Author Archives: Yan Joon Wing

Live Inside A Piece Of Moroccan History At The Palais Amani

There are not many historic properties in the world quite as majestic as the Palais Amani in Fez (or Fes), Morocco. The former home of a wealthy local merchant, the landmark – a UNESCO World Heritage site no less – is now a chic, upscale boutique hotel. The hotel was first given a makeover in the 1930s, with many more touchups over the years, to become the resplendent gem that you see today.

Boasting 18 rooms, every room has been thoughtfully and tastefully designed to reflect and emphasise the colourful history of Morocco. Of late, the North African country has been a muse to luxury brands with Dior launching its Cruise 2020 collection in Palais El Badi, Marrakech. This time, LUXUO journeys to the Palais Amani in Fez where unlike Dior’s show, one can be a participant and live inside a piece of Moroccan heritage.

From elaborate ceiling trimmings, to mosaic floor and wall tiles, to full-length colour-frosted windows, and the most palatial of courtyards, the Palais Amani can best be described as a modern design tribute to the 1940 film, Casablanca.

But the crown jewel of the palace (or palais, for the Francophiles out there), is undoubtedly the Grand Suite, a sprawling space that spans the entire width of its south wing.

Inside one of Palais Amani’s 19 guest rooms

View from the Grand Suite

Featuring a balcony that is as roomy as it is delightfully decadent, a splendid his and hers ensuite bathroom, and the most gorgeous views that this side of Fez has to offer, the Grand Suite is a space fit for, as the French would say, the crème de la crème.

Medina living at its finest

Perhaps, the best part of the hotel is that it is located along the Fez medina (a term that refers to the old quarters of any city in North Africa). The old city is not just the largest medina in the world, but also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Unwind at the in-house hammam, or spa, after a long day of sightseeing

Because of its close proximity to the medina, the hotel is also able to offer a multitude of activities for guests to experience the medina in their preferred ways. Guests can choose between a food tour (as part of the Fez Cooking School) that gives them a culinary insight into Moroccan, Fassi, and Sephardic cooking, or a sightseeing tour that takes them down many of the 10,000-odd alleys and lanes inside the medina.

Yoga classes for some mind, body, and soul workout

After a long day out roaming the streets, guests can retreat to the hotel, where they can relax and unwind at the in-house Hammam, or spa, and enjoy a luxurious full-body massage.

Do check out the Palais Amani if you’re ever in Fez. Averaging around S$200 per night for a classic room, this Moroccan treasure is certainly well worth your money, and time.

By Kelvin Ong

 

Billionaire James Dyson Buys Singapore’s Most Expensive $73 million Wallich Penthouse

The view from the pool at Wallich Residences

Having paid US$54 million (S$73 million) for the prime Wallich Residence penthouse in Tangong Pagar Centre, Singapore, British Billionaire Industrialist James Dyson is currently the owner of Singapore’s most expensive luxury real estate. When Dyson, the UK-based company best known for its vacuum cleaners and hairdryers had announced that Singapore would be home to its new electric car factory, industry pundits weren’t wondering whether Mr. Dyson would buy a slice of Singapore real estate, they were wondering just how premium and which exclusive luxury development.

Wallich Residence is an exclusive and limited collection of 181 luxury residential units, within the heart of the ambitious 5 in 1 vertical city, one of the tallest buildings in Singapore. At S$73 million, the ultra-luxurious penthouse pips June’s Boulevard Vue penthouse which transacted for S$52 million and eclipses another billionaire, Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin’s 2017 penthouse.

Mr James Dyson, inventor of the bagless vacuum

The living area of Wallich Residence super penthouse

Money is no object when it comes to the inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner; Singapore, largely recognised as one of the most expensive markets in the world to live (according to the Economist Intelligence Unit 2019 report, tied with Paris and Hong Kong) and do business (especially when space for a car factory costs a premium in the diminutive city-state).

SC Global’s The Marq penthouse pool

Therefore it stands to reason that Dyson would be looking at some of the territory’s most premium real estate developments. According to List Sotheby’s International Realty (List SIR), Singapore is home to six of the world’s 11 “super” penthouses. The biggest of the lot is GuocoLand’s Wallich Residence 21,108 sq. ft. penthouse spanning three floors across levels 62-64, with five bedrooms, a family room, a viewing deck, a private garden, a 12-metre pool, a cabana, a jacuzzi, an entertainment room, bar facilities and epic views of the Marina Bay Sands skyline.

Hermes interiors at The Marq

That said, the swankiest of super-prime Singapore penthouses is said to belong to The Marq, a luxury real estate development with cantilevered pools for each apartment and the world’s first condo interiors completely furnished with Hermes furniture, fixtures and fittings replete with crystal chandeliers by Saint-Louis Cristalleries – a glass-making company owned by Hermes. Obviously, space was a bigger consideration for the man who could afford his own Hermes interiors had he so desired.

SC Global’s Hilltops

The breathtaking spiral staircase flanked with generous foliage

SC Global’s Hilltops

Aside from The Marq, SC Global’s other lavish development is the botanically themed “Hilltops”, a verdant oasis right at the heart of Singapore’s premier shopping district at the crossroads of Paragon, Takashimaya and Ion Orchard. Featuring four two-storey penthouses, each with its own private pool and roof terrace, each Hilltops penthouse is dominated by one unusual, artistic feature – a spiral staircase filled with greenery.

The private wine cellar on floor 63 of Wallich Residence super penthouse

Needless to say, despite close competition among equally opulent and soul-enriching spaces, Dyson and his wife purchased the 99-year leasehold Wallich Residence penthouse on Jun 20. The property was launched in 2017 with an asking price of S$108 million but in recent years, Singapore luxury property prices have fallen. In April 2019, Bloomberg reported that  private residential values decline for second straight period with prices in prime districts tumbling the most among all regions, particularly Sentosa Cove, where prices dove 30%. According to sources, Dyson ended up forking out only S$73 million for his Wallich Residence penthouse.

 

Zenith celebrates 50th anniversary with El Primero

10th January 1969 is the key date when the most famous of chronograph watches, the Zenith El Primero (‘the first’ in Spanish) made its debut as the first automatic chronograph in the world. And it achieved this feat coupled with the ability to run at the high beat of 36000vph.

Why did Zenith create the El Primero?

It was in the 1960s when the race for horology was geared towards high-frequency movements in a quest to conquer a more accurate and durable movement. Zenith’s efforts came at a time when the market was a most competitive one as, at that time, Zenith (who was in collaboration with Movado), Seiko and the Chronomatic group, comprising of Hamilton-Buren, Breitling, Heuer and Dubois Dépraz, were all competing to create the first automatic chronograph. After a fierce battle, Zenith-Movado beat the others and successfully launched the El Primero. And it did it with a chronograph that was also high-beat.

 

THE QUARTZ ERA AND BEYOND

In 1974, at the peak of the era of quartz watches, mechanical watches lost a lot of ground and Zenith had to slow down its production. The company slowly began to dispose of the tools and machinery for making the El Primero. However, Charles Vermot, a watchmaker at Zenith, decided to secretly save these most important of components of its production.

Indeed, this act was fortunate, as it allowed Zenith to once again, at a crucial time, produce the movements in 1988 when they received orders from them. The act alone ensured the survival of the company and we have Vermot to thank for it.

From then on, the company went from strength to strength, once again creating new Zenith El Primero watches such as the first Chronomaster in 2003 and the Zenith Defy 21 El Primero in 2017.

 

THE ANNIVERSARY TRIO BOX

Fast forward to 2019 and the Zenith El Primero is celebrating its 50th anniversary. For this momentous occasion, Zenith brings forth a unique anniversary trio set with three special watches inside.

Each of them come in only 50-piece limited edition runs and, upon receiving them, owners will first take note of the satin-brushed grey lid of the box with its built-in touch screen. Inside, they will spot a miniature watchmaker’s workbench and assortments such as a watch mechanism on a rest, adjustable lighting system, magnifying glass and signed screwdriver.

Also present is an actual die of the chronograph’s coupling-wheel bridge from the El Primero movement. The significance of this piece is that with it, should the lucky owners visit the Le Locle Zenith Manufacture, he or she will receive two coupling-wheel bridges which will be subsequently hand-stamped.

The owner can then bring one of these bridges home and the other will be engraved with his or her name before being left at the entrance wall of the attic of Charles Vermot. Apart from this special privilege, one will also notice that there is space left in the box to fit another watch – perhaps an indication of a future Zenith El Primero with the capability to time 1/1000th of a second.

 

A NEW CHRONOMASTER

First up in the set is the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 2. Possibly the best representation of a contemporary El Primero, the Chronomaster 2 exudes its own personality while retaining the essence of the original El Primero.

This model comes equipped with the Zenith 3600 movement, still beating at the impressive high rate of 36000vph and able to measure down to 1/10th of a second effortlessly. As this is actually the second version of a Chronomaster, it has been enhanced with a seconds hack function and increased power reserve over its predecessor.

Furthermore, the watch has now improved reliability and accuracy. The sporty outlook of the watch is complemented with a larger 42mm case and a graduated black ceramic bezel.

 

MOVEMENT Zenith El Primero 3600 automatic chronograph with 36000vph, ability to measure 1/10th of a second, date indication and 60 hours power reserve. Certified Chronometer; CASE Steel with 42mm diameter and 100m water resistance; DIAL Silver-toned sunray-patterned dial three different-coloured counters; STRAP Black rubber with red stitching and steel double folding clasp

 

THE NEXT STEP

To behold this anniversary set is to behold Zenith’s promising future. As such, the trilogy features a watch that personifies the future of Zenith and of the El Primero.

This watch is the Zenith Defy El Primero 21. As one would already realize, the Defy El Primero is the contemporary, ultra-modern interpretation of the original El Primero. Coming in with a more prominent 44mm titanium case, the dial of the watch has been open-worked to show off the revolutionary movement beating inside.

The 9004 movement has two escapements with one for the watch functions beating at 36000vph and the other for the chronograph mechanism at 360000vph instead. The latter allows the watch to have the astounding ability to precisely measure and display timings down to 1/100th of a second.

 

MOVEMENT Zenith El Primero 9004 automatic chronograph with 36000vph, ability to measure 1/100th of a second and 50 hours power reserve. Certified Chronometer; CASE Steel with 44mm diameter and 100m water resistance; DIAL Openworked with three different-coloured counters; STRAP Black rubber with black alligator leather coating and titanium double folding clasp

 

THE REVIVAL

As we look at the storied history of Zenith, it is only appropriate that, within the 50th-anniversary box set, resides a revival of the original Zenith El Primero A386. Actually, for the first time since the arrival of that iconic original, Zenith had yet to issue a faithful recreation of it. However, eager collectors will be pleased that within the box set is a perfect re-edition of that most famous of chronographs.

To achieve the feat, the components of an original from the museum were laser-scanned. All dimensions and aesthetics have been replicated – the watch comes with the exact same 38mm steel case with curved crystal, case shape, pushers, tri-colour counters, hands and hour markers as well as the tachymeter scale and printed fonts, right down to the historically accurate leather strap.

The only differences are the installation of a sapphire case back (the original had a solid case back) and the refreshed crown logo. Of course, internally, the watch is powered by the latest version of the original El Primero column-wheel chronograph movement.

 

THE NEXT STEP

Apart from the A386 Revival in steel found in the set, Zenith has also created three more versions of the watch with precious metals. These are made in white, yellow and rose gold cases respectively and are not part of the said set.

While the dimensions and specifications remain similar to the steel version, these models come in 50-piece limited edition runs each and are awarded an astounding 50-year warranty by Zenith.

 

MOVEMENT Zenith El Primero 400 automatic chronograph with 36000vph, date indication and 50 hours power reserve; CASE Original 1969 case with 38mm diameter in steel/ yellow gold/rose gold/white gold and 100m water resistance; DIAL White lacquered dial; STRAP Alligator with protective rubber lining and matching pin buckle

 

Words by Kelvin Tan.

Discover more about the Zenith watches here.

 

Louis Vuitton Time Capsule exhibition to take over KLCC Park

Malle Courrier ©LOUIS VUITTON

We’ve seen it erected around the world in major cities like Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Toronto, and now the Louis Vuitton Time Capsule exhibition is finally making its way to Kuala Lumpur this coming July 2019.

An exquisite must-visit exhibition on the lips of all luxury enthusiasts and Louis Vuitton fans, the Louis Vuitton Time Capsule exhibition is a journey of discovery to revisit the Maison’s landmark innovations in technology and design throughout the years.

Set to take over the Esplanade at the iconic KLCC Park, the exhibition is also hosted to celebrate the brand’s thirty-four years of presence in Malaysia and will be open for public’s admission between 7th – 28th July 2019.

The Time Capsule will take you through a visual timeline that spans over 160 years with an emphasis on five key aspects:

  1. Artisans’ room, live experience with Louis Vuitton craftsmen.
  2. The key to the codes, those distinctive design features that can be traced back to Louis Vuitton’s very first trunks.
  3. Journeys around the world, revealing how Louis Vuitton met the demands of the new forms of transport.
  4. Elegance in motion, showing how Louis Vuitton has enabled its clients to travel in style.
  5. Louis Vuitton and the arts, a selection of Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with renowned contemporary artists.
  6. Magic Malle, the symbol of the House, the trunk is where it all began.

Hat trunk in Damier canvas ©LOUIS VUITTON MALLETIER

 

TIME CAPSULE KUALA LUMPUR
7th – 28th July 2019

 

Open daily
Monday – Sunday : 10am – 10pm

Esplanade, KLCC Park
Kuala Lumpur City Centre

 

Free Admission
Last entries to exhibition: 9:40 pm

 

If you’re there and want to share your Time Capsule adventure, remember to hashtag #LVTimecapsule and #LVMalaysia.

 

Atelier Monolit Beach House is Sign that We Could Survive Post Apocalypse in Relative Beauty

This is a Beach House conceptualised by Atelier Monolit, a creative studio “specialised in communicating architectural projects and ideas through carefully crafted imagery”. While many are praising the Atelier Monolit Beach House for its zen-like aesthetic with panoramic views of the oceanfront where freedom of body and mind can reign supreme, LUXUO looked into the specs of the loft-like Beach House and discovered something more intriguing. Elevated over 2 metres off the ground, the Atelier Monolit Beach House is probably a good idea if only because it is probably one of the few architectural concepts that accounts (accidentally or otherwise) for the steady rise of sea levels due to global warming.

Scientific consensus is that the oceans are steadily rising (2014 global sea level was 2.6 inches above the 1993 average) – how fast and how high are the only two points up for debate. But let’s face it, the Waterworld/Walking Dead style of existence isn’t “living”, it’s just mere survival and the Atelier Monolit Beach House elevates (no pun intended) that potential into something else – that we could survive in a post apocalypse in some comfort and relative beauty.

It’s designed with a minimalist contemporary look, which means that the Atelier Monolit Beach House has no extraneous fixtures for you to maintain, perfect for that potential lifestyle of day to day foraging and hunting with minimal downtime for upkeep of your domicile. The horizontal structure “floats” over the beach, which also means that during high tide when waters are up to your platform, it’s a natural barrier for anyone without a boat, when the waters are lower, it’s a great time for excursions in-land to scavenge for materials and canned goods.

Gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding water world can help set you in the mood for some deep philosophical musing on the futility or it all or whether one can eke out a meaningful existence in a world actively trying to rid itself of the “human cancer”. In short, this Beach House is designed for the long term.

For the short term however, it’s an awe-inspiring architectural work designed for costal cities – a multi-story dwelling with a foundation of natural rock. In this Atelier Monolit concept, the Beach House is decorated with natural wood flooring and warm furnishings like leather sofas and oaken dining sets contrasting with the utilitarian, industrial construct. The primary area living space is separate from the master bedroom situated on the Beach House’s upper level with equal views as the living room but instead of a “fish tank” style 360 degree floor to window views, you get a rooftop pool and patio area where one can claim dominance over what remains of the planet.

 

SAINT LAURENT Rive Droite—tethered by history, stretched by ambitions

The House of SAINT LAURENT opened two special museum-like flagships featuring limited-edition articles, books, vinyls, skateboards, yoga mats amongst other bric-à-brac. Curated by Anthony Vaccarello, the two boutiques do not shy away from the signature provocativeness that runs in the brand—from clothings, jewelry and now, even to YSL-branded condoms.

With panache, the House of SAINT LAURENT opened two SAINT LAURENT Rive Droite flagships on 8 June—one in Paris, the other across the Atlantic, in Los Angeles’ Rodeo Drive. These museum-esque boutiques pronounce SAINT LAURENT’s aspiration to requalify the brand and an allusion to SAINT LAURENT’s legacy; or as YSL’s creative director, Anthony Vaccarello, puts it, “enlarging the universe and DNA of Saint Laurent”.

In both the Parisian and Californian flagship, the brainchildren of Vaccarello adhered assiduously to the iconic monochromatic layout, as with its testy apparel. Like the other YSL boutiques, the signature interior design—the immaculate white marble floor edged by large mirrors and black marble panels—is not lost with the new flagships, but rather, is enhanced by a myriad of bric-à-brac and furniture, and transformed into a retail destination for “expression, exchange and lifestyle”. Perhaps, considering YSL’s chic and edgy vogue, it is even provocatively appropriate to feature a portrait of a woman’s bare posterior in a netted pantyhose.

Apart from the usual men’s and women’s ready-to-wear apparel, the highly curated boutiques also offer limited-edition articles as well as books, vinyl, vintage, and even novelty pieces like skateboards and yoga mats. If that hasn’t yet raised any eyebrows, consider this—YSL branded condoms are on sale.

When interviewed, Vaccarello explained, “We want to be more immersive for the consumer, and possibly reach some people who wouldn’t necessarily come to Saint Laurent, but who could – through this boutique – better understand the universe I’m trying to create.” True to his words, Vaccarello has intentions to universalise the spacious boutiques by hosting exhibitions, concerts and even film screenings to forge a more holistic brand identity.

While Vaccarello’s seeming frivolous use (or underuse) of some of the world most expensive land area may be puzzling to some, it is actually a stroke of genius. According to a Forbes’ interview of branding and marketing expert Olga Panacenko, the culture of ‘exclusion’ that luxury brands once embrace does not necessarily fit with Gen Z and millennials; rather, these marques need to be more culturally inclusive to woo the young money. This is precisely the reason for the birth of the two new flagships. The immersive and open concept of SAINT LAURENT Rive Droite plays down the sense of hyper-commercialisation as customers can now unpretentiously step foot into the boutique to learn about YSL’s heritage and distinctive style per se.

Paradoxically, without feeling pressurised to buy, it creates a stronger personalised brand-customer loyalty (and possibly better sales) that transcends the realm of the physical merchandise—the brand loyalty that increasingly affluent young adults identify with nowadays is grounded in the experience, heritage, and human feelings associated with the consumption of the product. This strategy is not unique to YSL. Hermès also has been meticulously sculpting its brand image for years by featuring veteran craftsperson at work to spread the artisanal-quality and authenticity of the brand. Being able to relate to the intangible-but-emotive qualities of the brand, young customers will be more willing to shell out.

Safe to say, LUXUO is not surprised if these experience-based emporiums rake in more revenue than the conventional minimalist boutiques.

Yves Saint Laurent once said, “I had had enough of making dresses for jaded billionaires.” Thus, when the namesake designer Yves Saint Laurent first founded his boutique, SAINT LAURENT Rive Gauche, in 1966 along the left bank of River Seine, he promulgated the eponymous Rive Gauche line that helped democratise luxury fashion in the sixties. That said, the Rive Gauche line is not a haute couture knock-off; each piece in the collection was afforded as much care, or even greater dedication, to nudge Parisian towards high-quality ready-to-wear fashion against YSL’s haute couture-oriented contemporaries.

53 years on, the house of SAINT LAURENT came full circle—except now with stores worldwide and as today’s fashion pride—to establish SAINT LAURENT Rive Droite along the right bank of River Seine, as a nod to YSL’s first Rive Gauche boutique and collection. Metaphorically traversing the River Seine from the left to the right bank, and religiously abiding by the house’s distinctive palette in face of luxury fashion’s changing paradigm, the new museum-like emporiums are the ultimate embodiment of SAINT LAURENT’s perpetuating relevance in fashion.

By Leon Ngiam

Resurrection of the Jaguar XJ13 on auction

This is a car that makes just the right amount of sound to announce its arrival without being haughty. What catches the eye is the more than 1000 perfectly spaced aircraft rivets and as it swooshes past, its powerful V12 heart of the machine is on full display via the see-through engine cover

Half a century has passed since the ill-fated Jaguar XJ13 prototype was built (but never raced) for the 1966 24-hour Le Mans. It was tragically mangled later by Norman Dewis, a life long test driver for Jaguar, while filming a promotional video for Jaguar’s V12 Series 3 E-Type engine. Dewis survived, but the one-of-a-kind car was relegated to a twisted metal heap.

It is said that a legend is equal parts tragedy and mystique, and the classic Jaguar XJ13’s storied provenance has contributed to the allure and appeal of one of the most beautiful racing cars of all time. Aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer who had also been responsible for the C-type and D-type shapes was instrumental in the unmistakable curves of the XJ13. Today, after a careful restoration, it sits proudly in the British Motor Museum, Garden. It previously fetched an unsolicited bid of more than £7 million which was turned down by its owners.

Inspired by aviation engineering, the XJ13 features a deep green all-aluminium monocoque body that is equipped with a 5.0 litres V12 engine, producing 502 horsepower. With its peculiar, but highly-aerodynamic, shape and light weight of 998 kg, the car set an unofficial lap record of 161 mph at MIRA when David Hobbs test tracked the vehicle in 1967. Besides the beastly engine that chews up the tarmac and causes adult men to look at each other stupefied, it is also incredibly suave, show-offing a mid-mount see-through engine cover and more than 1000 rivets on its sturdy body—the icing on the cake that renders the classic car more like a vintage WWII Spitfire fighter than an automobile.

It is thus no surprise that when RM Sotheby’s recently announced the auction of an almost perfect recreation of the Jaguar XJ13 at California this August, automotive aficionados were riled up. The task to rebuild the automotive legend was undertaken by third-generation New Zealand expert coach-builder, Rod Tempero, who is known for his keen eye for details and specialty for restoring 50’s and 60’s cars.

On the inside, Rod meticulously replicated the 5 speed gear box, right-hand steering wheel, dashboard and gauges; even the windscreen is made using the same Triplex mould used for the original. While keeping the face of the vehicle as how it was, Rod used 2-cam instead of the original 4-cam engine and a modified E-type front suspension. Despite yielding 291 hp and 331ft lbs of torque at 5272 rpm, the replica is capable of top speeds of upwards 200 mph, approximately 30 mph faster than its predecessor.

Rod’s version of the XJ 13 is highly acclaimed in automotive circles, bagging many awards, the most notable of which is coming in 1st in class with a score of 9.992/10 at the 2016 International Jaguar Festival. It is also known to be the closest replica ever made with almost identical specifications.

There is only one original XJ13, whose price at this point is indeterminate, but Rod’s close replica of the original will be auctioned off almost definitely at a lower price. Without fear of damaging a historic piece, the proud (and lucky) owner of the replica may unrestrainedly rev up the engine, swagger past its fans, and nimbly bank tight corners with gusto.

The 1966 Jaguar XJ 13 recreation by Rod Tempero will be auctioned by RM Soetheby’s in Monterey Conference Centre, California, on 15-17 August 2019. 

By Leon Ngiam

 

Return of the Zenith El Primero A384, World’s First High Frequency Automatic Chronograph

It’s been 50 years since Zenith watchmakers had to contend with a problem that no other watchmakers had ever encountered – the problem of lubrication “spinning” off high frequency escapements. Yet in 1969, Zenith, working in tandem with its suppliers, managed to solve that and the other myriad of engineering conundrums that plagued the creation of the world’s first automatic chronograph calibre that Zenith called – the El Primero A384.

Half a century later, the Zenith El Primero A384 makes its triumphant return. One of the world’s most collectible automatic chronographs brings with it authentic vintage-inspired aesthetics in the form of a revival series of one of the most emblematic chronographs ever made.

It’s amazing that time’s relentless march has not rendered Zenith’s mechanical marvel obsolete. Even today, the high frequency 36,000 vph column wheel chronograph and automatic winding system with 50 hours power reserve stands shoulder to shoulder to today’s advanced mechanical chronographs, testament to the groundbreaking nature of the Zenith El Primero A384.

For 2019, Zenith to replicate the original A384. Each and every component is faithful to the original, digitised from the original 37mm chronograph right down to lacquered white and black tachymeter dial. That said, practical or functional improvements like sapphire crystal in lieu of acrylic glass and a display caseback instead of a engraved steel caseback (much better to pay tribute to the 50th birthday of the world’s most iconic calibre) as well as the latest version of the El Primero 400 chronograph calibre await you in the 50th anniversary revival issue of the A384.

Available on dressy black alligator leather with rubber lining or an integrated metal “ladder” bracelet, recalling the look of the original 1969 El Primero A384 model, Zenith’s 50th anniversary revival is available in three gold alloy models as special editions. That said, the steel A384 Revival is not a limited edition, making one of the most collectible and desirable milestone automatic chronographs of El Primero lineage attainable.

50th Anniversary Revival El Primero A384 Price and Specs

Movement Automatic El Primero 400 with 50 hours power reserve
Case 37mm stainless steel with 100 metres water resistance
Strap Leather or bracelet
Price S$12,000
Available from Oct/Nov 2019

 

Yacht-like cabin interiors are becoming a trend

Lufthansa Technik’s new SkyRetreat Concept is reminiscent of yacht style

Lufthansa Technik, the design and engineering division of Lufthansa airlines recently unveiled SkyRetreat a VIP cabin interior concept for the Airbus A220. Presented at the recent European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibitions (EBACE) in Geneva, Lufthansa’s SkyRetreat concept is reminiscent of the increasing adoption of yacht style (no pun intended) thanks to the appeal of naturalist approaches which makes generous use of “warm” fixtures and fittings like wooden decking, furnishings and plush leather seating.

Yacht-like cabin interiors are not a new concept. Famously, luxury automotive carmaker Rolls-Royce employed artisan specialists who have previously worked with Princess Yachts and Sunseeker. In the 2000s, Rolls-Royce secured the skills of famed Coachline painter Mark Court, and started to deploy the teak decking found on yachts on models like the Rolls-Royce Dawn and the Phantom drophead. This new direction necessitated that the British luxury car marquee had to hire people from shipyards, according to an exclusive LUXUO/Yacht Style interview with CEO Torsten Müller Ötvös.

In the field of aviation, the SkyRetreat’s yacht interior is an unconventional approach designed around minimalism, integrating tech gadgetry into the cabin much like an Observation Lounge on an ocean-going vessel albeit not so much for safety on rough seas but simply for its Zen appeal – 4K display screens roll-up and hideaway when not in use.

The Yacht-like cabin interior sees rows of seats replaced with welcoming L-seating sofas and marble fixtures paired with yacht-like wooden decking and other matching furnishings. In a 2017 conversation with South China Morning Post, Carla Demaria, president of Monte Carlo Yachts and Thibaut de Montvalon, APAC director for Beneteau, Lagoon’s parent company are quick to point out that yacht companies are adapting new models to suit Asia-Pacific tastes; the yacht’s ability to be customised is a big drawing card for Asian owners in particular Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian, Singaporean, Indonesian and Hong Kong clientele.

Hence, the eventual adoption of yacht cabin styles for private jets in 2019 is not an altogether surprising phenomenon. The SkyRetreat concept will be exhibited in full at the Monaco Yacht Show in September. 

 

Newer and Better: Crème Simon relaunches its beloved bestsellers

Here’s a reason why you should up your skincare routine with Creme Simon. Now back with a brand-new look and improved features, Creme Simon relaunched bestsellers – Daily Defense UV Protector SPF50 and Brightening Multi-Benefits Eye Treatment. Want products that only uses natural ingredients? Fret not as both the Daily Defense UV Protector SPF50 and Brightening Multi-Benefits Eye Treatment are free from parabens, alcohol, oil, colouring, and phenoxyethanol. Apart from protecting the skin, Creme Simon’s moisturizer has been a favourite when it comes to giving that extra boost of moisture for your skin.

 

Daily Defense UV Protector SPF50

This will be your skin’s best friend, especially if you are living in this tropical heat. This popular high-protection sunscreen of SPF50, is also rated PA++++, the highest possible PA rating for sun protection. Featuring a lightweight texture that is easy to blend, Crème Simon Daily Defense UV Protector dries down to a matte finish that feels weightless on the skin, without any visible white cast. It also doubles as a makeup primer that evens skin tone for an anti-dullness effect – great for saving time. Now available in 50 ml, Crème Simon Daily Defense UV Protector offers a gentler alternative to most sunscreens in the market.

“The sunscreen is definitely one of our bestsellers and customers were previously on waitlist for this item”, explained Felicia Soh, Director for Crème Simon.

 

Brightening Multi-Benefits Eye Treatment

Worried about bacteria in your eye-roller products? This revolutionary mechanism avoids contamination and helps manage the amount of eye gel dispensed to prevent wastage prior to massage. As the name suggests, this Creme Simon’s eye treatment takes care of all your needs regarding the eye area. A quick eye massage with our eye treatment, helps relieve the tension, but also boost the product’s inherent properties in combating puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles.

The Brightening Multi-Benefits Eye Treatment packaging is also new and improved. Featuring a unique twist-to-dispense angled head that allows you to dispense the right amount of gel, and 5 rotating cool micro-balls to relieve fluid, toxin retention and boost blood circulation, massaging the sensitive eye area for brighter eyes has never been easier.

Unconvinced about the effectiveness of this eye treatment? Creme Simon’s eye treatment contains well-researched ingredients from botanical extract that targets and protect the blood vessels and capillaries, relieve fluid, toxin retention, improve micro-circulation and reduce pooling to brighten eyes.

The lightweight gel texture is also highly recommended for the sensitive eye area, ideal for the hot and humid climate here. Apart from the eyes, this versatile treatment pen can also be used on the areas around the mouth, as well as on the nasolabial fold areas to diminish the appearance of “laugh” lines. Talk about a product that serves multiple benefits in one.

 

OXYGENATING LIGHT DAY MOISTURISER

When you’re thirsty, you reach for a glass of water. When your skin is thirsty, a moisturizer gives it the hydration it needs. Moisturizers help to nourish and improve your skin in a number of ways and Creme Simon’s Oxygenating Light Day Moisturiser does exactly that.

Providing immediate hydration to the skin thanks to the Liquid Crystals Technology, it leaves skin soft and balanced with no greasy after-feel, helping makeup stay fresh longer. Suitable for all climates, you would be surprised at how lightweight this moisturiser without compromising on its moisturising factor.

 

RESTORATIVE LIGHT NIGHT MOISTURISER

Waking up to bouncy and smooth skin in the morning sounds ideal for many. Creme Simon’s Restorative Light Night Moisturiser refines and nourishes skin without excessive richness. This is a definite must have in your night routine!

By Angelyn Tan

For more information, visit Creme Simon.

 

Standing at 550 meters, Burj Jumeira is Dubai’s next tallest building

Since its launch in 2009, the Burj Khalifa has been the tallest building in the world. Initially named the Burj Dubai, it was designed to be the crown jewel of Dubai thanks to the region’s first-ever large-scale, mixed-use development. Renamed in honour of the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the BurJ Khalifa is about to be replaced by the Burj Jumeria a decade later.

Dubai is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates and home to many beautiful sky-high buildings and the list of high-raises will never stop. Inspired by ripples of dessert dunes and oases, the American architect firm, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) worked on a 550-metre-tall split-volume skyscraper in Dubai. Unveiled by state-owned Dubai Holding, the supertall skyscraper has been dubbed as the “new icon in Dubai’s skyline”.

Located near the city’s waterfront opposite the Sheikh Zayed Road and will be the next centerpiece of Downtown Jumeira district, the visuals of Burj Jumeira is pretty magnificent. The 1,804 feet (550-meter) high tower – taller than New York’s One World Trade Center – Burj Jumeira tower’s oval-shaped base is patterned with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s fingerprint; the next tallest building in the world will form the heart of Dubai’s latest prestige project, hosting the region’s premier “social, cultural and artistic events and activities”. The mirrored pond will be surrounded by shops, and be complete with water fountains and a terraced outdoor amphitheater.

Sister of 828-meter-tall Burj Khalifa, the scheme’s façade will contain a digital display capable of lighting up the tower. This interactive ethos will continue inside, with digital displays on the tower’s observation decks. Accessible via lifts with digital screens to carry visitors through a distinctive experience, the platforms will offer a 360-degree panoramic views of Dubai and the opportunity to even skydive. Adding on, there will a flexible event space named the Crown at 450 meters. It will be connected to a sky-lounge and sky-restaurant, which has the ability to extend to host larger scale events.

The entire development designed in the outline of the Dubai ruler’s thumbprint will also contain a terraced outdoor amphitheater for cultural events and a water fountain. The upcoming, neighbouring new residential towers along with Dubai Square Mall is essentially $2 billion tech-driven mega-mall the size of 100 soccer fields.

The Burj Jumeira will be connected to the Sharaf DG Metro Station via covered pathway, which will also extend to the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, a hotel on an artificial island 280 metres from Jumeirah Beach. However, work on the Burj Jumeira only began on 31 January 2019, and is expected to reach the first phase of complete in 2023.

By Angelyn Tan

 

This $100,000 solid gold G-Shock is the most conspicuous showcase of wealth

I don’t know why these Nike Yeezys cost $15,000 but they do. They are emblematic of the hypebeast genre

In 1981, after breaking the mechanical watch his father had given him, Kikuo Ibe, then a young engineer at Casio, was resolute at creating an “indestructible” timepiece. Developed in secret because his ideas ran counter to the slim watches of the era, Ibe laboured in secret to birth the G-Shock, tossing at least 200 prototypes out a bathroom window to test shock resistance. Two years later, the indestructible G-Shock watch was born, shocking the world with its absolute toughness. That said, despite its near legendary qualities, it did not enjoy widespread consumer appeal, mostly adopted by military forces, police officers and construction workers – that is to say, jobs with harsh professional requirements. Then, the “hype” or skateboarding craze hit Japan, instantly turning the original G-Shock model, the DW-5000C, into a cult hit which matched the nascent streetwear craze.

In August 2017, Casio shipped their 100-Millionth G-Shock Watch worldwide, a testament to not only its now broad but enduring appeal 35 years on. Today, they make a new milestone – what was once the IT watch for boarders, has now become an IT watch for ballers. Ladies and gents, a S$100,000 18k solid gold G-shock watch.

Point of reference – there are many high end watches you can buy with $100,000. A Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5712 with an original list price of S$52,500 but high demand low supply would command resale of that model in the 2nd hand market of S$ 95,611. You could buy five, top of the line, brand new, 2019 two-tone Rolex “Rootbeer” GMT Master-IIs, each retailing for S$18,920. BUT, spending all that money on a single 18-karat gold G-D5000-9, has to be the single, most conspicuous way to show off disposable income. Or is it?

Combining the absolute toughness of a G-Shock with the enduring qualities of gold seems to be an apt way to celebrate 36 years of heritage. Multi-Millionaires like Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and professional fighter Manny Pacquiao even count G-Shocks amidst their own collection of six figure watches. Would it be so odd to put S$100,000 down on a solid gold G-Shock?

One could argue, the G-Shock is a digital timepiece, prone to be outdated by the next thing in digital technology. That’s true, but one surmises that Casio incorporated the gallium arsenide solar power system with efficient satellite solar cell technology with an eye to long term longevity – after all, these  high-efficiency solar cells are used in things like the Mars Rovers, objects meant to function as long as they can independently. Furthermore, the solid gold G-shock inherits the case from of the original DW-5000C model. This means that conceivably, the G-D5000-9 could simply be upgrade with future quartz movements designed for that iconic case.

 

Chivas Blending Kit: the perfect gift for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is around the corner. It is a day that we owe to our dads to celebrate their legacy. If you are wracking your head for a meaningful gift idea, the Chivas Blending Kit is the perfect fit. Just as our dads have calibrated their lives around ours, the Chivas Blending Kit offers bespoke whisky experiences for connoisseurs and amateurs alike.

The lure of the Chivas Blending Kit lies in its ability to concoct a kaleidoscopic range of tastes to suit your dad’s unique palate. In the kit, you will be provided with four different single malts (citrus, smoky, creamy and fruity tasting notes), and one grain whisky (floral tasting note) that you can combine in varying proportions based on your preferences. You will also find a beaker and a pipette, which are embossed with the Chivas logo, to help you add the precise amount of each flavour to achieve that desired taste. Of course, the kit is incomplete without a vial of Chivas’ signature house blend; the world’s first luxury whisky—Chivas 12. Commended for its rich, smooth and generous taste, you may use this expertly blended Scotch to aid in the creation of your very own blend.

Originally established in 1786, Strathisla is the oldest working distillery in the Scottish Highlands.

The complex art of whisky blending was pioneered by the Chivas brothers in the 19th century in the cellar of their Aberdeen store. Displeased with the inconsistent, harsh flavours of single malts of the day; the brothers blended various whiskies together to create a whisky greater than its individual components.

This technique has been passed on through 5 generations of Master blenders, whose job exists to ensure that the Chivas House style will always remain, and that whiskies will taste the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. They have the final say over all blends – and this kit allows you that same privilege from the comfort of your own home.

Of course, it is not an easily mastered craft but fret not because Chivas has curated a guidefor whisky blending so that you won’t end up with a failed chemistry experiment. Just key in your taste preferences and the site will provide a recommended proportion that you may easily follow to achieve your preferred taste. For more experienced blenders, feel free to rely on your nose or make adjustments to the recommended proportions to bring out that elusive edge in the blend.

Raise a toast to the man who made you, with not just any whisky, but your own, bespoke creation.

By Leon Ngiam

 

‘The Okavango Blue’ is a rare 20-carat blue diamond discovered in Botswana

Formed between 500 million and 3 billion years ago, this unique gemstone was discovered as a 41.11 carat uncut, rough stone in the Orapa mine and it is one of the rarest natural diamonds in the world. While the Okavango Blue is not the world’s largest blue diamond, it’s definitely its clearest, giving the larger Hope diamond a run for its crown with its amazing clarity. The newly mined Okavango Blue was then precisely cut, polished, retaining 20.46 carats in its final form.

Named in honour of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the country’s wildlife-rich world heritage site, South Africa, is one of the world’s largest producers of diamonds. These precious stones are its main source of income, accounting for about 80 percent of its exports and providing approximately half of government revenue and contribute to the economic growth and well-being of the entire country through employment creation, the funding of schools and hospitals and other critical infrastructure.

