By TLex H2O Watches are once again pioneering the use of new exotic metals and finishes for their dive watches; this time with a simple yet highly effect aesthetic enhancement known as, Titanium heat treating. This is an industrial process, where Titanium is heated to extremely high temperatures in order to increase its ductility; in other words to make Titanium, which is a fairly hard metal easier to work with.
TiO2 This process can also be carried out to achieve an incredible array of colors through rapid oxidation, that takes place during heating. Without getting too technical, the Titanium reacts with oxygen to create TiO2, a clear oxide that filters out light waves producing a spectrum of brilliant colors. Depending on how hot you heat the titanium would dictate which specific color tones are achieved. Blues are usually hotter, whereas bronze tones are cooler; purples are somewhere in between.
DIY Theoretically you could just stick your un-lumed H2O bezels and crown guards over a hot stove, couldn’t you? Yes, but because Titanium is so sensitive to contaminants such as air, dust, grease or moisture, and because overheating could cause deformity, meaning that your components might not fit back on the watch case properly after heat treatment it is probably best left to the experts.
INDUSTRY FIRST I have seen heat treated titanium components used in the automotive industry before, but have yet to come across them in the watch industry. The end result although dramatic is really quite beautiful, and because the Kalmar can be so easily reconfigured there is no risk of becoming tired with your new heat treated components, when the mood or situation takes you, you simply reconfigure your Kalmar. This is H2O’s philosophy, to give their timepieces the ability to transform and take on whatever appearance their wearer decides, and this is what makes H2O such an interesting choice.
COMING SOON H2O Watches are now working to produce a whole new range of TiO2 bezels and crown guards for the future. However these components aren’t yet available. But, when they are you could expect to find a number of color finishes, each of them slightly different from the next.
ONE OF A KIND For the moment H2O are offering this one of kind Kalmar DLC TiO2 with stunning heat treated Titanium bezel and crown guard set. Interested parties should email H2O Watches directly to check for pricing and availability. First come first served! For further details on H2O Watches please follow the link at the bottom of the post.
By TLex INTRODUCING the all new BREITLING Colt CHRONOGRAPH II. It features the same new case and bezel design as theCOLT 44, but in a chronograph version and with a slightly reduced water-resistance of 300m. The all new COLT Chronograph II is available in three dial colors: Volcano Black, Stratus Silver, and Gun Blue. Strap options include: leather, perforated rubber Ocean Racer, rubber Diver Pro with raised central ridge and Professional bracelet.
From BREITLING Equipped with a Breitling SuperQuartz™ movement ten times more accurate than ordinary quartz, the Colt Chronograph is water-resistant to a depth of 300 meters (1,000 ft). It features a 1/10th of a second display, a split-second hand and a fast timezone-change system that avoids any loss of precision in counting the minutes.
On the design side, the generous 44 mm diameter perfectly highlights the powerful and refined style of the new Colt with its case featuring alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces and its bezel carrying original numerals.
MOVEMENT Caliber 73, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, thermocompensated SuperQuartz™, fast timezone adjustment. 1/10th of a second chronograph, 60-minute and 12-hour totalizers with split times (split-second hand). Calendar.
CASE Steel. Water-resistant to 300 m (1,000 ft/30 bars). Screw-locked crown. Unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel. Sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides. Diameter: 44 mm. Dials: Volcano Black, Stratus Silver, Gun Blue.
STRAPS Leather, rubber Ocean Racer (perforated), rubber Diver Pro (with raised central ridge)/Professional.
By TLex INTRODUCING the ladies version from the new COLT collection. As its name suggests its case measures just 33mm, but with a respectable 500 meters of water-resistance and all the same features such double AR coated sapphire crystal and COSC, a thermocompensated SuperQuartz™ calibre, which are found on the new gents models.
From BREITLING Designed for women wishing to combine ultra-sporty character with elegance, the Colt 33 is distinguished by its 33 mm diameter and its entirely polished case with a satin brushed upper bezel surface. The feminine touch is accentuated by an optional gemset bezel.
The dials come in a choice of several refined shades. The high-precision Super-Quartz™ movement, chronometer-certified by the COSC, is housed within a sturdy steel case that is water-resistant to 500 meters (1,650 ft) — a unique feat for a ladies’ watch.
MOVEMENT Caliber 77, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, thermocompensated SuperQuartz™. Battery end-of-life indicator. Calendar.
CASE Steel. Water-resistant to 500 m (1,650 ft/50 bars). Screw-locked crown. Unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel. Sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides. Diameter: 33 mm
DIALS Volcano Black, Stratus Silver, Gun Blue.
STRAPS Leather, rubber Diver Pro (with raised central ridge)/ Professional.
