The time to relish in the delicacies of Mid-Autumn Festival—and partake in the festivities and feasts that come with it—is upon us. A key part of the occasion’s canon, the role of the once-humble mooncake cannot be overstated, and we turn to an icon, The Peninsula Hong Kong, to embrace the Mid-Autumn Festival tradition.&nbsp;



Spring Moon,&nbsp;The Peninsula Hong Kong’s very own Cantonese restaurant,&nbsp;is a Michelin-starred jewel where award-winning chefs have created a fine balance between tradition and novelty for nearly four decades.&nbsp;Back in 1986, the&nbsp;culinary team&nbsp;of Spring Moon manifested what eventually became a local culinary phenomenon: the&nbsp;mini&nbsp;egg&nbsp;custard&nbsp;mooncake. The original recipe may have a Western-inspired filling, but the time-honoured cooking traditions are the same, making it a firm favourite. The treat is included in Spring Moon’s&nbsp;Mid-Autumn Festival&nbsp;offerings every year, whilst a limited-edition&nbsp;sesame&nbsp;paste&nbsp;mochi&nbsp;mooncake&nbsp;is also up for grabs this season.&nbsp;This mooncake flavour was created by Chinese cuisine executive chef, Lam Yuk Ming, as an homage to the steamed sesame and lotus seed paste buns that he enjoyed in his childhood,&nbsp;&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="723" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-Mid-Autumn-Festival-Deluxe-Gourmet-Hamper-723x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789523" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-Mid-Autumn-Festival-Deluxe-Gourmet-Hamper-723x1024.jpg 723w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-Mid-Autumn-Festival-Deluxe-Gourmet-Hamper-212x300.jpg 212w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-Mid-Autumn-Festival-Deluxe-Gourmet-Hamper-768x1088.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-Mid-Autumn-Festival-Deluxe-Gourmet-Hamper-1084x1536.jpg 1084w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-Mid-Autumn-Festival-Deluxe-Gourmet-Hamper.jpg 1129w" sizes="(max-width: 723px) 100vw, 723px" /></figure>



Spring Moon&nbsp;is also offering the&nbsp;Mid-Autumn Festival Premium Gourmet Hamper, which is filled with&nbsp;lavish&nbsp;treats&nbsp;including a box of mini egg custard mooncakes,&nbsp;18-head fish maw, Hokkaido conpoy, shiitake mushrooms, 30-head Middle Eastern dried abalone, caramelised sesame walnuts, Yunnan aged pu’er, and the restaurant’s iconic XO&nbsp;chilli&nbsp;sauce.&nbsp;



To top it all off, as we endure a sizzling season, chef Lam and his culinary team have attuned the à la carte and tasting menus to involve even more elements of traditional Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients, using zucchini, pumpkin, cabbage, cucumber, and celery, adding nutritional value and a soothing effect as temperature hover in the higher degrees. New dishes include the light and healthy&nbsp;pan-fried cod fish with quinoa,&nbsp;preserved vegetables. Moreover, the&nbsp;cod fish dumpling with minced shrimps and bamboo shoots&nbsp;in Sichuan spicy-sour sauce is simply delicious, and the&nbsp;steamed zucchini flower&nbsp;stuffed with bird’s nest, fox nuts, and beans in pumpkin sauce is pure culinary art.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234790562" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/spring_moon_l-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790562" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/spring_moon_l-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/spring_moon_l-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/spring_moon_l-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/spring_moon_l-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/spring_moon_l-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Spring Moon at The Peninsula Hong Kong.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234789521" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-New-Dishsq-Horizontal-website-use-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789521" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-New-Dishsq-Horizontal-website-use-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-New-Dishsq-Horizontal-website-use-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-New-Dishsq-Horizontal-website-use-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-New-Dishsq-Horizontal-website-use-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-New-Dishsq-Horizontal-website-use-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pan-fried cod fish with quinoa, preserved vegetables, and cod fish dumpling with minced shrimps and bamboo shoots in Sichuan spicy-sour sauce.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234789522" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-New-Dish-2-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789522" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-New-Dish-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-New-Dish-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-New-Dish-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-New-Dish-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spring-Moon-New-Dish-2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Steamed zucchini flower stuffed with bird’s nest, fox nuts, and beans in pumpkin sauce.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



From the chef’s tasting menu, the&nbsp;crispy fish maw and eggplant with caviar&nbsp;is indulgent; the&nbsp;wok-fried Tachiuo fish with Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, and the famed signature XO&nbsp;chilli&nbsp;sauce; and the&nbsp;Inaniwa udon with Boston lobster, cabbage, and black mushrooms&nbsp;are all new additions for elevated and exquisite dining. For exalting dim sum dining, a novel addition includes the&nbsp;steamed blue lobster dumpling with shrimp, pork, egg white, water chestnut, Chinese celery, and spinach sauce. The haute cuisine dumpling is a spectacular, innovative twist on the classic bite, proving once again Spring Moon’s&nbsp;well-deserved Michelin star for&nbsp;eight&nbsp;consecutive years.



Mid-Autumn Festival mooncakes and the Premium Gourmet Hamper from Spring Moon are available for purchase online at <a href="https://eshopphk.peninsula.com/cart/category?cid=3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Peninsula Hong Kong e-shop</a>.



All images courtesy of The Peninsula Hong Kong.

Michelin

Mid-autumn Festival

Mid-autumn Festival 2024

Mooncakes

Spring Moon

The Peninsula

Mooncake Magic and Sumptuous Cantonese Dishes at The Peninsula Hong Kong

The Lunar New Year stands as the most significant celebration in Chinese culture. It symbolises renewal and the opportunity to seek blessing, luck, and prosperity at the start of the coming year, and a new annual cycle according to Chinese astrology. This Lunar New Year falls on 10 February 2024, where we welcome the Year of the Dragon.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CNY-Chor-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783791" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CNY-Chor-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CNY-Chor-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CNY-Chor-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CNY-Chor-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CNY-Chor-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Peninsula Hong Kong.</figcaption></figure>



The concept of togetherness and reunion is at the heart of Lunar New Year celebrations. Families, relatives, and friends come together to honour traditions, pay respect to elders, savour festive dishes, and venture to the many floral and festive markets dotted throughout the city.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://video.wixstatic.com/video/a46afd_8b42df1e8bfb426490ec65b3a5982414/1080p/mp4/file.mp4"></video></figure>



The dragon and the lion dance are perhaps the most recognised symbols and the most exciting spectacle during Lunar New Year. Befitting its acclaimed status of being the “Grande Dame of the Far East,” this thousand-year-old tradition is performed in the grandest and most revered fashion at The Peninsula Hong Kong. Guests&nbsp;are invited to celebrate and witness this welcoming of the Lunar New Year in signature Peninsula splendour with a dragon and lion dance, comprising not only one, but nine energetic lions.&nbsp;



This tradition starts with a ceremony to seek blessings and is followed by the symbolic “life-giving” ritual to the dragon and lions by dotting their eyes with auspicious red ink. The mythical creatures will awaken and dance rhythmically to the energetic tunes of drums and cymbals, an experience which must be witnessed first-hand to appreciate the grandeur and grandiosity of this celebration.&nbsp;



Beyond being a spectacle for tourists, this culturally significant dance is believed by locals to ward off bad spirits and bring luck, great fortune, and divine blessings. On the first three days of Lunar New Year, Peninsula guests will receive auspicious couplets—auspicious wishes handcrafted in Chinese calligraphy on red scrolls by artisanal calligraphers—as cherished mementos to take home.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="705" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hamper-_-V-705x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783509" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hamper-_-V-705x1024.jpg 705w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hamper-_-V-206x300.jpg 206w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hamper-_-V-768x1116.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hamper-_-V-1057x1536.jpg 1057w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hamper-_-V.jpg 1101w" sizes="(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Peninsula Hong Kong Chinese New Year Hamper.</figcaption></figure>



