regulator retrograde displays puts a smile on my face. The watches use modified manually wound ETA Unitas movements, and are very nicely decorated - a hallmark of the Armin Strom watches. The dials have separate indicators for the hours, minutes, seconds, and the date.

I got to spend some time with these watches and check them out a bit. Armin Strom would like me to remind you that these are pre-production prototypes. So the final ones will a have much nicer fit and finish. You can see how nicely the movement is decorated with a unique circular polish pattern. The dial has an intense depth and detailed look. Operating the watch is simple via the crown. One thing that I am not totally happy with is the pusher located at about 10 o'clock that is used to adjust the date. I don't mind a pusher for this function, but I think it should have been protected (so that you don't accidentally press it), and designed to be a bit more attractive. It just looks a bit blase compared to the crown. Otherwise the case is done nicely. The reptile straps are awesome. Thick and very well made. The certainly have that hand-made feel. The extension lip sticking out of the bezel at 6 o'clock is used by Armin should you want personalized initials engraved on the watch.

Pictured is the Armin Elements Air model in its "light and airy" white and blue tones. I quite like the summery look of the watch. Aside from the pink gold cased Fire version of the watch, the Elements collection starts at about $17,600. To get an Armin Strom watch you can contact their US distributor at (724) 263-2286.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

This year a piece unique from Hublot won the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve prize for jewelery watch of the year, 2009. The watch is as ostentatious as it is pretentious. I actually like the look of the watch a lot, and even though inside of me I would like to wear the timepiece, it is hard to swallow the blatant excess built into the timepiece. The inflated price point is even built into the name of the watch. For me, a name like "Million $ Black Caviar Bang" sounds about as classy as "One Thousand Dollar Bubbly Champagne." Don't forget, "more bubbly, more buck!" Don't any of you go stealing my business ideas now...

Hublot made the million dollar big bang watch out of white gold and rare baguette cut black diamonds. almost 550 diamonds are all over the watch, with a total of 34.5 carats. Hublot took its time making the watch. Over 2000 hours went into it. The movement is a manually wound tourbillon. Functions include the time (tourbillon acts as the seconds indicator), and a power reserve indicator.

Why did it win best jewelry watch in Geneva? I am not sure. Perhaps because it is rare, took a lot of time to make, is for men, and is actually quite attractive. Is nice jewelry is supposed to inspire envy, awe, and a bit of anger? If so, then the Hublot Million $ Caviar Bang was a good choice to win.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com

I knew that the A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk watch had a lot going for it. When it was announced several months ago in May, I was sure that Lange was doing things right. Oddly enough, its parent company Richemont Group did not. Even though the brand has an almost fanatical following and continues to win award after award (for both the company and their products), there was enough tension over profits between former CEO Fabian Krone and Richemont Group corporate to lead to the former CEO's resignation. Shame that Richemont didn't value the skill and determination of the brand.

Like Zeitwerk... I mean clockwork, A. Lange & Sohne has won yet another award for their watches. The result of this year's Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève has the Lange Zeitwerk watch winning the "Golden Hand" award. Roughly making it the top watch of the year. Through the various categories, this is the ideal award that any watch maker can strive to achieve for this highly watched annual horological recognition event.

The Lange Zeitwerk watch is a mechanical masterpiece that combines modern and traditional watch making. The dial shows the time digitally via two windows and has a analog subsidiary seconds dial and power reserve indicator. Prices for the watches average about $55,000 - $76,000 (gold and then platinum).

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

The wave of retro watches continues this year. Your favorite high luxury watch makers just keep em coming. If today's luxury watches aren't selling, maybe ones that look like yesterday's will? This is the new (but you thought it was old didn't you?) Girard-Perregaux 1966 Chronograph is the next iteration of the 1966 watch style. It may say 1966, but 1945 telegramed and wants their watch back. Not that this is a bad thing, but that is mentally where I place this design. A neatly displayed bi-compax 30 minute chronograph with a overly intricate tachymeter that takes up seemingly most of the dial. Reminds me a bit of certain Patek Philippe Calatrava watches.

