Sunday, August 29, 2010

PREVIEW - RARE COLLECTION HEUER LEONIDAS CHRONGRAPH GENTS WRISTWATCH (SOLD)




SOLD TO MR LOKE FROM SUBANG

The TAG Heuer company has its roots in 1860 when Edouard Heuer founded Uhrenmanufaktur Heuer AG in St-Imier, Switzerland, patenting his first chronograph in 1882. In 1887 Heuer patented an 'oscillating pinion' still used by major watchmakers for mechanical chronographs.

Early 20th century

In 1911, Heuer received a patent for the "Time of Trip", the first dashboard chronograph. Designed for use in automobiles and aircraft, two large hands mounted from the center pinion indicate the time of day, as on a traditional clock. A small pair of hands, mounted at the top of the dial (12 o'clock position) indicates the duration of the trip (up to 12 hours). A top-mounted crown allows the user to set the time; a button mounted in that crown operates the start / stop / reset functions of the "duration of trip" counter.

Heuer introduced its first wrist chronograph in 1914. The crown was at the 12 o'clock position, as these first wrist chronographs were adapted from pocket chronographs. In 1916, Heuer introduced the "Micrograph", the first stopwatch accurate to 1/100 of a second. This model was soon followed by the "Semikrograph", a stopwatch that offered 1/50 of a second timing, as well as a split-second function (which allows the user to determine the interval between two contestants or events).

Timepieces of the 1930s and 1940s

In 1933, Heuer introduced the "Autavia", a dashboard timer used for automobiles and aviation (whence its name, from "AUTos" and "AVIAtion"). The companion "Hervue" was a clock that could run for eight days without being wound. Over the period from 1935 through the early 1940s, Heuer manufactured chronographs for pilots in the German Air Force, known as "Flieger" (pilots) chronographs. The earlier version featured a hinged-back case and one pusher (for start / stop / reset); the later version had a snap-back case and added a second pusher (for time-in and time-out). All these Flieger chronographs had two-registers, with a capacity of 30 minutes.

In the mid-1940s, Heuer expanded its line of chronographs to include both two- and three-register models, as well as a three-register chronograph that included a full calendar function (day / date / month). As the highest development of Heuer's chronographs, these "triple calendar" chronographs were offered in stainless steel, 14 carat gold 18 and 22 carat gold cases. Dial colors were white, black or copper.

1950s chronographs

In the early 1950s, Heuer produced watches for the American retailer Abercrombies & Fitch. The "Seafarer" and "Auto-Graph" were unique chronographs produced by Heuer to be sold by Abercrombie & Fitch. The "Seafarers" had special dials—with blue, green and yellow patterns—that showed the high and low tides. This dial could also be used to track the phases of the moon. Heuer produced a version of the "Seafarer" for sale under the Heuer name, with this model called the "Mareographe". The "Auto-Graph" was produced in 1953 and 1954, and featured a tachymeter scale on the dial and a hand that could be preset to a specific point on the scale. This allowed a rally driver or navigator to determine whether the car was achieving the desired pace, over a measured mile. Advertisements and literature also pointed out that this hand could be rotated to count golf scores or other events.

Late 1950s – new series of dashboard timers

From 1911, Heuer manufactured timepieces to be mounted on the dashboards of automobiles, aircraft and boats. These clocks and timers included a variety of models, designed to address specific needs of racers and rallyists. In 1958, Heuer introduced a new line of dashboard timepieces, which included the Master Time (8-day clock), the Monte Carlo (12-hour stopwatch), the Super Autavia (full chronograph), Sebring (60-minute, split-second timer) and Auto-Rallye (60-minute stopwatch). Heuer continued to manufacture these dashboard timepieces into the 1980s, at which time they were discontinued. Heuer also introduced timing devices for ski and motor racing events, including Formula One.

1960s chronographs

Autavia, 1962
Carrera, 1963

From the 1950s to the 1970s, Heuers were popular watches among automobile racers, both professionals and amateurs. Heuer was a leading producer of stopwatches and timing equipment, based on the volume of its sales, so it was only natural that racers, their crews and event sponsors began to wear Heuer's chronographs. Special versions of Heuer chronographs were produced with logos of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as well as the names or logos of racing teams or sponsors (for example, Shelby Cobra, MG and Champion Sparkplugs.

The Autavia chronograph was introduced in 1962 and featured a rotating bezel, marked in either hours, minutes, decimal minutes (1/100th minute increments) or with a tachymeter scale. All manual-wind Autavias from the 1960s had a black dial, with white registers. Early cases had a screw-back and later models (from and after 1968) had snap-backs. The "Autavia" name had previously been used on Heuer's dashboard timers (described above).

">In 1962, Heuer became the first Swiss watchmaker in space. John Glenn wore a Heuer stopwatch when he piloted the Mercury Atlas 6 spacecraft on the first US manned space flight to orbit the earth. This stopwatch was the back-up clock for the mission and was started manually by Glenn 20 seconds into the flight. It is currently on display at the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
">The Carrera chronograph, designed by Jack Heuer, was introduced in 1963. The Carrera had a very simple design, with only the registers and applied markers on the dial. The fixed inner bezel is divided into 1/5 second increments. The 1960s Carreras were available with a variety of dials, including all-white, all-black, white registers on a black dial, and black registers on a black dial. A three-register, triple calendar version of the Carrera was introduced around 1968. ">Most of Heuer chronographs from this period—including the Autavias and Carreras—used movements manufactured by Valjoux, including the Valjoux 72 movement (for a 12-hour chronograph) and the Valjoux 92 movement (for a 30-minute or 45-minute chronograph). The Valjoux 72 movement utilized a 'tri-compax' design, with three registers on the dial—one register for the chronograph hours (at the bottom), one register for the chronograph minutes (at the right), and a third register for a continuously running second hand (at the left). The second hand for the chronograph was mounted on the center pinion, along with the time-of-day hands.

Heuer acquired the "Leonidas" brand in the early 1960s, with the combined company marketing watches under the "Heuer-Leonidas" name. One of the designs that Heuer acquired from Leonidas was the "Bundeswehr" chronograph, used by the German air force. These "BWs" feature a 'fly-back' mechanism, so that when the chronograph is reset to zero, it immediately begins running again, to time the next segment or event.

World's first automatic chronographs

Commencing in the mid-1960s, Heuer was part of a partnership (with Breitling and Hamilton) that sought to introduce the world's first automatic chronograph. Seiko (a Japanese watch manufacturer) and Zenith (a Swiss watch manufacturer) were also seeking to be the first to offer these chronographs. These projects were conducted in secret, as none of the competitors wanted the other companies to be aware of their efforts. Most agree that the Heuer-Breitling venture was first to introduce their new line of automatic chronographs to the world wide market, with Heuer-Breitling-Hamilton holding lavish press conferences in Geneva and New York, on 3 March 1969, to show their new lines of chronograph line-height: 10px;">s.

The Heuer Monaco 40th Anniversary re-edition with Calibre 11, is a limited edition contemporary replica of the original Monaco.

Heuer's first automatic chronographs were the Autavia, Carrera and Monaco. These were powered by the Cal 11 and Cal 12 movements (12-hour chronograph); Cal 14 movement (12-hour chronograph and additional hand for GMT / second time-zone) and the Cal 15 movement (30-minute chronograph). Unusually, the winding crown was on the left, with the pushers for the chronograph on the right. The earliest of Heuer's Cal 11 chronographs (from 1969) were named "Chrono-Matic". In the early 1970s, Heuer expanded its line of automatic chronographs to include the Daytona, Montreal, Silverstone, Calculator, Monza and Jarama models, all of them powered by the Caliber 11 movement.

Several of the automatic Heuer chronographs powered by the Caliber 11 series of movements are associated with automobile racing and specific drivers. Steve McQueen wore a blue Monaco in the 1971 movie Le Mans(with this model now referred to as the "McQueen Monaco") and Swiss Formula One star Jo Siffert customarily wore a white-dialed Autavia with black registers. In 1974, Heuer produced a special version of the black-dialed Autavia that was offered by the Viceroy cigarette company, in a special promotion for $88. The Viceroy advertisements for this promotion featured race Parnelli Jones, this version of the Autavia got to be called the "Viceroy".

Chronographs of the 1970s and 1980s

In 1975, Heuer introduced the Chronosplit, a digital chronograph with dual LED and LCD displays. Later versions featured two LCD displays.

Heuer began using the Valjoux 7750 movement in its automatic chronographs, with the Kentucky and Pasadena models (both introduced in 1977). The Valjoux 7750 movement was a three-register chronograph (with seconds, minutes and hours), that also offered day / date windows.

In the mid-1970s, Heuer introduced a series of chronographs powered by the Lemania 5100 movement. The Lemania 5100 movements have the minute hand for the chronograph on the center pinion (rather than on a smaller register), greatly improving legibility. The Lemania 5100 movement is considered very rugged and has been used in a variety of chronographs issued to military pilots. There are ten models of Heuer chronographs powered by the Lemania 5100—Reference 510.500 (stainless steel), 510.501 (black coated), 510.502 (olive drab coated), 510.503 (pewter coated), 510.511 (Carrera dialed acrylic crystal PVD finish), 510.523 (Carrera dialed acrylic crystal stainless steel), as well as models with the names Silverstone (steel case with black dial) and Cortina (steel case with blue dial); the Reference 510.543 was made for the A.M.I. (Italian Air Force) and a special edition (with no reference number marked on the case) was made for AudiSport.

Formation

TAG Heuer was formed in 1985 when TAG (Techniques d'Avant Garde), manufacturers of high-tech items such as ceramic turbochargers for Formula One cars, acquired Heuer.

On 13 September 1999 TAG Heuer accepted a bid from LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A. of SwFr1.15 billion (£452.15 million) (US$739 million) contingent upon a transfer of 50.1% of stocks.


SELAMAT HARI RAYA

SELAMAT HARI RAYA, MAAF ZAHIR BATHIN
KEPADA
SEMUA RAKAN-RAKAN BLOGGERS
SAYA TELAH SELAMAT KEMBALI KE MALAYSIA

DEPAN KEDAI JAM PATEK PHILLIPPE

BANYAK NYE MESIN JAHIT SINGER ANTIK DALAM KEDAI DI SHEPHERD BUSH, LONDON
DEPAN MENARA HITAM, EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

PRINCESS STREET, EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND


EDINBURGH'S CASTLES

Friday, August 27, 2010

AUTHENTIC VINTAGE ELECTION GRAND PRIX MILITARY GENTS WRISTWATCH






BRAND/JENAMA: ELECTION GRANDPRIX

MADE IN/BUATAN: SWISS BY ELECTION WATCH COMPANY

CIRCA/TAHUN: 1950's

MODEL: MILITARY

CRYSTAL/CERMIN: ACCRYLIC CLEAN/BERSIH

MOVEMENT/ENJIN: SWISS ELECTION 17 JEWELS MANUAL WINDING MOVEMENT

DIAL COLOR: BLACK MILITARY

FUNCTION/FUNGSI: MILITARY

HANDS/JARUM: SILVER TONE / KEPERAKAN

MARKERS/TANDA WAKTU: WHITE ARABIC

CASING : STAINLESS STEEL/KELULI SEPENUHNYA

LUGS: 16mm

MEASUREMENT/UKURAN: 33mm DIAMETER INCLUDING CROWN and 36mm LUG TO LUG

DITANDA/ENGARVED BACK CASING: S/N 929741

CROWN: SS/ KELULI

STRAP/TALI: GENUINE BROWN LEATHER BAND

SIZE STRAP/SAIZ TALI: 8.5"

EXCELLENT CONDITION, WORKING, KEEPING TIME, DISCONTINUED MODEL VERY RARE AND HARD TO FIND

PRICE/HARGA: RM700 (NEGOTIABLE/BOLEH DIRUNDING)

BRIEF HISTORY OF CUERVO Y SOBRINOS HABANA WATCHES

At the end of the 19th century, Havana, the pearl of the Caribbean, became a meeting place for intellectuals, businessmen and world figures, as well as adventurers and sailors. On this island, time has always had another dimension--a realm where awareness and a carefree lifestyle co-existed and gave rise to the freedom of being.

It was in this unique atmosphere that Armando Rio y Cuervo and his brothers ran the jewellery and watchmaking business founded by their uncle Ramon (hence the name, Cuervo y Sobrinos--"Cuervo and Nephews"). In the spring of 1882, the family opened its "La Casa" shop on Havana's prestigious Avenida Quinta (Fifth Avenue).

As evidenced by the guest book and photographs that first came to the light only a few years ago, discovered in the basement rooms of the old La Casa shop, Ernest Hemingway, Enrico Caruso, Clark Gable, Winston Churchill and even Albert Einstein were among the Cuervo y Sobrinos shop's customers.

The brand-heritage of "another time" In less than half a century, the marriage of watch quality with the brand's Latin spirit conquered the Americas. Several leading watch brands (Rolex, Patek Philippe, Election and Longines) associated their names with that of Cuervo y Sobrinos to co-produce Havana timepieces.

During the 1890s, Cuervo y Sobrinos expanded its production network and opened three other outlets in European nerve centres. At a time when most European luxury-product manufacturers were expanding to other continents, Cuervo y Sobrinos dared to go in the opposite direction. It successfully established itself on the Old Continent: at Pforzheim, Germany, where the company choose noble materials such as gold and precious stones; in the heart of Paris, on Rue Mezlay, where the most prestigious jewellery was produced; and at La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland, where the watches were created.

For its select clientele--international figures from the worlds of literature, science, film and politics--a stop at La Casa in the centre of Havana became as important as a visit to the great jewellers on Place Vendome in Paris or New York's Fifth Avenue. During the 1940s, when the brand was at its peak, Cuervo y Sobrinos watches were not just high-end timepieces--they also represented a lifestyle and a way of thinking.

Any dreams Cuervo y Sobrinos had of conquering the watch world however, were dashed by the Cuban revolution of 1959. Some of the Cuervo family sought exile in Europe and the business slowly fell into oblivion. For 40 years, the brand lay dormant, remembered only by connoisseurs.

A new era of Latin time

In 2001, Italian Marzio Villa re-launched the brand that had been hibernating for four decades by buying the rights to the brand name and acquiring access to the company's archives, which had been forgotten in the La Casa basement in Havana.

Three enormous trunks were discovered, which revealed a fabulous heritage: intact watch movements and documents never made public, including watch sketches and designs. New principal premises were established in Lugano in Canton Ticino, with production entrusted to various famous watchmaking firms in the Jura Valley.

Inspired by this hidden treasure, today's watch designers have reproduced the spirit of escape, refinement and the glamorous golden age of Havana in a modern way.

Pleasure of the senses. Pleasure of time. The Cuervo y Sobrinos collection is 100 per cent Swiss-made, but with a distinctive Latin flavour.

Responding to the very essence of the 1940s atmosphere of luxury and refinement, the Cuervo y Sobrinos collection is based on projects, designs and sketches elaborated by watchmakers during this period--a time during which the concepts of elegance were completely revaluated. To recall the Latin origin of the brand, today's manufacturers integrate details like blue indigo colour markings in every timekeeper. It confers aesthetic harmony, as well as a unique and inimitable identity to each watch.

The brand presented its complete collection at the Baselworld Watch and Jewellery Show in 2003.

In 2005, Cuervo y Sobrinos launched its own proprietary movement, the CYS 2450, developed with movement's specialists in the Jura watch valley. The movement was first fitted inside the Esplendido single push-piece chronograph. It was later joined by the CYS 2854 proprietary movement, which drives the Robusto Tourbillon with a silicon tourbillon cage and hands.

For five years, Cuervo y Sobrinos has manufactured several timekeepers of Haute Horlogerie like the Robusto Tricalendografo, the Torpedo 3004 or Tour de Espana and the Eplendidos Grande Date Dualtime model presented at Baselworld 2006.

