Zadok Swiss Watch Brands

Chopard is regarded as one of the world's great luxury brands. Founded in 1860 by watchmaker Louis-Ulysse Chopard, the company remained in family hands until the current owners, the Scheufele family, purchased them in 1963.

Once known for their elegant jewelry watches, the company has recently become one of the great Swiss watch Manufactures. The LUC line of in-house movements includes chronographs, repeaters, and tourbillons. Automotive enthusiasts worldwide covet the popular Mille Miglia sport watches.

Under the impetus of the Scheufele family, who bought the company in 1963, Chopard experienced a spectacular development. Renowned for its creativity and its state-of-the-art technology, it has become one of the leading names in the high-class watch and jewellery industry. Chopard belongs to a small number of luxury brands that offer a complete collection of watches and jewellery. The range includes gents’ sports watches (Classic Racing collection), complicated mechanical timepieces (L.U.C collection), ladies’ sports and dress watches and “Haute Joaillerie” creations.

A Family Business par Excellence

Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele is responsible for “Haute Joaillerie”, for the design and creation of jewels and ladies timepieces, and also for the fragrances and elegant accessories divisions. Moreover, she’s overseeing the international retail business. Her elder brother, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (pictured left with Zadok family members), is in charge of the manufacture in Fleurier where mechanical L.U.C watch movements are entirely developed and produced. He is also responsible for the whole gents’ watch division and for all business management aspects.

Vertically Integrated

As a long-established watch-maker Chopard has an integral respect for the traditions of its past as well as a deep understanding of the need for forward-thinking and innovation in the modern world. Central to its philosophy is the coupling of expert craftsmanship with unparalleled aesthetic appeal and as such it boasts an expert team from across forty-five professional disciplines in the Fleurier, Meyrin, and Pforzheim workshops.

The Chopard Mille Miglia watch collection comprises mechanical timepieces of sporty style. These timepieces appeared as a result of the brand's partnership with Italian car rally, the Mille Miglia. The Chopard Happy Sport ladies' collection features timepieces that unite sporty style with precious stones and bright colors. The L.U.C collection features massive sporty-styled chronometers and elegant classy men's watches.

For more information visit the Chopard website: http://www.chopard.com

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With their diverse mix of talents, Corum has become synonymous to creativity, cutting-edge technology, and traditional craftsmanship. Though Corum is a relatively newer company compared to its counterpart, it has certainly established a solid foothold in the world of luxury watch making. The company started in 1955 in La-Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland when Rene Bannwart and Simone Ries joined Gaston Ries’ workshop. Even at the time, the co-founders already know that they have stumbled upon something big.

The adventure began with René Bannwart. With his strong entrepreneurial spirit and watchmaking experience acquired from the most prestigious watch manufacturers, he founded his own brand and created CORUM in 1955 with his uncle Gaston Ries. Particularly fascinated by the word “quorum” which means the minimum number of persons present and necessary to hold discussions and make valid decisions, however René Bannwart simplified the spelling to CORUM. Right from the time of its creation in 1955 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, CORUM displayed a determination to position itself at the forefront of the Swiss watch industry. The emblem, a key pointing skywards, is a symbol of the mystery to be fathomed, the enigma to be resolved, of new territories to be explored, and of innovation. It also alludes to the inventiveness, tenacity and bold spirit required in order to attain the total mastery of time. In 1956 the first CORUM watches appeared on the market and the brand launched a veritable cascade of new ideas with great success. It was even recognized by its peers as one of the most creative in the industry. In 1966 Jean-René Bannwart, the son of the founding father, joined the watchmaking company. He created the models which became Corum’s trademark, in particular the Admiral’s Cup model.

For more information visit the Corum website: http://corum.ch

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The reliability of Dior watches is also guaranteed by their dual conformity with the international technical standards and norms of the “Swiss Made” label. Created in 1971, this label guarantees the excellence of Swiss watch-making by setting some very strict conditions. Dior has installed its own production unit at La Chaux-de-Fonds, in the heart of “Watchmakers Valley” where, in this aseptic laboratory-like workplace, highly qualified specialists and engineers handle the most sophisticated precision instruments. What must be made in Switzerland? At least half of the components used for the movements, the assembly, testing and controlling of the movements and finally the assembly, fitting, time-setting and control of the watch in its entirety.

