A New Chapter for Baume et Mercier

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The reason why I am in the Hamptons is the global press launch of Baume et Mercier’s newest addition to their watch family: The Hampton. Sandra’s Closet is one of the first ones to unveil this beautiful new creation.

Let me take you on a little trip to make you understand more about the idea behind the collection.

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Baume et Mercier took inspiration from the Golden Twenties. It was the era of jazz, the emancipation of women like Marlene Dietrich and Louis Brooks and the spirit of the Great Gatsby. Most importantly, it was the beginning of leisure time. Recharging your batteries and the relaxed style of the Hamptons has transformed into a watch.

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Alexandre Peraldi, Baume et Mercier’s Creative Director, had a myriad of models from the `20s, `30s and `40s to get inspired from.  The first Hampton collection had been launched in 1994 and today, it is celebrating its rebirth.

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The new Hampton watch has a satine domed volume at 12 and 6 o`clock, an enhanced curve sapphire crystal and a curve case side at 3 and 9 o’ clock.

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In different workshops, we learnt more about the design process which was very interesting. Below you can see some wax templates and first sketches.

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Alexandre Peraldi got inspired by the Art Déco architecture that is emblematic for this period along with the amazing art community in the Hamptons. Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Lee Krasner and Jackson Pollock were all part of this movement.
Below you can see the studio of the Pollock-Krasner house where one of the workshops took place.

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Today, celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow, who is the brand’s ambassador, Stella McCartney, Cindy Sherman enjoy their vacation homes in Long Island’s happening East End.

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For the straps, Baume et Mercier invented a new technology to achieve different levels of softness. The alligator cannot grow too big in order to have the perfect size of the skin’s pattern. The animals mostly come from Louisana and Florida.

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The production of the sapphire glass takes 10-25 minutes per step.

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The Hampton’s range for women comes with a quartz movement, the gentlemen’s watches with a mechanical one.

The prices are affordable, a key aspect for Baume et Mercier. The core collection for men for example is around CHF 3000, the emblematic pieces retail between CHF 7700 -13000.

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For lunch we experienced a truly beautiful scenery. We went to the Kennedy house located directly at the beach where the advertising campaign was shot.

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Even our pictures were taken and transformed into little pieces of art.

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Italian photographer Francesco Carrozzini to the left with the beautiful Baldwin family that modeled for the campaign.

What a lovely day! Stay tuned for more to come and to see the final result of the new Hampton watch by Baume et Mercier.

LoL, Sandra

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Audemars Piguet and Andreas Caminada

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Recently, I was invited by Audemars Piguet to explore their beautiful novelties 2011 during an outstanding dinner at Schloss Schauenstein, spoilt by chef Andreas Caminada.The creative, often surprising and always satisfying cuisine of the charming young Swiss has won him 3 Michelin stars and 19 GaultMillau points. Believe me, it was a feast for the eyes, in both ways.

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In 2011, Audemars Piguet has entirely reviewed the fundamentals of the Jules Audemars collection, its moon-phase calendar and dual timezone models, as well as its simple selfwinding watches including those with a date display.

The Jules Audemars extra-thin watch houses one of the world’s thinnest selfwinding movements measuring just 2.45 mm thick. Its slender case, streamlined bezel and pure dial generate genuine emotion of the kind surrounding objects that are built to last, because this timepiece is endowed with that special something that is in fact the natural elegance of authentic classics.

15180BC.OO.A002CR.01_02_PR(CMYK)

JULES AUDEMARS EXTRA-THIN

Reference • 15180BC.OO.A002CR.01, CHF 23.600.-

Calibre2120_001_PR(CMYK)Movement • Proprietary ultra-thin, selfwinding Calibre 2120
• Total diameter: 28,40 mm (12 ¾ lignes)
• Casing diameter: 28 mm
• Thickness: 2.45 mm
• 37 jewels
• 214 parts
• Power reserve: up to 40 hours
• Cadence of the balance: 19,800 vibrations per hour (2.75 Hz)
• Finishing: all parts finished by hand; mainplate rhodium-plated, bevelled and circular-grained; bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève.

Case • 18-carat white gold
• Diameter: 41 mm
• Thickness: 6.7 m
• Water resistance: 20 m
• Sapphire crystal

Dial • Silvered with applied pink gold hour-markers
• Pink gold hour and minute hands

Strap • Hand-sewn black crocodile leather with large square scales, secured by an 18-carat white gold pin buckle

Functions • Hours and minutes

 

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The Jules Audemars selfwinding watch comes in three different interpretations: pink gold with silver-toned or black dial, and white gold with a silver-toned dial. Each may be adorned with a diamond-set bezel to create three additional versions. All feature a round case, a streamlined bezel and an understated dial. All display a discreetly self-effacing air that serves to highlight their sleek, slender lines.

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My personal favourite is the one with the pink gold case and the black dial, preferably with a diamond-set bezel, a true authentic classy and elegant watch.

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References
• 15170OR.OO.A002CR.01, CHF 18.600, 
18-carat pink gold case, black dial

• 15171OR.ZZ.A002CR.01, CHF 21.900 , 18-carat pink gold case, black dial, diamonds

15171OR.ZZ.A002CR.01_02_PR(CMYK)Movement • Proprietary selfwinding Calibre 3120
• Total diameter: 26.60 mm (11¾ lignes)
• Casing diameter: 26 mm
• Thickness: 4.26 mm
• 40 jewels
• 278 parts
• 22-carat gold oscillating weight
• Up to 60-hour power reserve
• Cadence of the balance: 21,600 vibrations per hour
• Variable-inertia balance with eight inertia-blocks and flat balance-spring
• Geneva-type mobile balance-spring stud-holder
• Three-position winding crown
• Finishing: all parts decorated; mainplate circular-grained; bridges rhodium-plated, bevelled, snailed and adorned with a Côtes de Genève. Diamond-polished jewel sinks; diamond-polished sinks and bevelled spokes on the wheels; bevelled screw rim and slot
• AP monogram and Audemars and Piguet family crests engraved on the oscillating weight

Cases • 18-carat pink gold, also available with a bezel set with 70 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.60 carats) or
• 18-carat white gold, also available with a bezel set with 70 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.60 carats)
• Diameter: 39 mm
• Thickness: 9 mm
• Water resistance: 20 m
• Sapphire crystal case-back

Dials
• Silver-toned or black with applied pink gold hour-markers
• Pink gold hour and minutes hands
Bracelets
• Hand-sewn brown or black crocodile leather with large square scales, secured by a pin buckle in 18-carat pink or white gold

Functions
• Hours and minutes
• Date

 

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In order to grasp the essence of the Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Tourbillon Chronograph, you need to pick up the watch with your eyes closed and only open them after turning it over. Housed within a case that strongly hints at its innate sturdiness, protected by a sapphire crystal and a solid back secured by eight polished steel screws, a true masterpiece is revealed: the new selfwinding Calibre 2897, equipped with a tourbillon and a chronograph. A set of 335 parts on which the manually adjusted, corrected, bevelled and decorated surfaces create a shimmering play on light and shade. The automatic winding is ensured by a peripheral oscillating weight, while its chronograph is equipped with a column wheel and its tourbillon optimises its rating precision.
Its design is sophisticated and powerful, supported by a combination of iconic black-coloured materials: forged carbon for the case middle, ceramic for the bezel and rubber for the strap. A watch with two faces, the Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Tourbillon Chronograph is an amazing blend of two worlds.

