Without a doubt, the 2014 Formula One season has been really tough for Ferrari. After eight races, the constructor with the 'Cavallino Rampante' has only gained 98 points and stands in third place right behind Red Bull Racing-Renault and Mercedes. While Fernando Alonso stands in fourth place, his teammate Kimi Räikkönen is way back in 12th place. Regardless, we wanted to bring you this rare bird, the iconic Girard-Perregaux Ferrari Chronograph ref. 8020. This watch is the result of the defunct collaboration between the manufacture and the sports auto maker between 1994 and 2004.
Experience: Davidoff Cigar Shop at the Paradeplatz in Zürich. A Must for Cigar Aficionados.
Nestled in between Blue Lemon and the Galerie Gmurzynska at Paradeplatz 3 —just across from the Credit Suisse headquarters in Zürich— lies one of Zürich's oldest cigar shops now displaying a huge Davidoff sign. This cozy and intimate cigar shop, is located just a few steps away from the Blancpain boutique and Türler featured in our Zürich Watch Shopping Guide here. The shop opened its doors in the 1800s and offers a wide selection of Davidoff cigars, Habanos, loose tobacco, accessories and some very fine liquors. To get to this shop, just get on the VBZ —Zürich Tram System— from the Bahnhof SBB towards the Paradeplatz and in three minutes you'll be there. Now, if you prefer to walk, just follow the Bahnhofstrasse towards the lake but we aware of the fact that you might end up not getting to the cigar shop as you will be doing some serious watch shopping on your way there.
News: Introducing the Fully Redesigned Ulysse Nardin Marine Diver. Just Stunning.
The fully redesigned Marine Diver showcases all the qualities of a genuine diving watch, with its screw-locked crown, rotating bezel and case that is water-resistant to 300 meters.
The marine world holds no secrets from Ulysse Nardin. Having contributed to the conquest of the oceans through the development of its legendary marine chronometers, the watchmaker has now anchored its impressive know-how in the sub-aquatic depths. Fully redesigned, the popular Marine Diver is both a highly reliable diving instrument and a fine sports watch that can be worn on every occasion.
Everything about the Marine Diver evokes the marine world in which the Le Locle watchmaker is steeped, starting with Ulysse Nardin’s anchor emblem, proudly displayed at 2 o’clock. The same ornamentation can be seen on the bezel. The solid case-back reveals an engraving of a boat surrounded by the inscription: “Conquer the ocean.” This embellishes a new case designed for extreme conditions, extended by the lugs with their taut, sleek lines.
Experience: Girard-Perregaux Constant Escapement L.M. The Winner of the 2013 “Aiguille d’Or” At the Grand Prix d' Horlogerie de Genève.
The 'Aiguille d'Or' award at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève is the greatest prize that any watch can receive. With four days left to submit their entries to participate in the 2014 GPHG —Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève—, watch brands are wrapping up the last finishing touches to their submissions which should be received at the Foundation of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève by June 23, 2014. The competition is exclusively open to watches launched after March 2013 and before November 30, 2014. The Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève was created in 2001 and the Foundation of the GPHG was officially established before a notary in Geneva on May 31st 2011. The five founding members are the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the City of Geneva, the Musée International de l’Horlogerie/International Museum of Horology in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the Geneva Laboratory of Horology and Microengineering —Timelab— and the Edipresse group.
Rare Bird: Omega Dynamic Chronograph ref. 5240.50.00. At Least to Us 'Third Time is a Charm'.
The Omega Dynamic Chronograph ref. 5240.50.00 launched in 1997 is considered by many the third generation of failed attempts by Omega to launch a successful watch under the 'Dynamic' name. To us, the third generation of the Omega Dynamic is not a failed attempt, but a watch that brings vivid memories of our watch collecting journey in the late 90s and one of those instances where we can say 'Third Time is a Charm'.
