Track Stars: Winning watches inspired by supercars past and present

The unrivalled technical and sporting centenary by presenting a special version of its excellence embodied in racing cars is a perfect bedfellow for luxury watches that seek the ultimate in performance standards. These are watches taking their inspiration from the high-octane world of motorsport and high-performance cars.

An extraordinary example is the RM UP- 01 Ferrari spawned by the now two-year-old partnership between Richard Mille and Italian carmaker Ferrari. Thousands of laboratory hours were spent refining a dashboard-like timepiece with total shock resistance and a super-slim 1.75-millimetre sleekness that remains true to the spirit of the marque. Remarkably, this perfectly flat watch retains complete internal movement within the case and boasts a baseplate and skeletonised bridges crafted of grade 5 titanium, a material specifically chosen for its lightness and toughness.

In homage to the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, Richard Mille has also released a limited-edition RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic. Crafted as per usual in the event’s colours, the 150 watches are flyback chronographs with a patented double oscillating pinion clutch mechanism to maximise performance.

Rolex marked the 24 Hours of Le Mans legendary chronograph adored by the late actor and racing driver Paul Newman. The new Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona’s calibre 4132 movement allows for a 24-hour chronograph function (as opposed to the usual 12-hour count) in tribute to the race itself. In addition, the number ‘100’ in red ceramic stands out on the tachymetric scale of this 18-carat gold watch with a brilliant black dial.

Such is the affection and status of the Daytona watch that Rolex has updated the entire range on the occasion of its 60th birthday. All iterations utilise a new chronograph movement via the calibre 4131, with innovations including the patented Chronergy escapement which is resistant to strong magnetic fields, a cut-out oscillating weight and new finishes, especially on the bridges. The new- generation Cosmograph Daytona spans a range of materials from 950 platinum and Oystersteel to 18-carat Everose gold.

Roger Dubuis’ inspiration is the supercar designs of the Lamborghini Squadra Corse, and hot off the blocks, the watchmaker has just released a striking blue Excalibur Spider Huracán Sterrato following last year’s pulsating orange version. The new variation is housed in a 45mm carbon case engineered from a compound nine times lighter than gold – Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) Carbon – then topped by black DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) titanium.

A rubber and camouflage pattern strap blends hues of blue and uses a Combined Vulcanisation process for a seamless look. The watch also has 60 hours of power reserve and is water resistant to 50 metres. Meanwhile, a new Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph made its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

A month previously, just prior to the start of the annual 1000 Miglia race from Brescia and Rome and back in Italy, four new models of the ongoing Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph collection were unveiled by race sponsor and timekeeper Chopard. Made from Lucent Steel (eco-friendly recycled material more resilient than regular steel), the precision-engineered quartet comes in colours that nod to the paint jobs and interior finishes of the pre-1957 1000 Miglia racers – cherry red, grey blue, light green and racing black. A limited-edition version of the Mille Miglia GTS Chrono has also been released, featuring a large-diameter crown and ‘mushroom’ pushers to aid usage whilst driving.

TAG Heuer has also established a reputation for fine racing watches. With 2023 marking the 60th anniversary of the famous TAG Heuer Carrera, two new models hit the ground running: a Chronograph and Chronograph Tourbillon. The latter is its first ‘Glassbox’ model – domed glass encasing the dial and tachymeter bezel – featuring a tourbillon cage. Technical developments mean the tachymeter scale can now be read from a wider range of angles, whilst improved ergonomics of the stainless-steel case promise increased comfort.

The two new models come with a black or blue circular brushed dial respectively, and incorporate an evolved version of its automatic chronograph calibre, the Heuer 02, that offers bi- directional winding. The Monaco Chronograph and Monaco Chronograph Racing Blue are also TAG Heuer racing models of note.

Clocking into the 70th anniversary of the 1953 Le Mans race, Bremont has introduced a new Jaguar-inspired watch, the C-type, in homage to the car that won it. A stainless-steel case back features a decorative coin depicting a C-type hood badge and five stainless-steel screws with polished heads. It is water-resistant to 200 metres and boasts domed anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Other racy models in the Bremont showroom include the Jaguar MKI, the Williams Racing WR-22 and the WR-45.

Omega’s watches have long adorned the adrenaline-fuelled racetracks of the world and its famous Omega Speedmaster was considered of such a high technical standard that it was worn by Buzz Aldrin on his moon mission. Upgraded and slimmed- down versions of the Omega Speedmaster ’57 were introduced last year, powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9906.

These eight models can claim the iconic Omega column-wheel chronograph mechanism, a rhodium-plated bridge, as well as magnetic resistance to 15,000 gauss.

Luxury Choices: Experience the Ultimate in Opulence with These New Products

From designer fashion and accessories to high-end electronics, Gafencu dives into the world of opulence and extravagance. Whether you are a connoisseur or simply someone with a taste for the finer things in life, this article is sure to capture your attention and inspire your desire for the newest and most exclusive products available.