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ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE SELFWINDING TOURBILLON CHRONOGRAPH

Reference • 26550AU.OO.A002CA.01, CHF 262.500
Forged carbon case; bezel, crown and pushpieces in black ceramics; pushpiece-guards and fastening studs in titanium

26550AU.OO.A002CA.01_04_PR(CMYK)Movement • Selfwinding Calibre 2897 with tourbillon and column-wheel chronograph
• Total diameter: (15½ lignes)
• Casing diameter: 31.40 mm
• Thickness: 7.75 mm
• 34 jewels
• 335 parts
• 65-hour power reserve
• Cadence of the balance: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)
• Variable-inertia balance with screws and balance-spring with Phillips terminal curve
• Finishing: all parts finely hand decorated; bridges and mainplate rhodiumed, circular-grained, beadblasted and hand-drawn with file strokes; polished angles, bevelled screw rims and slots
• Peripheral oscillating weight in circular satin-brushed 950 platinum

Case • Diameter : 44 mm
• Thickness : 14 mm
• Sapphire crystal caseback with Royal Oak Offshore engraving

Dial • Black with exclusive “Méga Tapisserie” motif, silver-toned counters. Applied and facetted white gold hour-markers with luminescent coating. Black flange. White gold facetted hour and minute hands with luminescent coating.

Strap • Black rubber, adorned with two grooves. Titanium pin buckle.

Functions • Hours and minutes
• Small seconds at 9 o’clock
• Chronograph with central sweep-seconds hand, 30-minute counter (at 3 o’clock)
• Tachometric scale on the flange


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2011 marks a new milestone in the historic partnership between Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Audemars Piguet, one of the most unique relationships in the watch industry. These two legends have collaborated to create the ultimate collector timepiece, The Royal Oak Offshore Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy Chronograph, a perfect blend of strength and control. This is anticipated to be the last watch in the series created by Schwarzenegger and Audemars Piguet. I am pretty sure of that!

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ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER THE LEGACY CHRONOGRAPH

Reference • 26378IO.OO.A001KE.01
, CHF 44.500, 1500-piece limited edition

26378IO.OO.A001KE.01_02_PR(CMYK)Movement • Selfwinding Calibre 2326/2840
• Total diameter: 29.92 mm (13 ¼ lignes)
• Casing diameter: 26 mm
• Thickness: 6.2 mm
• 50 jewels
• 370 parts
• 38-hour power reserve
• Cadence of the balance: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
• Variable-inertia balance with inertia-blocks and flat balance-spring
• Three-position winding crown
• Finishing: all parts finely decorated; mainplate rhodium-plated, bevelled and circular-grained; bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève

Case • Black ceramic case, bezel; beadblasted titanium screws, beadblasted titanium elements on the left
• side of the case
• Pushpiece-guards in rubber and beadblasted titanium
• 18-carat pink gold pushpieces, contact surface adorned with gridwork pattern
• Black ceramic crown adorned with a pink gold disc
• Diameter: 48 mm
• Thickness: 14.1 mm
vBeadblasted titanium caseback engraved with the inscription Royal Oak Offshore Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy, steel screws
• Water resistance: 100 metres

Dial • Black with exclusive “Méga Tapisserie” motif
• Numerals and hour-markers in diamond-polished pink gold
• Facetted hour and minute hands with luminescent coating

Strap • Anthracite aramid fibres, secured by beadblasted titanium pin buckle. Additional strap in hand sewn black crocodile leather with large square scales

Functions • Hours and minutes
• Small seconds
• Chronograph with centre sweep-seconds hand, 30-minute and 12-hour counters at 9 and 6 o’clock respectively
• Tachometric scale
• Date

 

IMG_1895Famous chef Andreas Caminada and Audemars Piguet CEO Phillippe Merck with me in the middle.

A very big thank you to Audemars Piguet and Andreas Caminada for such a lovely and yummy presentation! An evening of two superlatives…

LoL, Sandra

Cat’s Eye Tourbillon Haute Joaillerie

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Girard-Perregaux presents a rare creation that combines the jeweler’s art with the brand’s watchmaking virtuosity: the Cat’s Eye Tourbillon Haute Joaillerie.

