watches - Leo Hamel

What’s the Difference Between Quartz & Mechanical Movements?

2023-12-152024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

The watch movement or the caliber is a mechanism that makes every watch tick. It is an engine that powers a watch and all of its functions. The mechanism moves the hands and powers any additional features such as annual calendars, chronographs or dual time zone displays. Powering all the timekeeping tasks, the movement is the most important component in any watch. There are many different movements that power a watch, but they all fall into two categories: mechanical and quartz movements.

How Can You Tell Which Movement is Which?

A simple way to tell a mechanical movement from a quartz movement is the way the second hand moves. The second hand on a quartz watch moves in ticks, while with mechanical movements, the hand moves smoothly.

Quartz movements are extremely accurate and need little regular maintenance apart from replacing batteries. While some lower-end quartz watches may run for decades without maintenance, a fine Swiss quartz watch should be serviced every 7 to 10 years. The batteries should be changed every 2 years to prevent damage.

Quartz watches tend to cost less as they have fewer moving parts and are cheaper to manufacture. Watch aficionados aren’t as attracted to them as they lack the craftsmanship and fine engineering of their mechanical counterparts. However, when made by high-end Swiss watch manufacturers, quartz movements are a perfectly acceptable solution.

Mechanical movements are preferred by many watch enthusiasts because they incorporate a high level of craftsmanship and quality. They are skillfully made by watchmakers and contain several tiny compartments that work together to power the mechanism. Mechanical movements use energy from a wound spring. This spring stores the energy and uses it to power a series of springs and gears. While the design of mechanical watches has remained unchanged for centuries, the latest technology allows for more precise engineering and finer details.

The most popular mechanical watches are those that contain perpetual-wind movements. They’re more popular because as long as you wear them regularly, you don’t have to wind them every day to make sure they are accurate. Perpetual-wind watches gather energy through the motions of your wrist. A metal weight spins with each move of your wrist, harnessing that energy to continually wind the mainspring. A special mechanism prevents it from over winding, keeping optimum tension for impeccable timekeeping performance.

Pros & Cons

Quartz watches are extremely accurate, but what also makes them popular among buyers is their low price and durability. These watches can also be equipped with additional technological features such as GPS tracking or illumination. They are also slightly more accurate than mechanical watches, which may be accurate to within a few seconds a day.

On the other hand, mechanical watches boast a much more impressive mechanism that watch-lovers love to observe. Many mechanical watches will have a clear crystal window on the back of the case to allow the owner to see the mechanism at work. Mechanical watches can last for generations as they have a significantly longer life span than their quartz counterparts have, and thus can become cherished family heirlooms.

Mechanical watches require regular maintenance and need to be cleaned by a professional every 3 to 5 years to avoid excessive wear on the parts of the movement. However, this investment will ensure that your mechanical watch lasts for many more years to come.

Watch Servicing

In conclusion, if you are looking for a cheap, accurate watch with little to no need for maintenance, you should go with quartz watches. But if you want an impressive mechanism that represents a form of art, and you are looking for a watch that will last you a lifetime, a perpetual-wind mechanical watch is an unrivaled choice.

If you own a mechanical watch, make sure to have it serviced every 3 to 5 years so that it continues to perform as well as the day it was acquired. If you need your watch professionally cleaned or serviced, call us at 619-299-1500 to find out what our in-house watch department can do for you. Our watchmaker is certified and was Rolex factory trained.

A complete watch service at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers consists of disassembling the watch movement, cleaning out old lubricant, re-lubricating all friction points, re-assembling the movement, and adjusting the timing to factory specifications. Included is a one-year warranty on timekeeping and a 90-day warranty on parts.

The exterior of the watch is then fully refinished; removing all scratches and restoring the factory finish to the case and bracelet, making your watch look new again. You’ll be surprised at what a difference that makes!

How Long is a Rolex Made to Last?

2023-10-312024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

To say that Rolex watches are not exactly cheap is an understatement. If you do decide to invest in a luxury timepiece, you probably want to know how long it will last.

