Hublot reinforces its presence with a new boutique in Budapest, Hungary!

Hublot reinforces its presence with a new boutique in Budapest, Hungary! 

Hublot celebrated the opening of its boutique in Budapest in the presence of Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO

21 December 2015, Budapest – Luxury Swiss watch manufacturer Hublot celebrated the opening of its new boutique in Budapest. Located on Hungary’s Champs-Elysées, Andrássy Street, the boutique will receive customers in a warm, welcoming ambiance infused with Hublot’s identity.

The new boutique in Budapest’s famous elegant street was inaugurated in the presence of Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe, who invited more than 200 Hublot collectors, VIP guests and members of the press to discover the new space and watch collections.

“We have eagerly waited for the opportunity to launch our Hublot boutique in Budapest and to meet our customers there,” said Ricardo Guadalupe. “Our ‘Art of Fusion’ concept resonates here with the history and culture of Hungary merging with the creativity and modernism of Hublot. We are proud to grow our market even further with the opening of our new boutique, and we’d like to extend this invitation to watch enthusiasts in Hungary to dive into the world of Hublot and meet our novelties.”

The boutique embodies the brand’s cherished “Art of Fusion” through a lavish décor bringing the past into the future; a subtle interplay of materials, fabrics and styles in nuances of grey and black creates the perfect setting for tradition to meet innovation. Hublot Boutique Budapest: Andrássy Street 16, Budapest, Hungary

Instagram / Twitter: @Hublot #Hublot

About Hublot

"Hublot: A different way to progress" say those who know this unique Swiss luxury watch company, where each and every moment moves forward to create the future at breathtaking speed. A dream, initiated and developed by Hublot's Chairman Jean-Claude Biver with CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe, these two men are responsible for turning the Hublot brand into a genuine success story in which the Big Bang, King Power and Classic Fusion represent the symbols of a constantly evolving tradition. From watch complications and revolutionary materials to world-class collaborations such as FIFA World CupTM and Ferrari, Hublot characterizes itself through the "Art of Fusion" philosophy, bringing tradition into the future. On a commercial level, the network currently stands at more than 70 exclusive boutiques around the world (Geneva, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Paris, London, Berlin, Moscow, New York, Miami, Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuala Lumpur, Ginza...).

For more information, visit www.hublot.com 

Métiers d´Art La leyenda del zodiaco chino El año del mono

Métiers d´Art La leyenda del zodiaco chino El año del mono

Vacheron Constantin continúa su diálogo con los coleccionistas y los apasionados de la Alta Relojería enriqueciendo la colección Métiers d´Art La leyenda del zodiaco chino con el signo del mono. Este último tomará el relevo a la cabra el 8 de febrero de 2016 con motivo del Año Nuevo Chino. Certificado con el punzón de Ginebra, estas dos nuevas creaciones realizadas en edición limitada a doce ejemplares cada una, combinan la excelencia técnica del calibre 25460 G4 y la belleza artística de los oficios artesanales

La técnica del papel recortado, cruce entre las culturas occidentales y orientales China, una nación con quien Vacheron Constantin ha cultivado una estrecha relación desde 1845, fue la primera en introducir la técnica del papel recortado conocida como Jianzhi. Este arte popular se refleja en el folklore suizo y su famoso “Scherenschnitt”. Este enfoque artístico, característico de ña colección Métiers d´Art La leyenda del zodiaco chino, encuentra este año una nueva interpretación gracias al saber-hacer de los maestros grabadores y esmaltadores

Unión de los oficios artesanales Sobre la esfera, el motivo de las hojas que deriva de la iconografía clásica china es grabado directamente sobre el metal. La decoración permanece semi-incorporada y se destaca de su base en oro por una sutil técnica de relieves que acentúan el efecto de profundidad. Así, la vegetación parece estar flotando sobre la esfera. Posteriormente tiene lugar la etapa del esmalte Grand Feu, una técnica inventada en Ginebra y que sigue siendo dominio de unos pocos artesanos específicamente cualificados. Mediante la aplicación de capas sucesivas, el esmaltador aumenta la intensidad de la esfera azul o bronce. El dominio del color y de las reacciones a la cocción, se sitúan entre 800 y 900 grados Celsius, requiriendo del artista un saber-hacer que solo se adquiere durante largos años de experiencia. El mono, creado en oro o platino, ha sido grabado a mano antes de ser delicadamente colocado en el centro de la esfera.

