The increasing variety, style and sophistication of men's designer watches have often left many women confused over the decision of buying a watch that would best suit their male counterparts. Keeping with some simple advice of following intuition based on your knowledge of your man, here is a girl's guide to buying designer watches for men.
What kind of personality does he have? Is he bold, reserved, shy etc? What kind of colours and styles does he prefer? Flashy and extravagant or subdued yet classic…. Does he go for the practical and smart or sleek and glossy? Is he the corporate kind or the more hip and casual variety? Is the watch going to serve a purpose that is more than just reading time? Is he gadget-oriented? Is he an avid sportsperson? Does he like water sports or is he into other more vigorous activities?
While deciding on the above mentioned elements, keep in mind the inherent differences that exist between a man and a woman. Most men like it straightforward; desire things that meet their basic needs. However, in saying that women are far better judges in accessorizing and therefore deciding which the perfect watch for a man is, may be to her advantage. This is also because a woman, more than a male has a heightened sense of fashion, she is well-versed with jewellery trends and knows what accessories go with what wardrobe. You could very well have a man wearing his sports watch for an important corporate meeting. But the woman will know better what should be worn in a boardroom vis-à-vis scuba diving.
For most women, a watch is the perfect gift when shopping for your male friend. However, there are some concerns that one should be careful about while buying a watch. These are in terms of size, colour, style, price etc.
If your man is big in stature, he will usually prefer a big sized watch as well. There are many different types of watches in the market today and buying the right one will depend on his personality as well.
In general most men go for muted colours. Bold, flashy colours are typically not preferred by the average male. Deep blues and browns are male colours.
There are all kinds of price ranges in the market today. The kind of designer items he has in his wardrobe will tend be a good indicator of how much you should spend on his watch; whether it will be a designer watch or a casual one.
Lastly, depending on what kind of fashion statement he usually likes to make, will help you to decide on how stylish the watch should be. Some classic Swiss or European brands like Cartier, Patek Philippe or Rolex are bound to impress a man accustomed to luxury and designer wear. For a man with a more causal or sporty look, perhaps a Seiko, Tag Heuer, or Dunhill are better suited.
In addition to analyzing your man and his personality, here are some strategies you might use for buying him the gift of a classic watch:
Shop the way you always shop, online or at the mall, and simply picture him as you are looking through the watches. What will look good on him?
If you are not fully conversant with his tastes, likes and dislikes, search thoroughly and pick one from your first three choices. Follow your instinct and buy him a watch that you feel will suit him the best.
Get into his mind and try to think like him. What is he looking for - a sports related watch, casual or designer watch and then decide what the most practical option would be.
To know more information about men’s watches,please visit the website:http://www.hellorolex.com.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Industry News - How to Protect Watch Designs
The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) has invited its member companies to a seminar on the protection of watch designs. This will take place on September 16, at the Hôtel Beau-Rivage in Neuchatel.
In order for its outward form to remain the prerogative of its designer, a watch must be protected against any attempt at imitation. It is for this reason that in Switzerland, as is the case at European and international level, watchmakers have at their disposal a range of clearly defined legal means to defend their designs. The seminar organised by the FH, under the aegis of its Legal Committee, will focus on strategies for the protection of watch designs, a factor of crucial importance for the watch industry.
Jean-Daniel Pasche, President of the FH, will introduce speakers who have agreed to lend their support to this forum.
Marie Wollheim, legal adviser at the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property in Switzerland, will present the new Swiss Federal law on design, which entered into force in July 2002.
Jean-Pierre Benoit, Director of Infosuisse and a member of the FH Legal Committee, possesses in-depth and wide-ranging experience of the international registration of watch designs. He will highlight the advantages and drawbacks for the watch industry of the international registration system for industrial designs outlined in European legislation and by the Hague Arrangement.
Can the form of a watchmaking product benefit from protection other than that afforded by the law on design? To what extent can a design be protected under trademark or copyright legislation, for example? Nathalie Tissot, who runs courses on intellectual property in the legal department of the Faculty of Law and Economic Sciences of the University of Neuchatel, will look at other legal means of protection of designs, such as the trademark and copyright.
