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 – October 31, 2022

Kodner Galleries Showcases Three Collector-Grade Watches ...

With names like F.P. Journe, Richard Mille, and Patek Philippe, Kodner is proud to offer an incredibly diverse selection for its South Florida event. As the market for luxury Swiss watches continues to grow in popularity, collectors and enthusiasts focus on brands and specific models that take shape more as long-term investment pieces. While many of these watches begin with a story of an older relative acquiring the timepiece for next to nothing, it's apparent that the watch world could not have seen prices dramatically increasing over the original retail price. Being the oldest auction gallery in Florida with over 100 years of experience, the professionals at Kodner Galleries specialize in buying, selling, and appraising high-end timepieces of this caliber. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Luxury Chronograph Watches As part of its upcoming Boca Raton auction featuring exquisite automotive icons, Kodner Galleries is proud to showcase three magnificent luxury timepieces from world-renowned watchmakers like F.P. Journe, Richard Mille, and Patek Philippe. From classic dress watches to racing machines for the wrist, the auction lineup showcases each watch manufacturer's pinnacle models, causing anticipation within the community like no other. Alongside these three pristine examples, Kodner Galleries is excited to be offering 24 other select timepieces during its Boca Raton auction on November 6th. View the listing of each luxury watch for sale at Konder’s Boca Raton auction event, by clicking on the links below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury watch news and releases. F.P. Journe Octa Calendrier Kodner Galleries Men's 2008 F.P. Journe Octa Calendrier Platinum Watch, Silver and White Dial, Double Sided Black and Brown Crocodile Bracelets, Platinum Clasp. Automatic self-winding movement. Case measures 40mm. Serial number 301-Q. Bracelet measures 9-1/4" L. Complete with boxes and papers. Price Estimate: $80,000 - $100,000 View Listing Richard Mille RM 11-03 Kodner Galleries New Richard Mille RM-11-03 18 Karat Rose Gold Automatic Flyback Chronograph Watch with Rubber Bracelet. Case diameter 42.0mm. New with box and papers. Price Estimate: $300,000 - $400,000 View Listing Patek Philippe Nautilus 5740/1G-001 Kodner Galleries Patek Philippe Nautilus 5740/1G-001 Perpetual Calendar 18 Karat White Gold Bracelet Watch Blue Dial. Automatic self winding movement. Case measures 40mm. Complete with box and papers. Price Estimate: $200,000 - $300,000 View Listing Source: Kodner

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 27, 2022

Omega's New Gold Speedmaster Chrono Chime Features Its Mo...

Its all-gold design is inspired by the 2nd generation Speedmaster, the CK 2998, the first watch worn in space. For world-renowned watchmakers, the ultimate goal is to evolve their collections of luxury Swiss timepieces with continuously updated design characteristics and movement technology. The professionals at Omega are proud to take its next leap forward into the future with its most complicated movement ever created. The new Speedmaster Chrono Chime Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph made its debut at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles as a celebration of the brand’s innovative approach. The Omega Speedmaster Chrono Chime features a 45.5mm 18K Sedna Gold case with a beautiful blue aventurine‘Grand Feu’ bezel and gold pushers. Its matching starlit night sky dial sits just beneath a gold inner bezel, with precious metal subdials and a small window open to house the chime function. MUST-READ: The 10 Best Luxury Watches in Rose Gold Showcasing its most complicated movement to date, the special edition Speedmaster is driven by Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 1932. With a fully integrated chronograph and minute repeater, the advanced movement came as a collaboration between Omega and Blancpain. The luxurious handmade caliber is satin-brushed and provides an impressive 60-hour power reserve. An open sapphire backcase presents a spectacular view of the mechanism in action, while the outer case showcases intricate engravings to signify the special release from Omega. The Omega Speedmaster Chrono Chime comes fit on a matching 18K Sedna Gold bracelet that solidifies its luxury look and feel. The watch’s special presentation box in walnut features a resonance plate made of spruce and includes a magnifying glass to explore the watch’s details, a storybook, and a travel bag. The all-new Speedmaster Chrono Chime Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph is currently available through an authorized dealer with a price upon request. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming 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 26, 2022

Makes And Movements: Porsche Design GT3 RS Chronograph x ...

