Elite Watches Style Update – Summer 2011
If you are looking for a watch that offers more than simply great style, practicality and function, then you are probably looking for a model that moves beyond the regular expectations in terms of value, design and overall quality. Our Shade Station Elite watch section comprises of a handpicked and often rare selection of luxury watch brands including Meccaniche Veloci watches, Perrelet watches, TechnoMarine watches and Versace watches, all of which are incredibly sought-after in the watch industry and will make the perfect investment designed to impress and last a lifetime. Offering exceptional technical, functional and aesthetic specifications, our Elite watch brands provide you with an extensive choice of the highest quality watches in the industry.
Meccaniche Veloci Watches
For all motor racing enthusiasts and for those who are fascinated by the concept of speed and engines, the collection of Meccaniche Veloci watches will definitely appeal. To provide some brand background details; Meccaniche Veloci is the watch brand that transcends the core elements of motor racing to your wrist. These unique watches embody the skill, research and innovation associated with motor racing and the mathematical precision involved to achieve ultimate speed. Fusing functionality, unique design techniques and materials, the construction of the watch exactly mimics that of the world of motors. Materials including ergal, titanium, carbon and carbon ceramic are incorporated within the watches and the Quattro Valvole model is the first watch to feature a case incorporating a 4-stroke engine, exactly mimicking that of the piston. Combining the technical sophistication and precision of Italian design, Meccaniche Veloci watches all use exceptionally high quality Swiss movements. Meccaniche Veloci watches are true objects of technical and aesthetic desire and are what could easily be described as an essential luxury for every motor racing enthusiast.
Some styles to look out for include SuperQuadro Meccaniche Veloci watch which features a satin-finished titanium case complete with black PVD treatment, a smooth black leather strap with vibrant blue stitching detailing and a white and black coloured dial with three hand movement, sub dial chronograph and a date window. The SuperQuadro watch uses ETA 7753 (Valjoux) mechanical automatic chronograph movement and is a fantastic new edition to the collection. Make sure you also take a look the range of other new Meccaniche Veloce watches including the Corsa Corta, the Due Valvole and the Quattro Valvole Carbon watch. There is a beautiful design for ladies in the form of the Quattro Valvole Luxery watch featuring 388 diamonds embellished upon the main dial and the four separate dials presented in striking blue, yellow, pink and black tones. The ultimate luxury accessory in terms of both style and function.
Perrelet Watches
Perrelet watches are a further exquisite brand that we are proud to have as part of our Elite watch collection. With a significant history in the world of watch making, Abraham-Louis Perrelet was the founder of the Perrerlet watch brand in 1777. He was responsible for inventing the world’s first rewinding watches, which ultimately developed into the revolutionary automated winding system, marking an iconic point in the watch industry.
In 1995, the Perrelet watch brand was re-launched with a contemporary twist and the iconic Perrelet Double Motor was developed which became a highly prominent model in the watch industry. All materials used to create Perrelet watches are of an exceptionally high quality; Perrelet watch cases are made with metals including platinum and palladium, and 18k gold with subtle hints of pink tones for added colour definition in addition to smooth yet extremely resistant stainless steel and light and durable titanium. All Perrelet watches featuring leather or rubber straps also include folding clasps with double push buttons for added comfort, security and safety. Perrelet watches are crafted using a complex and intelligent fusion of the most advanced and cutting edge industrial production methods combined with age-old watch crafting expertise.
The Moonphase Perrelet watch is a limited edition unisex addition watch and boasts a brushed stainless steel case complete with 30 diamonds embellished upon the upper section of the bezel and a cream alligator leather strap with blue stitching detailing. The white dial also displays the lunar phase and this watch is incredibly special and unique; taking the user on a journey of escape and can be described as a true visual masterpiece that represents superior function and the essence of luxury.
TechnoMarine Watches
Next on our Elite watch list we have the dynamic and striking TechnoMarine watches. Founded by Franck Dubarry in 1997, TechnoMarine is a watch brand that is representative of a new class of high-end Swiss watches, inspired by the sea and geared towards the diving industry but all boasting sophisticated and elegant aesthetics. The TechnoMarine brand designs watches, which combine highly, advanced watch-making techniques with an exquisite use of fine and unusual materials. Renowned for their gel straps and vibrantly coloured designs which also feature jewel stones and surprising material combinations including stainless steel, titanium, aluminium, blue aluminium and black PVD the finished results are a range of technically advanced watches with a fusion of unlikely colours, shapes and feature combinations. Designed for use on the high seas and more specifically, as elite diving watches, many TechnoMarine models also feature unidirectional bezels and permit deep diving up to 200 meters. The TechnoMarine collections ultimately represent a distinctive combination of modern, luxury and high-end watches.
The TechnoMarine Cruise Diamond collection is an incredibly striking range with the watches featuring highly polished stainless steel cases complete with diamond encrusted bezels and Citizen OS60 movement. The TechnoMarine Cruise Mini watches are also worth a mention and perfect if you are looking for the full TechnoMarine functionality and vibrancy but with a smaller aesthetic. In a range of attractive colours including pink, blue and white and with features such as transparent gel straps and Mother of Pearl finished dials, TechnoMarine watches boast the ultimate elite style factor with the added element of glamour and superior technical innovation.
Versace Watches
Our next Elite brand comes in the form of Versace watches. The Versace watch collection comprises of a selection of luxury watches for men and women and perfectly captures the element of high-end fashion alongside exceptional quality. The entire Versace watch collection is divided into categories each boasting an array of different aesthetic and technical qualities depending on the type of watch you are seeking, for example Versace Ladies, Versace Character and Versace Destiny are stunning and striking ladies watches including features such as slim and sleek leather straps and exquisitely bold round dials incorporating intricate engraved detailing upon the case. The Versace Gents range includes a selection of Versace watches for men with a slightly more sporty appeal and featuring elements such as ceramic bracelet straps, sapphire crystal glass, automatic analogue movement and push button deployment clasps. Versace watches are designed to meet a highly varied range of style desires and thus the models capture and represent every element from understated chic to charismatic and boldly luxurious. Antique Grecian symbols and Medusa emblems are positioned upon the crown of each Versace watch to convey the unity of past and future fashion trends and are also symbols that the late Gianni Versace was personally highly inspired by.
Each model within the Versace watch collection incorporates refined Swiss movement ensuring perfect function, precision and reliability. Versace watches are ultimately designed for charismatic and confident individuals who instantly recognise timeless, exquisite style and flawless quality.
U-Boat will be back in stock early September.
We spend a great deal of time researching the most technically advanced and sought after brands in the watch industry, which is reflected in the brands contained within our Elite watch category. Therefore all of these watches will offer you the ultimate in superb quality, function and technical innovation. We also take into account which brands and designs are strong players on the style scene. The purpose of the Elite watch section is also to offer you an array of more selective, unique and niche brands so make sure you take a look at our Shade Station Elite Watch page where you can find more in-depth information and technical specifications about the various brands and designs.
To keep up to date with all the latest Shade Station news, product and brand additions and which of our styles the celebrities are wearing, make sure you check out our style blog. You can also follow us on Twitter @shadestation and we now have a Shade Station Facebook page so if you could visit the page and ‘like’ it, we’ll look forward to chatting with you on there!
From all of us here at Shade Station, we wish you a very happy and stylish summer!
Industrial accessorising at it’s best with Welder Watches
Welder Watches
No accessory says action man quite like a Welder watch. Tough, mean-looking and chunky to boot, a Welder wristwatch is an imposing piece of kit. It’s also pretty darn impressive too, for, behind the mean exterior is the finest Italian craftsmanship.
Welder was launched in 2007 by Italo Fontana of the Fontana family, who were famed for making watches for the Italian Navy’s U-boat Officers during the Second World War. Fontana’s watch-making heritage combined with the use of the very best Italian materials and his aggressive approach to design, has made this brand really stand out in today’s saturated market. The price tag is high, but affordable enough to make a Welder watch an aspirational yet entirely achievable purchase.
The brand name Welder was adopted to symbolise the union of metals (to weld) and also to represent the mesh of innovative ideas that have gone towards creating the watches. It could be said the Welder collection follows an alchemic / material formula. The USP for Welder is their placement of the crown. In all other brands the crown (the stud you turn to change the time) is situated on the right of the watch face, however Welder place it on the left of all their wristpieces. The reason for this, they say is comfort – but it’s also a crucial step in the differentiation process.
Welder watches are attracting a big following in celeb-land. Particularly among sports stars. A number of Scottish and Welsh rugby players have been spotted wearing a Welder watch and the design suits their large masculine frames perfectly.
Although they may look like big boys watches (and they are really), Welder also produce watches for women. Clearly the archetypal very feminine types would baulk at wearing such a big piece around their wrist, however there’s certainly a market for chunky wristwear for women and these industrial welder watches look damn cool!
The Rugby Players Rocking their Welder Watches
Ben Foden Wears his K31 Welder Watch
Welder watches are the perfect choice for men who like to opt for bold and aggressive in style watches that also boast an elite and sleek finish. Designed by iconic Italian watchmaker Italo Fontana, Welder watches incorporate some of the most innovative and sophisticated technical features in the watch industry.
