Luxury Timepiece/Jewelry Maddaloni Blog

The art of measuring time, horology, has been practiced for hundreds of years. Even before any official name was placed on the study, horology could be seen in the constructing of hourglasses and the use of sundials. What started as a curiosity for labeling parts of the day has developed into a necessity to schedule a day’s events. Over the years that necessity, along with an ongoing study of horology, has led to the emergence of luxury watch brands from all around the world. As a result, watchmakers and timekeepers are constantly redesigning their products to win over the hearts, and ultimately the wrists, of savvy watch aficionados.

Apart from defining specific products representing luxury and affluence, watch brands often differentiate and specialize in constructing either mechanical watches or quartz watches. Because the invention of quartz watches dated in the 1970s, timepieces that can be considered a true result of traditional horology are mechanical. Luxury watch brands and timekeepers are constantly producing watches that combine the sophisticated aspects of horology with modern, desirable designs of today.

So which designers are showcasing beautiful timepieces through innovative elements while still respecting the precision of horology? How can the leaders in today’s designs of mechanical watches forge ahead and become established? An answer can only be determined after looking at the various components and fine craftsmanship that dictates luxurious timepieces, like perfected mechanics working with an updated, attractive case. Each handcrafted movement must be put into an inventive position with a perfected certainty. Astute precision and clear originality like this can be found in an Frédérique Constant watch. Pleasing aesthetics must encompass the inner workings of a luxury watch, too, so designs might incorporate various shapes or multiple materials. This is showcased in the newest timepieces Frédérique Constant has designed for Cohiba. Watches must adapt with the times while still exemplifying traditional and knowledgeable composition and these two well-respected names are perfect examples of constantly innovative, yet classically assembled, timepieces.

Keep up with the trends and learn more about the present, innovative designs in horology, like those found in a Frédérique Constant, Glashutte Original or Ulysse Nardin watch. Inquire about these renowned names, along with other leading watch brands, at Maddaloni Jewelers. For an in-depth, wide variety of masterful timepieces, join Maddaloni Jewelers on November 6th 2010 for their annual Festival Of Watches event. RSVP on the site www.maddaloni.net … See you there.

Anyone curious about the world of collecting timepieces or interested on staying up to date about the latest watch trends should join the Maddaloni “Watch Collectors Link”, a club exclusively for timepieces. This horological club fosters the interest of the watch collector and connects members to those who share their passions. Visit Maddaloni Jewelers, to learn more about there horological club.

If you’re serious about watch collecting or would simply enjoy learning more about your favorite timepiece, considering joining a horological club, otherwise known to the Maddaloni’s as the ‘Watch Collectors Link’. Apart from feeling more connected to your prized timepiece, there are a number of benefits that you’ll receive when you join a club for watches.

You’ll be the first to learn about upcoming trends in timepieces, so you’ll know what to look for in your next purchase. This year, for example, shows that complete redesigns aren’t necessary; updating a brand’s classic models can prove to be all that is needed. Glashutte Original watches, for example, have recently rediscovered the beauty of a simple, pure design that emits elegance and sophistication. Ulysse Nardin chose to update the technology of a timepiece’s perpetual calendar, while sticking to a classic, yet intricate face. Cuervo y Sobrinos  recently extended their tradition of revamping classic 1930’s and 1940’s style faces, while always staying true to the style of their Cuban heritage. More exclusive information about upcoming watch trends like these will be available to you upon joining the Watch Collectors Link.

You can receive exclusive information about the continual updates performed on Maddaloni’s certified timepiece service center, ensuring to keep your collection finely tuned with detailed perfection. The best timepiece service centers, for example, have technicians trained in a specialty of the best watch brands, exclusively Swiss made. They’ll use only the finest tools and equipment shipped directly from the manufacturer. They’ll know the best method to clean the movements and complications of each timepiece. All of these specialized, beneficial services, plus many more, are available to watch club members.

Being part of an exclusive club, where other members share your passion for watch collecting and share your desire to stay informed about the trends of the best watch brands, is Maddaloni’s ambition. You’ll be instantly connected to knowledgeable people with your same interests.

The economy and the surge for eco-friendly products have influenced a lot of spring trends, including those for high fashion jewelry. The influence is seen in both the inspiration for the accessories and the materials designers are choosing to use. Regardless of the motivation behind the jewelry trends for summer 2010, one style is being emphasized across the board: arm candy.  This year everyone will be wearing cuffs, bangle bracelets, and leather bands.

In high fashion jewelry, cuff bracelets have always been prominent arm candy and this year’s spring trends are no different. One refreshing change is the use of stainless steel, bronze, and titanium in many designs, giving an updated look to traditionally loved styles. Most of the cuff bracelets are crafted with patterns or cutouts, bringing subtle yet eye-catching attention to the piece. Because they are being crafted as beautifully subtle statement pieces, cuff bracelets are becoming the most popular, yet affordable, of this year’s jewelry trends.

