The Roger Dubuis EasyDiver Chronograph has certainly been one of most popular timepieces within the brand’s so-called S.A.W. (”Sports Activity Watch”) collection–and for good reason.  Few watches manage as well as the EasyDiver does to hit that sweet spot between really outstanding luxury, stylish design, and sophisticated watchmaking.  It’s a potent combination, and Roger Dubuis has succeeded in creating a contemporary haute horlogerie icon that works equally well in casually elegant or more formal situations–at least for those
who prefer a wristwatch with some attitude!

As with all Roger Dubuis models, the EasyDiver Chronograph is extremely limited in production per dial variation.  As an example, the 46mm rose gold version pictured here will be made in edition of just 28 pieces.  While some might say this is nothing but marketing razzle-dazzle, there’s no question that it keeps your watch from ending up on to many other people’s arm–a good thing when you are spending the sort of money that this Roger Dubuis chronograph costs.  An exclusive feeling is just one benefit a great watch can impart to its owner, and this one delivers that intangible very well.

One significant difference between the current Roger Dubuis EasyDiver chronograph and the versions which appeared several years ago, is the movement.  Unlike earlier models which relied upon a manually wound movement, the current EasyDiver Chronograph (”ChronoExcel”) uses Roger Dubuis’ new self-winding chronograph caliber–the RD 78.  Turn the watch over and you can admire this refined example of high-end horology.  As is the case with all top-grade chronographs, the combination of intricate mechanics and refined finishing offers the eye lots to admire.  The all-important column wheel–an indispensable element in a high-end chronograph movement–is protected beneath a polished cover, a nice touch you don’t see very often.  Two particularly interesting features of the RD 78 caliber are the strikingly shaped arched bridge for the balance wheel, and a micro-rotor.  This latter element is given real prominence thanks to a pierced and relieved area that keeps the action visible.  Between the finely finished chronograph levers, the rapidly pulsating balance and this little rotor spinning on its large jewel, you have quite a stunning example of the watchmaking craft.

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The MTV movie awards is an altogether different awards ceremony from the Academy Awards or the Emmys.  As the 2009 ceremony was dominated by vampire teen romance “Twilight” and Bruno’s well-waxed bum, it’s clear that the show’s content is dictated by MTV’s teen and tween demographic.  This lends the show a relaxed and irreverent vibe with the presentation of awards such as “Best WTF Moment” and “Best Fight”.

Paired up with her costar Ryan Reynolds from “The Proposal”, Sandra Bullock presented the ever popular “Best Kiss” award to this year’s hottest teen couple, Robert Patinson and Kristin Stewart. Despite being well out of her teens, Bullock has managed to remain relevant with the youth of today through her image as an independent and sexy star.

Never afraid to assert her distinct fashion sense, Bullock boldly chose to wear new designs from Gurhan’s smoking hot “Silver Diffusion” jewelry collection for the show.  Rocking a pair of silver and gold dangle earrings and a “Gala” cuff bracelet, she showcased the casual elegance of these new designs and proved that affordable jewelry can be dazzling.

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H.Stern first partnered up with fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg back in 2004.  Since then, the partnership has resulted in a substantial offering of jewelry designs with no less than six individual collections all under the H.Stern DVF umbrella.  Though each collection has it’s own unique style, they all share a boldness in design which echoes von Furstenberg’s passion and individualism.

Themes of strength, empowerment and dedication are potent in these jewelry designs.  From the massive “Sutra” link bracelet designs to her “Power Rings,” the DVF jewelry collections are iconic, mezmerizing and instantly recognizable.

On June 3rd, Diane launched a new Pre-Spring 2009/2010 clothing collection titled “Her Name Is Rio” at her DVF flagship store in New York’s chichi Meatpacking district.  Inspiration for the collection was taken from H.Stern’s homewtown of Rio de Janeiro, and during the fashion show, nearly every model wore a “Sutra” bracelet and/or a “Power” ring.  These H.Stern DVF designs provided a dazzling complement to the new clothing collection.

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For haute horlogerie fans seeking an exquisite tourbillon wristwatch not likely to be spotted on anyone else, the exceptional creations of Bovet Fleurier have provided all that can be desired.  However, up until recently, Breguet’s famous whirlwind complication was restricted to the supremely elegant Fleurier case design.  Those seeking a Bovet tourbillon with a more casual degree of refinement have had to bide their time. That time has arrived, and the Sportster Saguaro Tourbillon 7-Day is the Bovet you’ve been waiting for.

Simply put, these are impressive, artistic timepieces that make a very potent statement.  Let’s not mince words–they are large: the “small” version is 45mm, and if you prefer something even more impressive, there’s a 51mm version which Bovet is offering as well.  Call me carpally challenged if you like, but the 45mm Sportster Saguaro Tourbillon is my preference, largely because I feel the movement has better balance in the smaller case.  However, this swashbuckling Bovet tourbillon is magnificent in either interpretation, rife with all the impeccable artistry which has made Bovet a watchword in high-end horology over the last few years.

The aesthetic concept merges sport with classicism in provocative and surprising ways.  For instance, there’s the very artistic openworked dial with scrolling floral patterns paired up with luminous indices and red skeletonized hands.  Then you have the ruggedly constructed case with a screw-down winding crown (and 300M of water resistance), united with a supremely dressy strap in the finest crocodile leather.  While some might find these seeming contradictions odd, I think the Bovet Sportster Saguaro Tourbillon 7-Day succeeds very well as a watchmaking showpiece of distinction.  With its bold non-imitative design, hand-crafted Bovet Fleurier movement, and unquestioned exclusivity, it will make a fantastic addition to the well-diversified collection of a serious connoisseur.

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Protecting the environment is all the rage these days, and prestigious watch companies in picturesque Switzerland are among the most staunch devotees of reducing carbon emissions, halting global climate change, and other popular buzz phrases.  While I take a comparatively neutral stance (how Swiss of me!) on the matter, I’m gratified to note that watches commemorating such efforts tend to be really attractive–rather than overly themey political statements. (Think straps in hemp, organization logos on the dial, etc.) Take as an example the IWC Ingenieur Automatic Edition Climate Action watch.

Created to support the efforts of the non-profit “Climate Group”, this special IWC timepiece stands well apart from its siblings in the Ingenieur collection.  When I first saw this model’s ceramic bezel, and brilliant yellow accents, I figured it must have something to do with Formula 1 or some other high-speed sport.  These are great touches that really bring out the angular, masculine power of the modern Ingenieur design–particularly in this powerful 44mm case size.  I really like the way the fabric strap works with the design as a whole, and prefer it to the bracelet–masterfully crafted though the latter certainly is.  IWC’s super-robust 80110 caliber with the shock absorbing rotor bridge and pellaton winding system is carried over from standard production models, and makes this watch an ideal candidate for the most demanding wearing habits.

IWC discreetly advertises the mission statement on the screw-down back of the watch.  There, you’ll find the engraving “IWC supports voluntary action on climate change”.  So, if you are are an environmental crusader, you can take pride that your purchase of the watch has gone to help keep the planet clean and green.  Those who are more skeptical and/or simply want a superb luxury sports watch can go merrily about their way, enjoying one super-sharp IWC that isn’t granolafied in any way.

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