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The Best and Most Essential Gift for Jewelry Lovers

11/03/2023

The Best and Most Essential Gift for Jewelry Lovers

Jewelry lovers are a unique breed of people. They cherish their collection of precious pieces and take great pride in displaying them. Therefore, when it comes to gift-giving, choosing a present that resonates with their passion for jewelry is a wise decision.

In this article, we will explore some of the best and most essential gift for jewelry lovers, perfect for any birthday celebration.

The Best and Most Essential Gift for Jewelry Lovers

Jewelry Box
Jewelry Cleaner
Jewelry Stand
Personalized Jewelry
Jewelry Travel Case
Jewelry Subscription Box
Jewelry-Making Kit
Jewelry Book
Jewelry Appraisal
Jewelry Making Class
Jewelry Designer Consultation
Jewelry Organiser

Jewelry Box

A jewelry box is an essential gift for a jewelry lover. It is a practical and safe place to store and organize their collection. A good quality jewelry box has compartments for different pieces of jewelry, with soft material lining to protect them from scratches and tarnishing. With a range of sizes and designs available, there is a jewelry box for everyone.

Jewelry Cleaner

Cleaning jewelry is a vital part of maintaining its shine and luster. A jewelry cleaner is an ideal gift for jewelry lovers to keep their precious pieces clean and sparkly. It can remove dirt, oil, and other substances that can build up on jewelry, making it look dull and lifeless. Jewelry cleaners come in different types, from sprays to wipes, and are available for various types of jewelry, such as gold, silver, and diamonds.

Jewelry Stand

A jewelry stand is an excellent gift for someone who loves to display their jewelry. It allows them to keep their favorite pieces organized and within reach. Jewelry stands come in different shapes and sizes, from simple and elegant to more elaborate designs. They can hold necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings, making it easy to choose the right piece for any outfit.

Personalized Jewelry

Personalized jewelry is a thoughtful and unique gift that will make any jewelry lover feel special. It can be engraved with a name, initials, or a special message, adding a personal touch to the piece. Personalized jewelry comes in different types, from necklaces to bracelets, and can be made from different materials, such as gold, silver, and leather.

Jewelry Travel Case

For someone who loves to travel, a jewelry travel case is a practical and thoughtful gift. It keeps jewelry organized and secure during transit, with compartments for different pieces of jewelry. Jewelry travel cases come in various sizes, from small pouches to larger cases, and can fit in luggage or handbags.

Jewelry Subscription Box

A jewelry subscription box is an exciting and unique gift for a jewelry lover. It delivers a selection of jewelry pieces every month, tailored to the recipient’s preferences. It allows them to discover new jewelry designers and styles and keeps their collection fresh and up to date. Jewelry subscription boxes come in different themes, such as bohemian, classic, and modern, and are available at different price points.

Jewelry-Making Kit

For someone who loves to create and design jewelry, a jewelry-making kit is an excellent gift. It contains all the tools and materials needed to make different types of jewelry, from necklaces to earrings. Jewelry-making kits come in various sizes, from small starter kits to more extensive kits for experienced jewelry makers.

Jewelry Book

A jewelry book is a perfect gift for someone who loves to learn about the history and design of jewelry. It can be a coffee table book, with stunning photos of iconic jewelry pieces or a reference book, with information on different types of jewelry and materials. Jewelry books come in different themes, such as vintage, contemporary, and costume jewelry.

Jewelry Appraisal

For someone who owns valuable or antique jewelry, a jewelry appraisal is a thoughtful and essential gift. It gives them an accurate value of their pieces and information on their history and materials. Jewelry appraisals can be done by certified gemologists and can be helpful for insurance purposes or if the jewelry owner is looking to sell their pieces.

Jewelry Making Class

A jewelry-making class is a unique and interactive gift for someone who loves jewelry. It allows them to learn new techniques and create their pieces under the guidance of an expert. Jewelry-making classes can be found at local community centers, jewelry stores, and online.

Jewelry Designer Consultation

For someone who wants to create a unique piece of jewelry, a consultation with a jewelry designer is an excellent gift. It allows them to discuss their vision with a professional and receive guidance on design, materials, and pricing. Jewelry designer consultations can be found at local jewelry stores or online.

