Montblanc reopens 1881 Heritage flagship and unveils new 1858 collection

Luxury German marque Montblanc had cause for double the celebration recently as it not only the reopened its 1881 Heritage Flagship Store in Tsim Sha Tsui, but also unveiled an all-new line-up of models in its 1858 Collection of precision timepieces.

On the evening of the grand opening, Montblanc’s refurbished two-storey showroom was entirely transformed to emphasise the themes that guided the latest 1858 Collection chronograms: ‘reflection and reconnection with nature’. From the foliage-covered Greenery Wall – which showcased such notable designs as the 1858 Geosphere and the 1858 Automatic Chronograph – to the special LED display of a gushing waterfall that acted as the perfect foil for the brand’s other iconic ranges (Star Legacy and TimeWalker, to name but two), it was a wholly captivating and immersive experience for the lucky VIP guests in attendance.

If that weren’t enough, attendees were also treated to a walk through time via the History Wall, which highlighted the legacy of the Minerva Manufactory, the groundbreaking watch complications manufacturer that was founded in 1858, and the pre-cursor to the Montblanc brand today. With champagne glasses in hand, and with a lively musical performance from renowned violinist and DJ Olivia Dawn, it was truly a haute horological night to remember.

Top Models: OMEGA unveils new Constellation Manhattan Ladies’ Collection

OZONE, the exclusive bar perched on the 118th floor of The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, was the fitting venue for a one-of-a-kind collection launch last week, courtesy of renowned Swiss watchmaker OMEGA. The collection in question, of course, was the all-new ultra-luxurious Constellation Manhattan Ladies’ Collection.

Omega Constellation Manhattan Ladies' Collection launched by Cindy Crawford — *Kevin Rollenhagen, MD of The Swatch Group (HK) Ltd, Cindy Crawford, Raynald Aeschlimann, CEO and President of OMEGA, and Jimmy Mak, VP of OMEGA Hong Kong*

For the special occasion, OMEGA welcomed one of its most iconic and long-serving brand ambassadors to the stage – supermodel Cindy Crawford. Proudly sporting one of the 101 new models in the Constellation Manhattan Ladies’ Collection, Crawford expounded on her own love of the iconic timepieces by saying: “The Constellation is such a timeless watch with a classic design. OMEGA has always surprised me by creating innovative features without losing the iconic heritage. The history and quality behind this watch genuinely inspire me.”

She is not alone in her sentiments. Indeed, the much-beloved Constellation collection has long been an iconic part of OMEGA’s back catalogue. Perfectly showcasing its ability to produce outstandingly elegant designs backed by high-precision performance, these treasured timepieces have unfailingly charmed watch lovers through the years. It is the Manhattan design – first introduced in 1982 – though, that truly gifted the line with its famed features.

Over 101 new Constellation Manhattan Ladies’ Collection models have now been launched, a move guaranteed to tempt femme haute horology aficionados across the city. With an expansive array of dial colours and case designs on offer, these latest designs are available in 25mm, 28mm and 29mm versions, with the latter even boasting the brand’s proprietary OMEGA Master Co-Axial high-precision movement. Summing up the breadth of these new creations, the luxury marque’s President and CEO, Raynald Aeschlimann proclaimed: “Our new Constellation Manhattan collection embraces this spirit and continues to evolve for every generation of woman.”

Oversized Watches: Huge horology is now doing the rounds big time…

It’s no secret that, by and large, the world of haute horology is inherently conservative, strictly adhering to watchmaking traditions laid down generations ago. In some cases, this has even seen classic complications – step forward the tourbillon – prized long after they have become somewhat surplus to requirements. There is, however, one aspect of watchmaking that continues to evolve, one driven by both changing tastes and technology – the actual dimensions of a desirable timepiece.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the ever-dynamic wristwatch sector. When first introduced post-WWI for mass public consumption, the average men’s dial ranged from 28mm to 32mm in diameter. By the ’90s, 38mm was the norm. Today, 42mm is pretty much the standard, with only those above 45mm seen as oversized watches. While historically more petite, ladies’ watches have undergone a similar expansion and, for those keen to pick a premium plus-size model, thankfully, there are several prime specimens available.

With its eye firmly on distinctly feminine design, Bulgari has deftly fused the worlds of high-end jewellery and luxury watchmaking in the Serpenti Tubogas. Shaped to recall the coils of the eponymous creature that inspired it, its dominant 35mm curved-steel dial sits atop the serpent’s head – replete with a dazzling diamond-studded bezel and fascia – while its single-spiral steel-and-rose gold body bracelet extends down to wrap around the forearm.