While they’re definitely made to last, they still need some attention to stay in perfect shape over the years. If you already own one and need to have it serviced or want to know where to repair Rolex watches in San Diego, we have your answer!

With assistance from the knowledgeable in-house watchmakers at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, your Rolex watch is certain to last a lifetime. Visit us today!

How Long Will a Rolex Last?

When you think of Rolex, you think of superior quality and impressive durability. While such a reputation is surely a good thing for a brand, it sets the bar high and inevitably begs the question: do Rolex watches live up to their name?

One thing is certain, Rolex has been consistent in producing top-quality timepieces that keep their luster over long time periods. What’s more, the brand continues to perfect and improve their watches year after year, making sure they still look as pristine in half a century as they do immediately after production.

If you own or want to invest in a Rolex, you probably want to know how long it should last. Thanks to the master craftsmanship and exquisite attention to detail that Rolex is known for, it’s safe to say that your timepiece is likely to stay in good shape for generations with proper care and maintenance.

This is evident in the fact that vintage Rolex watches are a watch collector’s favorite. Vintage models like the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner that are still in perfect working condition are quite common. Their appearance may show signs of aging, but with proper service from experienced watchmakers, they’ll look as good as new.

Does Rolex Have A Lifetime Warranty?

While we’ve established that Rolex watches are highly durable, they don’t come with a lifetime warranty. Instead, all watches are covered by an international warranty for a period of 5 years after purchase. The warranty excludes:

Wear-and-tear (straps and non-metal bracelets)
Cases of theft and loss
Damage caused by misuse
Adding or substituting components with non-original parts
Repair or service done by a third-party

Some people may be disappointed with the duration of the Rolex warranty. However, it demonstrates just how confident the brand is in the quality of its products. In many cases, a Rolex timepiece can last a lifetime, especially if it’s serviced regularly. Rolex recommends service every 10 years, but every 5 to 7 years is good for ensuring optimal performance.

Where to Repair Rolex Watches in San Diego?

Rolex watches are undeniably high-quality and durable, but should still be regularly checked. Regular service and maintenance are a must if you want to make sure your watch is always in perfect condition. In the unlikely but not impossible scenario of your Rolex breaking down, you should have seasoned professionals who can fix the issue efficiently and expertly at your beck and call.

Fortunately, you won’t have to search for the finest experts in your area for too long. Simply visit Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers on your way to Downtown San Diego. Our factory-trained technicians can repair your watch with unmatched skill and expertise. What’s more, they can tell you everything you may want to know about Rolex timepieces, whether you want to know how to spot a counterfeit Rolex or need advice for cleaning your watch. Stop by our store today!

Features of a Rolex Datejust

2023-10-132024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Always the innovator, Rolex gained notoriety for their fashionable aesthetics and cutting-edge technology for wristwatches for both men and women. Considered the modern archetype of the classic watch, the Rolex Datejust masterfully combines visual appeal and high-end quality. Introduced the same year as their 40^th anniversary (1945), the Rolex Datejust is the essence of the renowned brand.

The Datejust has spanned eras with numerous models. All of these include the unique features that make this specific Rolex so important to the company’s history. The Datejust was the first self-winding wristwatch to dsplay the date on the dial of the watch. The automatic calendar feature advances to the next date right at midnight – the moniker, “Datejust.”

The date is visible in a small window located at 3 o’clock on the dial. Originally, the Datejust had the venerable domed plastic watch crystal. In 1954, the versatile and high-quality watch was enhanced to include a magnifying cyclops eye on the watch crystal. This new element magnified the lens by 2.5 times to allow clearer visibility of the date. Eventually, a sapphire crystal replaced the entire plastic crystal, but that didn’t happen until 1988.

Rolex Datejust Bracelets

Another quality feature of this official chronometer is the waterproof Oyster case. The invention of the oyster case in 1926 was a major milestone for Rolex. Before this innovation, waterproofing watch cases involved an outer case being snapped over the watch itself. Since Rolex watches were made with wandering adventurers in mind, the Oyster case made exploring all parts of the world that much more convenient. The Oyster case gets its name from natural oysters, implying that the case closes as tight as an oyster’s shell. This ensures the watch’s safety during expeditions.

