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

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

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.

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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

Loro Piana, Hublot, and Zenith open flagships in Tokyo’s Ginza neighborhood

LVMH has for decades possessed a close relationship with the Japanese consumer. Now with the opening of three new flagship stores in Tokyo’s Ginza district, this bond has only been tightened. With a focus on pairing brands with structures that exude their own identity, these boutiques are sure to provide a top tier shopping experience.

_{Featured image: © Loro Piana}

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All situated in the heart of the Ginza district, the new Loro Piana, Hublot, and Zenith boutiques benefit from increased accessibility and architecturally inclined homes, which match both the identity of their own brands while paying homage to the culture of their host country. For example, the elongated curves of the front façade on the Loro Piana tower are the work of Japanese architect Jun Aoki, who aimed to create a structure that reflects Loro Piana’s “sensual fabric draping.” This project in regards to Loro Piana is particularly fascinating as it’s the first time the brand chose to express their identity through architecture. On the subject of the new boutique, Loro Piana Chief Executive Fabio d’Angelantonio explains, “Japan is very much a quality driven market, with touch being key in ‘feeling’ the quality of the products. The Japanese also highly appreciate not only how an object appears, but also what’s behind it, its construction and details, aspects where Loro Piana excels.”

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Just next door to the new Loro Piana boutique is a striking black tower on Chuo-dori Street, which now houses the boutique of Swiss watchmaker Hublot. Here laminated dark glass panels resemble scales, as if the tower may morph into Godzilla at any moment. However, the true purpose of these panels is to glow from within during evening hours and shine with reflected sunlight during daytime. Inside the boutique an equally modern design has been achieved. Speaking on their new presence in Ginza, Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe said, “this project has been in the pipeline for months and we wanted to complete it and affirm our presence in Japan, our largest market in terms of domestic sales, since sales to tourism clientele account for barely 5% of the total. So we’re expecting a faster rebound here than elsewhere.” Interestingly enough, is the fact that Japan isn’t only the largest market for Hublot, but Zenith as well!

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Particular highlights of the tile clade Zenith boutique on Namiki Dori Street are found inside, where shoppers can explore the infinite world of time and space by looking up into a ceiling that represents Zenith’s philosophy of “Time to Reach Your Star.” Zenith’s story bar is touted by the brand as the perfect spot to “enjoy a drink while [you] learn more about Zenith from videos featuring the Maison’s history and savoir-faire.”

Although many similar brands have postponed the opening of new boutiques due to the global pandemic, LVMH has moved forward with the “inaugurations” of their newest boutiques in Japan. Speaking on the subject of the new openings, Julien Tornare, CEO of Zenith, stated: “Despite the Covid-19 crisis and the short-term economic impact, our brand’s plans and ambitions remain intact. The foundations established in recent years and our very good 2019 results bolster our confidence in our strategy. And expanding our own-store network is a pillar of this strategy.”

All images provided courtesy of: LVMH

Breitling Honors COVID-19 Frontline Workers

This past April, Breitling released an eye-catching watch; the rainbow colorway edition of the Superocean Heritage ’57. The Superocean evokes feelings of hope and optimism, and it is because of these feelings that Breitling will launch a blue-dial edition, limited to 1000 pieces. Part of the proceeds from watch sales will be donated to charities supporting frontline healthcare workers battling COVID 19. Additionally, Breitling is donating CHF 1000 (1053 USD) for each of the Superocean Limited Edition II watches sold to this cause.

The Superocean Heritage Limited Edition II comes out of Breitling’s Superocean Heritage ’57 capsule collection, inspired by the “laid-back surfing lifestyle of the 1960s.” The collection pays tribute to the original 1957 SuperOcean, which was created to serve as a quintessential tool for professional and military divers, alike. However, due to the classic features and bold design, this dive watch quickly became a favorite among the amateur diver and watch enthusiasts alike. Previously known primarily for aviation watches, the Superocean put Breitling on the map for dive watches. Since the 1950s, the Superocean has become one of the most reliable dive watches on the market.

In 2007, Breitling celebrated the 50th anniversary of this watch with the Heritage Collection, paying tribute to the original 1957 design, complete with the 1950s logo and braided steel bracelet. Ten years later, Breitling retained the iconic design with the Superocean Heritage II while modernizing the model with a shock-resistant ceramic ring and new steel bezel. Today, the Superocean mixes classic design with modern technology, creating a sophisticated timepiece with advanced waterproofing and pressurized technology.

