As popular as the classic Mondaine design is, for some reason, I don’t think they have released a mechanical chronograph Replica Wittnauer watches until now. It is true that most of the Official Swiss Railways watches have Swiss quartz movements inside, but recently Mondaine as been stepping it up a notch with mechanical movements. For 2010, they will release the Mondaine Valjoux 101 – limited to 101 pieces. The “101″ number is the number of years ago that a legendary locomotive car was built for the Swiss Railways (back in 1909). The watch contains a Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement – which the name of the watch is clearly defined.Mondaine places the Valjoux 101 watch in a 42mm wide steel case with a sapphire crystal front and back (for a view of the movement). As a collector’s piece, the watch is excellent being popular as an iconic looking Mondaine timepiece, and for finally being just such a model with the highly popular Valjoux 7750 movement. The inclusion of the chronograph enhances the look of the ubiquitously known timepiece. It is still pure function and legibility with a side effect of being good looking. The watch crown has red lacquer applied with a white “M” for Mondaine logo. It comes on a *** black leather strap and makes for a great looking Mondaine that will satisfy watch lovers and brand fans alike. Price is reasonable at 2,500 Swiss Francs, but with just 101 pieces, these Valjoux 101 Replica Wittnauer watches are going to be hard to get.
Back in the 1900s, before the term “superyacht” was coined but at a time when many moguls sank their fortunes into boats big enough to merit the moniker, the largest vessels competed in “Big Class” yacht races. Now to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the launch of the famed Westward racing schooner, the Royal Yacht Squadron (Cowes), New York Yacht Club (Newport) and the Yacht Club de Monaco (Monte Carlo) are inaugurating the Westward Cup Regatta. The invitation-only event will be held July 5 – 11 in Cowes, Isle of Wight, home of the Royal Yacht Squadron and site of the world’s oldest regular regatta.Among the massive classic yachts slated to compete are the stunning 49-metre Westward replica Eleonora (above); the Brittania, a replica of King George V’s royal yacht of the same name; the perfectly-restored19-metre Mariquita, built in 1911; and the Mariette designed in 1915 by the famous Nathaniel Herreshoff. In addition to the regatta itself several posh events are planned including an owner’s dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron and a banquet at Queen Victoria’s Isle Replica Wittnauer watches of Wight estate, Osborne House. Didn’t get an invite? Not to worry, for €59,000 per week you can charter the Eleonora and stage your own damn regatta.