Un calibre que favorece el espacio en la esfera El calibre 2460 G4 permite una puesta en escena singular de la artes decorativas, dando protagonismo al motivo central de la esfera. La visualización de la hora, sin agujas, se hace a través de cuatro ventanillas que muestran las horas, minutos, días y fecha. Estas indicaciones – las dos primeras con disco de arrastre y las dos últimas con disco saltante- demuestran la tradición de la Maison por diseñar y desarrollar originales mostradores. Claramente visible a través del cristal de zafiro transparente de la caja de platino y oro rosa, la masa oscilante en oro de 22 quilates está decorada con la Cruz de Malta, y atestigua de los acabados realizados siguiendo la más pura tradición relojera. Todos los componentes del movimiento son terminados de acuerdo a los criterios del Punzón de Ginebra, del que Vacheron Constantin es el más fiel representante.

CARACTERÍSTICAS TÉCNICAS Métiers d´Art La leyenda del zodiaco chino 2016, el año del mono Referencia 86073/000P-8972- Platino 86073/000R-8971- Oro rosa de 18 quilates 5N Relojes distinguidos con el Punzón de Ginebra Disponibles unicamente en las boutiques Vacheron Constantin Calibre 2460 G4 Desarrollado y manufacturado por Vacheron Constantin Mecánico, carga automática 31 mm de diámetro, 6.05 mm de grosor Aproximadamente 40 horas de reserva de marcha 4 Hz (28.800 alternancias/hora) 237 piezas 27 rubíes Indicaciones Horas, minutos, día de la semana y fecha en ventanillas Caja Platino/ Oro rosa de 18 quilates 5N 40 mm de diámetro, 12.74 mm de grosor Fondo de cristal de zafiro transparente Estanquidad probada a una presión de 3 bares (aproximadamente 30 metros de profundidad) Esfera Oro de 18 quilates grabado a mano y esmaltado Gran Feu Mono grabado a mano en oro rosa de 18 quilates 5N o platino Brazalete Piel de Alligator mississippiensis azul oscura o marrón, forrada de piel de aligátor, cosida a mano con acabado artesanal y grandes escamas cuadradas Cierre Hebilla de oro rosa de 18 quilates 5N o platino Forma de media cruz de Malta pulida Accesorios Se entrega con un lápiz corrector, una lupa y un libro dedicado que ilustra los diferentes oficios y técnicas llevadas a cabo en estas creaciones.

Arnold & Son – TBTE Tourbillon

Timeless elegance and innovative technology

True to English watchmaking heritage, Arnold & Son unveils the TBTE Tourbillon, featuring the hand-finished A&S8503 calibre with True Beat Seconds complication. This defining timepiece is part of the Royal Collection which combines classic styling with leading-edge technology.

The tourbillon movement, one of the most elegant complications in the world of horology, has played a crucial role in Arnold & Son’s history. An exceptional watchmaker, John Arnold was an active participant in one of the most extraordinary partnerships in the world of innovative horology. Indeed, both he and A.-L. Breguet worked closely, sharing both their knowledge and passion. Evidence of their partnership is A.-L. Breguet’s first ever tourbillon mounted in John Arnold’s No. 11 movement, a watch that can be found today in London’s British Museum.

The TBTE not only boasts a tourbillon but also a true beat seconds mechanism. The true beat seconds is a traditional complication of Arnold & Son, a complication that alludes to the precision timekeeping required for navigation at sea. Unlike conventional mechanical watches, a true beat seconds movement measures out time in complete seconds rather than fractions dependent on the balance frequency. This watch thus pays tribute to the watches produced by John Arnold and his son, when they were the first to develop marine chronometers that could be produced in quantity at reasonable prices. Those technically superior, widely distributed chronometers reflected Arnold & Son’s commitment to exceptional precision and solved the problem of determining longitude at sea.

