Proof positive that buying nice watches leads to good things

Drexel product Battle hopes to catch on with Sacramento Kings

By BOB COONEY
Philadelphia Daily News

It could turn out to be one of the best investments Robert Battle has ever made.

The former Drexel star's journey to become a professional player has taken him to a few tryouts with NBA teams, and to many successful seasons overseas.

But it was a fascination with a wristwatch that may ultimately land the former Northeast High star on the premier basketball stage.

"I was vacationing in Las Vegas last month, at the Palms, and I kept passing this watch store, looking at a Breitling watch," he said Monday night. "I kept going in and looking until I finally did buy the watch. I had been in there so much that I got to be friends with the owners. We got to talking and they asked what I did for a living and I told them I was trying to get an opportunity to play in the NBA. They told me they knew the owners of the [Sacramento] Kings and for me to give them my cell number and they would pass it along. One thing led to another . . . "

The Maloof brothers, who own the Kings, got in touch with Battle and there was a lunch meeting. Battle, however, returned to Philadelphia and was actually at Great Adventure in Jackson, N.J., when he got a call that the Kings were interested in him.

Early yesterday morning, Battle, 28, got on a flight and returned to Las Vegas to be a member of the Kings in the NBA Summer League, which begins Friday.

"It really is a funny story," he laughed. "I've been trying to get into the NBA since I left Drexel and now it might happen because I wanted to buy a watch and found out about it when I was getting ready to go on a ride at Great Adventure."

The 6-8, 240-pound Battle has been honing his skills overseas since last playing for the Dragons in 2003, and has had much success. He has played in Mexico, Turkey, Argentina and Spain. He was instrumental in leading Valladolid to the Spanish League title this past season, averaging 12.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and two blocks a game.

After being named the Colonial Athletic Association's defensive player of the year as a junior and senior, as well as a first-team all-conference player, Battle said he had workouts with the Knicks and Sixers before he decided to go overseas.

"You know, for some players, going to Europe is a no-brainer," he said. "You could hang in the NBA and be a 12th man and make the minimum [salary]. Or you can go over there, make even better money and get a lot of playing experience.

"I've learned an awful lot in my years playing over there. I think I've become more of a complete player. Teams over there are truly teams. You don't have one guy jacking up all the shots. There is a lot of ball movement. I've learned to play the game better. I've become very good at playing the pick-and-roll and I've developed a good midrange shot. I can handle the ball much better than I did at Drexel and I'm much quicker at getting off the floor for rebounds."

Before this year, his summers were mainly spent in the city where he first learned his basketball skills.

"I would always come back to Philly and work out with the strength and conditioning coach at Drexel, Mike Rankin. I'd also play a lot at La Salle, where a lot of guys go to work out."

This summer will be different for Battle, and maybe his most memorable. All because of a fascination with a piece of jewelry.

"It's always been a goal of mine to play in the NBA," he said. "Maybe this is the start of something, who knows? But I'll go out there and do my best and we'll see."

Ultra-High Net-Worth Consumers Rank the “Best of the Best” Luxury Watch Brands

News Release: Ultra-High Net-Worth Consumers Rank the “Best of the Best” Luxury Watch Brands

(NEW YORK) April 16, 2009 – The Luxury Institute reported today the top-rated luxury watch brands in the 2009 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey, which identifies the top brands that exhibit true luxury in numerous categories based solely on the independently verified ratings of wealthy and ultra-wealthy consumers.

Ultra-high net-worth consumers rated IWC the “Best of the Best” among 33 luxury watch brands.IWC is the top-ranking brand for three out of four components of the LBSI. IWC also swept highest scores as the luxury watch brand that wealthy consumers consider to be most worthy of a price premium and are most willing to recommend. Consumers who rated IWC number one described the brand as “rare and exceptional,” “the standard” and having “unique design and classic looks.”

The LBSI asks high net-worth consumers to rate luxury brands by category across four equally weighted components: Consistently Superior Quality, Uniqueness and Exclusivity, Making the Customer Feel Special across the entire experience and Being Consumed by People Who Are Admired and Respected.

The “Best of the Best” are: (LBSI score out of 10)

· Luxury Watches

o IWC-7.87

o Patek Philippe-7.65

o Vacheron Constantin-7.52

“In the U.S., IWC is a luxury brand that stands out beyond their product history, great design, quality and craftsmanship,” said Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute. “It is a brand that seeks to create seamless customer journeys while other brands struggle to deliver disconnected customer experiences. It is a brand that cares deeply about customer feedback and is among a few luxury brands that has active collector communities. At a time when many luxury brands are having identity crises in the midst of an economic crisis, IWC knows exactly who they are, what they offer, and who they serve. They are a true 21^st century luxury brand, as rated by the ultimate brand constituents: consumers. Additionally, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin are consistently rated among the top luxury watches by ultra-wealthy consumers. The ability of these brands to be rated so highly year after year makes them brands that deliver the luxury value consumers look for universally”.

The proprietary Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey is the only unbiased measure of the prestige of leading brands among wealthy and ultra-wealthy Americans. A national sample of 1,013 ultra-wealthy American consumers, with minimum investable assets of $2.0 million, and median investable assets of $4.1 million, was surveyed online. Survey results are weighted to match demographic and net-worth profiles of the same audience according to the latest Survey of Consumer Finances from The Federal Reserve.

About the Luxury Institute (www.LuxuryInstitute.com)

The Luxury Institute is the uniquely independent and impartial ratings and research institution that is the trusted and respected voice of the high net-worth consumer. The Institute provides a portfolio of proprietary publications and research and consulting services that guides and educates high net-worth individuals and the companies that cater to them on leading edge trends, high net-worth consumer rankings and ratings of luxury brands, and best practices. The Luxury Institute also operates the LuxuryBoard.com (www.LuxuryBoard.com), the world’s first global, membership-based online community for luxury goods and services executives, professionals and entrepreneurs.

Steve McQueen's Rolex sells for $234,000

June 15, 2009

New York--Watches and memorabilia from the late Steve McQueen, the legendary actor who rose to fame during the 1960s in films such as Bullitt and The Great Escape, were among the pieces that inspired frantic bidding at Antiquorum's summer auction in New York City.

The June 11 auction brought in a total of $5,706,324, with McQueen's own vintage Rolex, Ref. 5512, fetching an impressive $234,000--twenty times its estimate and a world record for that reference.

A total of 81 percent of the 416 timepieces in the summer auction were sold by lot and 122 percent were sold by value. Bids came in from across the globe, including from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Italy, Germany, France and Romania. In addition to the telephone, room and commission bidders, 478 bidders competed via the Internet.

Among the additional McQueen pieces featured in the sale were the actor's Scott Super Squirrel motorcycle painted by Von Dutch, which sold for $276,000, double its estimate, and the Heuer "Monaco" he wore in the 1971 racing film Le Mans, which sold for a world record $87,600.

"Today's auction is clear confirmation that in the current market, collectors are looking for horological rarities with noteworthy provenance, such as Steve McQueen's Rolex and Heuer," Antiquorum President and Chief Executive Officer Evan Zimmermann said in a media release. "The excitement that we saw in the auction room was reflective of the desire collectors have for exceptional watches that truly stand the test of time and offer sound investment opportunities."

Other watches that fared well in the sale included Patek Philippe's rose gold Ref. 5004 and pink gold Ref. 5970, which sold for $252,000 and $132,000, respectively, as well as Patek's "Limited Edition Annual Calendar with Silicon Escape Wheel," Ref. 5250G, which fetched a record $138,000.

Rolex's "Double Red Sea Dweller," retailed by Cartier, sold for $91,200, and Ref. 6239, a stainless steel "Paul Newman Daytona" attained $84,000, while the "Pro-Hunter Black-Carbon Daytona" sold for $42,000.

Other high-grade luxury watches that did well included A. Lange and Sohne's "Pour Le Merite," which sold for $156,000, and Jaeger-LeCoulte's "Platinum Master Minute Repeater," which sold for $126,000.

Jaeger-LeCoultre rolls out the red carpet in front of its new Boutique in Cannes

Posted on: Monday June 1 , 2009  2:18:01 PM

Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, the reference in Swiss fine watchmaking, is inaugurating a new showcase in Cannes to present its collections and its exceptional expertise. Cannes thus becomes the third Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique in France, alongside the two already located on the Place Vendôme in Paris and in Lyon, and the 28^th boutique worldwide.
 
Between the red carpet ceremonies before the daily screenings of the films competing for a set of awards including the prestigious Palme d’Or, the 62^nd edition of the Cannes International Film Festival sees the unveiling of a new Jaeger-LeCoultre “embassy”. The official opening was presided over by the elegant Jaeger-LeCoultre muse, Diane Kruger, the Deputy Mayor of Cannes, Bernard Brochard, and Jaeger-LeCoultre CEo Jérôme Lambert. 
 
Cannes, a dream town for a dream brand
As the international film capital graced with stunning sea views and sun-drenched charm, Cannes inspires dreams the world over. It is the very emblem of luxury and excellence, values shared by the Swiss fine watchmaking brand renowned for its quality, innovation and daring.
The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique, run by the Julian family which has been partnering Jaeger-LeCoultre for many years, enables both locals and visitors to discover, or renew their acquaintance with, the reference watch brand endowed with a taste for challenges and creativity matched only by a passionate dedication to its art.
 
The collections are presented within an interior design with a display concept reflecting the Art Deco spirit and playing on symmetry, geometry and pure lines. Subtly graded shades of ochre are associated with authentic materials such as leather, American walnut wood, steel and slate. This magnificent setting echoes the calm and serenity of the Vallée de Joux, the enduring source of inspiration for the “artisans of time”.
 
Diane Kruger, a talented fairy godmother
Diane Kruger, the Jaeger-LeCoultre muse since 2007, embodies the epitome of elegance and glamour in each of her public appearances. Currently featured in the latest Quentin Tarantino film, Inglorious Bastards, and in Lascars by Vincent Cassel, Diane Kruger took the opportunity of her stay on La Croisette to inaugurate this new Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique and to admire the new release from the Manufacture. For this auspicious occasion, she wore a Reverso Squadra Lady fully set.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Watch To Be Destroy

Jaeger-LeCoultre Watch To Be Destroy

A collector's watch will be destroyed in 15 days if a $340,000 ransom is not met, according to SoKoBe.com. The jewelry company said its prized Gyrotourbillon 1 watch by Jaeger-LeCoultre was stolen by a masked villain.

New Gyrotourbillon 1 watch by Jaeger-LeCoultre held for randsom of $340,000.

"We are completely devastated to think that such a rare creation could be lost forever," said Rudi Merom, online director for SoKoBe.com.

The villain has confirmed a 15-day deadline for the $340,000 ransom to be met, according to SoKoBe. Whoever pays the ransom by June 16 will keep the Jaeger-LeCoultre watch.

"We would rather see the watch in the hands of someone who values it rather than see it destroyed," Merom said.

The Gyrotourbillon watch is like a work of art, as it is one of only 75 in the world, according to SoKoBe.com. The world's leading watch auctioneer recently sold a used Gyrotourbillon watch for approximately $312,805. The new Gyrotourbillon held for ransom is worth $400,000.

Any interested ransomers who want to save this watch should visit SoKoBe.com's Gyrotourbillon 1 page.

The stolen Gyrotourbillon watch is new, boxed and includes all the original manuals and paperwork. It is scratch resistant and made from ruthenium. The Gyrotourbillon is rhodium plated with black numerals. Its engine is a Jaeger-LeCoultre JLC 177 with 679 parts, 117 jewels and two barrels with a sapphire base and cover.

SoKoBe.com is a high-end jewelry company. It offers a wide range of cuts and settings for rings, earrings, watches, necklaces and pendants.

Pocket Watch Recovered fromTitanic Victim Goes on Public Display











Pocket watch survived the wreck of the Titanic.



A pocket watch formerly owned by Titanic passenger, John Chapman, has been put on public display for the first time. Chapman, 37, took passage on the doomed luxury liner with his young bride, Lizzie Chapman, 29. They had been heading to America to be near Mrs. Chapman's brother and planned to run a farm and start a family together.
When the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink, Mrs. Chapman actually entered one of the ship's few lifeboats. Upon learning that her husband would not be allowed to accompany her, she turned to her friend Emily Richards and said: "Goodbye, Mrs. Richards. If John can't go, I won't go either."
The couple drowned when the mighty ship sank into the icy water minutes later.
Mr. Chapman's pocket watch stopped at precisely 1:45 AM on April 15, 1912--the moment he entered the frigid water. The watch was later recovered along with Mr. Chapman's body.
Now the watch is being shown for the first time at a new Titanic exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, Cornwall.

Long-Hidden Message FinallyRevealed in Lincoln's Pocket Watch

Abraham Lincoln's Inscribed Pocket Watch

For generations it has been rumored that there was a secret message engraved by a watchmaker in 1861 inside the case of a gold pocket watch that belonged to Abraham Lincoln.

On Tuesday, March 10, at the request of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, NAWCC member George Thomas opened the back of the timepiece to formally investigate the claim that there was a hidden message on the underside of the watch movement.
The following inscription was found:
"Jonathan Dillon April 13- 1861 Fort Sumpter was attacked by the rebels on the above date. J Dillon," and the brass underside of the watch movement reads: "April 13- 1861 Washington thank God we have a government Jonth Dillon."

The back of the watch movement also bears two other inscriptions: "LE Grofs Sept 1864 Wash DC," presumedly engraved by another watchmaker, and what appears to be "Jeff Davis." Jefferson Davis was the president of the Confederacy and may have been engraved there as an expression of a later repairman's pro-Confederacy sentiments.
Sadly, the pocket watch is no longer functional. "It's frozen," Mr. Thomas said. "It hasn't been touched in a hundred years."
After the internal workings were photographed for posterity, the watch was carefully reassembled. It will be placed back on exhibit at the Smithsonian, now accompanied by a closeup photograph and a written transcript of the engraving.

1950 Ulysse Nardin Chronograph

17 jewel movement