Sandra‘s Closet

The Arceau watch, created by Henri d’Origny in 1978, lends its classic yet distinctive round shape – with its asymmetrical stirrup-inspired lugs – to infinite expressions of Hermès creativity, style and expertise. Its timeless white gold silhouette stages an alliance between leather craftsmanship and Haute Horlogerie in a one-of-a-kind pocket watch. Beating to the rhythm of the Manufacture H1924 minute-repeater and tourbillon movement, the Arceau Pocket Aaaaargh! frames a refined white enamel dial, protected by a cover adorned with a tyrannosaurus composed of marquetry and leather mosaic.

After the gruff bear of the Slim of Hermes Grrrrr! and the wolf howling in the moonlight of the Arceau Awooooo, the Arceau Pocket Aaaaaargh! watch is joining the bestiary imagined by English artist Alice Shirley. On this model, the «king of the tyrant lizards» with half-open jaws and an attentive eye comes to life under the expert guidance of Hermès watchmakers, after a month of meticulous work using exclusive techniques developed in its leather workshops.

The design of the tyrannosaurus, which appears to be peeking through a porthole, stands out against the cover and involves a combination of several demanding skills. The head and scales are made in leather mosaic: thousands of finely hand-cut multicoloured leather fragments are applied one by one to faithfully reproduce the original pattern. The domed eye of the dinosaur, visible on both sides of the cover, is made of cabochoncut Grand Feu enamel.

Finally, the jaw and tongue are crafted in leather marquetry: fine tesserae are cut from various coloured leathers, previously thinned to just 0.5 mm, before being juxtaposed on the enamel base. Setting the final touch to this miniaturised leather artwork, a matt green alligator leather cord-strap is secured to the rectangular stirrup and accentuates the overall design.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
One-of-a-kind creation

MOVEMENT
Manufacture Hermès H1924 movement
Mechanical hand-wound, crafted in Switzerland
Diameter: 30mm
Thickness: 8.89mm
Power reserve: 90 hours
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3Hz)
Functions: Hours, minutes, minute repeater, flying tourbillon

CASE
Shape/size: Round, 48 mm in diameter
Material: White gold case and cover
Watch glass: Anti-glare sapphire crystal and caseback
Caseback engraved with the inscription “Pièce unique”
Water resistance: 3 bar

DIAL
White enamel on a white gold base

COVER
«Aaaaargh» marquetry and leather mosaic motif
Grand Feu enamel eye

LEATHER CORD-STRAP
Medium – green alligator leather

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Marchon for Hermès

Starting from today, NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER will be the privileged multi-brand online retailers of Watches & Wonders, a global concept that celebrates watchmaking excellence throughout the world. Hosting digital and offline events, this concept will bring some of the industry’s most revered luxury watch brands to the online shopping destination’s extensive customer base, starting from today. Fourteen watchmaking Maisons will feature as part of this initiative, together for the first time.

A great example for a super informative masterclass for Net-à-Porter’s EIP clients last June.

Over the course of the campaign, NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER customers will be able to enjoy a calendar of activity, including exclusive EIP (Extremely Important Person) virtual events and small-scale appointment-based activity, virtual one-to-one appointments and interactive Instagram Live conversations hosted by NET-A-PORTER and PORTER’s Editor in Chief, Sarah Bailey, and MR PORTER’s Senior Watch Editor, Chris Hall.

In anticipation of the celebrated campaign, and in response to extensive customer research across both retailers, NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER will also introduce a number of new website enhancements to the luxury watch shopping experience, including an improved size guide and the addition of trend-driven, occasion-based and material filters. Further developments will follow in the near future.

One of my favorite watches that I got at Net-à-Porter: Panthère de Cartier Manchette 22mm 18-karat rose gold and diamond watch by Cartier

The arrival of Watches & Wonders on NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER marks a significant moment for the industry, bringing together the leading watch and jewellery players, and establishes the luxury retailers as the ultimate global shopping destinations for fine watches. Following on from the Watches & Wonders digital platform that occurred on NET-A-PORTER’s Tmall flagship store in April, this new initiative marks the beginning of a year-long programme and showcases a unique tri-fold industry approach to the fast-evolving luxury watch landscape.

