EVENT: Is Blancpain’s Ocean Commitment investment just a drop in the ocean? Hard questions on Sydney Harbour
It’s usually the most innocuous part of the night. The official speeches are out of the way, the bar once again beckons, and the speaker says, to be polite, “Are there any questions?” A guest at the Blancpain Ocean Commitment event 2016 – following on from the 2015 evening at Icebergs, which had the coolest night-time projection since the bat symbol – put up her hand, and asked – “I was wondering how much money does Blancpain actually contribute to the Ocean Commitment cause?” The VP and Head of Marketing, Mr Alain Delamuraz to his enormous credit, did not even clear his throat. Earlier, he’d disclosed that 1000 Euro from every OC Limited Edition (250 pieces) model sold goes to the cause. But it turns out, with pun fully intended, this is a drop in the ocean. “We have contributed 1 million Euro per year for the last seven years,” he said. “It’s a big percentage. For us, it’s a lot.” There was a notable inhalation of breath by the entire room. “This money has led to three million square-kilometres of ocean being protected, and many other meaningful advancements in marine conservation.” My companion (and younger brother) nudged me and said,…
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In the early hours of the Australian morning, the watch industry was celebrating its night of nights – the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) – more commonly known as the Oscars of watchmaking. Fifteen awards were given – along with a special jury prize for the George Daniels Educational Trust – adding up to a solid mix of safe bets and surprises. So without further ado, here are the best watches of 2016. “AIGUILLE D’OR” GRAND PRIX Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1 Impressive name for an impressive watch. The Chopard-owned brand’s debut piece is distinctive and complex, with a vintage-looking octagonal case and a top-notch, constant force fusée chain tourbillon. Excellence doesn’t come cheap though. The FB 1 has an RRP of 212,000 CHF. PUBLIC PRIZE Czapek Genève 33 bis Quai des Bergues The only award based on a popular vote, the Czapek Genève is an impressive watch, with its Grand Feu dial and pocket-watch inspired movement. In an interesting sign of the times, it’s also a watch that exists thanks to crowd funding. REVIVAL WATCH PRIZE TAG Heuer Heuer Monza Chronograph Ironically, this recent award category is all about looking to the past. And we can’t…