Upholding that legacy, Arnold & Son’s master watchmakers and engineers thrive on creating new complicated movements for exquisite timepieces. Such is the case with the TBTE watch, a truly innovative, technical and architectural achievement. While the true beat seconds are displayed by a large central hand on the dial side, the mechanism itself is located in all its beauty on the reverse of the movement. Thus, having the tourbillon located dial side, the movement has an intriguing complication to admire on each side. Making the true beat seconds complication even more alluring is the fact that the true beat seconds bridge is shaped like a Celtic battle axe and the lever like an anchor – paying homage to Arnold’s maritime achievements.

Aesthetically what sets Arnold & Son’s new TBTE Tourbillon apart is its modern take on the distinguished “English” movement design: The main pivoting elements in the movement are mounted on their own bridge. The tourbillon and motion-work bridges are classically triangular but are skeletonised. The combination of multilevel bridges and open-worked main plate gives an incredible depth and three-dimensional effect to the watch and thus a modern look. The unique Arnold & Son design is also reflected by the three-spoke wheels. This same three-spoke design can also be found in the tourbillon cage and the openings in the main plate. The decoration of the main plate is a reminiscence of an old guilloché pattern found on the cases of antique Arnold & Son pocket watches. The main plate is also skeletonised around the barrel and the tourbillon carriage allowing to look through the movement and therefore through the watch itself.

When compared to more conventional tourbillons found today, the TBTE model is said to be “inverted”, that is to say most technical elements and visually interesting features are shown on the dial side, when those would normally be hidden on the reverse of the dial. Other typically English technical idiosyncrasies will seduce even the most demanding watch connoisseurs. Take, for instance, the solid gold chatons or the symmetrical layout of the movement; to achieve such a feat requires overcoming a number of technical challenges. Thus the barrel spring and the tourbillon cage are centred along the watch’s longitudinal axis. When examining the gear train and the winding system, one notes the traditional construction used in high-end pocket watches that involves the use of “wolf-teeth”, an asymmetrical tooth system featuring curved teeth used primarily to improve the smoothness of the overall movement and to enhance its elegant design.

It goes without saying that every finishing touch on this striking piece, with such movement decoration as hand-chamfered bridges and, even more demanding, hand-chamfered wheels with polished edges has been done by hand by Arnold & Son’s master watchmakers, hence bringing more brilliance and depth to each decorative element.

This unique timepiece will be produced in a limited edition of 28 pieces, in a 44 mm 18-carat red gold case.

Pre Baselworld 2015 - Moser & Cie Concept Watch

To introduce the new model that Moser & Cie has previewed ahead of Baselworld 2015, I decided to cite the writer Seth Godin and his famous book “Purple Cow”, a sort of mantra for those who have decided to create their own brand and to set up their marketing campaign, in a way that will allow their product or service to really stand out. This result, if applied to high-end watchmaking, is hard to achieve if not impossible, since it's not easy for new luxury brands to stand out and attract customers who are often loyal to a small bunch of strong and renowned brands. Moser & Cie, which has a longstanding tradition in watchmaking and was founded in 1828 in Schaffausen (I suggest you read the brand's history on their website by clicking HERE), has been very brave (as well as smart) mainly for two reasons: it has given up massive ad campaigns and has followed a path that is opposite to today's trend in fine watchmaking, that is often all about making super-complicated, overdesigned and sometimes bizarre timepieces, just to attract new potential customers. The outcome is a Concept Watch, laconically referred to as Reference 343-0XXX.