The Welder brand has recently introduced some amazingly impressive styles to its watch collection and the celebrities can’t get enough of the Welder action – particularly the rugby players! The watch brand has always been favourite among men who like to assert their masculinity through their style and accessories and rugby player Ben Foden, who also dates Una Healy from The Saturdays, is one of the latest sportsmen to be seen rocking the Welder watch look with his red and black K31 model.
Rugby union player John Barclay has been frequently named Man of the Match whilst playing for Scotland and has also been spotted wearing the ultra statement K31 Welder watch. This model perfectly fuses aggressive styling with a sleek finish and has an impressive case width of 50mm.
Continuing on with the rugby theme Scottish rugby union player Max Evans is a fan of Welder watches as is Welsh international union rugby player Adam Rhys Jones who plays for the Ospreys. Adams was recently snapped showing off his Welder watch, a style from the recently launched K27 series.
So what is it that separates Welder watches from other watch brands? Firstly, all Welder watches feature a comfortable and easy to handle left-hand positioned crown and are much larger than most watches in the industry with sizes beginning with the 45mm K25 collection to the larger than life 53mm K29 Welder watch range. The dials also incorporate a distinctive three-dimensional effect finish with each Welder watch using ultra reliable and accurate Japanese movement.
Ultimately, Welder watches are an ideal investment for those who appreciate a superb quality and intricately detailed watch and are looking for one that makes an impactful style statement. The brand is a rising favourite among a number of celebrities and sporting professionals and we’re incredibly excited to soon be stocking the new Welder collections. We’ll let you know as soon as the latest Welder watch masterpieces hit the Shade Station shelves!
Get Elite Masculine Style with Welder Watches!
Get Elite, Masculine Style with Welder Watches!
Welder watches are the product of highly respected watchmaker Italo Fontana who established himself in the watch industry following his success of the bold and incredible range of U-Boat watches.
Welder watches can perhaps be described as the next generation of the U-Boats and are designed specifically for the guys, rated as incredibly stylish in the fashion industry and boasting strong, robust and aggressive looks. If you like your watch to make a statement then Welder watches are definitely an ideal choice and also make for a lifetime investment.
So what makes Welder watches, which are also placed within our Elite watch section, so unique and special? Firstly, you will immediately notice that Welder watches are larger than most in size – and vary from the moderate 48 mm in diameter K24 Welder watches to the incredible 53mm K29 watches. Secondly, Welder watches also feat
ure left positioned crowns which are easy to access and with many people saying that they have found the left-hand crown to be more comfortable than the conventional right-handed crowns.
With ultra contemporary styling, Welder watches remain simple in tone with the exceptionally high quality and durable materials used (including high grade brushed stainless steel cases and rubber and leather straps), staying neutral in black, gold or silver tones. Pops of colour such as white, red or orange are incorporated into the dial which works to enhance the 3D layered effect and adds extra depth to the watch whilst keeping the aesthetic masculine, bold and strong.
With square and circular dials and chronograph and traditional time displays Welder watches perfectly combine the essence of the old meeting the modern; with the brand taking inspiration from historical watch making methods and fusing these with contemporary styling. Welder watches have a distinct sense of exclusivity as they represent the next progress
ion from the unique design of the iconic U-boat watches and are immediately recognisable as Welder – an objective which is extremely difficult for modern watch brands to achieve due to the vast array on the market. If you are a wearer of a Welder watch, this conveys dynamic style status and an appreciation for only the finest quality!
Make sure you take a look at the whole collection of Welder watches as we have a wide range of models in each size category, ensuring that you find the perfect size and design. Welder watches are big news in both the fashion and tech industry and make the perfect watches for any guy who loves a masculine style with that elite and sought after finish!
Elite Watches Style Update – Summer 2010
When you set out to find the perfect watch, you may be looking for something that moves beyond the regular expectations in terms of value, design and function. We are extremely proud of our Shade Station Elite watches section which comprises of a handpicked selection of luxury watch brands. Offering exceptional technical, functional and aesthetic specifications, our elite watch brands provide you with an extensive choice of the highest quality watches in the industry which make for the perfect investment lifetime accessory.