Starting from drawing boards, associations of images or various inspirations, the designers sketch the first outlines of the project. With the help of sophisticated software, the engineers at “Les Ateliers Horlogers” then study the technical feasibility: integration of the various components and simulation of the bracelet’s characteristics are recomposed in 3D in order to visualize all the original design’s specific features. A strong interaction is established between designers and engineers in the aim of proposing a timepiece that is faithful to the creative genius of the artistic director while meeting the strict requirements of Swiss watch-making. The very numerous and delicate operations that go into the making of the dial are handmade using precision instruments especially developed for the particular work required by each watch: stamping to emboss the various patterns, engraving, lacquering and polishing, gunning to determine the placement of the inserts, milling to prepare for the seating of the diamonds and the setting, stone after stone, of the bezel or timers.

For more information visit the timepieces section of the Dior website: http://www.dior.com/couture/en_us/JEWELRY-AND-TIMEPIECES/Timepieces

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François-Paul Journe explores time measurement with an artist’s unique creative sense. An exacting technician, he innovates by devising exclusive watch mechanisms. Watchmaking has been an integral part of his life from his earliest years.

In his hometown of Marseille, he began his training at watchmaking school at the age of fourteen. Little by little, he discovered the scope and diversity of horological science, which satisfied both his curiosity and his creative drive. However, his vocation was truly revealed in Paris, where he finished his studies and went on to complete his training with his uncle. That eminent antique watch and clock restorer had a workshop in the heart of the craftsmen’s district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with a discerning clientele who entrusted him with some of the world’s finest collections. There François-Paul Journe was thrilled to discover several of the most striking achievements in the history of watchmaking. He retraced the intellectual and philosophical paths taken by those who had conceived and crafted these pieces : scientists, inventors and master watchmakers.

He had the privilege of exploring the mechanisms of many exceptional creations that set his heart beating for years to come ! The young watchmaker was delighted to discover what he still considers the « golden age » of watchmaking: the 18th century. The work of Antide Janvier 1 and other talented masters of time stirred him and inspired his first horological thrills. Fascinated by what these men had accomplished with the means at their disposal, and wishing a tourbillon above all, at the age of twenty, he began constructing his first tourbillon pocket watch (1977).

Being a demanding technician in constant search of precision, his first creation was naturally a tourbillon; an entirely hand-made timekeeper. It took him five years to construct, taking up all his free time and weekends. This piece was the starting point of his career as a watchmaker, as he defines the profession. It was then that he genuinely became a constructor of chronometers. This was the first in a series of unique and innovative creations that soon won him recognition amongst a select circle of collectors.

The F. P. Journe signature is accompanied by the motto "Invenit et Fecit" (invented and made), which is a pledge of his professional ethic, his standards and his esteem for his clientele. It certifies that the watch’s exclusive movement was designed, constructed, and assembled solely in the workshops of the Geneva manufacture.

Each F. P. Journe "Invenit et Fecit" watch features a perfectly finished and beautifully decorated calibre, which is the exclusive property of the brand. The mechanisms are completely integrated, whether they are for a watch with three hands or for a grand complication.

The watchmakers of the F. P. Journe Manufacture pride themselves on their return to the genuine watchmaker’s art. They have a common purpose : that of honing their skills by working with new, exclusive and technically innovative calibres. In an increasingly segmented industry, few watchmakers have the opportunity to create a watch from start to finish; even fewer are able to follow that watch’s destiny.

For more information visit the F.P. Journe website: http://www.fpjourne.com/

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Complementing the unsurpassable style of Winston’s legendary jewels, Harry Winston Timepieces have revolutionized fine watch making by exploring the creative extremes in horological design.

From the sophisticated Harry Winston Avenue Collection, which recalls the glamour of New York City, to the Project Z series, crafted from Zalium (an aeronautical alloy), to the highly-technical Opus series, which pushes the boundaries of haute-horology, to exquisite diamond jewels that tell time – design and imagination are the hallmark of each Harry Winston Timepiece.

Harry Winston Timepieces combine the high-quality and craftsmanship of a true American luxury brand with the time-honored traditions of fine Swiss watch making. Crafted by the finest artisans and watchmakers in our manufacture in Geneva, Harry Winston timepieces are recognized as the ultimate in innovation.

