Don’t Miss the Joke of the day…

It took Omega this long to come up with this?  Yes, another boring “me-too” watch app for the iPhone.  Breitling Panerai, IWC, Bell & Ross, etc. etc.  are no better and their iPhone apps are BORING as well.  Which brings me to the…

Joke of the Day

Q:  What is a Swiss luxury watch brand’s idea of e-commerce?

A:  Having a “Find Nearest Authorized Dealer” function in its iPhone App.

The Allure and Intrigue of Amorphous Metals…

Let’s take a closer look at Liquidmetal Technologies (“Liquidmetal”), a company that has been getting a lot of attention this week, most recently by our friends over @Hodinkee.  You may think this is somewhat off topic but I promise you that if you read on you will see that I have quite nicely tied this story into the world of luxury watches

Liquidmetal Technologies is the only bulk producer of what are known as “amorphous alloys” i.e. liquidmetal.  Readers of this blog will recognize “liquidmetal” for its use in the special edition Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Liquidmetal, the watch which this blog was the first to discover and report on back in October 2, 2009.  I later reviewed the watch on June 8, 2010.

What you may not know is that Liquidmetal Technologies is actually a publicly traded company which trades on the pink sheets (LQMT.PK) aka a penny stock.  By many measures the company has not performed well in the last year or so – its sales for 2009 were approximately $14.7 million, down from $22.7 million in 2008.  2009 net income was a paltry $0.3 million, though an improvement from an $8.3 million loss in 2008.

I wonder if the company’s financial performance has anything to do with its obviously short-sighted and ill-fated attempt to market its technology for use in what would surely be insanely over-priced flash drives.  To see what I mean, check out this video, which by the way reminds me of TAG Heuer’s laughable attempt at sellling its own 8gb flash drives for $360 a pop!

Liquidmetal Flashdrive Video

But wait a minute, wait a minute—-WHAAAT?  Did you catch some of those luxury brand logos in the video?

Jaeger-LeCoultre, Montblanc, Piaget Liquidmetal Flash Drives — WTF?!?!?

OK that is just weird, isn’t it?

Let’s get back to my discussion about recent events involving Liquidmetal –

The company’s stock had long traded for less than a quarter per share until August 6, 2010 — the day after the company licensed its liquidmetal patents (on an exclusive basis for the field of consumer electronic products) to none other than Apple .  However — interestingly and perhaps questionably — the company did not issue a press release announcing the deal with Apple.  It was not until August 9, 2010 that Liquidmetal’s agreement with Apple was formally filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange commission via Form 8-K and the story was picked up by leading tech blogs CrunchGear, Engadget, and Gizmodo.  But the word was obviously out on August 6, as evidenced by the stock action:

So why all the hype about Liquidmetal? Well, it turns out the company does have some pretty cool technology:

Liquidmetal vs. Titanium vs. Steel Demonstration Video

The thing is, though, I wouldn’t get too excited about seeing liquidmetal used broadly anytime soon.  Why?  It’s expensive.  As much as $1,500 an ounce expensive.  This is because of some of the exotic raw materials such as beryllium and platinum that are used in some of the Liquidmetal alloys.

The high cost is also why Omega has indicated that it does not plan to use liquidmetal on a broad basis, either.

This said, I would not doubt the genius of Apple to figure out a way to mainstream the technology.  It is also interesting to me that this technology found its way into the world of luxury watchmaking, thus giving me a reason to write about it!

Here’s a nice video production by Omega – see how the new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Liquidmetal is made!

Also, be sure to see my prior posts for more pictures, discussion and a review against a standard Planet Ocean ref. 2201.5000.

• OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean “Liquidmetal” – A Ceramic-bezel Planet Ocean is here (October 2, 2009)
  
• Omega Liquidmetal Planet Ocean Review (June 8, 2010)
  

Limited Edition enamel dial, Omega-logo hands…

This is the soon to be introduced Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra XXL Small Seconds.  It is a HUGE watch — the case is 49.2mm in diameter — and will be produced in a limited edition of 88 pieces in white gold and 88 pieces in rose gold.  The special thing about this particular model is that the dial is made of enamel and the sterling silver small seconds subdial is applied on top of the enamel — it probably looks very nice up close.   The watch is fitted with Omega’s COSC Caliber 2211, visible through a sapphire crystal caseback.  The best thing, though, are the hour and minute hands.  In the “close-up” photo I posted below, you can see that they have “Omega” symbol at the tips — this based on a design patented by OMEGA in 1924.   Price is probably well north of $5,000.

All in all, a nice looking watch — but far, far too large for my wrist!

Close-up Showing the “Omega” tipped hands

While in New York this past weekend, I dropped by the Omega boutique (55th & 5th Ave.) to check out the new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Liquidmetal watch.  Having first written about this watch on October 2, 2009 (check out my original post here), I was excited to finally get to see it “in the metal”.  Now I thought I would share a few of my observations with you.

First, let’s take a look at the Seamaster Planet Ocean Liquidmetal (reference 222.30.42.20.01.001) and the regular Planet Ocean (reference 2201.5000) “side by side”.  Disregarding the slight color variance of each image (this is a function of using stock photos from Omega’s website and not distinct differences in the watches themselves), do you see any differences?  Study the images carefully and then read on!

