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 – April 05, 2022

Richard Mille Unveils The Japanese-Inspired RM47 Tourbill...

The collection of highly-desirable Richard Mille watches grows with the new RM47 Tourbillon. Throughout its rather short but fast growth as an industry leader in the luxury watch market, Richard Mille continues to incorporate a variety of cultural aspects into its collection of timepieces for its international clientele. The use of traditional Japanese inspiration seems to be a reoccurring theme behind some of the world’s most expensive and exclusive Richard Mille models. Richard Mille is proud to announce the newest addition to its line of highly-desirable timepieces, the samurai-inspired RM 47 Tourbillon. The all-new RM 47 Tourbillon features a classic square case design crafted from lightweight TPZ black ceramic with 18k Gold accents. Protecting the RM47 caliber, the samurai armor created from 3N yellow gold has been entirely hand-engraved by Pierre-Alain Lozeron to accentuate the skeleton dial design. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Best Richard Mille Watches Ever Created Delivering power to the new limited-edition RM47 is Richard Mille’s in-house Caliber RM47 manual-winding tourbillon movement, which suspends itself from grade 5 titanium baseplates and provides a lengthy 72-hour power reserve. A sapphire backcase allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the movement, while the outer portion includes individually numbered engravings to signify the special 75-piece release from Richard Mille. Tying into Richard Mille’s functional everyday feel, the RM47 Tourbillon comes fit with a comfortable black rubber strap and matching deployant clasp. The all-new Richard Mille RM47 Tourbillon is extremely limited and currently available through an authorized dealer. 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: Richard Mille

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 04, 2022

The New Bell & Ross BR 03-94 Multimeter Is Limited To Onl...

The Bell & Ross model with more functions to complement an athletic lifestyle. The modern-day sports watch continues to grow in popularity throughout the community of luxury watchmakers, with each example showcasing its functionality and durability as an everyday piece. With functions that help to act as tools for athletes of all kinds, sports watches celebrate versatility by incorporating complex movement technology into everyday life. Bell & Ross is proud to showcase its talents within the sector of sports watches with its all-new BR 03-94 Multimeter. The limited-edition BR 03-94 Multimeter features the brand’s iconic 42mm square case design, crafted from matte black ceramic, and operates at 100-meter water resistance. The vibrant multi-color dial neatly categorizes the array of functions that tie into the worlds of running, cycling, automotive racing, and many more. The ‘circle within a square’ design beautifully displays the BR 03-94’s 3-Tachymeters, Pulsometer, and Asthmometer indicators while also incorporating a chronograph layout in the center to track its 30-minute counter and central chronograph seconds. MUST-READ: Watches and Wonders 2022 Reveals Delivering power to the limited-edition BR 03-94 Multimeter is Bell & Ross’ in-house BR-CAL.301 automatic mechanical movement, which features 37-jewels and a lengthy 42-hour power reserve. The backcase includes special engravings of the BR 03-94 Multimeter specs to signify the special releases from Bell & Ross. Each limited-edition BR 03-94 Multimeter comes available with Bell & Ross’ perforated black rubber strap and ultra-resilient black synthetic fabric band. The all-new Bell & Ross BR 03-94 Multimeter is limited to only 500-pieces and is currently available via pre-order through an authorized dealer for $5,800. 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: Bell & Ross

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 04, 2022

TAG Heuer Celebrates The New Carrera Porsche Edition With...

The newest TAG Heuer pairs perfect with the Porsche Carrera. Born on the track aside some of the most influential drivers and race cars, TAG Heuer embodies the true passion of classic motorsport racing through its collection of automotive-inspired luxury watches. The iconic Carrera model shares its name with Porsche’s performance-focused 911 series, making the partnership between the two that much more special. TAG Heuer is proud to announce the release of its new limited-edition Carrera example with Porsche Brand Ambassador Patrick Dempsey behind the wheel. The new TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche Edition takes shape as a classic chronograph fit with the tools and functions to track the perfect lap time. It's well-sized 44mm case design is crafted from black PVD coated stainless steel and features a fixed black ceramic tachymeter bezel that showcases a bright yellow ‘Porsche’ logo. MUST-READ: Watches and Wonders 2022 Reveals The special edition TAG Heuer Carrera includes a black dial design with yellow contrasting accents, which pairs perfectly with the indexes that mimic the gauge cluster of a classic Porsche 911 Carrera. The engine delivering power to the Carrera Porsche Edition is TAG Heuer’s in-house Caliber HEUER02 automatic movement. The chronograph movement is responsible for operating the hours, minutes, and seconds functions while holding an impressive 80-hour power reserve. Visible through the sapphire backcase, the watch rotor features a steering wheel design that mimics the style of a classic Porsche sport wheel. The outer portion of the back case includes engravings that signify the limited-edition release from TAG Heuer x Porsche. Highlighting its versatility on and off-track, the TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Edition comes available in a race-inspired black/yellow nylon strap, traditional stainless steel bracelet, or comfortable black leather band. The all-new TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche Edition is limited to only 1,500-pieces worldwide and is currently available starting at $7,050. View all of the current Porsche 911 Carrera models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming luxury watch news and releases. View All Porsche 911 Carrera For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 01, 2022

Watches and Wonders 2022 Reveals

The best luxury timepieces that Watches and Wonders 2022 has to offer. At what seems to be the pinnacle of the watch market, Watches and Wonders 2022 introduces a whole new category of timepiece collections from industry-leading brands looking to showcase their latest and greatest. The community of passionate watch collectors and enthusiasts look forward to this week of the year, being a sneak peek at what could be a new addition to the watch case. In this special, we are excited to compile some of the best and most exclusive timepiece releases from Watches and Wonders 2022. Check back each day for more releases from some of the world’s most iconic watchmakers. Discover more upcoming luxury watch news and releases by checking back into duPont REGISTRY DAILY. Breitling Source: Breitling Grand Seiko Source: Grand Seiko H. Moser & Cie. Source: H. Moser & Cie Hublot Source: Hublot IWC Schaffhausen Source: IWC Schaffhausen Patek Philippe Source: Patek Philippe Roger Dubuis Source: Roger Dubuis Rolex Source: Rolex Tudor Source: Tudor Ulysse Nardin Source: Ulysse Nardin Vacheron Constantin Source: Vacheron Constantin Zenith Source: Zenith

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 30, 2022

Richard Mille Releases A New RM 17-01 In Brown Titanium

The RM 17-01 Collection gets a fresh new addition. As the week of luxury watch releases continues, collectors and enthusiasts anticipate the announcements from brand favorites on stunning new models that sport unique designs and complex movements. One of the watchmakers with all the attention is Richard Mille, known for creating exclusive examples that skyrocket in popularity and value on the secondary market. Richard Mille is proud to hop on the release train for Watches and Wonders 2022 with a new RM 17-01 model. The Richard Mille RM 17-01 features a classic 48.15mm case design crafted from lightweight Grade 5 Titanium. The matte brown case contrasts beautifully against its vibrant green and yellow inner bezel. MUST-READ: The Top 10 Best Richard Mille Watches Ever Created The skeleton dial design of the RM 17-01 showcases the craftsmanship of Richard Mille while acting as the forefront for the multitude of functions incorporated into the watch. Delivering power to the new RM 17-01 is Richard Mille’s in-house RM17-01 manual-winding tourbillon movement, which lies on a baseplate and bridges made of Grade 5 Titanium. The transparent backcase offers a secondary view of the movement in action and includes engravings to signify the special edition release from Richard Mille. Being a racing machine for the wrist, the RM 17-01 features Richard Mille’s iconic green rubber strap and red gold baseband. The all-new Richard Mille RM 17-01 is limited to only 30-pieces and is currently available through an authorized dealer. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming Watches and Wonders 2022 news. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Richard Mille

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 30, 2022

Discover Ulysse Nardin's New $137,200 Limited-Edition Fre...

One of the three luxury models part of the Vertical Odyssey Mission 2. Ulysse Nardin’s Vertical Odyssey began last year with a series of watches that embody the brand’s linage of creating pieces inspired by the deepest parts of space and the ocean. This year, Ulysse Nardin is back for a second mission with the addition of three new examples for the Watches and Wonders 2022 celebration. As part of the new collection release, Ulysse Nardin is proud to present the Freak S, a model that incorporates luxurious design and innovative movement technology. The 45mm Freak S takes shape in a black ceramic, titanium, and 5N rose gold case design with its name proudly stamped between the bottom lugs. The open dial design pulls inspiration from space with a base that mimics a star-shining night. The dial also acts as the main stage for Ulysse Nardin’s first intricate double oscillator, which utilizes an automatic-winding differential to work twice as efficiently as traditional winding systems. MUST-READ: Watch Collecting Gone Crazy The Freak S is powered by an in-house Ulysse Nardin UN-251 Caliber, responsible for holding an impressive 72-hour power reserve. The backcase features a ‘Grinder’ that acts as a winder, designating the action by rotating the outer portion counterclockwise. While a sapphire crystal showcases the modern movement design, the Freak S back case also includes spec engravings to signify the limited-edition release from Ulysse Nardin. Each of the 75-piece releases are fit with an elegant bi-material black alligator and golden calf strap, with the available option for a traditional black alligator strap. The new limited-edition Ulysse Nardin Freak S for Watches and Wonders 2022 is currently available through an authorized dealer for $137,200. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming Watches and Wonders 2022 news. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: Ulysse Nardin

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By Jordan Aquistapace – March 30, 2022

TAG Heuer Unveils The $376,000 Carrera Plasma, Its Most E...

TAG Heuer enters the ultra-luxury watch category with its new release. As we kick off Watches and Wonders 2022, industry-leading watch brands bring out their best new releases to showcase a look at what’s to come for collectors and enthusiasts. Making a statement is the goal for every watchmaker, which is why TAG Heuer decides to unveil its most expensive release to date to celebrate the special occasion. The all-new TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma highlights the innovation of the brand and its dedication to always improving its craft. The Carrera Plasma presents itself in a 44mm lightweight case made from sandblasted black anodized aluminum with 48-lab grown diamonds embedded into its design. A fixed black ceramic tachymeter bezel and pushers showcase its automotive inspiration, while the crown crafted from a 2.5ct lab-grown diamond adds a luxurious touch. MUST-READ: The New Yellow Sapphire Bugatti Chiron Watch By Jacob & Co. The chronograph dial layout features a rhodium finish that gives off a contrasting grey shade, which pairs perfectly with black subdials and white gold indexes. The most noticeable aspect of the TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma dial is the 6 o’clock opening that beautifully displays its tourbillon in action. Delivering power to the new Carrera Plasma is TAG Heuer’s 02 automatic chronograph, a Swiss-made movement with a 65-hour power reserve in a unique version specially developed for the TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma. A transparent backcase allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the movement, while the outer case includes Carrera Plasma spec engravings. Blending luxury and functionality, TAG Heuer fits the Carrera Plasma with a rolled-up strap in black calfskin with black lining and a grade 2 titanium ardillon clasp. The all-new TAG Heuer Carrera Plasma for Watches and Wonders 2022 is currently available through an authorized dealer with a price tag of $376,000. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming Watches and Wonders 2022 news. View this post on Instagram A post shared by duPont REGISTRY Watches (@dupontregistry_watches) Source: TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 29, 2022

The New Yellow Sapphire Bugatti Chiron Watch By Jacob & Co.

The Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron takes on a new yellow design. With a presence in the automotive industry and luxury watch world, Bugatti continues to diversify its portfolio with exclusive products that pair perfectly with its fleet of performance-focused hypercars. Bugatti is proud to work with the luxury specialists at Jacob & Co. on a commemorative Chiron Tourbillon that features a full sapphire case with a vibrant new look. The Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron takes shape as a 44mm grand complication crafted completely from yellow-tinted sapphire with 18k rose gold highlights. The pushers that operate the multitude of functions are also made from sapphire with the Bugatti logo proudly stamped in the center of each. MUST-READ: Jacob & Co. Releases The Limited-Edition $250K Jean Bugatti Collection Inside the clear sapphire crystal walls lies an intricate skeletonized dial design that mimics the engine bay of the Bugatti Chiron hypercar. The in-house Jacob & Co. JCAM37 manual-winding movement is made to represent the iconic W16 motor that powers the Bugatti, which accurately operates as the cylinders pump to apply power to the watch. Adding to its luxury look and feel, Jacob & Co. fits the new Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon with a comfortable white rubber strap and matching 18k rose gold deployant clasp. The all-new Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon embodies the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the New York City-based watchmaker. 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: Jacob & Co.

By Edward Jones – March 28, 2022

Watch Collecting Gone Crazy

Watch Collecting Gone Crazy By Roberta Naas. Just a couple of months ago in late December, Phillips in Association with Bacs and Russo auction house held its final sale of 2021 – and realized $35.9 million in sales of vintage and pre-owned watches via 165 lots. The achievement marked the most successful watch auction in American history. Additionally, just like all of the house’s 2021 sales, every lot in the December New York Watch auction sold – bringing the year to a “100 percent sold” status (never accomplished by an auction house before) and setting a milestone record for annual sales of $209.3 million. Lot 1T was the biggest sale at the Phillips New York Auction. The brand new stainless steel Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018 with a Tiffany Blue dial was created to commemorate the long-standing partnership of the two brands , The watch (supposedly the last Ref. 5711 the brand will make) sold for a whopping $6.5 million, despite its original estimate of $50,000. The proceeds from this sale go to The Nature Conservancy as per Tiffany’s request. This sale from just a single auction house is representative of the current state of the watch market. The pre-owned marketplace is on fire now and the incredible feeding frenzy among collectors and connoisseurs looking to snap up certain watches for their investment portfolios has led to a shortage of watches and huge hikes in prices, with certain pre-owned watches commanding higher prices than brand new watches. Lot 102 was a George Daniels watch, circa 1971, that is a twin barrel one-minute tourbillon pocket watch chronometer. It was sold with a handwritten letter by the master watchmaker and inventor extraordinaire and a double-ended key. Expected to fetch between $600,000 and a million dollars, it sold for $1.6 million. ”There are a lot of parallels between the car and watch markets. These are enduring objects that will last an eternity, but the supply is just too little to meet the demand and the values continue to grow,” says Paul Boutros, Head of Watches, Americas. “The market is the strongest it has ever been for collector watches because there are so many new people discovering and buying exceptional vintage and modern pieces as they look for ways to have fun with their cash.” While buying watches at auction has always been hot, the pandemic helped fuel the fire as more and more people stopped traveling and started investing in their passions. In fact, the year-end results from Phillips indicates that sales are up 89 percent from the pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Additionally, with the wealth of information available online, it’s easy to self-educate about what watches are a good investment and why. As with so many Rolex watches at auction, Lot 41 -- the 1969 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6241 – sold for more than $1 million. The very rare yellow gold chronograph Paul Newman watch (nicknamed after the watch Paul Newman owned and that sold for $17 million at auction a few years ago) boasts a black “John Player Special” black dial and features a gold bracelet. It sold for $1.2 million. So, for those looking to get in on the long-term profits of a good watch investment, the first rule of thumb is to buy the so-called “Holy Grail” brands like Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Rolex, A. Lange & Sohne and a few others that are always in high demand and never seem to lose their value. Similarly, some of the top independent watch brands like Richard Mille, F.P. Journe and MB&F are so rare and hard to find that when one does pop up at auction, heated bidding is sure to ensue. Be prepared and have a budget pre-planned. A look at some of the top lots from the December auction will give you a rough idea of how much you might have to spend to own one of the world’s most expensive pre-owned timepieces. Buy This Issue Subscribe

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 28, 2022

Bell & Ross Releases The Cigar-Inspired BR 05 Edición Lim...

The luxury watch to pair with the perfect cigar. As an extension of one’s lifestyle, luxury watches embody the characteristics of an affluent accessory that pairs perfectly with the finer things in life. The watchmakers at Bell & Ross pride themselves on incorporating inspiration from other luxury products to highlight the similarities between each industry. Bell & Ross is heading to the cigar humidor for the release of the limited-edition BR 05 Chrono Edición Limitada. The special edition BR 05 Chrono features a 42mm case design that beautifully blends polished Stainless Steel with 18k Rose gold. With the cigar lover in mind, the deep brown chronograph dial design pays homage to the famous Robust Maduro cigar. Along with its modern and sophisticated color palette, the new Bell & Ross also showcases its Spanish-style name on the dial as a nod to Cuba. MUST-READ: Cristiano Ronaldo’s New Bugatti Watch The BR 05 Chrono Edición Limitada is driven by Bell & Ross’ in-house BR-CAL 301 automatic mechanical movement, which operates the hours, minutes, small seconds, date, and chronograph functions. The complex movement holds an impressive 42-hour power reserve while operating under a 100-meter water resistance. The backcase includes commemorative engravings, with each piece individually numbered to signify the special release from Bell & Ross. Adding to its versatility as an everyday watch, Bell & Ross fits the BR 05 Edición Limitada with a matching two-tone traditional bracelet or brown rubber strap. The packaging includes a watch case that doubles as a portable humidor, with humidity-controlled cigar storage just beneath the watch display stand. The all-new Bell & Ross BR 05 Chrono Edición Limitada Collection is limited to only 250-pieces and is currently available starting at $8,600. 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: Bell & Ross

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