For more information visit the Harry Winston website: http://www.harrywinstondiamonds.com/

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Hublot is constantly praised as an incredibly innovative watchmaker. In 1980 Carlo Crocco created the Hublot watch featuring a gold case and natural rubber strap. For the first time in the history of watchmaking, a precious material – gold – was combined with rubber. It became an inspiration to many manufacturers worldwide. Up to now, major Swiss companies and other renowned watchmakers around the world are still manufacturing the design.

In the mid-90s, rubber became the focus of interest of the leading watchmaking brands, thus validating the choices that led to the creation of Hublot watches. As far as the brand is concerned, rubber is not a fashion phenomenon, but rather the embodiment of its philosophy and brand image from the beginning. Thus, in May 2004, Jean-Claude Biver took up his position as CEO, becoming board member and minority shareholder in Hublot watches. He had many ideas for developing the brand.

Under the leadership of its new CEO, Hublot revisited its founding principles: Jean-Claude Biver relaunched the “The Art of Fusion” concept - this meant the fusion of unusual materials such as gold and ceramic, tantalum and red gold, or even magnesium and titanium. This also applied to the fusion between the Swiss Watchmaking Tradition and 21st century Watchmaking Art.

Click here for more information about Hublot timepieces.

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Founded by American F.A. Jones in Schaffhausen, Switzerland more than 130 years ago, IWC (International Watch Company) has grown to become a producer of iconic watches coveted by collectors the world over. Unmistakable originals of chronometry are the undisputed specialty of the IWC Schaffhausen watch factory in Schaffhausen, in northeast Switzerland: the famous Da Vinci with its perpetual calendar is one such. These naturally included the first "Grande Complication" for the wrist, but also the super-antimagnetic "Ingenieur" and the diver's watches, which are capable of withstanding water pressure even down to a depth of 2000 meters - and the only diver's watches with a mechanical depth gauge. From IWC come the professional "Pilot's watches".

IWC was involved when watches had to learn to fly with the aviation pioneers and today it offers a comprehensive range of professional pilot's watches, which are fitted with special protection against magnetic fields.

The craft perfection, the training of its specialists, and the renunciation of mass-market products are in keeping with the old-established principle of IWC, which is to make watches for small numbers of people, but watches of the highest quality. That is also why, if carefully maintained, our watches last for decades. And why today they are rare items, which fetch collector's prices throughout the world.

IWC's Philosophy

Schaffhausen is an island in Switzerland’s watchmaking industry, because the vast majority of the country’s manufacturers are based in the French-speaking part of the country. From the very beginning, this unusual geographical location has fostered IWC’s philosophy, which is based on a passion for watchmaking, untiring enterprise and perfect craftsmanship. As an international premium brand name, the company has consciously chosen to specialise in innovative mechanical watches. The individual who purchases an IWC watch expects not only precision, functional design and a long service life but also the kind of advanced technical features that only a few watch manufacturers worldwide are able to provide. The reputation of the brand from Schaffhausen is founded not least on the fact that its highly qualified employees master every step of the production processes behind complications like the minute repeater, the power reserve, the tourbillon and the perpetual calendar. Behind the claim to excellence, “Probus Scafusia”, which was first formulated in 1903 and stands for good, solid craftsmanship from Schaffhausen, lies the desire to manufacture precision timepieces that will be a joy to use and will retain their value well into the future.

Click here for more information about IWC timepieces.

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Founding

In 1833, Antoine LeCoultre (1803–1881) founded a small workshop in Le Sentier, Switzerland, for the manufacture of high-quality timepieces. In 1844, he measured the micrometre (μm) for the first time and created the world's most precise measuring instrument, the millionometer, capable of measuring to thousandths of a millimetre. In 1847, LeCoultre developed a system that eliminated the need for keys to rewind and set watches, using a push-piece that activated a lever to change from one function to another. In 1851, he was awarded a gold medal for his work on timepiece precision and mechanization at the first Universal Exhibition in London.

LeCoultre Manufacture

Antoine's son, Elie LeCoultre, desired to control all stages of timepiece production, so in 1866 he transformed his workshop into a manufacture, allowing his employees to pool their expertise under one roof. In 1870, LeCoultre began using mechanized processes to manufacture complicated timepiece movements. Within 30 years, LeCoultre had created more than 350 different timepiece calibers, of which 128 were equipped with chronograph functions and 99 with repeater mechanisms. From 1902 and for the next 30 years, LeCoultre produced most of the movement blanks for Patek Philippe of Geneva.

Hybris Mechanica - Master of Complications

In 1903, Parisian Edmond Jaeger challenged Jacques-David LeCoultre, grandson of Antoine, to manufacture ultra-thin calibers of his design. Out of their relationship emerged a collection of ultra-thin pocket watches, followed by others that eventually, in 1937, officially culminated in the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand. In 1907, French jeweler Cartier, a client of Jaeger's, signed a contract with the Parisian watchmaker under which all Jaeger's movement designs for a period of 15 years would be exclusive to Cartier. The movements were produced by LeCoultre. Also in 1907, the LeCoultre Caliber 145 set the record for the thinnest movement at 1.38 mm. JLC began manufacturing the Atmos clock in 1936 after purchasing the patent from Jean-Leon Reutter, who invented it in 1928. The company was officially renamed Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1937. In 1941, Jaeger-LeCoultre earned the highest distinction from the Neuchâtel Observatory for its tourbillon Caliber 170. In 1982, the Jaeger-LeCoultre museum was established in Le Sentier. In 2009, JLC produced the world's most complicated wristwatch, the Hybris Mechanica à Grande Sonnerie with 26 complications.

The new Jaeger LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica à Grande Sonnerie, the world's most complicated wristwatch. What makes it so complicated? Its number of complications (also called functions). Here is a partial list: Westminster Chimes, Grande Sonnerie, Petit Sonnerie, silent mode, minute repeater, flying tourbillon, perpetual calendar, instantaneous jumping digital hours, minutes, days retrograde, months retrograde, date retrograde, display of the leap year, inertia blocking; tone power reserve, mainspring power reserve, time setting in steps of one hour and minute by one minute jumps, clockwise and counterclockwise. There are actually 26 in total.

The Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie is powered by the Jaeger LeCoultre Calibre 182 movement, with 26 complications and over 1300 parts. The movement is housed in a 44mm by 15mm 18k white gold case. The last two "world's most complicated watches" were the Patek Philippe Calibre 89 which boasted 24 complications and cost $6 million, and the Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega that had 25 complications and cost $1 million. Soon these watches will be surpassed by the Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie and its many complications.

If this is not complicated enough, then add in the other 29 complications from the Jaeger-LeCoultre Gyrotourbillon and the Reverso a Tryptique - all three watches are included in this ultra exclusive collector's set. A 1800lb Doettling safe is also included. Retail is estimated to be around $2.5 million and only 30 sets will be available worldwide.

For more information visit the Jaeger-LeCoultre website: http://www.jaeger-lecoultre.com

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The glamour and vibrant lifestyle of Miami has long been reflected in the distinctive style of the luxury watch brand Michele. With brilliant diamond cases, natural mother-of-pearl dials, and deco influenced design elements, Michele contains all the allure of the runway, appealing to young and fashionable individuals. With exotic and luxurious straps that can be easily interchanged for any occasion, Michele achieves international recognition as a premier fashion brand.

Michele's design philosophy fuses timeless elegance with contemporary fashion. Strap materials are sourced from all over the world, and include alligator, python, and calfskin leathers. Michele closely follows the international fashion scene, ensuring that the brand is on the forefront of changing fashion and runway trends. Michele interprets and develops these trends to introduce new, luxurious collections of straps seasonally in a fashionable spectrum of colors, textures, and finishes.

Today, Michele's Deco, CSX and Urban timepieces can be paired with seasonal and classic luxury straps in nearly endless combinations. The style of the brand continues to evolve as new designs, strap collections, and product categories are introduced.

For more information visit the Michele website: http://www.michele.com

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Deep within a valley in the Jura Mountains, a very long way from today’s fast pace modern-world, in the traditional Swiss town of Le Locle you will find the home of Montblanc Montre S.A. Within this historic villa, Montblanc’s master watchmakers work to tolerances of hundredths of millimetres. They insist on such meticulous attention to detail that even those parts forever concealed within a watches movement must be perfectly finished whilst using the finest state-of-the-art technology to create timepieces of the accuracy, durability, and perfection.

Mont Blanc’s philosophy from the very beginning has been to combine all the historic traditions of the art of Swiss watchmaking with the very latest technology. This principle has never been better demonstrated than by the Mont Blanc Star Nicolas Rieussec, the man who invented the first ever chronograph in 1821. In continuing to maintain the very finest traditions of Swiss watchmaking, Mont Blanc once again presents a selection of newly designed, contemporary watches that have been created with all the skill, dedication and meticulous perfection of traditional watchmaking craftsmen.

For more information visit the Montblanc website: http://www.montblanc.com

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Since its inception in 1860 by Giovanni Panerai in Florence, Italy, the company has produced precision instruments for use by the Italian Navy, migrating to watches made specifically

for these Navy Commandos as early as the 1930's. With the revival of Panerai in 1997, the firm has taken their patented design to a new level.

Panerai is the maker of luxury watches and is well known throughout the world by watch enthusiasts. To own a Panerai watch is to be a true connoisseur. The Panerai Company has been making timepieces since 1860 when Giovanni Panerai opened his watchmaker's shop in Florence Italy. In 1934, he created the world famous Radiomir and Panerai Luminor watches. Panerai watches, despite their durability and precision, were not sold to the general public. In fact, much of the technology developed was a guarded secret of the Italian Navy. These watches were only produced in small quantities and only made to order, typically only 30 at a time.

It was only 15 years ago, in 1992, that Panerai produced a limited re-edition of their Mare Nostrum and their Luminor (originally designed and produced as prototypes for the Italian Navy during World War II, but never produced due to the war ending). These two watches were so well received by the general public that they sold out almost immediately. This immediate success convinced Officine Panerai to enter the luxury watch market.

Today Panerai watches are sought after and revered for the tactical instruments and fine timepieces that they represent. As demonstrated by their legacy, Panerai watches are world-renowned and stand the test of time.

Click here for more information about Officine Panerai timepieces.

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George Piaget was a farmer turned watchmaker in the village of La-Cote-aux-Fees, Switzerland. His company was founded in 1874, when he began to make more money from his beautiful watches than from farming. Piaget holds a key position in the luxury industry and occupies a specific niche: top of the range watches, entirely hand-crafted in 18-carat gold and platinum, reflecting the unrivaled prestige of a longstanding watch making and jewelry tradition. Piaget also have a piece of long and distinguished reputation as a jewelers, their modern watches combine the two disciplines of jewelry making and watchmaking in order to produce the most exquisite timepieces in the world. "Always do better than necessary." This was the watchword of Piaget's founder over a century ago, and it remains the credo of the "Manufacture." A spirit based on high standards and perfectionism which has been perpetuated, to the point where it has become the quintessence of all Piaget's new creations. La Côte-aux-Fées, at the very heart of the Swiss Jura, epitomizes the origins and soul of Piaget; in its traditional workshops, watches are crafted in harmony with a creative spirit which makes these models worthy heirs to their illustrious founder.

The art of watch "dressing" is of vital importance for obvious reasons... the watch must be adorned with some of the finest jewels in existence and attention must be paid to the slightest detail. As every PIAGET Watch is unique in its 18-carat gold or platinum coat and all watches are crafted by hand it is important to Piaget to employ some of the most exceptional crafts-people in the industry. Piaget has found means of balancing its worldwide distribution by pursuing two distinct yet complementary goals: on the one hand, highly selective distribution in accordance with its own demanding quality criteria; and, on the other, a limited number of strategically located boutiques under its own name, superb showcases for effectively projecting the Piaget image. From the beginning, Piaget chose to deal with the world's most prestigious watch making and jewelry sales outlets, with a view to building a genuine partnership based upon mutual respect and recognition. Despite a wide geographical presence in over forty countries, Piaget has developed a selective and cohesive distribution network through 900 points of sale by consistently choosing as partners the finest watch making and jewelry specialists.

