HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! A collection of wrist shots for 2015, can you spot yours?

Dear readers, it's been a wonderful year and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year!!! May all of you have a blessed year ahead. Here is a collection of wrist shots (not all the watches are mine). Thanks for letting me photograph your lovely timepieces!

.......what's on your wrist?

Blancpain: Gombessa III – Expedition Antarctica!

Press Release: Gombessa III – Expedition Antarctica!

Blancpain and Laurent Ballesta launch the third Gombessa expedition, in association with Luc Jacquet and his Wild-Touch Expeditions - Antarctica! project Following on from the Gombessa I expedition, which revealed the secrets of the coelacanth, the greatest zoological discovery of the 20th century, and Gombessa II, which studied the spectacular spawn of the camouflage grouper, Laurent Ballesta and Blancpain have travelled to Antarctica for a pioneering exploratory, diving and photographic mission. This expedition is part of a wider meta-project initiated by movie director Luc Jacquet (who won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2006 with March of the Penguins) to measure the impact of global warming in this polar region, and to capture the attention of the general public.

Merry Christmas Guys!!!

Christmas break this week. I will be back!!

Press Release: The 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst.

The 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst.

Special limited edition crowns anniversary year

The 1815 TOURBILLON is the first A. Lange & Söhne watch that combines a stopseconds device for the tourbillon and the ZERO-RESET mechanism. At the close of the anniversary year that commemorates the 200th birthday of Ferdinand Adolph Lange, this paragon of precision timekeeping is being presented in a limited HANDWERKSKUNST edition featuring extraordinary dial and movement decorations.

Hublot’s First Stand-alone Boutique in Singapore.

Hublot’s First Stand-alone Boutique in Singapore is Now Refreshed with a New Contemporary Look Making it One with the Biggest Facade in South East Asia.

 

Press Release: IWC Schaffhausen Congratulates Lewis Hamilton And Mercedes AMG Petronas On A Double World Championship.

For the second year in succession, the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS
Formula One™ Team has won the Formula One Constructors’ World Championship*. IWC Schaffhausen has been the “Official Engineering Partner” of the team since 2013 and offers its warmest congratulations on the occasion of this fantastic team achievement. In addition, the Swiss watch manufacturer applauds MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS driver and IWC Brand Ambassadors, Lewis Hamilton, who has also repeated his success of last season and emerged as the Formula One World Champion for the third time, and Nico Rosberg, whose outstanding performance throughout the year brought him to the second place on the podium...

Press Release: The Spirit of Big Bang celebrating 75 years of Bruce Lee’s spirit.

A limited edition timepiece and a memorial exhibition to praise a legend.

Hublot's Ocean Terminal boutique ribbon cutting ceremony with Loic Biver, Donnie Yen, Ricardo Guadalupe, Linda Lee and Shannon Lee.

Hong Kong, November 28th - 2015 is a special year. It is Bruce Lee's 75th birthday anniversary celebration. To commemorate the martial artist and his exclusive philosophy, Hublot has invited the Bruce Lee Foundation to participate in the design of the “Legend Never Dies: Bruce Lee 75th anniversary Memorial Exhibition” and the limited edition “Spirit of Big Bang for Bruce Lee”.

Bomberg Showcased The Latest Collection.

Watches Of Switzerland is the authorized retailer for Bomberg, a relatively new brand that is based in Neuchatel. The brand's edgy timepieces and accessories clearly has its fans that include heavy metal rock stars and some professional athletes. Rick Delacroix, founder and chairman of the brand was here recently to showcase the brand's latest collection. 

Press Release: Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art La Légende du Zodiaque Chinois Year of the Monkey

Vacheron Constantin is pursuing its dialogue with collectors and passionate devotees of Haute Horlogerie by enriching its Métiers d’Art La légende du zodiaque chinois series with the sign of the monkey. The latter will take over from that of the goat at the Chinese New Year on February 8th 2016. Bearing the Hallmark of Geneva, these two new creations, realised in twelve models each, combine the technical excellence of Caliber 2460 G4 with the beauty of artistic crafts.

Sixth Edition Of The Longines Singapore Gold Cup.

The Longines Singapore Gold cup with a prize money of $1.35 million returned for its sixth edition at the Singapore Turf Club.  I believe this race will be one of the most prestigious race now that the $3 million SIA Cup and the KrisFlyer International Sprint have discontinued. Following are the highlights of the event held a couple of weeks ago.

Press Release: Longines DolceVita – A New Approach To Charm And Grace.

