Whether you like to celebrate Halloween or not, there are certain luxury timepieces that are perfectly suited for a day like today and that will make your wrist as stylish as it gets when you are out trick-or-treating. If you fancy ‘calaveritas’, skulls, orange dials, orange straps, orange accents or even ultra expensive watches with a case that will remind you of candy corn, then any of these ten watches is absolutely perfect for you. From Hublot to Richard Mille and even Audemars Piguet, these watches celebrate Halloween the right way.
Posts tagged #Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver
Experience: Hermès Eau de Pamplemousse Rose. A Fresh Fragrance Like the Sea.
As you probably have figured it out by now, we love everything that comes packed in orange boxes with brown markings. Therefore, we just added the Hermès Eau de pamplemousse rose 'cologne' to the fragrances that suit watchlifestylers very well. Especially because this 'cologne' can be shared by men and women as it is a unisex fragrance. The Eau de pamplemousse rose —pink grapefruit— follows the same notes and aromas as the iconic Eau d'Orange Verte —green orange— but with a fresher scent infused with floral notes of roses.
Experience: Zaha Hadid's Condo at the W South Beach. A $6.5 Million Dollar Modern and Eclectic Space Like No Other.
Here at WCL we are suckers for modern architecture and design and when you get to step into late Zaha Hadid's condo at the W South Beach Residences it is for sure an afternoon to remember. Considered the most prominent and successful female architect of the century, Zaha Hadid was an Iraqi-British architect who was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004 and the UK's Stirling Prize architectural award in 2010 and 2011.
Eye Candy: Thirty Photos to Make You Love Audemars Piguet Even More. Some of Our Favorite Images.
Today, we have decided to just bring you some Audemars Piguet eye candy. Since there's no need to read a long —text heavy— post every day, here's a nice compilation with some of our favorite images captured over the past few years.
Experience: Burberry Wiltshire Long Heritage Trench Coat. A Must Have for Fall and a Perfect Match to Black Dial Timepieces.
Fall is here and its time to pull those Burberry trench coats out of the closet and pair them with your black dial timepieces. Even better if its with a gorgeous Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver ref. 15703ST just in case some heavy downpour is on the forecast. The Burberry Wiltshire Long Heritage trench coat is a must have in every men's wardrobe. Designed with a modern fit, the Wiltshire is tailored to the body with a tapered waist. Made in England from weatherproof cotton gabardine invented by Thomas Burberry in 1879, the Burberry trench coat is perhaps one of the most iconic pieces of garment designed to be a classic for all seasons and occasions. Unlike other coats, the trench coat can be worn belted over tailoring or open and relaxed over denim and t-shirts as one of the most versatile garments for demanding watchlifestylers. Inspired by the Burberry Heritage Archive, the Burberry Wiltshire trench coat features the iconic check undercollar and its design is available in two sleeve lengths.
Experience: Chivas Regal 18 Pininfarina. A Partnership Between Two Perfectionists and a Great Limited Edition.
Chivas Regal 18 Pininfarina was launched earlier this year throughout the world but it is still scarcely available throughout the U.S. market. This limited edition, product of a collaboration between two perfectionists, will satisfy your luxurious palate to the fullest.
Pininfarina, the acclaimed auto designer that has worked for Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Peugeot and Rolls Royce amongst other car brands and that has also dabbled into the waters of watchmaking in a special partnership with Bovet, has now decided to join forces with one of the top whiskeys in the world in order to create this special edition that gets the best from both brands and blends into a unique experience for watchlifestylers that like the finer things in life. The video below will tell you more about the essence of Pininfarina.
Click on the video only if you are of legal drinking age in your country.
In this special partnership, Paolo Trevisan —Design Manager of Pininfarina Extra— wanted to create something that represented the essence of both brands and we think he did pretty well. A perfect symbol of collaboration. Liquid shaped by air. Pininfarina’s mastery of aerodynamics, combined with the peerless whisky of Chivas Regal 18. Uniting and embodying the passions of both icons, it is the inspiration behind three limited edition expressions of their partnership. Trevisan paid a visit to Chivas' home Strathisla to meet Master Blender Colin Scott, where the two shared their vision for the exclusive Chivas 18 by Pininfarina. Here's a video that explains the design process behind this limited edition. Just fascinating and inspiring.
Click on the video only if you are of legal drinking age in your country.
This partnership is perfectly executed in three different amazing products. The first one —named Limited Edition One— is a gorgeous drop-shaped blue container lined with wood, the second one —Limited Edition Two— is a larger individually numbered drop-shaped container that contains a bottle of whisky, two drop-shaped glasses and where the top part of the container can be used as an ice bucket and lastly the third one called the 'Mascherone', which is a special order free standing wooden and aluminum sculpture display. To round out the special edition, Pininfarina also created a specially designed bottle of Chivas 18 with Pininfarina’s design notes visible on the metalized crest and the Italian company’s logo, proudly emblazoned on the capsule and neck wrap to reflect the streamlined metallic finish of a classic car.
The 'Mascherone' standing display was inspired by the original wooden frame that was used to design cars in the old days and is a sculpture where the product is properly displayed around wood and blue aluminum. The Chivas Regal 18 Mascherone by Pininfarina marks the pinnacle of their partnership. Hand assembled in Cambiano by Pininfarina, it features an oak internal structure and clad in aluminium. Mirroring the elegant precision of Pininfarina's celebrated automotive innovations, only five of this collector's pieces will be on display globally and individual pieces will be made to order on request. A light, found at the base, brings this artistic piece to life. Here's a video that talks about the beauty and story behind the 'Mascherone'.
If you are a whisky drinker and someone that enjoys life to the fullest always searching for the ultimate luxury, this limited edition won't disappoint you. Now, if you really want to go for the whole nine yards, you can place a special order for one of the 'Mascherones' and continue to live life to the fullest. One thing we know, is that the 'Mascherone' will look great inside your beautiful home at the New York by Gehry on 8 Spruce Street.
Sticker Price for Limited Edition 2 $500 USD. For more info on Chivas Regal 18 click here and for Pininfarina here.
Encounter: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse. The One to Appear in Tranformers 4: Age of Extinction.
This past weekend here in Chicago was a very active weekend around the shoot of the upcoming Hollywood blockbuster movie Transformers 4: Age of Extinction. As it is now a common thing, our Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver a.k.a. the 'fancy car magnet' attracted this amazing car while we were cruising around the lower-lower level of Wacker Drive. The only thing we could've wished for is that the whole car had been uncovered.
Watchlifestylers, meet the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse in dark blue with lighter blue accents. This is the very same car that you will get to see in the movie next June 27, 2014. Paramount Pictures, thank you for bringing this beauty to our city!
It was quite exhilarating to get this close to the most amazing automobile ever created in the history of mankind.
We tried to get as close as possible; however, very tight security and police protection didn't allow us to take as many shots as we would've liked. Regardless, here are some spy shots for your viewing pleasure.
This Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is not only the most powerful but also the fastest roadster in the world. Fitted with a quad-turbocharged 8.0 liter 16-cylinder engine, this machine outputs an astounding 1,200 hp and reaches a top speed of 258 mph —granted that you have the clear plastic top on.
This Bugatti is twenty percent more powerful than its predecessor the Grand Sport with a torque of 1,106 lbs/ft. and it is the most amazing automobile ever built and it will take you from 0 to 60 mph in mere 2.4 seconds. We wonder what the g-force would be with the pedal to the metal from full stop to 60 mph.
If you are thinking of getting one of these amazing machines, you need to act fast because as you know, Bugatti’s self-imposed decree caps the production of the Grand Sport at 150 units. You know we hate stock images; however, since we couldn't get the full car, we have included a stock image at the bottom of the post so you can see the what the full car looks like.
Sticker Price $2.4 Million USD. For more info on Bugatti click here.
