Back in November 2021, an Omega Speedmaster ‘Broadarrow’ ref. 2915-1 from 1957 broke all records for a Speedmaster sold at any watch auction. This particular watch, Lot 53 at the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction XIV sold for CHF 3.1 Million Swiss Francs. A few days ago, it has been confirmed by Omega, that the watch in question is a ‘frankenwatch’ that was put together with parts that are authentic, non-authentic, correct for the time period, and incorrect for the time period, to represent the watch in a way that it would sell for such a high price. I mean the original estimate was between CHF 80,000 and CHF 120,000 Swiss Francs.
Introducing: Girard-Perregaux Casquette 2.0 Saint-Laurent 01 Limited Edition
Now, another re-edition in a limited edition of 100 pieces is being presented by Anthony Vaccarello, the Creative Director of Yves Saint Laurent and Girard-Perregaux. This time, the Casquette 2.0 Saint-Laurent 01 is also equipped with a chronograph and can also display the time in a different location. Another difference between this model and its predecessor is that the Girard-Perregaux ‘GP’ logo, the case back, the clasp, and the pushers are blacked out in black PVD titanium. The case measures 42.4 mm x 33.6 mm x 14.64 mm.
From the Editor: Angelus Chronographe Médical x Massena LAB. Not Worth the Money and Here's Why.
I am all about collaborations in the watch industry and I applaud when micro brands go the extra mile to deliver watches of high quality at a reasonable price. The Massena LAB creates, designs, and develops timepieces with renowned watchmakers and it was founded by William Massena, who has been a passionate watch collector since an early age. He was a watch dealer with stores in Miami and New York City and then became the COO —Chief Operating Officer— of Antiquorum in Geneva.
Insider: Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Countach DT/X. An 8-Piece Limited Edition.
The latest creation to emerge from Roger Dubuis and their partnership with Lamborghini is the new Excalibur Spider Countach DT/X. While its name suggests that the watch takes its inspiration from the legendary Countach, it doesn’t. The reason why this new Excalibur is named Countach is that the watch is in Bianco Siderale —sideral white— which is the same color that Ferruccio Lamborghini specified for his own Countach.
Experience: Casa Panerai New York. The Largest Panerai Global Flagship.
Located on the northeast corner of 63rd street and Madison Avenue in New York City, yesterday afternoon we had the pleasure of attending the opening of the ‘Casa Panerai New York’, the brand’s largest global flagship. The opening event kicked off with an ‘Aperitivo in Piazza’ —the Italian tradition of having a little something before heading out to dinner at a city square or neighborhood locale— right on the sidewalk adjacent to the new boutique. Mini pizzas baked by pizzaioli, decadent gelato, limonata, chinotto, a espresso bar, passed piccoli morsi —small bites— and a flower stand transported us to the hustling streets of Milan or perhaps Rome.
Experience: Hendrick's Flora Adora Edition and a Hublot Big Bang
Flora Adora is the latest release within the Cabinet of Curiosities line from Hendrick’s Gin. Hendrick’s Gin is produced by the family-owned William Grant & Sons distillery in Scotland and their gin is distilled at the Girvan distillery which mainly focuses on distilling whiskey. Here at WCL, we’ve talked about other limited editions from Hendrick’s Cabinet of Curiosities including Orbium, Lunar, and Midsummer Solstice.
From the Editor: My Thoughts on the AP Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon 'Spider-Man'. Don't Want to Miss This One.
When I thought I had seen it all with the release of the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon ‘Black Panther’ in 2021, I was definitely wrong. You can read my thoughts on that particular release here. Now, let me share my thoughts about what I consider to be the lowest any luxury brand could hit, let alone a brand like Audemars Piguet that I’ve been buying since 1998. How can you be part of the ‘Holy Trinity of Watchmaking’ when you release such a watch?
Introducing: Breitling Classic AVI Chronograph 42
Today Breitling is unveiling a 42 mm Classic AVI that puts a universal spin on the rugged aviator’s chronograph inspired by the original 1953 Ref. 765 AVI Co-Pilot and four legendary planes. Meanwhile, the 46 mm Super AVI assortment gets a bold new addition with the introduction of the black ceramic Mosquito Night Fighter. Breitling also surprised collectors with an extremely limited re-edition of a 1964 execution of the AVI Co-Pilot, reviving a classic sporting watch.
Introducing: De Bethune DB28xs Starry Seas
Placing innovation at the heart of the process. Thinking ingeniously while improving precision, reliability, readability, and comfort, De Bethune presents the new DB28xs Starry Seas starting a new chapter for De Bethune with a smaller case size. Featuring a significantly smaller diameter than previous models at 39 mm versus 44 mm, while retaining De Bethune's unique and characteristic design, the DB28xs Starry Seas is a miniature miracle.
News: A. Lange & Söhne Presents 1815 Chronograph to the 'Best of Show' at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d’Este
The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d'Este is one of the annual highlights of the global classic car community. Since 2012, A. Lange & Söhne has been a partner of this historic beauty contest for rare automobiles, which took place last weekend against the backdrop of Lake Como. This year, the German manufactory once again honored the winner of the “Best of Show” with a unique 1815 Chronograph in white gold.
Introducing: MB&F LMX Paris Edition. A 15-Piece Limited Edition Exclusively Available at the Paris MB&F LAB. (Live Pics)
To celebrate the iconic LMX, MB&F brings a beautiful new edition featuring a stunning purple dial plate encased in a complementary white gold case. The new MB&F LMX Paris Edition will be exclusively available at the Parisian MB&F LAB on Rue Saint-Honoré and limited to only 15 pieces. Originally launched in 2021 to celebrate 10 years of horological machines, the first versions of the LMX were released as follows: 18 pieces in 18K red gold with black NAC treatment on plates and bridges; 33 pieces in grade 5 titanium with green CVD treatment on plates and bridges; and 33 “Steel & Brass” pieces in 316L stainless steel with a frosted face.
Introducing: HYT Hastroid Rainbow. A 15-Piece Limited Edition.
As unique as a rainbow, the new HYT Hastroid Rainbow is an exclusive creation. To perfect the rainbow coloring on its dial, HYT called upon one of the most exacting of modern artisanal techniques, known as Techno Art. A new challenge combining exceptional skills and vision for the future of Haute Horlogerie. HYT watches have made the focal point of this piece the outer edge of the dial and the heart of the exclusive fluid module with its retrograde hours display.
Experience: Vegas Robaina Famosos. Introduced the Same Year the Patek Philippe Aquanaut was Born.
Introduced to the Habanos. S.A. portfolio in 1997, the same year the Patek Philippe Aquanaut was born as reference 5065A and 5066A, Vegas Robaina cigars are a tribute to the Robaina family who had been cultivating tobacco since 1845 in the region of Vuelta Abajo in Cuba. The name 'Vegas Robaina' is composed of two words where the word 'vegas' is the Spanish word commonly utilized in Cuba to refer to plantation fields and the word 'Robaina' is Don Alejandro Robaina's —descendent of the Robaina family— last name.
News: Richard Mille Announces the 1st Edition of the Richard Mille Yacht Cup
Richard Mille is excited to announce the very 1st edition of the Richard Mille Cup. From the 10th to the 25th of June 2023, the regatta will attract aficionados and collectors of historical yachts competing between Great Britain and France, from Falmouth to Le Havre, with stopovers in renowned sailing landmarks Dartmouth and Cowes in a series of inshore and offshore races.
Introducing: Hublot Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin. The Brand Finally Hits Rock Bottom.
We finally think that Hublot has reached the point of no return. For a while, we were ok with their limited edition business model but after seeing this disjointed collaboration with Nespresso, we finally think that they’ve hit rock bottom. Referred to by Hublot as a collaboration between two Swiss brands combining innovation and sustainability, the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin is the result of the partnership between Hublot and Nespresso.
News: Vacheron Constantin Expands Partnership with the Louvre with 'A Masterpiece on Your Wrist' Program
Since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin has devoted great importance to arts and culture. The partnership with the Louvre Museum that began in 2019 betokens a celebration of beauty driven by the Manufacture’s constant concern for safeguarding and passing on heritage. Initiating a new offering entitled "A masterpiece on the wrist", Vacheron Constantin offered an experience that includes a private tour of the Louvre, in the company of its experts, as well as a visit to the Vacheron Constantin Manufacture, to meet its master watchmakers and artisans and the creation of a unique piece inspired by works of art at the Louvre.
News: Vacheron Constantin Opens 'Suite 1755'. A Private Appointment-Only Lounge in West Hollywood.
Vacheron Constantin announces the opening of Suite 1755, a private appointment-only lounge located at the West Hollywood Edition, paying tribute to the art of high watchmaking and the glamour of Hollywood. Offering guests a uniquely conceived space to enjoy during the total renovation of the Rodeo Drive Vacheron Constantin Boutique, Suite 1755 beckons visitors to explore Vacheron Constantin’s long-standing quest for excellence, innovation, and artistry in a wholly new way.
News: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reveals New Brand Manifesto. 'The Watchmaker of Watchmakers'.
Because of this, Jaeger-LeCoultre has revealed a new brand manifesto as ‘The Watchmaker of Watchmakers’ with a new campaign starring Lenny Kravitz and Anya Taylor-Joy. The new campaign reflects on the true source of success. In the short film that anchors the campaign, Anya and Lenny perform against a minimal backdrop, focusing the attention on the two artists.
Introducing: Roger Dubuis Excalibur Monobalancier MB Titanium
Roger Dubuis brings a new masterpiece into the world of watchmaking as it unveils the new Excalibur Monobalancier Titanium. A remarkable blend of material mastery, expressive design, and horological expertise. Its 42 mm case is crafted from titanium Grade 5, the hyper-modern timepiece is a strikingly light variation of the iconic original Excalibur MB, boasting peak levels of comfort, aesthetics, and performance. About 33% lighter than stainless steel and for its strength-to-weight ratio, titanium is naturally soft and hypoallergenic nature to its high anti-corrosion and anti-magnetic properties.
Introducing: Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin Le Régulateur
Louis Erard has decided to collaborate with master watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin to deliver a very unique-looking regulator with a grotesque saw-mouthed cyclops called Le Régulateur. A mythological figure reinterpreted by the master watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin in two color variations, in limited editions of 178 pieces each, and in a diptych box set limited to 28 pieces.
