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

Bad Bunny Wears A Malachite AP At The Half Time Show

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 09, 2026

Bad Bunny Wears A Malachite Royal Oak At The Half Time Show

The Super Bowl Halftime Show is one of the most-watched entertainment events on the planet, tuned into by well over 100 million viewers around the world each year alongside the NFL’s championship game. This year, the blockbuster performance at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, marked a night when pop culture and sports collided on one of the biggest broadcast stages in history. The headliner of the evening took shape as Puerto Rican rapper, singer, and record producer Bad Bunny, with musical guest appearances from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. And while one of the most memorable moments of the show had to be the impromptu wedding, which has been confirmed to be real, one of the real showstoppers of the night was a very special watch worn by none other than Bad Bunny himself.The watch in the spotlight last night was an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (Ref. 15553BA.OO.1356BA.04), showcasing one of the brand’s most iconic watches on one of sports’ biggest stages. The 37mm Royal Oak features a smaller case than its 40mm+ counterparts, yet remains robust thanks to its legendary octagonal shape, courtesy of Mr. Gerald Genta. What makes this specific Royal Oak special, in addition to being an all-yellow gold version, is its vibrant green malachite dial and the captivating texture it reveals. The stone dial is complemented by yellow gold hands and hour-markers, and a yellow gold-toned inner bezel. It was the Royal Oak’s integrated bracelet that gave us a clear indication of the brand and model Bad Bunny was wearing when he first hit the field, and the rest was history. Source: Audemars Piguet

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 06, 2026

Vacheron Constantin Reveals Its First Titanium Overseas Tourbilion

There’s something cool about an ultra-complex watch that doesn’t feel like it’s trying to impress you. Vacheron Constantin all-new titanium Overseas Tourbillon with a deep red dial does just that, where you start to notice small details the longer you spend with it. It’s still a tourbillon, still technically serious, but the overall vibe is relaxed. Lightweight, slim, and visually simple, it’s closer to a daily companion than a special-occasion piece, which is very much the point of the Overseas line. Titanium keeps the watch light on the wrist and helps the case wear thinner than you’d expect from something with a Tourbillon inside, at just over 10mm thick. The bezel, with its familiar Maltese cross shape, adds just enough definition. The red dial is deeper and softer than photos suggest, shifting between darker tones depending on the light, and the sunburst finish adds texture without stealing attention from the tourbillon at six. One of the nicest parts of the Overseas has always been how it's been designed to wear. The integrated titanium bracelet is light, and the small comfort adjustment in the clasp is genuinely useful. Two rubber straps come in the box, one in matching red, one in white, and swapping them takes seconds, no tools needed. Inside is the calibre 2160, an ultra-thin automatic movement that keeps everything precise. There’s an easy 80-hour power reserve, and the tourbillon itself is neatly integrated rather than put on display for drama. Turn the watch over, and you'll see inside the sapphire caseback, with beveled edges, Geneva stripes, and polished surfaces. The all-new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon, featured in titanium with a bright red dial, is now available exclusively through authorized boutiques with pricing upon request.

IWC Schaffhausen And George Russell Debut Two New Watches

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 05, 2026

IWC And George Russell Debut Two New Watches

IWC Schaffhausen’s latest Pilot’s Watch collaboration with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team driver George Russell closely follows a purpose-over-flair logic. The result is a pair of limited-edition ceramic watches that turn speed, precision, and personality into something wearable. One chronograph, one automatic, both debuted in black ceramic with a subtle but unmistakable hint of blue.The cases are crafted from black zirconium oxide ceramic, a material IWC has been refining since the 1980s, prized for its lightweight, scratch-resistant characteristics. The chronograph measures a robust 41.9mm and is powered by the watchmaker’s in-house 69380 calibre, while the automatic model measures 41mm and houses the 32112 calibre with an impressive 120-hour power reserve. Ceratanium crowns and pushers reinforce the tool-watch DNA, combining titanium’s lightness with ceramic-like toughness. On the back, titanium casebacks are engraved with Russell’s racing number, 63.The blue is where the watches really come alive. It’s the same signature shade featured on Russell’s racing helmet throughout much of his career, standing apart on the Formula 1 grid as something uniquely his. Against the matte black dials, the blue numerals, indices, and Super-LumiNova glow with clarity. It’s a visual reminder of what Russell brings to racing, composed under pressure, and fiercely competitive when the lights go out. Both watches are paired with matching blue rubber straps equipped with IWC’s EasX-CHANGE® system, making them easy to swap without tools. What makes this collaboration work is how naturally it fits within IWC’s Pilot’s Watch story. These are functional, legible tools shaped by real performance demands. Russell’s career trajectory, from his 2019 Formula One debut to multiple wins, including his 2025 Singapore Grand Prix victory, adds authenticity. These limited-edition IWC Pilot’s Watches feel like modern icons engineered for people who appreciate speed.