Since its inception, the Longines DolceVita collection has illustrated contemporary elegance of the Longines watchmaking brand worldwide. Inspired by the "Dolce Vita", it is an homage to the sweetness of life. Today, a new chapter in this collection opens with a unique interpretation featuring softened lines. These new variations will not fail to impress women who have made charm a way of life.

Press Release: The Senator Observer 2015 A Striking Timepiece With Character, History – and Luminous Power.

Even in the cold nights of autumn it never leaves its owner in the dark. With its

exceptional legibility the Senator Observer offers as convincing a solution as its

historic predecessors, even under difficult lighting conditions. Its dial, featuring

generous use of SuperLuminova highlights and produced in the firm’s own dial

manufactory in Pforzheim, underlines the adventurous character of the watch: an

homage to the long tradition of observation watches in Glashütte.

Until late in the 20th century, observation watches were decisive instruments for navigation on the high seas. Their precision, even under the most difficult conditions, was of critical importance. A ship's course on sea could only be determined reliably if the calculation of longitude was based on extremely accurate timekeeping. For Glashütte’s watchmakers this represented an additional opportunity to demonstrate to the world their technical sophistication, professional skills and innovative power—the beginning of an enduring success story.

With the most recent version of the Senator Observer, Glashütte Original has taken up once again the grand tradition of observation watches, and given it expression in the form of a modern, robust and beautifully designed wristwatch. It goes without saying that here, as was the case with its historic predecessors, particular attention was paid to the legibility of the time indicators: the brand's own dial manufactory in Pforzheim took great care to use Super-LumiNova to highlight individual elements such as the white gold hour and minute hands, the Arabic numerals and the chapter ring hour indexes. Super-LumiNova refers to an innovative luminous material that by day absorbs and stores light and in the dark radiates it with a distinctly visible green-white glow. As a result, all of the fundamental displays can be read – even in complete darkness – at a glance. 

It is not just the phosphorescent details that assure clarity. The dial as well, designed with great care and sophistication leaves nothing to be desired: generous, finely curved numerals – they, too, evocative of their historic predecessors – accompany the hour ring.

Two symmetrically arranged auxiliary dials, for the small seconds at 9 o'clock and the power reserve at 3 o'clock, give the matt black dial its harmonious appearance and testify to a love of detail and absolute authenticity: the 55 hour power reserve display bears the German inscription "Auf" and "Ab", as can be found on many of the precision watches of the past. The brand's characteristic Panorama Date at 6 o'clock completes the Senator Observer's clear design: a timepiece that unites harmonious design and the very height of the fine art of watchmaking.

This timepiece is available with a masculine black calfskin or elegant metal bracelet. The previously available versions of the Senator Observer without luminous highlighting offer distinguished silver-grained or grey-grained dials and are also available with either a leather strap or metal bracelet. All models present a 44 mm polished stainless steel.

Through a sapphire crystal case back one may admire the heart of the watch, the manufactory Calibre 100-14.

The automatic movement with the characteristic Glashütte three-quarter plate is finely decorated with Glashütte stripes and complemented by an elaborately skeletonized rotor in 21-carat gold, whose double-G logo marks with distinction the mechanical watches from Glashütte Original.

For additional information please contact:

Glashütte Original I Press Office

Altenberger Straße 1 I D-01768 Glashütte i. Sa.

Telephone: +49 (0) 350 53 46 – 0

Email: pr@glashuette-original.com

Press Event: Omega Exclusive Premiere of Spectre.

Omega invited members of the press to an exclusive premiere of Spectre, the latest movie in the James Bond franchise. During the pre-show dinner at Jamie’s Italian, the Seamaster 300 “Spectre” Limited Edition was unveiled. The iconic partnership with Omega first began with the Bond film GoldenEye in 1995. Since then, each watch has been specially crafted to suit the style of its wearer.

Jamie's Italian located in Vivocity Mall. 

Press Release: IWC Schaffhausen Auctions Off Luxury Pilot's Watch To Raise Money For Thai Youth.

Geneva, 10 November 2015 – At the Important Watches auction held earlier today in Geneva, auction house Sotheby’s sold a unique chronograph by luxury Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen. The Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Edition “Le Petit Prince” in red gold went for CHF 47,500. All the proceeds from the sale will benefit the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation, with whom IWC Schaffhausen has been working closely for many years. The Foundation will use the money to support a hospitality and catering school in the northern Thai city of Mae Sot, which offers training courses for young Thais.

Chopard LUC collector's Dinner.

Recently, Chopard hosted a dinner for LUC collectors at the DB Bistro & Oyster Bar in Marina Bay Sands. We were also very honored to have Chopard's co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele in attendance.