AUTHENTIC VINTAGE HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE SEIKO 6309-7040 GENTS DIVER WRISTWATCH (SOLD)






BRAND/JENAMA : SEIKO DIVERS WRISTWATCH FOR GENTS
MODEL : 6309-7040 CUSHION TYPE DIVERS
MOVEMENT/ENJIN :6309
ORIGIN/BUATAN : JAPAN
NO. SIRI/SERIAL NO. : 181708
CIRCA/TAHUN : 1970's
CASING/KEMASAN : SOLID STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT/PERGERAKAN : SEIKO AUTOMATIC 21 JEWELS
DIAL: BLACK
BEZEL: UNI-DIRECTIONAL BLACK BEZEL
MARKINGS/TANDA JENAMA : DIAL,BACK CASING, RUBBER BANDS
BAND/TALI : ORIGINAL SEIKO BLACK RUBBER DIVING STRAP
LUGS SIZE: 20mm
BAND WIDTH: 24mm
LENS/CERMIN : HARDLEX MINERAL
MEASUREMENT/UKURAN : 44mm X 46mm LUG TO LUG
WATER RESISTANT: 150 METERS
CONDITION/KONDISI : MINT, EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION AND KEEPING TIME
PRICE/HARGA: SOLD TO FITRI FROM PENANG
About 6309-7040

n 1976 Seiko introduced its third generation 6309-704x divers to replace its ageing 6105-811x models which was due to be phased out a year later. Oh, by the way when I use the "x" in a caseback number (e.g. 704x), it covers all variations of the watch. In other words, it includes both the 6309-7040 and 6309-7049 models which are essentially similar. The last digit denotes the export market the watch was intended – in this case a -7040 is for most overseas countries while a -7049 is specifically for the North American mark.

The 6309-704x is easily identified by its fat cushion styled case (it was in fact, the only other cushion cased Seiko diver other than its predecessor, the 6105-811x), round index markers and the distinctive sword-like cross. Early 6309-704x divers were made at Seiko Japan’s Suwa factory while later batches were assembled in Seiko’s overseas plant in Hong Kong (now part of China).

For some reason Seiko decided to discontinue the cushion case look and its 2nd generation 6309-729x models adopted a slimmer case, almost similar to the contemporary 7s26-002x divers (such as the SKX007) that is being sold today. It also sported all-rectangular hour markers and a V-shaped 12 o’clock index.

By and large, many vintage Seiko enthusiasts prefer the 6309-704x model over the 6309-729x types. My guess is that the 6309-704x feels more comfortable on the wrist due to its expanded case shape and has that very classic vintage Seiko diver look. Another matter is the quality of the dial itself. You can easily find a used 6309-704x with almost pristine looking dials but looking for an equally well preserved 6309-729x dial is a real challenge

About Seiko
In 1877, at the age of 18, Kintaro Hattori set up business repairing the Western-style clocks that were becoming increasingly popular in Japan. By 1892, Hattori was manufacturing his own clocks in a factory he called Seikosha, from the words "seiko" meaning "exquisite," "success," or "miniature," and "sha" meaning "house." The company grew and prospered, producing its first wristwatch in 1913 and launching the Seiko brand in 1924. Technological innovation has always been a driving force in the company's history. Key milestones include Seiko's introduction of the world's first quartz watch in 1969, and its successful launch, in 1988, of the Kinetic, the world's first battery-free watch with quartz accuracy. Today, the Seiko brand continues to stand for state-of-the-art technology, as well as superior quality and refined design.

From Humble beginnings, Kintaro Hattori’s Vision for Seiko has become reality. A consuming passion for excellence - imprinted in our Corporate DNA passed from generation to generation. Seiko, for 125 years committed to the art and science of time.

A culture of innovation connects a 19th century Tokyo clock shop with 20th century advances in timekeeping to an extraordinary 21st century "quiet revolution." Continually driven by dedication and passion, established a multitude of world’s first technologies… transforming the principles of timekeeping.

The first quartz wristwatch – changed the history of time.

The first Kinetic – marked a new era in quartz watch technology.

In 1969, Seiko Astron, the first quartz wristwatch - was introduced.

In an instant, Seiko exponentially improved the accuracy of wristwatches –And Seiko technology firmly established today’s standard in Olympic and sports timing.

1984, another celebrated first – Kinetic Technology – powered by body movement.

Kinetic – a quartz mechanism with unparalleled accuracy –the driving force behind more world’s firsts.

Kinetic Chronograph – the next generation of high performance timekeeping.

Kinetic Auto Relay – automatically resets to the correct time.

Kinetic Perpetual - combining the date perfect technology of perpetual calendar with the genius of Kinetic Auto Relay.

And now Kinetic Direct Drive – move, and the watch is powered automatically. Or hand wind it and see the power you are generating in real time.

In the realm of fine watches, time is measured by Seiko innovation – A heritage of dedication to the art and science of time.