Jewelry Organiser

A jewelry organizer is a practical and stylish gift for someone who has a large collection of jewelry. It helps them to keep their pieces organized and easily accessible. Jewelry organizers come in various types, such as hanging organizers, drawer organizers, and stand-alone organizers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, jewelry lovers are a unique group of people who take great pride in their collection of precious pieces. Choosing the right gift for them can be challenging, but with this list of the best and most essential gifts for jewelry lovers, you are sure to find the perfect gift for any birthday celebration. From jewelry boxes to jewelry-making classes and personalized jewelry to jewelry appraisals, there is something for everyone on this list. So, go ahead and surprise the jewelry lover in your life with a thoughtful and meaningful gift that they will cherish for years to come.

Author Bio: Aniya more is one of the brightest content writers at Breakout escape room. She is a passionate writer who loves to read books and explore different escape rooms. With a great work ethic, she spends most of her time researching and reading. When she is not working, she likes to relax with a cup of coffee and enjoy watching her favorite tv show or walking her dog peanut.

Photo by Harper Sunday on Unsplash

Extraneō, the new range by Pilo & Co Genève

Editor

10/03/2023

Three versions - steel, rose gold PVD and titanium black PVD

Swiss Watchmaking, Extraneō, the new range by Pilo & Co Genève – Nouvelle collection, l’Extraneō

Pilo & Co Genève: the new exclusive aesthetic design touch visible in the hands of the Extraneō,
for the first time, boasts a patent of protection

Extraneō, the new range by Pilo & Co Genève

Three versions – steel, rose gold PVD, and titanium black PVD

Timeless modernity meets no-frills sophistication. The new Extraneō automatic range is sure to quicken the heartbeat of any fine watchmaking enthusiast.

Extraneō watches are aimed at today’s man, the modern nomad, a keen traveler, and a thrill-seeker with an exciting career, always connected, ever in search of new challenges.

Bold new aesthetics with an exclusive twist

The brand’s new signature case measures a curvaceous 40 mm to offer supreme wearer comfort. Available in three different iterations: steel, rose gold PVD, and titanium black PVD.

Purists sometimes seek a little more discretion when it comes to fine the workmanship and will be delighted to discover that the Extraneō by Pilo & Co Genève is fitted with a screw-down case-back. The brand’s coat of arms emblazoned across the medal-like surface in a resplendent mat finish teasingly disguise the back’s gentle saucer-like profile. Dial-side, in a subtle response echoing the soft curves, is the domed sapphire crystal.

The new exclusive aesthetic design touch visible in the hands of the Extraneō, for the first time, boasts a patent of protection: the scooped
openwork pointers vary in length accordingly as form follows the function of either minute or hour indication. The subtle meeting of geometries
contained within the stylized arrows creates a startling color-play to enhance legibility.

The new patent comes as a reminder that such special and unique designs, often signaling the next market trend, are part of what forms the very DNA of the Pilo & Co Genève watch brand.

With a sprinkling of urban modernity and a generous nod to the great classics to have emerged from Swiss soil, the Extraneō collection is undeniable evidence of the tremendous maturity of the watchmaker Pilo & Co Genève. It is one of the rare few Swiss watchmaking brands to have retained its headquarters in the legendary Saint-Gervais district, the birthplace of the original Cabinotiers.

Dual-level dial, independent caliber

The “Pilo & Co Genève” brand signature and “Automatic Limited Edition” label take the form of two miniature plaques adorning the innermost surface of the dial. They stand proud of the Clou de Paris guilloché decoration, itself framed by a hollow-centered hourring punctuated with Roman numeral markers. A second double-circle enhances the three-dimensional effect of the Extraneō and the dial’s reliefs. The newest timekeeper thus embodies the intrinsically Helvetian eye for good measure and a wholesome respect for classic Swiss watchmaking, especially noticeable in the traditional dial-up casing method employed for the caliber.

