Luxury Insider

Omega began 2007 with the launch of its exclusive in-house manufacture movement together with the new Hour Vision Collection. The automatic movement, Caliber 8500/8501, is a COSC-certified chronometer featuring 202 redesigned components completely manufactured by Omega. The movement also features Omega’s proprietary Co-Axial technology, albeit upgraded to ensure accurate timekeeping and reliability. Sporting a substantial 60-hour power reserve and driven by a bi-directional self-winding mechanism complete with a timezone function, this movement is in itself a masterpiece. Its 18-carat red gold rotor and balance bridge pays tribute to Omega’s history of using red gold for its in-house movements. Coinciding with the launch of the movement is the release of a new range of De Ville timepieces, the Hour Vision. The new movement is now housed in a 41 mm casing with four translucent sapphire lateral openings. Faceted gold hands coupled with polished sides adorn the Hour Vision dial. The new collection comes matched with either a handsome alligator leather strap or a curvilinear bracelet bearing the Omega emblem.

Styled by Pininfarina, the new Maserati GranTurismo coupe is to be officially launched at this year's Geneva motor show. The GranTurismo has a 405 hp, 4.2 liter V8 motor mated to an adaptive automatic gearbox, and a 49% - 51% front-rear weight distribution; all of which promises a rousing driving experience to match those arresting looks (note those great triple-trident wheels right off the Birdcage concept). And yet, despite these sportive credentials, this full four-seater should prove to be thoroughly practical day-to-day in the best Maserati tradition. Frankly, it has been a while since a Maserati has looked this immediately desirable. Starting with the lovely – but flawed – Quattroporte, and now with the GranTurismo, it's good to see Maserati back in fine form.

Not to be confused with other organizations of the same name, the R.A.C. in the Graham Chronofighter R.A.C. with column wheel refers to the roue à colonne (column wheel)-equipped high-precision movement that graces these handsome, chunky watches from watchmakers Graham. The company's left-handed control layout remains, but the new models have the aforementioned column-wheel mechanism which governs the precision operation of various levers controlling the chronograph's functions. Available in a variety of color, dial, and strap combinations – all handsome in the Graham idiom – the R.A.C. Chronofighter is perfect for the rugged mechanical watch lover.

To commemorate the centenary of these two renowned brands, Montblanc and Van Cleef & Arpels have collaborated on this fine, limited editions Mystery Masterpiece. Three individual editions, each set with either rubies, sapphires, or emeralds, will be crafted. Using the “Mystery Setting” technique for the gemstones, these intricate writing instruments are set to stun with their extravagant design, and equally-extravagant price: at US$730,000 each, they are truly a fitting homage to a century of each brands' respective history.

Bvlgari have conceived this professional diver's watch, that represents what they feel is the ideal blend of technology, design, and precision. Developed over two years, Bvlgari enlisted the help of expert divers to give their input into the project. The result is a handsome watch that is waterproof to 300 meters below sea level and has a chronograph function legible underwater. The movement is an automatic BVLGARI 224 caliber, which is COSC-certified. Three different versions are available, in either gold, stainless steel, or a steel-gold combination.

The Fazioli M. Liminal Piano is not only inspired by music, but also the sea. Designer Phillipe Gendre, skillfully depicts a wave motif on the side profile while choosing silver as the color that evokes a profound refraction of the sun.

The exquisite design of the M. Liminal Piano gives a new edge to the classic piano. It combines essences of modernity, tradition, and that of music and nature. The shiny texture of black cast iron supported by a transparent crystal-esque music stand along with a rose red soundboard creates a certain sensuality that engulfs the artist as he re-invents the sound of waves with a musical melody.

The M. Liminial Piano comes with a stainless steel base, soundproofed thanks to the use of sound deadening paint. Black top, silver base, red on the inside – a combination of a classic and modern feel, even the look of it feels like music itself.

The Vanquish S Ultimate Edition will be the last run of Aston Martin’s triumphant flagship. Just 40 of them will be sold, and will feature a new ‘Ultimate Black’ paint finish – an optional color exclusive only to this car, trimmed with semi-aniline leather, with black chrome finish interior fittings and a personalized sill plate that denotes the limited edition number. Retaining the same exceptional performance of its regular Vanquish S brethren, the latest Vanquish S Ultimate Edition reaches a top speed of 200 mph (321 km/h) and retains the same fantastic 520bhp V12 engine. Even the base price begins at the same level as the Vanquish S’. Surely, it should come as no surprise when they are all snapped up within mere weeks.

The Alcaria Fancy Diva White is a stunning new timepiece from Carl F. Bucherer. The purity of fresh snow is beautifully evoked in the Alcaria Fancy Diva White with its shimmering diamond baguettes and large pavée stones. The silver dial is decorated in a simple, elegant style with just two oversized Roman numerals. Featuring an alligator leather strap and a white gold case, it is limited to just 10 pieces.

Caran d'Ache, the Swiss Maison de Haute Ecriture, has rolled out its new, Limited Edition “Ganesh” writing instrument made in collaboration with jeweler Edouard Jud. The pen – in either fountain or ball-point guise – pays tribute to the classical Indian god Ganesh, whose body is that of a human but who has the divine head of an elephant. Gold and solid silver adorn the sculpted body, while the large ruby on the end cap is itself a tribute to the nation of India, long considered the land of the ruby. Each example is individually numbered, and sold separately or in a set of both kinds of nib. Just 101 of these intricate beauties will be made.

To commemorate 60 years of the hallowed Ferrari name, the Italian sports car maker is building just 60 of these special versions of their 4-seater flagship model, the 612 Scaglietti. Each of these striking V12 powerhouses will come with two-tone paintwork, an electrochromic glass roof, and a special plaque in the center console to mark it out as a limited edition. As understated as ever, the 60th Anniversary 612 Scaglietti certainly makes for a classy birthday present.

The transformation of Van Cleef & Arpels legendary address at 22, place Vendôme in Paris is now complete. Young designer Patrick Jouin, who was given the task of revamping the historic building, has juxtaposed fantasy motifs with classic French design to overhaul the birthplace of this renowned jewelry house. The new, 300-square-meter space features luxurious viewing salons and private rooms for clients to dine with the jewelry house’s artists and designers. The 22, place Vendôme address has been Van Cleef & Arpels' design atelier since 1922. Currently, exquisite minaudieres and vanity cases are on display at the salon as part of its beauty accessories exhibition.

Not just another fine traveler's watch, the ww.tc - Financial from Girard-Perregaux presents a twist on the multi-timezone theme by indicating business hours of the world's major stock markets. The ww.tc – or World Wide Time Control – is a familiar line from this esteemed Swiss watch company, but this new automatic timepiece is aimed squarely at the jet-setting financial businessman who may need to know just when trading starts and ends at his destination. With this in mind, the ww.tc - Financial could just be a worthy investment; in particular, the steel cased version which comes with a choice of two dial colors, silver and anthracite, each of which is limited to just 500 apiece.

Palmer Johnson yachts, known for their trademark predatory styling cues, displayed their handsome 135' Sport Yacht at the Miami Boat Show recently. Following in the footsteps of the company's highly-successful 120' version, the 135' will build on the strengths of its smaller sibling by adding an extra three feet of beam (width), as well as providing a stunning, large sundeck with jacuzzi. The 135' is made of aluminum, and reaches a maximum speed of 30+ knots with a cruising speed of 25. As testimony to the company's appeal, two 135' Sport Yachts have already been spoken for.

Watch connoisseurs can stop holding their breaths – the Contemporary Patrimony Bi-Retrograde Day-Date is finally here and set to dazzle. The Vacheron Constantin brand defines perfection and class yet again with this latest addition to its Contemporary Patrimony line.

Sophistication and elegance resonates in the form of an 18K pink gold case with an impressive diameter of 42.5 mm. Double retrograde indicators that tell the day and date with flyback hands, together with applied gold cabochons on an opaline dial, complete the look to this deceptively simplistic style.

The real magic lies behind the sapphire see-through back. Nestled in there is the 2460R31R7 calibre, an automatic mechanical movement designed and produced by the Vacheron Constantin manufacture with hour, minute, date and day functions. Stamped with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, this double-complication calibre is one of the brand’s new 11½ lignes (25.6 mm) automatic movements, and beats at a rate of 28,800 vibrations an hour.

Subtle and powerful at the same time, this uncompromising timepiece is truly timeless.

Sitting upon the longest coastal stretch of Singapore's exclusive Sentosa Cove, The Coast luxury condominium enjoys the view of both Sentosa's waterways as well as the South China Sea. Contained by full-height glass windows, panels, and ledges, its transient water theme inspires a serene ambiance that is audience to the sea. Its 249 units, inclusive of the penthouses with roof terraces and individual lap pools, vary from three to four bedrooms each.

Besides cavorting on Sentosa's sun-kissed beaches, privileged residents may also help themselves to the luxurious facilities that include 41 boat berths, lap pools, and jacuzzi-equipped leisure pools, steam rooms, cascading landscape pavilions, and more. Its unique location is an exclusive feature and is topped off with modern architecture. The Coast is due to be completed by 30th June 2010.