Monday 29 July 2013

Platinum Daytona

Launched at Basel World 2013, expectations were high for what Rolex would release for the 50th Anniversary of the Daytona, possibly the most sacred watch to Rolex collectors, rivalled only by the Submariner.

Fans were probably expecting a new version in steel, instead they got the first Daytona in platinum. This watch will be exclusive and mainly for collectors, especially at a retail price of USD $75,000. I rather like the colour combination, but then I usually do of the precious metal Rolexes.

Saturday 27 July 2013

Objects of desire...


In summer, yes we do occasionally get one in England every seven years, I wear a lot of white and blue, be it white cotton shorts or trousers (I think I have over a dozen), seersucker pull over the head shirts, and shirts in non office stripes and various hues of blue. Sometimes paired with a blue (not navy) blazer.

I have been looking for a blue dialed watch, and except for a white gold submariner (having a gold sports watch is a bit of an oxymoron in my opinion), have not found much until now.


The Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue seems to solve my dilemma.
The video is a little cheesy, but there are enough people who buy in to the classic car, boat, south of France, water skiing... (including myself I must admit). I wouldn't have chosen a cobra. A blue early 1970s pre rubber bumper 911 Targa, a Ferrari 365GTS daytona spyder, a Ford GT40.... but I think you get the idea.

Heritage is still the new "black", hence the photo of the "original", or better put inspiration for the new chrono. There are better made watches with better movements that are more waterproof and can make coffee and play some tune, but I think that is missing the point of this watch.

I want one, pure and simple.



More Chocolate = More Brain Power?



Friday 19 July 2013

Dress Code: Shark Suit

So what does one wear when one has a potential rendez-vous with sharks? From Sky News:



'Invisible' Wetsuits Confuse Attacking Sharks

It is hoped the suits will help prevent attacks on divers, surfers and even swimmers who wear them in coastal areas that are shark infested.
They incorporate patented Shark Attack Mitigation System technology (SAMS) which is tuned to disrupt the senses of the killer fish.
SAMS was created with the help of experts in the neurology and behaviour of sharks who tested the suits on live animals to make sure they work.
One of the creators Hamish Jolly said: "Whilst the end product may appear at first glance to be fairly simple, the science and research behind it is extensive.
"We've combined many variables and elements in response to shark sensory systems so that the design of the water apparel has application for all water sports, including diving and surfing."
He said field‐testing by Australia's Oceans Institute and the company itself had been very positive and was recently recorded by a documentary team from National Geographic.
Footage shows a stunning example encounter with a large tiger shark.
Mr Jolly said: "The initial results of our testing has been quite extraordinary and has given us the confidence to release this range of suits.
"However, we envisage that testing will be an ongoing process over many years to come as well.
"We cannot say that our suits are a fail-safe protection against shark attack but we believe they certainly can assist without necessitating any additional equipment or cost other than what is already being used."
The suits follow two designs, one of which uses highly contrasting stripes to repel the shark by making it think the wearer is inedible.
The other, which uses a range of blues and greys, makes the wearer nearly invisible by mimicking the natural patterns in seawater, making it difficult for the shark to focus on a target.
The designs were created following decades of research by shark experts who came to recognise that sharks tend to ignore potential prey that are decorated with highly contrasting colours.
Among the research was anecdotal evidence that indigenous South Sea islanders painted their bodies with stripes to avoid being attacked.
Bob Lushey, from the company which is making the wetsuits, Radiator, said: "Over more than 20 years in the wetsuit industry, the common question I have heard over and over again is 'I don’t want to look like a seal. What colours don't sharks like?'
"Well now we know the answer to that question and it's very exciting."
Around 100 shark attacks are reported worldwide every year, with Australia one of the most dangerous places.