Insider: Zenith DEFY Extreme Carl Cox Edition. A 100-piece Limited Edition for House Music Lovers.

The Zenith DEFY Extreme Carl Cox edition is a limited edition of 100 pieces available exclusively from Zenith boutiques and via their online store. This watch is yet another special edition created by Zenith honoring one of the best EDM —electronic dance music— DJs in the world, Carl Cox. The first watch created with Carl Cox in mind was the Zenith DEFY El Primero 21 Carl Cox pictured below.

The Watch Collectors: A Formula One Lover and All Things Watches

Every time we travel, we end up meeting new watch collectors who decide to open the doors of their homes to us and share their world and passion for watches and other indulgences. Some of them are OK with us documenting these visits and sharing them with our readers, and others are way too private to even allow us to take any pictures of what they are sharing with us.

From the Editor: LVMH to Finally Acquire Richemont? Or Will it be Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels?

Today has been an interesting day with the news coming from Richemont regarding some very high-level changes to CEO positions at Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels; changes that also affect Vacheron Constantin and Jaeger-LeCoultre as of September 1st, 2024. While Catherine Rénier is set to leave her post as CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre and become CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, Louis Ferla, currently CEO of Vacheron Constantin will succeed Cyrille Vigneron as Chief Executive Officer of Cartier, effective September 1, 2024.

Posted on July 2, 2024 and filed under From the Editor.

Breaking News: Louis Ferla to Leave Vacheron Constantin and Become CEO of Cartier

Today July 2, 2024, Richemont announced that Louis Ferla, currently Chief Executive Officer of Vacheron Constantin will succeed Cyrille Vigneron as Chief Executive Officer of Cartier, effective September 1, 2024. Mr. Vigneron, who has decided to retire after eight successful years at the helm of the Maison, will assume the position of Chairman of Cartier Culture & Philanthropy effective the same date as Louis Ferla becomes CEO of the brand and work with Ferla to ensure a smooth transition.

Breaking News: Catherine Rénier to Leave Post as CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre and Become CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels

Richemont announced today that Catherine Rénier, currently Chief Executive Officer —CEO— of Jaeger-LeCoultre, will succeed Nicolas Bos as Chief Executive Officer of Van Cleef & Arpels, effective September 1st, 2024, and will report to him following his recent appointment as Richemont’s CEO.

Introducing: Girard-Perregaux Casquette 2.0 Saint Laurent 02 in Titanium

Now, Anthony Vaccarello has re-edited this Casquette in a limited edition, presented in silver grey tones and crafted from grade 5 titanium, an alloy that is light, strong, stiff, corrosion resistant, non-magnetic, and hypoallergenic. By using Grade 5 titanium, Girard-Perregaux has been able to endow the case —measuring  42.40 x 33.60 x 14.64 mm— with a combination of different finishes, juxtaposing satin, polished, and sandblasted surfaces.

Introducing: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked Pink-Gold Toned ref. 15407ST

The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked Pink Gold-toned iteration of ref.15407ST.OO.1220ST.02 contrasts a 41 mm stainless steel case with a pink-gold-toned open-worked movement and matching inner bezel for a contemporary two-tone aesthetic. The pink gold screws on the bezel add the finishing touch to mark the importance of this new edition. This is also the very first time that the hex bolts on a Royal Oak in stainless steel are made of pink gold instead of white gold.

Introducing: The New Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo Goldtech PAM01641

Panerai is excited to introduce the Luminor Quaranta BiTempo Goldtech PAM01641, a versatile and sophisticated timepiece that captures the beloved design codes of Panerai’s iconic Luminor collection. Distinguished by its refined 40 mm case dimension, PAM01641 features a GMT dual time zone function making it the perfect companion for modern travelers. The Luminor Quaranta collection captures the beloved aesthetic of the Luminor collection in a smaller 40 mm case dimension.

Introducing: Ulysse Nardin Diver NET Wempe Signature Collection. A 75-piece Limited Edition.

Ulysse Nardin is introducing the new Diver NET Signature Collection in partnership with Wempe. This is a new diver’s watch made from upcycled high-tech materials. This exclusive limited edition of 75 pieces with striking design accents in orange features a 44 mm case made from 95% recycled stainless steel. Its construction incorporates a combination of breakthrough upcycled materials that Ulysse Nardin has been pioneering Nylo and Carbonium.

Introducing: The New Blancpain Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune

Blancpain is delighted to present the new Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune, now fitted with an elaborately designed and patented black ceramic bracelet and a 43.6 mm case made from the same material. With an assertive, sporty yet supremely elegant style, this model features a dial in vibrant shades of sunray-brushed blue, green, or black.

Eye Candy: A Match Made in Heaven with a Porsche 911 Carrera S and an AP Royal Oak Offshore RubberClad

In the past, we've also featured a Porsche 911 Carrera S in the company of a Richard Mille RM015 Le Mans Classic here. This time, we bring you what we think is one of the best matches between a car and a watch, what we like to call a 'match made in heaven'. The Porsche 911 Carrera S a.k.a. 991 is one of those cars that exudes power whichever way you look at it and what better match to it than a discontinued Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubber Clad ref. 25940OK.OO.D002CA.02.

Breaking News: LVMH Acquires Oldest Swiss Clock Manufacturer L'Epée 1839

LVMH announces the acquisition of Swiza, owner of L'Epée 1839, a prestigious Swiss manufacturer of high-end clocks and authentic 'objets d'art' featuring exceptional mechanisms and intricacies. This acquisition of a jewel in the crown of Haute Horlogerie is further proof of the LVMH Group's determination to preserve and develop historic savoir-faire, and to ensure that it is passed on and cultivated over time.

Posted on June 26, 2024 and filed under L'Epee, News.

Introducing: De Bethune DB28XP Kind of Blue Tourbillon. A 20-Piece Limited Edition.

De Bethune today introduces the DB28XP Kind of Blue Tourbillon, a limited edition of 20 pieces born from the union of the elegant DB28XP and the captivating DB28 Kind of Blue Tourbillon. In his quest for an ultra-thin watch, Denis Flageollet envisioned the DB28XP as a fusion of technical and aesthetic challenges. It represents a delicate balance between intricacy and simplicity, requiring precise execution and a harmonious blend of design and limitations.

News: Watches and Wonders Geneva Welcomes Chanel, Hermès, and LVMH to the Foundation Board

Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation welcomes Chanel, Hermès, and LVMH at the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation Board. This integration and openness mark an important step in the Foundation’s desire to support the watchmaking industry as a whole, with all the stakeholders. Founded in September 2022, on the initiative of Rolex, Richemont, and Patek Philippe, the Watches and Wonders Geneva Foundation is pleased to announce the arrival of three new key members, Chanel, Hermès, and LVMH, which are joining the founding members on the WWGF Board.

Posted on June 25, 2024 and filed under News, Watches & Wonders 2024.

Insider: Bell & Ross BR 03 Diver Full Lum Ceramic. The SuperLumiNova Coated Dial Makes a Difference.

The new BR 03 Diver Full Lum Ceramic from Bell & Ross meets the ISO requirements for a diving watch. To mark its seventh anniversary in 2024, the design has been modified for a more contemporary look, and the movement fine-tuned. The bezels of the new BR 03 Diver models feature a ceramic insert for greater resistance and durability, and their movement has been modified to extend the power reserve to 54 hours.

Introducing: Three New Sizes on the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Black Dial

Introducing the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Black Dial, a classic in three sizes in stainless steel including 41 mm, 38 mm, and 34 mm. Throughout time, the black dial has remained a watchmaking favorite that expresses both simplicity and quiet luxury. This year, Omega continues that classic look in the Seamaster Aqua Terra collection, with three distinctive sizes, and glossy black dials that are enriched with a slick lacquered finish.

Posted on June 24, 2024 and filed under Omega, News.

Experience: The Uniqueness of Taiwanese Pineapple Cakes as Unique as the Armin Strom Gravity Date WCL Unique Piece

Taiwanese pineapple cakes have a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Created in southern Taiwan, these delectable treats combine the sweetness of pineapple with a buttery, crumbly crust. As trade with Japan flourished in the late 19th century, pineapple became a popular fruit exported from Taiwan to Japan, leading to the creation of pineapple cakes as a way to preserve and showcase the fruit's flavor.

Introducing: Arnold & Son Double Tourbillon White Gold Amber Unique Piece

A new material has joined Arnold & Son’s creative repertoire. A first in watchmaking, Baltic amber or ‘tiger’ amber further enhances the collection of extraordinary dials created by the house. The rich, moiré yellow of this exceptionally rare material surrounds the two iconic tourbillons in the eponymous collection. The amber brings softness and texture to the 43.5mm 18K white gold case as well as to the skeletonized bridges and the pure white of the opal hour dials.

Introducing: Richard Mille RM 65-01 Split-Seconds Chrono in Blue Pastel and Yellow Quartz TPT

Initially available in titanium, Carbon TPT, Red Gold and Carbon TPT, and Grey Quartz TPT, now comes the Dark Yellow Quartz TPT and Pastel Blue Quartz TPT iterations of the impressive Richard Mille RM65-01 Split Seconds Chronograph. Five years of development representing a two-fold achievement: the creation of a split-seconds chronograph —the most complicated automatic winding watch that has ever come out of the RM workshops— and its production beyond the limited series.

Experience: Fernet-Branca Menta. The Herbal Italian Liqueur that Pairs Perfectly with a Sunburst Green Overseas Dual Time.

Fernet-Branca is an Italian brand of fernet, a style of amaro or bitters. It was formulated in Milan in 1845 and is manufactured thereby Fratelli Branca Distillerie. The Fernet-Branca Menta is a unique liqueur that combines the bitter notes of Fernet with a refreshing hint of mint. This Italian spirit offers a complex flavor profile, with the intense herbal qualities of Fernet balanced by the coolness of mint making it a perfect digestif or aperitif, and even a perfect hangover remedy to settle the stomach.