At its heart beats the iconic Girard-Perregaux tourbillon with gold bridge, lit up by a dazzling array of diamonds.

Featuring the oval silhouette that is characteristic of the collection, the Cat’s Eye Tourbillon Haute Joaillerie is set entirely with baguette-cut diamonds. Given the exceptionally strict criteria used to select each of the 287 diamonds and the extreme precision required for the cutting, adjustment and setting of every stone, this stunning array of almost 20 carats demands over 700 hours of patient work.

The dedication of the Manufacture’s craftsmen is expressed in the myriad scintillations of every detail of the case, right down to the crown, which is set with twelve baguette-cut diamonds and adorned with an exceptional rose-cut diamond. This style of cut – of Baroque origin and used on rare stones – was a symbol of nobility and owes its name to the rose effect produced by the 24 facets of the diamond.

Amb_CAT’S_EYE_TOURBILLON_HAUTE_JOAILLERIETechnical data

Case in white gold set with 155 baguette-cut diamonds (12.97 ct)

Dial: set with 106 baguette-cut diamonds (4.20 ct)
Crown: set with 12 baguette-cut diamonds and 1 rose-cut diamond (0.58 ct)
Dimensions : 32.90 mm x 38.40 mm
Crystal: non-reflective sapphire
Case-back: secured with four screws
Water resistance: 3 ATM

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Girard-Perregaux GP09700-0006 movement
Mechanical with manual winding

Calibre: 12’’’
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour (3 Hz)
Jewels: 20
Power reserve: minimum 72 hours

Grey satin strap

Pin buckle: white gold, set with 13 baguette-cut diamonds (0.56 ct)
or
Folding clasp: white gold, set with 14 baguette-cut diamonds (0.62 ct)

This eyecatching luxurious watch has its price and costs CHF 490.000. Something to dream of … but aren’t diamonds a girl’s best friend?!

LoL, Sandra

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Photos: Courtesy of Girard-Perregeaux

Hollywood in Switzerland

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The IWC booth at the 21st SIHH was designed in the style of the 1950s and `60s right down to the last detail, transporting the visitors to the Italian-style joie de vivre of Portofino, to the sweet dolce fa niente… as the hours go by.
The hostesses were dressed in beautiful petticoats with make-up and hair finishing off the perfect vintage look. A scooter parked in front of the “Via Scafusia”, an ice-cream vendor, a cinema for press presentations were just among those amazing ideas to create the wonderful surrounding.
Have fun seeing all the celebs who came to the fair. Hollywood made in Switzerland, two thumbs up!

LoL, Sandra

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Georges Kern, CEO IWC, in his office at the booth where he welcomed the celeb friends of the brand

Georges Kern, CEO of IWC, in his amazing office at the booth.

On display his well-deserved award.

On display his well-deserved award...

...and the beautiful photo book by Peter Lindbergh.

...and the beautiful photo book by Peter Lindbergh.

Tim Jeffries shares a laugh with Ronan Keating.

Tim Jeffries had a good laugh with Ronan Keating...

Tim Jeffries and Ronan Keating attend the IWC event.

...before inspecting all the beautiful new Portofino watches.

Tim Jeffries with me.

Tim Jeffries with me.

Vitali Klitschko speaks to Ion Tiriac

Vitali Klitschko had a brief conversation with Ion Tiriac about sports.

Boris Becker with me.

Boris Becker with me.

Lilly Becker with me.

Lilly Becker with me.

French former soccer player Zinédine Zidane with Georges Kern.

French former soccer player Zinédine Zidane with Georges Kern.

Luis Figo greets Joachim Loew, football trainer and one of the best dressed men.

Luis Figo greeted Joachim Loew, soccer trainer and one of the best dressed men.

Director of 007 Quantum of Solace Marc Forster with me.

