Great Machines: Personal Appointments - Four If by Land, One If by Sea
06/04/2003
Chronoswiss Timemaster ChronographThe design of the Chronoswiss Timemaster Chronograph (above) was based on gauges from vintage automobiles and features a distinctive fluted bezel. For those who wear watches on their right wrist, the crown and pushers can be relocated to the left side of the case. (To Chronoswiss’ knowledge, this is the only watch with this option and a fly-back function.) Executed in stainless steel, the watch is tentatively priced at $6,250 with a sharkskin strap and $6,950 with a steel bracelet.
Chronoswiss, 631.776.1135 (Bellport Time Group), www.chronoswiss.com
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Fred Chronograph 36
Just because a watch has the functionality of a chronograph does not mean that it cannot serve as a piece of jewelry. The Chronograph 36 (right), from chic Parisian jeweler FRED, does just that, and it is one of only 25 that will be produced. A bezel of graduated baguette rubies surrounds a simple white face and is complemented by a pink crocodile strap. The case is composed of white gold. Each watch from the limited run is available for $98,900. (Click image to enlarge)
FRED, 800.655.2280, www.fredus.com
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Panerai Luminor Power Reserve
The Luminor Power Reserve (right), from Florentine watchmaker Panerai, is named for a feature that was once as critical for pocket watches as for cell phones today: a gauge detailing the amount of power remaining. The watch comes in two case sizes (40mm and 44mm), and southpaws will appreciate a left-handed variant. The Luminor is available in titanium, steel, or a combination of the two, with matching bracelets or an alligator strap. During World War II, Panerai had an interesting sideline supplying a clutch of military paraphernalia, including depth gauges, to the Italian navy. But we won’t hold that against them—they make great watches. (Click image to enlarge)
Panerai, 212.888.8788, www.panerai.com; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc(); "Rodolphe Viper")
Rodolphe Viper
The introduction of the Rodolphe Viper watch (left) is sure to be well received by Dodge Viper enthusiasts. A gold case encloses a chronograph with three counters, and the black crocodile strap with twin white stripes echoes the design of the face. The rear of the case can be engraved with your name—and your Viper’s VIN. The watch retails for $6,875. (Click image to enlarge)
Rodolphe, 760.305.6231, www.rodolphewatches.com
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Montegrappa America's Cup
Montegrappa has exploited its skills in low-relief engraving to commemorate the America’s Cup. The limited edition includes 1,851 fountain pens in sterling silver, 152 fountain pens in 18-karat gold, 152 rollerball pens in sterling silver, and 31 rollerball pens in 18-karat gold. The presentation box, finished in navy blue lacquer, is carved from a single piece of wood to resemble a hull. The limited edition numbers reflect the year of the first Cup (1851), the number of years since the first race (152), and the number of races, including 2003 (31). (Click image to enlarge)
Montegrappa, 866.854.1674, www.montegrappa1912.com