Watches

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 02, 2021

Vacheron Constantin Releases The Traditionnelle Complete ...

Traditional styling packed with state-of-the-art movement technology by Vacheron Constantin. Vacheron Constantin is known for designing and manufacturing some of the most desirable timepieces on the market. The brand holds a rich heritage of traditional watchmaking, which is still being incorporated into its modern examples to this day. Vacheron Constantin is excited to announce the newest addition to its collection of fine handcrafted timepieces, the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar. The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar is presented as a 41mm grand complication with a case design crafted from 18k white gold. The velvet-finish dial design modestly highlights the functions of the watch, which include hours, minutes, seconds, complete calendar, precision moon phase, and age of the moon. MUST-READ: The Best Luxury Watches Under $5,000 Delivering power to the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar is Vacheron Constantin’s in-house 2460 QCL/1 mechanical self-winding movement, which holds a 40-hour power reserve and 30-meter water resistance. The openwork backcase allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the watch, while the outer portion engravings signify the special release from Vacheron Constantin. Staying traditional to its elegant styling, Vacheron Constantin adds a comfortable genuine large-square black leather strap and matching 18k white gold buckle. The all-new Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar in 18k white gold is now available through an authorized dealer for the price of $41,300. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Vacheron Constantin

By Edward Jones – October 30, 2021

Keep Your Watches Wound With These Orbita Watchwinders

SPARTA BLUE There is no getting around the fact that watch lovers are also watch-winder lovers, so they don’t have to consistently reset their automatic watches if they have been off the wrist for longer than the power reserve of the watch. For this reason, family-owned and American-made Orbita spends a great deal of time and research on its styles and options. Considered an “entry-level” watch winder, this Spar ta blue winder is compact and light in weight and is a great addition to a collection because it does not need a plug-in adapter (making it perfect for use inside a safe). This winder is equipped with Orbita’s own long-life lithium D cell batteries that, when operating on an eight-minute winding cycle, can last for several years before needing to be replaced. They will last even longer if the owner opts for a 12-minute winding cycle. A toggle switch behind the mounting holder gives the wearer the choice. A single holder retails for $295.This double watch winder retails for $595. Learn More TOURBILLON Just as in the world of luxury watches, where a tourbillon escapement in a watch compensates for errors in timekeeping due to the effects of gravity when the watch is in certain positions, this Orbita Tourbillonwatch winder does the same. Its revolutionary digital technology not only displays the exact time and the number of turns per day (TPD) of the winder, but also is equipped with a unique photo-optic system that tracks each cylinder’s rotation and automatically advances the resting position by 30 degrees af ter ever y rotation. By shifting the resting position, adverse timing errors caused by gravity are negated. The complex and visually appealing Tourbillon winder sits within a glass crystal box – making its dance of time fully visible to the onlooker. Powered by a supplied AC/DC power adapter, the winder is a work of art for any tabletop. It comes in single and triple capacity (shown here). $2,995. Learn More Buy This Issue Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 29, 2021

Top Watch News This Week

A quick recap on the luxury watches released this week. Recently, We created duPont REGISTRY Watches as a new Instagram page dedicated to posting the newest and most exclusive luxury timepieces. Today, we have compiled a list of the top watch releases of the week from the best brands in the industry. Click any of the links below for more information on the current watches. IWC Schaffhausen Releases Two New Limited-Edition Models In All-Black Ceratanium View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Learn More The New Longines Heritage Classic Limited-Edition For Hodinkee View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Learn More URWERK Geneve Unveils The $272,500 Limited-Edition UR-112 Aggregat Bicolor View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Learn More Omega Reveals The Seamaster Aqua Terra Beijing 2022 Olympics Edition View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Learn More Girard-Perregaux Releases The Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Learn More Hublot Releases The New Limited-Edition Big Bang UNICO San Francisco Boutique View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Learn More For more Watch news, Check out The Best Luxury Watches Under $5,000

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 29, 2021

Hublot Releases The New Limited-Edition Big Bang UNICO Sa...