Our newest brand addition to the Elite watch collection comes in the form of Versace watches. The Versace watch collection comprises of a selection of luxury watches for men and women and perfectly captures the element of high end fashion alongside exceptional quality. The entire Versace watch collection is divided into categories each boasting an array of different aesthetic and technical qualities depending on the type of watch you are seeking, for example Versace Ladies, Versace Character and Versace Destiny are stunning and striking ladies watches including features such as slim and sleek leather straps and exquisitely bold round dials incorporating intricate engraved detailing upon the case. The Versace Gents range includes a selection of Versace watches for men with a slightly more sporty appeal and featuring elements such as ceramic bracelet straps, sapphire crystal glass, automatic analogue movement and push button deployment clasps. Versace watches are designed to meet a highly varied range of style desires and thus the models capture and represent every element from understated chic to charismatic and boldly luxurious. Antique Grecian symbols and Medusa emblems are positioned upon the crown of each Versace watch to convey the unity of past and future fashion trends and are also symbols that the late Gianni Versace was personally highly inspired by.
Each model within the Versace watch collection incorporates refined Swiss movement ensuring perfect function, precision and reliability. Versace watches are ultimately designed for charismatic and confident individuals who instantly recognise timeless, exquisite style and flawless quality.
U-Boat watches are designed by renowned Italian watchmaker Italo Fontana and are famous for their bold, aggressive, strong and dynamic aesthetics. U-Boat watches were originally intended to be worn by the Italian Navy and are therefore designed to endure the most extreme of weather and light conditions. The most distinctive physical factor which separates U-Boat watches from others is that the crown is positioned on the left-hand side; a unique and unexpected design feature which also enhances and compliments the bold aesthetic of U-Boat watches including the oversized numerals and markers. Every U-Boat watch is powered by Swiss ETA movements and each model is contained within an oversized stainless steel case ranging from a large 45 millimetres to an impressive 55 millimetres in diameter. From traditional and refined to sporty and ultra contemporary, U-Boat watches incorporate red, yellow, and orange PVD-treated crystals and precious metals uniquely fused with rubber and steel. U-Boat watches are a perfect combination of the old meeting the modern and are constantly challenging traditional design methods. They are made to be worn with confidence and express an exquisite sense of style and the appreciation for a highly technical and superior lifetime accessory.
Following on from U-Boat watches, we have the impressive Welder watch collection, also founded by Italo Founder. Welder watches have been described as the next generation of U-Boat watches and immediately grab your attention due to their distinctive layered three dimensional dial that gives extreme depth to each watch. With an overall bold, strong and statement aesthetic form, Welder watches feature the crown on the left-hand side of the case, as seen on U-Boat watches. This distinctive and purposeful aesthetic choice is to increase comfort and enables the oversized crown to be easily accessed and functioned. Some Welder watches come equipped with interchangeable lenses of 4 colours adding versatility and Welder watches also uniquely incorporate incredibly precise Japanese movement as opposed to Swiss movement. Representing the exquisite, refined and skilled elements of Italian design, Welder watches are contemporary models which perfectly unite precision, innovative style and distinctive character.
Perrelet watches are a further brand that we are proud to have as part of our Elite watch collection. With a significant history in the world of watch making, Abraham-Louis Perrelet was the founder of the Perrerlet watch brand in 1777. He was responsible for inventing the world’s first rewinding watches which ultimately developed into the revolutionary automated winding system, marking an iconic point in the watch industry.
In 1995, the Perrelet watch brand was re-launched with a contemporary twist and the iconic Perrelet Double Motor was developed which became a highly prominent model in the watch industry. All materials used to create Perrelet watches are of an exceptionally high quality; Perrelet watch cases are made with metals including platinum and palladium, and 18k gold with subtle hints of pink tones for added colour definition in addition to smooth yet extremely resistant stainless steel and light and durable titanium. All Perrelet watches featuring leather or rubber straps also include folding clasps with double push buttons for added comfort, security and safety. Perrelet watches are crafted using a complex and intelligent fusion of the most advanced and cutting edge industrial production methods combined with age-old watch crafting expertise.
Next on our Elite watch list we have the dynamic and striking TechnoMarine watches. Founded by Franck Dubarry in 1997, TechnoMarine is a watch brand that is representative of a new class of high-end Swiss watches, inspired by the sea and geared towards the diving industry but all boasting sophisticated and elegant aesthetics. The TechnoMarine brand designs watches which combine highly advanced watch making techniques with an exquisite use of fine and unusual materials. Renowned for their gel straps and vibrantly coloured designs which also feature jewel stones and surprising material combinations including stainless steel, titanium, aluminium, blue aluminium and black PVD the finished results are a range of technically advanced watches with a fusion of unlikely colours, shapes and feature combinations. Designed for use on the high seas and more specifically, as elite diving watches, many TechnoMarine models also feature unidirectional bezels and permit deep diving up to 200 meters. The TechnoMarine collections ultimately represent a distinctive combination of modern, luxury and high end watches.
