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Heritage Wonders: Lucky 13 & Polaris Memodate

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Throughout its history, Jaeger‑LeCoultre has been driven by the spirit of inventiveness, its expertise rewarded with more than 400 patents, and its watchmakers’ technical skills and creative imagination embodied in more than 1,200 different calibres.

As these two rare watches from the mid-20th Century demonstrate, every decade has brought fresh ideas and solutions, reflecting the spirit of the times. Among the many changes brought by the 1950s and 60s – represented by each of these watches – were, on one hand, tremendous advances in technology and aerospace, and on the other, the transformation of diving from a challenging pursuit to a widely practised leisure activity.

A rare LeCoultre Polaris Memodate (1967): to be sold at Phillips Geneva, November 2019:

In 1950, Jaeger‑LeCoultre introduced its first wristwatch featuring an alarm and called it the Memovox (‘voice of memory’). As the model become one of the most desirable and reliable on the market, the company introduced different variations, including a date display, a self-winding version and even an alarm designed to time parking meters.

In 1959, noting that diving had begun evolving from a specialist pursuit into a recreational sport enjoyed by thousands, Jaeger‑LeCoultre decided to adapt the Memovox to the sea. The company realised that it could offer both a visual timer (on the inner bezel) and an auditory alarm (which also caused vibration against the case) for ultimate diver safety.

To do so, Jaeger‑LeCoultre created a patented, multi-layer case-back that optimised the alarm’s sound transmission under water. The outer case, with its 16 holes, allowed for the alarm tone to be heard and also felt on the wrist, while the inner case sealed and protected the movement.

Known in the United States as the Polaris, and in Europe as the ‘Montre de plongeur E859’, the reference E859 featured three crowns, each with the cross-hatch pattern characteristic of SuperCompressor watches. The first crown is for time setting, the second rotates the inner bezel for dive timing, and the third rotates the central disc to align the arrow with the alarm time.

The example being offered by Phillips was made in 1967 for the American market and stands out from other models thanks to its very rare dial markings. While most of the dials were stamped Memovox or bore no inscription other than the LeCoultre name, this watch is stamped Memodate.

Perhaps the most fascinating thing about the Memodate Polaris is its combination of two apparently opposite aspects of watchmaking: the tradition of delicate aural complications and the needs of a practical sporting timepiece. In this respect, it epitomises the open-minded spirit of inventiveness that has created such a rich patrimony at Jaeger‑LeCoultre and continues to drive the Maison to this day.

The unique LeCoultre “Lucky 13” (1962): to be sold at Phillips New York, December 2019

The LeCoultre “Lucky 13” is a truly remarkable and unique watch presented by the Chicago Anti-Superstition Society alongside 13 U.S. Senators to an original Mercury Seven U.S. astronaut to commemorate his historic achievement of becoming the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth.

Featuring the number 13 at every hour marker, the watch celebrated the Friendship 7 spacecraft capsule used for the Mercury-Atlas 6 mission. Friendship 7 was the 13th space capsule produced by McDonnell Aircraft Corp, and the 13s on the dial were used to illustrate the society’s rejection of the number 13 as unlucky.

The ceremony, taking place on Friday, April 13th, 1962, was entered in the House Congressional Record on October 13th, 1962. The consignor intends to donate a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this watch to The John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University.

As well as demonstrating Jaeger‑LeCoultre’s technical expertise, the deep meaning and personal connections behind the story of these unique timepieces remind us that watches have always had social and emotional significance – which sometimes even overrides their practical purpose.

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Revamp Your Kitchen with These Trendy and Stylish Kitchen Cupboard Handles You’ll Love

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The heart of any home is undeniably the kitchen, making it a top priority for homeowners to maintain its beauty. To improve the looks of this room and make it more attractive, you can change the kitchen cupboard handles. Kitchen cabinet knobs are utilitarian and attractive. Choosing the appropriate handle may change the style of your kitchen. This article discusses fashionable kitchen cabinet handles.

Traditional Handles that Never Go Out of Style

Traditional kitchen cupboard handles have a timeless appeal. Brushed nickel is ideal for modernising kitchen cabinetry. These knobs look elegant in any kitchen. Brass handles are beautiful and traditional. Such handles are long-lasting and corrosion-resistant. Some traditionalists like wooden handles. These handles, available in oak or maple, give warmth and dimension to your cabinets while withstanding frequent usage. These timeless choices include straight bar handles and carved wooden knobs.

Sleek and Modern

To enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen, a viable option is to replace outdated cabinet handles with contemporary and stylish ones. There are numerous alternatives available on the market that can promptly provide a sophisticated appearance to your cabinets. As an illustration, one may choose to use handles that exhibit a minimalist aesthetic characterised by uncluttered contours and uncomplicated forms.

Brushed metal finishes, such as stainless steel or brass, are a great option for contemporary kitchen cupboard handles. The aforementioned materials exhibit a high degree of durability and impart a modern aesthetic. Furthermore, a significant number of homeowners choose to install handleless cupboards in their kitchens, as they contribute to a highly contemporary visual appeal.

In order to attain a contemporary and polished aesthetic in one’s kitchen, it is imperative to select cabinet handles that effectively harmonise with and elevate the overarching style of the area.

Combining Different Handle Styles for a Unique Look.

Replacing the handles on kitchen cupboards has the potential to yield a noteworthy impact in the process of renovating one’s kitchen. Alternatively, rather than adhering to a singular handle style, one could consider amalgamating various styles to achieve a distinctive aesthetic. The aforementioned trend has gained significant popularity among homeowners seeking to enhance the distinctiveness and individuality of their kitchens.

For instance, you could combine sleek, modern handles with vintage-style ones for an eclectic vibe. Alternatively, you could mix metal finishes such as brass and copper for a chic yet rustic look. Combining wooden handles with metallic ones is another great option that adds warmth and texture to your kitchen cabinets.

The key here is not only functionality but also creativity. Experimenting with different combinations of handle styles can give your kitchen a fresh new look without major renovations. So go ahead and have fun mixing and matching various types of handles until you find the perfect combination that suits your style.

Conclusion

Updating kitchen cabinet handles is an easy and inexpensive way to update your kitchen. Many styles are available, from sleek and futuristic to traditional and exquisite. Brass or matte black finishes offer refinement, while leather pulls or geometric forms create a statement. When selecting new cupboard handles, make sure that they are durable and enhance the look of your kitchen.

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Designing a Luxury Bathroom: Tips from London’s Top Showroom

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The bathroom is frequently regarded as one of the essential rooms in a home because of its overall usefulness and capacity to instill a sense of luxury and relaxation. A well-designed bathroom can make all the difference in establishing a sanctuary inside your house, from luxurious soaking tubs to chic fixtures.

In this article, we’ll provide tips and insights into designing a luxury bathroom that will upgrade your space, impress your guests, and provide you with a personal oasis to unwind and relax. You will also need to invest in some bathroom essentials to achieve your desired look. For people in the UK, especially London, consider visiting Letta London’s premier bathroom showroom to get the essential supplies to transform your bathing space into a luxurious sanctuary.

Tip 1. Maximize Space with the Right Layout

Your bathroom layout can impact usability and aesthetic appeal. Making the most available space is essential to create a cozy and pleasant atmosphere when designing a luxury bathroom. Consider adding a double vanity so you have enough counter space. Additionally, it will make the area symmetrical.

You could add a standalone tub as the room’s center point if there is enough area. It will give the place a hint of richness. Another excellent suggestion for making the shower feel more prominent and airy is to install a glass enclosure.

Tip 2. Choose the Right Materials

The materials you choose will significantly influence your bathroom’s design and atmosphere. When it comes to luxury bathrooms, marble is a popular choice. Its natural elegance and timeless beauty can instantly elevate the aesthetic of any bathroom. However, it must be noted that marble requires special care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. If you prefer a low-maintenance option, consider porcelain or ceramic tiles that mimic the look of marble.

Brass fixtures can also add glamour and sophistication to your bath space. Choose showerheads, faucets, towel bars, and robe hooks from brass. Pairing brass fixtures with a neutral color palette can create a chic and contemporary look.

Tip 3: Create a Spa-Like Atmosphere

Consider incorporating spa-like elements into your room’s design to create a truly indulgent space. This could include a large soaking tub, a steam shower, or a sauna. Adding these elements can help to create a space that feels like a personal spa retreat, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Tip 4. Lighting is Key

The proper lighting can make all the difference in a luxury bathroom. It can enhance the ambiance, highlight key features, and create a relaxing atmosphere. One way to achieve this is by combining task and ambient lighting.

For applying makeup and grooming, task lighting is crucial. Install sconces or pendant lights above the vanity area to provide ample lighting for these tasks. Ambient lighting, on the other hand, can create a soothing atmosphere. Consider installing dimmer switches or chandeliers to create a warm and inviting glow.

Tip 5. Use Natural Materials

The classic elegance of natural materials is unmatched when designing a luxury bathroom. Using raw materials in the design of your space can make it feel warm, inviting, opulent, and soothing. Plants bring a sense of nature into your home while also removing toxins from the air and lowering stress levels.

Another organic material that can bring warmth and character to the décor of your bathroom is wood. Your bathroom can feel like a spa getaway in your house by utilizing natural stone, natural linens, and natural lighting.

Tip 6. Use Natural Materials

Modern technology has transformed our bathrooms, offering a range of advanced accessories and equipment to elevate both usability and comfort. From luxury features to practical gadgets, the possibilities are endless for upgrading your bathroom experience.

To spruce up your bathroom, why not install a novel shower system that quickly adjusts water pressure, temperature, and flow with a single button? Elevate your daily shower experience by adding a built-in music system or a heated towel rack for added extravagance.

Tip 7. Add Luxury Touches

The finishing touches can make all the difference in a luxury bathroom. From plush towels and bathrobes to scented candles and artwork, there are plenty of ways to add a touch of luxury to your space.

Invest in high-quality towels and bath mats from soft, absorbent materials like Egyptian cotton. These small details can make your everyday routine feel more indulgent. Adding artwork or a statement mirror can also create a sense of sophistication and personality in the space.

Conclusion

Designing a luxurious bathroom can be difficult, but it is a highly satisfying endeavor with the proper method and guidance. A high-end bathroom can upgrade daily habits by providing a space that meets practical and lavish needs.

From indulging in an intelligent shower to basking in well-adjusted lighting, each design component can positively impact your well-being, transforming your morning or evening routine into a genuinely satisfying occasion. Whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating an existing space, these tips can help you achieve the bathroom of your dreams.

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Guide On Doing Boys Haircuts

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Image source: menshaircuts.com

Boys haircuts are versatile, and determining the best haircut for your boy depends on their facial shape and hair texture. If you love bonding with your son, you can extend that by giving him his haircut rather than taking him to the hairdresser. If you have the proper guide, the haircuts are not complicated.

Doing your little man’s hair helps save both money and time that could be spent visiting the barber. The process is quite simple as long as you understand the boy and have the right tools for the process. You will most likely need clippers and scissors for typical haircuts. Here is a guide on how to come up with boys haircuts in the comfort of your home.

Place A Towel On His Shoulders

Some people tend to ignore this step, but it is important. The towel acts as a protection so that you won’t have the chopped hair falling through the neck to his shoulder or getting all over his clothes.

The hair strays that fall off are usually messy and itchy if they fall on body parts other than the head. This may be a bad destruction to the boy and can make your experience and his in cutting the hair uncomfortable.

Selecting The Clipper Number

This decision depends on the haircut you will give the boy. Each clipper number matches the length of hair that will be left on the scalp. The higher the number, the longer the hair that will be left and vice versa.

It would be best if you had a proper understanding of the boy since, most of the time, you make the decision for him. You should know whether he is comfortable with longer or shorter haircuts.

Make A Decision On  Where To Clip

In most cases, boys haircuts are done with clippers for the sides and the back but a pair of scissors for the top. However, using clippers on the entire head is a better idea because it gives a more consistent look than when scissors are used to chop the hair on the top.

If you have to use scissors on the top, decide where to stop the clipping and figure out how to create a smooth transition between the haircut using scissors and that cut using clippers. The hair should be consistent and even such that it is not so obvious some parts were done using scissors while others were done using clippers.

Remember to use different clipper sizes in haircuts where a fade is needed. Ensure that you are consistent on where the clipping stops, and if possible, mark it with a washable marker to avoid confusion when you run the clippers the second time to tidy up the haircut.

Begin From The Bottom Of The Hairline

When using clippers, ensure that you hold them at a ninety degrees angle. Start from the bottom of the hairline and gradually work your way up, depending on your expected results.

Work Around The Whole Head

Smoothly work all around the head, observing the same rules and confirming that you get a clean shave. Always run the clipper several times to ensure you get a clean shave and that no uneven portions are left out.

Cutting The Hair At The Top

You will most need scissors to style the hair at the top. Always consider the results you are looking for before initializing any cutting.

When cutting the hair, starting with small portions and working your way down until you achieve the required results is best. In most cases, you will not need to chop off a lot of the boy’s hair on top unless he has long hair and you are going for a short haircut.

You should ensure that the hair on the top is dry when cutting it because wet hair is usually shrunk and does not give a picture of the exact length you are working with.

Styling And Cleaning Up

Wash up to get rid of the hair that has been cut off, and apply suitable hair products. Finish up by styling the hair the way the boy likes it.

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