Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

Gregg Hall asked:


Aviator watches or Pilot Watches are very similar to dive watches in that they are often worn by people who have no connection whatsoever to flying or being a pilot. Most of these watches are sold to people who simply like the way they look. While I have no problem with this, actually I love it since it earns me money; this article is geared more on what to look for in a functional aviator watch.

There are several different types of pilot watches so let’s take a look at some of them. The first are those issued or designed to be issued to actual pilots and their crews mainly from WWII through the Vietnam War. Some of these watchmakers include IWC, Benrus, and Longines. Most of these pilot watches were just basic 12/24 military timekeepers and did not feature the chronograph function. These watches are really not true pilot watches as a chronographic feature is really a necessity especially when flying a plane with only basic instrumentation.

Some of the current aviator watches on the market today such as those made by Blancpain, Breuget, Breitling, Longines and others do have an actual aviation heritage and utilize some basic design components in the dial, movement, or case that go back to the watches made specifically for aviators. Most still fall into the designer watch category and do not really function well as true pilot watches.

Now that we have covered a little of the history of aviator watches and talked about the pilot watches that are really not suitable for flying, let’s take a look at some of the watches that are actually chosen and used by pilots and others in the aviation industry. Among these we will list vintage aviator watches and then current aviator watches.

Among the pilot watches considered to be vintage are the Longines Lindberg Hour Angle, named for Charles Lindberg, the Breitling Navitimer, Breitling Cosmonaute, and the Rolex GMT. The current versions of the Cosmonaute and the Rolex GMT are essentially the same as the vintage models. Some of the better makers of true aviation watches include Torgoen, Breitling, Omega, Citizen, and Seiko. Seiko is one of the most prolific of these watchmakers with a huge range of different models available.

Modern technology and increased instrumentation in aircraft has all but eliminated the need for a pilot to wear a watch but any good aviator will always have a good pilot’s watch as a backup.



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Discover romance against the sparkling city skyline. Chicago, the third largest city in the nation, is an exciting backdrop for a truly memorable Valentine’s weekend get-away. A cultural explosion, this Illinois city lies on the massive shore of Lake Michigan, offering the finest in soul, jazz, blues and gospel music, mouth-watering deep-dish pizza, champion sporting events and the city’s famous Chicago hot dog.

Transportation is easy in the nation’s hub, whether you arrive by air, rail or auto. Quickly and cost-efficiently move from Point A to Point B via Chicago’s extensive metro, known locally as The L. You can also make use of airport shuttles, city busses or Chicago’s historic and broad-reaching highway system.

When you visit, set aside a day to explore non-stop art attractions and shopping in and around the business district. At Armitage, you’ll find prestigious shops and million-dollar historical homes. Enjoy a more modern experience in the Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods, where you can grab a bite to eat and order a drink at a local bar.

For a low, fixed price, Chicago’s CityPass provides a steep discount on, and front-of-the-line entrance to, five popular tourist attractions including Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, Hancock Observatory, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, and Shedd Aquarium. Plus, don’t forget the unbeatable shopping opportunities that captivate you at Chicago’s Watertower Place, Michigan Avenue strip and Chicago Place where you’ll find Bloomingdales, Macy’s Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lacoste, Movado, Tiffany’s and countless one-of-a-kind boutique shops.

For the true sports fan, this city is an unbeatable haven. In 2006, The Sporting News named Chicago, home of 16 professional sports teams, the best sports city in the nation. Visitors can plan to spend an action-packed day at Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, US Cellular Field or United Center cheering on champion teams like the Chicago Bulls, Cubs, Bears or White Sox or Blackhawks. Chicago is also home to incredible indoor soccer, hockey, lacrosse and rugby. Pick your event, book in advance and experience the excitement. The day is guaranteed to be a winner.

For dinner, Chicago is renowned for it’s eclectic dining choices ranging from All-American to Korean, Italian and Mexican cuisine. Whether you prefer a posh, upscale establishment or the trendy Hard Rock Caf?you’ll find the hardest part is choosing just one. Add icing to the cake by giving your sweet a devilish fresh-baked cinnamon roll covered draped in sugary goodness from Ann Sather or specialty pastries from some of the nation’s most incredible bakeries.

