Sandra‘s Closet

Baselworld 2016 has officially started and one launch has immediately caught my eye. HUBLOT releases a burst of colour in shades to make your mouth water! After lace and denim, it’s time to place linen centre stage. This natural plant fibre is not only used for the strap, it also adorns the case and dial of the new Big Bang Tutti Frutti Linen collection.

A unique weaving process creates a unidirectional weft comprising 100% natural fibres, dyed and paired with a transparent composite. It offers an innovative alternative to carbon fibre, with which it shares mechanical strength, but is lighter in weight and allows an infinite palette of hues. For the strap, HUBLOT has selected a pure linen fabric sewn onto rubber. It is made from flax gathered, spun and then woven by hand, using only the very best fibres.

This radiant collection is available in 4 eye-popping colours – Ocean Blue, Turquoise, Purple and Orange. Four models, each released in a limited edition of 200 pieces, house the HUB4300 self-winding mechanical chronograph movement in a 41 mm case.

341.XL.2770.NR.1201 – Big Bang Tutti Frutti Linen Ocean Blue – Limited to 200 pieces 341.XL.2770.NR.1237 – Big Bang Tutti Frutti Linen Turquoise – Limited to 200 pieces 341.XO.2770.NR.1206 – Big Bang Tutti Frutti Linen Orange – Limited to 200 pieces 341.XP.2770.NR.1205 – Big Bang Tutti Frutti Linen Purple – Limited to 200 pieces

Polished steel with 6 H-shaped titanium countersunk, polished & locked screws
Set with blue or orange sapphires, topazes or amethysts
10 ATM, approximately 100 metres

I love the purple one! And you?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot

Today is my birthday and yes, I do love having birthdays! I am honest, I love cake, a glass of champagne, surprises and being surrounded by my friends…

I still remember two years ago when I celebrated into my big day during the opening celebration of the new Audemars Piguet store in Zurich. I had the honor to be seated next to the brand’s CEO François-Henry Bennahmias, who went on stage to tell the guests that nobody was allowed to leave the party before midnight because of me. Great memories!

Let’s see what will happen today…

CEO Audemars Piguet François-Henry Bennahmias with me

The newly launched Diamond Fury watch

And if anyone is looking for a birthday surprise for a loved one, have a look at Audemars Piguet‘s newest watch launch, that was presented during SIHH 2016: Diamond Fury, a true Haute Joaillerie talisman, that reveals its mysterious character via a secret panel which, when touched, subtly unclips to show the dial beneath. It took passion, perfection, over 1,500 hours and 4,635 brilliant-cut diamonds to created this amazing cuff watch with a punk-rock goddess streak.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Audemars Piguet

This Monday, during the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), I had the pleasure to join Montblanc for its 110th anniversary celebration at the Hotel des Eaux-Vives. The elegant space overlooking Lac Leman and the Swiss Jura was transformed for one night only into the sumptuous universe of ocean liners, reminiscent of the Atlantic crossings that inspired Montblanc’s founders, and now the theme of the new collection of Montblanc 4810 timepieces.

Hugh Jackman with me

Brand ambassadors Hugh Jackman, Charlotte Casiraghi, Guey Lun Mei and Montblanc CEO Jérôme Lambert were joined by friends of the brand including actor and director Pierre Niney, design icon Marc Newson, actress Macarena Gomez and director and singer Aldo Comas for a VIP cocktail party and an intimate dinner.

Hotel des Eaux-Vives

Surrounded by glowing lanterns, elegant Art Nouveau and Art Deco furnishings as well as models of great ships, we were immersed in the glamour and wonder of the great crossings, enjoying a dinner menu evoking the lavish dishes that were once served aboard the magnificent ships that voyaged between Europe and America.

To the next 110 years!

LoL, Sandra

Guey Lun Mei with CEO Montblanc Jérôme Lambert

French actor Pierre Niney, Charlotte Casiraghi and Australian actor Hugh Jackman

Marc Newson with me (He designed the amazing fleece backpacks for Louis Vuitton.)

