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

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By Jordan Aquistapace – April 03, 2024

MB&F's M.A.D.Edition Reveals The 'Time to Love' Watch Wit...

Artistic and accessible, MB&F is making all the right moves with M.A.D.Edition! Always keen on exploring outside the traditional art of watchmaking and design, MB&F has been at the forefront of innovative horology since the release of its very first Horological Machine. In addition to pushing the envelope, founder Max Büsser also takes pride in opening his doors to creative collaborations with other passionate, artistic industry leaders through the more accessible M.A.D.Edition branch. When it comes to the intersection of fine art and luxury timekeeping, M.A.D.Edition's all-new 'Time to Love' watch stands out as the perfect blend of creativity and craftsmanship. The exciting collaboration between the visionary Jean-Charles de Castelbajac (JCDC) and M.A.D.Editions breathe life into the idea that a watch can be more than a timekeeper. Priced at $3,600 and limited to just 999 pieces, this piece is as exclusive as it is head-turning. The choice of the M.A.D.1 model as the canvas for JCDC's creativity brings forth the use of bold colors on the rotor: red for passion, blue for hope, yellow for warmth, and a splash of green for cherished memories. The watch dial, decorated with a sincere quote in French, serves as a daily reminder of life's value and the importance of cherishing time. With a clever raffle distribution strategy to ensure fair access to both loyal collectors and new admirers, this is a call to live fully "on time" in every moment of love. View all luxury watches for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: MB&F

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 01, 2024

Singer Reimagined Adds A New Diver Watch To Its Automotiv...

Having made a name for itself on the track, Singer Reimagined heads to the open ocean for its newest release. Solidifying itself as a fuel-driven extension of its bespoke Porsche 911 restoration service, Singer Reimagined's luxury watches help preserve the designs and functions commonly seen in the early eras of motorsport racing. It reminds collectors and enthusiasts of the days when wristwatches were worn as both a tool and stylish accessory, whether it be a race car driver or an aquatic diver. With the Track1 and Flytrack collections already making waves in the watch world, Singer Reimagined is proud to announce the Drivetack as the next upcoming addition to its lineup of limited-edition tool watches. The all-new Divetrack stands out as a first-of-its-kind with a focus on marine functionality that derives directly from the world of performance sports cars. The Divetrack stands alone as the industry's singular mechanical diving chronograph, setting the bar with a cutting-edge movement design and a function-first approach. It showcases Singer’s peak achievement in diving watch technology and craftsmanship, combining top-tier style with performance-oriented mechanics. It's better described as a dream come true for diving enthusiasts and watch lovers. The Singer Reimagined Divetrack is making its grand debut at the Geneva Watch Week in April 2024. Want an up-close look? Secure a slot with the Singer Team and dive into the world of Divetrack from April 9th to 13th at the Beau Rivage Hotel in Geneva. View all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Singer Reimagined

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By Jordan Aquistapace – March 28, 2024

Angelus Debuts Its New Racing-Inspired Instrument de Vite...

Alongside the actual race car, early motorsport drivers used chronograph watches as a tool to help track lap times and lead them to victory during grueling, competitive races. While enhanced technology quickly changed the way teams managed cars and strategy, the common chronograph continued to cement its status as the ultimate driver's watch with leading watchmakers releasing their own renditions. Today, the horologists at Angelus are proud to tip their hats to the history of timed races with the release of the new Instrument de Vitesse Monopusher Chronograph. Angelus is reviving up the golden era of car racing, encapsulated in a choice of ivory-white or ebony-black dials, each limited to an exclusive batch of 25. Diving deep into Angelus' archive of designs, reimagining the elegance of classic automobiles from England and Italy. The launch trails the footsteps of the Chronographe Médical, reinforcing the La Fabrique collection's mission to breathe new life into Angelus' classics. The Instrument de Vitesse features a tachymeter for timing life's quicker moments and a monopusher chronograph that's as slick as it sounds. With its 39mm steel case and a dial that divides function with style, it's clear this watch was made for the race track of life. Angelus' expertise shines through with the A5000 chronograph movement, presented in a slim yet powerful package. Whether you're drawn to the caramel calfskin strap and its ebony-black counterpart or the midnight-blue nubuck against ivory-white, the new Instrument de Vitesse Monopusher Chronographs are now available at authorized Angelus retailers. View all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Angelus Watches

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By Jordan Aquistapace – March 22, 2024

Omega x Swatch Reveal An Exclusive Snoopy-Inspired Biocer...