The evening is rich with shows and entertainment. Spend an afternoon finding the ideal attire then leisurely enjoy a delicious dinner. Then sit back and enjoy an night filled with laughter and relaxation. Some options, requiring reservations, include The Blue Man Group, an artistic multimedia performance, or rotating shows at the Steppenwolf Theater, Goldman Theater, Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Symphony Center. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more casual, visit B.L.U.E.S on Halsted or Rosa’s Lounge on Armitage, two unbeatable local blues bars, The Hideout on Wabansia, an alternative folk and bluegrass bar, The Velvet Lounge, offering an incredible jazz atmosphere, or Green Mill on N. Broadway, former hangout for notorious gangster Al Capone, presenting an intense weekly poetry slam and jazz music.



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There is nothing more annoying than being late when you’re traveling. Whether it’s an important meeting or catching a plane or train, you do not want to over sleep. While you can rely on hotel wake-up services or the clock radio in your room, it’s always good to have a back-up plan. Your own travel clock will insure that you do not miss anything important. There’s a fantastic array of models and types available to please even the fussiest sleeper. The standard analog or digital travel alarm clock will fit easily into your lightweight luggage and they are not very expensive. They are available either with regular AA or AAA batteries, or with the button style battery that is used in wristwatches. They all have an alarm but many have extra features. All travel alarm clocks fold up compactly and are built to withstand the rigors of travel. Clamshell models have been available for many years while the newer models are made of more lightweight materials. There are travel alarms available with backlights, dual alarms or dual time, room temperature gauges and snooze buttons. Another popular feature is the date calendar with month, day and week display. Some of the models have atomic clocks that are set by the U.S. Atomic Clock via radio control. They are equipped with U.S. time or world time. These clocks will reset themselves to the correct time in each new time zone.

One of the newest features available are clocks that have a light on during the night. These are equipped with Auto Light Sensors that turn a light on when the clock detects darkness. The light can stay on all night or be turned off with a switch. These lights last over 2400 hours using only 1 AA battery. Other models have a nightlight that comes on automatically when the alarm is set. For those that like to sleep without the nightlight, there are models with a push button light if you need to check the time in the middle of the night. World time alarm clocks are favorites with the international traveler. They can easily see what time it is in all parts of the world. This certainly beats waking up family or friends in the middle of the night by accident. Travel clock radios are also popular. These are only slightly larger than the standard travel alarm, but will wake you to music if that is what you have become accustomed to using at home. All of these small travel clocks are reliable and easy to take along in your discount luggage. They are compact enough to tuck inside a shoe or sneaker. The travel clocks all have quart accuracy. These handy and reliable clocks are available from companies such as Easy-go, Franzus, and Oregon Scientific, as well as the larger clock companies such as Seth Thomas, Bulova and Seiko. You can find a style to suit everyone in every price range. Some of the dated models will also show the day of the week in a choice of languages that range from English to French or Spanish. If you have trouble sleeping, there are models with soothing sounds to lull you to sleep.

Some of the most elegant styles of travel clocks are available from the premium watchmaker, Movado. These travel clocks are beautifully made and handsome enough to grace guest rooms in your home. They also make ideal corporate gifts, and can be individually engraved or silk-screened with company logos. They are always well received as they are practical and useful which is always a winner as a gift idea. They are also popular for usher gifts, and for birthdays and anniversaries. Movado makes some of their models with dual-time, so you will know what time it is at home or at your next destination. Leather cases are included with other models. They all have the distinctive and easily recognizable Movado museum look.

