Lifestyle

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 Charles Bradley – May 01, 2026

duPont REGISTRY Talks: Inside DRIVEN With Turnberry and Prestige Imports

As South Florida prepares for the debut of DRIVEN on May 2nd at The Abbey at Aventura, a new benchmark in luxury automotive lifestyle events, duPont REGISTRY Talks brings listeners inside the vision shaping it. In this exclusive podcast episode, Harrison Soffer, principal at Turnberry Associates, and Brett David, CEO of Prestige Imports, join duPont REGISTRY’s Editor-in-Chief Charles Bradley to discuss how the series is set to transform the region’s automotive landscape. Watch the show... Launching May 2 at The Abbey at Aventura, DRIVEN is positioned as more than an event – it is a carefully orchestrated convergence of collector cars, bespoke hospitality, and elevated design. It also featured an exclusive car reveal and a Formula 1 car, which attendees will get to see. Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026Time: 9AM - 12PMLocation: The Abbey at Aventura Anchored by Turnberry’s expertise in placemaking and supported by duPont REGISTRY’s global reach across the luxury automotive ecosystem, the series aims to unite the most influential voices and enthusiasts in one refined setting. “This collaboration embodies a shared vision among our partners to establish a premier destination for luxury car culture in South Florida, uniting placemaking and community in an immersive experience that resonates with car collectors and enthusiasts,” said Soffer. “DRIVEN is designed not just as an automotive showcase, but as a community platform, one that connects collectors, enthusiasts, and the broader South Florida community through placemaking, culture, and curated experiences.” Gain insight into how DRIVEN is being crafted as a multi-layered experience, beginning with a Cars & Coffee-style launch event timed with the energy of the Miami Grand Prix weekend. The series will evolve throughout the year, culminating on November 7 with a concours-style flagship gathering that elevates automotive presentation through a formal, judged format infused with fashion and lifestyle elements. For David, the emphasis is on community and accessibility – without compromising the level of luxury expected from such a collaboration: “Excited to bring the South Florida Automotive community together in a beautiful new setting like The Abbey. This event will redefine the Cars & Coffee concept for everyone with such a diverse location featuring culinary treats and world class shopping experience for your family and friends which will be surrounded by thousands of horsepower,” he said. Throughout the episode, both leaders underscore how DRIVEN reflects a broader shift in the industry – where automotive enthusiasm intersects with lifestyle, design, and hospitality. Each gathering is curated to create an environment where collector vehicles are not only displayed, but experienced within a larger narrative of intentional living. For duPont REGISTRY Group, which has partnered with Turnberry, the conversation reinforces its role not only as a media authority but as a catalyst for bringing together a global community through elevated, real-world experiences. DRIVEN, as explored in this episode of duPont REGISTRY Talks, is a clear extension of that vision – one that positions Miami at the forefront of the next generation of luxury automotive culture. Visit DRIVENAventura.com

By Charles Bradley – April 30, 2026

Jack Daniel’s Reveals $600 Halo MK1 Whiskey with McLaren Racing

In a collaboration that bridges two worlds defined by precision and heritage, Jack Daniel’s has unveiled its most exclusive release to date: the Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey. Created in partnership with McLaren Racing, the limited-edition expression arrives as a super-premium collector’s piece, retailing at $599.99 and produced in exceptionally small quantities for global markets. The release reflects a shared philosophy rooted in craftsmanship and performance. “We are thrilled to continue to celebrate many fantastic years of partnership with McLaren with the debut of our most exciting collaboration yet – a remarkable bottle that is destined to become a collector’s item for Formula 1 fans and whiskey drinkers alike,” said Mark Bacon, SVP, global managing director of Jack Daniel’s. “Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey embodies our shared values of innovation, excellence and ambition.” From the outset, the design establishes its intent as more than a traditional spirits release. The packaging reinterprets the HALO structure found on McLaren’s Formula 1 cars, transforming it into a sculptural vessel that houses the whiskey. Details such as alloy metal, micro-suede, and carbon fiber-inspired finishes echo the materials used in the construction of modern race cars, while a hand-finished cork and custom medallions reinforce its artisanal character. “Jack Daniel’s Halo MK1 is a great expression of what our partnership represents, precision, craftsmanship and a shared respect for heritage,” said Louise McEwen, chief marketing officer of McLaren Racing. “By drawing inspiration from our racing innovation, and honoring the legacy of Bruce McLaren, this release brings together McLaren’s racing DNA and Jack Daniel’s whiskey making tradition in a way that feels both authentic and truly collectible.” Beneath the striking presentation lies a whiskey that remains true to the brand’s legacy. Distilled in Lynchburg, Tennessee, the Halo MK1 begins with Jack Daniel’s signature grain bill of 80 percent corn, 8 percent rye, and 12 percent malted barley. It undergoes the brand’s signature charcoal mellowing process, filtered drop by drop through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal, before aging in handcrafted American white oak barrels. The staves used for these barrels are aged in the open air for an extended period prior to toasting, a process designed to soften tannins and enhance the whiskey’s depth of flavor. Bottled at 58.7 percent ABV (117.4 proof), the expression also carries symbolic significance, paying tribute to McLaren Racing founder Bruce McLaren, whose first race car was numbered 58. According to Jack Daniel’s master distiller Chris Fletcher, the whiskey opens with a nose of sweet maple, fruit, and toasted oak, followed by a palate of caramel and chocolate that evolves into notes of pipe tobacco and baking spice. The finish is described as bold, with lingering tones of barrel spice and brown sugar candy. The Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey is now available in select global markets in a one-liter format, offered in extremely limited quantities. For collectors of both fine spirits and motorsport memorabilia, it represents a convergence of two iconic legacies – crafted not only to be enjoyed, but to be preserved. As both brands continue to build on their partnership, the Halo MK1 stands as a statement piece – one that captures the intersection of luxury, performance, and enduring heritage in a single, meticulously designed release.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 27, 2026

