Sandra‘s Closet

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

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

On display his well-deserved award...

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

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

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

Tim Jeffries with me.

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

Boris Becker with me.

Lilly Becker with me.

French former soccer player Zinédine Zidane with Georges Kern.

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

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

That is me taking the photo below...

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

Later on, Cate Blanchett looked at the amazing book.

That might have been one of her favourite pages.

Photographer Peter Lindbergh with Cate Blanchett.

LOST actor Matthew Fox surprised with his beard.

And here she came: Gorgeous Elle Macpherson.

On the scooter with colleague Matthew Fox.

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

Elle greeted cheerfully Peter Lindbergh.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Getty Images for IWC

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.

The 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.

The 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.

One 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.

The 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

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.

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.

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.

Panerai Luminor Composite PAM 386

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.

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?

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

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).

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.

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).

Baume & Mercier William Baume Jumping Hour watch, fall 2010

Girard Perregaux 1966 Small Seconds

The 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

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

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

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

I love the Tambour Blush watch (right).

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

Photos: ©Louis Vuitton/Koto Bolofo

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.

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.

I 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

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….

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

First of all, many greetings from Dubai where I am at the moment. Shopping here is absolutely amazing and I spotted something truly interesting that you might have not seen yet:
The exclusive Hublot watch “Lady Dubai” created for Dubai by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the largest retailer of Swiss brand timepieces in the Middle East. It is an absolutely limited edition. Only thirty of these unique watches have been produced and are only available in Dubai.

As you already know, I am not the biggest Hublot fan but this model here is another one that caught my attention. It is so fashionable. The shape is the typical Hublot Big Bang one with a white mother of pearl dial surrounded by a rainbow-coloured bezel set with semi-precious stones and a white crocodile strap.

The best is to come: The watch is accompagnied by six different interchangeable straps matching the colours of the bezel. The one I saw was number 13 and is available at their Dubai Mall store for approximately CHF 60.000.-. They would ship to your home address if you are interested…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Me with Depeche Mode`s lead singer Dave Gahan

Swiss watchmaker Hublot and one of my favourite bands, Depeche Mode, had teamed up to create 12 exclusive Big Bang timepieces featuring the group`s album artwork. Each watch came in a box comprising some additional Depeche Mode gadgets and was auctioned off.
Last weekend Hublot and Depeche Mode presented the proceeds of this incredible joint project: a cheque for over $620.000 to the Teenager Cancer Trust. Dave Gahan, the band`s lead singer, had committed himself with great enthusiasm to the event after having recovered from his own cancer surgery last May.

If you are sad that you missed those charity watches, have a look at one of the newest signature Hublot models: the Big Bang Rose Steel Tutti Frutti. Not for a good cause, but the 48 baguette-cut pink sapphires are definitely worth the attention. The exquisite rose-coloured dream is accentuated by a matching alligator bracelet and would be the perfect eyecatcher for your wrist this summer. I am not always the biggest Hublot fan but this version gets my vote.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht