Celebrity Life

Little Switzerland, the Caribbean’s leading luxury watch and jewelry retailer, has partnered with Swiss luxury watchmaker Hublot in order to open a new shop in shop at their Bay Street Nassau location in the Bahamas, making them the exclusive Bay Street retailer for Hublot. Almost 40 years after its creation, the House of Hublot has not stopped […]

The post Little Switzerland Opens New Hublot Shop in Nassau Bay Street Store appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.

Since its establishment in 1839, Patek Philippe has cultivated a rich milieu of ladies’ jewellery watches. The manufacture began creating precious minute repeaters in the 19th century, leading to the creation of the first Swiss-made ladies’ wristwatch in 1868. From there, the brand’s expertise grew exponentially, culminating in the unveiling of the first ladies’ 5-minute repeater early on during the 20th century.
Now, Patek Philippe are writing the next chapter in this exciting horological journey courtesy of the Twenty~4 Automatic: a range of elegant, sporty jewellery watches that are the perfect companion for any time of day.

A legacy of inimitable style

The modern Twenty~4 Automatic takes both stylistic and conceptual inspiration from a similar timepiece released in 1999. Back then (as now), Patek Philippe created the original Twenty~4 in response to the expectations of younger female customers. The watch was shaped in the style of a manchette, powered by a quartz movement, and produced in a variety of different precious metals. Though that design has been superseded by the current generation of Twenty~4 timepieces, its dynamic, pioneering spirit lives on.

Within the bracelet of the Twenty~4 Automatic, collectors can discern flickers of the past. The central links, so subtly cambered, are a fitting tribute to the collection’s previously square outlook; while the tiered outer links recall the original’s gridded bracelet.
The biggest update comes in the form of a new shape, with the Twenty~4 Automatic introducing a rounded, 36mm case to the collection. Layered on top is a dynamic new bezel -- bevelled at each corner in order to underscore the similarly sinuous beauty of the cambered bracelet. Each bezel is then decorated with a dentelle setting, producing two rows of offset diamonds which highlight the quality of polishing throughout the case.

Each individual case component is cold-formed with the aid of a high-tonnage press -- a technique that results in harder, thinner, metals. Following cold-forming, each component is subject to a rigorous polishing process that meets the standards of the Patek Philippe Seal. Even for multiple craftsmen, the task is difficult -- given the number of subtle, intersecting geometries that are expressed throughout the case and bezel.
In keeping with the collection’s modern styling and outlook, each dial is designed to be as balanced, open and uncluttered as possible. The large Arabic numerals are applied in 18K white gold, exhibiting fantastic legibility in concert with the classic 3-hand setup (i.e. minutes, hours, seconds). For added functionality, a date window takes up prime position at 6 o’clock.

A timepiece with its own momentum -- perfect for the modern self-driven woman

With its sleek contours and bejewelled profile, the new Twenty~4 Automatic is a versatile timekeeper for the woman who pursues an active, eclectic lifestyle. The classic round case and integrated bracelet make it wearable with all kinds of attire -- from activewear to evening gowns, and everything in between.

Patek Philippe’s watchmakers envisioned that the Twenty~4 Automatic would be worn by a woman who enjoys the convenience of modern technology yet who adores traditional craftsmanship. That’s why it’s powered by the calibre 324 SC: a robust in-house movement, outfitted with Patek Philippe’s proprietary Spiromax balance spring. The spring’s terminal curvature, along with its unique Silinvar composition, ensure that the 324 SC tells precise time all the time -- appropriate for the ‘go anywhere do everything’ spirit that permeates this watch.
As you’d expect, the movement is also a repository for some truly elaborate finishing -- among the best examples you’ll find anywhere in the market. The distinctive Patek Philippe Côtes de Genève -- seldom surpassed, often imitated -- is presented throughout the mainplate and bridges, whereas polished and bevelled finishes play across the movement’s many internal surfaces.

Five of a kind

Patek Philippe currently offers five versions of the Twenty~4 Automatic, all of which are produced with a diamond-set bezel. The two stainless steel executions are arguably the most versatile: ideal as a daily wearer thanks to the clean bracelet and a choice of blue or gray sunburst dials. A further two models in 18K rose gold explore the Twenty~4 Automatic’s dressier dimension, configured with dials in the brand’s distinctive brown or gray ‘Shantung’ finish (so-called because the striped texture is reminiscent of raw silk).

Additionally, one final variant raises the total number of diamonds to a lavish 469 (approximately 1.88ct) with the dentelle style setting playing out across the crown, bezel and outer bracelet links.

The Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Automatic collection is available now (prices starting at HK$195,200). For more information or to locate your nearest boutique, visit Patek Philippe online.

The post The Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Automatic: A Constant Companion for Modern Women appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Watch aficionados and members of the media were given a special treat at The St Regis Hong Kong hotel on November 22, when Hublot lifted the lid on its high jewellery watchmaking craftsmanship, imagination and history at a special event, the 2019 Hublot Watch Academy.

[caption id="attachment_177110" align="alignnone" width="1343"] Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 Nicky Jam King Gold[/caption]

Arriving at the event, guests were treated to an interactive experience at the Cave of Gemstone, where they could immerse themselves thoroughly in the world of a Hublot craftsmanship.

[caption id="attachment_177111" align="alignnone" width="2240"] Hublot Big Bang One Click Rainbow[/caption]

It was then time for the main event, with guests proceeding on to the Mystery Room, which housed the Watch Academy, hosted by Hublot R&D director Mathias Buttet, who explained the significance of the many remarkable pieces on display. They included the Big Bang Unico King Gold Paraíba, Big Bang Unico Haute Joaillerie, Big Bang Meca-10 Nicky Jam King Gold, Classic Fusion Orlinksi Aerofusion Chronograph High Jewellery, Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon 5 Day Power Reserve King Gold Jewellery, Big Bang 45mm, MP11 White Gold High Jewellery, and Big Bang Unico and Big Bang One Click Rainbow.

