Glovebox: Time Traveler
February 1, 2008
Ordinary GMT (Greenwich Mean
Time) watches provide time for only two locations, but Carl F. Bucherer’s new
Patravi TravelTec GMT delivers accurate timing in three zones, making it the
ideal instrument for, say, splitting business trips in Tokyo and London with an
impromptu heli-skiing respite in Whistler. In addition to the typical hour and
minute markers and a red 24-hour hand, which manage two time zones, the
TravelTec features a 24-hour rotating bezel—framing the elegant chronograph
display—to keep track of a third region, which is set via a patent-pending
push-button mechanism at 10 o’clock rather than an additional crown. With three
positions—westward, eastward, and neutral (the last prevents unintentional
setting)—the innovative mechanism facilitates rapid adjustments and, thanks to
ultra-durable diamond plasma-treated gears that have been surface-hardened to
5000 Vickers, can be tuned as frequently as your passport is stamped. The
Patravi TravelTec GMT boasts CFB 1901.1 caliber COSC-certified automatic
movement with 39 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve. Additionally, the sapphire
crystal has anti-reflective coating on both sides to keep the face clear and
devoid of blemishes. The Patravi TravelTec GMT ranges in price from $10,900 in
stainless steel with a calf leather strap and deployment clasp ($11,400 with a
steel bracelet) to $44,000 in 18-carat rose gold with a calf leather strap and
solid gold deployment clasp, and $58,000 in stainless steel with a full diamond
bezel.
Carl F. Bucherer, 800.395.4306,
www.carl-f-bucherer.com
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