The first Omega 'Dynamic' was created for the Prix de Ville de Genève in 1965 and launched to the public in 1968. Fitted with an elliptical shaped case was one of the first watches to be designed in a way where the timepiece would follow the silhouette of the wrist and fit like a glove. The crown was integrated into the case so that it would not disturb the flow of the watch design and fitted with a removable case ring that would allow the wearer to switch straps easily—the ring would hold the back of the strap against the watch almost like a bund style strap.
Experience: Water Damaged Rolex Datejust Turn-o-graph 'Thunderbird'. Please Keep Those Crowns Properly Secured.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual was in reality the first waterproof self-winding watch ever produced, but not the first self-winding. Harwood produced the first self-winding watch in 1928 and the iconic Rolex Oyster Perpetual was introduced by Rolex in 1931. This interesting timepiece was only produced for a little bit over two decades and then phased out when the first Explorer prototype was launched in 1952. Rolex has always been known for having some of the most resilient timepieces in the market and the most water tight due to its design. In reality there's no other workhorse and more robust timepiece than a Rolex. Tight as a clam or an oyster shell, the water resistance in any Rolex can only be guaranteed if the gaskets are in good shape and if the screw-down crown is properly secured. This time, we are featuring a Rolex Datejust ref. 16264 Turn-o-graph fitted with an 18K white gold 'Thunderbird' bezel and powered calibre 3135 circa 1993 with water damage.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Limited Edition. As Amazing as the Driver Himself.
Today, we are bringing you this post from the archives to celebrate that Michael Schumacher is out of the coma following his skiing accident on December 29th, 2013. Coincidentally enough, this post was published for the first time almost a year ago. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Michael Schumacher Limited Edition is one of the most fascinating watches paying tribute to the second greatest Formula One driver that has ever lived. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Schumi' —as most people refer to it— is available in Titanium, 18K Rose Gold and Platinum. All three watches are fitted with a Cermet bezel that is just perfection. The 'Schumi' in Titanium ref. 26568IM.OO.A004CA.01 is limited to 1000 pieces, while the Rose Gold and Platinum are limited to 500 and 100 respectively.
Experience: Aston Martin Rapide S and a Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 DBS Transponder.
Combining an instantly recognizable design with exceptional technology, the Aston Martin Rapide S embodies all that is great about Aston Martin, just like the Jaeger-LeCoultre AMOVX2 DBS Transponder. A watch that can be used to open or close your Aston Martin while pressing on the crystal at 9 and 3 o'clock respectively. The Aston Martin Rapide S is an automobile where power is not compromised by the level of luxury you get. The Rapide S is agile, balanced and controlled. A near perfect 48:52 front/rear weight distribution means Rapide S is unique, a true sports car with four-doors allowing four passengers to experience the power and the comfort of this unique machine.
News: Christie's Important Watches Sale in New York Fetches $8.77 Million USD. An Omega 'Dark Side of the Moon' Sells for $16,250 USD.
Christie’s Important Watches auction held on June 11, 2014 in New York City, offered over 366 rare timepieces that fetched a total of $8,775,750 USD even though several lots didn't sell. This vast selection featured some of the world’s leading names including Lot 366 with a rare Patek Philippe ref. 5033 that sold for $401,000 USD inclusive of buyer's fees. Additional highlights included a extremely sought-after Rolex ‘Daytona’ ref. 6262 with pulsometer scale —Doctor's watch—, two limited edition Rolex Submariners celebrating the 'Canal de Panamá' —Panama Canal—, a Peruvian Air Force Rolex Daytona 'Paul Newman' ref. 6262, a Rolex Submariner ref. 6538 that comes from the great-grandson of the original owner, William Bumpy Graham Bell —a distant relative of Alexandre Graham Bell and prominent underwater photographer— and even an Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph "Dark Side of the Moon" that sold above its retail price amongst other very interesting timepieces.
Insider: Hublot Big Bang Unico Bi-Retrograde Chronograph "Soccer Bang". Official Watch of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.
Since today is the kick-off of the World Cup in Brazil, we decided to bring back from our archives our review of the Hublot Big Bang Unico Bi-Retrograde Chronograph. This exceptional watch is a different type of chronograph. It is fitted with a different type of display. It's a watch specially designed for the world of soccer —fútbol. It's the Official Watch of this year's FIFA World Cup in Brazil. It's also the first Big Bang Unico Bi-Retrograde Chrono. It's a first for Hublot, who has never before produced a bi-retrograde function, along with a central chrono, a movement with patent pending. The engineers and watchmakers at Hublot were initially inspired to develop a watch movement specifically for the world of soccer —fútbol—, to pay homage to the prestigious 2014 FIFA World Cup for which Hublot is the Official timekeeper and the Official Watch.
Rare Bird: Patek Philippe ref. 5500 'Pagoda' Limited Edition. Only 2,000 Pieces Made in Four Precious Metals.
In 1997 Patek Philippe moved all its production facilities under one roof into a new building in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. The inauguration of the workshops in 1997 was celebrated with a collection of new limited edition “Pagoda” watches. The Pagoda ref. 5500 was produced in a limited edition of 1,100 pieces in 18K yellow gold —gold dial—, 500 in 18K rose gold —silvered dial—, 250 in 18K white gold —salmon dial—, and 150 in platinum —black dial. These four fascinating watches are fitted with a very unique rectangular case with its case band shaped like a 'Pagoda' —when seen from the side— and dials featuring Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock.
Experience: Helicopter Ride to the Grand Canyon with the Omega Co-Axial Chronograph Speedmaster 'Lunar Dust'. A Lifetime Experience.
Yesterday we told you everything about our VIP collectors weekend in Las Vegas with Omega here. Today, as discussed in our previous post, we are featuring the adrenaline boosting helicopter ride we took into the Grand Canyon. Riding in a helicopter is definitely one of those things that every watchlifestyler should do at least one in their lifetime. A helicopter ride from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon takes approximately 45-50 minutes of flying time —each way— and the scenery is definitely worth overcoming your fears.
Experience: A VIP Collectors Weekend in Las Vegas with Omega. Just Unforgettable.
They say that "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", well maybe not this time. Few times experiences like this get shared by collectors or the press online. Last weekend we had the honor to be part of a very exclusive group of VIP watch collectors that were treated to an exhilarating weekend in Las Vegas, all courtesy of our friends from Omega. The fascinating weekend at The Bellagio Hotel, not only included a VIP Penthouse loaded with almost every single reference across the different Omega collections but also with all the novelties presented at Baselworld earlier this year.
News: Officine Panerai Restores Paolo Uccello's Clock at the Duomo in Florence.
Officine Panerai in partnership with the 'Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore' proudly presents the newly restored mechanism of the Paolo Uccello's clock located inside 'Il Duomo di Firenze'. This magnificent clock that everyone that has been to 'Il Duomo' cannot forget as it is located right above the main door inside the church, was exquisitely designed and hand painted by Renaissance master painter and mathematician Paolo Uccello in 1433. Uccello, is very well known for his paintings across multiple churches in Florence including the 'Life of Saint Francis' at the church of 'Santa Trinita', the 'Annunciation' at 'Santa Maria Maggiore' and the 'Lives of the Church Fathers' at the abbey of 'San Miniato Al Monte' which is located on a hill above the Piazzale Michelangelo overlooking Florence from which we took the picture of Florence right below Paolo Uccello's portrait.
News: Presenting the Richard Mille RM011 Flyback Chronograph 'Red Demon'. A 30-Piece Limited Edition for the Americas.
Richard Mille introduces the new RM011 Automatic Flyback Chronograph 'Red Demon' in a 30-piece limited edition to be exclusively sold through the Americas. Fitted with a sizzling red inner flange, hands, strap and crown protector the red gold top and bottom bezels get amplified in this new strikingly beautiful Richard Mille. Following the success of the RM011 'White Demon', the 'Red Demon' is fitted with the usual Richard Mille tripartite case measuring 50.00 mm x 40.00 mm x 16.15 mm with the front and back made of 5N red gold, a middle case made of titanium and with a crown and pushers set in NTPT carbon. Fitted with a skeletonized black dial, the 'Red Demon' features scarlet numerals, hands, date aperture and inner flange. The crown also features a red rubber ring to match the red rubber strap on this watch.
News: Presenting the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Rolling Stones Limited Edition.
Zenith, creator of the El Primero movement in 1969, is teaming up with the famous British rock stars the Rolling Stones, with the launch of a new El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Limited Edition watch. The announcement was made on June 1st, by Jean-Claude Biver, Director of the LVMH Group Watch Division and Tom Bennett, Chief Executive Officer for Bravado, Universal Music Group’s global music merchandising division. The watch will be the first in a series of limited edition watches by Zenith. This 250-piece limited edition is a smart blend of DNA from Zenith and the Rolling Stones. Hence the two chronograph counters, 30-minute at 3 o’clock and 12-hour at 6 o’clock, are bedecked in the same colors as the original El Primero model of 1969, namely midnight blue for the former and slate grey for the latter. The 12-hour chronograph is also overlaid with the famed Rolling Stones logo, the iconic red tongue and lip design.
News: Presenting the New Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow. Live Pictures and Pricing.
During Baselworld 2014, Zenith presented to the press a significant number of novelties that included the Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow. However, this new watch was finally officially released two days ago. With our readers in mind, we took some pictures of this new watch during our meeting with Zenith in Baselworld that finally we are able to publish for your viewing pleasure. Nothing like looking at live pictures of new watches. Following the design of the Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Striking 10th Tribute to Felix Baumgartner, this time the El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow is presented with a black dial with white Arabic numerals, colorful accents —yellow, green, blue and fluorescent pinkish— on its 30-minute chrono register at 3 o'clock, red numerals for the first 20 minutes of its graduated rotating bezel and a bright fluorescent pinkish seconds hand that rounds out the design equation.
News: Introducing the New Richard Mille RM 030 Le Mans Classic 2014. The Fourth Limited Edition Timepiece Honoring Le Mans.
The 7th Le Mans Classic will take place on July 4, 5 and 6 of 2014. Richard Mille has been the Main Partner and Official Timekeeper of the race since the first event in 2002. This retrospective of the “24 Heures du Mans” is the chance for thousands of car enthusiasts to meet around the Bugatti track. Le Mans Classic revives more than 80 years of automobile sport history by bringing back the cars and the pilots who created the legend of the most famous race in the world on the great 13 kilometer Le Mans circuit.
Experience: DeLorean DMC-12 with a Stainless Steel Satin Brushed Body Just as Good as that on an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
If you were a tween or a teenager in the early 80s, you probably dreamed of owning a DeLorean and feeling just like Marty McFly while traveling in time in the 1985 blockbuster movie 'Back to the Future' directed by Robert Zemeckis. The DeLorean DMC-12 by DeLorean Motor Company marked an era like very few other automobiles had and remained engrained in our minds like one of those dreams that you want to dream over and over again. With its futuristic design, fitted with a stainless steel satin brushed finish body —fiberglass underneath— and its iconic gull-wing doors, the DeLorean broke the rules of car design, but unlike the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, DMC didn't master the rules before breaking them. The DeLorean DMC-12 was manufactured only for a very brief period of time by John DeLorean's DeLorean Motor Company between 1981 and 1982 in a small town southwest of Belfast in Northern Ireland. Now, one thing that can be comparable between the DeLorean DMC-12 and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is the satin brushed finish on their stainless steel.
News: Armin Strom Announces its New Armin Strom Sailing Team. Participating in the GC32 Sailing Series.
Armin Strom is very pleased to announce its new sailing team. The team will compete this season in the Great Cup 32 Sailing Series across Europe. The Armin Strom Sailing Team's new state-of-the-art GC32 catamaran appears to defy gravity as it soars airborne across the water. Flavio Marazzi, one of Switzerland's most successful sailing competitors, leads the team as skipper and helmsman. Like Armin Strom, the Sailing Team relies on the ingenuous, flawless design of its craft. The GC32 catamaran harnesses power from its innovative L-shaped lifting foils and a T-shaped rudder that elevate the foils so the craft speeds above the water.