What assessment criteria are used to confirm the existence of an imitation of a registered design? Is evaluation by a specialist sufficient or should the general public who buy the protected design also have a say in the matter? Christoph Lanz, General Secretary of the Baselworld Panel, will discuss the practice and jurisprudence of the Panel in its work to assess violations of the law on design in the light of the new Swiss legislation.
Those discussing protection strategies will include François Blum, of the Genevan practice BMG avocats, Luigi Macaluso, General Manager of Girard-Perregaux, Adrian Glessing, designer at Raymond Weil, and freelance designer Michèle Berri.
Full details of this event, which is aimed essentially at designers, heads of marketing and design departments, company directors, lawyers and legal experts, can be obtained from the FH Legal Department.
To see more fashion designed watches,please visit the website:http://www.hellorolex.com.
In order for its outward form to remain the prerogative of its designer, a watch must be protected against any attempt at imitation. It is for this reason that in Switzerland, as is the case at European and international level, watchmakers have at their disposal a range of clearly defined legal means to defend their designs. The seminar organised by the FH, under the aegis of its Legal Committee, will focus on strategies for the protection of watch designs, a factor of crucial importance for the watch industry.
Jean-Daniel Pasche, President of the FH, will introduce speakers who have agreed to lend their support to this forum.
Marie Wollheim, legal adviser at the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property in Switzerland, will present the new Swiss Federal law on design, which entered into force in July 2002.
Jean-Pierre Benoit, Director of Infosuisse and a member of the FH Legal Committee, possesses in-depth and wide-ranging experience of the international registration of watch designs. He will highlight the advantages and drawbacks for the watch industry of the international registration system for industrial designs outlined in European legislation and by the Hague Arrangement.
Can the form of a watchmaking product benefit from protection other than that afforded by the law on design? To what extent can a design be protected under trademark or copyright legislation, for example? Nathalie Tissot, who runs courses on intellectual property in the legal department of the Faculty of Law and Economic Sciences of the University of Neuchatel, will look at other legal means of protection of designs, such as the trademark and copyright.
What assessment criteria are used to confirm the existence of an imitation of a registered design? Is evaluation by a specialist sufficient or should the general public who buy the protected design also have a say in the matter? Christoph Lanz, General Secretary of the Baselworld Panel, will discuss the practice and jurisprudence of the Panel in its work to assess violations of the law on design in the light of the new Swiss legislation.
Those discussing protection strategies will include François Blum, of the Genevan practice BMG avocats, Luigi Macaluso, General Manager of Girard-Perregaux, Adrian Glessing, designer at Raymond Weil, and freelance designer Michèle Berri.
Full details of this event, which is aimed essentially at designers, heads of marketing and design departments, company directors, lawyers and legal experts, can be obtained from the FH Legal Department.
To see more fashion designed watches,please visit the website:http://www.hellorolex.com.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
ETA and 7750
ETA SA (full business name ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse) is a Swiss producer of mechanical and quartz watch movements. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Swatch Group. The company specializes in the production of ébauche movements which are used in a number of mechanical watches. ETA has owned several important Swiss watch movement companies including Valjoux, Peseux and Lemania, for a number of years. In fact the company is the result of successive consolidation of the Swiss watch industry. ETA manufactures quartz movements, hand wound movements and mechanical movements powered by self-winding mechanisms. Because ETA maintains vertical control over the manufacturing of all of the components required to create a watch movement (save for the hairsprings which are made by its sister company Nivarox) ETA may be considered a true manufacturer.
A Brief History
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse is one of the world's largest manufacturers of watches and movements. In 1856 at Grenchen, Urs Schild, a schoolmaster, and Dr. Girard set up a watch movement (ébauche) factory which eventually became Eterna. In 1926, ETA AS (the movement branch of Eterna, founded in 1896) and FHF (founded in 1793) took part in the creation of Ebauches Ltd. In 1978 AS and ETA merged and in 1985 ETA took in all the activities done before by Ebauches Ltd and FHF (both part of SMH/Swatch Group).
In 1998, SMH Swiss Corporation for Microelectronics and Watchmaking Industries Ltd, founded in 1983 through the merger Swiss watchmakers ASUAG and SSIH, was renamed the Swatch Group.
At the time, both SSIH and ASUAG held a number of well-established Swiss watch brands. ASUAG had been founded in 1931. ASUAG expanded through the purchase of companies that made movement-blanks and a number of finished watch manufacturers that were subsequently brought together under the subsidiary GWC, General Watch Co. Ltd.
SSIH was founded in 1930 through the amalgamation of Omega and Tissot. By consolidating companies that produced high-quality movements and a number of watch brands, SSIH gradually established a strong position in the Swiss watch industry.
In the 1930s, both ASUAG and SSIH entered into complementary research and development programs to combat a severe economic crisis. Following repeated crises in the Swiss watch industry, by the 1970s both ASUAG and SSIH were again in trouble. Foreign competition and the mass production of cheap new electronic products were taking over the market. Eventually, both ASUAG and SSIH faced bankruptcy.
In 1983, critical steps including the merger of ASUAG and SSIH into SMH and the launching of a low-cost, high-tech, artistic and emotional “second watch” - the Swatch.
Brands using ETA movements
Mechanical ETA movements are commonly used in many "mid-range" brands such as Bulova, Hamilton, Mido, Oris, Fortis, TAG Heuer, Tissot and Certina, and also in many "high-end" watch brands such as Breitling, IWC, Longines, Officine Panerai, Omega, Porsche Design, Rado , certainly among others. ETA's Quartz Movement lines are used in both "high-end" quartz brands as well as more affordable brands, such as Calvin Klein, flik-flak, Swatch and Swiss Army among others. At the very least, the ETA movements usually carry the watch brands' name on the automatic rotor or otherwise on the top plate if the watch is a manual-wind movement. The more prestigious brands such as Omega and IWC, undertake significant modifications of the basic ETA movement. The numerous modifications and the great care taken, completely transform the original, mass-produced movement by ETA into something new.
Workhorse mechanical movements
In recent years there has been an increase in interest in mechanical watches. ETA supplies the overwhelming majority of mechanical watch movements found in Swiss watches. As such, the ETA movements are considered the workhorses on the industry. Moreover, ETA has come to control a virtual monopoly over the production and supply of watch movements, more on that issue below.
ETA 2824
One workhorse of the ETA mechanical line is the ETA 2824-2, The 2824 is an automatic winding, twenty-five (25) jewel movement, available in four executions or grades: Standard, Elaborated (improved), Top and Chronometer. The key components which differ at the line of demarcation between Elaborated and Top are the barrel spring, shock protection system, pallet stones, balance wheel & hairspring and the regulator mechanism. To illustrate the differences in accuracy garnered by the successive grades, consider the following specifications:
the Standard grade is adjusted in two positions with an average rate of +/-12 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-30 seconds/day;
the Elaborated grade is adjusted in three positions with an average rate of +/-7 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-30 seconds/day;
while the Top grade is adjusted in five positions with an average rate of +/-4 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-10 seconds/day.
The Chronometer grade must meet strict standards prescribed by the COSC. Chronometer grade movements are serial numbered as that is a requirement of the certification authority. Moreover, it should be noted that the degree of decoration on the movement's parts, generally only an aesthetic improvement, increases as well with the grade.
ETA 2892
The ETA 2892.A2 Or for a description in English see is however, widely considered the more upscale of the basic ETA movements, and it certainly a newer design dating to the 1970s where as the 2824 traces its roots back to the 1950s. The 2892 is fitted with top quality components. The 2892 is an automatic winding, twenty-one (21) jewel movement, available in three executions or grades: Elaborated, Top and Chronometer. The key components which differ at the line of demarcation between Elaborated and Top are the pallet stones, balance wheel & hairspring, and the regulator mechanism. To illustrate the differences in accuracy garnered by the successive grades, consider the following specifications:
the Elaborated grade is adjusted in four positions with an average rate of +/-5 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-20 seconds/day;
while the Top grade is adjusted in five positions with an average rate of +/-4 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-15 seconds/day.
