LAP TIMES May 3, 2012 YOU don’t have to be a petrol head to like watches, but it helps. Thanks to shared interests in cutting-edge technology, compelling design, glamorous exclusivity and the importance of time, watch companies produce a multitude of pieces inspired by the beauty of fast cars and the speed and drama of the racetrack. Which is why [...]
Basel stories: the best of the new May 3, 2012 Timothy Barber picks the highlights from BaselWorld 2012, the watch industry’s love-in EVERY spring the Swiss city of Basel hosts the great gathering of the watch industry, at which thousands of luxury brands coalesce to impress retailers, distributors, collectors and journalists with their latest creations. Venerable Patek Philippe is always a star attraction, with a [...]
Omega takes to space with a multi-function wonder May 3, 2012 OMEGA is famous for its classic Speedmaster Professional chronograph which is known as the Moon Watch for having been picked by NASA in the 1960s to be worn by astronauts, and for having been worn on the moon by Buzz Aldrin. NASA’s space programme may be on the back foot at the moment, but Omega [...]
Feathers take on diamonds as the ultimate chic decoration May 3, 2012 Thought diamonds were a girl’s best friend? Well, it’s possible you were wrong, given the buzz created by two brands incorporating feathers as decorative elements into their watches this year. Although fair enough – there’s a fair few shining stones on these watches as well. Harry Winston’s feathered friends included the stunner that is the [...]
Bell & Ross goes for old school cool with its latest releases May 3, 2012 THE French brand Bell & Ross has built a terrific reputation over the years for its sturdy-cut-chic squareform watches inspired by instruments from aeroplane cockpits. Those watches were particularly on song during the big watch craze of the boom years – and they still sell well, particularly in the City – but lately Bell & [...]
Chopard and Hermes mix elegance with in-house tech May 3, 2012 THE holy grail of watch manufacturing is for a company to be able to make its own movements in-house. This is no mean thing – Breitling, one of the most famous brands around, only released its first in-house movement in 2009 and spent years of research and millions of dollars of investment in the process. [...]
YOU decide the Watch of the Year May 3, 2012 Blancpain Watch: X Fathoms Description: A charismatic, ultra-complex enhancement of Blancpain’s iconic 50 Fathoms diving watch. Price: £26,170 FP Journe Watch: CS Chronometre Souverain Description: Beautifully purist yet imbued with character, a slimline beauty from one of the world’s finest watchmakers. Price: £21,000 MB&F Watch: Legacy Machine No.1 Description: Classicism meets pure design audaciousness – including [...]
How to amp up the elegance in the bedroom May 3, 2012 Heal’s Cap 6 Drawer Chest, £1,495-£1,795, heals.co.uk Perfect for office, bedroom or living room, this piece is from a range of sleek Italian-made chests with soft closing drawers. Matt or high-gloss finish. Made.com Panama chaise, £389, made.com This left-hand facing chair in hot pink has an art deco style to it. Both elegant and fun, [...]
FOCUS ON: HENLEY May 3, 2012 ST ANDREWS ROAD Price: £2.25m A detached five bedroom family home with three reception rooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen/breakfast room, a garage, a large garden and a pool. Contact savills.co.uk or call 01491 843 000 RIDGEWAY FARMHOUSE Price: £3.25m A Grade II Listed, three bedroom home with a kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, dining Room, drawing Room, [...]
NEED TO KNOW | AREA INSIGHT May 3, 2012 COMMUTING AND AREA Henley is in an unspoiled part of the country but retains the buzz of London. It hasdirect trains to Paddington which take just over an hour, easy access to both the M4 and M40 and is only a short distance to Heathrow, which means it attracts both international and London buyers. Situated [...]