Raffles Hotel, Singapore Celebrates 125th Anniversary with Timepieces

Raffles Hotel Singapore
Raffles Hotel Singapore

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning, luxury international hotel company with a long history of offering luxury hotel around the world. The company opened the Raffles Hotel, Singapore back to 1887.

This year, Raffles Hotel Singapore is proud celebrates its 125th anniversary. To honor this achievement, they are introducing iconic timepieces.

The luxury Raffles Hotel Singapore has long been closely associated with Singapore. The hotel was originally named after Sir Stamford Raffles, who was the founder of Singapore.

With modest beginnings as a small 10-room bungalow, Raffles has became an iconic luxury hotel in Singapore and has hosted many important clientele such as tycoons, rogues, adventurers, movie stars, authors and journalists.

Raffles Hotel Singapore has teamed with Jaeger-LeCoultre who developed the classic, double-sided Reverso watch line.

The new timepiece is an exclusive engraving “Raffles Hotel 1887-2012 Singapore”, available on Gents’ Reverso Grande Taille, and Ladies’ Grande Reverso Lady Ultra Thin.




New Luxury Watch Collection From de Grisogono – Tondo By Night

De Grisogono - Tondo by Night luxury watch collection
De Grisogono – “Tondo by Night”

The line of de Grisogono watches has not been around a long time. This luxury watch brand began in 2000 by Fawaz Gruosi. He been a successful jeweler for many years, then decided to add a line of fine timepieces to his jewelry offering.

Over the years, Fawaz Gruosi has impressed his clients plus industry insider with his creativity and ingenuity in watch design. His original watches continue to impress, even to the most hard to please watch collectors.

Gruosi was born in Syria in 1952 and grew up in Lebanon before moving to Florence, Italy. Following his lifelong dream, Gruosi opened his first de Grisogono boutique in Geneva, Switzerland in 1996.

What eventually defined Gruosi as a premier jeweler, was his unique, one-of-a-kind pieces and a collection of black diamond jewelry.

He continued to open jewelry boutiques across Europe before unveiling his first timepiece collection in 2000. The luxury watch collection was available for men, women and limited editions with a modern design and titled Instrumento No Uno. It became an immediate success.

Next in 2002, Fawaz Gruosi introduced the Instrumento Doppio—a watch collection with a design consisting of a stylish, square case.

Following the success of prior Limited Edition watch collections including the ‘de Grisogono Black Forever’, ‘Meccanico DG’, and the ‘Occhio Ripetizione Minuti’ collections.

 

His passion for luxury watches is apparent and Gruosi’s legacy continues with a brand new luxury watch collection – “Tondo by Night”

This stylish watch collection “Tondo by Night” from de Grisogono is available in six stunning colors – yellow, green, orange, white, pink and purple.

The luxurious watches feature a gently oval shaped watches and housed in a new case material – a pearly photluminescent composite fiberglass (PLF).




Tank Anglaise Watch by Cartier – Never Stop Tank

Cartier - Tank Anglaise luxury watch

The story of the Cartier Tank watch continues to be written, never to stop. Never stop Tank.

Cartier first sold the Tank watch in 1919 and that intro set the mark of all future Cartier watches. Cartier made only a very limited number in its first 50 years. But the Tank is back once again with Cartier’s latest model – the Tank Anglaise.

The story of the House’s iconic Tank watch typifies the pattern: following in the footsteps of the Tank Américaine and Tank Française, the Tank Anglaise was a logical progression.

Discover the story of the House’s iconic Tank watch: http://www.tank.cartier.com




OC Oracle Luxury Watch

Oc Oracle luxury brand watch
OC Oracle

Luxury watch brand OC Oracle offers a stunning collection of watches for those who appreciate high quality and distinct looks.

The OC Oracle brand is known globally and its timepieces offer Japanese Miyota movement – along with accuracy, elegance and a touch of fine art.

All products from OC Oracle are made 100 % waterproof. So no matter if your braving bad weather or enjoying outdoor water activities, you can feel assured your watch will keep working.

OC Oracle applies high quality ores to produce an art of timepieces with high standard of accuracy.

The luxury and fashion timepieces of OC Oracle are broadly accepted from the luxury watch industry.




Space Invaders Themed Watch by Romain Jerome

Space Invaders Themed Watch by Romain Jerome
Romain Jerome

The arcade game Space Invaders ® was first introduced in 1978 and quickly became a cult classic. The Space Invaders game was an addictive habit for many people who grew up in the 1980’s.

Luxury watch maker Romain Jerome has teamed up with TAITO Corporation to develop a cool watch design capturing the essence of the classic Space Invaders arcade game.

Two 78-piece limited series watch collections will honor Space Invaders.

The watch will Inherit the highly distinctive case of the Romain Jerome Moon Invader series (a round shape within a cambered 46 mm square, with a round front and an almost rectangular back), and will also keep the same steel coalesced with fragments from the Apollo 11 capsule watch.

The watch consists of four functional ball-and-socket joints of rounded squares that are cut like the pivoting “feet” of the lunar landing modules of the American lunar missions.

The watch will have a mechanical self-winding movement and made of black PVD-coated steel with integrated back. Additional features include  a grainy-textured stellar-patterned back with medallion in MOON SILVER representing the moon and Black 3D dial.

The Space Invaders watch collection will offer a black rubber with grainy-textured interior of stellar-patterned strap.

For more information on the new Romain Jerome watch collection, please visit: http://www.romainjerome.ch/category/timepieces-moon-invader/




New Colt 33 Luxury Watches from Breitling

breitling colt 33 womens watch
Breitling Colt 33

Luxury watchmaker Breitling has launched a new watch collection for women – Colt 33. The new Colt 33 watch collection is designed for women wan to blend elegance with ultra sporty character.

The wildly successful Colt series is a durable timepiece and has been redesigned to brighten any woman’s wrist.

The Colt 33 watch can be customized to fit a variety of lifestyles. Watch dials are available in a choice of several refined shades, steel or leather straps and optional gem-set bezel.

Breitling Colt 33 is distinguished by its 33 mm diameter and entirely polished case with a satin-brushed upper bezel surface. The dial comes in a choice of several refined shades, steel or leather straps and optional gem-set bezel.

For a woman who loves fashion flexibility, the Colt 33 watch is perfect. Transition from day to night with a variety of leather band colors: red, pink, orange, blue and white.

For fashionistas who are looking for both a stylish yet classic watch, the luxury Breitling Colt 33 is your choice.

Breitling is well known top-notch craftsmanship. The Colt 33 watch collection features: SuperQuartzTM movement ten times more accurate than standard quartz and chronometer certified by the COSC, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glareproofed on both sides and a sturdy steel case water-resistant to 500 meters (1,650 ft) – a unique feat for a ladies’ watch.

With all these luxury features, don’t this watch will break your bank. The Colt 33 is also one of the most reasonably-priced Breitling watches available. Prices begin at just under $3,000 for certain styles.




Stefan Johansson Växjö – New Mark IX and Mark X Timepieces

Stefan Johansson Växjö Mark IX & Mark X luxury watch collection
Stefan Johansson Växjö

Professional racecar driver Stefan Johansson has brought his years of car racing in to his latest luxury watch collections – the Mark IX and Mark X.

Owner of Stefan Johansson Växjö, he stated, “I am very excited to finally be able to show my two new designs after almost 3 years of development and fine-tuning. My goal from the very beginning was to create something that is instantly recognizable.”

Stefan Johansson merges his artistic sensibility with his experience as one of auto racing’s most decorated, enduring drivers into the designs of his Mark IX and Mark X timepieces. Both luxury watch collections are dramatic departures from his previous chronograph watch designs.

Each new style is divided into three distinct series: C, E and G. Each design is inspired by a particular era or aspect of Johansson’s successful car racing career.

All Stefan Johansson Växjö Mark IX and Mark X timepieces share a number of distinguishing characteristics of form and function:
– 60-minute chronograph register is uniquely set at the center of each dial
– E and G models feature a telemeter register, which measures the speed of sound – keeping focus on the fact that a fraction of a second makes all the difference in the world of racing
– 3D three-piece hour and minute hands, unique numerals, integrated crown protector and pusher mechanisms represent four of eight unique design features that have patents pending
– Glass back is engraved with the piece’s individual ‘chassis’ number and if desired, the owner’s name.