The Chronometer grade must meet strict standards prescribed by the [COSC]: an average rate of -4/+6 with a maximum daily variation of +/-5 seconds/day. The wider range for the Chronometer grade is designed to take into account the differences in a watches rate between static positions, as when the tests are performed, and the dynamic positions as when a watch is actually worn. Chronometer grade movements are serial numbered. Moreover, the degree of decoration on the movement's parts, generally an aesthetic improvement, increases with the grade.
The 2892.A2 is regarded by many horologists as being in the same 'quality' range (accuracy and reliability) as the in-house produced Rolex movements. Insofar as accuracy is concerned any movement which is expected to be COSC-certified, or is in fact COSC-certified, must meet the same standards. The ETA 2892.A2 is usually found in the more expensive and prestigious watches and brands. Owing to its relatively slim height of 3.60 mm, the 2892.A2 is a favorite of watch brands that market complicated movements such as Breitling with its trademark chronograph (stop watches). Given the slim dimensions of the 2892, it provides a good platform on which to add or build a chronograph complication.
The Omega Coaxial based upon an ETA movement
Omega's popular Seamaster line of watches currently use an embellished version of the ETA 2892.A2, which is known as the Omega 1120. As an adjunct, some versions of the Omega watches may be fitted with the proprietary Co-axial escapement invented by George Daniels, an English horologist and exclusively marketed by Omega a sister company of ETA. The movement with the co-axial escapement is known as the Omega 2500 series and is derived from the ETA 2892.
Valjoux 7750
The Valjoux 7750 a/k/a ETA 7750 is a widely used chronograph (stop watch) movement operated by with cams integrated into the movement. The traditional mechanism used in the chronograph is known as the Column Wheel. With the advent of the Valjoux 7750, the column wheel was abandoned for a three (3) plane cam system. The three plan cam system is properly known as the Coulisse Levier mechanism. The system and movement were developed by Edmond Capt in 1970, as a fully integrated self-winding mechanism with quick-set day/date based on the Valjoux 7733.
The movement is an automatic winding, twenty-five (25) jewel movement, which can be fitted with a variety of features including the triple date (day, date, month and moon phase) or a variety of two and three register models with totalizers or counters for minutes, seconds and hours. It is available in three executions or grades: Elaborated, Top and Chronometer. The key components which differ at the line of demarcation between Elaborated and Top are the pallet stones, balance wheel & hairspring and the regulator mechanism. To illustrate the differences in accuracy garnered by the successive grades, consider the following specifications: the Elaborated grade is adjusted in three positions with an average rate of +/-5 seconds/day with a maximum daily variation of +/-15 seconds/day; while the Top grade is adjusted in five positions with an average rate of +/-4 seconds/day with a maximum daily variation of +/-10 seconds/day. The Chronometer grade must meet strict standards prescribed by the [COSC]: an average rate of -4/+6 with a maximum daily variation of +/-5 seconds/day.
Monopoly allegations and investigations
In the Swiss watch industry, there was a two-year investigation into certain aspects of the business practices of ETA SA. The investigation was concluded in November 2005 by the Swiss Competition Commission with the finding that ETA was abusing its dominant market position. ETA had had the intention to discontinue its supply of ébauches (movement blanks) as of January 2006 and thereafter to supply only fully assembled watch movements and its own brands (the so-called “phasing-out”).
ETA argued that it was overwhelmed with orders and that its ébauches were sometimes ending up in fake (a/k/a replica or trademark pirated watches). ETA also warned that there could be another crisis in Swiss watch making unless there was more innovation and investment. Nicolas Hayek, then the CEO of Swatch, the parent of ETA observed,
"[t]ere was no innovation, no new development, and when I pushed them to start doing new production, everybody started shouting... I said I was not going to deliver any more of my movements unless they try to do their own production... Otherwise the Swiss watch industry will suffer exactly the same problems it had before and it will go down.
However, the investigations revealed that ETA held a dominant position in the market for Swiss made mechanical ébauches up to a unit price of CHF 300. The regulators determined that stopping deliveries to third parties would have threatened the future of many small watchmakers in Switzerland and the termination of supply was to be regarded as an unlawful refusal to do business and therefore as an abusive practice. For numerous competitors, the implementation of the phasing-out within such a short time meant in practical terms that they had been deprived of the basis for their business activity, as there was no alternative supplier.
