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.

In this economic climate diversifying your financial portfolio is one of the soundest investments to be made in 2010. Gold has become a fierce competitor in the financial market for several reasons over the past 18 months. Due to the falling production of gold globally, the international gold price per once continues to rise. The falling Euro has had a large imapct on the gold comex, simply due to its volitativity and unstable European economies.

The commodities market has seen an influx of consumers buying gold bars. Publicly traded companies have joined the bullion movement, causing a gain in recognition amongst financial institutions. Swordfish Financial, Inc.’s (SWRF) is a publicly traded company with revenue coming from the recovery or margin of stray and inactive assets. These assets originate from high net worth individuals and companies, held in financial institutions around the world. On March 8th 2010, Swordfish announced that they have entered into a Letter of Intent to exchange 623,950 shares of its common stock for 31,197,500 kilograms of Gold Bullion. This trend has streamlined tangible gold bars into a vital component amongst savvy investors.

The financial situation in Greece has spilled over to the entire continent. The first quarter reports saw falling euro numbers along with gold pricing reaching all time highs.  The Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou requested that the European Union leaders meet to discuss the nation’s fiscal crisis. We can be assured that the gold comex was a hot topic and great discussion.During this meeting a 110 billion-euro package of emergency loans to Greece from the European Union and International Monetary Fund were guaranteed so the country will meet its debt obligations.  Due to this news gold rose to $1235.00 and the euro sliped to $1.425, the lowest in 4 years! 

Frank Lesh of FuturePath Trading LLC in Chicago said, “Investors want to hold a currency that’s going to maintain its value,” “Gold is a part of the currency crosses now. The international currency is gold.”

Whether you enjoy wearing luxury Swiss watches on occasion or have an entire timepiece collection, you can appreciate the importance of keeping your timepieces in the best condition. Therefore, when any type of watch repair service is necessary, it is important to trust professionals to handle your needs with care. Not every repair center understands the intricacies of a Ulysse Nardin timepiece or a Glashutte Orginal watch; it’s crucial to find technicians who care for your collection as much as you do. Whether you’re looking for repairs for your Tag Heuer watches or a timepiece by Raymond Weil, Swiss watches require a certain level of expertise to repair correctly. Seek out a professional timepiece service center to ensure that you receive the highest level of customer satisfaction and care.

Here are some of the reasons to enlist the services of a timepiece service center:

·         Nationwide Watch Repair Service

Because it is so rare to find certified, knowledgeable specialists to repair Swiss watches, a timepiece service center will accommodate repairs from all over the country. 

·        Timely, Efficient Service

Regardless of where you’re shipping your timepiece from, specialists will work as efficiently as possible to return it in its prime condition. Once the watch is received, certified technicians will analyze the needs for your repair and begin service upon your approval.

·         Secure and Safe Shipping

Understanding the significance of your timepiece collection, a watch repair service center will provide you with insured shipping and delivery services.

·         Certified to Repair Luxury Watches

Although many jewelry stores claim to have brand approved or authorized technicians, few actually qualify to use those terms. To be certified to repair watches, a specialist will stay up to date on the technological advances in the field, understand the quality of each piece of the timepiece collection and work in a facility that buys the parts for their Swiss watches directly from the brand.

 When you’re in need for any type of watch repair service, ensure that the center you choose is qualified to handle your fine timepiece. Service techniques needed to fix Swiss watches involve truly understanding the intricacies that create them. Be sure to find technicians that know your exact needs and will repair watches with the care they deserve. You know you can trust Maddaloni!

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.

2010, March 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In an agreement with Alpina Geneve, Maddaloni Jewelers is honored and excited to be named the Official Jeweler in presenting the Limited Edition “12 Hours of Sebring Automatic Chrono GMT”.

Alpina, along with Maddaloni Jewelers will premiere the watch at Sebring International Raceway’s Gallery of Legends VIP Area on Saturday, March 20. There, watch enthusiasts & Sebring race fans alike will have the privilege of discovering the limited edition at its launch.

With nearly 160,000 in attendance, this is an extremely large event. Sebring’s souvenir program is recognized as one of the finest event publications in motor sports. For over five decades, the Sebring program has become a prized keepsake souvenir for race fans attending America’s premier sports car race. The massive all-color, 180+ page book features extensive historical information, team features, records and statistics, entry lists and other track information not available anywhere else.

During the three-day event, the finest international field of road racing cars and drivers will converge at Sebring to compete in the most grueling endurance race in North America. Traditionally witnessed by a passionate crowd of no less than 170’000 race fans, the 2010 edition promises to become again a great event.

To celebrate the partnership between Alpina and Sebring International Raceway, the luxury sports watch brand from Geneva will introduce a new limited edition: the Alpina 12 Hours of Sebring Automatic Chrono GMT. With this new addition to the collection, the brand reinforces its connection to the world of motor sports.

At the same time, this ‘timekeeper’ is the first edition within the new Alpina Racing Collection. The rounded and smooth case shape ensures a perfect fit on the wrist of the drivers, while simultaneously meeting their tough requirements: highest level of accuracy, readability, shock resistance, sturdiness and reliability.

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

.

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.