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 – December 20, 2021

Vacheron Constantin Reveals The Complete Calendar Openfac...

Vacheron Constantin shows off its engineering with two new examples. While the construction of modern luxury timepieces highlights the design behind each example, the true beauty lies behind the dial where the movement intricately operates. With a growing interest in exposing the inner workings of a timepiece, industry leaders create unique collections dedicated to skeletonized models. The timepiece professionals at Vacheron Constantin are proud to release its new Complete Calendar Openface Collection, featuring two variations that sport precious metal designs. The new Complete Calendar Openface Collection presents itself as a 41mm chronograph crafted from a choice of 18k Pink Gold or 18k White Gold. The skeletonized dial design includes a 31-day calendar that surrounds the inner bezel, with Month, Date, and Moon functions. MUST-READ: The 2021 duPont REGISTRY Holiday Watch Gift Guide Delivering power to the new release from Vacheron Constantin is an in-house 2460 QLC/2 self-winding movement, capable of holding a 40-hour power reserve under a 30-meter water resistance. The transparent backcase of the Complete Calendar Openface provides a secondary view of the mechanism behind the grand complication, while the outer portion features engravings to signify the special release. The traditional styling of Vacheron Constantin is incorporated into its luxurious grey Mississippiensis alligator leather strap and metal-matching Adrillon buckle. The all-new Vacheron Constantin Complete Calendar Openface Collection is now available through an authorized retailer with a price tag of $47,300. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Vacheron Constantin