In an amicable settlement, ETA committed to supply the ébauches until the end of 2008 at the current volume and thereafter for two additional years at a reduced volume. This will create a situation in which alternative production plants may be set up. The regulators said the agreement gives small watch making companies in Switzerland enough time to adapt to the market and find new producers.
This has spurred on progress in the watch movement circles with several brands developing proprietary movements, for example Panerai. Another discrete movement maker, Progress Watch Corp. also came into the market for a period of time. ETA movements have also been duplicated by various enterprises including Asian manufacturers and are usually being produced without license.
To know more information about ETA and 7750,please visit the website:http://www.hellorolex.com
A Brief History
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse is one of the world's largest manufacturers of watches and movements. In 1856 at Grenchen, Urs Schild, a schoolmaster, and Dr. Girard set up a watch movement (ébauche) factory which eventually became Eterna. In 1926, ETA AS (the movement branch of Eterna, founded in 1896) and FHF (founded in 1793) took part in the creation of Ebauches Ltd. In 1978 AS and ETA merged and in 1985 ETA took in all the activities done before by Ebauches Ltd and FHF (both part of SMH/Swatch Group).
In 1998, SMH Swiss Corporation for Microelectronics and Watchmaking Industries Ltd, founded in 1983 through the merger Swiss watchmakers ASUAG and SSIH, was renamed the Swatch Group.
At the time, both SSIH and ASUAG held a number of well-established Swiss watch brands. ASUAG had been founded in 1931. ASUAG expanded through the purchase of companies that made movement-blanks and a number of finished watch manufacturers that were subsequently brought together under the subsidiary GWC, General Watch Co. Ltd.
SSIH was founded in 1930 through the amalgamation of Omega and Tissot. By consolidating companies that produced high-quality movements and a number of watch brands, SSIH gradually established a strong position in the Swiss watch industry.
In the 1930s, both ASUAG and SSIH entered into complementary research and development programs to combat a severe economic crisis. Following repeated crises in the Swiss watch industry, by the 1970s both ASUAG and SSIH were again in trouble. Foreign competition and the mass production of cheap new electronic products were taking over the market. Eventually, both ASUAG and SSIH faced bankruptcy.
In 1983, critical steps including the merger of ASUAG and SSIH into SMH and the launching of a low-cost, high-tech, artistic and emotional “second watch” - the Swatch.
Brands using ETA movements
Mechanical ETA movements are commonly used in many "mid-range" brands such as Bulova, Hamilton, Mido, Oris, Fortis, TAG Heuer, Tissot and Certina, and also in many "high-end" watch brands such as Breitling, IWC, Longines, Officine Panerai, Omega, Porsche Design, Rado , certainly among others. ETA's Quartz Movement lines are used in both "high-end" quartz brands as well as more affordable brands, such as Calvin Klein, flik-flak, Swatch and Swiss Army among others. At the very least, the ETA movements usually carry the watch brands' name on the automatic rotor or otherwise on the top plate if the watch is a manual-wind movement. The more prestigious brands such as Omega and IWC, undertake significant modifications of the basic ETA movement. The numerous modifications and the great care taken, completely transform the original, mass-produced movement by ETA into something new.
Workhorse mechanical movements
In recent years there has been an increase in interest in mechanical watches. ETA supplies the overwhelming majority of mechanical watch movements found in Swiss watches. As such, the ETA movements are considered the workhorses on the industry. Moreover, ETA has come to control a virtual monopoly over the production and supply of watch movements, more on that issue below.
ETA 2824
One workhorse of the ETA mechanical line is the ETA 2824-2, The 2824 is an automatic winding, twenty-five (25) jewel movement, available in four executions or grades: Standard, Elaborated (improved), Top and Chronometer. The key components which differ at the line of demarcation between Elaborated and Top are the barrel spring, shock protection system, pallet stones, balance wheel & hairspring and the regulator mechanism. To illustrate the differences in accuracy garnered by the successive grades, consider the following specifications:
the Standard grade is adjusted in two positions with an average rate of +/-12 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-30 seconds/day;
the Elaborated grade is adjusted in three positions with an average rate of +/-7 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-30 seconds/day;
while the Top grade is adjusted in five positions with an average rate of +/-4 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-10 seconds/day.
