Insider: Zenith Captain Moonphase. A Classic Watch Faithful to the Manufacture's Legacy.

Zenith is one of the greatest names in the horological world that needs very little introduction. Established in 1865 by George Favre-Jacot, this manufacture quickly became an institution in Le Locle Switzerland. In 1900, Zenith presented its first  chronograph at the Universal Exhibition in Paris and was awarded the 'Grand Prix'. Seventeen years later, Zenith started manufacturing instruments for the U.S. Military forces and quickly became the leading brand for chronographs. For over 148 years, the values of the Zenith Manufacture have been precision, exclusivity and beauty underlined by its pioneer spirit and craftsmanship. From this obsession with precision, Zenith has received 2,333 Chronometry Prizes with more than 600 movement variations developed.

The Captain Moonphase ref. 03.2140.691/02.C498 is a watch that clearly embodies Zenith's fine watchmaking heritage and superb craftsmanship. This watch is available in stainless steel or rose gold and is fitted with a case measuring 40mm in diameter and 10.35mm in thickness. The watch case is very nicely finished with a combination of satin brushed and highly polished areas. The beveled lugs present beautiful and elegant 'chamfers' and the back of the watch features a display case back that allows for full view of the automatic calibre Elite 691.

The dial on the Captain Moonphase is a perfect example of why this manufacture is one of the top names in the horological world. The domed dial features a silver toned 'guilloché' center, faceted rhodium-plated applied markers and a minute track on the outermost part. The moon phase aperture is located at 6, the small seconds at 9 and a 'grande' date aperture between 1 and 2 o'clock. The traditional Zenith star is located at 12 right above the Zenith logo. The dial presents and array of textures that are a treat to the eyes and pure perfection. To complete the classic look of the dial, the watch is fitted with rhodium-plated 'dauphine' faceted hands that just like the markers, have no luminous material on them —this would've been a nice addition to this already fantastic timepiece.

The watch is fitted with a curved —slightly domed— sapphire crystal that is treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides allowing the owner to fully appreciate its dial regardless of the lighting conditions.

The beating heart inside this elegant and classic watch is the Zenith Elite 691 automatic calibre that is composed of 228 parts, 27 jewels and that provides a power reserve of at least 50 hours when fully wound. The movement is nicely finished with 'Côtes de Genève' on its rotor that happens to be skeletonized featuring the iconic Zenith star. The movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph and is one of the most precise and accurate movements we have reviewed lately —over a period of five days the watch only gained a total of eight seconds.

The time and date are set via the crown —featuring the Zenith star—, while the moon phase disc is advanced via a push-piece located at 8 o'clock. The watch includes a metallic stylus to adjust the moon phase. Unfortunately the tip of the stylus is not protected with rubber or plastic which results on potential scratching of the case while performing the adjustment. One thing we did notice, is that the push-piece clicks very smoothly and is not necessary to put too much pressure on it as compared to the push-pieces on other 'haute horlogerie' timepieces from other manufactures.

To round-up its elegant look, this watch is fitted with a chocolate brown —almost black looking under low light— alligator strap with protective rubber lining. The strap is secured with a stainless steel pin buckle. An optional triple-folding clasp is available upon request. The strap is extremely nice but it requires a break-in period as it's quite stiff when new. Even though the watch is rated waterproof to 50 meters, we wouldn't dare to get such nice strap wet.

The watch wears very comfortably and true to its size and is a perfect timepiece to be worn with a suit on those busy days when you have client meetings.

Sticker Price $7,600 USD. For more info on Zenith click here.  

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Zenith and tagged Zenith Captain Moonphase Zenith Captain Moonphase ref. 03.2140.691/02.C498 George Favre-Jacot Le Locle Switzerland Zenith Manufacture 2 2333 Chronometry Awards Zenith Established 1865 2013.

Insider: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Jubilee 'Hommage à Antoine LeCoultre'. The Thinnest Manual-Wound Wristwatch in the World.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Jubilee ref. 1296520 in platinum is not only the thinnest manual-wound wristwatch in the world —with a 'knife-shaped' case measuring 39mm in diameter and only 4.05mm in thickness—, but it is also a limited edition timepiece —880 pieces worldwide— that pays tribute to inventor Antoine LeCoultre who revolutionized the art of horology and turned the Vallée de Joux into the cradle of fine Swiss watchmaking. The LeCoultre family would join forces with Parisian watchmaker Edmond Jaeger in 1903 giving birth to one of the most fascinating watch manufactures in the world.

This exceptional watch is inspired by the pocket-watch launched by Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1907 that still remains as the thinnest manually-wound mechanical pocket-watch ever created.   

Since this year we are celebrating the 180th anniversary of Jaeger-LeCoultre, we decided to do a special review of this watch. This time, let's do it all the way from its unboxing. The watch is presented with triple boxes including the usual outer cardboard box, inner black box and a very elegant black wooden box. 

Now, may we present you the thinnest wristwatch ever created. This watch is part of the Jubilee collection, a collection unveiled earlier this year at the SIHH —Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie — commemorating the 180th anniversary of the manufacture and paying tribute to its founder Antoine LeCoultre.  

The Ultra Thin Jubilee is one of the most elegant timepieces we have reviewed recently. This watch is fitted with a glossy alligator leather strap with pin buckle making it the perfect watch for a gala night while wearing a tuxedo.

The ultra-thin case is the perfect housing for one of the most advanced manual-wound calibres ever created. The beating heart of this watch is the Jaeger-LeCoultre ultra-thin calibre 849 with a thickness of only 1.85 mm. This calibre is a perfect example of the watchmaking expertise of this manufacture around ultra thin watches. As expected, in order to maintain the thinness of the case, the watch is fitted with a solid case back that is nicely finished and properly engraved. The crown on this watch is very small but easy to use.

This limited edition watch comes with a beautiful white dial with printed black markers and double batons at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock. The dial also includes the year —1833— in which the manufacture was established commemorating its 180 years. To complete the simple and classic look of this timepiece, the watch is fitted with 'dauphine' hands.

Because of its slim construction, the watch wears slightly bigger than its actual size but very comfortably. You can almost forget the watch is on your wrist because of its delicate presence. This is a watch that needs to be worn with a suit or a tuxedo to fully appreciate its beauty and craftsmanship. Unfortunately this is a watch that looks somewhat awkward with casual clothes or short sleeve shirts.

If you are ready to own the thinnest manual-wound wristwatch ever made, then it's time to get this Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Jubilee Edition 'Hommage à Antoine LeCoultre'.

Next time you are attending a wedding at The Peninsula in Hong Kong, you will for sure have the right wrist companion to go along with that bespoke tuxedo of yours.

Sticker Price $17,800 USD. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.  

Posted on September 3, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Jaeger-LeCoultre and tagged Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Jubilee ref. 1296520 in Platinum Antoine LeCoultre Edmond Jaeger Jubilee Collection JLC 180th Anniversary Jaeger-LeCoultre Jaeger-LeCoultre 120.6.79 Jaeger-LeCoultre Limited Edition of 880 Pieces 2013.

News: MB&F Presents the Legacy Machine No. 2. The Legacy Continues.

Press Release

Two years ago, MB&F took us back in time, asking us to imagine what MB&F would have created a century ago… the answer was Legacy Machine No.1. An unexpected new line for MB&F, who had accustomed you to futuristic, totally unconventional Horological Machines. The worldwide response was flabbergasting – climaxing in a double win at last year’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, where LM1 took both the jury’s Best Men’s Watch and the Public Prize.

Legacy Machine No. 1.

Today, MB&F is asking us to push the time-traveling machine a bit further: adjust the knobs and levers to about 250 years ago. With a bit of luck we would've bumped into some of the greatest watchmakers this planet has seen: Ferdinand Berthoud (1727-1807), Antide Janvier (1751-1835) and Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823). These horological legends of the 18th century are united not only by their inventive genius, but also by the fact that they have all constructed clocks and watches with two balances.

Legacy Machine No.2 is once again a tribute to these amazing Horological ancestors. One movement. Two fully independent escapements, with two Legacy-style flying balance wheels floating high above the dial and a planetary differential which transmits the average rates of those balance wheels to a single gear train. Oscillating on high, the exalted double balance wheels of LM2 were inspired by, and pay homage to, one of the rarest mechanisms in the history of watchmaking: the dual regulator. And rarer still, the average rates of Legacy Machine No. 2’s dual regulators are transmitted by a differential to a single gear train, where the majority had two separate movements.

Legacy Machine No.2 in 18K Red Gold. 

On display under a domed sapphire crystal cupola, the dial of Legacy Machine No. 2, which is actually the top plate of the exquisitely finished movement, is an object lesson in symmetrical simplicity. Top to bottom: the white stretched lacquer sub dial at 12 o’clock, with its blued gold hour and minute hands, is visually balanced by the large, raised differential at 6 o’clock. Left to right: the two flying balances and their escapements are identical mirror images, right down to the position of the stud holders pinning their balance springs. While superficially Legacy Machine No. 2 may look like a traditional round watch, its three-dimensional architecture offers visual treats on multiple levels. What looks at first glance to be the main dial is actually the top plate of the movement, which has been finely engraved, plated —or blued for the platinum model— and then hand-engraved with Legacy Machine below the differential.

Legacy Machine No. 2 in Platinum. 

Slightly raised above the surface is the hour-minute sub dial, its fine gold circumference highlighting the pure white of the stretched lacquer dial, which is created by applying and heating multiple layers of lacquer, causing them to stretch tightly over the surface of the dial. The white contrasts superbly with the bright blued 18k gold hands. The hands are slightly curved to follow the slightly convex surface of the sub dial. To ensure aesthetic purity of the dial and its traditional Roman numerals, a sophisticated fixation underneath negates the necessity of visually obtrusive screws.

The planetary differential also sits proud of the surface, supported by a stunning double-arc mirror-polished bridge inset with three large jewels. The complex differential is the key element in the double regulator system and raising it just above the movements enables the mechanism to be better appreciated.

Suspended above both the sub dial and the differential are the two oscillating bespoke balance wheels. The dual balances feature Breguet over coils, inset with four fully functional timing screws. The two balances are mirror images of each other so that they react differently to different forces. The distance between the balance wheels has been carefully and deliberately calculated to avoid resonance, as this would negatively interfere with regulation.

Those elegant majestically curved arms suspending the flying balances are sculptural works of art in themselves. The elongated triangular cut out section could not be created by the usual method of wire electro erosion, but necessitated the creation of an electrode precisely shaped to the form of the cut out section.

While the levitated oscillating balance wheels of the binary regulators catch and hold the viewer ’s gaze, it is the large planetary differential sitting proud of the dial that is the real heart of Legacy Machine No. 2. In an incredible feat of micro-engineering − and the sheer paucity of timepieces with multiple regulators connected via a differential attests to the enormous difficulty in creating such a complex high-precision mechanism − the differential has three roles:

1. Transferring power to each of the regulators; 2. Receiving the individual timing rates from each balance; and 3. Transmitting the average rate of the two regulators to the gear train, where it finally manifests itself as the displayed time.

The movement of Legacy Machine No. 2 was developed to MB&F’s specifications by award-winning watchmaker Jean-François Mojon —Best Watchmaker at the 2010 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève— and his team at Chronode. Acclaimed independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen ensured that the movement’s aesthetic style was consistent with high-quality traditional timepieces of the 19th century and for specifying the superlative hand-finishing. Immaculate Geneva waves, gold chatons, mirror-polished bevels and bridges designed with deliberate internal bevelled angles —which cannot be finished by machine— showcase the movement’s peerless fine finishing. Consistent with MB&F’s spirit of transparency, the names of the two men responsible for the movement are hand engraved on the back.

Two and a half centuries after three of the world’s greatest watchmakers put two balance wheels into their movements, MB&F celebrates their pioneering works by creating LM2, a timepiece with two balances hovering outside the movement.

Legacy Machine No. 2 is available in 18K red gold, 18K white gold and a limited edition of 18 pieces in platinum .950 that features a striking sky-blue dial.

Legacy Machine No. 2 in 18K White Gold. 

Below you will find a video produced by MB&F of the dual balance wheels in action.

For more info on MB&F click here.

Posted on September 3, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, MB&F and tagged MB&F Legacy Machine No. 1 MB&F Legacy Machine No. 2 Kari Voutilainen Jean-Francois Mojon Maximilian Büsser & Friends MB&F Ferdinand Berthoud Antide Janvier Abraham-Louis Breguet MB&F Legacy Machine No.2 Platinum MB&F Legacy Machine No. 2 18K Rose Gold MB&F Legacy Machine No. 2 18K White Gold.

Insider: Glashütte Original PanoMatic Lunar. One of the Most Representative Timepieces from this Manufacture.

The Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar ref. 90-02-43-32-05 from the Art & Technik collection, is perhaps one of the most representative timepieces from this manufacture and a great example of its essence, design and craftsmanship.

This PanoMaticLunar in stainless steel, comes in a 40mm case with a galvanized ruthenium dial featuring an off-centered hour and minute sub-dial with interlocking small seconds, the traditional panorama date at 4 and a moon phase aperture at 2 o'clock. The gray-brownish color of the dial is striking and the perfect setting for the contrasting rhodium applied markers and the silvered moon phase disc —the moon phase disc can become somewhat too reflective and hard to appreciate under bright light, but not necessarily a deal breaker. The white gold hands on this watch are partially inlaid with superluminova offering good visibility under low light conditions.

One fascinating thing about this galvanized ruthenium dial, is that its unique color provides the most interesting color variations all the way from graphite gray to a milk chocolate brown.

This watch features a gorgeous gray Louisiana alligator strap with nubuck finish and is fitted with a deployant buckle. The strap is extremely supple, comfortable and well crafted. Even though the PanoMaticLunar is waterproof to 50 meters, we really wouldn't recommend getting this lovely strap wet and ruining it.

The PanoMaticLunar comes with a screwed display case back that offers a fantastic full view of the gorgeous Glashütte automatic calibre 90-02. This calibre is exquisitely finished featuring a beautifully decorated off-centered skeletonized rotor, a duplex swan-neck fine adjustment, a hand decorated balance bridge and 47 jewels. The movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph —equivalent to 4 Hz— and provides a power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound.

The biggest downside for those with big fingertips is the crown size. While it is not very difficult to operate once it's been pulled out, for those watchlifestylers with big fingertips, it will be slightly challenging to pull it out. For ease, the moon phase is set via a push piece located above the crown on the side of the case.

The watch wears slightly bigger than its actual size —more like a 42mm— but very comfortably. Its wrist presence is unparalleled and a perfect match to any type of outfit.

If you are looking to own one of the most representative timepieces from Glashütte Original, this watch has your name written on it. Whether you are having dinner at Le Cirque, Le Bernardin or Daniel, this timepiece will definitely catch the wandering eyes of other watchlifestylers around you. In summary, this is a great looking timepiece with solid heritage, unparalleled craftsmanship and priced just right. Also available in red gold, stainless steel with silver dial and stainless steel with matching stainless steel bracelet.

Sticker Price $11,000 USD. For more info on Glashütte Original click here.   

Posted on September 2, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Glashütte Original and tagged Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar ref. 1-90-02-43-32-05 Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar Ruthenium Dial Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar ref. 90-02-43-32-05 Le Cirque Le Bernardin.

Experience: Thomas Pink Polo Shirt. You Can't Go Wrong with the Cheeky Fox and an Omega Seamaster GMT.

Mr. Pink was an 18th century London tailor who designed the iconic hunting coat. The coat was made in red fabric but was always referred to as PINK in honor of its originator. Scrupulous attention to detail, exclusive fabric and exquisite craftsmanship were the hallmarks of a PINK coat. Today, Thomas Pink’s Cheeky Fox, audaciously resplendent in his own hunting PINK, serves as a reminder of Tailor Pink’s tradition of excellence which is carried on today in their meticulously crafted shirts. Just like the meticulous craftsmanship and design behind that Omega Seamaster GMT you have been wearing for years and that still looks very current.

Image from Thomas Pink. 

Every Thomas Pink shirt is crafted to the impeccable heritage of London's Jermyn Street, home of traditional British shirt-making. While most watchlifestylers are very familiar with the Pink dress shirts, their short sleeved polos are still not as popular. The Pink casual polos are soft, luxurious and perfectly cut to guarantee the right fit.

Thomas Pink offers a wide selection of colors and designs with a small or big cheeky fox on them. In this case, we are showcasing the logo polo shirt that comes with a big cheeky fox and the super-sized PINK name across the chest. A true classic made only for those that like the very best.  

The Thomas Pink polo shirt designs truly embody the essence of the polo shirt and will typically feature the polo team numbers on the chest and back, numbered from one thru four. Thomas Pink also offers other designs without numbers and with a black and white Union Jack flag where the chest number typically appears.

Next time you are taking that Azimut yacht out of the West Palm Beach Marina, make sure you are wearing one of this amazing polo shirts along with your Omega Seamaster for the ultimate combo and distinctive look.

Remember, these shirts are made for those those that don't like to wear what everyone else does and that enjoy the finer things in life.

Sticker Price $150 USD. For more info on Thomas Pink click here.  

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Posted on September 1, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Fashion & Style, Omega and tagged Thomas Pink Polo Shirt Thomas Pink Pink Cheeky Fox Omega Seamaster GMT Pink Scarlet Hunting Jacket 2013.

Experience: Davidoff Mille Series 2000. A Perfect Mild Cigar for a Lunch Break.

Nothing beats having a good cigar during your lunch break. This time, we decided to enjoy a mild cigar that is ranked as one of the best cigars for beginners and a cigar that can be enjoyed any time of the day. We are talking about the Davidoff 2000, a cigar within the Davidoff Mille Series that is made in the Dominican Republic.

The Davidoff 2000 is a very mild 'Corona' measuring 5" in length with a 43 ring gauge. This cigar is perfectly suited for a quick smoke or a smoke with no liquor pairings. To join us in this experience a Linde Werdelin SpidoLite II Titanium Red that we have reviewed here before. 

This Davidoff 2000 starts as a slightly peppery cigar for the first five minutes, and then evolves into one of the creamiest and mildest Dominican cigars you could ever smoke. Perfectly rolled and reminiscent of the best 'Habanos', this is a Dominican cigar that will get you as close as possible to a Cuban cigar —in terms of its color, smell and smoking experience. You know we are not kidding as this is something we would rarely mention about cigars made in the Dominican Republic.

Once you light up this wonderful cigar, expect to be taken on a wonderful journey with a wide variety of notes that are typically reserved for more complex and bold cigars like 'Flor de las Antillas', 'Cohiba' or 'Montecristo'. As soon as you take those very first puffs as you are lighting it up, you will be greeted by a touch of pepper followed by some leather and coffee notes.

After the first third of the cigar, this Davidoff 2000 evolves every 3-5 minutes during its first half. After the first half, you will notice that the flavor profile remains quite even with seldom changes towards the last third of the cigar. After experiencing notes of pepper, leather and coffee, the cigar also presents caramel and some floral notes towards the end. Without a doubt, this is a cigar that can be enjoyed all the way to the end —even pass where its ring is located. The Davidoff 2000 is one of the few cigars that is comparable to some of our favorite 'Habanos' like the 'Romeo y Julieta' or the 'Quai D Orsay'.

The burning time on this cigar is approximately 35-45 minutes without a single burnout. The ash holds up very nicely for almost the first half —with a long white ash— in a cigar that has the perfect draw and that reviews should be ranking even higher.

Once you get close to its ring, savor the last puffs of this creamy, mild cigar while you check the time on that perfectly matching Linde Werdelin SpidoLite II Titanium Red.

For more info on Davidoff click here.  

Posted on August 31, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Food Wine & Cigars, Other Brands, Linde Werdelin, Sybarite Guide and tagged Davidoff 2000 Davidoff Mille Series 2000 Davidoff Mille Series Linde Werdelin SpidoLite II Titanium Red Porsche Keyring Quai D Orsay Romeo y Julieta Cohiba Montecristo La Flor de las Antillas Top Food 2013.

News: Audemars Piguet Launches New Female Advertising Campaign. Just Brilliant.

Press Release

Audemars Piguet is launching its new global advertising campaign dedicated to women. The Audemars Piguet woman and her spirit of independence captured in a
powerful new image and selling line. The campaign features stunning images of supermodel Anouck Lepère and introduces a new brand line “There are exceptions to every rule” reflecting the spirit of independence cherished by the brand and its customers. It is the complementary feminine interpretation of the powerful brand campaign launched last year featuring the tag line: “To break the rules you must first master them” and will run alongside the current product and institutional campaigns starting September 2013.

“Audemars Piguet appeals to strong-minded, independent women, who appreciate
progressive beauty, craftsmanship and heritage. These values keep driving the brand’s vision through time, they are the soul of Audemars Piguet and we feel this new advertising campaign captures the essence of our brand” said Francois-Henry Bennahmias, CEO of Audemars Piguet.

Audemars Piguet has been developing timepieces and movements dedicated to women since 1883, and has consistently treated women to exceptional creations designed to mirror their attitude and femininity. Today, Jasmine Audemars, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, is the only woman heading a major watch manufacturer. She incarnates the values of the brand and stands for the bold spirit of independence and female empowerment expressed in the new campaign.

According to Tim Sayler, Audemars Piguet Chief Marketing Officer: “Audemars Piguet’s modernity is again at the center of this new advertising campaign. We wanted to portray the Audemars Piguet woman with her unique sense of beauty and elegance, and especially her strong character and attitude. She appreciates our history and craftsmanship, but is clearly a woman of today and tomorrow who defies convention and likes to follow her own path. Just like our watches, the Audemars Piguet woman is exceptional in every sense. We think this iconic image also represents an exception in the world of female watch advertising.”

For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.  

Posted on August 31, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Audemars Piguet and tagged Anouck Lepère Audemars Piguet Female Targeted Advertising Campaign There are exceptions to every rule Francois-Henry Bennahmias Tim Sayler Jasmine Audemars Tim Sayler Audemars Piguet CMO 2013.

News: Jaeger-LeCoultre at the 70th Venice International Film Festival. Sublimates the Most Precious Moments.

Press Release 

Jaeger-LeCoultre sublimates the most precious moments of the 70th Venice International Film Festival with Feminine creations that shined on the Red Carpet of the festival.

The art of making time stand still, of sublimating the moment, of giving life to a work that is unique because it is fashioned by the human hand. The art of revealing an artist’s unique vision of time. Film-maker, watchmaker, actor, gem-setter…each artist is an artisan of emotions. Every year, for nine consecutive years, Jaeger-LeCoultre pays tribute to the talent of these creators of wonderment. From August 28th to September 7th, 2013 on the occasion of the 70th Venice International Film Festival organized by the Biennale di Venezia, Jaeger-LeCoultre will unveil its own dream cast of exceptional watchmaking creations and present its Jubilee collection.

As a loyal sponsor of the Venetian festival, Jaeger-LeCoultre will be actively involved in all the highlights of the event, adorning the stars with its finest creations and presenting a personalized Reverso watch to the winners of the Best Film —Leone d’Oro, the Golden Lion Award—, the Best Actress and Best Actor of the year —Coppa Volpi Awards. The watches will feature a lacquered engraving depicting a lion, the symbol of Venice, handcrafted in accordance with the finest traditions, and bear the inscription “70. Mostra”.

 

 

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Cordonnet Duetto watch made its debut on the Red Carpet as British actress Sophie Kennedy Clark walked into the festival accompanied of Laurent Vinay wearing a Reverso. Sarah Gadon wore the La Montre Extraordinaire La Rose.

A Joaillerie Secret watch from 1960 in white gold adorned the wrist of Italian model, actress and television presenter Eva Riccobono as she hosted the Opening Ceremony of the Festival. Orrizonti jury member and actress Golshifteh Farahani chose to wear a Rendez-Vous Celestial during day-time and a vintage golden Duoplan watch from 1933 in the evening. 

For close to a decade, Jaeger-LeCoultre has recognized the creative ingenuity of filmmakers through the Glory to the Filmmaker Award at the Venice International Film Festival, presented to a personality that brought “great innovation to contemporary cinema.” This year the prize will be conferred to Italian director and writer Etore Scola at the awards ceremony organized by the Biennale di Venezia and held on Friday, September 6. Past honorees included Takeshi Kitano in 2007, Agnès Varda and Abbas Kirostami in 2008, Sylvester Stallone in 2009, Indian film director Mani Ratnam in 2010, Al Pacino in 2011 and Spike Lee in 2012.

For the third consecutive year Jaeger-LeCoultre renews its commitment to the charity initiative in support of the Emergency association and will hold an exclusive dinner with special guests paying tribute to the project “Jaeger-LeCoultre for Emergency, It's time to help Sierra Leone” on August 29th. 

For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here for more info on the 70th Venice International Film Festival here.

Posted on August 31, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Jaeger-LeCoultre and tagged Jaeger-LeCoultre 70th Venice International Film Festival Biennale di Venezia Etore Scola 70 Mostra Jaeger-LeCoultre Emergency Association Sierra Leone Takeshi Kitano Agnes Varda Mani Ratnam Sylvester Stallone Al Pacino Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Golshifteh Farahani Reverso Cordonnet Duetto Joaillerie Secret Sophie Kennedy Clark Eva Riccobono Duoplan Watch 2013.

News: Eberhard & Co. and The Gran Premio Nuvolari. The Story of a Lasting Passion.

Press Release 

The countdown has started for one of the most hotly-anticipated classic car events: on the 20th of September, Piazza Sordello in Mantua will be the location of the starting line for the 23rd edition of the Gran Premio Nuvolari, the world’s leading regularity race in terms of technical difficulty and second-ranked in number of crews and kilometers raced.

As ever the prestigious Swiss watchmaker Eberhard & Co. will bring its unmistakable style and elegance as official timekeeper, marking every precious moment experienced by competitors in this spectacular event. There is a strong and lasting bond between the brand, which specializes in the production of highly technical timepieces, and the fascinating world of speed and classic motor racing. The connection dates back to 1991 when the watchmaker dedicated a special collection of chronographs to the greatest driver of all time, Tazio Nuvolari, and became the Sponsor of the Gran Premio Nuvolari. Since then, it has been the event’s official timekeeper and sponsor.

This bond with classic cars has strengthened over time and in 2010 the company made an exceptional partnership with the Mantuan scuderia Classic team, led by Corrado Corneliani. Classic team Eberhard debuted at the Gran Premio Nuvolari that same year and since then it has been supported by the company in all of the most important competitions. “As part of our sponsorship activities we participate in many of
the most important vintage car events,” said Mario Peserico, Managing Director of Eberhard. “We select those that best reflect our brand’s style, elegance, sophistication and attention to detail. For us, Nuvolari is still the event we feel closest to, given the importance of the competition - this year the great Italian and foreign drivers will be separated by just 100ths of seconds. But above all because of the beauty and charm
of a competition in which every curve and straight harks back to the myth of one of the greatest drivers of all time. We all get behind our team, which put in an outstanding performance at last year’s Nuvolari and which continues to thrill us, from the Italian Championship to the team’s victory at Mendola-Mendel History, and as the first-placed team in the Summer Marathon, to name just our most recent successes.”

The winners of the GP Nuvolari will be awarded an Eberhard & Co. timepiece, and all competitors will enjoy the immeasurable pride of having participated in such a unique event. The Gran Premio Nuvolari will also see the official presentation in Italy of the new model from the Tazio Nuvolari collection: Tazio Nuvolari Vanderbilt Cup Naked. 

For more info on the Gran Premio Tazio Nuvolari click here and for Eberhard & Co. here.  

Posted on August 31, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News and tagged Gran Premio Nuvolari Tazio Nuvolari Vanderbilt Cup Eberhard & Co. Eberhard & Co. Gran Premio Nuvolari GP Nuvolari Mario Peserico Piazza Sordello Mantua Italy Lombardy Italy 23rd Edition Gran Premio Nuvolari Car Race Mantua Italy Mantovia Italy.

News: URWERK Presents the EMC. The First High-End Mechanical Watch with 'Artificial Intelligence'.

Press Release

Today, August 28th, 2013 in Singapore, URWERK presented the EMC, the first high-end mechanical watch with 'artificial intelligence'. A precision timepiece should have at its base a movement that is accurate, reliable and long lasting. Such movement should meet specific criteria including accuracy in 5 positions between -4 seconds and +6 seconds over 24 hours. 

However, while it is one thing to regulate an accurate watch in the controlled world of a workshop, performance in the sometimes-extreme real world, i.e. on the wrist, can be very different. Changes in position and temperature, and shocks, can all adversely affect isochronism —timing regularity— of a wristwatch. The challenge with the EMC was in developing a mechanical watch that can be regulated by its owner to obtain the finest chronometric performance.

EMC is the first precision mechanical watch that enables timing to be both easily monitored and easily adjusted by its owner.

With EMC, not only can the wearer obtain the precise timing rate on demand, they can then use that information to accurately adjust the timing of their watch to suit their own personal rhythm.  Electro Mechanical Control —EMC— is the world's first precision mechanical watch in which the timing can be monitored and adjusted by the user to suit their lifestyle – EMC is fully interactive. Here's a diagram showing how it works:

Please note that EMC is a fully 100% mechanical watch. The electronics have absolutely no effect on the movement; they only enable monitoring of the movement's precision in a similar way that the electronic speedometer or rev counter of a car has no effect on the mechanical engine and gearbox.

EMC features a deconstructed dial with four separate indications: A clockwise tour of the displays, from top left, presents the: on demand, precision indicator —instantaneous rate delta δ— ranging from -20 to + 20 seconds per day; seconds dial with counter-balanced seconds hand; hours and minutes; and 80-hour power reserve indicator. Turning EMC over reveals the fully in-house movement with the integrated circuit board —the EMC 'brain'—, the top of one of the two mainspring barrels near the crown and the top of the balance wheel and optical sensor on the winding handle side.

“Our idea for  EMC goes back almost six years and is a natural continuation of my work as a watchmaker," says Felix Baumgartner, co-founder of URWERK. “Like all watchmakers, I have on my bench a Witschi – an instrument to test the precision of my work. This impartial and uncompromising judge ‘listens’ to the rhythm of the balance and makes a verdict on the performance of the movement by measuring the timing rate, the number of seconds the movement gains or loses in 24 hours. This device is what I always refer back to; you might say it’s my only boss in the atelier!”

The audacious idea to incorporate a Witschi-like measuring instrument in a mechanical watch became a veritable quest for URWERK. “EMC allows you to obtain a reliable and accurate piece of data on your timepiece at the touch of a button – information that until now has been the preserve of professional watchmakers,” says Baumgartner. “Using this information, you can fine-tune one of the most exciting, most jubilant mechanisms invented – the mechanical watch – all by yourself.”  

At its heart, EMC has a triple objective: to show how external parameters —positional changes, temperature and pressure— influence the timing of the movement; to enable the wearer to adjust the timing; and to facilitate interactivity between the timepiece and its owner. EMC is inherently a precision mechanical watch with an in-house movement conceived, developed and crafted in the URWERK ateliers in Zurich and calibrated by URWERK in Geneva. The movement meets the most stringent quality control, with its chronometric performance tested in five positions during a 30-day cycle to ensure that it meets the highest standards for a precision watch.

The EMC movement is equipped with the following features: 

1. A bespoke balance wheel made of ARCAP, an alloy long admired by URWERK for its non-magnetic and anti-corrosion properties. From the very first glance, the originality of this specially-developed balance is striking. Its perfectly linear morphology is the result of careful calculations to optimize data from the optical sensor, maximize aerodynamic efficiency and minimize loss of amplitude.

2.  Power is provided by two large mainspring barrels in series, mounted vertically on a single shaft. These provide a long 80-hour power reserve, which is conducive to stable linear timing performance.

3. The timing adjustment screw is accessible on the back of the watch and allows the owner to make very fine adjustments to the balance rate regulator by changing the active length of the balance spring by turning a simple screw. 

4. An optical sensor on the balance wheel capturing the precise rate of oscillation of the 4 hertz / 28,800 vph regulator, over a period of 3 seconds. This sensor consists of a transmitter and a receiver positioned either side of the balance, and is triggered manually by pressing a button on the left side of the case.

5. A 16,000,000-hertz electronic oscillator. This provides EMC’s reference timing rate. The performance of the balance of EMC —4hz— is compared against this lightning-fast oscillator to obtain the most accurate measurement possible.

6. Artificial intelligence —the computer. This computer determines the difference between the timing rate of the movement and that of the reference oscillator. Each microsecond difference between the two values is expressed as a gain or loss of a second per day of the timing rate. A variation of just 0.0000014 of a second per half-vibration translates as a variation of a second per day.

7. Manual-winding generator —the generator. EMC’s monitoring unit —the optical sensor and the computer— is powered by a micro-generator made by the Swiss company Maxon, which is well known for developing motors for NASA’s Mars rovers.

To monitor and evaluate the mechanical movement, an 'electronic brain' was then needed. Olivier Evalet, a software developer who is passionate about software and computer engineering, has been instrumental in helping this bold project succeed: "The idea was to use precision optics, i.e. light, to measure the precision of a mechanical movement. The accuracy we managed to achieve is better than 10 microseconds. And we have created a reliable system that is designed to work over the long term. The power for EMC's electronic "brain" derives not from a simple battery but a super capacitor that even after 100,000 to 200,000 charge/discharge cycles loses very little performance. We also chose a high-frequency oscillator with an extremely long life – its instability is only 3 parts per million over a full year."

The innovative EMC timing rate monitoring unit has been developed to include the following components:

Martin Frei —designer and co-founder of URWERK— had the considerable task of bringing all of EMC’s technical elements together in a visually-appealing and comfortably-wearing wristwatch. "At URWERK, the starting point of our creations is usually a sketch of the completed watch that embodies mine and Felix’s ideas before the micro-mechanics are fully developed. But with EMC, the technical features of the timepiece were already established and this made my task that little bit trickier. We miniaturized the EMC components to the extreme and this allowed me some leeway in terms of design. My approach was one of pragmatism – from incorporating the folding crank into the case band, to making the electrical energy storing capacitor part of the case. In terms of design, you can spot the influence of objects that are dear to me: the crank echoes that of old SLR cameras; and the design of the balance wheel is reminiscent of a vintage 1/4 inch tape reel".

EMC marks the dawn of a new era, that of an interactive smart mechanical watch allowing the owner to gauge the precision of their timepiece’s chronometric performance and fine-tune it to better suit their daily rhythm and pace of life.

Technical Specifications

Case
Material: Titanium and steel
Dimensions: 43mm wide, 51mm long, 15.8mm thick
Crystal: Sapphire crystal
Water resistance: Pressure tested to 30m / 3ATM
Finishing: satin finish; shot-blasting

Movement
Manual-wound Calibre UR-EMC conceived, developed and manufactured by URWERK
Frequency: 28,800 vph – 4Hz
Balance spring: Flat
Energy source: Vertically mounted double mainspring barrels, connected in series
Power reserve: 80 hours

Artificial intelligence
Generator: Maxon® generator with manual winding charging super capacitor
EMC system: Optical sensor controlled by an integrated circuit board: 16'000'000hz reference oscillator.

For more info on URWERK click here. 

Posted on August 28, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Urwerk and tagged Urwerk EMC Maxon Urwerk Optical Sensor Bespoke Balance Wheel made of ARCAP Urwerk Electro Mechanical Control Watch Urwerk Mechanical Watch with Artificial Intelligence.

Macros: Girard-Perregaux WW.TC Financial Worldtimer Chronograph. A Sporty but Serious Complication.

Since we are suckers for Girard-Perregaux Worldtimers, we decided to work on this set of images to showcase one of the most beautiful and sporty looking Worldtimer watches ever made by this manufacture.

For those watchlifestylers that love the functionality and complication of a worldtimer but hate their classic and very 'Wall Street' look, this is a perfect option for you to wear along with jeans or a bespoke suit.  

Offering the ability to tell time across twenty-four cities with its 24-hour rotating ring with night/day indicators, a red pointer to show the 9am opening time of the stock markets and a rotating disc with 24 global stock market trading cities, this watch also features a 12-hour chronograph. This is a serious complication in a very sporty looking titanium case fitted with a rubber strap with deployant buckle. 

Now enjoy the eye candy! 

Sticker Price $14,650 USD. For more info on Girard-Perregaux click here.  

Posted on August 28, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Girard-Perregaux and tagged Girard-Perregaux WW.TC Financial Worldtimer Chronograph 2013.

News: Glashütte Original Doubles the Number of Watchmaking Apprentices.

Press Release

On Monday August 19, 2013, German watchmaker Glashütte Original welcomed twenty-eight new apprentices to start off their three-year training at the Alfred Helwig School of Watchmaking. Of 28 apprentices, 24 will learn the profession of watchmaking and 4 will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become toolmakers. This nearly 100% increase in the number of training positions represents one aspect of the Saxon manufacture's response to growing worldwide demand for its exclusive timepieces.

Glashütte Original Managing Director Günter Wiegand formally presented the new apprentices to Gunnar Müller, director of the school, and his team of teachers. The new class is the 13th to begin its training since the company-owned school was opened in Glashütte in 2001.

In the initial years of its operation, the school accepted 12 watchmaker apprentices each year; this year Glashütte Original doubled this number of watchmaker apprenticeship openings to 24. The number of beginning toolmaker apprentices grew from 3 to 4. The strong growth in the number of training positions has been accompanied by an expansion of the school's reach in recruitment; apprentices now come from all over Germany. Among the future watchmakers and toolmakers in this year's class are young people from Hamburg, the Rhineland and Baden-Württemberg. The Alfred Helwig school makes use of state-of-the-art equipment to provide students with the exceptionally high level of craft skills necessary to become professional watchmakers or toolmakers. Required courses in theory are accompanied by those offering experience and insight into in the practical aspects of the profession. 

In the course of the three or three and a half year training period, a number of different practical training courses bring students into selected areas of assembly and service at the Glashütte Original manufacture. The goal of the course is to teach students the traditional craft of watchmaking as well as introduce modern techniques and technologies and equip students to make effective use of them.

Considerable value is also placed on the maintenance of international standards of training, emphasized through the cooperation, unique in Germany, of the Glashütte Original Alfred Helwig School of Watchmaking with Switzerland's WOSTEP —Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program. This partnership allows apprentice watchmakers who pass their final examination at the Alfred Helwig School to obtain, along with the German Skilled Worker's Certificate, the WOSTEP diploma.

With the start of their training Managing Director Günter Wiegand made a promise to the new apprentices: if they complete their course with an overall grade higher than 2.0 —equivalent to mark B in the USA and in the UK—, they will obtain what has become a rarity in Germany today: a guaranteed job in the Glashütte Original manufacture or another Swatch Group company. 

For more information on Glashütte Original click here.  

Posted on August 27, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Glashütte Original and tagged Günter Wiegand Swatch Group Glashütte Original Manufacture Gunnar Müller Glashütte Germany WOSTEP Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program Alfred Helwig School.

Experience: Fauchon Champagne. From Our Favorite Gourmet Store in Paris.

Any watchlifestyler that has been to Paris and reads our content knows Fauchon very well. Fauchon is the quintessential luxury gourmet food store in Paris with its flagship store located in the heart of the 8th arrondissement right at the Place de la Madelaine. This store is just two short blocks away from the Hermès flagship on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and two doors down from the Alain Figaret boutique —this designer carries the Audemars Piguet Tour Auto apparel during the time the Tour Auto Optic 2000 Race takes place.

Last time we stopped by Fauchon, we decided to bring with us a few bottles of their champagne for a rainy day back home. Without a doubt, Fauchon is our favorite gourmet food store in Paris and a must visit for anyone that enjoys the good life.

Fauchon carries everything from carry-out prepared dishes to bread, 'pâtisserie', chocolates, truffles, charcuterie, 'fromages', gourmet canned foods, caviar and any other edibles of the highest quality. To sum it up, the best of the best is sold at Fauchon.

Some of the Fauchon products are also sold in the delicatessen sections of the most upscale stores around Europe including Germany, Spain, U.K., Portugal and Denmark just to name a few. They also happen to be a purveyor of sweet and salty 'pâtisserie' for the Nespresso boutiques around Paris like the smoked salmon 'mille-feuille' in the photograph below. 

The Fauchon Brut champagne is a dry champagne with a high level of acidity on the palate and with strong apple and pear aromas. This champagne is a perfect pairing to Beluga caviar, salty ripened cheeses or other savory foods. With its low content of sugar and high acidity it can cut through the fat of a savory quiche, a 'Saint Agur' cheese or a smoked salmon 'mille-feuille'. One great thing about this champagne is that it will bring back memories from those amazing nights at the Hôtel Costes in Paris.

Next time you stop by the Hermès flagship boutique in Paris, make sure you make a pit stop at Fauchon and pick up a bottle of champagne and one of their lovely desserts to enjoy them while you open that beautiful orange box in your hotel room.

For more information on Fauchon click here. 

Posted on August 25, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Food Wine & Cigars, Audemars Piguet, Sybarite Guide and tagged Fauchon Paris Fauchon Champagne Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day & Date ref. 25572 Alain Figaret Boutique Place de la Madelaine Hermès Faubourg Saint-Honoré Smoked Salmon Mille Feuille Nespresso Fauchon Brut Champagne 2013.

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.

Posted on August 24, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Automobiles and tagged Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Circa 1969 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver Mercedes-Benz Pagoda Mercedes-Benz W113 Top Automobiles 2013.

Breaking News: The Zenith Boutique in Geneva was Burglarized.

The Zenith boutique on the Rue du Rhône was broken into last night between 5 and 6 am. Initial observations indicate that the burglars smashed through the front door using a ram-raid vehicle, before making off with the contents of the Boutique’s inside displays. The information gathered on site by police does not as yet enable them to provide any further details on the event as such, nor on the estimated value of the goods stolen. An investigation is in progress and every effort is being made to render the Zenith Boutique operational again as soon as possible.  The Boutique will therefore as planned be hosting its guests on August 29th for the traditional Geneva grape harvest celebrations.

For more info on Zenith click here.  

Posted on August 22, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Zenith, Watch Shopping and tagged Zenith Boutique Geneva Zenith Boutique Geneva Burglarized Zenith Rue du Rhone 2013.

Insider: Omega Speedmaster Apollo XVII 40th Anniversary Limited Edition. Only 1972 Pieces Available with a Sterling Silver Dial.

As you all know, the Omega Speedmaster is one of most iconic timepieces of all-time and the only watch to be part of all six lunar missions. It is the only timepiece to have made it to the moon —proudly called the Moonwatch— and also a watch that marked an era in the history of horology back in 1969. In order to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo XVII —last lunar mission on December 1972—, Omega released this amazing watch as ref. 311.30.42.30.99.002 with a stainless steel bracelet.

Featuring a .925 sterling silver dial embossed with the same design as the Apollo XVII patch, the look of this watch will spark a conversation wherever you go. The dial presents the traditional Speedmaster configuration —running seconds at 3, hour chrono-register at 6 and chrono-minute register at 3 o'clock— as this watch is fitted with the Omega manual-winding calibre 1861 that provides a power reserve of 48 hours when fully wound. 

The bezel, with its black aluminum tachymetric ring, provides a harmonious contrast to the watch fitted with a case measuring 42mm in diameter and that is waterproof to a depth of 50 meters. The attention to detail on the dial is superb and the relief texture of it is extremely nicely done and a treat to the eyes; however, if you really want to use the chronograph function on this watch, it will be almost impossible for you to keep track of elapsed times as there are no numbers on the chrono registers and the markers get lost with the rest of the visual elements on the design.

As you can appreciate, the dial is quite similar to the original Apollo XVII patch. Perhaps a slight difference on Apollo's facial expression and overall profile. Patch Image courtesy of NASA and Eugene Dorr —genedorr.com

The solid case back is nicely engraved with the limited edition information as well as with the date of the last lunar mission, December 14, 1972. Available in a limited edition of 1,972 pieces this is one of the most unique Speedmaster limited edition watches.

Fitted with a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides allows for perfect clarity and view of the Omega logo that in the case of this watch, is imprinted on the crystal. A very nice and unique touch.

Just like all other Speedmasters, the watch wears very comfortably and slightly smaller on a 7-7.25" wrist. If you love everything that has to do with NASA, Omega Speedmasters or you are just crazy in love with the moon, this is a nice watch to own. Fortunately, the amazing finish and design of the dial makes up for the lack of functionality of its chronograph.

Sticker Price $7,200 USD. For more info on Omega click here.  

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Omega and tagged Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Limited Edition Apollo XVII Omega Speedmaster with Sterling Silver Dial Omega ref. ref. 311.30.42.30.99.002 2013.

Experience: Davidoff Nicaragua. An Afternoon of Amazing Cigars, Watches and Craft Beers.

Davidoff Cigars unveiled its first Nicaraguan cigar line, Davidoff Nicaragua, at a New York City pre-launch event back on June 20, 2013 —so far the biggest cigar news this year. After a long wait, the Davidoff Nicaragua finally hit the stores. The Davidoff Nicaragua is a premium cigar made solely from Nicaraguan tobacco —wrapper, binder and filler— but still rolled in their factory down in the Dominican Republic.

Last week we finally had the opportunity to try this amazing cigar during a small get together at the most legendary cigar shop in Chicago, Up Down Cigar. A cigar and tobacco sanctuary founded by the iconic Diana Silvius almost 50 years ago. 

Diana Silvius is perhaps the most renowned female cigar aficionada in the world, an icon in the cigar industry and the first woman to be featured on the cover of Cigar Aficionado magazine. Not only she was elected the first female president of the Retail Tobacco Dealer of America in 1991, but she's also known to be very close to Hendrick 'Henke' Kelner —who is to Dominican cigars what chefs Alain Ducasse and Joël Robuchon are to French cuisine— and the Fuente Family, whom she approached to asked them to help her develop her own line of cigars, now sold throughout the world as the Diana Silvius Diamond Vintage.

Really there could've not been better hosts than Diana —along with her close friends, staff members— and our dear friend Phil to throw such a fantastic evening with amazing cigars, craft beers, watches, fine rums and everything that the good life is about. To kick-off our editorial, here's a picture of Ms. Diana Silvius having a great time with us. 

After our short preface, let us now walk you through our evening in the usual fashion, please come experience it with us.

As we walked to the back of Up Down Cigar where an intimate smoking garden is located, we were greeted with a nice Davidoff bag with a great assortment of cigars. Davidoff Gold Band Awards 2012, the Davidoff Robusto Collection box —included the amazing Robusto 100 made honoring Zino Davidoff's 100th anniversary of his birth—, Davidoff Belicoso Supremo and of course the newly launched Nicaraguan blend cigars. 

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After getting our cigars, we decided to start enjoying the evening with other watchlifestylers in the company of some amazing craft beers from Goose Island —Chicago's most famous brewery. Our friends from Goose Island shared a nice selection of limited edition Bourbon County stout beers —with an alcohol content of 14.3-14.5%—, their 25th anniversary ale and even the rare Halia a sour peach saison aged in wine barrels. 

Our personal favorites were the Bourbon County beers and especially the coffee stout brewed with Intelligentsia coffee. Who would've thought that beers and cigars go that well together. Well, let's rephrase that, stout beers and cigars go well together.

Finally, after a few beers we decided to honor the new Davidoff Nicaraguan cigars and we started burning one. The first cigar we decided to try was a Nicaragua Robusto, that was spectacular from beginning to end. It started with some peppery notes that evolved into a smooth, creamy cigar very similar to the taste of Habanos like Romeo y Julieta or H. Upmann.

After trying the new Nicaraguan selection, we're not sure we can go back to the Dominican Davidoffs as much as we used to. This cigar was exceptional, with a few occasional burnouts but with a nice draw and a long and thick ash.

As the evening progressed, we gather around other 'watchlifestylers' to talk about watches, cigars and the good life. Some of the nice watches that were around us that evening including Tutima, Rolex, Panerai, Cartier, Audemars Piguet and Tag Heuer. We even ran into what we'll refer to as a 'questionable' Steve McQueen Explorer that of course we won't be posting here, regardless, it was a great crowd with some awesome timepieces. 

As we were enjoying our first cigar, we decided to pair it with some Clément 'Rhum Vieux Agricole' —dry rum from Martinique. In 1887, Homère Clément pioneered a natural style of rum from fresh pressed sugarcane juice known today as 'Rhum Agricole'. Clément is available in seven varieties that include: Sirop de Canne, Première Canne, V.S.O.P, Cuvée Homère, X.O. Rhum, Créole Shrubb and Clément 10 Years. A fantastic rum than can almost compete with some of the best Cuban and Venezuelan rums but that will never be close enough to a Zacapa Centenario from Guatemala. Sorry Clément!

After finishing our second cigar outside, we finally headed inside the shop to smoke a third cigar and shop around. We always discover nice little goodies to take home as this shop is the only store in the city that carries Elie Bleu and Eloi products.

As we were smoking our third cigar, we ran into a beautiful Eloi cigar cutter from France that was a perfect match to he bezel on our Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15400ST. We couldn't control ourselves and we had to buy it that night —soon we will be publishing a short review of this cutter for our Audemars Piguet fans.  

As the evening drifted away and one thing lead to another, we left this sanctuary of the good life thoroughly satisfied with the new Davidoff Nicaraguan blend cigars. Available in three different sizes —toro, robusto and short corona—, this is a cigar that you need to try no matter what. 

Sticker Price on the Eloi cigar cutter $395 USD, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and box of Davidoff cigars not included.   

For more info on Davidoff click here, Goose Island Brewery here, Clément Rum here and Up Down Cigar here.

Posted on August 17, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Food Wine & Cigars, Audemars Piguet and tagged Davidoff Nicaragua Short Corona Davidoff Nicaragua Robusto Davidoff Nicaragua Toro Eloi Cicar Cutter Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15400ST.OO.1220ST.02 Panerai PAM 312 UpDown Cigar Diana Silvius Davidoff Robusto Selection Davidoff Robusto Collection Davidoff Robusto 100 Davidoff Belicoso Supremo Davidoff Gold Band Awards 2012 Clement Rhum Clement Martinique Rum Goose Island Halia Beer Goose Island Bourbon County Beer Goose Island 25th Anniversary Ale Bourbon County Coffee Stout Intelligentsia 2013.

Insider: Baume & Mercier Clifton ref. 10055. A Very Inexpensive but Gorgeous Complete Calendar with Moon Phase.

The Baume & Mercier Clifton ref. 10055 is a very inexpensive and nicely executed complete calendar with moon phase. Reminiscent of other iconic complete calendars in the market, this Baume & Mercier is the most affordable option when it comes to this type of complication with a timeless design. 

Even though the watch is very classic looking, it is fitted with a stainless steel case measuring 43mm in diameter and 12.25mm in thickness that makes the watch look more current —based on today's standards where watches are larger than they used to be 20 to 30 years ago. 

This elegant looking timepiece features a sun satin-finished silver-colored dial with gilt applied Arabic numerals, markers and 'dauphine' hands. In addition to telling the time, it provides the day of the week and month information in two small apertures at 12 o'clock —right above the central pinion—, the date via a central hand with a small red tip and moon phases in a large aperture at 6 o'clock. The number 31 on the calendar chapter ring is marked in red to add a nice matching touch to the red tip on the date indicator hand.   

This timepiece is fitted with an automatic calibre that provides a power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound. The calibre is fully visible through the display case back and while it is nothing really fancy or out of this world, it is nicely finished with some 'perlage' on the bridges and 'Côtes de Genève' on its rotor.

This watch is fitted with a black alligator strap —that is somewhat stiff and might need a good break-in period— with a triple folding buckle with security push buttons on the sides and a very clever system where the strap never gets marked by the pressure of the deployant buckle when adjusting it to the right length. The strap is a perfect match to the elegant and timeless design of this complication. In order to ease the setting of the date, day, month and moon phase on this watch, there are four very discreet and conveniently located push-pieces on both sides of the case.

On the wrist, this watch wears very comfortably and true to its size on a 7-7.25" wrist. While on the picture below the watch might appear to sit high on the wrist, it can easily be tucked under a french cuff without any problems. The watch feels solid but not top heavy and its wrist presence is spectacular. The watch is also available with a gorgeous —very seventies looking— blue dial as ref. 10057.

Sticker Price $4,950 USD. For more info on Baume & Mercier click here.

Posted on August 16, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baume & Mercier and tagged Baume & Mercier Clifton ref. 10055 Complete Calendar Baume & Mercier Baume & Mercier Complication Baume & Mercier Clifton ref. 10057 Posts 2013.

Experience: NoMI Lounge at the Park Hyatt Chicago. An Ideal Place for Food, Wine and Watch Talk.

For a long time, we've been looking to find the perfect place in Chicago where watchlifestylers can enjoy some inspiring food and wines under the right atmosphere and lighting conditions to have a good talk about watches. Look no further, NoMI Lounge is the perfect spot for a casual get together or just a place to enjoy a chill afternoon in the company of friends, family or your significant other.

Located inside the luxurious Park Hyatt hotel off of Michigan Avenue —right by the iconic Water Tower landmark— this is a place that won't disappoint you. As you walk into the hotel, you already know that you are in for a nice treat.

Perfect decor, exquisite lounge music very similar to the one at the 'Hôtel Costes', different seating areas depending on the mood you are looking for and a well stocked cheese ripening fridge welcome you. As you make your way in, you'll also find the nicely designed and perfectly stocked bar.

NoMI Lounge offers a great selection of signature and classic cocktails, food to share that includes a nice assortment of fresh seafood, sushi, cheeses, charcuterie, paninis, flat breads and other heavier dishes that are also meant to be shared. Surprisingly enough, they carry the coveted 'Jamón Ibérico de Bellota' from Spain that we love. After sitting down we ordered a few dishes, started sipping our 'rosé' —nothing fancy just a Domaine de Figueirasse— and enjoyed our conversation about watches and the good life. 

Our food selection included some burrata with thyme and honey, a grilled flat bread with peaches, goat cheese and arugula, a sharp cheddar pimento spread with garlic aioli and the 'panisse' with goat cheese, rosemary and balsamic. We have not had 'panisse' since our last time in Paris. A 'panisse' is a chickpea flour cake that is fried in the shape of small rectangular logs with a texture very similar to that of fried 'polenta' that is very common in the south of France.

After enjoying the delicious savory food, we decided to order their assortment of cookies and candies, paired with a couple of glasses of Canadian Inniskillin Icewine. Perfect pairing for the little box of sweet treats. Glad the treat box included our favorite French macarons, almost as good as those from Pierre Hermé in Paris.  

After a wonderful evening with great conversation, watches, fantastic foods and wine, another great day in the life of a watchlifestyler ends. The watches featured here are an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15400ST.OO.1220ST.02 and Chanel J12 Automatic in 38mm ref. H0970.

Dear watchlifestylers: The next time that you contact us for a quick get together, you know where we will be meeting for a nice watch talk. Hasta pronto amigos!

For more info on NoMI Lounge click here. For more info on AP here and Chanel here.

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Food Wine & Cigars, Audemars Piguet, Sybarite Guide and tagged Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15400ST.OO.1220ST.02 Chanel J12 Automatic in 38mm ref. H0970 NoMI Lounge Park Hyatt Hotel Chicago Water Tower Chicago Jamón Ibérico de Bellota Domaine de Figueirasse Inniskillin Icewine Pierre Herme Macarons Paris Panisse France.

Experience: Tod's Fold Over Leather iPad Case. Perfect Protection in a Very Stylish Way.

Tod's is very well known for making some of the best and most iconic driving shoes in the world. Their leather goods along with their drivers hold a great reputation among watchlifestylers that enjoy the good life. Founded in Italy in 1920 by Dorino Della Valle as a small shoe making company out of his basement —just like other very reputable shoe companies—, Tod's has now become a synonym for the highest quality and superior handmade leather goods. 

The Tod's fold over leather iPad case is an accessory that every watchlifestyler needs. Just like the beautiful Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch pictured here, this iPad case will make a statement wherever you go. Embossed with the Tod’s logo on the front and the inside, the case protects the iPad screen with elegance and style. Just like on all other Tod's products, the leather is of the highest quality with a nice full-grain texture.  

The back of the case features a sturdy flap where one can insert the front folding panel and turn the protection case into a convenient stand. This is especially useful for when you guys are spending countless hours reading our content or posting on the online watch forums. 

In case the irony of spending almost the same amount of cash on this case as you would to buy the device is the least of your worries, then it's time for you to get one of these cases and look good next time you are flying across the country on one of your business trips.

Available in a variety of colors. Sticker Price $495 USD. For more info on Tod's click here.  

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Fashion & Style, Omega and tagged Tod's Fold Over Leather iPad Case Dorino Della Valle Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Omega Speedmaster Co-axial Chronograph Moonwatch ref. 311.30.44.51.01.002 Top Fashion 2013.