Though by definition it has trouble existing alone

Cell phone a few the thing it the style. I want to to take a seat for this one particular for a while. Initially my views had been in which IWC has established the world's many impressive proposition 19 watch for people looking to ensemble any Vietnam-era armed service dress-up costume. The particular call style with natural sheet strap along with darkish dreary circumstance is practically saying being a armed service addition. IWC really was taking a theme observe here plus they succeeded. Could it be a whole new vintage with the ability to embark on 1000 various kinds of wrists and appearance great using a 1,000 clothes? I'm not thus certain that. Your appeal of IWC's earlier Preliminary watches ended up being his or her sturdiness throughout style. The superior Firearm Miramar watch can be so particular in the identity that it might look odd much of the time. However I can become drastically wrong.

I'm furthermore receiving a bit tired involving retro style aviator designer watches which might be totally new however try and search previous at the same time. An illustration of this this is the yellow sand colored lume on this piece. For years today brands make use of this to appear like lume which has older with time getting a dark aging. This doesn't happen really need to be there plus they take action pertaining to type. On some watches I like the look (particularly when this issues together with african american), but towards dreary and natural I've yet to see the way it appeals to us. I'd need to visit the watch face-to-face to decide. There is also the situation of the red-colored hour or so indicator diamond ring. This particular inside wedding ring associated with hr numerals is very significantly section of aviator observe history. Although the crimson tinted diamond ring gives less than optimum comparison contrary to the dull face with the enjoy. Then there's the "open" day screen. I'm not an enormous fan of such and IWC nearly pioneered this specific search making use of their past Top Firearm watch which had the particular "T window," integrating both day of the week and the day.

Saving money tie is supposed to go along with all those olive eco-friendly bags, jumpsuits, and other goods that we all associate with armed service jet pilots. It is an additional style-related product. I suppose that's the biggest advantage from the view and my own largest problem with the idea. IWC has experimented with so faithfully to provide a awesome looking military-inspired Preliminary watch, it ultimately ends up appearing like it turned out come up with by way of a artist as opposed to something effortlessly would certainly embark on a top-notch Rifle pilot's hand. Those trying to find a high-end fashion accessory may uncover this kind of to become very cool watch. I have undoubtedly that within the appropriate setting current proper outfit this is gonna be an outstanding looking bit. Even though obviously it's got difficulties existing by yourself. It is part of a layout, a glance, a layout. To become significant traditional it must contains its in the hoover. I'll be guaranteed to look at this bit and also other brand new IWC Preliminary watches before long.

IWC uses both in-house made movements

individuals procured through places similar to ETA. Motions via ETA usually are not as prestigious but may become really reputable as well as robust. Resources get explained in which IWC has received a few issues during the last few years using very own moves with regards to restore as well as trustworthiness. Whilst his or her motions looks really good written, my personal wish is quality is extremely on top of their own checklist for that brand new calibers that we will discover. It is a fact that while the modern Preliminary watches are to be came out quickly, IWC will still have 3-4 months to function in it prior to total professional launch.

The particular Pilot Chronograph Best Rifle Miramar may sports activity the full clay situation. Done in a semi-gloss, the case would have been a huge 48mm 46mm broad. The particular pushers along with top combined with the Leading Rifle personalized caseback will be in titanium. Many possess were unsatisfied with how big this wrist watch being too big. In fact, IWC has established that almost overall all of their Aviator designer watches increase in size. Professionally I would not head this kind of while i just like big timepieces. Recent years individuals have believed that smaller wrist watches are situated in and huge watches tend to be out and about. That change endeavor had been a tome failure while i expected. Makes tried to develop and market scaled-down timepieces with minimal accomplishment : and they are now booking scaled-down measurements regarding pick elegant wrist watches. Huge sports activity timepieces remain full in relation to exactly what guys apparently would like.

IWC Pilot Chronograph Top Gun Miramar Watch

Striking rather all-around residence (personally) IWC broadcasts the 1st fresh view of 2012 having a bit titled following your place of an US Marine Corps starting inside Los angeles. Miramar is the location from the Naval Oxygen Train station and also where TOPGUN aircraft pilots are generally educated. For a time currently IWC continues to be happy with the Prime Rifle described aviator designer watches and also Next year considers the particular continuation and file format of this selection.