The Chronometer grade must meet strict standards prescribed by the COSC. Chronometer grade movements are serial numbered as that is a requirement of the certification authority. Moreover, it should be noted that the degree of decoration on the movement's parts, generally only an aesthetic improvement, increases as well with the grade.
ETA 2892
The ETA 2892.A2 Or for a description in English see is however, widely considered the more upscale of the basic ETA movements, and it certainly a newer design dating to the 1970s where as the 2824 traces its roots back to the 1950s. The 2892 is fitted with top quality components. The 2892 is an automatic winding, twenty-one (21) jewel movement, available in three executions or grades: Elaborated, Top and Chronometer. The key components which differ at the line of demarcation between Elaborated and Top are the pallet stones, balance wheel & hairspring, and the regulator mechanism. To illustrate the differences in accuracy garnered by the successive grades, consider the following specifications:
the Elaborated grade is adjusted in four positions with an average rate of +/-5 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-20 seconds/day;
while the Top grade is adjusted in five positions with an average rate of +/-4 seconds/day, with a maximum daily variation of +/-15 seconds/day.
The Chronometer grade must meet strict standards prescribed by the [COSC]: an average rate of -4/+6 with a maximum daily variation of +/-5 seconds/day. The wider range for the Chronometer grade is designed to take into account the differences in a watches rate between static positions, as when the tests are performed, and the dynamic positions as when a watch is actually worn. Chronometer grade movements are serial numbered. Moreover, the degree of decoration on the movement's parts, generally an aesthetic improvement, increases with the grade.
The 2892.A2 is regarded by many horologists as being in the same 'quality' range (accuracy and reliability) as the in-house produced Rolex movements. Insofar as accuracy is concerned any movement which is expected to be COSC-certified, or is in fact COSC-certified, must meet the same standards. The ETA 2892.A2 is usually found in the more expensive and prestigious watches and brands. Owing to its relatively slim height of 3.60 mm, the 2892.A2 is a favorite of watch brands that market complicated movements such as Breitling with its trademark chronograph (stop watches). Given the slim dimensions of the 2892, it provides a good platform on which to add or build a chronograph complication.
The Omega Coaxial based upon an ETA movement
Omega's popular Seamaster line of watches currently use an embellished version of the ETA 2892.A2, which is known as the Omega 1120. As an adjunct, some versions of the Omega watches may be fitted with the proprietary Co-axial escapement invented by George Daniels, an English horologist and exclusively marketed by Omega a sister company of ETA. The movement with the co-axial escapement is known as the Omega 2500 series and is derived from the ETA 2892.
Valjoux 7750
The Valjoux 7750 a/k/a ETA 7750 is a widely used chronograph (stop watch) movement operated by with cams integrated into the movement. The traditional mechanism used in the chronograph is known as the Column Wheel. With the advent of the Valjoux 7750, the column wheel was abandoned for a three (3) plane cam system. The three plan cam system is properly known as the Coulisse Levier mechanism. The system and movement were developed by Edmond Capt in 1970, as a fully integrated self-winding mechanism with quick-set day/date based on the Valjoux 7733.
The movement is an automatic winding, twenty-five (25) jewel movement, which can be fitted with a variety of features including the triple date (day, date, month and moon phase) or a variety of two and three register models with totalizers or counters for minutes, seconds and hours. It is available in three executions or grades: Elaborated, Top and Chronometer. The key components which differ at the line of demarcation between Elaborated and Top are the pallet stones, balance wheel & hairspring and the regulator mechanism. To illustrate the differences in accuracy garnered by the successive grades, consider the following specifications: the Elaborated grade is adjusted in three positions with an average rate of +/-5 seconds/day with a maximum daily variation of +/-15 seconds/day; while the Top grade is adjusted in five positions with an average rate of +/-4 seconds/day with a maximum daily variation of +/-10 seconds/day. The Chronometer grade must meet strict standards prescribed by the [COSC]: an average rate of -4/+6 with a maximum daily variation of +/-5 seconds/day.