So what did you observe?  Not much, right?  Truth be told the differences are minimal.  The only somewhat obvious difference is that the “Seamaster” notation (near the top of the dial) is in red font color on the new Liquidmetal version.

Though upon closer inspection, there is another subtle difference on the dial.  That is, the Liquidmetal version is marked “ZrO2″.  See the image below where I have highlighted this.  It is unfortunately hard to see from Omega’s stock photos, but up close and in person — really anytime when the time is not 10:10 (!!) — it is easy to observe.

“ZrO2″ is a reference to zirconium oxide, a key material in the special bezel which consists of black ceramic fused with Omega’s new Liquidmetal material.  Liquidmetal is special alloy consisting of five elements: zirconium, titanium, copper, nickel and beryllium.   Zirconium is an important constituent part both of the Liquidmetal alloy and of the ceramic material which is made of zirconium dioxide (Zr02).

Speaking of the bezel, you may have noticed it is hard see a difference between the two in the photos I share here.  In fact, the differences between the ceramic+Liquidmetal bezel and the regular PO bezel to the “up close and personal” observer are also minimally discernable.  To be honest, other than its lower likelihood of being scratched, I was not overly impressed with the Liquidmetal bezel as compared to the regular PO.  In fact, I observed that its color was not as “pure” of a black color as the 2201.5000.  It seemed to have a slight sheen to it.  Not that this is necessarily a bad quality, just different.

The caseback is also specially marked.  It has a special “Liquidmetal Technology” logo, the “Ceramic ZrO2″ reference,  as well as the limited edition numbering:

Photos: Omega.

Here are a few additional observations that I made:

Case Size

The Seamaster Planet Ocean Liquidmetal watch is available exclusively in the 42mm case size.  The regular Planet Ocean’s are available in both 42mm and 45.5mm.  Too bad they did not make some of each size.

Movement

Like the comparable Planet Ocean (reference 2201.5000), the Liquidmetal has an Omega Caliber 2500 which is chronometer certified and utilizes Omega’s famous co-axial escapement.

Price

The price of the Planet Ocean Liquidmetal is about $5,700.  This is almost $2,000 more than the comparable standard Planet Ocean (the 2201.5000 reference no.), a hefty premium.

Of course, the Planet Ocean Liquidmetal is a limited edition piece — only 1,948 will be made vs. how many millions of regular Planet Ocean’s are out there — so perhaps the premium is justified.

In summary…

I am asking myself this:  “Is the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Liquidmetal worth the extra cost?”  For me, I will have to say “no”.    First, I would prefer the watch in 45mm rather than 42mm.  Second, there is minimal distinction between a regular Planet Ocean, particularly a casual observer or watch enthusiast.  The subtle dial differences and the minimally different looking bezel just don’t give it enough “wow” factor for me to want it more than a regular Planet Ocean.  Sure, the caseback engravings are cool and a nice touch, but how many times do these features really get observed and appreciated.

While the 1,948 units of the Planet Ocean Liquidmetal will surely not have trouble finding homes, my hope is that Omega will figure out a way to expand the use of its ceramic and Liquidmetal technology that will bring the price down — and the value proposition up.  Only then will I give it another look and consider making a purchase.

In a case that was ruled on December 3, 2008 by the United States Court of the Ninth Appeals, the Associated Press reports that the U.S. Supreme Court will hear Costco’s appeal of the Ninth circuit’s ruling that sided with Omega in its attempt to invoke U.S. copyright law to halt the discount sales.  Beyond just Omega and Coscto, the case has important implications for discount sellers (e.g. Costco, eBay and others) that form an estimated $58 billion annual market for goods that are purchased abroad, then imported and resold without the permission of the manufacturer — ie the “gray market”.

Be sure to check out the good synopsis and discussion over at Patently-O blog.  Or drop a comment with your thoughts below!

OMEGA-sponsored Solar Impulse officially makes its maiden flight…

OMEGA announced yesterday:

On a perfect spring day with a clear blue sky over the Swiss town of Payerne and a dramatic Alpine panorama in the distance, the Solar Impulse prototype plane, HB-SIA, took off on its maiden flight at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.  Solar Impulse founders and co-pilots André Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard followed the plane in helicopters throughout its two-hour flight. Borschberg reflected the feelings of the entire team when he said, “After almost seven years of work this is an unbelievable moment for all of us. We were fully concentrated but we were also able to enjoy this remarkable success.”  The Solar Impulse prototype, with its 63-metre wingspan and weighing only 1700 kg, was flown by test pilot Markus Scherdel.

The aircraft successfully landed after its long-awaited maiden flight with a perfect landing at the airport in Payerne after about two hours in the air. The flight proved to be emotionally charged. Bertrand Piccard commented, “I had too many tears in my eyes to see the plane! It went so silently, so softly . . . I’m overwhelmed.”