Bangle bracelets are also showing up in many collections and, in most cases, emphasizing colors with semi precious gems or tinted metals. Many of the fashion trends for spring 2010 coincide with this idea, as bold colors are highlighted in many designs. The ability for designers to introduce various tints through semi precious gems has enabled the pieces to be worn with both elegant outfits or with casual attire. As opposed to the chunky style of cuffs, bangle bracelets can traditionally be found in both thick and narrow widths, adding to their appeal. The arm candy can either be the focal point of an outfit or a loveable accessory helping to add color. The versatility of bangle bracelets will help jewelry trends transition for spring into summer.

Lastly, leather bands will be staying in style in high fashion jewelry trends. For spring 2010, the bands will be seen more as thick wristwatch bands for both men and women. And, to play off of the resurgence of highly demanded leather bags, many women’s styles will also incorporate the idea of wearing layers of thin leather bands, often in various colors. The craze of leather will continuously be seen throughout designs the spring, trends for the summer, and will even carry into fall collections.

If you’re looking for a statement piece or a subtle addition to your outfit, you’re bound to find something fashionable within the designs of arm candy. Look for a pop of color for your wrist with the playful tinted metals, semi precious gems, and died genuine leather and always look for the pieces that convey your personal style.

2010 Basel World Update From Glashütte Original

Meisterwerke I Masterpieces Glashütte Original Taschenuhr Nr. 1 | Roségold | Glashütte Original Pocket Watch No. 1 | Rose gold Case-Ø: 56.5 mm Height: 16 mm Material: Rose gold Crown: Onion-style crown with button Dial-Ø: 42 mm Pocket watch chain:   Rose gold, 45 cm Hands: Steel, blued Glass: 2 Sapphire crystals, on both sides anti reflective Dimensions: Ø 43.1 mm, height 7.25 mm Balance: screw balance with 14 weighted screws Oscillating Frequency: 18.000 vph, equivalent to 2.5 Hz Power Reserve: about 36 hours Balance Spring: Nivarox, with Breguet-terminal curve Shock Protection: Incabloc Caliber 84-01: 40 jewel bearings (among those 4 pieces with Screw-mounted gold chitins) Additional Details: Manual winding movement, two-parts enamel dial, hour and minute centralized, Hands in classic “poire” form, small second decentralized at 6 o’clock, zero reset function, quarter-hour repetition, case rose gold with spring lid (dial side) and hinged lid (back), polished and burnished steel parts, beveled edges, blued screws, granulated gold-plated Glashütte three-quarter plate, hand-engraved balance cock, fine adjustment via swan-neck and screw balance, centrifugal advance.

Out of all of the intricacies that create a fine timepiece, watch complications can be the most critical. Any additional function to a timepiece beyond displaying simple hours, minutes, or seconds can fall under the category of watch complications. And, as any watch connoisseur knows, the more complications placed in a luxury watch, the higher in value and more collectable it becomes.

Although there can be many types of watch complications, including a retrograde or a minute repeater, there are three common watch complications that most high-end watch brands have focused on in the past: a tourbillion watch, a perpetual calendar watch, and a chronograph watch.

Watch makers began to realize the negative impacts of gravity on timepieces and rearranged the inner frames to carefully rotate and calculate time accordingly. Literally meaning “whirlpool,” tourbillion watch complications can only be created by the most talented, precise, watchmakers. A true tourbillion watch requires time, patience and skill to create, as it is the most difficult and delicate of all watch complications

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Tourbillion: Watch makers began to realize the negative impacts of gravity on timepieces and rearranged the inner frames to carefully rotate and calculate time accordingly. Literally meaning “whirlpool,” tourbillion watch complications can only be created by the most talented, precise, watchmakers. A true tourbillion watch requires time, patience and skill to create, as it is the most difficult and delicate of all watch complications.

Perpetual Calendar: Watch components that may seem elementary, such as a calendar, can actually be the most intricate part of compiling a timepiece. Watch complications, therefore, include showing the day, month, year, or even the specific day of a Jewish calendar or leap year. By having a perpetual calendar, watch collectors view that timepiece to have more functional value and an increased significance in manufacturing.

Chronograph: Watch functions can include the ability to utilize a chronograph, or a function that calculates independent time intervals, which help watch connoisseurs track multiple times. Current time and elapsed times can both be tracked with this complication and there are often two or more functioning intervals within a chronograph. Watch complications that include a chronograph, therefore, not only become more usable to the owner, but display the worth of the luxury watch as wel

Luxury watch complications can have hundreds, or even thousands, of intricate parts to properly function. Assembly and repairs are often difficult because of the parts and their need for attention is directly related to the delicate and precise watch complications. Some fine watch brands pride themselves on the ability to craft a detailed, complicated timepiece; watch collectors view them as the best in the industry. The watch complications of a Ulysse Nardin timepiece, the calendar of a Glashutte Original watch, or a Cuervo Y Sobrinos chronograph watch, for example, showcase how leading watch brands have set the standards for complicated watchmaking in the industry today.

Attending a timepiece event is an opportunity to learn more about the luxury watch brands that collectors know and love. Even if you are not an established watch connoisseur, you can gain valuable insight from visiting a timepiece event at your local jeweler or fine watch dealer.

You’ll See The Newest Trends: A timepiece event is an opportunity for luxury watch brands to show off their upcoming collections. You’ll be able to view and experience the newest timepieces before they are debuted in stores. You’ll also get the first preview of the most recent advances in fine watch technology.

You’ll Feel The Timepieces: Because they are not yet available in stores, the timepieces that are displayed at a fine watch event will give you the chance to touch and feel the next products to be released. One of the best parts about attending an event at your local jeweler or fine watch distributor is the knowledge that you’re purchasing an authentic watch. You’ll never be presented with replicas or knockoffs, only the products of a well crafted, authentic watch.

You’ll Get Questions Answered: Attending a timepiece event will give you the chance to ask questions about your favorite timekeeper and be presented with more insight about how it’s made. You’re knowledge about purchasing an authentic watch will grow within minutes.

Even if you’re not a fine watch collector, there are plenty of reasons to attend a timepiece event. Not only will you get a preview of what’s to come from fine watch brands, but you’ll get to feel and experience the timepieces, too. Once you attend a timepiece event, you’ll be convinced that this luxury watch preview is the best way to learn about your favorite watch brands.

The history of Long Island wineries began in 1973, when the first commercial vineyard was planted. This smart investment is what allows New Yorkers today the ability to enjoy locally grown, hand pressed wines. There are now over 50 Long Island wineries and vineyards ranging over 3000 acres of land, covering both eastern forks. Because of this range, the Long Island wine industry has the capability to annually produce three million bottles of wine. Tours and tastings help promote the fresh products created on the vineyards, displaying the variety of grapes that give the area its success. Macari Vineyards is one of the Long Island wineries which show wine enthusiasts what many local wine producers provide.

One of the best compliments to local Long Island wine is gourmet Italian cooking. The natural flavors and simple cooking techniques it involves allow Italian fare to match up nicely with the complex flavors that can be found in wine. In New York, many Italian chefs can offer advice on how to pair specific meals with specific wine varieties because appreciating the flavor of fine wine is engrained in the Italian culture. An example of this is seen in celebrity chef Nick Stellino, who values the importance of every aspect of a meal. The wine appreciation that he exhibits can be attributed to a desirable factor of chefs: to integrate outside cultural influences in their work.Nick Stellino shows this worldly knowledge beyond of the realm of cooking through getting involved in many passionate projects, such as becoming a luxury watch ambassador.

With only a little research, you can find the best combination of delicious Italian cooking and Long Island wine. In New York, the resources available to create this arrangement are numerous. In fact, it’s not uncommon for wineries to hold events that merge them together. Between the creative Italian chefs cooking in New York City and the 51 local producers of Long Island wine, you can effortlessly pair the two. Discover the deliciously matched combination that New York proudly presents.

For upcoming weddings of 2011, trends in bridal jewelry express the women of today. They reflect styles that are fashion forward and daring, yet showcase femininity and breathtaking beauty. Chic micro pave engagement rings and engraved wedding bands show these jewelry trends and can even start the day your commitment is made.

Because more brides are developing personalized wedding themes throughout the entire wedding, bridal jewelry is reflecting that, too. Easily incorporate these upcoming 2009 trends in bridal jewelry into your wedding to expose your inner style.

Colored Stones: Straying from traditional white diamonds and pearls for bridal jewelry, stones with rich hues that compliment your bridesmaid dresses or mimic your wedding themes are now the center of attention. Tinted metals, like rose or chocolate gold, are also popular for bridal accessories. Try emerald bracelets, onyx earrings or a chocolate pearl necklace to bring a pop of color into your elegant ensemble.

Layered Bridal Jewelry: Multiple strand necklaces draped in long layers or as a choker are hot for 2009. Trends like layering are a perfect way to offset a dress’s plunging neckline or strapless cut. Compliment the gown and layer crystal beads, pearls, or strands of colored stones. Put them around your neck or on your wrist for a simple, yet stunning look.

Cuff Bracelets: Just as layered dainty bracelets are fashionable for a wedding, bridal jewelry for arms continue with cuffs. They’re bold, dramatic and can be customized for your bridal accessories in many ways. It’s a modern, adventurous statement piece.

Hair Jewelry: The days of old-fashioned veils are gone. Now you’ll see tiaras, headbands, hair vines, and jeweled combs on the women in the wedding. Bridal jewelry for hair can be crafted from beads, crystal, ribbons, or wire, all with opportunity to be a unique reflection of your look or wedding themes.

Natural Styles: Aside from specific types of bridal jewelry, trends about the style of each piece have been gaining popularity as well. The unconventional style of raw gems exposes their natural beauty while showing your individual edge. Earthy and floral pieces portray easy-going femininity. The versatility of each type of bridal jewelry trends allows you to incorporate the designs in many ways.

Follow the 2011 trends in bridal jewelry and take a risk by defying conventional styles. The fashionable applications allow you to showcase who you truly are through all of your bridal accessories.

Maurice Lacroix is a brand of luxury watches that are hand crafted and Swiss made. Watches with a Maurice Lacroix label have a high level of prestige and exclusivity that make the brand stand out from its competitors on both a national and international mechanical watch market.

Officially starting in small workshops in Switzerland in 1975, the Maurice Lacroix brand has now expanded to include sales in over 45 countries. Although the company prides itself on using time-tested, Swiss watchmaking techniques, modern technologies and updated methods of testing are constantly being applied to the production of watches. The Swiss made watches are only sold at specifically selected retail locations and cannot be bought online. This exclusivity adds to the allure of the luxury watches, as their quality is too high for the majority of watch retailers.

The precision and detail that is put into each timepiece shows the level of knowledge and passion that a Maurice Lacroix watchmaker captures. Each mechanical watch is made in the company’s independent manufacturing workshops, a rare quality of designer watches today. Over the years, the company has occasionally shifted its area of focus from, for example, perfecting the construction of a mechanical watch movement to mastering precise retrograde timepiece displays. There are seven collections of Swiss made watches from Maurice Lacroix: Calypso, Divina, Les Classiques, Masterpiece, Miros, Pontos and Selena. Some of the timepiece collections are specifically designed for women, while others focus on an innovative design introduced by the brand. Regardless of the watchmaker’s design for each collection, the intricate details of each timepiece are apparent to the naked eye. The fine craftsmanship of each mechanical watch is one of the key points of differentiation for Maurice Lacroix.

The brand routinely seeks out ambassadors who sensibly relate to the luxury watches and can represent the collections with respect. The list of trusted, knowledgeable ambassadors include tennis star Roger Federer, celebrity chef Nick Stellino, and professional golfer Justin Rose. The celebrity ambassadors all have a personal connection to the brand, whether it is through a Swiss heritage or a passion for collecting watches. The ambassadors can proudly describe the art of watchmaking that is exhibited by Maurice Lacroix and promote the luxury watches with pride.

A Maurice Lacroix watch embodies the high quality production and workmanship that is truly appreciated by timepiece collectors. The intricate details and composition of each collection set the brand apart from other luxury watches. Each hand assembled movement displays a thorough knowledge and a true appreciation for perfection in keeping time. 1995 marked the first sale of a Maurice Lacriox watch in the United States and the brand has increasingly been gaining respect since then. The workmanship of the luxury watches has been continuously supported by respected watch collectors, such as the celebrity chef, Nick Stellino.

Before his infatuation with food began, Nick Stellino had a passion for watches. As a child growing up in Italy, Stellino would wait up for his father to come home just for the opportunity to wind his mechanical watch. Because of that childhood memory, watches became one of his hobbies. Today, Stellino proclaims watches to be one of the three things he is truly passionate about, along with family and food.

Over the years, an interest in timepieces transformed Nick Stellino into a watch expert. He has grown to appreciate the details in design that the average person might overlook, but a watch connoisseur can fully appreciate. His obvious passion has brought him into his role as an ambassador for Maurice Lacroix. Masterpiece collection watches, specifically, are a self-proclaimed favorite for the chef, as he loves each hand decorated detail and movement found within. Stellino has owned numerous luxury watches made by the Swiss brand and has declared his current Maurice Lacroix watch a good luck charm for his latest television series. Today, Nick Stellino travels the country promoting Maurice Lacroix. Masterpiece, Intuition, and Sphere are just some of the collections the brand holds, all with deserving representation by the celebrity chef.

Included in his upcoming schedule of events is a September 13 appearance in Huntington, Long Island, at Maddaloni Jewelers. Nick Stellino will not only be showcasing his favorite luxury watches, but will be displaying his gourmet grilling skills and signing cookbooks. At Maddaloni Jewelers, Stellino will be accompanied by a Maurice Lacroix watch technician to answer any questions about the brand and assist you in any timepiece needs. With specifically trained technicians and Swiss-manufactured restoration equipment, Maddaloni Jewelers services and sells watches with the same precision and passion that the luxury watches deserve.

On September 13, 2009 from 12pm-5pm, join Nick Stellino at Maddaloni Jewelers. Listen to him describe the luxury watches and his contagious enthusiasm for the timekeepers will be apparent.