A couple of weeks ago, we gathered with a small group of VIP watch collectors from Mexico City and our friends from Jacob & Co. to present for the very first time in Mexico, the three Astronomia timepieces. With a perfect setting at the ultra exclusive Executive Members Club Piso 51 located in the heart of Mexico City, we hosted a relaxing evening with champagne, hors d'oeuvres and incredible timepieces. As the sun set over one of the largest cities in the world, the Magnums of Taittinger champagne started to flow.
Experience: The 2017 Rally Maya with Franck Muller. A Week with Classic Cars and Wristwatches Throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.
A week ago, with had the pleasure of joining Franck Muller Mexico at the 4th edition of the 2017 Rally Maya they were sponsoring. The 4th edition of this classic car rally created by Benjamin de la Peña Mora —a renowned Notary and classic car collector from Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico— took place from May 19th through May 28th, 2017 with a route that extended over 700 kilometers across the Yucatan Peninsula.
Video: Watch Collecting Lifestyle x Arnold & Son. New York City Collectors Dinner.
Here's a brief video recap of the special dinner with hosted with Arnold & Son with watch collectors from NYC. For those of you who might've missed our article about this event last week, you can check out our full write-up and photo recap here.
Experience: Arnold & Son Collectors Dinner with Watch Collecting Lifestyle. Another Great Watch Night in New York City.
Last Tuesday September 13th, 2016, in partnership with Arnold & Son, we hosted a casual dinner in New York City, where some of the finest watch collectors in the city joined us for a night filled with Negronis, good food and very exclusive timepieces at the Lafayette Grand Café in the East Village. In what we can describe as a relaxing laid back evening, collectors were able to peruse not only most of the timepieces in the Arnold & Son collection, but also some of the spectacular watches from their sister company Angelus.
News: The Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève Unveils the Preselection for 2016. Time To Vote Online.
Yesterday morning, the Foundation of the GPHG —Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève revealed the list of the 72 preselected watches in the running to win the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix or one of the 16 prizes —12 categories and 4 additional industry prizes— that will reward 2016's finest watch creations. This edition of the GPHG 2016 has attracted record participation just as in previous years, with most major watch groups represented, along with a number of independent companies.
Video: Watch Collecting Lifestyle x Hublot. The Dallas Collectors Night.
As promised last Friday, here's our Video recap of the special Collectors Night with hosted with Hublot last week. If you like the video, please drop us a line and let us know if you would like to see more of this type of content here at WCL. We will be beefing up our video library in the upcoming weeks. For those of you who might've missed our article about this event last week, you can check out our full write-up and photo recap here.
Experience: A Watch Collecting Lifestyle Collectors Night with Hublot in Dallas. An Evening to Remember.
Nothing beats an evening at the penthouse of The Joule Hotel here in Dallas surrounded by an exclusive group of watch collectors, the team at the Hublot Dallas Boutique, Rick De La Croix —Hublot's President for Latin America—, amazing watches and us. Yesterday evening, we gathered at this exclusive setting, to host a 'Watch Collectors Night' and a special viewing of all the Hublot Baselworld 2016 novelties in partnership with our friends from Hublot.
Experience: Presenting the New Piaget Polo S Collection. The Hottest Watch Party Ever, Literally Speaking.
A long awaited launch party for the release of the new Piaget Polo S collection and what could've been one of the best watch parties this summer, ended up being the hottest party ever, literally speaking. Hosted at the Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn, New York, the launch of the new Piaget Polo S was as impressive as it gets but in a venue without any air conditioning. Under what seemed to feel like a hundred degrees Fahrenheit with 100% relative humidity, the new Piaget Polo S collection was presented by Mr. Phillippe Leopold Metzger, CEO of Piaget.
Experience: Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series Chicago. A Perfect Weekend with Bremont and the Oracle Team USA.
This past weekend, June 10th, 2016, the Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series —LVACWS— a.k.a the 'Auld Mug' took place for the very first time in fresh water. The setting, Chicago's Lake Michigan lakefront and Navy Pier. Since Bremont is the timing partner for the America's Cup and one of the partners for the Oracle Team USA —the defending champion—, we were invited as one of their special guests. The Louis Vuitton America's Cup is a trophy awarded to the winner of the America's Cup match races between two sailing yachts.
Experience: The Worldwide Launch Event of the New Vacheron Constantin Overseas Collection. An Amazing Evening at The High Line in New York City.
This past Wednesday May 25th, 2016, we were invited to the worldwide launch of the new Overseas collection from Vacheron Constantin in New York. The ultra exclusive event that took place at The High Line, was nothing but spectacular and very tastefully done. We really could've not thought of a better city and venue for this event. While we had already seen the new pieces from the revamped Overseas collection at the SIHH 2016 as we reported here earlier this year; we were eager to see in person the new Overseas World Time unveiled just two weeks ago as we brought you the news here.
Experience: A Special Night with Panerai in New York City. A Delightful Dinner at Daniel.
When watches, food, wine and superb people get together, the end result is an epic unforgettable evening. Such is the case of the amazing dinner we were invited to that was organized by Panerai to celebrate the kick-off of Madison Avenue Watch Week and the release of their novelties at the SIHH 2016. If you consider yourself a true Paneristi, you are then definitely a foodie and a connoisseur of great restaurants.
Experience: The New Patek Philippe Salon at De Boulle River Oaks District in Houston. A Perfect Evening.
Last Tuesday November 17, 2015, we had the pleasure to attend the celebration of the opening of the new Patek Philippe salon at the new De Boulle location in the ultra upscale River Oaks District in Houston. The River Oaks District, is a luxury retail paradise comparable to the Miami Design District or to Oak Street in Chicago. The new modern development is located on the famous Westheimer Rd. next to the Afton Oaks neighborhood and a block away from Hotel Derek. The River Oaks District is set to become the top shopping destination in Houston with boutiques that include Brunello Cucinelli, Canali, Chopard, Dior, De Boulle, Etro, Giuseppe Zanotti, Intermix, Moncler, Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, our favorite Vilebrequin swimwear and also our favorite Vietnamese restaurant from New York and Chicago, Le Colonial. After more than a decade without the opening of a new Patek Philippe Salon in the United States, De Boulle presents a unique shopping experience at its new location.
News: The SIAR 2015—Salón Internacional Alta Relojería México— Kicks Off Tomorrow October 20, 2015. Live Coverage Right Here.
Only one day left before the 9th edition of the 'Salón Internacional Alta Relojería México' a.k.a. SIAR kicks-off at the St. Regis Hotel in Mexico City from October 20-22, 2015. The SIAR is the most important show in Latin America for exhibiting, promoting and selling fine timepieces in the region. A premium international event where locals and foreigners of very high disposable income —by invitation only— gather to share their love and passion for horology. Established in 2007, the SIAR has turned into a 'must attend' event among other international horology events including Baselworld and the SIHH. With over 17,000 attendees since its first edition and more than 50 exclusive brands involved, the SIAR is now the greatest watch event in the American continent. Participating brands this year include Armin Strom, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, F.P. Journe, Jaeger-LeCoultre, MB&F, HYT, Richard Mille, De Bethune, MCT, Ressence and Tudor amongst others.
Experience: Grand Opening of the Jaeger-LeCoultre New York City Flagship. A Celestial Night Full of Stars and The Good Life.
This past Tuesday March 3, 2015, we were part of the exclusive celebration that took place in New York City for the official grand opening of the new Jaeger-LeCoultre New York City Flagship Boutique on 701 Madison Avenue. The new boutique is nested right next to Panerai and just a few steps from the Hermès flagship between 62nd and 63rd street. This new Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique clearly conveys what the brand stands for with a very intimate and welcoming layout that is accentuated by its circular showcase underneath a majestic chandelier right next to its main entrance. The grand opening was attended by VIP collectors, friends of the brand, a few select press representatives and also executives of Jaeger-LeCoultre from throughout the world. Friends of the brand Canadian actress Sarah Gadon and British actor Clive Owen also joined the event to celebrate this new home for Jaeger-LeCoultre, officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside Jaeger-LeCoultre's CEO Daniel Riedo and North America President Philippe Bonay.
Experience: Omega Soirée in Miami's Design District. In Preparation for the Upcoming Boutique Opening.
This past Wednesday December 10th, 2014 we had the pleasure to join our friends at Omega for a very special celebration in lieu of the upcoming opening of its Miami Design District boutique. The Miami Design District and its Aranda/Lasch-Designed space is soon to be the mecca of watch boutiques in the Miami area. This wonderful evening with a red carpet soirée that drew stars and socialites including actress Camilla Belle, along with nearly 400 of Miami's influentials was hosted by Omega's Vice President and Head of International Sales, Raynald Aeschlimann. This tasteful and elegant celebration had its main focus on paying homage to Omega's Master Co-Axial technology —the world’s first industrialized anti-magnetic movements with all non-ferrous components that are more prevalent across a wide variety of Omega timepieces. For sure, an evening filled with delicious hors d'oeuvre, Omega signature cocktails, celebrities, beautiful women and stunning timepieces. As usual, our drink of choice for the evening was our usual Negroni.
Experience: Celebrating Patek Philippe's 175th Anniversary at the Rainbow Room in NYC. A Once in a Lifetime Invitation.2014
If you are a true watchlifestyler and a Patekaholic, it is very likely that you already know who's wearing the ultra rare Patek Philippe ref. 5208 in this picture. If you are still in the process of becoming one, this epic wrist shot was taken by us with monsieur Thierry Stern, President of Patek Philippe during the unforgettable 175th anniversary celebration —the brand hosted at the Rainbow Room in New York City— that we were honored to attend. Very often, journalists in the watch industry become jaded by the amount of watch parties and watch related events they attend and take for granted invitations like this one. Luckily for us, we are collectors first and then journalists. Therefore, we like to share with our readers these type of events and do a full article about the experience. Now, this once in a lifetime invitation, is one that we will never forget and one that we will always cherish. Before we go into the details of the celebration and the amazing watches we enjoyed two nights ago, we would like to thank Patek Philippe for thinking of us.
Experience: Omega Hosts a Special Preview of their Baselworld 2014 Novelties in Partnership with WatchCollectingLifestyle in Chicago.
A few days ago, the Omega Boutique on Michigan Avenue here in Chicago, hosted a special preview of the Baselworld 2014 novelties in partnership with our publication. This wonderful evening included all the new watches presented at Baselworld 2014 presented earlier this year —with the exception of the Speedmaster 'Lunar Dust'— and their new line of NATO straps that will become available in the month of August across the Omega Boutique network. While we have seen the novelties multiple times, we have not played with the NATO straps enough. Fortunately, this time, we were able to see the NATO straps fitted on a few of the novelties as well as on other watches from the current collection. We even put a gorgeous Omega leather NATO strap on the new Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 45th Anniversary that looked just amazing.
Experience: Celebrating with Omega and Buzz Aldrin the 45th Anniversary of the Moon Landing at the Kennedy Space Center.
July 20th, 2014, marks the 45th anniversary of the moon landing and the achievement of the Omega Speedmaster Professional in becoming the only watch to be flight-qualified by NASA for all manned space missions. Additionally, the Speedmaster Professional is the first watch to have been worn on the moon surface on July 21st, 1969 at 02:56 GMT. For this special occasion, we were invited by our friends from Omega to a very special dinner with Omega Ambassador and former astronaut Buzz Aldrin at the Kennedy Space Center a.k.a Cape Canaveral on 'Speedy Tuesday' earlier this week. On this wonderful evening, we were accompanied by our Omega Speedmaster Professional ref. 3570.50 powered by the manual wound calibre 1861.
Experience: WatchCollectingLifestyle Hosts Luncheon for Chicago Members of The Rolex Forums.
If watch forums like The Rolex Forums, Timezone, ThePurists or Watchuseek had never existed, it is very likely that the boom of digital watch publications —like ours— would've never taken place and we probably would've not been around at all. Little to no credit is given to some of these most visited watch forums in the world regarding the significant amount of consumer generated content that is hosted by them nor the amazing knowledge and expertise that some of their members possess.
News: JEANRICHARD Launches the Aeroscope 208 Seconds. Honoring Captain Chesley "Sully' Sullenberger and the Miracle on the Hudson.
Last night January 14th, 2014, JEANRICHARD honored its brand ambassador, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger to commemorate the 5th Anniversary of the landing of Flight 1549 on the Hudson River with the launch of the special edition “208 Seconds” Aeroscope watch. The event that took place at a well-known watch store on Madison Avenue in New York City, celebrated how the American hero saved 155 people in only 208 seconds on January 15, 2009.
“We are privileged to have worked with Captain Sullenberger on our new “208 Seconds” Aeroscope”, said Bruno Grande, COO of JEANRICHARD. “The watch showcases the importance of time, Sully’s inspirational achievement in seconds of great urgency, and his efforts since then to continue to help change and improve people’s lives and support organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Rory Staunton Foundation. This is very much in line with JEANRICHARD’s values and philosophy of life. In situations such as those on January 15, 2009, one can only rely upon your training, preparedness and the knowledge that you are serving a cause greater than yourself”, said Captain Sullenberger. “The “208 Seconds” Aeroscope I was able to design with JEANRICHARD also symbolizes the values of personal responsibility and I am grateful for their support of my philanthropic work.”
208 seconds made Captain Sullenberger a hero and the watch's automatic chronograph movement perfectly embodies the spirit and respect that the Captain and JEANRICHARD have for time. The 208 seconds are represented by a subtle marked white and red timeline on the timepiece’s black dial. Available on a black Barenia calfskin strap, the JEANRICHARD “208 Seconds” Aeroscope is a re-interpretation of the old aviators’ watches, and with its titanium cushion-shaped case shares a man’s most enduring dream with style. Part of the proceeds of the watch will go to The American Red Cross and The Rory Staunton Foundation, two of Captain Sullenberger's philanthropic endeavors.
Throughout the event guests also participated in a social media challenge, where they were tasked to take a wrist shot of the new “208 Seconds” Aeroscope and post it to their Instagram account. The “Best Shot” will be re-grammed today, January 15th, through the brand’s Instagram account @JRwatches. The winner will receive a “208 Seconds” Aeroscope watch.
Sticker Price $5,400 USD. For more info on JEANRICHARD click here