Watch Pulse

If you’ve been reading up on Swiss watches, then you’ve probably encountered the term “water resistance” a lot of times. So what does this mean exactly? In essence, the International Organization for Standardization refers to it as the capability to withstand water that enters the case.

Omega Seamaster

In the case of Swiss watches, “water resistance” is used as the more appropriate term as opposed to “waterproof.”  But since the guidelines are still quite vague, we’ll give you further details on what you can expect from a water resistant watch:

Water resistance of up to 50 meters – it is wearable for sports and can withstand light rain. However, it is not advisable to wear it around water (swimming, submerging it on household sink, etc.)

Water resistance of up to 100 meters – it can be worn while taking showers. It is also suitable for surfing, snorkeling, swimming, and even poolside diving (depending on the make). Major brands such as Omega, Tissot, and Rolex produce top-quality pieces with aquatic orientation. They have a strong reputation for water resistant watches.

Water resistance of up to 300 meters – this feature makes the watch suitable for scuba diving but only at depths that do not require helium gas. With that being said, manufacturers recommend that the diving watch pressure should be tested every two to three years.

Richard Mille has scored a major goal once again. Its brand ambassador, tennis superstar Rafal Nadal, is seen sporting its $525,000 RM 027 Tourbillon watch. There are only 50 units of this piece produced. The brand has definitely invested a huge sum to get the tennis player to wear this to the French Open. Aside from it stunning look, the timepiece also has a lot of desirable features.

Rafal Nadal

The Richard Mille RM 027 Tourbillon watch is actually composed of exotic materials such as lithium alloys and carbon-composite. It weighs just 20 grams which is around a third of other watches. As a result, it is easy on the wrist even when you’re playing a rigorous sport like tennis. So far, the watch has not affected Nadal in the game he was won four times in five years.

So whether you are an aspiring tennis player, softball player, badminton player, or even a golfer, you can be sure that this timepiece will act as the perfect companion. It won’t interfere with your performance but it will right there on your wrist whenever you need to know the time. Try to check out other Richard Mille watches that may fit your requirements as well.

With gold prices continually on the rise, luxury brands like Patek Philippe are hedging against rising gold prices by purchasing gold futures. According to the brand’s SA Chairman Thierry Stern, the trend poses a big threat to the luxury goods industry. This is especially true since a significant material in the production of watches involve precious metals.

Patek Philippe Calatrava

Around 80 percent of Patek Philippe watches, for example, requires gold and platinum. If the trend continues, it is very likely that customers will see an increase in the already high price tag for luxury timepieces. The effect will be felt throughout the industry, especially brands that make extensive use of precious metals.

Patek Philippe was able to sell around 42,000 timepieces per year with a price range of $9,500 to as much as a million dollars. It is the fourth-largest watchmaker but like many other luxury brands, it is also looking at Asia for growth. China together with Hong Kong, he says, has already surpassed the United States as the largest market for Swiss watches. This doesn’t mean, however, that the brand is forging ahead without knowing the risks. Patek Philippe has been family-owned for generations as the current owners want it to remain that way.

Baselworld is a significant event for everyone in the watch making industry. Unlike the SIHH event which is held annually though, the focus on this show is more on sports watches. But even a man who loves his sports watch to death needs at least one dress watch that can be worn for more formal occasions. So what exactly did Baselworld 2011 offer in this regard? Below are some notable choices:

• Blackpain Villeret Timezone 30 Minutes Demi-Savonette – made with 18k gold, this timepiece is the perfect watch for global travelers who want convenient timekeeping. It is capable of showing half-hour differences in time zones.
• Raymond Weil Maestro Moonphase – this brand may not be the first one you think of but this particular creation is spot on. The stainless steel case provides a touch of classiness without feeling old. Measuring 39.5mm in diameter, its dial also has a circular grain in the outer part and the sub dial. It is powered by the RW4500 calibre with 28,800 vibrations an hour.

Dress watches are those that do not exceed 37mm in diameter and they should ideally be as flat as possible. This is not always the case because there are also extremely attractive timepieces that can be called dress watches without fitting into these criteria. Basically, a good dress watch should be made with precious metals and have mechanical movement.