TOURNEAU

Patek Philippe: Nautilus

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:15:00 -0400

In Patek Philippe’s continued search for a watch with an unmatched personality, the Nautilus collection was introduced in 1976. Patek Philippe had foreseen the need for change, it was necessary to refresh the conservative image of the brand, by extending the range of products to more modern designs. And the Nautilus fitted perfectly with this strategy of dynamic product renewal.

The Nautilus is the symbol of this evolution: an elegant sports watch for a dynamic wearer. The original model was the Ref. 3700/1 in stainless steel. This model was designed in 1972 by Gerald Genta and born from a sketch on a napkin in a Basel restaurant. The inspiration for its design is the universal shape of a port hole, or window, found on all sea going vessels. The name “Nautilus” is a reference to Jules Verne “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea”. This classic science fiction novel conveys a theme of liberty as the characters battle marine animals in a submarine named the “Nautilus”. Similarly, a nautilus is a unique marine creature often referred to as a living fossil.

The Nautilus collection showcases a rare and flattering redesign of Patek Philippe’s elegant characteristics. It’s simple and stylish features makes this watch a sports model which is distinct in appearance and projects a sense of strength and reliability.

Tourneau is proud to present the following Patek Philippe’s from its Certified Pre-Owned collection:

Reference 3900

Reference 3800

Reference 4700

Another Tourneau Certified Pre-Owned exclusive sneak peek: The...

Sat, 11 May 2013 11:01:12 -0400

Another Tourneau Certified Pre-Owned exclusive sneak peek:

The Rolex Milgauss, Reference 116400GV, in stainless steel, with black dial, and green sapphire crystal. Equipped with an internal Faraday cage and double case-back, the Milgauss can withstand magnetic fields of up to 1,000 Gauss.

The green crystal is the more difficult to find of the three (3) current Milgauss versions, thus making it the most desirable.

This Rolex Milgauss will be available from next week on www.tourneau.com/shop/certified-pre-owned/

Certified Pre-Owned Collection: Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:01:00 -0400

Mother’s Day is Sunday.

And if you forgot to get a present for your dear old mom, it’s not too late! Take a look at the following women’s watches from Tourneau’s Certified Pre-Owned collection.

Patek Philippe Serata

Cartier Ballon Bleu

Patek Philippe Gondol

Audemars Piguet

Vacheron Constantin Overseas

Visit our website and Facebook page for more CPO Mother’s Day gift ideas.

A Tourneau Certified Pre-Owned watch exclusive: The Breitling...

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:16:18 -0400

A Tourneau Certified Pre-Owned watch exclusive:

The Breitling Special Edition Chrono-Matic 49 in stainless steel with rubber bezel.

Will be available on www.tourneau.com/shop/certified-pre-owned/ next week.

Baselworld 2013 Exclusive: We will be introducing MB&F at...

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:28:23 -0400

Baselworld 2013 Exclusive: We will be introducing MB&F at Tourneau in September. This watch has a vertical power reserve indicator, two independent dials which can be set to any time (allowing for half hour offset time zone setting) and a balance wheel suspended over the dial.

Certified Pre-Owned: Patek Philippe Calatrava

Wed, 01 May 2013 12:27:06 -0400

Synonymous with fine timepieces since its founding in 1851, Patek Philippe is the premier Swiss watchmaker. And Patek Philippe’s signature, flagship line is the Calatrava.

Created in 1932, the Calatrava line has displayed an endearing design that has withstood over 80 years of passing trends and fleeting fashions. Heavily influenced by the Bauhaus school of design’s minimalistic, function-over-form aesthetic, the line is a study in subtle elegance and understated sophistication.

The name Calatrava comes from the Order of Calatrava, a 12^th century Spanish religious, military order that included monks ordained by Pope. In fact, the Order’s emblem (a Greek cross with fleur de lis tips) was adopted by Patek Philippe as their coat of arms at the end of the 19^th century.

Tourneau is proud to present the following Calatrava timepieces from our Certifed Pre-Owned collection:

Baselworld 2013: Mido Great Wall 42mm chronometer certified 100...

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:38:49 -0400

Baselworld 2013: Mido Great Wall

42mm chronometer certified 100 meter water resistant with screw down crown beveling on the side. In store November.

Baselworld 2013: Limited edition of 950 pieces, commemorating 95...

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:34:30 -0400

Baselworld 2013: Limited edition of 950 pieces, commemorating 95 years of Mido. $2390. In store August.

Baselworld 2013: Mido Men’s black 42mm sapphire crystal...

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:25:00 -0400

Baselworld 2013: Mido

Men’s black 42mm sapphire crystal anti-reflective coating with 100m water resistant caoutchouc rubber.

Ladies 38mm Rose Pod

Baselworld 2013: Mido Great Wall 42mm chronometer certified 100...

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:13:00 -0400

Baselworld 2013: Mido Great Wall

42mm chronometer certified 100 meter water resistant with screw down crown beveling on the side. In store November.

Tourneau has officially arrived at Baselworld 2013! Stay tuned...

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:09:00 -0400

Tourneau has officially arrived at Baselworld 2013! Stay tuned for an inside look at all the happenings from the event.

Certified Pre-Owned: The Cartier Roadster.

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:11:00 -0400

We have certainly written about the fabled history of the Cartier brand before. From its origin in the jewelry workshop of Louis-Francois Cartier in 1847, through the creation of its first wristwatch, the Santos Dumont in 1904 (created for Cartier’s friend and client the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont), Cartier has been synonymous with fine watches for well over 100 years. But while the Santos, the Tank and the Tortue watch lines have been in existence for generations, it was only after the turn of the century, in 2002 that Cartier created and launched its iconic Roadster line.

Inspired by motor racing from the 1950’s and 60’s, the Roadster’s particular oval case, with sturdy, solid look, was a departure from the elegant lines and look of previous Cartier offerings. Considered Cartier’s sportiest styled watch, the Roadster may be one of Cartier’s younger lines, but has become an instant classic.

Come and see the following Cartier Roadster wristwatches from Tourneau’s Certified Pre-Owned collection: http://bit.ly/12mHHGL

18K Yellow Gold Roadster Small Quartz

18K White Gold Roadster Small Quartz

Stainless Steel Roadster XL Chronograph Automatic

Stainless Steel Roadster Large Automatic

Stainless Steel Roadster Quartz

Photo

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:45:55 -0400

Certified Pre-Owned Summer Watches

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:54:00 -0400

As the temperature finally hit over 70 degrees here at Tourneau’s NYC offices, we look forward to enjoying the summer outdoors. And regardless of if you are at the beach, by the pool, or up in a mountain, here are some great watches from Tourneau’s Certified Pre-Owned collection that will withstand the rigors of some fun in the sun.

1. Hublot Big Bang Mag Bang Limited Edition, $21500

2. Rolex Mid-Sized Yachtmaster, $14250

3. Panerai Luminor Chrono 1000M Slytech Limited Edition, $13,700

4. Vacheron Constantin Overseas, $11,350

5. Chanel J12, $9450

6. Jaeger LeCoultre Master Compressor Diving GMT, $8700

7. Roger Dubuis Easy Diver Limited Edition, $8500

8. Breguet Type XX Transatlantique, $7950

9. Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver Limited Edition, $6500

10. Patek Philippe Nautilus, $29500

History of the Women’s Watch: The Jeweled, Hidden Watch

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:42:00 -0400

Did you know that the first chronicled wristwatch was designed for a woman? In fact, these timepieces were commonly known as “Wristlets” and were created with the influence from the watch world that was a primarily male dominated industry. The first actual woman’s wristwatch is credited to Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823) who made a watch for the Queen of Naples in 1810; and Patek Philippe who made a wristwatch for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary in 1869. During this period and onward for the next 100-120 years, wristwatches were perceived as women’s items displaying the latest designs in jewelry and fashion, often seen as a symbol of wealth. Women’s wristwatches prevailed through the late 1920’s as men continued to see wristwatches as feminine. Because men of this era preferred pocket watches, women were the first to adorn their wrists with time. Since the mid-19th century, most ladies wristwatches were incorporated into bracelets, heavily jeweled, ornately and stylishly decorated, and quite often concealing their functions.