The Lunar New Year embraces the timeless tradition of family reunions, where generations gather to savour a myriad of exquisite traditional New Year dishes to symbolise a year of abundance ahead. All Lunar New Year festivities must begin or end with lavish meals—this is where the award-winning chefs at The Peninsula Hong Kong step up and prove their apron strings. Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Spring Moon will showcase an array of coveted treats in honour of the Year of the Dragon. Specialties include gourmet puddings and delicacies to share at family reunions, and a beautifully handcrafted “Divine Treasures Hamper,” which is filled with celebratory treats such as red date pudding, dried abalone, homemade XO chilli sauce, aged Yunnan Pu’er premium tea, and more.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Deluxe-Harbour-View-Suite-Bedroom-Copy-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783788" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Deluxe-Harbour-View-Suite-Bedroom-Copy-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Deluxe-Harbour-View-Suite-Bedroom-Copy-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Deluxe-Harbour-View-Suite-Bedroom-Copy-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Deluxe-Harbour-View-Suite-Bedroom-Copy-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Deluxe-Harbour-View-Suite-Bedroom-Copy-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Peninsula Hong Kong Deluxe Harbour View Suite.</figcaption></figure>



For guests wishing to experience the myriads of festivities, The Peninsula Hong Kong has created a Lunar New Year stay offer, featuring luxurious accommodations, round-trip Rolls-Royce transfer, and a helicopter flight-seeing tour over Hong Kong. For guests staying over&nbsp;11 February 2024, they will be treated to the best and most central view of the highly anticipated Lunar New Year fireworks at the hotel’s Sun Terrace, while the very exclusive Helipad awaits guests staying in suites.&nbsp;For those seeking pampering, the “New Year, New You” spa experience provides a fusion of traditional Chinese medicine-inspired treatments, featuring organic seaweed-based products and rejuvenating massages that draw from ancient philosophies of balancing yin and yang energies.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Experience-our-exclusive-collaboration-with-Star-Ferry-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783422" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Experience-our-exclusive-collaboration-with-Star-Ferry-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Experience-our-exclusive-collaboration-with-Star-Ferry-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Experience-our-exclusive-collaboration-with-Star-Ferry-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Experience-our-exclusive-collaboration-with-Star-Ferry-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Experience-our-exclusive-collaboration-with-Star-Ferry-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Peninsula Hong Kong’s “Afternoon Tea on the Harbour” experience with Star Ferry.</figcaption></figure>



Due to its popularity, the hotel will once again partner with another Hong Kong legend, the Star Ferry, to offer a third season of “Afternoon Tea on the Harbour.” Both overseas visitors and local residents will have the opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea in the distinct Peninsula style against the dynamic backdrop of Victoria Harbour’s city skyline. The experience extends beyond exquisite tea to include a scenic sail past iconic spots like the West Kowloon Cultural District, Stonecutters Bridge, and Kennedy Town.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Peninsula-Afternoon-Tea-on-the-Harbour-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783423" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Peninsula-Afternoon-Tea-on-the-Harbour-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Peninsula-Afternoon-Tea-on-the-Harbour-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Peninsula-Afternoon-Tea-on-the-Harbour-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Peninsula-Afternoon-Tea-on-the-Harbour-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Peninsula-Afternoon-Tea-on-the-Harbour-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Peninsula Hong Kong “Afternoon Tea on the Harbour” experience.</figcaption></figure>



Amidst the captivating panoramic harbour, guests aboard will be delighting in an unparalleled afternoon tea experience. Executive pastry chef Florian Couteau and chef de cuisine Anton Ho have crafted a delectable spread, where decadent treats take centre stage. For those desiring a touch of opulence, caviar and premium wines are on offer. Elevating the ambience, the live band and singing onboard add a melodic layer to the entire experience. The indulgent “Afternoon Tea on The Harbour” is available every Saturday and Sunday, from 27 January to 30 June 2024.



As the iconic hotel rings in a landmark anniversary, this golden chapter in its storied books promises to be a memorable one. Famed as one of Hong Kong’s greatest icons, we invite you to experience this exciting Lunar New Year celebration for yourself.



Chinese New Year puddings and the Divine Treasures Hamper from Spring Moon are available for purchase online at&nbsp;<a href="https://eshopphk.peninsula.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Peninsula Hong Kong e-shop</a>.



For reservations and enquiries for Lunar New Year feasts at Spring Moon, please contact (+852) 2696 6828 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:springmoonphk@peninsula.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">springmoonphk@peninsula.com</a>.&nbsp;



Book your Lunar New Year stay at The Peninsula Hong Kong&nbsp;<a href="https://www.peninsula.com/en/hong-kong/special-offers/rooms/peninsula-chinese-new-year-room-offer-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



The Peninsula Hong Kong Afternoon Tea on the Harbour is priced at HK$820* per person. Online reservation is now available for tables of two or four&nbsp;<a href="https://gift.peninsula.com/hongkong/phk/the-peninsula-star-ferry-experience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. Private and corporate charters are available upon request. For enquiries, please contact the hotel’s dining service team at (+852) 2696 6691 or (+852) 2696 6693 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:diningphk@peninsula.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diningphk@peninsula.com</a>.



All images courtesy of The Peninsula Hong Kong.

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Celebrate an Auspicious Year of the Dragon at The Peninsula Hong Kong

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Trust Hongkongers to be the first ones in—wherever.



The Peninsula London officially opened its doors at 8.08 am on 12 September, and the first guest to check in was an aficionado of the brand who had just flown in from Hong Kong International Airport. He was welcomed by Peter Borer, COO of the Peninsula parent, Hongkong &amp; Shanghai Hotels. The honoured guest found himself in a Peter Marino-designed suite looking directly down at the red double-decker buses circling Hyde Park Corner (scarlet-coated guardsmen would ride by at 11 am to do duty at Buckingham Palace, five minutes away). Turn 180 degrees and Mr Hong Kong would revel in arguably the world’s most beautiful city-hotel bathroom, a Hollywood vision of off-white onyx, gold fronted units, and a soaking tub that, by a simple push of a button, turns into a soft-music spa sensation. The Peninsula London’s MD is one-time retailer Sonja Vodusek, an Aussie who relocated to London from Tokyo.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/The-Peninsula-London-Grand-Premier-Park-Room-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234781332" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/The-Peninsula-London-Grand-Premier-Park-Room-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/The-Peninsula-London-Grand-Premier-Park-Room-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/The-Peninsula-London-Grand-Premier-Park-Room-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/The-Peninsula-London-Grand-Premier-Park-Room-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/The-Peninsula-London-Grand-Premier-Park-Room-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Grand Premier Park Room at The Peninsula London Image courtesy of The Peninsula London</figcaption></figure>



