Play It Like Don Corleone; Jacob & Co. and The Godfather II

A horological tribute with a double music box, where two famous melodies enter… and only one legend leaves.

If you thought Jacob & Co.’s The Godfather already brought the kind of cinematic authority you can wear on the wrist, then consider this the sequel with the gloves off.

THE GODFATHER II is a scene. A sound. A plot twist you can wind.

The Corleone’s Comeback: Prestige, But Make It Musical

Set in 18K rose gold, with an engraved, water-resistant 30 m case, this is luxury dressed for fate. And it doesn’t stop at the front, because the full caseback is where the fiction becomes function, showcasing both bullet-impact detailing and music engraving, like the franchise’s energy has been immortalized in metal.

At 42 x 44 mm, it wears with presence, bold enough for the spotlight, compact enough for the wearer who prefers power without applause.

The Real Star of the Show: A Double Music Box That Performs

Here’s where the legend really clocks in.

The integrated double music box doesn’t merely play a tune; it executes melodies with Jacob & Co.’s signature level of mechanical drama. The movement is built around the musical mechanism itself, bringing serious horological theatre into every note.

And yes, it’s got the kind of clarity collectors love:

a power reserve indicator for the movement
a separate power reserve indicator dedicated to the music box

In this Godfather universe, the soundtrack deserves its own spotlight, and the watch is ready to hold it.

Two Tunes, One Operation: Pick Your Melody Like a Don

What does it play?

Two iconic melodies from Nino Rota’s Godfather soundtrack, chosen as a deliberate double-feature, not a random medley. This is musical strategy: the kind that makes you feel like you just received an invitation you weren’t supposed to accept.

Now for the control, because every great performance has cues:

Use the pusher at 10 o’clock to select your melody.
The chosen tune appears in a window at 9 o’clock; clean, precise, and just cryptic enough to feel dangerous.
When you’re ready to commit, press the pusher at 8 o’clock and let it play.

And when you want both?

Press the melody selection button and the mechanism shifts, barrel sideways to reveal a second set of pins, then the comb’s teeth lift in perfect timing. As the barrel spins, the arrangement transforms into actual music, unfolding like an opening title sequence: inevitable, elegant, and slightly menacing.

The Engineering With a View: Caliber JCAM62

Inside, Caliber JCAM62 works with 510 components (not including the music barrel pins). That’s not just complexity for complexity’s sake.

It’s a watch built like a speech: structured, deliberate, and delivered with charisma.

Identity, Engraved: The Dial and Caseband Storytelling

The signature look is unmistakable. The new rounded, ergonomic rectangular case becomes the canvas for the franchise’s unmistakable cues, graphic details that collectors don’t simply see… they recognize.

You’ll find Don Corleone’s face on the dial, while a rose featured across the caseband engravings carries the emotional symbolism of the saga into every angle.

THE GODFATHER II Isn’t Simply Telling Time.

It’s conducting a soundtrack.

Two melodies. One legend.

MIRACLES on the Big Screen

When the circus comes to Hollywood: Caroline Scheufele turns festival flair into unforgettable cinema

At the 79th Cannes Film Festival, and timed with the exact kind of drama Cannes is famous for, Chopard unveiled MIRACLES, an exceptional evening hosted by Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of the Maison. Held at La Palestre in Cannes on Monday 18 May, like the best films, it arrived with anticipation, built momentum through spectacle and left guests talking long after the lights went down.

From the moment guests stepped into the world of MIRACLES, it was clear this wasn’t going to be “just” another Cannes gathering. It was a carefully staged celebration of wonder, imagination and craftsmanship; an experience designed to feel emotional first, visual second, and utterly immersive throughout.

Under the big top: a cocktail before the curtain rises

The evening began beneath a big top, inspired by the circus universe, where awe is constant, even when you think you’ve seen it all. Guests were welcomed into a cocktail setting that revisited the Maison’s iconic harlequin lozenge motif, paired with plush seating and a lush palette of orchid tones. It was the kind of scene that made you slow down, look twice, and yes, remember how wonder feels when you’re a little younger.