URWERK’s UR-100V LightSpeed Pushes Watchmaking Beyond Earth

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 05, 2026

URWERK’s All-New UR-100V LightSpeed Ceramic

If there were ever a box for the art of watchmaking, URWERK wouldn’t just think outside it so much as blast straight through it, into an orbit where many of its most iconic ideas are born. Still relatively fresh to the world of haute horology, the independent watchmaker has made a monumental impact on the industry with its avant-garde, satellite-driven, and sci-fi-inspired concepts, continuing to keep things fresh with new materials and technology. It's the exact approach to its newest creation, the limited edition UR-100V ‘LightSpeed’ Ceramic. The most notable characteristic of the new UR-100V is its 43mm white ceramic case, a material known for its weight savings, but even more for its brittleness and tendency to crack under high heat or impact. URWERK faced this issue head-on by developing its own ceramic material, with silver fiberglass fabric and carbon inserts, to strengthen its construction and make it as durable as possible for daily wear. Housed inside a titanium inner case is URWERK’s iconic dial design, complex yet legible, which beautifully displays its functions and offers a glimpse of the ingenious movement in action.At its core, the UR-100V LS Ceramic is driven by URWERK’s in-house UR 12.02 automatic caliber. The Windfänger system uses a small air-resistance turbine to control winding efficiency, making sure the movement never takes on more energy than it needs. It runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour, offers a 48-hour power reserve via twin barrels, and relies on 40 jewels spread across three ARCAP alloy plates chosen for their long-term stability. Starting off 2026 in a way only URWERK could deliver, the all-new UR-100V is a promising look at what’s to come from one of the most creative independent watchmakers in the world. The URWERK UR-100V “LightSpeed” Ceramic is a part of an ultra-limited release, and is now available through authorized boutiques for CHF 67’000.00 ($86,313).

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 05, 2026

Breitling Joins Aston Martin As Its Official Watch Partner

With well over a century of success in the automotive space and the competitive world of motorsports, Aston Martin remains a pioneer fueled by heritage, craftsmanship, and performance. And while the U.K.-based marque continues to evolve its luxurious lineup and race paddock with expertly engineered machines, it’s early icons like the Aston Martin DB5 Vantage that paved the way and continue to inspire the brand's future. It's a mirror of how Breitling operates in the luxury watch world, founded in 1884 and still staying true to its core values and the watches that earned it a historic reputation. Given all of their similarities, it's a perfect time to celebrate Breitling becoming the Official Watch Partner of Aston Martin and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. The new partnership starts with the co-branded Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, limited to 1,959 pieces, paying tribute to the year Aston Martin entered Formula 1. The decision to celebrate the occasion with the Navitimer really speaks volumes, as it remains the flagship model and the watch that has cemented Breitling's standing in aviation since 1952. For the first time ever, the Navitimer features a lightweight titanium case, along with other race-derived materials like carbon fiber to keep that connection to Aston Martin closer to the track. The dial stays true to its iconic design while tastefully adding in Aston Martin Green and lime accents from the Aston Martin Aramco F1 race car livery.The engine that drives the Navitimer Chronograph is Breitling’s in-house manufactured Caliber 01, a COSC-certified chronometer dialed in with a 70-hour power reserve. Visible through a sapphire caseback, the movement showcases its work in action along with matte black rotor, specially designed for this special release, featuring the Aston Martin Formula One Team logo. Additional caseback engravings include “One of 1959” and the phrase “Instruments for Drivers.”The Breitling logo will be visible on the Aston Martin Aramco car and team apparel when the AMR26 is revealed on February 9th at the team’s launch. The partnership makes its public debut on the circuit at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Source: Breitling

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 04, 2026

Audemars Piguet's All-New 2026 Watches

For decades, world-renowned watchmakers have come together at prestigious events like Geneva Watch Days, Dubai Watch Week, and LVMH Watch Week to unveil their latest and greatest horological creations and set the tone for the future of the market. For most, navigating the madness and taking in all the modern marvels is overwhelming in the best way possible, often offering an exclusive, up-close look at future collector's items before the public. Since 2021, Audemars Piguet has taken a different approach to its unveilings, offering a more intimate, personal experience for its team, collectors, and industry insiders at AP Social Club events. This year’s 2026 AP Social Club proved to be just as monumental as any other, not only because of Audemars Piguet’s 150th anniversary celebration but also as an extensive unveiling of some incredible new watches. For 2026, the brand focuses on continuing to evolve its lineup with modern design and tech that focus on craftsmanship and precision, while also continuing to inspire its newest pieces by the original icons that paved the way and set benchmarks. Along with the addition of ultra-complicated pocket watches and 1920s jumping hours, collectors will appreciate updates to other familiar models, including the Code 11.59, Royal Oak, Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, Royal Oak Offshore, and Royal Oak Chronograph. Even more eccentric designs, precious metals, breathtaking dials, and precise, in-house movements make this year’s Audemars Piguet unveiling truly memorable. Scroll below to see a full breakdown of all the new watch releases and to learn more. Discover Audemars Piguet 150 Heritage Pocket Watch Audemars Piguet’s 150 Heritage pocket watch marks 150 years of haute horology. At its core is the new Calibre 1150, an ultra-complicated movement built specifically for pocket use, with every pusher and corrector thoughtfully reworked to feel natural in the hand. Flip it over and you’ll find the debut of AP’s Universal Calendar, a beautifully legible mechanical guide to celestial cycles that have shaped how we mark time across cultures. With 47 functions and 30 complications, it sounds intimidating, yet it’s designed to be surprisingly intuitive. Wrapped in hand-engraved platinum, glowing Grand Feu enamel, and paired with a handmade chain, this two-piece creation quietly suggests what modern, portable haute horlogerie can look like when craftsmanship leads the conversation. Openworked Perpetual Calendars Audemars Piguet’s new Calibre 7139 brings the perpetual calendar into a more modern, wearable rhythm. The in-house selfwinding movement pairs classic openworked craftsmanship with a cleaner, more legible calendar layout, making a famously complex complication easier to live with day to day. The all-in-one crown correction system keeps things intuitive, while the openworked architecture lets light pass straight through the movement, putting the mechanics front and center. Making its debut in a 41 mm Code 11.59 and a striking Royal Oak that blends titanium with Bulk Metallic Glass, Calibre 7139 shows up behind sapphire dials that reward a closer look. It’s a natural successor to the retired Calibre 5135, opening a new chapter for one of watchmaking’s most poetic complications. Neo Frame Jumping Hour Audemars Piguet’s Neo Frame Jumping Hour is a deep pull from the brand’s archives, brought forward into the present without losing its sense of style. Inspired by a 1929 rectangular pocket watch and the Streamline design movement, the watch has strong vertical lines and architectural proportions rather than the usual round case comfort zone. Inside is Calibre 7122, AP’s first selfwinding jumping hour movement, which adds a quietly mechanical twist to an already unconventional design. The pink gold and sapphire case gives the watch a light, almost floating quality, while the newly patterned strap reinforces its vintage-meets-modern personality. Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 'Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50' The new 41 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar brings two recent Audemars Piguet developments together in a way that’s easy to appreciate once it’s on the wrist. The case and bracelet are crafted entirely from “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic, a deep, historically rooted color that plays with light across polished and satin-brushed surfaces while keeping the watch surprisingly light. Inside is Calibre 7138, featuring an all-in-one crown system that allows the perpetual calendar to be adjusted without tools or the usual fear of doing something wrong. The dial layout is cleaner, making the calendar information quicker to read at a glance. Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon This new Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon keeps things visually interesting. The 41 mm case pairs white gold with a black ceramic middle, a combination that’s become a quiet signature for the line, while the ivory-toned dial adds warmth and texture. The guilloché pattern, developed with artisan Yann von Kaenel, uses concentric circles and subtle PVD coloring to create depth that shifts as the light moves, rather than demanding attention all at once. At six o’clock, the flying tourbillon in Calibre 2950 is left fully exposed, rotating without an upper bridge and visible from both sides of the watch. Pink gold details on the hands and markers add contrast, tying the whole design together in a way that feels considered and balanced rather than overworked. Royal Oak Offshore Ceramic Audemars Piguet’s two new 43 mm Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronographs mix modern materials with the brand’s watchmaking know-how in a way that’s purposeful. The first pairs a deep “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” ceramic case with titanium accents and a textured calfskin strap, set off by a beige Méga Tapisserie dial with matching blue details for a subtle two-tone effect. The second goes darker and sportier, combining a titanium case with a black ceramic bezel, pushers, and crown, paired with a smoked green PVD Méga Tapisserie dial and grey-green rubber strap. Both run on the in-house integrated flyback chronograph Calibre 4401, visible through the sapphire caseback.

H. Moser Endeavour Tourbillon Skeleton: Beauty in Subtraction

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 28, 2026

H. Moser's New Endeavour Tourbillon Skeleton

At H. Moser & Cie., minimalism has never been about chasing trends but instead, knowing exactly what to remove so the essentials can be the main focus. The all-new Endeavour Tourbillon Skeleton is the purest expression of that thought, a watch that doesn’t hide behind a dial or decorations, but rather gives you a chance to look straight through it. The first thing you notice is the sense of space. Light moves freely through the fully skeletonized dial, revealing a movement that’s more architectural than ornamental. The anthracite-finished bridges and main plate assemble a clean, modern design, adding sculptural quality without sacrificing legibility. Gold-plated indices and leaf-shaped hands add just enough warmth, while the one-minute flying tourbillon at six o’clock anchors the entire look. Powering the watch is the in-house HMC 814 self-winding skeleton movement, equipped with Moser’s signature double hairspring, developed and produced entirely in-house. It’s rooted in engineering, not marketing, and is designed to improve accuracy by balancing and reducing friction. All of this lives inside a 40mm 5N red gold case that feels remarkably minimal for something so complex. Slim, balanced, and unmistakably Endeavour in styling, it wears with ease in lieu of what’s going on beneath the surface. The Endeavour Tourbillon Skeleton is about showing how much can be revealed when a brand is confident enough to subtract and let the watchmaking speak for itself.

Front view of a tan Land Rover Defender with rugged tires, black accents, a green roof, and Castrol sponsor stickers, set against a beige background.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 05, 2026

Bell & Ross Is Going Rally Racing with Defender at Dakar ...

Bell & Ross joins Defender Rally at Dakar 2026, bringing its tool-watch mindset to the toughest race on earth. There’s something fitting about Bell & Ross finding its way to the Dakar Rally. The watchmaker has always built watches for people who rely on them rather than admire them from a watch case, and rally racing sits comfortably in that same space. As part of the start of the new year, Bell & Ross will serve as the official timing partner for the Defender Rally as it competes in the World Rally-Raid Championship, beginning with the Dakar event. It’s less about logos on bodywork and more about being present where precision, endurance, and focus are non-negotiable, especially when stages stretch endlessly across the Saudi desert and its demanding terrain. Dakar has a way of exposing weak links, mechanical or human, and that’s largely why it makes sense for Bell & Ross to be involved. Timing in rallies is functional, constant, and unforgiving. For drivers in the Defender Dakar D7X-R, knowing exactly where they stand at any given moment can shape decisions hours down the road. Bell & Ross has spent decades building its reputation around legibility and reliability in extreme conditions, first in aviation and later underwater, and now on track. Dakar is another chapter in that story rather than a departure from it. The watch heading into the dunes with Defender Rally is the BR-X3 Black Titanium, a creation that leans heavily into its role as an instrument tool rather than a mere accessory. Lightweight grade 2 titanium, a COSC-certified movement, and a dial designed for easy readability all point toward usability over luxury. Visually, the watch’s square case and round dial echo the Defender’s own design language, clean, purposeful, and engineered with intent. In a race defined by long days, physical strain, and mechanical stress, the partnership is more about showing up with the right tools and letting the terrain speak for itself. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bell & Ross Watches (@bellrosswatches) Source: Bell & Ross

An auctioneer conducts a watch auction at Phillips, with attendees photographing the event. Currency values and an image of one of the most expensive watches are displayed on large screens during this record-breaking year.

By Jordan Aquistapace –

Phillips' Record-Breaking $370 Million Year, and the 10 M...

Phillips Watches closes out its 10th anniversary achieving the highest annual total in history. In a year where the luxury watch market was predicted to be calm, Phillips Watches did the opposite on a historic scale. As the auction house marked its 10th anniversary in 2025, it delivered numbers that reset the industry entirely. Between record-breaking live auctions, online sales, and a growing private sales, Phillips Watches achieved a jaw-dropping $370 million across all its channels, proving just how resilient high-end watch collecting remains when trust and curation lead the way. Patek Philippe, Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 1518 Stainless Steel At the center of that success was $290.4 million in global watch auction sales, the highest annual total ever achieved by any watch auction department. It also marked Phillips’ fifth consecutive year surpassing $200 million, a first for the industry. Phillips once again sells 1,802 lots with an almost unheard-of 99% sell-through rate by lot and 100% by value. Only 11 lots unsold all year, hammer prices reaching 246% of low estimates, and an average live-auction lot value of $173,000. F.P. Journe, Francis Ford Coppola FFC Prototype 10 Most Expensive Sales F.P. Journe, Chronomètre à Résonance ‘Souscription No. 17’ — $2,843,000 Philippe Dufour, Duality ‘No. 1’ — $3,085,000 Patek Philippe, Ref. 3448 Pink Gold Perpetual Calendar — $3,272,933 F.P. Journe, Chronomètre à Résonance ‘Sincere Fine Watches, Black Mother-of-Pearl’ — $3,690,000 F.P. Journe, Chronomètre à Résonance ‘Souscription No. 2’ — $4,133,798 Patek Philippe, Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 1518 ‘Pink on Pink’ — $4,434,483 Cartier, Portico Mystery Clock — $4,727,837 F.P. Journe × THA for Breguet, Sympathique Clock with Tourbillon Wristwatch — $6,619,212 F.P. Journe, Francis Ford Coppola FFC Prototype — $10,775,000 Patek Philippe, Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 1518 Stainless Steel — $17,631,075 The headline result came from a stainless steel Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, which sold for over US $17.6 million, becoming the most valuable vintage Patek Philippe wristwatch ever auctioned and the most valuable timepiece sold globally in 2025. Not far behind was the F.P. Journe FFC prototype from Francis Ford Coppola’s collection, which brought $10.8 million, setting new records for the brand, independent watchmaking, and any 21st-century non-charity wristwatch. Vintage Rolex and Patek Philippe continued to anchor the market, while independent watchmakers, from Philippe Dufour and Kari Voutilainen to Konstantin Chaykin and Charles Frodsham, show that collecting is more than a passing trend. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6263 Source: Philips Watches

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 26, 2025

Why The Chronograph Is The Ultimate Automotive Watch

The chronograph has long since distinguished itself as a cornerstone in both automotive history and watchmaking, even making its mark as the first watch to land on the moon’s surface. Regarded as one of the most versatile timepieces ever created, with the ability to function as a stopwatch and a traditional watch, the chronograph has become a staple for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its everyday usefulness and historical significance. Historically, the chronograph has been associated with influential figures like Paul Newman and Steve McQueen, further cementing its position in the timeline of luxury watches with examples like the Rolex Daytona Cosmograph and TAG Heuer Carrera. For automotive aficionados, the chronograph represents that bridge between the realms of competitive racing and haute horology. Whether for gauging lap times or fine-tuning a race car’s on-track capabilities, the chronograph offers multiple levels of accuracy that are indispensable for both drivers and teams. Roger Dubuis Understanding how a chronograph works reveals why it’s such a valuable tool for racing. Functionality is what sets it apart from all other wristwatch variations, which is why its technology has been adopted by Swiss watch icons like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, TAG Heuer, and so many others. While it maintains the basic features of a standard wristwatch, additional complications allow it to measure elapsed time with remarkable accuracy. This is achieved through extra sub-dials and pushers that control the stopwatch function separately from the primary time display. For pioneering and modern-day drivers, this is important for tracking lap times and analyzing other performance metrics. The origin of the chronograph dates back to 1816, when Louis Moinet, a French watchmaker, created the first modern chronograph. His invention could measure time to 1/60th of a second and is still recognized as the significant advancement in precision that laid the groundwork for future developments in timing technology. Without Louis Moinet and his ingenious creation, the watch world would be without coveted models like the Zenith Chronomaster Original and Omega Speedmaster. TAG Heuer In the context of racing, the chronograph’s ability to provide detailed timing information is invaluable. Accurate lap times and performance measurements help teams and drivers make strategic adjustments and improvements. Imagine standing trackside at the 24 Hours of Le Mans while carefully monitoring lap times from your wrist to guarantee a victory at the checkered flag. Despite technological advancements, the chronograph’s straightforward design and accuracy continue to make it a relevant tool in motorsport today. The chronograph offers a compelling entry point for those interested in luxury watch collecting, with a vast range of price points and styles that are sure to fit the needs of any watch lover. Its historical significance, combined with its practical functions, makes it a noteworthy piece for both seasoned collectors and newcomers. The chronograph’s blend of functionality and heritage ensures its place as a respected and enduring part of the world of fine watches.

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