Image from Motorauthority.com
Encounter: Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 'Pagoda'. A Saturday Afternoon Classic.
Nothing like summers here in Chicago. Chicagoans often say that withstanding the harsh winters is just worth it because of the amazing summers we have in the Windy City. After moving from New York City to Chicago five years ago, we now fully understand why people say that.
On a perfect Saturday evening, we stumbled upon this amazing classic car. This is an automobile perfectly suited for an summer evening joy ride. The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL —a.k.a. W113 'Pagoda'— was introduced in 1967 as a successor to the 230 SL and the 250 SL and was in production for just four years. Afterwards, it was replaced by the entirely new 350 SL. Over the years, the W113 evolved from a sports roadster to a comfortable grand tourer.
The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL, along with its predecessors, is perhaps one of the most classic cars from the sixties and early seventies. This beautiful example in teal blue with cream interiors, definitely caught our eye while wearing our 'fancy car magnet' Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver.
This Mercedes-Benz 280 SL circa 1969 is a two-door roadster coupé with a soft-top and an optional slightly concave hardtop —hence the nickname 'Pagoda'. It was only sold between 1963 and 1971 –just a year short of the launch of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo. Fitted with a six-cylinder engine that outputs 170 hp, this car is classic, elegant and a joy to drive.
The exquisite lines of this car and its amazing condition provide unparalleled eye candy to any watchlifestyler passing by. The iconic Mercedes-Benz three spoke star is a synonym of class, luxury and amazing design just like the double baton at 12 o'clock on an Audemars Piguet timepiece. Enjoy the rest of the pictures of this amazing looking car.
Pre-owned Sticker Price for one like this in such excellent condition, anywhere between $35,000-$75,000 USD. Becoming more and more scarce as time goes by.
Experience: La Casa del Habano, Cancun Mexico. A Wonderful Afternoon With Cuban Cigars and Rum.
On a recent trip to Mexico, we visited the famous 'La Casa del Habano' located in Cancun Quintana Roo, Mexico —the first international franchise of 'La Casa del Habano' that opened in 1990.
'La Casa del Habano' is considered a temple by those that enjoy smoking a good Cuban cigar —one of the finest pleasures in life— and a place where one can spend a whole afternoon sipping Cuban rums and smoking a handful of hard-to-find delicious 'Habanos'.
Since this was our first time at this location, we decided to walk around and absorb as much as we could of the amazing atmosphere. This is a store where you can discover interesting things in every little corner of it and where cigars, humidors, ashtrays, head sculptures and cigar knickknacks take the main stage.
Room Humidor at La Casa del Habano
One great thing about this location, is that the bar is nicely stocked with Cuban rums and you can sip some of the best 'Mojitos' made to order with 'Havana Club' rum. At this sanctuary of the finest Cuban cigars and rums, you can enjoy every variety of 'Havana Club' —including '7 Años', 'Añejo Especial', 'Gran Reserva 15 Años', Cuban Barrel Proof and even the rare 'Selección de Maestros'— and even the limited production 'Ron Extra Añejo Reserva Especial 15 Años Edmundo Dantes' —only 3,000 bottles become available every once in a while.
As we walked around the store, we noticed the beautiful domino playing table with an original Cuban domino set. The biggest difference between the traditional dominoes and the Cuban dominoes, is that the tiles include double-nines —55 piece set— instead of only double-sixes —28 piece set— on traditional sets. The game of dominoes is the national game of Cuba and for many, the best leisure activity to be enjoyed with friends and family. In the United States, this tradition is kept alive at the 'Maximo Gomez' Domino Park in Calle Ocho in the heart of Miami, Florida. A place where many of 'Los Veteranos' —older Cuban gentlemen— smoke a cigar and enjoy an afternoon playing domino with friends.
