On the planet of quartz watches, the Japanese reign supreme. Apart from Seiko, Citizen is just another among the world’s biggest manufacturers of quartz and digital watches. Citizen is possibly most famous for its Eco-Drive watches. First introduced about 1995, these are solar-powered watches that had solar cells concealed under the dial, allowing them to have a cleaner and more pleasing look. This past year, Citizen declared a new breakthrough Eco-Drive watch aptly referred to as the Eco-Drive One, which is just 2.98mm thick, making it the world’s thinnest solar-powered watch. Here’s our review of the technology marvel.Only a small number of brands may lay claim to having been on the moon. Omega is possibly the most well-known of all of them, but so has Bulova. Despite Omega being the official opinion of for missions to the moon, that did not stop astronauts from wearing additional watches of their own. One of these watches to make its way to the moon was a chronograph by Bulova worn by astronaut Dave Scott. Bulova, eager to impress upon the planet its space credentials, published a modern replica of this watch that astronaut Dave Scott wore to the moon last year. For 2017, they are updating that contemporary reissue with a new darker and stealthier version that you see here.
The latest newcomer to the Vacheron Constantin Antique Watches Replica Quai de l’Ile collection is a brand new stainless steel model with a striking blue dial punctuated by luminescent indications and accompanied by leather and rubber straps. As we’ve told you here before, the name of this collection stems from the historical site of Vacheron Constantin. The new Quai de l’Ile features a comfortable and light 41 mm diameter stainless steel case that is enhanced with alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes. Combining three iconic shapes from the aesthetic heritage of Vacheron Constantin: a round bezel, a cushion-type case and a tonneau caseband, this harmoniously embedded “shape in shape” design is accentuated by the light playing across the finishes.
The blue dial features a multi-level construction and is teamed with an opaline finish. Composed of three distinct parts, its display with its innovative depth effects ensures remarkable legibility thanks to its hour-markers and Arabic numerals entirely made of white luminescent material. Another distinctive feature is the replacement of the traditional aperture-type date by a two-level date indication. A sapphire disc at the dial center displays the days of the month. The date disc of the in-house calibre 5100 appears beneath this transparent dial and features an indicator which points towards the correct date. Comprising 172 components the automatic movement calibre 5100 is entirely designed, developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin. Beating at a rate of 28,800 vph and designed for an active lifestyle, this movement features excellent resistance to impacts as well as a comfortable over 60-hour power reserve guaranteed by its twin barrels. Visible through the sapphire crystal case-back, it is distinguished by its modern Quai de l’Ile decor adorned with five raised decorative fillets. The finishing operations that include chamfering, polishing, circular graining and Côtes de Genève are performed in keeping with the finest Geneva watchmaking traditions.
This new stainless steel Quai de l’Ile model is water-resistant to 30 meters and delivered with a blue alligator leather or blue rubber strap with a steel folding clasp.
Sticker Price $29,000 USD. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.
