Valentine’s Day Gift: Best ways to express an eternal love

If you’re at a loss for that perfect Valentine’s Day gift to wow that special lady in your life, fear not, for we at Gafencu have shortlisted some of the most dazzling, bejewelled gems that are sure to have them floored.

Cartier

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Cartier, that most exclusive of haute joaillerie brands, has launched several new creations as part of its Panthère de Cartier collection. With the panther being a style statement for over a hundred years, it is reminiscent of love’s timelessness. The collection includes jewellery, accessories and perfumes that can be worn everyday making each a meaningful and practical addition to any fashionista’s collection.

Boucheron

If all Valentine’s Day jewellery were to be personified, the ones from the luxury brand Boucheron can be seen as an outspoken person. With each different collection – Quatre, Jack de Boucheron, Plume de Paon and Pivoine – created to express something unique, the bijouterie from the French maison reflects romance without question. For instance, the Jack de Boucheron collection which is made of flexible gold wires – giving room to endless creations – represents indefinite freedom.

Omega

Comparing love to wings that can help you reach new heights, Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega has ringed its iconic De Ville Trésor watches with a feathered motif. The 2020 Valentine’s Day iterations come in two avatars, including a blue co-axial master chronometer with 18K white gold markings on the dial for men and a Quartz 36mm with diamonds mounted on the bezel for women. What better Valentine’s Day gift than a timepiece to remind you that every moment with your loved ones is precious.

Blancpain

Every year without fail, Swiss watchmaker Blancpain has created feminine timepieces that celebrate Valentine’s Day, and this year is no exception. The “Valentine’s Day 2020” special watch is remarkable, featuring a white gold rectangular frame studded with diamonds and a mother-of-pearl dial embellished with diamonds and rubies. Limited to only 14 pieces, this celebratory timepieces takes its inspiration from a cocktail watch that was originally owned by the well-known screen siren, Marilyn Monroe.

Buccellati

Emblematic of an eternal romance, the Macri collection and the Opera Gold collection are the Italian luxury house Buccellati’s top picks for the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts this year. The Opera Gold collection that is highly influenced by the art of Italian Renaissance, highlighting the beauty of love with its floral pattern combined with the brand’s logo. The Macri collection, meanwhile, boasts, with flowing lines that embody the unbreakable bond of true love.

Freywille

The bijouterie brand Freywille is known for creating artistic jewellery collections that take inspiration from some of the most renowned artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Alphonse Mucha, Claude Monet and more. For this most romantic day of the year, the Viennese brand has put together a specially curated selection of pieces that celebrate love in all its myriad forms – the Pepita Rose collection with floral patterns, the Poésie d’Armour collection, the Paris Pop collection and the Wedding Collection Fine Jewellery.

Perfect Chinese New Year gifts for your loved ones

If you’re looking for more than the usual red packets to gift your nearest and dearest to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Rat, we at Gafencu have curated a special collection of Chinese New Year gifts that are sure to add a special touch to your lunar festivities.

Blancpain’s Métiers d’Art Collection

As the Rat supercedes its porcine predecessor this Chinese New Year, luxury brand Blancpain is launching its very first watch with a porcelain dial designed and manufactured in its Métiers d’Art workshops – The Métiers d’Art Porcelaine special edition. Each unique timepiece features an enamel painting of three rats on a white gold case that is encircled with diamonds. Besides, the eight-piece collection is powered by a Calibre 1154 automatic movement, blending beautiful form with undeniable functionality in true style.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Year of the Rat Limited Edition

In celebration for this Chinese New Year, Johnnie Walker, the master of fine whiskies is launching its new Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Year of the Rat Limited Edition. The special cask is decorated with a rat on golden ingots, and comes with the rightly flavoured Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky ‒ crafted by a group of expert blenders including Jim Beveridge who was named the Master Blender of the Year twice. Without a doubt, this should rank high on your Chinese New Year gifts list.

Piaget Altiplano with two rats

Honouring the zodiac animal of the upcoming Chinese New Year, the Swiss horology brand Piaget has altered the dial of its emblematic Piaget Altiplano to feature two white rats on a Grand Feu cloisonné enamel dial. The white gold case is further emphasised with dazzling diamonds to give it the perfect finishing touch. In addition, the luxury fashion maison is also launching the Possession collection for this festive season, offering a wide selection of Chinese New Year gifts for the watch lover in your life.