By Roberta Naas – December 17, 2021

The 2021 duPont REGISTRY Holiday Watch Gift Guide

A selection of the best luxury timepieces on the market for the holiday season. The holidays are upon us and that means it’s time for some evening soirees, a black tie New Year’s Eve or some other exciting holiday event. Sure, it’s easy to don a tux or a nice dark suit, maybe even dress it up with an eccentric bow tie. But the real measure of elegance comes down to the watch you wear on your wrist. And don’t even think about going without a watch; that’s like being naked in a boardroom. Watches are a real status symbol today, perhaps more so than ever before. During the pandemic, many a collector (car, watch, coin, whiskey – you name it) indulged in their passions instead of traveling. That means sales of the finest timepieces were on the rise. Sometimes rampantly so. Additionally, interest in the certified pre-owned watch market surged as the waiting lists for new watches from top brands were too unwieldy for enthusiasts to grapple with. This all translates to a real cognizance about the importance of watches. So, to look your best and to show off just a little this holiday season, don a watch. Don’t be fooled, either, into thinking that the watch needs to be a classic three-hands gold watch. There is a surge in the sales of stainless steel watches, as well. Including those with integrated bracelets. In fact, this go-for-the-steel concept has collectors all over the world vying for stainless steel watches – driving the prices of steel almost as high as gold, and in some instances, higher. With all of these new watch trends on the rise, now more than ever, elegance translates to a host of different styles. Longines may say it best in their tag line, “Elegance is an attitude.” It isn’t a price, it isn’t a style, it is what you want it to be. Sure, elegant watches can be classic watches, maybe even icons like the Cartier Tank or the Jaeger-Le-Coultre Reverso. They can also be timepieces that are re-editions of yesteryear watches or vintage-inspired pieces. Sometimes these watches, usually with a great back story, are real conversation starters and nothing says “elegant” like a watch inspired by the art deco era, the vivacious 1950’s and even the brazen 1970’s. Kerbedanz Cadanz by Kerbedanz Cruise Date An all new line from Kerbedanz, the new Cadanz collection is decidedly modern and geometric in appeal. Thanks to the three different diameter sizes (32mm, 36mm, 41mm) that the contemporary Cadanz watches are created in, they are a perfect unisex watch. This collection marks the brand’s foray into series-production watches, in addition to its one-off s and limited edition timepieces. Distinguishing marks of the Cadanz line include a center dial that is beautifully guilloche’ and a crown at 2:00 on the case instead of 3:00 for better ergonomics. An automatic movement with 189 parts and 50 hours of power reserve powers the watches. This Cadanz Cruise Date watch boasts a silver dial with blue hands and a bold orange rubber strap. The case is bezel-less and allows for a much larger viewing of the dial, which is especially nice since this model boasts an arched aperture at 2:00 to display the date. This version is crafted in stainless steel with double-sided anti-reflective sapphire crystals. Price: $10,600 Shop Now Cadanz by Kerbedanz Signature Date This Cadanz by Kerbedanz Signature Date watch offers hours, minutes, seconds and date display in a classical look, but with a twist. The crown is placed at 2:00 on the case for a contemporary appeal and for ergonomics. The small circular window display at 2:00 on the dial showcases the date. The navy blue sunray dial boasts silver hands and markers, as well as stylized numerals for great readability. The Signature Date watch is powered by the Automatic KRB-05 caliber with 189 components and 50 hours of power reserve. It is water resistant to 3 ATM. The bold blue matching strap is made of rubber with an orange lining on the wrist side. Price: $10,600 Shop Now Ernst Benz ChronoLunar Officer DLC Swiss-made to exacting standards, Ernst Benz watches are all about legibility and performance. Powered by mechanical movements meant to accompany the wearer anywhere, these instruments are also aesthetically appealing and make a statement all their own. A prime example is the ChronoLunar Officer DLC watch whose stealth black Diamond Like Carbon coating on stainless steel make this watch ultra-appealing. Aptly named ChronoLunar, the watch is combination chronograph offering hours and minute counters and central seconds hand, as well as a calendar complete with lunar or moonphase indicator. Thanks to an outer chapter ring, it offers date indication, and via apertures at 12:00 within the minutes register, it displays day and month. The layout offers both harmonious balance and incredible readability. The black dial is off set nicely by soft yellow accents and luminescent hands and markers. Available in 44mm and 47mm. It is powered by an automatic Valjoux 7751 movement. Price: $8,275 Shop Now ChronoLunar A tried and true precision instrument with classic lines and contemporary appeal, the stainless steel ChronoLunar watch boasts all of the functions of the ChronoLunar Officer DLC (chronograph, moonphase, day, date, month), but does so in a way that offers city chic appeal thanks to the polished 47mm (also available in 44mm) case and the white dial with white luminous applied numbers and hands. The watch even boasts a transparent sapphire exhibition case back for viewing the automatic Valjoux 7751 movement with such high-tech components as Incabloc shock protection, Glucydur Balance, Nivarox Alloy Hairspring and more. The knurled crown is fitted with a double-O ring and the entire watch is water resistant to 50 meters. It is finished with a handmade alligator strap. Price: $7,625 Shop Now Orbita Sparta Bold A great holiday gift or self-purchase, the entry-level Sparta Bold collection of watch winders are ideal for use in a safe since they are battery operated and don’t need to be plugged in. This single-watch winder is equipped with long-life lithium D cell batteries that operate on Orbita’s 8-minute winding cycle, 12-minute winding cycle or even an extended winding cycle that can be selected using a toggle switch behind the mounting cup. The longer the cycle selected, the longer the batteries live, with most lasting for years. Orbita American-made winders gently swing the watches on the mounting cup in a way that emulates the natural wrist movement. Price: $295 Shop Now Siena A beautiful statement piece on any dresser, this three-watch Orbita Siena watch winder is classically elegant. When closed, the box features a beveled glass panel on the sloped front that allows for viewing of the three watches within. Superbly finished hinges raise the lid with little effort and securely hold it in place for easy removal of any watch. The interior of the box is finished in soft suede and the outer surfaces are crafted in wood that is lacquered with a high-gloss polyester finish. Naturally, the base of the winder is suede covered in order to not inflict damage on furniture tops. The rotor-wind technology is powered by batteries (beneath the drive modules) and can be set to different winding times. Price: $1,995 Shop Now Vortic Watch Company The Springfield 439 A magnificent timepiece from Illinois Watch Company that Vortic has beautifully restored, this unique wristwatch was once a pocket watch. Vortic Watch Company is dedicated to finding useable American-made pocket watches of yesteryear and restoring them in their American workshops in Colorado. In an effort to preserve the legacy of American watchmaking, Vortic combines traditional and cutting-edge technology to create its small batch custom watches. This wristwatch is powered by a restored American-made pocket watch movement and boasts an original dial and hands. The watch measures 46mm in diameter and was originally made in Springfield, IL in 1920. The dial has garnered a beautiful patina and the beauty of the blue stylized numerals are underscored by the blued hands and a rich blue leather strap. The onion-type crown at 12:00 is accented in gold against the stainless steel case. From the sapphire case back, one can view the 101-year-old movement with rose gold gears and 17 screw-set jewels. Price: $2,995 Shop Now The Military Third Edition Known for finding antique pocket watches, restoring the original movements, and converting them into wristwatches, Vortic takes its job seriously – paying close attention to every detail. Taking America-made watches of yesterday and updating them for today in wristwatch format, Votic just released its third-generation Military Edition wristwatch on Veteran’s Day, November 2021. Just 50 Military Edition watches are released annually. Each houses the original movement, hands and dial. This watch is the Master Navigation watch that was issued during World War II to the US Army Air Corps for bomber pilots. It was the first of its kind to keep 24-hour military time while also acting as a stop-watch. The dark black dial sits beautifully in a stainless steel wristwatch case with curved lugs and finished with a military style khaki canvas strap. Price: $6,995 Shop Now

classic fusion aerofusion aspen snowmass 45 mm ad shot

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 16, 2021

Hublot Releases The New Limited-Edition Classic Fusion Ae...

Hublot celebrates 75-years of Aspen Snowmass with a commemorative Classic Fusion model. The Hublot brand is best known for its limited-edition collaboration timepieces that reimagine classic models with creative design characteristics and hidden features. Hublot is proud to present the all-new Classic Fusion Aerofusion Aspen Snowmass to commemorate the iconic ski resort’s 75th Anniversary. The new Classic Fusion Aerofusion Aspen Snowmass presents itself as a 45mm limited-edition chronograph crafted from black and white ceramic to signify the winter months of operation. The skeletonized dial design makes for a perfectly open view of the inner workings of the timepiece while providing a multitude of efficient and easy-to-use functions. MUST-READ: Hublot Releases The $106,000 Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow Delivering power to the limited-edition Classic Fusion Aerofusion is Hublot’s in-house HUB1155 self-winding chronograph movement, which holds an impressive 42-hour power reserve while operating under a 50-meter water resistance. The transparent backcase includes the Aspen Snowmass logo laser etched on the sapphire crystal, with the outer potion featuring engravings to signify the special release. The matching white calfskin leather and black rubber strap ensures a comfortable daily wear for any watch collector or enthusiast. The all-new Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Aspen Snowmass is limited to only 25-pieces and is currently available for $18,500 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. Shop Hublot x Aspen Snowmass View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hublot (@hublot) Source: Hublot

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 15, 2021

Stephen Curry Gifts New Rolexes To Draymond Green And And...

Celebrating a new all-time 3-point shooter with a pair of Rolexes. The gesture of gifting to celebrate success with colleagues usually includes a bottle of champagne and a toast, but for NBA superstar Stephen Curry the appropriate thank you gift is a luxury watch. In a video recently uploaded to the ESPN YouTube channel, Steph surprises his teammates Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala with a pair of brand new Rolexes outside the locker room. MUST-READ: Keanu Reeves Gifts The John Wick 4 Stunt Cast With New Rolex Submariners The special event took place as a thank you after Stephen Curry broke the all-time 3-point record at Madison Square Garden. Although the camera view is just out of reach to accurately decipher the exact model, the oyster bracelet on Draymond Green’s watch leads us to believe it's a sports model. The kind gesture from Stephen Curry is celebrated with hugs and handshakes from the NBA professionals, along with a quick moment to help size the watches. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more celebrity watch news and luxury watch releases. Source: ESPN YouTube

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 15, 2021

Patek Philippe Releases The $638,000 Limited-Edition Fort...

Patek Philippe goes platinum with its new minute-repeater. When it comes to traditional luxury timepiece brands that help pioneer the watch market, Patek Philippe stands tall as an industry leader with more than 182-years behind its iconic name. Making such an impact on the industry, Patek Philippe ensures that each example release will be highly anticipated by collectors and enthusiasts. Patek Philippe is proud to present the newest release from its Advanced Research sector, the limited-edition Fortissimo Ref. 5750P. The new Patek Philippe Fortissimo 5750P takes its shape as a 40mm minute-repeater handcrafted from Platinum. The dial of the 5750P features an 18k White Gold openworked spoke-style design with a rotating center sub-dial. MUST-READ: Phillips Auction Sells The First Patek Philippe 5711 Tiffany & Co. For $6,503,500 The movement delivering power to the precious metal Patek Philippe is an in-house R 27 PS self-winding caliber, which also includes a minute repeater function with classic gong sounds. The transparent back case allows for a closer look at the attention to detail and inner workings of the mechanism, while the outer portion is engraved with ‘Advanced Research’ to signify the special release. While the traditional theme for Patek Philippe is elegant, the Fortissimo 5750P comes equipped with a shiny orange hand-stitched alligator leather strap and fold-over clasp. As an extremely coveted example, the Patek Philippe Fortissimo is limited to only 15-pieces with a price tag of $638,000. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Patek Philippe

By Edward Jones – December 15, 2021

Meet the Graham Chronofighter Vintage Aviator

Presented by Graham 1695 - The new Chronofighter Vintage Aviator includes two limited edition variants, each dressed in a stealthy shade of black. They are dark, menacing and ready to fire. As they break cover, emerging from the shadows, their eye-catching altimeter-themed details come into view, bright and punchy. Go on, pull the trigger and discover the difference that Graham ownership confers. This year, Graham celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Chronofighter with the release of a new version of its popular model, the Vintage Aviator. The dial design includes a small seconds display, positioned at 3 o’clock and enlivened with a striped pattern. This latter motif emulates the appearance of the low-altitude warning stripes found on an altimeter within a plane’s cockpit. Graham has repeatedly looked to the skies for inspiration. The date display, located at 9 o’clock, once again reproduces the appearance of an altimeter scale. The indication simultaneously shows the date for yesterday, the current day and tomorrow. It looks different from a regular date display but remains eminently intelligible. A day indication is positioned adjacent the date, clear and unambiguous. Devotees of the Chronofighter can rest easy, the distinctive trigger remains, bold and proud. While its design differentiates this watch from other chronographs, it is also intuitive to use. When using a chronograph, the wearer observes the start of an event, actuates the stopwatch function and, thereafter, at the end of the event, halts the timer. The potential problem is the human factor, namely, the time gap between seeing an event and pressing the trigger. The shorter the gap between observation and pressing the trigger, the more validity the recorded elapsed time really has. The thumb is the fastest acting digit, hence with this design, a right-handed person will instinctively place their plumpest digit on the trigger and press it with lightning bolt alacrity. Another benefit of positioning the combined crown and trigger on the left is that it confers superior wearer comfort. Often when a watch is worn and the wearer flexes their wrist, the protrusions on the right flank of the case gouge the wrist, chafe the skin or inhibit free movement. The Chronofighter’s trigger sidesteps such problems. Housed in a 44mm stainless steel case, the Chronofighter Vintage Aviator shares much in common with its siblings, albeit there are two limited edition models which conspicuously veer off piste, exploring new territory. These limited edition watches are dressed in brooding matte black DLC, evincing a stealthy, understated appearance. However, each dial composition arrests the onlooker’s attention with eye-popping dial detail. For example, one model pairs the black sultry tones of the case with a matching black dial. These restrained tones act as a foil for the vividly hued, red hands, hour markers and minute track. The remaining dial elements are executed in white, emerging from the darkness, again arresting the onlooker’s attention. Consistent with other Graham timepieces, the Chronofighter Vintage Aviator is fitted with a Swiss automatic movement, delivering precision and reliability. With the Chronofighter Vintage Aviator, you’re clear for take-off. Pull the trigger and discover the difference Graham ownership confers. All models are available worldwide from all authorized Graham retailers or www.graham1695.com Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 14, 2021

Roger Dubuis Releases The $146,500 Limited-Edition Excali...

Roger Dubuis adds a hint of color to the Excalibur with help from Gully. The Roger Dubuis brand surrounds itself with industry leaders and creative individuals to help add unique touches on luxury timepieces through limited-edition collaboration projects. Roger Dubuis is excited to announce its newest project with renowned French Graffiti Artist Gully. The creative relationship takes shape as the new limited-edition Roger Dubuis Excalibur Gully Monotourbillon. The new Excalibur Gully Monotourbillon presents itself in a 42mm case design crafted Dark Grey DLC Titanium that holds an impressive 100-meter water resistance. The traditional Excalibur skeleton dial design is reimagined using hints of colors that are commonly incorporated into Gully’s artwork. MUST-READ: On Wrist Review: The Limited-Edition Zenith DEFY 21 Urban Jungle Delivering power to the artistic Excalibur Gully Monotourbillon is Roger Dubuis’ in-house RD512 Tourbillon movement, capable of providing a lengthy 72-hour power reserve. The transparent backcase allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the grand complication, while the outer case features engravings to signify the limited-edition release from Roger Dubuis x Gully. Keeping eye attention on the colorful dial, Roger Dubuis adds a stealth-like black rubber strap to increase comfort as an everyday timepiece. The all-new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Gully Monotourbillon is limited to only 25-pieces and is currently available for $146,500 by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. Shop Roger Dubuis x Gully View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Roger Dubuis

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 14, 2021

On Wrist Review: The Limited-Edition Zenith DEFY 21 Urban...

Getting hands-on with the limited-edition chronograph from Zenith watches. The DEFY 21 Collection embodies state-of-the-art design and movement technology for the Zenith watch brand, making each example release a special event for collectors and enthusiasts. Best known as the chronograph of the 21st century, the DEFY 21 culminates over 50 years of mastery of the sporty chronograph and the automatic chronograph caliber. Zenith was kind enough to lend us a limited-edition DEFY 21 Urban Jungle to experience the timepiece first-hand, and this is what we thought about it after a week on the wrist. Focus At first glance, the main focus of the Zenith DEFY 21 Urban Jungle design comes from the stealth-like matte Khaki green finish of the 44mm case design that ties into the theme of its wilderness vision. Along with its unique design, the DEFY 21 also features a skeletonized dial that allows for an up-close and personal view of the inner workings of the timepiece. While attending a private event held by the SAC Collective in collaboration with Beard’s Jewelry, the Zenith DEFY 21 Urban Jungle acted as a perfect conversation piece throughout the night. While the event dress attire focused more on business casual, the timepiece dresses perfectly under any style or color combination. The styling of a wristwatch teeters on a fine line on whether a piece is head-turning or conservative, and the Zenith DEFY 21 Urban Jungle blends the best of both worlds. Feel While luxury timepieces focus on providing individuals with everyday functions for efficiency, they are meant to be worn as a comfortable accessory that compliments any style. The Zenith DEFY 21 Urban Jungle wears exceptionally well and modest on a larger wrist size, making it the perfect option for any watch collector. One of the main reasons why the DEFY 21 Urban Jungle is so enjoyable to wear is the comfortable Khaki Green nylon-lined rubber strap, which also features a quick sizing adjustment system. Further adding to the functionality and reliability of the DEFY 21 Urban Jungle, Zenith delivered a comfort factor to the new chronograph that makes it an everyday option for any watch enthusiast. Function While the design and comfort of the limited-edition Zenith DEFY 21 Urban Jungle prove to be exterior highlights of the piece, the true beauty lies behind what drives the skeletonized chronograph. The most important mechanical feature of a watch is to continue to hold time without interruptions. The quality of Zenith's in-house El Primero movement provides a sense of security knowing that the DEFY 21 Urban Jungle will stand up to whatever is thrown its way. Alongside the simplicity of telling time, Zenith also equipped the timepiece with 60-second, power reserve supply, and central chronograph functions to the dial design. While the DEFY 21 separates itself from other Zenith examples as a true grand complication, the timepiece provides an easy-to-use and stylish experience as perfect addition to the collection. While the main focus was to tell time, our time with the Zenith DEFY 21 Urban Jungle review dove much deeper, making it an eye-opening experience behind the design and technology behind the timepiece. Shop Zenith Watches For more Watch news, Check out The Top 10 Watches To Start Your Watch Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 13, 2021

Discover The Limited-Edition Franck Muller x Bamford Watc...

Two timepiece icons join forces on one creative collaboration project. The timepiece professionals at Bamford Watch Department are best known for reimagining sough-after examples from some of the watch world’s most iconic brands. Bamford Watch Department is excited to announce its newest collaboration project with the team at Franck Muller. The new limited-edition Franck Muller x BWD Crazy Hours Snoopy features a classic 39.6mm tonneau case design crafted from matte black stainless steel with rhodium plating. The stealth-like dial layout includes Snoopy as the main focus with his arms functioning as the hour and minute hands. Also incorporated into the design of the dial is Snoopy’s main sidekick Woodstock, who is portrayed twice at the 5 and 10 o’clock positions. MUST-READ: Phillips Auction Sells The First Patek Philippe 5711 Tiffany & Co. For $6,503,500 At night, the entire dial illuminates clearly in a fingerprint style with a Super LumiNova coating. Delivering power to the Franck Muller x BWD timepiece is an in-house self-winding movement with a bidirectional rotor system that supplies a lengthy 42-hour power reserve. The backcase of the piece features engravings to signify the special release from Franck Muller and Bamford Watch Department. Keeping its texturized design, the Franck Muller x BWD Crazy Hours Snoopy includes a comfortable black hand-sewn fabric strap. The new Crazy Hours Snoopy by Franck Muller x Bamford Watch Department is limited to only 25-pieces and available through an authorized dealer for $37,000. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Bamford Watch Department

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 13, 2021

Phillips Auction Sells The First Patek Philippe 5711 Tiff...

As one of the most popular watches within the industry, the market price is now set! There are moments in timepiece history that highlight the progression of the market and its community of dedicated enthusiasts. For the lucky individuals attending the Phillips 2021 New York Watch Auction, they were able to see history unfold with the bidding war and sale of the first Patek Philippe Nautilus Tiffany & Co. The limited-edition Patek Philippe x Tiffany & Co. takes shape as the brand’s iconic Ref. 5711 model, commemorating the 170-year anniversary between the two luxury powerhouses. MUST-READ: Patek Philippe x Tiffany & Co. Celebrate 170-Years With A New Limited-Edition Nautilus 5711 In preparation for the highly-anticipated auction lot, Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo advertised the piece as a donation with 100% of the proceeds benefitting The Nature Conservancy (TNC). After an initial estimate of ‘In excess of $50,000’ from Phillips, the bidding war concluded with an astronomical sale price of $6,503,500. With a limited production of 170-pieces and a retail price of $52,635, this example stamps itself as one of the most expensive Patek Philippe models sold at auction. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury watch news and releases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Phillips

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