Bench Watches

The first ever mechanical time-keeping devices that could be worn by a person instead of mounted to a wall were called clock-watches. They possessed only a single hour hand, and had to be wound twice each day. And of course, they were notoriously inaccurate, with poor quality movement and heavy, unwieldy pieces.

The next stage of advancement was the ever-so-adorable pocket watch. In the 1600’s, the upper crust was extraordinarily concerned with fashion, and apparently the pocket watch was crafted after King Charles II of England brought the fashion of the waistcoat to hip gentlemen in Europe. Pocket watches still exist (in a sort of meta, anachronistic kind of way), but the originals were quite inaccurate. It wasn’t until 1657 and the invention of the balance spring that minute and even second hands were used. In 1765, chronometers started being used, and pretty delicate temperature compensations further whittled down the margin of error on fine pocket watches.

In the early 1800’s, what’s known as a lever escapement was created by a watch worker Thomas Mudge, and suddenly pocket watches were much more viable and popular, and not only for the rich. In 1850 with the onset of the industrial revolution, humanity suddenly realized the potential of mass production, and something of a ‘pop culture’ obsession grew around pocket watches and later, wristwatches.

Wristwatches has actually been in use for quite sometime by women, who were thought not to possess the correct garb (or enough masculinity) to successfully carry a pocket watch everywhere, and thus were reduced to strapping timepieces to their wrists. It wasn’t until about the 20th century that wristwatches became a man’s item, as well.

The original wristwatches were called ‘trench’ watches, and they were much larger than today’s wristwatches. In 1923, John Harwood revolutionized the watch-making world when he invented a watch that could wind itself, and pocket watches were history.

In the 1950’s, electric watches came onto the scene, and in 1969 quartz watches graced the world stage. As accuracy was pinpointed to the perfectly predictable oscillations of these fine new instruments, wrist watches became more about performance and less about fashion, though of course they still remain a staple accessory and beautiful pieces of technology.

Today, many fear that with the onset of cell phones, iStuff, and hand held computing devices, watches will go the way of the dinosaurs. Why bother strapping and antiquated technology to your wrist when you can access a multitude of information with your electronics?

Because there is something timeless about the timekeeping of a watch- the slow, inexorable ticking of our passage through the 4th dimension that can’t be captured on the glowing screen of an iPhone. There will always be a place for beautiful, functional wristwatches in the world.

The holidays are approaching and whether you’re the boss or you have one, that uncomfortable annual question of if and what to buy him/ her or your employees comes up.

Well, here are some perfect answers. If you are the boss and want to buy your employees something that will last them a lifetime and endear each and every one of them to you, a watch is a great choice. Not to mention, they will have no good excuse for being late anymore and they will have that professional look about them, as a luxury watch makes a statement.

If you not the boss and have one and want to be nice, then you and your colleagues can pool your funds together and get your boss a really nice, brand new watch (at a major discount mind you).

Whether you’re buying for a male or female boss or a mixed group of employees, here are some great watches. (Model numbers are included so that you may do a quick Internet search to find the lowest prices available; just Google the model number).

All the watches that I am about to share with you are black in some way. Black is the most common color used in watchmaking since it looks good with all metals, stainless steel, gold (yellow, rose), or platinum and provides a striking contrast for diamonds or other precious gems or stones used on a watch. Take into account the immense popularity of the black rubber strap on luxury watches and you see why we’re going with black in some way, shape or form.

All but one of the below brand name, luxury watches can be found for less than $1,000. All you have to do is choose.

First, let’s talk men’s watches. Take TAG Heuer and Raymond Weil; both are great companies that make handsome watches with the large face that has become so popular.

TAG Heuer is known for many collections and its Monaco series is one of these. The all black TAG men’s Monaco Automatic Chronograph is a great watch. With its square stainless steel case and bezel, black dial, which have black chronograph features and black leather strap, this watch is super stylish. Look it up using model # CW2111.FC6177. This is the only watch mentioned in this article that costs upwards of $1,000.

