Bremont is the official UK watch supplier and timekeeper for Walking With The Wounded’s South Pole Allied Challenge marking the beginning of the brand’s ongoing support for the charity.

Three teams of wounded servicemen and women are embarking upon on one of the most high profile expeditions of modern times, racing across 3° to the Geographic South Pole. Wounded from the UK, the US and the Commonwealth (Australia and Canada) will embark on this gruelling challenge. The teams will fly to Antarctica in November following extensive year long training in all conditions. They aim to reach the South Pole on the 17th December 2013.

It is predicted to be the largest modern day expedition of its type, will last for four weeks and the teams will cover a total of 335km enduring temperatures of 45°C with winds of up to 50mph.

The latest pioneering expedition follows the successes of 2011’s record breaking trek to the North Pole and the assault on the imposing Mt Everest in 2012. All of the expeditions are corporately sponsored so Bremont’s involvement plays a huge part in making this happen.

Walking With The Wounded was set up in 2010 with the intention of providing an inspirational military charity with a difference. Every day young men and women are undertaking huge risks in extreme circumstances with professionalism and courage, some losing their lives and many suffering horrific injuries. The idea behind the charity was to provide a support network for those who have suffered and plan a future for them they never imagined possible.

These inspirational expeditions put the figures in the public eye to demonstrate their bravery and of course to raise awareness. The fundraising for the charity provides re-training and re-education for injured soldiers to rebuild their careers and lives after they have left the Armed Forces.

Shows like Mad Men have a lot to answer for – in a good way. Week after week, the male stars model yet another sharp suit with slick hairstyle and shiny shoes. They are also responsible for the new enthusiasm for pared-down, classic styling, and because of this the once popular dress watch is once again experiencing a renaissance. Think Don Draper, James Bond and the BBC’s Sherlock Holmes. Each approaches his appearance with elegance and charm in mind, and this isn’t just limited to their clothing; a well-chosen dress watch – delicately simple and slimmer than usual – can be the icing on the cake.

Chopard L.U.C 1937 Classic Stainless Steel

There’s no denying that Chopard offer some of the most high-end, sumptuously splendid jewellery and timepieces available today, but that’s not to say they aren’t capable of a little understated elegance aswell. Their L.U.C 1937 Classic Stainless Steel is a sleek number that combines tradition and innovation, and the intended subtlety shows within the stainless steel 42mm case, featuring a delicately detailed sunburst dial, applied rhodium Roman numerals and minute track. There is glareproof, scratch-resistant sapphire to the front (as lets face it, you’d have to keep a watch like this looking pretty smart), and see-through sapphire to the back of the case, which is then mounted onto a black alligator leather strap.

Cartier Tank Louis Cartier Large

Being another giant in the world of horology, Cartier also has a great deal to offer on the dress watch front. However, it’s the Tank Louis Cartier Large that stands out thanks to it striking monochrome, Roman numeral dial framed with a bold 18 carat yellow gold case, measuring 33.7 x 25.5 mm. Its presence is assertive, and its Art Deco appearance and angular form are sure to acquire you some attention at dinner parties. The dial is silver grained, with sword-shaped blue steel hands that compliment the yellow gold, and is finished with a sophisticated chocolate-brown alligator leather strap.

Vacheron Constantin Malte Moon Phase

Vacheron Constantin’s Malte Moon Phase in 18 carat white gold features an impressive five different finishes, most notably the finely hand-guilloché ‘Clous de Paris’, or hobnail motif, on the inner zone. The case is a generously sized 39 x 49 mm in curvaceous tonneau form, and houses a beautiful multi-finished dial that is a true technical – and aesthetic – masterpiece, with its textured embellishments and moon phase window that displays an 18 carat white gold orb at appropriate times.

Patek Philippe Gondolo Platinum

The Gondolo Platinum from Patek Philippe is part of a legendary collection that was relaunched in 2007, around 80 years after it was first created. This model is reminiscent of the Art Nouveau period, as well as Art Deco, with the popular era-associated tonneau shape – measuring 32 x 42 mm – and a decorative, flowing hour and minute track on the hand-guilloché dial. It is inspired by the company’s Chronometro Gondolo, which dates back to 1925, although this version now gently curves with the wrist. The dial itself is gently cambered, and features the signature of the esteemed maker within the inner guilloched portion.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master

Perhaps not your everyday watch purchase, but equally as desirable as the less expensive models, is the classic Jaeger-LeCoultre Master in 18 carat rose gold.  Its traditional simplicity is striking, but it is by no means plain, with brushed silver sunray dial and gilt-applied numerals and markers that are set off by the high contrast blue seconds hand.  The 40mm diameter creates a subtle, elegant form while its elegant dial and easy readability put it firmly within the dashing dress watch category.