Talking of Down Under, would-be New Zealand concert violinist Sir Michael Hill diverted to fine jewellery—there are over 200 eponymous stores in Australia, plus a few in Canada. He continues to fiddle as one of his hobbies, which include superyachts, golf, and the arts. The Hill family lives in Arrowtown, an historic gold mining town in Otago, 19.5 kilometres east of Queenstown in New Zealand’s South Island. What started out as a one-hole putting practice quickly evolved to a championship 18-holer, said to be the most exclusive in the land. The Hills Golf Course is memorable for its clubhouse, designed by Auckland-based architect Andrew Patterson. It’s partly subterranean. Above ground, the actual 18-hole course, by Kiwi John Darby, is sometimes compared to a sculpture park. Some of the pieces dotted around are by Sir Michael’s son, Mark Hill—notably, a three-metre rusted-look Walking Woman dominating a bridge at the fourth hole. There are also works by Beijing sculptor Liu Ruowang who personally decided where 110 larger-than-life wolf sculptures should go. The Hills Golf Course is a private members club, but it welcomes visitors, and there’s a six-room ensuite and fully staffed luxury lodge—buyouts only.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="662" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/amedeo-modigliani_imagecourtesyofSothebys-1-662x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234781330" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/amedeo-modigliani_imagecourtesyofSothebys-1-662x1024.jpeg 662w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/amedeo-modigliani_imagecourtesyofSothebys-1-194x300.jpeg 194w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/amedeo-modigliani_imagecourtesyofSothebys-1-768x1187.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/amedeo-modigliani_imagecourtesyofSothebys-1-994x1536.jpeg 994w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/amedeo-modigliani_imagecourtesyofSothebys-1-1325x2048.jpeg 1325w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/amedeo-modigliani_imagecourtesyofSothebys-1-scaled.jpeg 1656w" sizes="(max-width: 662px) 100vw, 662px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Portrait of Paulette Jourdain (1919) by Amedeo Modigliani Image courtesy of Sotheby’s</figcaption></figure>



Sometimes, it’s more satisfying to admire art than buy it. In 2015, Shanghai-based Liu Yiqian, chairman of Sunline Group, and his wife, Wang Wei, paid HK$335 million for an Amedeo Modigliani portrait of teenager Paulette Jourdain, also known as Paulene. Liu and his wife, whom he met in an earlier existence when he was an on-call cab driver, bought the painting from the personal collection of one-time Sotheby’s owner Al Taubman. Thanks to canny stocks and shares activities, the self-taught Liu amassed a considerable fortune, but sadly, his intuition did not transfer to the art world. On 5 October this year, the Jourdain portrait was sold by Sotheby’s Hong Kong for a mere HK$275 million.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Autumn-View-from-Guest-Room-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234781331" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Autumn-View-from-Guest-Room-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Autumn-View-from-Guest-Room-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Autumn-View-from-Guest-Room-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Autumn-View-from-Guest-Room-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Autumn-View-from-Guest-Room-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko</figcaption></figure>



Nikko, two hours north of Tokyo, is renowned for its natural beauty, and historic temples of the calibre of Tosho-gu shrine, a 17th-century memorial to Tokugawa Ieyasu that defies belief in how much real gold leaf can be used on one wood building. At the serene Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, the 277-square-metre Ritz-Carlton Suite, in palest cream, has full-window views over sacred Mount Nantai and Lake Chozenji. Fly-fishing and hiking are orders of the day, together with tasting Hibiki whisky with natural ice, perhaps with a selection of Nikko’s justly renowned designer strawberries. Also, in the past, the area was a summer retreat from Tokyo’s pre-aircon heat. Today, take afternoon tea in the graceful mansion that used to be the British ambassador’s summer residence.

Check In at The Peninsula London, Practise Your Swings at the Exclusive Hills Golf Course, Go Fly-Fishing in Nikko, And Other Things to Bookmark This November

The Peninsula London is unmissable. Occupying the entire southwest block of Hyde Park Corner, it’s a classic stone sculpture that looks as if it’s been there forever while appearing absolutely tomorrow. Eight floors are set in a slightly curved square as periphery to a gorgeous inner courtyard, highlighted by a pair of 120-year-old Japanese maples orchestrated by cult outdoors artist Enzo Enea. Arrive by car into the courtyard through a two-floor entry from Grosvenor Crescent. On foot, walk up five steps from Hyde Park Corner.



Immediately, the lobby says “Peninsula.” Tall ceilings—Peter Marino in tasteful style. But turn north and the surprises begin. Mindful of two of Sir Michael Kadoorie’s many passions, a Concorde cone is embedded permanently into a ceiling. A classic car takes up temporary stance, with superb educational displays around.



Ah, the front desk, done in a traditional style, ready to lean on for talking to The Peninsula team, dressed by haute couture specialist Jenny Packham. Behind them are four wall-hung gold sculptures. Walls around the entire hotel interior, by the way, bear 200 interpretations of England, specially commissioned from Royal Drawing School artists. Two stone lions, flanking the courtyard entrance, are a reminder that the leasehold of this entire serious investment is held by Hongkong &amp; Shanghai Hotels, Limited (freehold is owned by Grosvenor Estate).



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234777993" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Peninsula-London-Grand-Premier-Park-Room-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777993" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Peninsula-London-Grand-Premier-Park-Room-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Peninsula-London-Grand-Premier-Park-Room-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Peninsula-London-Grand-Premier-Park-Room-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Peninsula-London-Grand-Premier-Park-Room-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Peninsula-London-Grand-Premier-Park-Room-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Grand Premier Park Room</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234777998" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Grand-Premier-Park-Suites-Living-Room-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777998" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Grand-Premier-Park-Suites-Living-Room-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Grand-Premier-Park-Suites-Living-Room-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Grand-Premier-Park-Suites-Living-Room-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Grand-Premier-Park-Suites-Living-Room-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Grand-Premier-Park-Suites-Living-Room-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Grand Premier Park Suite living room</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234777999" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PLN-Dressing-Room-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777999" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PLN-Dressing-Room-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PLN-Dressing-Room-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PLN-Dressing-Room-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PLN-Dressing-Room-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PLN-Dressing-Room-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rendering of dressing room</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234778000" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PLN-Bathroom-1-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234778000" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PLN-Bathroom-1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PLN-Bathroom-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PLN-Bathroom-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PLN-Bathroom-1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/PLN-Bathroom-1-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rendering of bathroom</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



From the lions, turn left to the south wall of the building, which holds 25 private residences, with a separate entrance off Halkin Street. The other three sides of the whole block, designed by Hopkins Architects—who did the Velodrome for the London 2012 Olympic Games—hold 190 rooms and suites, the smallest at 54 square metres. Marino has deliberately brought the outside in. Sit window-side in an east-facing room and you feel you could touch the famous four-horse quadrigal atop Decimus Burton’s Wellington Arch, the Hyde Park Corner logo since it arrived in 1882. Of course, rooms have The Peninsula’s signatures: signage in your own language, a cat flap for deliveries, an electronic nail dryer, and a seriously impressive, gimmick-free bathroom.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Peninsula-London-Lobby-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777994" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Peninsula-London-Lobby-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Peninsula-London-Lobby-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Peninsula-London-Lobby-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Peninsula-London-Lobby-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Peninsula-London-Lobby-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Lobby</figcaption></figure>



Back down at ground level, a Cantonese restaurant with an integral bar is a masterpiece of kaleidoscopic design in a mostly blue room. Canton Blue also offers a semi-private room with satisfactorily transparent walls that allow vision of musical instruments as design features. Behind you, there are china-hung dining alcoves, one in the restaurant’s signature hue, its primary companions, and so on. Luxurious afternoon tea is quintessential and available at The Lobby, surrounded by fluted columns, crystal chandeliers, and de Gournay landscape murals. By comparison, the locals’ regular—the all-day to-go deli of The Peninsula Boutique &amp; Café—is less fanciful, but still colourful. Reach it from Grosvenor Crescent, via a hotel lift, or down a somewhat testing circular staircase guarded by a blue-tiled dragon that curves its shape around the 270 degrees of the outer stairwell. Retail is more highest-end jewellery than the haute couture of the hotel’s Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai siblings.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/3818_Peninsula_Brooklands_Terrace_Sunset_Draft01_MH-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777997" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/3818_Peninsula_Brooklands_Terrace_Sunset_Draft01_MH-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/3818_Peninsula_Brooklands_Terrace_Sunset_Draft01_MH-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/3818_Peninsula_Brooklands_Terrace_Sunset_Draft01_MH-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/3818_Peninsula_Brooklands_Terrace_Sunset_Draft01_MH-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/3818_Peninsula_Brooklands_Terrace_Sunset_Draft01_MH-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rendering of Brooklands, The Peninsula London’s modern British rooftop restaurant</figcaption></figure>



There’s still much to be revealed—menu entries, the composition of the hotel’s liveried vehicle fleet, clad in The Peninsula Green, and what wellness will look like (the spa is rumoured to be working with Australia’s Subtle Energies and Margy’s Monte Carlo). But the initial overture indicates a stunning performance.&nbsp;



The Peninsula London opens on 12 September 2023. The Peninsula Spa &amp; Wellness Centre will open in November 2023.&nbsp; All images courtesy of The Peninsula London and Mason Rose.



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The Peninsula is Opening Its Long-Awaited London Outpost This Autumn. Here’s a Look Inside.

The newest travel trend, as seen throughout Italy, is to nuzzle up to nature as much as possible. Italy sets fashion trends, not only in gear but in gallivanting as well. As Castelfalfi in Tuscany, general manager Roberto Protezione looks after A-list guests—no names mentioned, but you can be sure there are more than a handful of household-name movie and sports stars with a sizeable sprinkling of business tycoons. Increasingly, these important individuals (or their “team”) want to know a number of things beforehand. 27 holes of golf, designed by whom? Is there tennis? How about padel, essential these days, and biking and hiking? With the exception of golf clubs, travellers today, it seems, expect hotels to provide the gear and it must be the best, say a Cinelli Nemo Zagato bike, of Columbus Omnicrom steel with a polished nickel finish.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Castelfalfi-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777540" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Castelfalfi-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Castelfalfi-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Castelfalfi-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Castelfalfi-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Castelfalfi-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sunset over the Castelfalfi golf course Image courtesy of Castelfalfi</figcaption></figure>



Another trend is entertainment travel.&nbsp;Downton Abbey&nbsp;has made millions in visitors’ fees from eager fans around the globe who flock to Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England, where much of the series was shot. It’s all become so commercial that the owner’s wife, the Countess of Carnarvon—former Cooper &amp; Lybrand auditor Fiona Aitken—is obviously perfectly suited to maximise the&nbsp;Downton Abbey&nbsp;brand.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Four-Seasons-Taormina-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777520" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Four-Seasons-Taormina-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Four-Seasons-Taormina-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Four-Seasons-Taormina-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Four-Seasons-Taormina-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Four-Seasons-Taormina-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel Image courtesy of Peter Vitale / Four Seasons</figcaption></figure>



Now HBO’s&nbsp;White Lotus&nbsp;is having a similar effect. Writer-director Mike White chose Sicily’s San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel after minutely scrutinising a shortlist of over 70 memorable properties around the entirety of Europe. Fortunately, the hotel usually closes for the winter, but it stayed open to house actors and crew, with the ballroom turned into the nerve centre for all operations. Hotel general manager Lorenzo Maraviglia recalls how female stars, in bikinis, had to cavort around while braving January temperatures. It was certainly worth it from San Domenico Palace’s viewpoint: rooms are forward-booked in high summer through to 2027. At other times,&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;would recommend the east-facing room 263, elegantly boasting five-metre ceilings in a 19th-century building that overlooks terraced gardens and the Gulf of Naxos.



When it comes to gardens, the big name here is tree specialist Enzo Enea, who starred at Art Basel, the original one in Switzerland, on 17 June this year. This Swiss maestro, whose 280-person studio is on the grounds of a Cistercian convent near Zurich, is attracting cult admiration worldwide for the stunning trees and other greenery he puts into his living art. His work can be seen at the Bulgari Hotel Beijing. In Basel, Enea shared his plans for Puglia’s spectacular Masseria Mavaglia, launching in late 2025, and he showed off the Bosphorus-hugging gardens of The Peninsula Istanbul, commissioned by Sir Michael Kadoorie, The Peninsula’s gentleman of all arts.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Peninsula-Paris-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777519" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Peninsula-Paris-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Peninsula-Paris-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Peninsula-Paris-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Peninsula-Paris-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Peninsula-Paris-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">L’Oiseau Blanc biplane replica Image courtesy of The Peninsula Paris</figcaption></figure>



Sir Michael is renowned, among many things, for vehicles, be they vintage or new classic marques, as long as they are Peninsula Green. He is also fascinated by aircraft from another era. The rooftop L’Oiseau Blanc restaurant at The Peninsula Paris has its own vehicle. In an open space next to the restaurant hangs a life-size copy of the biplane in which WWI aces François Coli and Charles Nungesser disappeared while attempting, on 9 May 1927, to fly the Atlantic before Lindbergh.



What would Sir Michael make, one wonders, of the only running example of the radical “six-wheeler” Tyrell P34, the pride of Ken Tyrell’s portfolio? P34 was designed 50 years ago by Tyrell’s lead designer Derek Gardner. Radically, it had four 10-inch wheels at the front, and two normal wheels at the rear. In the 1976 Formula One season, South African Jody Scheckter and French ace Patrick Depailler took the Tyrell P34 to the Swedish Grand Prix and then Monaco. Tyrell, by then owned by British American Tobacco, stopped racing in 1998, but the plans for the P34 escaped. The car, via the Prestige Driver platform, is ready-to-race with a new FIA HTP.



It is hard to impress these days, but Australia has something on offer. Get to K’gari before your mates. Until last week, it was Fraser Island. Now, the Queensland island has been renamed. At 123 kilometres long and 22 kilometres wide, it is Australia’s sixth-largest island and it claims to be the world’s biggest sand island. It’s known for supreme whale-watching. Now to November, boat trips go splashing distance while watching humpback whales halfway through their 10,000-kilometre annual migration.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Whiskey-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234777516" width="650" height="433" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Whiskey-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Whiskey-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Whiskey-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Whiskey-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RRHK-July-2023-Travel-Column-Whiskey-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Whiskey &amp; Wealth Club</figcaption></figure>



It’s also impressive to invest in casks of Irish whiskey or Scotch whisky. Jay Bradley, co-founder Whiskey &amp; Wealth Club, explains that some distillers need to finance new-made spirits while maturing in casks until the liquid is, after three documented years, legally whisk(e)y. While not all distilleries use this model, smaller ones can greatly benefit from the arrangement. Everyone wins—the distiller gets income, the investor can subsequently drink his investment in liquid gold or sell on to a brand for a profit, and brands who do not own distilleries can buy aged casks to bottle immediately.



From potables to edibles. Hong Kong’s The Upper House has an experience specialist, Kay Cheung, also known as The Foodie for her behind-the-scenes treks. This sounds like the perfect way to discover The Chinese Library in Tai Kwun, a blend of contemporary art, historic architecture, and decadent Cantonese nibbles. If that’s not enough of an educational meal, add Sheung Wan Market and Cooked Food Centre’s open-air&nbsp;dai pai dong&nbsp;food stalls and ABC Kitchen. Most of life is here, in Hong Kong.

Luxury Travel Inspired by Pop Culture, Drive a Six-Wheeler Race Car, and Other Things to Bookmark This July

There will soon be a new butterfly flying over Southern California. <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/overair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Overair</a> today announced the completion of its full-scale Butterfly electric air-taxi prototype. The Santa Ana firm expects to begin flight tests early next year.



Overair joins other California-based <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/evtol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eVTOL</a> competitors <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/joby-electric-air-taxi-first-piloted-flight-1235268626/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joby </a>and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/archer-midnight-evtol-aircraft-flight-launch-1235386743/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Archer</a>, as well as European firms like <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/voloconnect-evtol-completes-maiden-flight-1234689152/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Volocopter,</a> <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/lilium-special-edition-electric-jet-1234751448/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lillium</a> and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/vertical-aerospace-first-evtol-flight-1234753186/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vertical Aerospace</a>, in testing their electric air taxis. A number of these manufacturers expect to have FAA certification by 2025, with commercial operations starting shortly afterwards.



Overair CEO Ben Tigner, according to the <a href="https://www.ocbj.com/technology/ben-tigner-taking-overair-to-the-skies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orange County Business Journal</a>, expects FAA certification in 2027. “Shortly thereafter we should be able to begin commercial operations,” he told the paper.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.-Prototype-Group-Image85.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782634" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.-Prototype-Group-Image85.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.-Prototype-Group-Image85-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.-Prototype-Group-Image85-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Butterfly prototype will soon begin flight testing. Image courtesy of Overair</figcaption></figure>



The Butterfly incorporates four 20-foot-long rotors—about twice as large as other eVTOL models—into its design. Overair says the Optimum Speed Tilt Rotor (OSTR) and Individual Blade Control (IBC) technologies also differentiate its electric aircraft from competitors. OSTR varies propeller revolutions per minute to increase efficiency across vertical, transitional, and forward flight phases. It can also reduce power demand during the hover phase—the most energy-consuming part of an eVTOL flight—by 60 per cent. IBC also reduces vibration and propeller loads, resulting in a smoother, quieter flight, according to the company.



“Together, these technologies deliver an efficient, quiet, and reliable propulsion system in almost any weather, temperature, or altitude,” said a company statement. Tigner co-founded Overair in 2020 with Predator&nbsp;drone pioneer&nbsp;Abe Karem, who remains closely involved with the Butterfly project.



The Butterfly will have space for a pilot, five passengers and bags. The zero-emissions craft will have a 100-mile range and 200-mph top end, and theoretically, will be the quietest eVTOL on the market. The company it is designed to have no single point of failure, with the ability to hover on two of its four propellers.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.-runway_night_V003.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782633" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.-runway_night_V003.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.-runway_night_V003-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.-runway_night_V003-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The company claims the Butterfly will be the quietest eVTOL on the market, producing decibel levels similar to a normal human conversation. Image courtesy of Overair</figcaption></figure>



After initial testing in Santa Ana, the prototype will move to Overair’s flight centre in Victorville, California, to test in different flight and weather conditions, as well as validating its 55-decibel noise target—equivalent to a normal conversation between two people. The Butterfly can be configured for different markets, including passenger, medical, cargo and military applications.



Overair has signed development agreements with authorities in Arlington, Texas, and Dallas-Fort Worth to explore eVTOL transport from those airports, as well as recently taking orders for 20 aircraft for South Korea air taxis and police. It recently received a US$145 million investment from a South Korean backer, according to the Business Journal.

This New Butterfly-Shaped eVTOL Aims to Be the Quietest and Safest in the Sky

The Best in Aviation, From Bombardier’s Global 8000 to Icon Aircraft’s Icon A5

The&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/starliner-spacecraft-launch-details-1235600665/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starliner spacecraft</a>&nbsp;hasn’t had the smoothest ride thus far, but it will soon attempt its return home.



The&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/nasa-starliner-spacecraft-fly-international-space-station-april-1235487687/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boeing vessel</a>&nbsp;is scheduled to come back to Earth on Friday evening,&nbsp;The New York Times&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/04/science/space/boeing-starliner-space-station-nasa.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, parachuting into White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico six hours after undocking from the International Space Station. The return will take place a full three months after Starliner arrived at the ISS in June, but it will leave behind the astronauts it delivered to the space station.



“We have confidence in the vehicle,” Steve Stich, the manager of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/nasa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>’s commercial crew programme, said during a news conference, according to the Times. “We’ve had two good landings with Starliner so far, and we’re expecting another one Friday.”



In the works&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/boeing-starliner-iss-launch-1234680879/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for years</a>, Starliner finally took off for the ISS with astronauts in tow earlier this summer. But as the craft approached the space station, it encountered propulsion system problems,&nbsp;The New York Times&nbsp;noted. NASA officials said they’re still not sure what caused those issues, but they don’t expect them to reoccur upon Starliner’s return.



Still, NASA decided that the vessel should come back sans the astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore. The duo will stay on the ISS until February, the Times wrote, when they’ll return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. Dana Weigel, NASA’s programme manager for the space station, told the newspaper that Williams and Wilmore both trained for a longer mission, and that they know how to perform spacewalks and operate the ISS’s robotic arm.



“We had them well prepared to move into this role,” she said.



As for what will happen with Starliner after it returns to Earth, it’s not clear what NASA has planned. The most recent flight to the ISS was supposed to be the space agency’s last step in making sure that the craft could take astronauts to the space station once a year,&nbsp;The New York Times&nbsp;reported. Now, NASA could ask&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/boeing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boeing</a>&nbsp;to undertake another crewed test flight before those more regular trips begin. (Last month, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that Kelly Ortberg, the new CEO of Boeing, had told him that the company would continue to work on Starliner.)



The first step, though, will be the craft’s return home tomorrow. If weather or technical issues force a delay, backup dates are set for 10, 14, and 18 September.

boeing starliner

starliner spacecraft return

Boeing’s Starliner Spacecraft Is Coming Back to Earth—Without NASA Astronauts

Jet-setters just got a luxurious new way to travel between&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/italy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Italy</a> and the dreamy islands of South Asia.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/beond/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beond</a>, which markets itself as “the world’s first <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/beond-aviation-start-up-maldives-1235562349/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">luxury leisure airline</a>,” recently <a href="https://flybeond.com/latestnews" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">launched flights</a> between <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/milan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milan</a> and the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/maldives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maldives</a>. The new route connects Malpensa (MXP) and Malé (MLE), with a 45-minute refuelling break in Dubai in between. (Guests remain onboard during the brief stopover.) The flight takes roughly 12 hours and runs twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.



Milan is the third addition to Beond’s European network, which includes Munich, Germany, and Zurich, Switzerland. The airline recently decided to reduce flights to Munich (MUC) and Zurich (ZRH) due to seasonal demand and therefore could launch the new service.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790465" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The seats were designed by Optimares and upholstered by Poltrona Frau. Image courtesy of Matheen Faiz</figcaption></figure>



Beond enlisted Poltrona Frau to help glamorise the first aircraft on the Milan-Malé route. The renowned Italian furniture brand upholstered all 44 lie-flat <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/business-class/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">business-class</a> seats on the specially designed Airbus A319. Designed by Optimares, each seat was handmade by artisans using full-grain Pelle Frau leather from Poltrona Frau. They also feature unique quilting that ensures more comfort than the typical aircraft seat, according to Beond.