The Extraneō’s super-responsive oscillating weight springs into action at the slightest movement of the wearer’s wrist. A sense of weightless balance is barely detectible as the rotor rotates freely in every possible direction. Thus replenished with energy and power reserve, the automatic P024 caliber, a product of the independent Swiss watch manufactory Soprod, gains renewed momentum. Boasting 25 jewels and beating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4 Hertz, the movement towers like a beacon of certainty, offering solid value over time.

Extraneō, the new range by Pilo & Co Genève

Meticulously finished case

Steel or rose gold PVD case

Premiering at Pilo & Co, a case crafted in titanium black PVD

Cunningly juxtaposed polished and satin-brushed surfaces

Mirror-polished double-bezel

Sloping horns with contours lovingly mirror-polished down to their tips

Onion-shaped ribbed screw-down crown struck with the “PW” logo.
Screw-down case-back displaying the brand’s coat of arms in relief

Meticulously finished case

Steel or rose gold PVD case

Premiering at Pilo & Co, a case crafted in titanium black PVD

Cunningly juxtaposed polished and satin-brushed surfaces

Mirror-polished double-bezel

Sloping horns with contours lovingly mirror-polished down to their tips

Onion-shaped ribbed screw-down crown struck with the “PW” logo.
Screw-down case-back displaying the brand’s coat of arms in relief

Bold new aesthetics with an exclusive twist

Fully integrated bracelets

Two-tone straps coordinating with the different dials
and corresponding options available
Crocodile print leather upper on rubber base backed with
genuine leather in the brand’s fetish color, orange
Satin-brushed deployant buckle with double push-piece

Pilo & Co Genève, the watchmaker of Saint-Gervais

Founded in 2001 by Amarildo Pilo in the heart of the legendary Saint-Gervais district, the Geneva watchmaking brand Pilo & Co continues to uphold the original ethos of “La Fabrique”, the epithet that has embodied the excellence of Swiss independent watchmaking since the 18th century.

Featuring around fifteen collections for both men and women, Pilo & Co Genève is distinctive for its exclusive, highly colorful models, its particular affection for the tonneau shape, and an innovative dial that leaves the bridge and balance spring open to view.

Here in 2023, it is the only Swiss independent watchmaking brand in the mid-range segment to have two own-name stores in Geneva, one on the right bank, the other on the left. And thanks to the finely honed distribution skills of its founder, it is also one of the leaders in the international market, being especially renowned in Asia where it owns many franchises.

Source: Pilo & Co

Twin shows return in a brand-new hybrid format

Editor

31/01/2023

Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show are set to open in March 2023

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show are set to return under the brand-new EXHIBITION+ hybrid model. The physical shows will run concurrently on 1-5 March 2023 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), while Click2Match, its online smart business matching platform, will operate on 1-12 March 2023. The new EXHIBITION+ model reinvents trade fairs to serve global jewellers anytime and anywhere. Beyond everlasting beauty and grace, the line-up of industry seminars, jewellery parades and networking sessions will also deliver exceptional insight.

EXHIBITION+ comprises four key exhibition elements, including HKTDC-organised physical fairs, the smart business-matching platform Click2Match, online-to-offline seminars under the Intelligence Hub, and the hktdc.com Sourcing platform, to provide round-the-clock services that boost the flexibility and effectiveness of business promotion for SMEs and offer benefits such as extended fair periods, expanded platforms and enhanced opportunities. EXHIBITION+ extends face-to-face interactions from physical exhibitions to an online smart business-matching platform to help enterprises connect with business partners proactively. As always, the HKTDC’s 50 global offices will actively recruit international buyers, while its business-matching specialists will match suitable exhibitors according to buyers’ sourcing demands, and arrange online and offline meetings to facilitate business cooperation.

Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show are set to open in March 2023

Under the theme of “A Sparkling Feast Crafted in Excellence”, the twin jewellery shows are expected to gather over 2,200 exhibitors from around the globe, presenting a dazzling array of exquisite jewellery and jewellery-making materials. Group pavilions will include Japan Jewellery Association, Japan Pearl Exporters Association, Singapore Jewellers Association, India’s Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Istanbul Mineral and Metals Exporters’ Association, Italian Trade Commission and more.