Similarly taking the small-watch-expanded-setting approach is Cartier, whose all-new extra-large Panthère de Cartier Manchette model is equal parts jewellery cuff and chronometer. While the quartz movement is housed in a delicate 22mm x 19mm rose gold case, the watch itself is surrounded by a far chunkier 41mm rose gold-black lacquer linked bracelet. Available in a strictly limited edition of 50, it’s the perfect wrist adornment for any fashionable foray.

For discerning gentlemen collectors, meanwhile, there’s a veritable treasure trove of attention-seizing oversized watches on offer. First up is Zenith’s Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Silver, the Swiss marque’s inaugural silver-cased chronogram. Boasting a 45mm burnished silver dial with large Arabic numeral hour markers, this pilot watch’s metal sheet-patterned fascia and rugged look is a knowing homage to the aviation aesthetics of a bygone age.

Another outré, outsized pilot’s watch comes courtesy of IWC, with its limited-edition 46mm Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire revealing a keen understanding of just what today’s aviators actually require. Fitted with an in-house Calibre 52615 movement, a perpetual calendar and a double moon display – allowing for accurate lunar positioning in both the northern and southern hemispheres – this eye-catching olive-bronze creation is a more-than-fitting tribute to the WWII British fighter plane that inspired it.

Eschewing high-altitude adventure in favour of deep-sea discovery, though, is Panerai with its Submersible Mike Horn Edition – 47mm. Inspired by the exploits of Mike Horn, the Swiss-South African explorer, in addition to being notably robust and water-resistant up to a depth of 300m, this wide and wonderful watch is also hugely eco-friendly. Its case, its crown, its bezel and the caseback all come crafted in the brand’s proprietary recycled EcoTitanium, while its reassuringly sturdy straps are fashioned from repurposed Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET).

Not to be outdone, Roger Dubuis sought inspiration from wintry Swedish landscapes for its gigantically-proportioned, limited-edition-of-eight, 47mm Excalibur Pirelli Ice Zero 2. Created in partnership with Pirelli, the top tyre folk, it has been designed to embody the hardy qualities required to endure extreme cold. For this particular outing, the marque’s iconic skeletonised dial comes punctuated with a brilliant double flying tourbillon, with its Calibre RD105SQ movement perceivable beneath, while its straps reference the steel nail-studded design of Pirelli’s Ice Zero tyres.

The undoubted governor of the gargantuan, the true master of oversized watches – this time round at least – is mighty MB&F, the much-admired architect of all things avant-garde and, in particular, the bold creator of the Horological Machine No.6 Final Edition. A formidable 52mm in diameter, this time-telling titan boasts a recherché rectangular biomorphic case fitted with five 360-degree spheres, with the bottom two marking hours and minutes, while taking pride of place in the middle is an intricate flying tourbillon.

Comprising 475 individual parts and 68 gemstones, only eight of these final iterations of this much-loved series are ever destined to see the light of day. Essentially, it’s a simply colossal, carefully curated and cunningly-crafted collectors’ item and a prime example of oversized watches – but, then, aren’t they all?

Text: Tenzing Thondup

Introducing: The latest additions to Rolex’s superb Oyster Perpetual range

As the much-awaited Baselworld 2019 finally opened its doors this week, haute horology enthusiasts the world over were at the edge of their seats to see exactly what the top names in watchmaking would be unveiling. In particular, anticipation for the latest designs from much-loved Swiss horology pros Rolex were at an all time high. And it did not disappoint, releasing several superb additions to its classic Oyster Perpetual range. Here are three particular designs that merit special mention.

Cosmograph Daytona

Long the favoured watch of racing drivers the world over, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona first debuted in 1963. The recently-unveiled model, though, is a stark departure from the traditionally ruggedly masculine design aesthetics. Injecting an element of haute joaillerie into the mix, the black lacquer dial boasts champagne-coloured counters and a shimmering diamond surface, while the classic tachymetric scale on the bezel has been replaced entirely by baguette-cut diamonds. Despite its flashy looks, the Calibre 4130 movement within remains at the very cutting edge of haute horology.

Sea-Dweller 43mm

The first Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller first debut over half a century ago as part of Rolex’s bid to appeal to serious deep-sea divers. While the brand had already introduced its first dive watch – the Submariner – this particular model was created to function in even more extreme underwater conditions. The latest design is the model’s first-ever yellow Rolesor gold-Oystersteel incarnation, and outsizes its predecessors with its 43mm diameter. Waterproof to a staggering 1,220m depth, this may just be Rolex’s most advanced tool watch yet.

