The “Paul Newman” Daytona Sells at Phillips Auction for $17.7 Million

Paul Newman was renowned for his prominent career as an entrepreneur, movie star and race car driver, who also gave a great deal of time into his work as a philanthropist.  And just recently at Phillips auction house in New York City, Paul Newman’s 1968 Rolex Daytona made him one of the greatest figures within the watch world when it sold for a record-breaking $15.5 million at auction.  Hosted by Phillips in collaboration with Bacs & Russo auction, the Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239, also acknowledged as the “Paul Newman”, not only fetched for $15.5 million but with the buyer’s premium of 12.5%, the timepiece reached an astronomical price of $17,752,500.

The night of the auction had more than 400 people gathered together at Phillips’ New York headquarters at 57th and Park Avenue in order to participate in the Winning Icons auction.  After approximately 12 minutes of bidding, the “Paul Newman” Rolex Daytona was sold to one of the bidders on the telephone, which resulted in it setting a new world record for a Rolex ever sold at auction, with it even achieving the highest price for a wristwatch sold through auction.  The previous record for the most expensive wristwatch at auction by Phillips was $11 million for a Patek Philippe ref. 1518 timepiece.  Another record holder for a Rolex sold at auction was the Bao Dai Rolex that was sold for over $5 million and once belonged to the last emperor of Vietnam.

The Daytona received high praise thanks to it’s “square lollipop” ends on the sub-dial markers and for the piece’s Art Deco inspired dial, the uniqueness of the timepiece later earned it the alias “Paul Newman” Daytona.  Newman’s Daytona was a gift to him from his wife, actress Joanne Woodward, while she had also engraved the words “Drive Carefully Me” onto the case back.

Paul Newman’s Daytona is considered the most iconic wristwatch of the 20th Century, which is further proved by the fact that the highest price paid for a Rolex Daytona (also known as Rolex’s most collectable model) only reached $3.7 million at auction last spring.  The timepiece features a conflicting colored seconds scale along the edge of the dial and a Daytona signature over the lower sub-dial rather than having it under the upper sub-dial; an aspect customarily seen on most other Daytonas.  Newman’s Daytona is known as the Rolex Oyster Cosmograph Daytona, the model was produced in six separate series between early 1960s and late 1970s, but later went on to be discontinued due to poor sales; hence the rarity of this Daytona made its value skyrocket.

Paul Newman (Photo by Douglas Kirkland/Corbis via Getty Images)

“It’s a whimsical, art deco style dial,” said Paul Boutros, Phillips Senior Vice President and Head of Watches for the Americas.  “There are about 2,000 to 3,000 of this type of dial in the world.”  Since the 1980s “everyone has been searching for Paul Newman’s Paul Newman,” Boutros noted.  In 1984 Paul Newman gave his Daytona as a gift to James Cox, former boyfriend and currently close friend of Paul Newman’s daughter Nell.  “At the time that Newman gave the watch to James Cox, the watch was selling for about $200,” Boutros noted.

James Cox gave a significant portion of the earnings from the “Paul Newman” Daytona towards the Nell Newman Foundation, which is a charitable foundation that provides support for organizations in the fields of education, animal welfare and human services as well as a dedication to her father’s philanthropical ideals and remembrance.  In addition, another portion of the proceeds has been distributed towards Newman’s Own Foundation.

For more information visit:  Phillips.com

ISAIA’s All-New San Francisco Boutique

Italian menswear brand ISAIA has launched their first ever boutique in San Francisco at the historic Frank Lloyd Wright building located at 140 Maiden Lane.  Once home to the V.C. Morris Gift Shop, the new ISAIA boutique offers an expansive 7,900 square-feet of space, along with approximately 4,000 square feet intended for retail sales.

The new ISAIA location retains all of the building’s original materials designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, leaving everything intact and unmodified; from its original wall plaster, millwork, trim, flooring railings, bubbled ceilings, suspended planter, glass store front planter on entry, and of course the brick and stone façade.

Spanning back to it’s official launch in 1957, ISAIA has been widely acknowledged as one of the top luxury lifestyle brands in providing the sophisticated and stylish gentleman with the highest quality in sartorial tailoring.  “This year marks our 60th year as a brand. It is personally very important to me that we are always pushing to do new things, while paying homage to our heritage. Opening a shop in the landmarked Frank Lloyd Wright building, accomplishes just that”, according to Isaia.

The interior of the new ISAIA boutique on Maiden Lane features furniture from the gallery Esprit Nouveau, located in Naples, Via Calabritto 20, which were personally selected by Interior Designer, Alberta Saladino.  ISAIA San Francisco’s newly introduced furniture includes unique pieces such as the ones listed below.

• Jelly Pea sofa: great semicircular sofa upholstered in cotton velvet fabric, designed by architect and designer India Mahdavi.
• Vintage armchairs: Italy 1955, designed by Paolo Buffa, upholstered by hand in cotton velvet fabric by a Neapolitan artisan.
• Swinging bar: Italy, late 1940’s, birch wood and gold leaf decorations, attributed to Osvaldo Borsani.
• Pair of round rugs: handmade products based on interior designer Alberta Saladino and architect Martino Ferrari drawings, who have been inspired by a design from the ‘50s, readapted to respect the round shapes of the spaces.
• Brass floor lamp, Italy 1970.
• Pair of floor lamps: brass structure with Murano glass leaves, Barovier e Toso, 1960 ca.
• Wet Bar with stools: late ’50s, mahogany wood with engraving and decorations.
• Fragments Modern sculpture by Michele Iodice.

The original fixtures have been preserved and integrated with other new elements, giving the boutique a ‘modern meets classic‘ sort of approach.  ISAIA has modified the V.C. Morris Gift Shop’s space, where it was needed, to thoroughly correspond and fit with the concept ISAIA is revered for.  The colors and materials used were very imperative to reflect this approach.  Considering ISAIA’s long history with their Mediterranean Red color and unique artifacts indigenous to the Bay of Naples, it was essential for them to choose the most appropriate vintage pieces that neither overwhelmed or disappointed the design.

“The design team worked closely with the Preservation committee at the San Francisco Planning Department to develop solutions that would meet the new requirements for a retail boutique, while satisfying the elements of a historical building,” said James Shay, President of ISAIA North America.

ISAIA’s new San Francisco location features vintage fixtures like the iconic Campari bar, red lacquered piano, and tranquil seating area, which are a part of all of ISAIAs shop designs.  The boutique will be offering a blend of sportswear, tailored clothing, and Made to Measure, as well as a lineup of exclusive product options available for the sartorial gentleman.

ISAIA San Francisco is rather extensive, boasting a Frank Lloyd Wright Library within the boutique for those who want to look through books on the famed architects designs and other historical information.  Additionally, the library was curated by the Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy, explicitly for ISAIA.

“Experience is a big part of what we offer to our customers. We want each of our stores to have a setting where our guests can relax and escape, while at the same time, enjoying anticipatory service for whatever their needs are”, asserts Isaia.

Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Morris Gift Shop for Vere C. and Lillian Morris in 1948.  His work on the building was distinctively renowned for two reasons; the exterior brick façade that cloaks a considerable amount of the interior and the applicability of the spiral ramp as the main focal point of that interior.

Wright was working on the early stages of design for the Guggenheim Museum in New York City when at the time he designed the V.C. Morris Gift Shop.  These two projects both shared a similar layout in which they exhibited spaces perfect for the display of objects of high quality.  For instance, the Guggenheim design featured non-objective art while the Morris Gift Shop had put china, silver and glassware on display.  This demonstrates how Wright’s choice of using the ramp as the prime focus of the Gift shop was quite a brilliant move on his part.  This allowed those who ascended the ramp to observe objects on display from a multitude of vantage points in a two-story space brimming with natural lighting.

The store officially opened on September 22nd, 2017, and ISAIA San Francisco is currently only accessible by a select group of VIP’s and influencers, which is “by appointment only”.

For more information visit:  www.Isaia.it

MB&F’s nautically inspired Horological Innovation

Swiss watch brand Maximilian Büsser and Friends, also known as MB&F, teamed up with Swiss high-end clock manufacturer L’Epée 1839 to create yet another horological masterpiece.  The result of this collaboration, which marks their seventh partnership together, is the new Octopod desk clock (35,000CHF).  MB&F’s latest innovation was inspired by key aspects of an octopus such as its eight integrated legs as well as a spherical “head” that harbors its intricate clockwork complications and “face” displaying the time of day.

This nautically inspired timepiece shelters a manual wound movement that extends an 8-day power reserve from only a single barrel running at 18,000 vibrations per hour.  Evocative of the Ulysse Nardin Freak, the escapement of the Octopod braces onto the minute hand; headlining an extremely unique feature to the piece.

The Octopod is actually not the first sea inspired innovation from Max Büsser’s firm that centralizes on oceanic life, but the second consecutive timepiece they have produced.  MB&F released the acclaimed HM7 Aquapod, a wrist watch sporting a jellyfish-inspired figuration and external diver’s-style bezel, as their first ever nautically influenced timepiece.

The unique nautical design of the Octopod does not merely conclude at its cephalopod contour.  The head of the desk clock relates to the device that holds the ship’s gyroscope in place.  This bears a similar resemblance to how the ship’s chronometers were originally like in the past, which acquiesces them to concatenate in benefit of the ship’s movement.

MB&F’s new aquatic desk clock received its transparent bubble evoking recollection of the bathysphere from James Cameron’s The Abyss; an 1989 American science fiction film.  Because the Swiss watch brand mainly aimed their attention on robots and outer space for inspiration on their timepieces, MB&F are changing their heading and focusing on adapting a far more expansive array of nautically inspired timepieces in the years to come.

The octopod desk clock will be in a limited production of only 150 examples, which include 50 with legs in palladium, 50 in blue, and 50 in black PVD.

MOVEMENT & SPECIFICATIONS

• ●  Baseplate in transparent mineral glass, anti-reactive coating both sides
• ●  Balance frequency: 2.5 Hz / 18,000 bph
• ●  Power reserve: 8 days from single barrel
• ●  Components movement: 159
• ●  Jewels: 19
• ●  Incabloc shock protection system protected by mineral glass
• ●  Manual-winding: the double-depth square socket key sets time and winds movement
• ●  Palladium-plated brass, stainless steel and nickel-plated brass

For more information about the Octopod:  MBandF.com

Photos provided by MB&F

New Ermenegildo Zegna Atelier Opens in Milan

It has been approximately 40 years since Ermenegildo Zegna started their made-to-measure suiting offerings, but until now the Italian luxury fashion house has never created such an preeminent and extensive bespoke wardrobe as they do today.  Just recently opening a new atelier in Milan, Ermenegildo Zegna will be offering everything from bespoke suiting to sportswear, as well as an assortment of knitwear, footwear, and leather pieces.

Ermenegildo Zegna’s new atelier, which is located on the top floor of the Zegna building on via Montenapoleone and is only accessible through a private entrance, brings together the perfect bespoke experience for those visiting Milan.  The 1,152 square-foot space gives customers an elegant yet minimalistic impression, complete with Harry Bertoia chairs as well as Fontana Arte lamps, which adds an inclusive Milanese allure.

Regardless of whether its the day of your first introduction or your final fitting date, each visitation to the new Zegna atelier delivers exceptional service in order to give their clients the most out of every appointment.  Clients are given a broad selection of materials and fabrics to create their ideal garment the exact way they had envisioned it to look.

The new atelier introduces fabrics supplied by Ermenegildo Zegna’s very own factories in Trivero, Italy.  Garments from Zegna’s new Milan location include suits, jackets, and overcoats that can be preferred in over 900 different fabrics, as well as more than 230 distinctive fabrics for shirts.  However no matter what kind of garment is chosen, the entire process will still take nearly three months and four separate appointments to perfectly design and fit it to suit both your physique and personal style impeccably.

As for those unable to make the trip to Milan, no need to worry because Zegna’s master tailor is anticipated to journey internationally; providing clients made-to-measure appointments all across the globe.