The Jewellery Show will showcase an extensive array of fine jewellery under various themed zones. The “Hall of Extraordinary” will display valuable and unique jewellery pieces from top-tier jewellery companies, while the “Hall of Fame” will spotlight renowned jewellery brands. Other featured zones include “World of Glamour”, “Hall of Jade Jewellery”, “Fine Jewellery”, “Finished Jewellery”, “Silver, Titanium & Stainless Steel Jewellery”, “Antique & Vintage Jewellery Galleria”, “Designer Galleria”, “Jewellery Display & Packaging Material”, “Jewellery Tools & Equipment” and more.

The Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show will specialise in jewellery raw materials including loose diamonds, precious stones, semi-precious stones and pearls. Three special zones include the “Hall of Fine Diamond”, which will gather the world’s top diamond suppliers; the “Treasures of Nature”, a zone that is dedicated to the finest coloured gems; and the “Treasures of Ocean”, which will display quality pearls.

Source: CEMS

A Guide To Purchasing The Right Watch Strap

Editor

24/01/2023

A Guide To Purchasing The Right Watch Strap For Your Lifestyle

No matter if you are just starting your watch strap collection, or already have a range to choose from, it’s essential to pick a watch strap that is right for your lifestyle. The reason for this is you want to get the most out of your investment as some can be more expensive than others. Just like you would be looking for an appropriate trainer for exercise, or smart shoes for the office, your watch strap should be suited to your lifestyle as well as be stylish enough to go with the majority of your wardrobe. To help make this informed decision, we will go through some of the questions to ask yourself before buying your new watch strap.

Do you identify with the brand?

This isn’t essential to some, but there are many who remain loyal to brands. For this, it’s always nice to align yourself with a brand. Whether it’s the materials that they use, how it is made, where its made, who makes it, the inspiration behind the brand or their own values. For example, if you wanted to support a local business that handmakes their watch bands that uses premium materials, this is great helping your community. But this is all down to personal preference.

Does the watch strap match your lifestyle?

This is one of the most important questions you need to ask yourself as this will depend on a range of factors. If you choose the wrong strap, you could result in having your watch strap ruined sooner than it should be. It could also be an annoying feature on your wrist if you choose poorly. Where you are going to be wearing your new watch strap is an essential factor in your decision. The reason for this is due to not all watch straps perform as well in certain environments, so it’s essential to get the most out of your investment.

A Guide To Purchasing The Right Watch Strap For Your Lifestyle

For example, if you enjoy travelling, a leather watch strap may not be suitable. Yes, leather is reliable, but it can also cause a sweaty wrist and doesn’t do so well with water. For a watch strap that will be in a range of elements and environments, having a waterproof watch strap made from rubber or fabric like a NATO watch strap is the best option.

This is completely down to what you get up to, or what you are going to be using your watch for, so think long and hard about what and where you are going to be using the watch.

Will it complement your style?

If you find it difficult to choose just one watch strap, there is no harm in purchasing a range of watch straps that go with different outfits, activities or even the mood that you are in. The other benefit to this is you allow your watch straps to stay nicer for longer. But, if you are looking for a luxury watch strap, chances are that you have to consider this purchase and you won’t be able to purchase more than one.

If this is the case, it’s best to look for a watch strap that compliments your style and that goes with most of your wardrobe. If you have a lot of smart clothes, a neutral classic style will be the best option. If you are more inclined to wear more colours, then having something that complements this s the better option.

Is the watch band practical?

Practicality definitely comes into play with a watch strap. Whether it’s how it reacts with certain elements, how it deals with your lifestyle or even whether it’s simple to put on or change. Most straps are very easy to put on, but if you have decided that you want to be able to change your straps regularly, then quick-release watch straps could be a better option for you. If a quick-release isn’t your style, then having a single-pass watch strap or NATO watch strap could be a better option as you will be able to change them frequently, without having any fuss.

Will the watch strap last?

When you buy a luxury product, you want it to last a lifetime. As the saying goes, buy cheap, buy twice. Purchasing quality should guarantee that it will last, so ensure that you decide what you would rather do. The key element to this is the material that you choose, it is also important to look for reviews from customers as this will determine whether the strap is quality or if it’s just the brand making it sound quality. Checking how to care for your watch strap is also essential, because if it requires a lot of care, this may not be the strap for you.

There are many factors that you should consider before purchasing a watch strap. If you go through these questions and answer them honestly, you will have a good idea of what you need out of a watch strap. If you have a range of watches, it is also best to have some accessories for watch lovers such as a carry case and maybe even a watch strap case.

Latest Christiaan van der Klaauw timepiece, the CVDK Ariadne.

Editor

17/01/2023

Christiaan van der Klaauw Astronomical Watches is proud to announce the first watches to leave the atelier under the leadership of Master Watchmaker, Technical Director and co-owner Pim Koeslag.

Celebrating this special occasion are three new steel versions of the Christiaan van der Klaauw Ariadne. ‘Steel combines a sporty look with our classic designs, it’s robust and timeless.’ Koeslag invited Jochen Benzinger to beautifully engrave the rotor in each of the new watches.

The new steel versions of the Ariadne feature the well-known full calendar chrono with 24-hour indication, and the accomplished, visually enchanting moon phase indication. The new steel models boast a frosted silver-coloured, navy-blue or anthracite dial, and circular brushed rings around the sub dials. They are topped off with a high-quality alligator leather strap, with a luxurious signature folding clasp with an engraved Christiaan van der Klaauw ‘Sun with 12 Claws’ logo.

But what makes these models especially unique is the hand-engraving of the ‘claw’ of the rose gold-plated rotor, which was done by famous engraver Jochen Benzinger. This sublime rotor, with its outer guilloche décor on rhodium plated steel can be admired through the sapphire case back.

Rotor engraving by Benzinger

German engraver Jochen Benzinger is a world-wide authority, and his hand-guilloche, engraved and skeletonized watches and movements are the hallmarks of his craftsmanship. Using historical, over 100-years-old machines and tools to create true works of art, he spends hours and hours to perfect his watches and individual parts with the typical character that only a unique piece created by hand can have. Christiaan van der Klaauw is proud to offer you this master’s work in our new Ariadne series.

The CVDK7758 caliber Ariadne
The chronograph movement contained in this beautiful watch is the CVDK7758 caliber with Ariadne complication. The chronograph indicates the elapsed seconds, minutes and hours. In addition, the watch has a full date indication (day, date, month), a moon phase indication at 6 hours and the indication of time on a 24-hour scale.

The position of the Moon can be read at the 6 o’clock position. When the Moon is left of centre, it is in its first quarter. When the Moon is in the centre, it is full Moon and right of centre, it is in its last quarter. If the Moon is not visible, you see a beautiful dark blue sky in the window, it is New Moon.

Christiaan van der Klaauw History
Christiaan van der Klaauw Astronomical Watches is the only atelier in the world that is completely devoted to the design and the production of exclusive, hand-made astronomical watches. Astronomy – time in its purest form – is the most important source of inspiration for our atelier.

Christiaan van der Klaauw (1944) was born, raised and trained in Leiden, the city where the Netherlands’ greatest scientist of all times Christiaan Huygens started his studies in 1645.
Here, Van der Klaauw’s love of astronomy burgeoned and he wanted to combine the mathematically predictable movements of celestial bodies with a clock mechanism, just like Friesian Eise Eisinga (1744-1828) had done earlier by building a highly accurate Planetarium in a house in Franeker on his ceiling. After Christiaan van der Klaauw had completed his training at the School for Instrument Makers (LiS) and a clock maker’s course he moved from Leiden to Joure in 1967, where he started working for a producer of Friesian grandfather clocks.

In 1974 Van der Klaauw started his own business and presented his first clock with astronomical complications. It was the start of an exceptional story. He received an honourable membership of the Swiss Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI) in 1989, and in 1992, he won the award for the most innovative movement design for his Pendule Variable in Basel, Switzerland. Two years later he started on his first wrist watch, the CVDK Satellite du Monde. In 1999 he presented the masterpiece CVDK Planetarium, equipped with the smallest mechanical planetarium in the world.

