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 – July 15, 2021

Richard Mille Unveils The New Limited-Edition RM 029 Auto...

Take on the track with Richard Mille's all-new RM 029 Automatic Le Mans Classic. With its close ties to all things motorsport-related, Richard Mille continues to tie in track inspiration into its collection of ultra-exclusive timepiece models. Richard Mille is proud to announce the release of its new La Mans-inspired example, the RM 029 Automatic Le Mans Classic. The timepiece pays homage to the legendary automotive endurance race that will be returning to the tarmac in 2022. The case is made from green Quartz TPT® and white Quartz TPT®, providing a lightweight feel with added protection from any impact. The skeletonized dial of the RM 029 allows for a closer look at the RMAS7 automatic-winding movement with hours, minutes, seconds, 24-hour display, oversize date, and variable-geometry rotor. With a power reserve of 55-hours and 50-meter water resistance, the new Richard Mille RM 029 is defined as the perfect everyday watch to take to the track. Continuing the clean white design of the RM 029, Richard Mille fits each timepiece with its iconic rubber strap in a matching white colorway. The all-new Richard Mille 029 Automatic Le Mans Classic is limited to 150-pieces and currently available for any watch or motorsport enthusiast through an authorized dealer. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRWoSBKK5Qj/ For more Watch news, Check out TAG Heuer Releases Super Mario Limited Edition Smartwatch

By Edward Jones – July 14, 2021

TAG Heuer Releases Super Mario Limited Edition Smartwatch

Take Mario with you, wherever you go. If you're a fan of luxury watches, smartwatches, or video games, then you have to check the latest release from TAG Heuer. The new TAG Heuer Connected x Super Mario Limited Edition is a perfect blend of luxury, technology, and pop culture. Pre-installed on this limited edition smartwatch are multiple watch faces that are inspired by the famous plumber. As far as the exterior of the smartwatch, there are red touches on the bezel, special Mario-inspired symbols at 3-,6, and 9-o'clock, "M" symbols on the crown and strap buckle, and a case back with "TAG Heuer x Super Mario Limited Edition" engraving. One special touch that is unique to this smartwatch is a rewards system that includes an animated Mario. Depending on the stage of your daily target, you will see different animations on the dial. This is a truly unique piece that will certainly be a hot item for gamers and fans of watches. Kudos to TAG Heuer and Nintendo. If you're interested, you can visit TAGHeuer.com to register interest and receive early access to the watch when it releases. Source: TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 12, 2021

On Wrist Review: A Week With The Zenith Chronomaster Sport

Getting hands-on with the new chronograph from Zenith watches. Since its release, the Zenith Chronomaster Sport stands tall as a leader in the luxury chronograph category of the watch industry. Its historic roots as a tool used in the world of motorsports only strengthen its ties to the automotive industry. The Chronomaster Sport is the culmination of over 50 years of mastery of the sporty chronograph and the automatic chronograph caliber. Zenith was kind enough to lend us a Chronomaster Sport for the week to experience the piece for itself. Focus The main focus drawing attention to the Zenith Chronomaster Sport is the dial design. The black ceramic bezel contrasts perfectly with the matte white dial and three colored sub-dials. The traditional styling made it a very versatile piece, allowing it to be worn during a regular day here at the office, or out at Amelia Island for the 2021 Concours D’elegance. The pride that comes along with wearing the Chronomaster Sport is you no longer need to change watches depending on your attire. While the most important opinion on a watch is your own, the Zenith did act as a great conversation piece from peers around the office, as well as other collectors and enthusiasts that had noticed it from afar. The styling of a watch teeters on a fine line on whether a piece is head-turning or conservative, and the Zenith Chronomaster Sport wears as the best of both worlds. Feel As watches are designed to be worn during any occasion, each needs to ensure a comfortable wear experience to last all of its time spent on a wrist. The Zenith Chronomaster Sport wears exceptionally modest on a larger wrist, making it perfect for an array of wrist sizes looking to sport the new chronograph. One of the main reasons why the watch was so enjoyable to wear for longer periods of time, was the comfortable oyster-style stainless-steel bracelet. Along with featuring a center link polished design, the bracelet’s clasp allows for quick slide sizing for further versatility. While the bracelet provides a more traditional look, Zenith offers the Chronomaster Sport Collection with various materials and colors to match your style. Further adding to the versatile aspect of the Chronomaster Sport, Zenith delivered a comfort factor to the new chronograph that makes it an everyday option for any watch enthusiast. duPont REGISTRY Function While the design and comfort of the Zenith Chronomaster Sport prove to be exterior highlights of the piece, the true beauty lies behind what drives the chronograph. The most important mechanical feature of a watch is to continue to hold time without interruptions. The quality of Zenith's in-house El Primero movement provides a sense of security knowing that the Chronomaster Sport will perform when needed. Alongside the simplicity of telling time, Zenith also equipped the timepiece with 60-second, 60-minute, and central chronograph functions to the dial design. Although considered a true complication, the Zenith Chronomaster sport provides a user-friendly experience when changing settings or operating functions. While the main focus was to tell time, our time with the Zenith Chronomaster Sport review dove much deeper, making it an eye-opening experience behind the design and technology behind the piece. Shop The Zenith Chronomaster Sport For more Watch news, Check out The Top 10 Watches To Start Your Watch Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 09, 2021

