Astrology of Horology – Luxury Watches Expert, Timepiece Consultant, Watch Stylist, Meehna Goldsmith

Hublot’s Tutti Frutti Suits Cancer’s Crab

July 27, 2010 By Meehna Leave a Comment

Astrology of Horology Series: Cancer 2010

The sign of Cancer is the crab. Since these crustaceans live in the inter-tidal zone of the oceans and need protection, it’s only fitting to pick a watch that is not only waterproof but also durable. Hublot offers a bold and stylish selection for Cancer ladies with its Big Bang Steel Tutti Frutti line.

The Hublot Tutti Frutti is not a delicate creature and is at home in the water. The Cancer can swim, snorkel and afterwards shower off, because the Tutti Frutti is water resistant to 100 meters. Still, this isn’t some bulky sport watch. The Tutti Frutti possesses undeniable panache, mixing seemingly incompatible materials like gemstones and stainless steel into a stylish and progressive combination.

Those of you familiar with lady Cancer know she can cycle through moods faster than the changing of the tides. Fortunately, the Tutti Frutti expresses a horological gamut of emotions in striking color. These models draw from a bold palette similar to those found in a box of Otter Pops, from cotton candy pink and electric yellow to neon orange and a Caribbean Sea blue. Even the finicky crab will find one of the hues in sync with her rhythms.

While the Cancer is completely capable of taking care of herself, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t enjoy being pampered. The Tutti Frutti tends to this part of her nature by making the dial in iridescent mother of pearl and jewelling the bezel with sparklies including blue topaz and an assortment of fiery sapphires.

Just because the Tutti Frutti is beautiful doesn’t mean it’s not functional too. Powering the watch is the Hublot Calibre HUB4300, a self-winding mechanical movement with a chronograph and date conveniently tucked in between 4 and 5 o’clock.

The sign of Cancer is associated with the element water. Astrologically speaking water symbolizes emotion. Though this lady may appear calm, cool and unruffled on the outside, she can be churning white water rapids below. With a Tutti Frutti wrapped round her wrist she’ll be giving a signal you shouldn’t dare take her at face value or underestimate her capabilities.

Cancers are sensitive folk and can be crushed by harsh words. Likewise, they are sentimental and get very attached to things. Whatever the occasion, whether a special person makes a gift of the Tutti Frutti or she purchases one for herself, the Cancer is sure to remember the moment and cherish the watch.

With her combination of traits and shifting moods—which also includes a delightful sense of humor—the Cancer and the Tutti Frutti timepiece are definitely compatible from an astrologic perspective.

Filed Under: Astrology of Horology, Hublot

The JLC Reverso Lady Squadra Duetta is a Two-Faced B-

June 24, 2010 By Meehna 2 Comments

The Astrology of Horology: Gemini 2010

The JLC Reverso Lady Squadra Duetta is a Two-Faced Beauty, and because of its dual nature, will tickle the fancy of the female Gemini.

It’s no secret that women born under the influence of the twins need constant change (even within themselves) to remain stimulated and happy. When she’s bored, the Gemini can get rather irritable and stir up trouble just for the entertainment value. Therefore, it’s a good idea to make sure she’s got a lot of interesting projects and novelties about to keep her busy brain occupied.

The JLC RLSD caters to just this astrological sign, featuring two dials each with a distinct look and built-in fun. Just like the Gemini, it can flip from one persona to another with great agility. Slide and swivel and you’ve gone from one to the other with fluidity and ease, all while the watch is on your wrist. The design of the case and mechanism are really sturdy too so that don’t have to worry about handling it with kid gloves.

The first face of the RLSD has a lighter and more playful feel with its “dancing” Arabic numerals against a white backdrop. This will make a powerful accessory inside the office and also at the weekend brunch on the coast. The second view shows a darker, more formal side that works well when attending a cocktail party or black-tie optional affair. Not to say the Gemini wouldn’t want to mix and match her looks—and believe me she does.

The dynamic and stylish Gemini will also appreciate the ease at which she can further modify the look with interchangeable leather bands offered in a vibrant assortment of snow cone colors—from pink and purple to red and orange, and, of course including the more typically worn brown, black, white and beige, in case she wants to fly a bit more under the radar.

The two dials of he RLSD are not only pretty but also practical. The hands of both can be set in synchronization or else one can be used as a GMT, with the starry day/night indicator on the black face reflecting the other time zone.

It’s true that ladies love diamonds. However, the Gemini is already a compelling enough character and doesn’t need a mine-full of diamonds packed on the bezel blazing like a disco ball and detracting attention from one of her good stories. JLC put the perfect amount of glittering stones on the RLSD, just enough to add a touch of class and elegance.

Speaking of good stories, the Gemini will be glad to know that the history of the RLSD provides quite an engaging one for her to relay when she’s asked about her watch. Back in 1931 British colonial officers stationed in India wanted to have a watch that could endure the jostling and knocks of a polo match. Why they needed to know the time as they galloped around on their ponies whacking a white ball across the lawn is anyone’s guess. Nonetheless, JLC rose to the challenge. As a means to protect the crystal, their engineers came up with the swiveling case, and an icon was born.

The RLSD not only has the looks but also has the substance to match, powered by the JLC automatic Calibre 968. Movement snobs will appreciate JLC’s status as a true manufacture, making everything from hairsprings to screws, dials and bracelets. They also keep two master enamellers on staff full time, combining the jewelry and watchmaking arts under one roof.

Through the years, JLC updated the Reverso with technological advances while still keeping its classic Art Deco Styling. In 2008, JLC presented this piece designed just for the ladies. Because this watch was made and proportioned for a woman, it fits beautifully on the wrist.

This model in 18kt white gold retails for $17,850. Fortunately, the female Gemini is talented and tends to end up in a well-compensated line of work.

A lively and quixotic woman, the Gemini will find great horologic expression and value with the Reverso Lady Squadra Duetta. And that’s something even her twins can agree on.

Filed Under: Astrology of Horology, Jaeger LeCoultre

Montblanc’s Metamorphosis Synchronizes Gemini’s Twins

June 21, 2010 By Meehna 1 Comment

The Astrology of Horology Series: Gemini 2010

Geminis are exciting personalities with a quick and curious mind. Exquisitely versatile but easily bored, the Gemini has different facets of his persona that all need to be stimulated for him to remain interested. The twins don’t symbolize the Gemini sign for nothing. If ever there was a perfect timepiece for a Gemini, then it is Montblanc’s TimeWalker Metamorphosis.

The Metamorphosis is two timepieces in one, each a fraternal twin of the other showcased in the characteristic MB Villeret teardrop-style case. The first side of the Metamorphosis personality shows the time with a regulator-style hour display in Roman numerals and retrograde minute layout that sweeps across the top half of the dial, along with a date wheel at 6 o’clock. Here the Metamorphosis shows the more serious and classic face. Still, there’s more to this timepiece than meets the eye.

With the pull of a slide on the left-hand side of the case, the Metamorphosis reveals its more playful and sporty persona—a quick costume change that happens to be quite functional as well. Within about fifteen seconds, the watch converts into a chronograph through a fascinating opening of the dial as the parts shift and rise in a mechanical opera.

When it’s complete, the Metamorphosis is now ready to measure elapsed time with the chronograph wheel replacing the date at 6 o’clock. To signal the watch has taken on a new function, the color red accents the dial, while the Roman numerals on the hour counter are now in Arabic.

In my opinion, this transformation is a lot more intriguing than that of Clark Kent popping into a phone booth and emerging as Superman. Playful and impetuous as he is, the Gemini will undoubtedly find a lot of enjoyment watching the Metamorphosis switch back and forth

Johnny Girardin and Franck Orny are the two young horologic stars responsible for this avant-garde piece. Inspired by the Transfomer toy concept, which is robotic figures that can morph into cars, buildings, aircrafts and other objects, they wanted to translate the idea into a wristwatch. Fortunately such ambitious proposals have an audience at the Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie, founded by Montblanc in 2008 after they joined forces with Minerva, in order to support young talents. Through the “TimeWriter” project, which intends to present new timepieces from independent creators every two years, the Metamorphosis was born.

Since Geminis are great communicators, they hunger for information and eagerly seek out the details to pepper their stories. They’ll be happy to share that the movement in the Metamorphosis is based on Montblanc’s handcrafted chronographe calibre MBM 16.29, which is treated to some of the best finishing in the business. Have a look under the loupe and you’re in for an extraordinary optical show.

If ever there was chameleon in the Zodiac, it certainly is the Gemini. He finds it easy to adapt to any situation. During office hours he can comfortably walk the halls of a corporation and later that evening kick off his shoes and slug back a shot of tequila before bending over backwards to shimmy under a limbo stick. So too can the Metamorphosis restyle itself depending upon the environment.

The Montblanc Metamorphosis, which is limited to 28 pieces, retails for about $240,000. For the Gemini, who is constantly seeking variety and thrives on novelty, the Metamorphosis is sure to appeal to both his twins and keep the peace.

Filed Under: Astrology of Horology, Montblanc

The Lange & Söhne Little Saxonia Grabs the Lady by the Horns

May 22, 2010 By Meehna 1 Comment

The Astrology of Horolgy Series: Taurus 2010

The Taurus of the female persuasion is a definitive personality. She knows what she wants and won’t compromise, particularly when it comes to material possessions. She abhors anything with even the tinge of artificiality, and, like her male counterpart, she has excellent taste and likes nice things. Therefore, the Lange & Söhne Little Saxonia, which debuted at SIHH 2010, will perfectly align with the Taurean woman’s sensibilities.

Photos of watches courtesy of Lange Uhren GmbH

In the trend of large case sizes, some watches resemble small dishware doing an odd balancing act on the arm. At 34mm, the Little Saxonia elegantly poises on a woman’s wrist, large enough to grab the hour at a glance, yet not so dainty that you have to squint and invite those undesirable crow’s feet.