With Alison Loehnis at a Net-à-Porter event

«By teaming up with the world’s premier watch showcase, we want to provide an international platform for the most exceptional timepieces, supporting an environment where their stories – and those of their iconic makers – can come alive and be accessed by watch lovers across the globe.»
– Alison Loehnis, President, NET-A-PORTER & MR PORTER

NET-A-PORTER will introduce the latest creations from Cartier, Hermès, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger LeCoultre, Piaget and Vacheron Constantin.

Bovet’s limited-edition Dimier Recital 27 Green that will launch at Mr Porter.

MR PORTER will host a curated offering of the most recent creations from across 13 prestigious watch Maisons including Cartier, HYT and Panerai, and will introduce two new brands: Ulysse Nardin and Bovet. Ulysse Nardin will launch with eight timepieces, including the Blast Rose Gold; Bovet will launch with four timepieces, including the limited-edition Dimier Recital 27 Green.

Another beauty in my closet shopped at Net-à-Porter: Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet

Personally speaking, I love being an EIP at Net-à-Porter. The personal shopping department is divine and the events I have been invited to were always superb. I bought two watches for myself and I am super happy with the service provided by my favorite online retailer.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Net-à-Porter, © Mr Porter © David Biedert Photography, © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

THE BIG BANG DRESSED IN CAMOUFLAGE

For 50 years, Yohji Yamamoto has been offering a timeless style that transcends established notions. Like the monochrome featured on the Big Bang GMT All Black Yohji Yamamoto, Yohji Yamamoto’s iconic textiles and daring approach to motifs set the tone for the Big Bang Camo Yohji Yamamoto.

In May 2020, Hublot celebrated the grand opening of its new flagship Boutique on Chuo-dori Street in Ginza, Tokyo with this limited edition Big Bang GMT All Black Yohji Yamamoto.

Launching this month: a camouflage timepiece with a gritty vibe, as though deciphering a code that exists between paradox and homage, the new Big Bang Camo Yohji Yamamoto.

«I am powerfully drawn to a cutting-edge approach, in the sense that it expresses a point of view that is slightly removed from traditional values. Each collection incorporates a message about what I am feeling right now. It is a way to invite people to question what is already there, which is something I value greatly. »
Yohji Yamamoto – Fashion Designer

The Big Bang Camo Yohji Yamamoto is released as a limited edition of 200 pieces. Its 45 mm case is cut from matt black ceramic and its sapphire dial features superimposed outlines which form biomorphic patches in an echo of the artist’s camouflage motif, with his signature at 6 o’clock. The original construction of the camouflage motif extends onto the strap where each of the constituent shapes of the outline is cut out individually, assembled, and then fused together using the vulcanisation process. This is brand new technology for the watchmaking sector, reinforcing Hublot’s position as the first brand to use vulcanisation in the creation of its straps. The second strap is a black fabric option. The Big Bang Camo Yohji Yamamoto houses the Unico manufacture movement, with a 72-hour power reserve.

Yohji Yamamoto

The Yohji Yamamoto signature
Tagged as anti-fashion, Yohji Yamamoto’s creations are designed to raise questions, and all his collections contain this message. A master of contradiction and antagonism, Yohji Yamamoto sees the camouflage motif as the epitome of paradox, present and future clashing strikingly or blending seamlessly. As well as the initial message delivered by the camouflage print, he is reclaiming the values behind the clothes. The values of a rebellious spirit, a strong will, and cutting-edge individuality.

Decoding
An intellectual rebel at heart, designer Yohji Yamamoto has revolutionized fashion and design. Fabrics woven by artisans in Japan, mostly in black, which Yamamoto deems both modest and arrogant, are an important part of the garment making process. This camouflage print harks back to his previous work wear collection and highlights the fact that the act of choosing our clothing is an expression of our role and recognition in society. The use of this textile is a statement of respect for the artisans and contains a message about the value and preservation of the beautiful work performed by the hands and the body.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot and © Yohji Yamamoto

In 2016, CHANEL presented the MONSIEUR watch designed especially for men. With instant jumping hour and minute retrograde, the Caliber 1, the Maison’s first in-house Manufacture movement is entirely created, developed, assembled and tested by the master watchmakers of CHANEL.

In 2020, the MONSIEUR watch features a white gold case with dial and strap in matte blue; presented as an exclusive limited edition of 55 pieces.

Power reserve: 72 hours. Water-resistance: 30 meters. Functions: hours, minutes, seconds. Diameter: 40 mm. Available from beginning of September 2020.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
#MonsieurdeCHANEL #CHANELHauteHorlogerie

The breathtaking crystalline beauty and the stunning phenomenon of the Blue Grotto inspires Hublot to renew its tribute to Capri. It is the third masterpiece created as an homage to the Italian island. Furthermore, in 2018, the Swiss watch manufacturer launched there a watch model in collaboration with Italia Independent. Click here for the previous post.

When the Art of Fusion reveals itself in nature, Hublot’s designers couldn’t help but be inspired! The new Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition Capri features the bright blue colour of the waters that sparkle in the depths of the cave. And just like the magic of summer – its intensity and the fleeting impression of time it embodies – Hublot has created a special edition of just 30 numbered pieces, available exclusively in the boutique on the island.

«Symbolising “la dolce vita”, Capri is dotted with secret coves, sunny lanes to be discovered, clifftop flower gardens and balconies lined with pine, lemon and olive trees. Boasting dizzying views over the sumptuous Bay of Naples, the pearl of Southern Italy is a veritable treasure trove which inspired Hublot to set up its boutique there in 2017. We think it deserves to be celebrated again.»
Ricardo Guadalupe – CEO of HUBLOT

 The 45-mm case is made of polished black ceramic with a satin finish, surrounded by a bezel which is machined from ceramic in a vivid turquoise blue. The same wave of blue is seen lapping around the striated rubber strap and brings the dial of the chronograph to life with its chiaroscuro effect. This timepiece contains the HUB1143 self-winding chronograph movement with a power reserve of 42 hours.

The summery feel and contemporary design of this unisex model is perfect for the longest, hottest days of the year, especially as it features ceramic: a lightweight, hypoallergenic material which warms to body temperature.

Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition Capri
Limited to 30 pieces, Price: 12’900 CHF / 13’400 EUR / 13’600 USD / 11’200 GBP.

I will be in Capri next week, let me know if you want one… 🙂

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot
#Hublot #ClassicFusionCapri #HublotLovesSummer

In an ever-changing world, Hublot stays true to its philosophy of being first, unique, different: unveiling a new Big Bang, christened Millennial Pink, designed in collaboration with Garage Italia and Lapo Elkann. A new approach to timekeeping, one which looks to the future, setting trends. More than a watch, it is a state of mind. Gender Neutral.

«At Hublot, we are particularly proud of the Art of Fusion. But the list of things we cherish also includes the ability to innovate, to change, to be different, and, of course, our watchmaking expertise. This Big Bang Millennial Pink that we have created with Lapo Elkann from Garage Italia sits perfectly within this pioneering vision. Our expertise in materials technology has enabled us to create a unique colour for this watch, Millennial Pink, symbolic of the world available to us, in its constant state of flux.»
Ricardo Guadalupe – CEO of HUBLOT

«At Garage Italia, we want to be part of a world where the character of every person is defined by their love of life and their inclusivity, rather than by their power or their superiority. More than simply a product, we want to create something which represents a positive change.»
Lapo Elkann – FOUNDER & CREATIVE CHAIRMAN of GARAGE ITALIA

For some, it is powder pink or pastel; for others, a subtle blend of beige and salmon, apricot and grapefruit. Intriguing and undefinable, Millennial Pink takes its place today as a pink which is not in the exclusive realm of women, nor that of men, but truly a symbol of a completely new generation. This special hue marks a seismic shift which will change the status quo: established traditional values are being reconsidered through a lens of positivity. Pink – this pink – expresses a gentle, inclusive and confident approach to life. A fresh, young vision, full of substance, which redefines style.

This chromatic illustration of a new era could not escape the notice of Lapo Elkann, Founder & Creative Chairman of Garage Italia, and his team. It is this way of thinking, shared by Hublot and its partner Garage Italia, which gave rise to the Big Bang Millennial Pink.

Its 42-mm case sets the tone: made from modern, lightweight aluminium, a unisex and monochrome material, anodised, satin-finished and through-tinted millennial pink. This technical feat has been made possible thanks to research undertaken by Hublot’s engineers. This highly specific colour is obtained by anodisation, a process which both protects and decorates a part, and which has the advantage of giving the case and its components the desired pastel shade combined with remarkable resistance to scratches and impacts. Its proportions ensure it sits perfectly on any wrist. Gender Neutral. The Unico chronograph manufacture movement, boasting a 72-hour power reserve, has a chronograph mechanism on the dial side and a column wheel.

The highly versatile Big Bang Millennial Pink is supplied with two straps. The first is made from rubber and has a deployant buckle made from titanium covered with a decorative layer of the same anodised and satin-finished millennial pink aluminium as the case. The second strap is a mix of Velcro and knitted PES fabric, and is secured with a sporty buckle in millennial pink anodised and polished aluminium. The two straps are easily interchangeable thanks to Hublot’s exclusive patented One Click system.

Disruptive, creating new codes for traditional luxury, the Big Bang Millennial Pink produced in collaboration with Garage Italia will only be available in a very exclusive limited edition of 200 pieces. Price: CHF 19.900,  € 20.700, $ 20.900 or £ 17.300.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht
This post is sponsored. To stay up-to-date, follow: @Hublot #Hublot #BigBangMillennialPink

Beginning of 2020, Patek Philippe completed the construction work of its new production building in Geneva and celebrates now the occasion with the launch of a limited-edition timepiece. The exclusive Calatrava in stainless steel with a unique design will cause the hearts of collectors to skip a beat.

It is a tradition at Patek Philippe to accompany key events in its corporate history with the launch of limited-edition commemorative watches. To pay tribute to the commissioning of the new production building, a flagship of impressive size for the creation, development, and production of Patek Philippe watches, the manufacture reasserted its tradition by developing an exclusive, unusually designed Calatrava explicitly for this event.

This new Ref. 6007A-001 Calatrava instantly stands out with its case and broad cambered bezel in polished steel, a very rare material in Patek Philippe’s collections that is particularly coveted among connoisseurs. The design of the dial reflects an inimitable and dynamic face. Be it the railway track scale of the hour circle with triangular markers, the pierced baton hands for the hours and minutes that recall the Ref. 6006 Calatrava (part of the collection since 2017), the integration of the self-winding caliber 324 S C movement with an aperture date at 3 o’clock or the applied Arabic numerals: all these elements contribute to a vibrant and exciting dial architecture. The expressly graphic style emphasizes the technical personality of the dial. At the same time, the gray-blue hue is a signature element accompanied by the subtle circular satin finish that contrasts visibly against the white dial imprints as well as the applied numerals and the white-lacquered hands in white gold with luminous coatings.

In its center, the dial features a «carbon»-style texture that plays with light and can be interpreted as an enigmatic footnote referring to the world of high-tech. Another special feature: The calfskin strap with white decorative seams, the prong buckle, and a delicately embossed structure reminiscent of textile fabrics are coordinated in terms of color and structure to match the dial center.

The commemorative Ref. 6007A-001 Calatrava comes in a limited edition of 1000 watches with a diameter of 40 mm and a sapphire-crystal caseback specially marked with a Calatrava cross and the «New Manufacture 2019» inscription. 2019 is the year when the first work groups moved into the new production building. The exclusive styling of the watch stands as a lasting symbol for this new chapter in the history of Patek Philippe.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Patek Philippe

The forever piece: Watch-making meets fine jewelry in the form of Cartier’s timeless Panthère de Cartier Manchette, a true design treasure.

An investment piece of the highest order, Cartier’s iconic Panthère de Cartier Manchette became a highly sought-after collector’s item the moment it was first unveiled, back in the 1980s. With flowing links reminiscent of a panther slinking through the jungle – hence the name «panthère» – this eye-catching piece fluidly wraps the wrist in white, pink or yellow gold, depending on your preference.

Finished with an artfully off-center dial, eventually adorned with a border of brilliant-cut diamonds, there’s no doubt this timeless timepiece is dazzling – but it also boasts endless wearability. Whether peeking out from beneath a blazer cuff, accentuating the opulence of a silk evening gown, or even elevating a simple white shirt and jeans, consider this high-octane piece an effortless way to add polish to any ensemble. A magnificent addition to any watch collection, take good care of this heirloom piece and it will be cherished for generations to come.

Panthère de Cartier Manchette 22mm 18-karat rose gold and diamond watch

Panthère de Cartier Manchette 22mm 18-karat gold and lacquer watch

Panthère de Cartier Manchette 22mm 18-karat gold watch

Panthère de Cartier Manchette 22mm rhodium-finish 18-karat white gold and diamond watch

Personally speaking, I couldn’t resist and got mine at Net-à-Porter. I am so in love…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Cartier, © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.

Yesterday, LVMH announced the appointment of Frédéric Arnault to the role of CEO of
TAG Heuer from 1 July onwards. Frédéric joins some of his siblings in taking on a senior role within LVMH. Four of founder Bernard Arnault’s five children now occupy senior positions within the group, at Louis Vuitton and luggage maker Rimowa among others.

Frédéric Arnault (25)

A former student of France’s École Polytechnique (X2014), Frédéric Arnault (25) started his professional career at Facebook before moving on to consulting firm McKinsey. At the start of 2017 he joined TAG Heuer to manage its smartwatch activities. Since being appointed Chief Strategy and Digital Officer in October 2018, he has led an ambitious transformation and digitalisation campaign within the Maison in close collaboration with Stéphane Bianchi, CEO of the Watchmaking Division and TAG Heuer.

Presented this week: a special edition of Tag Heuer’s third-generation luxury Connected Watch for is dedicated to passionate golfers.

Fréderic’s position as head of the company will see him play a role in supporting innovation and accelerating the development of TAG Heuer, as he has done with the successful launch of the latest Connected watch after piloting the entire design phase.

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02T Ayrton Senna Special Edition 2019

A pioneer of the watchmaking industry since 1860, the Maison will continue to maximise the value of its iconic ranges Carrera, Monaco and Aquaracer, all the while cementing its avant-garde status inthe industry with its third generation of smartwatches.

Stéphane Bianchi (53)

Stéphane Bianchi (53) will assume the role of CEO of the Watches and Jewelry Division from 1 July onwards. The role was held by Jean-Claude Biver before. This will see him take the reins of jewelry Maisons Chaumet and FRED, in addition to TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith.

Jean-Marc Mansvelt, Managing Director of Chaumet, and Charles Leung, Managing Director of FRED will report to Stéphane Bianchi in his new role. Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari, will continue to report to Toni Belloni, LVMH Group Managing Director.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Tag Heuer

Hublot launches a collection of Spirit of Big Bang timepieces tapping into the current pastel trends. The new Spirit of Big Bang 39mm collection embodies the «Art of Fusion» concept by being both timeless and fashion-forward, created for the modern woman expressing her style through a technically advanced and stylish timepiece. The new timepiece is paired with an alligator and rubber strap of pastel new shades: in light pink or light blue, the new strap matches its dial and lends the Spirit of Big Bang a touch of originality and femininity, to enrich the collection.

These newcomers reignite the success of the Spirit of Big Bang collection whose design is directly inspired by the Big Bang with a barrel shape. The new models combine all the signature elements of the iconic Spirit of Big Bang range including the tonneau-shaped case. Six H-shaped screws create a «sandwich» case construction, which enables an infinite number of combinations of materials and colours.

Available in 39mm, in titanium or in King Gold, the new Spirit of Big Bang captures the current pastel trend with the option of satin-finished and polished ceramic in light blue or pink. The colours indefinitely extend their power by also covering the satin-finished sunray dial completed with 50 diamonds set on the bezel, as well as the alligator strap stitched onto white rubber.
Each timepiece is equipped with the HUB1710 self-winding movement. At its heart, the movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, with a power reserve of 50 hours.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot #Hublot #SpiritOfBigBang