If you’ve visited our store recently, you may have noticed that we’ve been busy curating a great selection of pre-owned watches. Why? Because buying pre-owed timepieces is a consumer trend that’s on the uptick for a host of reasons. Among them: selection, price, and even sustainability.

A couple of years ago, at the start of the pandemic, when people were confined to their homes, many turned to new passions, including watch collecting. The digital platforms selling pre-owned and vintage watches became a nice alternative for those who couldn’t frequent their favorite retailers. While the online option still exists, there is nothing quite like seeing a watch in person, trying it on and walking out with a great purchase. That is the impetus behind offering stronger pre-owned options in store. And, while pre-owned watches will never take the place of buying a new timepiece, today’s watch collectors and watch lovers are finding that this category of watches has a lot to offer.

While most people prefer a new watch to a previously owned piece, collectors can have a hard time finding the watch brand or model that they want. Today, especially for certain brands, there are long waiting lists. The second-hand market isn’t about waiting lists. Sometimes, watch lovers get tired of waiting for the “new” watch to come into stock, so they seek alternative routes and pre-owned is the top way to find what you want without the wait. Similarly, by perusing the pre-owned market, you might just find a hard-to-get watch or a limited edition piece that has recently come onto the market.

It is also important to keep in mind that sometimes those pre-owned watches are almost brand new, as in timepieces that have been discontinued by the brand. It’s like buying a piece of art that was previously owned. It hung on a wall, but it still looks brand new. In fact, other than cars, watches are one of the few luxury categories that are called pre-owned or gently used. Buying a piece of pre-owned furniture is referred to as buying vintage, for instance.

The consumer must still do some research and make sure he or she is buying from a reliable source. For instance, here at C.D. Peacock, we do a lot more than polish up a trade in and put it into the showcase. We inspect our pre-owned watches very carefully, and, where possible, offer warranties.

Today’s more environmentally conscious consumers also love the idea of buying pre-owned watches. A mechanical watch, when properly maintained, can last forever, so it is a highly sustainable option to begin with – made even better by purchasing a watch that once belonged to someone else.

Another plus side to the pre-owned market is pricing. Often, consumers can get a good deal by buying a pre-owned watch. This isn’t the case with the high-demand pieces, but most of the time, pre-owned watches are a fraction of the cost of new. This opens doors to a new collector, or a lover of watches whose wallet may not be as big as someone else’s.

So the next time you are in our store, feel free to take a closer look at our pre-owned selection. You just might be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

Even if you are not a dive enthusiast, you’ll most like still love the new Tudor 39mm Pelagos watch. It’s got everything going for it, including a perfect case size for any wrist, top-notch movement and materials and great looks. Like other Tudor Pelagos watches, which are designed for diving (some versions are even fitted with helium escape valves for saturation diving), this new version certainly can go in the water with its wearer but bridges the gap between water and on land – making it highly wearable and versatile.

Tudor, the younger sibling of Rolex, was founded by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf in 1926. The brand quickly became popular in Europe and has been operating uninterrupted since its founding. Originally, the brand bought its movement parts from Rolex, but recently it has begun its own movement production. Owned by Rolex and backed by the big brand’s funding, Tudor can invest great sums in research and development to achieve top-notch functions and top-quality materials.

The brand has a rich past with water resistant and dive watches and actually launched the first Pelagos watch exactly a decade ago in 2012. Named “Pelagos” --derived from the Greek word for open Sea – this high functioning sport watch is generally a great starting point for new collections thanks to its lineage and value proposition.

The new Tudor 39 Pelagos watch meets all of the ISO standards for dive watches, including being water resistant to 200 meters (660 feet), but also boasts some aesthetic features in addition to great functions. Measuring 39mm in diameter, the urban chic timepiece is crafted of grade 2 titanium, making it incredibly light in weight yet highly durable and resistant to scratches. The watch also boasts luminescent ceramic-composite monobloc hour markers for easy underwater – or in the dark – reading.

For those who want to dive right in, the watch is sold on a titanium bracelet with a rapid adjustment system (T-Fit) for the clasp and a diver’s extension to fit over wetsuits. It comes with a complementary interchangeable (without needing tools) black rubber strap (with a rubber extension piece). The bezel is finished in sunray sunray satin with a ceramic insert with X1 Swiss Super-LumiNova® luminous materials for reading the graduated dive scale markings. The watch also is equipped with a center stop-seconds features for absolute precise setting of the time.