Carthusia’s Essence of the Park

Evoking an unforgettable walk in the park on a splendid evening, Carthusia – Essence of the Park is a timeless, classic fragrance that recalls the most cherished scents of the outdoors. A unisex “green” fragrance, in which the restless Mediterranean breeze of the top notes blends in the heart of magnolia yielding to the vibrations of the citrus fruits which absorb them, sublimate them, releasing fresh waves that gently land in woody and amber notes. Exclusively available at Carthusia, Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2608 2238.

Tudor’s Prince Chronograph One

A new interpretation of a Tudor timepiece from the 1970s has been revealed for Only Watch 2023. Prince Chronograph One features a column-wheel construction within a 42mm, 18-carat yellow-gold case with chamfering and square crown guards. Backed by a yellow gold solid case back with a matching bracelet, the black lacquered dial comes with sunken gold counters – the one at six o’clock is ringed by the watch moniker. An attractive standout, Prince Chronograph promises to be one of the kings of the November auction.

Delsey Paris’ Rempart suitcase and Croisière tote

Two stylish travel bags are being exclusively sold at the newly opened Delsey Paris boutique in Harbour City for a limited period. The Rempart suitcase and Croisière tote will be available until 31 August. Shoppers who stop by will surely appreciate the new two-tone colours of white and grey and will find the versatile tote bag is available in three sizes, small, medium and big – all very handy for trips in and out of town.

Hearts On Fire’s VELA line

Hearts On Fire introduces its new VELA line, which is inspired by the lovely moment when love takes flight and gives a modern, fresh sensibility and timeless appeal. A design feature that is subtly used in all eleven items of the collection, rich with the smooth curves and soft, swooping lines of a feather, evokes both the lightness and mobility of love. This intricacy, paired with the brand’s signature cut, allows for maximum refraction of light within the diamonds, for an unparalleled sparkle.

Clé de Peau Beauté’s Synactif Eye Mask

With its new Synactif Eye Mask, Clé de Peau Beauté emphasizes the sensitive eye region. It targets the loss of firmness and combats densely-clustered fine lines with reviving Golden Oyster Mushroom Extract. The main Synactif ingredient, Purifying Beautifier, aids in holistically enhancing the appearance and health of the skin. One 10-minute application reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles by 7% and conceals under-eye bags by 5%.

TUMI’s Essential Beautiful Campaign

TUMI launches its Fall 2023 campaign, entitled “Essentially Beautiful.” Aptly named, it features 4-wheeled carry-ons, briefcases and extended trip packaging cases from the 19 Degree Collection – displayed with their shells made from post-industrial recycled polycarbonate and lining made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. It brings a colourful twist with new colours and textures, including red, hunter green, blush and deep plum.

B&B Italia’s Nooch

To promote sustainability in the outdoor furniture market, B&B Italia developed the Nooch modular seating system, which takes its name from the tropical botanical garden of Nong Nooch in Thailand. Its main characteristic is the tubular structure made of recycled aluminium, a strong and lightweight material that is fully recyclable. This was a decision motivated by a simplicity that calls to mind simple tubular constructions and elevates them with a meticulously thought-out design.

Shroommate’s Mushroom supplements

A new product for the health-conscious reaches the market in the form of a mushroom supplement by Shroommate, a new brand that promotes healthy living. The three founders of Shroommate – Alex Lam, Simon Yuen and Vivien Wong – are passionate advocates of the benefits of the superfood. Their product line, crafted from the likes of cordyceps, lion’s mane and reishi, helps to boost energy and oxygen intake, improves memory and reduces symptoms of brain fog, as well as destress and build up immunity.

Apple’s Mac Book Air 15”

The new MacBook Air is the best 15-inch laptop in the world thanks to its large 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display, M2 performance, up to 18 hours of battery life, six-speaker sound system and thin and light design. The Liquid Retina display’s up to 500 nits of brightness and support for 1 billion colours produce content that is vibrant and typography that is incredibly sharp. It has a 25% brighter screen and doubles the resolution of a comparable PC laptop.

ZEGNA’s Oasi Cashmere collection

The Oasi Cashmere collection is part of ZEGNA’s ongoing plan to complete their Road to Traceability initiative by 2024. Hence, the pieces – whether overshirt, trousers, or knitwear in the Oasi Cashmere material – will reveal their journey through a QR code, from the origin of the goat fibre in Mongolia to the spinning mills in Italy. The brand’s commitment to the traceability of natural resources originates from Oasi Zegna in Piedmont where the brand’s woolmill home is built.

Pretti5’s Peony+ Hyaluronic Brightening Serum

A new skin-care product available at the Pretti5 website harnesses active ingredients from the East and West to soothe and brighten the complexion. Tailor-made for sensitive skin, Peony+ Hyaluronic Brightening Serum is certified by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. While keeping skin nourished, its brightening, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties guard against the environmental factors that trigger melanin.

Luxury Choices: The most extravagant products to add to your shopping list this month

Explore a world of luxury as we reveal the most coveted products that are gaining popularity among fashionable and elite individuals worldwide. This thoughtfully curated collection offers something for everyone, whether you’re a perfume enthusiast, a fashion lover, or a watch collector.

