Tag Archives: Limited Edition

Lord Of The Skies – Bell & Ross’ Brand New BR 03-92 Patrouille De France 70th Anniversary Edition

The watches of Bell & Ross may be Swiss Made but the heart and soul of the brand are very much entrenched in France. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that for an aviation partnership, in 2021, they chose the Patrouille de France, an elite unit of the French Air and Space Force. This year marks the 70th anniversary of this prestigious aerobatic display team that has built its reputation on the prowess of its pilots.

To celebrate this momentous milestone with Patrouille de France, Bell & Ross launched a limited edition of their BR 03-92 which offers a dial in a mesmerising shade of blue, a colour that mirrors the team’s Alpha Jet. The beautiful dial is combined with subtle elements of colour in the form of the yellow Patrouille de France insignia, a beautiful logo to indicate its 70th anniversary and the colours of the French flag represented on a ring around the dial. This vibrancy is balanced nicely with the white Arabic numerals and hand tips to ensure the utmost legibility. It is, after all, designed with the input of the pilots.

The 42mm width of the square BR 03-92 case is made of the same high-tech ceramic found on previous models and it has also been given a matte black coating to ensure the case maintains a utilitarian look. On the back side, the designers have taken special care to fit in all five aircraft that have flown since the creation of the Patrouille de France in 1953. This includes the Thunderjet which was flown during the team’s debut, the Alphajet which has been in service since 1981, and the Ouragan, Mystère IV and Fouga Magister which have helped forge their legacy. These planes, built not for their destructive capabilities but rather for agility and manoeuvrability in the skies, have very interesting silhouettes adding to the uniqueness of the caseback.

The BR 03-92 Patrouille de France 70th Anniversary is powered by the solid BR-CAL 302 movement and the entire watch is water resistant up to 100 metres. Whether you are a Francophile, aerophile or just looking for a new shade of dial colour, this new launch from Bell & Ross will appeal to at least one, if not all the mentioned demographics. And at only 999 pieces available worldwide, you can be sure that it will quickly ‘fly’ off the shelf.

MOVEMENT BR-CAL.302 automatic
CASE 42mm in micro-blasted ceramic
STRAP blue calfskin and ultra-resilient black synthetic canvas fabric
PRICE MYR 17,600

Samsung Presents The Sophisticated Galaxy Z Flip Thom Browne Edition

Paving new paths into the future through pioneering technology has become synonymous with the Samsung brand. Merging two industries with a singular product, the South Korean multinational conglomerate proudly presents its latest endeavor – The Galaxy Z Flip Thom Browne Edition.

Samsung Presents The Sophisticated Galaxy Z Flip Thom Browne Edition

As the name suggests, Samsung’s latest smartphone presents a collaborative effort with American fashion designer, Thom Browne. Featuring colors reminiscent of Browne’s signature suiting, the brand new Galaxy Z comes complete with matching Galaxy Buds+, a Galaxy Watch Active 2 and a complimentary leather cover – packed neatly in a stylish cache, which opens up like a drawer and is made entirely out of eco-friendly materials with a Thom Browne-designed lining.

Boasting a 6.7-inch foldable display and a three-stop hinge, the Galaxy Z Flip Thom Browne Edition includes a 7nm, 64-bit octa-core processor, plus 8GB of ra, and 256GB of internal storage. Powered through a 3,300mAh battery, the phone is expected to go on sale this Valentine’s Day (14th February 2020), whilst a DC Comics Joker and Harley Quinn-themed version by Russian luxury tech company Caviar circulates the web with a $5,210 USD price tag.

Featuring each character on both front and back, the doppelganger phone is inspired by the classic Joker playing deck and enclosed in 999 gold using Double Electroplated technology. Decorated with embossed engraving in the form of card suits, Caviar’s version of the Galaxy Z Flip proves to be the more exclusive alternative, with only 54 pieces available for sale.

By Julia Roxan 

 

Corum breaks codes with its 2019 novelties

When Corum released its first Admiral’s Cup timepiece back in the ’60s, the unorthodox yachting watch with a water-resistant square case awestruck watch connoisseurs. However, in case you don’t already know, the Admiral collection as we know it – with the familiar 12-sided case and nautical pennants on the dial – is the evolution of the redesigned 1983 piece. In the year 2010, the collection celebrated its 50th anniversary with the launch of the Admiral Legend range – boasting an ultra-streamlined silhouette – which gave birth to Admiral Legend 42 that went on to become one of Corum’s highly coveted line-up.

As time goes by, the regatta-dedicated Admiral collection has not only made itself a pillar of the watch brand, but also one of the most iconic nautical-inspired range on the market. This year, all eyes are on the limited-edition Admiral 42 Full Black – a clear departure from its vibrant predecessors. Equipped with the automatic CO 395 movement, the iconic dodecagonal case in black PVD-treated stainless steel is matched with a blackened brass dial. The nautical pennants, minute markers are presented in greyscale tones against the all-black design, while markers for the minute and small seconds are made noticeable using a tone-on-tone effect. The Dauphine-style skeletonised hour and minute hands are also given the black PVD treatment, and then filled with white SuperLuminova to ensure readability in dark. Vulcanised black rubber straps with a black PVD-treated buckle complete the edgy look. Bereft of colours, this mysterious yet intriguingly captivating timepiece goes well with both formal and casual ensemble.

Admiral 42 Full Black

Speaking of the Admiral collection, the key piece will have to be the light and refined AC-One 45 Openwork Automatic. Designed as a robust timepiece to complement luxury offshore boating, it pushes the boundaries of originality. Featuring an exquisitely crafted skeletonised dial, the movement fitted within is the Calibre CO 297, a new in-house movement developed specifically for the timepiece. The bridges visible on the dial side are designed to be in harmony with the dodecagonal-shaped case, as well as the silhouettes of the nautical pennants. A sub-dial displaying small seconds is at the 9 o’clock position, while the power reserve indicator sits at 3 o’clock.

AC-One 45 Openwork Automatic

Aside from the one with a case crafted in grade 5 titanium and another in rose gold with black PVD-coated titanium, Corum also shows off AC-One Openwork Tourbillon where the tourbillon can be spotted at 6 o’clock. It showcases not only the captivating heartbeat of the movement, but also Corum’s impeccable artistry and flare in technical watchmaking. Both variants are outfitted with bi-material straps made to integrate seamlessly with the lugs, which protect the lugs and straps from getting damaged while making wearing the watch more comfortable.

First unveiled in late 2018, the Corum Lab collection debuted two limited-edition timepieces which emphasised on the dialogue between the past and the future. This year, two new members join the Heritage Corum Lab 01 family.

The Heritage Corum Lab 01 Damascus timepieces keep their idiosyncratic barrel-shaped cases like their predecessors, but produced in Damascus steel. The use of Damascus steel represents a nod to history while the revolutionary design of the Lab 01 embraces the experimental and modernistic approach to watchmaking that the brand strives for. Driven by the Calibre CO 410, the curved, barrel-shaped skeleton movement is designed to fit the case. The signature Corum micro-rotor is finished with a contemporary spiral effect, which is visually stunning when it begins to rotate.

The Damascus steel case is applied with black DLC coating, while the movement is given the Côtes de Genève finishing. The hour and minute hands are filled with SuperLuminova in the same colour as the rubber inserts to enhance their legibility. The unpredictability on how the wavy patterns on Damascus steel will turn out during the forging process also means that every watch case will have a unique pattern like no other.

Heritage Corum Lab 01 Damascus

Last but by no means least, the Golden Bridge. Since its introduction in 1980, the Golden Bridge has become the quintessential Corum timepiece. The renowned baguette movement was later improved and modernised in conjunction with the brand’s 50th anniversary in 2005. Five years ago, Corum showcased a remarkably graphic edition of its signature Golden Bridge timepiece, featuring a dragon wrapped around the iconic linear movement. In 2016, the manually-wound Calibre CO 113 became the centre of attraction of a new generation of Golden Bridge watches: the first-ever Golden Bridge Round.

This year, the Golden Bridge Round has done away with its original girders. Instead, an 18-carat Chinese dragon sculpted and engraved entirely by hand embraces the movement while leaning against the inner ring of the case. Unlike the dragon housed in the earlier barrel-shaped Golden Bridge model whose torso was only partially visible, one can admire the almost unbelievable majestic beauty of the dragon in the round case, in its entirety. From the case-back, the lower-half of the dragon appears to coil around the back of the movement, and on its tail-end sits a pearl.

Golden Bridge Round 43 “Dragon”

Every little detail on this mythical creature, including its fins, scales and claws is carefully crafted by the artisan’s deft hands. Powered by the unparalleled manual-winding Caliber CO 113, the Corum Golden Bridge Round 43 “Dragon” comes in two variations: a rose gold edition with an 18-carat gold dragon and a white gold edition which houses a dragon made in 18-carat gold rhodium. Both are set with 52 diamonds on the bezel and 32 on the lugs while the eyes are set with rubies.

 

Ulysse Nardin unveils revolutionary Marine Mega Yacht

Ulysse Nardin recently unveiled a tourbillon watch called Ulysse Nardin Marine Mega Yacht at the Miami Yacht Show. This is not the first time Ulysse Nardin created a watch inspired by luxury liners. Back in 2016, the Swiss label celebrated sailboats and luxury liners with the release of Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon. Taking inspiration from mega yachts, this new watch is like a breath of fresh air in terms of appearance and complications.

Look-wise, the platinum ship’s bow forms a stunning backdrop for the 3-D blue Grand Feau enamelled platinum tourbillon timepiece at the 12 o’clock position, while the label fixes its patented 80-hour power reserve at the 3 o’clock position which is indicated by a moving anchor connecting to a windlass. Additionally, one particular aspect we love about this piece is the propeller-like flying tourbillon, which isn’t just functional but also gives the watch an avant-garde look.

The watch also comes with a moonphase in the form of a 3-D blue-and-silver-glazed globe. The blue PVD finish signifies the period of the new moon, whereas the rhodiumised silver symbolises the illuminating effect of the sun. The tide indicator adjacent to the moonphase completes the masterpiece. Of course, what really gives the watch life is its UN-631 calibre which resembles the engines of a vessel. Ulysse Nardin got its top watchmakers and skilled independent watchmaker Christophe Claret to build this yacht-inspired gem.

The 44mm Ulysse Nardin Marine Mega Yacht retails at CHF310,000 and is limited to 30 pieces only.

Visit here for more info.

 

Rado HyperChrome Ultra Light won Good Design Award

Rado has recently won Good Design Award with its high-tech ceramic Rado HyperChrome Ultra Light.

Part of 2018 collection, the award-winning piece Rado HyperChrome Ultra Light is made of groundbreaking ultra-light high-tech ceramic, which only bears half of the weight of standard high-tech ceramic. Not to mention, it is more solid and more scratch-resistant.

This marked Rado’s eighth win in a row at the prestigious award ceremony organised by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design.

Drawing its inspiration from 20th-century pocket watches, the classic-looking timepiece is endowed with Rado’s signature monobloc case and a brown sunray high-tech ceramic dial. The watch is also powered by ETA A31.L02 automatic movement with 21 jewels and 64-hour power reserve.

Gaining recognition in ‘Personal’ category of Good Design Award, the HyperChrome Ultra Light is undeniably a masterpiece in terms of quality, function and aesthetics – that designs to stand the test of time and speaks more than a commercial product.

 

A detailed look at the Bell & Ross BR01 Laughing Skull

When we talk about Bell & Ross, one of the staples we are most fond of is the iconic Skull series and this 2018 marks the 10th anniversary of the legendary timepiece.

