Tag Archives: luxury watch

Breitling’s Limited-Edition Collaboration With Victoria Beckham Combines Elegance And Craftsmanship

This year, Breitling teams up with fashion icon Victoria Beckham to introduce the Chronomat Automatic 36 Victoria Beckham collection, a thrilling new take on one of Breitling’s most versatile timepieces. Limited to just 1,500 pieces, this series encapsulates the best of both worlds, featuring

Beckham’s unmistakable chic signature melded seamlessly with Breitling’s legendary watchmaking prowess. Beckham, now the matriarch of a legitimate empire, shot to fame as a member of the famed, Spice Girls, and subsequently established herself as a major voice in British fashion with her eponymous label. Both commercially and creatively successful, the Victoria Beckham brand represents a sleek, unfussy aesthetic that sits well with Breitling’s approach to watch design.

“It has been wonderful watching Breitling’s craftsmanship and innovation come together with my ideas to create something so elegant and fresh,” Beckham shares, to which Breitling’s CEO Georges Kern agrees. “The Chronomat is already a versatile watch with a classic form. With Victoria Beckham’s signature style, this collection is a modern, radiant expression of that timepiece.”

The collection retains the Chronomat’s well-loved features like the sleek metal rouleaux bracelet and the distinctive rider tabs at the 15-minute mark, while introducing an array of elegant new colourways inspired by Beckham’s Spring/Summer 2024 line. These include sophisticated shades like peppermint, midnight blue, dove grey, and sand, which add a touch of runway glamour to the watch’s robust functionality. With a decent water resistance of 10 bar, this watch is a great candidate for a wellrounded, sturdy and stylish everyday watch. It boasts a nice heft with a case height of 10mm, introducing a muscular element into the watch’s overall feminine appeal.

Each model in the collection boasts refined details that speak to connoisseurs of both fashion and horology—Victoria Beckham’s initials grace the seconds hand, while a discreet VB logo also embellishes the bracelet. Limited edition numbering, with exclusive inscriptions such as “One of 400” for the stainlesssteel models and “One of 100” for the yellow gold variations, has been specially revived by Breitling for this collaboration.

The technical aspects are just as impressive, with the Chronomat Automatic 36 Victoria Beckham powered by Breitling’s Caliber 10. This robust engine ensures a power reserve of approximately 42 hours and, like all Breitling watches, achieves the highly-coveted Contrôle officiel suisse des chronomètres (COSC) certification, confirming its accuracy and reliability. True to the spirit of luxury, each piece comes in a specially designed co-branded box, and the gold versions include an exclusive travel pouch, enhancing the unboxing experience to delightful new levels.

This collaboration is more than just a merging of two brands; it’s a celebration of style, precision, and innovation. The Chronomat Automatic 36 Victoria Beckham is bound to appeal to collectors with a penchant for fashion and style, and a good indication of what can happen when two masters of their crafts unite to create something quite spectacular.

Panerai Celebrates a Golden Age With Their Luminor Marina in Goldtech™ Gold

One of the most appealing elements of watchmaking as we know it today, is its provenance. Knowing the watch or brand we put on our wrist represents the culmination of decades and sometimes centuries of history is part of why we take the trouble to wear these relics of the past. Panerai understands this and goes to great lengths to update its watches in a way that preserves the heritage while still being able to offer the customer something novel.

The Luminor Marina Panerai Goldtech™ PAM01112 is the perfect example of what we mean by this. With Panerai’s history of making watches for the Royal Italian Navy since the 20th century, a lot of their designs revolve around functionality and robustness in keeping with military use. However, for this modern watch, you can still see a lot of these historic elements preserved although they are more likely to be worn with business suits than diving suits. Like the crown guard, for example, it is no longer necessary to offer this kind of protection for a full gold watch but it is the inclusion of this feature that sometimes makes Panerai’s offerings one of a kind.

The gold used on this watch is Panerai’s trademarked Goldtech™ which is an alloy of gold combining copper and platinum to give it a more intensely red appearance. And with the large 44mm diameter of the case, the heft of this watch on the wrist is substantial in the best possible way. For the sapphire crystal, Panerai chose corundum, which is an aluminium oxide material that is the hardest known substance after diamonds. The technology put into the watch doesn’t stop there. Despite its classical appearance, the P.9010 calibre movement powering the watch is made with modern technologies like the Glucydur balance which is made mainly of beryllium and copper allowing it to be more stable through temperature changes. With its twin barrels among the 200 components of the movement, it can also provide the watch with a power reserve of 3 days.

On the dial, the watch offers a sandwich construction with the indices perforated to reveal the white Super-LumiNova beneath. Fun fact, the Luminor name actually came from Panerai’s innovative luminous substance, launched in 1949 that was both safer than the radium-based Radiomir lume (not to be confused with the collection of the same name) and glowed brighter. The Luminor collection today is recognised for its cushion-style case, wide and flat bezel, and its crown-protecting device. Each of these watches will be paired with a blue alligator leather strap to match the dial and its trapezoidal pin buckle will also be made with Panerai Goldtech™. In keeping with the original function of the Panerai watches, the new Luminor Marina Panerai Goldtech™ PAM01112 will be water resistant up to 300m.

Patek Philippe goes Tiffany & Co. blue for 170th anniversary collab

In a celebration of quiet luxury, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711 celebrates the 170th anniversary of the partnership with Tiffany & Co.

Featuring a dial with Tiffany’s trademark shade of blue, where both logos appear on the dial: Patek Philippe at 12 o’clock and Tiffany & Co. at 6 o’clock, this watch marks an unprecedented milestone for both luxury houses.

In an immaculate blend, the piece retains all the signature Nautilus design details: a Gérald Genta designed case, horizontal-raised relief on the dial, and luminous baton hands and hour markers.

It is powered by the precise self-winding calibre 26-330 S C. The caseback bears the inscription “170th Anniversary 1851-2021 Tiffany & Co. – Patek Philippe”.

This watch will be made in an extremely limited run of 170 pieces globally, marking another step in the history of Patek Philippe.

Nautilus Watch Ref. 5711 from Patek Philippe in collaboration with Tiffany & Co. Courtesy of the brand.

 

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

Elevated Cool: Introducing the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5168G with Khaki Green Dial

What does it take to up the ante of an icon to give it a younger and more dynamic spin? In the case of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut  – a progression from the super coveted Nautilus – it meant rejigging the Nautilus by replacing its integrated bracelet and ears on the case sides with a composite strap and a cleaner profile.

Since the men’s Aquanaut was introduced in 1997 in steel and gold with smaller 36 mm dimensions, this Patek classic has evolved to spawn a number of variations, each one equally appealing and eye-catching.

In marking the Aquanaut’s 20th anniversary, Patek presented it in white gold for the very first timewith a bold and its biggest-ever case size of 42.2 mm, paired with a midnight-blue dial and strap.

At last year’s Baselworld, the white gold “Jumbo” Aquanaut version returned with a head-turning appearance in a khaki green colour scheme, injected with great verve and spirit yet remaining super refined and classy.

Its signature rounded octagonal case, echoing that of the Nautilus, benefits aesthetically from both polished and satin finishes, just as its bezel is juxtaposed with vertically satin-finished flats and polished flanks.

Distinguished as a Patek sports watch, the Aquanaut’s dial boasts an embossed checkerboard patternas a base that complements the luminescent white gold applied Arabic numerals, applied five-minute markers, and baton-style hour and minute hands. To complete the time and date indications are a sweep seconds hand and a date aperture at 3 o’clock.

To catch a glimpse of the timepiece’s inner workings, flip over to its sapphire-crystal caseback for a reveal of the elegant self-winding manufacture movement that orchestrates the Aquanaut’s narration of time. With its 3.3 mm height, the slimness of the calibre perpetuates the watch’s sheer finesse and performance courtesy of its 120 m water-resistance.

The composite strap in matching khaki green shade that is ultra-resistant to traction, wear, salt water and ultra-violet radiation, features the new patented Aquanaut fold-over clasp that optimises its security whenever it is opened and closed.

 Visit patek.com to find out more.
This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

Omega unveils the new Bond watch with Daniel Craig

In honour of the soon-to-be-released 007 movie ‘No Time to Die’ in April 2020, Omega reimagines its iconic Seamaster Diver 300M as the new Bond Watch.

And Daniel Craig, the man who plays the iconic special agent 007 and also Omega’s brand ambassador has worked closely with the luxury watchmaker to bring the new Bond watch to life and ensure the timepiece is made to be a quintessential wrist-wear for James Bond himself.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 04: Daniel Craig speaks during the Omega Bond Watch Unveiling on December 04, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Omega)

 

“When working with OMEGA, we decided that a lightweight watch would be key for a military man like 007. I also suggested some vintage touches and colour to give the watch a unique edge. The final piece looks incredible.”

-Daniel Craig on the new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition.

 

Appearing on the silver screen will be a Seamaster Diver 300M reimagined with Grade 2 Titanium case and mesh bracelet, while “tropical” brown aluminium is employed for the dial and bezel ring. The exquisite elements not only meet the military needs of a special agent but also makes the timepiece a statement with a chic, classic accent for James Bond.

The timepiece highlights a NAIAD LOCK caseback engraved with a series of numbers that follow the format for genuine military-issued watches. Inside, houses the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806 – the industry’s highest standards of precision, chronometric performance and magnetic resistance.

Swipe the gallery to take a closer look at Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition:

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

Hautlence HL Sphere

Hautlence made a big splash in 2013 with an innovative time display using chains. For Baselworld 2019, the Neuchatel Manufacture heralds the Hautlence HL Sphere. Powered by the brand’s 8th in-house calibre, it once again revolutionises time display complications, adding a jumping hour sphere to its pantheon of high novelty time indications like half-trailing hour chains and jumping hour discs.

With only a singular blue hand for minutes, the blue sphere indicating hours dominates your attention. Occupying the left hand of the case, the box sapphire with small dome amplifies the visual drama and majesty of the Hautlence HL Sphere’s raison d’etre. Featuring twelve engraved numerals filled with lacquer, the magic of the HL Sphere depends on its hidden three rotational axes which allow the sphere to perform its stationary orbit, as if in a seemingly random hypnotic dance.

Limited Edition Hautlence HL Sphere headlines Baselworld 2019 for the Neuchatel Manufacture

That said, it’s the mechanical wizardry of this new Hautlence Baselworld 2019 novelty which allows the HL Sphere to instill a sense of wonder – four conical gears that move around two crossed spindles inclined at an angle of 21 degrees. The namesake sphere is comprised of two polished blue PVD titanium cases capped over a conical differential to create a yin and yang composition. A feat of technical engineering which Hautlence used in a SIHH 2019 novelty – their table clock.

To the right of the time display complication sits another Hautlence horological motif – a retrograde minute display and the gear train which drives it. When the minute hand of the Hautlence HL Sphere snaps back to zero, the gears serve to regulate its speed so as to reduce the impact of forces which could potentially adversely affect the chronometry of the balance adjacent to it.

The differential and snail used to trigger the jumping hour can also be seen beneath the minute hand. The minute track and the applied silvered diamond-polished minute numerals are fixed to an intermediary sapphire crystal dial with a smoked metallic finish that adds contrast to the HL Sphere’s transparency, allowing you an unobstructed, legible view of important time display elements without the distraction (but still the perception) of the other gears and pinions which allow the finish and decoration of Hautlence’s 8th manufacture calibre to shine.

Entirely developed, designed and produced in-house, the manually wound HTL 501-1 calibre powers the Hautlence Baselworld novelty, the skeletonised balance bridge allows the owner to admire the oscillations of the proprietary balance spring produced by Precision Engineering AG, sister company within the group. The skeletonised drum reveals the mainspring, incidentally serving as a power reserve indicator of sorts. As with most high complications, Hautlence has incorporated mechanical safety features to prevent incorrect adjustment during reverse time setting.

Aesthetically, the signature Hautlence TV box case returns albeit slightly reworked – the rehaut lies a little closer to the sides allowing a wider opening for the dial and manufacture calibre lying beneath it in order to increase the dramatism of the fine engineering on display.

HL Sphere Limited Edition Price and Specs

Movement Manual winding HTL 501-1 calibre with 3 days power reserve
Case 39mm satin-finished and polished white gold case with 30 metres water resistance
Strap Blue alligator
Price S$150,000
Limited to 28 pieces

In San Francisco: The Santos de Cartier Party

An annual affair loved by the luxury connoisseurs of the world, 2018 saw the Cartier Party celebrating the launch of Santos de Cartier in San Francisco.

Together with Mercedes Abramo (President & CEO Cartier North America), Arnaud Carrez (International Marketing and Communication Director) and the face of Santos de Cartier, Jake Gyllenhaal, the night highlights a celebration of the bold and the fearless – core values of the Maison.

Cartier annual international party

At the party where champagne, cocktails and canapés flow in decadence, guests including Sofia Coppola, Sienna Miller, Dave Franco, Jason Momoa, Aaron Taylor Johnson and more were all spotted within the space in Pier 48, along with special performances by Phoenix, Jamie XX, Nonotak, Hot Chip and Wade Crescent.

The extravagant party aside, Cartier also played host to a three-day event consisting of social labs where guests have conversations with visionaries, creatives, and innovators, the “Santos” men and women of today including Daniel De La Falaise, Bob Roth, Neville Wakefield, Larry Jackson, Melanie Laurent, Idris Elba, Freida Pinto, Yves Behar, Laird Hamilton, Yansong Ma and David Lachapelle.

 

Discover more about Santos de Cartier right here.

 

(Photos: Cartier by Getty/BFA/Stéphane Feugère)

Jake Gyllenhaal joins Cartier as brand ambassador

Known for his roles in Nocturnal Animals (2017), Nightcrawler (2014) and Brokeback Mountain (2004), actor Jake Gyllenhaal is the new face of Cartier.

Set to be featured on Cartier’s TV commercials and print advertisements, Jake Gyllenhaal will be endorsing the iconic Santos de Cartier watch and has his first look shot by photographer Matthew Brookes.

A watch that has been part of the house of Cartier since 1904, Santos de Cartier withstands the test of time and has proven to excel even in the world today, all thanks to the Maison’s constant innovations and creativity.

On his appointment, Cartier says, “Integrity, dedication and boundless curiosity: Jake Gyllenhaal embodies the Santos de Cartier man. A man who commits utterly and does nothing by halves. A man who defines fearless as honest and true to himself.”

This new appointment is the latest in Gyllenhaal’s portfolio after starring in the ‘Eternity Calvin Klein’ campaign with Liya Kebede (pictured above) in last October.

View the Santos de Cartier timepieces at the official website of Cartier.