The highlight of the event was a magnificent timepiece, the Ferdinand Berthoud FB1Tourbillon. Chopard has revived the brand in a tribute to Ferdinand Berthoud who was born in 1727 in Plancemont-sur-Couvet, which is about five kilometers from Fleurier. He was a master watchmaker and chronometer-maker who was appointed Clockmaker to the Navy and the King in 1773.      

LUC watches on display at the exhibition inside the Chopard boutique in MBS.

The Hour Glass Press Event: Unveiling of MB&F's latest creation, the Legacy Machine Perpetual.

Discussing details of the LM  Perpetual with journalists

The Hour Glass hosted a lunch when Maximilian Busser was in Singapore last week to unveil MB&F’s latest creation, the Legacy Machine Perpetual. Magazine editors, journalists and bloggers were delighted to see the latest LM up close. Below are the highlights of the launch....

The Re-opening Of Jaeger-LeCoultre's Boutique at Marina Bay Sands.

Last week, Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrated the re-opening of their newly renovated boutique at the Marina Bay Sands. Many were invited to partake in this joyous occasion, inclusive of members of the media, various watch connoisseurs as well as the brand’s esteemed customers.

Press Release: The Hour Glass is proud to be the choice retailer to a host of triumphant brands, at the recently concluded 2015 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve.

SINGAPORE, 30 OCTOBER 2015 – The Hour Glass is proud to be the choice retailer to a host of triumphant brands at the recently concluded 2015 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve. With a rich 36-year history in Singapore, The Hour Glass prides itself as the world’s leading cultural retail enterprise; pioneering the promotion and appreciation of contemporary luxury and horological culture within the region.

BEST LADIES’ WATCH PRIZE: HUBLOT BIG BANG BRODERIE

What an incredible year 2015 has been for Hublot. The tenth anniversary of the iconic Big Bang, the timepiece that was awarded for best design at the Grand Priz d’Horlogerie de Geneve in 2005 has now come to a full evolution with the Big Bang Broderie being lauded as victors for the ladies’ watch prize category this year.

The Big Bang Broderie - Sexy and glamourous, an ode to the ultimate in femininity. Advocating the philosophy of fusion, the Big Bang Broderie is the perfect illustration of Hublot’s watchmaking stance, connecting the past with the future, combining respect for Swiss tradition with 21st-century creativity and technology. It bridges artisanal craftsmanship in its own distinctive way, here paying homage to the memory of a craft that dates back to the time of our mothers’ and grandmothers’ needlework. Featuring the fine embroidery of  Bischoff, the leading Swiss Maison of St. Gallen embroidery, an ancestral art which is 100% Swiss Made, this exquisite timepiece is fused with Hublot’s watchmaking expertise, giving this fine crafta new lease of modernity.

The creative teams from both companies have come together to develop an exclusive pattern in order to create a fusion with the Big Bang's iconic design. It shows a rebellious spirit, with its skull pattern on a dial studded with 11 diamonds, and soft arabesques on the bezel and strap – a technical feat which took several months of Research & Development.

“We are proud to be recognized today in the "Ladies" category with our iconic product Big Bang. The Big Bang Broderie is a perfect illustration of the Swiss innovation, combining two crafts of Swiss tradition,” declared Jean-Claude Biver, President of LVMH Watch Division and Chairman of Hublot, who was present at the Grand Théâtre de Genève to receive the award.

“This prize is also recognition of our work and our ever-growing watchmaking expertise. What a long way we have come in 10 years! This prize motivates us even more since it’s a great sign of encouragement for everyone, as much in house as for our loyal suppliers, partners and clients. Many thanks to my teams and to the Jury of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève,” Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot.

BEST TOURBILLON WATCH PRIZE: ULYSSE ANCHOR ESCAPEMENT BY ULYSSE NARDIN

Driven by the unending quest for innovation that makes it one of the most dynamic Manufactures, in 2015 Ulysse Nardin dropped a new marker buoy on the capricious ocean of fine watchmaking.

An undisputed world first, the Ulysse Anchor Tourbillon is the quintessence of avant-garde mechanical technology. The outcome of eight years of research and development, the constant Ulysse Anchor escapement, made entirely of silicium, displays hitherto unknown architecture based on the principle of flexible mechanisms exploiting the elasticity of flat springs. This device, the culmination of the development work on the prototype version presented in 2014, represents the height of timekeeping sophistication today: first, no longer constrained by a pivoting staff, the pallet fork moves entirely without friction; second, the geometrical improvements made to the pallet fork, the escape wheel and the flat springs have resulted in a constant-force escapement; and to crown all of this, this new coinage in watchmaking is brought aboard in a tourbillon cage, the peak of traditional expertise. 

To top it off, this astonishing construction is housed in a 60-seconds tourbillon, whose cage comprises 35 components but weighs no more than 0.4 grams. With its constant amplitude, irrespective of how much the two series-mounted spring barrels are wound, this exceptional oscillating mechanism is a major step forward in the field of chronometric accuracy. Visible through a large opening in the dial at 6 o'clock, it is encircled by the indication of its power reserve of at least 7 days on a 140° arc.

This exquisite timepiece is housed in a white or rose gold case set with traditional lines enhanced with a white Grand Feu enamel dial, yet another feature that is synonymous with the mechanical creations of Ulysse Nardin.

  

MEN’S WATCH PRIZE: KARI VOUTILAINEN GMR

For the third year consecutive, complicated watch virtuoso, watchmaker Kari Voutilainen once again receives acclamation at what is considered the Oscars of the watchmaking industry. In 2013, Kari Voutilainen’s V-8R was awarded the Best Men’s watch and this year, his newest novelty – the GMR – does not go unnoticed.

   

The GMR is equipped with a 24-hour second time zone and retrograde power reserve indicator. The movement is completely designed and handmade in the master workshop, in the tranquil village of Môtiers. Crafted in German silver, this mechanical topflight consists of no less than 250 components and 28 jewels. Ingeniously, it allows you to adjust the second time zone by the crown, which then advances by jumping an hour each time rather than rotate freely, thus avoiding any loss of accuracy compared to local time. While the sapphire crystal serves to admire the traditional finishing of the movement with Côtes de Genève decoration and hand chamfering, the dial also distills a more refined elegance. The GMT embraces the small second at the 6h; retrograde power reserve indicator set to 12h.

BEST STRIKING WATCH PRIZE: GIRARD-PERREGAUX MINUTE REPEATER TOURBILLON WITH GOLD BRIDGES  

Deeply attached to its origins and to watchmaking traditions since 1791, Girard-Perregaux regularly shows in its watch creations to what extent innovation can contribute to the dynamism of the watch industry. By giving a totally new dimension to the mechanical structure of the striking mechanism, the Minute Repeater Tourbillon with Gold Bridges watch underlines the Swiss Manufacture's constant determination to advance technically while respecting the aesthetic conventions and time-honoured expertise that are so close to its heart. 

The mechanical structure of this Minute Repeater Tourbillon with Gold Bridges offers an original opportunity to simultaneously observe on the dial side both the components of the striking-mechanism and the hammers that produce its sound by striking the wires of the gongs. In a major innovation, this positioning of the components facilitates optimum sound transmission when the watch is on the wearer's wrist. This underlines a desire not only to create a mechanism that is as attractive as it is efficient, but also to place it clearly on display for the enjoyment of one and all.

The highly unusual structure of the striking-mechanism, together with the adoption of a number of subtle technical solutions for this complication that has allowed the Minute Repeater Tourbillon with Gold Bridges to perform so exceptionally well and thus emerge victorious amongst its competitors.

HOROLOGICAL REVELATION PRIZE: LAURENT FERRIER GALET SQUARE

An optional prize within the staple of Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve award categories, this prize rewards a mechanical creation by an innovative brand as long as it is deemed of receiving an accolade. This appreciation can only be attributed to Laurent Ferrier’s passion for the purity of watchmaking values and designs for devotees of classic mechanical watchmaking. The House develops movements crafted in harmony with the finest traditions, while enriching them with high-performing and genuinely innovative technical attributes. Designed for devotees of pure values, it updates horological fundamentals – a renewal of origins that positions Laurent Ferrier as a well-respected member of the exclusive circle of mechanical Haute Horlogerie.

Hunter-type, cushion-type, tonneau-shaped: these words are all part of the shared vocabulary of watchmaking, but the term Galet (pebble) is inextricably entwined with the world of Laurent Ferrier. Galet is the name of the brand's first collection, unveiled in 2010. Five years later, polished by time and shaped by experience, the ‘pebble’ is being reinterpreted. At Baselworld 2015, Laurent Ferrier unveils its new model: the Galet Square.

Its evolution has been gentle and gradual, like the curves of minerals polished by the waves. The pebble, stemming from centuries of the incessantly repeated work of nature, embodies the purest expression of gentle shapes. For Laurent Ferrier, the Galet is the perfect integration of all parts of a case, as if one were holding a pebble in one’s hand. The whole challenge lay in preserving the spirit of the Galet, and of interpreting this new shape into the initial project without making a break with the past.

Laurent Ferrier humbly decided to approach his original Galet by starting with a blank page. Purpose and design met and mingled under the swift strokes of his pencil, until a whole new shape was reached that is a first in the brand’s collections. The Galet Squareis not a culminating point, but instead a new step in the ongoing affirmation of the Laurent Ferrier style.

Press Release: Glashütte Original strengthens its presence in Hong Kong.

German watchmaker opens new boutique on Kai Chiu Road, Causeway Bay.

On October 16, 2015, German high-end watch manufacturer Glashütte Original held an official opening ceremony for its mono-brand boutique on Kai Chiu Road. In the presence of Ms. Christina Hentschel, Vice President Marketing of Glashütte Original, Mr. Gilbert Ho, Vice President of Glashütte Original Hong Kong, as well as celebrity Ms. Grace Chan and Mr. Alex Lam, the new store was officially presented to the media and selected VIP guests.

The ceremony commenced with officiating guests holding a large key shaped as Glashütte Original’s famous duplex swan-neck fine adjustment. With the guests inserting the symbolic key and lighting up a specially designed pedestal, the ceremony continued with the traditional lion dance which symbolizes blessings of good fortune and auspiciousness.

Ms. Christina Hentschel commented: “The new store is another step in enhancing Glashütte Original’s presence in Hong Kong by providing an unparalleled shopping experience for customers. The store not only provides luxurious comfort, but also fully reflects purity, clarity, functionality, some of Glashütte Original’s qualities celebrated around the world. The store opening also coincides with our recent launch of the Sixties Iconic Collection, which is a tribute to the memorable design of timepieces from the 1960s. This collection as well as other exquisite timepieces will be showcased at the store also.”

Guests were invited to explore the new spacious boutique, which combines clear German design with a warm and welcoming atmosphere across its 118 m2 surface. Carefully chosen materials, an assured and stylish interior with a clearly contemporary concept render Glashütte Original’s essential features both visible and tangible. The carved metal ceiling displays the outlines of a mechanical movement while an impressive “wonder wall” showcases the numerous fine components of Glashütte Original movements, both designed to enhance the authentic atmosphere of German precision engineering.

Visitors of the boutique can appreciate more closely all of the intricately detailed and superbly finished components through a built-in magnifying glass. This way, the device allows guests to enjoy a visual feast of Glashütte Original’s fine craftsmanship.

 

This concept of the “wonder wall”, greatly enjoyed by customers worldwide, is available only at the Kai Chiu Road store. As the first of its kind in Hong Kong, the “wonder wall” allows watch aficionados to immerse themselves in the unique watchmaking expertise of Glashütte Original.

In order to provide ultimate physical comfort to customers, a luxurious lounge at the rear of the boutique was designed to enhance the overall visual, emotional and personalized experience for visitors. Customers may further explore the brand’s horological excellence with a spectacular video showcase through two complementary plasma screens, which provide detailed insights into the traditional art of German watchmaking as it has been practiced in the town of Glashütte since 1845.

The inauguration in Hong Kong follows a series of recent openings of new boutiques and additional points of sale of the brand such as in Beijing at Shin Kong Place or in Madrid at the famous department store El Corte Inglés.

Details of the new Glashütte Original Boutique:
Address: G/F, 10 Kai Chiu Road,
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Phone: (852) 2504 1418
Email: Boutique.KaiChiuRoad.HK@glashuette-original.com
Opening hours: 10:30-22:00 daily

Press Event: The Patek Philippe Dome Clock.

The Shenton Way crowd were treated with lunch time symphonies the past week when and The Hour Glass exhibited the Patek Philippe Farquhar Collection Dome Clock in their boutique at One Raffles Place. 

Three Dome Clocks namely "Farquhar Collection", "Peranakan Culture" and The Esplanade-Singapore" were created by Patek Philippe specially for Singapore's Golden Jubilee and The Hour Glass won this marvelous clock in a charity auction. The proceeds from the auction went to the National Heritage Board of Singapore.

The Dome Clock acquired by The Hour Glass at one million dollars.

The crowd enjoying music from a String Quartet, Chinese Orchestra and Harpist.

A huge replica of the Dome Clock was placed at the lawn outside the boutique

A journalist admiring the Dome Clock.

The Farquhar Dome Clock is adorned with cloisonne enamel decoration. 

A huge collection of Patek timepieces are also available in the boutique.