If you are the type of person who loves watching reality trainwrecks, you are probably pretty familiar with Ashton Kutcher’s show “Punk’d”. This show basically sucker punches celebrities -  videotapes it – and then puts it on cable for all to see…

Kutcher’s show has made Justin Timberlake cry for his mommy, Salma Hayek get blamed for clogging and flooding a restaurant toilet,  and made Zach Braff go mental on a twelve year old kid. The show is pretty funny (in small doses) unless of course – the joke is on you…

In Braff’s case – he just bought a new porsche, parked it, and upon his return “caught” the youngster vandalizing it with spray paint. Except that the Punk’d crew had actually given the kid fake spray paint – so he wasn’t actually vandalizing the car. Zach went Ballistic on the 12 yr old kid.

When the cameramen came running out Braff didn’t look entirely thrilled that he just had an “episode” on a 12 yr old kid – on film,  but he seemed to play along with the joke.

I did read online somewhere that Braff actually pummeled the kid a few times – but that Ashton edited that out since your not supposed to punch kids on Punk’d. This could be rumor or it could be truth – I don’t know for sure – but its an interesting story.

The one thing I gotta give Zach Braff is that he does have style. He has good taste in cars, almost married Mandy Moore, and is seen here wearing a Bell & Ross BR 01 watch.

Not bad for a “Scrub”….

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Bedat & Co is a brand which has effectively defined itself through elegant yet distinctive watch designs.  Like the famous Santos, Tank, and Pasha from Cartier, the eight numbered collections of this acclaimed young brand each reflect a unique look yet are all collectively recognizable as Bedat & Co designs.

While Bedat & Co watches have become extremely popular with women, the brand also makes a number of extremely appealing models aimed at men.  One of my favorite Bedat & Co collections–and one which has a high concentration of elegant masculine models–is the Collection No 8.  Defined by the subtle yet striking case shape which Bedat describes as “round within a cushion”, Collection No 8 comprises some appealing small complications, including the Ref. 888 watches which feature a power reserve indicator or a handsome large date display.  Those who appreciate chronographs will be pleased by the Bedat & Co Ref. 867 watch, which debuted this year; clearly the most casual of the No 8’s, this timepiece stands out with its complex and extremely stylish dial that joins the chronograph subdials together with Bedat & Co’s signature “8″ logo.

When I first got the opportunity to handle the various Bedat & Co Collection No 8 watches, I was immediately impressed by the finely contrasting case finishes, and the graceful crown protector that is smoothly integrated into the lines of the case.  Also distinctive are the woven leather straps that are a signature of this line–while different than the typical exotic skin straps you see on most luxury watches, they have a unique appearance that works well for either formal or casual wear (though it should be noted that all the
models are also available with “normal” alligator straps).

Like all Bedat & Co watches, there is a sublime harmony between case, dial, and hands that immediately draws the eye: take a moment to examine any of the Collection No 8 timepieces, and you immediately recognize that here is an object created with long term desirability–not short term fashion trends–in mind.  And that virtue, I suspect, is a big reason why Bedat & Co is attracting growing numbers of enthusiastic fans.

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The Omega Seamaster dive watch is as much an expected feature of the new generation James Bond films as Daniel Craig himself.  Right up there with beautiful women, equally gorgeous Aston Martin cars, and the Walther PPK pistol, this Omega timepiece has become integral to the image and uber-cool equipment of the world’s best known fictitious spy.

In the eagerly anticipated “Quantum Of Solace”, which hits theaters in November, James Bond will have a new Omega Seamaster to coordinate his dangerous missions.  This new Omega watch–officially titled “Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Co-Axial ‘Quantum Of Solace’ Limited Edition”–sports a series of distinct thematic details, most notably the laser-engraved words “Quantum Of Solace” that appears on the sapphire crystal.

A particularly cool feature (particularly for firearms enthusiasts like myself) is the textured dial which mimics the checkered grip panels of James Bond’s traditional sidearm, the Walther PPK.  This unique dial suits the efficient elegance of the Seamaster Planet Ocean watch, and Daniel Craig’s Bond, perfectly.   On the screw-locked caseback, you’ll find the famous 007 emblem, naturally enough.

In a not-so-subtle numerological play, Omega will produce 5,007 examples of the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Co-Axial ‘[tag]Quantum of Solace’ Limited Edition watch.  Between collectors of Omega timepieces, and memorabilia-hungry James Bond fanatics, I suspect the series will sell out hastily.

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The Raymond Weil Nabucco Titanium Chronograph is one of the most attractive new additions from this brand.  At 46mm, it regrettably exceeds the size of timepiece that I feel comfortable appearing in public in, but that’s my problem.  Vexing personal complexes aside, there’s little doubt to me that many watch fans will happily gravitate to this chronograph and not look back.

The choice of Raymond Weil to merge stainless and titanium in the creation of the Nabucco Titanium Chronograph was an intelligent one; the combo looks great, but it’s also very practical as it keeps durability up, and weight down (no mean feat in a such a large watch)  Moving on, the case and bracelet compliment each other very well, and draw the eye to the well-executed and very intricate dial.  As all sports chronographs should, this timepiece has a calibrated tachymeter scale, which gets high aesthetic marks for being engraved on the brushed bezel.  Very nice indeed!

A true sports watch should always be water resistant, and the more the better (100 meters is a good starting point, in my opinion).  The Raymond Weil Nabucco Titanium Chronograph is warranted to twice that depth, and has a screw-down crown, caseback, and notably–chronograph pushers; all of this provides a comforting degree of security from the elements.  Those who don’t appreciate retina-stabbing flashes from the sun will be happy to know the crystal has been given an anti-reflective coating on both sides.

Powering the Nabucco Titanium Chronograph is a proven automatic movement from ETA–an ideal “motor” for a sports watch.  On that topic, I find it pleasing that Raymond Weil is gradually increasing the number of watches with mechanical movements in its collection.  A true all-round solid performer with great looks, the Nabucco Titanium should serve up strong competition to many sports-oriented models from brands like TAG Heuer and Omega.

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Life is good for Mike Comrie. He grew up in Edmonton Alberta, Canada – and like any other young athletic canuck, he grew up loving hockey. Lucky for him he was better than most and got to play college hockey at Michigan. In the 1999 college draft he wasn’t exactly a first round pick. Mr. Comrie was actually the 91st pick in the college draft overall.

The good news was – when he was eventually drafted – he was picked up by his hometown team – the Edmonton Oilers.

While he might have been the 91st pick in the college draft – he was picked #1 in the only draft that really counts.

He was first pick in the draft to be Hillary Duff’s next boyfriend.

These days he is making money, playing hockey, dating Hillary Duff and making exceptional choices when it comes to picking a fine timepiece. In this photo, Mike Comrie is seen wearing the utra trending Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubberclad watch.

Great watch choice, eh?

Technorati Tags: Mike Comrie, Hillary Duff, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

There are many fine timepieces in today’s luxury watch market.  However some manage to leave a particularly lasting impression because of their unique presence, particularly memorable heft, mechanical excellence or some virtue that may not even be tangible.  The IWC Portuguese Perpetual Calendar watch stands out because it scores big points in many of these categories at once.

The IWC Portuguese watch is classically refined, but its also undeniably large–some would argue such an expansive case calls out for complications.  The Portuguese Perpetual makes full use of that expansive dial and the various calendar displays fit superbly, with pleasing harmony and easy legibility.  As far as the feel factor, its hard not to love this amazing watch, with its deliciously massive 18K red gold case–everything about it radiates fine finishing quality and the unmistakable sense of real luxury.  The sapphire back is superb too; there’s none of the all too common “itsy-bitsy movement in a big case” syndrome going on…this movement was MADE for the large case, and its intricate Pellaton winding system is a real treat for eyes and ears (due to the fascinating sound made by the clicks interacting with the winding wheel)  In this version, the complications are exceedingly impressive; the perpetual calendar with full century indication is accompanied by a dual-hemisphere moon phase indicator that errs by just one day every 577 years.

As far as presence goes, the IWC Portuguese Perpetual watch strolls into a room like Jackie Gleason playing Minnesota Fats.  With its commanding dimensions, richly colored gold, and elegant finish, the fact that you are seeing a spectacular watch is unquestioned, even if you might not be entirely sure what it is at first glance.  Only slightly smaller, IWC’s Portuguese Perpetual Calendar II watch is equally appealing, and arguably the better selection for classicists.  Because the moon phase display of the “II” lacks the dual-hemisphere moonphase display, the dial is slightly less technical in appearance; too, the option of getting it in white gold is good news for those who prefer more discretion in an IWC complicated watch.

On top of the many virtues outlined above, the IWC Perpetual Calendar watches come in at right around $30,000–a figure which is an incredibly good value relative to the exceptional degree of watchmaking excellence these models contain.

Technorati Tags: IWC, IWC Perpetual Calendar