Monopoly allegations and investigations
In the Swiss watch industry, there was a two-year investigation into certain aspects of the business practices of ETA SA. The investigation was concluded in November 2005 by the Swiss Competition Commission with the finding that ETA was abusing its dominant market position. ETA had had the intention to discontinue its supply of ébauches (movement blanks) as of January 2006 and thereafter to supply only fully assembled watch movements and its own brands (the so-called “phasing-out”).
ETA argued that it was overwhelmed with orders and that its ébauches were sometimes ending up in fake (a/k/a replica or trademark pirated watches). ETA also warned that there could be another crisis in Swiss watch making unless there was more innovation and investment. Nicolas Hayek, then the CEO of Swatch, the parent of ETA observed,
"[t]ere was no innovation, no new development, and when I pushed them to start doing new production, everybody started shouting... I said I was not going to deliver any more of my movements unless they try to do their own production... Otherwise the Swiss watch industry will suffer exactly the same problems it had before and it will go down.
However, the investigations revealed that ETA held a dominant position in the market for Swiss made mechanical ébauches up to a unit price of CHF 300. The regulators determined that stopping deliveries to third parties would have threatened the future of many small watchmakers in Switzerland and the termination of supply was to be regarded as an unlawful refusal to do business and therefore as an abusive practice. For numerous competitors, the implementation of the phasing-out within such a short time meant in practical terms that they had been deprived of the basis for their business activity, as there was no alternative supplier.
In an amicable settlement, ETA committed to supply the ébauches until the end of 2008 at the current volume and thereafter for two additional years at a reduced volume. This will create a situation in which alternative production plants may be set up. The regulators said the agreement gives small watch making companies in Switzerland enough time to adapt to the market and find new producers.
This has spurred on progress in the watch movement circles with several brands developing proprietary movements, for example Panerai. Another discrete movement maker, Progress Watch Corp. also came into the market for a period of time. ETA movements have also been duplicated by various enterprises including Asian manufacturers and are usually being produced without license.
To know more information about ETA and 7750,please visit the website:http://www.hellorolex.com
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
How to Protect Your Watch
Sure you have a beautiful watch, but it will not be for long, unless you learn how to care for it. No matter if you have an expensive or inexpensive watch you still have to learn how to care for it, to make it last a long time.
Steps
1. Never put your watch on top of electronic equipment such as a television or a computer, because this could drain the battery quickly.
2. Put the surface of your watch facing upwards to prevent unwanted scratches on the watch face.
3. Know that unless your watch is water proof take your watch off when you wash your hands so water doesn't go into your watch and make the battery weak.
4. Do not drop your watch too many times because this may damage it.
5. Put your watch into the box when you are not wearing it for awhile to keep it safe.
Tips
· Buy a watch that will compliment all your outfits. Black, brown, white and more dark colors suit all colors, so it's up to you.
· Choose a watch that is suitable for you. Check that the strap and watch materials do not irritate your skin.
Warnings
Avoid from spraying perfume at your watch because this can cause damage to your watch.
To know more information about watches,please visit the website:http://www.hellorolex.com
Steps
1. Never put your watch on top of electronic equipment such as a television or a computer, because this could drain the battery quickly.
2. Put the surface of your watch facing upwards to prevent unwanted scratches on the watch face.
3. Know that unless your watch is water proof take your watch off when you wash your hands so water doesn't go into your watch and make the battery weak.
4. Do not drop your watch too many times because this may damage it.
5. Put your watch into the box when you are not wearing it for awhile to keep it safe.
Tips
· Buy a watch that will compliment all your outfits. Black, brown, white and more dark colors suit all colors, so it's up to you.
· Choose a watch that is suitable for you. Check that the strap and watch materials do not irritate your skin.
Warnings
Avoid from spraying perfume at your watch because this can cause damage to your watch.