Moser & Cie has therefore occupied an area that most fine watchmakers have actually abandoned, and has managed to capture the most difficult thing to communicate today: simplicity, a place where many connoisseurs actually live, though taken to the extreme in order to declare its vision: it's the product and the product only to market itself. The Moser & Cie Concept Watch is a three hands mechanical timepiece, where the power reserve indicator is placed on the movement side (the brand realizes the neatest and purest timepieces when it comes to design: a few years ago I had to actually read one of their timepieces’ technical sheet, to realize that it was in fact a perpetual calendar). No logo and indexes on its dial because, if a product is recognizable, you need nothing but functionality (you would recognize a 991 from a distance even without its logo or emblem). A clear reference to the brand's design is its fumé dial, a hallmark of any Moser & Cie.

The case is white gold and is 40,8mm wide and 10,9mm thick; the movement, caliber HMC 343, is made in-house, in a manufacture that employs just 50 people and produces just 1000 watches a year, made for those who appreciate the core of fine watchmaking and are not buying one after having seen an ad campaign with their favourite sports athlete (I associate the Moser & Cie's intimate approach to watchmaking to that used by some fine Japanese watchmakers). While waiting to get my hands on this beauty, here is a live photo of the timepiece which I found on the brand's official Instagram account, that you can reach via this link.

Hublot enters into the world of poker players

 

To seal the presence of the Swiss watchmaking brand in this new field, a Big Bang World Poker Tour®, with a design heavily inspired by the game, was presented at an event organised in Las Vegas and attended by CEO of Hublot Ricardo Guadalupe, as well as the greatest players on the circuit.

17 December 2014 – Las Vegas (USA) – After football, American basketball, and recently cricket in India and Australia, Hublot has achieved yet another master stroke by signing with the World Poker Tour in Las Vegas to become Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of the international poker circuit.

Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, chose to announce the partnership at the WPT® Five Diamond World Poker Classic, WPT Alpha8™ Las Vegas, organised and televised (FOX Sports) from 15th to 20th December at the Bellagio, the legendary Las Vegas hotel and capital of international poker. The event was attended by the greatest professional and amateur players on the poker circuit.

Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, remarked "Hublot has once again proven itself to be first, unique and different, as the first luxury brand to become Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of the international professional poker circuit. We chose the World Poker Tour because its global presence, televised tournaments and quality of its players make it a benchmark in the game. I strongly believe that this field has great commercial and marketing potential. The tremendous success of our boutiques in Las Vegas and Macau are evidence of the possibilities. I am delighted with this great collaboration that awaits us."

Adam Pliska, President of the World Poker Tour continues: "Hublot is a Swiss luxury brand renowned across the globe for its sports watches with an instantly recognisable design. This partnership will bring even more value to each and every televised event of the World Poker Tour. In April, Champion of season XII of the World Poker Tour, Keven Stammen beat Byron Kaverman in Borgata, and received the magnificent prize of a Hublot King Power Unico. We are delighted to be able to give almost 1 million dollars' worth of luxury watches to the champions of our televised events and the Hublot WPT Player of the Year in the upcoming seasons.”

Hublot was the first luxury brand to enter professional football in 2006, with the immense marketing and commercial success that we expect of the brand. It was also the first luxury brand to enter American basketball in 2011. That same year, Ferrari chose Hublot to be its Official Timekeeper and Official Watch.

In 2014, in addition to poker, Hublot was also the first luxury brand to enter cricket, one of the world's most popular sports, particularly widespread in India, Australia, the Middle East and in all Commonwealth countries, which offers Hublot great additional geographic coverage on four continents.

VACHERON CONSTANTIN CELEBRATES THE OPENING OF THE GINZA BOUTIQUE

Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest Haute Horlogerie manufacture with almost 260 years of uninterrupted history, celebrated the grand opening of its first boutique in Japan on the prestigious main street of Chuo-dori, situated in Tokyo’s Ginza district.
To celebrate this special occasion, an exclusive reception was hosted to welcome distinguished guests with the opportunity to step into the magnificent two-floor boutique for the first time. Dedicated to technical and aesthetical Haute Horlogerie and decorated with a luxurious interior design in harmony with the brand codes, the entire range of the Vacheron Constantin collection including the three exclusive Ginza Boutique limited-edition timepieces was showcased.
The guests were then transferred to a mysterious dinner venue and came to a surprising halt to discover themselves in front of the beautiful Zojoji Temple, located in the heart of Tokyo. Set in attractive gardens and surrounded by trees, the Temple is the perfect location to represent a striking contrast between historical and contemporary, reflecting Vacheron Constantin’s shared values of modern expression and watchmaking tradition. A transparent

