Watching The Trends Of Time - Fashion And Function In Today's Timepieces

When watches were first invented, they did little more than give the approximate time of day. Nowadays, with the advent of the digital watch, there are all manner of additional functions that can be built into the traditional timepiece, from calculators to calendars, yet it is the simple analogue watch that has remained the most fashionable, stylish and popular type of watch.

Watches have moved away from simply being a timekeeping tool, and are now often used to accessorise an outfit, a trend which means more people are now owning two or more watches to be worn on different occasions. Today's leading watch brands are increasingly taking their inspiration from jewellery designers, and brands such as Accurist, Burberry, Citizen, Emporio Armani and Sekio amongst others, have created watches that combine designer fashion with precision and accurate timekeeping function.

One of the ways this trend is being manifested is through the creation of interchangeable watch straps. Several prestigious watch brands, such as Christian Dior have collections that include watches with interchangeable straps, to allow the wearer to tailor the watch to the occasion, whether that’s an evening at a cocktail party or a scuba diving trip.

Men's watch trends seem to be turning back the clock, with the resurgence in popularity of the traditional mechanical watch, which is driven by a slow release of power from a mainspring via a set of small cog wheels. The spring is wound up by hand and mechanical watches are revered as works of art as much as timepieces. Manufactures such as J & T Windmills, Jean Pierre, Gucci, Maurice Lacroix and Omega watches are combining early watch making technology with classic designs, creating contemporary and stylish timepieces.

A modern twist on this is the use of solar power, perfect in this age of environmental concern, but using light to power a watch doesn't have to mean a cheap looking digital. Citizen watches use their award wining Eco-drive technology across their men's and women's ranges, to create a line of classic timepieces that will never run out of power.

So, it's an exciting time to be choosing a watch. Whether you want pure functionality, a unique fashion item or a combination of the two, there is a watch to suit your needs and style and to reflect your lifestyle, so there'll never be an excuse for being late again - unless of course, it's fashionably late!

Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.

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Top 10 Most Wanted Toys For Christmas 2008 - Put These Under Your Tree

Figuring out what the top 10 most wanted toys for Christmas are is very important if you want to make sure that Santa gets things right this year. These toys are flying off the shelves with increasing fervor, so it's definitely best to act sooner rather than later so your shopping cart doesn't look sadly empty.

Toy #1 - Elmo Live

The first toy you need to make sure you have is Elmo Live. Elmo is a beloved character for the young and old alike. This Elmo is so lifelike you won't believe your eyes. For such a lifelike toy you'll be surprised at how low the cost is!

Toy #2 - Bakugan Starter Pack

The next toy you need to have on your list for the Christmas 2008 season is the Bakugan starter pack. Children love the anime series Bakugan, so you definitely can't go wrong when you decide to pick up these packs. They are also incredibly inexpensive, and make great stocking stuffers.

Toy #3 - Kidizoom Digital Camera

For that little photographer in your life, you'll want to buy the Kidizoom Digital Camera. This camera is incredibly tough and durable for even the most carefree of children. It also contains features you'd expect on an adult- and much more expensive- camera. This one is probably less than you think.

Toy #4 - Flip Video Camera

The Flip Video Camera. Okay, so this one is technically not a toy. Still, this is a great first video camera for kids because it's inexpensive, small, and very easy to use.

Toy #5 - Busy Ball Popper

For that baby or toddler in your life you'll definitely want to look for the Busy Ball Popper Toy. This one is great because it has colorful balls that go through a tube and pop into the air! Tons of fun for your little one.

Toy #6 - Furreal Friends Biscuit

Furreal Friends Biscuit Dog is a real winner for this holiday season. You can't help but fall in love with this little pup because he is so lifelike. This one is on the expensive side, but the expense is well worth it to see the look of happiness your little one has on his face.

Toy #7 - Eyeclops Night Vision Stealth Goggles

Eyeclops Night Vision Stealth Goggles are next on the list because they are fun for everyone. It's hard to believe, but this toy delivers in a big way by offering real night vision.

Toy #8 - Nintendo Wii

The Nintendo Wii is perhaps an obvious choice, but it's a great one! The Wii has been out for a couple of years now, but it's still hard to find. The interactivity and excitement is something your whole family will love.

Toy #9 - Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer

Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer is another great option. This toy allows your child to change their voice just like in the movies! It's great fun, and sure to bring some laughs.

Toy #10 - Little Big Planet

Last but not least, one of the top 10 most wanted toys for 2008 is Little Big Planet for the Playstation 3 console. This is one of the most innovative, interesting and fun games that has come out in years. You can't go wrong with this title.

Figuring out which toys are hot is half the battle! Now you've got to narrow down your list and choose the best Christmas toys for your own child this year. It also helps to learn about the best pricing deals so you can save money this year. Visit http://bestchristmasgiftsonline.com for more details.

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Top Christmas Toys

Christmas is fast creeping up on us and it's getting to that time of year when are minds are bending towards our children and the gifts we will be buying.

With most of us feeling the pinch, preparation is the key; shopping around will ensure the best deals enabling our budgets to stretch further. There are a huge range of top toys for boys on offer this Christmas and with shops grappling for your custom there are some great deals to be had. Once you've decided on the products you wish to buy, visit one of the price comparison sites in order to get the biggest bargins. This year it seems that boys have the best deal. Manufacturers have bought up the rights to many programmes ensuring a huge spectrum of toys for boys!

Top of the crop is Ben 10 . The cartoon has been a massive success and boys are desperate to get their hands on the Ben 10 Alien Laboratory and Vilgax Battle Ship - the ultimate arena for alien battles! Bakugan is another popular choice, with many stores fast running out of the Bakugan Battle Arena.

For younger children, Elmo Live is the toy creating the biggest buzz. Scarily life-like, Elmo sings and talks, telling stories and sharing jokes. He bobs his head, waves his arms and Elmo can even cross his legs! This high tech, Muppet mannerisms bring Sesame Street to life.

An educational choice is the groundbreaking LeapFrog Tag Reader , a touch reading system which allows words to talk, pictures to sing and story book characters to come to life, honing comprehension and phonic skills. With our technology ever advancing, the most intricate and exiting of toys are now on offer.

Kota the Triceratops is a life sized, 40 inch baby dinosaur that reacts to touch, creating realistic movement and noise! Touch him and Kota will move his head, tail and eyes - he will even roar in appreciation.

Spykee Robot is another huge craze that's selling out fast. Spykee comes with a built-in motion detector, so that it can detect movements, which is great if you want to keep your sister or brother out of your room, the Spykee will sound an alarm on your computer and incredibly send you a picture of the target so you have proof.

It's bound to cause a stir in any household! With such a wealth of toys to choose from, Parents should be able to find a gift to suit their budget. Finances may be tight, but we might find some comfort in the fact that it is a buyers market and there are deals to be had.

To find out more information about the top toys for christmas visit : top toys for boys

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Collecting Toy Soldiers - Marx Military Playsets

Before the start of World War II, action figures were already some of the most popular toys among little boys. During those days, military action figures and their complementary accessories were usually in the wish lists of kids for Christmas and birthdays.

Toy soldiers made by Marx during 1930s and the 1940s were some of the most popular to play with, particularly the playsets that were themed around different battles. During those decades, the military playsets were made up of metals that were assembled and manufactured at the toy making facility of Louis Marx and Company. The toys made a big impact and inspired a variety of other toy manufacturers to design and make similar toy soldiers.

At the onset of the World War, metal toys were scrapped because almost all toy plants were asked to spare the metal for military purposes. Thus, other materials were sought and used. Tin and aluminum provide better alternative to the usual metals used to manufacture the items.

In the 1950s, such action toys started being manufactured using plastic resources. The toys were not popular initially, but the flexibility and endurance associated with plastic won both children and parents over. So the material started gaining popularity as a toy making material.

The Marx military playsets included different types of figures like trees and rocks, animals and accessories, cannons and wagons and, of course, toy soldiers. Thus, kids were able to run a story plot and construct dioramas whenever they played.

Usually, the action sets included different figures in an environment such as a battleground, or with centerpieces like barns in a farm set, metal forts in a medieval castle and plastic forts in Fort Apache sets. The toy soldiers stood on a flattened base that enabled them to stand on their own without manual assistance.

Most of the Marx playsets are very colorful. The environment looks like miniature versions of actual environments while the accessories like cars were so beautifully crafted that they look just like actual but miniaturized objects. The soldier figures were not colorful, but they readily and appropriately serve their purpose and could be painted by hand as well.

Nowadays, the vintage Marx military playsets sets are still very much sought after by collectors, though they can be difficult to find intact.

Elmo Live Toy
Cheap Toys

You can find terrific deals on Marx military playsets and other vintage toy soldiers at: http://toysoldiers.collectiblesnook.com/

Jenni Kerala is a writer, collector and Ebay addict who loves to find interesting and beautiful collectibles - especially vintage and antique items - on the online marketplace.

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