Below are features of the new Stefan Johansson Växjö Mark IX and Mark X watch collections:

MARK IX
Movement: Dubois-Depraz Calibre 2075
Case : 41mm or 45mm case, available in a variety of metals
Crystal: Flat sapphire crystal with anti-glare coating.
Sapphire glass exhibition back
Water Resistant: 5 ATM

MARK X
Movement: Dubois-Depraz Calibre 2075
Case : 40mm x 46mm, available in a variety of metals
Crystal: Flat sapphire crystal with anti-glare coating.
Sapphire glass exhibition back
Water Resistant: 5 ATM




Art of the Handmade Rieber Flying Tourbillion Watch

Wilhelm Rieber Black Skeleton Tourbillon
Wilhelm Rieber – Black Skeleton Tourbillon

Deemed as one of the world’s most exclusive watch, the handmade “Rieber Flying Tourbillon” is one of Germany’s best kept secrets.  Truly hand-crafted according to traditional watchmaking techniques prevalent in Germany, the “Flying Tourbillon” are unique timepieces soon to be renowned worldwide.

Adhering to the principle of “truly custom-made”, every single Tourbillon is created upon request and a unique work of art to ensure that no two watches are the same.  Every customer who places an order for the Tourbillon will receive an invite to visit Wilhelm Rieber in his small studio in Black Forrest Germany.

Meeting with Rieber will include a discussion about details of the watch, how its made, the inspiration behind the design, and its individual uniqueness.  Unlike some luxury watches of equivalent quality, watches by Rieber are not mass produced.  Only a maximum of twelve Rieber “Tourbillons” can be created.  Already recognizing the uniqueness of the Tourbillon is Formula One Worldmaster, Michael Schumacher.

Truly exclusive, the driver of painstakingly crafting each custom Tourbillon by hand is Rieber’s desire to create exclusive watches that will last forever.  A diamond is commonly known as a woman’s best friend.  From the quality of his watches and Rieber’s ambitious goals  and meticulous watchmaking techniques, the Tourbillon may very well become a man’s new best companion.

At the time of this publication, another limited Wilhelm Rieber watch is currently available for sale: “The Dragon Skeleton Flying Tourbillon.” Contact us (info@thelifeofluxury.com) if interested in learning more about any of these fine, luxury watches from Wilhelm Rieber.




Diamond Jubilee Collection Watch by Backes & Strauss London


Backes & Strauss London

Backes & Strauss London presents The Diamond Jubilee Collection. This incredible luxury watch collection is aptly a Regent, which was designed, crafted and inspired by England’s Diamond Queen – Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in celebration of her 60 year reign from 1952 to 2012.

Backes & Strauss London is proud to be the oldest diamond company. Since 1789, the luxury jewelry company has been creating luxury diamond watches.

Backes & Strauss London was granted permission by the Lord Chamberlain’s Office in Buckingham Palace to officially use her Majesty’s Royal Cypher in the design of this unique and historical watch collection.

Diamonds of the finest quality are hand set into 18kt white gold, and the side of each case is engraved “1952-2012.” This Limited Edition Collection will have only 60 watch pieces crafted.

The back of this luxury timepiece is open. Through the elegant sapphire glass, you can view the decorated watch movement. The watch back is engraved “Queen’s Diamond Jubilee” with a unique year from HM’s reign as the serial number.

The watch also features one or two rows of diamonds that surround the Royal purple dial base of lacquered English roses, set with the Royal Cypher and diamond set Roman numerals – LX (60) in diamonds at 12 O’Clock.

The watch also includes a 18kt White Gold Ardillon diamond set buckle.




Record 7 Million Swiss Francs for Two Antique Breguet Watches

Breguet No. 2667 antique watch
Breguet No. 2667

Montres Breguet has rapidly moved into the world number one position in luxury watchmaking since it was acquired by the Swatch Group in 1999.

Now Breguet achieves another major milestone by acquiring two exceptional Breguet watches.