tent house was built in front of the illuminated main temple, within reach of the lit-up Tokyo Tower and skyscrapers. Twenty remarkable heritage pieces, including the first pocket watch signed by J.M. Vacheron in 1755, all belonging to the Vacheron Constantin heritage collection in Geneva, were displayed. 

After enjoying the cocktail and the demonstration of a Vacheron Constantin High-Complication watchmaker, the guests were seated for the dinner. After Vincent Gouget welcomed the guests, Juan-Carlos Torres explained: “Following the recent openings in New York, Paris, and London the inauguration of this welcoming and cozy boutique in Ginza is a fine opportunity to reinforce the historical bond between Japan and Vacheron Constantin”.

To celebrate the night, star Chef Yosuke Suga created a special original menu for the first time since his recent triumphant return to Japan from France. The evening was brought to a captivating conclusion with a live music performance by the two renowned artists Pianist Yukio Yokoyama and Japanese traditional flute Gagaku musician Togi Hideki who played together for the first time.

About the Boutique
With more than 140 square meters, the two floors are filled with passion for watchmaking and its exquisite timepieces in elegant showcases welcomes watch enthusiasts and collectors, with the ground floor housing the boutique itself and the upper floor reserved for VIP. The sophisticated expressive and elegant interior design creates a warm, cozy atmosphere and aesthetic perfection. The classical beauty and contemporary feel represent the spirits of the brand. An in-house watchmaker is stationed to offer onsite after-sales service and will demonstrate extraordinary craftsmanship and tradition of aesthetic excellence. Our highly exception bespoke service Atelier Cabinotiers will be provided to entirely customize one-of-a- kind timepiece.
Vacheron Constantin Ginza Boutique
7-8-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3569-1755

Open hours: Mon – Fri 12pm – 8pm, Sat 11am – 8pm, Sun & Hol 11am – 7pm *Closed on Jan 1st and 2nd and early closing time at 6pm on Dec 31st

Vacheron Constantin’s Heritage Exhibition
To celebrate the opening of Ginza boutique, 20 timepieces are exhibited for public on the second floor until January 12th, 2015. The collection belongs to the Vacheron Constantin heritage collection in Geneva and some of the pieces have arrived in Japan for the first time. The exhibition includes one of the very first timepiece produced by the Maison as well as Tour de l’Île Grande Complication wristwatch, which was created to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Manufacture.
Date: Tuesday 9th, 2014 through Monday Jan 12th, 2015
*Closed on Jan 1st and 2nd

140
Exclusive Timepieces Dedicated to Ginza Boutique
To celebrate the Grand Opening of its first boutique in Japan, Vacheron Constantin presented 3 limited editions.

Traditionelle 14-day Tourbillon

3-piece limited edition

Traditionelle

20-piece limited edition

Overseas Dual Time

100-piece limited edition 

About Vacheron Constantin
Founded in 1755 in Geneva, Vacheron Constantin is the oldest watchmaking manufacture in the world, with an uninterrupted activity almost 260 years. Founders of the very spirit of the precious and technical fine watch making, the men and the women of Vacheron Constantin continue to design, develop and produce exceptional timekeepers, remaining close to the three fundamentals of the brand: perfectly mastered technique, harmonious and inspired aesthetics and an extremely high level of finishing touches. 

A NEW PRODUCT GILDS THE PORTOFINO COLLECTION FROM IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN

— With its technically advanced movement and features, the Portofino Hand-Wound Big Date (here in 18-carat red gold, Ref. IW516102) is the latest addition to the Portofino watch family of IWC Schaffhausen. The new model is available exclusively from IWC boutiques.