Datejust 31

Another debutante Oystersteel-yellow Rolesor gold model is the femme-focussed Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31. Targetted at the burgeoning segment of lady collectors, it features an unusual olive-green sunray-finish dial, with its only concession to outré femininity evident in the diamonds adorning its 6 o’clock hour marker. Even more excitingly, the Datejust 31 features an all-new Calibre 2236 movement which is said to offer even more superior performance thanks to deft touches like its silicon Syloxi hairspring.

Introducing Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11, a 50th anniversary limited edition

Celebrations are in order as 50 years have passed since American astronauts Neil Armstrong and ‘Buzz’ Aldrin took their first steps onto the moon in 1969, marking a great leap forward for man – and the watchmakers responsible for creating a watch to be worn in outer space, Omega.

Indeed, as any watch connoisseur is well aware of, during the iconic mission to the moon, Omega Speedmaster watches graced the astronauts’ wrists and to celebrate the earth-defying achievements of man Omega has released the OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 11 special 50th anniversary limited edition. However, it was actually in 1957 that the Swiss luxury timepiece manufacturers first launched their OMEGA Speedmaster which soon after became known as ‘pilots’ choice’ and was adopted by the US Air Force.

Speed up to 1964, NASA’s space programme was really ready for take-off and officially began the search to find a watch capable enough to accompany their astronauts far beyond the Earth’s limits. In the end, Omega prevailed on top, and has been the supplier to NASA’s Human Space Flight Program ever since.

Throughout the years Omega has released many Speedmaster watches but what makes the new OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 11 – which is limited to only 1,014 pieces – so special is its exclusive 18K gold alloy and brand new manual-winding Master Chronometer calibre 3861. The 18K Moonshine gold is said to be inspired by shining moonlight against a dark night sky; it also maintains its shine longer than the traditional 18K yellow gold. Meanwhile, the 42mm case of the timepiece features a asymmetrical case-band that has been now been used for four generations of Speedmaster watches.

*Buzz Aldrin with President and CEO of OMEGA Raynald Aeschlimann*

Adding a unique touch to the watch is the engraving on the outer case-back that reads, “1969-2019” with the limited edition number highlighted in burgundy. Vintage lovers will also rejoice in the fact that the OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 11 features a number of classic Omega logos throughout the design – including on the dial, the crown and the clasp.

Omega has certainly helped to create one small tick for man and one giant tock for mankind.

#MeToo O’Clock: Women’s watches still have a long way to go

It wasn’t all that long ago that women’s watches were considered poor relations in the ever-so-slightly macho world of precision timepieces. Thankfully, though, many haute horology houses have belatedly gotten their act together, regretting the inherent disrespect shown by such an attitude, while also coming to appreciate the commercial opportunity offered by super-serving a new generation of wealthy women watch-wearers. Which factor was the most compelling, though, is perhaps best left as a matter of conjecture.

Very much a pioneer in de-testosteroning the timepiece sector was Vacheron Constantin, with the venerable watchmaker electing to show only female-friendly chronograms at the 2013 edition of the prestigious SIHH watch fair. More recently, TAG Heuer went even further, boldly declaring 2018 as the ‘Year of the Women’.

So, has all this ushered in a true Golden Age for ladies’ luxury timepieces? While such a proclamation may seem a little premature (at best), a quick stroll through the latest offerings from some of the most-admired marques certainly suggests change is in the air.

wome's watches — *Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Rendez-Vous Moon Jewellery*

A prime example of this new sensibility is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Rendez-Vous Moon Jewellery. The latest addition to the brand’s iconic female-focused Rendez-Vous collection – sales of which accounted for 45 percent of the brand’s revenue back in 2013 – this latest iteration features a fetching double-ring design, with the outer bezel and inner dial circle neatly set with 126 diamonds. Classically elegant, its mother-of-pearl / rose gold fascia has been further enhanced with the prominent placement of a moon phase indicator at the 6 o’clock mark.

A more minimalist take on this dual-circled conceit comes courtesy of Girard-Perregaux’s Cat’s Eye Plum Blossom Aventurine. Ringed by a diamond-studded rose gold bezel, its midnight blue, night sky-themed dial is prettily punctuated with twinkling crystals. Perched above its uncluttered face is the watch’s only other adornment – a small seconds indicator in the form of a golden plum blossom.

