Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tag Heuer Link Chronograph Quartz
The Tag Heuer Link Chronograph Quartz is a very similar watch to the Link Quartz, with a bit of extra flair and a chrono feature. They both share similar looks as they are part of the same family. Both are, as Tag states, "elegant" sports watches.
The stainless steel band is a very nice touch to the watch. The band adds some class to the watch, without taking away its sporty feel. Along with Tag's signature strap design, the band is a great complement to a great all- around watch. In order to secure the watch, the strap is in the form of a double safety clasp with folding buckle. The face is also very well organized, with chrono features at the 12, 6 and 9, while the date is displayed at the 3. There are no numbers on the watch, but tics at all other hours make this watch easy to read. The chrono features come in the forms of elapsed and total time with split-seconds and a close consecutive times register.
The quartz movement is pretty accurate, and holds the time fairly well throughout the week. This watch is a fine example of Swiss quality. As the watch does need a battery, it will have to be checked from time to time. This would be easier if the dial spun well, but if it is put on super tight, there will be some problems changing the time and date. This seems to be a reoccurring theme in Tag watches, and subtracts from an otherwise excellent time piece. Water resistance to 200 meters makes the Link Chronograph Quartz quite durable, securing its place as an all- around good piece.
The Tag Heuer Link Chronograph Quartz is a top-notch watch. From its stunning looks to its chrono features, there is very little to look down upon on this piece. Tag hit a home run with this piece, as it will be a staple in the the Tag line for years to come.
MSRP: $3,400
Practicality: 7
Durability: 9
Style: 10
Value: 7
Overall: 8.5
The stainless steel band is a very nice touch to the watch. The band adds some class to the watch, without taking away its sporty feel. Along with Tag's signature strap design, the band is a great complement to a great all- around watch. In order to secure the watch, the strap is in the form of a double safety clasp with folding buckle. The face is also very well organized, with chrono features at the 12, 6 and 9, while the date is displayed at the 3. There are no numbers on the watch, but tics at all other hours make this watch easy to read. The chrono features come in the forms of elapsed and total time with split-seconds and a close consecutive times register.
The quartz movement is pretty accurate, and holds the time fairly well throughout the week. This watch is a fine example of Swiss quality. As the watch does need a battery, it will have to be checked from time to time. This would be easier if the dial spun well, but if it is put on super tight, there will be some problems changing the time and date. This seems to be a reoccurring theme in Tag watches, and subtracts from an otherwise excellent time piece. Water resistance to 200 meters makes the Link Chronograph Quartz quite durable, securing its place as an all- around good piece.
The Tag Heuer Link Chronograph Quartz is a top-notch watch. From its stunning looks to its chrono features, there is very little to look down upon on this piece. Tag hit a home run with this piece, as it will be a staple in the the Tag line for years to come.
MSRP: $3,400
Practicality: 7
Durability: 9
Style: 10
Value: 7
Overall: 8.5
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Exclusive Interview with Chris Wiegand of LUM- TEC and president of Wiegand Custom Watches
The following is an exclusive interview with Chris Wiegand of LUM- TEC and president and Wiegand Custom Watches. Please stay tuned for a review of the LUM- TEC M12 and Bull45 A2. In the meantime you can use this interview to learn a bit about LUM- TEC and check them out at www.lum-tec.com.
How did LUM-TEC come about?
We have been making custom built watches and reluming dials for many years and decided with many suggestions from our customers to make our own brand. We wanted the quality, the lume, sapphires, top grade steel, top grade finishing, and a price point that is affordable. This is how LUM-TEC got started. We already had the lume process down from years of experience; so it was an easy transition for us to create this line.
Do you expect LUM- TEC watches to hold or increase in value due to their limited release?
From what I have seen, once they are sold out the value seems to be more than the original price. Sometimes double even. This is good as they are all very small numbered limited editions.
What sets LUM- TEC apart from other brands?
We share our ideas and get feedback from the watch community on what they would like to see, and what they would like to change, and actually do it. Our customer base is 90% the hardcore watch collector who knows quality, and typically has a very large collection. All of our models are limited series, and made only once, and our MDV technology sets a new standard for luminosity. Our service is unique in the industry as we do repairs on the spot as soon as they arrive to keep the watch on people’s wrist in
How long does the Lum glow last?
The compounds used can last 50-100 years as long as they are not exposed to moisture. The glow is visible all night into the morning, and actually glows up to 24 hours in total darkness. Visibly for about 12 hours after initial charge.
What allows LUM- TEC to sell watches at such low pricing yet high quality?
Our watches are top grade at a low price point since we do not advertise, or have alot of overhead expenses.
What can we expect from LUM- TEC moving forward?
Lots of new models! A 1000 meter internal bezel diver, an external bezel diver, some swiss complications in our tungsten M range, lots more tungsten watches, and we are currently working on a way to make the lume even deeper into the dials to make them glow even longer.
Would you consider LUM- TEC stylish, practical or both?
Our watches are made to wear everyday regardless of dress. They are all 100 meter water resistant, easy to read dials, and full functioning movements. I would say they are a bit of both.
Have any celebrities ordered from LUM- TEC yet?
Not that i am aware of directly, but I know there are a few that own them. Also in Europe, Jan Germanis and Roman Volak are wearing LUM-TEC exclusively.
How does LUM- TEC intend to expand?
We plan to keep the same pace as we have now as our products are selling out very fast, and hopefully find distributors in our unknown zones like India, United Arab emirates, Africa, and Japan to name a few. Eventually, we will make a larger number of each model as we expand our market.
How did LUM-TEC come about?
We have been making custom built watches and reluming dials for many years and decided with many suggestions from our customers to make our own brand. We wanted the quality, the lume, sapphires, top grade steel, top grade finishing, and a price point that is affordable. This is how LUM-TEC got started. We already had the lume process down from years of experience; so it was an easy transition for us to create this line.
Do you expect LUM- TEC watches to hold or increase in value due to their limited release?
From what I have seen, once they are sold out the value seems to be more than the original price. Sometimes double even. This is good as they are all very small numbered limited editions.
What sets LUM- TEC apart from other brands?
We share our ideas and get feedback from the watch community on what they would like to see, and what they would like to change, and actually do it. Our customer base is 90% the hardcore watch collector who knows quality, and typically has a very large collection. All of our models are limited series, and made only once, and our MDV technology sets a new standard for luminosity. Our service is unique in the industry as we do repairs on the spot as soon as they arrive to keep the watch on people’s wrist in
How long does the Lum glow last?
The compounds used can last 50-100 years as long as they are not exposed to moisture. The glow is visible all night into the morning, and actually glows up to 24 hours in total darkness. Visibly for about 12 hours after initial charge.
What allows LUM- TEC to sell watches at such low pricing yet high quality?
Our watches are top grade at a low price point since we do not advertise, or have alot of overhead expenses.
What can we expect from LUM- TEC moving forward?
Lots of new models! A 1000 meter internal bezel diver, an external bezel diver, some swiss complications in our tungsten M range, lots more tungsten watches, and we are currently working on a way to make the lume even deeper into the dials to make them glow even longer.
Would you consider LUM- TEC stylish, practical or both?
Our watches are made to wear everyday regardless of dress. They are all 100 meter water resistant, easy to read dials, and full functioning movements. I would say they are a bit of both.
Have any celebrities ordered from LUM- TEC yet?
Not that i am aware of directly, but I know there are a few that own them. Also in Europe, Jan Germanis and Roman Volak are wearing LUM-TEC exclusively.
How does LUM- TEC intend to expand?
We plan to keep the same pace as we have now as our products are selling out very fast, and hopefully find distributors in our unknown zones like India, United Arab emirates, Africa, and Japan to name a few. Eventually, we will make a larger number of each model as we expand our market.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Baume & Mercier Riviera
The classic, clean stainless steel Baume & Mercier Riviera watch is a great time piece. It blends a classic form, with modern lines into small, well-made package. Being a luxury watch, the Riviera looks every bit the part. It's silver dial and black Roman numerals on the face create a clean look that comes across as sophisticated. The date is displayed in place of the six, but all other numbers are marked with a Roman numeral. The Superluminova-tipped hands finish off an already great watch face with yet another subtle attention to exquisite detail.
The Riviera works with an automatic movement. It is fairly reliable and requires very little attention. It kept accurate time, and held from speeding up or slowing down. Beware though, this watch features a water resistance rating of only 50- meters, or 5 ATM. Despite this, the Riviera is clearly not meant to be exposed to harsh conditions.
The triple folding clasp is extremely reliable and held up pretty well. The clasp is seemed pretty well into the watch, so that the band comes across as a solid bracelet at first glance. This seamless appearance is one of the best parts of the Riviera. The Riviera is also a medium sized watch. It is small and thin, and no weight or restriction is noticeable when on the wrist. It does stand out though, and will turn heads.
With care and attention, the Baume & Mercier Riviera will last the owner for many years. With its automatic movement and classic style, this watch can be a staple in any collection.
MSRP: $2,390
Practicality: 9
Durability: 6
Style: 10
Value: 7
Overall: 8
The Riviera works with an automatic movement. It is fairly reliable and requires very little attention. It kept accurate time, and held from speeding up or slowing down. Beware though, this watch features a water resistance rating of only 50- meters, or 5 ATM. Despite this, the Riviera is clearly not meant to be exposed to harsh conditions.
The triple folding clasp is extremely reliable and held up pretty well. The clasp is seemed pretty well into the watch, so that the band comes across as a solid bracelet at first glance. This seamless appearance is one of the best parts of the Riviera. The Riviera is also a medium sized watch. It is small and thin, and no weight or restriction is noticeable when on the wrist. It does stand out though, and will turn heads.
With care and attention, the Baume & Mercier Riviera will last the owner for many years. With its automatic movement and classic style, this watch can be a staple in any collection.
MSRP: $2,390
Practicality: 9
Durability: 6
Style: 10
Value: 7
Overall: 8
Seiko SNA473 Chrnograph
Seiko makes great watches for a great price. Many swear by them and have entire Seiko collections, while most other watch aficionados seem to have at least one Seiko in their collection. The SNA473 is no exception. This watch blends modern sporty styling with a classic feel. From the moment the watch arrives, the Seiko quality is noticed. For a $475 watch, the SNA473 is nicely packaged in a blue Seiko box with a nice display pillow. Easy to follow directions make the chronograph much easier then some other companies. Despite this, there will always be the people that say "I really don't know what all of this does, but I like the look."
The face is pretty loud, but not overly crowded as many other chronographs. Three dials are featured being minute timer on the top, second timer on the left and alarm on the bottom. This makes every feature useful and easy to find. The dials are located on the right, and are fairly easy to use except for the time changing dial. This piece is set down more then most watches and is not as easy to twist. The hour and minute hand are fairly easy to read, even when over the chrono, and the green luminescent is okay.
The band is the only part of the watch that is questionable. It features two slits on both sides near the face, but they end in time for the flexible part. Although the stainless steel looks nice, its design is somewhat cheap. This cheap feeling is due to the light weight of the band, not a feature that many watch aficionados appreciate. The clasp is very secure though with a fold- over, push- button deployment design.
The quartz movement is very precise and reliable. You will always be running on time, although it is good to check every so often as pieces will gain or loose time. The water resistance to 100m is poor, but this is not a divers watch. Despite this, the three year manufacturer warranty is a great feature.
For the price, the Seiko SNA473 is a great value, and one that most watch collectors would find as a great value towards their collection. Whether it be at the top or bottom of your budget, this watch is worth a bit more then what you pay for. Overall, a great watch for a great price.
MSRP: $475
Practicality: 7
Durability: 6
Style: 4
Value: 9
Overall: 6.5
The face is pretty loud, but not overly crowded as many other chronographs. Three dials are featured being minute timer on the top, second timer on the left and alarm on the bottom. This makes every feature useful and easy to find. The dials are located on the right, and are fairly easy to use except for the time changing dial. This piece is set down more then most watches and is not as easy to twist. The hour and minute hand are fairly easy to read, even when over the chrono, and the green luminescent is okay.
The band is the only part of the watch that is questionable. It features two slits on both sides near the face, but they end in time for the flexible part. Although the stainless steel looks nice, its design is somewhat cheap. This cheap feeling is due to the light weight of the band, not a feature that many watch aficionados appreciate. The clasp is very secure though with a fold- over, push- button deployment design.
The quartz movement is very precise and reliable. You will always be running on time, although it is good to check every so often as pieces will gain or loose time. The water resistance to 100m is poor, but this is not a divers watch. Despite this, the three year manufacturer warranty is a great feature.
For the price, the Seiko SNA473 is a great value, and one that most watch collectors would find as a great value towards their collection. Whether it be at the top or bottom of your budget, this watch is worth a bit more then what you pay for. Overall, a great watch for a great price.
MSRP: $475
Practicality: 7
Durability: 6
Style: 4
Value: 9
Overall: 6.5
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Tag Heuer Formula 1
The Tag Heuer Formula 1 comes in a wide variety of models that can fit anyone. From its most basic form of the sporty, rubber strap to the Formula 1's elegant chronograph, anyone can find a fit in the F1. For this review, the Formula 1 Watch is the Formula 1 in a very basic, yet stylish form. With a black face and black bezel to complement the steel link strap, the watch is a very versatile piece. It features a clean link strap, which conforms to any movement that you make. It's brushed stainless steel build makes it a very durable strap. Black rubber accents make this Formula 1 a subtle watch with a bit of sporty flare.
Like other Tag watches, the Formula 1 also features Swiss Made quality. Due to the care, the Formula 1 will keep accurate time throughout the day. This watch does run on battery, which will need to be checked from time to time. This is housed by an extremely scratch resistant Sapphire crystal which will keep the watch looking clean if cared for.