The piece pops with the signature orange bezel that signals home to San Franciscans the world over. Hublot is known for adding special edition pieces to its collection of luxury timepieces, drawing inspiration from brands, industries, individuals, and geographical locations. Hublot is proud to present its newest commemorative release paying homage to the city of San Francisco. The new Hublot Big Bang UNICO San Francisco Boutique is presented as a 45mm chronograph crafted from satin-finished and polished orange ceramic. The skeleton dial allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the watch, while the dial design includes hidden features like the Golden Gate Bridge on the sub-dial. Delivering power to the new Big Bang is Hublot’s in-house HUB1242 UNICO self-winding flyback movement, which provides a lengthy 72-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. The transparent backcase is engraved on the outer portion to signify the special boutique release, with each of the 20-pieces numbered individually. As the Big Bang UNICO model is designed as a true everyday watch, Hublot adds a comfortable black lined rubber strap and black PVD-treated titanium clasp. The all-new Hublot Big Bang UNICO San Francisco Boutique is now available through an authorized dealer with a price tag of $22,500. Click the link below to shop for the new Hublot commemorative collaboration with the Bay Area. Shop The Hublot Big Bang UNICO San Francisco Boutique View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Hublot

By Edward Jones – October 29, 2021

Stand Out With These Two Colorful Hublot Watches

BIG BANG UNICO YELLOW MAGIC Since its inception 41 years ago, Hublot has always been a leader in innovation. In fact, it was the first brand to release a luxury timepiece on a rubber strap back in 1980. The brand continues its visionary path with its own Metallurgy & Materials lab on its premises, where constant research and development leads to new and exciting products. Such is the case with the Yellow Magic material used for this watch. Hublot is the first to succeed in creating a bright, vivid yellow ceramic, and showcases it in style with a yellow high-tech ceramic case and bezel. The patented material was years in the making. Just 250 pieces of this watch, powered by the brand’s own proprietary Unico self-winding chronograph flyback movement, will be made. $26,200. Learn More BIG BANG INTEGRAL CERAMIC Making a bold yet cohesive statement on the wrist, the new Big Bang Integral Ceramic watches, offered in white, gray and the navy blue shown here, marks the first time Hublot has created a fully integrated ceramic bracelet on the Big Bang ceramic case. In fact, the first link of the bracelet is actually fused with the 42mm case: no easy feat to accomplish. The proprietary material, developed in-house, is hypoallergenic, ultra-light in weight and is incredibly hard and scratch-resistant. The watch is powered by Hublot’s HUB1280 Unico movement that has been updated to include a thinner automatic winding system and boasts four new patented innovations including an oscillating seconds clutch and more. The skeletonized 354-par t movement offers flyback chronograph with column wheel system and 72 hours of power reserve. $23,100. Learn More Buy This Issue Now

By Edward Jones – October 28, 2021

Two Rugged and Stylish Watches from G-Shock

G-SHOCK MR-G KACHI-IRO Owned by Casio, G-SHOCK is the top end of the line for the brand when it comes to original design and cutting-edge technology. The brand regularly turns to bold colors and high-tech materials to bring beauty and function to the forefront. The G-SHOCK MR-G Kachi-Iro watch (Ref. MRG2000R-1A) is a great example. Crafted in a deep-layered hardened Titanium case with a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating, the watch pays tribute to the spirit of Japanese Samurai warriors who often wore blue armor (the color of victory). This model of the MR-G features blue rings outlining the subdial, a recrystallized titanium bezel (made via heat treatments similar to Japanese sword blades), and a distinctive tortoiseshell (the symbol of strength in ancient Japan) finish on the Dura-Sof t Fluoro rubber strap. It is powered by Tough Solar Power and is 200-meter water-resistant, shock-resistant and magnetic-resistant. It connects to the dedicated MR-G Connected smartphone app. $3,000. Learn More G-SHOCK MT-G The newest watch to join G-SHOCK’S MT-G collection(Ref. MTG2000D-1A), known for its toughness and durability, features an all-new Dual Metal Core Guard structure that incorporates a carbon fiber reinforced resin case. This makes the case not only super strong and rigid but also incredibly lightweight. In fact, it is approximately 15 percent lighter than previous MT-G watches. The carbon monocoque case is surrounded by a metal frame for a more refined look. The metal and carbon combination is joined by a black-plated bezel and a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on it. The watch is solar-powered and Bluetooth-connected and offers all of the bells and whistles. $1,000. Learn More Buy This Issue Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 27, 2021

Omega Reveals The Seamaster Aqua Terra Beijing 2022 Olymp...

Celebrate the 2022 Beijing Olympics with Omega's new Seamaster model. The Omega brand continues to be a leader in the watch industry with an array of timepiece collections that fit the style of any collector or enthusiast. As the Official Timekeeper of The Olympic Games, the Swiss watchmaker is prepping for the event in Beijing with a new commemorative timepiece. The all-new Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial Master Chronometer Beijing 2022 is presented as a 41mm crafted from stainless steel. The white dial design of the Seamaster is contrasted with red and white accents throughout the inner bezel, hours/minutes/seconds hands, and indicators. Delivering power to the chronometer is Omega’s in-house Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8900 movement, which provides a lengthy 60-hour power reserve. The backcase includes commemorative ‘Beijing 2022’ Olympic engravings to signify the special release from Omega. The Seamaster is complete with a matching stainless steel bracelet with polished center links. The all-new Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Beijing 2022 is now available through an authorized dealer for $6,200. 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: Omega

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 27, 2021

Keanu Reeves Gifts The John Wick 4 Stunt Cast With New Ro...

The perfect gift for a watch enthusiast with a personalized touch from Keanu Reeves. Receiving a watch as a gift for any collector is an exciting moment, no matter the exclusivity or price. It ties a moment and story to the piece, which for a lot of enthusiasts is what makes a watch collection truly unique. The stunt crew for Keanu Reeves got a small taste of this moment after wrapping up the filming of John Wick 4. Each of the five cast members received a 2021 Rolex Summer Date reference 126610LN, valued at a retail price of $9,150. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Watches To Start Your Watch Collection Alongside receiving now of the most iconic Rolex models ever made, each backcase is engraved to read ‘THE JOHN WICK 5’ with a small personalized thank you message from Keanu Reeves. It shows the respect for talented individuals and their dedication to the film production, but also that Keanu Reeves really knows how to wow a watch enthusiast with the perfect gift. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more celebrity watch news and watch releases. Shop all of the current Rolex Submariner models for sale at WatchBox by clicking the link below. Shop Rolex Submariner at WatchBox View this post on Instagram A post shared by Keanu Reeves Ⓜ️ (@keanureevesloving) Source: Hypebeast & @keanureevesloving

By Edward Jones – October 27, 2021

Two Must-See Chronographs from Ernst Benz

ERNST BENZ CHRONOSCOPE Ernst Benz creates its timepieces as true instruments that are at once legible, beautiful and highly functional. This ChronoScope automatic chronograph watch is a prime example. The chronograph hour and minutes functions, as well as the seconds indication, are indicated by the smaller silver subsidiary dials on the large slate gray dial. Red accents and bright green Super-LumiNova hands and Arabic numerals add distinctive color to the classic yet sporty timepiece. Crafted in brushed stainless steel, the 47mm watch is powered by a Valjoux 7750 movement with high-tech materials inside, including a Nivarox Alloy hairspring and a Glucydur balance. The domed sapphire crystal is treated with an antiglare coating and a transparent sapphire case back allows for viewing of the mechanical movement. $5,425. Learn More ERNST BENZ CHRONOLUNAR Created in the classic color of black, this stainless steel 44mm ChronoLunar watch from Ernst Benz is all about being urban chic. The bright yellow accent hands and the green Super-LumiNova-coated main hands and numerals just make this watch pop. Powered by an automatic Valjoux 7751 chronograph movement, the watch offers (in addition to hours, minutes and subsidiary seconds) day, date, month, 24-hour display, and the phases of the moon in the subdial at 6:00. The chronograph offers hours, minutes and central seconds. Because Ernst Benz knows the details are crucial, the watch features a knurled crown with a double O-ring seal, and the domed sapphire crystal has anti-reflective treatment on the underside. The watch is water-resistant to 50 meters. $6,325 Learn More Buy This Issue Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 27, 2021

URWERK Geneve Unveils The $272,500 Limited-Edition UR-112...

Turn watch enthusiasts' heads with the newest unique piece from URWERK Geneve. URWERK Geneve prides itself on creating high-end luxury timepieces that feature one-of-a-kind designs, making them collectors examples with its small-batch releases. URWERK is proud to unveil its newest addition to its collection of desirable examples, the limited-edition UR-112 Aggregat Bicolor. The URWERK UR-112 Aggregat is presented in a 42mm square-style case design crafted from black and gunmetal PVD-coated titanium. The unique dial design displays the hour and minute indicators on triangular prisms that appear to be levitating through the sapphire crystal. MUST-READ: Makes And Movements: Panerai Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition x BRABUS Shadow 900 Controlled by two side pushers, the cover latch opens to reveal added functions like the active power reserve and a digital second counter. Delivering power to the state-of-the-art UR-112 Aggregat is URWERK’s in-house UR-13.01 automatic movement, which features a Swiss lever-type escapement and 48-hour power reserve. The backcase is covered while the minute and hour display feature a transparent design that is viewable from all angles. Continuing a stealth-like theme, UWERK includes a comfortable leather/nylon strap and matching titanium buckle. The new URWERK UR-112 Aggregat Bicolor Edition is limited to only 25-pieces and is currently available through an authorized dealer for CHF 250,000 (est. $272,500). View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Media/Information Source: URWERK Geneve

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