News: Audemars Piguet Golf Invitational 2013. Liberty National Golf Course, New Jersey.

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Press Release - On June 17, 2013, guests from fifteen different countries joined the illustrious roster of the Audemars Piguet Golf Ambassador Team in the experience of a lifetime at the Audemars Piguet Golf Invitational 2013. The setting of this lively and exclusive event was the prestigious and demanding Liberty National Golf Course with its stunning mile-long waterfront affording breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline —most notably the Statue of Liberty, which is the main attraction on several approach shots.

The scramble game formula afforded guests to a challenging round in the company of the Audemars Piguet golfing “dream team” – some of whom arrived directly following the 2013 US Open in Ardmore, PA, comprised of Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood, Keegan Bradley, Ian Poulter, Bud Cauley, Darren Clarke, Cristie Kerr, Morgan Pressel and Belen Mozo.

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Before the start of the tournament, Audemars Piguet’s CEO François-Henry Bennahmias introduced each of these nine outstanding professionals highlighting the friendly bond created over the years, whilst demonstrating their skills on the driving range. After a very close tournament, the team led by Morgan Pressel and Graeme McDowell won with a score of 181.

Audemars Piguet Golf Invitational 2013 Winning Team.

All those in attendance reveled in their shared enthusiasm for golf and for the Audemars Piguet approach to watch making; two skills that require a blend of passion and precision, technique and artistry —all governed by rigorous discipline.

Cristie Kerr and Audemars Piguet VIP Client.

Once again, the array of exceptional players from the Audemars Piguet Golf Ambassador Team perfectly embody the brand’s philosophy: “To break the rules, you must first master them”.

For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.

News: Jaeger-LeCoultre Donates to Two Marine Reserves in UNESCO's World Heritage List

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Since 2008, Jaeger-LeCoultre has been committed alongside the UNESCO and the International Herald Tribune to raise worldwide public awareness regarding the conservation challenges and protection of marine sites.

Jaeger-LeCoultre cooperates with the International Herald Tribune in bringing readers’ attention to the eight annually selected marine sites —all of which appear on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Each year, the manufacture also provides immediate financial backing for UNESCO through the auction of a watch.

Here's the list of all auctions to date:

2009 – Prototype N°1 of the Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm Tides of Time raised £13,540 for the site Tubbataha, Philipines

2010 – Geophysic 1958 E168 raised £12,600 for the site Sundarbans, India

2011 – Prototype N°1 of the Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea raised £16,000 for the site Malpelo, Colombia

2012 – Prototype N°1 of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph raised £9,300 for Puerto Princesa site, Philipines

2013 – Prototype N°1 of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Deep Sea Chronograph Cermet raised $17,700 USD for the site Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

This year, Jaeger-LeCoultre has donated $20,000 USD to assist the Fernando de Noronha management in Brazil. Peaks of the southern Atlantic submarine ridge form the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago and Rocas Atoll off the coast of Brazil.

The islands are part of a large submarine mountain system of volcanic origin. The Fernando de Noronha volcano is estimated to be between 1.8 million and 12.3 million years old. There are less than ten volcanic islands in the Southern Atlantic, and the Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll Reserves represent more than 50% of the insular South Atlantic coastal area. The waters are extremely important for the breeding and feeding of tuna, shark, turtle and marine mammals. The islands are home to the largest concentration of tropical seabirds in the Western Atllantic.

Baia de Golfinhos has an exceptional population of resident dolphin and at low tide the Rocas Atoll provides a spectacular seascape of lagoons and tidal pools teeming with fish. As the site makes up such a large proportion of the insular coastal habitat, the site is essential to maintaining marine biodiversity for the entire South Atlantic basin.

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This donation will be dedicated to preserving this exceptional marine site. The purchase of a fully equipped rubber dinghy will enable the implementation of a regular monitoring programme aimed at evaluating the state of conservation of its exceptionally rich marine life and of countering illegal fishing activities by facilitating swift interception of non-authorized boats. 

For more info click here.  

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News: Richard Mille to Open Boutique in Las Vegas. Second Boutique in America.

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Construction is underway on the second Richard Mille boutique in the United States, at The Shops at Crystals at City Center adjacent to Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The state-of the-art showroom is scheduled to open in September 2013.
 
The boutique design will align with the brand’s standards for all Richard Mille boutiques worldwide. Materials used will include Makassar wood, Corian stone, leather, steel and glass. Showcases are highly technical and feature such elements as glass that is anti-reflective on all surfaces and custom choreographed lighting. There also will be an exclusive VIP area within the boutique. The overall warm and friendly atmosphere will encourage visitors to spend some time in this temple devoted to fine watchmaking.
 
Richard Mille operates 14 branded boutiques around the world. The first Richard Mille boutique in the United States, Richard Mille Boutique Beverly Hills, opened in 2010.