AUTHENTIC VINTAGE HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE SEIKO 6309-7040 GENTS DIVER WRISTWATCH (SOLD)






BRAND/JENAMA : SEIKO DIVERS WRISTWATCH FOR GENTS
MODEL : 6309-7040 CUSHION TYPE DIVERS
MOVEMENT/ENJIN :6309
ORIGIN/BUATAN : JAPAN
NO. SIRI/SERIAL NO. : 510444
CIRCA/TAHUN : 1970's
CASING/KEMASAN : SOLID STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT/PERGERAKAN : SEIKO AUTOMATIC 21 JEWELS
DIAL: BLACK
BEZEL: UNI-DIRECTIONAL PEPSI BEZEL
MARKINGS/TANDA JENAMA : DIAL,BACK CASING, RUBBER BANDS
BAND/TALI : ORIGINAL SEIKO BLACK RUBBER DIVING STRAP
LUGS SIZE: 20mm
BAND WIDTH: 24mm
LENS/CERMIN : HARDLEX MINERAL
MEASUREMENT/UKURAN : 44mm X 46mm LUG TO LUG
WATER RESISTANT: 150 METERS
CONDITION/KONDISI : MINT, EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION AND KEEPING TIME
PRICE/HARGA: RM550 (SOLD TO TUAN RSYAM TALIB FROM TG. KARANG, SELANGOR)

About 6309-7040

n 1976 Seiko introduced its third generation 6309-704x divers to replace its ageing 6105-811x models which was due to be phased out a year later. Oh, by the way when I use the "x" in a caseback number (e.g. 704x), it covers all variations of the watch. In other words, it includes both the 6309-7040 and 6309-7049 models which are essentially similar. The last digit denotes the export market the watch was intended – in this case a -7040 is for most overseas countries while a -7049 is specifically for the North American mark.

The 6309-704x is easily identified by its fat cushion styled case (it was in fact, the only other cushion cased Seiko diver other than its predecessor, the 6105-811x), round index markers and the distinctive sword-like cross. Early 6309-704x divers were made at Seiko Japan’s Suwa factory while later batches were assembled in Seiko’s overseas plant in Hong Kong (now part of China).

For some reason Seiko decided to discontinue the cushion case look and its 2nd generation 6309-729x models adopted a slimmer case, almost similar to the contemporary 7s26-002x divers (such as the SKX007) that is being sold today. It also sported all-rectangular hour markers and a V-shaped 12 o’clock index.

By and large, many vintage Seiko enthusiasts prefer the 6309-704x model over the 6309-729x types. My guess is that the 6309-704x feels more comfortable on the wrist due to its expanded case shape and has that very classic vintage Seiko diver look. Another matter is the quality of the dial itself. You can easily find a used 6309-704x with almost pristine looking dials but looking for an equally well preserved 6309-729x dial is a real challenge

About Seiko
In 1877, at the age of 18, Kintaro Hattori set up business repairing the Western-style clocks that were becoming increasingly popular in Japan. By 1892, Hattori was manufacturing his own clocks in a factory he called Seikosha, from the words "seiko" meaning "exquisite," "success," or "miniature," and "sha" meaning "house." The company grew and prospered, producing its first wristwatch in 1913 and launching the Seiko brand in 1924. Technological innovation has always been a driving force in the company's history. Key milestones include Seiko's introduction of the world's first quartz watch in 1969, and its successful launch, in 1988, of the Kinetic, the world's first battery-free watch with quartz accuracy. Today, the Seiko brand continues to stand for state-of-the-art technology, as well as superior quality and refined design.

From Humble beginnings, Kintaro Hattori’s Vision for Seiko has become reality. A consuming passion for excellence - imprinted in our Corporate DNA passed from generation to generation. Seiko, for 125 years committed to the art and science of time.

A culture of innovation connects a 19th century Tokyo clock shop with 20th century advances in timekeeping to an extraordinary 21st century "quiet revolution." Continually driven by dedication and passion, established a multitude of world’s first technologies… transforming the principles of timekeeping.

The first quartz wristwatch – changed the history of time.

The first Kinetic – marked a new era in quartz watch technology.

In 1969, Seiko Astron, the first quartz wristwatch - was introduced.

In an instant, Seiko exponentially improved the accuracy of wristwatches –And Seiko technology firmly established today’s standard in Olympic and sports timing.

1984, another celebrated first – Kinetic Technology – powered by body movement.

Kinetic – a quartz mechanism with unparalleled accuracy –the driving force behind more world’s firsts.

Kinetic Chronograph – the next generation of high performance timekeeping.

Kinetic Auto Relay – automatically resets to the correct time.

Kinetic Perpetual - combining the date perfect technology of perpetual calendar with the genius of Kinetic Auto Relay.

And now Kinetic Direct Drive – move, and the watch is powered automatically. Or hand wind it and see the power you are generating in real time.

In the realm of fine watches, time is measured by Seiko innovation – A heritage of dedication to the art and science of time.

AUTHENTIC VINTAGE POBEDA USSR MILITARY GENTS WRISTWATCH






BRAND/JENAMA: POBEDA MILITARY

MADE IN/BUATAN: USSR

CIRCA/TAHUN: 1950's

MODEL: MILITARY

CRYSTAL/CERMIN: ACCRYLIC CLEAN/BERSIH

MOVEMENT/ENJIN: KAMECHA 15 JEWELS MANUAL WINDING MOVEMENT

DIAL COLOR: BLACK MILITARY

FUNCTION/FUNGSI: MILITARY

HANDS/JARUM: SILVER TONE AND RED CENTER SWIPE/ KEPERAKAN

MARKERS/TANDA WAKTU: WHITE ARABIC

CASING : STAINLESS STEEL/KELULI SEPENUHNYA

LUGS: 16mm

MEASUREMENT/UKURAN: 34mm DIAMETER INCLUDING CROWN and 41mm LUG TO LUG

DITANDA/ENGARVED BACK CASING:

CROWN: SS/ KELULI

STRAP/TALI: GENUINE BROWN LEATHER BAND

SIZE STRAP/SAIZ TALI: 8.5"

EXCELLENT CONDITION, WORKING, KEEPING TIME, DISCONTINUED MODEL VERY RARE AND HARD TO FIND

PRICE/HARGA: RM240 (NEGOTIABLE/BOLEH DIRUNDING)



BRIEF HISTORY OF USSR POBEDA WATCHES

The history of watchmaking in Russia is not very long. Before the October revolution Russia had to assemble watches from ready parts, imported from Switzerland. It was more profitable to assemble watches in Russia because of tax barriers. For example you pay 4,5 roubles for ready watch or even 6 roubles for the same watch in gold case. And you pay about 0,75 rouble for enormous qty of spare parts. Most famous brands of that period were Henry Mozer, Pavel Bure, Victor Gabu, Freimuth, Kiseleff, Telefon. Some local workshops produced wallclocks and alarm clocks. Nobody even thought about watchmaking formation in tzar Russia.

After the 1917 revolution, the whole watch industry became a part of the ‘Trust of Precision Mechanics’. They were watch enterprises, work shops, warehouses of watch parts and half-finished products which belonged to famous manufacturers, mentioned before. The first time the Soviets assembled watches from the spare parts, left in Russia after the revolution - there were Longines, Zenit, Omega, HM etc.

But to 1926 all warehouses were out of spare parts. Only in 1927th there was a decision to start watch producing in Russia. First Soviet watch had been manufactured in 1930. Primarily Russia used foreign bimetallic balance wheels, bouchons, screws. Then the Soviets began producing their own jewels and balances. I won't say it was a perfect quality - but it was fully made in Russia! This movement (pocket one) came up to WW2.

To start production, the four types of watches were chosen: a man's pocket watch with 15 jewels for the enterprises of the Narkomat (Ministry) of Means of Communications, a man's wrist-watch with 7 jewels for the Red Army; a man's pocket watch with 7 jewels and a ladies' wrist-watch with 15 jewels to sell in a market. For the prototype there had been chosen a French "Lip" movement R43 (43 mm in diameter).

According to the agreement (reparations) after the WW2 Russia had got from Germany some equipment, tools, etc. Glashutte factories had lost almost all machinery. It was quite new equipment, so the Russians were able to produce modern movements of that time, using high class of finishing. The 1st Moscow Watch Factory (now Poljot) started producing K-26 ("Pobeda") in 1946. The "Pobeda" movement is based on the well known for us "Lip" R26. For more information about "Lip" you can read an article of Nick Downes. It's a VERY reliable movement. Many of them work for 40-50 years! Recently there was a joke among Russian watchmakers: You shouldn't clean "Pobeda" not to spoil a structure of dirt.

The first time "Pobeda" had been manufactured only at the 1st Moscow Watch Factory (1947-1953). Then it started producing more modern watches and displaced "Pobeda" to other factories. There were "Vostok", the 2nd Moscow Watch Factory, ZIM (Zavod Imeni Maslenikova - a watch factory in Samara) and "Raketa". Every manufacture had some changes with the movement. Vostok added calendar and two cap jewels to escape wheel, besides it began producing movements with Incabloc protection. "Raketa" started later, I'd never met "Raketas" with a calendar, but they added to the original movement a central jewel. ZIM produced the cheapest variant of base movement.

AUTHENTIC VINTAGE GOLD TOP BULOVA MILITARY GENTS WRISTWATCH (SOLD)

BRAND/JENAMA: BULOVA MILITARY

MADE IN/BUATAN: SWISS BY BULOVA WATCH COMPANY

CIRCA/TAHUN: 1950's

MODEL: MILITARY

CRYSTAL/CERMIN: ACCRYLIC CLEAN/BERSIH

MOVEMENT/ENJIN: SWISS 17 JEWELS MANUAL WINDING MOVEMENT

DIAL COLOR: BLACK MILITARY

FUNCTION/FUNGSI: MILITARY

HANDS/JARUM: SILVER TONE / KEPERAKAN

MARKERS/TANDA WAKTU: WHITE ARABIC

CASING : STAINLESS STEEL/KELULI SEPENUHNYA

LUGS: 16mm

MEASUREMENT/UKURAN: 34mm DIAMETER INCLUDING CROWN and 39mm LUG TO LUG

DITANDA/ENGARVED BACK CASING:

CROWN: SS/ KELULI

STRAP/TALI: GENUINE BROWN LEATHER BAND

SIZE STRAP/SAIZ TALI: 8.5"

EXCELLENT CONDITION, WORKING, KEEPING TIME, DISCONTINUED MODEL VERY RARE AND HARD TO FIND

PRICE/HARGA: RM480 (NEGOTIABLE/BOLEH DIRUNDING)

AUTHENTIC ETERNA MATIC PORSCHE DESIGN MENS WRISTWATCH P6000 (SOLD)










BRAND/JENAMA: AUTHENTIC PORSCHE DESIGNED BY ETERNA MATIC GENTS WRISTWATCH

MADE IN/BUATAN: SWISS BY ETERNA MATIC WATCH CO.