For all motor racing enthusiasts and for those who are fascinated by the concept of speed and engines, you will be pleased to see that here at Shade Station we now have an incredibly exciting collection of Meccaniche Veloci watches. Meccaniche Veloci is the watch brand which transcends the core elements of motor racing to your wrist. These unique watches embody the skill, research and innovation associated with motor racing and the mathematical precision involved to achieve ultimate speed. Fusing functionality, unique design techniques and materials, the construction of the watch exactly mimics that of the world of motors. Materials including ergal, titanium, carbon and carbon ceramic are incorporated within the watches and the Quattro Valvole model is the first watch to feature a case incorporating a 4-stroke engine, exactly mimicking that of the piston. Combining the technical sophistication and precision of Italian design, Meccaniche Veloci watches all use exceptionally high quality Swiss movements. Meccaniche Veloci watches are true objects of technical and aesthetic desire and are what could easily be described as an essential luxury for every motor racing enthusiast.
Our elite brands are carefully chosen according to many factors including our customer needs and desires and of course, what is currently prominent on the style and technical watch scene. The purpose of the Elite watch section is also to provide you with some more selective, unique and niche elite brands so make sure you check out our Shade Station Style Blog whereby you can find more in-depth information and technical specifications about the various brands and designs within the Elite section and what’s new in. You can also follow us on Twitter @shadestation for daily style and product news updates.
From all of us here at Shade Station, we wish you a happy and stylish summer!
Style Update – Summer 2010
Summer is finally here and what a great excuse to add a pair of sunglasses, a chic watch, a statement piece of jewellery or an accessory to your look to compliment your summer style! Yes, here at Shade Station we have more brands and styles than ever before for you to browse and enjoy.
Whilst many of us don’t have the opportunity or budget to completely update our wardrobe each season, the simple use of a glamorous pair of sunglasses, a uniquely styled watch or a statement piece of jewellery can completely transform and update your outfit, bringing it to the forefront of fashion and injecting hints of those key trends making you every inch the style icon!
So let’s take a look at what’s in the offering from Shade Station for the summer season. Sunglasses are certainly the most popular type of accessory in the summer months – for the obvious reason of protecting the eyes from UV rays, and also to inject a certain edge to your look. Any fashion lover will know that sporty chic or sports luxe is a huge key trend of the moment and a pair of sporty but fashionable sunglasses can make for an incredible accessory investment.
New to Shade Station, we have Adidas sunglasses with their collection of sporty, slick, sharp and super trendy sunglasses for men and women in a range of frame designs, combining high quality and flawless style with affordability. Arnette is one of our recent brand additions to Shade Station and are the ultimate sporting sunglasses with a strong attitude and sleek looks. Revo is a further sunglasses brand that has greatly impressed us with their range of chic yet fierce sunglasses which incorporate highly superior and functional polarized lenses for maximum eye protection and visual clarity. Prada Sport sunglasses are also on our sporty style radar this summer and the styles within this collection all feature the distinctive red line Prada Sport logo and are perfect for use during sports or for someone who enjoys and on-the-go lifestyle and also wants to look polished and stylish! Of course, Oakley is still one of our most popular sunglasses brands, renowned for their superior use of technical innovation, sharp style and intense attitude whereby only the very best is good enough. Be sure to check out the latest and greatest Oakley styles.
For those of you who like your sunglasses to portray the essence of glamour, elegance and sophistication, look no further than brands including the super sought after and luxurious Chanel. Chanel sunglasses feature exquisite design elements such as stunning hinge detailing, ultra feminine oversized frames in addition to a variety of other frame styles to choose from and are a lifetime investment. BVLGARI, Tom Ford, D&G and Fendi sunglasses are also perfect for all of you glamazons and we are also very excited to have recently announced the arrival of Jee Vice sunglasses; as seen in Sex and the City 2, and MDG sunglasses; the product of the Madonna and Dolce and Gabbana collaboration. Both of these new brands offer the ultimate in feminine and striking glamour and are designed to make a real style statement!
Summer 2010 is all about bold colour in the form of bright neons in addition to more understated pastel tones, so why not take the opportunity to have some fun with fashion and inject some vibrancy into your look! Many of the brands mentioned above have used colour as inspiration behind their latest styles and let’s not forget the range of eclectic Pucci sunglasses and the timelessly stylish Ray-Ban sunglasses who continue to surprise us every year with new colours and patterns incorporated into a variety of the key and classic designs. There are also a whole host of brand new Ray-Ban styles just launched so be sure to check the Ray-Ban page.
