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 16, 2023

De Bethune Unveils The Exclusive DBD Evergreen At Dubai W...

De Bethune debuts the DBD Evergreen, a masterclass in horology, at Dubai Watch Week 2023, limited to 20 exclusive pieces. Showcasing itself as a renowned name in the luxury watchmaking industry, De Bethune has proudly announced the launch of its latest masterpiece, the DBD Evergreen, at Dubai Watch Week 2023. This event marks a significant moment for De Bethune, as it highlights the brand's relentless pursuit of combining beauty with technical ingenuity. Reflecting on its rich history, De Bethune's journey began with the launch of the first DBD in 2006, a timepiece that revolutionized the concept of watchmaking with its unique digital time display and manually wound triple linear calendar. This latest iteration, the DBD Evergreen, continues the legacy with its polished grade 5 titanium case, embodying a futuristic and sleek design. Limited to just 39 models in either rose or white gold, the DBD Evergreen's exclusivity is unmatched. The green dial, decorated with the iconic Côtes de Genève pattern, plays with light and shadow, creating an ever-changing display of brightness. The crown, strategically placed at 12 o'clock and flanked by ogive-shaped lugs, adds a touch of elegance to the watch's overall design. Powered by the mechanical caliber DB2044, it boasts a high frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The movement is visible through art-deco-style openings, showcasing the day, date, and month. Additionally, the innovative Geneva Stripes motif on the dial, a first in 2006, highlights De Bethune's pioneering spirit in watch design. With only 20 pieces available, each engraved and numbered, the De Bethune DBD Evergreen is set to become a coveted example for collectors and enthusiasts. 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: De Bethune

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 15, 2023

Richard Mille Debuts The Ultra-Lightweight RM 21-02 Tourb...

The RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne by Richard Mille epitomizes precision and innovation with its groundbreaking honeycomb structure and ultra-lightweight materials. Richard Mille's all-new RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne stands out as a pinnacle of modern horological engineering, combining precision, lightness, and strength through innovative materials and architectural design. This exclusive timepiece outperforms traditional watchmaking boundaries, employing materials sourced from advanced engineering fields. The RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne is crafted on a complex honeycomb structure, with each cell meticulously machined and laser-welded, showcasing Richard Mille's approach to microscopic precision and technical expertise. In its quest for innovation, the black and white RM 21-02 features Carbon TPT and Quartz TPT for the bezel and caseback, respectively. Layers of carbon fiber or silica threads, each only 45 microns thick, are combined with resin matrices and woven to achieve a unique texture and exceptional mechanical strength. The case, water-resistant to 50 meters, is an embodiment of Richard Mille's engineering ingenuity. It utilizes 20 spline screws made of grade 5 titanium and features abrasion-resistant washers in 316L stainless steel, ensuring robustness and durability. The RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne is not just a timepiece but a symbol of Richard Mille's relentless pursuit of combining groundbreaking materials and architectural inspiration in watchmaking. 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: Richard Mille

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 15, 2023

MB&F Unveils Its All-New $230K Horological Machine Nº11 '...

MB&F's newest creation is limited to 25 pieces. The passionate team of horologists at MB&F is proud to reveal the all-new Horological Machine Nº11 Architect, inspired by 1960s human-centric architecture, blending innovative watchmaking with art. The MB&F Horological Machine Nº11 Architect ushers in a new era of watchmaking, mirroring the humanistic architectural innovations of the mid-20th century. Conceptualized by MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser, the timepiece takes inspiration from buildings that mirrored the human form and its spatial perception. Central to the HM11 Architect is a flying tourbillon, encapsulated under a double-domed sapphire roof, reminiscent of the clerestory windows of ancient temples. This central tourbillon is flanked by four symmetrical volumes, each housing a distinct function: time display, power reserve, a thermometer, and a time-setting crown. These features are accessible through a rotating structure, emphasizing the watch's interactive nature and energy efficiency. Crafted from polished grade-5 titanium, the HM11 Architect's peripheral rooms contrast with the openness of the central atrium. The entire structure, limited to 25 pieces in ozone blue and 5N gold, showcases MB&F's commitment to blending avant-garde design with time-honored watchmaking practices. The watch's design showcases glossy white interiors with expansive sapphire crystal windows, creating a visually stunning and functional space. The time room displays hours and minutes through rod-mounted orbs and red-tipped arrows, while the power reserve room follows a similar design. A unique addition is the mechanical thermometer, which provides temperature readings without external energy. The MB&F Horological Machine Nº11 Architect represents a fusion of art and science, where architecture and watchmaking meet. View all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY 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: MB&F

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 14, 2023

URWERK's New UR-230 'Eagle': A High-Tech Horological Marvel

The 200 collection welcomes a new generation: the UR-230. This “Eagle” is distinguished by its exterior, its design and its mechanics. URWERK elevates its UR-200 family to new heights with the introduction of the UR-230 'Eagle', a timepiece that embodies the pinnacle of mechanical innovation and aesthetic expertise. Limited to a series of just 35 pieces, the UR-230 'Eagle' is a testament to URWERK's commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. The watch is powered by the UR-7.30 caliber, which features a dual variable-geometry turbine, a double shock absorber, and a hybrid winding system. The UR-230 'Eagle' undergoes a physical transformation with a CTP carbon case that includes a mobile cover, lending it aerodynamic lines and a slimmer profile reminiscent of a bird of prey. This sophisticated timepiece retains the iconic revolving satellite complication of URWERK, with a three-armed carrousel where rotating blocks display the hours, and an aluminum 3D retrograde hand indicates the minutes. URWERK has also developed a world-first set of shock absorbers for the UR-7.30 caliber. These include turbines that feature external shocks and control the airflow for the winding system. The strength of the 'air brake' can be adjusted via a rotating knob on the watch's back, while a second switch allows for switching to manual winding mode. The UR-230 'Eagle' sports a trapeze-shaped case made from CTP carbon, known for its optimal weight, stiffness, and graphic effect. This carbon is machined into a controlled geometric pattern, revealing the layers in a visually captivating design. The back is crafted from grooved, dermo-compatible black DLC titanium, and inside, the UR-7.30 caliber is enclosed in a strongbox-like container. A notable feature is the cover that lifts to reveal the satellite system, designed to protect the sapphire crystal and close gently, echoing the precision of an eagle's talons. Shop 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: URWERK Geneve

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 14, 2023

Patek Philippe Honors Its Former President's 85th Birthda...

To commemorate the 85th birthday of Philippe Stern, honorary president and former president of Patek Philippe from 1993 to 2009, his son Thierry Stern created an extremely special timepiece, the reference 1938P. This exquisite watch is a tribute to a legendary figure in watchmaking and showcases an innovative new movement from Patek Philippe. The self-winding caliber R AL 27 PS ingeniously combines a minute repeater, Philippe Stern's favorite complication, with an alarm function that chimes the same classic gongs. This technical marvel features 227 components and four new patents, representing Patek Philippe's commitment to horological excellence. The Minute Repeater's complexity is visible through its sapphire crystal, revealing a meticulously finished exclusive movement. The chamfered edges of the bridges and hammers are gilded, and the 22K yellow-gold mini-rotor is rhodium-plated with yellow-gold edges, featuring a black-lacquered engraving of Philippe Stern’s signature. The tribute extends to the 18K gold dial, adorned with Philippe Stern's portrait in Grand Feu white and gray miniature painting on enamel, set against a Grand Feu black enamel background. Housed in an Officer's style platinum case, reminiscent of Philippe Stern's cherished creations like the 1989 limited edition Reference 3960, the Ref. 1938P embodies Patek Philippe's heritage and innovation. The case also features a sapphire crystal back protected by a hinged dust cover, hand-engraved with “A mon père, 85 ans de passion horlogère” (To my father, 85 years of watchmaking passion), symbolizing a passion for luxury timekeeping and craftsmanship. View all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY 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: Patek Philippe

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 13, 2023

IWC Launch Two New Mercedes-AMG F1 Edition Chronographs F...

IWC Schaffhausen launches titanium and Ceratanium chronographs for Mercedes-AMG and its F1 team. IWC Schaffhausen, in anticipation of the upcoming 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, has unveiled two high-performance chronographs dedicated to its motorsport partners, Mercedes-AMG and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41, crafted from Ceratanium, reflects IWC’s watchmaking mastery in combining sophisticated chronograph engineering with advanced materials. Famous for its ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale, this fuel-driven timepiece allows drivers to measure average speeds efficiently, blending functionality with luxury design. Decorated with black dials featuring a glossy finish, recessed totalisers, and indices infused with Super-LumiNova, the watches are a statement of style but also visibility in low-light conditions. Housing the in-house 69385 calibre, these chronographs promise strength and precision, ready to withstand the pressures of 10 bar water resistance. The titanium variant (Ref. IW388305/04) pioneers the use of this robust metal in watchmaking, echoing IWC’s innovative spirit since 1980. The Ceratanium model (Ref. IW388306/07) showcases IWC’s proprietary material that blends titanium's durability with ceramic's scratch resistance, culminating in a matte black finish. Both models offer strap options in black rubber or a matching metal bracelet. These chronographs extend the lineage of the official team watch, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition “Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team”, worn by the team's diverse talents. The new Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 series elevates IWC’s motorsport connection, delivering a fusion of high-tech horology and racing spirit for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Shop all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. Shop All Luxury Watches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: IWC Schaffhausen

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 10, 2023

Audemars Piguet Wins The Top "Aiguille d’Or" Award At GPH...

Audemars Piguet triumphed at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), clinching the honorable “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix award for its Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet UltraComplication Universelle (RD#4). This honor, awarded for the most remarkable timepiece across all categories, was received by François-Henry Bennahmias and celebrates the AP’s first ultra-complicated self-winding wristwatch within the avant-garde Code 11.59 collection. The RD#4 timepiece is an homage to Audemars Piguet's legacy in high-complication horology, brilliantly incorporating advanced ergonomics and modern functionality. It offers the wearer exceptional comfort and user-friendly operation while encapsulating over 1,100 components in the innovative self-winding Calibre 1000. This groundbreaking movement boasts 40 functions, including 23 complications such as a Grande Sonnerie Supersonnerie, a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar, a split-seconds flyback chronograph, and a flying tourbillon. Audemars Piguet's commitment to transcending the conventional boundaries of watchmaking is evident in the creation of the Code 11.59. The manufacturer has integrated its latest R&D breakthroughs, including the 2015 Supersonnerie technology, the ultra-thin perpetual calendar movement from 2018, and the high-amplitude oscillator from the 2022 Royal Oak models. Audemars Piguet's acknowledgment by the GPHG jury highlights the watchmaker's dedication to pioneering craftsmanship within the watchmaking industry. View all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale Source: Audemars Piguet

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 10, 2023

Hublot's All-New $316K MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon ...

Hublot and acclaimed artist Takashi Murakami have joined forces to create the MP-15 watch, a masterpiece where high-end art converges with haute horology in a 50-piece limited edition series. This creative collaboration marks Hublot's first limited edition timepiece boasting a central flying tourbillon, a horological marvel that redefines the essence of watchmaking. The MP-15 shatters traditional watch design by eliminating the traditional dial and merging the case, movement, and face into a singular, transparent sapphire construction that showcases the tourbillon at its heart. Encircling this is Murakami's iconic floral motif, exquisitely crafted from sapphire, symbolizing both the ingenuity of Hublot and the artistic signature of Murakami. The technical expertise of the MP-15 is as impressive as its aesthetics, with a staggering 150-hour power reserve. Hublot enhances the user experience by including a specially designed, USB-rechargeable stylus for winding, demonstrating innovation within a user-centric design. The MP-15 disrupts traditional watchmaking by situating the escapement and the peripheral hour and minute hands in a shared central space, a feat achieved by a co-axial construction pivoted around the tourbillon. The absence of an upper bridge on the skeletonized tourbillon allows aficionados to admire the intricacy of its floating components. Despite its revolutionary design, the MP-15 remains user-friendly with white indices and SuperLuminova-coated hands for readability. Its modest 42mm diameter and integrated rubber strap ensure that this wearable work of art remains comfortable and accessible to connoisseurs of unique luxury timepieces. The all-new Hublot MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon is currently available with a price tag of $316,000. 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: Hublot

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 09, 2023

Ulysse Nardin's Freak ONE Wins The 'Iconic' Award At GPHG...

Ulysse Nardin's Freak ONE claims the 'iconic' category win at the Grand Prix of Horlogerie de Genève. At the esteemed Grand Prix of Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), Ulysse Nardin's Freak ONE has been crowned the 'iconic' category winner, a testament to the the watchmaker's ongoing influence on the haute horology and watchmaking history for over 20 years. This distinguished award from the jury highlights the Freak's revolutionary impact on the industry, driven by Ulysse Nardin's relentless pursuit of innovation in mechanics, materials, and design aesthetics. Since its groundbreaking debut two decades ago, the Freak has consistently challenged conventional watchmaking, captivating connoisseurs with its pioneering spirit. It is a culmination of daring design and bold technological advances first introduced under Rolf Schnyder's visionary leadership and watchmaker Ludwig Oechslin's genius. The Freak's legacy is defined by its unorthodox approach and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and exploration. It has functioned as a veritable laboratory for Ulysse Nardin, generating over 20 patents, including the innovative Dual Direct escapement by Oechslin. This honor at the GPHG further cements the Freak's status as a paradigm-shifting force in the world of haute horlogerie and reaffirms Ulysse Nardin's position as a beacon of independent and exceptional watchmaking. View all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY 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: Ulysse Nardin

By Roberta Naas – October 26, 2023

The Best Luxury Watch Safes

In an era where timepieces have become not only functional accessories but also valuable investments, watch enthusiasts and collectors are increasingly recognizing the importance of watch safes to protect their prized possessions. Watch safes are purpose-built to safeguard valuable timepieces from theft, fire damage,and environmental factors. They are often constructed of reinforced steel and equipped with humidity control systems and tamper-proof locking mechanisms. The most sophisticated of these units are designed to meet the needs of watch collectors, combining watch-friendly features with elegant aesthetics. For instance, many are equipped with watch winders to keep certain complicated mechanical timepieces properly wound so they don’t need re-setting when the wearer is ready to change wrist wear. Naturally, watch safes also offer organization and convenience for horophiles with large collections. These beautiful watch safes and large winder boxes can even be displayed in the living room or office, considering many feature luxurious materials and finishes that make them true statement pieces. Casoro K2 Family-owned and in business for 29 years, Casoro manufactures its safes in the United States. The brand’s security ratings are tested and verified by independent third parties. In fact, the burglar rating is awarded by Underwriters Laboratory, and the fire rating is awarded by Edison Testing Lab. Casoro offers two residential-grade levels of security as well as two commercial grades. Depending on your needs, this almost-5-foot-tall Casoro K2 safe can be configured with either 12 programmable watch winders and four drawers, along with just over 2 feet of open space, or with 24 programmable winders and three drawers. There are also 14 different interior configurations for the soft-close drawers . With anchor holes in the floor corners, the safe can be customized, with a wealth of paint and fabric colors, interior mirror options, exotic woods, and more. This Bullion Gold K2 retails for $28,855. Learn More Wolf 1834 Churchill Founded in 1834 by Philip Wolf, who made beautiful boxes for home and travel, Wolf continues to be family-run and specializes in boxes, winders, and safes. This Churchill safe can be fully customized by the client, with modifications including the type and color of the leather, the wood, the interior drawers and winders, and even the hardware color. Woods and leathers can be selected not only in different colors, but also in different textures. More than 16 options are available for both the leather and the wood. Additionally, the owner can select an entire safe of watch winders (32) or drawers (11) or a mix of both. The watch winders are Bluetooth-controlled with rotating options of one to 1,999 turns per day. This Churchill leather-wrapped safe is made using Bordeaux crocodile. The starting retail price is $98,995. Learn More Orbita Avanti 48 This independent watch company was established in 1996 by Chuck Agno in Wilmington, North Carolina. While the company makes winders as small as a single box, it also creates substantial modular cabinets that double as décor. This Avanti 48 free-standing automatic watch winder is a prime example. The Italian-made cabinet, with exotic Macassar veneers and carbon-fiber accents, boasts 48 Rotorwind winders that gently swing the watches, or programmable winders that enable the owner to set the direction and number of turns per day. The 5-foot cabinet, priced at $49,995, features a glass front that puts the spotlight on the watches within. Learn More Brown Safe Man Safe 6018 Founded in 1980 in Vista, California, Brown Safe is known as a leader in custom jewelry and watch safes for the public and the military — the brand’s safes are made in the United States. With ballistic windows on the front to view at least one single vertical row of watch winders, the Man Safe 6018 can be custom-built to the owner’s specifications. The one shown here is wrapped in carbon fiber with a blue ultrasuede interior. When open, the high-security safe has stainless-steel drawers with a matching carbon-fi ber inlay. Thanks to an exclusive agreement, Brown uses only Orbita automatic Rotorwind or Programmable watch winders in its safes. Two configurations are available, and both can be further customized with colors, materials, and enhanced fire protection. For $20,784, this version contains 16 winders, three drawers, and 20 inches of open space. Learn More Featured in Our November 2023 Issue Buy Single Issue Subscribe

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