Vins d’Alsace food and wine pairing guide

Savouring authentic delicacies is an undeniable Chinese New Year tradition. The French wine-making region of Alsace is taking it up a notch by introducing a guide revealing which wine would be perfect for which dish. For instance, the Pinot Noir will go well with the traditional Hong Kong style dish of Poon Choi. It is indeed a very practical gift that will make this Chinese New Year dinner an unforgettable one for the taste buds.

Brunello Cucinelli’s Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year Special

Keeping up with the notion that the Lunar New Year is best celebrated with your loved ones, Italian fashion company Brunello Cucinelli is showcasing a specially curated collection. This ensemble is complete with useful gifts such as bags, scarves and sneakers for both men and women. With the colour red being its central motif, each product offers a vintage yet contemporary appeal.

Golden Double Serum

Inspired by the auspicious colours of the Chinese tradition ‒ red and gold – the French skincare manufacturer Clarins has revamped its Double Serum bottle for the Year of the Rat. With 21 strong anti-aging ingredients, the serum is an answer to a very radiant and youthful looking skin. Besides, the serum also optimises the five important skin functions ‒ regeneration, nutrition, hydration, oxygenation and protection to achieve flawless skin. At HK$900, the limited-edition serum is available online.

Autavia CNY 2020 Year of the Rat Special Edition

Luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer is introducing its exclusive collection Autavia CNY 2020 Year of the Rat Special Edition that pays tribute to Chinese culture. With a caseback that showcases a rat holding a steering wheel, the timepiece combines the brand’s roots in motor racing with the zodiac animal, making it a great gift for the rat year. Moreover, its red dial that has the 1 o’clock mark replaced by the Chinese character “鼠” is one of the stand out features of this product. Besides, the watch’s COSC-certified chronometer technology makes it a great present without any further doubts.

Rouge Unlimited

Described as the perfect gift for anyone who loves make-up, the Japanese cosmetic and skincare brand Shu Uemura launched its New Year collection. This #flamingreds series consists of six shades of limited edition matte lipsticks, three shades of lip amplifiers, a cleansing oil, eyebrow pencils and a foundation brush. With the colour red being the main colour of this collection, the Rouge Unlimited collection is sure to bring luck as a gift for the rat year.

Fabergé’s Rat Surprise

With over a hundred-year history of crafting beautiful ornaments for every occasion, Russian jeweller Fabergé, known for its egg-shaped pendants, continues this legacy with its latest series of Palais Tsarskoye Selo Red Lockets. Among the collection, the locket with the rat surprise is a perfect gift for the rat year. A 18K gold pendant enhanced with red guilloché enamel work and studded with diamonds opens to reveal a golden rat studded with shimmering diamonds. At HK$81,510, the Rat surprise jewelry is available for pre-order at Fabergé.com and at select Fabergé stockists.

Vacheron Constantin Metiers d’Art The Legend of Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Rat

In time for the upcoming Chinese New Year, another renowned Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin is unveiling two versions of its new Vacheron Constantin Metiers d’Art The Legend of Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Rat. With only 12 pieces available for each version, one is rose gold / brown and the other is platinum / blue. The watch comes fitted with a Caliber 2460 G4 movement and is visually enhanced with the intricate crafting on its dial featuring a rat mounted on the centre.

Time to Shine: Seven superlative designs from Salon de TE’s World Brand Piazza

A must-visit event on the calendars of any haute horology enthusiast, the Salon de TE fair thankfully lived up to its hype when it rolled into town last month. Now in its seventh year, the horological affair stands as one of the region’s premier timepiece-themed events, featuring 144 brands from 22 countries in 2018 alone.

Not one to rest on its laurels, this year’s mammoth showcase boasted a staggering 840 exhibitors across its five-day itinerary. Perhaps the most noteworthy watches, though, came courtesy of the World Brand Piazza, one of the five specially-themed zones at Salon de TE. Sponsored by Prince Jewellery & Watch, it served up a plethora of eye-popping designs from some of the best-loved haute horology houses. While it would be folly to highlight the high-specced specifications of every piece, the seven statement timepieces below merit particular mention…

First up is renowned German watchmaker Glashütte Original with its PanoInverse – Limited Edition. Restricted to just 25 pieces, this timeless platinum iteration comes replete with an evocatively engraved skeleton dial that draws all attention squarely to its butterfly bridge and the manual-winding Calibre 66-08 movement beneath. Further fitted with an unusual off-centre hours / minutes dial and a small seconds subdial, dark blue Louisiana alligator leather straps complete its sophisticated appeal.

Another classically refined design comes courtesy of Jaquet Droz, with the newest interpretation of its Grande Seconde Dual Time seeing its much-loved figure-eight dual-dial updated to feature an azimuthal map of the world as viewed from the North Pole in its lower home time display. The 24-hour time indicator, now split into two distinct 12-hour day / night time segments, is another deft touch, while the local time takes pride of place in the upper half of its fascia. Available in a steel or rose gold case, it also comes with the option of opaline or Grand Feu enamel dials.

Taking a more minimalist approach is luxury watchmaker Breguet in the form of its Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat 5367. Showcasing the marque’s renowned handcraftsmanship skills, this is the first-ever Grand Feu enamel dial in its Grandes Complications collection. Fitted with its iconic blue steel hour and minute hands, the only conspicuous exception allowed on its Arabic-numeralled fascia is a dazzling tourbillon perched at 5 o’clock.

Athletically-inclined enthusiasts, meanwhile, could hardly be blamed for gravitating towards Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms Automatique. Though adhering to the same design conceits – luminescent hands, numerals and hour markers, and a ratcheted unidirectional rotating bezel – that made the Fifty Fathoms one of the world’s most iconic dive watches, this new edition features an exceptional “Red Gold Case” and a debut blue ceramic dial for the collection. Set on blue calf leather straps, this maritimepiece is water-resistant to depths of 300m.

Also taking nautical exploration as its main motif is CORUM’s Admiral AC-ONE 45 Openworked Tourbillon. Interjecting an element of the outré, its avant-garde dodecagonal case boasts an exquisite skeletonised dial, revealing the cutting-edge CO 298 movement – created specifically for this model – underneath. With a power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock and a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock, the pride of this open-worked black-on-rose-gold watch is undoubtedly the intricate tourbillon resting at 6 o’clock, which offers the high-precision accuracy required for any true seafarer.

That selfsame black-and-rose-gold motif was evident – albeit with a haute joaillerie twist – in another horological standout: Piaget’s expansively real-estated Emperador Coussin XL 700P. While its cushion-shaped pink gold case measures a staggering 46.5mm, it nevertheless feels slim on the wrist, courtesy of its ultrathin 700P movement, which is perfectly highlighted through the use of the high-end brand’s iconic “reverse-construction” dial design. Ringed with an attractive diamond-studded bezel, only 118 pieces of this elegant creation will ever be made.

Perhaps the most eye-wateringly spectacular mash-up of high-end jewellery and haute horology, though, comes in the form of Franck Muller’s Rainbow Invisible Setting Tourbillon. Fitted with a glimmering gem-set tourbillon at 6 o’clock, its true attraction lies in the staggering array of precious gemstones that punctuates its acreage. Replete with 122 baguette-cut diamonds and 21 baguette-cut coloured sapphires on its dial, and burnished with a further 108 diamonds and 40 coloured sapphires on its rounded case, this shimmering statement timepiece added an additional dimension of sparkle to the glitteringly successful showing at this year’s Salon de TE.

Text: Tenzing Thondup

Sub Dial: Exploring the hidden depths of the finest new dive watches

There was a time when dive watches were primarily practical necessities, essential safety aids for underwater explorers, intrepid or otherwise. Take, for instance, the 1926 edition of the Rolex Oyster, a watch that incorporated the world’s first hermetically-sealed waterproof case, or the 1932 Omega “Marine”, a timepiece certified by the Swiss Laboratory for Horology as capable of withstanding depths of up to 135m.

Now, though, a state-of-the-art diver’s chronometer is less likely to see the bottom of the sea than a blind aquaphobic, with such elegant precision timepieces being more a status symbol than a life-or-death depth aid. Regardless of their changing role, there’s something about their maritime orientation that still brings out the very best in many of the world’s finest watchmakers, with seven relatively recent releases more than testifying to that.

Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms Barakuda — Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms Barakuda

First up is Blancpain’s latest iteration of its legendary Fifty Fathoms model – the Fifty Fathoms Barakuda. First revealed to the world in 1953, it was swiftly adopted by the highly-trained combat swimmers of the French Marine Corps. Later, in the ’60s, a dual-tone version regularly graced the wrists of the German Bundesmarine, courtesy of a proprietary arrangement with Barakuda, a Hamburg-based manufacturer of diving equipment. It is this iconic edition that is the direct forebear of the 2019 version, which boasts the self-same two-tone notes and tropical rubber strap. Fitted with a 1151 self-winding movement and water-resistant to 300m, just 500 of these tide-proof timepieces will ever see the light of day.

Glashütte Original's SeaQ Panorama Date — Glashütte Original’s SeaQ Panorama Date

Another reinterpretation of a classic diver’s watch comes courtesy of Glashütte Original, with its new SeaQ Panorama Date giving a knowing nod to the brand’s own much-acclaimed 1969 Spezimatic. As well as being water-resistant up to a depth of 300m and having its date aperture unusually placed at 4 o’clock, it also features white numerals on its sunray-finished black (or blue) dial, while its beautiful Calibre 36-13 movement is visible through its transparent sapphire-crystal caseback. The choice of grey nylon mesh straps or a stainless-steel bracelet is left to the purchaser.

IWC's Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Laureus Sport for Good” — IWC’s Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Laureus Sport for Good”

Taking a more charitable approach to dive watches is IWC, with its 13-year partnership with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation spawning the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Laureus Sport for Good”. Powered by a proprietary Calibre 89365 movement, complete with a flyback function, it also features a hacking seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, a 60-seconds counter at 12 o’clock and an external / internal rotating bezel that ensures the utmost precision in dive time measurements. Engraved on its caseback is the winning artwork from this year’s Laureus World Sports Awards, co-hosted by IWC.

Carl F. Bucherer's Patravi TravelTec — Carl F. Bucherer’s Patravi TravelTec

Clearly looking to maximise its global appeal is Carl F. Bucherer, with the high-end watchsmith launching a new Petrol Blue edition of its well-loved Patravi TravelTec. Functional to depths of 500m, this 46.6mm model offers three different time zone displays and comes fitted with a high-precision CFB 1901.1 automatic movement. Its eye-catching marine-motifed design, meanwhile, is manifested most memorably in its Petrol Blue dial and matching, highly-durable rubber straps.

Another true pioneer of dive watches is Tudor, with the Geneva-based haute horology house having introduced its first such model back in 1954. It is now looking to revisit this particular past glory via the Tudor Pelagos, a timepiece seen by many as setting a new high-water mark for underwater chronograms. Although certified as waterproof to 500m, each watch has actually endured factory testing to a depth of 625m. In addition, this rugged timepiece comes fitted with a 70-hour power reserve and a titanium case and bracelet said to be 40 percent lighter than any stainless-steel equivalent. Finally, its hour markers, hands and ceramic bezel indicators are all coated with a layer of luminescent Luminova for perfect deep-sea legibility.

Rolex's Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller — Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller

Looking to take precision dive watches to new heights – or, rather, depths – of submergibility, meanwhile, is Rolex with its newly-minted Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller. Renowned as the brand behind the first-ever waterproof wristwatch, the latest addition to its range comes crafted in Rolesor – the marque’s proprietary gold and steel alloy – and sees 18K yellow gold used for the first time in this particular collection. With durability its core design conceit, it features a triple waterproof system said to be resistant to depths of 1,220m.

Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional by Omega

As to the ultimate deep-sea-voyaging statement timepiece, arguably, it may well be Omega’s Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional. This, after all, was the watch on the wrist of American adventurer Victor Vescovo when he reached the 10,928m-deep bottom of the Mariana Trench earlier this year. Not only did this super-slim (less than 28mm) watch remain wholly functional, it is actually guaranteed to do so to depths of a further 4,000m. Shouldn’t let you down while you’re checking the time in a rainy golf club car park then, should it?

