We've highlighted the common bond shared between the finest luxury and performance automobiles on the one hand (pardon the expression) and the most intricately-crafted timepieces on the other, so we won't beat that proverbial dead horse any longer, except to bring you the latest offerings that Switzerland's master timesmiths will be unveiling at the BaselWorld watch exposition. Both these masterpieces are part of the growing market for automotive-inspired wristwatches, and both feature GMT movements that track the time in multiple timezones via a fourth hand that rotates on the same dial.
As part of its partnership with Bentley, Breitling unveiled the GMT Chronometer (above). It's available in a particularly lustrous 18-karat rose gold or in classic stainless steel, with either a rubber strap or Breitling's trademark "speed bracelet", and dials in black, silver or bronze. The 38-jewel Breitling caliber 47B movement also features a unique second hand that circles the face every 30 seconds instead of the usual 60 for precision timing. The familiar Mille Miglia line from Chopard also showed a world-timer in the GTXL GMT. As the name implies, the latest Chopard features a large 44mm case, likewise available in 18kt rose gold or stainless steel with either an alligator leather strap and contrasting top-stitch or with Chopard's signature vintage-tire-tread rubber strap.
[Source: TimeZone]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Will @ Apr 4th 2008 9:04AM
Whatever, my titanium Skagen saves weight.
Stainless @ Apr 4th 2008 12:29PM
+1
I love my titanium Skagen. It's light and easily slides under my cuff, unlike those huge dive watches I used to wear.
The best part...I got it on sale for ~$80 a few years ago and never had a problem with it.
nom de plume @ Apr 4th 2008 9:47AM
As one who can pay cash for any car made today, when I see someone wearing a watch like this, my reaction is: "what a moron". This is buying into the worse form of consumerism. It just marks you as stupid.
Brent @ Apr 4th 2008 10:22AM
May I ask what you do for a living? Also, can I get a loan to start a business?
Brent @ Apr 6th 2008 12:18PM
nom de plume,
Still curious what you do for a living.
nom de plume @ Apr 6th 2008 2:55PM
I start, build, and sell sporting goods companies.
TBlueMax @ Apr 4th 2008 10:11AM
I'm not a big fan of the "personal attack" when it comes to the comment section but frankly, uiguigiog probably should not have purchased/worn an expensive watch if you were not planning to take care of it, and nom de plume, your views on someone else wearing an expensive watch says more about you than them.
Certainly, as with both cars and watches, you can go with expensive and tasteful or expensive and tasteless, same with inexpensive cars and watches. The reasons people typically choose expensive over inexpensive varies - some for the name and prestige factor, others for the quality of materials, design, and manufacturing.
If you don't like something, don't buy it. If you want to think less of someone for purchasing something that they want, for whatever reason they want it, go ahead, America is still [currently] a free country. As for me, I'll continue purchasing items based on the quality of materials, design, and manufacturing, regardless of name brand or price.
Colin Smith @ Apr 4th 2008 3:36PM
But what if the watches are just ugly and vulgar?
Edsel @ Apr 4th 2008 10:32AM
These watches are jewelry, and purchased for similar reasons people will purchase a Ferrari instead of a bone stock Honda Fit. Variety is life's entertainment.
Tsunami Racer @ Apr 4th 2008 11:41AM
+1
If you don't get it, buy a Casio. Just like people who don't get Continental GT Speeds. Just get a Camry.
Gooch @ Apr 4th 2008 10:44AM
I learned a long time ago that if you try judging people merely on what you see, you'll usually be off by 85 percent, if not more.
I wear an expensive watch because it lasts. It works. The first one I bought is still operating perfectly and is more than 10 years old now. I notice that when I wore Timex, Casio and the like, I would break them or lose them after six months or so. Spending $100 every year for watches I didn't particularly care for versus spending 1K+ once and having something of heirloom quality... I'll take the big purchase once.
Now that I wear something that actually cost a fair bit, I take care of it, I don't lose it and it doesn't break. When my sons graduate college, they will both get one as well. People can say what they want -- as long as I'm happy with my purchases, I'm fine.
Don't judge people merely by what you see -- or what you THINK you see.
Colin Smith @ Apr 4th 2008 3:41PM
If you only look after something because it is expensive........? However, when I see someone with a glitzy watch, I think...insecure.
Only my opinion, but that's what it is.
Bart @ Apr 4th 2008 11:22AM
I would love one of these. In particular the one with the white background. These watches exude class and craftmanship. It has nothing to do with money for me, apart from the bit that they're too expensive for me to buy.
Gooch @ Apr 4th 2008 5:27PM
Colin Smith, if you have something that is expensive, yes, you are more likely to look after it. With watches, as with many other consumer items, you get what you pay for.
As for insecurity, believe me, I could give a crap less what other people think of me, good or bad. As I said, I am happy and that is what matters.
If you're thinking about other people in that way because they're wearing a "glitzy" (BTW, my watch is not "glitzy") watch, then perhaps you need to think more about YOURSELF.
But hey, opinions are like buttholes -- everyone has one.
Colin Smith @ Apr 4th 2008 5:37PM
Sorry: not glitzy. Vulgar.
uiguigiog @ Apr 10th 2008 11:02PM
Expensive watches are stupid. I have one, know where it is? On the dresser broken! Why? I was living my life, and it broke. I am active, etc. and I don't need the hassle of worring about a watch! I realized long ago that NOBODY cares what kind of watch your wearing!
They all tell time, they all will eventually break and end up in a drawer some where or sold at a pawn shop by your kids when you kick off.
Save the money and do something that actually makes a difference in somebody's life instead of buying an overpriced watch! Crap! I am becoming a liberal!!!
PauloBecker @ Apr 4th 2008 10:09AM
I'm not just a liberal, I'm a full-fledged libertarian, but I don't think that has anything to do with owning an expensive watch. If I had 5000 dollars sitting around doing nothing, I wouldn't mind spending them on a refined and crafty watch.
But that doesn't mean I don't see your point, or don't agree with it to some extent.
Colin Smith @ Apr 4th 2008 3:30PM
I like you.
Colin Smith @ Apr 4th 2008 3:32PM
I meant; I like "uiq...