Wishing all of you the best wishes for the year 2023 that is about to start. We couldn’t be more grateful for your readership and loyalty. Because of you, our readers, we strive to do better every day. How about a little feature on Sabrage to welcome the new year in style. The act of Sabrage refers to the act of opening a bottle of champagne by sliding a saber over its neck. Now, while many believe that the saber slices the neck of the bottle or pushes the cork out, what in reality happens is that the slight impact of the saber on the seam of the bottle creates a chain reaction that makes the bottle release its pressure by breaking its top cork included.
Posts tagged #2022
Breaking News: RIP Pelé. Two Hublot Classic Fusion Chronographs Honor his Legacy.
Today, December 29, 2022, the world has lost the greatest ‘Fútbol’ player that has ever lived. Brazilian player Edson Arantes do Nascimento known mononymous as Pelé has passed at the age of 82 and leaves this world as the only player able to win three FIFA World Cups. R.I.P. to ‘O Rei Pelé’ —the King Pelé.
Insider: Bianchet Tourbillon B1.618 Openworked Carbon Earth
Bianchet is an independent watch brand that was launched in 2017 by Rodolfo Festa Bianchet and his wife Emmanuelle Festa Bianchet. Devoted to just one collection with a tonneau-shaped case, Bianchet exclusively sells tourbillons at a relatively affordable price point. Since tonneau-shaped cases are not reserved for brands like Richard Mille or Franck Muller exclusively, please don’t start thinking that this is a wannabe Richard Mille, because it is not.
From the Editor: Fourth Generation of Royal Oak Offshore Rubberclad Quietly Reintroduced by AP after 9 Years of Discontinuation. In-Depth History and Explanation of this Iconic Watch.
The iconic and legendary Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubberclad ref. 25940 needs very little introduction and is for sure one of those watches that is worth explaining in-depth, especially since it marks the first use of rubber as a main component in the watch industry. The AP Rubberclad is a watch that we've seen on the wrists of dozen of celebrities and AP lovers and a watch that is living testament of the continued innovation that AP has brought to the watch industry since the launch of the Royal Oak in 1972. A few months ago, Audemars Piguet quietly reintroduced the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubberclad under reference 26238OK.OO.A002CA.01.
Experience: Diptyque 'Tempo' Eau de Parfum. A Nod to 'The Sixties', Like the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116500.
The 1960s, was a one of the greatest decades of the modern era for many reasons. During 'The Sixties' not only man conquered space by landing and walking on the surface of the moon, but also one of the most iconic and legendary watches of all time was born. The Rolex Cosmograph was born in 1963 when a new exotic scent was changing the world. Born only two years after the release in 1961 of Dyptique's first fragrance 'L'Eau', the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is today, as perfect as it was more than 50 years ago.
From the Editor: My 24 Favorite Watches for 24 Days of Christmas. Happy Holidays!
Since most people outside of the U.S. in Europe, Asia and Latin America celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve —and I happen to do the same—, today I have decided to put together a list with my 24 watches from this year to celebrate the 24 days of Christmas. These 24 favorite watches with a little bit of everything from Audemars Piguet to Vacheron Constantin and everything in between are my way of thanking you for your readership and wishing you and your loved ones the happiest of holidays.
Introducing: De Bethune DB27 Titan Hawk JPS
The DB27 Titan Hawk JPS is the newest member of the De Bethune Titan Hawk family and continues the line’s combination of advanced technical features, practicality and wearability, and clean, distinctive styling in a timepiece that pays homage to the golden age of competitive motorsports of the 1970s. The dramatic contrast between black and gold gives the new DB27 Titan Hawk JPS a clean but subtly elegant technical feel, echoing the influence and heritage of competitive motorsports, as well as the advanced features of the caliber AUTOV2.
From the Editor: Here's Why I Think the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Perpetual is a Perfect Watch for Guys Like Me
I’ve always been a big fan of A. Lange & Söhne, but I’ve never taken the plunge and purchased one. It is one of the brands that I really like but it doesn’t seem to fit my style and my lifestyle, as I typically gravitate toward very sporty watches or watches that are fitted with a bracelet. Now, I am not saying that you can’t wear a Lange watch with a pair of jeans and sneakers, nevertheless, every time that I try one on it seems to not go well with what I am wearing until the day that I took these pictures and the wristshot at the end of this article.
Introducing: Romain Gauthier C Titanium Edition Bracelet
When Romain launched the first edition of C by Romain Gauthier in 2021, it was clearly stated that this new calibre would lead the brand to new horizons. One year later, a new door has been opened with the arrival of the brand's first metal bracelet for the brand. The desire of modernity, comfort and ergonomic already initiated during the conception of the first edition, reinforced the development of this integral timepiece on a titanium bracelet that is light, resistant, modern and sophisticated.
Experience: Three Exceptional Aladino Robustos by JRE Tobacco. Honduran Cigars with Cuban DNA.
JRE Tobacco is a family-owned company, founded by Julio R. Eiroa and his son Justo M. Eiroa. A fully integrated operation from crop to shop. The history of the Eiroa family goes back to the time when Julio Eiroa, a Cuban exile from Pinar del Rio, moved to Honduras to flourish the Cuban cigar-making tradition at the JRE Tobacco Farm specialized in handmade Cuban seed cigars and to become the premier ‘Corojo’ grower in Honduras.