As outlined by IWC Next year will likely be 4 seasons in the pilot await the company. It seems as though their brand new strategy is to pay attention to specific product or service families annually. Recently IWC devoted to a serious renew of their Portofino watches, and also the Pilot collection becomes all the interest this coming year. Among IWC's most widely used designs is the Huge Initial view, that will in addition see a notable inclusion this year.

To be able to mock the complete series which will before long launch at SIHH 2012 IWC offers unveiled information about the actual Aviator Chronograph Ton Firearm Miramar. The idea residences a brand new in-house created movements (which is to be an element of some other brand-new Preliminary wrist watches), getting the particular good quality 89365 computerized. The newest fly-back chronograph procedures One hour, has got the time, and contains a very huge energy hold regarding 168 hours. For this style these people wanted to use a more simple bi-compax design, but I hope the new movement can easily allow for a new 14 hours chronograph (that i believe is best with regard to initial makes use of).

IWC calls their Classic collection Mark XVII new chronographs

Next is the IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph. The name is confusing because there are so many other new chronographs. This 46mm wide steel cased watches has and existing split-second chronograph movement and a looks that are a bit more mainstream than say the Top Gun models. This is likely to be a hot seller for the brand and is essentially a nice rattranpante for the brand for this year.

The last new chronograph is just called the IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph, With a 43mm wide steel case and standard looking three register chronograph dial. This watch is again 46mm wide and a very handsome piece that blends the looks of other IWC Pilot watches we have seen from today and yesterday. The last new Pilot watch on my radar is the simply named IWC Pilot's Worldtimer watch. This neat looking travelers watch has a rotating 24 hour city and moving city display. This works like like the Girarard-Perregaux ww.tc for example. A nice concept that isn't new, but feels like a nice addition to the Pilot collection. This useful watch will be 45mm wide will be a nice new addition to the collection.

This Spitifire Perpetual Digital Date-Month Calendar watc

Starting with the Top Gun series there will be at least five new models. Two Miramar and two non-Miramar versions of essentially the same watches and well as a Top Gun version of the Pilot Perpetual Calendar watch in a cool black ceramic case. The Miramar versions (IWC Big Pilot Top Gun Miramar and Big Pilot Chronograph Top Gun Miramar) will come in that nice gray ceramic case with aged looking dial, while the standard versions (same names without the "Miramar part") will have black ceramic cases and a more contemporary feel. Each will come in a 46mm wide case and contain either IWC's new 7 day chronograph or three-hand 7 day automatic movements. The Perpetual Calendar is larger at 48mm wide and will contain that outgoing movement as seen on other IWC watches in the past. Nice looking pieces all around.

Next are new IWC Spitfire collection Pilot watches. These have been part of the range for along time and being updated in terms of complexity and size. They also now sport some cool in-house movements whereas the Spitfire was often seen as a nice entry-level IWC Pilot watch. The new new Spitfire models are the Spitfire Chronograph at 43mm wide with an in-house chronograph movement and the very interesting new Spitfire Perpetual Digital Date-Month Calendar. That one is likely the most interesting of the new Pilot watches as the in-house movement has a nicely integrated perpetual calendar and chronograph that are nicely managed on the same dial. There are large big digital indicators (well labeled) for the date and month registers.

IWC New Pilot Watches For 2012

If you are a dedicated watch follower, then by now you know that 2012 is the year of the Pilot watch for IWC. Last week I shared my thoughts on the new for 2012 IWC Pilot Chronograph Top Gun Miramar watch here. Now I get to share with you the entire collection of new Pilot watches from the brand. You'll notice that there are more new Top Gun watches including a non-chronograph automatic with a seven day power reserve, some updated classics, and a new very much modern military look to the pieces.

None of the new pilot watches are going to make you do a double take. These are all very sober IWC Pilot watches with a lot of sales appeal and handsome looks. Those looking for something wildly new are going to be disappointed, but those looking for more variations and modern approaches to classic IWC pilot watch designs will be very happy with what is new this year at SIHH.

