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 – May 11, 2026

Phillips' $96 Million Watch Auction Sets a New Record in Geneva

The luxury watch market just crossed another monumental milestone, and once again, Phillips is at the center of it. During its Geneva Spring Season auctions, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo achieved the highest-grossing watch auction total ever recorded, bringing in more than $96 million across nearly every lot offered. Out of 225 watches presented at The Geneva Watch Auction: XXIII, 224 sold, an almost unheard-of success rate. More importantly, the results support the fact that the watch industry’s demand for rare vintage watches, independent watchmakers, and historically important timepieces continues to climb. As expected, some of the biggest names in Swiss watchmaking dominated headlines. Patek Philippe once again proved its prestige, led by an ultra-rare Ref. 2523 “South America” world timer that sold for over $10 million after an intense bidding battle. F.P. Journe continued its rapid rise among collectors with multiple world records set for rare Chronomètre à Résonance models. But the most interesting part of the auction was the growing attention paid to independent brands and pocket watches. Collectors kept their eyes on watches from names like Akrivia, Louis Richard, and Louis Audemars & Co., showing that today’s buyers are looking beyond mainstream luxury names for rarity and historical significance. Sold Above $1 Million Patek Philippe Ref. 2523 "South America" - $10,245,807 F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance "Souscrietion No. 18" - $6,274,125 Louis Richard "Triple Detent Constant Force One Minute Tourbillon Chronometer" - $5,106,816 Patek Philippe Ref. 6002G-010 Sky Moon Tourbillon - $4,172,454 Akrivia AK-06 - $3,861,000 Louis Audemars & Co, No. 12112 "La Royale" - $3,238,092 F.P. Leurne Chrenometre a Resonance "Pisa" - $3,000,502 F.P. Journe, Octa Chronograrhe 38mm Brass Movement - $2,206,562 Greubel Forsey X Philippe Dufour X Michel Boulanger Naissance d'Une Montre 1 N° 1/11 - $2,124,837 F.P. Lourne Tourbillon Souverain à Remontoir d'Egalité - $1,961,388 Agassiz Watch Co. "Victory Watch - Charles de Gaulle" Pocket Watch - $1,879,664 Paul Ditisheim "Minute Detent Escapement Tourbillon" - $1,634,490 Cartier, Mystery Clock - $1,569,110 Audemars Piguet Ref. 5503 Triple Calendar Chronograph with Moonphase Display - $1,405,661 The results also say a lot about where the modern collector market is headed. Watch auctions are no longer driven solely by traditional vintage Rolex and Patek buyers. Today’s bidders are younger and often very educated on independent horology, complicated movements, and niche watchmaking history. Phillips reported participation from bidders across 74 countries, with heavy activity online, over the phone, and inside the Geneva auction room itself. That helped push 14 watches beyond the million-dollar mark while setting 43 world records. The record-breaking auction also confirmed that rare watches now occupy the same territory as blue-chip art, collector cars, and fine jewelry, with no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Source: Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 08, 2026

Girard-Perregaux Revives ’70s Style With New 'Chocolate' Laureato

Back in the 1970s, the watch world was heavily shaped by a handful of defining trends, like TV-shaped cases, integrated bracelets, quartz movements, and especially two-tone designs, and Girard-Perregaux was right in the middle of it all with the iconic Girard-Perregaux Laureato. Now, more than five decades later, Girard-Perregaux is returning to its roots, honoring an era of fashion and watchmaking rarely replicated with an all-new Laureato Chronograph featured in a stunning two-tone ‘Chocolate’ colorway. Starting with the case, the Laureato’s sizeable yet comfortable tonneau-shaped design is crafted from 904L steel and contrasts with warm rose-gold accents on its octagonal bezel, crown, and pushers. The beautiful brown 'Clou de Paris' dial steals the show, with similar tones on the hands and indices that pull the entire look together. As with previous Laureato models, the balance between polished surfaces, angular lines, and softer curves remains key for nailing that quintessential 1970s luxury sports watch styling. Instead of using the traditional integrated steel bracelet, Girard-Perregaux opted for a brown rubber strap with that familiar hobnail texture, making it more casual and wearable.Powering the watch is Girard-Perregaux’s in-house GP03300 automatic chronograph movement. The caliber features 419 components, 63 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of approximately 46 hours. Alongside its chronograph function, the movement also displays hours, minutes, small seconds, and date. The latest Laureato Chronograph continues to highlight Girard-Perregaux’s ability to combine sporty design, everyday comfort, and traditional haute horology in a watch that’s timeless in all every way.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 01, 2026

IWC Schaffhausen Kicks Off Miami Grand Prix Weekend with Kimi Antonelli

When Formula One weekend arrives in Miami, it flips a switch. Even days before cars hit the track for practice and qualifying, the city is already in full-blown festivities, and IWC Schaffhausen wasted no time joining in on the party. The brand hosted a small, early-week event in the Miami Design District, welcoming clients, locals, and other industry insiders. The special guest of the evening was Kimi Antonelli, the current championship leader for Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One, and one of the youngest drivers now carrying big expectations.The night was calm and cool. No theatrics or overpacked guest list, just Antonelli in conversation, talking about how quickly things have ramped up this season. He spoke about adjusting to the pace of Formula 1, managing pressure, and the constant balance between speed and consistency. A star-struck moment for most, it seemed more like a much-needed midweek check-in for Kimi before a busy race weekend. The night also celebrated the broader IWC–Mercedes relationship, which has been in place for over a decade and focuses on shared engineering DNA rather than brand-stamped dials.Around the room, a collection of IWC’s latest releases, fresh off their Geneva debut, was on display, giving guests a first look at pieces that pave the way for the brand's future. The lineup showcased aviation-inspired designs, updated movements, and functionality that mirrors the precision mindset of Formula 1. The room moved between conversations about lap times, travel schedules, and watchmaking, with little separation between the two. It was a low-key start to what will be a very exciting race weekend in Miami. Source: IWC Schaffhausen

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 30, 2026

TUDOR Reveals The Black Bay Chrono "Carbon 26" at Miami GP

As the fuel-soaked festivities ramp up in Miami ahead of the Formula One Miami Grand Prix weekend, teams are already rolling out some seriously cool activations. From South Beach-inspired Ray-Ban sunglasses by Scuderia Ferrari to McLaren’s latest trackside teamwear drop with PUMA, the crossover between motorsport and lifestyle is stronger than ever. Now, alongside a bold new yellow livery inspired by Red Bull Summer Edition, the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls team has one more surprise, quite literally. Enter the new special edition TUDOR Black Bay Chrono created just for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix.A tradition that we witnessed last year with the Black Bay Chrono Carbon 25 actually dates back even further for Tudor. The Swiss watchmaker’s wheel-to-wheel racing roots started in the 1960s, when the Tudor Watches Racing Team was campaigning the Porsche 906 in Japan. Now, decades later, Tudor is back to keep Visa Cash App RB drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad on time with the all-new Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 26”. It’s all about material and purpose. Carbon fiber isn’t just for looks; it’s used throughout the case, the bezel, the dial, and even the smallest details to shave weight wherever possible. Equipped with an in-house MT5813 movement, the watch is engineered as a proper tool, with the tachymeter bezel tying everything back to its racing heritage.Lookwise, the connection to the Visa Cash App RB VCARB 03 is where you see the inspiration, with pops of yellow across the dial that mirror the livery. Limited to 2,026 pieces, the Black Bay Chrono Carbon 26 actually reflects something happening on track right now. Look out for TUDOR’s newest watch on the wrist of Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad as they look to finish in the top spot at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 27, 2026

Sotheby's 'Important Watches' - Six World Records and $52 Million in Sales

Earlier this month, the watch world welcomed a whole new 2026 lineup of luxury timepieces from the biggest names in the industry, courtesy of Watches and Wonders. And while the latest-and-greatest in haute horology speaks to most collectors and enthusiasts, it's the vintage watch scene that continues to hold significance for those who appreciate early craftsmanship and a bit of a story behind the watches on their wrists. The team at Sotheby’s proved that the demand and popularity for vintage watches is higher than ever, setting six new world record sales over this past weekend as part of its Important Watches auction event in Hong Kong. Now recognized as Sotheby’s most successful watch sale in its history, Important Watches brought in a total of more than $52 million and, along with several world records, showcased Hong Kong as the highest-achieving watch sale in Asia to date. Taking the top spot of the entire auction was a 1971 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ‘ Paul Newman John Player Special Cherry’ (Ref. 6264) in yellow gold that sold for a jaw-dropping $1,469,886. Other notable sales in the top ten came courtesy of historic Patek Philippe references, limited-edition F.P. Journe models, and even Tom Brady’s 1-of-1 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon “The Roast”. The real story of the weekend was centered around Sotheby’s six new world records. In the world of Cartier, the watches that made headlines included a yellow gold 1987 Cartier London Crash (Sold for 15,616,000 HKD), a 1992 Cartier London Tank J.J.C. Allongée (Sold for $1,992,512), a 1973-74 Cartier London Baignoire (Sold for $620,618), and a 1967-68 Cartier London Tank Normale (Sold for $587,954). The other two record-setters were an A. Lange & Söhne Reference 701.007 (Sold for $1,322,897) and Patek Philippe ‘La Maison Platine’ Reference 2552 (Sold for $767,607). All in all, Sotheby’s Important Watches auction in Hong Kong proved to be its most successful watch auction to date, with an extremely diverse showcase that spanned every corner of the watch world. GALLERY-EMBED

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 23, 2026

Inside Vacheron Constantin's 1-of-1 Skeleton Tourbillon Minute Repeater

There’s traditional watchmaking, and then there’s ultra-complex timepieces that make you stop and actually study how it all works. That’s exactly how the horological world views Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Tourbillon Skeleton, recently unveiled as part of Watches and Wonders. It’s a one-off, built around the Caliber 2755 TMR SQ, pairing two of watchmaking’s most respected complications, a tourbillon and a minute repeater, and then skeletonizing everything so you can see it all in motion. The watchmakers spent a full year reworking the movement into its openworked form, housed by a 45mm 18k gold case and a sapphire dial that keeps the view completely unobstructed.What really shines is how thoughtfully everything has been executed. The minute repeater uses a silent centripetal regulator instead of a usual anchor system, which means the chimes flow more evenly without the background buzz you’d normally hear. The tourbillon, beating at 2.5 Hz, offers unmatched precision and art in motion that collectors are willing to pay a premium for. About 40% of the material has been removed from the mainplate, but it still maintains its ruggedness and practicality.There are nine different techniques used across the 473-piece design, which is a lot considering the movement is only 6.1mm thick. Some parts are treated in darker anthracite tones, others left in brass or steel, creating subtle yet eye-catching contrast. You’ll even spot subtle references to the Maltese cross worked into the design if you look closely. It all adds up to a one-of-a-kind Vacheron Constantin that’s both a collector’s showcase piece and a look into what modern haute horlogerie can look like when a brand has no limits.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 22, 2026

Timothée Chalamet Joins Urban Jürgensen

Founded in 1773, Urban Jürgensen has always been one of those under-the-radar names that serious watch people tend to know about. With roots in Copenhagen, tied to the Danish Royal Court, and built on a mix of Danish design and Swiss mechanics, the brand prides itself on an approach that focuses more on craft than flash. Now, the watchmaker is stepping into the celebrity spotlight with Timothée Chalamet joining as a minority partner and Creative Advisor. It’s his first real move into the business side of anything, but he also came to the brand as a collector first, which makes this feel more like an organic partnership than a typical celebrity marketing play. “A couple of years ago, a film director I admire deeply piqued my interest in artisanal watchmaking — not the flashy kind, but the kind that demands years of discipline, patience, and ultimately, mastery. I started to see it as a sibling to filmmaking — a precise expression, just on a different scale. One lives on an IMAX screen, the other within 48 by 40 by 10 millimeters, but both have the ability to hold entire worlds within them. When Andy and Alex Rosenfield introduced me to Urban Jürgensen, what drew me in was how clearly the focus was on the watches themselves — on craft, on process, on getting it right. It also felt like something different than the typical arrangement — more of a creative collaboration than a traditional endorsement. I’m excited to be involved and to continue exploring this world alongside them.” - Timothée Chalamet Since returning to family ownership under the Rosenfields in 2025, Urban Jürgensen has been focused on keeping things small and intentional, less about pursuing volume, more about refining the art they already do well. That means relying on traditional techniques, working closely with industry names like Finnish watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, and slowly building out a new generation of watches that are true to the brand’s history. The move back to its roots has already been getting some positive attention at events like the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. If anything, Timothée Chalamet’s involvement just adds another piece to the puzzle, or movement, more about someone genuinely interested in where independent watchmaking is headed next. Source: Urban Jürgensen/Photo by Aidan Zamiri

Close-up of a Rolex Submariner watch face, a true collector classic, with luminescent hour markers, rotating bezel, and minute and hour hands set against a dark blue background.

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 10, 2026

Collector Classics: Watches That Earned Their Legacy

A closer look at the icons that continue to shape haute horology A watch doesn’t need to be rare or sky-high in price to stand the test of time. Icons like the Submariner, Monaco, Speedmaster, and Santos earned their place in collector lore not by exclusivity but by shaping history, breaking boundaries, and redefining style. Timeless design and real-world stories make them true classics. Rolex Submariner Price: $9,500 rolex.com The Rolex Submariner debuted in 1953 as one of the first dive watches built to handle serious underwater exploration, featuring a rotating bezel and water resistance up to 100 meters—now improved to 300 meters in modern models. Originally crafted as a tool watch, its clean design, rugged build, and strong association with James Bond helped it cross into pop culture. Over the years, it’s been refined but never radically changed, which is exactly why collectors love it. With its iconic Oyster case, luminous markers, and reliable automatic movement, the Submariner remains a symbol of versatility, durability, and timeless style. TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Price: $8,100 tagheuer.com The TAG Heuer Monaco made its debut in 1969 and instantly broke the mold with its bold square case and left-hand crown. It was one of the first automatic chronographs ever made, powered by TAG Heuer’s groundbreaking Calibre 11 movement. But what really cemented its legendary status was Steve McQueen wearing it in the 1971 film Le Mans, forever linking the Monaco to the motorsport world. Its blue dial, chronograph layout, and unique shape still turn heads today. As both a design risk and a horological milestone, the Monaco remains a must-have watch for collectors who appreciate history. Omega Speedmaster Professional Price: $7,300 omega.com The OMEGA Speedmaster Professional, nicknamed the “Moonwatch,” earned its legendary status when it became the first watch worn on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Originally introduced in 1957 as a racing chronograph, it quickly proved its reliability under the harshest conditions imaginable. Featuring a hand-wound Caliber 1861 movement, Hesalite crystal, and a distinctive black dial with a tachymeter bezel, its design has remained largely unchanged for decades. Collectors love it for its NASA-certified legacy, tool-watch durability, and timeless style. Cartier Santos Price: $7,500 cartier.com The Cartier Santos is one of the world’s first wristwatches, born from a 1904 request by aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont for a watch he could wear while flying. Louis Cartier answered with a sleek square design, breaking away from the traditional pocket watch. Its bold Roman numerals, exposed screws, and seamless integration of case and bracelet became instantly iconic. The modern Santos often features an automatic movement and Cartier’s SmartLink system for easy bracelet adjustment. Combining old-school luxury with contemporary functionality, the Santos remains a go-to for collectors who appreciate classic design and a story rooted in history.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 18, 2026

Richard Mille’s RM 41-01 Turns Soccer Into a Mechanical Story

In an automotive world obsessed with lap times, it’s often the cars that tell a story and linger the longest. The same idea applies to watches, especially when sport is involved. Richard Mille has never been shy about real-world performance, but its relationship with soccer has always felt a little different. It began with the RM 11-01 and the RM 11-04 Roberto Mancini watches, which dared to treat match time as something worth measuring mechanically. That is exactly what makes the all-new RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer so exciting. Rather than just borrowing visuals from the sport, Richard Mille asks a more interesting question: what would a watch look like if it actually followed the rhythm of a match, from kickoff to the final whistle? The answer lives in a movement that took five years to develop, created in collaboration with Audemars Piguet. At its core is a tourbillon flyback chronograph, but the standout features are the two soccer-specific complications. At nine o’clock, a match-phase indicator advances with each reset of the chronograph, moving through the first half, second half, and both periods of extra time. It mirrors how fans actually experience a game.The grade 5 titanium movement is heavily skeletonized, allowing its roughly 650 components to breathe. Framing the movement are mechanical goal counters, operated by pushers at two and four o’clock. Each press advances a hand along a rail to track goals for the home and visiting teams, up to nine, before snapping back to zero.Despite its complexity, with nearly 800 components when you include the case and strap, the RM 41-01 isn't a fragile object. The tonneau-shaped case, offered in Dark Blue Quartz and Red Carmin Basalt TPT, is built to withstand serious shock and everyday wear. The pushers are tuned for consistent pressure across all functions, making them instinctive once you get past the learning curve. In the end, the Richard Mille RM 41-01 Soccer translates the structure of a match into mechanics, letting the watch quietly keep track while the rest argue over referee calls. Source: Richard Mille

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 18, 2026

H. Moser’s Streamliner Goes Ceramic

Some watchmakers chase novelty while others wait until an idea feels inevitable. That’s more or less how H. Moser & Cie. tends to work, which is why its first move into ceramic feels truly authentic. Instead of rolling the material out on a side project or experimental case shape, Moser applied it straight to the Streamliner, the watch most associate with the brand’s identity.The Streamliner’s cushion case and integrated bracelet are now available in anthracite grey ceramic, which changes the watch's overall personality. Ceramic is tough, light, and scratch-resistant, sure, but what matters more here is how it handles shape and surface. The Streamliner has always been about flow, and ceramic lets those curves feel smoother and more continuous than steel ever could. Satin-brushed sections break things up, polished edges catch light when you move your wrist, and the whole thing reads as intentional rather than gimmicky.Then there’s the dial, where Moser tends to showcase its talents without making a big deal of it. The red fumé Grand Feu enamel dial contrasts with the dark case, glowing rather than screaming. Built on a textured white gold base and finished through multiple firings, it has depth that changes with the light, from almost black at the edges to a richer red toward the center. True to form, there’s no logo and no indices. You either get it, or you don’t, and that’s kind of the point.At six o’clock, a flying tourbillon adds a bit of motion. Inside, the automatic HMC 805 movement uses a double hairspring developed in-house to improve precision and stability, a very Moser way of solving a problem. Flip it over, and you’ll find anthracite-toned bridges and a red gold rotor, a subtle contrast that mirrors the front of the watch. Taken as a whole, this ceramic Streamliner feels like Moser doing what it usually does, taking something familiar, refining it, and letting the details do the talking. Source: H. Moser & cie.

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