Director of the 007 James Bond movie Quantum of Solace Marc Forster with me.

That is me taking the photo below...

That is me taking the photo below...

...of Kevin Spacey and Georges Kern enjoying the photos.

...of Kevin Spacey and Georges Kern enjoying the photos.

Later on, Cate Blanchett looked at the amazing photos.

Later on, Cate Blanchett looked at the amazing book.

That might have been one of her favourite shots.

That might have been one of her favourite pages.

Peter Lindbergh with Cate Blanchett.

Photographer Peter Lindbergh with Cate Blanchett.

LOST actor Matthew Fox surprised with his beard.

LOST actor Matthew Fox surprised with his beard.

And here she comes: Gorgeous Elle Macpherson.

And here she came: Gorgeous Elle Macpherson.

On the scooter with colleague Matthew Fox.

On the scooter with colleague Matthew Fox.

Loved her look with the red shoes and the little toe rings.

Loved her look with the red shoes and the little toe rings.

Elle greeted cheerfully Peter Lindbergh.

Elle greeted cheerfully Peter Lindbergh.

Elle Macpherson with Georges Kern.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Getty Images for IWC

The Portofino Collection from Schaffhausen

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This week I went to the 21st SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie) in Geneva. This private trade fair is a landmark event for the fine watch sector, and at this year’s show, 19 watch brands presented their new products, including Baume & Mercier, Cartier and Montblanc among others. IWC Schaffhausen definitely topped everything, celebrating the launch of their latest generation of its Portofino family.

Portofino that stands for the dolce vita of the 1960s had inspired the name of the IWC watch collection that took the world by storm in 1984 when its first model hit the market. It was the result of a happy union between the pocket watch and wristwatch.

So let me introduce you to those new members of rare beauty and simple elegance.


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12_PF_Automatic_RGBThe Portofino Automatic (Reference 3565), the unassuming star from Schaffhausen, will be available this year with a reworked design in a contemporary 40-millimetre case. Its classical shape is reminiscent of the IWC models from the 1960s without overdoing the retro vibe.

The watch can be customised with a strap or Milanese bracelet that is made of tightly woven wire mesh and that was highly popular during this era.
For further information, please click here.



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09_PF_Chronograph_RGBThe Portofino Chronograph (Reference 3910) is the elegant way to stop time. Inspired by the classical, functional design that characterised the Italian sports cars of the 1960s, it is a very understated watch making no exhibition of its sporting ambitions. The displays and stopwatch controls are elegantly integrated.
Apart from the classical alligator leather straps, it is also available with a cool but snug-fitting Milanese mesh bracelet.
For further information, please click here.





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04_PF_Dual_Time_RGBOne watch – two times: The Portofino Dual Time (Reference 3610) is the perfect companion for the sophisticated world traveller with its understated 24-hour display in the upper half of the dial that keeps him reliably informed about the time back home. The unique elegant alligator straps are handmade by Italian top-quality shoemaker Santoni. Each strap is one of its own.
For further information, please click here.



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14_PF_Hand-Wound_Eight_Days_Back_RGBThe Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days (Reference 5101) is the family’s new flagship with its newly developed IWC-manufactured 59210-calibre movement and power reserve display that will run for full eight days. This watch comes also with a one-of-a-kind leather strap made by Santoni.
For further information, please click here.

 



Renowned photographer Peter Lindbergh captured the mood of the IWC Portofino 2011 watch family with amazing photos shot last summer in the picturesque Italian harbour town and featuring a crowd of A-list celebrities like Boris Becker, Cate Blanchett, Elle Macpherson, Hiroyuki Sanada, Jean Reno, Kevin Spacey, Marc Forster, Ronan Keating, Tim Jefferies, Zinédine Zidane, just to name a few.
Georges Kern, the brand’s CEO, brought Hollywood to Switzerland as most of them were party attendees and even visited the booth. Stay tuned for some gorgeous photos that I took. In the meantime enjoy this feast for the eyes: “Days in Portofino“ with famous Peter Lindbergh.

LoL, Sandra

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SIHH 2011 Preview

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The 21st edition of the famous Salon International de la Haute Horlorgerie (SIHH) will be taking place from the 17th to the 21st of January, 2011 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Today, I would like to give you an exclusive preview of some exciting watches that will be presented at the „invitation only“ event.

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Photo: Studio Dieleman @ Cartier 2010

One of my favourites is Cartier’s Tourbillon and crocodile Geneva Seal white gold watch, calibre 9458 MC. It is a very feminine Grande Complication model, a beautiful union of haute horlogerie and haute joiallerie, limited to 50 individually numbered pieces.
Cartier has inversed the movement to show the mechanism and its skeletonised bridges, which now form part of the decor. Reminiscent of the Le Animalier Collection and the Pasha but significant with variation, a diamond crocodile carefully guards the time. The heartbeats are driven by the oscillations of a unique flying tourbillon: the calibre 9458 MC, adorned with the Geneva Seal.

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Photo: Laziz Hamani @ Cartier 2010

A very masculine looking and impressive timepiece is the new Calibre de Cartier Astrotourbillon watch, Calibre 9451 MC.
The Astrotourbillon movement, which was introduced last year after five years of development in the Manufacture, now powers the Calibre de Cartier watch, limited to 100 numbered pieces. The 47mm titanium case on black alligator strap make it a disctinctive choice.

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Calibre de Cartier Astrotourbillon watch, Laziz Hamani @ Cartier 2010

 

Panerai Luminor Composite PAM 386

Panerai Luminor Composite PAM 386


Panerai Radiomir Composite PAM 339, the bestseller of 2010

Panerai Radiomir Composite PAM 339, the bestseller of 2010


As I am a big fan of Panerai watches anyway, it is no wonder that the new Panerai Luminor Composite PAM 386, that will be officially unveiled in Geneva, has caught my eye immediately.

Reminiscent of the Panerai Radiomir Composite Marina Militare PAM 339 which was introduced exactly one year ago and powered by a 8-day manual wind, the new model comes equipped with an automatic P.9000 caliber.

The timepiece has a scratch-resistant 44mm ceramic case and might be limited to 1000 pieces which is still to be confirmed.

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Van Cleef & Arpel Five Weeks In a Balloon

Van Cleef & Arpels’ new piece Five Weeks In a Balloon will be surely amongst the star attractions at the upcoming SIHH 2011 – inspired by the world famous fiction author Jules Verne and his Extraordinary Voyages novel of the same name.
The dial of the watch is decorated with chamlevé enamel and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, the case is made of white gold. The scene depicts a balloon rising into the air of Zanzibar. The hours and minutes are displayed by the balloon’s anchor and a flying bird. Why not dream a little dream with this beautiful novel model?

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Jaeger-Le-Coultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 in pink gold

Jaeger-Le-Coultre launched the iconic Reverso model to meet the English polo players’ need for an unbreakable watch in 1931. Another reason for its immediate success was the possibility to personalize it by engraving the initials or family crest. Almost 80 years later, the line will be supplemented with two limited editions, named Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931.

Being a beautiful bridge between past and present, the watch demonstrates all the Art Deco glamour of the original style interpreted in today’s language. The square-shape case is available in steel or pink gold and measures only 7.2mm in thickness to demonstrate its ultra-thinness. Inside is a just 2.94mm thick manufactory-made mechanical hand-wound movement, calibre 822. It is a very understated piece, only having the name Reverso written on the dial. Timeless elegance!