Daniël & Maria Reintjes
In 2009, a new era began. Christiaan van der Klaauw had reached his retirement age and sold the company to the designer couple Daniël and Maria Reintjes with whom he had established a business relationship for ten years. Daniël and Maria immediately started repositioning the brand. The new directors decided to focus exclusively on astronomical watches, and ‘Astronomical Watches’ was added to the name. A new collection and beautiful astronomical complications ensued – including the Real Moon Joure with the most accurate 3D moon phase in the world. In addition, two special Planetarium masterpieces were developed exclusively for the high jewelry Maison Van Cleef & Arpels, the Midnight Planétarium and the Lady Arpels Planétarium.

In 13 years, Daniël and Maria transformed their CVDK company into a niche atelier, becoming the only watch atelier in the world that is wholly devoted to the design and the production of exclusive, hand-made astronomical watches. In 2016, CVDK was recognized as an Haute Horlogerie atelier by the Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH). And in 2021 Daniël and Maria received the ultimate acknowledgement in watchmaking being awarded the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève – Calendar and Astronomy Watch Award for the ‘CVDK Planetarium Eise Eisinga’ at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).

Pim Koeslag
Master watchmaker Pim Koeslag acquired a majority stake in CVDK on the 1st of June 2022 and became co-owner. He joined the existing managing board as Technical Director, along with Daniël Reintjes (CEO/Creative Director) and Maria Reintjes (Marketing Director) who retained a share in the company.

Master watchmaker Pim Koeslag was the driving force behind the Swiss-Dutch brand Frederique Constant and sister brand Alpina Watches from 2003 until 2022, and co-founded Ateliers deMonaco in 2008. His predilection for everything that has to do with the universe and timekeeping brought him back to the Netherlands, in 2022. In that year he made the switch to his great love Christiaan van der Klaauw.

Technical details:

CVDK Ariadne CKAR3335 | Silver

Movement	CVDK7758, automatic winding, 25 jewels, power-reserve; 48-hour max.
Rotor	Guilloche rhodium plated, with a rose gold-plated centre, which was hand-engraved by Jochen Benzinger.
Functions	Hours, minutes, small seconds, 24-hour indication, day, date, month, moon phase, chronograph; 12-hour counter, 30-minute counter, seconds counter.
Case	High quality steel, ø 40 mm, sapphire crystal, sapphire crystal case-back.
Dial	Frosted silver-colour with applied blue indexes and applied circular brushed counter rings.
Strap	Brown leather.
Buckle	Logo engraved steel folding clasp.
Price	€ 8.450,- incl. VAT

CVDK Ariadne CKAR3366 | Navy Blue

Movement	CVDK7758, automatic winding, 25 jewels, power-reserve; 48-hour max.
Rotor	Guilloche rhodium plated, with a rose gold-plated centre, which was hand-engraved by Jochen Benzinger.
Functions	Hours, minutes, small seconds, 24-hour indication, day, date, month, moon phase, chronograph; 12-hour counter, 30-minute counter, seconds counter.
Case	High quality steel, ø 40 mm, sapphire crystal, sapphire crystal case-back.
Dial	Frosted navy blue with white applied rhodium plated indexes and applied circular brushed counter rings.
Strap	Blue leather.
Buckle	Logo engraved steel folding clasp.
Price	€ 8.450,- incl. VAT

CVDK Ariadne CKAR3344 | Anthracite

Movement	CVDK7758, automatic winding, 25 jewels, power-reserve; 48-hour max.
Rotor	Guilloche rhodium plated, with a rose gold-plated centre, which was hand-engraved by Jochen Benzinger.
Functions	Hours, minutes, small seconds, 24-hour indication, day, date, month, moon phase, chronograph; 12-hour counter, 30-minute counter, seconds counter.
Case	High quality steel, ø 40 mm, sapphire crystal, sapphire crystal case-back.
Dial	Frosted anthracite with applied rhodium plated indexes and applied circular brushed counter rings.
Strap	Black leather.
Buckle	Logo engraved steel folding clasp.
Price	€ 8.450,- incl. VAT

Source: CVDK Press

Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture

Editor

07/12/2022

Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture: A legacy in movement

Alpina is unveiling today two new limited series of its Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture model, driven by the brand’s 6^th Manufacture movement that was introduced into the collection last year. These limited series are distinguished by new dials: the first one is grey champagne, the second one is navy blue, and both have a brushed finish. Limited to 188 pieces each, these two watches pay tribute to the historic Alpina caliber, the “bumper”, whose mechanical inspiration can be admired through a sapphire back.