Couture meets Haute Joaillerie: the runway takes centre stage

Next came the runway presentation: Caroline’s Couture silhouettes floated into view alongside dazzling creations from the 2026 Red Carpet Collection, also titled MIRACLES. The collection comprised 79 pieces, one for each year of the Festival’s history, turning Cannes into something closer to a love letter than a calendar date.

Among the highlights: clown-inspired brooches set with diamonds, emeralds, or rubies; a tribute to one of Caroline Scheufele’s most foundational creative gestures for the Maison. The show opened with Liu Wen and culminated in a grand finale led by Eva Herzigová, Liu Wen, Adriana Lima, and Nour Arida, longtime friends of Caroline Scheufele, proof that friendship, like good cinema, is often the true star of the story.

A transformation worthy of a plot twist

After the runway, Caroline Scheufele addressed her guests, her loyal companion Byron by her side, a cocker spaniel, before a central structure behind her transformed to reveal the dining space below. The effect was pure theatre: part stagecraft, part magic trick, and wholly intentional.

Dinner by Chef Bruno Oger: refined, generous and perfectly paced

Dinner was curated by Chef Bruno Oger, whose two Michelin stars bring both precision and warmth to the plate. The menu unfolded like a sequence of scenes:

Yellow pepper velouté with ricotta and flame grilled white asparagus
Breton lobster with green vegetables, horseradish and walnut
A concluding peach and orange blossom Melba parfait, finished with redcurrant coulis

It was elegance with a pulse, each course timed to keep the night moving, while the room itself seemed to breathe with anticipation.

The performances: magicians, acrobats, and velvet drama

And then, because MIRACLES isn’t interested in subtlety, came the surprises.

Guests were treated to a series of intimate, unexpected performances: magicians weaving through the room, and dynamic acrobatic interludes by Knie Circus, bringing the evening’s circus energy fully to life.

Then the mood shifted into pure showmanship with a captivating burlesque performance by Dita Von Teese, followed by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, whose celebrated songs led to the unforgettable Murder on the Dancefloor moment. The night didn’t end there, far from it. Festivities rolled into the late hours with a DJ set by Bob Sinclar, turning Cannes glamour into something closer to a dance scene from a classic.

One of Cannes’ most talked-about soirées, because it delivered on the promise

With MIRACLES, Chopard offered an immersive expression of Caroline Scheufele’s creative vision: a world where craft meets emotion, and where moments of wonder don’t simply dazzle, they linger.

Special thanks to the evening’s partners: Casadei for shoes, Nouba Italia and MKS Milano for make-up, and Wella Professionals Italia along with salons Orazio Anelli, Vatami and Zero6.Lab for hair.

And as the big top spirit carried guests through the final encore, one thing became unmistakably clear: in Cannes, sometimes the real magic isn’t on the screen; it’s staged in real life, one perfectly timed miracle at a time.

AMR26: Fast Track to the Future

With one of the most iconic emblems in the world above the garage and a team of hundreds of passionate people, Aston Martin Aramco has both a rich heritage and a fresh perspective – bringing new energy to the sport with a determination to shake up the order and compete at the sharp end.

Meet the AMR26: speed engineered, not guessed

2026 marks the biggest regulatory reset in a generation: for the first time, Formula One’s chassis and power unit regulations change together. The result is a radically different F1 car: lighter, more compact, less drag and more sustainable. Super-efficient active aero reshapes airflow. A 50:50 hybrid power unit balances combustion and electrical energy.

The AMR26 is therefore more than a new challenger. It’s the first Aston Martin Aramco car shaped by Adrian Newey’s design philosophy, and the first overseen by Chief Technical Officer Enrico Cardile, marking a fresh era under Formula One’s 2026 regulations.

This year brings what the sport calls a generation-defining shift:

New power units
New aerodynamic rules
Sustainable fuels

The result? A car built for a world where speed isn’t just found, it’s cultivated through fundamentals, coherence, and consistent development. The AMR26 represents an overhaul of thinking as much as hardware, with design decisions made for where the sport is going next, not where it’s been.

A full works team; more freedom, more firepower

The AMR26 also arrives at a major milestone for Aston Martin Aramco: the team has become a full works outfit. That unlocks more design freedom, more opportunity, and a sharper pathway to performance under next-generation technical regulations.

Backed by partnerships with Honda, Aramco, and Valvoline, the team enters 2026 with deep expertise across:

power unit integration
sustainable fuels
cutting-edge lubricants

Consistency in the cockpit: the rhythm of pace

On-track readiness is powered by continuity. Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso return for their fourth consecutive season as the team’s driver pairing, creating one of the most experienced line-ups on the grid, with a combined 614 Formula One race starts. Jak Crawford steps up as Third Driver, acting as the team’s reserve at all races this year. Together with Sim, test and reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne, and team ambassadors Pedro de la Rosa, Jenson Button and Jessica Hawkins, the team isn’t just bringing speed to 2026, it’s bringing stability, feedback, and development momentum.

Make Waves in Pure Luxury: PRESTIGE M7, Your Floating “Stay-Cation”

Experience the New PRESTIGE M7: The Ultimate Luxury Multihull — Now at Asia Yachting.

Luxury isn’t supposed to be complicated. It’s supposed to feel effortless—like stepping onto a private island that happens to float, glide, and redefine comfort at every turn.

And that’s exactly what the all-new PRESTIGE M7 delivers: a bold, breath-taking 58ft power catamaran that’s rapidly setting a new benchmark for luxury multihull living. After making her highly anticipated world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025, the M7 has already captured major industry attention—officially winning the YACHT STYLE Award in the Power Catamaran 16–20m category at the Singapore Yachting Festival 2026.

Now, she’s available through Asia Yachting—bringing you the pinnacle of space, serenity, and cutting-edge marine architecture.

The PRESTIGE M7, a 58-foot motor multihull defined by generous living spaces

More Space. Less Compromise. Full-On Floating Bliss.

Designed to beautifully bridge the gap between the M48 and the flagship M8, the PRESTIGE M7 brings that “75-foot monohull” feeling—only with multihull magic: unrivaled volume, impossibly airy flow, and a living experience that’s naturally expansive.

Expect over 200 m² of highly usable living space—engineered by Garroni Design and guided by one irresistible mission: make life aboard feel closer to the sea.

Designer Camillo Garroni explains the vision: bringing “the cockpit closer to the sea, transforming it into a truly lowered terrace facing aft”—turning it into an immersive, open-air moment every time you step outside.

Camillo Garroni of Garroni Design, responsible for the PRESTIGE M7’s exterior and interior design

Unprecedented Volume & Immersive Design

On the main deck, the atmosphere is all about openness—because the best kind of luxury doesn’t isolate you from the world… it invites it in.

A bold highlight? 112 m² of main-deck living—with massive sliding glass doors that blur the line between the bright interior saloon and the exterior terrace. Translation: you don’t just “go aboard.” You enter an elevated lifestyle bathed in natural light.

And below deck, owners are treated to a sensational 53 m² of cabin space, including a full-beam owner’s suite with:

a large en-suite bathroom
generous storage
a private desk for calm productivity (or quiet daydreaming)

Whether you’re entertaining or unwinding, the yacht’s layout is crafted to make every moment feel smooth, seamless, and deeply restorative.

The impressive full-beam owner’s suite, featuring a spacious en-suite bathroom and generous storage

“Whispered Luxury” Meets High-Efficiency Cruising

The PRESTIGE M7 doesn’t try to shout. It speaks softly—with textures, materials, and calm design choices that feel intentionally refined.

As Valentina Motta, Product Interior Designer, puts it: “The interior of M7 evokes calm and serenity.”

The saloon opens through large sliding glass doors, connecting seamlessly with the outdoors

To achieve that “quiet elegance,” the team selected premium natural finishes including:

marble
linen
leather

It’s a luxury that looks refined because it’s honestly made—respecting each material’s character and letting the environment feel pure, warm, and elevated.

The aft cockpit, designed as a lowered terrace closer to the sea

But a luxury yacht should perform as beautifully as it looks. The M7 delivers exactly that with optimized asymmetric hulls designed by Marc Lombard Yacht Design, delivering:

exceptional stability
fuel consumption reduced by half compared with a similarly sized monohull

Power comes from twin 550 HP Volvo D8 engines, giving an impressive cruising range of 1,220 nautical miles at 8 knots—perfect for longer escapes without sacrificing comfort.

