Saturday, November 24, 2012
Watch Freeks DIVER Giveway
By TLex Another OceanicTime giveaway may have come to a end; however there's another great opportunity to win a dive watch from our friends over at the Watch Freeks forum, who are hosting a giveaway of their own for a RedSea Holystone PVD. You have just 4 days left to enter! Follow the link HERE for full details or click on their logo below to visit their dive watch forum . . .
ISOfrane Review
BACKGROUND After decades of absence ISOfrane straps finally made a comeback in 2010. Back in the 60s and 70s ISOfrane dive straps were standard equipment for a number of the major dive watch producing brands, among them was Omega, who supplied their legendary Seamaster 600 Professional AKA the ‘Ploprof’ with an ISOfrane divers strap.
In those days the design and composition of their straps made a significant impact on how dive watches were worn in the field. Not only were they a lot more durable than rubber straps of that era, but they gave the wearer an unprecedented level of comfort.
theLOOK Rubber divers straps are pretty nondescript objects; there aren’t many designs on the market that are instantly recognizable as belonging to any particular brand or style. Yes, of course there are some, but I couldn’t sit and rattle off a list as long as my arm. So it’s pretty impressive that one humble strap became such an icon.
COMFORT The ISOfrane design with its rectangular windows is almost as iconic as the dive watches it was developed for. The basic design has remained unchanged for more than 40 years, and it came about from one simple need - comfort.
Each piece of the strap has 4 rectangular ventilation windows that work in combination with 13 wide strap holes and a textured underside that allow the skin below to breathe. They also allow water to immediately drain away after exiting the ocean (or bath even).
DIMENSIONS ISOfrane dive straps are available in 20, 22, and 24mm widths. The ones shown here are the 24mm versions, which have the following dimensions: 200mm physical strap length, 195mm effective strap length, 24mm strap width, 22mm strap buckle width, 5.5mm thickness at lug and a 3.7mm thickness at end.
COMPOSITION The ISOfrane straps of the 60s and 70s were manufactured using a compound called isoprene, a colorless, liquid hydrocarbon that is a by-product of petroleum processing and which the strap takes its famous name from.
Today ISOfrane straps use an entirely new Hypoallergenic (won't react with your skin) rubber compound that is 100% silicone free. It insures that the straps are softer, stronger and more comfortable to wear.
COLORs At the moment ISOfrane only offer three colors: black, blue and orange. They have made a couple of custom colors - turquoise for a Limited Edition DOXA NUMA and brown for the Aquadive BS100 Bronze, so I am hopeful of more colors in the future: grey, life raft yellow, brown and drab or olive green would be perfect!
BUCKLEs ISOfrane make two basic buckle types: RS ‘RetroSecuro’, which are forged and then hand finished and IN ’InoxNuova’, which are stamped and then bead blasted. The ones show here are the RS versions, which come in three different Stainless steel finishes: brushed, black PVD, and gun-metal grey DLC.
The buckle too has become a signature of ISOfrane. The square shaped buckle is made of two parts, the buckle and its prong. The top flat part of buckle has been angled to allow the strap to sit flush with it. Its underside is signed with ‘ISOFRANE’ name. The rectangular prong, another characteristic trait of ISOfrane is particularly wide and substantial looking. It holds the strap securely in place.
FINISH The finish on all three buckles is excellent. The brushed buckle gives the classic ISOfrane look. The PVD coated buckle has a lovely glossy black finish. I teamed it with the orange strap for an eye popping look! The DLC buckle is in gun-metal grey it fits perfectly with the blue strap.
COMBOs The following strap buckle combos are show here: a PVD coated Stainless steel RS buckle on orange strap, a brushed Stainless steel RS buckle on a black strap and a DLC coated Stainless steel RS buckle on a blue strap.
IMITATION A number of the micro brands are supplying their latest divers’ models with ISOfrane-style rubber straps, while they do achieve much of the look they are worlds apart in terms of quality and often have a strong chemical or over-perfumed odor.
COST One strap in any color plus an RS buckle costs between 130USD - 140USD (finish depending), which is a little pricey, but not astronomical. If you compare this to a similar rubber divers strap and buckle that Omega sells for the PO its price is fair. Compared to straps from some of the leading Swiss brands it’s actually very reasonable.
OVERALL When you buy an ISOfrane strap you are getting: an exclusive rubber divers strap made in Italy. It has a heritage dating back more than 40 years that is associated with some legendary dive watch names. It is an iconic, emblematic design that has been made with comfort and durability in mind.
And it is a strap that is in my opinion superior to most other stand-alone rubber straps that are currently on market in terms comfort, quality and prestige. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about – now I know! Get one and try for yourself!
In those days the design and composition of their straps made a significant impact on how dive watches were worn in the field. Not only were they a lot more durable than rubber straps of that era, but they gave the wearer an unprecedented level of comfort.
theLOOK Rubber divers straps are pretty nondescript objects; there aren’t many designs on the market that are instantly recognizable as belonging to any particular brand or style. Yes, of course there are some, but I couldn’t sit and rattle off a list as long as my arm. So it’s pretty impressive that one humble strap became such an icon.
COMFORT The ISOfrane design with its rectangular windows is almost as iconic as the dive watches it was developed for. The basic design has remained unchanged for more than 40 years, and it came about from one simple need - comfort.
Each piece of the strap has 4 rectangular ventilation windows that work in combination with 13 wide strap holes and a textured underside that allow the skin below to breathe. They also allow water to immediately drain away after exiting the ocean (or bath even).
DIMENSIONS ISOfrane dive straps are available in 20, 22, and 24mm widths. The ones shown here are the 24mm versions, which have the following dimensions: 200mm physical strap length, 195mm effective strap length, 24mm strap width, 22mm strap buckle width, 5.5mm thickness at lug and a 3.7mm thickness at end.
COMPOSITION The ISOfrane straps of the 60s and 70s were manufactured using a compound called isoprene, a colorless, liquid hydrocarbon that is a by-product of petroleum processing and which the strap takes its famous name from.
Today ISOfrane straps use an entirely new Hypoallergenic (won't react with your skin) rubber compound that is 100% silicone free. It insures that the straps are softer, stronger and more comfortable to wear.
COLORs At the moment ISOfrane only offer three colors: black, blue and orange. They have made a couple of custom colors - turquoise for a Limited Edition DOXA NUMA and brown for the Aquadive BS100 Bronze, so I am hopeful of more colors in the future: grey, life raft yellow, brown and drab or olive green would be perfect!
BUCKLEs ISOfrane make two basic buckle types: RS ‘RetroSecuro’, which are forged and then hand finished and IN ’InoxNuova’, which are stamped and then bead blasted. The ones show here are the RS versions, which come in three different Stainless steel finishes: brushed, black PVD, and gun-metal grey DLC.
The buckle too has become a signature of ISOfrane. The square shaped buckle is made of two parts, the buckle and its prong. The top flat part of buckle has been angled to allow the strap to sit flush with it. Its underside is signed with ‘ISOFRANE’ name. The rectangular prong, another characteristic trait of ISOfrane is particularly wide and substantial looking. It holds the strap securely in place.
FINISH The finish on all three buckles is excellent. The brushed buckle gives the classic ISOfrane look. The PVD coated buckle has a lovely glossy black finish. I teamed it with the orange strap for an eye popping look! The DLC buckle is in gun-metal grey it fits perfectly with the blue strap.
COMBOs The following strap buckle combos are show here: a PVD coated Stainless steel RS buckle on orange strap, a brushed Stainless steel RS buckle on a black strap and a DLC coated Stainless steel RS buckle on a blue strap.
IMITATION A number of the micro brands are supplying their latest divers’ models with ISOfrane-style rubber straps, while they do achieve much of the look they are worlds apart in terms of quality and often have a strong chemical or over-perfumed odor.
COST One strap in any color plus an RS buckle costs between 130USD - 140USD (finish depending), which is a little pricey, but not astronomical. If you compare this to a similar rubber divers strap and buckle that Omega sells for the PO its price is fair. Compared to straps from some of the leading Swiss brands it’s actually very reasonable.
OVERALL When you buy an ISOfrane strap you are getting: an exclusive rubber divers strap made in Italy. It has a heritage dating back more than 40 years that is associated with some legendary dive watch names. It is an iconic, emblematic design that has been made with comfort and durability in mind.
And it is a strap that is in my opinion superior to most other stand-alone rubber straps that are currently on market in terms comfort, quality and prestige. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about – now I know! Get one and try for yourself!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
RALF TECH WRX ''A'' Hybrid black PIRATES
By TLex How cool is this? RALF TECH have produced a special 22 piece Limited Edition of their WRX ''A'' Hybrid BLACK called 'PIRATES'. The watch follows the exact same spec. as the watches used by the ELITE units of the French special forces apart from a minor cosmetic enhancement that is a pirate's symbol with a skull and crossed sabers. Whimsical, yes, but also apt, when you consider that Ralf Tech have just recently become the official Timekeeper of the 2012 Vendée Globe . . .
From RALF TECH The word pirate comes both from the Greek word πειρατής (Peirates), itself derived from the verb πειράω (peiraô) meaning "try his luck in the adventure", and the Latin pirata: whoever tries fortune, "who is enterprising ". Black and gray, gray and black, the new WRX "A" Hybrid Black "Pirates" shows a decidedly provocative and original look at RALF TECH. It is part of the "A" line (A for Army) dedicated to military developments. It is also the first limited series completely customized at the request of a point of sale, i.e. : XP Joaillier in Paris.
Born of a conversation between Xavier Pénichot, XP Joaillier owner and Frank Huyghe, President of RALF TECH, the WRX "PIRATES" is deliberately shifted and insolent, very much on the sidelines of the normal production of the brand generally dedicated to the provision of professional instruments to elite units of the French special forces.
This piece also fits perfectly with the news that RALF TECH is Timekeeper of the 2012 Vendée Globe, an event where skippers are not pirates but undoubtedly fierce seafaring adventurers, who are not afraid to go around the world alone, nonstop and without assistance.
This original version of the WRX "A" Hybrid, a variation of the series GIGN released last June, is available for sale in a ultra-limited edition of 22 pieces.
Technical features WRX « A » Hybrid® Black « Pirates » :
> Hybrid® Movement RTH001
> Exclusive quartz system with automatic accumulator recharge
> Ultra-fast rotor
> Power reserve of 60 days
> Tested water resistant up to 500M / 1650FT
> Complies with ISO 6425 «dive watches» standard
> Hours, minutes, seconds, date, elapsed immersion time
> Brushed surgical steel case 316L diameter 47.5 mm (without crown) treated IP 40 microns
> Domed anti-glare sapphire crystal 5.9 mm thick
> Black hands on “Elephant” grey face
> Unidirectional rotating Steel and aluminum bezel
> Reinforced and protected screw-down crown
> Screw down case back engraved with individual serial number
> NATO Strap reinforced with leather inserts and hypoallergenic silicone bracelet
mounted on threaded bars, 26mm between lugs, oval perforations
> Comes in a NATO-approved anti-shock Explorer case
> Recommended retail price: 1590€
> Availability: 22 pieces from 15 November 2012 and exclusively at XP Joaillier,
9 rue du Marché Saint Honoré à Paris 1er or at RALF TECH if you stay outside
EU.