The Superocean Heritage Limited Edition II stands out with pops of color––each hour marker a different color of the rainbow. The 42mm case has oversized hour markers and is powered by the Breitling Caliber 10, a COSC-certified chronometer (Contrôle officiel suisse des chronomètres). The watch can be paired with either a stainless steel bracelet or a vintage inspired brown leather strap. Additionally, the caseback features the words “One of 1000” to mark the limited run of this unique timepiece. 

Images Courtesy of: Breitling

For More Information on The Superocean Visit: Breitling.com

101 Cartier Clocks Head to Auction at Christie’s Geneva

Christie’s Geneva will soon be enjoying the privilege of displaying and auctioning a world renowned collection of 101 Cartier clocks. Spread across 80 years of production, the clocks represent some of Cartier’s most impressive horological marvels. The collection, which is estimated to fetch between 3.9 million to 5.7 million CHF, was assembled by a passionate collector over the course of three decades. Auction estimates for each lot range from 8,000 to over 100,000 CHF.

Although founded in 1847, it was not until the start of the 20th century that Louis Cartier and master clock-maker Maurice Coüet cultivated their acclaimed relationship. With inspiration from magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, Coüet developed a passion for incorporating the most technologically advanced mechanisms into the brand’s celebrated creations. One such example of this passion are Cartier’s mystery clocks like the 1912 planet clocks, these horological masterpieces were defined by their round or angular cases and dual superimposed dials. Gold, diamond covered indicators, and light as well as dark blue rotating enamel lower dials to represent a day or night sky, were hallmarks of the mystery clock design language.

Excitingly, the auction will include two mystery clocks, ‘lot 11 a semi-mystery clock, circa 1920 (estimate CHF70,000-100,000/US$75,000-110,000) and lot 42 a planet semi-mystery clock, circa 1918, maker Maurice Coüet (estimate: CHF120,000-180,000 US$130,000-190,000).’ Those in the horological world often regard the mystery clock or pendules mystérieuses as one of Coüet’s crowning achievements. The clock’s mechanisms, which were hidden in the case’s frame, where an innovative move that ‘astonished the industry.’

The collection will be on display during Christie’s Geneva Spring Auction Week at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues from June 27th to June 30th, daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm. The auction will be held on July 1st at the beginning of the 2.00pm session.

Image credit: Christie’s

Talking Watches with Penny Morris of Bonhams

Recently the team here at The Extravagant enjoyed the exclusive privilege of interviewing Senior Watch Specialist Penelope Morris, who heads the Bonhams Knightsbridge Watch department. Morris, who is an Associate of the British Horological Institute and a member of the Antiquarian Horological Society, has now worked for Bonhams for nearly a decade and has proven to be one of the most talented women in the watch industry. The knowledge possessed by Morris is vast to say the least with highlights of her career that include the sale of 2,000 watches that belong to a European aristocrat and the the sale of a Josiah Emery pocket watch for £117,500.

Read on to learn more about Morris’ guide to collecting, her passion for complicated women’s watches, and her busy schedule at Bonhams.

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How did you first get involved in the world of horology? Was it a particular encounter with watches in your childhood, or through a family member or work?

“Straight after university I started working at an independent jeweller. Our on-site watchmaker Mike, as the only Rolex trained technician in the area, was inundated with work and so I used to help him with some of the basic repairs, such as battery changing and pressure testing, etc. His incredible generosity and patience with my questions is really what got me interested in horology and from there I joined Bonhams Watch Department just over eight years ago.“

Take us through a day in your life at the Bonhams Auctions Watch Department.

“The joy of working at an auction house is that no two days are the same – more often than not you really don’t know what watches you will be seeing and handling that day. Auctions work in cycles and, as we are always working on two to three sales at any one time, the work changes over the course of the year.

Today, I’m catching up with estimate enquiries that have come through by email over-night. We are fast approaching the deadline of our next auction, (Watches and Wristwatches, Knightsbridge, 18 February) so we are following up and reaching out for potential consignments to ensure we have an interesting and accessible collection to auction.