IWC Top Gun collection of Big Pilot watches

Most people will like the subtle Top Gun branding on the watches. There is no mention of it on the dial or case sides. The old model I believe has some type of Top Gun logo on the side of the case. Only the rear of the watch talks of the Top Gun connection. While the steel Big Pilot watches look excellent, ceramic is a great material. It is very hard and will wear gracefully as it is very scratch resistant. For the most part these should be really durable watches in terms of looking good for a long time.

One person said something interesting to me about how they didn't like the metal crown and pushers as matched to the ceramic case. They felt the ceramic look was incomplete. I see their point but it doesn't bother me. The truth is IWC really can't do that. Machining ceramic is a pain in the ass, and the technology doesn't yet exist for tiny ceramic pieces with intricate details like crowns and pushers to be made in any cost effective manner. As it stands these watches use grade 5 titanium for the crowns, pushers, and casebacks.

At the top of the new IWC Big Pilot Top Gun collection is the Perpetual Calendar. It uses IWC's outgoing great perpetual calendar automatic movement with a seven day power reserve. In the cool ceramic case with bold dial, this is a killer timepiece. The chronograph models uses IWC's new 89365 automatic movement that measures up to 60 minutes. IWC opted for a two versus three dial look on the watches. Though three register chronographs are available in the non Top Gun Big Pilot line.

Watch detailing is as always impressive

There are actually a lot of new Pilot watches and several in the Top Gun range that has done well for IWC over the years. For watch lovers, the biggest news is that all new Big Pilot watches will contain in-house made IWC mechanical automatic movements. Previous Top Gun models for instance housed based ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movements. The move to fully in-house made should up the value proposition for most people and is sure to enhance already high excitement around the collection.

As it was in the past, all IWC Big Pilot Top Gun watches will come in ceramic cases. There is a matte black case for standard Top Gun models and a polished dark gray case for the retro looking Top Gun Miramar line. Included in this article is one or two images of steel cased watches that show the slightly updated non-Top Gun IWC Big Pilot. While more or less visually unchanged for 2012, the new IWC Big Pilot watch benefits from mechanical and structural upgrades to made it better than ever. One important move was a serious upgrade in the crown and stem system to make it more durable.

The Top Gun collection is large. Perhaps too large for some. Not me, but for you it may be the case that the diameter of the case doesn't feel right. You really need to try it on. Don't get me wrong, I don't have massive wrists - not in the least. I just like look of a large watch. The Big Pilot Top Gun watches are between 46 and 48mm wide. Oddly enough the chronograph models are smaller at 46mm while there rest (including the time-only) models are bigger. That is an interesting move at it is usually the other way around.

IWC Big Pilot Top Gun Watches For 2012

Hey mister? You want a big watch that is easy to read? Well do I have something for you! The iconic classic aviator watch look is one that IWC has been more than successfully perpetuating for quite some time. They probably do it the best, and at the least they are the best at selling it. It is an classic look that feels great on the wrist as was originally developed for optimal legibility and ease of operation. What more could you want from a timepiece?

As you'll be hearing over the year, 2012 is the year of the Pilot watch for IWC. At SIHH 2012 their booth was pretty amazing by most standards. It didn't have much to do with watches, but the spectacle really pulled you into the world that IWC was trying to create for the new Pilot watch collection. IWC CEO George Kern is actually quite clever in having each year focus on one watch. That allows the brand to fully tailor their theme and message around the concept to get retailers, journalists, and buyers as excited as possible on what they want to promote. If they released a series of new nice watches from different collections it would dilute from the image they are trying to further.

Beautiful Israeli Itay Noy Duality Watch Collection

Itay Noy is a totally Tel Aviv, Israel based watch maker. The brand is named after its founder, Itay Noy, who is the heart of the manufacture. He's won several international design awards, which makes sense given the impressive character and refinement of his designs. With an impressive collection of watches so far for the brand, I'd like to focus on his Duality line of watches only today. The Duality collection is literally two things in one. Two watches, with two contradictory attitudes. While not the first time a watch has been made with faces on both sides, this is the first time that I've seen an actual theme be applied to the concept. Thus, each watch in the collection is comprised of opposites, with associated symbolism on the watch designs themselves.