McLaren Golf Signs Justin Rose As Its First Global Ambassador

Golf might be one of the oldest games still played today, but it’s been carried forward by a handful of legacy brands that have evolved alongside it, earning their place with touring pros chasing million-dollar purses and everyday players just hoping to finish a round without emptying a sleeve of balls. It's the same way that McLaren was born under the great Bruce McLaren, engineered for the track and professional racing, but on the automotive side, built for those weekend track warriors who enjoy pushing the limits of their supercars and hypercars. Earlier this year, both of those worlds collided when McLaren launched McLaren Golf as its next venture, teasing an anticipated collection release dated for April 29th. Today, McLaren Golf is pleased to announce English Professional Golfer Justin Rose as its first global ambassador. Justin Rose has quietly put together one of the most consistent and respected careers of his generation. He broke through with a win at the 2013 U.S. Open, climbed to World No. 1 in 2018, and added an Olympic gold medal to his resume in 2016. Both McLaren Golf and Justin Rose teased the new partnership on Instagram, swapping his usual bag for one finished in McLaren’s signature Papaya Orange. But the real attention-grabber is what’s inside: a full set of McLaren-branded irons, woods, and a driver. It’s a clear sign of how seriously McLaren is taking its entry into the sport, shying away from basic, branded accessories and diving in head-first with actual equipment that will put Justin Rose in the top spot.As we patiently wait for McLaren Golf’s first official launch onto the golf scene, Justin Rose is already at the range dialing in his new clubs in preparation for a full schedule of tournaments ahead. Stay tuned to duPont REGISTRY News this week for all the latest news on McLaren Golf and ways to secure gear for your Sunday bag. View this post on Instagram A post shared by McLaren Golf (@mclarengolf)

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 27, 2026

How to Buy: Scuderia Ferrari F1 x Ray-Ban Miami GP Sunglasses

The Miami Grand Prix has quickly become one of the most exciting stops on the Formula One calendar, not just for racing but also for the fuel-driven festivities surrounding it. In Miami, the weekend welcomes racing, fashion, and brand activations in a way few other races do, which makes it the perfect launch location for new collaborations. This year, Ray-Ban and Scuderia Ferrari are jumping from the driver's seat into the South Florida mix with exclusive Miami Edition Sunglasses that celebrate the race. The design is inspired by the iconic Miami vibe. The frame features a transparent blue acetate that reflects South Beach’s color palette, while the lenses shift from blue to yellow to mirror the city’s late-day light. It’s a more expressive direction than traditional eyewear, and that’s exactly how Scuderia Ferrari and Ray-Ban are approaching this release. F1 and its fanbase have grown significantly in recent years, more particularly in the U.S., and collaborations like this sit at the cross-section of action-packed racing and luxury lifestyle. Collaborations tied to race weekends have become increasingly common as brands look to tap into Formula One’s cultural footprint. Miami has most definitely positioned itself as a key market for that crossover, where merchandise, fashion drops, and limited releases often carry as much attention as the race itself. The Ray-Ban Ferrari Miami Edition fits into all of that, capturing a specific moment in the sport’s evolving presence beyond the track. Shop Now GALLERY-EMBED

A hardcover coffee table book titled "Richard Mille: The Impossible Collection" by Assouline rests on a dark cushioned surface, featuring a detailed watch on the cover.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 22, 2026

How To Buy: Assouline's Richard Mille: The Impossible Collection

Everything you need to know about Richard Mille. From the eyes of a new independent watchmaker, the luxury watch industry seems daunting, to say the least. With household names like Rolex, Cartier, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe leading the way, it's a niche market filled with age-old brands that embody centuries of success and expertise. Establishing a world-renowned presence with bold designs and massive price tags, Richard Mille has quickly evolved into a luxury powerhouse in less than 25 years, proving that you don't need to be a pioneer to find yourself in the upper echelon of horology. Celebrating Richard Mille and its history of creating some of the world's most exclusive and innovative watches, Assouline Publishing recently debuted the release of its all-new Richard Mille: The Impossible Collection as part of The Ultimate Collection series. Richard Mille hasn't been around long by Swiss watchmaking standards but has made waves like few others. Known for its futuristic design and cutting-edge materials, Richard Mille watches have become go-to pieces for athletes, collectors, and celebs looking for something bold and performance-oriented. A new collector's book curated by watch expert Fabienne Reybaud highlights 79 of the brand's most memorable models, from the original RM 001 to the technically wild RM 16-02. Even the book itself leans into the Mille aesthetic, wrapped in textured rubber to reflect the look and feel of the brand's signature straps. What makes Richard Mille stand out is the mix of engineering and experimentation. Whether it's the lightweight cases made from materials borrowed from aerospace or the skeletonized movements that look like mini machines, these watches are unlike anything you've seen before. Richard Mille's partnerships with names like Rafael Nadal and McLaren bring that high-performance mindset front and center. This new release gives collectors and enthusiasts a closer look at the creative chaos behind the scenes. For anyone who's ever been curious about what makes a Richard Mille tick, this is a laid-back, inside look at one of the most unconventional watch brands out there. Shop Now Source: Assouline Publishing

Singer Drivers Club Opens Exclusive Track Experience at Willow Springs

By Charles Bradley – April 21, 2026

Singer Drivers Club Opens Exclusive Private Track Experience at Willow Springs

In Southern California’s high desert, where motorsport heritage runs deep, a new chapter in luxury automotive culture is taking shape. Singer, in partnership with CrossHarbor Capital Partners, has officially launched the Singer Drivers Club – an exclusive, members-only driving and hospitality experience set within the historic Willow Springs Raceway. The debut signals a significant evolution for Willow Springs, established in 1953 and the oldest continuously operating road course in the United States. Long revered as a proving ground for drivers, the circuit is now being thoughtfully reimagined as a world-class automotive destination – one that blends high-performance driving with elevated hospitality while remaining fully accessible to the public. Its three road courses will remain open to the public. At the heart of this transformation is the Singer Drivers Club, a distinct and independent layer within the broader property. Limited to approximately 400 members, with a starting membership price of $450,000, the club introduces a new level of exclusivity and personalization, combining concierge services, professional driver coaching, and a bespoke food and beverage program. The result is a curated environment designed not only for performance, but for connection, comfort, and community. “We’re incredibly excited to open the Singer Drivers Club as part of this next chapter, one that brings new energy, investment, and attention to Willow Springs,” said Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners. “From the outset, it was essential to us that Willow Springs remains a place for everyone who loves motorsports. “While the Singer Drivers Club introduces a new, private layer of hospitality and experience, all three road courses will remain open to the public, honoring Willow Springs’ legacy as a driver-focused circuit, elevating safety, infrastructure, and overall quality for the community.” Drawing on CrossHarbor’s experience developing the renowned Yellowstone Club in Montana, the venture applies a five-star hospitality lens to a traditionally performance-driven environment. That approach aligns seamlessly with Singer’s philosophy – one rooted in craftsmanship, precision, and an uncompromising attention to detail. “Singer’s based around a simple philosophy: Everything is Important,” said Rob Dickinson, Founder and Creative Director of Singer, which reimagines Porsche 911s in collaboration with their owners. “Focusing on the details elevates the whole experience. It applies to racetracks, just as it does to sports cars. Willow Springs is part of the automotive fabric and deserves to be reborn as a world-class circuit for anyone who visits.” Unlike traditional private track clubs, which often center on a single circuit or discipline, the Singer Drivers Club offers access to multiple driving environments within one destination. Members can engage in a range of activities – from high-speed circuit driving to technical skill development and off-road exploration – without ever leaving the property. Former Formula 1 driver and Le Mans winner Alex Wurz’s company has enhanced both the track’s design and its safety. A key highlight of the experience is access to a fleet of Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport vehicles, providing a rare opportunity for members to explore performance at an elevated level. This is complemented by professional driver coaching supported by video and data analysis, enabling continuous improvement and deeper engagement behind the wheel. Further enriching the experience is the karting program, anchored by the Jenson Button Karting Circuit. Named after the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion, Button also serves as an ambassador for the club. Beyond the track, Singer Drivers Club places equal emphasis on hospitality and lifestyle. Dedicated member spaces, including the Streets Paddock House and Member Lounge, offer refined environments complete with bar and lounge areas, locker facilities, simulators, and conference rooms. These thoughtfully designed spaces ensure that the experience extends seamlessly from driving sessions to relaxation and social engagement. Accessibility is also a defining feature. Located within reach of Los Angeles and just minutes from William J. Fox Airfield, the club provides a convenient yet immersive escape for members seeking both performance and privacy. Membership is not limited to Singer owners, instead welcoming a broader community of enthusiasts who share an appreciation for design, engineering, and driving purity. The experience extends well beyond the confines of Willow Springs. Members gain access to a curated calendar of events, including track days, rallies, destination drives, and social gatherings, as well as VIP entry to leading automotive and luxury events around the world. This global dimension reinforces the club’s positioning as not just a track, but a lifestyle platform. Importantly, the launch represents only the first phase of a broader reinvestment in Willow Springs. Continuous upgrades to infrastructure, safety systems, and facilities are planned, ensuring that both members and the wider motorsports community benefit from the long-term vision. In bringing together heritage, performance, and hospitality, the Singer Drivers Club reimagines what a modern automotive destination can be. It is a place where the thrill of driving meets the refinement of luxury living – set against the backdrop of one of America’s most storied racetracks, now poised for its next era. View All Singers For Sale Images: Singer Drivers Club

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 21, 2026

The Rolex From Drake’s ‘Take Care’ Cover Just Hit the Market for $500K

Any passionate watch collector or enthusiast will tell you that the story behind a piece is often more significant than the watch itself, and in many instances, that’s what drives the premium on specific examples. Whether it's a historic race-worn chronograph or a celeb-owned sport model with papers to prove, these are the types of storytelling watches that require collectors to act fast and strike while the iron’s hot. One piece making headlines is a gold Rolex GMT-Master II once featured on Drake's album cover, now listed as part of Wind Vintage’s extensive inventory of world-class, collector-grade timepieces.What started life as a not-so-average GMT Master II (ref. 116758SANR), featured as part of Rolex’s coveted off-catalog collection from 2006, quickly became part of music history when it appeared on the cover of Drake’s iconic album ‘Take Care’ in 2011. The Certified Diamond album art, showcasing the 18k yellow gold, diamond-set Rolex, went on to sell over 10 million copies while also securing entertainment accolades, including ranking 95th on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time and winning Best Rap Album at the 55th Grammy Awards. The watch itself is a work of art in the best sense, elevating one of Rolex’s most legendary sports models with 36 baguette diamonds and 12 black sapphires. The lugs and crown guards are also covered in diamonds to give the case a full pavé look. The caseback is where Drake’s signature style comes into play, with the OVO owl logo enscribed on the back as a nod to his October's Very Own music label and fashion company.As part of the sale, the watch comes with full links, box and papers, and OVO memorabilia, including the OWL statue on the cover of the album, clothing, and backstage passes. The Rolex GMT-Master II (ref. 116758SANR) featured on Drake's album cover is now available at Wind Vintage for $500,000. Source: Watch Vintage

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 20, 2026

WeatherTech Founder's Vacant Beachfront Lot Just Sold for $105 Million

In luxury real estate, it always comes back to one thing: location, location, location. From breathtaking waterfront properties to some of the country’s most exclusive neighborhoods, prime spots are pulling in jaw-dropping prices, proving that even an empty piece of land can turn into a $100 million headline. That’s exactly the case for 1120 S Ocean Blvd, a rare vacant lot in Manalapan, FL, that recently made headlines in the real estate world after selling for an impressive $105,000,000 after being listed by Margit Brandt with Premier Estate Properties. Nestled along a private oceanfront neighborhood in Palm Beach County, often referred to as “Billionaires Beach Town”, the nine-figure plot of land joins other notable real estate sales, including Oracle CTO Larry Ellison’s 16-acre ocean-to-lake estate purchased for $173 million in 2022. The sale comes courtesy of WeatherTech Founder David McNeil, who originally purchased two adjacent pieces of land for $94 million to create this 3.5-acre vacant lot with more than 342 feet of direct beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean. For the new owner, the future construction plans are unknown, but lot size estimates suggest that a 60,000+ sq ft home could fit perfectly on the pristine, highly elevated piece of land. Set along the Intracoastal with a newly built seawall, the property sits just minutes from private airports, spots like L’Eau Palm Beach and Nobu, and everything Palm Beach Island has to offer. Whether it’s a quick run into town for dinner, an easy hop down to Miami, or simply enjoying the privacy of a beachfront escape, 1120 S Ocean Blvd is a blank canvas with endless possibilities. GALLERY-EMBED Images by Ryan Walblay Provided by Margit Brandt of Premier Estate PropetiesSource: Zillow

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 16, 2026

TAG Heuer Channels Its Racing Roots at Watches and Wonders

This year, TAG Heuer returns to Watches and Wonders Geneva, and the brand has doubled down on what it arguably does best, chronographs, with a display that both honors its rich heritage in motorsports, while continuing to pave a way for the future of watchmaking. Back in its usual spot within the LVMH corner, the TAG Heuer’s familiar footprint completely reworks the experience for visitors, centering everything around the Monaco and its deep-rooted connection to chronographs. At the center of it all is the new TH80-00 movement, presented not only as the latest-and-greatest in movement technology, but as the heartbeat of the booth. A larger-than-life suspended version of the movement turns something typically reserved for watchmakers into a main spectacle, while the surrounding displays welcome visitors through the brand’s history as a pioneer in the chronograph space. From the immersive TAG Heuer Lab to the detailed timeline wall tracing decades of timing precision, everything is intentional, showcased for education and entertainment. Even the presence of an Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 race car and Porsche 917 ties it all together, bridging eras from Steve McQueen to Max Verstappen. Add in a couple of new TAG Heuer Monaco models, and you have a serious celebration that will go down in Watches and Wonders history, fueled and driven by the watchmaker’s passion for all things motorsports. TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph GALLERY-EMBED The new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph is the perfect reset for a truly iconic watch. Born in 1969 as one of the first automatic chronographs, with its square case and left-hand crown, the Monaco has always had a rebellious look and feel. TAG Heuer's latest version goes back into that original styling, tightening up the design with sharper lines, better proportions, and a lighter grade-5 titanium case that actually makes it more wearable day to day. Under it all, the new TH20-11 movement meets modern expectations with greater power reserve and reliability, while retaining small details that collectors care about. Paired with a few new color options, including the classic blue made famous by Steve McQueen, it all comes together as a Monaco that’s familiar but genuinely improved. TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph GALLERY-EMBED The all-new TAG Heuer Monaco Evergraph takes everything that made the Monaco unconventional back in 1969 and pushes it even further. Instead of just tweaking a few characteristics, this model focuses more on a conceptual approach, with a transparent dial that makes the movement feel like it’s floating inside the case. The design still pays homage to the original reference 1133, but updated proportions, curved caseback, and lightweight titanium design make it noticeably more comfortable to wear on the daily, whether it's in the office or out on the race track. The balance of the subdials, the sweeping bridges, and even the left-side crown all tie back to the Monaco’s original styling, just reworked in a more modern way. It’s offered in a blue version that channels Steve McQueen and a darker, stealthier version. Either way, both stand out without losing that core Monaco identity.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 16, 2026

Moët Hennessy Joins Monaco’s Racing Legacy

If you’ve followed motorsport long enough, then you know the Automobile Club de Monaco is the backbone of some of the racing world’s most iconic moments. Founded back in 1890, the ACM has been the visionary behind events like the Monaco Grand Prix and the Rallye Monte-Carlo, races that feel like Christmas morning to the growing community of global motorsport fans. Monaco, for all its flash, still runs on a pretty traditional layout: tight streets, zero margin for error, and an old-school atmosphere that you really can’t find anywhere else. The ACM takes great pride in balancing that tradition with subtle changes to keep things relevant. The news that Moët Hennessy is stepping in as an official partner is the perfect space for one of the world’s most prestigious names in luxury drinks. With Moët & Chandon now the official champagne, the focus returns to one of racing’s most exciting traditions: the podium spray. And Monaco has always been one of the places where that moment hits a little differently, especially for drivers earning their spot on the podium. It’s been 30 years since Olivier Panis pulled off his unlikely win on these same streets, a race that's still brought up whenever the Monaco GP is part of the conversation. The appeal has always been in the mix of precision and unpredictability, with a layer of ritual baked in on top. This partnership focuses on the race, the setting, and the small details that end up sticking around long after the cars are gone. Source: Automobile Club de Monaco

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