Accessories
The Definitive Luxury Lifestyle Event 'Concours d'Elegance' returns 5-6 July
Concours d’Elegance has quickly established itself as one of the highlights of the social calendar. Inspired by the salons of the 18th century, the event celebrates everything that epitomises prestige design and style. Concours d’Elegance sets out to create the ultimate fine shopping experience. It’s a firm society favourite and embraces an exclusive line-up of luxury brands.
Guests at the salon can sip champagne whilst viewing the zenith of design in timepieces, cars, yachts, interior design, jewellery, property and aviation. They can enjoy an exquisite lunch and attend lectures from some of the world’s leading style authorities.
Concours d”Elegance is hosted in the spectacular grounds of The Hurlingham Club, close to the River Thames. An exclusive garden party, it provides the ultimate hospitality opportunity for business clients and friends.
A Shopping Experience For The Senses
Our intimate gatherings enable our guests socialise with other style connoisseurs, learn about the heritage behind the art and purchase exquisite goods within a relaxed, exclusive environment.
Test the glamour, sample the lifestyle and enjoy the exclusivity of this unique experience, whilst being treated to the very finest in hospitality.
Concours d’Elegance in London is held within the magnificent grounds of The Hurlingham Club. Founded in 1869, the Georgian clubhouse is set within a 42-acre estate of lavish gardens, lawns and sporting facilities.
Not only will CDC be out their to capture all the magic for you on camera, but we have also managed to secure a very inclusive VIP package to ensure you make the most out of it:
- Entry to the lavish grounds and Concours d’Elegance for the day (11am-7pm)
- Private or shared table of 10 in The Hurlingham Club
- Champagne reception
- Selection of luxury canapes
- Summer grill lunch with seafood and meats from the UK’s best suppliers
- Mediterranean selection of salads
- Complimentary fine wine, beer and soft drinks (over lunch)
- Coffee and petit fours
- Afternoon Tea
- Complimentary souvenir programme (one per two guests)
These VIP packages are available to our members on 3 individual days
- Preview day: Wednesday 4th July 2012
- Ladies day: Thursday 5th July 2012
- Judging day: Friday 6th July 2012
To gain access to these exclusively unique VIP packages simply head to http://cdclifestyle.com/privileges
Basic ‘entry-only’ ticket to Concours d’Elegance is available at £65+vat per person per day.
Last year celebrity guests included Jade Ewen, Beverley Knight, Nancy Dell’Olio, Elen Rives, Eddie Jordan, Liz McClarnon, Blake etc.
Dress code: Summer smart, elegant
Limited edition Breitling for Bentley GMT ‘V8’ chronograph
To coincide with their new Continental GT V8 launch, here is the first glimpse of of Breitling new limited edition watch which wasn’t meant to make its public debut until the Geneva International Salon d’Auto on March 5. Anyway, I’m sorry but we just couldn’t wait that long and simply had to break the news the moment we got it. Breitling has also only created a 250-piece limited edition of its Bentley GMT chronograph, featuring a second time-zone display. Its most distinctive feature is a metallic red inner bezel bearing the names of 24 global locations. The original and daring design of the steel case characterised by asymmetrical lugs is teamed with a bracelet or a rubber strap reserved exclusively for this model.
This tribute to the new Continental GT V8 marks a further strengthening of the common ground between Bentley and Breitling. The two renowned global manufacturers share the same passion for fine mechanisms, the same alliance of prestige and performance, the same heritage of excellence aligned with the same thrust towards the future, symbolised by a winged B signature.
Dedicated to the world of the automobile, the Breitling for Bentley line marries the best of two worlds. Elegance and performance. Class and expertise. British chic and Swiss tradition. All the instruments are endowed with exclusive technical features and movements that are chronometer-certified by the COSC, the official Swiss watch certification body.
To strengthen the ties with Bentley, designers have drawn inspiration from the characteristic features of the superlative British carmaker, including the knurled finish of the control buttons and the typography of the dashboard instruments. Embodying the perfect blend of technique and aesthetics, the Breitling for Bentley line is designed to appeal to connoisseurs – and to all those with a love of rare and exclusive watches.
