65% Off A Panerai for Ferrari Gran Turismo Rattrapante Chronograph, Anyone?

The end of the fabled Panerai / Ferrari watch partnership was announced last week by watch industry omniscient Gregory Pons (Business Montres).  The announcement was also picked up echoed very shortly therafter by watch blogger Areil Adams over at Luxist (for those of you who prefer English).  While the reasons for the possibility that this partnership was doomed from day 1 are perhaps obvious and fully appreciated, I think that there is yet one unanswered question.  That is, what will happen to the future value of these watches now that their status is officially “post-production”?  Will their value increase or decrease?  Will they one day – perhaps one year from now, perhaps ten – ultimately become items of great value?  Or dusty relics of another luxury marketing partnership gone south? I tend to think the latter is the case, and that these watches have seen their high watermark when it comes to the price.

Case in point: just today I happened upon a “small number of Panerai for Ferrari Gran Turismo Rattrapante Chronographs…available…for a very limited time at a very special price.”

FER 005, Brand New Never Worn, Offered at $4,995

In fact, at the offered price of $4,995, these watches – the bearing the FER 005 reference number – are fetching just under 35% of their original retail price.  Put another way, they are over 65% off.  This represents a significant discount to the current asking prices for these watches on the ‘Net grey market.  It is even way below what some individuals are asking for a used FER 005’s.  While this is most likely very unfortunate if you are a seller or holding inventory of these watches, it is for you as a buyer a chance to own a high quality Panerai watch with Ferrari logo at a phenomenal price.

If you are interested in the dealer who is offering Ferrari Gran Turismo Rattrapante Chronograph watches at 65% off retail, send me an email or ping me on Twitter and I’ll tell you.  And in case you wonder, I have no relationship or financial interest in helping to sell these watches, I merely use them to make my broader point…..

which is that the dissolution of the Panerai / Ferrari partnership and the unheard of liquidation sale for the FER005 is NOT merely a coincidence!  And although this is merely a sample size of one, I think it portends a very soft market for the Panerai Ferrari watches for many years to come.

What is your opinion on these watches and their future value?

New Brand, New Model – it tells the time, plain and simple…

The 4N-MVT01, by François Quentin

Limited edition of 16 in 18-carat white gold and 16 in platinum

Price: unknown

This is the first watch from a new brand known simply as “4N”.  4N – which stands for “4 numbers” and is a reference to the four digits on a digital counter which represents the tens of hours, hours, tens of minutes and minutes – was founded in 2009 by designer François Quentin.  François Quentin is perhaps best-known as a  co-founder of the avant-garde watch brand HAUTLENCE in 2004 (along with Renaud de Retz and Guillame Tetu), and as co-designer of the Tambour, the flagship model released by Louis Vuitton several years ago.

The idea behind 4N was/is to create a simple digital display and propose a mechanical alternative to analogue timepieces with moving hands, and I like what François Quentin came up with in this regard.    The model you see above is formally known as 4N-MVT01/D01/4². While this odd naming structure perhaps suits the tastes of its designer just fine, I think it is a rather unremarkable model name that will not leave a strong nor lasting impression in anyone’s mind.  Which is too bad, really, because the watch is actually quite interesting.

Quentin has purportedly tried to steer clear of “complex effects and has refrained from adding aesthetic and technical touches which might take away from the visibility of the hour display”.  However I must voice some disagreement with this notion because while the time is clearly displayed at the center of the dial, the dial in its entirety reflects and openworked effect and is actually somewhat visually distracting.  That is, distracting as compared to an alternative such as simply showing the time and hiding the rest behind the dial.  But lest I be accused of quibbling (which I probably am), I do admit that I like the watch as it is.  The time appears and is displayed in one way only, and while the whole assembly does reveal a pattern of scattered figures, the time is clearly displayed on a horizontal plane in the centre of the dial, in strong, bold lettering.