Introducing: Jaquet Droz Rolling Stones Automaton. 23 Unique Timepieces.
Today, Jaquet Droz unveils the first of the 23 unique timepieces to retrace the world of the Rolling Stones through motion. Besides the arm of a record player that hovers over a platinum album replica —the power reserve—, a scene depicts their signature instruments in miniature paintings and gold thread. The external disc rotates up to 8 consecutive times for 30 seconds and is adorned with the albums that the collector will choose for his unique timepiece.
News: MB&F LAB New Architectural Identity Opens in Singapore and Paris. Extends to Dubai and Bangkok.
It is now over a decade since the MB&F M.A.D.Gallery first opened its doors on Geneva’s Rue Verdaine in 2011, in the heart of the city’s Old Town. A second M.A.D.Gallery opened in Taipei in 2014, the third one in Dubai in January 2016, and a fourth in Hong Kong in October 2018. In collaboration with Voltige Design & Architecture, a highly experienced team with offices in Geneva and Lausanne, MB&F has redefined the interior design and architectural identity for its M.A.D Galleries —starting with the largest of its galleries, located in the famous Dubai Mall.
Photo Report: The Ultimate Watch Event at Zadok Jewelers in Houston
Last month, we featured Zadok Jewelers in our Watch Shopping section here. This weekend we had the pleasure of attending Zadok’s Ultimate Watch Event just in time for the Holiday season. Located in the upscale Post Oak area in Houston, Texas, Zadok Jewelers are authorized dealers for A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, Bell & Ross, Breguet, Breitling, Bulgari, Cartier, Chopard, Corum, Grand Seiko, Hublot, IWC…
Watch Goodies: De Bethune The Art of Watchmaking Book by Assouline
Twenty years ago, the Haute horological world welcomed De Bethune. Showcasing the technical ingenuity of master watchmaker and co-founder Denis Flageollet, De Bethune immediately established itself as an outlier with a unique ability to blur the lines between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, mining history to create a brand both impossibly modern and technically advanced.
Experience: Vacheron Constantin Mexico City. The Brand's First and Only Boutique in Latin America.
Today, December 7, 2022, we attended the official opening ceremony for the Mexico City Vacheron Constantin Boutique. Not only this marks the first boutique to be opened by the brand in Mexico City —the 5th largest city in the world with a population surpassing 23 million people— but it is also the brand’s first and only boutique in Latin America. This long awaited boutique will cater to the exclusive base of Mexican watch collectors that are always looking for the best of the best.
Experience: Hibiki 17 Years Old Kacho Fugetsu Limited Edition Japanese Whisky. Unique, Harmonious and Ultra Rare.
Hibiki was introduced in 1989 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Suntory Distillery and since then, this whisky has been the paragon of the Art of Japanese Whisky. Not only it is one of Japan’s most highly awarded blended whiskies, but it is also among the most prestigious whiskies in the world. Hibiki 17 years old was first introduced in 2015 as a harmonious blend blessed with the riches of Japanese nature and craftsmanship.
From the Editor: Dissecting the Akrivia AK-06. Up Close & Personal with the Great and Not-so-Great.
Akrivia was founded in 2012 by Rexhep Rexhepi who was born in Kosovo –part of the former Yugoslavia— in 1987. His fascination with watchmaking started at a young age. At age 11, Rexhep moved to Geneva where his father was working at the time, and at the age of 15, he began his apprenticeship at Patek Philippe where he was hired full-time after graduating from the apprenticeship.
Introducing: Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Starwheel
One of our favorite complications is being brought back by Audemars Piguet to the Code 11.59 collection. The new Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Starwheel ref. 15212NB.OO.A002KB.01 revisits the tradition of wandering hours with a new ultra-contemporary timepiece that combines black ceramic with 18K white gold. Invented in 1655 thanks to a request by Pope Alexander VII, who suffered from insomnia that was exacerbated by the ticking of his clock, the wandering hours complication was rediscovered by Audemars Piguet in 1991.
From the Editor: Rolex Launches Rolex Certified Pre-Owned Programme. Here's What I Think Will Happen in the Secondary Market.
Rolex announced today that they are launching the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned Programme. Rolex is now offering the opportunity to purchase pre-owned watches that are certified pre-owned from its official retailers. The Rolex Certified Pre-Owned programme now enables retailers in the brand’s official distribution network to sell second-hand models that are certified as authentic and which come with a new two-year international guarantee.
Introducing: Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Sonatina Peaceful Nature. A Trilogy with a Crane, a Kingfisher, and a Koi.
Inspired by Asia’s centuries-long artistic tradition of depicting the natural world, Jaeger-LeCoultre enriches the Rendez-Vous Sonatina ‘Peaceful Nature’ series with three new timepieces all cased in 18K pink gold measuring 38.2 mm in diameter and set with 160 diamonds on the caseband and bezel—approximately a total of 1.86 carats. An exquisitely feminine expression of time that celebrates both precision and artistry, Jaeger-LeCoultre enriches the Rendez-Vous Sonatina series with three new timepieces. A limited edition of 10 pieces each, the Rendez-Vous Sonatina “Peaceful Nature” trilogy is a joyful ode to nature and its special place in the Asian artistic tradition.