Majoring on its conspicuous handcraftsmanship, meanwhile, Jaquet Droz’s Petite Heure Minute Pig fully exploits the brand’s expertise in delivering beguiling miniatures. Housed in an engaging red gold case, its real appeal lies in its hand-engraved, manually-patinated pig applique. Available in a limited edition of just 28, this collectors’-item-to-be is the perfect wrist-sized memento of the Year of the Pig and an undeniably chic chick-centric chronometer.

Similarly inspired by all things artisanal, eternally high-end Hermès has unveiled its own limited-edition-of-12 animal-motifed timepiece – the Arceau Baobab Cat. Utilising the self-same baobab cat emblem that graces many of the brand’s iconic silk scarves, in this instance it has been painstakingly recreated through handcrafted applique work, prior to being set into the onyx dial. Encircling this undeniably fascinating feline are hand-painted flower petals, all neatly ringed within a dazzling sapphire-studded bezel.

Bringing the focus squarely back to less macho movements, though, is Rolex, with the latest iteration of its Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31. Originally introduced in 1945, this petite 31mm timepiece was the first self-winding, waterproof wristwatch to feature a date indicator at 3 o’clock. In line with this, the new models – available in 18K white, yellow or Everose gold – all come fitted with a Calibre 2236 movement, while being hermetically-sealed and waterproof to 100m.

Never one to be outdone, Audemars Piguet has blended its characteristic mechanical know-how with an haute joaillerie flourish to create the Royal Oak Quartz. Available in white or pink gold and fitted with a super-slim, high-performance Calibre 2713 movement, almost every inch of its gleaming real estate is liberally coated with baguette- and brilliant-cut diamonds.

Rounding off our selection of fantastically-finessed feminine designs is Blancpain’s Villeret Women Quantième Phase de Lune, which, of course, boasts the brand’s signature moon phase indicator. In this particular variant, the feminine moon face comes charmingly adorned with a beauty spot at the corner of its Mona Lisa smile just above the 6 o’clock aperture. Comprising an ultra-thin self-winding 913QL.P movement, the piece also features the marque’s signature calendar indicator.

From moon phase mechanisms and marvellous movements to the application of long-lauded artisanal techniques, it’s clear that women-oriented watches are finally coming into their own. In the place of the somewhat blasé designs of yesteryears, there is now a slew of truly show-stopping statement pieces, many of which are at least as complex and as visually stunning as any of their male-minded counterparts. Frankly, though, it’s about time.

Text: Tenzing Thondup

SIHH Standouts: Highlights from the Geneva-based haute horology fair

No matter how nice a watch you got for Christmas or just which top timepiece you wielded as you ticked down the dying seconds of 2018 in Victoria Harbour, your head was probably half-elsewhere – almost certainly more than 9,500km away in Geneva, the second-largest city in Switzerland and – far more importantly – home to the annual Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH). An event that almost every true haute horologist across the world looks forward to, more than 20,000 of them make an annual pilgrimage to the Salon to see just what the world of watches has in store for the coming year…

As ever, the 2019 edition – the 29th iteration of the event – saw hundreds of dazzling dials, burnished bezels and marvellous movements all unveiled for the many keen acolytes of accurate timekeeping in attendance. While, in truth, every one was a wonder of watchmaking wizardry, seven superb, collector-friendly chronographs particularly stood out…

*Cartier Libre Collection Baignoire Allongée Black*

In a knowing nod to the rise of watch-minded women everywhere, Cartier opted to use the event as the launchpad for the latest additions to its Cartier Libre Collection. Multicoloured, multi-faceted and bejewelled to the hilt, each of these distinctly avant-garde timepieces was an apt celebration of the beauty of non-conformity, complete with a selection of unconventional bezels and dials that proved both sophisticated and playful.

Piaget, meanwhile, opted for a subtler approach, with its undeniably understated Piaget Altiplano – 36mm boasting a classic dark blue-white gold combination, while a selection of baguette-cut diamonds proved fine enhancements to its bezel and hour markers. With an ultrathin Calibre 430P movement as standard, this 36mm watch was made for the wrist of a truly femme fashionista.