Our dedicated sunglasses page lists each and every brand aside from the ones listed above so make sure you take a look at the entire selection!
Watches aside from providing value in terms of function are actually one of the most fashionable accessories, constantly focused on in the style pages and trend blogs and can definitely add a sense of unique personality to your style. One of the prominent watch looks for summer 2010 is colour, texture and pattern and there are an incredible range of brands for you to choose from to fulfil this particular style. Adidas watches, LTD Watches, Diesel watches and Nixon watches all superbly capture the element of colour with an amalgamation of vibrant tones featured in their numerous watch styles. Some possess a sporty edge, others combine sport appeal with the high trend factor and some designs also feature a strong hint of retro appeal for a fun and style savvy finish that also conveys a playful attitude towards fashion.
Watches featuring polycarbonate bracelet straps are a major key look this summer and are often seen worn by the celebs and teamed with gold or silver jewellery for a contrasting edge to the look. The Michael Kors watches and Guess watches collections boast a fine selection of colourful watches with polycarbonate straps – the white versions in particular are perfect for a fresh and trend focused summer style and the addition of rose gold cases and diamante embellishments on the dial and/or the bezel add just the right sprinkling of the glam factor!
Juicy Couture is an exciting new watch brand to hit our shelves and is also a hot favourite among the style icons in sunny LA! Juicy Couture watches comprise of a selection of wonderfully feminine styles with colourful and vibrant polycarbonate and leather straps, charm embellished and delicately detailed dials, and bold, statement designs typical of the overall Juicy Couture style. Perfect for making a real style statement, Juicy Couture watches are perfect for every style princess!
Other brands in the offering include the British Ted Baker and street style inspired Bench, the luxurious and glamorous but masculine Marc Ecko watches, Ed Hardy watches with some incredibly vibrant and striking new styles boasting tattoo art dials and straps with intricate detailing, and the innovative Philippe Starck watches for something a little different from the norm! Ingersoll watches are perfect for those of you who favour the traditional aesthetic of a watch but are seeking one that integrates modern technology and functionality, Ducati watches for all you motor enthusiasts, Firetrap, the sporty Nike, Tokyo Flash watches for unleashing your inner geek and Animal, Police, Superdry, ultra fashionable and high quality Fossil watches and Zodiac watches to name only a few more. Make sure you take a look at our dedicated watch page which lists each and every brand we stock.
We were also proud to recently unveil or new Elite watch section which provides an array of finely chosen brands and watches that are designed for investment purposes and feature exceptional technical innovation, the incorporation of only the highest and rarest materials and all boast superior and flawless construction. The Elite brands carefully selected to be featured in this section include TechnoMarine watches, Perrelet watches, U-Boat watches, Welder watches, Versace watches and Meccaniche Veloci watches. Designed for people who maintain a passion for watches, some brands focus on a luxurious, refined and highly desirable aesthetic and others create their selection of watches with intense function in mind such as U-Boat watches and Meccaniche Veloci watches. That said, each watch within the Elite section can be described as a design and technical masterpiece so make sure you take a look at the Elite watch section to read about these ultra high end brands in greater depth.
Once we begin to enjoy the warmer weather, this often provides inspiration and a more care-free attitude towards experimenting with accessories to adapt and spice up our summer style. It is amazing how one look can be transformed into a number of different ones with additions of various pieces of jewellery – avoiding the need for a complete wardrobe overhaul every year! Bold and statement jewellery is currently a key trend this season, with statement pieces seen on the catwalks and the High Street and used to add depth, colour and creativity to your personal look.
Amore & Baci have some extremely fun, elegant, sassy and unique pieces within their jewellery collection. What is particularly innovative about this brand is that you can create your own personalised bracelet or necklace with the addition of cute, feminine, striking and sophisticated Amore & Baci charms – add as many or as few as you wish whenever you like. The brand also features a selection of super glamorous and statement cocktail rings boasting exquisite colours, patterns and diamante embellishments.
Guess has some wonderful summer inspired new additions to their jewellery range and have especially homed in on the feminine and cute charm bracelet trend which is huge for summer 2010. You can purchase the unique Guess bracelet and add as many or as little charms as you wish, ranging from strawberries, shoes, four leaf clovers and even lipsticks! Diamante embellished and logo emblazoned silver pieces are common within the Guess jewellery collection and this brand is perfect for every girly girl who likes to be ultra feminine but still convey a sophisticated and style savvy attitude to her look!
Venus Beads have some gorgeous boho chic style beaded bracelets incorporating vibrant colours such as turquoise, pink, red, blue violet and black. Wear two or three stacked for a high fashion look or go for an individual bracelet to add an effective pop of colour!