Text: Tenzing Thondup

Perpetual Bliss: A round-up of the latest perpetual calendar watches

It’s no secret that, pretty much since it was invented by Thomas Mudge, an intrepid English watchmaker, back in 1762, the perpetual calendar has taken pride of place on the fascia of countless treasured timepieces from many of the world’s most well-loved haute horology houses. For the uninitiated, these are mechanisms capable of not only keeping track of the date, day and month, but also of every passing year – including leap years. In the case of most currently available models, their movements can remain untweaked until 2100 at the very least.

Today, despite the time and effort that go into creating these notoriously complex complications, there is no shortage of innovative new iterations. A particularly admirable example comes courtesy of Chopard in the form of its L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of the Dragon and the Pearl. A homage to the Tian Long dragons of classical Chinese mythology, two such beasts majestically adorn the watch’s beautifully hand-engraved rose gold case – a process said to require some 200 hours of work by one of the brand’s finest artisans. The dial proper then boasts a tourbillon at 6 o’clock, while the perpetual calendar indicators can be found at 3 and 9 o’clock. Fitted with a hand-wound Calibre L.U.C 02.15-L movement as standard, this one-of-a-kind timepiece is a collectors’ item in waiting.

1 L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of the Dragon and the Pearl by Chopard — L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of the Dragon and the Pearl by Chopard

Eschewing the outré in favour of the more minimalist, Montblanc’s Heritage Perpetual Calendar opts for a truly timeless white-rose gold combination. A 100-piece limited-model, it boasts a moon phase movement and a dual-time function, as well as its duly-forefronted perpetual complication. One particularly adept addition is a nifty new safety feature that prevents users from adjusting the chronogram between the hours of 9pm and 3am – a move that ensures its precision mechanism remains tamper-free and its useful life is extended and optimised.

2 Montblanc’s Heritage Perpetual Calendar — Montblanc’s Heritage Perpetual Calendar

Delightfully clean counters are also on offer from A Lange & Söhne and have been ably enshrined in its blue-and-white Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar “25th Anniversary”. Beneath its dazzling dial – elegantly embellished with an off-key, off-centre hour-and-minute subdial, a moon phase display and day-date-month indicators – beats the house’s legendary Calibre L082.1, a self-winding movement that’s so complex it comprises 624 individual parts. With a hidden subdial tourbillon only adding to its sophistication, it is daringly debonair yet unobtrusively opulent.

3 Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar “25th Anniversary” by A Lange and Sohne — Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar “25th Anniversary” by A Lange and Sohne

Again sporting an eminently elegant blue-and-white gold livery is the Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Enamel, one of the latest offerings from the ever-innovative house of Jaeger-LeCoultre. Elegantly showcasing the marque’s renowned artisanal craftsmanship, its hand-guilloché dial is the perfect counterpoint to its fascia-featured perpetual complication and moon phase movements. Polished and poised, this ultra-slim limited-edition model is an apt homage to beautiful yet intricate watchmaking at its very finest.

4 Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Enamel by Jaeger-LeCoultre — Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Enamel by Jaeger-LeCoultre

Acknowledging the current ascendancy of the super-slim look, Vacheron Constantin’s new Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar, meanwhile, weighs in with a positively waif-like depth of 5.7mm, a feat made more miraculous still by the fact its sensationally-slender width houses a perpetual calendar, a moon phase and a minute repeater. Powering all this is the remarkable manual-winding Calibre 1731 movement, a feat of precision engineering comprising 438 individual wafer-thin components. One of the true hero pieces in the watchmaker’s widely-admired Les Cabinotiers range, only two one-off versions – one in white gold and one in pink gold – are ever destined to see the light of day.

5 Vacheron Constantin's Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar — Vacheron Constantin’s Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar

With its eye firmly on the Asian market, for its part, Blancpain has opted to release an exclusive boutique version of its rightly-lauded Villeret Quantième Perpétuel. Available in a limited edition of just 88, the white gold case of the original has been upgraded to platinum, while its redesigned dial rejoices in an all-new sunray-brushed deep blue hue. In a particularly deft move, Blancpain has also damage-proofed the perpetual calendar via an integral security system within the self-winding Calibre 5954 movement.

