Author Archives: Calvin Chong

Penang RendezVous to host 2nd Edition in Oct 2019

After its successful inaugural edition in 2018, which had attracted over 3,000 visitors to Straits Quay Marina in Penang, the 3-day luxury lifestyle event Penang RendezVous is back for its second instalment this 11th to 13th October 2019.

Encompassing cars, yachts, art, fashion, entertainment and F&B, Penang RendezVous 2019 will once again be hosted at Straits Quay Marina to provide a luxury experience unlike any other seen in Malaysia, surrounded by a pristine marine environment.

With a long list of sea exhibitors like Pen Marine (including Princess Yachts, Jeanneau, Leopard catamarans, Amel), Simpson Marine (Monte Carlo Yachts, Beneteau Oceanis and Gran Turismo, Lagoon catamarans) and Hong Seh Marine (Ferretti yachts and Cranchi) showcased in the 2018 edition, visitors can expect an even better offering for 2019.

Also, we expect key luxury Hotelier partners G Hotel Kelawai and Shangri-La Rasa Sayang to return to support the event, along with the backing and support of the Penang State Tourism Board. On another note, we expect to see the return of Aditus, the world’s no. 1 luxury access platform for crypto-affluents, who has hosted exclusive gatherings and workshops for crypto-enthusiasts.

The 2018 edition was strongly backed by both local and international partners and sponsors, where an extensive number of yachts, cars and real estate were put on display for visitors throughout the fair with over 18 sea trials for attendees to experience and pamper in style.

Penang RendezVous slated for 11th to 13th October 2019 at Straits Quay Marina is the 2nd edition of the popular lifestyle series.

Website: www.penangrendezvous.com

For more information on the event, please contact [email protected]   

Blancpain Quantième Perpétuel, the new star in the game

Over the years, Blancpain has never stopped building upon the savoir-faire and capability to build marvellous timepieces that astound the world of watch collectors.

And for 2019, the star masterpiece to stun the world is the Blancpain Quantième Perpétuel, a new addition to the Villeret collection, which remains as Blancpain’s most exquisite and finely created watches that house the most sought after complications in horology.

As a boutique exclusive, the Blancpain Quantième Perpétuel (ref. 6656-3440-55B) comes in as an entrant to the esteemed Villeret collection which has already been established as one of the foremost series of dress timepieces in the Swiss watch industry.

This version has a prominent blue dial that contrasts handsomely with the luxurious platinum case of the watch. The blue dial of the watch, of course, displays the true functionalities of the watch –  the perpetual calendar mechanism that is a major complication Blancpain is well known for.

This boutique exclusive release of just 88 limited edition pieces provides accurate time, day and date tracking over the months, years and leap years so that one does not need to remember to correct these indications over the transitions of those periods.

On top of that, the watch also features indications for the moon phase. Ultimately, what the dial showcases is the ability of Blancpain’s watchmakers to create a beautiful and engaging display for all these functions via the Roman hour markers juxtaposed against the subdials that house the registers for the day, month and date.

Best of all is the whimsical smiling moon phase indicator that comes along for the ride anchoring the entire timepiece as though mirroring the smile on the face of the owner of the timepiece as he gazes upon it.

Below the dial lies the in-house Blancpain automatic calibre 5954 which powers the watch for an impressive three days. This masterful creation of haute horlogerie consists of 351 separate parts working in an intricate manner to make the entire timepiece work flawlessly.

One can view this marvel via the sapphire display case back to see it in action up close.

 

For more information about the Blancpain Quantième Perpétuel, visit the Blancpain Boutique KLCC or on www.blancpain.com.

On the road with the Volvo XC40

Named the “European Car of the Year” at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the all-new compact SUV “Volvo XC40” is definitely one of our to-test lists for year 2019.

With an integrated smart design, technology and innovation all packed into one single automobile, there are much to love with the XC40 and you are about to find out why as we unpack this sleek new drive.

From design to performance and interior technology, here’s what you need to know about the new Volvo XC40, a compact SUV that you must put into consideration when shopping for a new ride this 2019.

 

THE LOOK

Despite being an SUV-type vehicle, the XC40 highlights a rather sporty silhouette, all thanks to the muscular wings, large wheel arches, a delicately curved bodyline with scalloped sections on the hood, rearmost pillar and lower doors; and 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels that are designed to provide maximum comfort and optimal agility.

Paired with the signature “Thor’s hammer” LED daytime running lights, the XC40 not only looks sleek for an SUV but packs the fierce outlook of a monster vehicle that we want from a large-bodied automobile.

More youthful and fun compared to its siblings XC60 and XC90, this sleek little brother is made for the urban city-dwellers.

THE PERFORMANCE

Exterior aside, what we look forward the most with a vehicle is its road performance and XC40 does not disappoint in terms of specifications.

The XC40 is powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder Drive-E engine with 252 hp and an eight-speed automatic transmission that can go from 0 to 100 km/h in a short 6.4 seconds.

Light on steering and firm on the road, the XC40 provides maximum comfort for both driver and passengers for all standard road terrains regardless of the speed you are going on – much like all Volvo vehicles before it.

Best of all, for all eco-friendly drivers who prefer an optimum and fuel-efficient experience, the combined fuel consumption is only 7.7 litres per 100 km, which is an amazing feat for an SUV-type automobile (all thanks to the Eco function within).

THE TECHNOLOGY

No vehicles in 2019 are complete without a list of technologically advanced features to assist its driver for a seamless experience and the XC40 has every box ticked for you.

First, take a look at the Pilot Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control features. With the combination of these two, drivers can look forward to a more relaxing drive even when facing heavy city traffic.

 

The XC40 also has the City Safety system that helps to avoid or mitigate collisions by applying the brakes in times of emergency to minimise accident rates.

Other new features include a wireless charging pad for your latest tech devices, new Air Woofer Technology™ for music and CleanZone, which is a filter system that ensures clean air within the vehicle despite environmental conditions outside.

 

THE DESIGN (INTERIOR)

Not just eco-friendly in terms of fuel consumption, the XC40 has promotes an environmentally friendly design where the carpet, floor console and door inserts are manufactured with 97% recycled PET bottles, which makes the surface material a self-carrying structure.

