Watch Winder Review: Underwood (London) – Rotobox
We invite you to enjoy another great watch winder review from Howard Chan.
This is a slightly unusual review in that it’s for a variety of winders rather than a single piece. That’s because the Rotobox from “Underwood (London)” is a cross between an expandable winder and the more traditional ‘jewelry box’ style winder. The unit itself is completely removable and can be placed into a wide variety of cases from single framed leather boxes to large wooden units housing twenty or more modules.
Underwood as a brand came out an Italian leather company from the early 20th century. Confusingly they sport the word ‘London’ as part of the name which appears bracketed after ‘Underwood’ but are actually still headquartered in Florence.
What Underwood have done here is to try and merge the best of two worlds – modular stackable winders favoured by people who are hedging their bets on the final size of their collection; and fixed space display cabinets preferred by those looking to show off their collection.
The real question is how well they have pulled off this balance and the best place to start is with the winding unit itself – the actual Rotobox. There aren’t many style points here but that’s because the box is a generic shape cut to fit into a variety of display cabinets. That being said there is still a functionally attractive appeal. The unit is available in its simplest form with just a window at the front.
The motor itself has solid credentials. It is apparently used by NASA on their remote control devices swiss ferragamo watches which bodes well for its longevity. More importantly it consumes little power and is impressively quiet.
Like all good winders this has the option of both batteries or mains power (1.5V and regular alkaline C batteries). The battery compartment itself is somewhat hidden away accessible only by turning the winder over and putting firm pressure on the underside section to slide it forward.
However it is definitely worth using the battery option. Due to the low power consumption of the motor a regular set of Alkaline C batteries will keep this spinning for a good 12 months. When plugged it the batteries automatically cut out.
There’s a lot to be admired about the overall mechanics of the Rotobox. However we here at Watch Winders Int have a couple of complaints too. At this price range (expect to pay around $700 USD for a single unit) we feel justified in questioning the design choice of a constantly flashing LED. The green flicker every 7 seconds may indicate the unit is working when not in motion but it is also distracting from the overall appearance and doesn’t fit with the style.
Our other gripe is with the lack of winding choices. On their site Underwood position this as a strength replica watches claiming that their “watch winder features a precise winding cycle”. Precision is always good especially in the world of watches digital movement watches manufacturer but many buyers will be looking for more choice in terms of winding direction and Turns Per Day. The out-of-the-box setting is for 10mins turning one way then 10mins the other followed by a 5hr 40min rest. That provides 1hr 20mins of winding per day.
For those keen on the Rotobox and looking for more choice in the winding cycle there is a plug-in USB device available to re-program the motor. It is not however provided as standard and therefore comes at an additional cost. Which leads back to the price issue. Plenty of winders feature nose-bleed inducingly high prices but most also try to include the maximum number of options in terms of turn cycles and rest periods.
That being said there is still much to be admired here. The build quality is of the highest order and the noise level is incredibly low. However it’s the modular aspect that works best here and is Underwood’s biggest triumph. No other manufacturer competes in this sphere of high end display cases and interchangeable winder units. With their functional cubic winder and wide array of beautiful display cabinets the Rotobox really sets the standard.
R.R.P = (USD) $694 (single unit)
More info at www.underwood-london.com
To learn more about watch-winders from all over the world please visit Howard’s highly informative website www.watchwindersinternational.com.
Zoe Saldana In Giambattista Valli – “Machine Gun Preacher” LA Premiere
It’s always a treat to see Zoe Saldana on the red carpet.
The beautiful actress hit the red carpet in LA last night to attend the “Machine Gun Preacher” Premiere.
Clad in a Giambattista Valli Fall 2011 dress, Zoe proved that, like Leighton Meester, she has good red carpet shoe game.
Her floral print dress with sheer black insert and black grosgrain waistband was paired with some gorgeous Brian Atwood ‘Alba’ fuchsia pink sandals.
I wonder if Atwood has a ‘Roberts’, ‘Fox’ or ‘Stone’ set of heels as these stars are his biggest fans.
Zoe simply pulled her hair back into a decorative bun and added some oval earrings and a white Judith Leiber clutch to bag herself a spot on the BDOTW list alongside Nina Dobrev and Leighton Meester.
