The connection between watches and aviation is strong and storied. Proof of this is that pilots are amongst the most active buyers of mechanical, luxury watches. Carbon fiber is often used in aerospace manufacturing thanks to its reinforcing properties. It is therefore always nice to see an aviation geared watch adorned with this material. The Hamilton X-Mach, which is named after its ability to calculate your Mach “speed,” balances quality, value, and looks to create the perfect luxury watch for carbon fiber and aviation enthusiasts.

Hamilton’s new leather band was conceived especially for the black PVD coated version of the X-MACH (reference H76686735). The carbon fiber stripe is lined with black croco-print leather, and grey stitching holds everything together. This combination makes for a stealthy, low contrast style, and the classic croco blends nicely with the modern carbon fiber. The carbon fiber completes the military, instrument-like style of this awesome piece.

The case of the watch is made with black PVD coated stainless steel and does not incorporate any carbon fiber. The sides of the case are decorated with a hobnail pattern that mirrors the effect of the carbon fiber on the strap. The overall look of the case coupled with the two-tone, black and silver dial is sombre and cool. The graduated, rotating bezel system enables the wearer to calculate the a moving vehicle’s Mach number using static data such as pressure altitude and calibrated air speed. This is more only an amusing feature to tinker with for most people, but adds to the overall look of the watch. In all, you are getting a modern, airplane instrument on your wrist.

One of the best things about a watch with a Swiss mechanical movement, especially the ETA 7750 caliber inside the X-Mach, is the feel of the watch. Since the movement is made almost purely of metal parts instead of the silicon and plastic of most quartz movements, it adds density. When wearing the watch, you feel the motion of the rotor winding the watch automatically, reminding you of the complex micro-mechanics going on within the 44mm case.

The Hamilton X-Mach is a serious timepiece, which offers a very well balanced, modern aviator style by mixing carbon fiber with black PVD coated steel, hobnail decoration, and a stealthy instrument-like dial. The CAN$2,295 (US$1,945)retail price does not reflect the high-end features of the X-Mack, which is comparable to some more expensive models such as the Breitling Navitimer or the IWC Spitfire Chronograph. The rotating bezel system, while functional, is more of a tribute to extreme speed and to the human spirit of innovation. It brings to mind hypersonic projects like Nasa’s Dryden X-15 and others.

The company was founded by a group of aviation enthusiasts that decided to start a watch company to provide watches similar enthusiasts.  The company’s tag line is “Professional Pilot Watches”.  In fact, they have something called the Torgoen Academy, where you go out in Pitts S2-B aircraft’s and learn aerobatic maneuvers.  Sounds serious.

One of the cool things that Torgoen does when developing each watch, and this is where the pilot background comes into play, is they put them into extreme quality control tests.  These include temperature variation, dust, humidity, impact and vibration…all ensuring precision, water resistance and endurance.

Enter The Torgoen T16302 Carbon Fiber Watch

Torgoen’s background and company mission is impressive, but once we got our hands on their watch, we were even more impressed.  The T16302 is Torgoen’s first watch which uses carbon fiber, which of course we had to look at.

Now we all know that big watches are the in thing today.  While not monstrous, the T16302 does have a 45mm case (which is 14mm thick)…big enough for people to notice.  With that gorgeous carbon fiber dial and the large numbers in a modern font, why wouldn’t you want to show it off?  For better reference, here’s a picture with it on my arm:

As you can see the case is black, which is made from stainless steel, and works quite well with the carbon fiber.  To offset all the black, the numbers are a very light green, and are luminescent, which means they glow in the dark.  The band is made from polyurethane and has the words “Tor” and “Goen” chiseled into it.  It honestly sounds a bit cheesy, but in person it comes off as very sporty.  The sportiness matches well with the modern font that’s used, and cutting off the 6 at the bottom with the seconds dial is a nice touch.  The back side of the case has a neat looking embossment, better explained through picture:

The watch has Swiss quartz chronograph movement, meaning it uses a battery.  Quartz movements are extremely accurate and reliable, just what you would want from a watch.  It’s also water resistant down to 300ft.  Whether you’re displaying the watch, or giving it as a gift, you’ll be good to know that it comes in a nice black box/case which has a suede-like interior.  It’s definitely a nice addition to the package.

My first guess is the watch would be in the $500-$700 range, but I was pleasantly surprised to see it retailed for $350 (though there were some talks about that moving up slight, but still being lower than $400).  I think that makes for a great deal on a great looking watch that has a big carbon fiber face to display for all to see.  If you’re interested in purchasing one, we have them for sale on our store.  We also put together a little video that gives you some better looks at the watch and shows you some angles you just can’t see with pictures:

Agent 007 needs several things from his watch. It must be able to withstand high levels of abuse. Whether it be escaping villains on skis, or evading armed guards by diving bellow water, Bond’s watch must endure. Once the wetsuit comes off to reveal the tuxedo underneath however, his watch must suit the style. The final necessity are buttons, pushers and other features that can be used to disguise the gadgets crucial to the mission’s success. The Bell & Ross BR-02 Pink Gold offers all the aforementioned features and in arguably larger doses then the Omega Seamasters and Rolex Submariners of James Bond’s past.

The BR-02 was created by Bell & Ross to be a submersible cousin to the other BR Instruments. It boasts extraordinary water resistance ratings. Features such as an escapement valve and thick rubber strap increase the watch’s resilience in the face of extreme conditions. The 18 karat pink gold version is rated to withstand pressures up to 30 ATM (found at a water depth of 300m). While this rating is lower then the 100 ATM for the steel BR-02s, it is still very respectable and considered by professionals to be enough for diving. This sacrifice allows the watch case to be slightly slimmer and therefore more elegant. Also the Pink Gold version retains the pressure escapement valve and rubber strap, which are important performance features.

The style of the BR-02 Pink Gold is definitely Bond-worthy. The “tonneau” case is a classic style, but with the addition of elements like the rubber-clad crowns and the four visible structural screws, it remains sporty and modern. Carbon fiber has roots in sport performance, but its use on the watch’s dial actually adds a sleek, elegant touch. In the case of Panerai, for instance, carbon fiber dials have been dubbed “tuxedo dials” due to the material’s unique elegance and shininess. Some other details that fans of formal wear will appreciate are the pink gold applied hour markers and the solid pink gold tang buckle.

When it comes to gadgets, MI6 engineers can exploit plenty of the BR-02’s features to hide their inventions in. The primary crown, which is protected by two solid gold shoulders, is screw-locking to improve water resistance. Once unscrewed it can be used to change the time and date and to pull out a diamond coated steel cord capable of cutting through flesh, bone, and metal. The secondary crown found on the watch case at two o’clock is also screw-locking and is used to set the precisely graduated inner bezel for the purpose of timing a dive. Push it twice and the watch becomes an explosive set to detonate once the second hand reaches the marker! That would be a waste of a great watch, but the US$ 22,000 price tag would never deter Bond from blowing stuff up.

U-Boat has a particular model in their catalogue: it is a mysterious watch that was almost always unavailable throughout the past three years. We’ve had a scarce few of them in stock, but many people who ordered the watch had to either wait a long time or be told that it was impossible to get. This watch, known as the Carbonio and officially named the Classico AB 4, was for a while the only U-Boat watch that Italo Fontana designed using carbon fiber. Now redesigned and with improved features the Carbonio returns side-by-side a couple of new models created in its image.

The Original Carbonio

The Classico AB 4, is made of black PVD coated stainless steel and equipped with a carbon fiber dial earning it the nickname “Carbonio.” The rubber strap, fitted with a black steel folding clasp and engraved plate completes the watch’s sleek, sporty style that conjures visions of luxury sports cars and high tech tanks alike. In line with other watches in the Classico Automatic series, the Carbonio runs on a Swiss automatic-winding movement. The rest of the watch is manufactured in Italy at U-Boat’s factory near Florence. It is available in an oversize 53mm case as well as a 45mm case. The carbon fiber, which distinguishes this watch from the other pieces in the same collection, coupled with the scarcity of production have made the Carbonio a very common topic of conversation in the past few years.