As with all Pelagos watches, this 39mm version is powered by the Manufacture Caliber MT5400, which is also a COSC-certified Chronometer – attesting to the fact that it underwent a variety of tests and passed the strict codes of excellence with flying colors. In fact, the Tudor Pelagos exceeds the expectations of COSC (-4 to +6) seconds of variation a day by two seconds – ensuring an average variation daily of just between -2 and +4. The movement is equipped with a silicon hairspring that reduces friction and offers better wear and tear. It also offers 70 hours of power reserve. It is backed by Tudor’s five-year transferable guarantee that does not require periodic maintenance checks.

History of the Pelagos or note that the name of this collection is inspired by the Greek word for Sea? There's lots of great technological info but there are also many Tudor buyers who are "newer" watch collectors so the technical may not be as important to them as much as some "fun facts" or some interesting history they can relate to or share with their buddies. Thoughts?

Our Secrets To Finding The Perfect Engagement Ring

Finding a great engagement ring can be a little challenging, especially with so many options to choose from. You always want a ring which leaves a lasting effect, while still being the perfect match to your sweetheart’s style.

But, we have good news! There’s no need to get butterflies in your stomach because we’re all obsessed with the beauty of engagement rings here.  That’s why we’ve curated options for all tastes, to make sure you find the one to make your beloved go a little weak at the knees and reach for a tissue (in a good way).

Sit back and enjoy our easy guide with tips to help you navigate the world of engagement rings with confidence!

Which engagement rings are the most popular?

The style of engagement rings is a very personal choice. Some styles are timeless, others evoke romance, and other styles are picked because of the radiant effect of their diamonds.

It all comes to the person who is to receive it. At this stage, we invite you to bring forth your inner Sherlock Holmes and investigate your partner’s preferences carefully.

Engagement rings have strong symbolism. So, look for the details that resonate with how your sweetheart sees the love you share.

To help you understand all the options available, we’ve lined up  a list of much-talked-about engagement ring styles:

Solitaire

The design is elegant and highlights the centerpiece diamond with a stark glimmer that looks spectacular against all skin tones. The solitaire speaks for itself and never fails to draw eyes.

Three-Stone

This style oozes radiance from all sides with three dazzling stones. The three-stone engagement ring style is swoon-worthy and allows for many combinations of diamonds — the flanking stones and the centerpiece can feature different cuts.

Halo

Who doesn’t love it? This unique and oh-so-gorgeous design features a row of delicate brilliants surrounding a diamond in the center. Additionally,  halo engagement rings are the epitome of romance!

Split-shank

If you love a take on classic designs, split-shank engagement rings will catch your attention. The band is cleaved in two, making room for extra sparkles and an intriguing peek of the finger.

Twisted

Twisted engagement rings showcase the finest of all settings. If the band of a ring is essential to you, you’ll love this intertwined design, which can feature accented diamonds or not.

Bypass

Creative brides love the exuberant power in the bypass engagement ring style! The design usually features two center stones “bypassing” the other. The result is head-turning and dreamy.

What metal should an engagement ring be?

We know each metal color has its charm, so our tip here is to pick out a metal shade you’ve seen your sweetheart wearing.

Rose gold

Rose gold is romantic and unconventional. The unmissable hues of rose gold favor all skin tones and are certainly favorites of brides with fashion-forward styles!

White gold

The design is elegant and highlights the centerpiece diamond with a stark glimmer that looks spectacular against all skin tones. The solitaire speaks for itself and never fails to draw eyes.

Yellow gold

Yellow gold is timeless. We can find it in ancient jewelry relics, but there’s still something voguish about them that many modern brides long for. Yellow gold is warm enough to liven up any outfit you have on.

Platinum

Platinum engagement rings are known for their strength and durability, and never fade or change color over time. Platinum engagement rings will prove to out perform all other precious metals and are the most popular choice for that reason. The everlasting quality is a cherished symbol of eternal commitment and love.

Custom design engagement rings

Are you looking for something even more personalized? We can help you custom design your engagement ring with your partner’s preferences in mind.

We want you to have the most magical proposal of all time! Customizing an engagement ring is special because no other woman in the world will have a ring like the one you’ve created. 

You decide the shank style, the diamond cut and quality, the metal shades, and any extra details such as the engraving of your names, the date you met, or even a quote you’ve both come to love!

Schedule an appointment

Engagement rings in the Chicago Area

If you’re in the Chicago Area and deciding which engagement ring to buy, C.D. Peacock is your destination in Oak Brook, Schaumburg, and Skokie, IL.

When you shop with us, you have access to a vast selection of engagement rings by designers from all over the world.

Make the engagement proposal of your dreams a reality with pieces curated with the utmost attention to detail featuring only the finest metals and precious gemstones.

If you have any questions, send us a text using the box in the corner of this page. Have a chat with an expert. We’d love to hear from you!

We regularly get questions from customers when it comes to chronograph watches. What is the point of a chronograph? What does it do? How does it work? Is it necessary? And so on and so forth. These are important questions to answer since  this category of watches is one of the most popular and alluring.

While mechanical (and quartz) chronographs vary in looks, types and functions, most have one important thing in common: Subsidiary dials on the main watch face. Sometimes there are two subsidiary dials, other times there are three, and some brands even offer four smaller inset dials. Sometimes those dials are the same color as the main dial and other times they are bolder thanks to contrasting colors. This harmoniously designed look is usually what attracts customers to the watch to begin with. Here, we answer some of the questions you might have about this beloved watch complication.

What is a chronograph?

The easiest way to explain a chronograph is to call it a stopwatch. Essentially, in addition to the time-telling functions of a watch, the chronograph measures elapsed time of an event or of multiple events depending on the movement inside the watch. The simplest chronograph has a button on the case side that the wearer pushes to start and stop  timing an event, like a lap around the track. Depending on the chronograph it can measure seconds, minutes and even hours. Generally, the wearer pushes a button to start the timing, presses the button again to stop the timing and presses a button to return the timing hand back to its zero starting position to do its dance all over  again.

Another alluring aspect of the chronograph is the fact that often, the hand that tracks the seconds for the stopwatch is placed from the center of the dial (along with the timekeeping functions of hour and minute hands) and is in a different color than the main hands – sometimes bold red, orange or yellow.

The more complicated mechanical Split-Seconds or Rattrapante chronograph is the most elaborate of all types of chronographs – both in its functions and in its making. Some of these chronographs have hundreds of tiny mechanical parts inside (almost double those of a normal chronograph) with gears and teeth that keep everything working precisely. The split-seconds chronograph boasts two additional chronograph seconds hands that are used to time multiple events with the same start time but different ending times, as in timing all of the finish times of multiple  runners in a race. Because of their complexity and their technologically advanced functions, Rattrapantes are among the most expensive chronographs on the market.

Another important factor in chronographs is how tiny of a fraction of a second can they time to. Most time to a second or a fifth or tenth of a second. However, today, there are extreme chronographs that can time to 1/100^th of a second so there is no margin for error.

Other Functions Found in Chronographs

Often, the watch brand building the chronograph opts to pair it with other helpful functions. Typically, these include a tachymeter (generally on the bezel) for measuring speed or distance, a pulsimeter  for measuring heart beats, or other similar functions. Chronographs can also sometimes be deemed chronometers – which means the movement has undergone stringent tests in a laboratory for multiple extreme conditions and passed by staying withing strict confines of error. It is important to note that not all chronographs are chronometers.

SEE OUR RELATED ARTICLE ON CHRONOMETERS.

History of the Chronograph

Chronographs – as clocks and timers – date back to 1816, when watchmaker Louis Moinet invented the first one. Five years later, Nicolas Rieussec developed his clock version (which used a pencil to mark start and stop times) and named it chronograph. The word stems from the Greek words time and writer.

Bracelets are lovely pieces of jewelry that always make a statement since they’re worn on the wrists and seen so easily. In addition to calling attention for being one of the first accessories to be caught by an eye, bracelets also are key for putting together a look that also brings out the movement of your body, making you look amazing.

Why we love bracelets so much

The perfect bracelet for you should reflect your style and fashion taste. Because of that, not only is it important to think of the different meanings that each bracelet has, it’s also key to take into account what kind of message you want to convey by wearing it. 

Read on and turn your bracelets into a personal statement! Adorn yourself with them and let them take you into another world, one in which you can change according to your personality, or even your mood! All that with the movement that only bracelets are able to offer you. 

How to choose the perfect bracelet for you

The metal the bracelet is made of tells much about it. So, an easy way to find the right bracelet for you is to choose it by the metal. Conversely, defining the metal and some of the materials that are featured on it can be done by following a few basic guidelines. Precious metals never go out of style, so let’s dive in!

Yellow gold bracelets

This hue of gold is perfect to enhance warmer and olive skin tones, as it makes them look super healthy and give off a beautiful glow. But these physical features are not the only thing that makes people love yellow gold. It is the most classic kind of gold and it perfectly suits bold and extravagant personalities.