For more info on The Shops at Crystals click here  and for Richard Mille here.

News: Richard Mille Congratulates Rafa Nadal. Historic 8th Victory at French Open.

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On Sunday, June 9th, Rafael Nadal achieved legendary status in the world of tennis by becoming the first player ever to win the same Grand Slam tournament eight times from 2005 through 2013 with the exception of 2009 when he did not win it. A 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 victory over his fellow countryman David Ferrer in the final of the French Open in Paris saw Nadal increase his stunning record to 59 victories. Rafa’s 12th major title moves him above Bjorn Borg and his 11 career titles.
 
Richard Mille would like to congratulate Rafael Nadal for his energy and determination in returning to the international competition scene. This Roland Garros victory rewards Rafa for all doubts and suffering he endured during the seven months he was off the court with a knee injury.

Last February in Chile, when he returned on the court, he showcased his physical fitness and stamina and proved to the world his talent.  From that point on, he won some six titles in Sao Paolo, Acapulco, Indian Wells, Barcelona, Madrid and Rome before the Roland Garros in Paris.
 
Richard Mille is proud of his friend Rafa in being an impressive competitor, great champion and totally integrated member of the Richard Mille family. Since 2010, Rafa has worn a Richard Mille watch during all tournaments, testing its performance and shock resistance.

For more info click here.  

News: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, New IWC Ambassadors.

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 This past weekend at the Formula One Grand Prix of Monaco, IWC announced the appointment of two new prominent brand ambassadors: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team. The Swiss watch manufacturer became the Official Engineering Partner to the Mercedes AMG Petronas team earlier this year.

IWC and Mercedes-Benz AMG entered into a special agreement almost ten years ago, in 2004. It was a venture between two companies with a long and successful history in precision engineering, founded on a shared commitment to pushing back the boundaries of mechanics and high technology. IWC’s appointment as Official Engineering Partner to the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team this year, was confirmation of the close ties between the two companies.

Now, in a move that will further cement the partnership between the luxury watch manufacturer and the racing team, the two drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg have become 'Friends of the Brand'. Both of them watch enthusiasts, were presented with IWC Big Pilots watches by Goris Verburg, Director Marketing & Communications at IWC.

Nico Rosberg —winner of the last edition of the Grand Prix of Monaco— said of his new role: “Becoming a Friend of the Brand is like being reunited with an old acquaintance. My first watch was an IWC, a gift from my father.” 

For more info click here. 

News: Richard Mille Opens Own Manufacture in Le Breuleux, Switzerland

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Proart, an ultra-contemporary 32,000 sq. ft.—3000 sq. meters— building designed by Chavanne architects’ is now open in Les Breuleux —Canton of Jura, Switzerland.

This factory represents a new milestone in the development of the Richard Mille brand, which has already won over connoisseurs and enthusiasts of very fine watchmaking. Richard Mille watch cases, as well as certain movement components —including base plates and bridges— will be manufactured at this site. The opening of this new facility enables the company to further consolidate its position in a market segment for which it is perfectly suited in terms of both staff and logistics.

The technical quality of Richard Mille watches manufactured in limited numbers has progressed in recent years, as demonstrated by the RM 039 Aviation E6-B Flyback Chronograph —an extremely technically complex and high-performance timepiece of which just 30 pieces will be produced. The development of these kinds of products in such small volumes and to such high standards, is only possible through in-house production.
 
It has taken more than two years to complete this factory, which is at the cutting edge of environmental considerations, thanks, in large part, to the materials used in its construction.

The machinery is already running and around 30 CNC programmers, inspectors and polishers are already working on-site. The factory is managed by Alain Varrin.

For more info click here.  

News: Lotus F1 Team Keeping Time with Richard Mille. Partnership Announced.

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Richard Mille is delighted to be the Official Timing Partner of Lotus F1 team.
 
The two-year deal will see branding appear on the team’s 2013 Formula 1 challenger— the E21—in addition to driver overalls.

Furthermore, a limited edition watch will be produced using the very latest lightweight materials; pairing the philosophies of both the team and Richard Mille in representing the pinnacle of cutting edge technology.
 
Richard Mille: “Many people know the high degree of technical expertise, innovation and sophistication that one can find in Richard Mille watches, and no outfit could be better suited to our brand values than Lotus F1 team. This mutual love for exemplary technique and refinement represents an asset for a strong and constructive partnership,” says Richard Mille, founder and CEO of Richard Mille.
 
“The 2013 season has seen Lotus F1 Team get off to a strong start on track, and it is highly satisfying to see that success recognized in our off-track endeavors with the announcement of Richard Mille as the latest name to join our strong portfolio of partners. As a team we are extremely proud of our brand identity, and the innovative approach adopted by Richard Mille in the design and manufacture of their wristwatches is certainly in keeping with our core value of standing out from the crowd,” adds Eric Boullier, Team Principal, Lotus F1 Team.