From RALF TECH The word pirate comes both from the Greek word πειρατής (Peirates), itself derived from the verb πειράω (peiraô) meaning "try his luck in the adventure", and the Latin pirata: whoever tries fortune, "who is enterprising ". Black and gray, gray and black, the new WRX "A" Hybrid Black "Pirates" shows a decidedly provocative and original look at RALF TECH. It is part of the "A" line (A for Army) dedicated to military developments. It is also the first limited series completely customized at the request of a point of sale, i.e. : XP Joaillier in Paris.
Born of a conversation between Xavier Pénichot, XP Joaillier owner and Frank Huyghe, President of RALF TECH, the WRX "PIRATES" is deliberately shifted and insolent, very much on the sidelines of the normal production of the brand generally dedicated to the provision of professional instruments to elite units of the French special forces.
This piece also fits perfectly with the news that RALF TECH is Timekeeper of the 2012 Vendée Globe, an event where skippers are not pirates but undoubtedly fierce seafaring adventurers, who are not afraid to go around the world alone, nonstop and without assistance.
This original version of the WRX "A" Hybrid, a variation of the series GIGN released last June, is available for sale in a ultra-limited edition of 22 pieces.
Technical features WRX « A » Hybrid® Black « Pirates » :
> Hybrid® Movement RTH001
> Exclusive quartz system with automatic accumulator recharge
> Ultra-fast rotor
> Power reserve of 60 days
> Tested water resistant up to 500M / 1650FT
> Complies with ISO 6425 «dive watches» standard
> Hours, minutes, seconds, date, elapsed immersion time
> Brushed surgical steel case 316L diameter 47.5 mm (without crown) treated IP 40 microns
> Domed anti-glare sapphire crystal 5.9 mm thick
> Black hands on “Elephant” grey face
> Unidirectional rotating Steel and aluminum bezel
> Reinforced and protected screw-down crown
> Screw down case back engraved with individual serial number
> NATO Strap reinforced with leather inserts and hypoallergenic silicone bracelet
mounted on threaded bars, 26mm between lugs, oval perforations
> Comes in a NATO-approved anti-shock Explorer case
> Recommended retail price: 1590€
> Availability: 22 pieces from 15 November 2012 and exclusively at XP Joaillier,
9 rue du Marché Saint Honoré à Paris 1er or at RALF TECH if you stay outside
EU.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
TOURBY Lawless DIVER PVD Giveaway WINNER
From OceanicTime Yes, we finally have a lucky winner! Congratulations, Kevin King Uy of Vancouver, British Columbia, who has won himself Tourby Watches' debut diver, the new Lawless DIVER PVD. Many thanks to Tourby Watches for giving away such a fantastic dive watch! We look forward to some feedback from Kevin when it arrives. To the rest of you - please stay tuned for the next Giveaway coming in the not too distant future . . .
STEINHART OceanONE Vintage Military BLACK
By TLex Back by popular demand! The STEINHART OceanONE Vintage Military BLACK will once again be made available!
Whilst the Submariner design is hardly groundbreaking today, it is one that is tried and tested - an icon among dive watches that is still going strong almost 60 years after it was first introduced by Rolex in 1953.
Steinhart seem to understand this better than anyone; they have produced a number lovely Sub derivatives, but this one has to be my favorite!
The old radium-style vintage lume works so well with the black DLC case. There are some other lovely details such as the caseback engraving and the beautifully brushed clasp. A great look!
Specifications include: a 42mm x 13mm Stainless steel case with a black DLC finish, a Stainless steel black DLC screwed engraved caseback, a signed screw down crown, a black DLC coated divers bezel, a domed Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflection coating on its inside and a water-resistance of 200 meters / 660 feet / 20 ATM.
The black dial has vintage-style SuperLuminova applied markers and handset. It is powered by the ubiquitous ETA 2824-2 Swiss made automatic movement. It comes on a Stainless steel 22mm black DLC, screwed bracelet with a brushed Stainless steel divers safety clasp.