To honor the new model and the company’s 40^th anniversary, Rolex created a new bracelet called the Jubilee. Initially, the Jubilee bracelet was only available with the 36mm Datejust, but due to its booming popularity, the bracelet was eventually made compatible with other Rolex models as well. Today, men and women watch enthusiasts can choose to equip their Datejust watches with the Jubilee bracelet, the Oyster bracelet, or a leather strap. All three options are suitable for every occasion and can be showcased with a variety of ensembles.

Rolex in San Diego

For over 50 years, the Datejust has remained one of the most recognizable and desirable Rolex models. The Rolex Datejust is available with an amazing variety of dials, bezels, bracelets, and sizes including both men’s and women’s styles. All Rolex watches in our showroom are pre-owned and can be anywhere from a few months to a few decades in age. All have been fully and expertly restored to their original, timeless splendor using only original Rolex parts, and come with a 2-year warranty. Don’t waste any time – visit our showroom on San Diego Avenue today to discover a dapper Datejust to fit your style.

History of the Omega Speedmaster

2023-10-032024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Anyone interested in history, space flight, or watch making will want to hear the story of the Omega Speedmaster. A little-known specialty watch in the 1950’s rose to fame as the watch of the astronauts. The Speedmaster sparked a top-secret development program with NASA. It is a symbol of the space race era that has endured and remains in use today. The watch has outlasted even the iconic Apollo rockets and space shuttles. This is a brief history of how it all began.

The Moon Watch

During the space program in the 1960’s, NASA sought a chronograph watch that could withstand space flight. It would have to be very accurate even when exposed to different extreme environments that don’t exist on Earth’s surface. NASA didn’t have its own development program for watches so it turned to the commercial sector to find a suitable piece.

The Omega Speedmaster seemed destined for fame. The first Speedmaster went into space on the arm of astronaut Wally Schirra in 1962. It was his personal model, and he wore it without any endorsement from NASA, as it was still several years before NASA had its own spaceflight certified watch. Between 1963 and 1964, NASA wanted to certify a watch for the Apollo missions and was open to many options. NASA directly reached out to several watch manufacturers to submit chronograph watches candidates for testing. Rolex, Hamilton, Lngines-Wittenauer and Omega submitted multiple models.

NASA Tests Omega, Rolex, & Hamilton Watches

Between October 1964 and March 1965 NASA subjected the candidate watches to these incredible tests:

High Temperature: 48 hours at 160°F followed by 30 minutes at 200°F
Low Temperature: 4 hours at 0°F
Temperature-Pressure: 15 cycles of heating to 160°F for 45 minutes, followed by cooling to 0°F for 45 minutes at 10-6 atmosphere
Relative Humidity: 240 hours at temperatures varying between 68°F and 160°F in a relative humidity of at least 95%
Oxygen Atmosphere: 48 hours in an atmosphere of 100% oxygen at a pressure of 0.35 atmosphere
Shock: Six shocks of 40 G, each 11 milliseconds in duration, in six different directions.
Acceleration: From 1 G to 7.25 G within 333 seconds, along an axis parallel to the longitudinal spacecraft axis
Decompression: 90 minutes in a vacuum of 10-6 atmosphere at a temperature of 160°F and 30 minutes at 200°F
High Pressure: 1.6 atmosphere for a minimum period of one hour
Vibration: Three cycles of 30 minutes of vibration varying from 5 to 2000 Hz
Acoustic Noise: 130 DB over a frequency range of 40 to 10,000 Hz, duration 30 minutes

Omega Speedmaster's Moon Landing

In the end, only one watch passed the tests: Omega Speedmaster. With that, the Speedmaster became NASA’s official watch for space exploration. Each astronaut was equipped with one from that point on. Now here’s a curious piece of history: the Omega company in Switzerland was unaware that their watch had been selected! This was because NASA procured the watches from the Omega USA subsidiary, which did not inform Omega headquarters of the project.

Omega headquarters only found out by seeing a news photograph of the Speedmaster on the arm of astronaut Ed White, during America’s first space walk in June 1965 – almost a year after testing had begun! It was four years later that the Speedmaster cemented its fame. On July 20^th, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin both wore an Omega Speedmaster as they walked on the moon. This was an unprecedented achievement for an off-the-shelf watch that had not at all been designed with space flight in mind. It remains part of the official gear issues to Nasa astronauts to this day, making it one of the longest continuous-use equipment items in the space program.

The Alaska Project

A few years after adopting the Speedmaster for space missions, NASA and Omega partnered to jointly develop a new version of the Speedmaster, designed from the ground up for space exploration. The project was undertaken in strict secrecy and code named The Alaska Project. The goal of the project was to make the perfect “space watch,” one resistant to extreme temperatures and solar radiation. Function dictated every design decision, leading to first-time innovations in watch making, as well as interesting aesthetic results. The Alaska Project Speedmaster result looked very different from the original. It was distinguished by the oversized, red, anodized, aluminum casing (removable).

The low thermal conductivity of aluminum protexted the watch against extreme temperature fluctuations, high and low, whilethe red color protected against some wavelengths of solar radiation. The watch case itself was made from titanium – a first-time innovation in watch making. The dial color was changed from black to white, because the white golod reflected the maximum amount of solar radiation awar from the watch. Omega produced five Alaska Project prototypes by 1969, but by that time, priorities were changing in the space program. NASA decided the original Speedmaster was fulfilling its role as mission watch sufficiently well, so no Alaska Project Speedmasters were ever ordered into production.

Omega Speedmaster's Unique History

No other watch on Earth has such a unique history, nor had any watch endured such rigorous, independent testing of quality as the Speedmaster. The irony of the Omega Speedmaster is the original, Earth-designed Speedmaster was adapted for the most important space exploration missions in history, and it still NASA’s official space flight watch, while the space-designed Speedmaster never left the ground.

Collector’s today can find many versions of the Omega Speedmaster, from modern models to the vintage “pre-moon” version of the 1950’s-1960’s, including a limited collector’s edition of the Alaska Project. Visit us today if you’re in search of an out-of-this-world luxury watch!

Watches with Historic Ties

2023-08-222024-05-31 by Rylee Kahan

The vintage look is having a moment in the watch world. Many luxury watch brands boast models that were inspired by retro and vintage styles. If you’d like to spruce up your watch collection, there are plenty of models to choose from.

Here are some outstanding examples of retro style timepieces, some of which may still be located. These watches come from powerhouse watch designers like Omega, Patek Philippe, Breitling, and Longines. But there are many more that are readily available from new brands and from pre-owned brands.

Omega Globemaster

The Omega Globemaster is the world’s first Master Chronometer which was certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology. The watch set new standards of watchmaking, while boasting the design inspired by the past. Well known for beautiful “Pie Pan” dials, Omega embellishes their watch with this famous dial that echoes the 1952 Constellation.

The fluted bezel of the Globemaster is like the bezel of the Constellation model from 1968. The 39mm case with a brushed finish is available in stainless steel, two-town steel and gold combination, yellow gold, and in Sedna gold, an alloy that Omega introduced in 2013.

Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Ref. 5524

This impressive timepiece stands out among the traditional watches of the world’s possibly most conservative watch brand. Few Patek Philippe aficionados expected the unconventional 42mm-wide model. Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Ref. 5524 takes on various design characteristics of pilot watches of the past 100 years, traced back to the 1920s and 1930s.

Rather than being based on any specific pilot watch, the aesthetic is vintage-inspired and adjusted to the brand’s unique style. The design of the hands, dial and numerals have the look of the pilot watches of the early 20^th century. The navy-blue dial is inspired by the body paint of the U.S. fighter aircraft. The brown leather strap with the contrast topstitching evokes the leather belts worn by pilots in the 1930s.