Fly Boy Friday is a series dedicated to the ever popular pilot’s watch. Having previously featured pilot’s watches from Longines and IWC, as well as showcasing some affordable pilot watches, this week we take a look at Bell & Ross’s excellent and varied collection of pilot watches.

The Bell & Ross collection of pilot’s watches is one of the most extensive and varied in all of watch making. With its long standing association with the world of aviation, Bell & Ross is famous for creating watches that resemble the gauges found inside the cockpit of an airplane.

As well as some of its more unconventional aviation inspired timepieces, Bell & Ross has also created pilot style watches that pay tribute to WW1 fighter pilots and WW2 bomber navigators. In 2008 the brand was also asked to produce two limited edition watches for the French Air Force.

Whether you are a professional pilot, flight enthusiast or only ever get as far as playing a flight simulator game on your iPad, with such a large collection of pilot watches, Bell & Ross offer the inevitable cliché of there really being something for everyone, as you’ll see from the varied selection of watches below.

Bell & Ross Vintage WW2 Regulateur

Designed as a tribute to the navigational instruments and timekeepers used during World War 2, the Bell & Ross WW2 Regulateur timepiece features an extra large case that measures 49mm in diameter with an ergonomically designed bi-directional bezel.

The watch displays a large central minutes hands with two sub dials for hours and seconds. This is because the minute hand is the most important indicator for a fighter pilot who needs to make quick and accurate readings during short intervals of time. From $6,000.00

Bell & Ross BR03-94 Chronographe Black and White

The Bell & Ross BR03-94 in black and white is made from stainless steel with a matte black PVD finish. The case measures 42mm in diameter and includes an anti-reflective crystal sapphire. The black and white dial displays hours, minutes and seconds, with a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock.

There is also a two counter chronograph with a 60 second sub dial at 3 o’clock and a slightly larger 30 seconds dial at 9 o’clock. All hands numerals and indexes are covered in a sand coloured luminescent coating. Retail price $5,800.00

Bell & Ross 123 Original

The Bell & Ross 123 Original includes a three hand Swiss ETA 2892 movement and is taken from the brand’s Vintage collection. The case measures 41mm and is made from stainless steel. The beige dial offers excellent readability in what is a really classy and stylish timepiece that will almost certainly appeal to most tastes. From $2,900.00

Bell & Ross BR01 Red Radar

Despite being somewhat unconventional, the BR01 Red Radar watch is an excellent example of what Bell & Ross do best – create completely unique and extraordinary watches from what are essentially fairly basic Swiss ETA movements.

First launched in 2011, the Red Radar watch uses a disc system mounted on top of the movement to display the time. Take a look at this video on how the disc system of the watch works.

Limited to 999 pieces, the BR01 Red Radar retails for around $5,500.00

Bell & Ross BR01 2013 Aviation Collection

Bell & Ross recently extended its Aviation collection with this series of limited edition watches. Pictured from left to right, you’ve got the BR01 Heading Indicator, BR01 Climb and BR01 Airspeed. As with the previous watches in the Aviation collection, their design is inspired by airplane cockpits. Each watch is a limited edition of 999.

The first 99 watches sold are presented in a special collectors box, which is also inspired by an airplane control panel. The collectors set includes the 3 new watches above along with the BR01 Horizon, BR01 Altimeter and BR01 Turn Coordinator.

All three of the new models are made from stainless steel with a PVD coating. The Airspeed and Head Indicator watches are driven by an ETA calibre 2892-2 movement, with the Climb timepiece using an ETA calibre 2897 largely due its power reserve feature. Price: TBC

Bell & Ross Vintage BR126 Falcon

Launched at Baselworld 2013, the Vintage BR126 Falcon is the latest addition to the brand’s Vintage collection. The watch is taken from a new Sports Heritage line of watches and pays tribute to the Dassault Mystere Falcon 20 which was widely considered to be the best business jet of its time.