The movement is manual winding, with time display based on a clever configuration of discs rotating in discontinuous mode. Three discs sub-assemblies, made of aluminium or titanium alloys and held in carbon cage structures, are activated to reveal the time on a display which changes as each minute passes (4 discs for the hour, 5 for the minutes and 1 for the tens of minutes).  The mechanism uses a constant-force jump system which guarantees minimum energy consumption, regardless of the winding tension.  Note also the two crowns on the left side of the case which enable hours to be set independently of the minutees.  Lastly, I also find interesting the strap, which is mounted on the case by an automatic fastening system and its length can be adjusted as necessary. Unfortunately I do not know the dimensions of the case, hopefully it is not too big.

In summary,  I must stay that I find 4N’s first watch to be quite refreshing!  It reflects out-of-the-ordinary thinking for doing something very ordinary – telling the time.  I’ll give François Quentin two thumbs up!

A Big Bang for Legendary Argentinian Footballer Diego Maradona….don’t miss the highlight reel

While recently I’ve been somewhat tough on Hublot – first criticizing it’s new website (which drew comments from JC Biver himself) and then it’s too many flavors of Big Bang (criticisms which were answered indirectly by JC Biver in a separate interview), I’ve always and still am a fan of the brand.   If there is one thing Hublot does supremely well, it would be its athlete ambassadors.  For example, I love the Red Devil Bang II (Manchester United) and the Bode Bang (skier Bode Miller).  And even though he is not an ambassador, our sports watch writer even spotted world super star sprinter Usain Bolt wearing a Hublot!  So when I heard that now Diego Maradona is Hublot’s newest ambassador, I simply said “Good call JC Biver, good call.”

So what to be said about this new Big Bang except that it looks sweet and I like it.  I love the color scheme that says Argentina all the way.  With only 250 to be made, I wonder how many will go to Argentina which will likely go NUTS to get their hands on the Big Bang that bears Maradona likeness on the back and his #10 from on the front.

If you have any doubt as to the legendary status of this footballer, well, the highlights could go on for days, but I dug up a very nicely produced and relatively short compilation that you might enjoy (there are actually quite a lot of them on YouTube if you are looking to kill some time)

Machined titanium case shaped like an engine block…

Limited Edition of 150 pieces.  Titanium case (44mm x 35mm), Movement is Chopard’s manual wind L.U.C. 1TRM tourbillon (COSC-certified, 60 hour power reserve), power reserve indicator on dial, sapphire crystal front and back, Hand-sewn black alligator strap with matching titanium buckle.  Price?  Easily north of $50,000.

Chopard L.U.C Engine One Tourbillon

Up Close (Power reserve at top, Tourbillon on bottom)

BASELWORLD 2010 is coming soon. You can see all the hot new pre-releases on Perpetuelle.com’s Official Baselworld 2010 Forum right now! And many many more when the event starts on March 18th. Just click here!

2010 TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster to include new TAG Heuer concept watch…

This is the new TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster on dispaly at the Geneva Motor Show.  The design was reportedly inspired by the new TAG Heuer concept watch which is to be revealed at Baselworld 2010 on March 18.  The car will also feature a TAG Heuer Meridiist mobile phone as well as a one-fifth second Heuer Limited Edition Stopwatch.  As for the car, well the Tesla Roadster is one sweet ride – what I instantly noticed about the TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster is the use of a green rearview mirror + green accents on the passenger side, and red rearview mirror + red accents on the driver side.  Most curious!

Cabin / Interior:

“TAG Heuer has a rich history and expertise with the world’s most prestigious racing teams — but this is the first ever partnership we’ve forged with an electric sports car company,” said Jean-Christophe Babin, President and CEO of TAG Heuer. “We believe that high-performance drivers are increasingly searching for products that are efficient, socially responsible and stylish. TAG Heuer and Tesla are two of the few companies arleady achieving these ideals today.”