Schaffhausen, 25 September 2013 – Since Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen completely overhauled its Portofino collection in 2011, the line has been revitalized. Now the family has been extended to include a new member. Available in white gold and red gold, the Portofino Hand-Wound Big Date is a stylish declaration of discreet luxury.

The Portofino line has been the silent hero of IWC’s watch collections for over a quarter of a century and is the epitome of understatement, good taste and cultivated Mediterranean lifestyle. In much the same way that the picturesque harbour town of Portofino stands for the dolce vita of the 1960s, Portofino watches perfectly combine extravagance with simple elegance. With the Portofino Hand-Wound Big Date (Ref.IW516101/IW516102), IWC Schaffhausen welcomes a new complication to a watch collection rich in tradition.

DESPITE ITS MODEST APPEARANCE, THE PORTOFINO HAND-WOUND BIG DATE COMES WITH A GENEROUS PORTION OF WATCHMAKING SOPHISTICATION.

— Calibre 59230

PORTOFINO HAND-WOUND BIG DATE

The family resemblance is unmistakable. But as you will discover if you take a second look at the dial and despite its modest appearance, the Portofino Hand-Wound Big Date comes with a generous portion of watchmaking sophistication. The date display at “12 o’clock” is an extremely useful and convenient complication and shows the date on two large, highly legible digits. This is achieved through two synchronized discs: the first of these shows the tens from 0 to 3, while the second shows the single digits from 0 to 9. The perfectly choreographed interplay between the two discs is mastered by the IWC 59230 calibre, a further development of the 59000-calibre family that comes with this additional piece of technical wizardry. The contemporary movement design with its large bridges and plates is robust and reliable and was built to satisfy the demands of watch connoisseurs in the 21st century. The new Portofino comes not only with a big date but also a good deal of staying power. When fully wound, the watch has a power reserve of 192 hours, or 8 days, during which it will run with maximum precision without the need for any external intervention. After that, the owner needs to supply the watch with renewed energy by winding the crown. There is, however, no need to worry about forgetting: the power reserve display on the dial is a trusty reminder. The Portofino Hand-Wound Big Date is available in white gold (Ref. IW516101) or red gold (Ref. IW516102), exclusively from IWC boutiques.

PRECIOUS METALS AND TOP-QUALITY LEATHERS

The Portofino Hand-Wound Big Date is available in white gold with a slate-coloured dial, rhodium-plated hands and indices and a black leather strap. The red-gold version comes with a silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands and indices, as well as a dark brown leather strap. Renowned Italian shoe manufacturer Santoni, now run by the second generation of the family, Giuseppe Santoni, produces top quality leather straps exclusively for IWC Schaffhausen. The leather undergoes a complicated manufacturing process that gives it the patina and subtle gradation of colours characteristic of the brand’s products. The technique leaves the leather looking as if it had already enjoyed several years of use by a careful owner, although it is absolutely brand new. Another trademark Santoni feature is the orangecoloured leather lining found on the inner surface of the strap. The aesthetics and appeal of the Mediterranean way of life are unified in this perfect union of watch and strap.

FEATURES

• Mechanical movement
• Hand-wound
• 8-day power reserve when fully wound
• Indexless balance with 4 golden weight screws on the balance rim
• Breguet spring
• Small hacking seconds
• Large date window
• Power reserve display
• Available worldwide from IWC boutiques

MOVEMENT

• Calibre: 59230
• Frequency: 28,800 A/h / 4 Hz
• Jewels: 30
• Power reserve: 8 days (192 h)
• Winding: hand-wound

WATCH

• Materials: case in 18-carat white gold, slate-coloured dial, rhodium-plated hands and indices, black Santoni alligator leather strap, pin buckle in 18-carat white gold
• Glass: sapphire, arched edge, antireflective coating on both sides
• Back: transparent sapphire-glass back
• Water-resistant: 3 bar
• Diameter: 45 mm
• Case height: 13 mm