The BR126 Falcon watch stands out from other Bell & Ross watches as it features an outline of the Falcon aircraft at 6 o’clock. The watch measures 41mm in diameter and includes sand coloured photo-luminescent indexes, numbers and hands. Price TBC.

So you’re a mountaineer; a pilot; a trek enthusiast; maybe even a deep-sea diver.  The thrill of adventure seems to constantly be calling for you, and you always make sure you are equipped with the right gear for the job.  But do you go as far to plan your wrist wear for such occasions?  Adventure watches manufactured today are akin to having an extra-helpful buddy in tow, and you probably couldn’t call yourself a truly modern adventurer if you don’t have the latest technological travel companion strapped to your wrist.

JohnRichard Highlands Sand

The JohnRichard Highlands Sand lives up to its name by being sculpted in sand-blasted steel, with the round bezel mounted on the tonneau middle continuing a theme that is close to the brand’s heart.  A reinterpretation of a mid-Nineties piece, the Highlands Sand is evocative of nature and exploration, and – with its generous 44.5 x 40mm proportions – is of sound, robust construction to withstand corrosion, accidental knocks and extreme temperatures when accompanying you on your travels.  Should you want to display a second time zone, the rotating bezel will allow for this, and the anthracite dial offers up an attractively simple and readable dial with luminescent hands for perfect time visibility, along with an unobtrusive date window.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Explorer II

When first created in 1971, Rolex’s Explorer II set a new precedent for quality watchmaking, one that took into account autonomy and clarity with the ability to provide precision and strength.  Just like its predecessor the Explorer, the Explorer II is a reliable guide and tool for, well, explorers.  At a moderate 42mm, the highly-resistant 904L steel case  – a material generally used in high technology, aerospace and chemical industries – houses a Chromalight display that gives clear readings with its blue 8-hour luminescent hands and bold hour indices.  Its graduated bezel allows for time-telling in a second time zone, with the option of setting the 12-hour hand via the winding crown to allow it to jump from hour to hour without changing the other hands, to allow for more accurate timekeeping.  This model, despite its refined form, is extremely able-bodied and engineered for extreme conditions, with the addition of a Rolex-developed Paraflex shock absorber to protect its sensitive components

Zenith Pilot Montre D’Aéronef Type 20 48mm

The Pilot Montre D’Aéronef Type 20 48mm from Zenith – whose name means the highest point in the sky reached by a heavenly body – is one of a collection of watches that pays tribute to aerial navigators.  It is a piece born from a company that has developed and produced over 600 movement variations since its founding in 1865, and has manufactured both watches and also onboard instruments in the early days of aeronautics.  The instruments and other aviation watches from the company’s past have provided inspiration for the model – which is fashioned as the perfect flying companion – and an engraving featuring these instruments can be found on the steel case back.   The matte black dial emphasises the bold Arabic numerals, of which are made from the impressively mega-radiant SuperLuminova material.

Breitling Navitimer World

As a leader and specialist in the development and manufacture of technical, chronographic wristwatches, it is no wonder that Breitiling’s Navitimer World is included here among other elite adventurers’ timepieces.  This impressively majestic object is 10% larger than the original Navitimer, and boasts a dual day/night time zone system indicated by the red-tipped additional hand that operates on a 24-hour scale.  A further quirk, building on this theme, can be found on the steel caseback in the form of engraved time zones of the world’s major cities.  The dial is embellished with subsidiary recorder dials, with a date aperture at 6 o’clock and the bidirectional, slide-rule bezel for which the Navitimer models are renowned.

Casio Pathfinder Protrek PRG260

Digital watches are still a firm favourite for outdoor types, and Casio has unleashed quite the gadget in their Pathfinder Protrek PRG260.  Equipped with three sensors, it measures atmospheric pressure and altitude, temperature and direction.  The rotating steel bezel can be aligned with a map, while the directional pointers float freely on the neat digital display.  It comes with other useful features, too, such as sunrise and sunset times, 48-city World Time, Tough Solar power, low temperature resistance and an Auto Light feature where the display irradiates whenever the watch is lifted towards the wearer’s face  for reading.

According to recent figures, it is believed that around seven million people across the UK have never come face to face with the internet.

Research has come courtesy of the Office of National Statistics (ONS) who has claimed that around 44 million individuals are currently online which has led to a one million increase in the last twelve months.

The signs remain positive for the elderly as in 2011, nearly a quarter surveyed had connected to the internet which rose to more than 34% just last year – a rise of more than 1.5 million people.

Data was captured after a survey revealed how people responded to the question, “When did you last use the internet?”

In spite of these impressive stats, more than seven million still don’t have an internet connection at their disposal. However this has been mainly attributed to a host of elderly people as well as those with disabilities.

In addition to this, many forecasters have predicted that there is still a long way to go when it comes to encouraging these groups onto the World Wide Web.

Sir Tim Berners-Lee may have to look the other way at these particular results but it has been recorded by The ONS that there are more and more people using the internet in the UK.

In fact 99% of young Brits between the ages of 16 and 24 used the web in the previous three months.

However this is in contrast to numerous grandparents who amount to only 33% of those using the web. This is in the category of people who are more than 75 years of age.

This has shown that as far as internet penetration is concerned, there are some age groups that have become literally saturated. Yet this has not stopped the over 75s from increasing their usage.

There is also a distinct gender divide with around 27 per cent of those females over the age of 75 using the web in contrast to 43.7 per cent of males currently residing in the United Kingdom.

This amounts to more than 4 million women and 2.8 million men that have never logged on before. It is believed that more than 15 million adults alone in Great Britain lack the basic fundamental skills to benefit from the World Wide Web itself.

Further investigation reveals that the capital is responsible for the highest level of people using the internet which stands at an impressive 90%. Meanwhile in Northern Island, the figures are considered to be the lowest at less than 80% usage.

“The internet offers huge benefits to people in later life so it is an extremely positive step in ensuring more people can profit from being online.”

Michelle Mitchell, Director General, Age UK

She went on to say: “The key is not just getting people online for the first time but giving them the skills and knowledge to become confident using the internet. With more services heading online, with the aim of potentially saving the government millions, the government must invest in greater training to open up the web to all.”

It seems we have all become a bit disconnected in recent years as more people engross themselves in the power of the internet to book flights, buy groceries and even sell their souls which one chap attempted via ebay.

The sports watch – a watch for sport. Or is it? It seems that just about any timepiece with a stop watch or alarm is generally considered to be a ‘sports’ watch. Yet this means that so many watches fall into the ‘sports’ category that purchasing a decent one can be pretty tricky.

If you’re looking for something that will genuinely assist you when training or competing in a specific sport such as marathon running or sailing then at least you’ve got some idea of what type of watch will best suit what you are looking for. But if you’re just looking for a big meaty chronograph or a solid all rounder that looks as good at the gym as it does in the office then finding something suitable could be a problem.

With such choice available and with so many great ‘sport’ watches around today, here are a selection of watches suitable for all budgets that could help you make that all important decision.

Graham Titanium Chronofighter Oversize Referee

The Chronofighter Oversize Referee from Graham is limited to 250 pieces and is powered by a G1735 automatic chronograph movement, which includes 25 jewels and a two day power reserve. The titanium case measures 47mm in diameter and features a sapphire crystal on the front and back, as well as an engraved serial number.

The white dial displays centrally positioned seconds with a 12hr sub dial at 12 o’clock and a 30 minute sub dial at 6 o’clock.  The watch was originally launched in 2012 to be used by the RBS Six Nations rugby tournament referees. £5,900.00

Garmin Forerunner 910XT

Packed with features, the Garmin Forerunner 910XT is a sports watch in the truest sense of the term. An excellent choice for those training for a triathlon, the watch is capable of recording your distance, speed and stroke when swimming. Garmin is well known for making great sports watches and are a big favourite amongst many in the running community.

The Garmin Forerunner 910XT includes many of the features associated with Garmin watches, with some handy extras including a heart rate monitor, bike sensor, GPS and foot pod. You can even program your own workout intervals. £360.00

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

In 1953, Blancpain created the first Fifty Fathoms watch, a specialist diving watch for the frogmen of the French army. Today, the brand continues the Fifty Fathoms collection with a series of robust, contemporary and stylish timepieces built for extreme sport, be it in the air, on the ground or underwater. The watches are famous for being water resistant depths of 1000m.

The version pictured above is the Blancpain X Fathoms (model no 5018-1230-64A), a specialist diving watch that includes a self winding Calibre 9918B movement, which has 48 jewels and a power reserve of 120 hours. The case is made from satin brushed titanium and measures a whopping 55.65mm in diameter and is 24mm thick.

The Blancpain X Fathoms also includes a whole host of other impressive diving specific features, which makes it arguably one of the most complicated diving watches ever made. Features includes a decompression valve, depth guage indicator, amphorpous metal membrane for added protection and  a retrograde 5 minute counter. Approx £25,000.00

Tissot Men’s Sailing Touch Alarm Chronograph

This sailing watch from Tissot (model no T0564202704100) includes a number of features specific to the world of sailing. For example, the watch has a really useful countdown timer that can be synched with the timing signal from a race committee and then used to accurately time a specific race. It also displays barometric pressure  and indicates any changes in the weather by the location of its hands via a histogram display. An incredibly useful tide function means that high and low tide is easily displayed on the watch.

Aside from its technical specs, the Tissot Men’s Sailing Touch Alarm Chronograph also looks great. The stainless steel case with blue bezel measures 45mm in diameter and houses a Swiss ETA E48.331 movement. The watch is water resistant to 100m and presented on a black rubber strap with folding clasp. You could do much worse for under £1000. From £650.00

Alpina Adventure Avalanche Extreme

The super sleek Adventure Avalanche watch from Alpina is designed to be put through its paces and would be the perfect accompaniment for those who are planning to take part in their own adventure.  The watch (model no AL-525LBS5AE6) features a 48mm stainless steel case  and sapphire glass, which provides water resistance to 200m.

The rubber strap is durable yet stylish and the simple but effective dial offers great readability in even the harshest of conditions. The Alpina Adventure Avalanche Extreme is driven by a Swiss made automatic movement, which is visible through the see through case back. £1,280.00

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There’s very little room on a Black Hawk flying under the radar on a need to know night ops mission. The seats are taken up by the elite, usually a squad of 11 fully equipped troops, ready to kill or be killed. But there are busloads of weekend warriors who love to emulate war games, even if it’s just getting a few rounds off in a paintball park. And so it is that a whole aura has grown up around military and milspec gear of all kinds and especially watches. Guys want the gear even if it’s just a couple of hours of earnest activity followed by a few buckets of beer.

If you insist on a true Milspec watch, effective from 1989, military specifications require that tritium vials replace tritium luminous paint as an illumination source. The dial and hands were updated to reflect this change, along with the requirements that the H3 radioactivity symbol be displayed.

But looking the part is actually a lot more fun than conforming with the specifications of some Pentagon paper pushers.

Here are five military watches that you really could take to the front line, and which have seen genuine action in war zones around the world.

Stocker & Yale Sandy P650

Stocker & Yale have a long history as trusted suppliers to the US Armed Forces. If you are looking for a genuine milspec watch – this is it. It’s light, small, non bulky, just the way a military watch should be. The Sandy P650 by Stocker and Yale was issued to a limited number of US forces: USAF, US army, USN, especially the Rangers, SEALs and special forces from 1995 to the present. The watch features 12 Hour GMT bezel, a quartz movement, hacking, Tritium gas-tube luminescence, non-reflecting black nylon alloy case, Helsolite hardened glass crystal, water-resistant, shock-resistant, 20mm nylon issue strap – in other words all the toys necessary to be declared a true milspec timepiece. £120.00

5.11 Tactical HRT Sniper

5.11 Tactical was developed in 1968 built on a foundation of durability, functionality and quality. As you probably already know, 5.11 is a difficulty level in the Yosemite Decimal rating scale for rock climbing. With skill levels ranging from 5.0 (easy) to 5.10 (difficult); 5.11 is the most difficult. 5.11 is defined as after thorough inspection, you conclude this move is impossible; however, occasionally someone actually accomplishes it. So there you go. As for the watch itself, it uses Sureshot™ technology to calculate your bullet’s point of impact by inputting data that affects a bullet’s flight. Calculate for temperature, bore height, ballistic coefficient, muzzle velocity, and zero range. Results can be displayed in MILS, TMOA or SMOA. Well, it is a sniper’s watch. It features easy to read hands with chargeable luminous markings. £210.00