The two Breguet antique watches were bought by the Breguet Museum and its President, Marc A. Hayek at Christie’s auction in Geneva Switzerland on May 14th.

The two stunning Breguet watches made their mark on Fine Watchmaking history, by setting a record purchase price of nearly 7 million Swiss francs.

These two Breguet masterpieces are the most expensive ever purchased in Breguet’s history, and the costliest Breguet antique watches ever sold at auction to date.

The first watch (shown above) , no. 2667 dating from 1814, was sold for a staggering price of over 4 million Swiss francs. This thin pocket watch with two movements is based on the chronometer principle (resonance) and is an extremely rare timepiece that was made in 18-carat yellow gold and features unsurpassed delicacy and elegance. The antique watch is an extraordinary timepiece that reflects both Breguet’s refined aesthetic sense and his innovative inventive genius.

Breguet No. 4111 antique watch
Breguet No. 4111

The second antique timepiece, no. 4111, is a thin flat equation-of-time and repeater watch, built on the chronometer principle. The Breguet watch repeats hours, half-hours, quarter-hours, and half-quarters. This “Grande Complication” watch dates from 1827 and was purchased for more than 2.5 million Swiss francs. It has an annual calendar as well as a manual perpetual calendar, and also displays mean and apparent solar time. This antique Breguet watch was manufactured extremely thin, a fascinating technical feat in a “Grande Complication” watch.




America’s Cup World Series in Venice, Italy – Corum Sponsors Energy Team

Corum Energy Team AC45 boat
Energy Team AC45 sponsored by Corum – Venice, Italy

Between May 15th and 20th, the next stage of the America’s Cup World Series is taking place in romantic Venice, Italy in front of the magnificent St. Mark’s Square.

Luxury watchmaker Corum is a sponsor of the Energy Team. For this segment of America’s Cup World Series there will be a change as  Loïck Peyron replaces Yann Guichard and takes the helm of the French one-design boat – Energy Team AC45.

Corum brand joined France’s “AC45 Energy Team” to be its Official Timekeeper. The sponsorship by Corum reinforces the fine watchmaker’s full support of the Peyron brothers’ drive to win the next America’s Cup.

During a recent interview, Loïck Peyron was asked if there have been some changes to the programme in particular with the match race event.
He replied, “Yes, the rules have changed and that’s a good thing. In Naples for example, it was all very sudden with elimination after just one duel. That gave rise to some strange results, with Spithill finishing seventh, for example. In Venice, from the quarter finals, it will be the best of three or in other words two wins if you prefer. To sum up, we shall be sailing much more. Another change is that the fleet race on Super Sunday now has a weighting of three instead of five. That means that the other races during the week will count more. This need for consistency is something that suits us.”

Peyron answered the question, what are the characteristics of the sailing area in Venice?
“In Venice, anything can happen. I know a little about the waters here having raced aboard Oman Sail in an Extreme 40 event and because it was here that the Round Europe races started, when I raced on Fuji. These waters are extremely tricky, as there are so many different parameters and local effects. You really have to grab every opportunity. During the first two days, we’ll be racing outside off the Lido, but for the final three days and Sunday’s big race, we shall be inside just off St. Mark’s Square. This is going to be truly magnificent, even if we know that the race area is going to be complicated to deal with, as it is not very big at all. On an Extreme 40, the race area was already quite small, so on an AC45… But I enjoy this sort of challenge and in this legendary setting, it’s going to be a marvelous experience. Usually, the winds are quite light there and we may well have to fit the wing extensions.”

Corum Admiral's Cup Legend watch
Corum Admiral’s Cup 42 Chronograph

In support of the America’s Cup World Series, Corum introduced the Admiral’s Cup 42 Chronograph watch. This luxury sports watch is incredibly stylish. The Admiral’s Cup 42 Chronograph provides a historical heritage, a pure design plus for the first time in this legend line, a more classical aspiration expressed through a cosc-certified chronograph movement.

The Admiral’s Cup 42 Chronograph watch by Corum reflects a number of the signature codes of the original Admiral’s Cup, united in an harmonious blend of sportiness and elegance.