Piaget rapidly became the specialist for the world's thinnest watches and the unique style of cases and bracelets in 18K gold or platinum, the only case materials the firm allows to enter its workshops. The company is a pioneer in the realm of watches embellished with gemstones, using lapis lazuli, mother-of-pearl, coral, tiger's eye and onyx in an amazing symphony of dials which attract customers thanks to colour and variety. The launch of Haute-Joaillerie watches enhance Piaget's creativity and originality. Thus have the reputation of "the jeweler of watch making". Today, Piaget is proud to be one of the last Swiss watch making manufactures, benefiting from an extensive mastery of the jeweler's art.

For more information visit the Piaget website: http://www.piaget.com/watches. Click here: http://www.piagetpolo.com/ to get more information on the Piaget Polo watches specifically.

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The brand Raymond Weil brings together all the elements of excellence of the Swiss Luxury Watch-making. Precision, quality, reliability, nobility, and technical nature of the materials: as many standards that the Geneva-based Brand combines in the construction of its models. This know-how confers Raymond Weil its watch-making legitimacy.

Switzerland’s centuries of carefully handed-down watchmaking skills and know-how are harnessed by RAYMOND WEIL and reflected in its choice and development of materials, components and craftsmen in all its stages of production and assembly, meeting the "Swiss made" label prerequisites. The Company is situated in Geneva, home of Switzerland’s most prestigious watchmakers, together with the industry’s topmost expertise in component and materials supply.

Aestheticism is a constant preoccupation in the development of the Raymond Weil timekeepers. A specific care is given to the design of our watches in order to combine ergonomics, refinement and modernity. This aesthetic pursuit results in distinctive and identity-marked models.

A priority among the Brand’s guiding principles is its orientation towards the future. This reveals itself in the constant upgrading of technical know-how and equipment within the Company, enabling the computer-aided design and production of new products, using methods and materials that are genuinely state-of-the-art. The Company is ever searching for new ways and approaches to secure its future evolution. It builds rather than rests on its laurels.

Beauty and aesthetic proportion are no accident. Raymond Weil knows how to translate its watch design concepts through the experience, skill and mechanical precision of its watchmakers into the exceptional quality of products required by its demanding clientele. From conception through to the final stage of assembly, Raymond Weil’s attention to quality is constant. The seasoned watchmaker’s hands and eyes, his traditional tools, are supplemented by highly sophisticated technology. Each watch is minutely examined and undergoes 350 checks before receiving the Raymond Weil seal of quality.

For more information visit the Raymond Weil website: http://www.raymond-weil.com

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In 1897 the Original Swiss Army Knife was created in the small village of Ibach, Switzerland. Since that time, Victorinox has become well-known in more than 100 countries for precision, quality, functionality and versatility. This century old heritage has been extended to Swiss Army Watches, which reflect the ingenious design and outstanding durability Victorinox has come to stand for over the years. Uncompromising craftsmanship makes these watches worthy to carry the "cross and shield" emblem that symbolizes the legend of Victorinox and the Swiss Army Brand.

Whether you're going around the corner or around the globe, classically styled Swiss Army watches will make sure that you're equipped for life's adventures. No matter what those adventures might be.

For more information visit the Swiss Army website: http://www.swissarmy.com/timepieces/

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In 1860, Edouard Heuer began the watch company presently known as TAG Heuer. Over the years, Heuer gained fame for numerous timing innovations and became associated with auto, yacht and other forms of racing. In the 1980's Heuer associated with the Techniques d'Avant Garde and TAG Heuer was formed. Today, this company is one of the leading and most recognized watch brands in the world.

TAG Heuer carries within it the visionary genes of its founders Edouard Heuer and his sons Jules-Edouard and Charles-Auguste: entrepreneurship, innovation, an obsession with ultimate precision, and a deep love of prestigious sports. From the oscillating pinion to the Mikrograph, the world’s first mechanical stopwatch accurate to 1/100th of a second, the foundations on which TAG Heuer has built its strength today were in place very early on. Ever since then - and without a doubt this is one of the brand’s great assets - men such as Charles-Edouard, Hubert and Jack Heuer, and more recently the contemporary management teams, have had the wisdom to build the brand’s strength around these central characteristics, to keep the focus of their efforts, on both product development and communication, within the framework established by our founding fathers. Our DNA is unique; it was created in the late 19th century and continues to drive a substantial proportion of our development in the early 21st century: The Calibre 360 launched in 2006 perpetuates the obsession with precision that resulted in the Mikrograph in 1916; while the TAG Heuer Formula 1 embodies the ultimate blend of prestige and performance, sport and glamour as the Olympic Games and greyhound races did in the 1920s.

Manufacturing

TAG Heuer's innovative and avant-garde spirit is not only found in the originality of its creations, but also in the way in which it manufactures and assembles them. Luxury Swiss watchmaking combines manual craftsmanship with the most advanced technology to guarantee quality, precision timing and enduring sophistication.

Craftsmanship

Much of the responsibility of TAG Heuer excellence rests on the talent of its people. TAG Heuer house horologists, or expert watchmakers, have skills which have been developed over several generations. These skills are necessary for the delicate operations in assembly. TAG Heuer watchmakers must carefully construct wheel and pinions that are barely visible to the naked eye, or fix hands on a shaft 1/10th mm in diameter. Developing these multi-skilled craftsmen requires major investment in training and led to the creation of TAG Heuer's own watchmaking school.

Motor Racing in the Blood

Motor racing is not just part of TAG Heuer's DNA: it’s in their blood. When cars and racing were in their infancy, the Heuer family were already keen motorists. They could see where the future lay, and

tw by 1900 were buying their first automobiles. As cars became ever faster, ever more sophisticated, the Heuers were always there, creating the equipment designers and drivers needed, when they needed it. By 1911 the Heuers had pioneered dashboard chronographs. In 1916 they launched a new era in precision with the Mikrograph, the first stopwatch to measure 1/100ths of a second. For long-distance races, in 1958 the Heuer firm produced an onboard timer, the Rally Master, which comprised an eight-day clock and a twelve-hour stopwatch. Throughout the twentieth century TAG Heuer refined precision time and time again. The Microtimer became the first portable time-keeping system to measure 1/1,000ths of a second … and TAG Heuer was the first to achieve the incredible 1/10,000th of a second accuracy required for the motor racing speeds of today.

For more information visit the TAG Heuer website: http://www.tagheuer.com

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TW Steel, the Dutch watch brand specializes in oversized watches. “Firstly, the design and then the price appeal to a lot of people. Our watches look substantially more expensive than they are which makes them very attractive to the consumer. A TW Steel wearer can’t be easily classified which I think is also appealing. Anybody can wear a TW Steel watch, it’s not simply designed for just one particular demographic. We have a mass appeal, from celebrities and sport stars through to the wider public who appreciate what TW Steel has to offer.” - TW Steel CEO and co-owner, Jordy Cobelens

Proudly Dutch, TW Steel stands unique amongst its rivals concentrating exclusively on continuing to develop and lead the oversized watch market established with the introduction of its first collection in 2005.

TW Steel, the name meaning 'The Watch in Steel', has rapidly established itself as a big, bold, lifestyle brand. Its collections are reflective of, and available for all tastes and occasions without compromise to design or build.

Successfully combining design and innovation, TW Steel offers a defined sense of individuality with style and quality assured.

Put simply, wearing a TW Steel makes a powerful statement!

For more information visit the TW Steel website: http://www.twsteel.com

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Since the manufacturer’s earliest days more than 160 years ago when its founder, Ulysse Nardin, began making marine chronometers in a mountainous location in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, the watchmaking powerhouse has continually proved that challenges present intriguing opportunities worthy of exploration. It is these explorations that have resulted in Ulysse Nardin’s unprecedented inventions in horology. Science, innovation and imagination are its muses and technological advancement – combined with stellar artisanship – is its beacon.

Embodying, cultivating and bringing this philosophy to life through every Ulysse Nardin timepiece are President Rolf W. Schnyder and Dr. Ludwig Oechslin. A masterful meeting of the minds, they are the visionaries and pioneers behind Ulysse Nardin today.

Going against the mainstream current of Swiss watchmaking, they joined forces in 1983, when Schnyder purchased the company and sought Oechslin’s expertise and free-thinking approach to timepiece engineering and design. Schnyder was astounded by a wall clock astrolabe Oechslin had built after restoring the Farnesian clock in the Vatican museum and requested that Oechslin reduce the astrolabe to a wristwatch. Thus, the Astrolabium Galileo Galilei, the first watch from Oechslin’s Trilogy of Time series, was born, returning the revered watchmaker to the spotlight and securing an entry in the Guinness Book of Records. Schnyder knew that with the Astrolabium as the company’s first milestone under his ownership, he would be able to elevate Ulysse Nardin to an unsurpassed level of ingenuity, originality and quality. His foresight was correct.