Since Lady Taurus is a practical woman, the simple hours, minutes and seconds displayed on the dial give her all the essentials she requires. She doesn’t need fussy extras like a moonphase, chronograph or power reserve indicator during a typical day. Delightful as these complications may be, they just aren’t necessary.

The case may be simple and useful, but that doesn’t mean it’s not sumptuous too, which is a requirement for this ungulate. Hand-applied numbers are set on a mother-of-pearl dial, and Lange tips a hat to a girl’s best friend by circling the bezel with diamonds.

The Little Saxonia is classy and feminine, to be sure. But, don’t let the good looks throw you off. This manually wound girl has style and substance. Inside ticks Lange’s exquisite German mechanics. And we all know how the Germans tend to their machines—with a demanding perfectionism. Yes, Lange is known for progressive mechanical solutions that get the engineers hot and bothered, but their movements are also really easy on the eyes.

Lange makes some of the most beautiful movements in the business, so the Taurus will have nothing to snort about. They’re all constructed from German silver, which is harder to work with but gives off such a yummy, warm glow. You know a movement built in the classic German tradition by the ¾ plate, blued screws and gold chatons framing the red jewels. Lange represents the pinnacle of the craft with a striped decoration on top called Glashütte ribbing, edges chamfered and polished by hand, and an engraved balance cock, truly qualifying this movement for the term horologic art.

What gets me really excited about this watch is that Lange made it for a woman from conception through design and execution. The movement isn’t a repurposed ebauché (movement blank) from Lange’s inventory designated for men’s models, which many companies have a habit of doing.

Strong minded and a touch willful, the Lady Taurus must have the freedom of the purse, and she will need it to afford a Lange. However, understand that those of her sign aren’t profligate spenders and know the value of money. The Little Saxonia proves the wisdom of her choice.

Lange offers the Little Saxonia in white gold, pink gold and yellow gold on a white alligator strap. For the Taurus, I would choose the white gold for a versatile look that can easily allow her to lead the troops in the office, sashay with style into a cocktail party or give some pop to weekend wear.

A quick tip to those gents who are lucky enough to have one of these bulls in their arena: The Taurus is known to be affectionate, so if you gift her with a Little Saxonia she’s sure to show her appreciation in a demonstrative fashion. Olé!

Down to earth and traditional, yet holding dear (and demanding) the true luxuries in life, the Taurus reveals her most splendid qualities when she’s understood. You definitely don’t want to provoke her. The Lange & Söhne Little Saxonia shows a deep understanding of what charms this bull of the female persuasion.

Filed Under: Astrology of Horology

The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle Chronographe is All Bull

May 16, 2010 By Meehna 4 Comments

The Astrology of Horology Series: Taurus 2010

According to astrologers, those born under the sign of Taurus (April 20 – May 20) are gentle, good natured and modest. And yes, like their symbol of the bull, they can be extremely stubborn. However, another important facet of the Taurus personality is his excellent aesthetic taste and appreciation of beauty. That’s why I picked the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionelle Chronographe in white gold for the bully sign this year.

The Patrimony Traditionelle Chronographe embraces the historic roots and traditional grace of Vacheron Constantin with the round case, soldered lugs and applied trapezoid markers. The dial of the classic two-register layout, which is clean and easy to read, shimmers in various shades of silvery grey. This will suit the Taurus’s more conservative taste quite well. In artistic matters he tends more towards the placid impressions of Monet than the shifting perspectives of Dali.

If might be said, if you want to get something done, give the task to one of these majestic bovines. While most people really don’t have a lot of use for the chronograph—cool and mechanically interesting as it is—the Taurus will put it to good use. Practical and reliable, he will use this tool to keep track of time increments and stay on track. Don’t be offended when he clicks one of the square pushers at the beginning of a meeting or dinner engagement. He’s not implying that you’re not worth a place in his schedule. He’s just expressing that every minute counts and he’s going to make the most of those moments with you during your allotted time together.

It’s no secret that once the bull reaches his goal, he likes to reward himself with material goodies, particularly those that appeal to the sense of touch. The Patrimony Traditionelle holds lots of tactile sensations on the stepped case for the Taurus to enjoy, from the smooth click of the chronograph buttons to the sculpted lines of the lugs and including the knurling around the caseback.

Inside the 42mm case, the Taurus can spend countless hours admiring the classic handwind caliber 1141 on view through the sapphire crystal back. The caliber is based on the Lemania 2310, which is then treated to Vacheron Constantin’s impeccable finishing. And their handiwork gets a great platform with all the crooks and crannies of a chronograph.

Apparently Taureses despise falling into debt and having their possessions lose value. The Taurus will feel comforted knowing that in recent auctions Vacheron Constantin pieces have met or exceeded their estimated prices, meeting yet another of their requirements.

For the dignified Taurus, who demands fine craftsmanship as well as a striking and timeless design, the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionelle Chronographe will certainly soothe his beast.