Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Maldives - A Must See Holiday Destination
Maldives has deep blue seas, turquoise reefs, white sandy beaches and palm trees. It is also a place full of character, where its people have long spent their days languishing in the very essence of idyll living. While it is the perfect place to sit on a beach and watch a sunset with a cocktail balanced on your hand, it is also a geographical marvel, knowing that there are thousands of fish swimming around the vivid corals just a few feet away from where you sit.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Marina Bay Sands in Singapore (Sky Park)
Located along the Marina Bay waterfront, Marina Bay Sands features three cascading hotel towers topped by an extraordinary sky park, ‘floating’ crystal pavilions, a lotus-inspired Museum, retail stores featuring cutting-edge labels and international luxury brands, trendy Celebrity Chef restaurants, endless entertainment at the theaters, the hottest night clubs and a Las Vegas-style casino. Business visitors will also enjoy the extensive Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) facilities featuring state-of-the-art technology, highly flexible exhibition halls, and a convention centre that can host over 45,000 delegates. Marina Bay Sands seamlessly combines business and leisure into a singular destination unlike any other.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Royale Opera - Amazing Watch
Beat me with a stick! I just had to plod through Manufacture Royale's nine page long bloody press release - only to have reasserted what they mention in the first few lines; that they are "unashamedly elitist." Wipe my brow and hand me an ol' timey hallucinogenic absinthe, because I need to lay back in a hammock on a steamship and read some Jules Verne to appreciate this steampunk mechanaut. More images after the break...
Oh how right it would be for the good people behind the conception of this watch to redo their text and branding on the watch. It is a cool thing, and the overgrown child in my loves this oddity - but they really need to take it down a few notches. I kid you not, in a nutshell the brand would have you believe that this watch not only sets the bar upon which all future watches must be judged, but also claims that according to the designer this watch release is one step closer to realizing a dream of utopia. Please calmly take an axe to my forehead - for I cannot believe this.
World’s Top 20 Most Expensive Watches
20. Hublot
Million $ Black Caviar Bang
Price: $1,000,000
The case, crown dial, and clasp of Hublot’s Black Caviar Bang are encrusted in baguette-cut black diamonds. The watch, which has no numbers on the face, has 544 diamonds, a total of 34.5 carats. It is 18 carat white gold and has an adjustable leather strap. In 2009, it won the Grand Prix de Genève Jewellery Watch prize. Founded in 1980, Hublot today is a subsidiary of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.
19. Jacob & Co.
Price: $1,000,000
The case, crown dial, and clasp of Hublot’s Black Caviar Bang are encrusted in baguette-cut black diamonds. The watch, which has no numbers on the face, has 544 diamonds, a total of 34.5 carats. It is 18 carat white gold and has an adjustable leather strap. In 2009, it won the Grand Prix de Genève Jewellery Watch prize. Founded in 1980, Hublot today is a subsidiary of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.
19. Jacob & Co.
Crystal Tourbillion
Price: $900,000
The 18 carat white gold case of the Crystal Tourbillion is covered in 17.48 carats of baguette diamonds and has a transparent skeleton tourbillion dial. The piece is finished with an alligator band with a 2.22 carat baguette diamond buckle. Jacob & Co. manufactured 18 pieces of the white gold Crystal Tourbillion, available in the New York City boutique.
18. Audemars Piguet
Price: $900,000
The 18 carat white gold case of the Crystal Tourbillion is covered in 17.48 carats of baguette diamonds and has a transparent skeleton tourbillion dial. The piece is finished with an alligator band with a 2.22 carat baguette diamond buckle. Jacob & Co. manufactured 18 pieces of the white gold Crystal Tourbillion, available in the New York City boutique.
18. Audemars Piguet
Jules Audemars Grande Complication
Price: $780,600
Audemars Piguet’s one-of-a-kind, self-winding skeleton watch has a titanium case and features a perpetual calendar indicating the hours, minutes, day, date, week, moon phases, month, and leap years. There is also a minute repeater and chronograph. It has a crocodile leather strap. The Jules Audemars Grande Complication is available exclusively at the watchmaker’s New York City boutique.
17. Breguet
Price: $780,600
Audemars Piguet’s one-of-a-kind, self-winding skeleton watch has a titanium case and features a perpetual calendar indicating the hours, minutes, day, date, week, moon phases, month, and leap years. There is also a minute repeater and chronograph. It has a crocodile leather strap. The Jules Audemars Grande Complication is available exclusively at the watchmaker’s New York City boutique.
17. Breguet
Classique 5349 Grande Complication
Price: $755,000
This piece has twin rotating tourbillons in a platinum case lined with baguette-cut diamonds. The dial is pavéed with more diamonds. It contains more than 570 parts and has three patents to protect its “superior precision and technological mastery,” according to Breguet, which is today owned by Swatch.
16. Omega
Price: $755,000
This piece has twin rotating tourbillons in a platinum case lined with baguette-cut diamonds. The dial is pavéed with more diamonds. It contains more than 570 parts and has three patents to protect its “superior precision and technological mastery,” according to Breguet, which is today owned by Swatch.
16. Omega
Constellation Baguette
Price: $708,742
The one-of-a-kind piece, available at the Omega boutique in Geneva, shines with 459 Top Wesselton diamonds, totaling just over 30 carats. There are 146 baguette and trapeze diamonds on the dial, completely covering the 18 carat white gold case. Omega is owned by Swatch Group.
15. Vacheron Constantin
Price: $708,742
The one-of-a-kind piece, available at the Omega boutique in Geneva, shines with 459 Top Wesselton diamonds, totaling just over 30 carats. There are 146 baguette and trapeze diamonds on the dial, completely covering the 18 carat white gold case. Omega is owned by Swatch Group.
15. Vacheron Constantin
Malte Tourbillion Regulator
Price: $700,000
Part of Vacheron Constantin’s High Jewelry collection, the Malte Tourbillion Regulator has 263 baguette-cut diamonds in the dial and 274 baguette-cut diamonds in the case. It features a Tourbillion and is finished on a black leather strap. The case is in the classic tonneau (or barrel) shape of the Malte collection. Founded in 1755, Geneva’s Vacheron Constantin is one of the world’s oldest watchmakers. Today it is part of the Richemont Group.
14. Greubel Forsey
Price: $700,000
Part of Vacheron Constantin’s High Jewelry collection, the Malte Tourbillion Regulator has 263 baguette-cut diamonds in the dial and 274 baguette-cut diamonds in the case. It features a Tourbillion and is finished on a black leather strap. The case is in the classic tonneau (or barrel) shape of the Malte collection. Founded in 1755, Geneva’s Vacheron Constantin is one of the world’s oldest watchmakers. Today it is part of the Richemont Group.
14. Greubel Forsey
Quadruple Tourbillion
Price: $690,000
A total of 531 parts are used for two separate double tourbillons. This complex watch has an asymmetrical platinum case and alligator leather strap. Founded by watchmakers Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey at Baselworld in 2004, the company (in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) is known for offering two and four tourbillion mechanisms in the same watch case.
13. de Grisogono
Price: $690,000
A total of 531 parts are used for two separate double tourbillons. This complex watch has an asymmetrical platinum case and alligator leather strap. Founded by watchmakers Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey at Baselworld in 2004, the company (in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) is known for offering two and four tourbillion mechanisms in the same watch case.
13. de Grisogono
Meccanico dG S25D
Price: $590,000
Founded in Geneva in 1993 by Fawaz Gruosi, de Grisogono recently launched a Meccanico dG set with baguette diamonds at this year’s Baselworld. This Meccanico dG, of which there are 20 units, was designed in three variants: with baguette diamonds (in photo), with white pavé diamonds, and with black pavé diamonds. The version featured above, made of 18 carat pink gold, is set with 126 baguette-cut white diamonds. It displays two time zones and has analog and digital displays and a power reserve indicator. It is also water-resistant to a depth of 30 meters.
12. A. Lange & Söhne
Price: $590,000
Founded in Geneva in 1993 by Fawaz Gruosi, de Grisogono recently launched a Meccanico dG set with baguette diamonds at this year’s Baselworld. This Meccanico dG, of which there are 20 units, was designed in three variants: with baguette diamonds (in photo), with white pavé diamonds, and with black pavé diamonds. The version featured above, made of 18 carat pink gold, is set with 126 baguette-cut white diamonds. It displays two time zones and has analog and digital displays and a power reserve indicator. It is also water-resistant to a depth of 30 meters.
12. A. Lange & Söhne
Tourbograph “Pour le Mérite”
Price: $508,900
Honey gold was used for the case of this limited edition watch, of which A. Lange & Söhne has manufactured only 50 units. The watch has a one-minute tourbillion as well as a double chronograph. The Tourbograph “Pour le Mérite” can be purchased in New York City, Dresden, Shanghai, and Tokyo. Like Glashütte Original, the company is based in the former East Germany. After the Soviet occupation, the region’s once-thriving watchmaking industry foundered. Lange, which had been founded in 1845, shut down and was revived in 1990. Today it is part of the Richemont Group.
11. Chopard
Price: $508,900
Honey gold was used for the case of this limited edition watch, of which A. Lange & Söhne has manufactured only 50 units. The watch has a one-minute tourbillion as well as a double chronograph. The Tourbograph “Pour le Mérite” can be purchased in New York City, Dresden, Shanghai, and Tokyo. Like Glashütte Original, the company is based in the former East Germany. After the Soviet occupation, the region’s once-thriving watchmaking industry foundered. Lange, which had been founded in 1845, shut down and was revived in 1990. Today it is part of the Richemont Group.
11. Chopard
Secret
Price: $508,000
This watch has a square pavé-set diamond dial and frame inside a case composed of brilliant, square and baguette-cut diamonds (19 carats) on the satin strap and baguette-cut diamond clasp. Chopard has manufactured only two Secret watches so far. Geneva-based Chopard, which was founded in 1860, is still privately owned.
10. Montblanc
Price: $508,000
This watch has a square pavé-set diamond dial and frame inside a case composed of brilliant, square and baguette-cut diamonds (19 carats) on the satin strap and baguette-cut diamond clasp. Chopard has manufactured only two Secret watches so far. Geneva-based Chopard, which was founded in 1860, is still privately owned.
10. Montblanc
Grand Tourbillion Heures Mysterieuses in platinum
Price: $365,750
Although once known primarily for its signature fountain pens, Richemont-owned Montblanc in recent years has transformed its brand into that of a jeweler and watchmaker. Its most expensive watch is the Grand Tourbillion Heures Mysterieuses in platinum, of which only one has been made so far. This tourbillion is also available in 18 carat white gold (in photo), limited to eight pieces at $319,000 each. The 18 carat red gold version, also limited to eight pieces, is $302,500.
09. Concord
Price: $365,750
Although once known primarily for its signature fountain pens, Richemont-owned Montblanc in recent years has transformed its brand into that of a jeweler and watchmaker. Its most expensive watch is the Grand Tourbillion Heures Mysterieuses in platinum, of which only one has been made so far. This tourbillion is also available in 18 carat white gold (in photo), limited to eight pieces at $319,000 each. The 18 carat red gold version, also limited to eight pieces, is $302,500.
09. Concord
C1 Tourbillion Gravity
Price: $320,000
One of the unique features of this watch, which has an 18 carat white gold case, is the seconds display on the side of the tourbillion carriage. The C1 Tourbillion Gravity also features a flyback chronograph and 84-hour power reserve and is water resistant to 30 meters. Although founded in Biel, Switzerland, in 1908, Concord today is owned by Movado Group, which is based in Paramus, N.J.
08. IWC
Price: $320,000
One of the unique features of this watch, which has an 18 carat white gold case, is the seconds display on the side of the tourbillion carriage. The C1 Tourbillion Gravity also features a flyback chronograph and 84-hour power reserve and is water resistant to 30 meters. Although founded in Biel, Switzerland, in 1908, Concord today is owned by Movado Group, which is based in Paramus, N.J.
08. IWC
Grande Complication
Price: $318,000
IWC first launched the Grande Complication about 20 years ago. It combines a perpetual calendar with moon phase, minute repeater, and chronograph with an automatic movement. This version has a platinum case and bracelet. The Richemont-owned IWC recently redesigned it in a Portuguese-style case ($220,567). A total of 50 pieces are produced annually.
07. Breitling
Price: $318,000
IWC first launched the Grande Complication about 20 years ago. It combines a perpetual calendar with moon phase, minute repeater, and chronograph with an automatic movement. This version has a platinum case and bracelet. The Richemont-owned IWC recently redesigned it in a Portuguese-style case ($220,567). A total of 50 pieces are produced annually.
07. Breitling
Grande Complication
Price: $280,716
Unveiled at Baselworld 2010, this pocket watch has a perpetual calendar that displays the date, day, month, leap years, and moon phases and a minute repeater that strikes the hours, quarters, and minutes on demand. It comprises almost 700 parts. The case, made of 18 carat yellow gold, features an engraving of Walter Owen Bentley, founder of Bentley Motors, one of Breitling’s partners.
06. Panerai
Price: $280,716
Unveiled at Baselworld 2010, this pocket watch has a perpetual calendar that displays the date, day, month, leap years, and moon phases and a minute repeater that strikes the hours, quarters, and minutes on demand. It comprises almost 700 parts. The case, made of 18 carat yellow gold, features an engraving of Walter Owen Bentley, founder of Bentley Motors, one of Breitling’s partners.
06. Panerai
L’Astronomo Luminor Tourbillion 1950 Equation of Time in rose gold
Price: $235,000
Recently presented at the 2010 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva as a tribute to Galileo Galilei, the L’Astronomo will be made in a limited number of about 30. While ordering the piece, clients must specify their hometown, which is engraved on the back near a rotating sky chart of the city. The dial also displays the sunrise and sunset times of the chosen city. Panerai is owned by Richemont.
05. Porsche Design
Price: $235,000
Recently presented at the 2010 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva as a tribute to Galileo Galilei, the L’Astronomo will be made in a limited number of about 30. While ordering the piece, clients must specify their hometown, which is engraved on the back near a rotating sky chart of the city. The dial also displays the sunrise and sunset times of the chosen city. Panerai is owned by Richemont.
05. Porsche Design
Indicator P´6910 in rose gold
Price: $225,000
Made of about 800 individual parts and developed by 12 engineers and watchmakers, the Porsche Design Indicator P´6910 is the world’s first chronograph with a mechanical-digital stopwatch function display. It can record up to 9 hours and 59 minutes. In 2008 the Indicator, available in three design variants, was presented in rose gold with PVD coated titanium.
04. Glashütte Original
Price: $225,000
Made of about 800 individual parts and developed by 12 engineers and watchmakers, the Porsche Design Indicator P´6910 is the world’s first chronograph with a mechanical-digital stopwatch function display. It can record up to 9 hours and 59 minutes. In 2008 the Indicator, available in three design variants, was presented in rose gold with PVD coated titanium.
04. Glashütte Original
Julius Assmann 4 in white gold
Price: $161,000
Glashütte Original introduced this piece for the Assmann edition in 2007. It can be worn as a wristwatch or pocket watch and features a unique retrograde hour display and tourbillion. The watch is also offered in red gold and rose gold ($145,000). More information is available through Tourbillion Boutiques in New York, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Based in the former East Germany, Glashütte Original is one of the few watchmakers that uses its own proprietary movements. It is owned by Switzerland’s Swatch Group.
03. JeanRichard
Price: $161,000
Glashütte Original introduced this piece for the Assmann edition in 2007. It can be worn as a wristwatch or pocket watch and features a unique retrograde hour display and tourbillion. The watch is also offered in red gold and rose gold ($145,000). More information is available through Tourbillion Boutiques in New York, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Based in the former East Germany, Glashütte Original is one of the few watchmakers that uses its own proprietary movements. It is owned by Switzerland’s Swatch Group.
03. JeanRichard
Paramount Tourbillion Linear Power Reserve
Price: $128,000
This unique tourbillion watch from independent Swiss watchmaker JeanRichard uses a linear indicator for the 72-hour power reserve. It has an 18 carat white gold case and rubber covered alligator strap.
02. Tag Heuer
Price: $128,000
This unique tourbillion watch from independent Swiss watchmaker JeanRichard uses a linear indicator for the 72-hour power reserve. It has an 18 carat white gold case and rubber covered alligator strap.
02. Tag Heuer
Monaco V4
Price: $80,000
Tag Heuer, which is owned by French luxury conglomerate Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, used cars as a model for rethinking watches’ mechanical movement and engineered the world’s first and only belt-driven timepiece. This design is more shock-resistant and requires less maintenance because of the belts and micro ball bearings, according to the company. The Monaco V4 has a platinum case and alligator leather strap. Only 150 pieces were manufactured.
01. Baume & Mercier
Price: $80,000
Tag Heuer, which is owned by French luxury conglomerate Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, used cars as a model for rethinking watches’ mechanical movement and engineered the world’s first and only belt-driven timepiece. This design is more shock-resistant and requires less maintenance because of the belts and micro ball bearings, according to the company. The Monaco V4 has a platinum case and alligator leather strap. Only 150 pieces were manufactured.
01. Baume & Mercier
William Baume Flying Tourbillion
Price: $75,000*
This new edition of the William Baume Tourbillion has a “flying tourbillion,”—a tourbillion held in place on only one side rather than on the top and bottom—black dial, and black alligator strap. The tourbillion escapement is in the 9 o’clock position and a small seconds display at 6 o’clock. It has a 52-hour power reserve. This timepiece is limited to 10 editions worldwide. Baume & Mercier is owned by Swiss luxury goods giant Compagnie Financière Richemont.
Price: $75,000*
This new edition of the William Baume Tourbillion has a “flying tourbillion,”—a tourbillion held in place on only one side rather than on the top and bottom—black dial, and black alligator strap. The tourbillion escapement is in the 9 o’clock position and a small seconds display at 6 o’clock. It has a 52-hour power reserve. This timepiece is limited to 10 editions worldwide. Baume & Mercier is owned by Swiss luxury goods giant Compagnie Financière Richemont.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Beautiful Bugatti 16C Galibier
Unveiling Bugatti 16C Galibier
According to the source of 4WheelsNews, who was present at the private unveiling of the new car, Bugatti Galibier (for those who don't know the manufacturer also used the name on the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Galibier Saloon) is the name of the latest 4-door coupe from the Molsheim-based manufacturer. The Galibier, named after a mountain pass in the southern region of the French Dauphin Alps near Grenoble, is the vehicle teased by the manufacturer back in July, the one with the specacular8-pipe exhaust system.
Unlike the Veyron, the Galibier carries the W16 engine in the front, weighs around 1900 kg and is capable to achieve a top speed of around 350 km/h (still impressive we'd say) and will not need a second key like its 2-door brother in order to reach the incredible speed.
Regarding it's body, this is built using carbon fiber and has a total length of about 5.3 meters, with almost 80 inches longer than the Veyron. Regarding the debut of the car, this remains a mystery. We will not see it at the Frankfurt Motor Show because Bugatti will not be there.
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