Check out our selection of yellow gold bracelets. We offer design in 14K and 18K, and bracelets with yellow gold combined with platinum and rose gold.

White gold bracelets

Perhaps the most popular kind of gold, white gold is commonly found in wedding bands and engagement rings due to its versatility. It is a great enhancer to pretty much any skin tone, yet it looks amazing especially on fairer and neutral undertones. It is sure to match any look and occasion. White gold is also an extremely good match to diamonds, as it harmonizes very well with these gems. If you want to go for a more basic and discreet look, opt for a more discrete white gold bracelet design. If you want to make an impact, white gold and diamond bracelets will do the trick for you. Be inspired by our white gold bracelets. Our wide array includes 14K and 18K white gold by itself and with platinum and white gold.

Rose gold bracelets

This hue of gold became increasingly popular in the fashion industry in the past years, especially when combined with diamonds, pearls or even other metals. Rose gold is perfect for people who like to stand out from the crowd, who have their own set of beliefs and personalities and follow their own rules.

It is likewise perfect for dreamy and romantic personalities, given that the rose reminds us of love and cherish. In addition, rose gold is a hue of gold that naturally enhances the natural beauty of warmer and olive skin tones, harmonizing with it. Fall in love with these lovely rose gold bracelets!

Silver bracelets

People who love silver know the many benefits of this metal, which extend from aesthetics only to even health benefits, since silver is known for its healing properties. It looks beautiful on fairer skin tones. Sterling silver is a more affordable alternative that nonetheless offers the benefits of this metal. Browse through our charming selection of silver bracelets and see for yourself the multiple ways this metal can enhance your beauty.

Platinum bracelets

Platinum is seemingly similar to white gold and silver, yet this metal also offers many benefits. For one, it is extremely durable and resistant to changes in weather. It is extremely low-maintenance to keep, which is the reason why platinum is so popular especially among practical, busy people. The metal is also associated with financial prosperity for those who believe in numerology. Check out our platinum bracelets and see how well it can suit your needs.

Where to find amazing bracelets in Chicago, Illinois

Bracelets are amazing and now you know how to choose the perfect one for you. Now, we’ll tell you where to find it! Simply visit us in one of our locations and enjoy a complimentary visit. Our experts will be happy to welcome you and help you find the perfect bracelet for you by making sure your demands and personal preferences are met.

At CD Peacock, we are proud to serve our community with top quality designers and brands such as Gucci, Hearts on Fire, Vanity Fair, Chanel, Mikimoto and Roberto Coin, to name a few. We have a wide selection of exclusive bracelets featuring diamonds, pearls and other gemstones that are able to please any taste.

Feel free to connect with our community to be in the loop for news and inspiration by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Here Is Everything You Need To Know About These Shimmering Gems

It’s easy to see why lab-grown diamonds have been growing in popularity in recent years. After all, they are just as stunning as mined diamonds, but they have the added benefit of being guaranteed conflict-free, ethical, and more accessible. What’s not to love, right?

If you want to learn more about these amazing gems, here’s our expert guide on everything you need to know about lab-grown diamonds.

What is a lab-grown diamond?

Simply put, lab-grown diamonds are diamonds. The only difference is that they are created in a laboratory instead of being mined.

While mined diamonds take millions of years to be created, scientists can replicate the natural process in a lab and create diamonds in just about two months. Impressive, right?

Are lab-grown diamonds real?

Absolutely! Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical characteristics as mined diamonds. In fact, they are so similar that even jewelers and gemologists can't tell them apart with the naked eye.

Not to mention, the US Federal Trade Commission has even removed the word “natural” from the definition of “diamond”, acknowledging the fact that lab-grown and mined diamonds are equal.

How are lab-grown diamonds graded?

Lab-grown diamonds are graded exactly the same way as mined diamonds. To grade them, professional jewelers analyze their cut, clarity, carat, and color - which are known as the 4Cs. Those are the four main elements to keep in mind when choosing the perfect diamond for you. If you would like to learn more about how diamond grading works, explore our Diamond Education Guide

Lab-grown diamond jewelry

They say diamonds are forever, and the same goes for diamond jewelry. Whether you prefer mined or lab-grown diamond jewelry, these dazzling pieces are essential to any collection because they simply never go out of style. So, to help you build the perfect diamond jewelry collection, here are some stunning pieces featuring lab-grown diamonds to inspire you.

Lab-grown diamond engagement rings

Diamond engagement rings are iconic. Whether you're after a halo engagement ring, a beautiful solitaire, or a shimmering three-stone ring, the great news is that you can easily make your choice more sustainable by opting for a lab-grown diamond engagement ring. It’s definitely a win-win!

Lab-grown diamond wedding bands

Say “I do” with dazzling diamond wedding bands! From eye-catching eternity bands to minimalist diamond wedding rings, your options are endless. And the best part is that you can keep adding beautiful diamond anniversary bands to your stack with every coming year. Who can resist all those stunning diamond rings?

Lab-grown diamond bracelets

Diamond bracelets add the perfect amount of shimmer to any outfit. Diamond line bracelets effortlessly add a timeless elegance to your outfits, while diamond bangles are perfect for creating a striking bracelet stack. From the office to a night out on the town, you simply can’t go wrong with these stunning accessories.

Lab-grown diamond earrings

Whether you prefer bold designs or dainty styles, diamond earrings are essential to any jewelry collection. You can mix and match lab-grown diamond stud earrings with statement diamond hoops to create a sparkly stack, go all out with a pair of striking diamond dangles, or stick to a minimalist look with dainty diamond huggies. Your styling options are endless!

Lab-grown diamond necklaces

No jewelry collection is complete without a couple of timeless and versatile diamond necklaces. From stylish bar necklaces and dainty diamond solitaire pendants to classic line necklaces and fashionable diamond station chains, you’ll have no shortage of stunning designs to choose from.

Lab-grown diamond rings

Diamond fashion rings are amazing accessories because they instantly dress up even the most casual outfits. And the best thing about rings is that you have a plethora of stunning designs to choose from. Between platinum eternity rings, yellow gold stackable bands, and multi-row diamond statement rings, you’ll never run out of stylish diamond rings in your collection.

Where to buy lab-grown diamonds in the Chicago Area?

C.D. Peacock is your go-to jewelry store for the best lab-grown diamonds in Illinois. Here, you’ll find everything from timeless diamond studs to trendy diamond station necklaces and stunning lab-grown diamond engagement rings.

Visit us in Oak Brook, Schaumburg, or Skokie, IL. If you prefer, you can send us a text using the box in the corner of this page, and we’ll be with you shortly. And, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for our latest news and stunning jewelry inspiration!

Originally founded in Saint- Imier, Switzerland, in 1832, Longines is almost a household name today. This watch company boasts a long history, rich with tradition, elegance and top-notch performance, and has produced sport watches, classic watches and some highly innovative timepieces throughout its near two-century lifespan. Now, as it celebrates its 190th anniversary, the brand unveils three new, exceptional Master Collection watches.

The Master Collection is a key pillar for Longines and encompasses calendar watches, chronographs and simply elegant three-hands with date – all housing manufacture-made movements that demonstrate the technical prowess of the brand. By blending its advanced aesthetic viewpoint with performance-driven perfection in the three new watches, Longines offers a true legacy look.

Created in stainless steel, or 18-karat rose gold or yellow gold, the new watches are thoroughly modern while still resolutely heritage inspired. Because we carry the stainless steel version (there are also limited editions of 190 pieces in rose or yellow gold), we will take a much closer look at that model, which has all the bells and whistles of the other two but is not limited and has a sweet retail price point of $2,400.

The 40mm watch is crafted in stainless steel with a grained sandblasted silver dial with a shimmering finish that is immediately alluring. The dial is engraved with stylized Arabic numerals in a deep silver hue and an outer dotted minute track. The slender hour, minutes and seconds hands are crafted in blued steel for a harmonious appeal. The case lines are sleek and allow for a great view of the dial, as there is no added bezel. This concept brings an air of urban chic to the watch.

The watch is powered by Longines automatic (self-winding) mechanical Caliber L888.5 that uses high-tech materials for more precise timing and less wear and tear. The high-precision movement beats at 25,200 vibrations per hour and is equipped with a silicon balance spring that is resistant to temperature variations and magnetic fields and is also corrosion resistant. These factors contribute to the precision and the lifespan of the watch. The movement also offers the wearer 72 hours of power reserve.

The rotor is hand finished in a perlage pattern, and much of the state-of-the-art movement and its meticulous workmanship is visible via a transparent sapphire case back. There is even a commemorative engraving on the case back. The watch is finished with a dark anthracite-gray alligator leather strap and is backed by Longines’ five-year warranty. It is water resistant to 30 meters.

The Master Collection is the watch of choice for several Longines brand ambassadors, including American alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin and British Emmy nominated actor Rege’-Jean Page.