The Horological Artistry of Louis Moinet

Louis Moinet Vertalor Tourbillon ref LM-35.50.55

Louis Moinet (1768–1853) is one of the grandfathers of horology, a pioneer and inventor, and credited with the invention of chronograph which he called the “compteur de tierces”. His exquisite clocks were owned by many historical figures far and wide including Napoleon, the Tsar Alexander I, King George IV of England, Marshal Murat–King of Naples, Ernest Augustus–Prince of Hanover, and two American presidents–Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. Several of his masterpieces are found in museums and private collections including the Louvre, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, the Château de Versailles, the White House and Jefferson’s Monticello Museum, Virginia.

Louis Moinet was a modest academic, who shared his research with fellow horologists, rather than a businessman in pursuit of profit. His peers regarded him as one of the greatest horologists of all time. He was appointed president of the Chronometry Society of Paris and devoted 20 years of his life to writing the greatest book on horology in its time, the Traité d’Horlogerie, which comprises detailed descriptions and diagrams of the finest watchmaking techniques.

Jean-Marie Schaller, Louis Moinet CEO and Creative Director founded the company in 2001 with the same dedication to artistry, invention and unique design. Louis Moinet is located in Saint-Blaise, Switzerland. It’s timepieces are identified with “Côtes du Jura” guilloche dials, “Gouttes de rosée” hands, and distinctive cases with screwed bezels. Another signature feature of Louis Moinet is the use of extremely rare materials, such as tropical fossilised palm wood and dinosaur bone, or wondrous meteorites hailing from the Moon or Mars. The rarity of Louis Moinet timepieces exists because very few models are manufactured in any quantity, often limited to less than 30 pieces, and sometimes are unique one-of-a kind creations.

The Vertalor Tourbillon, reference LM-35.50.55 is one of only 28 pieces produced by Louis Moinet. It is quite possibly the greatest chronometer ever made, winning gold in 2015 for Excellence in Precision by the Concours International de Chronométrie.

The center of the dial is created from a Moon meteorite fragment. The luminous star-shaped second hand is inspired by the Louis Moinet 1825 design in his Julius Caesar clock. The hour and minute hands are shaped as “Gouttes de Rosée” (Dew Drops). The Bridge and case is made from 18k gold. Each hour is marked by cuts of diamond.

The movement has a power reserve of 72 hours and the mechanism is visible through the case-back and partially through the front of the dial where the 60-second tourbillon cage maximizes timekeeping precision. Both sides are protected by anti-reflective sapphire crystal. The timepiece oscilates at 21,600 vph with a frequency of 3 Hz. It is decorated by the Côtes du Jura engraving. The case is a significant 47 mm in diameter. The water resistance supports up to 90 feet. The strap is a hand-sewn Louisiana alligator leather.

Rubber B Bracelets for Louis Moinet

Rubber B has designed 6 leather bracelets for the Vertalor Tourbillon, reference LM-35.50.55. The two black leather bracelets are available in genuine alligator or full grain leather with the patented Rubber B vulcanized rubber base for comfort and durability.

The Rubber B bracelets are made in Switzerland out of pure vulcanized rubber with leather stitched on top. The Rubber B Structure Series bands are fitted with a 316L Stainless Steel tang buckle–providing a durable clasp which provide excellent support for a sports watch of this caliber. For more information visit the Rubber B structure series page here.

7 Designer Straps for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm and Rolex Datejust 31

Oyster Perpetual and Datejust 31

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual and Datejust models have a tremendous selection of options in the 31mm size. On the bezel you can opt for a domed, or fluted bezel. The bezel can also be set with diamonds or have a domed look with diamonds set inside. There is a two-tone “Rolesor” model made from Oystersteel and Everose gold, or you could opt for a solid yellow, white or pink gold option.

The bracelet options come with either Oyster or Jubilee. The dial has a tremendous selection including hour markers set in diamond, gold hour markers in roman numeral or classic dash markers filled with luminescence. The actual dial can be a mother-of-pearl or choose from one of the many colors of the Rolex palette.

Red Bracelet for the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31

Although the 31mm is identified as a size intended for a “lady,” the feel and thickness of the timepiece makes it perfect for anyone who wants a lighter and smaller size Rolex. These models are powered by the high precision caliber 2235 which sports a 48-hour power reserve. The 2235 is a certified Swiss chronometer, a designation reserved for high-precision watches that have successfully passed the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).