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Credit: Style.com & Getty
London: 4, Paris: 1; And More…
Giles Deacon just got what all of us could use these days: cash money. The designer is the newest ANDAM award winner, which comes with a $226,000 prize and means he’ll be taking his Spring looks to Paris this fall. London was getting crowded, anyway. [Hint Mag]
Beyoncé has her Mugler, Michael has his crystals. The King of Pop will be clad in over 300,000 Swarovski sparklers for his “This Is It” tour. We’re hoping some fabric will be involved, too. [WWD]
Sir Philip Green and Simon Cowell are going into business together. In our one-track minds, this translates into Kate Moss replacing Paula on American Idol. [WWD]
How old is too old for bunny ears? The Times investigates. [NYT]
Camilla Belle In Gucci – The Shakespeare Center Of Los Angeles’ Crystal Quill Awards
Camilla Belle was at the Sony Studios this week to attend The Shakespeare Center Of Los Angeles’ Crystal Quill Awards.
The actress wore a Gucci Resort 2012 dress.
Her orange and black printed georgette long-sleeve crewneck dress was worn with a thin leather black belt.
David Yurman jewels, Gucci black patent leather pumps and a black clutch accessorized her look.
Camilla is becoming quite the unofficial ambassador for the brand as she looks flawless once again in Gucci.
I was really pleased to see a different hairstyle. This voluminous updo adds a bit of personality to the look.
Credit: Style.com & Getty
Givenchy’s Fall 2009 Advertising Campaign
Creative director Riccardo Tisci opted for some changes, for the Givenchy Fall 2009 advertising campaign.
Photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, gave way to Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, who’s new creative approach, gave us a campaign in colour, and away from a studio.
Mariacarla Boscono, Tisci muse, is the only model who remains in the campaign, joined by Iris Strubegger, Leonor Scherrer, and newcomer Ranya Mordanova.
The other new addition, is the biggest surprise.
Guess who this demonic angel is.
Read more…
2009 Film Independent Spirit Awards
I love this awards show, as we get so see more a more eclectic and colourful red carpet.
This year the stars didn’t disappoint. Jessica Alba looked so lovely in a stylish lilac Christian Dior Spring 2009 dress, with tan Christian Louboutin Mary Janes.
Her make-up is light, and compliments her dress.
This look is so feminine, I adore her here.
I really like this navy and red striped Michael Kors dress Cameron Diaz is wearing, but – not for the first time – I really don’t think this suits her.
I think it’s way too conservative for her, as she is usually more playful on the red carpet.
Is this the case of a new boyfriend cramping her style? We have seen this before.
And will she please, oh please get those roots done asap.
Lucy Liu opted for a fuschia pink Lanvin Spring 2009 satin dress.
She wore her dress with a clear belt, as not to block the draping effect on her dress.
The look was complete beige Jimmy Choo heels, and a Roger Vivier clutch that matched her dress.
♥
Claire Danes wore a two tone Lanvin Spring 2009 strapless bustier dress, with a gathered skirt.
She decorated her dress with a nude necklace, which was also from the Lanvin Spring 2009 collection.
This is such a sophisticated look for Claire, although I am not sure about the black heels.
Post-pregnancy Michelle Monaghan, continues to rock my world.
She was one of my favourites at this event wearing a Versace Spring 2009 baby blue mini dress, with a bell-shaped skirt, and jeweled strappy sandals.
I expected to see more of this collection on the red carpet other than 3 pieces – January Jones, Gwyneth Paltrow & Michelle – we have seen.
Kerry Washington looks absolutely outstanding in this electric blue Marchesa dress, with an embellished neckline. Although like Claire, I’m not so sure about her shoe choice.
This is a nice Rodarte Spring 2006 dress, but Anne Hathaway is a young girl, who should be experimenting a lot more.
The whole look is too blah. I’m not excited about it at all.
With her last two looks failing to impress, I’m very scared for what she might bring to the Oscars red carpet.
Taraji P. Henson on the other hand continues to impress.
Her Burberry LBD is decorated with embroidered details on the skirt to give it a tiering effect, and this same detail appears on the top of the dress.
She completes her look with black gladiator Pedro Garcia sandals, and a Burberry Prorsum Fall 2008 necklace.
I’m very excited to see what she wears at the Oscars.
Zooey Deschanel adds a black velvet bow to her Lela Rose Spring 2009 shimmering blue dress, which match her eyes.
Her cute clutch was from Moschino, and her heels are Ferragamo.
Michelle Williams wore a simple simple navy, grey and white striped sheath Chloé Resort 2009 dress, with black pumps.
Padma Lakshmi is so incredibly beautiful.
Last night she wore a Giorgio Sant Angelo jersey dress from Decades Inc, which had a white tile pailette detail cascading down the bodice.
I know many of you are not Teri Hatcher fans, but I think she has been having a lot more good days than bad recently.
