Fitness challenge: the results after 10 weeks June 16, 2014 Everything I thought I knew about getting fit was wrong. Go running, avoid fat. Wrong, wrong, according to my trainer. And after my 10 week programme (eleven and a half factoring in holidays), I’m not inclined to argue. The results of my “total body transformation” were more impressive than I’d thought possible three months ago. [...]
Florence’s four best boutique hotels June 13, 2014 Frequent flyers, particularly those travelling on business, see a lot of forgettable hotel rooms. Even if the corporate purse stretches to a five star offering, it’s normally a last-minute, practical booking in the centre of town. The global hotel franchises that cater to the busy and perpetually tired are experts at creating welcoming yet efficient [...]
Rolex unveils two 1,000mph timepieces June 12, 2014 What you see on the right has been unveiled today as the first detailed glimpse of Wing Commander Andy Green’s tiny cockpit inside Bloodhound SSC – the first land-speed record bid since Green reached 763mph with Thrust SSC 17 years ago. In his attempt to set a new record of 1,000mph in South Africa in [...]
Upside-Down watch comes to London town June 12, 2014 While William & Son’s vast new emporium and headquarters takes shape on Bruton Street, the gunmaker’s existing showroom on Mount Street is adding yet another independent auteur of watchmaking to its enviable portfolio: Ludovic Ballouard. Having spent seven years assembling fellow William & Son brand FP Journe’s Grande Sonnerie, the visionary Swiss is now forging [...]
What’s ticking? June 12, 2014 On your wrist, son: Hublot kicks off in Rio Over the next month, time and extra time of every World Cup game will be kept by Hublot’s Big Bang Unico Bi-Retrograde Chrono, worn on the wrists of every referee and linesman in Brazil – a piece boasting a 45-minute counter on the front, as well [...]
Watch Week comes to Royal Exchange June 12, 2014 From 30 June through 4 July, the Royal Exchange will be hosting Watch Week 2014, in partnership with consumer watch magazine QP – the sister brand of November’s SalonQP luxury-watch event at the Saatchi Gallery. REX retailers Bremont, Omega, Watches of Switzerland and Montblanc will be showcasing their exceptional collections, while the watchmakers of pre-owned [...]
Diaries out for Patek June 12, 2014 It’s a long way off, but this event will be a hot horological ticket, so get it penned in the diary now. To celebrate its 175th anniversary, Patek Philippe will be exhibiting an unprecedented display of pieces past and present from 27 May to 7 June at the Saatchi Gallery next year. Twelve rooms, 400 [...]
Breitling feels the wind in its hair this summer June 12, 2014 Switzerland’s storied pilot-watch brand Breitling is supporting the first public opening of Farnborough’s historic wind tunnels, dubbed Artliner. For over 60 years the tunnels played an instrumental role in the development of legendary British aircraft such as the Hawker Typhoon, the Spitfire and, more recently, Concorde. Doubly pertinent to Bentley Motors’ official watch partner are [...]
Look mum, three hands! June 12, 2014 The panoply of watches out there is overwhelming – so why not think bike Despite the staggering variety of watches produced every year, your average London gent typically plumps for one of a few well-known models from a few well-known brands. It’s understandable – we’re not a nation known for our exotic dress sense, after [...]
Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic comes full Arctic Circle June 12, 2014 A 1958 classic linked to a daring nuclear-sub’ expedition inspires the explorer in Alex Doak Over the next month, aspiring young eyes will gaze up at television screens in unequivocal hero-worship of several talented but nonetheless overpaid, preening athletes. By association, kids will covet their cash, fame, cars and those FIFA-licensed, chunky-gold Hublots on their [...]