As we continued to look around, we found four brass head sculptures of iconic cigar aficionados that include Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, John F. Kennedy, Sir Winston Churchill and the legendary cigar maker Alejandro Robaina —the most famous and renowned cigar maker from the region of 'Vuelta Abajo' in Cuba. In 1997, Habanos S.A. honored Robaina by launching a line of cigars bearing the name of his famous plantation, 'Vegas Robaina'.
Once we headed inside the main humidor room, we picked a few 'Habanos' to smoke while we were there. The selection included an H. Upmann 'Edición Limitada 2009', a Romeo y Julieta 'Coronitas en Cedro' and a Bolivar No. 3.
As we kicked-off the afternoon with some amazing 'Mojitos' —notice the sugar cane that was used to mash the mint leaves— we decided to begin our cigar journey by lighting up the H. Upmann 'Edición Limitada 2009'. A fantastic cigar that is worth having its own full separate review that will be published very soon.
As we sipped our drinks and smoked our fine cigars, we walked around the store one more time, to discover other great things worth talking about. As we walked around the area where the chest humidors are displayed, we found a fine looking handmade 'Vegas Robaina' cedar chest humidor with three large drawers that can hold up to 250 cigars. A unique piece of art and the most beautiful chest humidor we have seen lately. The decoration on the door of the chest is made of different types of natural straw and wood veneer to create the iconic image of Alejandro Robaina in his plantation. The drawers come with multiple dividers that can be arranged by the owner as desired and the Sticker Price only $1,800 USD.
For those brave enough to leave the air conditioned space, there's a beautiful terrace overlooking the mangroves next to the 'Nichupte' lagoon where the hot and humid weather will make you feel like you are smoking a cigar near 'El Vedado' in Habana, Cuba.
As we sipped more 'Mojitos', tried a handful of Cuban rums —including the 'Edmundo Dantes' that was even better than a Zacapa X.O.— and smoked our last Habano —a Bolivar No. 3— in the company of a delicious Danesi espresso, the afternoon drifted away into the evening under a hot and humid mid-Summer day in Cancun. As we departed this temple of 'The Good Life', we promised our friends at 'La Casa del Habano' that we would be back very soon. It only took another day before we stopped by one more time.
La Casa del Habano Cancún
Boulevard Kukulkan Km. 12.7
Cancún, Quintana Roo, México 77500
+52 998 840 7000
Insider: BMW E90 M3 Saloon. Farewell to an Amazing Four-Door Beast.
As we all know, good things always come to an end. As they say: "Let's say goodbye to the old and make room for the new". Over the course of the last three years, we have been hearing rumors and reading some contradicting news about the possibility that BMW's M3 line will be renamed M4 and that the new generation of these automobiles will be fitted with a twin-turbo
six-cylinder engine with an output of 450
horsepower. Even though, all this has not been officially confirmed by BMW, what we do know is that the roomy four-door M3 Saloon is now long gone —it doesn't even appear on BMW's website anymore.
Some time not long ago, we had the pleasure of meeting with one of our close watchlifestyler friends and take a close look at this wonderful machine that you can't buy brand new anymore. This time, the watch on the wrist an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver that we have decided to name the 'fancy car magnet' a few stories ago. The more we look at our pictures, the more we confirm that no other watch could've looked any better inside this gorgeous automobile. A match made in heaven.
The BMW M3 was launched in 1986 based off the 3-series line as the E30 and since then, it's been absolute synonym of performance, speed and comfort among automobile enthusiasts and BMW aficionados.
The 4th generation M3 Saloon four-door was presented as a concept car at the 2007
Geneva Auto Show. This powerful car featuring a
BMW S65 V8 engine boosts 420 hp capable of getting from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds. Driving this car is a true pleasure and an exhilarating experience. Its lines, engine roar and driveability are unparalleled.
The BMW E90 M3 Saloon four-door is a car that was designed with one goal in mind: speed with uncompromised comfort. The look of the car is very masculine, powerful and quite sporty. This amazing machine comes with 19-inch wheels and 265 tires on the back in order to keep proper control and stability of the powerful rear-wheel drive. One of the greatest advantages of the E90 M3 Saloon over the M3 Coupé, is that you don't need to lose engine power in exchange for more room. This car is almost as powerful as the coupé but rear passengers won't feel cramped up in the back. Just as with any other BMW, the interior is very nicely done, spacious and features the traditional M-line touches with a carbon fiber trim that adds a sportier look to the interior of the vehicle.
Now the really sad part of this story is that if you want one of these cars to go with that Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver, you'll have to settle for a pre-loved example of it. Certified Pre-Owned Sticker Price approximately $48,000-52,000 USD. For more info click here.
Experience: A Full Week At Grand Velas Riviera Maya with an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver
For all of our beach loving watchlifestylers, we are featuring the luxurious Grand Velas Resort in Riviera Maya. Riviera Maya is a tourism paradise located in the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. This secluded beach destination is located between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Grand Velas is only 25 miles south of Cancun and 5 miles away from Playa del Carmen.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya opened in 2008 as the first and only luxurious all-inclusive resort in the area. We know what most of you think when we say 'all-inclusive'; however, it is actually nothing like what you might be imagining. This exclusive resort features five chef-inspired 'haute cuisine' restaurants and one buffet restaurant that can compete with any Michelin rated restaurant in the world. The names and specialties of the restaurants include Frida —gourmet Mexican—, Cocina de Autor —Spanish molecular gastronomy—, Piaf —traditional French—, Sen Lin —gourmet Asian fusion—, Lucca —Italian and Mediterranean— and Azul —international buffet that even includes sushi and sashimi.
Grand Velas offers superb service, a tranquil beach without crowds and upscale guests from all over the world. If you are looking for a resort where the world and Mexican elite hang out, then this is the place.
Once you drive in through its majestic doors, you will feel the serenity of 80 acres of protected mangroves. Upon arrival at the main hotel lobby for the Ambassador and Grand Class suites, you will be greeted by their friendly staff with hibiscus infused beverages and a nice cold face towel. The lobby features a modern super-sized 'Palapa' with beautiful decor and the comfiest couches where your check-in takes place. Upon check-in, you will be assigned a personal concierge to take care of all your needs during your stay, even if that includes purchasing some Vilebrequins in case you forgot to bring yours.
Now, if you are looking for an even more relaxing experience at Grand
Velas, you can book your suite within the Zen Grand suites area that is
completely secluded and located in the heart of the mangroves. The
downside is that you will be at least 10-minutes away from the beach and
the majority of the restaurants. The upside, is that you are next to the world-class spa at this resort. There you can experience their amazing 'Water Journey' treatment as you go through different pools with different scents, waterfalls and even temperatures.
At this exclusive resort, expect for the phrase 'your wish is my command' to become the norm. Whatever and whenever is the motto of their employees. Ultra premium and premium liquors are included and some of the most fascinating Mexican seafood dishes like 'Aguachile de Camarón', 'Ceviche de Pescado' and 'Coctél de Pulpo' are at your disposition whenever you want a serving poolside.
Regarding the accommodations, expect a very large suite with an ultra comfortable bed, Molton Brown amenities, fresh flowers, in-room all-inclusive dining service including breakfast on your terrace —make sure you order 'Huevos Rancheros' and 'Chilaquiles Verdes'— and even a bottle of Tequila to enjoy during your stay. What a perfect retreat!
A full day by the beach includes a shallow waist high stretch of beach with serene warm waters, snorkeling opportunities just a few feet from your beach chair, a few visits to 'Azul' and some of the best prepared drinks you won't find at any other resort.
By the way, the beaches are very private, somewhat secluded and with talc-like sand to pamper your feet.
At night, after a full day of relaxation and indulgence by the beach, be prepared to savor the best international and Mexican cuisine in its different restaurants. If you like places like Daniel, Le Bernardin, Jean-Georges, Le Cirque or Asiate, we promise you won't be disappointed by their food.
After you've relaxed for a whole week at this fantastic place, rest assure you will not want to leave. At this resort you get world-class amenities with an amazing and personable service staff and some of the best dining experiences in this part of the world.
Room rates start at approximately $700 USD per night in double occupancy. For more info click here.
Encounter: Ferrari F430 in Light Blue on the Highway. We Just Couldn't Keep Up.
A few days ago, while driving a Porsche Cayman S on one of Chicago's most transited freeways, we stumbled upon a gorgeous light blue Ferrari F430. For once, the freeway wasn't as plugged up with traffic as usual.
As we were comfortably cruising, a loud, low-pitched engine roar called for our attention. As we looked in the mirror, there it was. A gorgeous Ferrari F430 hiding in our blind spot. The watch on the wrist is an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver that we now like to call 'the fancy car magnet' per a previous story.
The Ferrari F430 comes with a V8-engine with 490hp and cutting-edge racing technologies —perfected to be street legal— such as the electronic differential and the handy steering wheel mounted commutator switch that controls the systems governing vehicle dynamics.
The F430 is very light and reaches 0-60mph in just 4.0 seconds. This Ferrari is as close as you will get to the performance and driveability of a Formula One racing car. For instance, a braking system using carbon-ceramic discs comes as a standard feature and the aerodynamics are also highly innovative for a street car. It is shaped in a way where air flow increases down-force and improves cooling.
As this remarkable automobile with its yellow brake calipers passed us, we tried to follow as close as possible —always obeying traffic laws and safety standards— but unfortunately we just couldn't keep up.
As its roaring engine dwarfed ours and its cruising speed kept increasing, we did nothing else but to see it drift away like a cruise on the Mediterranean or the disappearing sound of the final notes on Schubert's Improptu in A Flat, Opus 142 No. 2.
As we tried to reach the F430 one more time and gave our Porsche all the gas possible, we finally gave up and let it disappear. Only these pictures are testimony of that encounter.
Since this automobile is not available in the current Ferrari range, we are giving you an approximate pre-owned price.
Sticker Price $165,000. For more info on Ferrari click here.
Experience: Tiffany & Co. Watch Box. Perfect Box For Most Timepieces.
An important part of our watch collecting lifestyle is to find the right box or boxes to safely keep our precious timepieces at home or while traveling.
During our watch collecting life, we've owned several watch boxes in all shapes and forms and from several reputable brands. Nevertheless, the Tiffany & Co. watch box is one of the best that we've ever owned. This fine grain leather box made in Italy is available in two different sizes —with four and eight watch compartments— and in two elegant colors —black and brown.
This box is nicely crafted and quite light, making it the perfect travel companion for those watchlifestylers wanting to bring several timepieces with them. One thing that we absolutely love about this box over other boxes, is the fact that you can lock it. It comes with a very elegant Tiffany & Co. plaque lock —in palladium plated solid brass — and two handsome looking keys with a traditional Tiffany blue inlay.
This box features four compartments that are deep enough to keep an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore and also wide enough to store over-sized watches like most Panerais, Zenith Pilots, IWCs and Bulgaris amongst other brands.
Based on our experience with these boxes, we would say that watches with a case size of up to 48 mm —like the Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20 GMT— will properly fit with the pillows in the compartments. The width of the dividers between each compartment is a little bit over a quarter of an inch; therefore, there's no need to worry about over-sized crowns touching the case of the watch in the compartment next to it.
The interior of the box and the watch pillows are perfectly lined with a soft and nice ultra suede in light beige color and the sides of the pillows are covered with the same black leather as the rest of the box. The box also features a small pocket inside the closing lid where you can store straps or polishing cloths and there's plenty of room between the lid and the area where the watches are sitting. The lid also includes a Tiffany & Co. plaque at the very top and all hinges are not visible as they are fully covered by leather.
Lastly, it's important to mention that these boxes are a steal and you'll be paying a very reasonable price compared to other options out there.
The size of the four compartment box is 6" W x 8.75" D x 3.75" H.
Sticker Price $950. For more info click here.