Before discussing the various pieces on the Duality collection, lets look at the overall design of the watches. A very modern and minimalist approach is taken with the case design. A lug-less construction places the reversible leather strap inside the case as part of the construction. Essentially, the watch is comprised of two 42.4mm wide watch cases sandwiched together, with crowns (one for each movement) at the 3:30 and 8:30 position. The cases are made of steel, and the leather straps are two-toned (light on one side, dark on the other). The faces feature finely cut or engraved metal dials and hands which display the designs and patterns are displayed. Each side of the watch has its own design, which extends to even the bezel. The "duality" of the watches is more than surface level, and has a deeper more symbolic component. There are four watches in the Duality watch line; the Exposed Concealed, Modern Classic, Decorative Informative, and Holiday Everyday. As you can see the models are named with opposite terms, and the style of the corresponding face is meant to match one of the terms. The two images above are of the Duality Modern Classic watch. You can tell that one side has a beautifully crafted modern minimalist watch face, while the opposite side has an engraved metal dial with classically styled Roman numerals and decoration. Each side hints enough at the themes, but overall still work together. That artistic dimension to these watches is clear, and the message that opposites can work together and find harmony is a more important message (especially in Israel where such sentiments are probably welcome).

This approach is Itay Noy's preferred dial style

For the Identity collection Itay Noy uses Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic movements. They are done in the tone tone, and are kept clean looking. Itay Noy has a custom automatic rotor with the brand logo and some polishing. He does a good job at making the humble 2824 look pretty nice, and the lack of complex decor actually helps give it a clean modern feel. You'll notice that clean, modern lines are a consistent feature of Itay Noy watches. The case is very clean, but also has a unique shape to it. The back of the case is free from text, and the entire watch has a really nice presentation and feel in your hands. I think you'll agree that Itay Noy did a good job with this case, which is 42.4mm wide and in steel with a sapphire crystal (water resistant to 50 meters).

Sitting comfortably on the wrist, the watch is attached to a hand-made leather strap. Itay Noy literally acquires them leather themselves to make to the strap by hand. The straps are brown on the outside and black on the inside. The also have an interesting "indentation" in the leather to give it a more interesting look. The strap has a butterfly deployment clasp.

Being a boutique watch from Israel with a unique design does add value to the brand for me, but even if this was a mainstream watch, I still like the design and ideas behind the watches a lot. There is a subtle poetic message to Itay Noy's creation. And artist and design at heart, he hasn't neglected the necessities of watch making, and has been able to incorporate watch making and art together nicely. The Itay Noy Identity Hebrew limited edition watch retails for about $2,000.

Itay Noy Identity Hebrew Watch Review

This is the Identity Hebrew watch made by Tel Aviv, Israel based watch maker Itay Noy. Part of the Identity collection, this watch focuses on using Hebrew letters for the hour indicators. One thing you should know about Hebrew is that letters are also specifically assigned numeric values. As such, the hour indicators actually do indicate 1-12 on the numeric scale. The background of the dial has a special repeating pattern of star of David. A symbol that is featured on the Israeli flag. You can see in the middle dial the plate has been skeletonized. The star of Davids there are retained, but skeletonized - the overall look is good.

The dials are flat pieces of metal that underwent cutting via photolithography and then applied with a black enamel. This approach is Itay Noy's preferred dial style, and he makes very good use of the medium. If you browse his collection you will find many ways the brand has played with this concept. As applied to the identity collection, Itay Noy plays with the concept of different types of numeric indicators from different cultures. The numerals are then mixed with a pattern made from images that are associated with the culture. The star of David makes sense with Hebrew letters, and likewise there are associate elements with other Identity pieces that have Japanese numerals, Roman numerals, and more traditional Arabic letter numerals (not Arabic numeric numbers that we are used to).

Itay Not uses most, but not all of the face for the watch dial itself. I would probably argue that the hands are too short, but in this instance they are not. This is because the actual watch dial fits the proportions of the hand, while the rest of the watch face is used for artistic purposes. The view of the movement in center of the dial is a nice, and welcome "horological" touch. Also on the dial is the number in the limited edition. At the bottom of the dial is a small panel where this is indicated.