Extremely rare and unique. The Startimer Pilot Heritage is one of Alpina’s most exclusive lines, as was the timepiece it is inspired from and that can now no longer be found. Originally, not just a design, but also and mostly a movement. Its fans call it the “bumper”: a very rare automatic caliber that relies on a short travel oscillating weight.

Instead of being wound by a conventional rotor turning 360° on itself, the “bumper” only travels a third of this distance, after which it is pushed back in the opposite direction by a return spring. An ingenious creation that, at the time of the first automatic movements, tested out an original way of optimizing their winding. And a witness to the creativity of the Alpina watchmakers of the time.

Shared inspirations

Today, Alpina is offering two new limited editions that celebrate this watchmaking innovation, which is highly sought-after and extremely difficult to find. They supplement the two existing Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture watches in the collection, with two very different looks.

Their DNA is shared, embodying the continuity of the Startimer Pilot Heritage spirit: a cushion case (the only one at Alpina), a vintage “railway” type minutes hand, a crown at 4 o’clock, a calfskin strap with beige top-stitching and beige vintage luminescent indexes which reproduce the natural patina of the Startimers of the time. All of these are deployed on a brushed-finish dial.

Two very exclusive series

The first version, in a gilded yellow gold-plated case, displays a grey champagne dial making the applied Arab numerals and hands very easy to read – a key quality for a watch initially made for pilots. The case is entirely polished, except for its upper surface which repeats the dial’s textured pattern.

The second version has an intense navy-blue dial, also brushed, in a steel box repeating the same alternation of polished and brushed surfaces. Since the dial is in a deep color, the hands are silver in order to preserve the required readability.

As required by the history of the Startimer Pilot, these two Heritage Manufacture creations are driven by an Alpina in-house automatic mechanical movement, the AL-709 caliber, offering 38 hours of power reserve. Entirely visible through a sapphire back, its oscillating weight repeats the iconic shape of the “bumper” model and follows in its footsteps, now turning 330°. Each watch, measuring 2×40.75 mm, is certified waterproof to a depth of 100 meters and is limited to 188 pieces.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture

RRP 2850€

Reference	AL-709AN4SH6
Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds
Movement	AL-709 in-house caliber, automatic
	38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Case	Brushed and polished stainless steel 2-part case
	Diameter of 42X40,75 mm
	Height of 13,25 mm
	Scratch-resistant convex sapphire crystal
	Water-resistant up to 10ATM/100m/330ft
	See-through case back
Dial	Navy blue color dial with vertical brushed finishing, white graduation, and markers with beige luminous treatment
	Applied silver color indexes
	A silver color hour and minute hands with a beige luminous treatment
	Silver color second hand
Strap	Brown calf leather strap with off-white stitching
Limited Edition	Limited to 188 pieces

Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture

RRP 2950€

Startimer Pilot Heritage Manufacture AL-709ACH4SH5

Reference	AL-709ACH4SH5
Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds
Movement	AL-709 in-house caliber, automatic
	38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Case	Brushed and polished yellow gold-plated 2-part case
	Diameter of 42X40,75 mm
	Height of 13,25 mm
	Scratch-resistant convex sapphire crystal
	Water-resistant up to 10ATM/100m/330ft
	See-through case back
Dial	Champagne warm grey color dial with vertical brushed finishing, black graduation, and markers with beige luminous treatment
	Applied black indexes
	Black hour and minute hands with beige luminous treatment
	Black second hand
Strap	Brown calf leather strap with off-white stitching
Limited Edition	Limited to 188 pieces

ALPINA SWISS MANUFACTURER OF ALPINE SPORTS WATCHES SINCE 1883

Source: Alpina Watches

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Editor