Oris Divers 65

With several subtle modifications, the Oris Divers 65 pays homage to the brand’s timepiece released in 1965. Half a century later, Oris gives it a makeover, achieving a classic and attractive design. While the Oris Divers 65 has a larger 40-mm case made of stainless steel, the case is only 12.8mm thick. Though the narrow PVD bezel makes it appear larger than it is, the slim profile of the case contributes to the overall simple design.

The case back is engraved with the same Oris emblem found on the 1965 watch. On the other hand, the Oris Divers 65 has a unidirectional bezel. This is safer for diving than the bidirectional rotating bezel of the 1965 model. The dial of the Oris Divers 65 is what makes this timepiece unique and funky without looking overly designed. Oris made some visible changes like moving the date window from 3 o’clock to 6 o’clock on the dial. They also put it on a black wheel instead of the original white.

Today’s dive watches have varying degrees of water-resistance from none to 30 meters, to 300 meters or more. With a water resistance of 100 meters, the Oris Divers 65 honors the heritage of its predecessor.

Breitling Transocean Chronograph 1915

To celebrate a hundred years from creating the first independent chronograph push piece, Breitling introduced the Transocean Chronograph 1915 in a limited edition of 1,915 pieces. In the early 20^th century, chronographs were monopushers, meaning that the controls for starting, stopping, and returning the timer to zero were all placed in the crown. Then the timepiece with a major design innovation was created. The separate pusher placed on the side of the case at 2 o’clock would soon become standard.

Though Transocean waters are usually automatic, the Transocean Chronograph 1915 has a hand-wound movement which runs 33 jewels and has a 70-hour power reserve. The vintage-inspired dial, numerals, and the hands give the watch an antique and refined look. There’s also an engraving “100e anniversaire 1915-2015” displayed on the back of a 43mm stainless steel case.

Longines Pulsometer Chronograph

The brand found its inspiration in the 1920s Longines watch used by medical personnel to calculate a patient’s heart rate. The Longines Pulsometer Chronograph 2015 is indeed an incredible vintage revival. It is a functional tool that is smart and simple, with retro elements like the Breguet-style hour and minute hands.

The eye-catching white dial is surrounded by a red pulsometer scale, the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock markers have been removed and the sapphire crystal has the anti-reflective coating, so the watch is legible and easy to use. The self-winding movement is contained in a 40mm steel case with a column-wheel monopusher chronograph mechanism and holds a 54-hour power reserve.

Grand Seiko Historical Collection 62GS

Released in 1960, the Grand Seiko has become an iconic watch known for its accuracy and precision. All the timepieces of the Seiko Historical Collection honor the heritage of this Japanese brand. To mark the 55^th anniversary of Grand Seiko, the brand introduced a series inspired by the very first Grand Seiko watch with automatic movement.

There are eight models in the collection, and all are limited editions. Four are faithful remakes, while the other four are modern reinterpretations featuring the Grand Seiko’s most advanced movements. The traditional-looking models look like the original but are a bit larger in size. They are available in stainless steel, white gold, and rose gold.

The 62GS released in 1967 had the crown positioned at 4 o’clock, emphasizing the fact that hand winding was no longer required. Though not all models of the Grand Seiko collection for 2015 have the off-centered crown, they do share some design elements with the original 62GS.

Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers is the largest full-service jewelry and watch store in San Diego. Visit our deluxe showroom on San Diego Avenue and browse through the always-changing selection of luxury pre-owned watches, as well as new watches from Hamilton and Tissot.

Whether you’re looking for a new watch or a pre-owned watch in mint condition, our helpful and knowledgeable staff will help you find your ideal match. And our guarantee and warranty keeps you covered. If there’s a particular pre-owned timepiece you admire and we don’t have it on hand, we’ll do our best to find it for you from our global network! With Leo Hamel’s, time is on your side!

How to Maintain Your Swiss-Made Watches

2023-06-142024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

A fine Swiss watch can last for generations and still be running strong 100 years from now. Everyone considers cost, especially in this economy, but in the long run it can be more economical to buy a good Swiss watch. These will last for years rather than buying cheaper watches again and again.

Swiss watches are crafted with exacting care and subjected to rigorous quality control measures before being presented for sale. A fine watch is a wonderful heirloom to pass on to your children.

However, proper care is necessary for a fine timepiece to stay in optimum working condition and hold its value. Just like a car, a Swiss watch needs to get a regular tune up for its best performance. A full service is recommended every 3-5 years for maintenance.

Swiss-Made Watch Maintenance in San Diego

Our master watchmaker performs a full clean and overhaul, dismantling the timepiece to examine the movement and clean all parts. We provide an estimate for any worn parts that need to be replaced.

The movement will be lubricated and pressure tested, and the time-keeping adjusted and regulated. We also include a full exterior refinish, buffing and polishing the watch case and bracelet. This removes tiny scratches and makes it look good as new again.

Once your watch is in tip-top condition, keep your automatic watch on a watch winder whenever you’re not wearing it. A Wolf Design watch winder moves the watch in a circular pattern to approximate the human motions that keep the self-winding mechanism working.

Using a watch winder protects the longevity of your automatic watch. This is because it keeps the mainspring at its optimum tension and disperses the oils used for lubrication evenly while the watch is not on your wrist. It also keeps the watch running while you’re not wearing it. This means you won’t have to reset the time, day, and/or date when you wear it next!

A watch with a quartz or manual-wind movement doesn’t need a watch winder. Though it does need a nice watch holder for storage when you’re not wearing it, to prevent scratches, being dropped, or getting wet.

Here at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, we have a broad selection of heirloom-quality Swiss watches for every taste and budget. Visit our showroom, just east of the 5 across from the airport, and our expert sales team will gladly help you find the perfect timepiece!

Father’s Day Gifts at Leo Hamel’s

2023-06-102024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Father’s Day is right around the corner! If you’ve slacked on getting your Dad the best gift to show your love and appreciation, hurry to Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers! Whether you’re shopping for your Dad, Grandpa, brother, or anyone else, you’re sure to find something special for all the important men in your life. Below are our top choices for 2023 Father’s Day gift ideas but be sure to stop by our San Diego jewelry store to see the wide assortment of other items we have to offer!

Every man deserves a classy watch, especially the man that raised you. After all the love and support he’s given you, it’s only right to show how much you appreciate him with such a grand gesture. And if your Dad doesn’t already own a luxury watch, it will make this Father’s Day gift much more special.

So, what’s your father’s style like? If he’s more modern, opt for a contemporary watch with a classic appeal. If he’s more old school, aim for something vintage and timeless.

Does your Dad already have a nice collection of watches? Then why not get him a Father’s Day gift that will always come in handy? Maybe you’ve never even thought about where your Dad stores all of his watches, but we’re betting it’s not the safest place. This Father’s Day, get Dad a Wolf watch case so he never has to worry about damaging his watches when they aren’t being worn.

Is your Dad an automatic watch lover? Go one step further and get him a Wolf watch winder that will keep all of his watches running while they’re not being worn! He’ll totally appreciate not having to reset the date and time on his watches every time he wants to wear one, trust us.

Cufflinks always make an exceptional Father’s Day gift. Whether your Dad wears suits often or not, he’ll always think of you whenever he puts them on. And cufflinks are just so classy! Depending on his style and favorite hobbies, we have a wide variety of unique and designer cufflinks.

You’d be surprised how many big-name designer brands have entire lines of designs tailored to men. Big names like John Hardy, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Gucci and more all have unisex and men’s lines of interesting and unique designs. A vintage designer bracelet, ring or accessory can be a highly personal gift and show that you pay attention to his individual style more than he might realize.

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18^th, and although we are CLOSED on Father’s Day, we are OPEN on Saturday June 17^th from 11am to 5pm for your shopping needs. Free gift wrap included with every purchase! Please visit our showroom sooner rather than later to get your shopping done before time runs out! If you know what you want, or even more so if you don’t, give us a call at 619-299-1500, or visit us so our skilled team can help you find the perfect gift for any Dad this year!

A Brief History of Cartier

2023-03-112024-05-25 by Rylee Kahan

Cartier is celebrated throughout the world for amazing jewelry and wristwatch designs. You’ve probably wanted a Cartier piece at some point in your life, that is if you don’t already own one. Still, how much do you know about Cartier? Most people only know and remember the current presence of the brand. However, Cartier deserves a bit more of us. Founded in 1847, which is 176 years ago, the company has a rich history.

Founding

After inheriting the company from his teach and master jeweler in 1847 Paris, Louis Francois Cartier renamed the company after himself. When changing the name, Louis Francois founded the now famous Cartier brand. His son Alfred took over the company in 1874. However, it was Alfred’s three sons that really expanded the name and the influence of the brand worldwide. The three brothers opened and managed offices in various parts of the world, including London, New York and St. Petersburg.

Innovation

Cartier is perhaps best known among men for starting the wristwatch trend. In the early 20th century, a friend of Louis Cartier (one of the sons of Alfred) complained how ineffective pocket watches were for aviators. Louis designed a wristwatch for his friend, and named the series after him, Cartier Santos. They continued creating new watch series, some of which are still active today, including Baignoire and Tank series. They started producing women’s watches shortly after the men’s, with many of the same designs and series being adapted for female customers.

Change of Ownership

For over 100 years Cartier remained in the family name. It was only after the death of the third generation of Cartier’s who owned the business that their children decided to sell. The company is presently fully owned by a group of investors under the name of Richemont. It is a conglomerate of luxury goods based in Switzerland.

Cartier Jewelry

Even though they are famous for their watches, Cartier started and has maintained a prominent position in the high-end jewelry market. This aspect of the company’s market is heavily geared towards women. A Cartier, for a woman, is synonymous with brilliant design and a variety of different collections for any occasion. With 14 active jewelry collections, it would be a challenge for anyone to not find a piece they love.

Royal Legacy

However, Cartier’s legacy and reputation don’t come only from the collections of jewelry. Half a century after the founding of the company, King Edward VII described the House of Cartier as the “Jeweller of Kings and King of Jewellers.” A stunning number of royalty and nobility of Europe have been or still are patrons of Cartier, including royals of Spain, Belgium, Egypt, Portugal and many more; most recently the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. This impressive roster of customers came after the King Edward VII ordered 27 tiaras for his coronation in 1902. He was so pleased with the work of Cartier that he issued a royal warrant to Cartier in 1904.

Cartier Jewelry & Watches in San Diego

If you are on a lookout for a piece of vintage Cartier jewelry or pre-owned Cartier watch, visit Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers. Our showroom and jewelry store on San Diego Avenue is the largest source of new and vintage high-end jewelry in San Diego. Our experienced and polite staff will ensure that you find a Cartier piece to suit your style.

2023 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

2023-01-312024-05-24 by Rylee Kahan

Valentine’s Day is a day to share your love with each other and show your special man or woman just how much you adore and admire them. Even if you try to demonstrate your love every day, Valentine’s Day is the day to make an extra effort. What better way to do that than with a thoughtfully chosen piece of jewelry or a watch that shows how much you pay attention to what he or she likes?

Since everyone’s personal taste is extremely important for their style, be sure to keep your loved one’s personal style, lifestyle, and the frequency in which they wear jewelry and accessories in mind.

Our team is eager to help you find the perfect gift for your Valentine! Leo Hamel’s has a wide variety including intricate rings and bold necklaces, new and pre-owned watches, designer jewelry, accessories, and handbags. Here’s a peek into our Valentine’s Day collection.

For Her

Valentine’s Day is a day to pay extra attention to the special woman in your life, and these gifts are great options that will show her how much you care.

For Him

While Valentine’s Day leans heavily towards gifts for women, it’s the perfect opportunity to show the man in your life how meaningful he is to you.

Vintage Freeform Ring Slide

Vintage Freeform Ring

Vintage 14k white gold high polish freeform ring set with 0.22 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds. Retails for $675, Our Price: $475