In the zone: Be on time wherever you happen to be with these exquisite world timers December 3, 2014 There are times – 8.30am, Monday morning, on the Northern Line, say – when the idea of a watch that fires lethal darts might seem rather appealing. And if we can land robots on comets and squeeze scores of mind-boggling complications into single wristwatches (see Patek Philippe’s anniversary mega-watch), one has to believe it’s possible. [...]
Listen, it’s complicated: The £2.05m Grandmaster Chime from Patek Philippe is not the world’s most expensive watch December 3, 2014 In November, Sotheby’s in Geneva set a new world record for the most expensive timepiece ever sold – namely the Henry Graves Supercomplication, made by Patek Philippe in 1926 for the eponymous American banker, which hammered for no less than £15m. The watch was for several decades the most complicated watch ever made, and Patek [...]
Vintage-inspired ladies’ watches that have stood the test of time December 3, 2014 Watching Interstellar the other night was a thought provoking experience. Yes, the film posited theories about the nature of time travel, relativity, the true nature of time as a dimension and various other themes taking in the full gamut of life, death and the human experience. However, it was a watch, or rather the watch [...]
Time is money: Why are watches so expensive? December 3, 2014 There’s a very good reason top quality watches can set you back six figures. Let us start with a description of two dramatically different approaches to highend mechanical watchmaking. Bear with me. Firstly: “At certain moments you might leave the drawing and let the metal guide you… I really value the fact that I can [...]
The return of an icon: Parker unveils new Duofold pens to celebrate its 125th anniversary December 3, 2014 Parker has delved into its history to celebrate its 125th anniversary – and the classic Duofold is better than ever. Who among us hasn’t received the gift of a Parker pen? From our earliest academic achievements to milestone birthdays and, of course, Christmas, many of us have grown up with this iconic brand. Today, [...]
Keeping score: Hans Zimmer on re-inventing film music, playing live and ruining the Oscars December 3, 2014 Film scores are typically there to draw the audience into the world of a movie, to guide their emotional response without acting as too much of a distraction – a delicate piano concerto over a couple’s first kiss or a soaring orchestral movement as soldiers march into battle. Few are memorable enough to hum after [...]
Rock the cashmere: Nothing says luxury quite like this incredibly soft wool December 3, 2014 A lot of people see cashmere as being a little self-indulgent, an unnecessary extra expense when just plain wool is perfectly serviceable. But trust me: once you try it, you won’t go back. The finest cashmere knitwear comes from Scotland and the best Scottish cashmere is from a town called Hawick – pronounced Hoyk – [...]
2014 Christmas gift ideas: Luxury treats from Smythson totes to Tiffany bracelets December 2, 2014 Be the star of the show on Christmas day with these festive treats. Davidoff Cool Water £40 (125ml) Harrods.com Burberry blanket Stay cosy this winter with this wool and cashmere blanket £995 mrporter.com Ernest Jones exclusive jewellery Le Vian chocolate & vanilla diamond ring, £8,499; Le [...]
Festive drinks December 2, 2014 Drinkable delights for a very merry Christmas Courvoisier XO If it’s good enough for Napoleon, it’s good enough for your loved ones. Award-winning Courvoisier XO is rich, full-bodied and smooth. £70.95 thewhiskyexchange.com D1 Daringly Dry Gin There’s no G&T like a Daringly Dry G&T. Complete with funky bottle. £39.95 harveynichols.com Balblair 69 This exceptional single [...]
Experiences December 2, 2014 Give your loved one an experience they won’t forget Marriott Sleep Well Experience If your loved one can’t sleep, treat them to a night of luxury at the Marriott Grosvenor Square. £499 marriotthotels.co.uk Hardy Amies Signature Bespoke suit A hand-made, Savile Row suit from this fashion-forward tailor. One of the Row’s best kept secrets. Starting [...]