In particular, as early as the sixteenth century, watches were introduced as jewelry. Rich and powerful women of the sixteenth century often wore luxuriously decorated watches suspended as a pendant from their necklace, hanging from a brooch or belt. The revolution came from jewelers who, when fashion bared women’s arms, dressed them with bracelets and bracelet-watches. With sleeveless dresses the bracelet became a blank canvas on which jewelers could express their creativity. As a result, the watch became more of a fashion accessory, primarily designed for women. These highly visible and very decorative elements of a wealthy woman’s attire were as much jewels as they were timekeepers. Piaget was one of the first to create watches in a jewelry spirit, followed by Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Chopard. Women were encouraged to own several and adapt them to their outfit and activities.

For women, the wristwatch opened up endless possibilities for style and elegance and placed a spotlight on luxury. These models were presented on simple leather straps and, later, gold bracelets appeared at more formal occasions. An example of this is the Audemars Piguet ‘Butterfly Woman’ watch, circa 1980’s, featuring vividly colored jewels. This watch is one of very few of its kind that were made to order in the 1980’s at the request of Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei. This ladies watch has an 18-karat yellow gold case with butterfly ornament flips. This opens to reveal a dial and the hour and second hands. The butterfly wings and body are decorated with emeralds and diamonds or rubies and diamonds. This butterfly design makes this watch a distinctly feminine timepiece. Looking at the solid case back, you’ll see it marked “No.1” showing that this timepiece was one of the very first in the custom ordered collection for the Sultan.

View our CPO Audemars Piguet Diamond and Rubies Butterfly

View our CPO Audemars Piguet Diamond and Emerald Butterfly

Similarly, with creativity flourishing around these miniature calibers, watches were tucked into many different kinds of jewels, mostly concealed and elaborately gem-set. Another example of a highly decorated and delicate watch of the 19th century is the Bucherer ‘Vintage Leaf Pattern’ watch, circa 1930’s. This watch combines both luxury and jewelry making skills. This ladies watch has an 18-karat yellow gold case with a vintage leaf pattern flip cover. This opens to reveal an ivory dial, and the hour and second hands. Diamonds along with 10 rubies decorate the ornate leaf pattern cover of this stunning watch. The bracelet was expertly crafted in an intricate design and the leaf cover is decorated with complex patterns. This elegant design makes this watch distinctly delicate and bursting with glamour.

View our CPO Bucherer Vintage Leaf Cover

Which watch brand is your favorite?

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:23:13 -0500

Which watch brand is your favorite?

omegaforums: Constellation Black Dial Near The Pool #Omega...

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:07:17 -0500

omegaforums:

Constellation Black Dial Near The Pool #Omega #Womw #Constellation #Watches #Menswear

This timepiece is truly a work of art. Each watch is custom-made...

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:01:37 -0500

This timepiece is truly a work of art. Each watch is custom-made and extremely limited. Unlike any other movements, the minute hand moves at different speeds and travels along a curving path.

View this timepiece here: http://bit.ly/15KzCx5

Follow Tourneau on Instagram:http://instagram.com/tourneau

chronometerpics: High End - Various

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:00:25 -0500

chronometerpics:

High End - Various

From our friends from @Hodinkee! Who else is wearing a...

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:16:00 -0500

From our friends from @Hodinkee! Who else is wearing a #PatekPhilippe today? #WOMW http://ow.ly/htEk8