Citizen Eco-Drive Satellite Wave F100 GPS

For Citizen, their modern GPS watch collection began in 2011 with the release of the original Satellite Wave (hands-on here). In 2013 Citizen followed up with the more practical Satellite Wave-Air (which actually gets some brand new designs for 2014), and this year we see the very interesting Satellite Wave F100 with a relatively thin and very light titanium case.

The first series-produced models using this technology were presented at BaselWorld last year in the form of the Eco-Drive Satellite Wave Air, with improved antennae sensitivity that ensured the world’s fastest signal reception speed, and the Eco-Drive Altichron Cirrus, with an altimeter function.

Currently the big three Japanese watchmakers (Citizen, Casio, and Seiko) each have timepieces that offer the ability to directly connect to GPS satellites in order to receive the correct time. It is very important to note that each of these watches act differently. Further, in addition to each having a very different design, the various models each have their respective pluses and minuses.

Citizen's main competitor in the market is probably the Seiko Astron, which was originally released in 2012. Both Seiko and Citizen are looking to appeal to a more sophisticated person who wants to use their watch as a regular travel item or for daily wear. Each is impressive and while the Astron is able to indicate the time zone (it does not automatically adjust for DST), it is currently a much larger watch than the Satellite Wave F100. Though each is very nice in their own right.

What Citizen claims to have on both Casio and Seiko is speed. They claim that while one needs determine their own time zone location and adjust for DST, the Satellite Wave F100 requires on average only three seconds to connect with a satellite and update the time–no matter where you are in the world . 

TAG Heuer Mikro Pendulum

Like all MIKRO creations, it is a dual chain platform with a balance-wheel system for the watch and a hairspring-less pendulum system for the chronograph. There are 371 components in the dual-chain structure, each designed, crafted and assembled by TAG Heuer’s Haute Horlogerie team of master watchmakers and engineers.

From top to bottom this watch is full of technical innovations that push the boundaries of what a mechanical watch is capable of by changing the limiting factors themselves.

At this point, you might be thinking "why?" Fair question. With a typical balance there are limitations imposed by the physical nature of the hairspring. It can only beat so quickly, it is impacted by friction, gravity has adverse effects, shocks can deform the spring, and over time the spring will eventually wear out. The magnetic pendulum solves these problems handily, though it does come with its own sensitivities to heat and magnetic fields. 

The technology doesn't stop with the movement though. The 45mm case is made from an alloy of chrome and cobalt that is typically found in aviation and surgical instruments. To the eye it looks more like white gold than steel, but in reality it's harder than titanium and similarly lightweight. The pushers however are titanium and are set into the top of the case in the bullhead style.

Exclusive Moto 360 Smartwatch Reviews

Google is officially in the smartwatch business with the Motorola Moto 360 and the new Android Wear operating system.  The new smartwatch from Motorola shows subtle alerts and notifications to users, when required. Further, the Moto 360 also shows who's emailing or even calling, without taking out the connected smartphone from your pocket. As of now, Motorola has not revealed that whether the Moto 360 could feature direct voice-calling functionality.

Google has chosen to debut Android Wear in its own device, as Google currently owns Motorola, but expect to see the operating system in a range of products coming in 2014. Google has already announced partnerships with Fossil, Samsung, Intel, HTC, Asus, LG, and more. As you can see, Fossil is among the brands that will be working on smartwatches (which actually isn't new for them, but they have yet to find success with a smartwatch). I expect additional traditional watch makers to develop their own smartwatch hardware to run Google Wear in the near future. I wonder who the first Swiss watch brand will be.

 A major issue with smartwatches is that unlike a smartphone or other device, there is really no easy way to input data or issue commands. The screen is too small to type on, and the case can only have so many buttons and pushers. So, when it comes down to it the logical input method is simply speaking to it. Given that reality, Google has designed the Android Wear experience to revolve around voice commands. When Google Glass was released, people became familiar with the "OK Google" voice command that got the device's attention, but the ability of Android Wear will go beyond that.

The idea, according to Google, is for Android Wear to respond to natural language in response to notifications and to input information. Speech recognition has become good enough so that assuming the device can hear you, it can understand your commands in plain English (and other languages).  The user's voice will become a principal means of using a Android Wear's interface. More than likely, the device will use an internal microphone to transmit the voice recording to a Google server via the Internet for recognition and response of the voice command. I do not believe that the individual smartwatch devices themselves contain the processing power necessary to receive, decode, and act on voice commands. That does inherently mean that without an Internet connection, the functionality of an Android Wear-powered smartwatch will be limited - but that is to be expected of this and other future devices for the time being.

 Google is no doubt aware of these issues and would not have released news about the Moto 360 or Android Wear if they were not at least mostly satisfied with the performance. Of course, to a large degree it is up to hardware and third-party software developers to help optimize the relationship between smartwatch and phone. Google or Motorola has thus far not specifically discussed the connectivity of the Moto 360, but it will likely use some version of Bluetooth. Personally, we look forward to a Bluetooth successor as I have been mostly disappointed with Bluetooth performance for years now.

We are a few months away from a retail version of the Motorola Moto 360 smartwatch being available, so a lot of information is not yet available. In particular, we do not know how much battery life it will have, how effective the microphone or general connectivity is, or how well it connects with your phone. These are all issues that will be determined in good time but are extremely important.

Some facts to know about Omega

OMEGA has been creating fine timepieces since the 19th century and the interest in the brand's vintage timepieces is greater today than ever. OMEGA has always been driven by its pioneering spirit: six lunar landings; the first divers’ watch; the world’s only certified marine chronometer wristwatch. 

No watch company in the world holds more records for accuracy. OMEGA is also a world leader in sports timekeeping. We are proud of this legacy and of the commitment to innovation which led to the launch of the exclusive OMEGA Co-Axial calibres. These achievements are products of the drive and spirit which have made OMEGA one of the world’s leading watchmakers.

Louis Brandt founded the company in 1848 as a workshop that assembled pocketwatches and distributed them in several countries. The name Omega didn’t come about until 1894, by which time Louis’ sons Cesar and Louis-Paul had converted the workshop into a small manufacture in Bienne. Omega wasn’t a brand, initially; it was a movement calibre – a pendant-wound pocketwatch calibre that utilized streamlined construction techniques and interchangeable parts for a reliable and easy-to-service mass-produced design. Soon Omega calibres became a worldwide success, so much so that all watches produced by the company were branded Omega from 1903 onward. 

THE OMEGA MUSEUM

The OMEGA Museum was opened to the public in January 1984 and is the oldest watch museum dedicated to the history of a single brand. Along with some 4000 watches, the remarkable collection includes movements, clocks, instruments, tools, photos, engravings, posters, signs, awards and certificates.

On The Moon

The company’s real claim to fame was the selection of the Speedmaster chronograph by NASA for use in the space program in 1965 after a series of grueling tests. In 1969 it became the first watch on the Moon.

Omega Watches We Absolutely Love

Many of you often wonder what our favorite watches are by each of the different manufactures. Well, no need to keep wondering. We have decided to put together a short list of our favorite Omega watches right now. These watches are not only great looking but also a great bang for your buck.

The Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M  : a massive diver's watch with the most fascinating look and wrist presence. Bulky, manly and very 70s looking. Measuring 55mm x 48mm and weighing almost 300 grams, this diver's watch is one of our favorites. An updated interpretation of an iconic Omega vintage watch that is priced.

Omega Speed master Alaska Project Limited Edition : a discontinued limited edition of 1970 pieces that honors one of the most fascinating projects between Omega and NASA.

The watch is provided with a large —57mm in diameter by 23mm in thickness— red-anodized aluminum protective case and the watch itself has a diameter of42mm. This watch is also supplied with a stainless steel bracelet and a white Velcro fastening strap.

DE VILLE HOUR VISION OMEGA CO-AXIAL LIMITED EDITION 41 MM

Originally introduced in 2007, the OMEGA De Ville Hour Vision collection is expanded with two fantastically skeletonized limited editions. The sophisticated craftsmanship of the movement is revealed through the four sapphire crystal layers, thanks to their anti-reflective treatment on both sides. In addition to Hour Vision's DNA sapphire crystal casebody held between metallic case elements, this 18K red gold model features a sapphire crystal dial metallised with 18K red gold letterings, 18K red gold indexes and a stunning rhodium-plated hour track marked with "Limited Edition". 

The timepiece is powered by the OMEGA Co-Axial caliber 8402, with a skeletonized 18K red gold rotor holding a shaped sapphire crystal plate metallised with an 18K red gold caliber reference and limited edition number. 

This certified chronometer, produced in an edition limited to 88 pieces, is presented on a black leather strap and is available only at OMEGA Boutiques.

Casio G-Shock GDX6900CM Camo Watches

The new GDX6900CM collection look like Casio give us cool-looking set of watches, Casio even developed a new "3D Camo Print" technique that it is using for at least five new models this year

Casio

They are due to be released in March and April of 2014in Australia. We will have to wait and see about their releases in other countries. A new printing technology was used to create the camo patterns on the resin bezels and bands. It will be great to see some real world shots of these mew G-Shocks. 

We love G-Shock watches for good reason. They are durable, useful, expendable, and affordable. If you want to complete a set of affordable watches then this is the right way to go. These are both based on the GDX6900 series, which is an "extra large" version of the classic 6900 that really started everything for G-Shock around the world.

As a larger version the case is a chunky 57.5mm wide, 53.9mm tall and 20.4mm thick. It weighs just 84 grams, though. These models also have negative LCD displays that present light numerals on a dark background.

Additional G-Shock models and colors using the new 3D Camo Print will be available in Japan and perhaps other parts of the world, but these two models are going to be available in North America.

The Omega Ladymatic

First launched in 1955, the Ladymatic was among the first self-winding timepieces created especially for women. Half a century later, OMEGA revived the name and revamped the line.

Ideal for women who are looking for precision and beauty, this time keeper from Omega’s Ladymatic collection successfully blends exceptional design with high tech technology.

 if you are are looking for a time teller that is ahead of its time then this model is totally apt for you.. With just the right amount of sparkle to bedazzle your time keeper, this stunning beauty will speak volumes about your refined taste. The red gold casing and striking dial take the design to a whole new level. The striking white mother of pearl dial with a supernova pattern and housed in an 18 k red gold case is bound to take your breath away. Diamonds acting as hour markers and red gold hour hands engrave the dial.

 

The 18 k red gold fixed bezel has been set with diamonds in a snow set pattern that add just the right amount of indulgence. The bracelet has been crafted with 18 k red gold. Adding another design element to the time teller, the side of the case has been decorated with a wave patterned gold ring and a white ceramic case body. The transparent case back reveals the Omega Co- axial calibre 8521 movement. Powered with a self winding movement, it has a power reserve of 50 hours.