Throughout the day we have appointments scheduled with clients bringing in their watches to be valued. In both our New Bond St and Knightsbridge offices, we also have ‘walk in’ valuation clients who are passing by.

In between seeing these clients I’ll catalogue and inspect the watches already assigned as well as keeping tabs on our photographer who is halfway through shooting each watch ready for our designers to compile into a brochure next week. Meanwhile, I’ll run through everything to ensure we have all the I’s dotted and T’s crossed – everything from checking the contracts are correctly signed to liaising with the manufacturers for access to their archives.

As we are starting a new season, I will book my travel arrangements for our valuation days that we conduct across the world. I primarily focus on Spain, Italy, Scotland and other parts of the UK, but as a team we have representation and are active in most major cities or states across the world. We also host travelling exhibitions of our highlights for potential buyers, including in [places like] New York and Hong Kong.“

Tell us about some of the pieces that are in your personal collection.

“Ironically, my collection is very sparse – as many can identify with, when you first come out of college or university the dreams of owning that watch or that car or travelling to that exotic location get put on hold whilst ‘real life’ and paying the bills take front.

As time has gone by my dilemma has evolved. Now the issue is that there are just too many I would like! How do you settle on any of them when your job involves handling (and playing with) on average 30 different styles a day?

At Bonhams we auction timepieces from as far back as the 17^th Century up to something that theoretically could have been manufactured last week – it makes narrowing down the choice very difficult indeed. The upside is that it allows for neutral first impressions when meeting clients – best to be judged on what you know than what you have on your wrist.“

What has your time in watch collecting and selling been like? Have there been any particularly memorable points or challenges along the way?

“Working in an auction house has to date been unlike anything else. One of the things I enjoy is that you get to meet people from all walks of life. Watches are a commodity which can be incredibly versatile and as such are one of the more accessible forms of collectibles. Not everyone has a grand villa filled to the brim with Renoirs, but more often than not there is always a watch lurking in a drawer if not already being enjoyed on someone’s wrist.

Some industries can be dominated by dealers but, for us, nearly 90 percent of all watches we sell in London come from private owners, with stories that can be absolutely fascinating.

One of my most memorable experiences was handling the sale of a single owner collection of 2000 watches. The logistics behind that project were extensive and although watches themselves don’t take up much space their accompanying boxes sure do. As part of that undertaking, we pioneered an entirely new Online Only sale platform for Bonhams as well as touring highlights from the collection around the world. It was a real eye opener into the different influences enthusiasts have while building up their collections, as well as demonstrating that beautiful watches can be found in all price brackets.“

Do you believe that your collecting philosophy has evolved? If so, how?

“Yes, for sure. When I started out in this industry, I was very young and it was easy to be distracted by the flashier names, who incidentally often have the bigger marketing budgets. Nowadays I am far more interested in smaller companies where they allow room for expression in their work rather than following an algorithm of what is likely to be the most profitable design. That is not to say, however, that I do not have an appreciation for the bigger brands – you don’t make it to the top for no reason and that deserves respect.”

What is the most impressive piece that you’ve come across at Bonhams and why?

“This is a tricky one –since starting at Bonhams I have been involved in the sale of just over 14,000 watches so it’s hard to pick just one….!

However, shortly after joining Bonhams, we offered for sale a private collection of amazing pocket watches. One that really stood out for me was a pair case by Johannis (or John) Thompson of York from circa 1665, which had the most delicate outer case made of silver filigree (a form of metal work made with tiny beads or twisted threads and stylised into artistic motifs). Coupled with this the dial had what are called ‘tumbling hours’, where the numerals look like they are, quite literally, tumbling down the dial – that analogy is one that has stuck with me and I just love the idea of it. For a watch just over 350 years (old) it was in impeccable condition and absolutely stunning.“

Do you have any special take on the demand that is growing for complicated women’s watches?

“As a female it can get boring when all the R&D conducted by the different brands leads to just putting some diamonds on a smaller version of something originally designed for a male audience. As such I think it is brilliant that there is a growing awareness that when designing a watch for women, they, just like men, want something that is just as interesting on the inside as it is on the outside.”

Any advice for women that are looking to start building a horologically savvy and balanced collection?