The winding crown has a screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system which supports a water-resistance to 330 feet. The crystal is a scratch-resistant sapphire. For the datejust models, the cyclops lens is embedded in the crystal over the date at 3 o’clock, to improve the date aperture visibility.

Pink Bracelet for the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31

Rubber B has designed 7 bracelets for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31 and the Datejust 31 with a palette almost as wide as the Rolex offering. The Rubber B Vulcanized rubber strap is precisely calibrated to fit the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31mm case (16mm Lug Space ONLY) and Datejust 31mm (16mm Lug Space ONLY). This strap utilizes “Blocked Integration” engineering, incorporating solid inserts for a flawless, motionless flush mount to the Oyster Perpetual 31mm case.

All Rubber B bands are made in Switzerland of pure vulcanized rubber. No coating, blends or bonding are used in the manufacturing of these exquisite bracelets, allowing the wearer to participate in sports, and live an active lifestyle without worry. For more information on these designer watch bands for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 31 and the Datejust 31 go to our page here

Panerai Timepieces with Unusually Long Battery Life – Panerai PAM00533 and PAM00335

Panerai PAM00533 and PAM00335

Panerai has developed some of the most powerful automatic timepieces in the world. They have 3-day, 8 day and now 10-day power reserve models. The 10-day timepieces provide an incredible 240 hours of power reserve proudly displayed on the power reserve indicator on the dial. The Panerai Luminor 1950 GMT Automatic Acciaio Reference PAM00533 displayed on the left above and the Luminor 1950 GMT Automatic Ceramica Reference PAM00335 displayed on the right above are beautiful representations of Panerai’s incredible achievement.

Both timepieces are powered by the caliber P.2003, the first automatic movement entirely designed and created by the Panerai Manufacture in Neuchâtel. The unusually long power reserve is made possible because of a patent pending innovation made by Panerai which accumulates energy into 3 spring barrels. The caliber P.2003 is made of 296 components and with 25 jewels, 13 ¾ lignes, a Glucydur balance and a KIF Parechoc anti-shock device. The P.2003 calibre also has the seconds reset device which resets the seconds hand to zero, enabling the watch to be synchronized perfectly with a reference time signal.

The Powerful Panerai Calibre P.2003

Besides the hours, minutes, small seconds at 9 o’clock, a date aperture at 3 o’clock and the 10-day power reserve indicator, the two timepieces have a GMT 24-hour hand which provides accurate time for a 2^nd time zone. This GMT device provides excellent support for travelers and for people that interact with multiple time zones. Both timepieces have a 44mm case with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers. The timepieces have water resistance to 300 feet.

The primary difference between the two powerful timepieces is the coloring on the case and bezel and the watch bands themselves. The all-black PAM00335 has a slightly lighter beige used in the luminescent paint on the hour markers and hands. This provides a brighter appearance in spite of its Darth Vader appeal. The PAM00533 has a relaxed and sporty look with a polished steel bezel and case and a calf brown leather band.

Black Band for the Panerai Reference PAM00335

Rubber B has developed 8 bands for the Panerai Panerai Luminor 1950 GMT Automatic Acciaio Reference PAM00533 and the Luminor 1950 GMT Automatic Ceramica Reference PAM00335. Rubber B offers 6 solid colors and two VulChromatic (dual-color) bracelets made of pure vulcanized rubber. All Rubber B bands are manufactured in Switzerland. These rubber straps are calibrated precisely for these references with “Blocked Integration” engineering for a flawless, motionless flush mount to the Panerai case. See the picture below for a close-up view of the tight fit of the band to the case. The Rubber B vulcanized rubber straps are fitted with a 316L Stainless Steel Tang Buckle, but also perfectly fits the original Panerai buckle.

The Rubber B bands extend the ability for the timepiece to be used in active sporting activities including diving without the fear of bleeding since no coating, blends or bonding were used in the manufacturing process. Panerai timepiece owners can easily change the entire look of their investment with Rubber B’s colorful selection of Vulcanized rubber bands, while maintaining a comfortable fit. Rubber B bands are ready for action no matter if it is the boardroom or the beach. For more information on the Rubber B bracelets for the Panerai reference PAM00335 and PAM00533 visit our page here.

6 Designer Bracelets for the Rolex Cellini Time Reference 50505

Rolex Cellini Time Reference 50505

The Rolex Cellini Time reference 50505 is an elegant timepiece which combines the Rolex standards with the classic tradition of the round shaped timepiece. The reference 50505 is designed with pure 18 ct Everose gold which was developed by Rolex in 2005. The hour hand, minute hand and the hour marker appliques are designed with a double-edged sword look – also in Everose gold.