First launched in 2009, we have seen many variations of the Skull silhouette, one that extends beyond the BR01 aviation aesthetics, like the BR01 Burning Skull and the BR01 Tourbillon Skull.

And to celebrate its 10th birthday, Bell & Ross unveils yet another iconic masterpiece – the BR01 Laughing Skull –, which is also the watchmaker’s first venture into the field of automata.

Unlike all its predecessors, the new BR01 Laughing Skull brings a new surprise to your wrist, one where the mandible moves and have the skull grinning back at you with mischief.

Powered by the Br-CAL.206 calibre, which is also entirely produced by Bell & Ross, the skull’s mandible gets animated during its winding process and features 4 bridges that secure the main plate to the casing to create a floating effect at the centre.

And all these are made possible with Bell & Ross’s savoir-faire in applying the same technology used in 14th-century mechanical clocks to create the laughing mechanism of the skull.

For the BR01 Laughing Skull, the piece de resistance of the timepiece is the intricate dial design, which is created using metal appliqué and embossed beautifully. And adding to that is the revised sword-shaped hands, a staple within the Skull series, that are now skeletonised and coated in SuperLuminova.

And to finish it off, Bell & Ross cases this masterpiece in microblasted steel and decorating it with “Clous de Paris” finishing, a type of guilloché pattern that is made possible only with a special machinery.

 

Limited to only 500 pieces worldwide, the Bell & Ross BR01 Laughing Skull is one made with connoisseurs who desire unique and original timepieces in mind.

And with the new techniques and concepts applied to the Laughing Skull, the timepiece makes the perfect celebratory creation to further showcase Bell & Ross’s pioneering stand in the world of Haute Horlogerie.

 

 

The Bell & Ross BR01 Laughing Skull timepiece is limited to 500 pieces worldwide and is now retailing at RM43,400.

For more information, please visit your nearest Bell & Ross boutique or www.bellross.com.

Timepieces and Accessories for a Good Cause with the Montblanc for UNICEF Collection

Watchmaking and brand-building are both about continuity, which is what makes partnerships such as the Montblanc-UNICEF initiative so special. Over the last 13 years, the Montblanc for UNICEF collection has helped raise more than US$10 million to benefit education programmes around the world. Montblanc, a brand built on the idea that writing — and consequently reading — is a “precious gift”, is the perfect partner for UNICEF in its mission to help children in need everywhere. Obviously, UNICEF’s mission is a tough one, given that some 59 million school-age children are not in school. Even where children receive some form of schooling, some 130 million will not achieve a basic standard of literacy and numeracy. Montblanc’s journey with UNICEF began in 2004 with the Sign Up for the Right to Write initiative, a campaign that used the exactly the right words — if you are lucky enough to read those words the reason should be clear.

In 2017, Montblanc has set the bar high for its Montblanc for UNICEF campaign, aiming to raise more than US$1 million. In service of this goal is the aforementioned Montblanc for UNICEF collection, consisting of limited edition writing instruments, timepieces, accessories and leather goods. Each item from the Writing Is a Gift Collection sold between April 1, 2017, and March 31, 2018, raises the amounts Montblanc will be contributing to towards helping more children gain access to improved standards of primary education.

“There is still much to be done to ensure that every child around the world has proper access to an education, a cause Montblanc has been proud to champion for the past 13 years,” explains Nicolas Baretzki, Montblanc CEO. “This new initiative gives individuals who are as passionate as we are about the written word the ability to own a Montblanc piece that carries true purpose, and by doing so, making a valuable contribution to the work of UNICEF in communities around the world where children are not always given the opportunity to learn to read and write. Writing is indeed a special gift that every child should enjoy.”

More than pretty words, Montblanc has released some specifics of how it intends to use the money it raises. In China, for example, it will be supporting child-friendly schools and the rights equal education. In Brazil, Montblanc’s contributions will help UNICEF achieve its goal of getting children aged four to 17 access to basic education; UNICEF is also helping teachers and school managers here to stymie the dropout rates of the most disadvantaged boys and girls. The mission continues in other places, of course.