Luminox Blackout Watch

Drop dead sexy, light, dependable American designed Swiss made Luminox comes in a wide variety of colours and designs, but this one is for your night ops foray to pick up an after-hours kebab. The tritium files inserted into each of the indices and the watch hands will stay bright and shiny for 25 years. The watch runs on a reliable Swiss Ronda quartz movement and is water resistant to 200 metres. The only real danger you might face with the Blackout is that your girlfriend might borrow it due to its stated suitability for pairing with a little black dress, which instantly ruins the macho image. £265.50

MTM Silencer Special Ops Steel Watch

At £558.00, this is at the officer end of the military watch scale. This watch will serve you well whether you’re on patrol in Kabul or just talking bull with the boys. The new Silencer timepiece is a limited production with each watch individually numbered. The Silencer has been updated with the addition of a multi-mode lighting system. This includes not only an internal dial light, but also an external “flashlight” and strobe feature. The entire watch case is fabricated from one solid piece of 316L stainless steel for rugged dependability with an upgraded durable DLC plating on the “Black” Silencer. The Military Ops Silencer is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with an electro-magnetic induction charger which is included.

Tutima NATO Chronograph

If you have £3,310 to spare on an undoubtedly chilled piece of military time-telling equipment, this good looking 43mm watch from Tutima looks the real deal even on small wrists, and the titanium case and bracelet give it a light and durable feel. The central minute register makes it easy to read the elapsed chronograph time. The 24 hour indicator is slaved to the hour hand for easy setting. The Tutima NATO Chronograph runs on a Tutima Calibre 321 automatic movement. It’s the official watch of the German army, and has proved itself outstandingly during missions across the globe for decades. Tutima have recently introduced the M2, a new titanium model.

Tutima picture courtesy of Anton C

One of the most familiar faces in world football has signed for currently one of the less familiar faces in haute horology. Talented Portuguese midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo is the new face of luxury watchmaker Jacob & Co.

Already with numerous deals coming out of his ears and boots, £80 million man Ronaldo now has a valuable new sponsor for his left wrist.

With personal disappointment after losing out on the UEFA Champions League Final over two legs (4-3 on aggregate) to the German might of Borussia Dortmund, Ronaldo has turned his attention to a new promotional campaign.

Set to take place this month, Jacob & Co have really struck the back of the net thanks to this new partnership.

The New York outfit is focused on making Ronaldo part of their long term plans. He will be plastered all over ads in May while he is also set to make an exclusive appearance on behalf of the brand in July which will take place in glamorous Monte Carlo.

Commenting on his brand new tie up, the former Manchester United winger declared to a swarm of reporters;

“I’ve always been a customer and a fan of the brand for a long time so it is a natural fit, I always used Jacob watches, even before I knew Jacob Arabo. The brand absolutely stands for leadership in creativity, as a collector of the world’s finest watches; it is obvious to me how much passion Jacob & Co has for quality.”

Cristiano Ronaldo

Aside from this deal, Ronaldo has a number of different endorsements that sit pretty in his dressing room including the likes of Konami as well as Castrol Oil and Nike. This alone brings in more than $20 million every year.

Chris Del Gatto, chairman of Jacob & Co chairman said; “I think it signifies a complete re-launch of Jacob & Co. He is one of the most famous soccer players in the world, but more than that he’s one of the most respected athletes in the world. He has the attributes that we really feel mirror the Jacob & Co brand.”

Kevin Pietersen, Citizen Watches

But it’s not just footballers wanting a slice of the watch pie. Renowned England batsman Kevin Pietersen has begun a partnership of his own with Citizen as he expands his current role across India.

Pietersen already represents the brand not only in Europe but in the US. But the South African born cricketer is not resting on the crease nor tucking into any mid-afternoon sandwiches at Lords.

He will be assigned with promoting Citizen to the thousands of Indian fans who are currently watching him play for Delhi Daredevils in the prestigious Indian Premier League.

Katsusuke Tokura, managing director of Citizen Watches proclaimed in New Delhi; “We are delighted to have Kevin Pietersen here. Citizen has always been associated with sports, personifying the spirit of sportsmanship, confidence and independence of the Eco drive collection.”

“I am delighted to join as the new face of Citizen in India. Cricket is all about timing and only with timing does a cricketer fulfil his full potential. Citizen has also grown with time; I see my association with them noteworthy, as I see Citizen in me.”

Kevin Pietersen

Watch out for his return from a knee injury which could be at the forthcoming Ashes beginning on July10^th.

Cool Stuff is our new series which takes a look at well…things that are cool!

If you’re one of those people who struggles when it comes to DIY and need as much help as possible in order to complete even the most basic of DIY tasks, then this magnetic wristband from Magno Grip could be just what you’re looking for.

Alternatively, if you’re one of those types that looks forward to a Bank Holiday Weekend so you can get knee deep in flat pack furniture then the Magno Grip Magnetic Wristband will almost certainly help to make your job a whole lot easier.

The wristband is guaranteed to hold nails, screws, bolts, drill bits and even small tools securely on your wrist. Suitable for everyone from complete novices to DIY enthusiasts and professional tradesmen to complete jobs in less time and with much less frustration, which can only be a good thing!

The Magno Grip magnetic wristband is made from a durable heavy duty polyester canvas and industrial grade Velcro, with a series of high powered magnets placed inside wristband.

Additionally, the wristband can also be secured to a ladder or metal shelf making it even easier for you find those parts and tools when and wherever you need them the most.

The wristband measures 3.5” wide and 14” long, with a max circumference of 12’’. One size fits all.

Ladies Pink Magnetic Wristband

There is also a ladies version, which is aimed at the hobbyist, quilter, home craft enthusiast, gardener or woodworker. Slightly smaller than the men’s version above, the pink magnetic version is ideal for holding sewing pins, hair clips, nail scissors and other small tools.

One size fits all, the ladies version measures  3.5” wide and 13” long.

W definitely stands for the wow factor

Where

Located in the heart of Las Condes, W evokes luxury and is the first time this brand has ventured into South America.

Occupying a formerly disused office space, W boasts an impressive position within close proximity to the famous Sculpture Park as well as the Ralli Museum. There is even a ski resort nearby if you want to mix it up with the off piste crowd.

Tell me about it

It is all in the epic design that comes from Tony Chi who is considered to be one of the hottest designers hailing from the Big Apple.

He is also responsible for the fabulous Park Hyatt in Shanghai. Gone are the dusty desks and drunken office parties which have been replaced with mirrored walls as well as a host of local tapestry that really awaken your senses.

Don’t miss out on the grandiose walls which are lined with 6,000 individual bottles of the best fine wines, cuvees and vintages from across the globe that’s certain to leave you wanting more.

You will be able to reach new heights in oenophilia thanks to the impressive 12 metres of wine on offer spanning the depths of Bordeaux to the hills of Australia.

Now it’s down to business. Choose your own luxury room if you dare with names befitting every possible term devoted entirely to the word excellent. (Just imagine Mr Burns from the Simpsons rubbing his hands with glee!).

Entitled Wonderful, Spectacular and Marvellous it’s like a battle of the superlatives at the W. However if you really want to go all out then the Cool Corner Room is the ideal option.

Why not come out fighting from your own corner and snap one up with its windows instead of walls and majestic vistas over the glorious Andes mountain range.

Hungry for more

Surrender to the culinary delights of executive chef Jean-Paul Bondoux at Noso where you can indulge in an array of local cuisine with a delicate French twist.

However there are three restaurants in total so you can flit like a humming bird between classic French gastronomy, magical sushi delights and a range of Chilean specialities.

Indulge

Tierra Paraíso is the wellness centre at W which is home to a wealth of invigorating treatments from hot stone to chiromassage therapies. Take it all in thanks to the air that has been purified on site as you sweep through treatment rooms and a dedicated relaxation area.

If you really want the cool factor, then let the whole of Chile unfurl before your very eyes with the aptly named WOW one bed suite.

Panoramic mountainous views come as standard as well as the vibrant downtown of Santiago that you can enjoy from the magnificence of your own 400 square foot terrace.

They say to dare is to do and if you are brave then the Extra Wow Suite will have you shouting Wow wee in no time. Local art is blended beautifully alongside state of the art mod cons such as a large plasma screen, double vanity sinks and iPod docks.

By the way

Hand pick your own drink selections at the exclusive Tea Library where you can immerse yourself in a host of special blends from all over Latin America including, Chile, Uruguay and Brazil. Now that’s a real brain teaser!

The ordinary has now become the extraordinary.