Exotic cars and fine handcrafted timepieces complement each other in a similar way that salt and pepper do. They just work. In many cases, watch manufacturers create pieces that tailor to the exotic automotive industry and even specific vehicles altogether. Makes and Movements will be selecting spectacular products available through duPont Registry and pairing them with current or pre-released watches. The diversity of both the vehicles and timepieces will shed light on different brands and help educated on new areas of each industry. Porsche Design 911 GT3 RS Chronograph Having a motorsport division at its disposal, Porsche is spoiled with engineering capabilities that further enhance the design, performance, and technology of its collection of sports cars. Alongside its on-track development, the German automotive manufacturer extends its luxury lifestyle through the Porsche Design branch. The two powerhouses work in unison to deliver quality high-end products, while showcasing the shared similarities and values of both industries . After recently debuting the new 992 generation of the legendary Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the horologists at Porsche Design were quick to follow up the news with a limited-edition watch to commemorate the occasion. Adding another example to its family of exclusive vehicle watches, the Porsche Design 911 GT3 RS Chronograph pairs perfectly with the newly redesigned Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS. Made From Lightweight And Durable Titanium Porsche Design The limited-edition example follows the same production process as the 718 Cayman GT4 RS watch, with each exclusively available for owners of the new 992 911 GT3 RS. The Porsche Design 911 GT3 RS Chronograph features a matte black titanium case design, with matching pushers and a gloss black bezel that control its performance functions. While the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS presents first-ever characteristics like carbon fiber doors, Porsche Design adopts the same thought by incorporating the lightweight material into its dial design. The automotive-inspired chronograph dial configuration displays a series of sub-dials that help track lap times and other functions, with a power reserve indicator that includes the GT3 RS logo and the statement “Born in Flacht”. In-House Porsche Design Caliber WERK 01.200 Porsche Design An in-house Porsche Design caliber WERK 01.200 acts as the engine behind the dial, allowing it to start, stop and reset in one operation. A transparent sapphire backcase illuminates the meticulous inner workings of the match, which is seen through a factory GT3 RS wheel rotor. The outer portion includes engravings and individual production numbers to signify the special edition release from Porsche Design. The strap choice for Porsche Design’s new timepiece showcases a black perforated leather band with vibrant accents and contrast stitching. The Porsche Design 911 GT3 RS Chronograph comes with the same available Weissach package as the vehicle, which comes with a special plaque or your individual watch in addition to an engraved 911 GT3 RS model. Exclusive To New Porsche 911 GT3 RS Owners Porsche Design Why To Buy Although the Porsche Design 911 GT3 RS Chronograph proves to be a perfect on or off-track tool for any car enthusiasts, the production series is available exclusively for owners of the new model. Being a vehicle-exclusive model, the rarity behind the piece will carry far beyond the secondary watch market and onto the vast community of Porsche enthusiasts. If you happen to be one of the lucky individuals to receive a vehicle allocation, enhance the experience by customizing the watch to match your specific build. Learn more about the 911 GT3 RS Chronograph and Porsche Design’s custom chronograph configurator by clicking on the link below. Learn More Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS Ever since its introduction into Porsche’s lineup, the 911 GT3 RS continues its uprise with updates that make it one of the most popular sports car models in automotive history. The 911 GT3 RS family is made up of seven generations that all incorporate characteristics and aspects from its predecessors, setting the benchmark for performance car production around the world. Nineteen years after its initial debut, Porsche is proud to keep its historic lineage going with the new 992 generation 911 GT3 RS. Because of the incredible power of the 911 GT3 RS’ engine, Porsche focused on aerodynamics and weight reduction to make the 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS better than ever. Porsche 992 GT3 RS Horsepower Torque, 0-60 Full Carbon Fiber Bodywork With F1-Inspired Aero Porsche Incorporating elements from Formula One racing, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is equipped with a drag reduction system (DRS) for the first time. The system achieves lower drag and higher speeds at the push of a button, activating airbrake positions through the swan neck rear wing, front, and rear of the car. Porsche increases airflow and cooling with front wheel-arch ventilation and distinctive louvered openings inspired by the iconic Le Mans-winning 911 GT1. The aggressive ride height of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is managed through an easy-to-use driving dynamic system, offering Normal, Sport, and Track modes. In an industry where every ounce counts, Porsche upgrades the 911 GT3 RS exterior with racing DNA and an intelligent lightweight construction. Track-Inspired Interior Cabin Porsche The interior of the 911 GT3 RS showcases a driver-oriented cabin, highlighting itself as a weapon purely designed for the track. The comfortable carbon fiber bucket seats make use of contrasting microfiber cloth, with the color-matching GT3 RS logo beautifully embroidered in each headrest. Behind the Alcantara sports steering wheel lies the digital gauge cluster, which features the track screen already familiar from the 911 GT3. At the touch of a button, the driver can reduce the digital displays on the two seven-inch side displays to essential information only. Lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic is also used in the interior, including the standard full bucket seats, trimmed in black leather and Race-Tex joining carbon fiber trim throughout the interior to characterize the pure, sporty ambience. 4.0L Naturally-Aspirated 6-Cylinder (518HP) Porsche At the heart of the beast is Porsche’s high-revving 4.0L Naturally-Aspirated 6-Cylinder Boxer engine, increasing its overall power output to 518 horsepower. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) has a shorter overall gear ratio than the 911 GT3 and is aided by air intakes on the underbody to ensure that the transmission can withstand even extreme loads during frequent use on the track. The 911 GT3 RS accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 184 mph in seventh gear. Why To Buy The new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS is the best new addition to any garage because of its rich legacy as the perfect road-legal race car. Establishing itself as one of the most anticipated car releases of the year, every collector is racing to a dealership in hopes of securing a build slot for 2023. Along with popularity and performance, Porsche also offers an extensive configuration process that customizes each build exactly to the owner’s wants and needs. For those lucky enough to acquire a chassis, Porsche Design welcomes owners to configure a limited-edition chronograph to commemorate the purchase. View all of the current Porsche 911 GT3 RS examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Porsche 911 GT3 RS For Sale For more Makes and Movements, Check out Makes And Movements: Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán MB x Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 26, 2022