Rasei Fort Oud Cavaran fragrance

The Oud Cavaran fragrance by perfumer Rasei Fort takes inspiration from the famed caravans crossing the world’s greatest sea of sand. Swaying camels and shifting dunes in the Arabian Desert inspire a distinct signature of aromatic oud, wood and leather. This spicy, oriental composition provides an olfactive journey worthy of the Bedouin, whose tales have long been forgotten. Exclusively available from Scented Niche at K11 Musea, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2608 2205, and Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay, tel: 2608 2206.

Cartier Baignoire watch

Cartier first created the Baignoire watch in 1912 with a rectangular case rounded at the ends like a bathtub. The concept continued to evolve until 1958, with a so-called ‘curved oval’ watch. With its Roman numerals and curved crystal, this timeless model is now available in two new versions. The first celebrates pure elegance, with a ‘less is more’ approach. For the second, the emblematic oval is transformed into a bangle, a circle of gold – whether rose, yellow or paved with diamonds – to be slipped onto the wrist.

Harry Winston Forget-Me-Not collection

American jeweller Harry Winston spent his famed career reimagining nature’s splendour with the world’s most magnificent gemstones – a tradition that continues to this day. One of the most popular flowers in the brand’s bejewelled garden is the effervescent Forget-Me-Not. The Harry Winston designers have reimagined this captivating wildflower in an enchanting perennial collection of delicate jewellery. Nature’s beauty is expressed through round brilliant, pear-shaped and marquise diamonds.

Rado’s True Thinline x Gardens of the World collection

Since Rado and the Great Gardens of the World organisation began their collaboration in 2017, a whole new range of natural textures and shapes has found its way into the watchmaker’s work. Now, elements from three quite different plants bring visual rhythm to three individual dial designs for the True Thinline x Gardens of the World collection. Crafted in monobloc high-tech ceramic, Chapter 8 unites a polished black case with a matching dial; Chapter 9 is a brilliant white reflection of the monkey puzzle tree; and Chapter 10 depicts branches of the dragon blood tree in plasma grey.

Christian Louboutin’s Froufrou Alta platform sandals

Inspired by the flamenco tradition of Andalucia, the Flamencaba limited-edition capsule collection from Christian Louboutin embodies savoir-faire, passion and female empowerment. Requiring a high level of technical skill and an abundance of crepe satin, the Froufrou Alta platform sandals with 150mm heels are embellished with layered frills and a cascading ruffle. With a handcrafted oversized rose atop the toe, Sevillana lamé uppers, delicate straps and a 100mm stiletto heel, the Flora Queen sandals make an elegant standout on dance floors.

Blue Heart Crème de la Mer

The same combination of skin-soothing sea-sourced ingredients that powered La Mer ultra-rich cream to fame now come in a chic collectible jar. Limited-edition Blue Heart Crème de la Mer brings delight inside and out as the regeneration force of giant sea kelp leaves ripples on the exterior. Its contents offer daily moisturising and the promise of skin firming, uplifting and natural renewal.

Laura Mercier High Vibe Lip Colour

From acclaimed makeup artist Laura Mercier comes High Vibe Lip Colour. Presented in a sleek, sophisticated rose-gold tube, this modern, high-resolution pigment immediately amps up lips. Choose from 10 striking coats of colour with light-reflecting vivid pearls to boost vibrancy. The new lipstick is also infused with guava oil, ensuring moisturising all-day wear and a melting sensation as it kisses the lips.

Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old Sherry Cask Finish single malt whisky

Glenfiddich is the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky brand. Ranging from the signature 12-Year-Old expression to rare, vintage and limited-edition bottles, its whisky is renowned worldwide for quality and consistency. This special edition 12-Year-Old Sherry Cask Finish single malt has matured for many years in American and European oak casks before finishing in Amontillado Sherry casks for a distinctively rich and refined depth of flavour.

Drop d’Issey Eau de Parfum Fraîche

Evoking fragrant blossoms in pools of water, A Drop d’Issey Eau de Parfum Fraîche is the new opus from Issey Miyake. It captures the journey of a raindrop in springtime from the moment it falls from the clouds. Each droplet reveals the facets of all the elements it encounters – grass, flowers, wood and more – for an uplifting and refreshing sensory experience. Designed by Todd Bracher, the distinctive drop-shaped flaçon similarly reflects nature in hues that graduate from blue to green.

Anya Hindmarch Raffia Drawstring Small Tote

The summer season has arrived and Anya Hindmarch has released a bag designed for the sunny holiday months. The Raffia Drawstring Small Tote moves from a casual picnic in the park to an elegant event around town with consummate ease. Lightweight and airy, the woven raffia is gathered together at the top by a leather drawstring trimmed with the London designer’s signature tassels – these smooth leather contrasts come in a choice of striking electric blue, chalk or golden hues.

Narciso Rodriguez For Her Forever

American fashion designer Narciso Rodriguez has worked to uncover and enhance each woman’s inner beauty and sense of self. For Her Forever is a new scent introduced to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his popular perfume range. It continues the tradition of the house’s musk-centric scents with a brilliant new version of the unmistakable olfactory signature, paying forceful homage to the legendary For Her collection.