Jaeger-Le-Coultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 in steel

Jaeger-Le-Coultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 in steel


Audemars Piguet Millenary Minute Repeater

Audemars Piguet Millenary Minute Repeater

Audemars Piguet’s newest addition is a feast for your eyes. The Millenary Minute Repeater watch (Reference 26371TI) comes wih a 47mm x 42mm titanium case, an anthracite grey dial, applied pink gold numerals, a minute repeater slide activator (at 7 o’ clock) and a black croc leather strap.
The best of the watch lays inside, the manual wind AP caliber 2910 movement (flat double balance-spring, 165 hour power reserve from 2 barrels, third barrel powering the minute repeater, 21 600 vph (3hz) frequency and 443 parts in total).

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Baume & Mercier Jumping Hour watch

Baume & Mercier Jumping Hour watch

The Baume & Mercier Jumping Hour watch will be available in fall 2011 and will be limited to 500 numbered pieces. Here are some details: 42mm steel case, automatic mechanical Dubois Depraz 14400 movement, black alligator strap with a not so common jumping hour complication.


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The upcoming timepiece is very similiar to this year’s rose gold Baume & Mercier William Baume Jumping Hour watch (Ref M0A08857) that was limited to 40 pieces (see below).

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Baume & Mercier William Baume Jumping Hour watch, fall 2010

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Girard Perregaux 1966 Small Seconds

Girard Perregaux 1966 Small Seconds


girard-perregaux-caliber-3300The casual observer can appreciate the classic elegance of the new Girard Perregeaux 1966 Small Seconds. A 40mm white or rose gold case with a white enamel dial and a beautifil alligator strap. The technically inclined may adore its new movement, the Girard Perregeaux automatic Caliber 3300.

I hope that you have enjoyed this preview. I cannot wait to go to Geneva and see all those watches in real life. Which one is your favourite?

LoL, Sandra

My Dream Advent Calendar

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If I wished for an advent calendar, I would dream of one filled with beautiful fashion jewelry (I don’t want to seem too demanding, so fantasy pieces are fine).
Dear Santa and dearest Hubby, please find below my list for the fillings, all available at net-à-porter (just click on the designer):

1 Lizard and python cuff by Lanvin
2 Gold-plated cuff by Philippe Audibert
3 Silver-plated feather brooch by Erickson Beamon
4 Leather and brass-studded cuff by Burberry Prorsum
5 Swarovski crystal earrings by Erickson Beamon
6 Cage 22-karat rose gold-plated ring by Dominic Jones
7 22-karat gold beaded earrings by Kenneth Jay Lane
8 Arty enamel ring by Yves Saint Laurent
9 Crystal ring by Lanvin
10 Set of two gold-tone bird rings by Marc by Marc Jacobs
11 22-karat gold-plated coral-inspired necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane
12 Lips lacquered sterling silver ring by Solange Azagury-Partridge
13 22-karat gold-plated leaf hoop earrings by Alex Monroe
14 Chest plate by Falconiere
15 Midnight lace Swarovski crystal bracelet by Erickson Beamon
16 Bow-embellished chain necklace by Marc by Marc Jacobs
17 Star-embellished leather bracelet by Oscar de la Renta
18 Pink faux-petal pompoms earrings by Marni
19 Pink chronograph watch by Michael Kors
20 Swarovski crystal brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane
21 Duchess of Fabulous Swarovski crystal ring by Erickson Beamon
22 Turquoise and coral crystal brooch by Kenneth Jay Lane
23 Deco Blanc 24-karat gold-plated necklace by Bijoux Heart
24 Mother-of-pearl charm bracelet by Aurélie Bidermann

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To keep all my treasures safe, I would wish for the gorgeous leather jewelry box by Smythson in hot pink. With a removable drawer and multiple compartments, this love-forever piece would make a beautiful addition to my dressing table.

Fellow fashionistas, let’s start dreaming…

LoL, Sandra

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All I want for Christmas…

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Christmas trunk in Monogram canvas

Christmas trunk in Monogram canvas

Last week, I went to the Louis Vuitton Christmas collection press preview that took place in the beautiful Schloss Sihlberg in Zurich.
The gorgeous presentation with vintage toys from the Zurich toy museum (Züricher Spielzeugmuseum) put me directly into the gift giving mood. It is true, Holiday 2010 is almost upon us, so let’s better get organised.

