Month: June 2020

Big Bang E – a connected watch equipped with the latest Hublot technology

by

 

 

 

Two years after the debuts of Hublot’s first connected watch model (the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia), the luxury watchmaker returns with a new model: the BIG BANG e, a connected watch equipped with the latest technology that adopts all the iconic Big Bang codes.

The new BIG BANG e unites Hublot’s highly advanced technical materials with the very latest innovations from today’s digital world.

Hublot Big Bang E; @hublot

A good pedigree always shines through!

Its case is cut from materials such as black ceramic or titanium in a “sandwich” construction, an innovative style invented by Hublot in 2005. Extremely complex, it comprises 42 components, 27 of which are for the K Module alone, the “cage” which houses the digital heart of the watch.

Apart from the “Time Only” analogue function, the BIG BANG e features exclusive interpretations of traditional watch complications, such as a Perpetual Calendar with an immaculately precise moon phase or a second GMT time zone, which presents the earth in a very realistic way. These functionalities have been revisited and enhanced to take advantage of the possibilities offered by the digital world. Despite this built-in technology, Hublot guarantees the watch is water-resistant to a depth of 30 meters.

The highlights include a scratchproof sapphire crystal, a rubber strap with deployant buckle invented by Hublot in 1980 for the Classic model and the patented One Click system for easy interchangeability.

The BIG BANG e is available in a 42 mm case, made from a choice of titanium or ceramic. The hour numerals are
metallised underneath the scratchproof sapphire crystal, which is covered with an AMOLED high definition touchscreen.

Just like a mechanical version of the Big Bang, its rotary crown with integrated pusher is used to activate the controls for its electronic module. Developed in partnership with other brands within the LVMH Group, the watch is adapted and perfected to meet Hublot’s requirements.

Hublot Big Bang E; @hublot

“Electronic watches were created in Switzerland using quartz in the 1970s. Fifty years later, we are continuing in the same innovative vein by producing a second smart watch which boasts an extremely high level of technological sophistication, whilst embodying all the aesthetic values, technical features and excellence that have ensured the reputation of our Big Bang collection. Ever more faithful to our “Art of Fusion” motto, we wanted the BIG BANG e to unite Hublot’s highly advanced technical materials with the very latest innovations from today’s digital world,”said- Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of HUBLOT.

The BIG BANG e will be produced in two different editions: one in titanium and one in black ceramic. For the first time in Hublot’s history, this watch will be sold online on the brand’s website as well as on the Wechat network in China.

A very #HublotLovesArt way of adding a touch of colour and rhythm to different moments throughout the dayAvailable as soon as the BIG BANG e is released, the first edition is part of the #HublotLovesArt movement: a series of eight dials stemming from the imagination of storytelling artist Marc Ferrero. Every three hours, the dial changes colour, meaning eight creations are displayed in sequence over a 24-hour period. Each of these is based on a specific colour: Happy Yellow, Magic Blue, Orange Dynamite, All White, Lucky Green, Magic Red, Rainbow Spirit and Black Magic. And that is not all. Every full hour is marked with the appearance of an animation that lasts five seconds.

Hublot Big Bang E; @hublot

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic debuts a watch made from fishing nets

by

 

A limited and committed edition. 

@alpina watches

For the first time in the history of the Alpina Maison, the Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range features a case comprised of 70% plastic debris derived from fishing nets collected in the Indian Ocean. To ensure its durability, it has been strengthened with 30% fibreglass.

Founded in 1883 by a collective of leading Swiss independent watchmakers known as the ‘Alpinists’, Alpina has been

intimately linked to nature, the great outdoors and responsible exploration for nearly 140 years. The Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range is the worthy heir to this commitment.

This new watchmaking line as well as its name draw their inspiration from the encounter between Alpina and the watch journalist Bernard Werk, in the Netherlands, three years ago.

Personally involved in the preservation of the oceans, he created the concept as well as the name “GYRE”, in reference to these giant circular ocean currents – and consisting in reusing the ghost fishing nets from the Indian Ocean. In order to protect an environment dear to Alpina as well as to GYRE-founders Bernard Werk and Jorrit Niels – and leave a sustainable footprint – the Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic line is the beginning of a long-term collaboration between Gyre Watch and the high-end watchmaking Maison.

It is also the first time that this eco-responsible blend has complied with EU REACH legislation (Registration, Evaluation,Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals). Its aim is to control the use of chemical substances in order to improve the protection of human health and the environment, while promoting a high level of innovation – objectives perfectly expressed by the new Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range.

The Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range now comprises five variations, including three men’s models (44 mm) and two ladies’s models (36 mm). They share three dial finishes evoking the reflections of the sea, in blue shades, turquoise and dyed mother-of-pearl, complete with luminescent hands. The seconds hand is finished with the famous triangle from the Alpina logo, which also features as an index hour marker at 12 o’clock.

Completing the look are three two-tone NATO style straps made from recycled plastic bottles. In addition, Alpina is offering a black vegetable leather strap comprised of recycled apple waste with every men’s model.

Each model is powered by the AL-525 automatic movement featuring three hands and the date, housed in a black composite case (70% PA6, 30% fibreglass) and presenting a unidirectional bezel that recalls the nautical pedigree of the Seastrong collection. Each piece is certified water-resistant to 300 m.

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic watch 2020; @alpina watches

The Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range embraces an ecological manifesto: Alpina has decided to launch these five new models to support the World Oceans Day (designated by the UN, on June 8th, 2020). The aim is to draw the attention of the international community to this event, which brings together all the initiatives aimed at cleaning up and protecting our oceans in a lasting way.