For more info on Richard Mille click here. For more info on F1 Team Lotus click here.

News: New Audemars Piguet Boutique Opening. Miami Bal Harbour on May 15, 2013.

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Audemars Piguet is pleased to announce its new boutique at the Bal Harbour Shops in South Florida. Scheduled to open on May 15th, the 990 sq. ft. boutique—which is located on the first floor near the Chanel boutique— is a revolutionary design that captures the 138-year old watchmaker's core values: its origins, artistry and extraordinary relationships.

 “By bringing the ‘manufacture to the boutique’, Audemars Piguet tells the story of its history, craftsmanship and exclusive relationships in the new Bal Harbour boutique,” says Xavier Nolot, CEO of Audemars Piguet North America.  “We’ve created a warm and inviting environment to satisfy our discerning clients’ every need.”

The boutique, crafted with wood and metallic landscapes evokes the Vallée de Joux region in Switzerland, where Audemars Piguet was born. The revolutionary design by the Creative Circle International Corporation of Switzerland in collaboration with Audemars Piguet's Creative Director Octavio Garcia is divided into two spaces: 'The Manufacture' and 'The House'.  

'The Manufacture' includes detailed product displays; a watchmaker corner; a virtual Manufacture depicting the manufacture’s activities; and educational content about how the singular watches and museum quality pieces are created.
 
'The House' incorporates a full service bar and lounge with a state-of-the-art sound system that invites clients to relax with an espresso or a cocktail.  One wall in 'The House' displays photographs and reminiscences of the many friends of the brand as well as Audemars Piguet’s commitment to environmental initiatives and corporate philanthropy.
 
The Audemars Piguet Bal Harbour Shops boutique will display over 100 timepieces from its vast collection reinforcing the watchmaker’s superb artistry and design by a number of contemporary craftsmen.
 
The Audemars Piguet Miami Bal Harbour Boutique is located at the Bal Harbour Shops on 9700 Collins Avenue, Space #159, Bal Harbour, FL 33154.
Phone number:  (305)864-6776
Toll Free:  (866)595-9700
 
Store Hours:
Monday – Saturday 10AM – 8:45PM
Sunday -   12noon – 5:45PM

For more info click here.

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News: New Tudor Chrono Heritage Blue

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40 Legendary years between land and sea. The new edition of the 7169 it's a real stunner with a 42mm case. More live pics to come.

Antiquorum NY Auction: April 10, 2013

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Antiquorum, the world renowned auction house for timepieces will be holding their NYC auction tomorrow April 10, 2013 at:

Antiquorum USA, Inc., 595 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10022      

The auction includes Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces.

For more info on Antiquorum please click here. For tomorrow's auction catalog please click here.

Authenticate: TAG Heuer and Richard Mille Using Trusted.com

How does Trusted.com work?

Trusted.com establishes partnerships with brands who wish to protect their brand image by providing an additional layer of reassurance and quality service to their customers. The authenticity of a product is established at the time of production. The ownership life cycle of a product is then tracked from production, to its distribution through the brand's supply chain, the initial purchase from an authorized retailer, and any subsequent ownership transfers.

For more info click here.  

News: Tudor to Relaunch in the U.S. Summer 2013.

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Kudos to Rolex for this announcement.

Rolex has confirmed that Tudor will be relaunching in the United States at the end of the Summer of this year 2013.  A new company named Tudor Watch USA LLC, has been set up in New York City.

An executive at Rolex USA mentioned that the authorized dealers that will be carrying the watches have already been chosen, however, they are not providing any details as to who this will be. There will be a major national and regional advertising campaign, and the Tudor launch will be announced at a press conference at the Baselworld fair this coming April. Watch Collecting Lifestyle will be reporting live from Baselworld.

Finally, consumers won't need to continue to buy Tudor watches from Mexico, Canada or overseas authorized dealers.  

Audemars Piguet: New Ceramic Offshore Diver ref. 15707CE

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Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver ref. 15707CE.00.A002CA.01

Back in January, Audemars Piguet presented their new pieces for 2013 at the SIHH. This time the new pieces included the new Royal Oak Offshore Diver in ceramic.  This time the iconic and 'hot watch' Offshore Diver makes its appearance in a black ceramic case, titanium glareproofed sapphire crystal caseback—allowing view of the caliber 3120— black ceramic bezel and crowns and titanium links.

The dial in the traditional black “Méga Tapisserie” pattern with white gold applied hour-markers and hands with luminescent coating, black rotating inner bezel ring with diving scale and zone from 12 to 3 o’clock in orange.

The watch comes fitted with the same black rubber strap that comes on the stainless steel and forged carbon models but with a titanium pin buckle.

Once again, Audemars Piguet continues to be at the forefront of watch design and use of avant-garde materials in the industry.