Her LBD from Monique Lhuillier’s Fall 2009 collection with the sheer panels, is very sophisticated, yet sexy. Plus she doesn’t opt for a predictable black shoe, instead she wore a satin champagne Brian Atwood peep-toe heel.
Her pink clutch is Jimmy Choo and her jewels are by Piaget.
Mena Suvari added a multitude of colour to the red carpet, with this Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2009 maxi dress.
She wore her dress with a larger tan belt, which is thinner than the one which appeared on the runway.
She wore Piaget jewels to complete her look.
This is not the best look for Elizabeth Banks. The skirt is fine, but the rest……
I should be thankful that this Azzedine Alaia chocolate brown dress Penelope Cruz wore is not black, but I am still mourning the loss of her fantastic style, to see this as a positive.
Yikes. The coat Rachel Weisz is wearing doesn’t cover up enough of her floral dress.
I love the fearless Sandra Oh on the red carpet. She opting for this fuschia pink tunic Jenni Kayne Resort 2009 dress with black pumps.
Sandra is already on trend for Fall 09, as we saw a lot of this colour at New York Fashion Week.
Look who is back, not surprisingly wearing black. Ellen Page.
Rose Byrne’s white Calvin Klein Spring 2009 dress, is a perfect fit for her.
She keeps the minimalist look going by opting for plain silver pumps and no jewelery.
The shoulder pads on Mary-Kate Olsen’s Balmain dress are too dominate for my liking. It makes her appear to have no neck.
Her beige heels are by Proenza Schouler.
On the plus-side, she looks very healthy.
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Runway To Chanel Pre-Oscar Party – Diane Kruger In Chanel
It’s apparently been raining all day in LA which I pray won’t ruin the Oscars tonight.
Before I do my “rain rain going away, come again another day” tribal dance, here’s the beautiful Diane Kruger who will no doubt whet your appetite for tonights big event.
The German actress was one of the stunning guests at “Chanel And Charles Finch’s Pre-Oscar Party celebrating Fashion And Film” in LA last night.
She arrived with her beau Joshua Jackson wearing a Chanel Fall 2009 Couture dress.
The stunning gold dress was covered in multi-coloured sequins of a circular design.
Her Jimmy Choo ‘Nina’ nude heels complement the dress perfectly, and I’m glad Diane opted out of wearing the train.
We prayed when we saw this collection that people would ditched the trains, but it did work for Kate Hudson.
I know she will top this look at the Oscars, but I already want to put her up for Best Dressed of the Week.
Credit: Style.com & Getty
At Costume National, Bigger Is Better
Costume National has been a Soho mainstay for years, first on Wooster Street, then on Mercer. The brand recently made its third move within the neighborhood, to a sprawling 4,000-square-foot flagship on Greene Street. The new, larger space maintains the minimal decor of its predecessors, with freestanding plinths for display—according to a longtime employee, designer Ennio Capasa considers his footwear like miniature sculpture—and graphic white walls with flashes of black. A bit of news came along with the new location: A label rep revealed that the upcoming CN campaign will star punky model Eliza Cummings in a New Wave-inspired shoot.Costume National is now open at 150 Greene St., NYC.—Brittany Adams
Photo: Courtesy of Costume National
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Sarah Jessica Parker In Elie Saab – 2011 Cannes Film Festival “Wu Xia” Premiere
OMG what a night.
I can’t step away from my PC for 2 seconds before yet another gown hits the red carpet.
Here we see Sarah Jessica Parker again tonight, this time she attended the 2011 Cannes Film Festival “Wu Xia” Premiere.
The actress looked stunning wearing an Elie Saab Fall 2011 gown.
Her floral printed crepe georgette gown with lace detailing at the sleeves and at the neckline thankfully wasn’t over accessorized on this occasion.
She added a stunning complementary necklace and dazzling diamond encrusted earrings.
I’m so happy she let the gown do most of the talking.
Do you love this as much as I do?
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Credit: Style.com & Getty
Runway To ‘Scott Restaurant’ – Victoria Beckham In Antonio Berardi
On Saturday night Victoria Beckham and Kate Beckinsale had a girls night out, as they dined at Scotts Restaurant in London.
I have been dying for Victoria to wear something bright and colourful for a while, so I am glad she answered my prayers, wearing this fuchsia pink Antonio Berardi Spring 2009 mini dress.
With her pixie crop slicked back, Victoria completed her look with Giorgio Armani black heels, and a gorgeous Chanel CC Punk clutch. Isn’t it divine? ♥
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