These easy to carry travel alarm clocks are also popular with the college crowd. The most important feature they look for are the ascending alarm and the snooze button. The ascending alarms continue to get louder and louder until the clock is shut off. Grundig is of course a leader with the travel clock radios. They make many models that are ideal for travel and have world bands. There are ultra slim models that will fit in your pocket. The cover of the clock face doubles as the stand. These ultra slim travel clocks are easily packed away with your other travel accessories. Some of the dual time alarms flip from analog to digital. Their 2 1/4″ x 1″ size means it can go anywhere. College students also like the dual-time models with touch-sensor screen programming. These simultaneously display two time zones with two alarm settings for those busy travelers. No more excuses for being late!



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Have you every wondered why pens are such popular gifts? Think graduation, new job, special birthday or promotion. The pen is the perfect choice for each occasion. You try to convey a certain polished and professional look in business. You make sure your shoes are shined, and you always want to carry a nice briefcase. You know that your clothing and appearance says a lot about you. Do you realize that every time you have to fill out a form or write down a note the pen you use makes an impression? Pens also make ideal corporate gifts because they can have a company name or logo engraved or silk-screened. They can also be individually monogrammed with your name or initials. Women and men in business will pay attention to the pen they are carrying as well as the jewelry and clothing they are using. They want the overall picture to look professional and well polished. Nothing says ‘re serious about your profession more than a fine writing instrument.

Pens are available in every price range. There are the very inexpensive type that is give always at trade shows and hotels. There are also beautiful pens by Cross for under $25.00 and there are very elegant pens from Mont Blanc that can cost as much as several thousand dollars. There are brands in between such as Waterman, Vantaggio, Waterford, Parker, Sheaffer, Fisher and Movado. You’ll find these pens in a wide array of colors and patterns, as well as the traditional gold and silver tone. Passport cases with a matching pen are one of the most useful of your travel accessories. There are also journals with matching pens and the very handy pad cover with a similar pen. Every time you take out your pen to make a note, you’ll be showing that you’re a professional.

Some pens will be dual purpose. There is a pen from Sheaffer that has a highlighter and a ballpoint in one. Cross-makes a tech-3 pen with a red and black ballpoint, and a pencil. The Movado pen comes in a case with a Movado clock as part of the presentation. This is a really impressive gift set. Cross and Waterman still offer the very traditional pen and pencil gift sets. Accountants and Architects will often request pencils as their usual writing instrument of choice. Crossword puzzles aficionados will write with either a pen or pencil depending on their confidence level. One of the most popular pens to always have available is the Fisher Space Pen. This pen is only four inches long when closed, easily fitting in your pocket, in your discount luggage pocket or in any carry bag. Since it will write in any direction, even upside down, it is especially handy when traveling. Those familiar with the pen know it has traveled a very long distance since it is the pen used by Astronauts on all space flights.

Graduation is the time of new beginnings. Pens are very popular at this time because we all realize the importance of the first impression. Everyone wants the first time employee to look professional and ready for business. Somehow carrying a neon inexpensive pen or a broken pencil will not convey that impression. It doesn’t matter what your credentials are, you need to show you are ready for business. Fine writing instruments are also the perfect gift for your boss for the same reason. Busy executives often have several different pens. A lot of them are collectors and love to purchase the newest of the pens offered. They’ll carry several of them in their pocket and also in their briefcase. There’s nothing worse than having to ask someone else for his or her pen. It shows you are not prepared, and often no one wants to lend to his or her pen for fear they will not get it back. After all, it’s not just a pen; it’s a fine writing instrument.



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The day of your wedding is a very special day. Many people help to make it even more special to the bride and groom. Generally, they’ll be a rehearsal dinner prior to the wedding. A gift for the ushers and bridesmaids can be given out at that time. This is a way to say “thank you” to them for helping to make your day wonderful. There are lots and lots of choices for gifts. Something that can be personalized is the best choice. It shows you went to the extra trouble of engraving or monogramming and that the gift was really chosen just for that person. There are many gifts to choose from and they are available in every price range. If your wedding is out of town, you will want to choose something that can easily be packed in your lightweight luggage. To begin with, choose the price range you’d like to stay within. Then you can look at the many choices. Some popular items for the ushers are key rings, money clips, wallets, and pens. Cigar items and flasks have been and will always be popular. For the executive types, there are clocks, and desk style pieces. Leather pad holders are also popular and come in an array of different leathers and price ranges.

Because travel is so popular today, there are gifts that stay with that theme. You can choose among many engravable or personalized travel accessories. For the ushers there are leather shave kits, leather grooming cases, or travel duffels. All of these items may be individually personalized with their initials. Another popular choice today is men’s watchcases or valets. Valets will hold their change, keys, cell phones, etc., in one place and protect dressers and other surfaces from scratching. There are also the recharging valets that will hold everything while charging your cell phone, ipod, etc. This is a new item that has become extremely well received for ushers. Poker chips has also gained in popularity along with the many different games of poker being played nationally. These can be individually monogrammed on each chip, or the case can be monogrammed with the individual’s initials or name.

There’s an equally large selection for the bridesmaids. Jewelry boxes are one of the most popular gifts for the women. Jewelry is also popular and it is often given with a trinket box that is monogrammed with the name or initials of the recipient. Many of the same items that are given for the ushers can be given for bridesmaids. Pens, key chains and wallets are popular with women as well as men. Leather jewel rolls for travel are also popular. These gifts last a lifetime, and the occasion can always be remembered fondly. Some of these items, which have been popular as corporate gifts, will work equally as well as wedding attendant gifts. Women, as well as men, also appreciate some of the newer travel alarm clocks made by companies such as Movado. These gifts are elegant as well as practical.

You do not want to leave out the junior ushers and junior bridesmaids. There’s also a ring bearer, flower girl and any speakers who will come up to the podium and say a few words, or a prayer or special poem. A small thank you that is personalized will go a long way to saying your appreciation. Don’t forget the parents of the bride and groom. They have contributed to the success of the party and would love a picture frame or clock engraved with a “thank you” and signed from the new Mr. And Mrs. Last, but not least, do not forget each other. While purchasing for your wedding party it’s nice to remember the main participants – the bride and groom.



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Clocks make great gifts! They are perfect for so many occasions. Think about the obvious types of gifts, like an anniversary or a birthday. Also think about retirement, going away, new home or office, and engagement presents. There’s a clock for every budget, every price range and every type of taste or decor. From the traditional analog clock to the very modern digital there will be a style of clock available. Think about wall clocks and desk clocks. Over the fireplace, there are mantel clocks. For the traveler, think about the wonderful array of travel alarm clocks. It’s the perfect item of all of the travel accessories. You’ll find clocks available from well-known brands such as Seth Thomas, Bulova, Seiko, Howard Miller and Movado. Each brand has their distinctive look as well as different price points. Seth Thomas, Bulova and Howard Miller are known for the more traditional look, while Seiko and Movado are more modern looking. They all make wall or desk clocks. Some of them have musical chimes, some have light up features, and others are known for dual or world time. Newest of the features offered is the radio-controlled time. The time is set by radio waves sent from Denver, so that the clock is always up to minute.

Travel alarm clocks are available in every price range and brand. There are real inexpensive models that are popular as corporate gifts. Clocks can easily be engraved or silk screened with a company name or logo. They are so practical that they are always well received as a gift. There are expensive models that are the perfect executive gift. These can be personally engraved with the person’s name, initials or the occasion. Newest feature on travel clocks is the light up version where the light can remain on all night. This is accomplished with new LED technology and the clock’s light turns off in the morning to preserve the batteries. Some other popular features on travel alarm clocks are dual or world time, date and day showing, and ascending alarm. The ascending alarm will get louder and louder until you wake up and shut the clock off. Radio control technology is also available on travel alarm clocks and there are models with world time as well as U.S. time. Don’t forget that travel clock radios also are available in travel versions. There are people that just have to wake up to music or news - a buzzing or ringing alarm will not work for them.

There are some wonderful novelty clocks available. These will bring a smile to your face and be well received as gifts. They will make you laugh. The newest is the helicopter clock. This really makes “time fly.” The alarm goes off by sending the helicopter flying about the room. It will not turn off except by getting up, finding the helicopter and putting it back onto the clock. This will certainly make sure you’re awake and ready to begin the day! There are also lovely Lucite clocks where the time changes every few seconds. It is certainly a conversation piece. There are entertaining wall clocks that play different tunes on the hour, and have dancing figures appear through doors on the clock. They play 12 different tunes, one for each hour. There’s also a new “gear” clock that shows the gears moving as it shows the time. All of these clocks are compact enough to pack in your lightweight luggage to be brought along as gifts. The great thing about clocks is they fit in just about any room in your home or office.

Elegant clocks put the final decorating touch in an office or home. There are many desk models available to grace any type of desk. Some of the models have a pen stand attached with the clock. Others have a picture frame on one side. There are models with the temperature or humidity showing. Movado makes an elegant clock with a silvertone pen and post it notes. They also have a model with a business card holder. Every boss would love one of these outstanding timepieces engraved with their name or initials. The world time models are handy for businessmen calling or conducting business overseas. It’s great to see the time zone you need to reach at a glance. Paperweights are also available with clocks. It can be awkward to try to look at your watch when you have someone taking your time up in an office. It’s easier to glance down at your desk. Don’t let time pass you by without considering one of these clocks as great gifts



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Corporate gifts are especially popular year-end. They are wonderful at holiday parties and at end of the year celebrations. They are a way to say, “Remember me” or “thank you”. They also remind the receiver over and over of the gift giver. When building a brand name, they keep the brand and logo alive in the mind of every one who sees the item. Many corporate gifts can be inscribed with the recipients name or initials making it even more personal. Everyone loves to see their own name on a gift and it shows more thought went into the purchase. Almost anything can work as a corporate gift. There are inexpensive gift items such as pens and key chains. There are also expensive items such as pens and key chains. To be considered a corporate gift, the item merely has to be imprinted, embossed or debossed, silk-screened, monogrammed or embroidered with a company name or logo. Elegant packaging or gift-wrapping is another way to make sure the corporate gift appreciated. Packaging can even be imprinted with a slogan or company logo.

Clever merchandise that is targeted for a certain profession or useful on the job will always be popular. Items that make you laugh or smile will be kept around and bring good feelings for a long period of time. There’s a huge amount of merchandise targeting lawyers and doctors. Almost everything seems to have a scale of justice or a medical caduceus. There are also logos for chiropractors, accountants, and dentists. One of the cleverest items available is a paperweight with magnetic pieces on top. The pieces can be custom cut to fit any situation. There are teeth for dentists, bones and hearts with the medical caduceus for surgeons. There are small bottles and creams for pharmaceutical companies. If you think it up, they can custom make it. Because the magnets will stay flat on top for packaging, it’s the perfect type of corporate gift to bring to a trade show. Just pack them in your lightweight luggage, and off you go.

Travel accessories are another great item that can be imprinted with a company name or logo. They’re especially popular because everyone seems to be traveling somewhere. Whether they are going on a business trip or on a long or short vacation, it can be used and therefore even more appreciated. There are many items in this category. Just think about a travel clock, a passport case or travel wallet or a handy folding tote bag or duffel. All of these items are great to travel with and available in every price range. There are inexpensive travel alarm clocks and there are beautiful Movado travel alarms. The travel wallets are available in fabric or exquisite leathers. Folding totes are seen in nylon, leather, and combinations of both. Pick your price range and you’ll be sure to find a huge array of merchandise available.

It seems every year there’s new items. One of the most clever seen this year is a Godiva hot chocolate set with a leather-covered carafe. The carafe can be embossed or monogrammed with a company name of logo. The carafe is great for coffee or tea on the go. It will keep your drink hot for hours. The item comes in an elegant gold foil box, which can also be imprinted. Another clever and useful item is the men’s valet with charger built in. The valet holds watches, keys and glasses and the charger will charge your phone, iPod, and PDA. The wind-up rechargeable radio and light from Grundig is another useful item. The carry bag can be embroidered or silk screened with a company name or logo. They are also available with a cell phone charger that does not require batteries. You just wind-up the crank handles to use everything. Batteries are not needed. Many of these items can also be used to celebrate an employee’s years of service to the company. Corporate gifts are exciting and lasting!



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The watch-making industry of Switzerland is generally concentrated in the western part of the country, the region where the Jura Mountains, having stretched from Geneva in the south to Basel in the north, are situated. Tourists have called the area Watch Valley. The production of timepieces, having united tradition and high-tech, bearing the most eminent brand names makes this lovely region internationally famous.

Visit the City of Geneva

The initial Genevan clock and watch models date back to the 16th century. In 1541, a prominent reformer Jean Calvin banned wearing luxurious clothes and jewelry items. So, as a way out, the goldsmiths had to join their efforts and develop a new, independent craft of watch-making.

Jean Calvin himself was well-known for his passion for punctuality that made him issue an edict imposing fines on anyone who was late for a church service or was daring enough to leave earlier. As the result, there appeared a few tower clocks around the city not to give the citizens any chance to make an excuse that they had no idea of the right time.

By the end of the century, watches created in Geneva were well-known and appreciated for their high quality, and in 1601 the city’s watchmakers were united into the Watchmakers’ Guild of Geneva.

The thrift of watch-making in Geneva may be explained by a few historical factors. In 1685, when Louis XIV of France repealed the Edict of Nantes having restricted the rights of French Protestants, this unit of society had to move away from the country to seek for refuge in Protestant-friendly Geneva. Among them there were a lot of watch-makers who brought to the Swiss their skills and knowledge in the field of watch and clock making craft. It greatly contributed to the economic development of the country. The great-grandfather, grandfather and father of the prominent philosopher and thinker Jean-Jacques Rousseau represented one of the watch-making families of Geneva.

The Vallée de Joux

The city of Geneva became naturally almost crowded with watchmakers, so some of them moved to the suburbs. In 1740 they founded the first watch-making workshop in the Vallée de Joux, the region situated at about 1000 meters (3,300 ft) above sea level. During the winter time the heavy snowfalls made the Vallée de Joux cut off from the rest of the world. The craft of watch-making brought additional income to farmers when they were not busy working in the fields.

The process of fulfilling one’s work at home was quite wide-spread in the days preceding the industrialization. It was first of all implied to the textiles manufacturing. The raw materials were delivered to workers at their own homes, and then the special agents took away the finished articles. The same procedure was also applied to the area of watch-making. The watch pieces as well as the finished watches were greatly appreciated by the workers for their small size which made them easily transportable and much more popular than lace-making, which used to be put into common practice during the long winters.

Watch Valley and Engineering Tools

Besides the watch-making manufacture, the Vallée de Joux comprises a number of factories producing the engineering tools and equipment, the factor which also not only supports the economy but effectively fights the unemployment problems in the area.

Being an important part of the Swiss engineering industry, some of these factories have been successful in becoming the world leaders in the production of particularized niche products, having contributed to the revolutionizing of the Swiss watch making in the 1880s.

Before a watch movement is being assembled, numerous watch parts should be initially manufactured. The Ajoie area, famous for producing the jewels acting as watch ball-bearings, is placed not far away from the Porrentruy city, where the watch faces and cases were made.

Nowadays, watches have become an internationally known symbol of Swiss precision. Tourists interested in traditional and modern technology are welcome to visit various well-known manufacturers, such as Audemars Piguet or Jaeger-LeCoultre, situated in the valley. The majority of tourists enjoy the opportunity to study the technology and history of the Swiss watch-making before they make up their mind to acquire a reliable timepiece.

Replica Watches

At present-day, the customers who find an authentic timepiece to be too over-priced for them use the opportunity of acquiring a reliable replica watch. The latest achievements in watch-making, original design and sophisticated functions are all featured by the modern replica watches. The top quality makes these replicas, available in on-line shops, almost indistinguishable from the original pieces.

Article source: http://www.watch-clone.com



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