To know more information about watches,please visit the website:http://www.hellorolex.com
Monday, October 27, 2008
Brand watches for men offer distinctive styles targeting the male market
Watches cater to specific markets such as 'brand watches men'. These watches are made to fit men's different watch requirements. Men's watches are often seen as distinctive and accurate time pieces. Women tend to prefer fashionable, stylish pieces to mix and match with what they wear.
There are different watches for men intended for different use such as sports watches, men's chronograph watches, men's diamond watches and low-priced men's watches.Men's chronograph watches are watches that offer time in different ways. These watches are closely associated with men since its stopwatch features are greatly sought for by sportsmen and the military. These offer practical value for men because they often find the need to measure time precisely especially for some events. Of course, chronograph watches are closely identified with sports which make them very attractive to men. They often come in stylish designs too.
Men's diamond watches are as the name implies dress watches that are encased with diamonds and are often reserved for occasions. Men often wear this for important functions. Style and functionality offer great come-ons for these types of 'brand watches men'.
Men's sports watches are designed to reflect and adapt to men's active lifestyles. Sports watches include watches such as solar powered watches, water resistant watches for divers and other types.Low-priced men's watches are those sold within the price range of under $50 to $200. These men's watches are for the budget conscious. They often come in different colors, sizes and intended for various functions. These are actually stylish jewelries that are sold cheaper than more expensive brands.
For professionals that work in extreme conditions such as astronauts, divers, bomb squad workers, racers and doctors, there are special watches made to cater specifically to their line of work as well. For the most part, choosing a recognizable brand name for men's watches is considered important.
This source is from the website:http://www.hellorolex.com
There are different watches for men intended for different use such as sports watches, men's chronograph watches, men's diamond watches and low-priced men's watches.Men's chronograph watches are watches that offer time in different ways. These watches are closely associated with men since its stopwatch features are greatly sought for by sportsmen and the military. These offer practical value for men because they often find the need to measure time precisely especially for some events. Of course, chronograph watches are closely identified with sports which make them very attractive to men. They often come in stylish designs too.
Men's diamond watches are as the name implies dress watches that are encased with diamonds and are often reserved for occasions. Men often wear this for important functions. Style and functionality offer great come-ons for these types of 'brand watches men'.
Men's sports watches are designed to reflect and adapt to men's active lifestyles. Sports watches include watches such as solar powered watches, water resistant watches for divers and other types.Low-priced men's watches are those sold within the price range of under $50 to $200. These men's watches are for the budget conscious. They often come in different colors, sizes and intended for various functions. These are actually stylish jewelries that are sold cheaper than more expensive brands.
For professionals that work in extreme conditions such as astronauts, divers, bomb squad workers, racers and doctors, there are special watches made to cater specifically to their line of work as well. For the most part, choosing a recognizable brand name for men's watches is considered important.
This source is from the website:http://www.hellorolex.com
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
New Rolex Watch Waterproof At 12900 Feet And Fits Over Dive Suit
Marinashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina Trench (Pacific Ocean) - So let's say you're a diver who just hates having watcheshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watch break under pressure because you like diving deep, I mean REAL deep. What kind of watch would you buy? The new Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA model of course. This baby is waterproof at 12800 feet and can withstand an incredible 2.98 metric tons of pressure.
The watch face is made of synthetic sapphire crystal. The rest of the watch is fashioned from titanium alloy and 904L steel. Of course the adjustable bracelet (a signature of Rolex watches) can fit over a dive suit.
Divers need to carefully track their times under water and this Rolex watch has a unidirectional dial. Why unidirectional you ask? Well you always want to err on the side of caution and accidentally bumping the dial will rotate it to give you less time under water - going the other way would be a very bad thing.
The ocean is a dark place and the watch glows blue thanks to some top secret luminescent material. There's also a helium gas valve to keep the watch from blowing up upon fast ascents.
Oh and we're just joking about the Marinas Trench. While Rolex claims the watch can go down to 12800 feet, the Marinas Trench has been measured to be almost 36000 feet deep. Of course this is all academic since the deepest human dive has been just over 1000 feet deep.
This watch is so badass that Rolex has made a massive 30+ megabyte downloadable Flash file to show off all the features.
To know more specific information about Rolex Watches,please visit http://www.hellorolex.com
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