Objects of Desire

Diamonds for the Diamond Jubilee as Harrods displays the De Beers Talisman Crown

In celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee world-renowned diamond jewellers, De Beers have unveiled a sublime creation showcasing its diamond mastery and unique artistry. Read more

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 CDCLifestyle 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

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

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.

www.richardmille.com

Tag Heuer's exquisite Monaco V4

With the benefit of hindsight, we can now say that the Monaco V4 Concept of 2004 marked a turning point for TAG Heuer. Yes, TAG Heuer had shown some innovative Concept watches before (The Micrograph of 2002 and the Monaco 69 in 2003), but the audacious V4 was the first sign that the “new” TAG Heuer was serious about re-establishing its credentials as a manufacturer and designer of advanced mechanical movements.

Since 2004 TAG Heuer has shown a brace of innovative movements- the Calibre 360, the Pendulum, the Mikrograph and Mikrotimer- but it all started with the V4. So advanced was the V4 that most people though that it would never make it into production for two reasons. Firstly because it was believed that the belt system wouldn’t provide the necessary reliability and secondly because this incredibly innovative system was being put forward by TAG Heuer rather than an established manufacture.

What did TAG Heuer know about designing and making a movement, let alone one as complex as the V4?

The story of the Monaco V4 started out with an R&D think-tank established within TAG Heuer in late 2001. The company was only a few months into its life as part of LVMH and had just appointed a new CEO- Jean-Christophe Babin. As Jean- Christophe told Calibre 11, one of the first things he noticed about TAG Heuer was that the company had lost its reputation as a watchmaker- and he and the new team was determined to re-establish these credentials. The goal was far more ambitious than just designing and building an in-house movement: The goal was to re-invent some of the basic principles of watchmaking………

read more…

By: www.Calibre11.com 22/05/2011