A beautiful and impressive aircraft, isn’t it?  When I consider that it is solar-powered I am even more impressed!  As you can see in the pictures, OMEGA is one of Solar Impulse’s Main Partners, and has supplied capital, technological and other support.  Of course what would such an arrangement be without a special wriswatch?  Let’s take a closer look at the Omega Solar Impulse aka the Omega Speedmaster HB-SIA Co-Axial GMT Chronograph Ref # 321.90.44.52.01.001:

Titanium case (44.25mm), black carbon fiber dial, Omega Caliber 3603 (COSC)

You may remember our friends at Hodinkee profiled this watch a year ago this month; if not, check out their article now!   Like Hodinkee, I had the opportunity to take a closer look at this watch in the awesome Omega Boutique in New York, and I can attest to its “coolness”.  As you might expect the watch is very light given its titanium case and the carbon fiber dial is a nice touch.  The caseback is also pretty cool:

Price in the boutique is $8,600 if my memory serves me right — but if you shop a bit you should be able to acquire this watch for around $6,000.

As for the Solar Impulse and its ultimate goal? Well, its team dreams that their work will one day result in the ability for man to circumnavigate the globe in a plane powered only by solar energy.  Stay tuned in at http://solarimpulse.com/.

Great Story Watch…black meteorite dial…

OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Apollo-Soyuz “35th anniversary”
Black meteorite dial with silvery finish subdials in rhodium-plated circling
Limited edition of 1,975 pieces

A very well written history of the Apollo-Soyuz, Courtesy of OMEGA:

July 15th, 1975 marked the beginning of an important chapter in space exploration. On that day the United States launched an Apollo rocket, referred to as the Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) Command Module and the Soviet Union sent Soyuz 19 into space.

Two days later a remarkable thing happened: the two spacecraft representing these former adversaries in the space race docked and the three astronauts and two cosmonauts met in the middle where they shook hands, exchanged gifts and spoke with each other as they orbited the Earth.

The ships remained docked for 44 hours after which they separated, and manoeuvred to use the Apollo to create an artificial solar eclipse which allowed the crew of the Soyuz to take photographs of the solar corona. Another brief docking was made before the ships concluded their own journeys separately. The Soviets remained in space for five days altogether, the Americans for nine.

It was the first time that spacecraft built by different nations had docked and signalled an era of cooperation in space which would lead to the efforts to build a permanently occupied space station. The mission also marked the end of an era – it was the final flight of the Apollo spacecraft.

While the Apollo-Soyuz mission is best remembered for its political significance, it also resulted in some major technological achievements as neither of the spacecraft, which were completely different from each other, had been built for the purpose of docking.

The American crew was commanded by Thomas Stafford and included Vance Brand and the last of the original seven Mercury astronauts to make it into orbit, Donald K. “Deke” Slayton who had long been grounded due to a heart problem. The two-man Soviet crew included Valeri Kubasov and the first space walker, Alexei Leonov.

Both the Soyuz and Apollo crews were equipped with OMEGA Speedmaster X-33 wristwatches.

The ASTP Command Module splashed down on July 24th, 1975 after 217 hours, 30 minutes in space.

The Apollo era had landed. It would be six years before another American astronaut would fly in space aboard the reusable Space Shuttle. All of the Shuttle astronauts were equipped, of course, with OMEGA Speedmasters.

The rebirth of a diving legend continues in 2010…

In 2009 OMEGA introduced an updated version of the classic and instantly recognizable wristwatch. Equipped with a Co-Axial calibre 8500, the new Ploprof 1200M is water resistant to an impressive 1200 metres (4000 feet) and it artfully combines its ancestor’s legendary features with OMEGA’s state-of-the-industry Co-Axial technology.  This year Omega extends the successful reintroduction with a new white dial mode of the PloProf.  Gotta say I think this watch might look even better with white dial (vs. black), except the orange rubber strap is a must.  The white strap is, well, very feminine looking.  More pics posted! I’ll be back with more pics later…stay tuned in!

Ladies Speedmaster Gets Sized Up

At Baselworld 2010 Omega will show off the new Speedmaster Ladies watch.  In contrast to the current ladies Speedmaster which has a 35.5mm diameter case, this one is sized up to 38mm.  Personally I love the look of a slightly larger watch on a ladies wrist and this watch should be just perfect for that.  Not to big, not too small – very attractive!    The two-tone case is primarily stainless steel, “dressed up” with an 18-carat pink gold, diamond-set bezel (54 diamonds!).  The watch comes on a matching grey alligator strap.  All in, a good looking watch. 

OMEGA Speedmaster Ladies 

If this one does not jump out at you, you may want to check out these other recently introduced Omega ladies watches which I find to be equally attractive in their own way: The Omega Planet Ocean Ladies (chronograph, “dive” style watch) or the Omega De Ville Co-Axial Chronometer for Ladies (with blue dial with white mother-of-pearl sub-dials and diamond bezel).

Did You Know?

The legendary chronograph has a long list of adventures to its credit, including every one of NASA’s piloted missions since May of 1963. When Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the lunar surface in 1969 wearing his OMEGA Speedmaster Professional, the watch achieved true iconic status.

Ladies (or Gentlemen) what do you think?

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!