6 last-minute gifts for Father’s Day

Fathers across Hong Kong will get the chance this Sunday to take a well-deserved break from all the dad stuff they are required to do, which, in fairness, isn’t really that much. But if mums get a Mother’s Day, then dads should also get in on the act.

This Father’s Day, show your dad that you really care with a nice gift from our choices below.

Suited up

Brooks Brothers, the oldest men’s clothing company in the US, has introduced its Summer 2017 Golden Fleece collection just in time for Father’s Day. The collection is made up of outfits with splashes of colour in lightweight fabrics. The collection features suits and sport coats made from wool or a blend of wool and luxury fibres.

Sweet tooth

For the dad with a sweet tooth, Dalloyau has launched a selection of biscuits and sweet treats. The French brand with over 300 years of culinary expertise has released the treats as a special way to thank your dad.

Pick from Piment Biscuits with a hint of spice, Parmesan cheese, Espelette peppers and black pepper; Parmesan Cheese and Thyme Biscuits made with ingredients that complement each other beautifully; Éclair Cognac with a crunchy outer shell filled with smooth custard cream of fine cognac; and many more

Edgy fragrance

Givenchy has released a fragrance gift set that is based around the streetwear style of the French fashion house. The gift set comes in a box designed with black and white and steel as the main concepts. It includes a signature perfume and deodorant stick.

Elegant timepiece

Longines offers a number of watches, including La Grande Classique de Longines collection, for dads who need a touch of elegance in their life. Designed for modern gentlemen who prefer a minimalistic style, La Grande Classique is an ultra-slim timepiece with a white dial adorned with classical Roman numerals and black hands. The 36 mm stainless steel case is fitted with an automatic L591 self-winding mechanical movement.

Chinese accessories

Shanghai Tang has a range of contemporary gifts from modern Chinese chic accessories to ready-to-wear outfits to homeware. Spoil your dad with a men’s coin bracelet with a Chinese coin carved from green aventurine gemstone, a silk cashmere jacquard scarf with a double fish design in red and ink and retro Chinese round sunglasses inspired by 1960’s Hong Kong.

Glinting jewels

For the dad who likes his jewels, Nirav Modi has a selection of cufflinks that will complement any suit. Choose from Luminance Cufflinks with a mélange of pear and marquise elements, Mughal Cufflinks with a floral motif of the Mughal era and a brilliant-cut diamond at its centre and Celestial Cufflinks featuring a solitaire in the centre within a diamond halo.

Chinese actress Sandra Ma stars in Cartier¹s Panthère Inside

Luxury jewellery brand and watchmaker Cartier recently launched an ad film, Panthère Inside, starring Sandra Ma. In the film Sandra can be seen wearing Cartier’s signature Panthère de Cartier watch in 18-carat yellow gold.

Chinese actress Sandra Ma stars in Cartier’s ‘Panthère Inside’ advertising film

Luxury jewellery brand and watchmaker Cartier recently launched an advertising film, Panthère Inside, starring Sandra Ma. In the film Sandra can be seen wearing Cartier’s signature Panthère de Cartier watch in 18-carat yellow gold.

The Panthère de Cartier collection is a tribute to modern women who are both beautiful and independent. The film explores a side of Ma that has never been captured on-screen before. Bold and beautiful as the watch she’s wearing, she embodies the grace and confidence of a panther navigating the urban jungle.

Click here to watch the video

According to director Susie Au, Ma epitomises the modern Chinese woman. Her gentle look hides a confident personality which makes her the perfect model for this collection. Ma says, “My search for my true hidden self led me to be an actor and today I have found another side of me.”

Game Changer: Tudor signs David Beckham as brand ambassador

David Beckham has just been unveiled as a brand ambassador for Tudor watches. Beckham is already well-known for endorsing the fashion retailer H&M with actor Kevin Hart and Haig Club whisky. And he wasn’t a bad footballer back in the day.

The last brand ambassador for Tudor was Tiger Woods when the Swiss watch company signed the then up-and-coming golfer in 1997, after he won his first major. Woods left Tudor in 2002.

To coincide with the unveiling of Beckham as the face of the brand’s new “Born to Dare” campaign, Tudor has released a campaign video portraying the ex-footballer’s rise from a young boy to an England star and ends with Beckham looking pensively into the camera, wearing the Black Bay Chrono.

“I was attracted to Tudor by the attention to detail I could see in their watches,” Beckham says.

“I then learned about the history of the brand: one of adventure, pioneer diving and daring expeditions. I was instantly hooked.”