Ulysse Nardin has been the recipient of 4,300-plus awards in watchmaking – 18 of them gold medals – and has received the greatest number of patents in mechanical watchmaking. As well, Ulysse Nardin was honored by Revolution magazine with its prestigious “New Technology” award for InnoVision, a spectacular watch that represented the groundbreaking use of silicium, among ten additional technical feats. This creation gives a proud nod to Ulysse Nardin’s remarkable FREAK, one of the cleverest timepieces ever developed and the first to use silicium. Introducing Ulysse Nardin’s Dual Ulysse Escapement in silicium, the FREAK ignited success. Ultra minimal in appearance and boasting no true case, crown or hands with the movement pivoted to indicate time, the FREAK showcased Ulysse Nardin’s scientific knowledge and progressive engineering like no other. Awarded the “Innovation Prize” (along with the Genghis Khan, GMT + Perpetual and the Sonata), the FREAK rocked the Swiss watch community and the world.

The Freak

For 2010, the FREAK surprises, once again, with the FREAK Diavolo – an exceptional timepiece illustrating Ulysse Nardin’s perfection of the application of new technology, such as photolithography; the use of the best and latest-developed materials, like silicium and LIGA nickel, at core locations; advancements in power and accuracy of the tourbillon carrousel (developed entirely in-house); and the addition of a flying tourbillon indicating the seconds.

Other landmark achievements by Ulysse Nardin include Oechslin’s completion of the Trilogy of Time, featuring the Astrolabium, the Planetarium and the Tellurium. And, in 2009, Oechslin returned to the cosmos for inspiration and revealed the Moonstruck, which concentrates on the moon and its effects on the earth.

Steadfast in its journey to remain in the lead, Ulysse Nardin strides forward, looking to its own universe – its leadership, master craftsmen and their dedication to the art of creating mechanical timepieces – to plot its course. As the first to utilize novel materials; forge unconventional relationships, like its joint venture with microparts technology company Sigatec; and bring forth fresh design sensibility, Ulysse Nardin surpasses form and function. It remains on a quest for more information, inventiveness and beauty. It is passion that guides its ingenious mind and momentum.

For more information visit the Ulysse Nardin website: http://www.ulysse-nardin.ch

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Vacheron Constantin is the oldest continuous wristwatch manufacturer in existence, with a wonderful heritage and history. Established in 1755 by Jean-Marc Vacheron, the firm has continued in its tradition of excellence ever since. It shines as one of the greatest Swiss Watchmaking Houses.

Vacheron Constantin is recognized as the oldest watchmaking brand in the world that till nowadays continues to be involved in this industry. This means that the Swiss watchmaker traced its foundation back to 1785 when the company was headed by Abraham Vacheron. Only later did it trace the lineage further to the year 1755. This year became official since the discovery of Jean-Marc’s commercial contract dated 1755. According to the information provided by Vacheron Constantin its origins can be traced whether to 1755, 1785 or even 1908. The latter is the year when, despite several changes in company's management, there is a lineage that remains unbroken till nowadays.

Nevertheless the arguing on the foundation date didn't stop Vacheron Constantin from breaking several records in the industry of watchmaking. Throughout it's history the company introduced many innovations among which was the creation of a machine able to duplicated watch parts and thus saving time and resources.

Vacheron Constantin holds the record for the most expensive wristwatch in the world. Created in 1979 Kallista, Greek for "the most wonderful" is a timepiece that has 118 emerald-cut diamonds and its initial price was 5 million dollars. Today the watch is valued at over 11 million dollars.

Besides creating the most expensive wristwatch in the world, in 2005, Vacheron Constantin designed the most complicated timepiece. The watch was created to celebrate the company's 250 years of activity in the watchmaking industry. The name is Tour de I'Ille and it has an enormous number features for a wristwatch. The 834 component parts allow the watch to have 16 complications. Its initial price was 1.5 million dollars. Today Vacheron Constantin does not need any advertising; it is among the most prestigious leaders in Swiss watchmaking.

For more information visit the Vacheron Constantin website: http://www.vacheronconstantin.com

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