CIRCA/TAHUN: 2010

MODEL: P6000

CRYSTAL/CERMIN: CLEAN SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL / BERSIH TANPA CALAR

MOVEMENT/ENJIN: ETERNA MATIC 7 JEWELS ETA QUARTZ MOVEMENT

DIAL COLOR: WHITE/PUTIH

FUNCTION/FUNGSI: SPORT/DRESS WATCH

HANDS/JARUM: WHITE / PUTIH

MARKERS/TANDA WAKTU: WHITE STICKS/PUTIH RANTING

CASING : SOLID BRUSHED STAINLESS STEEL / KELULI BRUSHED SEPENUHNYA

LUGS: 20mm

MEASUREMENT/UKURAN: 38mm DIAMETER WITH CROWN and 42mm LUG TO LUG

DITANDA/ENGARVED BACK CASING: LIHAT GAMBAR

CROWN: SOLID TITANIUM/ TITANIUM

STRAP/TALI: GENUINE ORIGINAL PORSCHE DESIGN SS BRACELET/ RANTAI KELULI ORIGINAL PORSCHE DESIGN

SIZE STRAP/SAIZ TALI: 8.5"

NEW IN BOX COMPLETE WITH INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY AND SERVICE BOOK

PRICE/HARGA: SOLD TO TN. SUWEILI FROM KELANA JAYA.


BRIEF FISTORY OF ETERNA MATIC AND PORSCHE DESIGN WATCHES

FEATURES A quantum leap by Eterna SA Founded 148 years ago, Eterna is an integral part of Switzerland’s watchmaking history. Through the perturbations caused by economic turbulence, two World Wars, amalgamations, industry takeovers, sell-outs, buy outs and bankruptcies, the brand managed to maintain production without a break. Today, under the astute direction of Ernst F. Seyr, the brand is once again moving into the limelight.

Ernst Seyr joined Eterna in CEO in November of 2000 after working for five years in the American Information Technology (IT) industry and prior to that having his own company in the aviation industry. The change of industries didn’t come too hard for him since he believes there are similar demands within the aviation and watch industries. As he explains, “… performance, reliability, first class craftsmanship and outstanding design to name just a few. Expensive toys for big boys if you want. Always having been deeply involved in the technical part of the airplane business and having a sound background in mechanical engineering it was not very difficult to get to understand the basics of mechanical watches. Of course the development of the Indicator brought a quantum leap to my understanding for complicated watches. However, I had to learn a thing or two about the unique way the watch industry works with regards to production and marketing and distribution.” Eterna Porsche Design Indicator Eterna Kontiki Chrono cuir and KonTiki 4 Hands

Question:
What was the state of Eterna when you took overı

Ernst Seyr:
I can’t disclose exact figures, but its safe to say that Eterna never was a mass product, hovering between 50,000 and 100,000 watches a year. Even in the heyday of Swiss watches in the 50s and 60s, Eterna produced fewer watches than its competitors, brands such as Longines, Omega or Rolex. Eterna was never a brand with a truly worldwide distribution. However, it's production spin-off (ETA) was making big money with basic movements sold on a worldwide basis. It’s fair to say Eterna was the hobby of the famous Schild family and they kept it low key so as not to get in conflict with it's ETA customers. On the other hand, in the 30s there was a regulation in place that prohibited companies with a branded watch to have a business as movement suppliers to other companies. Eterna had a reputation for being the best quality watch sold at a very reasonable price and it was always operative even when some other famous companies where dead and buried! So when I took over in 2000 we were well within the historic figures of the last 15 to 20 years, which included the number of employees. The situation today is that our production has dropped by about 50% and we have concentrated on R & D and the design of new products. Also we have pulled out of Asia, Italy and the USA where we had very poor representation. The rest of the world, mainly Europe is currently under reconstruction except in Germany where we have our own distribution set up. Over the last 3 years we have started to very carefully reposition Eterna by means of streamlining the collection and cranking up the requirements for a quality distribution. Of course this is a process that will take considerable time and has to go hand in hand with an important investment into the product as well. Initially, that means a reduction in the quantity we produce over, say, the next two to three years. But we have the patience and the stamina to pull that through! We’ve invested in our own mechanical movements deep into the double-digit in the millions [Swiss francs] over the last 2 years, now we are carefully entering new markets and are aiming for a genuine worldwide distribution in the next 3 to 5 years.”

Question:
With the acquisition of Porsche Design, Eterna SA has two very different products and obviously two very different approaches. Can you explain the difference in your strategies for these brandsı

Ernst Seyr:
The strategy for Eterna is to highlight the historic values such as innovation, reliability and timeless style combined with true manufacturing craftsmanship and watchmaking spirit. Comparatively low production - a real niche product with a great history trying to appeal to those who care about the ‘true values’, the quiet power of tradition and dedication. With Porsche Design the strategy is almost the opposite - all we need now is tremendous speed. The development of the last two years has clearly shown that the potential of the brand is almost unlimited - provided the product is exactly right. There is a very special expectation out there in the market as to what a Porsche Design watch has to represent. If this expectation is met, the product is a fast mover. Naturally it needs considerable investment in pro- duct development to create a technically outstanding and innovative watch - and even more resources to go out and tell everybody! With the Indicator, we at Eterna have shown that we can compete with the best in the industry when it comes to product creation, engineering and watch making resourcefulness. For the last two and a half years, we have had 12 people just in product development and design and that doesn’t include the outside consultants such as Paul Gerber and several designers we use. This is a good size development crew for a company of 50 people. However, the results we achieved with this crew are absolutely outstanding and they can be held up to projects developed by other brands that have many times our budget and manpower. Now we are into the second stage of development and we are building up our capacity for the production of the Indicator and the new mechanical movements. The space for it is there and we have already invested in the latest state of the art production and quality control equipment.

Question:
Does manufacturing the Porsche Design watches make more profit for Eterna SA than the manufacturing of the Eterna watches and where do you see the greatest potential for the two brandsı

Ernst Seyr:
There is no excessive profit in the Porsche Design products as we have to pay a considerable license fee to produce it and it is expensive to market it. However, part of that goes into the global marketing of the brand and creates volume. So we hope that Porsche Design will be making a good profit for us in the future. As you can imagine, to maintain a costly development department such as the one we now have, we need additional activities to justify this technical overkill. Porsche Design with its high demand on ‘thinking outside the watchmaking box’ is just the right brand to make use of our resources. With Eterna, naturally the greatest potential is in the countries that recall the historic summits the brand attained. Besides the German speaking part of Europe, there is also Italy for example, but during the last 20 years we have not been very successful there, however the brand has good potential as the market is void of our products and with the right approach we see excellent possibilities there. China is another potentially good market for Eterna since we had a special deal with the Mao regime in the 60s whereby gold watches were given to senior government officials, which brought recognition and respect to the brand. Japan is potentially good also because we had a reputation for being a reliable mechanical gold watch. The potential with Porsche Design is worldwide, maybe with the exemption of China, where neither the watch nor the car has a comparable image. We have great expectations in the USA, where we are making a market entry through the Porsche Design (PLH) owned distribution company. For the immediate future our plans for re-entering the Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan markets are solely for Porsche Design. Our strategy is to go with one or two main distributors and we are only days short of signing up an agreement so you can understand that I cannot elaborate on this issue at this time.

Question:
You mentioned some time ago that “Mechanical watches don’t make sense if you don’t take the best 3-hand automatic movement.” Do you see the three hand movements as Eterna’s present and future or will you be moving into complications - other than your Kon Tiki chronographı

Ernst Seyr:
What I wanted to say is, if you go into complications you have to start with the best basic movement such as our 3030, based on one of the best 3 hands movement in the history of mechanical watches i.e. the 1504 Eterna movement developed in the 60s. This movement was the basis for the famous 2892 ETA movement. And yes, of course we will move into complications, in fact we have two under development right now.

Question:
Do you see Eterna ever getting back to the sort of production figures of the 1940s – between 50,000 and 100,000ı

Ernst Seyr:
Production was around 100,000 in the 1940s and yes, we are aiming to hit 50,000 within three to four years from now. And they will be mostly mechanical. Eterna Milestones

1856 November 7, Dr. Josef Girard and schoolteacher Urs Schild create the company that
later became known as Eterna.

1906 The founding of Fabrique Eterna, Schild Frères & Co. The Eterna name, used previously on the dials, becomes part of the company name.

1914 Eterna presents the first wristwatch with an alarm at the Swiss national Exhibition.

1926 The first watch-cigarette lighter. Each time the flame was ignited, the watch was wound up.

1930 The smallest volume-production Baguette wristwatch with its ‘baguette’ movement is launched and enjoys great popularity with the ladies.

1931 The manufacture of the first alarm clock with an 8-day movement.

1932 Theodor Schild divides Eterna into two distinct companies:
1. Eterna SA for the manufacture of precision watches.
2. ETA SA for the production of movement blanks.

1947 One of the first sports watches, the Eterna Kon Tiki, is used by the crew of Thor Heyerdahl’s balsa boat Kon Tiki, in the 97 day 7,600 kilometre Pacific crossing.

1948 Creation of the Eterna-Matic. For the first time ball bearings were used to mount
the rotor onto a movement with automatic winding. The five ball bearings of the Eterna-Matic becomes the symbolic trademark for Eterna.

1956 In celebration of the brand’s 100th anniversary, the highly successful ‘extra slim’ Centenaire wristwatch collection is introduced.

1958 The first volume-produced Eterna-Matic Kon Tiki sports watch is launched.

1962 The Eterna-Matic 3000 at 3.4 mm thick becomes the slimmest automatic wristwatch.

1970 The introduction of the Eterna Sonic, the brand’s first electronic wristwatch.

1976 The Eterna Royal Quartz Kon Tiki, with date and water-resistance to 100 metres,becomes the slimmest quartz watch in the world.

1979 The Eterna Linea Quartz Squelette at 1.5 mm is the slimmest quartz watch
ever produced.

1980 ETA and Eterna set the absolute record with the Eterna Linea Museum at just
0.98 mm thick. Eterna awarded the Grand Prix de l’Excellence Européenne.

1981 Launch of the Eterna CXXV

1984 The PCW group takes over Eterna SA.

1986 With the Eterna Galaxis – ‘Poetry in blue’ – the brand penetrates the luxury watch segment.

1994 The renaissance of the classic Kon Tiki sports watch.

1995 F.A. Porsche takes over Eterna SA.
The new Pininfarina models from Eterna are introduced. 1935 and Art Deco models.

2004 The revolutionary Porsche Design Indicator, a chronograph with combined mechanical- digital chronometer display, is launched at BaselWorld.