Apart from its rarity, the oval-shaped blue diamond has a rating of “VVS2” clarity rating from the Gemological Institute of America. This means that its imperfections can only be seen by a skilled grader using 10x magnification due to its minute imperfections. According to specialists, the clarity of a diamond pertains to the visual characteristics of the stone. Called inclusions, these “defects” are the result of solids, liquids, gases or other impurities that were trapped in the mineral as the diamond was forming. The Okavango Blue is among the world’s clearest diamonds, adding immense value as a result.

Blue diamonds are sought after by collectors for its rarity and unique colour. In 2016, a massive intense blue diamond, known as The Cullinan Dream, sold for $25.4 million at a Christie’s auction in New York, breaking all records and becoming the most expensive gem of its kind ever sold at auction. In 2018, a 6.16-carat blue diamond, secretly passed down through European royalty over three centuries, fetched $6.7 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva — $1.4 million more than what experts expected it to be sold for.

The Farnese Blue fetched $6.7 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Geneva

Arguably, the most famous is the fore-mentioned Hope Diamond, also known as Le Bijou du Roi (“the King’s Jewel”), Le bleu de France (“France’s Blue”), and the Tavernier Blue. The massive, 45.52-carat, deep-blue diamond is now kept at the U.S. National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.Ho

The Hope Diamond is now kept at the U.S. National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

The Okavango Blue is expected to fetch a higher premium due to its rarity. The company says the diamond is expected to be sold near the end of the year and could rival the Hope Diamond, which is insured for $250 million.

Okavango Diamond Co. will be planning a global marketing campaign among high net-worth buyers and collectors in London, New York, Geneva and Hong Kong this year, the Managing Director of Okavango Diamond Co. said. The company could also team up with an international auction house if market forces dictated that was the best way to sell the diamond.

By Angelyn Tan

 

These luxury trains are an alternative to business class travel

Though airlines are constantly unveiling the latest versions of first class and business class for commuters looking to travel luxuriously, rail travel has come forward recently to remind us of the luxuries that slow commute brings. Today’s train rides have transformed to be more luxurious than ever, offering more than just seats with scenic views. From train crews that double as butlers and concierge to 24-hour entertainment services, here are 3 luxurious train experiences to add on your bucket list:

 

Venice Simplon Orient Express

The Orient Express takes luxury to greater heights. Rich with history, The Orient Express served as an inspiration to many authors and movie directors. In 1932, Graham Greene wrote the eponymous book, named after the Orient Express itself, which became a bestseller. This book launched his career. Then in 1934, Agatha Christie wrote the famous “Murder On the Orient Express” which eventually placed the train on the map.

Anticipate plush double beds, marble en-suite showers, private dining, and free-flowing champagne when you enter the luxurious ride. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express comes fully equipped with three Grand Suites, each christened and inspired by the Orient Express’ most famous cities: Paris, Venice and Istanbul. What a lavish way of travelling, best with a book in hand – ‘Murder On The Orient Express’ perhaps?

 

Belmond Andrean Explorer

Belmond launched its first luxury sleeper train in South America, with one- and two-night journeys that take you between Peru’s Arequipa and Cusco. Designed by Inge Moore and Nathan Hitchins of London-based design firm, MUZA Lab, this lavish train provides an unforgettable experience for its guests.

Going up to 4,000 ft without exhausting hikes sounds like a dream to many and Belmond helps to achieve that dream. Possibly one of the highest train routes in the world, this journey provides guests with exceptional scenery. In contrast to the striking landscape that glides past, each twin or double cabin offers a soothing blend of signature Peruvian accents and in-built oxygen for additional comfort at high altitudes. Hand-woven fabrics and soft, Alpaca-style textures invite a leisurely rest. An en suite bathroom and shower permit luxurious bathing––even at 4,000ft.

 

Shiki-Shima

Japan is known for its bullet train and also, possibly for its luxury train cabins by Shiki-Shima. This ultra-new luxury train takes guests into the deep beauty of the eastern Japanese countryside. Designed by Ken Okuyama, known for his work for Porsche, Ferrari and Maserati, he bought sleek and contemporary designs into the train cabins.

The striking, futuristic vehicle polished in champagne and gold is designed with geometric cut-out windows to offer unobstructed view of what Japan has to offer. There’s 6 luxury suites, round-the-clock butler service, bespoke furnishings, piano recitals and exquisite cuisine prepared under the guidance of Japan’s first Michelin-star chef, Katsuhiro Nakamura. The Komorebi lounge is designed so the walls and windows reflect the organic forms and light of the countryside and even the music has been specifically designed for the experience by an award-winning film composer, Naoki Sato, and service is, of course, gracious and attentive.

The dining car menu is devised by Michelin-starred chef Katsuhiro Nakamura and changes to reflect the ingredients and culinary style of the regions through which the train is passing.

Train Suite Shiki-shima offers one-, two- and three-night trips for between £2,150 (Y320,500) and £6,300 (Y950,000) per person, full board.

 

By Angelyn Tan

 

Fire rages as workers rush to save Notre Dame precious artworks

Notre Dame is on fire. There’s a very real danger of the flames will consume everything but the skeleton of the famed Parisian cathedral. But in our memories and the pages of Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, we can nurture hope.

Great edifices, like great mountains, are the work of centuries. Art often undergoes a transformation while they are pending, pendent opera interrupta; they proceed quietly in accordance with the transformed art. The new art takes the monument where it finds it, incrusts itself there, assimilates it to itself, develops it according to its fancy, and finishes it if it can. The thing is accomplished without trouble, without effort, without reaction,— following a natural and tranquil law. It is a graft which shoots up, a sap which circulates, a vegetation which starts forth anew. Certainly there is matter here for many large volumes, and often the universal history of humanity in the successive engrafting of many arts at many levels, upon the same monument. The man, the artist, the individual, is effaced in these great masses, which lack the name of their author; human intelligence is there summed up and totalized. Time is the architect, the nation is the builder. – Victor Hugo, The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Hugo is right. Notre Dame was built, it was once rebuilt. And it can be rebuilt. The Grand Lady was once condemned and neglected. It’s hard to imagine that today, the most popular landmark in Paris, eclipsing even the signature Effiel Tower by double the visitors was once the subject of a campaign for demolition. Hugo himself predicted, “the church will, perhaps, itself soon disappear from the face of the earth.” In a feat of poetic irony, success of Hugo’s novel drove enough popular sentiment that the King ordered Notre Dame’s restoration in 1844.

Now, even as fires continue to rage, Notre Dame stands as a collective testament of human will and endurance. Workers are now fighting to save its soul even as fire ravages her body, considered one of the world’s great works of architecture. Within the stone walls of Notre Dame lies some of the world’s (and Christiandom’s) greatest treasures.

Notre Dame is home to the Relics of Sainte-Chapelle, it is said that a relic of the true cross is housed at the cathedral as is the preserved crown of thorns placed on Jesus before his crucifixion. According to a Parish Priest, these have been rescued; but first responders continue to toil for Notre Dame Artworks like: the 50 “Mays” of Notre Dame.

The “Mays” of Notre Dame were a series of large paintings commissioned every May (hence the name) each year from 1630 to 1707. Notredamedeparis.fr has a full list of the artworks listed in French. When disaster struck, some of these pivotal artworks were on display:

  • Jacques Blanchard, The Descent of the Holy Spirit, 1634
  • Charles Poerson, The Preaching of St. Peter in Jerusalem, 1642
  • Sebastien Bourdon, The Crucifixion of St. Peter, 1643
  • Louis Cheron, The Prophet Agabus predicting to St. Paul his sufferings in Jerusalem, 1687
  • Not a “May” artwork but still greatly important – Jean Jouvenet, The Visitation, 1716, depicting the visit from the Angel Gabriel to Mary

The “bones” of the Notre Dame – The organs, still require saving. The five keyboards and its 8,000 pipes, the Great Organ of Notre Dame is woven into the interior architecture of the grand cathedral. These would take some time to extricate as fire-fighters continue to manage the blaze.

“The most valuable works have been sheltered,” said General Jean-Claude Gallet, commander of the Paris Fire Brigade, according to Le Parisien.