These timepieces will be made in strictly limited series of 1,883 pieces each, in reference to the year that Alpina was created. They will be presented in an exclusive and eco-friendly gift set comprising an inner box of FSC Mix paper housing a case made entirely from recycled plastic (ABS) with lining made from recycled plastic bottles (rPET). Completing this gift set will be a single leaflet (guarantee and certificate of authenticity) printed on FSC Recycled paper.

To reduce its ecological footprint further still, Alpina has also opted for a paperless user manual, accessible via a QR code.

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic watch 2020; @alpina watches

‘The fashion show is over’: what I have learned from 20 years of catwalks

by

As catwalks go digital for who-knows-how-long, our fashion critic looks back on two decades of attending fashion weeks

The most elegant car of summer 2020 to be crowned at Poltu Quatu Classic Costa Smeralda

by

 

 

The futuristic GFG VISION 2030 and the Bandini Dora to be premiered at 2020 Poltu Quatu Classic Costa Smeralda.

Poltu Quatu Classic Costa Smeralda – Concours d’Elegance for Classic Cars; @poltu-quatu.com

Poltu Quatu Classic Costa Smeralda 2020 – Concours d’Elegance for Classic Cars. The last edition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Poltu Quatu Classic saw the Ferrari brand triumph after the victories in previous editions signed Alfa Romeo and Bugatti.

Poltu Quatu Classic returns to the scene of major international events with the fifth edition of the most glamorous Concours d’Elegance of the summer. On July 10th, 11th and 12th, authentic four-wheeled jewels from the most important Italian and European collections of vintage cars will parade through the streets of the Costa Smeralda.

The Jury of the Competition will be chaired for the third year in a row by Paolo Tumminelli, the well-known automotive historian who has created and refined in recent years an almost infallible evaluation system. With him will be the well-known designer Fabrizio Giugiaro who will realize as a tradition the trophy “Best in Show” that will be awarded to the winning car of the Concorso d’Eleganza Poltu Quatu Classic 2020, Luciano Bertolero founder of Auto Classic and great expert Ferrari, Afshin Behnia CEO of Petrolicious, Alberto Vassallo CEO of Car and Vintage and J. Philip Rathgen CEO of Classic Driver, the three best-known social media in the automotive world.

The innovations included in this year’s program are mainly about the day on Saturday that will start in the morning with a long scenic tour of the Costa Smeralda through a route designed ad hoc by the organizers to give the participants unforgettable scenarios to admire behind the wheel of their cars. The rest of the day will be lived in total relaxation in the famous Vesper Beach of Capriccioli made famous by the movie “007 – The Spy Who Loved Me” where the protagonist Roger Moore emerges with his car from the crystal clear water of the Costa Smeralda in the company of Barbara Bach and where the protagonists of Poltu Quatu Classic 2020 will be guests of the Vesper Beach Club. There will be no shortage on the way back to Poltu Quatu the passage and exhibition of the cars of the Concorso in Porto Cervo at the time of the aperitif.

Poltu Quatu Classic Costa Smeralda – Concours d’Elegance for Classic Cars; @poltu-quatu.com

The participants will live another beautiful experience between visits to historic villages of Sardinia and days at the beach, driving their luxury vintage cars along the breathtaking scenery of the Costa Smeralda and the daredevils will be able to experience the thrill of high speed at sea thanks to the “Off Shore Experience”, also included in this year’s program by the organizers of the event, in company with the 5 times Motorboating World Champion Aaron Ciantar.

The GFG Style of Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro will bring to Sardinia as a world premiere the two prototypes that were to be presented at the Geneva Motor Show, then canceled, we are talking about the futuristic GFG VISION 2030 and the Bandini Dora the 100% electric “Barchetta” that relaunches the famous Italian brand founded in 1946 by Ilario Bandini.

Confirmed the performance at night of the final parade of cars in front of the Jury that will take place Saturday, July 11th after the Gala Dinner at the Grand Hotel Poltu Quatu in the famous Piazzetta illuminated by day for the occasion together with the “Best in Show” Trophy thewinner of the Concorso d’Eleganza Poltu Quatu Classic 2020 will be awarded with a precious Eberhard watch and a precious Goodwool car cover made in the image and likeness of his car.

The high-jewerly Maison Sabbadini will reward the most elegant woman in the Concorso with one of its famous jewels in the shape of Bee.

As a tradition Simone Bertolero will present the event aboard the legendary Fiat 500 Spiaggina, the favorite car for the summer period by the protagonists of the international Jet Set including Gianni Agnelli and Aristotle Onassis. Also joining him in this edition of the Concorso will be the journalist Savina Confaloni, one of the most appreciated and wellknown faces of the automotive world.

Poltu Quatu Classic Costa Smeralda – Concours d’Elegance for Classic Cars; @poltu-quatu.com

 

The best subtle perfumes for summer

by

Wearing a big scent in close confines is a bit like doing the dishes in a ballgown. Try something in a lower key

Unique collaborations: MB&F and H. Moser & Cie revisited the Legacy Machine 101

by

  MB&F and H. Moser & Cie. co-sign a pair of creations blending the DNA of each. Icon of the MB&F Legacy Machines, the monumental 14mm flying balance wheel welcomes for this watchmaking collaboration a double hairspring – a specialty of H. Moser & Cie. The floating time and power reserve subdials have been removed, … Read more