The watch case is in 18k pink or white gold and 40mm wide. This size seems to be the new de facto of new vintage styled watches from the haute luxury watch makers. Good news is that the movement is an automatic, the newer caliber GP030C0 in-house made Girard-Perregaux column wheel movement. Strap is alligator and done in that classic thin style. A nice looker but not likely a top choice for younger generation luxury watch buyers. The official announcement will be in January at SIHH.

Ariel Adams published the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Jewels and high-fashion design. What else do you need in such a watch? This particular piece capitalizes on the new "brown" trend, of watches where brown is a prominent color. The Instrumento Tondo RMS58 by de Grisogono (for women) looks as though it has been dipped in a number of caramel varieties. I feel like I should be seeing the "making of" this watch on Food Network's "Unwrapped" television Show. It just looks so much like candy.

Aside from the mocha brown guilloche machine engraved 18k pink gold dial, the warm brown tones come from 94 brown diamonds and orange sapphire (almost 7.5 carats of jewels). The look is enhanced by chocolatey tones throughout the watch. While a new look for de Grisogono, the watch displays their standard bold yet refined Italian style (though the brand is Swiss). The dial is still easy to read and contains a power reserve indicator (that looks a bit out of place in design) and a second timezone subsidiary dial. Why no date or seconds hand? At least the watch values legibility. The watch case itself is 18k browny brown gold (not sure about the size, and not kidding, that is the name of the gold that de Grisogono uses). Inside the watch is an automatic mechanical movement, and the case is water resistant to 30 meters.

The strap looks like some manner of chocolate treat, but are a light brown galuchat (stingray). The strap has a fold over de Grisogono clasp again, in browny brown gold (the worst name for gold ever). The final touch is the black diamond set in the crown (you know, for some exoticism right?). Price is gonna be high!

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

I've previously mentioned that successful execution in design of a Valjoux 7751 movement based watch is tough. Here is an example of how to best utilize the movement, as seen in this Limes Pharo Vollkalender Chronograph watch. The German brand is pronounced "Lee-mehz," not like the citrus. The 40.5mm wide watch comes in a few variants (black and steel tone dials, with black or brown leather straps). Both the silver and black dial versions have a stately feel to them. The useful complications included in the automatic Valjoux 7751 movement are laid out in a logical manner. The list is actually quite long, and the movement represents a very good value for what you get. In addition to the time, the watch has a full calendar (day, date, and month), moon phase, 12 hour chronograph, and synchronized 24 hour hands. The dials are machine engraved with traditional decorations while the timepiece is very inviting in character.

In addition to the decorated watch dial, the movement is viewable through a sapphire caseback window and is decorated with perlage, Cotes de Geneve polished stripes, and blued steel screws. Water resistance of 50 meters is appropriate for the timepiece's genre. Many people seek the style that this Pharo Vollkalender Chronograh watch has, but aren't willing to pay the extremely high prices of Swiss watches such as Breguet. This watch retails for a more wallet responsible $4,280 (and you can even get it online at the Limes website). A quality brand that I've always know to be dedicated to making fine watches at reasonable prices.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Seemingly following in the footsteps of Vacheron Constantin, Ulysse Nardin steps away from aggressive modern style watches with this throwback timepiece aptly named the Classico. Forget the cheesy, super market pasta sauce sounding name and you get three versions of a pretty decent watch. The 40mm wide case is done in either 18k rose or white gold, and is water resistant to 50 meters. Dial colors include silvered, black, or blue. Design is right out of your grandfather's heyday. If it suited his type well, how wrong can you go?

The watch has a good movement too. An in-house made UN caliber 815 automatic movement that has been COSC certified, with a solid 22k automatic rotor visible through the sapphire caseback window . Good thing it has a date as well. Some of these throw-back models are too minimalistic for my taste. I prefer a date on watches personally. Here the petite window is nicely framed in gold. The sunburst polish on the dial is a nice retro touch as well (also the lug design). Pleasing as well is the fact that the hands and luminant covered, and there are lume dots over the hour markers. The alligator straps are brown for the pictured version, while the black and blue dialed versions are matched to black and blue straps respectively. Should be available soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.