Celebrity Watches

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 20, 2023

Rhianna Spotted Wearing A Custom $400K Jacob & Co. Watch ...

Rihanna and Jacob Arabo collaborate to create a unique watch anklet for F1 Las Vegas, showcasing luxury and creativity. As Formula One made its return to Sin City this past weekend with the highly anticipated 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, celebrities of all kinds made their way to the strip to see some action-packed racing. Of those A-list names, global musician Rhianna was on the scene with partner A$AP Rocky for his introduction as PUMA's new Creative Director for future F1 collaborations. Rihanna and renowned jeweler Jacob Arabo, of Jacob & Co., captivated the fashion world with the unveiling of a bespoke watch anklet at the weekend race event. The custom-designed watch anklet features over 70 carats of stunning round and emerald cut diamonds, meticulously set in 18K white gold. This exquisite piece is just one example of Jacob & Co.'s exceptional craftsmanship. Rihanna's collaboration with Jacob Arabo extends over a decade, reflecting a deep mutual understanding and trust. Their conversations about jewelry have always been more than transactional. Rihanna's choice to wear Jacob & Co. timepieces and jewelry is a deliberate one, driven by her own taste and style. This was evident when she sported the diamond-set, red Brilliant Northern Lights at her Superbowl LVII performance and wore a Jacob & Co. Watch Choker at Pharrell William's first Louis Vuitton Fashion Show. Rihanna and Jacob Arabo's latest collaboration for F1 Las Vegas highlights their longstanding relationship while reinforcing their status as trendsetters in the worlds of luxury fashion and jewelry. View all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Jacob & Co./ Scuderia Ferrari (photography)

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 31, 2023

Zenith Collaborates With NFL Star Aaron Rodgers On A Limi...

As an example of ZENITH’s “Time to Reach Your Star” philosophy to the fullest, legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers proudly took on the role of brand ambassador in 2021. The Swiss luxury watchmakers at ZENITH are proud to announce the launch of a new timepiece designed in collaboration with their ambassador, four-time NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Precision, excellence, and a shared dedication to every critical second define this partnership, leading to the creation of the Chronomaster Sport Aaron Rodgers Limited Edition. This exclusive Chronomaster Sport, limited to just 250 pieces, reflects Rodgers' remarkable journey and his inherent link to time's essence. It showcases ZENITH's iconic El Primero column-wheel chronograph caliber, capable of 1/10th of a second precision, mirroring the agility and performance of Rodgers himself. Distinguished by its unique green ceramic bezel, Zenith's dial mirrors the quarterback's iconic jersey, with luminescent Arabic numerals for the first time in the Chronomaster Sport collection. Subtle shades of anthracite, light grey, and silver reinterpret the classic tricolor configuration, while the three-link steel bracelet ensures a sleek, sporty finish. Beneath its high-frequency beat of 5 Hz, the latest El Primero movement extends its power reserve to an impressive 60 hours, capturing the spirit of a champion where every moment counts. Rodgers' personal touch shines through in the "AR" logo adorning the sapphire display back. Launching globally on November 2, 2023, through ZENITH’s boutiques and online, this watch not only celebrates Aaron Rodgers' extraordinary career but also cements ZENITH's legacy in horological mastery. The all-new Zenith Chronomaster Sport Aaron Rodgers Limited Edition will be available with a retail price of $12,800. View all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Zenith Watches

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 21, 2022

Michael Jordan Receives The Very First $60K De Bethune DB...

With a name as big as Michael Jordan, it's no surprise that he got #23 of the limited releases. While Michael Jordan is best known for being a former NBA Champion with the Chicago Bulls, the now 59-year-old American businessman is making waves in the watch world as he continues to collect rare and exclusive timepieces. Spotted out in public wearing models from URWERK Geneve, Roger Dubius, and A. Lange & Sohne, it’s easy to see that MJ shares a true passion for Haute horology. Being a friend and investor of WatchBox, Michael Jordan visited the office to show off the newest addition to his growing collection. MUST-READ: NASCAR’s 23xi Racing Team Debuts A Michael Jordan-Inspired Livery For Kurt Busch’s No.45 Toyota He was lucky enough to receive the very first De Bethune DB27 Titan Hawk JPS, a limited-edition release from the Swiss independent watchmaker. The new DB27 Titan Hawk JPS features a dramatic contrast of black and gold that pays homage to the golden age of competitive motorsports in the 1970s. With his involvement in WatchBox and NASCAR, the De Bethune DB27 Titan Hawk JPS may be the perfect watch for Michael Jordan. De Bethune commemorates Michael Jordan and his incredible legacy by presenting him with case number 23 of the series. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming celebrity watch news and luxury watch releases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WatchBox (@watchbox) Source: WatchBox

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 25, 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo's New Bugatti Watch

The Jacob & Co. watch to match Cristiano's Bugatti Chiron. Being one of the most successful soccer players in the world and a long-standing client of Jacob & Co., Cristiano Ronaldo enjoys the finer things in life when it comes to luxury timepieces and hypercars. With a partnership with Bugatti, Jacob & Co. was happy to work with Cristiano Ronaldo on a piece unique Bugatti Chiron Baguette that matches the configuration of his personal Bugatti Chiron. The custom Jacob & Co. example features a titanium case design crafted from lightweight titanium with 232-white baguette diamonds and 109-black sapphires. MUST-READ: Celebrity Wrist Check The unique dial design represents a small-scale version of the Bugatti W16 engine and operates as a complex movement. The commemorative pieces also present Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘CR7’ logo proudly in the center of the skeleton dial. The open backcase of the Bugatti Chiron Baguette allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the mechanism, while the outer portion features engravings to signify the one-of-one examples from Jacob & Co. Adding to the comfort and styling of the Bugatti Chiron spec, Jacob & Co. fits the luxury timepiece with a black rubber strap and matching folding clasp. The all-new Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Baguette ‘CR7’ for Cristiano Ronaldo defines the creative capabilities of the New York City-based luxury watchmaker. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming celebrity watch news. Sell My Bugatti: Get a Cash Offer View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: @jacobandco IG

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 16, 2021

Jay-Z Spotted Wearing The New Patek Philippe Nautilus 571...

He's got 99 problems, but a Patek Philippe x Tiffany & Co. ain't one. Since its initial release, the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A Tiffany & Co. shocked the watch industry as a whole. With the first example sold at Phillips New York City Watch Auction for $6,503,500, the race was on for collectors to secure one of the 170-pieces released to commemorate the anniversary between Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. One of the first individuals to receive the coveted Patek Philippe model is American artist and entrepreneur Jay-Z. MUST-READ: Phillips Auction Sells The First Patek Philippe 5711 Tiffany & Co. For $6,503,500 The rap icon was seen wearing the 5711/1A Tiffany & Co. at an event promoting his Netflix movie ‘The Harder They Fall’. Jay-Z is known for his role as a brand ambassador for the Tiffany & Co. brand, which is likely the reason for getting the timepiece before other clientele. Alongside Jay-Z, the growing list of Patek Philippe Nautilus Tiffany & Co. owners also includes renowned American actor Mark Wahlberg. With clients receiving their own models, we are excited to see who is sporting the all-new Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A Tiffany & Co. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more celebrity watch news and luxury watch releases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SauceyFarms (@alextodd)

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 08, 2021

TAG Heuer Welcomes Ryan Gosling As Its New Brand Ambassador

Ryan Gosling joins team TAG Heuer alongside its new reimagined Carrera Three Hands Collection. With its large selection of luxury watches, TAG Heuer highlights its collections with dedicated brand ambassadors that display excellence in their area of expertise. TAG Heuer is proud to announce Ryan Gosling as the brand's newest addition to the brand ambassador team. The A-list actor is best known for playing roles in some of the most iconic movies in cinema, always looking forward to embracing new challenges just as TAG Heuer does in the watch industry. Ryan Gosling’s introduction to the world of TAG Heuer lines up perfectly with the launch of the reimagined Carrera Three Hands Collection. The collection features 13 new models presented in a Day Date 41mm, Twin-Time Date 41mm, Date 39mm, and Date 29mm. MUST-READ: TAG Heuer Releases The New Connected Bright Black Smartwatch Along with sizing and added functions, customers have the ability to choose from an array of case materials and dial color combinations. The collection is driven by several unique in-house movements that provide lengthy power reserves along with 100-meter water resistance. Keeping the collectors and enthusiasts in mind, TAG Heuer offers a wide selection of styles in both a matching stainless-steel bracelet and a genuine leather band. Ryan Gosling made picks for his collection, which includes the 39mm Sterling blue Carrera, 39mm Brushed Silver Carrera, and 39mm Black/Rose Gold Carrera. The new Carrera Three Hands Collection is currently available through an authorized dealer starting at $2,550. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming TAG Heuer x Ryan Gosling news. Click the link below to discover the new reimagined TAG Heuer Carrera Three Hands Collection. Discover The TAG Heuer Carrera Three Hands Collection View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Media/Info Source: TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 02, 2021

2021 Rolex 24-Hour Daytona Winners Awarded Rolex Daytona ...

Endurance motorsport racing challenges every aspect of the cars, drivers, and teams as they push the limits over a series of 12- and 24-hour events. The Rolex 24-Hours of Daytona is one of the three most popular races, starting in the evening and continuing all throughout the night until the sun rises again. The mental and physical strain leaves most wondering why endure such a difficult race? The answer is obviously to hoist the iconic trophy and to be embedded in motorsport history, but there is also a prize some do not know about. As Rolex is the main sponsor of the event, winning drivers each receive a Rolex Daytona Cosmograph. This year Alexander Rossi (USA), Ricky Taylor (USA), Filipe Albuquerque (PRT), and Helio Castroneves (BRA) took home two-toned white face luxury Rolex Daytona timepieces for the #10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 DPI team. This new information may leave watch enthusiasts looking to test their skills on the track for a chance to secure the coveted Rolex model in 2022. For more Motorsports news, Check out McLaren Releases New F1 Team U-Mask Facemask Collection Rolex

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2021

Team Corvette Dominates Rolex 24 At Daytona

Wayne Taylor and his sons have added more exquisite watches to their collection. Over the weekend, Team Corvette dominated the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The first endurance race for the mid-engine C8.R has resulted in a 1-2 finish in the GTLM class. Jordan Taylor, along with co-drivers Antonio Garcia and Nicky Catsburg allowed Car #3 to reach victory lane. Moments before, Jordan's brother Ricky and their father Wayne took top honors in the Prototype #10 Acura, so all drivers received a new Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona. Powering both Corvettes is the "Mystery Motor" it is an all-new 5.5-liter V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft and dual-overhead cams. We will see it in the upcoming Corvette Z06 for sale, so in the meantime check out the top 50 Best Sports Cars Of All Time. Corvette For Sale Images (C) Rolex.com & IMSA.com

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