“Engineers at both TAG Heuer and Tesla understand intuitively that technology — whether worn on your wrist or driven on the road — can help us live better while we tread more lightly on this planet,” said Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

TAG Heuer and Tesla plan to hold what will undoubtedly be a huge and celebrity filled launch part on March 18 during Baselworld 2010.

Special cradle/rest on the console for the TAG Heuer Meridiist phone

The special edition 1/5 second Heuer Stopwatch

An odd mix of modern and past day technology if there ever was one!

Even the speedometer is branded TAG Heuer!

Hat tip: Calibre11.

About Tesla Motors

Tesla is the world’s only automaker selling highway-capable electric vehicles. Tesla sells cars online and operates showrooms and galleries in London, Munich, Monaco, California’s Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, Colorado, New York, Seattle, Chicago and South Florida. Tesla has delivered more than 1,000 cars to customers in at least 21 countries worldwide.

The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than nearly any car in its price class and is twice as energy efficient as leading hybrids. It is the only highway-capable electric vehicle for sale in Europe or North America. The Roadster does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Tesla recommends a standard service and diagnostic inspection once a year – and Tesla can perform this service at customers’ homes or offices.

“3D” Machined Metal Dial…

The 80th Annual Geneva Motor Show runs from March 4-14, 2010 and you can count on all the players being in town – Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Porsche and more – to pull the cover off some so-sweet new rides.   In addition, “Instruments for Professionals” maker Bell & Ross has teamed up with Peugeot to produce a combination dashboard clock / watch for the Peugeot SR1 concept car that will be unveiled.  Most interesting here is that if you look closely at the watch, you will see that it is a good example of some high-tech machining – the dial is finely milled from a single block of metal (steel or aluminum…not sure?), giving it a neat intricate pattern and very cool “3D” effect.  You can also pop the watch into the dash of the car when it is time to hit the road – eh, why not…then you can put another watch on while you drive.

Bell & Ross SR1 Concept Watch (Show here “In Dash”)

Cool Machined Dial with “3D” effect

On Wrist

Peugeot SR1 Concept Car (2010)

There is an interesting artcile over at TheWatchLounge about the Alpina Extreme Tourbillon Regulator Manufacture which fittingly enough follows on the heels of another interesting post over there about the real worth of a tourbillon – I just have to throw my 2 cents in here, because it seems that Alpina is going to price this new tourbillon watch at around $50,000.   Really?  Alpina?  Really?  And to think they have 18 of them to sell.

Let me just say that when I think of Alpina I am NOT thinking of spending $50 large, even if it is a “fairly valued” tourbillon. If I can spend that kind of money on a watch, I am already a “Player” – and I don’t need to “be one” by owning an Alpina (Alpina’s current marketing slogan:  “Be a Player”).   Even with a nicely done tourbillon and silicon escapement.  Do you see the contradction here, people?  I also find the overall design of this watch highly lacking in its visual appeal.

While I could surely apply this analogy to several watches, this is the first it popped into my head so it will go to Alpina:  this whole situation reminds me of Volkswagon’s move “upmarket” a few years back….turned huge flop – more commonly known as the Volkswagon Phaeton.  Sure it is a souped up luxury car…but at the end of the day it’s still a Volkswagon!

While I admire its gusto, I think that Alpina is reaching way, way over its head on this one.  That said (and note to Alpina):  if and when you sell all 18 of them, please let me know and I will gladly give you the props you deserve for in fact properly assessing your market.

Strange Bedfellows?

Update 2/19: Pics emerge (below)

At SIHH we saw Cartier’s ID One Concept Watch (video here, pics here).  Now it is evident that Chanel has likewise been up to something “big” and the word on the new Chanel J12 Tourbillon Retrograde Mysterieuse Concept watch will be out at Baselworld 2010, if not sooner.  More to come…..for sure….stay tuned in.  Here’s the preview video:

While Americans and other nations were celebrating Valentine’s Day on February 14th, the Chinese were celebrating the beginning of the New Year according to the Chinese lunar calendar.   Each Chinese New Year is, among other things, associated with an animal, and this year it is the Tiger.  I am actually working on another story for a watch brand that is issuing special watches to commemorate the “Year of the Tiger”, and while doing this I learned that watch brand Ernst Benz has produced its own commemorative watches for the occasion, and they are pretty eye-catching:

While Ernst Benz is not for me, mostly because their signature size of 47mm is far too big for my smaller wrists, they make some neat looking watches that have engendered a solid following.  Designed and manufactured in Switzerland, the Ernst Benz ChronoScope PEK Limited Editions you see above come in Black and “China Red” color variations and are to be limited to only 88 pieces.  Additionally an even more limited version of only 8 pieces per dial which be available in Black PVD.  The dials feature a Traditional Chinese pattern for fire (look closely you will see it) as well as incorporate Traditional Chinese characters for the numerals; with the 8th hour marker written as 08 signifying the importance of this momentous year.  If you are wondering what’s up with all the number “8″ business it comes down to this – the number 8 is a “lucky number” in China ie one of prosperity and wealth in Chinese culture.  Other design elements include a specialized version of the Traditional Ernst Benz hands as well as the EB signature black PVD coated rotor (not pictured) for both the steel and black PVD designs.

Interested in buying?  You can order one right now from Barney’s New York for $6,800.  The price seems a quite steep to me, but I suppose Barney’s knows a thing or two about selling expensive items so I’ll leave it at that.  Anyway – just think of all the wealth and good fortune that would come to you if you happened to get number 8/88!

For those of you wanting to know more about the Chinese New Year, I recommend what else but Wikipedia.  And as for the other “Year of the Tiger” watch I mentioned, I hope to be back soon with more information…stay tuned in.

As I write from Perpetuelle.com Headquarters (East Coast USA) – underneath about 32 inches of snow…and still snowing…

Switching it up a bit from the many Baselworld 2010 pre-releases we are covering here, I wanted to show you a very special unique piece (or “piece unique” as the French may prefer to call it) that was recently unveiled by high-end and very talented watchmaker Parmigiani Fleurier (commonly known as Parmigiani).  Of course those of you who saw Parmigiani at SIHH 2010 in Geneva already know of this watch   It is the Tecnica Crystallisation watch.  While I’m not exactly sure what the inspiration for this watch – “mineral crystallisation” – is all about, I do know that this is a pretty incredible watch.  Aside from its obvious visual appeal, the watch has some neat elements – a skeletonized dial, a tourbillon, and a minute repeater with “cathedral” chimes (which I would like to hear!).  I am hoping to get some more background information on this watch and I will let you know if/when I do.

On the back:  enameling work with a three dimensional effect

Model

Tecnica Chrono – unique piece

Theme

‘Crystallisation’ inspired by mineral crystallisation

Movement

PF353  Skeleton, Manual winding, power reserve 48 hours, frequency: 3 Hz – 21,600 Vib/h, 47 jewels, tourbillon, minute repeater with 2 “cathedral” chimes, rhodium-plated bridges with lengthwise hand-drawn strokes, bevelling and backing hand polished, steel circular-grained lengthwise

Functions

hour, minute, minute repeater and chronograph

Case / Exterior

round case: 44.0 mm, thickness: 16.00 mm

material: 950 platinum, polished finish

double knurled bezel

water resistance: 3 bar / 30 m

crown: 7.0 mm, cabochon in genuine blue sapphire

case-back with sapphire crystal

double case-back with hand-engraved hinge according to the theme

covered with translucent grey enamel

individual number No. 12995 and UNIQUE PIECE engraved on the case-back

Dial

sapphire base, sand-blasted areas; transferred black minute track, counters and logo; transferred blue ring; “Javelin” shaped hour and minute hands in blued steel, with superluminova; chronograph minute counter hand and central seconds hand in blued steel.

Strap

‘Hermes’ type blue alligator strap with knurled 750 white gold ardillon buckle, polished finish