The watch is very reasonably priced at 370euro inc. VAT, 311euro ex. VAT. It is available for pre-order now with delivery in December.
Whilst the Submariner design is hardly groundbreaking today, it is one that is tried and tested - an icon among dive watches that is still going strong almost 60 years after it was first introduced by Rolex in 1953.
Steinhart seem to understand this better than anyone; they have produced a number lovely Sub derivatives, but this one has to be my favorite!
The old radium-style vintage lume works so well with the black DLC case. There are some other lovely details such as the caseback engraving and the beautifully brushed clasp. A great look!
Specifications include: a 42mm x 13mm Stainless steel case with a black DLC finish, a Stainless steel black DLC screwed engraved caseback, a signed screw down crown, a black DLC coated divers bezel, a domed Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflection coating on its inside and a water-resistance of 200 meters / 660 feet / 20 ATM.
The black dial has vintage-style SuperLuminova applied markers and handset. It is powered by the ubiquitous ETA 2824-2 Swiss made automatic movement. It comes on a Stainless steel 22mm black DLC, screwed bracelet with a brushed Stainless steel divers safety clasp.
The watch is very reasonably priced at 370euro inc. VAT, 311euro ex. VAT. It is available for pre-order now with delivery in December.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Girard-Perregaux Sea Hawk III PRO?
By TLex So this is the evolution of the Sea Hawk! I knew it was coming, but wasn't prepared for anything nearly as radical as this! Girard-Perregaux will officially unveil their new Sea Hawk next month, but until then here's a leaked rendering to tide us over.
The case design has a stealth bomber quality to it - not too dissimilar to the H2O Orca Mono and with perhaps a very slight hint of LW's new Okto II. There seems to be some kind of special technology going on there - could be that it's made up of multiple pieces. I hope it's Titanium. I'm not sure that I quite understand what's going on with the crown guard at this stage.
The dial is interesting. It has a honeycomb effect with large 3D markers that tower high above it - very dramatic! This Sea Hawk is more like a concept watch. It's totally unexpected. Personally I like it, but I think it's going to be an acquired taste for some.
GP have gone quite heavy handed on the design this time. I'm hoping there's an engineering explanation as to why. Nevertheless it's an intriguing new Sea Hawk generation that leaves me wanting to see a lot more . . .
The case design has a stealth bomber quality to it - not too dissimilar to the H2O Orca Mono and with perhaps a very slight hint of LW's new Okto II. There seems to be some kind of special technology going on there - could be that it's made up of multiple pieces. I hope it's Titanium. I'm not sure that I quite understand what's going on with the crown guard at this stage.
The dial is interesting. It has a honeycomb effect with large 3D markers that tower high above it - very dramatic! This Sea Hawk is more like a concept watch. It's totally unexpected. Personally I like it, but I think it's going to be an acquired taste for some.
GP have gone quite heavy handed on the design this time. I'm hoping there's an engineering explanation as to why. Nevertheless it's an intriguing new Sea Hawk generation that leaves me wanting to see a lot more . . .
Monday, November 19, 2012
CREPAS cayman 3000 REVISIONs
By TLex Here are the final revisions made to CREPAS cayman 3000. Three minor changes have been made to the watch.
Firstly the 's' of 'fts' has been removed from the water-resistance text on the dial. It had been originally written with 's' on the vintage Caribbean however Crepas felt that not all the people understood this retro detail.
The bracelet will now be mounted on new shorter end-pieces so that it should be a little more wearable.
Finally the bracelet will use a combination of brushed outer links and polished 'rice-bead' center links.
Firstly the 's' of 'fts' has been removed from the water-resistance text on the dial. It had been originally written with 's' on the vintage Caribbean however Crepas felt that not all the people understood this retro detail.
The bracelet will now be mounted on new shorter end-pieces so that it should be a little more wearable.
Finally the bracelet will use a combination of brushed outer links and polished 'rice-bead' center links.
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