Spanish Actress Macarena Gomez and husband

Photos: Courtesy of Montblanc, Julien Hekimian/Getty Images for Montblanc and © Sandra Bauknecht

Today and running through the week, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) has opened its doors. Only invited journalists and retailers from around the world are able to visit this most exclusive watch fair in Geneva at the Palexpo convention center. Renowned watch brands, such as IWC Schaffhausen, Audemars Piguet, Piaget, Montblanc, Cartier, Vacheron Constantin just to name a few display their newest timepieces. As all of these houses have in general famous ambassadors, you will most likely run in many celebrities at the exhibition. In the evening, exclusive events take place. One that is definitely not to miss is IWC Schaffhausen’s gala night which always takes place on Tuesday evening. Enjoy some of my impressions of last year and stay tuned for the new ones coming up soon!

Monday night is Montblanc night. Charlotte Casiraghi wore the same Montblanc earrings than me.

French actor Pierre Niney

Tuesday is THE day at the IWC Schaffhausen booth, many celebrities (here among them Nico Rosberg, Louis Hamilton, Ronan and Storm Keating) visit the Swiss watch manufacturer.

Framed by Marc Forster and Luis Garcia Fanjul.

IWC brand ambassador Karolina Kurkova with me

In the evening, the IWC gala «Journey to the Stars» took place which was amazing.

With Adriana Lima and Barbara Becker.

Great performance by Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall.

Love her! Emily Blunt

Having fun!

James Marsden.

With IWC Schaffhausen CEO Georges Kern 

British Formula 1 racing car driver Lewis Hamilton

As SIHH is all about watches, I would like to show you two of my favorite models I spotted last year. First the Big Bang Broderie by Hublot. Sized at 41mm, these beautiful watches come in three styles (two are shown in the picture). All are limited to 200 pieces, each style.

And second, Cartier‘s Rêve de Panthère watch. In this spectacular creation, Cartier’s panther emblem enters the decoration – at once diurnal and nocturnal – of a day/night movement that belongs to the great tradition of the Maison’s complications. Like by magic, The background sky changes from starry night to shining sun for an extraordinary interpretation of time measurement.

Enjoy your day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and Cartier, © Sandra Bauknecht

I have been in love with Dior‘s VIII Grand Bal watch collection since its launch in 2011. «A ball gown must be the one of your dreams, and must also make you a dream-like creature. In my opinion, it is just as important as a suit in a woman’s wardrobe. And so wonderful for morale...», said Christian Dior once.
As a result, in addition to the daytime and cocktail designs, the Dior VIII wardrobe also features evening designs with the “Dior Inversé” calibre, where the functional oscillating weight on the dial is reminiscent of the swirling of a ball gown.

This year, Dior VIII Grand Bal “Plissé soleil” dons new colors for this limited edition. Adorned with the color combination of deep blue sea of the dial with the sea-green of the oscillating weight, nicely contrasting the grey mother-of-pearl pleating, the 36mm model is a timepiece that’s equipped with an automatic movement that is exclusive to the House of Dior, the unique oscillating weight on the ball dial mirrors the hypnotic swirl of a classic Dior gown.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Dior

Yesterday, just one night after the world premiere in London, I attended the Swiss preview of the latest James Bond thriller SPECTRE in the presence of actors Naomi Harris and Dave Bautista at Zurich’s Hallenstadion as guest of Omega.

I have to admit that the product placement of Bond’s Omega watch is fabulous and funny. Once you watch it, you will know what I am talking about.

Last night’s event marked the largest Swiss premiere ever with almost 4500 guests attending the cinematic happening. After the screening, I enjoyed the VIP party in the foyer with my best friend.

My look:  Striped tiered feather jacket by Givenchy, blue Aleah bandage gown by Hervé Leger, Swarovski crystal necklace by Lanvin, black leather pumps by Saint Laurent, clutch bag by Prada, Horsebit blue topaz diamond white gold ring by Gucci Fine Jewellery and Limelight Gala watch by Piaget.

ABOUT SPECTRE

A cryptic message from the past leads James Bond (Daniel Craig) to Mexico City and Rome, where he meets the beautiful widow (Monica Bellucci) of an infamous criminal. After infiltrating a secret meeting, 007 uncovers the existence of the sinister organization Spectre. Needing the help of the daughter of an old nemesis (Lea Seydoux), he embarks on a mission to find her. As Bond ventures toward the heart of Spectre, he discovers a chilling connection between himself and the enemy (Christoph Waltz) he seeks.

The movie is definitely worth watching and I will do so again this Friday before it will officially hit the Swiss cinemas on November 5, 2015 at the ASW Top Secret Dinner, Pre-Screening and After Party. Hope to see you there!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography and © Sandra Bauknecht
SPECTRE © Danjaq, LLC, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Columbia Pictures Industries Inc. 

Today I would like to introduce you to the Apple Watch® Hermès, a new collection of Apple Watch in stainless steel with finely crafted leather bands in distinctive styles from Hermès, including the Single Tour, Double Tour and Cuff, while respecting the design and functionality of the Apple Watch.

Single Tour

The Single Tour with the 38 mm stainless steel case comes in fauve Barenia leather, noir Box leather and capucine Swift leather, while the Single Tour with 42 mm stainless steel case comes in fauve Barenia leather and noir Box leather.

Double Tour

The Double Tour pairs w ith the 38 mm stainless steel case an d is available in fauve Barenia leather and bleu jean, capucine and étain Swift leather.

The Cuff

The Cuff pairs with the 42 mm stainless steel case and is available in fauve Barenia leather only.

Across the collection, each stainless steel case features an etching of the Hermès signature and includes a customizable face with three exclusive dial designs inspired by Clipper, Cape Cod and Espace Hermès watches.

Pricing & Availability
Apple Watch® Hermès starts at $1,100 (US) for the 38 mm stainless steel case with the Single Tour, $1,150 (US) for the 42 mm stainless steel case with the Single Tour, $1,250 (US) for the 38 mm stainless steel case with the Double Tour and $1,500 (US) for the 42 mm stain less steel case with the Cuff.

The collection will be available at select Apple retail stores, select Hermès stores, specialty stores and department stores beginning October 5 in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, the UK and the US. For more information on Apple Watch Hermès please visit www.apple.com/apple-watch-hermes or www.hermes.com/applewatchhermes.

Personally speaking, a match made in heaven!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hermès

I am writing you today from Milan where I am guest of OMEGA for a very special experience with Nicole Kidman whom I met already two years ago in Vienna at the Swiss watchmaker’s “La Nuit Enchantée“. When OMEGA invites you, you are always spoilt to something very special.

Last year, I flew to Shanghai for just one night to meet OMEGA’s long-time brand ambassador George Clooney (since 2007) for an evening of celebration. The award-winning actor and producer was part of a star-studded event where OMEGA showcased its new Seamaster Aqua Terra timepieces.

“Le Jardin Secret” – or the secret garden – was set up in Shanghai specifically for the event, providing the perfect atmosphere for the exclusive celebration. And the stars were not only the dazzling OMEGA timepieces on display and the celebrities on the guest list. An innovative, transparent roof on the venue allowed us a clear view of the celestial stars in the night sky.

During the night, George Clooney spoke about how his relationship with OMEGA began: “My father wore an OMEGA watch for many years. When I began working with the brand, I called my father to tell him the great news. He told me his OMEGA was in the attic and after finding it, he wound it up and it still worked. I gave it to OMEGA and they were nice enough to fix it up for me and I was able to give it to him for his birthday. I have a long, long history with the brand.”

Shortly after a welcome speech by Stephen Urquhart, President OMEGA, the lights dimmed and a short but powerful film was screened, focusing on the remarkable work done around the world by Orbis International, an organization supported by OMEGA and which is committed, with its Flying Eye Hospital, to delivering high-quality eye care to some of the world’s remotest regions.

