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| December, 2007 (1) |
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Published 31st August 2007
Passengers in British Airways’ Club World (Business Class) can now enjoy top-end Elemis skincare and spa products in-flight. The complete amenity kit comes with a selection of hydrating and reviving skincare products, such as a Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Rehydrating Ginseng Skin Tonic, and an Eyes Awake Recovery Gel. Elemis has also designed BA’s spa therapy centers on the ground, which are complimentary services available from October to FIRST, Club World, and Gold Executive Club members traveling between London’s Heathrow and New York’s JFK. 
Published 31st August 2007
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars hands over two Phantom Extended Wheelbase limousines to the brand-new Peninsula Tokyo today, in advance of the top hotel’s opening tomorrow. Rolls-Royce and Peninsula Hotels have had a long, 38-year history together, with the chain now in possession of 16 of the world’s best, bespoke, and most British of luxury cars. VIP guests at the hotel can look forward to being chauffered around in the Peninsula Green cars, which have a chiller box, twin LCD screens, and a top-notch sound system. www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com
Published 31th August 2007
Montblanc has added a new model to its StarWalker Collection of writing instruments. Featuring a rhodium-plated 14-carat gold nib and highly polished platinum-plated clip and fittings, these StarWalker Cool Blue pens come with a bright blue lacquered body that reveal a fine guilloche under their translucent surface. And like other models in the StarWalker Collection, they are easily distinguishable by the Montblanc floating star in the transparent cap top. The StarWalker Cool Blue Collection comprises a fountain pen, ballpoint pen and fineliner.
Published 30th August 2007
If you appreciate vintage and jewelry watches, head for Bvlgari’s exhibition in Singapore this October. An Adventure Through Time will showcase some of the brand’s most impressive timepieces, including its iconic Bvlgari-Bvlgari watch. Also on display will be two limited edition timepieces specially conceived for the occasion, namely the Assioma Multi Complication and the Bvlgari.Bvlgari 41. As this is the first time Bvlgari is presenting this particular collection in this region, the exhibition represents a rare opportunity to discover the brand’s rich heritage. An Adventure Through Time will take place at The Paragon from October 18 to 28.
Published 30th August 2007
Celebrated jewellery designer Stephen Webster has created a Limited Edition Ace of Spades pendant for The Swarovski Fashion Rocks collection. The pendant takes the shape of an inverted ace of spades and is made of white and black Zirconia stones.
The Swarovski Fashion Rocks collection celebrates the Austrian brand’s sponsorship of the Swarovski Fashion Rocks for The Prince’s Trust 2007 – a music and fashion extravaganza to be held at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall on 18th October 2007.
This jewellery collection will be made available at the London Swarovski store and online at www.swarovski.com after the fashion and music show.
Published 30th August 2007
Keywords: key(Pens & Writing Instruments)
From the Italian brand that’s noted for hand-crafted writing instruments comes a sophisticated new collection. NeroUno represents a contemporary interpretation of their classic designs, and marries the radiance of black resin with the refinement of platinum to stunning effect. While the pens’ octagonal lines have been softened to a more conical shape, signature features such as the rotating sphere at the tip of the clip have taken on a fresh new style, signaling the brand’s desire to appeal to prevailing tastes. The complete set features a fountain pen, rollerball pen, ballpoint pen and mechanical pencil.
Published 30th August 2007
Sincere Watch Limited, one of Singapore’s largest watch retailers, has set up the Sincere Watch Academy. Located at Suntec City, the Academy is the first of its kind dedicated to horological appreciation and education in Asia.
Watch enthusiasts can browse watch catalogs, magazines, books on horology, and brand DVDs at the resource library. They can also witness watchmakers doing restoration work on watches at the Academy.
Introductory lessons on horology, hands-on workshops, and talks conducted by leaders in the watch industry will be organized at the Academy on a regular basis. The Sincere Watch Group also has plans for organized trips to some of Switzerland’s famous watchmaking regions such as Le Locle, Le Brassus, and Vallée de Joux.
For more information on the Sincere Watch Academy and how to sign up as members, log on to www.sincerewatch.com
Published 29th August 2007
The Frankfurt Auto Show will be the launchpad for a number of fine automobiles this autumn, from the Jaguar XF we reported on yesterday, to the brand new Audi A4 junior executive sedan seen here. As expected, it has grown in all dimensions, to match the A5 coupe to which it is closely related. Evolutionary rather than revolutionary, the new A4 is sure to offer a typically Audi driving experience, with surefooted quattro all-wheel drive grip and safe handling characteristics. Interior space, however, is much improved thanks to the new A4's substantially greater dimensions, especially length; and about time too.
Published 29th August 2007
 The Maserati Quattroporte luxury sports sedan captured our hearts when it came out, thanks to its slinky looks, gorgeous V8 power, and strong, Italianate personality. It is, frankly, starting to date slightly – no thanks to its stunning new GranTurismo progeny – so the new Sport GT S – one hardcore notch up above the Sport GT model – is a timely reminder of what the Fourdoor is capable of. To be launched at Frankfurt, the S spec brings with it new black chrome trim on the exterior, stronger brakes, and the remarkable deletion of the adaptive Skyhook dampers in favor of fixed springs and dampers, lowered and stiffened all round. The only dubious inclusion is the standard ZF 6-speed automatic box, because in our experience, though responsive and smooth, it is not quite as fun to drive hard as the jerkier Cambiocorsa ‘box, and is a somewhat unexpected choice for what is supposedly the sportiest Italian luxury saloon. Hopefully prospective owners will be able to request the F1-style shifter instead.
Published 28th August 2007
Although opinion-dividing, there was little doubt that the distinctive S-Type sedan was a fine drive, particularly in R specification. To finally match
the heritage-rich British firm’s 21 st century driving dynamics with its
car’s looks, the new XF sports saloon replacement is a complete turn-around
from the classic three-box look of its previous efforts and instead is endowed
with a sense of taut, Germanic style which, despite some initial misgivings, is
garnering positive comments.
 The sharp-suited interior is also very different from that
of the S-Type, with much crisper detailing and architecture. This is best
embodied within the rotary gear selector knob that rises out of the console
upon start-up, much as it did in the concept
car – to which, thankfully, the production car remains largely faithful. The
rest of the spec remains largely similar to the outgoing model, with a choice
of V6 or V8 engines, including a supercharged 420hp model.
Published 27th August 2007
Keywords: Watches
Ebel have shown two new additions to their handsome Classic range. The Classic Hexagon Regulator (above) and the Classic Hexagon GMT (below) both feature automatic-winding mechanical movements inside stainless steel, 45mm diameter cases, water-resistant to a depth of 100m. The Regulator has separate subdials for hours, minutes, and seconds while the GMT model has a GMT indicator subdial instead.  www.ebel.com
Published 26th August 2007
While many top-end homes feature built-in saunas and therapeutic whirlpool baths, few would have the luxury of a dedicated pedicure spa on the premises. Kohler, one of the most beloved names in bathroom appliances, has just the thing to remedy this. Their Pedicure Spa consists of a complete suite of spa components, including a high-flow handshower, paired with customizable, purpose-built furniture for you and your podiatrist - or chiropodist, depending on your region.
Published 25th August 2007
Keywords: Watches
The elegance and refinement for which Cartier is renowned lives on in their new Gold Pasha Seatimer Chronograph. Internally, the watch houses an automatic mechanical movement combined with a chronograph, and these are visible via the transparent sapphire case back. Now available in classic yellow gold, the 42.5mm diameter case continues the round design language of the Pasha line, and has ceramic inserts in the bezel as well as the bracelet. As a final tactile touch, black cabochons are embedded in the winding crown and chronograph pushers. www.cartier.com
Published 24th August 2007
Designed by famous architect Costas Kondylis and to be developed by Larry Silverstein, the proposed mixed-use tower at 99 Church Street in downtown Manhattan is meeting the approval of the Internet’s most fiercely critical architecture watchers – albeit with some exceptions. The lower 20 floors will be a Shangri-La hotel, while the upper 40 or so will be luxury condominiums in the grand old Park Avenue idiom. With its elegant fenestration and a gorgeous, decorative crown that pays tribute to the nearby Woolworth building, 99 Church is shaping up to be one of the more attractive new luxury developments in New York City since Fifteen CPW. Construction begins at year-end.
Published 23rd August 2007
Keywords: Watches, Skeletonized
To many watch enthusiasts, open-worked dials represent the zenith of the watchmaker’s craft, because of the generally higher standard of finish required to execute such a watch elegantly. Small-scale watch movements, too, represent beauty to some in the less-is-more paradigm; so when Corum combines a skeleton finish with a minimalist movement, the result is alluring in a traditionally beautiful, trend-defying way. The hand-wound movement comprises 168 parts, including the tourbillon cage, and offers a 90-day power reserve capacity. 66 gold Tourbillon Panoramiques will be made, in either white or rose shades, while there will only be five examples of the platinum version made. www.corum.ch
Published 22nd August 2007
Wiesmann’s retro-styled, but well-executed GT sports car was well-received by critics since its launch two years ago, thanks to its resolved handling, build quality, and powerful BMW V8 engine. There is speculation now that this relationship with BMW could be taken a step further with the possible addition of the Munich firm’s charismatic, 507 bhp V10 from the M5 and M6 into the Wiesmann GT’s lithe bonnet. This would undoubtedly improve its impressive 0-100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds, whilst endowing it with a manic, supercar howl from up front. With its huge wheels, light weight, and compact dimensions, the forthcoming new Wiesmann is set to satisfy the driving enthusiast like never before.
Published 21st August 2007
First acclaimed for their innovative tube amps built especially for use with iPods, hi-fi newcomers Fatman have shown their flagship valve amp for more serious high-fidelity audio, the aptly-titled iTube Mothership. With self-proclaimed attributes being its “stellar, stunning awesomeness,” it would be easy to dismiss this as gimmickry. However, their track record with producing top-notch sound warrants a second look, particularly as Mothership’s 200W, twin-monoblock Engineroom power amps (mated to a Controlroom pre-amp) bode well for a warm blend of punch and control.
Published 20th August 2007
Renowned as a maker of exquisite writing instruments, Namiki
has released the Namiki Limited Edition Maki-e Emperor Butterfly and
Chrysanthemum.
Designed
by Japanese artisan Michifumi Kawaguchi, the pen is adorned with two of Japan’s national symbols - the
Great Purple Emperor butterfly and Chrysanthemum, skillfully crafted
using the centuries-old method of Maki-e lacquering. This involves drawing
multi-layered patterns on the pen barrel and cap using urushi - sap from
Japanese lacquer trees.
The pen
also features an 18-karat gold nib with rhodium accent and a piston ink
delivery system. Only 99 pens have been produced worldwide. A special ink
bottle has also been designed for this limited edition.
Each pen
is presented in an elegant gift box, the lid of which is decorated
with a “Kaga Yuzen”, a traditional Japanese silk dyeing method.
Published 19th August 2007
 Like Audi’s replica Auto
Union Type C race car for little tyke-oons, this “Baby” Bugatti Type 52 “Coaster”
Car is based on a legendary sports car of a bygone era, and is not road-legal. However,
unlike the Audi, it is built to a full 1:1 scale. It runs on an optional electric
motor that is sourced separately, and comes with all other ancillaries, such as
brakes and gears in place, should you choose to run it within your compound –
albeit at walking pace. Being almost totally handmade, it takes roughly six
months to build and deliver.
Published 19th August 2007
Keywords: Watches
Piaget celebrates its 50 th anniversary by
introducing four new additions to its classic Emperador collection. First
released in 1957, the original Emperador model featured a rectangular case with
rounded angles and cambered sides.
The four new models have stayed true to this case design but
each model shows off the full range of jewellery-making expertise and superb
craftsmanship that are emblematic of the House of Piaget.
The Emperador Tourbillon model (Ref.GOA32122) features a
white gold dial, hand-engraved with intricate spiral patterns. These patterns
continue on the movement, visible via the sapphire crystal case-back. Piaget
will only issue five watches of this limited numbered edition worldwide.
The regular versions for men feature a historical Piaget coat-of-arms which have dials that each feature a sunburst guilloche motif and a large date display at 6 o’clock. There is even a jeweled version with a
diamond-set center, bezel and case to add that extra sparkle.
Not to be outdone, the ladies version (Ref.GOA32059) shimmers with 60 diamonds lining the bezel. The hand-engraved dial and case
lugs, coupled with a sunburst mother-of-pearl marquetry-work pattern, completes
the elegant look. www.piaget.com  
Published 18th August 2007
Shown at the Hong Kong High End Audio Visual Show, Dynaudio celebrated their 30th anniversary with their new Sapphire speakers, which feature an elaborate and distinctive handmade cabinet that is available in a choice of four satin-gloss lacquered wood veneers. Sapphire features Dynaudio’s most refined transducer technology, and is limited to just one thousand examples.
Published 18th August 2007
Being the very first airline to fly the incredible new
Airbus A380 commercially, Singapore Airlines will be auctioning seats on that
historic flight between Singapore and Sydney this coming October for charity,
with all proceeds going to causes in Singapore and Australia as well as to Médecins
Sans Frontières. Held on online auction site eBay,
bids begin on the 27 th of August. The A380 super-jumbo will feature
a new class of luxury airline travel, Singapore Airlines Suites, which is being
described as a class beyond First,
offering unrivaled standards of comfort, privacy, and luxury in the skies.
Published 17th August 2007
Litracon is a technology that combines fiber optics with good old-fashioned concrete to make the resultant material sturdy yet translucent. This technology has finally been made into a handsome, avant-garde lamp which would look good in any part of a modern home. Weighty and sophisticated looking, it may seem pricey at first but new technologies rarely come cheap.
Published 16th August 2007
Despite their dramatic sale by Ford and the demise of their flawed but fabulous Vanquish, Aston Martin have been hard at work readying the DBS that was previewed in the last James Bond movie. To the delight of enthusiasts everywhere, the production DBS stays true to its DB9-but-macho looks, which is saying a lot. Based on the DB9’s VH platform, the DBS has the same breathtakingly rapid V12 engine, but which sports a new intake system to boost power past the magic 500bhp mark. Weight is reduced by the use of carbon fiber which should mean the DBS is very much the focused driver’s car that its 6-speed manual gearbox, 20-inch wheels, and carbon-ceramic brakes hint at. 
Published 15th August 2007
Officine Panerai have introduced a new case construction method, which enables the movement to be affixed inside the case without the use of any screws. This allows the case to be opened for repair more easily, as well as enhancing the water resistance of the watch. The new screw-on case will be used in the Luminor Marina Automatic 44mm and 40mm, both in titanium, and from the 2007 Contemporary collection. The screwless approach even extends to the bracelets in selected models, which use invisible fastening pins.
Published 14th August 2007
Like the Magellan residential cruise liner we reported on earlier this year, the Four Seasons Hotel chain has its own version of luxurious sea-going residences. 112 sumptuous residences on a 220-meter private ship will take homeowners around the globe, to all seven continents in utmost comfort, starting from 2010. Featuring top-level service and facilities, the residences themselves will have spectacular views of the ocean, especially the 8,000 sq ft penthouses on the top-most decks – decks 11, 12, and sky deck. A detailed itinerary has been planned, and includes exotic destinations all over the world, including the 2012 Olympics in London, as well as Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
Published 13th August 2007
As a showcase for Intel’s quad-core technology, the computer processor maker has partnered with the infamous Orange Country Choppers to create an imposing blend of advanced computer technology with good old fashioned v-twin muscle – except this chopper, like the super-quick processors themselves, has two v-twin engines mated to each other for dramatic performance. Mind you, with all the added accessories and electronics the bike is showcasing, it needs all the horses it can get. Intel’s input has been to provide power to on-board rear-view cameras, the electronic instruments and gauges, as well as a fully-functioning ultra-mobile PC and on-board StreetDeck Infotainment, perhaps pointing the way forward to what we an expect on our rides in the near future.
Published 12th August 2007
Though the strip of LED (light-emitting diode) daytime running lights on Audi’s high-end automobiles are not a new feature, and with instantaneously-responsive LEDs already used in the taillights of many mainstream cars, the LED headlamps on Audi’s fabulous R8 may not, at first, seem revolutionary. However, they are the biggest new advancement in lighting technology since the advent of xenon gas high-intensity discharge lights of the early 1990s. With lower power consumption, longer life, and enhanced brightness, LED-array headlamps will certainly make their way into many luxury cars in the near future, moreover because they allow greater freedom of design in a car’s front end.
Published 11th August 2007
Mildly reminiscent of the Jetson’s Food-a-Rac-a-Cycle, the Digital Beverages MyFountain XL creates and dispenses everything from cocktails to fresh juice at the touch of a computerized button. The touch-screen display is linked to an Internet-connected processor which allows you to look up drinks recipes or share yours with friends. The computer also allows password protection against unauthorized mixing of alcoholic drinks, which are stored inside a concealed mini-fridge. Concentrates will be provided by Digital Beverages themselves, at least initially.
Published 10th August 2007
Urwerk is famed for its superbly-engineered and innovative watches whose dials tell time via an intricate system of discs and telescopic hands. Their latest machine is an update of their original 103 we showed you before, this time with an incredibly rigid case coated with a layer of titanium-aluminum nitride, which fortifies the steel underneath it significantly. This makes it resistant to shock and scratches, while giving it a distinctive shade. More attainable than gold, and yet lighter and stronger, the 103.08 and its advanced new material are an appropriate addition to Urwerk’s fascinating repertoire.
Published 9th August 2007
Not dissimilar in concept to the magnetic
floating bed we featured last year, Max Longin’s new floating bed eschews
the extravagance of the aforementioned and instead relies on a more traditional,
handcrafted approach. The center portion for the mattress appears to float in
mid-air, within the trompe-l’oeil bed frame whose legs, being in opposing
positions from the norm, enhance the appearance of the bed’s levitation. The
resting portion is in fact tethered to the corners of the wood-and-steel frame
by super-strong stainless steel cords, much like a trampoline, only much more
expensive. Float comes in three standard mattress sizes, and in many varieties
of hardwood.
Published 8th August 2007
Top-end high fidelity audio components are often marveled at for their stunning clarity, power, and huge physical presence. In a similar vein, audio specialists HiVi have revealed these home entertainment loudspeakers that include a large set of floorstanders with isodynamic ribbon tweeters for ultimate clarity, and matching surround and center speakers, which together are dubbed the Swans 2.3HT – the successors to the international award-winning 2.2HT speaker set. The 2.3HT is best suited to large rooms, and despite a wide dynamic range of 1w to 1500w, which makes it akin to the sound quality of a live performance, it is demanding of partners, with an input power range of 100w-800w.
Published 7th August 2007
Arnold & Son have announced their new True Moon timepiece. It is a substantial 46mm across the dial, and features the watchmaker’s A-1788 caliber with an added complication that displays the phases of the moon. Two versions of Arnold & Son’s just-released True Moon watch are available, in either stainless steel or in rose gold.
Published 6th August 2007
Ultra-luxury hotels are popping up everywhere these days, and the hotels of the Ritz-Carlton group are some of the finest examples of the breed. Their recently-opened Moscow hotel is one of the most opulent temporary residences anywhere, with amazing views of the historic city from the rooftop, where doses of pure oxygen are on hand for weary travelers. Meanwhile, the uppermost echelon of residents can opt for the superlative Presidential Suite, which even features a bullet-proof dining room.
Published 5th August 2007
 Combining two of our very favorite things in the world, espresso and alcohol, Illy espresso liqueur comes in a designer bottle, and is made by blending the espresso extract of 120 grams of Illy’s finest 100% Arabica coffee with quality spirits from the distilleries of Bepi Tosolini, which combine to give the imbiber that intense aroma of dark espresso with hints of bitter chocolate, and a sweet but balanced finish from the spirit. Perhaps best savored on its own with some ice, or mixed in cocktails for an extra dimension of flavor and sophistication.
Published 4th August 2007
Don’t be fooled by its child-toy positioning, this Audi is more than just a plaything for privileged youths. Limited to just 999 pieces worldwide, the Auto Union Type C pedal car – the first of a line of exclusive lifestyle products from quattro GmbH is a startlingly accurate representation of one of the most famous and most beautiful racecars ever built. The 1:2 scale model has over 900 parts, including working hydraulic disc brakes and custom-made wire-spoke wheels. Other highlights are the handcrafted leather seats and the gorgeous aluminum body, all of which should tell you not to expect this to be priced anything like your average Tonka toy.
Published 3rd August 2007
Since 1992, Oceanco’s luxury yacht business has given us some of the world’s most stunning megayachts, including the impressive Amevi, and their latest launch, codename Y702, a.k.a. Alfa Nero. Being the slightly larger of the two at 82m in length, Oceanco’s latest boasts amazing features such as the large swimming pool on the aft deck, which can been be hydraulically converted to create space for a helipad. The sleek, low stern and long forward deck accentuate its elegant and imposing length, as seen in its early rendering above (spy photos can be found at specialty superyacht-spotting sites) while its generous 14m beam makes for capacious and inviting quarters amidships. Alfa Nero will be the attraction at the 2007 Monaco Yacht Show this summer.
Published 2nd August 2007
Bentley Motors has seen unprecedented success thanks to their all-conquering, imposing Continental GT coupe. It, along with the Continental range, have seen one of Britain’s most recognizable marques reach annual sales in the five figures. The newly-refurbished Continental retains much of its uniquely brassy character, but goes one better in the all-important performance stakes with this, the new Continental GT Speed.
The Speed will be the fastest, most powerful Bentley production car to date, with its twin-turbo 600bhp W12 (up 48 from standard) and 202mph potential – that’s 326km/h. Harder-edged all-round, the Speed sports new 20-inch alloys, a lowered and stiffened suspension, optional ceramic brakes, and a sports exhaust. Importantly for keen drivers, a revised steering system will help to improve feel and feedback.
Published 1st August 2007
The next generation of high-definition viewing will arrive next year, if Samsung is to be believed. Their latest range of LCD televisions featuring DisplayPort technology will arrive sometime next year, and this new video interface allows them to display resolutions up to 2560x1600, which is far higher than the best 1920x1080, full-HD 1080p screens of today. The screens will also feature 300-nit brightness levels and 10-bit color depth, which means up to 1 billion colors can be rendered on-screen. So far, the planned size that has been announced is a paltry 30 inches, unlike their large and lovely M8 seen above, but this will doubtless increase as the technology matures.
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