The Tango Chronograph by Raymond Weil sells for less than $1,000 yet looks like a million bucks. The rectangular stainless steel face, black dial and subdial and sporty black rubber strap place this watch in the “must have” category. See it using model # 48811-SR-05200.

TAG Heuer has long had a relationship with Formula 1 racing and has consistently produced sporty men’s watches that give please both luxury watch enthusiasts as well as racing car fans. This new Formula 1 men’s watch is the newest member of the TAG / Formula 1 family and won’t disappoint. With its 44mm sized case and black dial and black subdial with large, white hour hands, this watch gives off a look of power and speed. At just over $1,000 check it out using model number CAH7010.BA0854.

And now, for the ladies: three gorgeous women’s watches and remember, depending on her personality, you can also always buy a man’s watch for a woman.

There are just as many black women’s luxury watches out there today. The Link by TAG Heuer is one that offers a black face and diamonds for under $1,000. See this elegant, yet sporty watch by referencing model # WJ1318.BA0572.

Since Michele makes watches exclusively for women, they are big on what’s fashionable and the all-black Tahitian ceramic watch is a real head-turner. Again, selling for less than $1,000, if you love black, you’ll love this watch, with model # MWW12A000006.

Movado was the main luxury watch company that made black dials famous. The sleek black dial with no numbers is Movado’s signature look, so this beauty, the Ono with its stainless steel jewelry bracelet is a beauty, especially at less than $900. See the wome’s Ono by entering model number 0605815.

So, you see, with all these choices, you can buy the absolute perfect corporate gift for your boss or employees this holiday season. Any of these watches will greatly impress the recipient and every time he or she wears it, that person will think of you and smile.

Now, don’t we all want a happy work environment?

Luxury watches are headed to where the buyers are and it’s not Europe, the United States or even Russia. India is the newest landing spot for luxury watch companies. With such a large population, many of them U.S. educated who have returned to start successful businesses, the demand for nice things are on the rise. It’s almost as if watches parallel the caste system that still exists in India. All over the world watches are status symbols and perhaps no more so than in a country where the family you come from and the blood that runs through your veins still very much define you and who you can marry.

Watch brands like Raymond Weil are opening up new boutiques throughout India. Press conferences are being held, Indian celebrities are being brought on as new spokespeople / ambassadors, parties are being held and rupees (the Indian currency) are being used to buy new men’s and women’s watches, which is music to the watch industry’s ear.

Oliver Bernheim, CEO and President, Raymond Weil Watches says that “Indian end consumers are very innovative today. They want to see nuances, they want to be global, they want to see a watch that would fit to their waist. So, I love the Indian consumer because he (she) is open for fresh products for nuance. It is a market that doesn’t stop being interested by development,” said Oliver Bernheim, CEO and President, Raymond Weil Watches. RW (Raymond Weil) expects India to contribute 7% to its global sales by the end of 2010. This estimate speaks highly and confidently of the potential for spending power that India offers.

Other brands besides RW that are keen on the Indian market are Chico, Citizen, Fossil, Casio, and Tissot. Tissot has recently signed one of India’s most famous faces to its brand. Referred to as the “face of the new generation,” the beautiful Deepika Padukone has become Tissot’s brand new and hottest face.

Although India may not be the best destination for super high-end brands like Cartier watches, Gucci watches or Bvlgari watches, it really is a great area for lower to mid range priced brands like the ones listed above and also for others like Baume and Mercier and Michele watches. There are even some TAG Heuer and Movado watches that would surely sell well there.

That’s an idea! If the high end brands were really smart, they would open boutiques in India that only sold their lower-priced watch lines. Perhaps this wouldn’t make too much sense for Cartier or Breitling, but definitely would for TAG Heuer and Movado and I’m sure Omega watches would sell well as they are sporty like Tissot watches and those have good sales numbers.

A lot of times when introducing a new brand or product into a certain market the company has to spend a lot on advertising (you’ve heard the saying “you’ve got to spend money to make money), but in India, consumers there are already “very very aware of International luxury and premium brands. Many Indians travel abroad today. Many luxury and premium brands also advertise in India so brands like Raymond Weil, Chico, Citizen, Fossil, Casio are very well known to Indian consumer today,” explains Harish Bhatt, COO, Titan Watches.

So, basically the recipe for success is there. As we enter 2010, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more watch brands closing stores in the U.S. and Europe and opening new locations in India.

Men have always enjoyed making a statement of their success by sporting a luxury timepiece, but until recently, their choice of watches has been somewhat limited to elegant link styles, sporty diver’s watches, and those 80’s-style digital watches. While higher-end luxury watches remain out of reach for most middle-class men, a large selection of mid-priced luxury watches are now available. These new watches are more fashionable and are available in a variety of colors and textures not normally worn by men. Why the sudden influx of fashion in men’s watches, you might ask? The answer is simple: Men don’t have the options that women have in accessorizing to differentiate their look. Creatures of habit, they tend not to change their look too dramatically; so watches offer them a way to make a fashion statement in a subtle and sophisticated way.

With the sale of high-end luxury watches slipping over the past year, leading watch makers have jumped on this fashion trend, and many have recently unveiled new lines of mid-priced fashionable watches for men. One of these new watches, which is quickly becoming a trend among New York’s power elite, is the Movado Museum Watch, particularly the one with the white strap, stainless steel case and black museum dial. It has the signature style of classic Movado watches, but with a certain élan and simplistic cache that is rarely seen in men’s watches.

Another, more sporty example of this new breed of watches is the Sector 600. With a corrugated polyurethane strap, Swiss movement, a titanium case, and water-resistance up to 200 meters, these watches are designed for active men with a sense of style. Available in eight edgy styles, the sapphire blue or the orange strapped watches are by far the most rakish of this collection.

For the vintage watch lover with a whimsical side, check out the latest creation of Jacques Lemans Men’s Classic Collection. With its 18 karat gold, oversized round case, textured black dial, and Roman numerals against gold tone Breguet-style hands, this most classic of watches has a retro-modern style all its own. Watches like this one capture an elegance of early watch making tradition and have a timeless appeal, but they are not just for the literary set; the dial is virtually scratch-proof sapphire glass, and is surrounded by a bezel of gold-plated fluting.

These three watches are just a small sampling of the many recent offerings from some of the world’s top watch makers, who have finally recognized that sometimes men want to make a fashion statement too. But the best news is that these watches are all available for under $1,000.

Style # 72172

Wenger Swiss Military Watches

Wenger watches are designed to meet the most rigorous military requirements. The specifications would impress even the boldest watchmaker. Our watches must withstand use in extreme cold and humidity; withstand impacts, magnetism, and sudden changes in altitude. During the Swiss Commando Raid, which brings together military teams from fifteen countries, our watches are subjected to the worst that can be inflicted on a timepiece, and not on our laboratory test benches, but for real. As far as we are concerned, it is simply unthinkable that even one of our watches would not stand up to this terrible ordeal. The watches that we market throughout the world are exactly the same as those worn by the winning patrol in the Swiss Commando Raid. You can wear them without fear during your sporting or leisure activities.

Like Swiss Army knives, all of our timepieces are designed to be truly useful and to provide lasting satisfaction. The collection is split into various families. This range of Swiss Made watches caters to every aspect of traditional usage. Wenger’s characteristic logo, the cross of Switzerland engraved in a red square with rounded corners sits in the twelve o’clock position on the case. Some models have silver escutcheons, for aesthetic reasons. Every Wenger watch is covered by a 3 year warranty and incorporates the same basic qualities as the Swiss Army knife – ingenuity, functionality, reliability and, above all, remarkable value for money.

UPC # 029621721729

Condition Brand New

List $200.00

You Save (50%) -$100.05

Our Price $99.95

All Stainless Steel Case & Buckle

All Stainless Steel Case & Buckle

Sporty Blue Ribbed Waterproof Rubber Band

Analog with Red, White & Blue Hands & Markers

Smart Round Snow White Face w/ Rotating Bezel

Red Second Hand

Swiss Army Emblem at “12″ Position

Date at “4.5″ Position

Precision Swiss Quartz Movement

Quality Swiss Made

Movement Accurate to 1/2 of a Second per Day

20 ATM – 200 m – 660 ft – Water Resistant

Domed Scratch Resistant Mineral Crystal

Guaranteed 100% Authentic Wenger Watch

Brand New – Never Worn – In Genuine Wenger Swiss Army Metal Tin

1 Year Manufacturer’s Warrantee

Dolce & Gabbana There have been few interesting improvements since the beginning of 2009 in the industry of the designer fashion watches. Fashion Designers such as Dolce & Gabbana launched recently a new line of fashion watches which wowed the entire public with sales sore up. With the launch of the new line of Dolce & Gabbana designer watches, the choices on the stores this season has been greater than ever. So, people of all ages, young or old, men and women, sees Dolce & Gabbana fashion watches as one of the best selling and the hottest collection in the world. The Dolce & Gabbana line of fashion, designer watches are elegant, beautiful and classy watches that can generally match you more than you desire. Designer watches for men and women have truly changed the people’s observation towards the fashion watches such as Dolce & Gabbana watches. These designer watches have recently captured the hearts of people and have tremendously changed the way which most of the people look at these designer watches. There are many other designer watches available in the market however no one can match the quality and style of Dolce & Gabbana fashion watches. During this season, several fashion designer watches have accompanied with high profile marketing campaigns, both in the written press and in the television. Using the media has really pushed these fashion designer watches into the public arena even more, which has legalized the importance of these designer watches in the fashion industry. Recently, Dolce & Gabbana launched a television campaign which was sexually charged and pushed the high profile of fashion designer watches so, it has been actually hard for many fashion watches owners to keep their watches on their shelf, Actually, designer watches are quite comfortable to wear and, are one of the best gifts to your loved ones on a very special occasion.

Fashion refers to the styles and customs prevalent at a given time. In its most common usage however, “fashion” describes the popular style. Many fashions are popular in many cultures at any given time. Important is the idea that the course of design and fashion will change more rapidly than the culture as a whole.

Designed as much as a fashion accessory as a time piece, fashion watches offer affordable stylish designs.

A watch should be two things: attractive and dependable. If you are trying to find a watch that suits your fashion needs

FossilFor high-end watches that come in some really great designs, be sure to consider Fossil. This top watch brand is constantly producing beautiful watches. Everything from team watches to heart-shaped watches for Valentine’s Day can be found at Fossil.

Seiko

If you are looking for a very unique design. Seiko is a great brand to check out. This is one of the top brands of watches because their watches are designed to be of the highest quality while remaining very fashionable.

Pulsar

If you want a luxury watch but don’t like the price tag on Rolex, then Pulsar is a great watch brand for you to check out. Many of the models that Pulsar has to offer are designed after Rolex watches. Pulsar offers high quality watches at very affordable rates.

Wristwatches have been redefined as a fashion accessory that comes in the mandatory category. The entire outfit is simply incomplete until you put a sleek and elegant watch that compliments the occasion. There are thousands of brands serving the watch market and prospect buyers with their collections.

Consumers are always craving the latest watches. If these watches are worn by celebrities, then the demand becomes even higher. People want to look and feel good all the time and what better way to do this than by wearing the watch of their favorite Hollywood celebrity. Popular stars such as David Beckham and Jennifer Lopez are great role models and many people aspire to be them. If they wear nice, exquisite, fashionable watch, chances are many other consumers will too.

There are many opportunities throughout the year when consumers buy watches. This may be for them or it may be for a friend or a loved one. Either way, the more fashionable a watch is the more likely it is going to be bought. Retailers will do their best to keep stock levels of these fashionable watches high to make sure as they never run out. That said, if a watch is popular enough and people think the watch is fashionable chances consumers will snap it up very quickly.

As a watch is only bought every now and then mostly due to the fact that they last for a very long time, people in the main do not buy watches regularly. A good quality watch can last for over a decade and provide their owner great value for money. However, some people do not buy watches simply because they want to know the time. Instead, they buy watches because they look good and as such people can walk around looking fashionable.