Jaeger-LeCoultre's Master Ultra Thin Moon Enamel — *Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Ultra Thin Moon Enamel*

Debonair gentlemen looking for a similarly uncluttered conceit were best steered towards Jaeger-LeCoultre’s elegant Master Ultra Thin Moon Enamel. Once again, a blue-and-white gold colour scheme dominated, with the watch’s handcrafted guilloché blue enamel dial an apt showcase of the marque’s artisanal skills. Just over 10mm in depth, its crowning jewel is undoubtedly its reworked 6 o’clock moon-phase setting.

Another fine example of the ‘less is more’ conceit was Hermès’ Arceau 78. A model first made public in 1978, this latest incarnation features a fetchingly grained anthracite dial, intriguingly ringed by a matte beat-blasted bezel. In a break from tradition, its numeral hour markers are slightly italicised, giving the look of a horse at full gallop. Dubbed a Very Large Model (40mm) and fitted with natural Barénia calf straps, this is minimalism to the max.

*Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “Le Petit Prince” by IWC*

Moving to the somewhat sportier end of the spectrum, IWC had on offer a very special limited edition – the Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “Le Petit Prince”. Created in collaboration with the estate of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (the author of The Little Prince), just 10 such items will be made. The product of a truly unique partnership, it is both the first pilot watch ever to feature a constant force tourbillon and the first to be fashioned from a special, ultraresistant red gold. In another plus, its perpetual moon phase complication won’t require any adjustment until at least 2595.

*Panerai Submersible Chrono – Guillaume Néry Edition*

Eschewing outer space for deep sea depths, Panerai introduced a timepiece co-authored with Guillaume Néry, the French free-diving champion – the Panerai Submersible Chrono – Guillaume Néry Edition. Combining performance, strength and reliability, its robust and waterproof titanium case, its unidirectional rotating bezel and its luminescent hour markers have all been designed with the safety of underwater explorers very much in mind.

Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph “Camo” — *Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph “Camo”*

And finally, rounding out this year’s list of SIHH standouts were the latest additions to Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore collection – the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph “Camo”. Of the three new versions, it is perhaps the company’s first-ever brownceramic chronogram that merits most approbation. Crafted in pink gold and mounted on caramel-and-brown camouflage rubber straps, an extra-large Mega Tapisserie chequerboard guillochéd dial completes this 44mm watch’s rugged appeal.

Once again, SIHH did not disappoint, allowing all attendees a tantalising glimpse of many of the latest trends in global haute horology. From marvellously minimalist designs to super-sporty standouts, from artisanal avant gardery to precision-built mechanical marvels, no technique lacked a true showpiece, no style was bereft of a standard-bearer and no complication was denied its day in the Swiss sunshine. And, take heart, the next SIHH showcase is now just over a year away.

Text: Tenzing Thondup

Untamable Spirit: Four amazing animal-themed watches for the wildlife lover

The mysterious allure of the untamable animals that populate our globe have long held a certain fascination for humanity, with everyone from jewellers and fashion maisons to artists and scientists all equally in thrall. And the world of haute horology is no different. Indeed many renowned watchmakers have all dedicated a segment of their oeuvre solely to animal-themed watches. From Year of the Pig-inspired creations to wild cat-dominated designs are some of the latest standouts that caught our eye.

Jaquet Droz – Petite Heure Minute Pig

Jaquet Droz is introducing an element of handcraftsmanship with its Petite Heure Minute Pig a true homage to the brand’s renowned skill at the ‘Art of Miniature Painting’. Housed in an attractive red gold case, the star of the show here is undoubtedly a hand-engraved and hand-patinated pig applique. Limited to a release of just 28 pieces, this collector’s-item-in-the-making seems the perfect wrist-sized memento of the Year of the Pig.

Blancpain – Traditional Chinese Calendar

Another timepiece celebrating the Lunar New Year’s new zodiac sign is Blancpain in the form of its Traditional Chinese Calendar. Building on its reputation for producing precision engineered perpetual calendar movements, this newest limited-edition watch features a lunisolar calendar inspired by the classical Chinese timekeeping tradition, alongside a more standard Gregorian date display. With the two time-division systems wholly unalike, it took the marque five years of research to develop a movement capable of measuring both calendars – a true haute horological feat that solidifies its position in our round-up of must-have animal-themed watches.

Vacheron Constantin – Les Cabinotiers Wild Panda

Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin has also sought inspiration from the pantheon of Chinese wildlife for its Les Cabinotiers Wild Panda. Part of the maison’s exclusive one-off “Mécaniques Sauvages” range, in this instance, the eponymous panda and bamboo forest surround it have been carefully handcrafted using long-lauded technique of wood marquetry. With more than 300 individually hand-cut wood veneers of various shapes making up its vibrant fascia, its design is a true ode to the artisanal arts.

Hermès – Arceau Awooooo

Another must-have in our list of animal-themed watches is the latest iteration of Hermès’ iconic Arceau watch – the Arceau Awooooo. As its name suggests, the dominant animal motif here is the majestic white wolf that encompasses the majority of its 41mm fascia. Set under a night sky punctuated with a crescent moon and twinkling stars, the entire dial is the product of an intricate process of meticulous enamel work, polishing, painting and firing. Fitted with a white gold case and matte graphite alligator leather straps, just eight pieces will ever be made.

Introducing: Four stunning Chinese New Year watches by Jaquet Droz

With the Lunar New Year celebrations less than a fortnight away, an air of festive anticipation can already be felt throughout Hong Kong. In a bid to amp up the atmosphere even further, renowned Swiss watchmaker Jaquet Droz has introduced four stunning limited-edition Chinese New Year watches to mark this auspicious occasion and usher in the Year of the Pig in true style.

Part of its annual series of Chinese Zodiac-inspired haute horological models, Jaquet Droz pays tribute to the incoming Pig sign with its signature dedication to handcraftsmanship. The first pair of new designs – the Petite Heure Minute Pig – are encased in red gold, with a ladies’ 35mm version boasting a diamond-set bezel and a larger unisex 39mm interpretation with no diamonds. A tribute to the art of miniature painting, both dials featuring a hand-painted Pig standing calmly amidst an abundance of wheat crops. Limited to just 28 pieces per design, its gold caseback is engraved with a similarly fetching scene.

For the second pair of limited-edition Chinese New Year watches, Jaquet Droz has opted for the more rugged Boar as its central design conceit. Available in a red gold (28 pieces) or a rarer white gold (8 pieces) case-engraving combination, both interpretations of the Petite Heure Minute Relief Pig boast an eye-catching black onyx dial atop which the Boar stands triumphant. The product of painstakingly beautiful engraving techniques, here the porcine hero stands firm before eight mighty oak trees – auspicious symbols of power and longevity – as if to salute the incoming lunar year. On the caseback lies another surprise, a relief engraving of a boar striding a midnight sky (courtesy of an onyx applique on its base), with the oscillating movement visible overhead.

With these latest Pig-inspired Chinese New Year watches, Jaquet Droz once again proves that its reputation for merging top-class watchmaking with beautiful craftsmanship is more than well deserved. Available only in very limited releases, each individual design is a more-than-fitting addition to the collection of any true haute horology enthusiast.

The Right Pick: Perfect Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men

While we don’t believe that you have to wait for 14 February to gift a special something to a special someone, in case you’re looking for that perfect Valentine’s Day gift for Mr. Right, here are some gift ideas you should definitely check out…

If your man loves exercise and outdoor sports, he’s probably already eyeing the Brompton Bicycle 20 Years in Asia Gold Edition. Striking black gloss components, including handlebar, stem, seat post and 16” wheels, alongside the black Brooks B17 saddle, handcrafted premium British leather make this any biker’s dream vehicle.

For the Jay Gatsby in your life, who loves to host extravagant parties, the Manhattan collection of wineware from Saint Louis’s 2018 Autumn Winter collection could be an ideal addition to his party accessories. Featuring the essential tools of mixology that help mix and enjoy cocktails at home among friends, the Manhattan collection ensures that happy hour starts at home.

Another Valentine’s Day gift that may hit the right note with gentlemen who enjoy a tipple or two would be the limited-edition Rémy Martin XO and VSOP collections. Two very special limited-edition boxes join Rémy Martin’s collection of swanky gift boxes created for refined tastemakers, including an exciting collaboration with American avant-garde artist Matt W. Moore.

Of course, there’s no wrong time to gift a fine timepiece to a discerning gentleman. Even better if the gentleman in question is an avid horologist, but even if he’s not, no fear, Franck Muller’s Vanguard 7 Days Power Reserve Skeleton will make him a fan in no time. Thanks to its open-faceted skeletal structure, architectural and geometric open-worked bridges are in full display, allowing one and all to admire its intricate mechanism.

For the modern jet-setting man, what could be a better Valentine’s day gift than Il Bisonte’s Travel Kit in cowhide leather? Coming from a true-blue Italian brand that stands for practical luxury and timeless trends, the travel kit includes a padded eye mask, a luggage tag, a cord wrap and a passport/card case wallet in black, red or nude.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay