Value & Style, how to curate a sustainable wardrobe

Whether you’re looking to unload some of your pre-owned designer goods or acquire some brand
new pieces from your favorite designer’s last season’s collection, there’s an education to be had on
the best resources.

From The Real Real to SARTORIALE and eBay, today there is a selection of elegant choices to ensure value from your clothing investments. Few of us haven’t heard of The Real Real (TheRealReal.com) with their interactive website, strong social media presence and chic stores in New York City and Hollywood. The consignment website, which started life focusing on mainly women’s designer clothes and handbags, has branched out into a curated selection of everything from pre-owned home-goods to Rolex watches. A particular highlight of The Real Real is their attractive pricing and convenient consignment services. Customers can expect to find a range of luxury brands on the site from Hermes to Chanel and Balmain. Men can even expect to find shoes from prominent makers, such as John Lobb and Gaziano Girling. For men with a taste for unique, brand-new, classic menswear pieces, online destinations such as

SARTORIALE and DROP93 by The Armoury offer compelling propositions. Both websites offer a selection of new old stock, and pre-owned merchandise geared towards gentlemen of discerning taste. The collection at SARTORIALE (sartoriale.com) features a wide range of garments from Brioni, Belvest, Canali, as well as Rubinacci. A particularly unique offering here are shoes by Silvano Lattanzi, often discounted from their astronomical retail price to somewhere between $500 to $1,000 USD. The same can be said of the items from Brioni, at SARTORIALE, ties priced from $95 and suits from just over $1,200 make attractive options compared to full retail.

At DROP93 (shop.drop93.com) by the world famous Armoury (known for their menswear shops in Hong Kong and NYC) discerning men will find a unique selection of New Old Stock items from brands, such as Ring Jacket suits priced from the mid $600 range as well as a rather generous selection of pre-owned bespoke suits and sport coats from makers, such as WW Chan, Anderson & Sheppard, as well as Liverano & Liverano.

One of our favorite aspects of Drop93 is the significant selection of knitwear from Ascot Chang, priced from just over $100 USD. Drop93 also stocks many premium, new and pre-owned shoes from Carmina, Foster & Son, and Saint Crispin’s, among many more. At DROP93, business partners Mark Cho and Allen See have created a truly curated selection for the menswear afficianado in addition to offering customers the resource to sell select unwanted pieces from their wardrobes.

Right here on the Central Coast, we also boast a local option. Foxxy Couture Carmel on San Carlos Street in Carmel by the Sea offers consignors and customers a small mecca of a designer womenswear showroom. Specializing in luxury resale items, such as vintage and current designer handbags as well as clothing like vintage Levis, Founder Susan Galvin has created a seamless consignment process and an elegant space to showcase some of the best designer goods available. Foxxy Couture Carmel also boasts a unique online shopping experience on their website (foxxycouturecarmel.com).

TCHA: A Pop-Up That Blends Art, Food & Design

Stemming from her passion for matcha bars, Joya Burda came up with an exciting new way to incorporate an interactive environment with culinary creations. Founded in January, she created Tcha, a unique experience in the form of a pop-up that also hosts several engaging activities from a number of luxury brands.

The concept takes an even more lively turn as she meticulously goes over themes for her pop-ups that result in one spectacular party. There is always a different theme when Tcha opens in a new space, from ‘Garden of Eden’ to ‘Mad Hatter Invited Marie Antoinette’. One of the most recent pop-ups in Germany had its theme based on its space in a factory, being dubbed ‘Studio 54 Goes to Factory’. The artistic ingenuity that Joya puts into the space is phenomenal, which begins with her creating a vision board with the brands she selects.

“That is exactly what Tcha is,” says Joya. “It is an experimental concept that each time I bring something new to Tcha, sometimes things that haven’t even hit the market. I had these fantastic dried apple and egg white candies that I brought to Paris [and] I have this really fantastic jewelry brand [called] Moxie that is being launched today.”

Due to the nature of the pop-up, there is no set location and every couple months they open up in a new location. However, whenever a space is set and ready to let the party commence, personal invitations and social media connectivity will allow guests from all over the globe to know where Tcha is next in the world.

“I am going to do Gstaad next,” states Joya. “Then I have Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris. I have quite a lot coming up. That is what keeps Tcha alive. It’s like a monthly magazine.”

Images Courtesy of: Joya Burda

What do the Duke of Windsor & Ernest Hemingway have in common?

Although the name Edward Green may not be widely known to most, this relatively small English shoemaker produces some of the best quality ready-made shoes available. Crafted in Northampton since 1890, Edward Green shoes have graced the feet of icons, from the Duke of Windsor to author Ernest Hemingway. With unwavering attention to detail and the world’s finest leathers, Edward Green has crafted a quintessentially English style shoe to withstands the tests of time, not only in style but also in durability.

Mr. Edward Green, the firm’s eponymous founder began his shoemaking career at the age of twelve as an apprentice. Driven by ambition and a motto of “excellence without compromise,” Mr. Green sourced the finest materials and assembled a team of the most devoted craftspeople; a philosophy the brand upholds to this day. During the 1930s Edward Green became one of the most significant suppliers of officers’ boots to the British Army. Following a period of relative anonymity, the Green family sold the business, and despite some challenging years the brand found its way into the hands of John Hlustik, who is widely credited with Edward Green’s spiritual revival and surge in recent popularity.

THE GALWAY
IN BURGUNDY SUEDE AND
CORDOVAN ON THE 82 LAST

Now run by Hlustik’s partner, Hillary Freeman, Edward Green produces a range of popular models coveted around the globe. Still focused on Goodyear welted shoes, some of the brand’s most iconic models include the Dover, a split toe Derby style shoe and the Galway, a unique boot which is capable of rough terrain, but equally suitable for wear in town. Today over sixty skilled artisans work away to turn out about 350 pairs of shoes per week from their workshop in Northampton.

Edward Green offers a range of widths and last shapes to allow customers to select a superior fit and a style to suit their preferences. With options that include the chiseled 890 last and conservative 202 last, Edward Green produces a range of styles to suit many tastes. And if the website, shop, or retailer doesn’t have exactly what you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you can order it through Edward Green’s custom made program. In our experience, this tailor made process takes 6 months to a year and allows you to select from a range of patterns, lasts, and leathers to ensure a pair that suits your foot as well as your personality.

THE DOVER
IN UTAH LEATHER

Shoes from Edward Green often enjoy a unique patina delivered through a hand finishing process to the workshop’s finest French and Italian calfskin. Another highlight of craftsmanship often overlooked are the leather soles of many Edward Green shoes, which are oak barked tanned for nine months to deliver superior comfort and longstanding durability.

Edward Green shoes are available for men and women and have a starting price from 390 GBP for slippers, but expect to pay at-least somewhere between 900 and 1,300 GBP for a typical pair of Goodyear welted shoes. Edward Green shoes are available from their website (www.edwardgreen.com) as well as their own shops in London and Paris; in addition to locally at J. Lawrence Khakis of Carmel on Ocean Avenue.

Images courtesy of: Edward Green

This Patek Philippe Nautilus Just Fetched over 6.5 Million USD!

The first Patek Philippe Reference 5711/1A-018 featuring a Tiffany Blue Dial was auctioned by Phillips on December 11th, fetching an astronomical $6,503,500. The watch which was estimated to fetch a low of $50,000 has set the record for the highest price paid for any wrist watch sold online. Benefiting from 100% of the proceeds of this sale is the Nature Conservancy, an organization dedicated to preserving millions of acres of land and rivers around the globe.

One of just 170, this 5711 was crafted with a Tiffany Blue Dial to celebrate 170 years of collaboration between Patek Philippe and the storied American Jeweler. In 1851 Tiffany & Co. became Patek Philippe’s first retail partner in the United States of America. The watch features branding from both houses with “Tiffany & Co.” at 6 o’clock and “Patek Philippe” at 12 o’clock. While the backside of the case features a sapphire-crystal display with the commemorative inscription “170th Anniversary 1851-2021 Tiffany & Co. – Patek Philippe.” This particular example was the first of the limited series to come to market. Presently, Tiffany & Co. is the only retailer to feature their name on Patek Philippe’s masterful creations.

“Since my teenage years and earliest days as a watch lover, I grew up seeing the Nautilus with its subtle and timeless design and subdued dial colors such as deep blue and champagne, later white and most recently olive green. I remember my jaw dropping when I was first shown the picture this last and final iteration of the 5711 and I couldn’t believe my eyes. The introduction of a bold, pastel color paired with the Tiffany & Co. logo was unimaginable to me. Not only is this an absolute first for a Nautilus, but also for any Patek Philippe wristwatch. It’s as revolutionary and groundbreaking as when the Pop Art of Warhol and Lichtenstein wrote a new chapter for the visual arts, or when Elvis Presley created an all-new musical genre. This is a similar ‘rock and roll’ moment for Patek Philippe, and I’m certain the community will appreciate the Tiffany Blue Nautilus as much as I do” said Aurel Bacs, Senior Consultant, Bacs & Russo

Designed by Gerald Genta, the iconic Nautilus was first launched in 1976, though the current iteration was introduced in 2006. Simplicity and dial legibility are hallmarks of Genta’s popular design. Modern examples enjoy a very slim case and bracelet benefiting from a perfected process of combining satin-finished and polished links in an operation that requires 55 individual steps to complete. The baton hour markers are complemented by identically shaped luminous hour and minute hands that result in a dial design with exceptional legibility. A defining highlight is the finely finished self-winding caliber 26-330 S C movement. The movement enjoys innovations that include a stop-seconds mechanism for setting the time within one second accuracy. To top it all off the port hole shaped watch enjoys 120 meters of water resistance.

The remaining 169 watches have been made available for sale through Tiffany boutiques in New York, Beverly Hills, and San Francisco. Though we imagine purchasing one will be a little more challenging than just visiting the boutique.

Image credit: PHILLIPS

Women’s Style, the Timeless and Endlessly Versatile World of Kiton

“Il meglio del meglio piu uno” or “THE BEST OF THE BEST +1” that’s the promise of Kiton. The name Kiton comes from the ancient Greek and Roman word chiton, which translates to tunic. The family tailoring house launched in 1968 by Ciro Paone, is now run by the founders nephews, Antonio Paone and Antonio De Matteis. Kiton is widely known for their selection of premium mens suits, Cashmere sport coats, and jeans, however the brand boasts an often overlooked line of premium womenswear.

Softly constructed single, and double breasted jackets fuel the imagination with luxurious fabrics and plenty of hand stitching. The selection of pieces which include Silk dresses, scarfs, and shorts allow the modern woman to build a wardrobe with flexibility whether lounging by the pool, walking along the shore or conducting a Board Room meeting; Kiton’s fine selection of womenswear has few equals. A particular highlight of Kiton’s manufacturing process is that their fabric mills are owned by the brand and print a wide range of exclusive fabrics.

Kiton’s Fall 2021 womenswear collection featured a prominent selection of pieces in a fabric that has been dubbed “Millioniare’s Cashmere” by Kiton’s Creative Director, Maria Giovanna Paone. The Collection includes a wide range of pieces focused on versatility such as Jersey two-piece outfits, loungecoats, cardigans, as well as Silk shirts, loafers, and stylish wide cut jeans. Rich Earth tones are a collection hallmark. And if you’re considering visiting the Rockies or the Alps this Winter, do consider a few pieces from the brands “Ski-capsule” Collection. Jackets are priced from around $4,000 and expect to pay $2,000 or so for a dress. If “tailored, refined, and nonchalant” is your wardrobe philosophy few brands compare. Kiton’s Women’s Collection can be found at Kiton’s online store as well as locally at Debra C in the Carmel Crossroads.

Images courtesy of: Kiton

Christie’s Hong Kong to Debut an Exceptional Sale of Watchmaking Marvels

On November 27th Christies will present for auction one of sublime offerings of Haute Horology. The two sales include the “THE CHAMPION COLLECTION PART 1” afternoon sale with 201 lots and a total low estimate of HK$ 110,993,000, in addition to the “TIMELESS MARVELS” evening sale with just 17 lots and a total low estimate of HK$ 76,900,000. The ‘CHAMPION COLLECTION PART 1’ boasts just a section of 500 modern timepieces that Christie’s will offer for sale through next year. Whereas the ‘TIMELESS MARVELS’ evening sale will boast 17 precious horological marvels. The evening sale includes ‘Enamel Phenomena’ made for the Chinese market circa 1805, the piece is attributed to Piguet & Capt. The 18k gold and enamel, pearl-set musical, perfume flask and automaton amphora-form watch is estimated to fetch “HK$ 2,400,000-7,200,000 / US$ 300,000-900,000)”. An exceptionally rare modern offering, is the Patek Philippe REF. 3974, a Platinum minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch with additional complications such as a moon phase, 24 hour indicator, and leap year as well as day night functions. This Patek, crafted in 2001, is the only market example known to bear a case made by the legendary Jean-Pierre Hagmann. The lot is estimated to fetch between HK$12,500,000 and 20,000,000 (US$ 1,600,000-2,600,000).

“Our increased offerings at auctions in Hong Kong in recent years, are responding to the ever-growing appetite for the rarest and very top-quality timepieces among collectors in Asia and Beyond. These sales all achieved exceptional results, cementing Christie’s market leadership in offering the most valuable timepieces at auction in Asia. This season we are thrilled to present some of the best creations in the history of haute horology, across two live auctions, highlighted by a non-selling exhibition of an unprecedented selection of five vintage Patek Philippe timepieces assembled by a prominent private collector. We look forward to convening watch lovers worldwide again in our Hong Kong saleroom across all channels on 27 November” said Alexander Bigler, Vice-President & Head of Watches Christie’s Asia Pacific.

To excite enthusiasts Christies has placed on view a non-selling display of The Triazza Collection, made up of five ultra-rare Patek Philippe watches. The five examples include: “the Ref. 2330 observatory tested; the Esmond Bradley Martin Ref. 605 HU cloisonné dial ‘North America’; the Ref. 2523 with cloisonne enamel North America map; the ‘Eric Clapton’ Ref. 2499 in platinum, the only one in private hands; and the Ref. 2499 Double Signed Tiffany & Co.” Manufactured between 1924 and 1987, these five watches owned by a private Asian collector represent the best of Patek. The Triazza Collection will be on view at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, No.1 Harbour Road, Wanchai from November 26th until December 2nd. Public previews are by appointment (email:infoasia@christies.com).

Image Credit: Christie’s

The IVY Collection | Eleonore Habsburg x Schullin Wien

Recent design school graduate, Eleonore Habsburg has collaborated with famed Vienna Jewelry Atelier, Schullin Wien to create a collection that reflects the essence of Mediterranean Flora & Fauna. The line appropriately titled “IVY” is the first jewelry collection to be designed by the 26 year old Salzburg native. Habsburg, who recently completed her Masters degree in Fine Jewelry at Instituto Marangoni in Milan, has undoubtedly created a collection that is reminiscent of the finest designs of Van Cleef and Bulgari, yet somehow entirely unique and original.

Speaking on the collaboration Habsburg says “I am thrilled to be working with a brand I can identify with, one which shares a similar appreciation for interesting gems in contemporary elegant design. Working together with their exceptional team and highly experienced goldsmiths helped me bring my first collection to life. The IVY Collection. I have been working hard on this for the past months and I am very excited to finally be able to share it.”

Photographer: @irina_gavrich

Eleonore’s passion for nature, which has led her to travel to some of the world’s most remote regions, is very apparent in the IVY Collection that combines the best of cultural and ecological design elements. For Habsburg, jewelry is a deeply personal statement. Speaking on the subject, Eleonore says, “Jewelry, to me, is a means of self expression that can surpass generations. Fortunately, growing up I have been able to travel to many different places around the world and explore how jewelry is worn across different cultures. My inspiration was fuelled by paying attention to the details of cultural heritage, architecture, art, fashion and nature.” One particular place that became the central influence in the IVY Collection, is the homeopathic medicinal gardens of the Franciscan monks. The gardens which are situated within a 15th century former monastery on the shores of the Mediterranean sea in Lopud, Croatia, have benefited from a passionate two decade long renovation carried out by Eleonore’s mother. The late Franciscan Monastery that is located on a small island near Dubrovnik is now a 5 suite boutique hotel named LOPUD 1483.

The Former 15th century Monastic Garden at LOPUD 1483 | Credit: Igor Zacharov

Shortly after finishing her education in Milan, the newly married Austrian designer was offered the chance to conceive her first line with Vienna based firm Schullin, well known for their collection of custom jewels and selection of renowned timepieces. “Over the past six months we have developed a collection made of 18 carat gold with Ms. Habsburg.  These are rings, bracelets and earrings – some with diamonds or gemstones.  The pieces are limited and made by hand, “says jeweler Lukas E. Schullin about the “IVY” line. The delicately crafted pieces are principally made from rose gold and showcase fine feminine lines and unique elements of Mediterranean flora. Two pieces that we believe are particularly noteworthy are the IVY VIII Earrings, priced from just € 3,800 and the IVY IX Bracelet, priced from € 6,500.

Habsburg, who is the granddaughter of renowned art collector, Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza, grew up surrounded by a family with a passion for art and imaginative design. Something the young designer undeniably put to good use when developing her first collection. “From childhood I have been collecting minerals and stones everywhere I went. Gemmology never ceases to amaze me, and the synergy of taking nature’s creation and making them wearable is an idea I adore.” Speaking further on the subject of inspiration for the IVY collection, Eleonore says “I drew my inspiration for the IVY collection from a Mediterranean Franciscan herb gardens going into blossom. The different pieces are composed with 18 carat gold, black, champagne and white diamonds, sapphires and aquamarines. It was important for me to incorporate different colors into the collection, giving life to the pieces. My dream is to create jewelry for every generation. It is about valuing timelessness and sentimentality, whilst still fitting comfortably to every occasion.”

Eleonore Habsburg captured by: @irina_gavrich

The IVY Collection, which is available from Schullin both online and in store, is likely to be just the first of many unique collections we will see developed by this talented young Austrian designer.

_{All images provided courtesy of: Eleonore Habsburg, featured image photographer: @irina_gavrich}

Comfortability in The Workplace: Hybrid Suit Joggers

Since the wave of COVID-19 shutdowns that brought the world screeching to a halt, a large majority of the workforce is still working from home. In fact, some companies, such as Aetna, Facebook, and Mastercard are allowing employees to remain working remotely well into the new year. So the question is, what does one wear while working from home? A recent survey showed that 60% of Americans wear casual attire during the workday while 17% are reported wearing an appropriate top, but sweatpants on the bottom (this figure is 49% when taking video calls). A huge influx of people have already begun working from home, so does this mean the age of the traditional suit has entered into a new era?

With the suit being on the cusp of contemporary change as a result of the lock-down, where relaxation and convenience are prioritized, jogger suits and sweatpants have been on the rise in popularity for at-home work hours. Men wear sweatpants at work because simply, they are much more comfortable than the average suit trouser. Fashion labels are approaching this problem quite differently. Brunello Cucinelli, the luxury Italian label known for its cashmere-wool sweaters, has a luxurious cotton wool jogger in their closet. These sweatpants allow a man to feel comfortable, yet somewhat elegant due to the high quality materials used and the expert craftmanship of the brand.

But what if you don’t want to wear sweatpants, and instead you’re looking to wear suit pants that keep the comfort level of the jogger? The hybrid suit-jogger is your answer. These pants are not new to the men’s fashion scene, in fact, they have been around streetwear labels for several years now. Accessible labels and outlets such as Zara, H&M, and ASOS have had this style of pants for quite some time. However, due to the recent uptick in working from home styles and the versatility of the suit changing, tailors and high-end labels are answering the call for the luxurious, comfortable suit-inspired jogger. A glance at the “New Arrivals” for many well-known tailors and fashion houses and you will certainly see some style of “smart trouser” or “jogging chino.”

At first, the Banks Slim Fit Pinstripe Wool Pants (BOSS) looks like a standard pinstripe suit pant with a pleated front; however, at the waist, the pants are held not by a zipper and button but jogger drawstring. BOSS describes the pants as, “A modern jogger style and drawstring waist add a sporty touch to pinstriped pants cut from pure wool.” Reminiscent of their pinstripe suit, these joggers are modern, sporty, and perfect to work from home in.

Ermenegildo Zegna’s High Performance Wool Joggers are described as “sporty-chic” and “exceptionally comfortable.” For a brand known and loved for its sharp suits, they smoothly incorporate the unique style of their suits into a laidback and casual take on the suit jogger hybrid. Like the BOSS pants, they look like the average pair of suit pants, with a tapered silhouette and are made with a performance fabric for optimal comfort.

Also stepping into the game with their Sydney Trousers is Brioni. The trousers have a slim leg taper similar to most joggers with a black and grey wool checkered pattern one might see on a suit. As Brioni describes, the pants bring a “touch of nonchalant elegance to any casual attire.” These pants might feel and look like joggers, yet they give you a touch of sartorial elegance commonly felt when wearing their beautifully tailored suits.

Has the suit stepped into a new era where suit joggers have integrated with business apparel and claimed the moniker of “business casual?” Professionalism is synonymous with a fine fitting suit, but the fresh look of the hybrid suit jogger has caused a storm in the home workplace. In a time where people are working from home with increased flexibility, it may not seem as important to stay sharp at all moments of the day. However, fashion and class never falls out of style, yet comfort is also king; and for that reason, it will certainly not be surprising to see more high-end brands and tailors release their take on the suit jogger hybrid.

Featured Image Courtesy of: Brioni.com

Three Amazing Choices for Your Next Panerai Strap

Accompanying your Panerai with a strap that not only suits your own tastes and preferences, but also the occasion as well, is a quintessential experience for any Paneristi. Adding a new Panerai to your ever expanding collection has never failed in becoming an exciting moment, and the same is most certainly true when selecting the ideal straps to pair with your watch. In this article, we’ve reviewed three different Panerai watch straps from Strapsco, each more dashing than the last.

VINTAGE LEATHER STRAP FOR DEPLOYANT CLASP

A vintage leather strap for deployant clasp is a very functional type of Panerai strap that adapts well for any scenario, be it a formal setting or simply a casual outing. Though only in a handful of distinct colours, such as black, coffee brown, classic cigar, Khaki and oyster blue, the strap becomes more diverse with the option of either deployment clasp or buckle in polished silver, brushed silver, matte silver, black, yellow gold and rose gold clasps. Easily adjustable for the user’s wrist size, the smooth Italian leather strap comfortably hugs your wrist while revealing fine contour stitching. Available for purchase online, this fun little strap is compatible with most watch types with “standard lug connection”.

HEAVY DUTY CAMO RUBBER WATCH BAND

A loudly patterned strap can provide an entirely new flavor to your timepiece as it adds an amusing undertone to anyone’s wrist. With that in mind, an engaging camo rubber strap is a nice refreshing change to the usual tempo of formal watch straps. This vibrant heavy duty rubber strap that boasts a boisterous yet playful vibe comes in 7 tones of blue, red, green, white, light red, pink and winter. The band, which is made out of silicone rubber with a brushed stainless steel buckle, fits comfortably around the wrist and retains great durability. Camo styled bands are a brilliant choice to match your timepiece, be it the classic heavy duty rubber band or an elegant suede camo band.

FRAYED EDGE CANVAS STRAP

Giving an interesting twist to the usual orderly and sleek style of watch bands, the distress look brings together both a casual and formal vibe that is quite understated. This frayed edge strap, which is created with distressed canvas and leather, can bring a whole new perspective to your watch with its contour stitching and undeveloped edges. Unique in only 5 muted tones, such as ash gray, faded black, washed blue, white oak and military green, the strap is ideal for highlighting the beauty of the timepiece. Comforted by condensed leather trim, the band feels cozy around the wrist while sporting high durability. Due to its particular design process, “no two bands are exactly the same.”

All the above straps are from Strapsco.com

Three Takeaways from Geneva Watch Days 2020

For over 500 years, Geneva, Switzerland has been the center of precision time keeping. Located at the Southern tip of Lake Geneva and surrounded by the Alps and Jura Mountains, Geneva is home to some of the world’s most prestigious watch makers. With added safety and sanitary measures due to the spread of COVID-19, Geneva Watch Days were still able to take place during the end of August. Here are three key takeaways from the four day event.

1. Ultra-thin Watches Make A Statement

Originally launched in 2014, Bulgari’s Octo watch is a modern-day classic with “groundbreaking thinness.” At Geneva Watch Days 2020, Bulgari impressed with the ultra-thin Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic Watch. The mechanical movement of the watch is a skeleton movement with automatic winding and a chronograph single-push and tourbillon. The watch is housed in an ultra-thin case at 7.40mm thick. The skeleton watch allows wearers and viewers alike to admire the interior workings of the piece. Additionally, the Octo looks like its namesake; the eight sided watch adds subtle geometric touches, which make this piece a blend of timeless and modern. The Octo Finissimo comes in a wide range of colorways, from black sandblasted ceramic, extra-thin sandblasted 18 kt rose gold, satin-polished stainless steel, and titanium. 

Another stunningly thin watch is Ferdinand Berthoud’s Chronomètre FB 2RE, with an 18 kt white-gold case 44mm thick. The COSC-certified chronometer watch has a mechanical movement with manual winding, constant force with fusee-and-chain transmission and remontoir d’égalité. Ferdinand Berthoud was founded as a marine-clock maker and today the watches pay homage to their 18th century heritage. The shape of the watch mirrors the marine clocks and comes with an alligator leather strap. 

2) Limited Run Art-Time Pieces

Moinet’s Space Revolution piece looks like it belongs in a museum exhibition. The watch features two titanium spaceships that look straight out of Star Wars set right on the face of the piece. The watch has either a Mars meteorite or lunar meteorite, depending on the model. Not just an eye-candy piece, the watch has impressive mechanics as well. The flying doubles tourbillon rotates above the face and the watch is 43.5mm thick. 18 times an hour the titanium spaceships on the face of the watch battle. Each ship rotate in opposite directions. Strictly a limited run, Moinet will only create 8 of each model, making 16 in total. 

Similarly, De Bethune unveiled an art-piece watch. A limited run of 10 pieces, the DB28 Steel Wheel Sapphire Tourbillon is a 10th anniversary edition of the successful DB28. The DB28 has an unmistakable shape and precision movement, with a titanium balance and a pattered De Bethune “pare shock” antishock system. The avant-garde design on the face certainly will turn heads and makes a bold, modern statement. The watches are completely crafted by hand in De Bethune’s workshop.

3) Athleisure Watches Hit the Scene

Breitling launched its Endurance Pro Collection, combining athletic practicality and comfort with luxury, design, and precision. Built for an “active lifestyle”, this unique collection comes with a rubber strap, ideal for athletes and people with active lifestyles. The ultra-light watch is resistant to scratches, corrosion, and traction, making it ideal for a physically active wearer. Not short on style, the colorful rubber dial watch-face has bold, large Arabic numeral hour markers and a bi-directional compass scale. The Endurance Pro is powered by Breitling’s Caliber 82, a COSC-certified SuperQuartz. 

During COVID-19 confinements this spring, Czapek launched a luxury sports watch Antarctique. During Geneva Watch Days, they released a limited edition Antarctique, complete with a hand-painted blue lacquered dial called Abyss. Only 10 of these stunning pieces will be made and are already sold out, according to the Czapek website. Each watch face is unique and the watch comes with a stainless steel bracelet as well as a rubber strap. Similar to the Breitling Endurance Pro Collection, the rubber strap is ideal for a more active wearer and giving the watch a more sporty feel. Abyss uses Czapek’s in-house self-winding mechanical movement and the power winding system is a micro rotor with an 18K recycled gold mass.

Featured Image Credit: Bulgari