The hour appliques are split in half with the inner ring indicating minutes or seconds notation depending on which hand you are referring to. The sole exception is at 12 o’clock, where double appliques represent 0, 60 (minutes and seconds) and 12 (hours) on the dial, and there is no separation as there is on hour markers 1 through 11. The case is 39 mm with a polished finish. The Cellini has a double bezel which is domed on the inside and fluted on the outside. The screw-down winding crown has the traditional Rolex emblem on it. The timepiece is covered by a domed sapphire crystal. The traditional white dial beautifully offsets the pink gold and black markings and text. The Cellini name is uniquely inscribed in cursive on the white dial.

The Cellini is powered by a 31 ruby-clad caliber 3132 which has a bidirectional self-winding perpetual rotor, giving it approximately 48 hours of power reserve. The reference 50505 has a water-resistance to 165 feet. The timepiece is fitted with a stitched alligator leather strap with large scales and an 18 ct gold buckle which matches the Everose gold of the watch case. While many Rolex timepieces serve dual purposes, the Cellini is primarily a dress watch which exudes an air of nobility.

Best watchbands for the Rolex Cellini Time Reference 50505

Rubber B has designed 6 leather bracelets for the Rolex Cellini Time reference 50505. The two black leather bracelets are available in genuine alligator or full grain leather with the patented Rubber B vulcanized rubber base for comfort and durability.

8 Designer Bracelets for the Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 44MM – Reference PAM01499

Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 44MM – Reference PAM01499

The Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 44MM – Reference PAM01499 is powered by the calibre P.9010 – designed and created by Officine Panerai Manufacture in Neuchâtel. It features 31 jewels, a Glucydur® balance, an Incabloc® anti-shock device and has a 3-day power reserve. It was built with 200 components and moves with a frequency of 28,800 alterations per hour.

The reference PAM01499 has an hour and a minutes hand, with highly legible luminescent paint inside the black hands. Rather than luminescent numerals, the PAM01499 instead leverages luminescent dots appearing outside the hour locations, with double dots at 12 o’clock. The Panerai luminescent coloring is beige during daytime and bright green during night time.

The PAM01499 has a distinctive white dial, with a small seconds dial at the 9 o’clock position with a blue seconds hand. At 3 o’clock there is a date aperture. The PAM01499 has stylish Arabic numerals throughout, with the exceptions at 3 o’clock where the date aperture replaces the hour marker and at 9 o’clock where the small seconds dial appears. At 12 and 6 o’clock the Arabic numeral is enlarged.

Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 44MM – Reference PAM01499 Back

The PAM01499 has a 44 mm case with a polished steel bezel and case. The large winding crown is protected by a brushed steel crown protecting lock-down mechanism which is a trademark of Panerai. The Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 44MM – Reference PAM01499 is water-resistant to an outstanding 1000 feet.

The new P.9010 calibre has enabled the Panerai designers to make a significant reduction in the weight and thickness of the case so that it is just 15.6 mm. It is protected by a sapphire crystal formed of corundum on both the front and the back side of the timepiece, where the timepiece exhibits its exceptional workmanship of the calibre P.9010. The Officine Panerai timepiece is fitted with a brown leather bracelet with beige stitching on the 24/22 mm lugs.

Blue Bracelet for the Panerai PAM01499

Rubber B has developed 8 bands for the Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 44MM – Reference PAM01499. It has 6 solid colors and two VulChromatic (dual-color) bracelets made of pure vulcanized rubber. All Rubber B bands are manufactured in Switzerland. These rubber straps are calibrated precisely for the PAM01499 with “Blocked Integration” engineering for a flawless, motionless flush mount to the Panerai case. See the picture below for a close-up view of the tight fit of the band to the case. The Rubber B vulcanized rubber straps are fitted with a 316L Stainless Steel Tang Buckle, but also perfectly fits the original Panerai buckle.

Dual Color strap for the Panerai PAM01499

The Rubber B bands extend the ability for the PAM01499 to be used in active sporting activities including diving without the fear of bleeding since no coating, blends or bonding were used in the manufacturing process. Panerai timepiece owners can easily change the entire look of their investment with Rubber B’s colorful selection of Vulcanized rubber bands, while maintaining a comfortable fit. Rubber B bands are ready for action no matter if it is the boardroom or the beach. For more information on the Rubber B bracelets for the Panerai reference PAM01499 visit our page here.