Watch Pulse

The availability of high-tech materials that can withstand underwater pressure, extreme weather conditions, and other rough handling have caught the eyes and a large share of the wallet of many watch connoisseurs as well as actual users. But watches that are created for basic functionality and stunning aesthetics are making a comeback.

Ebel Croc Strap Chrono

In 2011, beautiful dials with aesthetically pleasing straps will once again be trendy. In particular, men’s watches that make use of crocodile-leather straps would become highly in demand. This is because the timepiece with this design can be paired with cotton shorts, suede shoes, and floral shirt for a “summer” effect. The trend in watch making will be heavily influenced by the fashion trend in general. There’s definitely a return to elegance and luxury that was mainly characterized by the ‘30s and ‘40s French Riviera look.

Men who want to buy a watch this year should look at timepieces that make use of leather straps. It doesn’t matter if it’s not crocodile leather; the most important thing is to look for a watch that will suit your style, skin tone, and sense of fashion. Consider whether it can be paired with most of the clothes in your wardrobe as well.

When it comes to the Swiss watches pecking order, Rolex, Patek Philippe, IWC, Omega, and Breitling are at the top of the pecking order. At the Basel International Horologe Exhibition (Also known as Baselworld) which is scheduled on March 24 to 31, these brands definitely outdid themselves once again. Aside from the most recognized names in the industry, however, there are actually 2,000 watch brands that are displaying their wares at the show as well.

There were more than 100,000 visitors who visited the event to look, appreciate, or reserve their preferred watches. Aside from the Swiss watches on display, there were also timepieces from all parts of the world. The choices were simply limitless.

In looking through the different types of watches, you’ll get an in-depth idea about which trends will dominate in 2011. It is your choice whether you prefer to go for classic watches, sporty watches, or to follow the trend. There is really no wrong decision. The key thing is to know what you’re buying and check out the offers before making the purchase. Also, keep in mind that the Baselworld event simply showcases the best watches on offer for the year, you can decide on what you want later.

Men’s watches are now innocuous to modern life. There are so many types of watches to choose from that it can get confusing for buyers. But the key to finding the right watch is to know your needs and the types of watches that can fulfill these requirements. Besides the features of the watch itself, it is also a good idea to consider which brand you should buy. Genuine Swiss watches tend to hold its value better than any other type of watch; this is especially true if it contains major complications.

Rolex Datejust

Watches from Rolex and Cartier are mainly geared for individuals who project the image of exclusivity and class. Meanwhile, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe are for wearers who have refined tastes and/or specific requirements. Active individuals, on the other hand, should consider Omega, Breitling, or Tag Heuer. These are trendy expressions of your athletic lifestyle.

There’s also an unwritten rule that men should buy a timepiece that suits their age. For example, a Rolex GMT watch may look too stark on the wrist of a 22-year-old man. Similarly, it is better for a 35-year-old to choose IWC watches than Fossil timepieces. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to choosing a watch you can wear proudly and comfortably. An authorized watch dealer will be able to supply you with vital information you need about the watch you choose.

Masterpieces are made with attention-to-detail, precision, and expertise. In Swiss watch making, all these certainly hold true.

Rolex Daytona

The Rolex manufacturing facility located in Bienne, Switzerland is one such makers of masterpiece. Only a very select few can be given the chance to enter the exclusive facility. But the process of creating Rolex watches is undeniably thorough. Some interesting facets about the Bienne plant include the following:

• 2,000 people work in the facility and they manufacture 750,000 movements annually (all these are sent to the COSC for certification).
• Plates and bridges are made by robots in 12-foot modules. Once a module finishes its work, a monorail sends the output to the next pod.
• Some aspects of the hairsprings are created by a 2400-degree furnace.
• The manufacturing process only tolerates two microns (few hundredths of the diameter of your hair). Specialists also inspect the output with microscopes to ensure perfection.
• Employees ride Rolex bikes to travel between the manufacturing plants of the “Bienne campus.”
• The Rolex Daytona 4130 movement requires 200 points of lubrication.