Itay Noy X-Ray & Netline Watches Close Up

For 2011 Israeli watch maker Itay Noy offers new pieces including the X-Ray and Netline collection. Of the watches use a new case that offers the same Itay Noy type of smooth look and feel with a new shape that includes bulging case screws. The cases are on the larger side at 44.6mm wide but are wearable on the wrist. They both play with the concept of skeletonization and feature Swiss ETA Unitas 6497 manually wound movements done in various styles.

Spending time with the watches I used my macro lens to capture some of their finer details. The X-Ray is a clever concept that has a dial mimicking an x-ray machine. What you see is a monochromatic outline of exactly what is underneath in the movement. Being an actual representation of what is under the dial is so unique. The X-Ray comes in a few dial styles, but the black and silver is my favorite.

The X-Ray is really about appreciating technical drawings and schematics. The watch world is full of them, although consumers rarely see them. This watch sheds a little bit of light into the world of watch movement technical drawings. The dial has the hands, subsidiary seconds dial, and one opening showing a movement ruby and palette. The four dial options either come with a hand-made brown or black leather strap. Itay Noy X-Ray watches are priced from $3,640 - $3,900 - each are part of a limited edition of just 99 pieces.

Each of the four versions of the X-Ray watch

If you know anything about the watch world, you know that skeletonized dials on timepieces are very popular. Such watches show an actual view into the movements. What Itay Noy wanted to do was offer a traditional dial that illustrated what the movement looked like in a monochromatic tone. It is an artful presentation on the skeletonization concept done in a unique way. At the same time. Itay Noy does actually offer skeletonized dial watches in their Netline collection. I offer some additional info and imagery on the Netline and X-Ray collection here.

As an art watch the X-Ray is attractive and unique looking. Depending on your mood and how you look at it, the watch goes from being beautiful to 'watch nerdy.' It also makes me happy that Itay Noy chose not to use a traditional round case. Rather, it bulges where case screws are used to keep the sandwiched sections together. While a bit odd at first the case proves nice to look at and wear. The steel case is 41.6mm wide but feels larger thanks to the thin bezel. Detailing and finish on the case is good. One issue however is the crown. On the piece I tested it was rough to turn, and the crown design is a bit sharp making it uncomfortable to wind given the roughness I mentioned. If other pieces offer smoother winding then there is no issue.

The X-Ray watch collection has four dial color variations and two dial designs. This piece is done in black with silvered imagery, while the converse view is always available. There are also two silver and gold style dials as well. The design of the dial has to do with the movement. Inside the X-Ray watch is either a Swiss ETA Unitas 6497-1 or 6498-1 manually wound movement. The difference between these two is just the orientation of the movement itself, which will effect what the x-ray image looks like.

Itay Noy X-Ray Watch Review

The Itay Noy X-Ray watch collection as a concept continues to impress me - I last reviewed their ID watch here.. The idea of this newer piece isn't overly complex but it is satisfying and poetic. I am not sure of what inspired him, but Israeli Itay Noy (a man and a brand) decided to show you what was under the dial of these watches - in what ironically is an unorthodox manner.

If you know anything about the watch world, you know that skeletonized dials on timepieces are very popular. Such watches show an actual view into the movements. What Itay Noy wanted to do was offer a traditional dial that illustrated what the movement looked like in a monochromatic tone. It is an artful presentation on the skeletonization concept done in a unique way. At the same time. Itay Noy does actually offer skeletonized dial watches in their Netline collection. I offer some additional info and imagery on the Netline and X-Ray collection here.

As an art watch the X-Ray is attractive and unique looking. Depending on your mood and how you look at it, the watch goes from being beautiful to 'watch nerdy.' It also makes me happy that Itay Noy chose not to use a traditional round case. Rather, it bulges where case screws are used to keep the sandwiched sections together. While a bit odd at first the case proves nice to look at and wear. The steel case is 41.6mm wide but feels larger thanks to the thin bezel. Detailing and finish on the case is good. One issue however is the crown. On the piece I tested it was rough to turn, and the crown design is a bit sharp making it uncomfortable to wind given the roughness I mentioned. If other pieces offer smoother winding then there is no issue.

Ikepod Hourglass: Time For Art

I find it really ironic that an hourglass is a novel concept in the watch industry. When Marc Newson designed Ikepod released the Hourglass last year, I remember thinking "Wait. Is this the only high-end hourglass that you can get?" Yea, I think it is. It is as if the classic timing tool was a forgotten piece of history.

Well, you might not have a lot of options in your quality hourglass buying needs, but the good news is that the Ikepod ones are pretty darn nice. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but you can actually time with them as well. According to Ikepod, the time ratings for both the large and small ones are quite accurate. You can now live your dream of looking your nemesis in the eye and stating, "You have until this hourglass runs out to bring me my money, or your family will die a slow and painful death ... While the hourglass runs out yet again."

Last year, they released the larger of the two hourglasses while Ikepod has offered the smaller version this year. The large one (which is actually pretty big and heavy) is rated to measure 60 minutes. This model is easily the more decorative of the two as it makes for a larger presence. The newer, smaller, version is rated at 10 minutes and is the one that I prefer. Why? Well the simple reason is that it is small enough to comfortably hold in your hands and offers a more satisfying tactile experience. The hourglass is a gorgeous piece of functional art but the best part really is that you can play with it. Though you budding villains out there will certainly want at least one large one. I do want to point out that the nanoball filling is a very interesting feature, as well, but I'll get to more about that in a moment.

Ikepod Solaris Watches: New Direction For Marc Newson

Ikepod is designer Marc Newson's quirky but cool watch brand. From its inception, most of his watches shared the same round bulbous look and had model names like "Hemipode." The watches are very cool and very hard to come by with extremely limited distribution (only two authorized dealers in the US). Despite their rarity, Ikepod watches have always intrigued me and looked like they enjoyed more than niche product appeal. Further, their modern looks being minimalist and all, are still very functional, with some of the existing models offering very complex features.

Well, Marc has taken a completely new direction with the new Solaris lines of watch. Not only is the shape of the watch case square, but the overall theme of the watch is totally different. Rather than a soft futuristic look, the Solaris watches are retro chic. The case itself looks like an appliance dreamed up in pre-space age 1950's and 60s, but with cleaners lines. Maybe what art deco might have evolved into if industrial design took a different path in the middle of the 20th century.

The case is a simple rounded, sandwiched square. The dial is round, unpretentious and frames the applied hour markers and hands with pristine clarity. The crown is placed at the top of the case (as opposed to the side), and is a flattened. Still, It is probably easy to operate when pulled out. It might not be comfy for manual winding, but the watches have quartz movements (don't gasp), so no worries with winding. Two rivets on the case delete any notion of boredom from the design suggesting a sense of mechanical engineering to the basic looking device. The Solaris watch line is available in several different materials from 18k yellow or white gold, as well as white and black ceramic.

Ikepod Thunderbird Chronograph: Quality Watch

Ikepod is the watch brand behind industrial designer genius Marc Newson (from Australia). Ikepod watches each have a monocoque cases which means that the entire movement and dial are inside one unified piece of metal (for the most part). The look is a hip looking bulbous orb that looks like a "time" capsule on the wrist. While by no means inexpensive, you get a true "designer" look with Ikepod watches, which stress form and function.

A few years ago when Ford re-released the Thunderbird, they commissioned Ikepod to create a limited edition series of watches for the release. Apparently Ford realized that the target audience for the attractive to look at, not so fun to drive coupe would be aging Americans who perhaps had fond memories of the originals. Likewise, this demographic might be into fine watches, so the connection seemed logical. Whatever Ford was thinking, the Ikepod Thunderbird watches do the T-Bird's heritage justice. Very clean lines, inherently legible, with flamboyant colors that appear appropriate. You get lovely touches such as a nicely engraved "Thunderbird" logo across the top of the bezel, along with aquamarine cabochons in the pushers and crown that match the chronograph seconds hand. Of course, the iconic Thunderbird logo itself is proudly displayed on the face of the watch instead of the Ikepod logo for this special edition.

One of these watches is available on eBay right now for about $1,800, which is a great deal considering it is one of only 200 in the world, and most other Ikepod watches on eBay go for well over $3,000. Although the Thunderbird is pure Ikepod, the styling of this model has some unique elements worth collecting. This might be the best thing to come out of the new Ford Thunderbird, more so than the retro coupe. While the car itself was not the driving sensation it could have been (actually I think the original was more of a looker than a roadster as well), its fine styling carried over well into this Ikepod watch special edition.

Movado made popular with the Horwitt Museum Face watch

The newest round-cased Ikepod offering is the Horizon collection. These simple two-handers are more about art than pure function. They look stunning in person and offer a fascinating re-imagining of the look that Movado made popular with the Horwitt Museum Face watch. The watch dial features inset, almost perforated, holes of various sizes that emphasize the look of a sphere. Looking at the dial from various angles is very much a treat. This is one of my favorite "hard to read" watch dials out there. Like all of these watches, the Ikepod bird logo (named after a type of bird in Australia) is applied on the bottom of the sapphire crystal. Prices for the Horizon watches have a wide range from about $14,000 to around $70,000. The top models being in gold with diamond studded bezels.

I don't think that Ikepod makes steel or titanium versions of the Hemipode anymore, their current catalog only lists gold and platinum models and they are spendy! Retail prices start at around $35,000 for the gold versions and go up over $50,000 for the platinum models. Not cheap, sure, but part of the reason for the cost is the sheer amount of metal in the cases. The other part of the value proposition in getting one of these is Marc Newson's work as a piece of art.

Some Ikepod Watches The Megapode is 47mm

Ikepod timepieces have been around since I started getting into watches about a decade ago. An elusive brand, seeing these watches in person isn't all that common. The brand has had its ups and downs but seems to be in good hands at this time. The politics there are interesting as Marc Newson is the designer and has an incredible amount of creative control (though he doesn't involve himself with day-to-day operations at all). Basically, if he wants it made, it gets made.

A good example of this is with the Hemipode, which, for its time, was a very large watch (in the 1990s) at 44mm wide. The Megapode is 47mm wide and, again, was considered massive. Today, they look just fine on the wrist. Over a decade later, Marc decided to do a 180 in his approach and built the two-sided Solaris watch that is just 30mm wide. He just does whatever he feels like doing, really.

Ikepod watches feel like exactly what they are: Timepieces designed by someone who isn't strictly a watch designer but is a really good designer. Quality and craftsmanship is good, and the prices are high, but these are satisfying pieces. The Hemipode is probably their most famous watch. The case comes (came) in a variety of materials from steel, to gold, to platinum. And at 44mm wide you have an almost perfectly smooth pebble on your wrist - just how Newson wanted it. Legibility is as good as the watches are unique. Distinctive components, like the strap, ensure that the watch both looks fascinating and is comfortable. My interest, over the years, for the brand is well-founded and finds them on my wrist.

Ikepod makes steel or titanium versions of the Hemipode anymore

The Hemipodes currently use a modified Swiss ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement. Newson wanted perfect symmetry for the dial (good man) so he removed the day of the week indicator and opted for a date dial (versus a window). The movement is further modified by removing the 12 hour counter for the chronograph and replacing it with a 24 hour GMT hand - adjusted by the pusher on the left side of the case. In the past, these pieces sometimes offered other dial styles and movements. The hands are smooth looking and legible when you read the time from the UFO on your wrist. This is high-end design, people!

The Megapode is still offered in steel and is considerably less in price due to that fact. This is Marc's aviator watch complete with a rotating slide-rule bezel. This time, the movement was flipped around for the pusher to be on the left side of the case - the idea was to make the crown for the slide-rule bezel easier to grasp. I wonder if a Marc Newson designed instruction manual on how to use slide-rule bezels comes with the Megapode watches? These very elegant pilot watches have the same awesome strap that all the round Ikepod watches have and works somewhat like a belt. It is rubber and has a nice clean clasp system that really is more clever than it looks. Very neat in appearance as well. Ikepod Megapode watches are currently offered in titanium, retailing for $17,500.