6 Blancpain's Villeret Quantième Perpétuel — Blancpain’s Villeret Quantième Perpétuel

The title of Perpetual Calendar King – were it on offer – though, would surely go to Patek Philippe, long considered among the most masterful of marques when it comes to grand complications. As proof incontestable, the latest iteration of its Grandmaster Chime Ref.6300G-010 is undoubtedly its most complex to date, a title attested to by its incorporation of 20 individual complications.

7 Grandmaster Chime Ref.6300G-010 by Patek Philippe — Grandmaster Chime Ref.6300G-010 by Patek Philippe

With a touch of the avant-garde, its entire case can be rotated around its lug connection points, with both fascia deployed to display its intricate inner workings – which, in addition to the perpetual complication, include five different chiming modes, a second time zone display with day / night indicator and a moon phase. In a knowing nod to the kind of wealthy, debonair gentlemen likely to sport such a horological high-water mark, each watch comes boxed with complimentary complementing cufflinks boasting the same blue opaline-on-white gold motif as this truly timeless timepiece.

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.

Art de Vivre: Celebrating the beautiful timepieces of Blancpain

Renowned Swiss watchmaker Blancpain hosted a very special exhibition recently to showcase its beautiful Grand Complication timepieces and celebrate its long-lived tradition of fine watchmaking. Organised in partnership with high-end wine merchant FINE+RARE, the event’s lucky VIP guests were also treated to a glimpse of the marque’s latest designs while enjoying an Art de Vivre experience.

Blancpain's Art de Vivre showcase celebrated fine watches, wines and gourmandry — *Blancpain’s Art de Vivre showcase celebrated fine watches, wines and gourmandry*

The Art de Vivre – or Art of Life – immersion afforded attendees a sneak peek at Blancpain’s upcoming Grand Complication novelties first-hand while being wined and dined in true style. In addition to brand new reinterpretations of the iconic Flyback Chronograph and the Carrousel, the watchmaker also highlighted a stunning Traditional Chinese Calendar watch – a perpetual calendar timepiece boasting a zodiac calendar, a Chinese lunar calendar and Chinese hour markers.

A master watchmaker was on hand to demonstrate Blancpain's legendary craftsmanship — *A master watchmaker was on hand to demonstrate Blancpain’s legendary craftsmanship*

Continuing the Art de Vivre celebration, Michelin-starred chef Philippe Orrico of On Dining Kitchen fame was on hand to serve a specially-created seasonal white truffle degustation menu. FINE+RARE, meanwhile, ensured that guests stayed well hydrated with a series of champagne, fine wines and whiskies.

To round off the event with an appropriately haute horological flourish, a master watchmaker from Blancpain’s own Grand Complications workshop in Switzerland personally demonstrated the painstakingly precise process of creating Blancpain’s chronographical complications by hand, ably emphasising the attention to detail and artisanal skills that have been the byword for this luxury watchmaker for over two centuries.

Christmas Spree: Affording you the greatest glee this festive season

As we draw closer to Jolly Old Saint Nick’s annual visit to our beloved city, it’s now the time to be rockin’ around the Christmas spree. Carefully selected by Gafencu’s staff are the perfect little prezzies to slip into your loved ones’ stockings, or perhaps even under the mistletoe to guarantee an extra holiday smooch.

Look 1:

From left: Confession refillable lipstick set by Hourglass; Provocateur eyeshadow palette from NARS’ Holiday 2018 Collection; Sunglasses by Alexander McQueen; Miu Cleo bag by Miu Miu; Cadogan Engine billfold wallet by Dunhill; Leather headphone case by Bottega Veneta; The Only One eau de parfum by Dolce & Gabbana; Valeria cuff by Chloé; J Box clutch with crystal stars by Jimmy Choo; Bunny Macrame charm in calfskin by Loewe; Evening slipper in patent leather by Dunhill

Look 2

From left: Cho Real Barocco mule by Roger Vivier; Varina ballerina and mini Vara Bow flap bag with crystals, both by Salvatore Ferragamo; Hot Tryst cheek palette from NARS’ Holiday 2018 Collection; Red Edition N°5 eau de parfum by Chanel; Panthère de Cartier sunglasses by Cartier; Talia sandal with crystals and feathers by Giuseppe Zanotti

Look 3

From left: Dice game in leather and wooden dice by Berluti; Duke zipped folio in metallic calfskin leather by Dunhill; Garden of Paradise parfum by Chopard; Villeret Grande Date Jour Rétrograde watch in 18K red gold case by Blancpain; Billfold wallet in multi-coloured intrecciato leather by Bottega Veneta; Leather case by Hermès

Look 4

From left: Multipouch in nappa leather, iPhone case in nappa leather, three glass orbs, all by Bottega Veneta; Zipped tablet pouch by Hermès; Foxley tasselled slippers by Jimmy Choo; Leather box with mouse motif by Loewe; Leather cardholder by Hermès

Look 5

From left: Grand Attelage gold-plated cutleryby Hermès; Barocco box clutch with crystals and stones by Roger Vivier; The Empressa Collection X’mas box gift set with Empressa eau de toilette and body cream by Penhaligon’s; Sequined Mary Jane pumps by Miu Miu; Twenty~4 Automatic watch in 18K rose gold set with diamonds by Patek Philippe; Goldomania nail colour and Goldomania Loubilaque lip lacquer from Christian Louboutin’s Goldomania holiday collection.

Photos: Neville Lee
Art Direction & Styling : San Wong

Introducing: The latest models from the Blancpain Villeret Collection

Anyone who knows anything about the world of haute horology will need no introduction to Swiss watchmaker Blancpain. First founded in 1735, this venerable chronogram creator has wowed watch aficionados for almost three centuries with its beautifully crafted and technically intricate timepieces. Perhaps the most iconic of its creations, though, may come in the form of its Villeret Collection – named after the marque’s Swiss hometown. We take a look at three of the latest additions to this heritage-inspired line.

Villeret Quantième Complet GMT

Since the original Villeret Quantième Complet GMT was first launched back in 2002, its ability to simultaneously track the day, date, month and moonphase has made this particular timepiece a horological sensation and a bestseller that surpasses even the marque’s iconic Fifty Fathoms watch. For Baselworld 2018, Blancpain has given this beloved chronogram an added GMT complication to help any well-heeled traveller track a whole new time zone in addition to their home time. The marque has also utilised brand-new, patented under-lug correctors so any wearer can now adjust the calendar and moon phase with a finger without the need for any additional tools.

Villeret Perpetual Calendar

As any true lover of precision timepieces will tell you, the perpetual calendar is among the finest distillations of the watchmaker’s art. Now Blancpain sets the bar even higher with its latest 40mm Villeret Perpetual Calendar. In addition to expertly keeping track of the day, date and month, its self-winding Calibre 5954 movement also factors in leap years as well, which means its wearer won’t need to make any adjustments until the 22nd century. Now that’s some forward thinking.

Villeret Women Quantième Phase de Lune

Long a pioneer in the world of high-end women’s watchmaking, Blancpain expands its selection of feminine-focused watches with the sleek new Villeret Women Quantième Phase de Lune, replete with the brand’s signature moon phase indicator. In this instance, the feminine moon face is charmingly adorned with a beauty spot at the corner of its Mona Lisa smile as it peaks out above the 6 o’clock aperture. Available in rose gold with an opaline dial, or in steel with a white dial, the judicious use of diamonds on its bezel and hour markers rounds out its eye-catching fascia.

Blancpain Villeret Collection Women Quantième Phase de Lune — *Villeret Women Quantième Phase de Lune*

Blancpain hosts eco-minded Ocean Commitment Pop-up Exhibition

On the 65th anniversary of the launch of its iconic Fifty Fathoms dive watch, haute horology brand Blancpain hosted a special Ocean Commitment Pop-up Exhibition in Central recently.

The week-long showcase allowed watch enthusiasts an intimate look at Blancpain’s historic relationship with all things nautical, while also spotlighting its continued dedication to marine exploration and conservation.

The Ocean Commitment Pop-up also afforded attendees a first-hand look at the evolution of its Fifty Fathoms dive watch from its inception in 1953 to the latest 2018 collection. The event also marked the unveiling of an all-new BOC III version, limited to just 250 pieces worldwide.

To underscore its commitment to conservation, 1,000 Euros from every piece sold will funnelled directly into marine exploration and protection projects.