Though statues of the 12 apostles had been removed during some of the renovation work, Notre Dame is home to some of these significant statues as well:

  • Our Lady of Paris – a representation of the Virgin Mary with the Christ child
  • Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, Mausoleum of Count Harcourt, 1776
  • Louis Castex, Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, 1934

“Everything is burning, nothing will remain from the frame,” – Notre Dame spokesman Andre Finot

While Notre Dame’s architecture is largely masonry and stone, the cathedral’s wood interior is likely to be gutted. The iconic stained glass windows which pioneered cathedral window architecture throughout the Europe were built in 1260 but in its current incarnation, is not the original after centuries of damage culminated in the 1830 fire which required its replication.

The cathedral’s iconic spire as well most of the roof is gone. But the twin towers, the facades, bell towers and flying buttresses ( a testament to early engineering ingenuity) and much of the building’s general structure still remain. Only one serious injury has been reported thus far.

Meanwhile, François-Henri Pinault, CEO of Kering Group, holding company for brands such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga has pledged $113 Million to rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral. We have saved the Grand Lady before, we will save it again. Deo Gratias

 

New Patek Philippe Calatrava Weekly Calendar 5212A for Baselworld 2019

In the new Patek Philippe Calatrava Weekly Calendar for Baselworld 2019, the Geneva manufacture introduces an all new in-house calibre with an all new complication for calendar watches: The weekly calendar. The Calatrava Weekly Calendar is so named for the semi-integrated mechanism that adds week of the year indication to traditional calendar complications like date and day of the week.

For over a century, Patek Philippe became reputed for calendar complications thanks to its development of a myriad of calendar functions including the introduction of the annual calendar complication. Developed as recently as 1996, Patek Philippe introduced the concept of the Annual Calendar in the ref. 5035. With it, all the sexiness and complexity (in terms of number of components required, 316 to the perpetual’s 275, but not the mechanical principles) of a perpetual calendar but at a more modest price point – to wit, an analogy, an Annual Calendar is to the Perpetual Calendar what an Aquanaut is to the Nautilus.

Patek Philippe began serial production of perpetual calendars as early as the 1940s and while the Annual Calendar lacked the leap year indicator and the ability to account for variable lengths of February, the introduction of the ref. 5035 in 1996 was a hit. Editorially, it’s important to note that while the Geneva Manufacture technically had a 25 year patent on the new calendar complication, their innovative concoction of cams and common pinions was so specialised that other watchmakers were able to engineer their own versions.

The Baselworld 2019 Ref. 5212A Calatrava Weekly Calendar with new manufacture calibre is an extension of the “useful complications” watchmaking policy pursued by Patek Philippe. The new Calatrava Weekly Calendar joins other premier luminaries like the the Ref. 5200 Gondolo “8 Days, Day & Date Indication” with instantaneous day-of-week and date display and of course, the famed annual calendar. The new Patek Philippe Calatrava Weekly Calendar brings pointer current week of the year indication to the maison’s retinue of “useful complications”. Professions like accountants use week of the year and it’s an indication of time used worldwide but especially in Asia.

Even though based on the brand’s workhouse calibre 324, the Geneva manufacture’s newest in-house calibre is the result of years of development work. The newly christened Calibre 26-330 also enjoys a semi-integrated mechanism with 92 additional parts, an essential addition which introduces a 7-point star on the hour wheel in the center of the movement controls the day-of-week display. Via a lever, a second 7-point star with an extended Sunday tip drives the 53-tooth week wheel of the Calatrava Weekly Calendar but the calendar complication is not the main attraction, a whole host of horological innovation lie under that gorgeous opaline dial.

The new calibre features innovations emblematic to the famed Genevan manufacture’s prowess, improving both performance and dependability. Among the technical improvements, the maison’s watchmakers eschewed the traditional center second pinion with friction spring for a new patented nickel-phosphorous alloy made using a LIGA process (lithography, electroplating, molding) and then completed with a gold-copper-iridium coating. This avant-garde component with long split slotted teeth, is based on an anti-backlash third wheel, the unique geometry of each tooth features tiny integrated 22-micron leaf spring that engages with the second pinion teeth to suppress vibrations of the seconds hand without any prior adjustment work. Friction is further reduced by suspending the pivots of the seconds-hand arbor between bearing jewels. Furthermore, the self-winding mechanism was also completely reworked and refined; by changing the shape of the winding rotor with two rounded recesses on both sides of its axis of rotation, and introducing a new patented clutch wheel in place of the traditional uncoupling yoke with a pinned spring, the manufacture has managed to improve the efficiency and longevity of the unidirectional winding mechanism. Finally, a stop-seconds function allows to the second accuracy when setting the time on the Patek Philippe Calatrava Weekly Calendar. The calendar displays advance semi-instantaneously in discrete steps to avoid energy consumption peaks. Corrections of the day-of-week and week-number displays are performed with two push pieces recessed in the case flank at 8 and 10 o’clock. The date can be corrected with the crown pulled halfway out thanks to a fail-safe concept, the user can perform such corrections at any time of day or night without risking damage to the movement.

 

New Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G with Khaki Green dial for Baselworld 2019

Launched at Baselworld 2019, the new Patek Philippe Aquanaut “jumbo” 5168G model is now available in khaki green. Olive green or army green has been among the reigning aesthetic watch trends since SIHH 2019. Tellingly, Patek Philippe has opted for the expansive ref. 5168 “Jumbo” Aquanaut instead of the more traditional 40mm ref. 5167 “standard” Patek Philippe Aquanaut.

The Patek Aquanaut was Introduced in 1997 as a more modestly priced alternative to the highly sought after and regularly waitlisted Nautilus. AT the time, it was one of the deepest diving luxury sports watches with a 120 metre depth rating, the most of any watch with a sapphire caseback at that time. Furthermore, earlier “Jumbo” Aquanaut editions introduced later that year featured 38mm cases. The new 42.2mm Patek Philippe “Jumbo” Aquanaut debuted with the second generation launched after the first generation was retired from production in 2006. Since then, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut series has been home to a growing number of complications including dual-time references like the Aquanaut Travel Time Ref. 5164 and its first chronograph – the Ref. 5968 launched last year.

 

The new Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G with khaki green dial is made from white gold instead of steel as denoted by the G suffix and is the second edition of the precious model Jumbo Aquanaut series with the first seen in 2017 with a blue dial variation celebrating the collection’s 20th anniversary.

The embodiment of modern sporty-chic, the men’s 42.2 mm white gold “Jumbo” Aquanaut plays up its robust design with the new khaki green dial and while cynics may feel a little underwhelmed by a green Aquanaut, World of Watches feels that the addition of military green is evocative of the sense of adventure and adds to the enduring legacy of the luxury sports watch with iconic rounded octagonal case and bezel combines polished and satin finishes.

No mere update to dial and strap, this green Aquanaut extends the legacy of a much in demand edition, a ref. 5167A “standard” 40mm Aquanaut (back then it was also called “Jumbo”) of which only a handful were ever made and even fewer has ever seen the light of auction. Thus, the introduction of the new Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G with khaki green dial for Baselworld 2019 is a welcome re-introduction to salve some heated horological lusts.

Movement: Automatic 324 S C with 45 hours power reserve

Case: 42.2mm white gold with 120 metres water resistance

Strap: Rubber

Price: CHF 35,000

 

The Fashionable Guide to Marrakech

When you think of Marrakech, you might not immediately dub it a fashion capital. But the subtlety of its beauty—the regal architecture, the energy of the medina at dusk, the terracotta-hued buildings and expansive palm desert before the backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains—creates a poetic amalgam of wanderlust that has inspired fashion and art for centuries. Yves Saint Laurent, Serge Lutens, and Jacques Majorelle are among the famed group of creatives that fell under Marrakech’s spell and now have their own odes to the city in tangible form—from homes to museums, to architecture. With the surge of fashionable tourists that Marrakech has seen over the last decade, it’s clear that there is still much that inspires.

Below, a very chic travel guide to the enchanting Moroccan city.

 

Royal Monsour

Without even leaving the hotel—that is, if you’re staying at the Royal Mansour– Marrakech has already exceeded your expectations. You can see so much of what makes Marrakech a fashion crowd favorite without even exiting the palace’s—err, hotel’s—gates. Immediately you’re greeted by the abundant and eager staff (the staff to guest ratio is 10 to 1 and everyone speaks an impressive range of languages—from English to French to Arabic as lessons are available to all staff on property). They’ll escort you through the five acres of palm and lemon tree-lined gardens that surround the 53 private terracotta-colored riads.

Arrive at your private riad immediately feeling like the protagonist of your own fairytale. In true riad fashion, each home opens up to its own mini courtyard with a cascading fountain. The subtle opulence is characterized immediately by the velvet, brocade, and silk details throughout each of the several floors of every riad on the property. And in Marrakech, you can never forget to look up. The ceilings– wooden and hand-carved—add a modest regality to the already royal experience. The best amenity of all is that each riad comes complete with a rooftop private plunge pool where you can enjoy the afternoon sun while sipping Nana tea or eating breakfast in your canopy before the start of the day (brought to you by your personal butlers). The experience is only topped by a visit to the hotel’s world-renowned spa (don’t leave without booking a private hammam) and a reservation at La Grande Table Marocaine.

 

Serge Lutens House and Laboratory

A recluse himself, famous perfumer, Serge Lutens spent many years of his life building his enchanting home in the heart of the medina, which until recently has been Marrakech’s best-kept secret. The irony is that Lutens never actually lived in the home; he chose not to after spending 35 years designing and overseeing its construction. It wasn’t until recently that he opened it up for tours exclusive to Royal Mansour guests. Lutens’ love affair with Marrakech is evident in the interior design of the home. Inside, you’ll find darkly lit, yet decadently detailed and meticulously handcrafted sitting rooms that have seldom been used by Lutens himself, along with several other North-African inspired spaces and artifacts. It is an eerily elegant masterpiece nestled quietly in the heart of the Medina that is not to be missed.

 

Musée Yves Saint Laurent

Algerian born, Yves Saint Laurent famously said, “The colors of Marrakech gave me color.” In 1966, he bought a vacation home in the city that inspired much of his career. (Marrakech was so important to Saint Laurent that after his death, his ashes would be scattered in the Majorelle Gardens next door.) The museum, which opened in 2017 is unpretentious and easily digestible; it reveals a well-summarized and visually compelling scope of YSL’s career. Inside the terracotta-colored building perched just beside the Jardin Majorelle, you’ll find a concise timeline and exhibit showcasing Saint Laurent’s life and designs that influenced decades of fashion.

 

Jardin Majorelle

It’s really no wonder that Jardin Majorelle is one of the most visited sights in Morocco. The natural beauty and colors of the two and a half acre botanical garden and landscape garden looks practically biblical. Created by the French Orientalist artist, Jacques Majorelle, it features a famously photographed Cubist villa in Majorelle blue designed by the French architect Paul Sinoir. Arrive early to enjoy a peaceful stroll before the large crowds.

 

Sidecar ride to Dar El Sadaka Sculpture Garden in Palmeraie

Take a ride through palm oasis, Palmeraie and end up at French visual artist, Jean-Francois Fourtou’s prolific family-owned villa, Dar El Sadaka (known for “House Fallen from the Sky” and the “Giant’s House”). The memorable day starts off by getting picked up from the Royal Mansour by Marrakech Insiders’ chic vintage sidecars. Cruise through Marrakech in style, taking in the sights and smells of the medina then onwards toward Palmeraie. Arrive at what can only be described as a scene out of Alice in Wonderland. Walk through Jean-Francois Fourtou’s fantasy world that will make you feel like a kid again with a surprise in every corner. End the day with a private lunch in the Giant’s House.

 

Shopping the Souks

Pack light before your trip as the souks are the highlight for many when visiting Marrakech. The city is practically synonymous with its energetic heart in the medina. If you need help navigating the bustling stalls of slippers, spices, soaps, silver, ceramics, rugs and throws, contact Mustapha (the self-proclaimed Marrakech GPS). He’ll take you through the busy markets by way of charming shortcuts and side streets that lead to chic hidden cafes like Dar Cherifa. Words to the wise: go in the AM to avoid crowds and start your bargain at half what asking price is.

 

This article is originally from www.lofficielsingapore.com.

 

First all-inclusive adults-only Bungalows Key Largo Florida Resort now open

Steeped in timeless island elegance, the first-ever all-inclusive adults-only Bungalows Key Largo Florida Resort is now open. Located just 63 miles south of Miami, the Bungalows Key Largo is an intimate tropical oasis. The upscale, boutique, waterfront resort is the perfect place to kick back and recharge. Featuring 135 private bungalows dotted across the 12 acres, the Bungalows Key Largo is the promise of endless adventures on and off protected iconic waters, restorative wellness programs, unspoiled natural beauty and a relaxed local culture fill your days with delight.

Each of the 135 private bungalows of the aptly named Florida Keys all-inclusive resort features their own bougainvillea-laden veranda with an oversized soaking tub and outdoor garden shower. Bungalows Key Largo resort itself is nestled within a botanical garden edged by the ocean and flanked by the Intracoastal Waterway and Everglades National Park, the expansive, adults-only oasis welcomes travelers with two pools and two jacuzzi tubs, three piers, 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space and countless beach cabanas sprinkled along the shoreline, where guests can relax and embrace romantic sunset views.

Indulge yourself in an unrivalled escape of sand, surf and white-washed splendour, where exotic flowers, key limes and salt air set a stay-here-forever tone. Immersed in timeless island-elegance under thatch roofing. Guests of Bungalows Key Largo are always within a few steps of something fresh and delicious. Whether it’s the day’s fresh catch, creative Mexican cuisine or beach bites, guests best be prepared to be impressed.

Bungalows Key Largo boasts three dining experiences: Bogie & Bacall’s for multi-course fine dining and wine pairings, the beachside Sea Señor for Mexican fare under cooling coconut trees and resort-casual seafood restaurant, Fish Tales, inspired by the vibrancy of Capri in Italy.

For those laying by the sun-drenched infinity pool or on the sands of Coconut Beach, organic textures, soothing tropical hues and all-natural materials complement the bohemian expression of Key Largo’s relaxed cabana lifestyle. Bungalows Key Largo all-inclusive Florida resort also features two floating six-seat tiki boats, aptly named the S.S. Rum Runner and S.S. Margarita; Largo Larry’s food truck for quick beach bites, and the Sunset Tiki Bar where exotic cocktails are served across African teak and guests can enjoy sunset happy hours surrounded by unpretentious, coastal decor.

Active, lifestyle-focused travelers to Bungalows Key Largo will be pleased to find two cruiser Huffy bicycles provided with each bungalow for exploration beyond their private suites, a Fitness Tiki Hut complete with Peloton equipment, daily morning yoga sessions and an array of aquatic activities such as snorkeling and paddleboarding. Electric Duffy boats, a 38-foot sailing catamaran and a 40-foot Intrepid powerboat are perfect for private charters and fishing expeditions.

Those looking to unwind will enjoy the full-service Zen Garden Spa, where highlights include a Himalayan salt room, a turquoise blue quartz-tiled eucalyptus steam room and black, bamboo-lined walkways marked with Buddha heads leading guests to five private outdoor treatment rooms where a range of therapies from the restorative-wellness menu awaits.

 

Beyond the Bungalows Key Largo

Skirting the Everglades on the west and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on the east, Bungalows Key Largo guests seeking adventure can visit the first U.S. undersea park showcasing vibrant marine life on view via snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours & kayaking. Additionally, in the home of the diving capital, adventure seekers can explore a myriad of underwater activities, including the world’s second largest artificial reef, the 510-foot USS Spiegel Grove and the famous Christ of the Abyss underwater statue.

For reservations: [email protected]