CurrentBody RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device

CurrentBody, which provides salon-grade devices for home use, has made its first push into radio frequency technology. Its RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device uses the power of heat in the service of anti-ageing, making skin plumper, firmer and smoother. Cutting-edge bipolar RF technology enables effective home treatments that adjust to your skin and combats obvious indications of ageing with long-lasting results. For noticeable improvements, use the device once a week as part of your skincare regimen.

Niessing Spannring® Era pendant

Celebrating 150 years of craftsmanship, German jeweller Niessing presents the new Niessing Spannring® Era pendant. An endless band of gold or platinum arches to encircle two diamonds in a fascinating design that eliminates the need for an eyelet while ensuring that one stone is always facing forward. It is available in six precious metal hues – Supla Grenadine, Classic Yellow, Classic Red, Fine Rose, Rosewood and Platinum.

Depth Charge: Underwater watches that go below and beyond sports needs

Diving the depths of the oceans requires skill and daring and the ability to assess the passing of time. Submerging with the right watch is crucial and the latest watertight instruments provide timely assurance and robust good looks for adventurers.

The Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date epitomise the historic link between Rolex and underwater exploration. Launched in 1953, the Submariner was the first diver’s wristwatch waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). A version with a date function, the Submariner Date, followed 16 years later. Contemporary models can plunge securely to 300 metres.

The unidirectional rotatable bezel is equipped with a 60-minute graduated monobloc Cerachrom insert – in black, blue or green, depending on the version – that allows divers to monitor their time underwater. This patented insert is made of an extremely hard, virtually scratchproof ceramic whose colour is unaffected by ultraviolet rays. In addition, the high-tech ceramic is inert and cannot corrode.

Omega’s ocean story began with the Omega Marine in 1932, the world’s first diver’s watch available to civilians. Characterised by its double case design sealed with cork, the superb water resistance of that timepiece paved the way for the brand’s diving future.

To survive the toughest conditions, Omega created a Concept Ultra Deep watch in 2019 that included indestructible features, such as a case completely machined out of forged grade 5 titanium, robust ‘Manta lugs’ that provided an innovative way of securing the watch to its strap, and a sapphire face with a conical loadbearing design.

The release of the Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep collection last year allowed all underwater enthusiasts to feel like a professional aquanaut. Seven models, measuring 45.5mm in diameter and water-resistant to 6,000 metres (20,000 feet), are led by a bold version crafted in sand-blasted and forged grade 5 titanium.

Blancpain claims the honour of introducing the first modern dive watch 70 years ago. Revolutionising watchmaking, the Fifty Fathoms was conceived by passionate scuba diver Jean-Jacques Fiechter, then the brand’s CEO.

The 50th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms saw the arrival of a contemporary version, and 20 years later, the homage continues in a new model, the Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa, with a high-tech instrument that makes it possible for the first time to measure up to three-hour immersion times. Designed to meet today’s technical diving requirements, the bezel boasts a three-hour scale that is linked to a special hand that completes one full turn in three hours.

The Panerai story is one of innovation in the service of creating tools for marine adventure. The newly released Submersible QuarantaQuattro is water resistant as far down as 300 metres, thanks to the patented crown-protecting device that is inextricably linked to the Italian watchmaker’s history. A unidirectional rotating bezel to measure submersion time and metallic appliques filled with white SuperLumiNova make the watch an indispensable diving instrument.

The first diving watch Bremont ever produced was the 43mm Supermarine 500, back in 2009. This robust timepiece met the criteria of brand co-founders Nick and Giles English – beautifully engineered, practical in design and also tied to its strong aviation heritage. A new entrant to the range is the Supermarine S501, which has drawn direct inspiration from the S301 released in 2017. The more vintage feel was a big differentiator within this series and it has proved incredibly popular. The thicker crystal case was critical to ensure the watch could still reach depths of 500 metres.

Swiss watchmaker Doxa developed the SUB 200 C-Graph II to fulfil the role of a tool watch on high-risk submersions such as cave dives. With a more contemporary diameter of 42mm and a reduced thickness of 15.85mm, it offers the same functionality and features as its larger 45mm sibling presented in 2020 and is also made of the highest quality 316L stainless steel.

Seiko has introduced a diver’s watch that commemorates five of the world’s highest peaks by Japanese adventurer Naomi Uemura. On the textured dial of the Prospex 1970 Diver’s The Naomi Uemura Limited Edition is an image of the contours of Mont Blanc, the first of Uemura’s climbs.

Watch Mania – Explaining the desire for the watch masterpiece

The recent online acquisition of a remarkable Patek Philippe has caused something of a stir in the watch-collecting community. Fetching US$5,815,300, the watch was the most valuable timepiece ever sold online globally and the most expensive object ever sold online at Christie’s Asia. This astronomical price for a Grand Complications Sky Moon Tourbillon has left some industry insiders wondering how high prices will go.

Buoyed by this massive headliner, the online watch sale at Christie’s Hong Kong in March proved a success with total sales comfortably exceeding US$8 million. Alexandre Bigler, Vice President and Head of Watches at Christie’s Asia Pacific believes this achievement is indicative of a vibrant market for watches across the world. He further opines that the sale cements Hong Kong’s status as an international epicentre for watch collecting.

He also attributed the success to the diverse selection of collectible watches. “Not only did we offer rare timepieces from reputed brands like Patek Philippe, Rolex, Cartier and Vacheron Constantin, but also iconic designs from other highly-sought after brands like Gerald Genta, Andersen, Hublot, A. Lange & Söhne., and Jaeger Le-Coultre.”

But just what is it that drives buyers to collect watches and pay such sky-high prices? Kenneth Or, founder of Hong Kong-based Ken’s Watches, a supplier of new and second-hand premium watches since 2002, says that for some, it is simply a hobby, just like any other pastime that gives pleasure, such as collecting arts or wine or cars or jewels.

But there are also financial motives. “It is now considered to be a kind of investment tool as well,” he notes. “Watches have their own value. A watch not only keeps its value but sometimes its value might also be increased as time passes by. One can enjoy collecting something they love while they know they can always get the money back.”

Or also believes the market is readily accessible for the avid watch lover. “Moreover, the international watch market is very mature nowadays. It is easy and convenient to sell a watch and get the money back,” he adds.

What drives up the value of a watch and makes it collectible depends on numerous factors, according to Or. “It is about the brand, the watch design and style, popularity in the market, production volume, demand in the market, and if there are any stories behind the item. All these criteria support the value of a watch and make it a collectible one.”

Technical complexity
Christie’s Bigler believes the value of some premium watches is derived from their historical significance, reflecting such things as technological advancements and design trends of their time. Some collectors also have an astute appreciation of the painstaking craftsmanship and technical expertise confined to a miniature work of art on the wrist.

As a case in point, he sees the price-busting Patek Philippe watch as one of the revered manufacturer’s most intricate and impressive creations. “ The reference 6002G seems to effortlessly combine immense mechanical complication with amazing aesthetics and readability,” he says.

“This inspirational double-face grand complication with hand-made blue cloisonné and champlevé enamel dial was launched in 2013 to replace the first Sky Moon Tourbillon model, reference 5002, launched in 2001 and formerly the most complicated wristwatch in the world.

“Boasting 12 complications, reference 6002G is housed in an extraordinary sculptural 44mm white-gold case entirely hand-chased and engraved with almost three-dimensional elegant scrolls which takes Patek Philippe’s master craftsmen over 100 hours to achieve,” he says. “In this superlative horological work of art, rare handcraft skills are combined with a mechanical tour-de-force, representing the very highest level of watchmaking and artistry.” Watches such as these will always retain their value. Bugler advises clients to only acquire watches they feel truly passionate about.

Great, new and innovative smartwatches for the smart consumer

New and even more sophisticated smartwatches are dazzling consumers with their technical wizardry and life-enhancing features. Some luxury brands have upped their product offering to higher levels of functionality and quality to capture the needs – in real-time – of today’s active and demanding watch lovers.

Take Montblanc, which continues its smart watchmaking evolution with the introduction of the Montblanc Summit 3. This latest iteration of the Maison’s smartwatch is an expression of elevated luxury with a handcrafted lightweight titanium watch case and configurable watch face inspired by Montblanc’s heritage in watchmaking paired with handmade calf leather and rubber straps.

The Montblanc Summit 3 incorporates a personal health suite on its owner’s wrist, including step tracking, sleep monitoring of the different sleep phases, and blood oxygen measurement. The fitness app has evolved its offering with a variety of workouts that can be tracked to maximise their impact over time. Powered with Wear OS by Google, the new Montblanc smartwatch can be enhanced with the addition of all the apps necessary to meet the needs of its owner.

Signalling its intent as another major Swiss player in smartwatches, TAG Heuer expands its offer to all committed athletes with the Connected Calibre E4 Sport Edition 45mm. Thanks to new functions as well as a redesigned strap, this smart timepiece can monitor any sporting activity with an even wider range of data.

It is boosted by the launch of a new “Trail & Hiking” application for runners and hikers who love the mountains and going higher and further than anyone else. Taking advantage of the barometer, the new activities feature will add to the watch’s multisport offering, enriching it even further. Changing the main metric to Altitude Gained allows the user to monitor their efforts during the session.

Apple Watch Ultra stakes its smartwatch leader claim anew with the introduction of novel three bands — Trail Loop, Alpine Loop and Ocean Band — offering unique design features that provide a secure, comfortable fit for every adventure. Made from aerospace-grade titanium, Apple Watch Ultra provides the perfect balance of weight, durability and corrosion resistance. The new Action button in aerospace-style high-contrast international orange is easily customised for instant access to a variety of features, including Workouts, Compass Waypoints, Backtrack and more.

Apple Watch Ultra has three built-in microphones that significantly improve sound quality in voice calls during any conditions.

Turning to Samsung, the Galaxy Watch5 series boasts comprehensive health monitoring features and is built with durable materials to accompany users in all kinds of daily activities and keep tabs on their energetic lifestyle. With the Galaxy Buds2 Pro in synch, exceptional sound quality, combined with enhanced active noise cancellation, assure an unparalleled listening experience that starts at the wrist.

The watch series offers a variety of smart monitoring functions to help users exercise, maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage health conditions easily. The Body Composition measurement tool sends microcurrents to get a detailed snapshot in just 15 seconds, with key measurements like skeletal muscle, basal metabolic rate, body water and body fat percentage, allowing accurate track of fitness progress and personalised exercise goals.

With a range of features to support your physical health to mental health, Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 empowers your workouts both outdoors and indoors, up to the mountains, and down into the swimming pool. There are 100+ workout modes and the watch itself is around 30% lighter and reinforced with stainless steel.

The Michael Kors Access Gen 6 comes equipped with a range of high-tech features – think Bluetooth-enabled calling, Spotify functionality so you can listen to your favourite tunes as you work out, and a heart rate and activity tracker. All their smartwatches are compatible with iPhone technology as well as Android so there is no need to worry about downloading anything new.

Jetting in from Garmin, the Marq Aviator (Gen 2) is a purpose-built luxury modern tool watch which features a hardened swept-wing titanium bracelet, a stunning AMOLED touchscreen display with traditional button controls and a 46mm case made of Grade 5 titanium for an ultradurable design. Designed for pilots, it can give weather reports and has a barometric altimeter among a host of other amazing tools. The jetlag adviser proves handy once on the ground.

(Text: Neil Dolby)

Face Time: Delightful dial styles for discerning haute horology investors and collectors

Through the ages, many of the finest watchmakers have frequently sought inspiration from the worlds of art and fashion. Typically, this has led to powerful graphic imagery being incorporated into the delightful dial styles of some of the most memorable high-end precision timepieces. At present, numerous such high-concept horological high points merit particular attention.

First up, there is the third watch in Chopard’s L.U.C Skull One series, an exclusive collection inspired by Día de los Muertos – Mexico’s infamous Day of the Dead festival. Available as a 25-piece limited edition, its bold, high-concept design embodies the marque’s hallmark creativity and innovation, while also remaining a prime example of horological excellence. Its centrepiece is a vivid, pop art-inspired Mexican calavera – the annual festival’s unmistakable skull motif – presented in bright flashes of colour and surrounded by a 40mm black beadblasted, DLC-coated stainless-steel case.

In essence, the L.U.C Skull One Calavera Pop Art is a striking blackened stainless-steel watch powered by an exquisite, hand-finished mechanical movement. Defined by its uncompromising and iridescent homage to the Day of the Dead’s timeless rituals, its dial features a transferred skull motif in punchy hues of blue, red, orange, green and yellow, giving the watch an unashamedly non-conformist, pop-art feel.

Second up is something of a departure for Hermès, with the forefronting of its new Super H brand hero motif akin to a horological Bat-Signal in the sky above a stunning graphic representation of Paris. The timepiece in question – the Slim d’Hermès Minuit au Faubourg – ably fuses the world of pop art with the French capital’s iconic skyline and is available in two limited edition series, each comprising 24 highly distinct, exquisitely wrought watches. The singular style of the range, meanwhile, is largely derived from a celebrated silk scarf designed in 2014 by Dimitri Rybaltchenko, an award-winning French artist.

On its highly distinctive dial, the Eiffel Tower stands out against a sky streaked with clouds and studded with aventurine stars, while a beam of light (fashioned from Super-LumiNova) projects out from the unmistakable monument. It is surrounded by a hand-drawn, micropainted embodiment of Parisian life, with its multi-layered rendering bestowing a grimy canvas-like finish.

Also Read: Spring Time – Stylistic Watches are a Motif for all the 365 Days

Equally enchanting is the fourth iteration of Roger Dubuis’ Urban Culture Tribe collection – the Excalibur Liu Wei Monotourbillon (MT). Keen to make this edition supremely special, the marque granted renowned sculptor and illustrator Liu Wei access to its fabled inner sanctum – the Manufacture itself. It was within its venerable walls that the much-admired artist set about reinterpreting the astral signature of the iconic Excalibur MT. Opting for a complex composite of multi-coloured lines, Liu delivered a stylised, bustling, digitised statement piece, which reinvented the original Excalibur MT as a beguiling blend of clashing colours and pulsing lights that uniquely captures the modern urban world.

Building on this, the brand then opted to enhance the hour markers with black SuperLuminova, creating a vivid glow-in-the-dark effect, which is most strikingly apparent under UV light. In a further refinement, the Roger Dubuis and Swiss Made logos have been accentuated with powdered SuperLuminova for the first time, an innovation that sees this element of the timepiece shift through three different colour variants – silver by day, green by night and blue under UV light.

Moving on now to something equally engaging for the lady who loves fine timepieces, the Vacheron Constantin Égérie collection, with its eternally elegant embrace of Haute Couture and Haute Horlogerie, was unashamedly conceived as a paean to discerning femininity.

Daintily engraved in the style of Burano lace, the dial of the Égérie Creative Edition sees five enchanting elements expertly superimposed to create a dial of rare distinction. Re-deploying an ancient decorative technique and executed by the marque’s master guillocheur on venerable 100-year-old equipment, the pleated tapisserie motif sits on a silver base, a fine counterpoint to the black enamel.

Commenting on the inspiration for the piece, Christian Selmoni, the brand’s Style and Heritage Director, said: “During the course of Vacheron Constantin’s long history, many of its finest timepieces have been inspired by embroidery and lace motifs, particularly those drawn from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras. More recently, lace has inspired our Métiers d’Art Fabuleux Ornements – French lace timepiece combining guilloché work, Grand Feu enamelling and gem-setting.”

Finally, for this month, we turn to the Moonphase, Skeleton and Flying Tourbillon Pasha de Cartier watches. Developed and produced at the Cartier Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the first of these features a delicate moon-phase movement in the shape of a circle surrounded by a midnight-blue star-strewn planisphere, a striking contrast to the typically bold design of a Pasha de Cartier watch.

(Text: Neil Dolby)

Spring Time – Stylistic Watches are a Motif for all the 365 Days

Just as the embrace of Chinese culture has become one of the fastest-growing phenomena of the 21st century, so too has the Chinese New Year – or the Spring Festival – established itself as an event of truly international proportions. Typically honoured in all of the largest cities around the world, citizens of every nationality now look forward to processions, street dances, and all the paraphernalia traditionally associated with the most important date on the Chinese calendar.

Inevitably, this has not been lost on many of the world’s biggest brands, companies never known to miss out on a commercial opportunity. In particular, luxury precision watchmakers – ever mindful of the value of the Chinese and Hong Kong markets – have celebrated this Rabbit Year with custom limited edition timepieces.

Also Read: Time Warp: Six of the best – and quirkiest – watch dials on the market

Boasting octagonal-shaped cases, the Harry Winston Emerald watch collection features cases crafted in 18-karat white or rose gold. The 18mm models also boast a diamond-set bezel as a nod to the house’s “King of Diamonds” legacy. Available in mother-of-pearl, the dial is crowned with rubies in the form of an emerald cut. The standout from this collection comes with a red, classic alligator leather strap, which is a straight-out nod to traditional CNY festivities.

In celebration of 2023 being the Rabbit Year, IWC Schaffhausen has unveiled its Portugieser Automatic 40 Edition “Chinese New Year”. Housed in an ergonomic 40-millimetre stainless-steel case and featuring a striking burgundy dial and gold-plated hands and applique, a particular highlight is hidden at the back of the watch – the automatic winding mechanism’s gold-plated oscillating weight in the form of a rabbit.

The Hong Kong tourbillon brand Memorigin, meanwhile, is honouring its long-term commitment to promoting Chinese traditions through the launch of its Memorigin Zodiac Series. The periphery of the dial is designed in an auspicious fret pattern, while the indices are represented by rubies or blue sapphires. The watch is equipped with a manual-winding tourbillon movement that consists of 155 pieces of subassembly module and 18 jewels. In all, it has 40 hours of power reserve and a vibration frequency of 28,800 oscillations per hour.

Also Read: Buyer’s Guide: 7 impressive hyper-accurate tourbillon watches

Turning now to the OMEGA Constellation Aventurine, this features dials fashioned from natural Aventurine stone, meaning no two dials are ever alike, with options to choose bezels paved with diamonds or engraved with Roman numerals. The watch also features diamond-set bezels and skeletonised hour and minute hands, as well as dial-matching leather straps in red.

For its part, Parmigiani Fleurier has gone full-on Chinese with the launch of its Tonda PF Xiali Calendar, with its offer of a precision take on the Chinese calendar over the long haul said to be a world first. In order to deliver on this, the watch conceals an extremely sophisticated mechanism within an all-new movement – the Calibre PF008 – which facilitates the display of classical Chinese characters. As the Chinese calendar is not cyclical, the complication is mechanically programmed and extends across 12 years via an intricate cam system.

For its part, TUDOR has debuted new versions of its Black Bay line in steel and yellow gold with a fixed bezel. These Black Bay 31, 36, 39 and 41 S&G models, as they are known, proffer a unique aesthetic with their T-curved cases intermittently highlighted with polished yellow gold sections. Fitted with Manufacture Calibres, including reference MT5201, one of the marque’s new family of movements, these models are said to be at the very cutting edge of technical watchmaking refinement.

Also Read: 7 stunning dive watch models that blend beautiful form with true functionality

Rounding off this month’s selection, Vacheron Constantin is looking to boost its appeal to the mainland and Hong Kong Haute horology aficionados and collectors by offering a customised rabbit-motif limited edition of its Métiers d’Art – The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac range for the Rabbit Year. The iconic representations appear on the dials and have to be etched directly into the metal, with the pattern remaining semi-embedded while standing out from its gold base thanks to a subtle array of accentuating reliefs designed to create an engaging depth effect.

(Text: Joseff Musa)

Take Your Time to Rediscover the City – A Sensory Journey by the Oriental Watch Company

The Oriental Watch Company launched an advertisement campaign that encourages people to admire Hong Kong around them with four of their senses – sight, aroma, sound, and taste.

Naming the campaign Take Your Time to Rediscover the City, the bespoke horology brand has collaborated with Omelette Digital Agency to release four different videos each targeting a particular sensory organ.

One video titled Take Your Time to Listen has veteran tram driver Captain Luk Wenwei taking the viewers on a tram ride while he asks everyone to set aside their phones and pay close attention to the different sounds that the vehicle makes.

He adds that ding ding which is an onomatopoeia that is commonly associated with transport is not the only thing you can hear. There are other sounds like the coins shaking around in the money box and the tram moving on its tracks.

Another video called Take Your Time to See features Wu Chi-Kai who has been crafting neon lights since he was 18.

While pointing to the radiating beauty of these neon lights, he also reminds people that these lights are not very common as they used to be. Hence, he asks people to observe the city around them and snap a photo whenever they see a neon light as it is definitely something special.

For the tasting video, which is called Take Your Time to Taste, the Oriental Watch Company invited the Tsui brothers of the Milktealogy project who discuss Hong Kong’s buzzing tea culture which is locally referred to as the Cha chaan teng culture.

Then, for aroma, audiences see Jonathan, who co-owns an aromatherapy brand, in the Take Your Time to Smell video.

In this clip, he mentions the different smells people come across in just a single street in the city. He advises everyone to concentrate on the different scents as they can be pretty therapeutic.

This new campaign, which is an extension of the brand’s previous one Take Your Time, strives to bring out the charms of Hong Kong where the watch company gets its roots from.

Click here to learn more.

World-time Watches cleared for take-off

As long-frustrated would-be travelers finally get the green light to globetrot once again, there couldn’t be a more opportune moment to reassess that most trusty of travel companions – the world time watch. Doing pretty much exactly what it says on the tin, these precision-engineered wonders tell you the time anywhere in the world just by glancing at the appropriate time zone indicator.

Typically, this involves viewing the outer chapter ring, located just within the bezel displaying the names of one (or more) cities for each of the 24 reference time zones. There are seven current models that we commend as worthy of your particular attention…

First up is the Breguet Marine Hora Mundi 5557 (appropriately Hora Mundi is Latin for ‘World Time’). To be fair, this may be something of a controversial nomination, given that the watch is more truthfully a GMT model – one designed to display both local time and Greenwich Mean Time – rather than a true world timer. This quibble aside, the Ref. 5557 is a truly impressive wrist adornment.

Undoubtedly more of a true world time timepiece, however, is Patek Philippe’s Ref. 5935A World Time Flyback Chronograph. The very first Patek to feature a finely integrated calibre CH 28-520 HU movement, its fetchingly designed salmon dial comes ringed with the requisite 24 cities’ names, while the time zone chapter ring is usefully burnished in black and white, making distinguishing night and daytime refreshingly straightforward.

Putting a playful spin on traditional aesthetics, meanwhile, is Bovet’s Orbis Mundi, which was launched to celebrate the maison’s recent bicentennial. Boldly incorporating a new manually wound in-house calibre 15BM01HU movement, the world time mechanism resides on the 12 o’clock subdial, while a window on the lower half of the aventurine dial allows for a fascinating view of the inner workings of the escapement below.

Marking a similar milestone for a rival marque is the blue-on-white Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer GMT Steel from OMEGA. This 15th anniversary edition features a luminous blue dial with all the requisite 24-city and 24-hour discs boldly depicted. Featuring a date aperture at 6 o’clock, the main attraction here is the gorgeously hand-enameled sapphire crystal world map at its heart.

Another artwork-themed creation comes courtesy of a canny collaboration between independent watchmaker Svend Andersen and famed Singaporean vintage watch collector Benjamin Chee: the Celestial Voyager Sunset over Cappadocia. Burnished in a similar white-and-blue motif, the timepiece’s dial is dominated by the iconic hot air balloons and picturesque vistas synonymous with its eponymous Turkish locale, all brought to life through painstaking cloisonné enameling work.

Standing in stark visual contrast is the black-dominant Blast Moonstruck from Ulysse Nardin. In something of an ambitious move, this particular watch not only shows world time, but it can also indicate dual time, while also delivering a highly accurate recreation of the moon’s real-time waxing and waning, as well as its effect on the global tidescape.

All of these displays extend in continuous circles outward from the central, geocentric image of Earth as viewed from the North Pole. This complexity is elegantly packaged in a sleek combination of ceramic and blackened titanium.

Finally, we turn to the truly avant-garde in the notable form of the GMT Balancier Convexe, a recent release from the house of Gruebel Forsey. In an interesting counterpoint to our first candidate chronometer, this watch, too, is somewhat misnomered.

Rather than being a conventional GMT model, instead, it ambitiously incorporates a multitude of travel-related features, all separately arrayed across its distinctive dished fascia. Local time is indicated by two red arrow hands, while a second time zone sundial is propped on the left and a dominant 3D rotating globe ringed with the 24 time zones and cities is on the right, all of which are underscored by an inclined balance wheel at 6 o’clock.

(Text: Tenzing Thondup)