The newest addition to the Omega X Swatch lineup features a moon phase and chronograph! The Omega x Swatch collaboration is once again stirring up the watch world with another exclusive new release, the Bioceramic MoonSwatch MISSION TO THE MOONPHASE. The launch comes two years after its first groundbreaking collaboration, introducing an industry icon that combines the practicality of a chronograph with the irresistible look of a moon phase function. Named the Full Moon for its striking all-white design, it's a first of its kind for Swatch. Exclusive to this model is an homage to Omega’s legacy in space exploration, featuring Snoopy and his involvement with NASA. Incorporating the watch world's most famous character adds a layer of storytelling while it connects the watch to significant moments in space history like the Apollo 13 mission. Reflecting key attributes of the iconic Speedmaster Moonwatch, the first watch on the moon, the MISSION TO THE MOONPHASE includes the classic asymmetrical case and tachymeter-scaled bezel, along with the Speedmaster's signature subdials. Set to release on March 26 exclusively in select Swatch stores, the Bioceramic MoonSwatch MISSION TO THE MOONPHASE stands out as a pinnacle piece in the Omega X Swatch collaboration. Shop all luxury watches for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Swatch

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 20, 2024

Girard-Perregaux Debuts Its New Laureato Ti49 Chronograph

With a lightweight look and feel, Girard-Perregaux expands its Laureato lineup! Girard-Perregaux is back at it again, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology in its latest release, the Laureato Chronograph Ti49. The fresh take on the iconic 1975 Laureato design incorporates lightweight Grade 5 titanium. This new release honors the adventurous spirits of Jean-François Bautte, the founding genius behind Girard-Perregaux, and William Gregor, the mind who first uncovered titanium. These pioneers shared a common passion for discovery that has culminated as part of the creation of the Ti49. The Laureato's signature design shines brighter with the Ti49, featuring an array of polished and brushed surfaces that play with light to create a visually stunning piece. The dial, in a tasteful shade of grey with a Clous de Paris pattern, along with grey PVD-treated hands and indexes, offers a refined monochrome look that's both subtle and striking. At the heart of the Laureato Chronograph Ti49 lies an in-house Calibre GP03300 movement from Girard-Perregaux, complete with exquisite finishes and over 419 components. Launching in March 2024, the Laureato Chronograph Ti49 is an example of the legacy of Girard-Perregaux. A true watch collector's item, the all-new Girard-Perregaux Laureato Ti49 is now available through authorized boutiques for $19,400. View all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Girard-Perregaux

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 12, 2024

Rolex Teases An All-New Rose Gold Day-Date 40 At The Oscars

Rolex gears up for 2024 with its first new release! The Oscars really take the cake as the biggest night in showbiz, pulling in all the A-listers to celebrate their game-changing roles in the biggest hits at the box office. Alongside the celebration of cinematic achievements, the event doubles as a showcase for high fashion, with attendees sporting some of the most exclusive and desirable watches in the world. As part of its Perpetual Arts Initiative and long-standing partner of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and a proud Sponsor of the Oscars, Rolex recently released a new media campaign that teased a new Day-Date 40 model. The short film compiles scenes from the most successful motion pictures of the year, featuring cameos from huge names like Ben Stiller, Zach Effron, Ben Affleck, and many more. Along with showcasing some of Rolex's most coveted creations, including the iconic Submariner, Explorer II, GMT Master II, and Daytona, the renowned Swiss watchmaker gave collectors and enthusiasts a glimpse at an all-new Day-Date variation. The new Rolex Day-Date 40mm showcases a stunning 18k rose gold design complemented by a stunning slate dial that embodies luxury and sophistication. Viewed as the pinnacle of Rolex's lineup of high-end timepieces, the Day-Date collection is often referred to as the 'Presidential' because of its history as a watch worn by our country's leaders. With news of an unseen Day-Date 40 joining the Rolex family, authorized boutiques are sure to be flooded with watch lovers looking to secure an example for themselves. View all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale Source: Rolex

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 09, 2024

Audemars Piguet Debuts Its First-Ever 18K Sand Gold Watch

Audemars Piguet's new Royal Oak makes waves with a unique sand gold alloy! After kicking off the week in style with a jaw-dropping Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar collaboration with John Mayer, Audemars Piguet's long list of new releases features some first-ever milestones for the renowned Swiss watchmaker. Audemars Piguet has just upped its game by introducing its first-ever piece in sand gold, an 18-carat alloy that shines with the light to shift between shades of white and pink gold. It's like having several watches in one, depending on where you stand and how the light hits it. The star of this show is the new Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked in a robust 41 mm size. The sand gold case and bracelet are highlighted with Audemars Piguet's signature polished and brushed finishes, making it sparkle and shine from every angle. To match this stunning exterior, the inside got a makeover too, with a special sand-gold-toned color decorating the openworked bridges and mainplate of Audemars Piguet's in-house Calibre 2972. It's all visible through the watch, front and back, creating a depth and complexity that's undeniable. The sand gold alloy is tough and designed to stand up to the test of time without losing its glow, ensuring that it's a watch you'll wear, show off, and treasure. The all-new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked in sand gold is now available at authorized boutiques with pricing upon request. View all luxury watches for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Audemars Piguet

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 08, 2024

Glashütte Original Celebrates International Women's Day W...

Glashütte Original celebrates modern femininity with the new Serenade Luna. As we celebrate International Women's Day, Glashütte Original has introduced the all-new Serenade Luna, a timepiece that embodies the essence of modern womanhood. Drawing inspiration from the nature of femininity, the Serenade Luna is a mechanical marvel designed for the confident woman who forges her own path. Crafted with the finest materials and showcasing an innovative automatic movement built entirely in-house, the Serenade Luna stands out as an example of timeless beauty and highlights the contemporary art of watchmaking with a feminine touch. This new creation joins Glashütte Original's extensive portfolio of mechanical timepieces, offering a glamorous yet subtle companion that's both reliable in performance and stunning in its appearance. The Serenade Luna comes in four distinct versions, each designed to reflect the different personalities of its wearers. From the mother-of-pearl dials to the luxurious look of red gold with golden green dials, each model features sparkling diamond indexes and a modern moon phase display. At the heart of the Serenade Luna's is the moon phase complication, a specialty of Glashütte Original that adds a celestial touch to the dial. The timepieces come fitted on Louisiana alligator leather straps with a quick-change mechanism for easy customization. As Glashütte Original prepares to launch the Serenade Luna in March 2024, this addition is an irresistible choice for women around the globe who celebrate their diversity and individuality. View all luxury watches currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale Source: Glashütte Original

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 07, 2024

Audemars Piguet Debuts The New $180K Royal Oak Perpetual ...

Aside from his role as a world-class American musician, John Mayer shares a passion for haute horology made famous by his first appearance on Hodinkee's "Talking Watches" series. Since then, John Mayer has been welcomed into the Hodinkee family as an investor and continues to build and retain honest relationships with industry giants like Audemars Piguet. With an extensive collection that features everything from rare vintage models to 1-of-1 examples, Audemars Piguet is pleased to announce an exclusive Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in collaboration with longtime friend John Mayer. The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition showcases a "Crystal Sky" dial characterized by its vibrant blue hue and crystal-like patterns, crafted through an advanced electroforming process. The design choice brings a fresh aesthetic to the iconic Royal Oak collection while paying homage to the complexity and beauty of time itself. John's meticulous attention to detail is apparent in every aspect of the watch, from the luminescent 18-carat white gold hour markers to the subtly modified perpetual calendar display. The dial's deep blue shade is achieved through Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD), enhancing the texture and maximizing light play, accentuated with matching blue subdials and white calendar indications. Limited to 200 pieces, this collaboration marks a historic moment as it features the last use of the self-winding perpetual calendar movement, Calibre 5134, in a limited edition production series. John Mayer and Audemars Piguet's partnership celebrates the merging of music and horological excellence and signals a bold new chapter for the Royal Oak collection. The all-new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “John Mayer” Limited Edition is now available at authorized boutiques for $180,700. View all luxury watches for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: Audemars Piguet

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 06, 2024

1-of-1 F.P. Journe Elégante Watch Raises $420K At Auction...

A piece unique F.P.Journe watch fetches $420,000 at auction, with all proceeds supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation's vital work. In a stunning display of philanthropy and luxury horology, the Miami auction scene was shocked on March 2nd as a one-of-a-kind F.P.Journe élégante 48mm Titalyt watch went under the hammer at Phillips. After ten minutes of intense bidding between prominent collectors, the gavel fell at a jaw-dropping $420,000, shattering records for a non-diamond-set quartz timepiece and setting a new benchmark for any élégante model. The sale highlights a rare piece of horological art as part of F.P. Journe's support for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), the world's leading private funder of breast cancer research. The auction, which dedicated 100% of the final sale price to BCRF, marks a substantial contribution to the fight against breast cancer. Donna McKay, BCRF’s President and CEO, expressed her gratitude towards F.P.Journe and Phillips for their dedication to bringing awareness to this cause and funding essential research. Isabella Proia of Phillips, who had the honor of auctioneering the sale, shared her pride in the collaboration with F.P. Journe for such a noble cause. This unique élégante model, commemorating the collection's 10th anniversary, features a unique pink numeral "1" and a matching pink strap, signifying its role in supporting breast cancer research. View all luxury watches for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery by clicking the link below. View All Luxury Watches For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Discovery (@dupontregistry_discovery) Source: F.P. Journe

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