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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 – May 13, 2022

Hublot Launches The 200-Piece Big Bang UNICO Summer Purpl...

Get ready for beach season with a new luxury release from Hublot. With summer just around the corner, luxury watchmakers are starting to unveil the perfect timepiece to wear by the pool or on the boat this season. Hublot is proud to announce the release of its newest limited-edition watch just in time for summer, the Big Bang UNICO Summer Purple. The special edition Big Bang UNICO features a 42mm 100-meter water-resistant case made from satin-finished Purple Aluminum. The theme of purple flows into its complex skeleton dial design that showcases the inner workings of the movement and its time, date, and chronograph functions. MUST-READ: Sotheby’s Auction Sells Gerald Genta’s 1978 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak For $2.12 Million The Big Bang UNICO Summer Purple powers itself using Hublot’s in-house HUB1280 Unico self-winding chronograph movement, which supplies the watch with an impressive 72-hour power reserve. Using a lightweight titanium caseback with a sapphire window, each piece includes numbered specific engravings to signify the special 200-piece release from the watchmakers at Hublot. Showcasing its versatility as an everyday sports watch, Hublot fits the Big Bang UNICO Summer Purple Collection with a choice of a purple velcro/purple lined rubber strap or purple aluminum/titanium band. The new limited-edition Hublot Big Bang UNICO Summer Purple is currently available through an authorized dealer for $22,000. 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: Hublot

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 11, 2022

Sotheby's Auction Sells Gerald Genta's 1978 Audemars Pigu...

A piece of luxury timepiece history sells to a lucky new owner. Since its initial announcement from the luxury auction specialists at Sotheby’s, the Gerald Genta portion of the Important Watches: Part 1 Collection drew the anticipation and excitement from watch collectors around the world. As part of a series of original Patek Philippe drawings and mock-ups, the auction included a 1978 Audemars Piguet Royal ‘Jumbo’ Ref. 5402 owned by the world-renowned watch designer. Gerald Genta is known for blessing the wonderful world of watches with iconic models like Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Patek Philippe Nautilus, IWC Ingenieur, Cartier Pasha, and many more. MUST-READ: Sotheby’s Sells An Original Gerald Genta Patek Philippe Nautilus Design for $727,000 The watch declared ‘Genta’s Jumbo Royal Oak’ features a stainless-steel design with an 18k yellow gold fixed bezel. Being one of the earliest versions of the now highly-sought-after Royal Oak collection, this examples showcases pioneering design aspects from the Anthracite Tapisserie dial to its stainless-steel flat link bracelet. After an intense battle of bidding, Sotheby’s announced the sale of the exquisite piece of timepiece history for an astonishing $2,121,812. The personal Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ of Gerald Genta holds a significant amount of history, as he remains one of the most influential individuals in the world of horology. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more upcoming luxury watch news and releases. Source: Sotheby's

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 10, 2022

MB&F Celebrates 10-Years of Legacy Machines with The New ...

The watch that embodies the roots of MB&F and its iconic Legacy Machine. The use of innovation in watchmaking continues to grow with advancements in both design and technology. Max Büsser of MB&F knows this thought all too well, incorporating precious metals into the styling of his collection of desirable luxury timepieces. MB&F is proud to highlight its innovative legacy with the all-new LMX, an example that celebrates 10-years of Legacy Machines. The MB&F LMX takes shape in a 44mm case design crafted from a choice of 18K 5N+ Red Gold, Grade 5 Titanium, or 316L Stainless-Steel. Behind its complex skeleton dial design, the MB&F LMX features a 394-component construction that beautifully displays the timepiece in action. MUST-READ: The 10 Best Luxury Watches in Platinum A three-dimensional movement developed exclusively for MB&F drives the new LMX, achieving an astonishing 168-hour power reserve from the manual-wound three mainspring barrels. The functions include hour and minute indicators that focus completely on dual time zones that display on two inclined dials, along with a rotating weekday or 7-day power reserve indication. The transparent backcase gives insight into the craftsmanship of the watchmakers at MB&F, supplying a secondary view of the movement in motion. With a series of distinctive dial color combinations, the all-new MB&F LMX Collection comes available with a choice of black, grey, or brown large-scale alligator straps that add a touch of elegance. The MB&F LMX Collection is limited to only 33-pieces of each variation and 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: MB&F

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 10, 2022

Richard Mille Debuts The New RM 38-02 Tourbillon Bubba Wa...

The six-figure watch to wear for an 18-hole golf match. With an involvement in some of the world’s most challenging sports, Richard Mille surrounds itself with a family of brand ambassadors that specialize in dominating their areas of expertise. One of the early members of Richard Mille is PGA Tour Professional Bubba Watson, who is one of the only golfers on tour who wears a luxury timepiece during competitive play. Bubba began his partnership with the luxury watchmaker in 2011 with the launch of his first Richard Mille RM 055 pro model, an example that trades well over the seven-figure mark on the secondary market. Richard Mille x Bubba Watson are now proud to unveil their second all-new release, the RM 38-02 Tourbillon Bubba Watson. The RM 38-02 Tourbillon features a lightweight combination of Carbon TPT and Quartz TPT layers, with a vibrant white and pink theme that ties into Bubba’s love for supporting charities. The skeleton dial design acts as a stage for its beautifully complex tourbillon movement, suspended by PVD-treated grade 5 titanium bridges. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Best Richard Mille Watches Ever Created The RM 38-02 Tourbillon Bubba Watson receives its power from Richard Mille’s in-house Caliber RM38-02 manual-winding tourbillon movement with hour and minute functions. Defining itself as a functional luxury timepiece for any active sportsman, the new release from Richard Mille holds an impressive 48-hour power reserve while operating under a 50-meter water resistance. Its crystal sapphire caseback allows for a closer look at the mechanism at work, with engravings on the outer portion that signify the special collaboration between Richard Mille and Bubba Watson. Keeping things clean and comfortable, Richard Mille adds a white rubber strap and deployant clasp to the special edition RM 38-02 Tourbillon. The all-new Richard Mille RM 38-02 Tourbillon Bubba Watson is limited to only 50-pieces worldwide and is sure to be a highly-anticipated release for any luxury watch collector or enthusiasts. 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 – May 04, 2022

MB&F x REUGE Launch Its $18,875 Limited-Edition MusicMach...

MB&F adds its creative touch on REUGE's classic music box. Behind some of the world’s most exclusive luxury timepieces lies an artistic vision that incorporates inspiration from all avenues of life. Max Büsser embodies this take on design when it comes to MB&F and his passion for creating examples best described as true works of art. As part of its most recent non-timepiece venture, MB&F is proud to showcase a new release in collaboration with the mechanical music box specialists at REUGE. The all-new MB&F x REUGE MusicMachine 1 Reloaded features a Star Wars-theme spaceship design made from lightweight anodized aluminum, which comes available in both blue and red. MusicMachine 1 Reloaded doesn't just look like something from a science fiction film; three of the melodies have been beamed directly from sci-fi classics. The music is controlled by two hand-made cylinders that use 1,400 precision-placed pins that pluck the teeth of a comb to create a beautiful melody. MUST-READ: The 10 Best Luxury Watches in Platinum The right cylinder plays “Another Brick in the Wall” (1979) written by Roger Waters and originally performed by Pink Floyd, “Smoke on the Water” (1973) written and originally performed by Deep Purple, and “Imagine” (1971) written and originally performed by John Lennon. The left cylinder of the complex music box plays extracts from Star Wars (1977) main title by John Williams, “Imperial March” (1980) by John Williams, and Star Trek (1979) main title by Jerry Goldsmith. The length of each melody lasts exactly 35-seconds, while the power reserve of each cylinder holds approximately 10-minutes. Continuing to diversify its portfolio of unique creations, MB&F takes a deep dive into the luxury world of classic mechanical music boxes. The all-new MB&F x REUGE MusicMachine 1 Reloaded is limited to only 33-pieces of each version and is currently available through an authorized dealer for $18,875. 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: MB&F

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 03, 2022

TAG Heuer Celebrates Ayrton Senna With The New Formula 1 ...

A legendary watch brand to celebrate an automotive icon. Aside from its historic lineage as a pioneer in the luxury watch industry, TAG Heuer also continued to play a key role in the early years of motorsport racing. This Swiss watchmaker features time in the spotlight with iconic racing teams and drivers sporting the latest chronographs, used as a common tool for tracking lap times and gaps. TAG Heuer is proud to celebrate the legacy of racing icon Ayrton Senna with a new limited-edition commemorative timepiece release. The new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Senna Special Edition features a 44mm case design crafted from fine-brushed and polished stainless steel. The construction includes a black ceramic rotating tachymeter bezel that proudly displays ‘Senna’ and the famous ’S’ logo. MUST-READ: The 10 Best Luxury Watches in Platinum A grey chronograph-style dial showcases the hours, minutes, and date functions through a series of sub-dials. The sub-dials present themselves in black, white, and red tones with the Senna logo stamped at the 6 o’clock sub-dial position. The engine delivering power to the special Formula 1 chronograph is TAG Heuer’s in-house Caliber 16 Automatic movement, which holds an impressive 42-hour power reserve while maintaining a water resistance level of 200-meters. The covered backcase reveals an intricate engraving of Ayrton Senna with his helmet on and visor up, a silhouette that race fans worldwide know all too well. Tying into the classic styling of vintage watch design, TAG Heuer fits the special Senna timepiece with a steel bracelet that Ayrton was known for wearing during his time on and off track. The new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Senna Special Edition is currently available through an authorized dealer for $3,550. Check back into duPont REGISTRY for more luxury watch news and releases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 28, 2022

Ressence Releases The New Type 1REV Grail Watch, Limited ...

Ressence gets its hints of color from Alain Silberstein and the creative team at Grail Watch. At the height of contemporary watch design stands Ressence, a Swiss watch brand that presents the simplest form of time telling in the most visually pleasing form. Ressence is proud to partner with world-renowned architect/designer Alain Silberstein and the luxury timepiece experts at Grail Watch on a new limited-edition Type 1REV release. The all-new Ressence Type 1REV Grail Watch highlights the technological excellence of the brand’s watchmakers with a vibrant twist, using an array of colors and designs to achieve an entirely new look for Ressence. The 41.5mm Grade 5 titanium case features a concave/convex sapphire that beautifully displays the rotating dial design, giving the Type 1REV a bubble effect when viewing it from any angle. MUST-READ: Panerai x BRABUS Release Its Second Collaboration Watch, The Submersible S BRABUS Blue Shadow Edition The Ressence Type 1REV Grail Watch uses a convex mesh dial design that rotates and displays its hours, minutes, seconds, and day of the week functions. The special collaboration release is powered by Ressence’s patented ROCS1 orbital convex system, a manual self-winding movement that features a 212-component construction and holds a 36-hour power reserve. A covered titanium backcase acts as a blank canvas for commemorative engravings that pay homage to the special collaboration between Ressence and Grail Watch. Adding a touch of elegance to its happy-go-lucky design, Ressence fits its new release with a blue leather strap with red contrast stitching and an Adrillon buckle. The all-new Ressence Type 1REV Grail Watch is limited to only 36-units and is exclusively available through the brand's website for CHF 22,500 ($23,154). 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: Ressence

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 27, 2022

Porsche Design Celebrates The Chronograph With Its Own Le...

All seven Porsche Design watch icons within one watch case. With an extensive collection of luxury timepieces that incorporate automotive inspiration, the Porsche Design brand continues to push the boundaries of design and technology of modern-day watchmaking. Since the release of the original Chronograph 1 in 1972, Porsche Design went on to create seven other unique iterations that are still viewed as collector examples by Porsche owners and enthusiasts. Porsche Design is proud to showcase the complete Chronograph 1 Legacy Collection on a post recently uploaded to its Instagram page, featuring all seven examples that help to shape the brand into a world-renowned watch manufacturer. MUST-READ: Hublot Debuts The 100-Piece Big Bang UNICO UEFA Champions League Collection The celebration ties into the 50-Year Anniversary of Porsche Design, which also includes a luxury apparel collection, eyewear line, and even a special Porsche 911 Targa production model. Although the physical collection is unavailable for purchase, Porsche Design showcases its historic models with a commemorative watch case that also features a vintage rpm gauge from a classic Porsche. Inside the case, two plaques define the brand at its start in 1972 and its progression into 2022 with founder Ferdinand Porsche’s signature stamped proudly in the center. Shop all of the luxury watches from Porsche Design by clicking on the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming luxury watch news and releases. Shop Porsche Design Watches View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: @porschedesign IG

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 26, 2022

Hublot Debuts The 100-Piece Big Bang UNICO UEFA Champions...

The watch designed for a casual soccer match or formal dinner night. Hublot’s involvement in professional athletics proves that a luxury timepiece can withstand use and abuse at the highest level of competition. As the Official Watch for UEFA Conference League, Hublot is proud to take the soccer field with its newest limited-edition Big Bang UNICO. The new Hublot Big Bang UNICO UEFA Champions League features a monochrome blue ceramic finish with contrasting matte black and silver pushers. A robust 42mm case design provides a comfortable option for larger wrist sizes while incorporating attention to detail throughout the matching fixed circular bezel. Hublot highlights its technological advancements with a skeletonized chronograph dial design that showcases the inner workings of the watch and its complex movement. MUST-READ: Sotheby’s Sells A Vintage Patek Philippe Ref.2499 ‘Gobbi Milano’ For A Record-Breaking $7.68 Million The all-blue dial features a hidden ‘Champions League’ logo that perfectly blends in with the 9 o’clock indicator. Delivering power to the new limited-edition chronograph is Hublot’s in-house UNICO self-winding movement, which uses a 354-piece construction to achieve its lengthy 72-hour power reserve. The covered backcase also includes an engraving of the UEFA logo as an extra commemorative touch to signify the special release from Hublot. Ensuring a comfortable look and feel during any activity, Hublot fits each special edition Big Bang UNICO with a matching blue rubber strap and titanium folding clasp. The all-new Hublot Big Bang UNICO UEFA Champions League is limited to only 100-pieces and is currently available through an authorized dealer for $24,100. 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: Hublot

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 26, 2022

Sotheby's Sells A Vintage Patek Philippe Ref.2499 'Gobbi ...

The vintage watch market just exploded with this Patek Philippe sale. With modern-day luxury watches in such high-demand, vintage examples are becoming more popular throughout the community of dedicated collectors and enthusiasts. The spike in interest led many to do an overdue inventory check on collections, even tempting the thought of selling examples that seem to be at the all-time high in value. The luxury auction professionals at Sotheby’s specialize in showcasing the very best when it comes to luxury watches, fine art, jewelry, and collectibles. Sotheby’s is proud to highlight the recent sale of a very special watch that now holds the title as the world’s most expensive vintage Patek Philippe ever sold. The record-breaking sale took place during the Sotheby’s Hong Kong Spring Sales event as part of The Nevadian Collector, a 39-lot auction highlighting some of the most magnificent Agassiz, Patek Philippe, and Ulysse Nardin examples. Although the collection boasts rarity in its entirety, the star of the evening was a Patek Philippe Reference 2499 made in 1957. The early-era grand complication features a 37.5mm full 18k Rose Gold case with a silvered dial that beautifully displays the multitude of functions available. MUST-READ: IWC Schaffhausen Unveils The Limited-Edition Portofino Chronograph 39 Edition ‘Laureus Sport for Good’ The most unique aspect of this piece sits inside of the breathtaking perpetual moon phase, which reads ‘Gobbi Milano’ in a bold stamped font. Gobbi Milano began its retail legacy as one of the earliest Patek Philippe dealers, founded in 1842 and located in Milan, Italy. During the earliest days of watchmaking, Patek Philippe occasionally printed Gobbi Milano on the dials of watches that were sold through the Italian shop. The small detail presents itself as one of the most rare features to be found on a Patek Philippe model, instantly increasing its value far above similar examples that lack the coveted stamp. Along with a detailed conditioning report, the Patek Philippe Ref. 2499 comes with paperwork extracted from the brand’s archives that confirms production of the present watch in 1957 and its subsequent sale on 18th October 1958. The Patek Philippe Reference 2499 ‘Gobbi Milano’ from The Nevadian Collector sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong event for an astonishing $7,680,858.62. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming luxury lifestyle releases and watch news. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Sotheby's

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