Many Formula 1's feature different faces. The luminescent hands do not work all that well, but get the job done. The date is clearly visible and the face is all around easy to look at. For the normal model, there is the option for either only a 12, or the 12, 3, 6 and 9 display. chronographs and other models are available. The watch is a good size, and sits well on the wrist. It is not all that heavy despite its size, partly due to the steel straps flexible design. The plastic, when in black, does not detract from the watches good looks. The watch is meant to be sporty, and the plastic accents help to show this.
With a wide variety of Formula 1's, this watch is worth a look from both the new watch buyer and the seasoned collector. Available for around $600 but with an MSRP of $900, the Formula 1 with it's Swiss Made quality is a great value.
MSRP: $900
Practicality: 8
Durability: 10
Style: 5
Value: 10
Overall: 8
Like other Tag watches, the Formula 1 also features Swiss Made quality. Due to the care, the Formula 1 will keep accurate time throughout the day. This watch does run on battery, which will need to be checked from time to time. This is housed by an extremely scratch resistant Sapphire crystal which will keep the watch looking clean if cared for.
Many Formula 1's feature different faces. The luminescent hands do not work all that well, but get the job done. The date is clearly visible and the face is all around easy to look at. For the normal model, there is the option for either only a 12, or the 12, 3, 6 and 9 display. chronographs and other models are available. The watch is a good size, and sits well on the wrist. It is not all that heavy despite its size, partly due to the steel straps flexible design. The plastic, when in black, does not detract from the watches good looks. The watch is meant to be sporty, and the plastic accents help to show this.
With a wide variety of Formula 1's, this watch is worth a look from both the new watch buyer and the seasoned collector. Available for around $600 but with an MSRP of $900, the Formula 1 with it's Swiss Made quality is a great value.
MSRP: $900
Practicality: 8
Durability: 10
Style: 5
Value: 10
Overall: 8
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tag Heuer Link Quartz Watch
Tag Heuer manufactures reliable, good looking watches that live up to their billing. For years, Tag held the reputation as the most reliable entry level watch available. Over time the quality of watches has pushed Tag into a new level. The Link is no exception. Also known as "Tiger's watch", the Link works like the man himself. The link fits in the middle of Tag's range, above the Formula 1, but below the Carrera. Despite this, the watch will appeal to many as a classy, everyday watch.
The Link keeps accurate time, with easy to read hands and date markers. The watch runs by battery, which is more convenient to some then watches that require winding. Featuring 200 meter water resistance, the Link is a pretty good all around time piece. In addition, the swiss quartz movement is well made and pretty reliable. A good watch needs good mechanics to keep accurate time, and the Link does not disappoint.
The double clasp closure keeps the watch secure, despite the top clasps tendency to come undone. The Quartz model, is the simplest of the link range. It only features time and date, but that is really all that is needed for this watch. The second hand is easy to read due to the lack of a chrono feature. A twist dial allows for easy timing and rectangles at each hour except for "12" make an elegant statement. One complaint is the difficulty changing time, as the twist dial seems to get stuck often.
The watch is very classy in look, from the metal band to the well crafted face. The soft silver face blends with the rest of the watch to allow for an elegant form. The clasp features the simple Tag logo to let the world know that the watch is a Tag. The watch is a bit large, and will be preferred by those who want a watch that stands out while still holding an elegant base. This watch is a great choice due to Tag's quality and originality. Tag's are not commonly seen in society, so this watch will set you apart from the rest.
MSRP: $1,900
Practicality: 10
Durability: 9
Style: 7
Value: 8
Overall: 8.5
The Link keeps accurate time, with easy to read hands and date markers. The watch runs by battery, which is more convenient to some then watches that require winding. Featuring 200 meter water resistance, the Link is a pretty good all around time piece. In addition, the swiss quartz movement is well made and pretty reliable. A good watch needs good mechanics to keep accurate time, and the Link does not disappoint.
The double clasp closure keeps the watch secure, despite the top clasps tendency to come undone. The Quartz model, is the simplest of the link range. It only features time and date, but that is really all that is needed for this watch. The second hand is easy to read due to the lack of a chrono feature. A twist dial allows for easy timing and rectangles at each hour except for "12" make an elegant statement. One complaint is the difficulty changing time, as the twist dial seems to get stuck often.
The watch is very classy in look, from the metal band to the well crafted face. The soft silver face blends with the rest of the watch to allow for an elegant form. The clasp features the simple Tag logo to let the world know that the watch is a Tag. The watch is a bit large, and will be preferred by those who want a watch that stands out while still holding an elegant base. This watch is a great choice due to Tag's quality and originality. Tag's are not commonly seen in society, so this watch will set you apart from the rest.
MSRP: $1,900
Practicality: 10
Durability: 9
Style: 7
Value: 8
Overall: 8.5
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