Photos courtesy of Ermenegildo Zegna

For more information visit:  zegna.us

Talking Haute Horology: Interview with Geoffroy Lefebvre of Jaeger-LeCoultre

Geoffroy Lefebvre is a rising star in the Swiss Watch Industry, who prior to his instrumental role as Deputy CEO at Jaeger-LeCoultre; served in senior level positions at parent Richemont Group as well as sister firm, Vacheron Constantin.  Mr. Lefebvre who had initially began his career with McKinsey & Company, possesses an unsurpassed passion for highly complex timepieces, which is evident by his Instagram account that is a must follow for any horological enthusiast.  Read on to learn more about Geoffroy’s passion for watchmaking and the future of Jaeger-LeCoultre.

What initially inspired you to enter the watchmaking industry?

“A childhood fascination for mechanics which soon turned into a compulsive passion for mechanical watches. Then also, as I discovered the industry, the challenge to lead teams of talented and passionate individuals, involved into the whole chain starting from the conception of the watch in our Manufacture in Switzerland to the interaction with our customers all around the world.”

What do you believe sets Jaeger-LeCoultre apart from other top tier manufacturers, how is your company approaching the market compared to your competition?

“Jaeger-LeCoultre Maison is quite unique. Our Manufacture has always remained in its original place in the Vallée de Joux, in Switzerland, since 1833. Our Maison is renowned for the invention of many of the world’s firsts in watchmaking, be it keyless winding, the smallest mechanical movement, or the first three-dimensional tourbillon for the wrist. It is the concentration of skills of talented craftsmen and women at the Manufacture, their creativity and an incredible attention to detail that make Jaeger-LeCoultre stand apart.”

What are some of your company’s plans for the growing demand of complicated timepieces for women?

“Complicated pieces are our everyday language. All Jaeger-LeCoultre watches are distinctive because what is extremely complex inside, will always look elegant, timeless and refined on the outside. For our lady clientele, we offer a vast choice in the Rendez-Vous collection where classical complications are totally redesigned and reinterpreted in a contemporary way. This year we are celebrating the Rendez-Vous collection during the 74th Venice International Film Festival, as it has been inspired by cinema since its creation.”

In just a few words how would you describe the essence of Jaeger-LeCoultre as a brand?

“It is the very best of authentic and innovative Swiss fine watchmaking in an elegant design with a perfect blend of history and contemporaneity.”

How do you measure success at Jaeger-LeCoultre?

“Well, let’s meet again next year and discuss the new chapter that we are creating in our Maison’s history! All our colleagues are working very hard, but also very excited for what is coming next.”

Having served in senior level positions at both Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin, what do you believe makes a great timepiece?

“You recognize a great watch from the distance, without having to look for a brand sign. It is elegant, discreet, understated, yet full of content: complicated or not, it is deeply connected to the history of its namesake Maison, reflects its codes, its values, and the passion that the watchmaker put into making it. For every great watch, this passion reflects on the person that wears it.”

Where can we follow you?

“I like to connect to Instagram when I have a few minutes to spare, where there is a passionate community of watch lovers.”

Where to next?

“Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, to meet our customers, partners and the local teams. I strive to visit every single one of our subsidiaries at least once a year. Online connectivity is a reflex these days but will never replace face-to-face human interactions. And then certainly the big get together of our industry, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in January!”

Ready for Hunting Season? Check out Huntsman’s new Sartorially Savvy Collection

Historic Savile Row tailor, Huntsman has always placed significant emphasis on fine hunting, ridding, and shooting wear.  Founded in 1849 by well known sportsman, Huntsman almost instantly established themselves as one of the premiere makers of sartorially savvy sporting & shooting wear.

Whether you are looking to go horse back ridding or hunting this season, it is imperative to approach sportswear with the same keen eye as when bespoke suit shopping.  For the beginning of this year’s season, Huntsman advices their customers to look towards a light Gabardine.  In the colder month’s options abound such as, fishtail brace backs for your trousers, and elegant tweed jackets.

Special attention should be payed to half-belts, bellow pockets, and vests to ensure a clean and elegant look.  One unique aspect of design, which Huntsman is offering clients this season, is custom designed linings based on either a photograph or artwork.  One such example is the spectacular client ordered jacket lining below, which has been completed with a ‘Grouse in Flight’ motif.  The above details all make way for a functional, elegant, and supremely refined set of comfortable sportswear included with shooting-focused expert design features.

Another standout offering from Huntsman is their time honored tradition of designing and weaving custom tweeds that are masterfully woven by one of Scotland’s oldest mills located on the island of Islay.  Additionally, Huntsman also offers clients the opportunity to commission their own custom patterns.

Now that you are thinking of your own custom hunting wear, be sure to remember to consider knitted ties, sharp shirts, and elegant knitwear that can be worn underneath your vest for added warmth in the colder months.  Are you a keen shooting enthusiast with soar shoulders?  Huntsman offers a vest lined with Technogel to absorb the kickback of your gun.  And last but not least, you mustn’t forget the quintessential Huntsman cap.

Mr. Porter x Kingsman Pop-Up Shop in London

Internationally acclaimed online Menswear boutique, MR PORTER has once again teamed up with Film Producer Matthew Vaughn to announce the launch of their most recent Kingsman collaboration.  Set within a new brick and mortar “pop-up shop” located next door to wine merchant Berry Brothers & Rudd on Saint James Street in London; Kingsman and MR PORTER are launching what they call a “costume to collection” collaboration of menswear inspired by the highly anticipated upcoming film, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, set for release in cinemas starting September 22nd.

This new Kingsman menswear collection is the second “costume to collection” release by MR PORTER, Vaughn, and Ms. Arianne Phillips who captained the original collection which followed the launch of Kingsman’s initial first release titled “Kingsman; The Secret Service“.  The highly successful original film starred Colin Firth, Taron Egerton and Mark Strong in a plot following the pursuits of agents working for an independent worldwide intelligence agency, who’s goal is to keep the world safe.

The collection, which will be featured in both the pop-up shop and online will offer pieces from some of our favorites that have been showcased in the last film such as Suits & Jackets under the Kingsman label, shirts by Turnbull & Asser, eyewear by Cutler And Gross, a brilliant collection of shoes by none other than famed George Cleverley, Ties as well as Handkerchiefs by Drake’s, outerwear by Mackintosh, umbrellas by Swaine Adeney Brigg (though they are probably not bullet proof), opulent pens by Conway Stewart, and last but not least cufflinks by Deakin & Francis.  In addition, MR PORTER has announced some new brands and products that have entered the playing, including the Connected Modular 45 Kingsman Special Edition watch by Tag Heuer, The Perfumer’s Story by Azzi Glasser fragrance, and even sneakers from Adidas.

“Kingsman has become one of MR PORTER’s top performing luxury brands, seven fashion seasons into its development and launch, and it sits naturally alongside the calibre of our 400-plus designer and lifestyle brands.  We couldn’t have imagined its blockbuster success, and we’re thrilled to be working with Matthew Vaughn and Arianne Phillips again on an even more diverse, and wearable collection for Kingsman: The Golden Circle, available exclusively on MR PORTER.”  said Mr. Toby Bateman, Managing Director, MR PORTER

So if you desire the style of a sartorially savvy secret agent, we can’t think of any better place to shop.  Highly unique in this case, is that every piece of clothing and accessories offered for sale are replicated straight from the films character’s costumes;  and as the new films plot is set for the Kingsman organization agents to collaborate with their American cousins (the Statesman), the collection will also be offering unique pieces from American brands across the pond, such as Stetson and Golden Bear.

For more information on the MR PORTER x Kingsman “costume to collection” release please visit: MrPorter.com

Milan Fashion Week: Moschino, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Versace are Auctioning Tickets for Charity

With Milan Fashion Week Just Around The Corner; it appears to be a pleasant surprise that philanthropic causes are in the air.  Italian Design Houses such as Versace have followed with a charitable campaign, just after Christian Dior announced the #DiorLoveChain in support of the WE Charity.

Up until September 18th & 19th some of Milan’s most well regarded designers including Moschino, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Versace have all collaborated to auction tickets to their upcoming shows during their Women’s S/S 2018 Fashion Shows during Milan Fashion Week.  The auctions are being held by Charity Stars who will donate the funds to a range of foundations selected by the Fashion Houses.

Choices abound for the Fashion lover with Salvatore Ferragamo passes including an invite to their after-show party on Sptember 23rd; with a bid currently at 1,000 Euros.  And Versace offering two tickets to their September 22nd show plus a post show meet and greet with Gianni Versace’s brother & Co-CEO of Versace, Santo Versace.  The current bid is up-to 5,000 Euros for the Versace tickets, with proceeds for both Salvatore Ferragamo’s and Versace’s sales going to benefit Operation Smile.

An Elegant Scent: Floris London 71/72 For Turnbull & Asser

In 2015 fine clothier Turnbull & Asser began their initial collaboration with historic perfume maker and Jermyn Street neighbor, Floris, to create a scent that perfectly represented their brands elegant quintessential style.  Floris is the oldest independent family owned perfumer in the world.  Founded by Juan Famenias Floris in 1730 at 89 Jermyn Street (where they still stand today), Floris has catered scents to individuals such as Marilyn Monroe, HM King George IV and HM Queen Elizabeth II over their nearly 300 year history. With that said, it is no surprise why Turnbull & Asser commissioned Floris’s industry leading expertise in the creation of the 71/72 scent.  Owing the new scent’s name to the Turnbull & Asser boutique located at 71/72 Jermyn Street – London.

As soon as the new bespoke fragrance was offered for sale it nearly instantly captivated Turnbull & Asser’s devoted clientele.  In turn the demand soon exceeded their inventory.  Alast, on August 30^th  Turnbull & Asser will be offering a limited edition scent named 71/72 Eau De Parfum.  The scent is characterized by notes of mandarin, juniper, ground spice, warm oud, sandalwood, boisamber and frankincense; allowing for an elegant bespoke year round scent.  The 71/72 Eau De Parfum will retail online and in-store for $190 USD.

Huntsman Savile Row Kicks Off a U.S. Road Trip in an Airstream

To commemorate Huntsman’s recent opening of there New York City location and first boutique outside of London.  The Huntsman team are bringing Savile Row across the U.S. in a 1980’s Airstream camper, that has been retrofitted to match their Savile Row boutique.  The tour has kicked off at Spanish Bay Resort in famed Pebble Beach during Monterey’s annual Car Week, and has plans to visit several major cities across the United States; including Napa, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, and Boston.

“I have long had a hankering for the timeless American trailers. I was fascinated by their design. So, after purchasing historic Savile row tailor, Huntsman, I was quick to find the perfect excuse to combine Huntsman’s bespoke tweeds with the silver-aluminium caravans.”             

– Pierre Lagrange, Huntsman Owner & Chairman

The Airstream’s design brings American Retro and quintessential British class together in perfect harmony, to showcase Huntsman’s brilliant collection of bespoke fabrics, with a particular focus on tweed.  The camper is finished in a shinning chrome exterior, featuring a vinyl strip in tweed pattern reminiscent of the camper’s interior, a red awning which toutes Huntsman followed by their founding year of 1849 in white letters, as well as Huntsman written directly above the vehicles front grill.  When entering the Airstream’s interior you are transported into a newfound world of the elegant London tailor’s home with tweed lined walls, warm wood finishings, hunting trophies, and copper accents.

The Airstream’s bedroom has been made into a luxurious appointment only, fully equipped mobile fitting room, even including a triptych mirror.  In this room, a Huntsman cutter will fit clients by taking measurements and working with them to achieve their perfect bespoke suit, to fit the client’s particular taste.  Paying respect to Huntsman’s English heritage and Monterey Car Week, the Airstream even includes a Leather driving jacket made for Bentley.

After leaving Pebble Beach, California the Huntsman Airstream will be traveling across the United States for one year.  Next stop?  Believe it or not, “The Burning Man festival” in  Black Rock Desert, Nevada.  Though if you are unable to visit the Airstream during its tour; Huntsman invites you to stop by their all new 2,000 sqft pied-a-terre boutique on 57th Street in New York City, where dedicated Cutter, Ralph Fitzgerald, can introduce you to Huntsman’s expert Savile Row Bespoke Cutting services.