Featuring the best of Scandinavian design, the inside of the XC40 is filled with full of intuitive and practical storage spaces for all your daily routine.

Super-comfortable seats, ample legroom and huge cargo space are just some of the elements that allow XC40 to live up to the brand’s name. 

Our verdict? The Volvo XC40 is the best compact SUV you can buy today, and with prices at just RM255,888 (excluding insurance), you can’t say you’re not getting your money’s worth.

You can now book an appointment to test drive the Volvo XC40 via WhatsApp or call at +6013 663 4040.

 

WINNER’S TREAT:

As a special bonus for the launch of the new XC40, Volvo has also launched a special film campaign where 20 lucky winners stand a chance to win a luxury weekend retreat for 2 at The Majestic Malacca

All you need to do is experience The New Volvo XC40 through “A Filmmaker’s Journey” and “An Angel In Chinatown”. Find the hidden codes within the film for a chance to win a luxury weekend retreat for 2 at The Majestic Malacca.

Find out more in the link here.

George Clooney is boycotting the Sultan of Brunei’s Hotels

George Clooney is boycotting hotels owned by the Sultan of Brunei. This boycott of conscience from the Hollywood star came just days after the Sultan of the small but geopolitically strategic oil-rich nation (ranked 41 out of 99 oil producing nations) announced new laws making homosexual acts and adultery punishable by death.

Originally a British colony, Brunei became the first Southeast Asian nation to officially become an Islamic state by adopting Sharia law as the foundation of its legal system in 2014 to widespread condemnation. With a population of less than half a million, other draconian laws include amputation of the limbs as punishment for theft and robbery.

Starting April 3rd, anyone in Brunei found guilty of engaging in homosexual acts or cheating on their spouse could be flogged or sentenced to death by stoning.

And Clooney called on citizens of the world who oppose these infringements of human rights and civil liberties to boycott hotels owned by the Brunei Investment Agency. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah owns the Brunei Investment Agency which holds some of the world’s most prestigious hotels under its management.

George Clooney joins other Hollywood celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Stephen Fry, and prominent entrepreneur Virgin’s Richard Branson, who have all been boycotting the Sultan Bolkiah’s properties over Brunei’s anti-gay laws since 2014.

The first #StopTheSultan boycott and protest in 2014 led by California politicians, and LGBTQ activists reportedly cost the Sultan of Brunei $2 million in revenue, with cancellations at The Beverly Hills Hotel accounting for “almost all of the dropoff.” according to NYT. Unfortunately, by 2018, the #StopTheSultan movement had all but petered out, with celebrities and socialites returning to the premier Beverly Hills venue.

 

List of the Sultan of Brunei’s Hotels

  • The Beverly Hills Hotel (Beverly Hills)
  • Hotel Bel-Air (Los Angeles)
  • The Dorchester (London)’
  • 45 Park Lane (London)
  • Coworth Park (Ascot, UK)
  • Le Meurice (Paris)
  • Hôtel Plaza Athénée (Paris)
  • Hotel Eden (Rome)
  • Hotel Principe di Savoia (Milan)
  • Grand Hyatt (Singapore)
  • Royal Plaza on Scotts (Singapore)

Are you ready for a full Hermès beauty collection?

Known for its luxury leather goods and fragrances, Hermès is set to take new heights in 2020 as the French luxury house prepares itself for the launch of the first ever Hermès makeup and skincare collection in year 2020.

Prior to this, Hermès has had minimal venture into the beauty world with the exception of a scented body balm and its signature line of fragrances.

Aiming to become a global beauty brand, Hermès will add skincare and makeup collections to its beauty portfolio and also plans to use plastic-free packaging in its effort to be an eco-friendly beauty label.

In an interview with Business of Fashion, Hermès chief executive Axel Dumas says, “It’s quite exciting: It’s a new activity, with all the risks that involve, so we will deploy it progressively, initially in our own stores mainly, in a limited distribution so that we can learn.”

Watchmaker Philippe Charriol dies in a car crash at Le Castellet

Founder of luxury Swiss watch label Charriol, Philippe Charriol, has died at the age of  77 at a car-racing session in Le Castellet.

With a passion for racing and has competed in many races including the French GT Championship and Trophee Andros, an ice racing series in France, Charriol was “one of the 20 fastest men on the ice in a car” reported by South China Morning Post in 2006.

While he had enjoyed the ‘vive la adrenaline’ from racing cars, it was also that very sport that killed him, on the Le Castellet track in the south of France.

“During a car-racing session that was taking place on the Paul Ricard circuit. French driver Philippe Charriol was the victim of an accident on the Mistral straight,” circuit director Stephane Clair said in a statement. And despite emergency treatment given by on-site medics, Charriol eventually succumbed to his injuries on the way to a hospital in Marseille Timone.

The brand Charriol was founded by Philippe Charriol in 1983. The brand specialises in perfume, accessories as well and watches and jewellery licensed by Cofinluxe. One of the signatures of his brand was the motif Charriol created using gold or steel cable.

In a heartfelt tribute, President and Directeur Général Jean-Pierre Grivory of Cofinluxe expressed his appreciation for the 45-year long friendship with Philippe Charriol.

“His enthusiasm and his creativity will remain the DNA of the brand he created under his name that we have the duty to make survive and develop in dedication to his memory.” – Cofinluxe President and Directeur Général Jean-Pierre Grivory

A tour inside the Rolls Royce Cullinan SUV

Christened with the name of the largest diamond ever discovered, the new Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV has finally landed in Malaysia.

Bearing the classic Rolls aesthetics, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the crème de la crème in the SUV category. With a height of 1,836mm and 22-inch wheels, Rolls-Royce Cullinan is made to perfection in terms of performance, comfort and refinement – thanks to the ‘Architecture of Luxury’, a bespoke platform incorporated within this gem.

This ultra-luxury SUV is also a tough beast where it is able to load things up to 560 litres and 1930 litres when the rear seats are folded.