Later in the evening, Dr. Hairong Cai, an ophthalmologist who works for ORBIS, talked about some of the medical treatments the organization had provided to two Chinese children. To the delight of the audience, the youngsters were escorted to the stage by George Clooney.

After granting her wish and dancing with the younger of the two girls, George Clooney removed the OMEGA De Ville Hour Vision Annual Calendar he had been wearing and autographed its strap and its presentation box. The watch was auctioned off later in the year and all of the money raised went to Orbis to support the remarkable work it does.

The evening concluded with a performance by popular French singer France Owlle.

Enjoy some more of my favorite moments of the night:

A warm welcome by lovely Raynald Aeschlimann, Vice President and International Director of Sales, Retail and Distribution at Omega.

A funny anecdote. OMEGA’s photographer looked like a copy of George Clooney…!

Stay tuned for more coming up! I am truly looking forward to tomorrow’s celebration with Nicole Kidman.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Omega and © Sandra Bauknecht

Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has created a seductive range of partners’ watches to grace its Portofino collection. The Portofino Automatic and the smaller Portofino Automatic 37 have formed a bond and together set off their respective attractions to their best advantage. Couples who wish to celebrate their union with a symbol on their wrists can
choose from eight combinations. Whether purist or lavishly set with diamonds, the timeless beauty
of the Portofino For Two models underscores the decision by two individuals to spend their time and build their future together.

Couple No. 1
Ref. 4581 (37 mm): Stainless-steel case set with 66 diamonds, slate-coloured dial,
black alligator leather strap by Santoni with pin buckle
Ref. 3565 (40 mm): Stainless-steel case, black dial, black alligator leather strap with pin buckle

Couple No. 2
Ref. 4581 (37 mm): Stainless-steel case, slate-coloured dial set with 12 diamonds,
black alligator leather strap by Santoni with pin buckle
Ref. 3565 (40 mm): Stainless-steel case, black dial, black alligator leather strap with pin buckle

Speaking of love and romance, I am on my way to Florence for one of my best friend’s wedding. I am honored to be a bridesmaid and cannot wait to celebrate those two… stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of IWC/PHOTOPRESS

For the fourth consecutive yearn CHANEL takes part in the “Only Watch” charity auction in favor of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. On November 7th, 2015 in Geneva, this unique piece will be up for auction. Before that, it will travel around the world, debuting during the Monaco Yacht Show, from September 23 – 26, 2015, followed by stops in Hong Kong (2-5/10), Beijing (9-12/10), New York (17-20/10) and London (24-27/10).

Why is this watch unique?

Since the birth of the House, exceptional savoir-faire has always been at the heart of CHANEL creations. MADEMOISELLE PRIVE collection pays tribute to watchmaking arts and skills such as enamelling, engraving, setting and marquetry, but also to the artistic crafts of couture.

To enhance these exceptional timepieces, CHANEL has called on the services of Maison Lesage, the guardians of a rare and precious expertise of embroideries. Mademoiselle Chanel loved the delicate elegance and subtle milky colour of the camellia, making it her favourite flower. This symbolic flower is gracefully reinterpreted in this unique model.

Fruit of an exquisite collaboration with Maison Lesage, the camellias are embroidered here with silk and metallic threads and natural pearls. This exceptional piece is hand-stitched in a highly delicate display of precision and refinement.

Technical description

CHANEL, Mademoiselle Privé for Only Watch
Unique piece manufactured in Switzerland.
« Mademoiselle Privé » watch in 18-carat white gold set with 140 brilliant-cut diamonds (~ 1.49 carat).

18-carat white gold case (37.5 mm) set with 60 brilliant-cut diamonds (~ 1 carat). Beige silk dial hand-embroidered with camellias made with 3 natural pearls, silk and metallic threads. 18-carat white gold hands. 18-carat white gold case-back. White satin strap. 18-carat white gold ardillon buckle set with 80 brilliant-cut diamonds (~ 0.49 carat). High precision quartz movement off centered at 5 o’clock. Water resistance: 30 meters. Wished Price: 40 000€

A true object of desire!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel