Celebrity Life

As an international DJ, Norwegian artist Kygo has to stay connected throughout the day, which means that all of his essentials must keep up with his electrified lifestyle. The Denmark watch manufacturer, Skagen, is following that way of life with a new smartwatch collection. The Skagen Falster 3 by Kygo is the 3rd generation of […]

The post Skagen Releases Falster 3 Smartwatch Collection By International DJ Kygo appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

2020 will probably go down as the most dramatic year since the Quartz Revolution shook up the watch industry — from the calamity called Covid that shuttered manufactures for months on end, to the fiasco called Baselworld and more, it's been quite a show. But obstacles aside, our favourite watchmakers have not stopped in their creativity and in their determination to bring us new timepieces that excite and drag us out of our gloom from time to time. Here are the seven watches that defined 2020 for us.

Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori Tourbillon

The question of the future of major Swiss watch fairs has already been a question on everyone's minds for some time — many had already pulled out of Baselworld at this time, and the newly re-christened Watches and Wonders had also been pushed back to mid-year. Bulgari's CEO Jean-Christophe Babin, with contrary views, decided to strike out on his own, along with Bulgari's sister brands within the LVMH Group.

Bulgari kicked off the year with the launch of LVMH Watch Week in Dubai from January 13 to 15. The debut event offered up a variety of spectacular watches from Bulgari, TAG Here, Hublot and Zenith, and would also become the only watch fair to have gone on successfully before Covid hit full force.

In particular, the Serpenti Seduttori Tourbillon launched at this time was remarkable. Bulgari combined both their expertise in jewellery and watchmaking to bring us the world's thinnest tourbillon movement in the beautiful, bejewelled Serpenti Seduttori timepiece. The new Calibre BVL150 is the smallest tourbillon in current production, with an overall dimension of 22mm x 18mm and only 3.65mm thick.

Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept

Since the 1960s, Piaget has been a leader in creating ultra-thin movements, with the creations of the automatic calibre 12P and the hand-wound calibre 9P. In 2018, Piaget broke all records by releasing the prototype Altiplano Ultimate Concept that was only 2mm thick. It was so thin, it was thinner than many watch movements on the market. It took two years to make the technical feat an actual production watch and Piaget finally did it this year.

The Altiplano Ultimate Concept is the world's thinnest mechanical watch today in production today. Not only that, Piaget has made the watch fully customisable, with over 10,000 permutations that you could play around with online, from changing the colours of the bridges and wheels, to the colour of the bezel and straps.

MB&F x H. Moser LM101 and H. Moser x MB&F Endeavour Cylndrical Tourbillon

In a heartwarming turn of events, two of the most well-beloved independent manufactures, MB&F and H. Moser & Cie, came together in a mutual display of respect and creativity to bring us two collaboration limited edition watches. From Moser, we have the H. Moser x MB&F Endeavour Cylindrical Tourbillon, inspired by the MB&F FlyingT. And from MB&F, we have the MB&F x H. Moser LM101, which puts Moser's incredible fumé dials and hairspring innovation at the forefront.

Launched in June, the watches were offered in an array of stunning colour — the LM101 was available in 60 examples divided into 15 pieces each in funky blue, cosmic green, red and an exclusive aqua blue for retailer Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. The Endeavour Cylindrical Tourbillon is offered in five versions, in funky blue, burgundy, cosmic green, off-white and ice blue, with each version available in 15 piece editions as well.

Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Navy Blue

When Rolex, Patek Philippe and Tudor pulled out of Baselworld in April 2020, we didn't know what to expect next. Could we still expect any of them to release anything this year? And if so, in what format? Tudor was the first to do so, with the release of the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Navy Blue. Tudor only released one watch last year, but it was enough to sweep the internet off of its feet.

In the seven years since its launch, the Black Bay has planted itself firmly in the hearts of many. The Black Bay Fifty-Eight in particular, with a black dial and gilt accents, was an instant hit when it arrived on the market in 2018. The 2020 Navy Blue is a beautiful new addition to the collection, inspired by the "Blue Snowflake" Tudor Submariners from the mid-70s.

Omega Speedmaster "Silver Snoppy Award" 50th Anniversary

For the most part of the 2020, Omega had been mum about what they had been up to. But as we edged closer and closer to October, we knew they had something in store for us. The release of the Omega Speedmaster "Silver Snoopy Award" 50th Anniversary coincided with the very anniversary date of the Silver Snoopy Award to Omega — on October 5, 1970 — following the Apollo 13 mission. The Silver Snoopy Award is a special honour awarded to NASA employees and contractors for their outstanding achievements related to flight safety and mission success.