By TLex ORIENT Japan have released a limited edition version of their 1970s 'King Diver'. The new King Diver was released as part of ORIENT's 40th Anniversary of the Cal. 469 and is part of their 'World Stage Collection'. The watch case is in stainless with two finishes. It measures 51mm x 45mm x 13.6mm with a water-resistance of 20 ATM or 200m. It houses the 21 jewel Orient Cal. 469 as signified by the celebratory text on its dial. Prices are around 600USD. For further details follow the link below . . .
By TLex Introducing the latest diver from DEEP BLUE Watches. The Marine DIVER 500's 316L stainless steel case measures 46mm x 15mm with 24mm lugs. It has an AR-coated sapphire crystal, an exhibition back, a Swiss ETA caliber 2824-2 automatic movement with custom DEEP BLUE rotor and a water resistance of 500 meters. Further features include a unique waffle pattern dial with 3 dimensional effect, and blue lume. MSRP 599USD.
By TLex The COLT, which is BREITLING's entry level sports / divers model has remained pretty much the same for the last decade or more, in which time it has only periodically received the odd update, such as a new bracelet, dial or some other minor aesthetic tweak. A different story today; neither face-lift nor overall, but an entirely new design. BREITLING have gone back to the drawing board with the new COLT collection.
The changes start with its turning bezel, which features a new sophisticated shape and stamped numerals, and continues to its new 44mm case and new dials adorned with rounded numerals exclusively designed for the new COLT. The watch's water-resistance remains at 500 meters (1,650 ft), which is typical of all BREITLING Areomarine models.
From BREITLING For all devotees of top-flight achievements, Breitling has equipped the Colt 44 with the best of its electronic technology in the form a SuperQuartz™ caliber ten times more accurate than standard quartz movements. The polished and satin-brushed finishes highlight the distinctive shape of the case and bezel. The sturdy construction, the screw-locked crown and the thick sapphire crystal (glareproofed on both sides) guarantee exceptional water resistance to a depth of 500 meters (1,650 ft).
MOVEMENT Caliber 74, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, thermocompensated SuperQuartz™. Battery end-of-life indicator. Calendar.
CASE Steel. Water-resistant to 500 m (1,650 ft/50 bars). Screw-locked crown. Unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel. Sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides. Diameter: 44 mm. Dials: Volcano Black, Stratus Silver, Gun Blue.
STRAPS Leather, rubber Ocean Racer (perforated), rubber Diver Pro (with raised central ridge) / Professional.
By TLex INTRODUCING the all new BREITLING Colt family, which consists of three new Colt models: the COLT Chronograph II, COLT 44 and COLT 33 . . .
FRONTRUNNER The same spirit but a new look. Breitling has entirely redesigned its Colt model, a symbol of sturdiness, reliability and performance. A sculptural model carved in steel, the new Colt turns heads with its original styling clearly built for action, achievements and thrills. With its solid construction and its water resistance to 300 meters (1,000 ft) or 500 meters (1,650 ft), it establishes itself as an exceptionally sporty model, a champion and natural frontrunner.
ORIGINALITY Its originality begins with the bezel featuring a taut, sophisticated shape and stamped numerals, and continues with the case echoing the same outline. The dials are adorned with new rounded numerals exclusively designed for this model, with rhythmical motifs and with a play on colors. The steel bracelet reinforces the unique character of this fresh, youthful and dynamic design, while ensuring optimal comfort and sturdiness.
VERSIONS Available in three versions endowed with strong and distinctive characters, including a chronograph and a ladies’ watch, the new Colt is equipped with SuperQuartz™ movements that are chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), like all Breitling movements.
RENO AIR RACES Reno, Nevada. Every year in September, an array of original planes converge on Stead Airport to take part in one of the world’s great aviation venues: the famous Reno pylon races. Flying at dizzying speeds, these aircraft face off on circuits traced out in the desert, just a few feet off the ground.
MOTTO 'Fly low, go fast, turn left.' As a partner of all the finest hours in aviation, Breitling is the main sponsor of this event that is unique in the world – thereby pursuing its mission to perpetuate the competitive spirit, the taste for performance and the fierce quest for victory.
By TLex H2O Watches are now offering three NEW bezels and two NEW handsets for their Kalmar GMT DLC. The bezels are as follows: DLC filled with SL BGW9 markers in either 24hr, 10min or 5min scales. The blue luminous material will match the hands and dial markers.
The handsets are as follows: set of four chromed with SL BGW9, set of four metallic silver with SL BGW9. These new configurations are in limited supply. H2O have a total of just nine pieces, which are as follows . . .
3x H2O Kalmar GMT in DLC with chromed handset 3x H2O Kalmar GMT in DLC with metallic silver handset 3x H2O Kalmar GMT in DLC with black hour / orange min / black+orange second
Please email H2O Watches directly to check for pricing and availability. For further details on H2O Watches please follow the link at the bottom of the post . . .