Hennessey Specialty Vehicles Unveils The Owner-Exclusive ...

Only those with a Hennessey Venom F5 allocation will receive the special Skeleton Concept watch. Since its debut as Hennessey’s newest American-made hypercar, the Venom F5 shocked the automotive world with its goal of being the absolute fastest road car on earth. The rear-wheel drive F5 produces 1,817 hp and weighs a mere 2,998 lbs, delivering a power-to-weight ratio of 1,298 hp-per-ton. With only 24 units in this exclusive series, Hennessey is proud to commemorate the occasion with a luxury timepiece that will be presented to each owner. The limited-edition collection comes courtesy of an all-new partnership with the French horologist at Sketelton Concepts. MUST READ: 2022 Hennessey VelociRaptor Review: Just The Right Amount Of Excess The new Hennessey Venom F5 Concept Chronograph boasts a case made out of a single optically-pure polished sapphire crystal, which enables a clear 360-degree view of the movement in action. Holding the same high-quality standards as the Venom F5 hypercar, Hennessey x Skeleton Concept has enriched is design using Rolex's iconic 4130 Caliber. Adding a sporty feel to the luxury chronograph, Skeleton Concepts fits the automotive-inspired watch with a pristine white rubber strap. Needless to say, each of the 24 lucky new Venom F5 owners will be excited to receive this as an extra gift from the team at Hennessey and Skeleton Concepts. View all of Hennessey Performance’s inventory on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury watch news and releases. View Hennessey Performance Inventory

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 24, 2022

Roger Dubuis' $300K White Ceramic Excalibur Double Tourbi...

The Maison once again proves its horological and technical supremacy in the world of Hyper Horology Luxury watchmaking embraces innovative thinking to help evolve the traditional wristwatch into something much more spectacular. Striving to push the boundaries of design and technology, the horologists at Roger Dubuis continue to highlight its ingenuity by incorporating materials and ideas that have never played a role in its production process. Roger Dubuis is proud to unveil the Excalibur Double Tourbillon White Ceramic Edition as part of its lineup of hyper watches. For the first time ever, the Swiss watch brand constructs its 45mm case design completely from white ceramic. The bezel, crown, and caseback are presented in sophisticated EON Gold, which beautifully contrasts against the radiant white case. Roger Dubuis’ iconic star takes center stage in a matching gold finish, displaying a skeletonized dial configuration that immediately draws attention to its complex double tourbillons. MUST-READ: Makes And Movements: Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán MB x Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 Recently updated with Roger Dubuis’ in-house RD108 caliber, the Excalibur Double Tourbillon includes time-only functions and an incredible power reserve of 72 hours. An open caseback offers a secondary view of the movement at work, while the outer case presents engravings that signify the limited 1,000-piece release from Roger Dubuis. Each special edition Excalibur Double Tourbillon comes equipped with a comfortable white rubber strap with a matching EON Gold buckle. The all-new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Double Tourbillon White Ceramic Edition is currently available through an authorized dealer with a price tag of $300,000. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming luxury watch news and releases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Roger Dubuis

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 21, 2022

How Zenith And Artist Felipe Pantone Created The New Limi...