[caption id="attachment_177112" align="alignnone" width="2240"] Mr. Mathias Buttet, Hublot R&D Director sharing the remarkable innovations and achievements in high jewellery watches[/caption]

The last of those, together with the Big Bang Unico Rainbow, are the most recent watches to be introduced by the house, and have already caused quite a stir. A riot of colour, they are as innovative in their design as they are luxurious in their lavish adornment of gemstones. Each features a chromatic bezel featuring 48 baguette-cut gems, while an entire rainbow of colours lights up their dials and cases, thanks to the presence of brilliant-cut rubies, pink sapphires, amethysts, blue sapphires, blue topazes, tsavorites, yellow sapphires and orange sapphires; the 39mm Big Bang One Click Rainbow comes with 425 stones and the 45mm Big Bang Unico Rainbow with 388. The timepieces’ vibrant colour scheme extends to their straps, which come in a combination of alligator leather and natural rubber; the straps are also fully and easily interchangeable. The Big Bang Unico Rainbow is powered by a Manufacture Unico chronograph movement featuring a 72-hour power reserve, while the Big Bang One Click Rainbow comes equipped with a mechanical self-winding movement featuring a 50-hour power reserve.

[caption id="attachment_177113" align="alignnone" width="1272"] Hublot Big Bang Unico King Gold Paraíba[/caption]

The post Craftsmanship Uncovered appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Luxury watchmaker and jewellery maker, Chopard, presents its new Alpine Eagle collection in Hong Kong for the first time. Co-president and the original creator of the legendary St. Moritz timepiece, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele made a special appearance at The Murray Hotel for the occasion to speak on the new timepiece, whose creation was driven by his imagination and passion for the lofty heights of the Swiss Alps. The focus of the event was to reintroduce the idea of how Chopard continues to redefine the watchmaker and nature through the Alpine Eagle. The timepiece symbolises a commitment that strives to act on the challenges of tomorrow and raise awareness of the precious beauty of the Alps. To commemorate the Alpine Eagle in Hong Kong, Karl-Friedrich who is also a penchant for fine wine, brought his personal collection of white and red wines from Château Monestier La Tour that he acquired in 2012 to toast the launch.

Karl-Friedreich released his first watchmaking project back in 1980 with the support of his father -- the St. Moritz timepiece, which is now a classic of the House. The first sports watch and first timepiece made of steel created in the name of Chopard, it became an instant classic. Fast-forward almost forty years later, at the insistence of his son Karl-Fitz, Karl-Friedrich looked to reinvent the St. Moritz for a new age, just as he had done when his first design debuted. By following the inspiration of the St. Moritz, this reinvention is demonstrates three generations of Chopard making it the Alpine Eagle of today.

[gallery ids="175803,175804,174100,174102,175807,174098,175808,175809,175810,175811,174101"]

For more information, visit chopard.com.

The post The Alpine Eagle Lands in Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Three new timepieces for your wrist; or the vaults.

The post Watch news: September 2019 appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Three new timepieces for your wrist; or the vaults.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

There’s something about timepiece technology that allows people to walk the line between technical proficiency and individual fashion. Though watches are only a small part of one’s wardrobe, they speak volumes about a person’s looks. Plus, the wealthy know that long-lasting accessories are suitable investments and hold practical value. For those who are enticed by […]

The post Notable Men’s & Women’s Watches From Baselworld 2019 appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.

A dedicated exhibit of exquisite branded watches, Salon de TE returns by popular demand from September 3 to 7 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre as a prime attraction at the HKTDC Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2019. Showcasing the industry’s most luxurious watchmakers in five thematic zones, Salon de TE presents an elegantly designed trade platform for some 140 prestigious timepiece brands. It’s the perfect time to register now and source magnificent watches and rare collectibles that represent the pinnacle of time across the world.

World Brand Piazza

This global celebration of haute horology features 13 leading brands including Blancpain, Breguet, Chopard, CORUM, FRANCK MULLER, Glashütte Original, Jacob & Co., Jaquet Droz, Juvenia, PARMIGIANI FLEURIER, Piaget, SARCAR Genève and ZENITH.

[gallery ids="158725,158864,158865,158726"]

Independent Watch Labels and European Watches

Renaissance Moment features timeless European origins and the finest pieces from the Swiss Independent Watchmaking Pavilion (SIWP). New participation of Francéclat from France and Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI) with members from all around the world including France, Switzerland and the UK also presents elegant Europe timepieces including those by Vincent Calabrese, known for his extraordinary flying tourbillon and as creator of CORUM’s Golden Bridge.

Insightful Events

An array of watch parades, seminars, buyer forums and networking events will be held during the fair to present the latest market insights and inspiration to industry players and facilitate business interaction. On 3 September, representatives of major watch associations around the world will gather at the Hong Kong International Watch Forum to discuss the latest industry development and global trade performance, while industry experts including representatives from international researcher Euromonitor, Movado Group and the Association of Cloud and Mobile Computing Professionals, will explore the Integration of Internet and Watches at the Asian Watch Conference on 4 September.

Salon de TE welcomes trade buyers aged 18 or above throughout the fair period, and will be open to the public aged 12 or above on September 7. Trade buyers can register for a free buyer badge here. 

The post Elegance in the Passage of Time appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The post Gorgeous Elegance to be Expected by Patek Philippe appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Catherine Renier is the first female CEO in the realm of fine watches.

The post New Jaeger-LeCoultre CEO marks fresh chapter for one of world’s oldest watchmaking brands appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Catherine Renier is the first female CEO in the realm of fine watches.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.