Upon entering the car, you will instantly feel the aura of luxury unleashed by the interiors of the opulent car especially the ‘Box Grain’ black leather upholstery. You will then discover a fixed rear centre console as you explore the Cullinan.

Providing a truly luxurious experience, the console accommodates a drinks cabinet storing Rolls-Royce whisky glasses and decanter at the front; while it stores champagne flutes and fridge in the rear. Not to mention, the seat is also installed with ventilation and massage functions to provide exceptional comfort for the passengers on long journeys.

What makes the Rolls-Royce Cullinan a precious jewel is the features integrated inside this paragon of luxury. Upon activation using a bespoke key, Cullinan will lower down itself to make entry easier for anyone. Electronic-closing doors and panoramic glass roof aside, the car offers an impeccable experience with studio-grade 18-channel, 18-speaker Bespoke audio system, touch-screen operated video entertainment systems and Rolls-Royce’s signature picnic tables.

On top of that, Rolls-Royce Cullinan also comprises a unique glass partition to muffle noise from outside and optimise temperature within the car.

When it comes to safety, Rolls-Royce does not take it for granted. Driving off-road, the wheels with electronically-controlled air suspension will regulate itself to ensure the car is in contact with the ground all the times.

Meanwhile, maximum torque is delivered effectively to the wheels. Other safety features included are Vision Assist, Alertness Assistant and a 4-Camera system with panoramic view, all-around visibility as well as helicopter view.

 

Discover more about the new Rolls Royce Cullinan here for more info.

Karl Lagerfeld passes at the age of 85 in Paris

A legend in the world of fashion, Karl Lagerfeld one of the biggest icons of the industry who oversees the creative direction of Chanel, Fendi and his namesake label.

A name respected all over the world, there’s very few who do not know of his name and it is with great sadness that we announce Karl Lagerfeld has just passed away at the age of 85 in Paris due to illness.

A man who worked to his last breath, Lagerfeld is a legendary icon who has sat on the helm of Chanel for 36 years and has continued to prove that his creativity knows no limits.

Photo via Instagram @lindaevangelista

From grocery stores to casinos, waterfalls and space stations, each and every Chanel show produced is a show-stopper that headlines Paris fashion week.

Alain Wertheimer, CEO of CHANEL, said: “Thanks to his creative genius, generosity and exceptional intuition, Karl Lagerfeld was ahead of his time, which widely contributed to the House of CHANEL’s success throughout the world. Today, not only have I lost a friend, but we have all lost an extraordinary creative mind to whom I gave carte blanche in the early 1980s to reinvent the brand.”

Chanel has announced that right now, “Virginie Viard, Director of CHANEL’s Fashion Creation Studio and Karl Lagerfeld’s closest collaborator for more than 30 years, has been entrusted by Alain Wertheimerwith the creative work for the collections, so that the legacy of Gabrielle Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld can live on.:

We would like to thank Lagerfeld for all his has done for the world of fashion, arts, beauty and culture.

May you rest in peace.

Jet Set: 5 sexiest hotel rooms for lovebirds to try

A room ripe for seduction needs to do more than get the basics right. From a treehouse with a pool in Phuket to cliff-edge villas on the shores of Sumba, travel experts Mr & Mrs Smith have handpicked five seriously seductive hotel bedrooms that are guaranteed to get you in the mood…

Keemala – Phuket, Thailand

Here’s where an intriguing mix of history and myth (loosely based on ancient tribal dwellings) meets a world of architectural anomalies.

Keemala’s pool villas are tucked amongst glorious greenery with birds’ nests, seedpods and thatched hobbit holes as neighbours. The resort’s holistic philosophy goes beyond this eco-friendly ethos, too, so expect healing spa rituals, and healthy home-grown cuisine.

Our favourite Tree Pool Houses are lined with bamboo and stand like elegant bird cages. The bedroom on the upper level offers unrivalled views: a full panorama of the rainforest from your four-poster king-sized bed.

Smith extra: A 90-minute Harmonising Massage for two in the spa

 

Nihi Sumba Island – Sumba, Indonesia

There’s something seductive about secret getaways on unexplored islands and Nihi Sumba Island hotel is no exception. Its Marangga villas are right on the cliff edge, with jaw-flooring ocean views, while the Kanatar Sumba Houses have upstairs bedrooms with a terrace among the trees.

Although the open-air spa pavilions will give an out-of-this-world experience with the Nihi Oka Spa Safari (who doesn’t love stress-busting massages among peaceful paddy fields?), we’ll totally understand if you can’t bear to leave those alluring bedrooms.

Smith extra: A bottle of wine on arrival. SilverSmith and GoldSmith members receive a free room upgrade subject to availability; GoldSmith members also receive a 60-minute massage for each guest

 

Blakes Hotel – London, UK

At Blakes, modern decadence is writ large. The hotel brings guests around the world in style – each room is inspired by various far-off lands, such as Russia, India, and Turkey.

And wherever you end up, you’ll be greeted by a variety of sexy, antique Biedermeier furnishings, French gilded antique swan beds, and luxe fabrics – all a testament to Anouska Hempel’s impeccable taste and astonishing attention to the most romantic of detail.

Smith extra: A bottle of Sommelier’s choice wine in your room and breakfast for two throughout your stay

 

La Residence – Garden Route & Winelands, South Africa

Presiding over Franschhoek’s valley of vines, La Residence Hotel is a mini, modern Versailles with a contemporary shell and a charming colonial interior. Everything here radiates romance: the monumental marble four-poster; the 18th-century French dressers; the mirrored bathroom complete with crystalline chandelier, roll-top bath and chaise-longue in our favourite white-and-gold Frangipani suite. Then there are those dreamy views of the vineyards and distant peaks from the Disa and Hibiscus suites that will leave you spellbound.

Smith extra: A Franschoek Valley wine tasting in the La Residence’s private cellar

 

Bellevue Syrene – Amalfi Coast, Italy

Styled with utmost elegance – shimmering crystal chandeliers and soft sherbet-y hues of violet, rose, turquoise and mint – Bellevue Syrene’s Superior Sea rooms have balconies overlooking the Gulf of Naples.

The Deluxe Sea View Rooms will dazzle you with striking lights and marble fireplaces, while the incredible ‘Roccia’ or Rock Suite is set in an ancient Roman grotto and has a large hydrotherapy bath tub opposite the bed, with sea views to seal the deal. Italianate flamboyance in excelsis.

Smith extra: A bottle of sparkling white wine or regional red.

Mr & Mrs Smith gets you the best rates, guaranteed, as well as a little something extra on arrival at every hotel. To book, call the Smith24 team toll-free on 800 905 326, or visit mrandmrssmith.com.

 

This article was originally written by L’Officiel Singapore.

The Lady Gaga stuns in a 91-carat diamond necklace at the Grammy Awards 2019

Loyal to her aesthetics, Lady Gaga once again dazzled the audience of Grammy Awards last Sunday with her timeless elegance and wardrobe – more specifically her Tiffany & Co. necklace.

Paired with a flamboyant silver Celine by Hedi Slimane creation, Lady Gaga wore a Tiffany & Co. necklace that has over 90-carat of radiant Tiffany & Co. diamonds, causing quite a buzz on the news and social media.

The reason? This exquisite piece of high jewellery required no less than 365 days to be created.

Lady Gaga wears a dress from Celine by Hedi Slimane and a Tiffany & Co. 91-carat Tiffany Blue Book diamond necklace.

According to Tiffany & Co., the necklace, which is part of the new Tiffany Blue Book collection, features 91 carats of diamonds and took a year to be created because it involves “an ice motif that required the most skilled craftsmen to accomplish” and “each cut creates an illusion of fluidity”.

Truly a jaw-dropping and head-turning look that only someone like Lady Gaga can pull off – fitting for the winner of both “Best Song Written for Visual Media” for Shallow (A Star Is Born) and Best Pop Solo Performance for Where Do You Think You’re Goin’ (Joanne).

SIHH 2019: Girard-Perregaux unified collections into one theme

One of the hardest lines for watch brands at the top of the industry to toe is the ever-fine balance between Haute Horlogerie and “accessible” timepieces.

In most brands, there are collections that serve to be the entry-level ranges and others that are often the home ground of grand complications and high-level timepieces with exorbitant price tags to match.

The contrast between the two collections as such is therefore normally vast, and don’t usually share the same design theories or principles.

This is why Girard-Perregaux‘s entire collection at SIHH this year surprised us. Instead of the usual distinction between collections, the brand’s offerings this year shared a unifying theme of “Earth to Sky” with colours and functions used to portray that.

The grand expression of that theme is found in its Girard-Perregaux Bridges Cosmos, a stunner of a watch that sees the brand’s iconic bridge holding up a tourbillon at six o’clock and an off-centre dial that indicates the hours and minutes at 12 o’clock.

But where the real focus is on the watch are the two globes at three and six o’clock. On the right side of the dial sits a terrestrial globe that serves as a day/night indicator as well as a GMT function with a 24-hour scale along the equator.

The globe is a scale model of the earth, allowing you to tell if the local area is currently experiencing day or night, depending on where you sit. At nine o’clock, another impressive globe is placed. This blue-tinted titanium model, however, sees a laser-engraved sky chart adorn it. This globe rotates every 23 hours, 58 minutes and 4 seconds – the exact duration of sidereal time, effectively being a timelapse of the sky above us.

While the watch is exemplary of Girard-Perregaux’s ability to create haute horlogerie timepieces and develop complications at the highest level, the brand has also afforded the same theme albeit more in aesthetics with its Laureato and 1966 collections too.

In general, the brand’s entire collection for SIHH 2019 sees a dark black and blue theme, with the black DLC titanium cases making an interesting background for the blue dials. While the reveal isn’t exactly unprecedented (IWC’s 150th anniversary being the most recent that had a singular theme across every piece released), it could be an interesting strategy going forward for other brands.

SIHH 2019: Meet the new Santos de Cartier and Santos Dumont

Designed for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos Dumont in 1904, the namesake Santos de Cartier is the first watch designed specifically as a wristwatch in the early 20th century when pocket watches were still de rigueur and the trend for wrist watches was just beginning.

Conceived 5 years before the iconic Cartier Tank, the Santos de Cartier has, since its creation, always been defined by the screwed-in bezel, square dial with Roman numerals and its soft angular square case.

For SIHH 2019, Cartier unveils the new Santos-Dumont timepiece – an understated, pared-down, authentic interpretation fitted to an alligator leather strap.

Santos Dumont

Cased in gold, gold and steel or all steel, the new Santos Dumont at SIHH 2019 takes the signature design codes like Roman numerals, visible screws on bezel (a major “faux pas” in luxury watchmaking of that era) , beaded winding crown sans crown guards and blue cabochon, and continues the legacy of the early watchmaking classic.

The basic geometry while greatly refined, remains unchanged. Promoting the pure and symmetrical mirroring the four corners of the Eiffel Tower, the Cartier Santos Dumont symbolised the design revolution of the early 1900s when it ran counter-current to the time period’s accepted watch design codes.

While it is anyone’s guess why Cartier chose a high autonomy quartz movement for the new Santos Dumont when the Maison could just have easily equipped it with an ultra-thin calibre, it is our guess that in opting for quartz, the pure, pared-down Santos Dumont timepiece could then be offered at greatly enticing price points for a wider market.

With an ultra-thin movement, it would be available only to the most dedicated of connoisseurs but with the 6 years run-time high autonomy quartz calibre, Cartier makes the most potent argument this SIHH 2019 with peerless practicality in its contemporary reflection of the style of Alberto Santos Dumont.

Able to operate twice as long as traditional quartz movements,  the SIHH 2019 Cartier Santos Dumont’s high-efficiency quartz movement was achieved with a reworked and resized movement for reduced energy consumption and then powered with a new high-performance battery.

Santos Dumont Price and Specs

Movement High autonomy quartz calibre with 6 years power reserve
Case 38mm Stainless steel with black ADLC bezel, stainless steel with yellow gold bezel, and rose gold with 30 metres water resistance
Strap QuickSwitch system bracelet and/or leather
Price From US$5,500

 

Santos de Cartier Chronograph

2018 saw the reinvention of the Santos collection and since a chronograph has always been part of the series, it is fitting that for SIHH 2019, Cartier re-introduces the Santos de Cartier Chronograph in similar 43.3mm proportions as its contemporary pioneer.

Available in three variants: stainless steel with a black ADLC steel bezel, stainless steel with an 18k yellow gold bezel, and solid 18k rose gold, the 2019 Santos de Cartier Chronograph features a greatly modified 1904-CH MC chronograph calibre which eschews the traditional pushers around the crown layout for a more symmetrical look – putting start/stop pusher on the left side of the new Santos de Cartier chronograph and then mirrored by the crown with reset function itself integrated into the crown.

Of great horological interest is how the new Santos de Cartier chronograph makes a subtle reference to the Cartier Paris Collection Prive or CPCP mono-pusher chronograph operation concept found on vintage Cartier Tortue Chronograph models. This attention to elegance and ergonomics simply takes that heritage into the 21st century.

Fitted with the 1904-CH MC Cartier Manufacture movement, the SIHH 2019 Santos de Cartier chronograph features a fine watchmaking chronograph calibre with column wheel, vertical clutch, and linear reset hammer.

New Santos de Cartier Chronograph Price and Specs

Movement Automatic calibre 1904-CH MC with 48 hours power reserve
Case 43.3mm Stainless steel with black ADLC bezel, stainless steel with yellow gold bezel, and rose gold with 100 metres water resistance
Strap QuickSwitch system bracelet and/or leather
Price From US$8,950 to US$24,700

 

Santos de Cartier Skeleton Noctambule

If the latest Santos Dumont was a spiritually authentic interpretation of the milestone 1904 wristwatch, the new SIHH 2019 Santos de Cartier Skeleton Noctambule can be considered a postmodern variant. With bridges are coated with Super-LumiNova pigments, the new Skeleton Noctambule looks similar to the first Santos de Cartier Skeleton by day but by night, the Super-LumiNova coated bridges light up the countenance of the timepiece.

The new Santos de Cartier Skeleton Noctambule is equipped with the Manufacture calibre 9612 with manual winding and skeletonised bridges in the shape of Roman numerals.

Santos de Cartier Skeleton Noctambule Price and Specs

Movement Manual winding calibre 9612 MC with 72 hours power reserve
Case 38mm Stainless steel with black ADLC bezel, stainless steel with yellow gold bezel, and rose gold with 30 metres water resistance
Strap QuickSwitch system bracelet and/or leather
Price From US$27,000

 

SIHH 2019: IWC Schaffhausen Pilots Watch fronts the game this year

At every watch fair where releases upon releases are unveiled to the public in a day, one question tends to stand out among collectors and fans – are brands tied to just their icons? It’s an important point to note.

We, as part of the media, understand and know a brand’s heritage all the way through, remembering references from a time that has past. More often than not, however, the public tends to not share the same sentiment. For a larger demographic that appreciates watches and not the watch industry as a whole, a brand like IWC Schaffhausen tends to only signal “pilot’s watches” in their head. The same folk that would have never understood why Rolex would create the Cellini, or that Audemars Piguet has any other reference than Royal Oak and its larger counterparts.

IW371815_Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph TOP GUN Ceratanium_Lifestyle

While that may have been the online response from IWC’s Da Vinci campaign in 2017 (that did well, mind you), 2019 sees IWC pushing what some have called the brand’s icon back to the forefront. It’s a win-win situation for all, of course. The people who love IWC timepieces for the one collection have plenty to celebrate, and the media itself has a fantastic collection to review.

IWC Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph TOP GUN Ceratanium

While much of the fanfare at IWC’s SIHH booth has been about the seven-watch collection for the Pilot’s Watch Spitfire range, we’re going to have to give a mention to the Top Gun timepieces from this year. With four pieces in total, the Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Top Gun Ceratanium leads the pack.

The all-black stealth piece sees IWC’s titanium and ceramic alloy used in a 44mm case, as well as all case components, including the push-buttons and pin buckle. The 79420 calibre is an automatic double chronograph that lets its user record intermediate times.

 

IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition Mojave Desert

If the all black look isn’t quite your thing, there’s IWC’s new Mojave Desert variant of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun. The colour, derived from a combination of zirconium and other metallic oxides according to the brand, matches the flying suits of the US Navy’s pilots based in the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station in the Mojave Desert.

The watch is a limited edition though, with just 500 pieces available worldwide once it’s released.

SIHH 2019: All you need to know about the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Date

Zeitwerk Date

Celebrating its 10th birthday, A. Lange & Söhne’s mechanical “digital” watch receives an update for SIHH 2019. The latest Zeitwerk Date delivers the same high precision jumping digital display with an all-new feature – an additional date complication via a sapphire ring date displaying the current date in red.

The new A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Date is equipped with a new manufacture calibre, adding a date complication variant of the Zeitwerk series of Handwerkskunst, Minute Repeater, and the Decimal Strike.

SIHH 2019 A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Date

The Zeitwerk series debuted in 2009, ushering a new era in timekeeping- a digital watch with a mechanical heart. Inspired by the famed Dresden clock (and not an ironic watchmaking exercise mimicking digital quartz devices which almost killed the industry), the Lange Zeitwerk became known for its innovative, precisely jumping digital hours and minutes.

Arguably a  foundational pillar for the Saxony manufacture’s know-how, alongside the Datograph collection, the innovative concept of a digital mechanical wristwatch, with constant-force escapement and precisely jumping digital displays indicating hours and minutes with jumping numerals, became a revolutionary icon for the resurgent brand.

Zeitwerk Date

Ten years later, the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Date uses the new Lange manufacture calibre L043.8, introducing the series’ first date complication. The 44.2 mm  white- gold Zeitwerk Date with a grey dial could be mistaken for a regular Zeitwerk in the collection save for the circumferential date ring consists of glass with printed numerals from 1 to 31 with the current date indicated in red, as a result, the ring-shaped date complication is perfectly harmonised with the Lange Zeitwerk’s overall design codes.

Zeitwerk Date

To achieve the post-modern date display, a small colour segment beneath the date ring performs one step exactly at midnight. Advancing 31 days, the red section would have complated one full orbital association.

Hence, the date is always clearly legible at all times and also recognisable intuitively. The date is itself manually adjusted with a corrector at 8 o’clock which operates on what Tony de Haas calls, “the inverted pusher”.

Zeitwerk Date

Typically, a user subjects the movement of his watch to an inordinate amount of pressure when using his pushers, this action could technically damage the user’s calibre. However, the switching impulse generated by the Zeitwerk Date when it is released takes a lot of the guesswork and potential for damage out of the equation.

Inclusion of the new date display unexpectedly threw up some inconvenient challenges like how the aesthetic codes of a Zeitwerk do not allow for easy layout for the brand’s signature outsized date. Hence, the team eventually decided that they needed a totally new design approach with a precisely jumping ring date.

Zeitwerk Date

Since time setting accurate to 24 hours would take too long to adjust via the crown of a Zeitwerk due to the minute by minute advancement, the SIHH 2019 Lange Zeitwerk Date incorporates an additional button at 4 o’clock allowing for advance of the hour indication separately.

The integration of the hour button was associated with considerable design modifications. To enable the correction independently of the switching cycles of the movement, a clutch uncouples the hour ring from the jumping numerals mechanism each time the button is pressed – Lange Technical Director de Haas refers to this convent as the “inverted” pusher.

The  516 piece manually wound calibre L043.8 stands out with its clearly organised movement architecture. What remains is the patented constant-force escapement that handles two tasks. As a remontoir device, it powers the balance of the Zeitwerk Date with a uniform amount of force for the entire running duration. Additionally, it also delivers the one-per-minute impulse for switching the three-disc jumping numerals display.

 

Zeitwerk Date Price and Specs

Movement Manual winding Lange manufacture calibre L043.8 with 72 hours power reserve
Case 44.2 mm white gold case
Strap Alligator leather
Price $96,700

Rent Zaha Hadid’s home for just US$37k/month

Throughout her years of being an architect, Zaha Hadid had won multiple awards enough to crown her the title of the most famous female architect in the world. She was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture prize in 2004 and in 2015, became the first and only woman to be awarded the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects after she was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II herself.

Many were devastated when Hadid died in 2016, but we continue to celebrate her life through her work. Zaha Hadid was renowned for her elegantly complex designs and among some of the most notable projects on her resume, is her very own Miami beach home where she resided in before her sudden death. This 2-bedroom unit flourished with Hadid’s signature style is now available for rent at $37,000 a month.

The private residence situated in W South Beach at Miami Beach, Florida measures 1,905 square feet and overlooks the entire Atlantic Ocean. Zaha Hadid outfitted the apartment with a simple palette and minimal furnishings while her design signature peeks beneath the surface. The threshold that separates the lounge and the dining area, for example, is carved into a curve from floor to ceiling, and highlighted with a metallic finish.

According to the Guardian, Hadid expressed that she “liberated architectural geometry, giving it a whole new expressive identity” for her own home. This was also the apartment where Hadid spent most of her time in her later years, supposedly completing one of her last few projects including One Thousand Museum, the tallest luxury Condominium building in Florida that is currently still under construction.

 

For anyone who is interested in a home pre-owned by an architectural legend and has $37,000 to spare every month, visit realtor for more information on this listing.

6 most expensive watches auctioned in 2018

Year on year, watch auction records are being made and broken by the high demand of these pieces de unique found in old collections and it is a marvellous spectacle to behold.

For an industry that sells covetable timepieces from the past, the watch auction world is a surprisingly fast-paced, ever-changing landscape.

While 2018 may not have had a watch that eclipsed the Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication from 2014 or Paul Newman’s very own Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239 from 2017, 2018 had a few watches that stood out.

And here we round up 6 watches that earned the highest bid in 2018 auctions.

#1: Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 Unicorn

Collectors naturally want what others can’t have and a vintage white gold Rolex Daytona is simply put, cause for alarm, for collectors. When the news was broken by Hodinkee back in 2013 that one existed, the watch world’s enthusiasm levels soared.

Its rarity was explained by Phillips as, “For many years it was commonly accepted that Rolex only produced manual winding Cosmographs in stainless steel or yellow gold, and never in platinum, white or pink gold.” As it turns out, one customer managed to convince the brand otherwise and the rest is history.

That history, however, culminated in May this year with a 5,937,500 Swiss francs (approx. 24.8 million) sale at Phillip’s Daytona Ultimatum auction. The Rolex Daytona Ref. 6265 Unicorn currently sits as the second most expensive Rolex to ever be sold at a watch auction. Adding to the glamour of it all, all sales from the piece were donated to the Children Action charity.

 

#2: Patek Philippe Ref 2499 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Asprey

The title of highest auctioned Patek Philippe watch this year goes to the Patek Philippe Ref 2499 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Asprey that was hammered at 3,915,000 Swiss francs (approx. RM16.4 million) at Sotheby’s recent Important Watches auction in Geneva.

The watch, a possibly unique piece, was manufactured by the esteemed Swiss watchmaker in 1952 and sold in 1956. The Ref 2499 Asprey was first put up for auction in 2006 and has been in the same private collection since then.

Unique features of the piece include a double-signed dial by both Patek Philippe and Asprey.

 

#3: Patek Philippe Ref 2499 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Serpico y Laina Caracaswas

Next on the list was another Ref 2499, but this time, signed by Venezuelan distributor Serpico y Laina, set up in Caracas, the capital of the country by two Italian immigrants. What makes the Ref. 2499 so special (and given that there are three on this list for this year alone) is the fact that across four different iterations (series) of the watch, only 349 examples of the reference was made. And only across a 35-year mark, making it roughly 10 watches per year.

This particular Patek Philippe Ref 2499 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Serpico y Laina Caracas was realised at Christie’s Rare Watches auction, at a value of 3,252,500 Swiss francs (approx. RM13.4 million), just a day before the Asprey variant.

 

#4: Rolex Daytona Ref. 6240 Neanderthal

The predecessor of the Daytona Ref. 6265 (the Paul Newman series), the Ref. 6240 was the first to use screw-down chronograph pushers and utilised a unique dial proportion with the subdials nearly touching the outside track. As Phillips puts it, “Any Cosmograph boasting oversized registers is called today a “Big Eye”. What quick-eyed collectors may notice as well, is the fact that the dial has no ‘Cosmograph’ or ‘Daytona’ text to be found.

Because of its inherent uniqueness and legacy as the one that came before the Paul Newmans, this particular Daytona Ref. 6240 Neanderthal hammered at 3,012,500 Swiss francs (approx. RM12.6 million) during the Daytona Ultimatum in May.

 

#5: Patek Philippe Ref. 2499  signed by Tiffany & Co.

 

The Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 makes an appearance again on the list and this time, signed by American jeweller and retailer Tiffany & Co. Sold at 2,950,762 Swiss francs (RM12.4 million) in Hong Kong, the watch is now the most expensive watch to be sold in auction in Asia. According to Sotheby’s that sold the piece, the watch is potentially the only one of its kind, given that there are only six examples of this series made in pink gold.

While the Asprey-signed Ref 2499 was manufactured in 1952 and sold in 1956, this Tiffany & Co model is almost 20 years older, having been made in 1971 and sold in 1972. As we’ve mentioned earlier, the Ref. 2499’s limited production years between 1950 and 1986 have made it such that the earlier series tend to fetch more because of the lesser amount produced then.

 

#6: Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref. 6002G

 

Sold off at Hong Kong’s Poly Auction’s Important Watches, the Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref. 6002G is easily the most complicated timepiece on the list. The grand piece was released by Patek Philippe in 2014 and features several functions and complications shown over two dials.

It boasts a tourbillon, a minute repeater with two cathedral gongs, a perpetual calendar with retrograde date, a moonphase display. On top of that, the back of the watch showcases sidereal time, a sky chart of the Northern hemisphere, as well as a progressive moonphase display. The dials have been worked with cloisonné enamel and champlevé enamel for a grander effect.

While it definitely out-complicates many of the watches on the list, the fact that the Sky Moon Tourbillon didn’t fetch as high with its hammered amount at 2,695,207 Swiss francs (RM11.1 million), the watch was sold with a high enough price four years ago and was limited to just five pieces.

Given the appreciation that Patek Philippe timepieces have had over the years, one can imagine that in 40 years’ time, the Sky Moon Tourbillon may see an auction pricing much higher.

 

Raf Simons exit Calvin Klein

Just barely even two years in the role, Raf Simons has officially exited Calvin Klein as its Chief Creative Director.

Appointed in 2016, Raf Simons took Calvin Klein in a whirlwind of buzz and critical success in the fashion industry – from its Calvin Klein 205W39NYC collection to the Andy Warhol Collaboration and the launch of Calvin Klein By Appointment service.

However, despite the many raving reviews and awards Simons receive, the American fashion label failed to rake in the sales it needs, as pointed out by Calvin Klein’s parent PVH Corp. chief executive Emanuel Chirico, who called Simons’ work at the company a “fashion miss”.

Chirico also added, “We will cut back on a number of these planned investments in the 205 collection business, and as we move forward, we will [be taking] a more… commercial approach to this important business.”

And together with Simons’ exit, Calvin Klein has also announced that they will not be staging a fashion show at the annual New York Fashion Week this coming February 2019, in order to refocus and realign the brand for a new direction.

In an official statement, Calvin Klein (the company) says, “Both parties have amicably decided to part ways after Calvin Klein Inc. decided on a new brand direction which differs from Simons’ creative vision.”

No announcement has been made yet on the successor of Simons for the role at Calvin Klein.

 

WOW and Luxuo opens in Vietnam

The luxury scene is booming all around the world. One would be surprised to know that Vietnam, a quaint city known for its rivers and Buddhist pagodas is expanding its luxury sphere as well. World of Watches welcomes Vietnam to its fold of international presence with an exclusive interview with CEO and Publisher of  WOW Vietnam Hon Nguyen Huu.

Interview With Hon Nguyen Huu, WOW Vietnam

Can you let us know more about the Vietnam luxury scene this past year? Were there new malls opened in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) that suggest that the luxury goods market is healthy?

Well, for me, luxury has never been a big party. To my friends, their business results for luxury brand offices in Vietnam are getting better. Some said that with the stagnant markets in Singapore and Thailand, the chances are shifted to Vietnam. Not only for fashion or watches, but I have also seen lots of exciting events which marked a good year for luxury brands in Vietnam. And pretty sure for the coming year.

However, it doesn’t mean we have good preparation for this growth. People – the main force behind all luxury services in Vietnam – are not qualified enough for the demand. Customers who pay a lot of money for high-end experience will also require a lots from service providers, that’s why marketers will have to equip themselves with professionalism and deep knowledge in this territory. I hope that brand leaders will pay more attention to this.

 

Which luxury brands seem to blend very well with the affluent Vietnamese consumers? On the fashion side, or on the watch side?

Each brand will offer to customers the shopping and service experience with their own high-quality standards. I like the way of Hermes, Cartier, Rolex, Omega, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Prada are keeping their loyal customers.

This is real for consumers and brands stories. Recently, Gucci or HYT has brought a new fresh approach towards the Millennials and Gen Z. To talk about watch particularly, the independent and classic brands are turning attention to Vietnamese consumers. Vietnamese are not concerned with spending money, they just love the uniqueness and pay a lot for their ownership when possible.

And a special thing is luxury consumers are often quiet, so it’s hard to tell which brand is doing better.

 WOW Vietnam has already had many fans in Vietnam, what is the magazine’s specific positioning and why is it appreciated by both watch lovers and also more knowledgeable watch collectors?

Firstly, content is our unparalleled strength that no other magazine has, due to the fact that our editors have deep knowledge in watches. The close relationship with watch collectors is both pride and pressure for us to improve our issues day by day. WOW Singapore is a good link between customers and us, to provide perfect content that continuously makes the magazine which has licenses in 9 countries even stronger.

Secondly, a distribution network to 300 watch collectors and clubs who have deep passion for watches, this has always been WOW appreciation. We also have the wide coverage of 500 stalls in 63 provinces and boutiques, hotels, galleries and big restaurants. Even at the favourite places of millennials, like the Hidden Archive event, I have seen some 9X wearing Panerai or Speake-Marin while they auction their clothes collection. This is a new surprise which requires WOW to have proper moves in the future.

You will be launching LUXUO.VN in Vietnam within the next quarter, what will be specific to the luxury news portal, and how will it be different from existing luxury news channels?

LUXUO.VN is the first online issue about luxury life in Vietnam. Being the pioneer brings us more pressure and challenges. I still believe we need a good content strategy before starting doing different things with Luxuo.

That’s why different perspectives about the luxury market, shopping and luxury brands culture will be reflected in Luxuo.vn with focus, deep and lively perspectives. We provide the best things on Luxuo.vn, from shopping choices, market views, brands stories and people.

The information about luxury brands is not in printed versions only. Digital magazine and media also play their own roles. This makes the magazines’ marketing change. But interesting pressure indeed.

Are there Special events and activations planned? How will you engage luxury goods lovers and watch collectors?

Sure, the very first thing is that there will be a launch event on 17th Jan 2019. Each WOW issue will have a separate offline event to connect us with watch collectors. Moreover, Luxuo Network Private Event is being rolled out.

Where do you see LUXUO in Vietnam two years from now?’

The Vietnamese always say: “don’t count your chickens before they hatch”. Just to let you know, I am still very excited with plans for the next 2 years.

Tell us about the founders and team behind your Media Group and why you are highly confident of the success of WOW and LUXUO in Vietnam.

You know, we have very experienced members, and for the newcomers, they are appreciated with high passion. Our editors are the ones who have worked for Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, Wow Vietnam, L’Officiel Vietnam, and Elle Vietnam before they came to SR.

We also have a marketing team consisting of a watch collector and a fashion-influencer. Socially-savvy lives of young members make us stay updated with the market. We will do great, I hope.

Who is one person or one mentor who has inspired you in your life ?

There’s a philosophy I have pursued in all of my careers and I think it makes my success today, it is “Always say Yes”. Yes to a job, yes to a meeting, yes to a coffee meet up, or yes in helping a friend because you will never know what the future will bring you. Just make the most out of the present.

In other ways, I am trying my best to be approachable. I always focus on the things that matter rather than being cool. Focus on caring for people is a foundation of meaningful and purposeful life. You have to dream of bigger things than yourself.

Who taught me this? It’s my Mom.

Visit World of Watches Vietnam on Luxuo.vn.

Thailand Yacht Show and the Phuket RendezVous to merge for 2019

Two of the biggest luxury lifestyle events in Phuket, the Thailand Yacht Show and the Phuket RendezVous,  have merged to form the Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous for the coming January 2019.

Set to be hosted 10th to 13th January 2018 at the Royal Phuket Marina, the Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous is a joint project by Verventia Pte Ltd, owner of the Thailand Yacht Show; Asia RendezVous and Royal Phuket Marina.

The move was precipitated by a request earlier in the year from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to gather the industry together in one major event in Thailand so as to demonstrate united support for the government’s yacht tourism initiative.

At the same time, since the announcement in August of a new Phuket Yacht Show, the yachting industry voiced their strong opinion that there should only be one boat show and requested just such a “get together”. The three organisers were able to come to an agreement in principle last week to merge the Phuket Yacht Show team into the already-announced Thailand Yacht Show & Rendezvous.

Andy Treadwell explained: “It’s obvious that we had to make this agreement, and great that we’ve been able to do so in a relatively short space of time – entirely thanks to the industry coming together and getting everyone to agree. The TAT, our partners and main sponsor of the Thailand Yacht show, also asked us earlier in the year to get everyone working together instead of competing and dividing the industry. We’re all now looking forward to getting on with the job, and building this event over the next few years into a proper international marketing platform for the yachting industry and for Thailand as a world-class yacht tourism destination”.

Gael Burlot added: “We are very pleased to have everyone on board and a clear plan to develop the show after a successful 2018 edition. A key highlight to kick-off the Thailand Yacht Show and RendezVous on 9th January will be the Christofle Yacht Style Awards 2019 after a memorable first edition this year. The luxury industries are starting to prosper again in this region, and with the right collaborative promotion in the right strategic places like Thailand, the yachting industry should start to see significant growth in this beautiful part of the world, where there is so much opportunity.”

Gulu Lalvani, Chairman of Royal Phuket Marina, said “I am delighted to be welcoming the combined teams to work together to produce the best boat show ever in Phuket at RPM in January. The industry and the government can rest assured that I personally and all my staff will be doing our best to make sure that this show achieves our common objective – to help make Phuket and Thailand the central marina hub for the whole of Asia.”

The Thailand Yacht Show & Rendezvous will take place from 10th– 13th January 2019, at the Royal Phuket Marina in Phuket.

For all enquiries and reservations, please contact [email protected]

Now Open: The Burberry Conservatory launches in The Gardens Mall, KL

Inspired by a British conservatory, Burberry is bringing a new experience to our home ground Kuala Lumpur this month to celebrate the Burberry Belt Bag – a new icon to the British fashion house.

Titled “Burberry Conservatory”, the pop-up space is now officially open on the ground floor of The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City and is part of a travelling series by Burberry, which has already made appearances in Dubai, London and Hong Kong.

And in place of a luscious British garden, the Burberry Conservatory will highlight an exclusive capsule collection of limited-edition Belt Bags in a range of colours with rainbow belts or equestrian knight embroidery.

To make it an extra special experience, you can also create your own personalised interchangeable belt, which can be purchased separately.

And to wrap up the Burberry Conservatory experience, the new Burberry Pin Clutch will also make a special appearance with four designs featuring equestrian embroidery.

 

Find the Burberry Conservatory space now at the ground floor of The Gardens Mall in Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur – now open until 14th October 2018.