Other jewellery brands include the urban street inspired Black Dice, the statement and edgy Police and Diesel and a selection of feminine, elegant, colourful and boho inspired jewellery pieces by CC Skye and Miss Sixty.
So that provides the summer round up of sunglasses, watches and jewellery and don’t forget to also check out our fabulous range of goggles and lifestyle accessories by brands including Oakley, Dragon, Adidas, Electric, Von Zipper and East Pak.
As well as a whole host of fantastic products, we promise to keep you updated with new brand additions and styles as well as celebrity and designer news and gossip in our daily updated Style Blog. We also have a Twitter page, whereby you can follow us @shadestation for instant and regular Shade Station tweets.
We make it our top priority to provide you with as many renowned designer sunglasses brands, watch brands and products as possible, in addition to the lesser known and unique ones that have just hit the style scene. We aim to cater for a range of style personalities and budgets and can ensure that each and every brand is also stocked at Shade Station due to its notorious and proven high quality. We believe that everyone has a unique sense of fashion and the huge array of accessories in the offering therefore allows you to create a bespoke look to your summer style.
We hope you enjoy browsing our collections and from all of us here at Shade Station, we wish you a happy and stylish summer!
U-Boat Watch Focus: The Classico U-1001
U-Boat Watch U1001
When it comes to elite watches, you can’t get much more elite than the spectacular U-Boat watches. There are a number of collections within the U-Boat range and one of which; the Classico U-1001 can definitely be described as the crème de la crème of luxury watches.
Boasting a bold, robust and intense but sleek aesthetic, the U-Boat Classico U-1001 is probably the most aggressively styled watch within the U-Boat collection and is water resistant up to 1001 metres – hence the name of the model. Not just any water resistant watch can endure depths of this level and if you are looking to be diving into waters this deep, then you need a watch that will also go the distance and still have the ability to function perfectly.
Of course, a watch of this calibre has to incorporate some pretty high class materials and therefore the U-Boat Classico U-1001 includes a natural titanium case, sapphire scratch proof crystal, a black rubber hypoallergenic strap with a deployante buckle and two superimposed dials (within the main dial); one treated with superluminova and coloured pigments and the other one cut and treated with composed opaque black pigments.
U-Boat Watch U1001
The U-Boat Classico U-1001 watch is also highly sought after and unique as it is limited to strictly 1001 units with the serial number engraved in the back. Other features that will appeal to you tech lovers include a power reserve of 40 hours, the incorporation of 25 jewels, a unique protective crown case device and an impressive diameter of 55mm.
U-Boat watches are famous for their left-side oversized crown and allows the user to easily grip the crown and function the watch, even whilst wearing heavy duty gloves or when underwater. You can choose between blue, beige or orange numerals (only the numerals beyond the 15 minute mark are coloured) which are boldly presented for ease of viewing and also add a striking element to the overall aesthetic.
The Classico U-1001 is an incredibly impressive watch within the U-Boat watches collection and is the core, prominent model that sets the tone for the remainder of the U-Boat range. Bold, striking, exceptional functionality and boasting a use of the finest materials available – this is a watch that will make for an elite, luxury and sought after investment for life.
U-Boat Watches -The Very First Black Titanium Watch
U-Boat Classico Titanium Watch
Hot off the Press this week is the first of its kind, a black titanium watch from U-Boat watches. Unique to the watch world, this 52mm black titanium U-boat watch weighs just 179g and is waterproof up to 200m. Titanium has the highest strength to weight ratio of any metal and is resistant to corrosion. This makes it a very useful material in the design of water-resistant products, like watches designed for scuba diving and other water based activities. Due to the extreme pressures the watch may be subjected to at 200m below sea-level, the exhibition glass displaying the watch movement has been reduced in size, to just show the balance wheel.
The ‘52mm’ refers to the width of the watch face – U-Boat watches range in size from 45mm to 55mm. The label is famed for producing oversized wristwear with a utilitarian, sturdy and surprisingly sexy appearance. They are also known for placing the crown and chronograph pushers to the left of the watch so as not to obstruct movement and to offer more security – known in U-Boat speak as the ‘left hook’. The ‘52mm’ black titanium hottie uses Valjoux Movement (that’s Swiss-made chronograph movement to the uninformed among us) and has a power reserve of 44 hours at 28,800 alternations per hour.
U-Boat watches have an interesting heritage. Although the company was created in the 1940s to produce precision watches for pilots, only one batch of watches made it out the factory, due to the Second World War. It wasn’t until 1999 that the grandson of the creator, Italo Fontana, resurrected the company and began designing high calibre watches, for the sports and luxury markets.
U-Boat watches have a distinct nautical-military style, that wouldn’t look amiss on the arm of a suave looking man of action. Their watches are built for the outdoors but lend themselves stylishly to more comfortable, glamorous surroundings. For instance U-Boat watches have been the official sponsors of the American Grammy Awards in the past and celebrity fans include action men Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sly Stallone.
U-Boats incredible 52mm black titanium watch, is not only unique, it is also very exclusive. With just 200 pieces created, this special wristpiece has watch lovers around the world clamoring to get their hands on a piece of history.
U-Boat Watches Unveils the New 65mm U-42 Watch
U-Boat U-42 Watch
U-Boat watches can definitely be described as one of the most sought after and elite of all the watch brands and there is one particular model within the collection that is currently making quite an impression and impact in the watch industry.
At the iconic Baselworld event this year (the world’s number one annual watch and jewellery show), U-BOAT was proud to unveil a new watch which measures a staggering 65mm in diameter and is now the largest in the entire U-Boat collection. The watch, called the U-42 is part of a 29 piece collector’s range and is made of Grade-5 Titanium with the widest sapphire glass available in the world.
Later on this year, U-BOAT will be launching a 45mm version which is limited to just 999 models worldwide.
This is definitely one that is sure to appeal to all you technical watch lovers so read on for specifications and what makes this mega watch quite the sought after item!
U-Boat watches are renowned for their bold 
and aggressive aesthetics and the new U-42 is accordingly equipped with the U-28 Movement, has a 40 hour power-reserve and a water resistance of 300m.
U-Boat watches are also highly distinctive to the brand due to crown being positioned on the left-hand side of the case. In this new model, the crown is constructed in two parts; one section is attached to the movement stem whilst the other part is hinged to it with a pivot. The advantage of this is that it provides a flexible joint configuration and allows the crown to look bold and overstated for the user to easily wind and set the watch, yet it also allows it to return it to a protected, concealed position which reduces any side clutter when the crown is in action.
The unique U-Boat crown is built in this way for sophisticated functional purposes as in many physical conditions including being underwater, or at Arctic temperatures whereby gloves are required, it allows the wearer to easily access and control the crown. The water-tight crown protection attached to the stem is assured 
by a clipping gasket in energised Polytetrafluoroethylene and by an O-RING twin-arrangement.
The sleek, bold and easy to view dial is made with a slab in brass and all engravings seen on the U-42 are made using a mechanical pantograph, including the brass dial which is galvanized and finished with a bright enamel paste.
Sounds impressive doesn’t it! Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that the new U-42 U-Boat watch will be available to purchase at the latter half of this year so we’ll keep you updated as to when it will be in stock here at Shade Station.
The price of the U-42 watch is approximately £4,000.
U-Boat Watches arrive at Shade Station
U-Boat Watches
We are excited to announce that here at Shade Station, we are now stocking the fantastic collection of U-Boat watches – the iconic watch brand that is famous for its bold looks and high quality.
The idea behind the iconic U-Boat was simply a design concept in 1942 when the Officine Fontana watch making laboratory was asked to produce a professional watch for the officers of its navy’s U-Boats. However, the new range of proposed watches were never made but luckily the original sketches, colour samples and designs were well preserved and kept for over 60 years. It wasn’t until in the year 2000 when Italo Fontana, a cousin of one of the Offine Fontana founders decided to proceed with the original idea and finally launched the collection of U-Boat watches.
U-Boat watches have become one of the notorious in the industry as what is immediately striking about U-Boat watches from an aesthetic perspective is that they are bold and oversized with prominent dial markers and somewhat aggressive in style – perfect for those who like their watches overstated!
What is also unique about U-Boa
t watches is that the crown on each model is positioned on the left side of the case which is highly unusual in watches but actually tends to be more comfortable. In terms of quality, the U-Boat collections use only the most durable and reliable materials such as precious metals, rubber, steel and crystals and are manufactured in a unique way and often combine a variety of these materials together which ultimately makes the watches original, intense and brimming with character. U-Boat watches also incorporate mechanical Swiss ETA movements.
U-Boat watches are definitely what could be considered as investment watches that always make a statement and are designed to reflect a unique character and personality in addition to confidence and charisma. The actual design of the watches takes inspiration from 18th century watch making and each and model is intricately detailed with a rare 
quality that has made the brand as iconic and highly respected as it is. Celebrities who love the U-Boat style include action men Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger which gives you an idea of the strength, bold and robust style behind the designs!
U-Boat Watches now in stock ready to ship.