“Don’t be influenced by whether a watch is marketed in a gendered way – if you like it you like it. Once it is on your wrist it is no longer a male or female watch but your watch. Look at brands that were producing chronographs in the 50s, for me that was a period of really interesting development when the manufacturers were all experimenting. This is something that continued on into the 70s and can really offer you so much more variety for those looking for something a little different. Vintage watches also historically tend to be on the smaller side compared with their modern counterparts, so for a female [they] can be more accessible.“

Currently, what are some vintage pieces that have been capturing your attention?

“Last year we had the opportunity to offer for sale three spectacular Patek Philippes – references 1518, 530 and 1579 – all manufactured within a six-year window around 1950. Even after 70 years, their clean designs still resonate with today’s audience and are timeless blends of deceptively simple dials with complicated movements. I also have a thing for early Cartiers and I highly recommend a great new book by Francesca Cartier Brickell, one of the descendants of the original Cartiers, covering the history of the family.“

What is your advice for those who are looking to acquire a vintage watch?

“Do your research and be realistic – condition is a huge thing nowadays in the pre-owned market and replacement parts can cause you quite a bit of bother down the line if you are not careful. However, there is a balance – watches are mechanical objects, they are little machines and as such they need TLC to preserve them and keep them functioning. The desire for vintage watches only in perfect condition is increasingly only met with a deep pocket whilst those that have been sympathetically restored are getting increasingly overlooked. If you remain realistic and take them for what they are – a restored watch – you can still enjoy and obtain a great timepiece.

My other advice would be to browse the auctions, try the watches on and get a ‘feel’ for the watches physically. Auction houses are like interactive galleries where the exhibition regularly changes and if there isn’t anything that works for you in that sale there is always another one coming up. They are perfect for offering variety and getting a hands-on experience that you don’t necessarily get anywhere else.“

Where can we follow you?

“You can follow me on Instagram at both @pennymorris1 and @bonhamswatches“

Images courtesy of: Bonhams

Hublot Celebrates Summer With Three Limited Edition Watches

To commemorate the summer of 2019, Swiss Watchmaker Hublot launched their “Hublot Loves Summer” campaign with the release of three all new limited edition models. The watchmaker took inspiration for the three watches from three spectacular Mediterranean summer destinations. Mykonos, Capri and Ibiza are the locales which gave life to this very special set of limited edition models.

The three new editions inspired by iconic Mediterranean islands are all lightly colored Chronographs. Hublot which was founded in 1980 has a long time association with the sea. Not only is the design language of Hublot inspired by a boat’s porthole, but the brand regularly partners with nautically inclined organizations, such as the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Each of the watches in the collection is a Classic Fusion model.

The Classic Fusion Mykonos (pictured above) was created in a collaboration between Hublot and GOFAS Jewellery. The GOFAS boutique on Mykonos operates as an authorized Hublot seller. This timepiece is inspired by the beauty and history of the Cyclades islands, widely regarded as the birthplace of Apollo, and famous for archaeological ruins. Mykonos arguably the most famous island in the Cyclades Archipelago is renowned for it’s party culture, white houses, and blue doors. The Classic Fusion Mykonos features a sky blue ceramic bezel and an alligator strap which represent the Aegean Sea. The Mykonos edition is available in either Titanium or King Gold. The timepiece is limited to just fifty pieces all of which will be sold on Mykonos.

Hublot went all out when launching the Classic Fusion Chronograph Ibiza. For the summer of 2019 Hublot launched a temporary pop-up boutique on Ibiza. Set in the Beaeric Islands, Ibiza is well known for it’s summer nightlife and DJs who play across the islands many clubs. The Classic Fusion Ibiza is inspired by the modern and authentic aspects of the Bealeric Islands’ bohemian and chic culture. The timepiece is defined by it’s dark blue ceramic bezel, peace and love symbol on the seconds hand, as well as a bi-material strap in blue rubber and white alligator. These elements benefited from inspiration gathered by viewing Ibiza’s traditional dry-stone finca houses and absorbing the Island’s famous hippie culture.

Finally the Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition Capri represents everything that is this beautiful southern Italian Island. The faraglioni, which are coastal rock formations formed by waves gave inspiration to the watch’s white rubber and sky blue ceramic design elements. Although this watch is 45 mm it’s design language makes it a sleek piece to behold. Our favorite details on this watch are the blue satin dial and matching ceramic case with a versatile white rubber strap. The Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition Capri is limited to just 30 examples, all of which will be offered from the Hublot boutique on via Vittorio Emmanuele on Capri.

Images copyright of Hublot, provided courtesy of LVMH

MB&F’S Latest Timepiece: The Legacy Machine FlyingT

Innovation for the Swiss watchmaker is coming in seven-year cycles. On the seventh year the Legacy Machine collection was established, the first M.A.D. Gallery opened in Geneva which also opened the door to the MB&F co-creations. After another seven-year cycle, we get to experience an exciting, new direction towards horological evolution. Legacy Machine FlyingT (LM FlyingT), the very first three-dimensional womens timepiece, perfectly embodies MB&F’s approach for artful and inventive masterpieces.

Four years ago was when the creative process behind Legacy Machine FlyingT first took shape. It all started when Maximilian Büsser got to thinking about what he could create inspired by the feminine influences that he had throughout his life.“I created MB&F to do what I believe in, making three-dimensional sculptural kinetic art pieces that give the time,” says Büsser. “I was creating for myself, which is the only way we could have made all these crazy and audacious pieces over the years. But at some point there came a desire to create something for the women in my family. I’ve been surrounded by their influence all my life, so I gave myself the challenge to do something for them.”

FlyingT is characterized by a white gold circular case; a lofty cambered bezel; sleek, extended lugs and an array of diamonds. A raised, opulent, orbicular dome of sapphire crystal ascends from the bezel. Sheltered within the dome is a moderately rounded dial plate thats base is pure black and coated by stretched lacquer as well as layers of luminescent diamonds.

At the core of the LM FlyingT engine, encircled by an opening in the dial plate, is a grand flying tourbillon that oscillates at a rate of 2.5Hz (18,000vph). The tourbillon, which proudly stands above the engine, projects a kinetic, dynamic column that halts right before the peak of the sapphire crystal dome. Atop the upper part of the tourbillon cage lays a sole diamond that revolves simultaneously with the flying tourbillon as it illuminates the dazzling light of the finely cut stone.

The black or white lacquer dial displays the hours and minutes with blued gold serpentine hands. Tilted to a 50° angle, the wearer is the only one capable of reading the time; this demonstrates the familiar conveyance that is brought about from the personal qualities of LM FlyingT. The case back of the watch reveals the automatic winding rotor that has taken the form of a three-dimensional red-gold sun with jutting rays, which offers four days of power reserve.

Legacy Machine FlyingT is brimming with feminine and maternal influences that have made an impact in Maximilian Büsser’s life. States Büsser, “I wanted LM FlyingT to possess the epitome of femininity as reflected by the women in my life, particularly my mother. It had to combine supreme elegance with tremendous vitality. The column-like structure of the flying tourbillon was very important to me as I felt very strongly that women form the pillar of humanity. At the same time, there is another layer of meaning coming in from the sun-shaped rotor, which incorporates the element of life-giving, a source of sustenance which we gravitate towards and around.”

FlyingT is available in three separate editions, all of which are in white gold and set with an array of diamonds. The three editions of FlyingT are as follows: dial plate and case both fully set with brilliant-cut diamonds, dial plate and case both fully set with baguette-cut diamonds and black lacquer dial plate with case set with brilliant-cut diamonds.

Additional specifications of the launch editions in diamond-set, 18k white gold cases include a central flying 60-second tourbillon; a three-dimensional sun winding rotor in 18k 5N+ red gold, titanium and platinum; a raised dome sapphire crystal case with anti-reflective coating on both sides and sapphire crystal on back; two crowns: winding on left and time-setting on right; a dimension of 38.5mm x 20mm; and water resistance up to 30 m / 90’ / 3 atm.

Black Lacquer edition:

168 stones (120 on the case, 21 on the buckle, 1 on top of the tourbillon cage and 26 for the crowns). About 1.7ct.

Paved diamond-set edition:

558 stones (390 on the dial, 120 on the case, 21 on the buckle, 1 on top of the tourbillon cage and 26 for the crowns). About 3.5 ct.

Baguette diamonds edition:

294-baguette diamonds and 3 stones (134-baguette diamonds on the dial, 124-baguette diamonds on the case, 12-baguette diamonds on the buckle, 24-baguette diamonds and 2 stones for the crowns, 1 stone on top of the tourbillon cage). About 8.2 ct.

Images and video courtesy of: MB&F