MY WEEK WITH: The Bulgari Octo Roma
A few weeks ago, I spent the Melbourne Cup long weekend with some extra company, specifically two references from the Bulgari Octo collection. Now, let me just say right off the bat, when it comes to the Bulgari timepieces, the Octo Finissimo collection has had pretty much all my attention since the Automatic dropped earlier this year at Baselworld. So when the opportunity arose to test drive a couple of ‘other’ Octos, I was keen to explore what else was on offer. I decided on two (very) different pieces, with both work and play in mind, which stood out to my particular tastes. For ‘work’, I opted for the Octo Roma in 18 karat rose gold. I love gold, so it wasn’t exactly a hard choice. For my ‘play’ option, I grabbed an Octo Ultranero, which you can read about later this week. My first impression was … a big ‘wow’ when I took the brown dial into the sunlight. ‘Brown’ doesn’t do justice to this charismatic, dynamic, ever-changing dial. Depending on lighting, the lacquered surface would change from a very dark brown to more of a chestnutty colour. And, in the brightest of sunlight, even a rich burgundy. It really…
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This morning, as I sipped my morning coffee and perused YouTube, I noticed a video in my ‘suggested feed’, titled ‘I just bought a 3,000,000 watch’. Obviously, I was intrigued, and couldn’t resist clicking through. As I skimmed through the video, it was apparent that YouTube star Logan Paul, who posted the video, didn’t actually buy a $3 million dollar watch – he just tried it on (it was a very impressive Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, ref 6300 FWIW). He did, however, purchase his first Rolex, and a rather nice one at that. Now, quickly – for those of you wondering who Logan Paul is – pull your head out of the sand and ask anyone you know who’s under the age of 25. Pegged to be the first ‘social media billionaire’, he boasts over 13 million YouTube subscribers, 15.4 million Instagram followers, and 16 million Facebook ‘likes’. He’s a social media juggernaut, a 22-year-old college dropout who’s worked out how to capitalise multiple social media platforms, and is nailing it. So, what did he buy? Well, during a promotional trip to Dubai, Logan treated himself to a Rolex Day-Date II, in platinum with an ice blue dial, and Roman…
John, AKA @barnfindwatches, is a family man and a certifiable watchaholic. In his spare time, he runs the sales organisation for a small software company in Los Angeles, meaning he travels all around the US, meeting with customers and seeing places in the country that few would ever (voluntarily) go. How do you unwind? Although I like to play basketball or run with the dog (which I need to do far, far more), mostly I live and breathe watches in my free time. Nightly, I browse the internet researching watches, mostly scouring eBay and IG. It is a bit embarrassing to think about the hours I have spent throughout the years on the internet. In fact, eBay just thanked me for 20 years of customer loyalty (I originally joined AuctionWeb in ’97, which became eBay later that year)! I feel like I have earned my PhD in watches, having spent the last quarter of a century reading books from my library (I have hundreds of books, price guides, magazines, Japanese “mooks” and auction catalogues). I also (incompetently) tinker with watches as well. I find it relaxing to diagnose and do the most basic of repairs (changing dials, hands, crowns and…
A little while ago, we put together a list of luxury sports watches and it went – to use a technical term – bananas. There’s something about the combination of utility and exclusivity that really appeals to people. And as I look down at the Laureato on my wrist as I type this, I can honestly say, I get it. Sure, tool-like dive watches and sporty chronographs fill a place in our watch-loving hearts that crave functionality and purpose, but a watch like the Laureato offers something more. Purpose and practicality, with ample lashings of beauty. I mean, just look at how that Clous de Paris dial, or those bracelet links, blaze in the light. This watch looks good in pictures, but it comes alive on the wrist. Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm Australian Pricing Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm, in steel on bracelet, $16,080
A few hours ago, watchmaking’s night of nights – the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève – wrapped up (though we suspect the afterparties may still be in full swing), and 15 prizes, along with a special jury prize, were awarded by the jury. The GPHG awards are often hotly debated, but do, nonetheless, provide an interesting barometer of where the watch industry is at. This year’s winners are an interesting mix of bigger brands and niche players, haute horology and a more mass approach. I also think it’s great to see a focus on commercially minded innovation, which is perhaps indicative of where the industry’s mind is at right now. But that’s enough from me. Here are the winners. MEN’S WATCH PRIZE Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic This hotly tipped favourite is a worthy winner. Read our review here. “AIGUILLE D’OR” GRAND PRIX Chopard L.U.C. Full Strike Chopard has quietly been making excellent watches for years. It just paid off, big time. LADIES’ WATCH PRIZE Chanel Première Camélia Skeleton Chanel’s second manufacture movement is an attractive blend of brand motif and engineering prowess. LADIES’ HIGH-MECH WATCH PRIZE Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Papillon Automate Whimsical. Ingenious. Beautiful. When it comes…
One of the most impressive collections we saw at SIHH 2017 was that of Girard-Perregaux, dominated by the sporty, ’70s-inspired Laureato collection. And while most of the Laureatos walked a pretty established product path — a top-end tourbillon, 42 and 38mm models in a few dials and case materials, as well as smaller, diamond-decked women’s models — one model stood out, both in terms of style and construction. I’m talking, of course, about the watch in the above picture, a 42mm two-tone Laureato in a bi-metallic case. And while two-tone is hardly unusual (especially this year, when it’s launched into legit ‘trend’ status), you don’t see too many watches in a mix of precious pink gold and technical titanium. Which, looking at this piece, is a little bit of a surprise, because, boy, does the combo work. Both metals have been given the brushed treatment, resulting in a slightly more muted, matt look that especially suits the grey titanium. There’s a version with fully integrated two-tone bracelet … that is, as they say, a strong look, but there’s also this croc-equipped option, which is nice and dressy. Of course this Laureato isn’t just a pretty case. It’s also got a dial to…
Let’s face it, women are not buying women’s watches necessarily; they want a watch that does not discriminate, with a bit of bravado, whether by means baller or boxer. That said, the full diamond effect in every direction, of the kind that was Hublot’s 2 million Euro 44mm 145-ct Big Bang behemoth, with its baguette-laden strap, case and dial, is too chunky a statement for most women. Well, with the exception of the wife of a Vegas casino owner, who naturally felt right at home in it and swiftly claimed hers. I prefer to make like a Mayweather cornerman, not exactly all-retiring, more the fall-back of outlandish. And this ladies 38mm Big Bang Steel Diamonds has just the right proportion of diamonds to monochrome styling and height on the wrist to make that spot attainable, while It feels more unisex in fact. The black rubber Hublot hallmark strap — in this case finely lined, though the tactile sensation approaches suede rather than any noticeable ridging — sets the sports luxe tone. Followed nimbly by the enduring industrial, tool watch details of the Big Bang’s multi-material, polished and matt case that sits in eminent view on the wrist, with its six exposed titanium screws…
Today we talk to the globetrotting and glamorous Matt Hranek about travel, watches, the perfect travel watch and his just-released book, A Man & His Watch. Tell us about yourself, what does a typical week look like for you? Well, let’s start with the day. I wake around 6.30am, robe goes on, dogs are let out to the garden, and the coffee pot goes on (a drip dark roast). Then I start my day by picking out the watch that speaks to the day for wardrobe, activity or feeling I have. The week could involve travelling on assignment for Condé Nast Traveler (where I am the Luxury Editor, and often shoot for them or edit/produce stories) or, if I am in the city, I am taking meetings and lunches with clients and brands, or general “flaneuring”. So, Matthew, what’s your daily watch, and why? Tough to say — I have a dozen or so that I choose from. That watch is chosen based on wardrobe, activity or general aesthetic feel. I will usually wear that choice for at least the week, but I can be fickle. Browsing through your feed, I can see a clear penchant for all things vintage, especially…
In the weeks leading up to Baselworld 2017, the speculation as to what Rolex would be releasing was rife. With astute watch collectors quickly pointing out that 2017 marked 50 years of the Rolex Sea-Dweller, the community braced for an anniversary edition. We all know — and love — that Rolex celebrates iconic anniversaries, and more often than not it’s a sophisticated touch here and there. Think back to the Rolex Submariner (ref 16610LV), where we saw a green bezel, or the more recent Rolex Day-Date 40 (60th anniversary Edition), with a stunning green dial. For all that, they’re instantly recognisable: Rolex are subtle — one of their core strengths is to design and manufacture timeless wristwatches. A Submariner from 1970 looks just as good as a current production Submariner, and that’s because Rolex doesn’t do rapid change. They move to the beat of their own drum. So, when the doors to the fair opened, attendees (myself included) swarmed to the Rolex booth, fighting to get the first glimpse of exactly what this would be. Glistening in the window sat the brand new 50th Anniversary Sea-Dweller. Since that initial exciting glimpse, I’ve managed to spend a bit more time with the new Sea-Dweller reference…
The past month involved a fair bit of travel, a lot of coffee, and some very, very impressive timepieces. So, without any further ado, here’s what went down. First up, I found myself on a quick trip to Sydney, where I bumped into a fellow Andy (@A_Zhangerator), who just so happened to be rocking an impressive Patek Philippe Travel Time. Andy loved how dynamic the dial is on the Travel Time, and we both agreed it’s hard to photograph — it’s much better in person. For an international businessman like Andy, this is an excellent choice, though his next purchase is likely to be another Richard Mille. Whilst up in Sydney, I also snuck in a quick whisky sour with Carson Chan, who was in the country for work. It was a long time between drinks, and the last time we caught up was back in Basel earlier this year. Carson was then wearing his Discommon Discautavia; now, an Omega Flightmaster, in really neat condition. Being the Head of Mission at the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, Carson’s always playing with compelling timepieces — and his Flighty did not disappoint. Back in Melbourne, old friend QT (@Mr_Q_T) happened to be…