The retractable swim ladder, creating a closer connection with the water

For Quiet Anchorages & Sustainability Lovers: Silent Mode

Prefer serenity so complete you can hear the water think? Choose optional Silent Mode, featuring:

16 m² of solar panels
a lithium battery pack

For up to 12 hours of zero-emission, completely silent operation—ideal for private coves, peaceful mornings, and moonlit stillness.

The flybridge, featuring covered al fresco dining and the main helm station to port

Secure Your Private Island (Yes—A Real Feeling of “Island Time”)

This is where the M7 becomes more than a yacht.

It’s a floating retreat—an invitation to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the sea at your own pace. As Clémence Cessou, Marketing Manager, concludes: “She is a yacht that invites you to slow down, breathe, and truly connect with the sea.”

Your Next Adventure Awaits — From Asia Yachting

Ready to make luxury multihull living your new standard?

The team at Asia Yachting is ready to help you discover the PRESTIGE M7, explore bespoke configuration options, and arrange your exclusive private viewing.

Contact Asia Yachting today to experience first-hand the yacht that’s turning “living on the water” into a whole new level of floating comfort.

Calm Force: Family law leadership for the moments that can’t wait

In Hong Kong, divorce and family disputes are rarely “routine.” They arrive with deadlines measured in hours, families under pressure, and decisions that reshape futures, especially when wealth is complex and children’s wellbeing is at stake. That’s where Jocelyn Tsao stands out: Head of the Family Law team at Withers Hong Kong and Managing Director of the Hong Kong office, known for combining courtroom capability with strategic, client-first judgment.

As a leading divorce and family lawyer with over 18 years of experience, Jocelyn advises on high-net-worth divorces, asset division, trust and corporate structures, injunctive relief, and cross-border matters, from evidence planning to negotiation, through mediation, and, when necessary, advocacy in the Hong Kong courts. Her approach isn’t simply aggressive or cautious; it’s disciplined, practical, and anchored in integrity.

As Head of the Family Law team and Managing Director, what does effective leadership look like in a high-volume, emotionally charged practice, and how do you set your team up to perform at its best?

Jocelyn: Effective leadership, to me, begins with being a role model. In family law, you can’t just tell a team what urgency looks like; you have to show it. If a client needs support beyond office hours, I believe leadership means being there: not because the work is inconvenient, but because the situation is real for the client and the team needs to understand the seriousness of the moment.

I also emphasize calmness and steadiness. Family disputes can intensify quickly; clients are anxious, emotions run high, and any panic from the lawyer can spread. I try to remain collected so the team can execute with clarity. The goal is to keep clients grounded, bring issues back to rational, objective decision-making, and ensure the legal work stays focused on outcomes, not volatility.

In high-net-worth divorces involving complex financial disputes, how do you balance strategic aggression with procedural discipline, especially in cases involving beneficial ownership, valuation, and asset preservation?

Jocelyn: For me, the starting point is honesty about prospects and proportionality. I don’t advocate litigation just to “fight.” I consider whether a claim is credible and whether pursuing it will realistically improve the client’s position.

Take beneficial ownership disputes: in Hong Kong, it’s common for assets to be held in children’s names or through structures that reflect estate planning or intergenerational transfer. During divorce, the central question becomes: who is the true beneficial owner? My job is to assess the evidence carefully, build a coherent legal narrative, and determine where court proceedings are necessary and where they are not.

On valuation, discipline matters because it can be expensive, and timing affects accuracy. If valuations are carried out too early, they can become outdated. So I focus on doing valuations when they are necessary and strategically justified, not automatically.

And yes, sometimes an application is needed to create pressure for settlement. But even then, the question remains: will it work, and is it proportionate to the value at stake? Strategy should serve results, not inflate costs.

You advise clients on some truly consequential disputes. What do you prioritize when children, custody, care, and relocation are involved?

Jocelyn: Children’s interests come first, always. In family law, the issues aren’t just financial; they shape children’s lives for years. I pursue custody, care, and control matters with a strong focus on protecting stability and minimizing harm.

When relocation and international child abduction issues arise, I draw on my experience in Hague Convention matters before the Hong Kong High Court. These cases require both urgency and precision: the legal process must move fast, but the reasoning must be careful. My approach is to advocate firmly while keeping the case oriented around the children’s best interests.

How do you handle cross-border and international divorce work, especially coordination with overseas solicitors and managing risk across legal systems?

Jocelyn: Cross-border matters demand coordination, reliability, and trust. Different jurisdictions have different standards, evidence requirements, and timelines, so the work needs structure from the start.

In international child abduction matters, for example, the legal mechanism relies on effective cooperation with authorities and lawyers in multiple countries. I also collaborate through established international professional networks so I can work with lawyers I trust.

In jurisdiction disputes, I coordinate with overseas counsel to ensure we can present the case under a consistent framework. I’ve seen how uneven responsiveness can create risk, so I rely on relationships built through experience, knowing which lawyers work with the competence and responsiveness the case requires.

When you define personal happiness and professional success, what do they mean to you, and has that changed over time?

Jocelyn: For me, happiness is built around three pillars: work, personal pursuits, and family.

Work matters because I genuinely enjoy family law. Personal training matters because it balances the intensity of legal practice. And family completed the picture in a way I didn’t fully understand before becoming a mother; it expanded love and satisfaction rather than replacing ambition.

In terms of success, early on, it meant progressing professionally. Over time, it shifted into something deeper: building a reputation for integrity and sound judgment, being someone clients trust not to over-promise, not to push unnecessary litigation, and to act in the best interests of the client with real care.

Calm Joy in a Bottle: Lapot studio’s gentle approach to simplicity

When you hear Lapot Studio, there’s a quiet sense of intention behind the name. It’s the scent research studio, and in-house brand, of LAPORTE, created around a belief they now hold close: calm joy.

Life moves fast. Emotions shift, sometimes softly, sometimes sharply. And after everything, the team arrived at a simple truth: joy doesn’t always have to be loud to be real. The kind that matters is steady, something that stays with you, even when the world gets noisier.

Yes, they still love the spark of intense happiness. But they also want to offer something rarer: the feeling of returning to yourself, when you slow down, exhale, and come back to what’s truly essential. That’s what their perfumes are designed to deliver: a calm kind of happiness that feels precious, grounding, and unexpectedly enduring.

Back to Authenticity

In the “Back to Authenticity” collection, Lapot Studio presents a tranquil, pure aura, built on the quiet strength of multiple agarwood notes. Agarwood has a unique way of smoothing the edges of a fragrance, making it feel approachable rather than overwhelming. Layered with rich, stable woody notes, the scent doesn’t just bloom and disappear; it settles in, lingers, and stays grounded.

It opens gently, develops with thoughtfulness, and remains quietly confident from first breath to last. Like returning to a familiar space, your favourite chair, your everyday calm.

Transcendence

If “Back to Authenticity” brings you home, “Transcendence” invites you just beyond it. This is for those rare moments when you want to step out of routine and let your mind wander past the limits of everyday life.

Expect a surreal sensation, like crossing into a distant, mysterious place just outside the border of what feels familiar.

A founder’s imprint

This vision is personal. As the founder, Koon shapes the brand’s scent language through his own inner rhythm. For him, calm joy isn’t a trend; it’s something invaluable, carefully expressed in every bottle.

Lapot Studio is the gentle gateway where joy softens into calm, and calm becomes precious. Two selections. One shared promise: return, transcend, and let the feeling stay with you.

Voodoomoi: Smell Smart. Feel Better.

Where Sense, Soma & Sentiment meet—

so your nose triggers your whole vibe.

Step into Voodoomoi and you’ll quickly realize you’re not just buying fragrance, you’re joining a self-care ritual that knows exactly what your body wants and your mind remembers.

Because scent isn’t “just smell.” It’s a full-body experience with a personality.

And Voodoomoi is built on one deliciously smart idea: your nose sends the message,your body and emotions receive it.

Sense (the ignition)

It starts at the source: aromatic molecules dancing into the air, catching on receptors, and translating fragrance into signals your system can’t help but notice. Your nose doesn’t detect vibes, it activates them.

So yes: when you pick a scent intentionally, you’re basically choosing an energy level.

Soma (the body’s reaction)

Next comes the part you can feel, literally. Those scent signals don’t just stay in your head; they influence your body in ways that can help you feel physically calmer, lighter, and more at ease.

Think of it like this: the fragrance isn’t performing magic spells. It’s creating conditions for your mood to shift into something steadier.

Sentiment (the memory spark)

And then, oh, then comes the iconic moment. The one no one can fake.

Sentiment.

That “I remember this” connection. The way your brain links scent to emotion through deep, ancient pathways. The way one whiff can pull you back to a moment, a feeling, a version of yourself.

Not cheesy. Not random. Just real.

It’s not science cosplay. It’s a ritual.

Voodoomoi doesn’t stop at a beautiful theory. Their product line—designed for multi-sensory living—makes it easy to wear your self-care like a signature.

From:

Hand cream (because the best rituals happen where your daily life touches you most)
Essential oil (for focused, feel-good moments—tiny drops, big mood shifts)
Aromatic candle (certified coconut wax, cozy enough to stare at, glow-worthy enough to breathe)
Perfume (your personal “arrived on purpose” trail)
Diffuser (portable ambience that looks like jewelry and smells like a decision)

Multi-tasking moments, but make them emotional

Want an easy, mood-picking ritual? Try this:

Smooth hand cream on—slow, intentional, grounding.
Add a whisper of fragrance to hair—like softness with a schedule.
Let your space become the soundtrack with a candle or diffuser.

Suddenly, self-care stops being a chore and becomes something you feel.

And here’s the luxury twist

Voodoomoi insists that true luxury should never smell like medicine—because life’s too short for regret scents.

You deserve fragrance that feels like you, not something you tolerate.

Ready to find your scent soulmate?

Try Voodoomoi. Experience it.

And let your emotions do what they were built to do: respond.

Art, Alchemy, and a Little Haute-Extravagance: Inside Alain Delamuraz’s Jaquet Droz World

Custom timepieces, royal-level craft, and the CEO’s secret ingredient: hospitality with a dash of disruption

In an interview with Alain Delamuraz, CEO of Jaquet Droz, the Swiss watchmaker since 1738, we discussed artistry being more than a tagline but an operating system, and the whole process of Swiss watchmaking history meets contemporary audacity, with a particular obsession for what happens when legacy becomes inspiration instead of a museum piece.

Alain Delamuraz’s answer to “Why emphasize custom timepieces?” starts with a poetic idea (and honestly, a bit of philosophy you want to frame on your wall):

He references the French writer Victor Hugo, who said, paraphrased here as, “the future is a door; the past is its key”. The point? You can’t truly know where you’re going without knowing where you came from.

For a brand as storied as Jaquet Droz, one that carries the spirit of Pierre Jaquet-Droz, the founder credited with innovation and aesthetic refinement, the lesson is clear:

Respect the roots.
But don’t copy the past.
Because, in Alain’s words, “If you copy, you die.”

So what’s the alternative? “Collect disruptive legacy.” Not disruption for disruption’s sake, more like controlled ignition. He describes a balance:

Too normal = too slow
Too revolutionary = you break the code

So Jaquet Droz aims for that sweet spot in between: pushing forward while keeping the soul intact.

And when he describes how that spirit shows up, it sounds less like product development and more like a chef bringing tradition to the table, then quietly inventing a new signature dish on the side.

Before stepping into luxury watch leadership, Alain’s career background includes hospitality, and it shows in the way he talks about clients and customization.

For him, hospitality is the main word, not only in hotels or restaurants, but anywhere we welcome people with intention. And in his world, “intention” means this:

High-level clients don’t want a transaction. They want attention, service, and anticipation, the kind that feels personal before it feels performative.

He even describes the training mindset: to understand what a customer needs, you learn to think like the customer yourself. Not in a scripted “pretend you’re them” way, but in a genuine way that helps you adapt to what they actually want before they have to ask.

In other words, the bespoke process isn’t just technical. It’s emotional. Hospitality, but make it horology.

Global curiosity, cultural nuance, and the art of tailoring

Alain’s childhood and early career weren’t steeped in watch jargon; they were steeped in openness: family, travel, curiosity.

From early experiences, saving his first money in a car-repair garage ecosystem, to traveling widely while young, he developed a mindset that’s basically the opposite of “one-size-fits-all.”

He explains that cultures respond differently: you don’t treat people the same way across regions and traditions, and you shouldn’t impose your own “default” mindset on someone else.

Then he brings it back to bespoke watchmaking:

Bespoke isn’t only the watch. It’s the relationship. The customer’s “DNA” becomes part of the piece, because what you’re really creating is a work of art built around the person, not the template.

Future Plans

When the conversation turns to the next 5 to 10 years, Alain Delamuraz returns to his favorite rule: look at the past to guide what’s next.

He points to the historical legacy of Pierre Jaquet-Droz crafting masterpieces for royalty, kings, and emperors. The guiding principle isn’t “only for the powerful” as a marketing concept; it’s about what that level of patronage demands:

If you make art for kings, you don’t do something irrelevant for others.
The brand focuses on the highest tier: complicated, exceptional artistry across crafts.
Each piece is unique—one by one, tailored to the individual patron.

He also describes a structural shift in the spirit of personalization: moving away from broad retail-style points of sale toward one-to-one human contact, the kind where the luxury is not just what you buy, but to whom you buy it from.

Because, he says, luxury is knowing the artist and building a relationship, similar to wanting to know the painter behind the painting, not just the painting itself.

And at the heart of that philosophy is collaboration: a watch as a collaboration between two artists. That’s the kind of sentence that makes you believe the process is less factory and more atelier, less mass customization, more hand-in-hand artistry.

Happiness, success, and the power to be responsive

Finally, Alain answers the big questions: what is happiness and success to him? He frames it as character, optimism as a way of seeing opportunities even inside chaos. He describes learning from difficult moments (including COVID) where the pressure forced re-invention and challenged the brand to think differently.

He also references an idea in the spirit of Darwin: It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.

So success, to Alain, isn’t just about balancing innovation and tradition; it’s about staying flexible, reacting like you’re on a wave rather than steering like you’re driving a van. Planning is important, but responsiveness is survival, and creativity loves a moving target.

In this conversation, Alain Delamuraz didn’t talk like a CEO delivering specs. He talked like an artist defending a craft philosophy:

The future opens with the past—but the brand must never become a copy.
Culture, curiosity, and relationships are part of engineering.
Success means staying responsive when the world changes the rules mid-game.

And that’s the extravagance here, not just in the watches, but in the belief that timepieces can be personal works of art.

Because if the key is the past… then the door is wide open.

Waves of Elegance at Ferretti’s Previlege Day: Riding the crest of culture and luxury at Hainan Clearwater Bay

When it comes to making waves in the world of luxury yachting, Ferretti Group has truly set the tide rolling at the stunning Hainan Clearwater Bay. Last February 2 to 8, 2026, this elite Italian marque made an unforgettable splash at the Clearwater Bay International Yacht Show, partnering with its exclusive mainland China dealer, Speedo Marine, to showcase a fleet that’s as breathtaking as the bay itself. Against the backdrop of the new marina development, Ferretti’s sleek vessels gleamed like diamonds on the water, turning heads and raising eyebrows among luxury connoisseurs and maritime aficionados alike.

But the real wave of excitement hit on February 23, when guests, owners, and VIPs gathered at the waterfront for a double celebration that was nothing short of extraordinary, with anticipation as the world premiere of the stunning Ferretti Yachts 580 and the Wallywhy200 in its exclusive Loro Piana limited edition took centre stage.

Adding to the thrill, Speedo Marine unveiled its brand-new showroom, an elegant space that promises to be the epicentre of luxury yachting in the region. But Ferretti’s wave of cultural engagement didn’t stop there. From February 23 to 25, the company’s commitment to artistry and tradition was on full display at the Tan Dun New Year Concert held at the Clearwater Bay Maritime Art Center. Imagine a night where music and maritime elegance melded seamlessly, Tan Dun’s compositions flowing like the gentle undulations of the sea, each note illuminating the night like the shimmering wake behind a yacht gliding through crystal-clear waters.

Meanwhile, the Riva Brand Exhibition took visitors on a voyage through 184 years of Italian nautical excellence. From historic shipyards that crafted legendary vessels to silver-screen icons that immortalized the Riva name, the exhibit was a treasure trove of stories, craftsmanship, and timeless design. Visitors embarked on an immersive journey, discovering the evolution of a brand that has defined the essence of elegance on water for nearly two centuries.