The New Carbonio CAB 4 and AB 4/2

For those who like their carbon fiber more subtly presented, the new Carbonio models should be very interesting. Italo Fontana, founder and chief designer for U-Boat watches, has incorporated on many of his watches what is sometimes known as a “sandwich” dial. These dials are composed of two layers constructed of different materials where the top layer has certain elements cut out of it to reveal the color and texture of the material bellow. The new Carbonios offer “sandwich” dials with carbon fiber hour markers and subsidiary dials under a matte finished black plate. Add to the dial black photo-luminescent hands and numerals, and a black PVD coated steel case and you have a stealthy-looking (not too mention cool-looking)timepiece.

Another novelty is that the CAB 4 will be part of the new Classico Chronograph series that will be available this November. This is actually what “CAB” stands for; Cronograph, Automatic, and Black case. The chronographs will be equipped with the infamous, Swiss, high-end 7750 movement. Both the chronograph and non-chronograph versions of the new Carbonios will be available in 45 or 53mm versions.

The once elusive Carbonio AB 4, is now part of U-Boat’s official collection, albeit in limited numbers, and will be joined by the brand new Classico CAB 4 and AB 4/2 models. Although carbon fiber is used in watches for its light weight and strength, it is often used simply because of its stylish qualities. U-Boat’s Carbonios make great use of this fantastic material as both a major player and an accent in their overall design.

The interesting thing about the new model is that the body is actually made of compressed carbon fiber.  It won’t be released until November 2009, so you won’t be able to get your hands on one until then.

The BR 01-92 line features a 46mm case, automatic movement, screw-in crown, and anti-reflection sapphire crystal glass.  No word yet on pricing.

The watch features a carbon fiber dial and a stainless steel body.  Retail price is $498, but Buy.com is currently listing it for $109.99 with free shipping.

For the first round, Amazon’s got a Magico men’s watch which features a carbon fiber dial and a 46mm stainless steel body.  Amazon has a list price for $400, but it’s on sale right now for 87% off…which makes it $49.99!  Did I mention free shipping?  Oh yeah, there’s free shipping too.

The watch includes automatic movement, and even comes with a winder so your time is always accurate.  It’s also water resistant up to 660 feet.

If you happen to pick one up, let us know what you think!

The surface is resistant to scratches and dings that happen with normal wear and tear. No word on cost, but you contact the artist through their website at MarketaRichter.net.

The watch is inspired by an F1 car, utilizing a variety of materials you’d find on the car itself; rubber, carbon fiber, and metal. On top of that, you’ll find Swarovski crystals, and 18 rubies that represent the 18 different F1 tracks around the world. Speaking of the 18 F1 tracks, the digital display can show the time at any of those tracks. On top of that, it also features a lap time function and a stopwatch.

This unique piece will run you well into the 5 figure range. I’ve read anywhere from $20,000-$40,000.

BR 01-94 Titanium & BR 01-94 Titanium Orange

The above watch which is the titanium orange version is a limited edition (there were only 500 made). I see them on eBay for about $7,750.

BR 01-97 Power Reserve Gold

The above BR 01-97 power reserve gold is also a limited edition watch with only 250 pieces made. I couldn’t find pricing on this one, but the stainless steel version was a little over $3,000.

BR 01 Tourbillon

This is probably my most favorite looking of all of the less Bell & Ross carbon fiber watches. This article from The Watch Quote has some really nice pictures to show off the beautiful design of the BR 01 Tourbillon. As good as it looks, it will set you back $131,000.

BR 02 Pink Gold

The BR 02 style goes away from the square faces we’ve seen above. This watch offers a decompression valve for deep sea diving, with a 300m water resistance. The watch can be had for about $20,000.

BR 03-51 GMT

Here’s another square face offering, this one has the date on it with big numbers for readability. This is also one of the cheaper carbon fiber watches they offer at about $5,000.

As always, make sure and check eBay for the best deals, here’s a few listed on there right now: