Frédérique Constant Healey Chrono-Automatic and Stoptimer
by Marco Gagliano on May 14, 2010
tagged as: cars healey watches frederique constant
The beauty of vintage Austin-Healey cars is hard to deny. Soft, round curves, glossy chrome accents, hand stitched leather interiors are all appealing features. Frédérique Constant is one of the watch manufacturers that relate to this classic design. Teaming up with Healey collector clubs around the world, FC became the official timing partner for many themed races including the most recent 2010 Healey Challenge in the UK. What better way for a watch company to celebrate such a partnership than with the release of a limited edition timepiece? Alas the Frédérique Constant Healy Chrono Automatic.
The New Automatic chronograph offers a few perks for collectors. Each variation will be produced in limited numbers. 1,888 copies of each model will be built. A specialized presentation case will carry each watch as well as a matching mechanical stop-watch symbolizing the importance of timekeeping in the world of sport racing.
A dark brown dial and strap are fitted on the rose gold plated version of the Healey Chrono
Austin-Healy, high-performance sports cars are characterized by classy and elegant designs. Inspired by this design, the case of the Healy Auto Chronograph, is classically sporty. The 43mm, stainless steel case is finished by hand to a immaculate shine and plated with rose gold for model number FC-392CH6B4. The bezel and side of the case are rounded mirroring the intakes and curvatures of the Big Healeys. The back of the case is equipped with a see-through sapphire window which exhibits the movement like an engine. Healey Drivers Club of the UK, the world's oldest Club, has their logo engraved near the individual watch number. A screw-locking crown and a water resistance rating of 100 meters ensures that the Healey Chrnographs can be submerged safely in shallow water, which I doubt is the case for the cars that will take part in the race.
Like a chromed V8, The FC-392 calibre movement displays immaculate finishing techniques and a solid assembly. The self-winding chronograph movement is based on the workhorse ETA 7750 mechanism, which beats at 28,800 vph and offers a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. All specialized finishing, engraving, and modifications to the mechanism are effectuated at the Frédérique Constant facilities in Geneva, which are equipped to manufacture movements from the ground up.
On the dial of the Healey Chronograph are the most notable tips of the hat to the Healey cars. The logo is clearly displayed near the three o'clock mark and the bold Arabic numerals are in the styles as on a speedometer. The hour markers are applied to the dial and therefore are slightly raised. Phosphorescent paint coats them. The white version of the dial on the FC-392HSDG6B6 is quite dashing. It is accented using the dark green of the Healey logo. On the rose gold model, a semi-glossy, dark brown dial with the same applied, luminous markers. Thick alpha hands tell the time and tiny leaf-shaped hands indicate the chronograph's stop-watch measurements within the subsidiary dials. Details such as these beautiful subsidiary hands and raised markers are welcome by watch enthusiasts who can never look at a piece from too close.
The Healey Chronos are available in stainless steel and with a warm rose gold plating
The Frédérique Constant Healey Chronograph limited edition models are an homage to the collectible vintage sports cars by way of stylistic details such as the rounded sides and bezel and the Healey logo on the dial. The The Healey Drivers Club's logo is engraved as a nod to the world's oldest club of Austin-Healey car collectors and host of the 2010 Healy Challenge in the UK. Watch collectors will appreciate the specialized presentation case, matching mechanical stop watch that come with every Healey Chronograph, as well as the limited production numbers of the watches in the collection.
Contact the Matt Baily boutique for more information on the Frédérique Constant Healey Chrono-Automatic watches.
The limited edition Healey Chrono-Automatic come with a matching, mechanical stopwatch.
Paul Newman 1925-2008
by Dino Standjofski on October 1, 2008
tagged as: sports pre-owned rolex watches cars celebrities
Paul Newman, known for his piercing blue eyes, boyish good looks and stellar performances in scores of hit Hollywood movies, has died. He was 83.
Newman, who had been battling cancer, passed away on Friday, Newman's Own Foundation said in a statement from Westport, Connecticut.
'Paul Newman's craft was acting. His passion was racing. His love was his family and friends. And his heart and soul were dedicated to helping make the world a better place for all,' Foundation Vice-Chairman Robert Forrester said.
Newman played youthful rebels, charming rogues, golden-hearted drunks and amoral opportunists in a career that encompassed more than 50 movies. He was one of the most popular and consistently bankable Hollywood stars in the second half of the 20th century.
The link between Paul Newman and the watch world is through Rolex. His huge enthusiasm for car racing is the probable cause for connection between the Rolex Daytona and his name.
The Rolex Cosmograph was so useful in calculating the average lap speed, that Rolex nicknamed it 'Daytona' after the infamous motor sport capital Daytona Beach in Florida. A few models of the Daytona were available with 'exotic' dials. One of these exotic dials, is believed to be worn by Paul Newman in the movie 'Winning.' Although Mr. Newman claimed that his first Daytona was given to him by his wife in 1972 and did not have an 'exotic' dial, the most coveted and collectible Rolex watch in history still carries his name.
But Paul Newman was a great ambassador for Rolex even if one disregards that particular model. He is often pictured wearing a Daytona and will always be remembered by race fans for his feats in the motoring world including being the oldest driver ever to compete in the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
The F1 Grand Prix Gets the Festivities Started
by Marco Gagliano on June 5, 2008
tagged as: sports watches cars
Montreal is a well known summer destination for travelers from around the world. It is because the city offers a fantastic array of festivals and activities for visitors to enjoy. This weekend the parties kicked off with the advent of the F1 Montreal Grand Prix. Starting on Thursday, at least four principal Downtown streets have been closed to traffic to allow pedestrians to enjoy a plethora of activities.
Car enthusiasts are often also lovers of mechanical watches. Both of these items are incredibly complex and functional art. For this reason, the Grand Prix weekend is a great chance for us to meet collectors and to educate curious passers-by. Often we will get glimpses at some extraordinary watches on the wrists of visitors. The Azimuth Gauge Chrono or the Ferrari Fer0001 are perfect examples of how motor-sports and luxury watch-making go hand-in-hand.
As the summer progresses, the world renowned 'Festival International de Jazz de Montreal,' the biggest of its kind, will bring hundreds of world-class musicians to the city. Other happenings include the Just-For-Laughs comedy Festival, several international film festivals, and NASCAR.
There is a reason for anyone to come to Montreal during the summer. For information on events contact us via phone or email.
Bell and Ross Creates a Dashboard Clock for Peugeot
by Marco Gagliano on January 31, 2008
tagged as: cars watches bell & ross
In 2006, Bell and Ross teamed up with Peugeot to create a stylish, aerodynamic dashboard clock. Since then, the timepiece has remained a constant fixture in their concept cars. The 2008 release continues in this tradition, featuring the B&R clock prominently mounted to the dash. The following photos are from their original collaboration. Noteworthy, and still to our liking here at Matt Baily.
If you're a car buff, you may be interested in a review of Peugeot's new 308 RC Z