Top Timepieces Released This Week

A quick recap on the luxury watches released this week. Recently, We created duPont REGISTRY Watches as a new Instagram page dedicated to posting the newest and most exclusive luxury timepieces. Today, we have compiled a list of the top watch releases of the week from the best brands in the industry. Click any of the links below for more information on the current watches. URWERK UR-220 SL Asimov https://www.instagram.com/p/CQwb7HCMgyR/ Learn More Hubot Big Bang UNICO Summer https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ_FNxArdEK/ Learn More Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Pirelli https://www.instagram.com/p/CRCA42arl1r/ Learn More Ressence Type 1 Slim Red https://www.instagram.com/p/CREnae2LM5Q/ Learn More Jacob & Co. Astronomia Solar Constellations & Planets Yellow Stone https://www.instagram.com/p/CRG7WlFrUgS/ Learn More For more Watch news, Check out The Top 10 Watches To Start Your Watch Collection

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 09, 2021

Jacob & Co. Releases The New Constellations & Planets Yel...

No need to look towards the sky at night with the newest Jacob & Co. Astronomia Solar. Before the world of luxury timepieces, the main source of telling time was done by looking towards the sky. Jacob & Co. is incorporating the earliest form of timekeeping in the Astronomia Solar Collection. The all-new Jacob & Co. Astronomia Solar Constellations & Planets Yellow Stone is presented in a 47mm 18k Rose Gold case design with multiple sapphire crystals to highlight the elegantly styled dial. While the blue titanium base plate displays the constellation indicators, the Jacob & Co. JCAM19 manual winding movement sits on top to power three exclusive complications. The Astronomia Solar features a 60-second flying tourbillon, a blue lacquered globe that rotates every 60 seconds, and hours and minutes sub-dial with a patented Differential Gears System that keeps the dial in the 12/6 o’clock position as the platform rotate around a central axis every 10 minutes. Jacob & Co. completes the new Astronomia Constellations & Planets Yellow Stone with a matching blue large scale leather strap and 18k Rose Gold clasp. The newest addition to the Jacob & Co. Astronomia Solar Collection is now available through the New York City-based watchmaker. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRG7WlFrUgS/ For more Watch news, Check out Makes And Movements: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ x Graham Chronofighter Superlight Carbon

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 08, 2021

Essentials for Porsche Owners

Pair your favorite brand with a list of the best Porsche-inspired luxury essentials. As car collectors and enthusiasts, it's easy to see the beauty behind any automobile, but there are brands that just seem to be as the top of the favorite list. For those manufacturers, creating a fanbase and product line to help show support for the brand allows collectors to feel the sense of excitement when first discovering their automotive passion. That's why we have created a special list dedicated to the top luxury products and accessories with Porsche-inspiration. View all Porsches for sale on duPont REGISTRY, and shop all of the products featured in this special by clicking the links below. View All Porsche For Sale Porsche Design 1919 Chronotimer Flyback Porsche Design The new 1919 Chronotimer Flyback Black & Leather is the result of focusing on maximum functionality and shows clear parallels with Porsche and the 911. Shop Now Type 7 Volume 2 Type 7 Volume Two the best stories from another successful year of @type 7, the social media channel for good and inspiring stories from the world of PorscheIt all began in December 2018. Shop Now PUMA Porsche Legacy RS-Connect Sneakers PUMA RS-Connect from Porsche Legacy reimagines our retro RS silhouette with an art-meets-track aesthetic. Borrowing shapes and textures from hype art, its fluid, dynamic design features classic colors and authentic Porsche branding. Shop Now Porsche Design P'8928 Porsche Design Porsche Design P' 8928 sunglasses feature a design that is even more masculine, and more striking, than the legendary P'8478 – the first sunglasses with interchangeable lenses. The modern squared aviator form gets the successful 40-year-old classic in shape for a new decade. Shop Now Brumos: An American Racing Icon - Collector's Edition (Numbered) Brumos Picking up where the Brumos Edition left off, The Numbered Collector’s Edition (011–359) includes a fourth volume of special features, including comprehensive lists and photos of Brumos drivers, crew members, and cars; and several pages of photos not included in the Brumos Edition. Shop Now Porsche Design Roadster Check-In (Lava Orange) Nordstrom This durable and lightweight Porsche Design suitcase keeps all your belongings safe and organized with a water-resistant finish, combination lock and roomy interior. Shop Now 1964 Porsche 911 Watercolor Wall Art Naxart Studio’s modern designs and photography are the perfect addition to any space. Each piece adds a vibrant and personal touch to a home or office while staying true to the minimalist design style that is always on trend. Shop Now Garage Welt 996 RSR Skateboard Deck Garage Welt This 996 RSR is to be known as the only "non-white" variant of the RSR, and was ordered in March of 2001. Shop Now Porsche Design | Acer Book RS I7 Porsche Design Compact, versatile, unmistakably exclusive: the high-end nature of the Porsche Design Acer BOOK RS Business & Travel Notebook is hard to overlook. The A-cover crafted from high-performance carbon, a material valued in motorsports, is not only visually unique but also incredibly light. Shop Now Porsche Legacy Baseball Cap Go everywhere in this classic baseball cap from Porsche Legacy and PUMA. With all-over graphics inspired by GPS mapping, bold 3D textured Turbo wording at the front and sleek Porsche branding, this cap celebrates racing style in its finest form. Shop Now For more Gear news, Check out The GearBox: The Mercedes-AMG G63 Style

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 08, 2021

Discover The New Limited-Edition Ressence Type 1 Slim Red

The Type 1 Slim RED brings an energetic warmth to the brand’s fundamental design. While the art of timekeeping is known as a simple task, watchmakers shape and create examples that are defined as anything but simple. Ressence timepieces are the perfect example, incorporating state-of-the-art design and movement technology that continues to shock the watch community. Ressence is proud to announce the all-new Type 1 Slim Red, a vibrant limited-edition piece with an aesthetically pleasing look. The 42mm case made from polished Grade 5 Titanium features a double-domed sapphire crystal to illuminate the vibrant red dial. While the rotation of the inner dial draws the most attention, the true beauty lies in the Ressence patented in-house ROCS1 movement. The Ressence Orbital Convex System provides a 36-hour power reserve and is able to operate at 100-meter water resistance. Completing the Type 1 Slim Red, Ressence finishes the limited-edition piece with a color-matched red genuine leather strap. The new limited-edition Ressence Type 1 Slim Red is currently available via waitlist for $18,350 through an authorized dealer. https://www.instagram.com/p/CREnae2LM5Q/ For more Watch news, Check out Makes And Movements: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ x Graham Chronofighter Superlight Carbon

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 07, 2021

Discover The New Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Pirelli Co...

Just like in motorsports, it takes a team effort to make it easier, faster and simpler than ever before. Roger Dubuis keeps a close connection to the world of motorsports, just as Pirelli provides the same connection to the track’s tarmac using its line of premium performance tires. The latest Roger Dubuis innovation to emerge from an exclusive collaboration with Pirelli, Excalibur Spider Pirelli shows what happens when the finest minds from different industries work together to share their unrivaled know-how, breakthroughs research, and boundless creativity. The most apparent feature of the Excalibur Spider Pirelli is the all-new interchangeable bezel and crown, which incorporates an array of colors crafted from winning motorsport tire rubber. The 39mm DLC titanium case design houses the skeletonized dial, which allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the timepiece. The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Pirelli uses an in-house RD510SQ Tourbillon movement, which holds a 60-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. Completing the motorsport feel, Roger Dubuis adds a rubber strap with winning tire rubber inlay, a Pirelli Cinturato pattern on the lining, and interchangeable with Quick Release System (QRS) to each piece. Now with three additional kits in red, white, or blue – the iconic Pirelli color codes, the Excalibur Spider Pirelli transforms from full black to a pop of bold color in a click. The all-new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Pirelli collection is currently available through an authorized dealer starting at $142,000. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRCA42arl1r/ For more Watch news, Check out Makes And Movements: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ x Graham Chronofighter Superlight Carbon

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 06, 2021

Hublot Celebrates Summer With A New Limited-Edition Big B...

Cool off from the summer rays with the new cool blue Hublot Big Bang. With summer in full effect, it's a must for any watch collector or enthusiast to have a go-to summer watch. These are pieces that not only highlight the summer feel through design and color scheme, but also keep up with an adventurous lifestyle during the summer months. Hublot is proud to announce that they are making the decision easier this year with the all-new Big Bang UNICO Summer. The 42-mm case is made of anodized satin-finished and polished aluminum, a modern, lightweight colored material. This technical feat creates a uniform blue; turquoise like the deepest lagoons. The skeletonized dial allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the infamous UNICO movement, which provides a 72-hour power reserve and 100-meter water resistance. The functionality and reliability are what make the Hublot Big Bang UNICO Summer the perfect everyday watch during warm weather days. The transparent back case offers a secondary view of the mechanical operation, while the outer case is engraved to signify the limited 200-piece release. Hublot continues the cool blue colorway into the styling of nylon/leather velcro strap. The all-new Hublot Big Bang UNICO Summer is available online only for $22,000. https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ_FNxArdEK/ For more Watch news, Check out Makes And Movements: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ x Graham Chronofighter Superlight Carbon

Kross Studio Space Jam Tourbillon SJBBT21 3

By Roberta Naas – July 02, 2021

'Space Jam: A New Legacy' Now Has A $100,000 Watch In Its...

Who hasn’t heard of, or watched, the now-legendary Space Jam movies with basketball star Michael Jordan playing side by side with Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes? Now, just in time for the debut of Space Jam: A New Legacy — the new live action and animated movie — Kross Studio teams with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to release a new Space Jam: A New Legacy watch. The $100,000 luxury watch is an exciting piece that is being sold as a set featuring the high-tech Tourbillon timepiece and an interactive wood and aluminum basketball sculpture that brings the Looney Tunes into full luxury context. The movie, which makes its debut next week on July 16 in theaters and on HBO Max, features basketball champion LeBron James as he embarks on a new epic adventure with the Tunes. The all-star cast of the Malcolm D. Lee film also includes live actors such as Don Cheadle, Khris Davis and others. To honor the groundbreaking movie, Kross Studio once again teams with Warner Bros Consumer Products (the first association was for a Batmobile clock) to create a highly technical complicated watch and an interactive art sculpture that underscore the uniqueness of the Tune Squad spirit and the Space Jam movies. The colorful and alluring the new Space Jam Tourbillon watch by Kross Studios is powered by the brand’s 281-part mechanical hand-wound 3 Hz caliber KS7’000, developed and produced fully in-house by Kross Studio earlier this year. It features a tourbillon cage (that compensates for errors in timekeeping due to the effects of gravity on the wrist when the watch is in certain positions) in the center of the movement on top of the barrel. The constant rotation of the escapement offers a mesmerizing appeal. Additionally, thanks to the skeletonization of the movement, the wearer is treated to a great view inside, where movie-related details reveal themselves. Among them: wheels that are styled like basketballs, an hour hand that turns into a free throw lane or “key” and more. The dial of the watch is just a circular outer ring surrounding all of the mechanical hullaballoo and features the entire Dream Team of Looney Tunes squad engraved on it in white against a rich blue color. The characters are so realistic in their renderings that it is hard to keep focused on the mechanics of the watch. From Bugs Bunny to Daffy Duck, Tweety, Sylvester, Yosemite Sam, Speedy Gonzales, Taz, Wile E. Coyote, Road Runner and the others, this dial is just plain looney. The 45mm titanium case boasts a domed sapphire crystal for viewing of the mechanics and the Tunes. The case back allows for viewing of the mainplate and barrel bridge that are coated in blue PVD to match the front side Looney Tune dial ring. Devoid of a crown, the winding and setting are accomplished via a D-ring crown on the case back and a time-set pushbutton at 3:00 on the edge of the watch. It is sold with two leather straps, one in blue and one in basketball orange, each of which can be changed by the wearer thanks to an interchangeable quick-release system. About The Art Work That Comprises The Set For Kross Studio Space Jam Tourbillon Watch Bringing the basketball and art concepts further together, Kross Studios developed a wood and aluminum art piece inside which the watch can be stored. The sculpture is shaped like a basketball and features 11 wooden layers affixed to a central pillar and designed to resemble flat basketballs stacked up. The layers open to reveal the inside and the Tune Squad members are detailed on the case stand. Just 10 sets (watch and art) will be made. The art is produced in a limited, numbered edition and the set is sold in a customized wood crate with certificate of authenticity and handling gloves. This is the third venture from the fledgling independent Swiss brand known as Kross Studio since it was founded in 2020. Previous ventures include another venture with Warner Bros. Consumer Products that was the aforementioned Batmobile desk clock and a $150,000 Star Wars Death Star tourbillon watch created earlier this year in a collaboration with Lucasfilms. Image Source: Kross Studio

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