The CDC roundup of top men & ladies luxury watches for 2012
For all the timepiece magpies and chrono-connoisseurs, if you’re a fan of luxury watches like us, then chances are you’ll be keen to find out which brands are set to big in 2012. Well, you’ll be glad to hear that it’s going to be rich pickings for both men’s and ladies watches as leading names such as Tag Heuer and Bremont release new collections onto the market. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at which luxury watches will be vying for your attention in 2012:
10 – Bremont Watches
Designed by British watchmaking brothers, Nick and Giles English, Bremont watches are certainly one of the most luxurious and stylish ladies and mens watches on the market. Typically costing between $2000-5000, they’re not cheap but they’re certainly money well spent. Check out the Bremont watch below:
9 – IWC Watches
Heralding from North West Switzerland, IWC watches are amongst the most revered on the market and understandably so when you consider their effortlessly stylish design and incredible precision. IWC watches boast numerous stunning collections and typically cost around the $5000 mark – check out the IWC from the Portofino collection below:
8 – Chronoswiss Watches
Not one of the more well-known brands of luxury timepiece but Chronoswiss watches are all set to make a name for themselves into 2012. A relative new-comer to the market, founded in 1981, the German watchmaker only makes a certain amount of watches each year, so if you’re after a Chronoswiss in 2012, act fast! See a watch from their Pacific collection below:
7 – U-Boat Watches
These breath-taking watches were crafted for the Italian navy during the Second World War and their naval feel continues to this day. U-Boat watches are famed for their oversized faces and unique design and typically cost around $2000-5000. One of the most sought after collections from the U-Boat stable are the Flightdeck – check one out below:
6 – Graham Watches
Another luxury watch brand that is set for a big 2012 is Graham Watches, designed and developed by British inventor, George Graham in the 18th Century. Crafted from the finish Swiss components and with a highly striking design, Graham watches are definitely one to keep an eye on over the next 12 months – see one of their eye-catching timepieces below:
5 – BRM Watches
One of the few watchmakers to herald from France, BRM watches are a little out of the ordinary and offer an incredible level of mechanical sophistication. With only 2000 timepieces emerging from the BRM factory each year, you’ll have to act fast to get your hands on one in 2012. Take a look at one of the most popular BRM watches below:
4 – Baume & Mercier Watches
Another Swiss watchmaker with a rich history, established in 1834 and continuing to make beautiful watches to this day. There is an understated elegance to Baume and Mercier watches which makes them incredibly popular with fashion conscious types who don’t want to be overly showy with their choice of timepiece. Take a look at the Baume and Mercier watch from the Hampton collection below:
3 – Bell & Ross Watches
Designed by aerospace engineers, you know you’re not getting any ordinary watch when you choose a Bell and Ross and this is something that is set to make them increasingly popular in 2012. With an oversized face and distinct aviation feel, they are ideally suited to action-loving men but you’ll need deep pockets as most Bell & Ross watches cost over $2000 – including the one from their Vintage collection below:
2 – Tag Heuer Watches
If you’ve even the slightest knowledge of the luxury timepiece market, chances are you will have heard of Tag Heuer watches. If you haven’t then you’re in for a treat in 2012 as the Swiss watchmaker releases more stunning collections onto the market. They already offer numerous highly sought after collections, such as the Monaco, Carrera and Aquaracer and you can expect to pay between $1000-5000 for most Tag Heuer watches, such as the Monza below:
1 – Panerai Watches
Taking the top spot for which luxury watches to look out for in 2012 is Panerai watches. A relatively low-key brand but one that is famed for the incredible craftsmanship that goes into all their timepieces. They boast the best of both worlds as they are Italian designed with Swiss components and craftsmanship – something that produces some truly stunning results. Check out the beautiful Panerai Luminor watch below:
Feature written by: Leo Parker 8/2/12
Richard Mille - RM-056 Felipe Massa Sapphire watch
Richard Mille engineers have really been tested in the extraordinary creation of this watch cutting edge timepiece. The highly skeletonized RM 056 now has now undergone a 20% weight reduction from the last RM-050 model, required the creation of more than 400 new parts and with a baseplate made from highly skeletonized grade 5 titanium. A fast rotating winding barrel, balance with variable inertia, function indicator, torque indicator and split seconds mechanism with improved performance are only a small selection of what they had to develop.
A unique evolution of this tourbillon split seconds Chrono Competition RM 056 Felipe Massa is that its entire case -front bezel, caseband and back bezel- is cut and milled from solid blocks of sapphire, a feat of engineering and a strong visual statement. The production of this sapphire structure took years of research and testing in order to ensure an adequate response to the demands of strength and comfort.
“This is the first time such a complex case design has been realized in this material.”
Sapphire is known as a particularly scratch-resistant material and one of the hardest materials on Earth, with a Mohs rating of 9.0. Made of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) crystals, it is transparent thanks to its molecular composition. The machining of such components was the biggest challenge faced by Richard Mille, a challenge made all the more difficult as the sapphire machining process is exceptionally delicate. Although extremely tough, sapphire does not allow for even the slightest error during milling and cutting. Creating a case of this quality took over 1000 hours of machining, of which 430 hours were spent on pre-forming the case components and 350 hours on polishing the whole watch case. The cutting tools must be specially designed and tipped with diamond.
For excellent optical properties, bezel case parts have been treated with an anti-glare coating. The tripartite case is water resistant to 30 meters, ensured by two Nitril O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 20 Spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.
The RM 056 is a limited edition of just 5 pieces due to the extreme nature of their creation and development, a new frontier in the history of the watchmaking industry.
The world's most expensive (diamond encrusted) business card
Targeting ultra high net worth individuals across Europe, the Middle East and Asia; Black Astrum (established in 2010), specialises in diamond based product design for ultra high net worth individuals. Based in London and Berkshire the company’s small team of designers and craftsmen provide a full design service, working closely with its clients to produce a product tailored to their specification. Now they offer their clients the ultimate business card, carefully crafted to be a highly distinctive symbol of status and wealth.
“The Signature Card allows our members to express themselves in a truly unique way” said Sufian Khawaja, Black Astrum’s concept director. “Although each design is bespoke, a full set of cards can contain in excess of 30 carats. We’ve had several enquiries from American celebrities and international businessmen, however our cards are offered by invitation only, reflecting our desire to serve only the most premier individuals”.
Using precision cast Swiss made materials and diamonds of the highest quality, the Signature Card is designed to make an immediate statement. Originally produced as a one-off commission for a wealthy Middle Eastern family, the card elegantly encapsulates the pre-eminence of the individual.
For further details visit: www.blackastrum.com
Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition 3000 & 80
“Making a film means first of all, to tell a story. That story should never be banal. It must be dramatic and human. What is drama after all, but life with the dull bits cut out.” - Alfred Hitchcock (1899 – 1980)
Passionate craftsmanship and pioneering design are the forces behind Montblancʼs Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition, an electrifying tribute to the inventor of the psychological thriller genre. The British filmmaker and producerʼs horror classics such as “Psycho” and “Vertigo” brought cinema to a new level of artistry, technical innovation and unconventional storytelling. Hitchcock became renowned for taking audiences on a rollercoaster ride of extreme fear and anxiety.
Using multiple camera angles and engaging in a unique form of voyeurism, he would leave viewers to imagine the brutality of crimes by only showing limited graphic violence on screen. His sophisticated techniques and ingenious editing allowed him to draw audiences into his world and play with their minds. Both editions, the Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition 3000 and Limited Edition 80 bring to life his genius and tell the story of his extraordinary contribution to the art of filmmaking.
Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition 3000
Many of Hitchcockʼs scenes remain the most memorable in movie history, forming the inspiration for the design of Montblancʼs Limited Edition. The dark staircase featured in his masterpiece “Vertigo” (1958) influences the overall design of these pieces. In this pivotal scene, the main character races frantically up the stairs before experiencing a crippling bout of vertigo as he sees the stairs stretch away from him. The textured dark precious lacquer of the cap and barrel of the writing instrument creates a special effect reminiscent of Hitchcockʼs infamous “vertigo effect”.
What could be more spine chilling than the unforgettable 45-second shower scene from Oscar-nominated “Psycho” (1960) when a young woman is brutally murdered in cold blood with a knife? The weapon remains emblazoned in the mindʼs eye long after the screen goes dark. This sinister knife is featured prominently on the writing instrument, as the penʼs clip.
As a reminder of Hitchcock the iconic filmmaker, the Limited Edition 3000 features on the 925 sterling silver rings engraving of the notes that would have identified the original film reel of “Psycho”. The 925 sterling silver cone of the writing instrument features 53 hatch marks symbolising every movie that Hitchcock directed during his impressive career spanning nearly six decades.
Not just macabre but also humorous, the filmmakerʼs comical cameo appearances in his own works became his very own trademark, fascinating audiences worldwide. His distinctive profile remains an enduring cultural image to this day. Because it was nearly impossible for him to engineer an appearance in “The Rope” because all the action takes place in one apartment, Hitchcock placed a neon sign of his famous self-portrait sketch in the city skyline outside the window. This very sketch enriches the 18K rhodium plated solid gold nib of the Limited Editions.
As a mark of the quality and craftsmanship of these pieces, the Montblanc features at the very summit of the writing instrument. The Limited Edition 3000 is available in 146 size Fountain Pen (3000 pieces) or Rollerball with marathon refill (3000 pieces), both with 925 Sterling Silver Settings.
Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition 80
Alfred Hitchcock is considered by many to be one of the most influential filmmakers of all time and a true cultural icon. Honouring his outstanding contribution to the art of
filmmaking, Montblanc has created an Edition in 750 white gold, limited to just 80 pieces. Featuring the dramatic swirling vertigo effect in black lacquer enhanced with red reminiscent of the blood-stained crime scenes of his films. In addition, the “Psycho” knife clip is enriched with diamonds.
The Edition features some additional details reflecting his mastery of fear and fantasy. Hitchcock pioneered so many techniques that revolutionized the way thrillers and horror movies were directed. One device in particular was created to add tension for the spectator: by feeding the audience information that the filmʼs characters didnʼt have, he ensured surprise and alarm in the viewer. This device is very apparent in “The Birds” (1963) when a menacing swarm of killer crows gather for an attack on a playground while the main characterʼs attention is directed elsewhere. Symbolizing the craft that Hitchcock devoted his life to mastering and re-inventing, the cap rings of the Limited Edition 80 are encircled by a stylised roll of celluloid film – a directorʼs ultimate tool. Hitchcockʼs ultimate goal was to bring his audience under his spell, allowing them to be led exactly where he wanted them to go. He challenged himself to tighten his grip on the audience to the maximum when he shot “The Rope” (1948), a film shot all in one location, almost entirely without cuts or pauses, thus capturing every possible angle and perspective. The rope sinuously wrapped around the fountain penʼs cap and barrel rings and cone, refers to the murder weapon in this unique piece of filmmaking, also Hitchcockʼs first shot in colour.
With all its intricate details and symbolic references, Montblancʼs Alfred Hitchcock Limited Editions are a fitting tribute to a memorable entertainer and an enduring legacy.
Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock Limited Edition will be available in Montblanc boutiques worldwide from January 2012. For further information, visit www.montblanc.com
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boutique.Goldsmiths - Glam Rock Watches - TOWIE Lauren Pope
The Only Way Is Essex star and celebrity DJ Lauren Pope tore up the decks last night at an exclusive event at boutique.Goldsmiths – Goldsmiths’ concept fashion jewellery store at Westfield Stratford City - for covetable new watch brand Glam Rock Watches.
Looking gorgeous in a glamorous red dress Lauren showed off her skills on the decks to a jam-packed store of festive shoppers and excited TOWIE fans. Last night’s event celebrated the brand new South Beach range from Glam Rock at Goldsmiths.
The new collection sees a range of interchangeable luxury fashion watches with ‘Just Click’ technology and Lauren herself was wearing the Limited Editon SOBE GR32199D style from the collection, available from Goldsmiths now for £2,995.
Glam Rock is the latest celebrity must-have watch brand that has just launched in the UK but already has a huge stateside following including Britney Spears, Kim Kardashian, Fergie and 50 Cent. Available at boutique.Goldsmiths concept fashion jewellery stores and other Goldsmiths showrooms nationwide, Glam Rock watches are this season’s most-wanted watch style and showcase A-list inspired accessories with a glamorous fashion edge.
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Montblanc Writing Time – Two Centuries of Chronograph History
190 years ago, Nicholas Rieussec invented the first chronograph using two rotating discs and a drop of ink to mark two points in time. This Saturday, Sotheby’s is opening the “Montblanc Writing Time – Two Centuries of Chronograph History” exhibition, tracing the rise and development of this time measurement instrument through a series of displays of historical pieces.
Location:
Sotheby’s, 34 - 35 New Bond Street, London W1A 2AA
Dates and times:
Saturday 10th December 2011: 12:00 to 17:00
Sunday 11th December 2011: 12:00 to 17:00
Monday 12th to Wednesday 14th December 2011: 09:00 to 16:30
Admission is free
Montblanc is a sponsor of Sotheby’s 2011 Fine Watches auctions in London, New York, and Hong Kong. The next Fine Watches sale will commence at Sotheby’s in London on Tuesday 13th December 2011 at 10:30.
Infiniti collaboration with Bell & Ross
Infiniti, the luxury performance automotive brand from Japan, has unveiled the Limited Edition BR02-8 Infiniti Carbon Case Purple 8 Pro Dial wristwatch, engineered by the Swiss specialist time instrument maker Bell & Ross. This is the second exclusive timepiece to be revealed by Infiniti, following the launch of the special edition BR03-92 Instrument Phantom model to commemorate last year’s arrival of the Infiniti FX Limited Edition performance crossover. The elegant watch has been designed to mark the continued and successful collaboration between Infiniti and Bell & Ross, two marques renowned for exceptional performance, modern luxury, technical perfection, and a unique ownership experience. Only 200 examples from the BR02-8 Infiniti Carbon Case Purple 8 Pro Dial series are available for purchase from all Infiniti Centres worldwide.
The recommended retail price will be between €3,500 or $5,080.
Stylish yet subtle cues drawn from the partnership between Infiniti and Bell & Ross are clearly evident on this exclusive piece. The seconds pointer and eighth digit which sit on a matt black dial, sport a photo-luminescent finish in the same distinct purple colour employed by Infiniti across the globe. The number ‘eight’ is a symbol of luck in Asia, whilst also resembling the mathematical sign of infinity and the automaker’s badge when rotated on its side. As a reminder of just how special this watch is, the steel case back has been beautifully engraved with the Infiniti signature, discretely complementing the Bell & Ross insignia.
Andy Palmer, Infiniti’s Executive Vice President explains:
“The Limited Edition BR02-8 Infiniti Carbon Case Purple 8 Pro Dial wristwatch is a true celebration of our continued association with Bell & Ross, for which we are very proud. The new timepiece effortlessly embodies the unique qualities of both brands to offer discerning customers a rare and highly sought-after addition to their collection.”
For the locations of Infiniti Centres which span from Belgium to Bahrain, visit www.infiniti.com.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Movement: Automatic mechanical ETA 2982
Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds (all central hands). Date with quick correction
Case: Diameter 44mm, steel with matte black PVD finish, screw-in winding crowns,
decompression valve
Back: Screw-down, steel with engraving of the Infiniti signature. Bell & Ross insignia
etched below
Dial: Black. Infiniti purple-coloured seconds pointer and number ‘8’. Index and hands
covered in a photo-luminescent coating for optimal night reading. Unidirectional internal
bezel toothed and graduated to 60 minutes
Glass: Anti-reflection sapphire crystal
Water-resistance: 1,000 metres
Straps: Black rubber
Reference: BR 02 Purple 8 Pro Dial
Price: €3,500 or $5,080
Unique edition of 200 examples worldwide
Rocked - London Bespoke Jewellery
ROCKED is a London-based offering that exists to bring the work of talented, independent jewellery designers to a discerning clientele who want access to the most exciting work on the contemporary jewellery scene. Working on behalf of their clients, ROCKED sources striking pieces of fine jewellery from a diverse range of designers’ collections, or drafts in the appropriate design talent to undertake bespoke commissions.
“We’ve found our clients tend to want original or bespoke jewellery pieces, but an overwhelmingly cluttered marketplace combined with a lack of personal leisure time has meant they’ve defaulted to more predictable, traditional offerings. Our aim is to ensure that’s a compromise they no longer have to make,” says Catherine Barr, ROCKED Co-founder.
Underpinning ROCKED’s philosophy is the core belief that….
the value of jewellery lies not only its material components.
“There’s a tendency to judge a piece by the size of its gemstone and by the other precious metals incorporated in it. Whilst our designers source exquisite materials, it is their design skill that ensures you walk away in with something that’s genuinely remarkable. Each designer has different inspirations, styles and methods. What links them together is their exceptional talent.”
“Original but endlessly wearable: that is what defines the work we curate. We don’t believe in investing in a piece, to not then have the pleasure of wearing it. Life’s too short for that, ” says Zoë Hinckley, ROCKED Co-founder.
The founding partners of ROCKED - Catherine Barr and Zoë Hinckley - are ex-advertising executives with more than 10 years combined experience of working in one of the most creatively awarded advertising agencies in the world. Drawn together by a mutual passion for innovative jewellery, both are intent on challenging - and changing - the way that fine jewellery is viewed and purchased.
“We’re both huge advocates of creativity and originality in jewellery design. There are a number of talented, independent designers out there whose work is being overlooked in favour of predictable and unadventurous high-street pieces in a similar price bracket. To us, that’s criminal,” says Barr.
And it isn’t just clients buying for themselves that enlist ROCKED’s services. Choosing a piece for a partner can be both daunting and pressurised, particularly if the item in question is intended to result in that all-important “Yes”. ROCKED wants to remedy that.
“Briefings take place over an espresso or a glass of bubbly at a venue convenient to the client. We want to make the process enjoyable from start to finish and ensure that any concerns about not getting it “right” are put to rest, as we explore multiple avenues and options before recommending a designer or a particular piece. We do the research, so the clients don’t have to,” says Hinckley.
It is this highly personalised approach that Barr and Hinckley believe will allow them to offer their clients most value, building long lasting relationships that will enable them to source proactively from up-and-coming collections on their clients’ behalf.
“Personal, unusual, and a sound investment: these are the qualities
that make our work such a
compelling proposition for today’s discerning buyer.”
Website: www.rockedlondon.com
Email: hello@rockedlondon.com
Twitter: twitter.com/rockedlondon
Telephone: +44 (0) 7851 136899
TW Steel watches David Coulthard Edition
TW Steel are excited to announce their collaboration with former Formula One racing driver and brand ambassador David Coulthard on a special edition watch, designed to celebrate the Scot’s stellar career, who holds 13 Formula One victories having competed for Williams F1, McLaren-Mercedes and Red Bull Racing from 1994 to 1998. Available in 44mm (CE4001) and 48mm (CE4002) executions, the design features a sleek grey dial, sporting Coulthard’s name and a grey Italian leather strap that reflects the Scot’s passion for detail, while offering a bold, sophisticated look which perfectly captures the luxurious associations that come from his involvement in one of the world’s most glamorous and appealing sports - motor racing.
CE4001 RRP: £625
CE4002 RRP: £675
Richard Mille's RM-027 Tourbillon
Watch maker Richard Mille unveils the RM 027 Tourbillon, the Swiss company’s first timepiece to weigh in at less than one ounce. This feat being a goal held by Richard Mille himself and created as a lightweight tourbillon that professional tennis player Rafael Nadal (who also collaborated on the project) can wear on the court.
This watch will be strictly limited to just 50 pieces and a price tag of $525,000 that clearly reflects its level of exclusivity. Mechanically the RM 027 employs a lithium-aluminium alloy for the movement baseplate and a carbon composite for the exterior. Such aerospace-grade materials are not new to Mille’s watches however, with the RM 009 featuring a case made of the aluminium and silicium mixture used in satellites, but they reach their apogee in the RM 027.
Belying the watch’s lightness is its appearance. A network of columns and struts lends the look of a heavyweight to the RM 027 while protecting the tourbillon’s power train from shocks—including those it might sustain at this year’s US Open.