For yacht owners and connoisseurs alike, it was a wave of memories and moments that will ripple through the years to come. With its blend of cutting-edge design, rich heritage, and cultural finesse, Ferretti’s 2026 event season proved that when it comes to making a splash, they’re always riding the crest of the wave.

Ready to set sail on your next adventure? Dive into the world of Ferretti and experience the ultimate in luxury and elegance, where every wave whispers a story.

Lights. Camera. Perpetual Excellence!

Rolex and the Asian Film Awards Academy bring you the Jia Zhangke Masterclass, where everyday life becomes blockbuster cinema.

Some collaborations are built to last, like a well-wound film reel bound for greatness. The Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) is proud to announce its partnership with Rolex as the Exclusive Timepiece of the 19th Asian Film Awards, uniting two powerhouses to celebrate the rich heritage and bold evolution of Asian cinema.

Last 15th March, the spotlight stage was focused on the Asian Film Awards – Jia Zhangke Masterclass, presented in partnership with Rolex through the Rolex Perpetual Arts Initiative. Think of it as a cinematic “director’s cut” of philosophy, craft, and the kind of storytelling that lingers long after the credits roll.

When Ordinary Becomes Iconic

Jia Zhangke doesn’t just make films; he makes meaning. Growing up in a small town, he developed an instinct for the way society shifts around real people, in real time. His stories are subtle, quietly emphatic, and devastatingly human.

In this masterclass, Jia shared the guiding principles behind his distinctive approach to filmmaking, exploring how cinema can:

mirror reality with precision,
and accumulate deeper meaning over time,
turning local experiences into global resonance.

This is for aspiring filmmakers, cinema lovers, and anyone who’s ever wondered how an ordinary moment becomes a scene you can’t forget.

The Art of Passing the Torch

For more than half a century, Rolex has supported creative visionaries and partnered with cultural institutions to help artistic heritage travel from past to present to future. That commitment lives at the heart of the Perpetual Arts Initiative, a global framework celebrating arts across fields like architecture, cinema, dance, literature, music, theatre, and visual arts.

Similarly, AFAA is dedicated to nurturing rising talent, encouraging growth through patience, experience, and exchange. Together, Rolex and AFAA aren’t just celebrating filmmakers. They’re ensuring the craft keeps moving forward.

Built on Legacy and a Little Bit of Magic

Jia Zhangke’s career began in the 1990s, earning international recognition for his independent, realistic storytelling, offering audiences a window into the lives of ordinary citizens navigating a changing nation. He believes cinema is both art and technology, and that it must be passed on from generation to generation.

To that end, Jia has actively nurtured emerging filmmakers, including a two-year Rolex mentoring collaboration (2023–2024) with emerging Filipino filmmaker Rafael Manuel, and he officially became a Rolex Testimonee in 2024.

And if you’re thinking, “why does this matter?”—it’s because the future of Asian cinema doesn’t arrive by accident. It arrives through mentorship, dialogue, and a commitment to craft.

Rolex’s Director’s Notes Style

Rolex Greater China CEO Maxim Lamarre shared that Rolex is proud to partner with AFAA to present this significant Masterclass, highlighting Rolex’s dedication to excellence, the transmission of artistic heritage, and the future development of filmmaking in Asia.

AFAA Chairman Dr. Wilfred Wong added that the Asian Film Awards has become a key international platform connecting filmmakers and audiences across Asia, and that this collaboration marks the start of something meaningful.

And AFAA Executive Director Josie Lin said Jia represents the spirit of excellence and integrity that Rolex recognizes, with the Academy sharing the same commitment to discovering outstanding talent across Asia and expanding platforms for exchange.

Quick Facts You’ll Want to Keep Paused on Screen

Rolex is the Exclusive Timepiece of the 19th Asian Film Awards.
Rolex and AFAA present the Asian Film Awards – Jia Zhangke Masterclass on 15 March (in partnership through the Rolex Perpetual Arts Initiative)
Rolex Perpetual Arts Initiative supports and celebrates artists and institutions that uphold cultural legacy and cultivate rising talent.

Because Cinema isn’t just watched, it’s passed on. So grab your metaphorical popcorn, cue the opening scene, and get ready for a masterclass that doesn’t merely teach filmmaking, it celebrates the heartbeat behind it.