There couldn't have been a more uplifting watch than this latest Silver Snoopy timepiece. The Omega Snoopy watches have always been some of the most desirable Omega watches - a great juxtaposition between the playful comic and the recognition of Omega's efforts during the space exploration years. The 2020 version is presented in the classic 42mm Speedmaster steel case, with a stark white dial and blue accents on the bezel, hands, hour markers, sub-dials and logo. There's also a Snoopy illustration in the small seconds sub-dial.

The ultimate surprise however, lies in the back. On the back of the watch is an animation of the moon, the earth and Snoopy in a white Command and Service Module. When the chronograph is started, Snoopy in his command module will travel to the far side of the moon, hidden from view, and reappear on top of the earth at 14 seconds — an homage to the trip taken by the Apollo 13 crew.

Patek Philippe Grande Sonnerie ref. 6301P

This year has seen many brands return to basics — and Patek Philippe has also done the same. Kind of. If you could call a grand complication basic. There is of course, nothing basic about chiming watches, but Patek Philippe's new ref. 6301P is what they call its "purest manifestation to date" of a grande and petite sonnerie. It's almost unbelievable that this is the first timepiece Patek has created that has placed the focus singularly on its striking complications. Patek's previous grande sonnerie was in the Grandmaster Chime launched in 2014 to celebrate Patek's 175th anniversary. The ref. 5175 featured a second time zone display, a perpetual calendar, an alarm function that sounded the hours, quarters and minutes two minutes before the selected time, a striking date function in decimal format, a minute repeater and a grande and petite sonnerie on four hammers. That watch was also grandiose and almost baroque in its aesthetic execution.

Not the 6301P in comparison. It still comes with six complications (counting the dual power reserve indications, the minute repeater and jumping seconds at 6 o'clock), but its design is so sleek. The 44mm Calatrava-style platinum case, with its grand feu black enamel dial, white printed chemin-de-fer style minute track, Breguet applied numerals in white gold and luminescent leaf-shaped hands - it is all of Patek Philippe's most revered design codes rolled into one. If there was an award for the most understated complication watch of all time, this would be it.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked Double Balance Wheel Black Ceramic

AP has continuously rolled out hits this year and it was clear that no pandemic was going to stop it in its tracks. Released in December, the Royal Oak Openworked Double Balance Wheel appears for the first time in a highly polished satin-brushed black ceramic case. The complication has been released in both 37mm and 41mm and various case materials, but this is the first time the watch has been dressed in black ceramic. The scratch-resistant material also perfectly frames the slate grey dial and the rose gold double balance.

In its usual 41mm case sizing, the open-worked timepiece allows you more than just a glimpse into the inner workings of the in-house self-winding calibre 3132 with the pink gold double balance wheel, a patented technology that improves the watch's precision and stability. Audemars Piguet has had a pretty superb 2020 despite the circumstances, and we can't wait to see what this year will bring them.

The post The 7 Watches that Defined 2020 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Recently, we covered Omega releasing its 4th generation Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, which includes two versions made from stainless-steel. The second round of Speedmasters added to the collection are made from Sedna (Yellow) and Canopus (White) Gold. The precious metal versions of the iconic watch worn during the first trip to the moon also include sapphire […]

The post Omega Releases Two New Gold 4th Generation Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Models appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Collection encompasses the perfect balance between luxury design and state-of-the-art timepiece technology. The only changes between each of the models that make up the current line are altering the precious metals and colors to ensure a version for all watch enthusiasts. The newest rendition of the Code 11.59 features a […]

The post Discover The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Self-Winding Chronograph appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

When looking back on how far the watch industry has come, we have to take the time to appreciate the timepieces that paved the way for future examples. Zenith stays true to this thought by re-releasing the watches that built a foundation for the company. Zenith is proud to announce the release of the first […]

The post Zenith Re-Releases The Original Chronomaster A385 Using 1969 Designs appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

The New Year is a perfect time to set goals and reach for success, whether for personal or professional improvement. Those set resolutions are best paired with motivation to work hard, and for most car enthusiasts, a set of keys to a hypercar is just the inspiration needed to get started. This week’s Wheels x […]

The post Wheels X Wardrobe: Best Dressed in The Bugatti Chiron Sport appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

Having earned its place alongside the heavyweights of horology, Hermès'  unique approach to watchmaking and legitimacy as a watchmaker is no longer questioned. But, as we learn from Philippe Delhotal, the man currently at the helm of its watchmaking division, the brand is bent on doing differently.

The brand’s much-coveted Birkins and luxurious silk scarves notwithstanding, Hermès timepieces have seeped into the consciousness of discerning high-end consumers and, likewise, connoisseurs. The French house has in the last four decades launched a number of commercially successful watch models, such as the Cape Cod, H-Hour, Arceau and Medor, but it was during the past 10 years and under the direction of Philippe Delhotal, creative director of its Hermès Horloger watch division, that we’ve seen the brand truly make its mark within the haute horology space. In that time, Hermès has presented not only stunningly designed watches but also technically impressive complications, which earned the maison a few awards in the process.

As other major fashion brands climbed aboard the watchmaking bandwagon, Hermès proved that it was deadly serious about its endeavour. In 2006 it bought 25 percent of movement maker Vaucher, enabling the manufacture of more complex calibres. This was followed by the purchase of a dial manufacturer in 2012, and a case maker the following year. And, of course, for those who made the annual pilgrimage to Switzerland’s watch shows, it was hard to miss Hermès’ presence with its thoughtfully designed booth, built in wood to give it a welcoming but luxurious atmosphere – a glaring contrast with the often-clinical feel of competitors’ set-ups.

“The DNA of the house is and always has been all about aesthetics, and this holds true with everything we do,” says Delhotal, “from our fashion items, home objects, down to our watches. And when we present our creations to clients, or the press for that matter, whether in one of our boutiques or at a trade show like Baselworld and SIHH, they need to live within an equally beautiful and luxurious environment.”

Having previously worked at Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Piaget and Jaeger-LeCoultre, Delhotal is an industry veteran and was ripe for a challenge, thrilled at the prospect of working within “a universe of creation”. "I knew that coming to Hermès would allow me more diversity, imagination and creativity, opening up partnerships with other artists.”

And, indeed, he’s opened up Hermès’ watchmaking world to novel ideas and possibilities. The most recent was in 2019, when the brand released an entry-level dress watch called Galop d’Hermès, for which Delhotal partnered with American multi-discipline designer Ini Archibong. In the same year, he presented the Arceau l’Heure de la Lune, a whimsical take on the traditional moon phase, which also won a Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) award, an accolade that’s often referred to as the Academy Awards of watchmaking.

It must be said that it wasn’t Hermès’ first GPHG; that honour came in 2011 for the Arceau le Temps Suspendu, the Slim d’Hermès QP in 2015, and the Arceau Robe du Soir in 2018. “Part of my job is to be able to bring a new object into the Hermès universe – something that’s novel, never before-seen but that also fits well with the other existing objects. And this is how I always challenge myself: to create pieces that will always astonish people. This is how I find my motivation,” he says.

Delhotal’s most recent masterpiece is the Arceau Pocket Aaaaargh!, which joins the Slim d’Hermès GRRRRR! (2017) and the Hermès Arceau Awooooo (2019) in the whimsical bestiary universe imagined by English artist Alice Shirley. Drawn by Shirley’s work and approach of choosing fierce animals and transforming them into friendly and charming creatures was precisely what Delhotal was looking for his timepieces.

“The Arceau Pocket Aaaaargh! is a bit different from the other two, as we added a complication: a minute repeater,” Delhotal explains. “While overall the piece had to be consistent with the previous ones, we also wanted it to be a surprise. It was very important that I created a piece that was different from what you can find from other brands – and I do that by introducing more fun and humour, while presenting a high complication, like a minute repeater.

“Technically, it was not only being able to perfect the sound that proved difficult, but also finding a new sound – that which is different from what already exists. And this part of the research took the longest, all of two-and-a-half years, during which time we worked with sound experts and specialists, and a watchmaker who specialises in minute repeaters.”

We do high complication watches because, no question, we can, but we will do so on our own terms.

Philippe Delhotal

While indeed there’s genuine earnestness in creating high-complication timepieces, Delhotal insists that, at least at Hermès, it’s not supposed to be taken too seriously. “We wanted to break the seriousness of high watchmaking, introduce lightness and fantasy and, really, we just want to make people smile. And I feel now, more than ever, we need this. The fact is, when people look at our pieces and let out a wide smile, if not a laugh, it’s very rewarding, an I feel that a big part of the mission has been achieved.

“Again, it’s about finding another way of doing things from how other more serious watchmakers operate – watchmaking with a twist! To be honest, some would ask us: ‘Why are we doing a minute repeater? It’s too serious for Hermès!’ My answer is simple. We do high complication watches because, no question, we can, but we will do so on our own terms.”

The post A Look at Hermès’ Unique Approach to Watchmaking appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The Omega Speedmaster continues to hold significant relevance within the community of watch collectors and enthusiasts, as it was the model worn when Buzz Aldrin first stepped on the moon. The Swiss watch manufacturer is proud to announce the 4th generation of the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Collection. The watch features an asymmetrical 42mm case in […]

The post Omega Releases Its 4th Generation Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Collection appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

Moonphase watches are one of the most romantic complications for women, but they’re also sophisticated. Moonphase indications depict the stages of the moon’s rotation cycle in real time using a small disc, typically painted or engraved with them. Through an aperture on the dial, the correct portion of the moon disc coinciding with the night... View Article

The post Moonphase Watches: Romantic Complications for Women appeared first on Elite Traveler.