All I want for Christmas…

LoL, Sandra

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The Neverfull bag (left) comes in the Mon Monogram design where you can choose the colour of the lining and how your personal initials should look like.

The Neverfull bag (left) comes in the Mon Monogram design where you can choose the colour of the lining and how your personal initials should look like.

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The Artsy python bag is the new It-piece (approximately €5650.-).

The Artsy python bag is the new It-piece (approximately €5650.-).



The Stellar bags in Mahina leather start at approximately at €2190.-.

The Stellar bags in Mahina leather start at approximately €2190.-.



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I love the Tambour Blush watch (right).

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Totally cute are the little pouchettes (from €205.-) with the first LV advertising printed on them. Adorable!

Totally cute are the little pouchettes (from €205.-) with the first LV advertising printed on them. Adorable!

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Photos: ©Louis Vuitton/Koto Bolofo

The New J12 Marine Watch by Chanel

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Chanel is expanding their iconic J12 lineage with their first diving watch: The new J12 Marine. It will be available in two different sizes (42mm and 38mm) and three colours (blue, black and white). All versions have ceramic, unidirectional rotating bezels, come with a rubber strap, are waterproof to 300m and possess all attributes for going deep into the sea. Inspired by the force of the oceans and maritime symbols, the choice of surf legend Laird Hamilton as ambassador for Chanel`s J12 Marine watch could not have been any better.


Rachel Bilson and Kristen Bell at the party.

Rachel Bilson and Kristen Bell at the party.

On Sunday, a fashionable crowd along with many celebrities like Rachel Bilson, Kristen Bell, Cindy Crawford and Robert Downey, Jr. just to name a few could see the perfect match for themselves at Chanel`s launch party held at Ron Meyer`s stunning Malibu home. The French house celebrated their new J12 watch with an outdoor screening of the documentary “Hollywood Don`t Surf” by Greg MacGillivray – a cinematic retrospective of fifty years of Hollwood surfing movies that had premiered at 2010 Cannes Film Festival before.


As it can get really chilly at the Pacific coast in the evening, Chanel made sure that the guests are covered in style with to-die-for branded towels, pillows and black pashminas. The decoration was right down to the last detail, even the beach ball in the seaside pool carried the Chanel emblem.

CHANEL-J12-MARINE-blue-H2559-620x547I have always been a big fan of the J12 collection. Now, you can see my object of desire to the right: the Chanel  J12 Marine 42mm in blue, Ref. H2559. The prices of the new models are approximately between $4700.- and $4900.-.

LoL, Sandra

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy 4th of July

Today is Independence Day, commonly known as Fourth of July that honours the birthday of the United States of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is definitely the most American of holidays, celebrated all over the country and marked by patriotic displays coloured in red, white and blue like the US-flag.

Above there is my “American Dream” consisting of a white gold case with 76 set diamonds, a rotabable bezel with 23 diamonds, 18 rubies and 18 sapphires framing a black dial: The Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II. The list price of this beautiful watch is definitely not a steal: €53.920.- / $70.600.- but colourwise a solid salute to the 234th anniversary of the USA. What a lovely reason….

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There are plenty of stylish ways to wear your pride for America. Stars and stripes work the year around and are always a cool addition to your look, but please just one at a time! For today`s celebration, you can go overboard. The Converse shoes and the snakeskin lips clutch by Lulu Guinness, both with the US-flag, are absolute eyecatchers. Thanks to the big nautical trend this summer showing your sartorial spirit for the USA  is very easy and there is a large variety to choose from. I love this Alice by Temperley striped jersey dress and the maritime sunglasses by D&G.

Have a great 4th of July!

LoL, Sandra