Beckham is also a long-time UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, trying to improve the health and education of children in Africa.

Tudor was launched by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf as an edgier, more adventurous type of brand compared to its more luxurious older brother.

Beckham will wear the Black Bay Chronograph and the new Black Bay S&G.

Cartier hosts lavish party to celebrate Panthère watch

Following on from the successful party in Los Angeles, Cartier hosted an event recently to celebrate its Panthère de Cartier watch.

Cartier transformed Shaw Studios to show off different facets of the women’s watch. The Gold Room captured the jewellery aspect of the Panthère de Cartier watch with golden décor and a contemporary-style chandelier, along with specially designed backlit showcases.

The Mirror Room was set up like a deluxe beauty salon, offering flash tattoos, makeup and nail art.

The Studio Room was furnished with cameras, lights and photography umbrellas to resemble the set of a professional magazine photo shoot and three vanity rooms were decorated like mini film sets.

Guests at the event included Cathy Lee, Rosamund Kwan, Gaile Lok, Bianca Bai, Vivian Sung, Shuling Wu, Kathy Lepeu, Niki Chow, Jennifer Tse, Queenie Rosita Law, Harris Chan and Kenny Kwan.

Rolex’s tribute to pioneering women

Pioneering women have been at the heart of Rolex’s success story ever since the inception of the Swiss luxury watch brand in the early 1900s. Founder Hans Wilsdorf had the foresight to design modern timepieces for both genders to suit the changing lifestyles of the 20th century.

Rolex then went one step further to acknowledge and reward women’s contribution in society by making swimmer Mercedes Gleitze the first Rolex Testimonee in 1927 when she swam across the English Channel wearing a Rolex Oyster.

For over a century now, Rolex has continued to be inspired by women in every field, be it science, arts, performance, sports or others.

From golfer Annika Sorenstam and show-jumper Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum to tennis star Chris Evert and Chinese pianist Yuja Wang, the list of Rolex Testimonees is extremely varied.

Rolex has accompanied these exemplary women on their extraordinary journeys – from Sylvia Earle’s underwater expedition to Olympic gold medallist Lindsey Vonn’s skiing triumphs on the Alps.

Though their achievements may be in diverse fields, what unites these women is their passion and unrelenting drive for success – a value that resonates with Rolex’s own uncompromising quality.

As the weather heats up, it’s time for short sleeves and to show off the hottest new watches

With the summer soon upon us, we take a look at some of the latest and greatest creations in the world of haute horlogerie. From a state-of-the-art smartwatch to serpent-themed timepieces for ladies, we handpick the most outstanding wrist watches from some of the grandest names – all being unveiled just in time for warm weather wear.

Always one of the stars of the luxury watch extravaganza that is Baselworld is aviation-inspired watch artisan Breitling. The perennial champion of chronographs once again unveiled a range of magnificent creations at this year’s show, that certainly did not disappoint. One timepiece in particular – the Superocean Héritage II – is perfect for the weekend adventurer.

Originally debuted in 1957, the Superocean professional diving watch has spawned several generations of fine timekeeping instruments boasting unmatched aquatic prowess. In keeping with this spirit, the Superocean Héritage is one of Breitling’s most favoured collections thanks to its timeless elegance and innovative features.

Marking its 60th anniversary, the watch has breathed new life into this classic design by incorporating a new steel bezel with an ultra-hard high-tech ceramic ring that is both scratchproof and extremely shock resistant. Built to last, the new incarnation of the Superocean Héritage gives a nod to the original classic in its triangular hands and cone-shaped hour markers.

The Superocean Héritage II is available in two sizes, 42 and 46 mm, as well as a 46-mm chronograph edition in three colour choices: black, blue and bronze. Powered by the Manufacture Calibre B20, both the 42 and 46 mm editions have a 70-hour power reserve and are water resistant to 200 metres while the chronograph houses a self-winding chronograph movement and is also resistant to 200 metres. All versions are certified by COSC, the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute – a testament to their precision and reliability.

From legendary design maison Montblanc comes a new age luxury watch. Unveiled in March this year is Montblanc’s first ever high-end smartwatch that confirms their dedication to innovation and a pioneering spirit. The Montblanc Summit is a triumph of design and technology that features premium materials, state-of-the-art technology and the tradition of haute horlogerie.

Having partnered with Google to create the timepiece, the Summit runs the brand’s all new Android Wear 2.0 operating system. The watch’s life-enhancing functions include a heart rate monitor to track personal fitness with a new level of accuracy and a selection of pre-installed apps such as Uber, Foursquare and Runtastic.

Undeniably practical, this stunning watch retains a timeless look and is available in several different versions. These include a black PVD-coated stainless steel case, bi-colour stainless steel case with black PVD-coated steel bezel, stainless steel case with satinated finish and a grade 5 titanium case with satinated finish. Each of these editions are customisable, with a choice of strap from calfskin leather, to rubber, to alligator. For the uninitiated, PVD (physical vapour deposition) is a special technique used to apply a thin film which makes for a more corrosion-resistant surface.

For the gentleman who is looking for pure luxury and elegance in a wrist watch, Vacheron Constantin has created the Malte Tourbillon. Brimming with personality and classic good looks, the Malte collection takes Vacheron Constantin’s iconic tonneau shape and re-interprets it in a range of contemporary variations. The only Hallmark of Geneva -certified tonneau-shaped tourbillion, the Malte Tourbillon features a 48.2 mm sized case, is water resistant to 30 metres and coated in 18-carat 5N pink gold.

The stylish, sandblasted dial is slate coloured and bears 11 baton-shaped hour markers. Decorated with the Maltese cross at 6 o’clock, the hour and minute hands are slightly off-centre allowing a perfect view of the tourbillon bearing the seconds hand. The timepiece is powered by the 2795 calibre – a mechanical hand-wound movement exclusively developed by Vacheron Constantin and endowed with a 45-hour power reserve.

Certainly not to be overlooked, ladies are also spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury watches this summer, starting with Bulgari and its very first customisable watch, the Serpenti. The Serpenti is the ideal timepiece for the confident individual with a characteristic sense of style. Available in over 300 variations, the Serpenti is the true individualist’s watch. Encased in a curved 27-mm case in steel and pink gold with a bezel set with brilliant-cut diamonds – depending on the version – a choice of dials is available in a veritable rainbow of colours. Powered by the calibre BO33, the watch is finished with a wrap-around strap in Karung leather or calfskin, also available in different colours.

From Glashütte comes a new interpretation of one of their iconic collections – the Pavonina, a watch that has been adorning wrists since 2013. In contrast to previous models, the new range features Roman numerals on iridescent mother-of-pearl dials. Available in a wide range of colours, the 31-mm case is available in stainless steel, red gold or a delicate mix of the two materials. Diamond set, the dials are also available with an impressive array of motifs and materials including the diamond-studded option for that jaw-dropping dazzle.

Housed inside the Pavonina is the 03-02 quartz movement, which is resistant to magnetic fields and is created specifically for the Pavonina line. The sophisticated quick-change system means ladies can change bracelets depending on their outfit to ensure they always look their best.

Last but certainly not least, we have the Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Moon Medium for the celestially inclined. Available in rose gold, the Rendez-Vous Moon is delightfully enhanced with one of the Mètiers Jaeger-LeCoultre Rares of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Manufacture – the gem setting. Its brilliant golden dial is divinely feminine while both bezel and rim are set with brilliant-cut diamonds.

In addition to hours and minutes, the watch displays moon phases that are accurate to within one day of lag in every 972 years. Water resistant to 3 bar, the watch is available with an alligator leather strap or stainless steel bracelet.

Text: Hans Schlaikier

8 ways to treat a special lady this Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a time to show the most important woman in your life that you appreciate all the sweat and toil she went through to get you where you are today. Let’s be honest, mothers are as close to a superhero as you can get. All that’s missing is the cape.

So this Sunday, show your mother that you really care by taking her out for a delicious meal, buying her a nice piece of jewellery or pampering her at a spa.

We have compiled a list of things to help you treat such a special lady this Mother’s Day.

Brunch at Gaucho

Gaucho’s new head chef has created a menu that is sure to delight even the pickiest of mothers. Located in the heart of Central and well-known for its steaks, the Argentinian restaurant is offering an all-you-can-eat and drink Veuve Clicquot brunch during the day (HK$600), and an exclusive 3-course dinner in the evening (HK$425).

The daytime brunch includes 2-hour free-flow champagne and delicious dishes such as empanadas, ceviches and different cuts of prime beef. Mothers who prefer nighttime drinking and eating can enjoy a 3-course meal including salmon tiradito, shrimp causita, lomo (fillet) and other Argentinian specials. The meal is finished off with dulce de leche cheesecake.

Food with a view at CÉ LA VI

If you want to treat your mum by taking her to a venue for brunch with stunning views over Hong Kong, then CÉ LA VI’s Moments with Mum brunch (HK$488) is the perfect choice. The brunch is on every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm during May and the food has been prepared by Executive Chef Kun Young Pak.

The menu has a Korean flavour with chilled seafood and salad followed by hot platters like tempura and Korean-style creamy prawns. Main dishes include the crunchy and succulent short rib lettuce wrap and Korean-style fried chicken and waffles. Ladies will also be presented with a complimentary de-stressing gift pack.

Gifts from Bally

Bally, the Swiss luxury fashion company, has a number of presents for the mum who is young at heart. The Edelweiss Capsule collection is crafted from calf leather and mums can choose from a tote bag, backpack, mini-cross body bag, clutch and wallet. The collection is available in petal and marine colours.

Beautify with Jurlique

Beauty conscious mothers will love the gifts from Jurlique. The Australian cosmetics brand offers a hand care set to treat, nurture and restore moisture, leaving hands beautifully soft, smooth and healthy with lasting hydration. Mothers can also indulge themselves from head-to-toe with the rose hydration cream that is included in the hand and body kit.

Satisfy a sweet tooth at Ms B’s Cakery

For mothers with a sweet tooth, Ms B’s Cakery has five delicious cakes, as well as a range of unique gifts. The five cakes – Garden Rose, the Baby, the True Love, the Heart of Hearts and the Lilac Dream – are sure to bring a smile to any mother’s face. The Garden Rose (1,000g, HK$1,800) is a French vanilla chiffon sponge cake along with peaches and cream and a chocolate corn crunch, topped with sugar-art roses and sweet peas. Ms B’s Cakery is also offering gift boxes, which include handcrafted chocolates, silk flowers and an oversized edible “rock”.

Celebrate with Roger Dubuis

Roger Dubuis is helping you celebrate Mother’s Day with two of its collections: Excalibur and Velvet. The Excalibur 36mm Automatic features a white alligator strap fitted on a fully paved dial. It has been designed with an assortment of diamonds and comes with a white gold case and folding buckle. The Excalibur Essential 36 Automatic has sparkling gems and a blue PVD-coated dial with a sun-brushed finish. The watch features a 22-carat pink gold rotor, visible through the transparent sapphire crystal case-back and black DLC-treated titanium case topped by a bezel set with 48 blue sapphires.

Indulge at the Mandarin Spa

Show your mum you really care with a rejuvenating facial at The Mandarin Spa that helps to thicken the skin and improve collagen and elastin. The non-invasive facial uses Environ skincare products to expose the skin to high levels of vitamin A, antioxidants and peptides. The vitamin-based treatment counteracts the harmful effects of the environment, pollution and stress for radiant, visibly improved skin. Until 14 May, mothers and daughters who book the 90-minute facial (HK$2,200 on weekdays and HK$2,300 on weekends) will receive a complimentary Environ eye gel.

Larry Jewelry dazzles

Larry Jewelry has released a dazzling new ring just in time for Mother’s Day. The Precious Heart ring boasts a heart-shaped emerald in the centre weighing 2.89 carats, and also features an additional 2.3 carats of marquise-shaped, pear-shaped and round brilliant diamonds. It is just one of the items designed for Larry Jewelry’s Precious Heart collection, which features unique heart-shaped gemstones paired with a variety of diamonds in elegant and enchanting designs.

Text: Andrew Scott

Timepieces and art: Watch our interview with Olivier Audemars

At the recent Art Basel, luxury Swiss watch brand Audemars Piguet presented artwork from Chinese artist Cheng Ran at its stand in the Collectors Lounge.

The work was part of a series of collaborations with artists to showcase the brand’s home in heart of the Vallée de Joux, Switzerland.

Combining Audemars Piguet’s origins with his own visual world, Ran created a video installation set in the Vallée de Joux which transported the viewer on a journey between landscape and soundscape.

Audemars Piguet was founded in 1875 and the company is still independently run by relatives of the two founders, Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet.

The great-grandson of Audemars, Olivier Audemars, Vice President of the Board of Directors, flew to Hong Kong for Art Basel and we spoke to him about the watch company’s collaborations with artists and how the company has managed to stay independent.

Text: Andrew Scott

It’s A Date: Glashütte releases two luxury timepieces

Glashütte’s latest offerings come in the form of two luxury timepieces, once again showcasing the brand’s horological excellence. The first, the Senator Excellence Panorama Date, features the date displayed on two concentric display discs on the same level, while the printed numerals are off-set in black from the ivory-hued base. The second, the Senator Excellence Panorama Date Moon Phase, adds a moon phase complication to the date counter. A diamond-milled silver moon travels along the display, which contrasts with the background – a starry, galvanic blue sky.