The DEFY Extreme Felipe Pantone is made as a numbered limited edition of 100 pieces, and will be available exclusively at ZENITH physical and online boutiques The passionate horologists at Zenith pride themselves on showcasing its line of luxury watches as a blank canvas for the opportunity to collaborate with artists, brands, and industry professionals. One of the Swiss watchmaker’s most popular one-off models comes from globally renowned Argentinian-Spanish optical artist Felipe Pantone. Felipe is most well-known for his use of bold colors, geometrical patterns, and Op Art elements, which he incorporates into projects like motorcycles, pools, and even entire buildings. After a successful first launch, Zenith is proud to unveil the all-new DEFY Extreme Felipe Pantone. How does the case get its holographic finish? The Zenith DEFY Extreme Felipe Pantone presents a large 45mm case crafted from stainless steel, which achieves its incredible mirror finish with an extensive polishing process. The shimmering shade flows into the partially skeletonized design where Felipe Pantone's artistic touch onto its pronounced sub-dials. What powers the new DEFY Extreme and its functions? The DEFY Extreme Felipe Pantone is driven by Zenith's iconic in-house El Primero movement, powering its everyday tools that include hours and minutes, date, chronograph, and 60-hour power reserve indicator functions. The most cutting-edge chronograph caliber in production and the only one to offer a true 1/100th of a second measurement How much is it and where can you get one? The all-new Zenith DEFY Extreme Felipe Pantone will be available to the public on October 27th in Zenith boutiques and on the brand's website. As part of an exclusive release, the watch is limited to only 100-pieces worldwide and comes with a price tag of $29,900. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Zenith

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 20, 2022

Pharrell Williams Is Auctioning Off 8 Watches From His Pe...

From iced out G-Shocks to one-of-a-kind Audemars Piguet pieces, Pharrell's collection is sure to capture the attention of all watch collectors. Aside from being a cultural icon that has graced the world with timeless music and art, Pharrell Williams also prides himself on being a connoisseur of high-end jewelry and luxury timepieces. Working side by side with industry icons like Jacob & Co., the 49-year-old American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer has acquired quite an array of rare and vintage pieces. Pharrell is proud to announce his new online and in-person auction house Joopiter with a special collection that features some of his most well-known and rarest examples. Alongside diamond jewelry, one-off sneakers, and custom personal items, the auction also includes eight magnificent watches from the a-list celebrity’s collection. MUST-READ: F.P. Journe Donates A Piece Uniqué Chronomètre Optimum For The Ball in Monaco Auction A majority of the watches for sale are early Audemars Piguet models, which include a Dynamographe, Royal Oak Concept, and two Royal Oak Grand Perpetual Calendars (Gold and Platinum). Shaping themselves as historic examples for both Audemars Piguet and the watch industry as a whole, these will be the most sought-after lots during the auction. Also making an appearance in the inaugural Joopiter event is an 18k White Gold Jacob & Co. 5 Time Zone Royal Collection that incorporates 300 flawless clarity diamonds within its design. The Chopard Imperiale with Pave Baguette Diamond Dial and Bezel is next up for factory-set pieces. Completing the horological section of Pharrell William’s Joopiter auction are two Casio G-Shock x BAPE models. The two DW-6900 examples showcase yellow and white gold configurations with diamonds covering each case. The eight timepieces being sold during the Pharrell Williams Joopiter auction are currently live with bids being accepted until October 27th. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming celebrity watch news. Source: Joopiter/Mike Seegars

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 20, 2022

Richard Mille's New RM 07-01 Intergalactic Collection Is ...

The design and execution of the watch demonstrates a complete conceptual approach to the movement, case and dial. While the mystery of space continues to be studied by scientists around the world, it offers creative inspiration for luxury watchmakers of all kinds. On Richard Mille’s most recent intergalactic voyage, the Swiss luxury watch brand is excited to base its newest collection around the sudden explosion that created the galaxy. Richard Mille is proud to present the all-new RM 07-01 Intergalactic Collection, featuring four unique designs that mimic the emergence of millions of glittering stars. The series includes versions inspired by various night sky conditions like Bright Night, Dark Night, Misty Night, and Starry Night.' MUST-READ: The Top 10 Best Richard Mille Watches Ever Created Deriving its sophisticated case design from premium materials, the RM 07-01 is made using the perfect blend of lightweight Carbon TPT and Red Gold. Depending on the chosen model, the bezel is intricately styled with diamonds to portray the night sky theme of each piece. A partially skeletonized dial highlights the inner workings of the movement, while a center baseplate reflects the look of its bezel. The RM 07-01 Intergalactic Collection is powered by Richard Mille’s in-house Caliber CRMA2, a skeletonized automatic movement with hours, minutes, and a variable-geometry rotor. Its open-style caseback provides a secondary view of the movement in action, with the outer portion engraved to signify the special release. Each of the four RM 07-01 versions comes equipped with either a comfortable black rubber strap or a Carbon TPT bracelet (Starry Night). The new Richard Mille RM 07-01 Intergalactic Collection is currently available through an authorized dealer. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury watch news and releases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Richard Mille

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 19, 2022

Audemars Piguet Reveals Its Ultra-Exclusive Royal Oak Rai...

With only 10-pieces of each Royal Oak released, the 800 gemstone-set sport model is sure to cause craze in the industry. While the iconic Royal Oak solidifies itself as a staple to Audemars Piguet’s legacy, the luxury sport model continues to diversify its timeless design with modern variations. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak, the artistic horologists at Audemars Piguet are excited to reinvent the traditional rainbow with the debut of two new colorful models. The new Royal Oak Selfwinding Rainbow Collection features 37mm and 41mm sizes, which are crafted in 18k white gold and sealed to withstand a 20-meter water resistance. Each version is illuminated by 800 baguette-cut gemstones that present an entirely paved look. The precious stones used include Orange Spessartite, Ruby, Pink Tourmaline, Amethyst, Tanzanite, Blue Topaz, Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Tsavorite, and Yellow Chrysoberyl. MUST-READ: Audemars Piguet’s New $274K Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon Chronograph, Limited To Only 50-Pieces The individually-set stones flow into the time-only dial configuration of the Royal Oak, an next to impossible task achieved by Audemars Piguet’s longtime stone-setting partner Salanitro. Powered by in-house Calibers 4309 and 5909, each Royal Oak comes equipped to hold an impressive 60-hour power reserve while it safely resides in a watch roll. A sapphire backcase gives insight into the complex mechanism through a small transparent window, surrounded by commemorative engravings signifying the extremely exclusive release. Finally, Audemars Piguet completes its rainbow collection with matching pavé 18k white gold bracelets and AP folding clasps. The all-new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Rainbow Collection is currently available through an authorized dealer. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury watch news and releases. Source: Audemars Piguet

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 18, 2022

Patek Phillipe Brings Back The Iconic Nautilus With Two N...

The legendary Nautilus debuts its new generation alongside four other models. Arguably one of the most iconic luxury timepieces, the Patek Philippe Nautilus began its life as a pioneering sport model that made its original debut during the dress watch era. Quickly gaining traction in the 80s with ladies' pieces, the Gerald Genta design took off and continues to establish itself as a true collector's example. The passionate horologists at Patek Philippe are proud to introduce the newest version of the Nautilus. Along with four other new releases, Patek Philippe presents the Nautilus in two stunning variations that will leave enthusiasts running to their local authorized dealers. The first example that shocked the watch world is the all-new 5811/1G, a modern take on the classic Nautilus design from 1974. Its robust 41mm case shape wears comfortably on the wrist, adding a sense of weight from the full 18k white gold construction. Behind the 5811/1G Nautlius’ stunning blue dial lies Patek Philippe’s self-winding Caliber 26-330, an automatic time and date movement that holds an impressive 45-hour power reserve. The new Patek Philippe Nautilus 5811/1G comes fit on a matching white gold bracelet and is currently available through an authorized dealer for $69,790. The second piece making its grand appearance is the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5990/1A, a showcasing efficient movement technology for any traveler on the go. This stainless-steel model is updated with a new sunburst blue dial that contrasts beautifully against its white indicators and sub-dials. The Nautilus Time Traveler operates its flyback chronograph, dual time zone, and central chronograph functions using Patek Philippe’s in-house Caliber CH 28-520 C FUS movement. A transparent sapphire caseback offers a perfect view of the intricate movement in action, with commemorative engravings lining the outer case to signify its limited production. The Nautilus 5990/1A is currently available as part of Patek Philippe’s new collection release with a price tag of $68,600. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury watch news and releases.

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