The Rauschenbach Era of IWC – IWC History

February 4, 2010 at 5:50 pm · Filed under Seiko Articles ·Tagged ,

Despite the huge success it enjoyed, IWC was sold to the Rauschenbach family in 1880. Since then, IWC entered into the Rauschenbach Era and its ownership was changed from American to Swiss. During this period, four generations of the Rauschenbach family dominated IWC with different names.

First Owner from Rauschenbach

The first owner from the Rauschenbach family was Johann Rauschenbach-Vogel, who was a local machine manufacturer at Schaffhausen. He bought the company in 1880. IWC was called Internationale Uhrenfabrik by then. But just one year later, Johann Rauschenbach-Vogel died and IWC was taken over by his son, Johannes Rauschenbach-Schenk, the second owner from Rauschenbach family.

Second Owner from Rauschenbach

Johannes Rauschenbach-Schenk was only 25 years old when he took over IWC. IWC was named Uhrenfabrik Von J. Rauschenbach by then. With the help of the experienced and loyal IWC staff called Urs Haenggi, Johannes Rauschenbach-Schenk ran the company successfully for 24 years until his death in 1905. During this period, sales grew significantly in the European market. IWC’ motto, Probus Scafusia, meaning good solid craftsmanship from Schaffhausen, was also advanced at this time.

Third Owner from Rauschenbach

After the death of J. Rauschenbach-Schenk in 1905, his wife, two daughters and their husbands, Ernst Jakob Homberger (director of G. Fischer AG in Schaffhausen) and Dr. Carl Jung, became the new owners of IWC. They ran IWC as an open trading company by the name of the Uhrenfabrik Von J. Rauschenbach’s Erben.

Later, E.J. Homberger took over the company as sole proprietor. He led the company through the most difficult times when the two world war and the world economic crisis broke out. His great contribution was honored in 1952 with a award of honorary doctorate by the University of St. Gallen.

Last Owner from Rauschenbach

E.J. Homberger died in 1955. His son Hans Ernst Homberger became the last of the Rauschenbach heirs to run IWC. He had joined his father’s company in 1934 and took control of IWC since his father’s death.

Hans Ernst Homberger’s major task was to develop the company to keep it stay ahead of the increasingly fierce competition in the watch making industry. He built a new premise to the original factory, bought new machines, and set up modern pension fund for the staff. E.J. Homberger continued to run IWC as a sole proprietor. He died in 1986 at the age of 77.

Many of IWC’s iconic watch models and technical breakthroughs were born during this period. For example, the IWC Ingenieur collection, the first automatic wristwatch with a soft-iron inner case, was introduced in 1955. In 1978, IWC introduced the world’s first titanium watch case and bracelet. And the revolutionary IWC Da Vinci collection was unveiled in 1985.

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Fine Pearl Jewelry – Pearl Jewellery

February 4, 2010 at 11:49 am · Filed under Seiko Articles ·Tagged ,

When it comes to buying fine pearl jewelry, not only women look for elegance and exquisiteness but also the fine pearl jewelry must be of excellent quality and above all affordable. Among gold, silver, diamond or platinum jewelry, pearl jewelry made with selective lustrous high quality pearls handcrafted to its finality is equally appealing and truly gives value for the money. Often fine quality pearl jewelry has been a precious family heirloom possession handed down from generation to generation. Pearls natural iridescence and gracious appearance around the neck when worn as a necklace with any attire truly enhances women’s beauty and style.

Although it takes 40-50 pearl beads to make a full strand of pearl necklace but each pearl has to be carefully hand-knotted and stringed together nicely. There are various types of pearls such as freshwater pearls, akoya pearls or seawater akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls, South sea pearls. All are cultured pearls and each type of pearls commands different prices because of its quality, size and colors. Choosing the right pearl size, shapes and quality is no less important. There are various pearl necklace lengths ranging from 12” to over 36” and each one has its own charms but the most famous and largely sold are pearl princess lengths that is about 16”-18”in lengths.

Pearl Collar – 12 to 13 inches

Pearl Choker ~ 14 to 16 inches

Princess Necklace ~ 17 to 19 inches

Matinee Necklace ~ 20 to 25 inches

Opera Necklace ~ 26 to 36 inches

Pearl Rope ~ 37 inches or longer

Pearl is often used to decorate the fine pearl jewelry made from various metals, stones and gems etc. It’s the artwork of jewelry designers. Women have always been enchanted by the beautiful artwork and the gorgeous appeal of any fine pearl jewelry. Each piece of fine pearl jewelry stands for its own beauty and style. Fine pearl jewelry is considered to be the best and perfect gifts for loved ones among other jewelry. Pearls natural shine is very appealing and adding the complete pearl set to any wardrobe is an excellent choice by many. Fine pearl jewelry must be kept well and stored carefully wiping off the dirt and sweat after every use.

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Monster Lobsters – How To Find Them?

February 4, 2010 at 5:48 am · Filed under Seiko Articles ·Tagged ,

Always start with the safety first school of thought and plan your dive out ahead of time. Then stick to your plan. Monster lobster have a plan of staying safe and so should you. Check your gear and the local dive shops for diving conditions.

Occasionally, you can dive across a monster lobster in a good visibility situation, but more often you will bag these monsters in very low visibility. Check areas with deep crevices and ledges to hide in. Usually about 10 to 30 feet, but this 10 to 30 feet is in low to no visibility with high surge and currents.

I have found monster lobsters under ledges with sleeping nurse sharks. The biggest one I came across was at 0 to 5 feet vision, with medium surge, in a depth of 25 feet, and an off shore swim of about 175 yards. The tools required are your hands, a bag, a tickler stick, and an extra set of hands.

When you come across a lobster hiding in a hole, if you can’t get your hand in there to pull him out, you put the tickle stick under his tail and tickle him out. He will start moving forward and then once you get him, hang on. They tend to get angry and beat you with their tails. Be gentle but firm as to not break off the legs, these are the sweet meat.

Lobsters live in rocky areas and artificial reefs where there is an ample food supply and an easy route to deeper water for upcoming storms. They choose low visibility areas to avoid sight predators and prefer deep holes and deeper ledges.

The Spiny Lobster varies from the Maine Lobster and is quite different. They seem more rugged, quicker, and more intelligent. Maybe it is due to the water temperature that keeps them hopping. The biggest similarity is they both taste good.

Diving the ares where the monster Spiny Lobster live is not for the beginning diver. It generally involves a shore dive with limited to no visibility, light to heavy surge, and rocky, natural ledges and outcroppings.

If you don’t mind the sharks at Sebastian Inlet, heavy surge and strong currents, the most famous site is Monster Hole. Many divers have bagged the big ones here. Wabasso Beach in Vero Beach will bring a few less sharks and a lot less current. If you take some time here you can bring home a monster.

Spiny monster lobsters live throughout the Florida coast and the Caribbean. There is a limited season to dive for these beauties. From April first to August fifth except for Sport Season which is the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July each year. Sport Season is special because you get to bag more than the usual daily limit of six per person per day, but may vary from year to year.

Monster Lobster are an adventure to find. Enjoy the dive, stay with your buddy, and make a planned dive and stick to your plan. Bring home your own monster lobster.

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History of Tissot Watches

February 3, 2010 at 11:47 pm · Filed under Seiko Articles ·Tagged , ,

Tissot, a Swiss watch company, was established in the year 1853. Charles-Félicien Tissot with his son Charles-Emile set the foundation of this prominent business in the city of Le Locle. Buoyed by an extremely pioneering spirit and a forceful drive for mechanical craft, these two initiators brought in to the watchmaker’s trade a sturdy and skilled company.

All the way through the existence of the Tissot Company, the firm has forever fascinated the thoughts of people across the globe. Right from the very inception, the company possessed technicians and engineers, contributing thoroughly in the growth and development of new innovative watch models. Led by a strong technical team, it incidentally went on to become the first producer of the antimagnetic watch. It also holds the glorious record of being the first to produce plastic watch, the “Rock Watch”, the “Wood Watch” and “T-touch”.

Along with the production of some exemplified “first of its kind watches”, the Tissot Company also has its presence felt in the history of sports. It got its share of fame by participating vehemently in some major sports events: linked with Davis Cup in 1957 as the timekeeper and also took part at the downhill skiing in Switzerland in the 1938. At present, Tissot Company is the authorized timekeeper for various sporting galas: road biking, circuit racing, cycling, ice hockey and fencing. All these sporting affairs call for supreme dependability and correctness; they signify the meticulousness, significance and excellence of the Tissot Company. The company has rejoiced 150th anniversary of its esteemed institution in the year 2003. The Tissot brand, without any doubt, is not only one of world’s most admired ones but also one of the most sought after brands in Switzerland itself.

From the year 1985, the Tissot Company has been attached with the Swatch Group. From the same period onwards, it has been characterized by a networked system of merchants in 140 countries all around the world. Since all Tissot watches are fashioned in Switzerland itself, which facilitates the company to make use of the “Swiss Made” brand. The Company tenders a broad array of products that will catch the attention of both admirers of a pleasant design and enthusiasts of watchmaker’s technology.

In the recent years, the company has transformed itself into a more popular brand than ever. It could well be attributed to its “T-Touch,” expertise. In this unique range of watches, a number of new watches encompass “touch-sensitive navy faces” and comprise compasses, barometers, altimeters and thermometers. Same range of watches has further provided it a boost by featuring in some movies: as in The Cradle of Life and Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

Those who get gratification by having fine quality watches, admire these traits in Tissot watches. By and large, it is rated as the foremost watch brand that presents high class watches at mid price range. Tissot is on its way to take their sports sponsorship to a towering height by becoming the official timekeeper and partner of some grand sporting events like Olympics and other adventure sports. By sponsoring some big names in the sporting arena, it has already created a niche for itself that cannot be easily taken over by its rivals in the near future.

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Seiko 5 Automatic Watch – The Watch of High Value

February 3, 2010 at 5:46 pm · Filed under Seiko Articles ·Tagged

Seiko 5 has become a household name when it comes to high-quality watches. The name tells all you need to know and all you want in a watch. Aside from the features that it has that prove the quality that Seiko 5 watches has, they are now seen in different styles fit for today’s generation. That makes it cool for one to own one, guaranteed to stay that way for a lifetime. Where can you get a watch of high value like that?

So what makes Seiko 5 the best buy? Simple. That is how this automatic watch got its name. The features define the reasons of their famous reputation. And when you see Seiko 5 on your watch, you can really say that you got yourself a great buy.

Seiko 5 watches are the automatic. Kinetic energy makes it possible for automatic watches to run with precision without batteries. Because of this feature, this automatic watch will last for a very long time. Now that’s quality that never goes out of style even in generations to come.

Water resistance is also a highlight of Seiko 5 watches. This is how this automatic watch tolerate water just in case it gets deep into the water. There is no chance for water to cause damage to the mechanism of this amazing timepiece. That is one extreme thing about Seiko automatic watch that is an added factor to its durability.

Seiko 5 is also shock resistant. Now that’s toughness on the move. these automatic watches are highly durable and will still function to its ability even during bumps and drops. Good for those users who are active and are fond of physical activities.

The date and day displays complete the magic five features of Seiko 5. This automatic watch is updated with the date and the day accurately and automatically.

Seiko 5 watches do not only boast their high-durability mechanism but also their physical style, making these watches a hip and cool to wear. These automatic watches have a vast collection of watches that have these features and make up this unique timepiece. It come in different stunning and luxurious styles to choose from to fit you personality.

Seiko automatic watches had a large share of the market and they will still continue to be. They always develop new innovations and style but the Seiko 5 signature will always be a part of more watches to come.

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The Maxi Dress – Every Woman Should Have One Or Five

February 3, 2010 at 11:45 am · Filed under Seiko Articles ·Tagged

Anybody can wear maxi dresses; the trick is not to let this quintessential woman’s dress wear you. The Maxi remains one of this seasons hottest trends, were it ever not a hot trend? The maxi style has been around for almost as long as the modern understanding of “fashion” has been with us.

The Maxi Dress for The Mini Woman

Maxi dresses look naturally great on stars like Angelina Jolie and Kate Moss with their willowy frames and legs as long as skyscrapers – that’s a given. The height-challenged, however, would have to give it a bit more thought. A woman’s dress such as these with long, flowing skirts easily have the tendency to swamp a considerably diminutive frame. It is, therefore, a must for a petite woman to pay close attention while shopping for a maxi dress.

The skirt is the biggest challenge for a woman with a smaller frame. Maxi dresses generally sport diaphanous skirts that could shelter a brood of children, usually in the flowing gypsy style. The voluminous style of the maxi, can however make your profile look wider and shorter. A close-fitting, well-cut skirt in a bias or A-line cut will keep this casual or formal dress proportionate to your small frame.

For the small frame, follow the principle of keeping the top part as close to the body as possible. A halter dress with a fitted top is usually a safe bet. You can also go for an empire-style cut. This flatters most figures, so you can avoid being drowned by the dress. Maximize the maxi look with a cotton halter neck dress.

The whole idea of the maxi is to add height, not take it away, so it’s a good idea to accessorize this day or evening dress with chunky-heeled wedges and platforms, or strappy stilettos. Compliment the maxi dress with accessories like chunky jewellery, oversized sunglasses, and large bags. This allows you to maximize the look; although, do take care not to overdo it.

The Maxi Dress for The Maxi Lady

The great thing about the maxi dress is that it’s very kind to the average woman, including the well-endowed. Larger women, therefore, can look feminine without much painstaking thought. With a maxi dress, you can subtly disguise an ample derrière under gracefully flowing skirts.

Even woman that might be slightly top-heavy can pull-off maxi dresses easily. Although spaghetti straps should be avoided like the plague, you can go for V-necked, bandeau, or halter-style tops to flatter your assets. Avoid elasticized tops, though. Over-straining can happen, this is not only uncomfortable, but can be embarrassing.

Do choose your colors and prints with prudence. Naturally, a black dress is the safest choice, but bold colors and loud prints like a colorful border flower print are also just as flattering. Avoid small floral patterns and pastels – these are better suited for more petite figures.

Once in awhile, a rare trend comes along that everyone can enjoy. This year, it’s the maxi dress. So whether you’re looking for a prom dress, or a frock to wear on a pleasant day out, the maxi gives you maximum style with minimum risk.

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A Brief Look Into the Different Functions and Styles of Watches

February 3, 2010 at 5:44 am · Filed under Seiko Articles ·Tagged , , ,

Watches have gradually changed over time but are still a big hit in the fashion world. Watches not only are a great instrument for telling time, but can really put an added dimension to the attire you wear and the style you project. Choosing the right watch is a delicate process because of all of the choices and different prices there are.

Most watch companies sell watches in various styles and prices so that they can appeal to all classes of people. However there are a few companies who just deal with high end watches and require a hefty fee to wear their watch.

Even fashion design companies who primarily deal with clothes and attire are jumping on the watch making bandwagon mainly because of how elegant and stylish a watch can be. In fact, I would even go as far to say that watches, especially on men, may be the most important added element that defines their sense of unique style and fashion.

There is definitely more that goes into the watch though than just their looks. Some of these high class watches are intricately designed and are precise pieces of time keeping. The mechanics of the watches are made of the finest craftsmanship and a lot goes into each and every function that watch can do.

Today, watches are way more advanced than the watches of the past. Watches used to be all made of a winding mechanism to keep track of time. If you forgot to rewind the watch the watch would then stop keeping the time. This made it difficult to be places on time, especially if the watch stopped in the middle of the night!

Nowadays, watches are made digitally and run off of battery power that can even be recharged by solar energy. This way the watches won’t ever stop keeping track of time, unless of course you live in a basement away from sunlight for years at a time.

They also can pull time from an atomic clock so that the watch is as accurate as possible. Watches today carry all kinds of functions that watches in the past didn’t. Of course today we have the internet and wireless capabilities that give watches a big advantage in terms of capabilities that they didn’t always have.

For example, watches can read depth and altitude, receive alerts and alarms, tell us the temperature, and even send and receive messages. Although the watch functions are increasing in terms of capabilities, many of them can be better served by a cell phone.

When choosing a watch for yourself, find one that fits your own unique style and personality. All of the added functions may or may not be necessary for you. So choose one that looks good on you, is accurate, and fits your price range.

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Three Things to Consider When Deciding on a Dive Watch

February 2, 2010 at 11:43 pm · Filed under Seiko Articles ·Tagged , ,

A few things to consider when you are out searching for just the right dive watch for you or someone you are shopping for.

First, exactly what will be the main purpose of the watch? If the wearer is going to need it be a divers watch solely for the water resistant value of most divers watches, it should be easy enough to find one that has an excellent water resistant rating and depth.

Second, will the watch need to be worn on more than just the main occasion? Sure, they are going to wear it diving. But will they also need a watch that they can wear to dinner, weddings, parties, or out hiking in the woods with their friends? If so, make sure that it is not only water resistant but that it is also attractive and durable so that wearing it in otherwise unlikely places will not damage the watch very easily.

Third, cost. Depending on the features that are required with the watch, the price can go up considerably. Obviously there are watches that appear worthy of a very high pricetag at first glance but if you take a closer look at the options available on such a watch, chances are you can find one much cheaper that have the same options but are not quite as fancy looking to the eye. Quality and craftsmanship are wonderful but if you are sacrificing practicality because of price or looks, you are going to be disappointed in the end.

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Algerian Love Knot – Popularity of a Love Knot Necklace

February 2, 2010 at 5:41 pm · Filed under Seiko Articles ·Tagged , , , , ,

The Algerian Love Knot is being sought after since Bond girl Vesper Lynd wore that necklace in ‘Casino Royale’. While the original piece was designed and manufactured by Sophie Harley, its price tag puts it out of reach for most of us. Meanwhile similar necklaces are available for a fraction of the original price, which makes it affordable for the average customer as well.

Within living memory, all kind of people believed in the magical abilities of knots. Already primitive cultures trusted in their magical power which they traditionally associated with things like weather, health, spirits and love. The latter usually consists of at least three, sometimes more, intertwined rings created from wire, that are flattened after fabrication. Typically standing for completeness and constancy it can be found in most cultures referred to as the Celtic love knot. This kind of knot became fashionable and popular in the 18th century as the knot was used by sailors to remind them of their beloved ones left at home.

What makes the Algerian Love Knot so popular?

In Casino Royale, Bond girl Vesper Lynd, starred by Eva Green, wears the Algerian Knot necklace throughout the whole movie and it totally steals the show. This necklace is created from intertwined gold and silver rings and while its ancient symbols touch the mythical mysteries it makes a perfect match to James Bond 007’s mix of action, intrigue and romance and emphasizes Vesper Lynd’s secret. Subsequently the Algerian Love Knot became a hit, especially within James Bond fans.

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Citizen Watches – Citizen Men’s Chronograph Bl5315-50E Dive Watch Review

February 2, 2010 at 11:40 am · Filed under Seiko Articles ·Tagged , , , , , , ,

Once you place your eyes on Citizen BL5315-50E from Citizen watches you are certain to admire the strong and manly looks of this watch. The watch is more like a sophisticated gadget on your wrist with black circular dial having three sub dials. It’s an awesome, great looking dive watch with water resistance capacity up to 200 meters. The stainless steel case and bracelet with a satin, brushed finish gives the watch a rough and tough look. The watch has luminous white hands and markers. The hand to display seconds is also in white color. The Citizen BL5315-50E features perpetual calendar, which automatically adjusts for odd, even months and leap years through 2100. The chronograph function in the watch measures up to 60 minutes of time. The watch has one way rotating elapsed time bezel. Three sub dials on the watch display time in 24 hours, chronograph time, and functions respectively. All of the three sub dials have red detailing which makes it really easy to read. Apart from this, the Citizen BL5315-50E also has time reset advisory, power saver function and alarm.

The Citizen BL5315-50E comes from Citizen eco-drive family of watches that means you do not have to worry about replacing the battery of your watch. The watch generates power from any source of light and recharges the battery inside the watch. However, you should expose the watch to direct sunlight initially to obtain the maximum charge levels. Later on normal home or office light conditions are sufficient enough to keep the battery within BL5315-50E charged at desired level. Once the battery in the watch is fully charges it can keep a power reserve up to 270 days. The watch also has a low charge indicator on the dial.

Overall, the Citizen BL5315-50E is a good diver’s watch for the price you pay. It has got everything you would expect from your dive watch and magnificent looks are real plus. Besides the BL5315-50E, Citizen watches has also introduced some alike models with more or less similar features but little different in colors and looks. You should checkout these similar models as well before finally deciding over a dive watch.

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