As you all know, here at WCL we have a thing for backgammon and backgammon sets. In 2021, we launched The Backgammon & Watches Society here at WCL and we’ve been playing this amazing game even before we were of legal drinking age. Even though we already have way too many cool backgammon sets, you can never have too many. Exactly just like you can never have way too many watches. The Michael Aram Backgammon set is the perfect match to the shades of grey on the extra flat Richard Mille RM 016 Americas Orange Limited Edition of which only 15 pieces were ever made.
Introducing: MB&F Horological Machine No. 8 Mark 2. Light as a Feather and Very RM Looking. (Live Pics)
MB&F’s connection to cars runs deep, starting in 2012 with the HM5, followed by the HMX in 2015, and the HM8 in 2016. Each of these iterations is linked by its instantly recognizable speedometer-style display on the side of the case that recalls the daring and futuristic design of the 1970s. A decade after their first automotive-inspired MB&F Machines, now comes the HM8 Mark 2, the most technologically evolved model to date.
Introducing: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 100th Anniversary 24 Hours of Le Mans ref. 126529LN
Rolex is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race with an original version of its legendary chronograph. The 40 mm case is crafted in 18K white gold, the black Cerachrom bezel features the number ‘100’ in red on the tachymetric scale, evoking the race’s centenary. This new Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 100th Anniversary 24 Hours of Le Mans ref. 126529LN is equipped with an exclusive movement, calibre 4132, which is a 24-hour chronograph instead of the model’s usual twelve.
News: Jaeger-LeCoultre Unveils the Golden Ratio Musical Show by Tokio Myers at the Shanghai International Film Festival
Continuing to expand its cultural universe, Jaeger-LeCoultre announces the latest installment in its Made of Makers program: a new collaboration with the ground-breaking British musician Tokio Myers. A pianist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer, Tokio Myers has become celebrated for his experimental approach to classical music. An artist of immense range and dynamic power, his highly original approach to creating and performing music has established him as one of the most exciting artists to emerge in recent years.
From the Editor: The Omega Speedmaster Broadarrow that Sold for 3.1 Million Swiss Francs at the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction XIV is a 'Frankenwatch'
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.