“Partners like Poltrona Frau and Optimares were instrumental in the design of our luxurious cabin,” Beond CEO Tero Taskila said in a statement. “They understood from the outset our vision for customer comfort.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790466" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The lie-flat seat.</figcaption></figure>



The cabin décor echoes the dark charcoal livery of the A319. The white leather seats and light walls are elegantly juxtaposed with dark flooring. Seats are in pairs on both sides of the aisle, with enough room in between that each passenger can stretch out and catch Zs. In the air, fliers can expect professional service, top-notch fare, iPads, and Bose headphones.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790467" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The iPad and Bose headphones.</figcaption></figure>



For the unversed, Beond offers three types of “experiences”: Delight, Bliss, or Opulence. Delight is the least expensive fare and offers the fewest perks. Bliss includes access to the airport lounges and premium seat selection. Opulence has those perks, plus a private chauffeur transfer, a more generous baggage allowance, free booking changes, and access to an&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/beond-maldives-apple-vision-pro-1235524165/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Vision Pro</a>&nbsp;headset.&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/beond-aviation-start-up-maldives-1235562349/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recently flew “Bliss”</a>&nbsp;from Zurich to the Malé, awarding the overall experience four stars out of five.



Beond recently took delivery of a second aircraft, with the Airbus A321 currently undergoing refurbishment. Look for more new routes soon, then.

Beond

italy

jetsetting

luxury aircrafts

luxury leisure

Maldives

Milan

Luxury Airline Beond Is Now Flying Between Milan and the Maldives

Heart Aerospace is almost ready for takeoff.



The Swedish outfit is set to launch its&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hybrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hybrid</a>-electric airplane in 2028, after reaching several significant milestones in the past few months.



First unveiled in 2022, the&nbsp;<a href="https://heartaerospace.com/newsroom/heart-aerospace-unveils-new-airplane-design-confirms-air-canada-and-saab-as-new-shareholders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ES-30</a>&nbsp;is designed to make regional travel cleaner and more efficient. (<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/gallery/regional-aircraft-electric-vtols-1235523846/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nine other companies</a>&nbsp;have developed concepts to do the same.) The hybrid can run on either lithium-ion batteries or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), meaning it will produce fewer emissions than traditional&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/aircraft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aircraft</a>. It will also be cheaper to operate than conventional competitors, according to Heart.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2400" height="1600" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_301.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790041" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_301.jpg 2400w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_301-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_301-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_301-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_301-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_301-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The onboard batteries. Image courtesy of Heart Aerospace</figcaption></figure>



Powered by four electric motors, the ES-30 can fly 124 miles in emissions-free “electric mode” or 249 miles in “hybrid mode” with the help of two turbo generators. The reserve-hybrid system means that the generators only kick in when additional grunt is needed on longer routes. The ES-30 will also be quieter than gas-powered craft and can take off from runways as short as 3,609 feet.



The ES-30 will offer all the usual creature comforts, too. The spacious cabin features three-abreast seating that can accommodate up to 30 fliers. (Having 25 passengers aboard increases the hybrid range to 497 miles.) The interior also features a galley, a lavatory, and large overhead bins to ensure a comfortable in-flight experience.



Heart has a rather aggressive timeline, but is making solid progress. The company opened a new research and development hub in the United States in May to speed up the development of the ES-30. The team plans to test the propulsion system on a full-scale demonstrator and showcase fully electric flight in 2025. It will then pursue type certification in 2028.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2400" height="1600" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_303.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790042" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_303.jpg 2400w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_303-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_303-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_303-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_303-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_303-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The ES-30 in flight. Image courtesy of Heart Aerospace</figcaption></figure>



Heart has a decent amount of backing, too. It has already raised US$145 million (HK$1.13 billion) in development funding from significant industry players like <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/united-airlines-100-electric-planes-from-swedish-1234625038/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Airlines</a>, Air Canada, and Saab.



“Heart Aerospace has just entered an exciting new phase of hardware testing, and our aim is to have a hybrid-electric passenger plane on the market before the end of this decade;” Heart Aerospace CEO and co-founder Anders Forslund said in a <a href="https://heartaerospace.com/newsroom/swedish-region-gotland-partners-with-heart-aerospace-for-sustainable-aviation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>. “As we get closer to this goal, collaborations with airports, operators, and regional authorities are crucial to ensure the eco-system needed to support electric aviation.



Heart has secured 250 orders for the ES-30, with purchase rights for another 120 planes. It has also received letters of intent for a further 191 aircraft.

Airplane

clean travel

electric aviation

Heart Aerospace

hybrid-electric airplane

Swedish

This New Hybrid-Electric Airliner Could Hit the Skies by 2028

In terms both of size and exclusivity, the pinnacle of private aviation has long been contested between just two parties: <a href="https://businessjets.boeing.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boeing Business Jets</a> (BBJ) and <a href="https://www.acj.airbus.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airbus Corporate Jets</a> (<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/acj/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACJ</a>). Each converts its large commercial aircraft into lavish, sometimes outlandish, business jets commissioned by captains of industry, world leaders, and royalty. Yet these duelling giants have seen shrinking market shares against competitors such as <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/gulfstream/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gulfstream</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bombardier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bombardier</a>, and <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/dassault/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dassault</a>—and in the bizliner biz, less is never more. 



“The biggest wide-bodies comprise only about 5 per cent of the bizliner world,” says Richard Gaona, chairman of <a href="https://comlux.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Comlux</a>, a Zurich-based provider of aviation services certified for both BBJ and ACJ interior completions. Gaona notes that, in this rarefied segment, “most interiors tend to be subtle and elegant, designed for heads of state who want their aircraft to represent their countries,” which means total customisation has always been a given. 



After recognising that this elite customer base was an underserved market, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/boeing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boeing</a> launched its BBJ arm in 1996. The first four years saw annual deliveries to their interior-completions partners range from 18 to 20 units, but from 2002 through 2015 the number dipped to about 10 examples per year. Since 2019, following Boeing’s second 737 Max incident, demand has steadily declined to the point where, in 2023, BBJ sold only four jets.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BBJ_Interiors-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789909" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BBJ_Interiors-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BBJ_Interiors-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BBJ_Interiors-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BBJ_Interiors-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BBJ_Interiors-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An office and bedroom from a pre-engineered BBJ Select. Image courtesy of Boeing</figcaption></figure>



Last year, the company pivoted by launching&nbsp;<a href="https://businessjets.boeing.com/select/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBJ Select</a>, for the first time offering semi-custom, modular interiors for the program’s 737-7 model; between layout and material choices, 216 cabin configurations are available. Compared to one of BBJ’s bespoke interiors, the pre-engineered Select versions can drastically reduce variable costs while also saving up to six months of engineering time. “It’s appealing to those who don’t want to design a clean-sheet interior yet want the amenities of a turnkey BBJ,” says BBJ president Joe Benson.&nbsp;



Those hundreds of pre-engineered options from BBJ Select, and the similar <a href="https://www.acj.airbus.com/en/acj-twotwenty" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACJ TwoTwenty</a> programme from Airbus, are return salvos against dedicated business-jet competitors including Gulfstream, Dassault, and Bombardier, which represent the bulk of the ultra-long-range market. These three have also invested heavily over the past decade in larger and more amenity-rich flagships. The resulting aircraft offer faster speeds and longer ranges than the BBJ 737, which can cost up to 50 per cent more thanks to the fully tailored cabin. 



The BBJ Select 737-7, though, can drop that price by at least US$25 million (HK$194.4 million), while the ACJ TwoTwenty is set to compete directly with the Gulfstream G700, Bombardier’s Global 7500, and Dassault’s new 10X flagship. These allow BBJ and ACJ to offer bizliners boasting significantly larger cabins and lower operating expenditures, plus a more luxurious in-flight experience. “We’ve reduced costs, production times, and, frankly, the risks involved with bespoke interiors,” says Chadi Saade, ACJ’s president. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ACJ_MainLounge-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789906" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ACJ_MainLounge-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ACJ_MainLounge-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ACJ_MainLounge-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ACJ_MainLounge-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ACJ_MainLounge-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A social area on a recently delivered ACJ TwoTwenty. Image courtesy of Adrien Daste/Airbus</figcaption></figure>



ACJ claimed nine orders when it announced the ACJ TwoTwenty programme in 2020 and has since delivered two aircraft. The third is currently being completed by Comlux (the company was contracted for the first 15 interiors) at its Indianapolis facility, which has “the capacity to do four or five per year,” according to Gaona. 



The big question now is whether BBJ Select can revive Boeing’s flagging bizliner figures in the same way the ACJ TwoTwenty initiative made Airbus a more viable competitor. According to ACJ’s Saade, annual bizliner conversions typically number in the mid-single digits—a small slice of the market compared to last year’s total sales of 164 long-range aircraft from Gulfstream and Bombardier. Boeing’s 737 Max issues will also likely continue to impact BBJ sales, though Benson insists the division is experiencing “continued growth and strong demand” via repeat clients.&nbsp;



“Our customers are already ordering new models that will be introduced and enter service over the next few years,” says Benson, likely referring to BBJ’s 777X, with its 3,700-square-foot cabin and 11,000-mile range. With a projected first delivery in 2025, the 777X is poised to be the world’s largest and most prestigious business aircraft—one on which Boeing, in its struggle to maintain market relevance, is betting big.&nbsp;

Boeing

custom

Luxury Travel

Private Jet

Boeing’s New Configurator Lets You Design a Semi-Custom Private Jet

Chinese couture

couturier

Exhibition

Guo Pei

Haute Couture

Hong Kong exhibition

Met Gala outfit

red wedding gown

Rihanna

First Look: Chinese Haute Couture Icon Guo Pei Brings a Career-Spanning Collection to M+

This year marks the 10th anniversary of my first visit to Giacomo Conterno. Hosted by Roberto Conterno, the third-generation winemaker at the helm of arguably Piedmont’s most famed estate, we spent four wonderful hours together tasting wines both in the cellar, and later in his reception lounge, while enjoying some local cheeses and meats.&nbsp;



Roberto Conterno is not like many Italian winemakers I have met. Firstly, he’s serious and fastidious. A clean freak, the cellar is always spotless. While tasting wine from one of his barrels, he almost had a coronary when a few drops of red wine spilled from his pipette onto the cellar floor. We met again a few years later, and nothing had changed, except he was keen to show me his new range of glassware, Sensory, that he had designed to taste with wines from any region. In the process, he opened some very pricey wines from Burgundy and Bordeaux to prove his point. Convinced by the taste test, I purchased the first 36 glasses sold in the UK market.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="697" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Roberto_2015-1394x2048.jpg-697x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791428" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Roberto_2015-1394x2048.jpg-697x1024.webp 697w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Roberto_2015-1394x2048.jpg-204x300.webp 204w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Roberto_2015-1394x2048.jpg-768x1128.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Roberto_2015-1394x2048.jpg-1046x1536.webp 1046w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Roberto_2015-1394x2048.jpg.webp 1394w" sizes="(max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Roberto Conterno.</figcaption></figure>



Roberto is deeply respectful of the terroir that he inherited from his late father, Giovanni. This includes the fourteen-hectare monopole (solely owned designated vineyard) of Cascina Francia, in what is considered the best village in Barolo, Serralunga d’Alba. 400 metres in altitude, it includes 9.4 hectares of Nebbiolo, the varietal he uses in his Barolo designated wines. In 2008, Roberto increased the estate’s landholdings by acquiring three hectares of Cerretta, another well regarded vineyard in the village. Finally, in 2015, he purchased Arione, a highly-sought after nine-hectare vineyard situated next to Cascina Francia. 



Although the estate makes more than 10 cuvées, undoubtedly the best is Monfortino Riserva. An iconic wine designed for long-ageing, it has more than a hundred years of history since the inaugural 1920 vintage. Monfortino Riserva is aged for a minimum of seven years in either 50-plus-year-old Slavonian oak or newer Austrian Franz Stockinger large casks. 



Returning from the First World War, Roberto’s grandfather, Giacomo, had the vision to create a unique bottling of Nebbiolo, sourcing the best grapes from different growers at a time when wine was typically sold in cask or purchased by local merchants for blending. Only from 1978 was the first Monfortino produced from grapes sourced from the family’s own Cascina Francia vineyard. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cantina-2015-2048x1365.jpg-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791429" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cantina-2015-2048x1365.jpg-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cantina-2015-2048x1365.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cantina-2015-2048x1365.jpg-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cantina-2015-2048x1365.jpg-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cantina-2015-2048x1365.jpg.webp 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



I first realised that Monfortino Riserva was one of the world’s greatest wines when I purchased some very old bottles from a little wine shop in Alba fifteen years ago: 1955, 1961, and 1978, all legendary vintages. Opening them at various dinners, they all performed remarkably well. The 1955 vintage had a bizarre trajectory. On opening, it buzzed with aromas of violets, rose petals, and a hint of tar, collapsing to oblivion within 20 minutes of pouring. The wine in my glass had become a deadly shade of pale.  However, after a further 30 minutes, it had miraculously revived and was as good as when it had first been poured. The greatest comeback since Lazarus!



Monfortino Riserva is still Italy’s reference fine wine. It is also one of (if not the) most expensive, with many vintages selling in the secondary market for more than £1,000 (HK$10,370) per 75cl bottle. But it’s worth every penny. Fear not, however. Roberto’s other bottlings, in particular Cerretta and Arione, are incredible wines that cost a fraction of the price of Monfortino Riserva. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Facciata-2048x1365.jpg-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791430" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Facciata-2048x1365.jpg-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Facciata-2048x1365.jpg-300x200.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Facciata-2048x1365.jpg-768x512.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Facciata-2048x1365.jpg-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Facciata-2048x1365.jpg.webp 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lewis’s Best 3 Wines from Giacomo Conterno</h2>



Giacomo Conterno, Monfortino Riserva, 2010: An iron fist in a velvet glove is the most apt description of a wine full of power and grace that will no doubt be showing well for the next fifty-plus years. Monfortino is known for aromas of leather, liquorice, incense, and dried rose petals, and this wine has it in abundance.  However, the coup de grâce was the extremely long finish that captivates you to drink the rest of the bottle before your wife reaches for the bottle. 



Giacomo Conterno, Monfortino Riserva, 2002: I was lucky enough to try the 2001 and 2002 (in magnums) together at a dinner in Turin. It was a close toss-up as to which gave greater pleasure. However, the 2002 got the nod as I was wowed by the balsamic and black tea aromas, savoury sweet mid-palate, and the silky but firm tannins. Just divine.



Giacomo Conterno, Monfortino Riserva, 1955: You just can’t beat having a wine that’s older than oneself and marvelling at how it can make you smile. The flowery petal notes, the intensity of the palate despite the wine having lost almost all its colour, and a long delicate finish. The fact that the wine died and then revived miraculously only added to the long-lived memory of its happy consumption. 



The 2024 edition of the Golden Vines awards will take place in Madrid between&nbsp;25–27&nbsp;October 2024. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://liquidicons.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liquidicons.com</a>.



Lewis Chester DipWSET is a London-based wine collector, member of the Académie du Champagne and Chevaliers du Tastevin, co-founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://liquidicons.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liquid Icons</a>&nbsp;and, along with Sasha Lushnikov, co-founder of the Golden Vines® Awards.&nbsp;He is also the honorary president and head of fundraising at the&nbsp;<a href="https://gerardbassetfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gérard Basset Foundation</a>, which funds diversity and inclusivity education programmes globally in the wine, spirits, and hospitality sectors.

Barolo

Giacomo Conterno

King of Wines

Roberto Conterno

vineyard

Wine

Barolo is the ‘King of Wines’—and This Vineyard is its Crowning Glory

Are you looking for the right <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/porsche/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Porsche</a> race car for your collection? Well, you might be in luck.



Broad Arrow <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/auctions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Auctions</a> will take bids for the final 1984 911 SC RS at its inaugural Chattanooga sale next month. Not only is this the last Type 954 rally car the German automaker built, but it’s also thought to be one of the most original still in existence.



The 911 SC RS, or <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/1984-porsche-911-sc-rs-gruppe-b-evolutionsserie-broad-arrow-auction-chattanooga-1235842595/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">911 Evolutionsserie</a> as it is sometimes known, was built from the start for competition in FIA Class B rally racing. The company built just 21 examples in 1983, five of which went to professional racing teams. The rest, including this vehicle, were sold to private customers. These 16 cars were built for the (dirt) track, but could also be registered for road use. Yes, the 911 SC RS is street-legal.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/911scrs02.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792045" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/911scrs02.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/911scrs02-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">1984 Porsche 911 SC RS Gruppe B “Evolutionsserie.” Image courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions</figcaption></figure>



This example, chassis 021, was the last to roll off the line. It may have left the factory in a Dutch flag-inspired colourway, but its aluminium body panels, fibreglass bumpers, a rally light pod, and forged Fuchs wheels are now all finished in a brilliant coat of white. Since it is an actual racer, the 911 SC RS’s interior is about as spartan as they come. It features a roll cage and 935-style “lollipop” seats, along with a few creature comforts, including a radio, power windows, and air-conditioning. The relative lack of features like soundproofing helped keep the vehicle’s curb weight down to just 2,160 pounds.



A mechanically injected 3.0-litre flat-six since in the vehicle’s engine bay. The number-matching mill is mated to a race-spec five-speed manual gearbox and produces 280 hp. 184 ft lbs of torque, and has an 8,000-rpm redline. Back in 1984, Porsche claimed the car could hit 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, but testing has shown that figure to be rather conservative. It tops out just shy of 159 mph.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/911scrs03.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234792046" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/911scrs03.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/911scrs03-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the 911 SC RS Gruppe B “Evolutionsserie.” Image courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions</figcaption></figure>



This example was originally delivered to importer Tycho Christian van Dijk in 1984. He intended to race the car in multiple events, but it would wind up only competing in one event, that season’s Tour de Corse on Corsica. It finished 14th, the best of any Porsche entered in the rally. Its brief racing career means the car never claimed any honours, but it does mean the car is in stellar shape four decades later. It’s changed hands just once over the year—the seller acquired the vehicle in 2004—and has just 3,237 miles on the odometer. It also comes with an extensive paperwork history, as well as a Porsche Classic Technical Certificate.



Intrigued? The 911 SC RS is set to hit the auction block on Saturday, 12 October. Prepare to spend big if you want to take it home with you, though. Broad Arrow expects the vehicle to go for between US$2.6 million and US$3.5 million (HK$20.2 million and HK$27.2 million).

Broad Arrow Auctions

Porsche

This Ultra-Rare 1984 Porsche Rally Car Could Fetch HK$27.2 Million at Auction

In a stunning display of artistic prowess, auctioneering excellence, and exquisite curation at its mint new home at The Henderson, Christie’s Hong Kong’s inaugural sales proved to be a resounding success, amassing a total of HK$1.25 billion (around US$162 million).&nbsp;



For art lovers and connoisseurs, buyers and collectors, purveyors and voyeurs, critics and editors,&nbsp;the&nbsp;place to be in the last days of September was on the 7th floor of the recently opened commercial development The Henderson, the Zaha Hadid Architects-designed tower from where Christie’s Hong Kong’s new Asia-Pacific headquarters loom large over the city.&nbsp;



These landmark auctions not only cemented Christie’s Hong Kong’s position as a leading force in the global art market, but it also captivated discerning collectors who gathered to witness the unveiling of magnificent masterpieces at close proximity, of which many rare items from the East and the West were on display in Hong Kong for the first time.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="878" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/72983188-frame-rs_Digital-Content-JPEG-1024x878.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791866" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/72983188-frame-rs_Digital-Content-JPEG-1024x878.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/72983188-frame-rs_Digital-Content-JPEG-300x257.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/72983188-frame-rs_Digital-Content-JPEG-768x659.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/72983188-frame-rs_Digital-Content-JPEG-1536x1317.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/72983188-frame-rs_Digital-Content-JPEG-2048x1756.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Moored Vessel, Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)</figcaption></figure>



A testament to Christie’s Hong Kong’s unwavering commitment to bringing the greatest works of art to the most discerning buyers in the world, the top marquee of the art segment shone bright. As expected, the much ballyhooed pieces were the van Gogh and the Monet; the top lot, Les Canots Amarrés (1887) by the Dutch painter, peaked at HK$250.6 million (around US$32 million). Owned by Princess Camilla of Bourbon Two Sicilies, the auctioning of the painting was easily one of the most memorable moments of the night. Claude Monet’s Nymphéas went for HK$233.3 million (US$30 million)—well over expectation.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="667" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/71839684_Digital-Content-JPEG-1024x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791865" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/71839684_Digital-Content-JPEG-1024x667.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/71839684_Digital-Content-JPEG-300x195.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/71839684_Digital-Content-JPEG-768x500.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/71839684_Digital-Content-JPEG-1536x1000.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/71839684_Digital-Content-JPEG-2048x1334.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pastorale, Alix Aymé (France, 1894-1989) </figcaption></figure>



Other achievements of the three inaugural sales that took place from 26 to 27 September included Ronald Ventura’s&nbsp;State of Bloom&nbsp;going for HK$36.7 million (US$4.7 million), Lalan’s&nbsp;La Mère de Nuage&nbsp;fetching HK$23.4 million (US$3 million),&nbsp;18:50&nbsp;by Lucy Bull realising HK$18.5 million (US$2.4 million), and more. Over 90 per cent of the lots at the Inaugural Sales and 20th and 21st Century Evening &amp; Day Sales were sold, while the Au Bak Ling Collection sold at 100 per cent, achieving 160 per cent over the low hammer estimate.



With over 12,000 visitors who attended the preview leading up to the sale, and 5.2 million viewers following the event on a livestream, the air was thick with anticipation. While the hammer went down hard on famed yesteryear artists, the evening proved that more recent Asian artists equally got their tacit nod of approval from the volley of bids. A mesmerising abstract landscape by Zao Wou-ki, 29.09.64, a vibrant tryptic that captivated bidders with its masterful blend of colour and range of emotion, realised HK$95.3 million.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="541" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ZWK_Digital-Content-JPEG-1024x541.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791867" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ZWK_Digital-Content-JPEG-1024x541.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ZWK_Digital-Content-JPEG-300x159.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ZWK_Digital-Content-JPEG-768x406.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ZWK_Digital-Content-JPEG-1536x812.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ZWK_Digital-Content-JPEG-2048x1083.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">05.06.80 – Triptyque, 1980, Zao Wou-Ki</figcaption></figure>



“We are honoured to present this seminal triptych by Zao Wou-ki this September at our new Asia-Pacific headquarters and to offer such an important and rare acquisition opportunity for collectors,” said Cristian Albu, Head of 20th and 21st Century Art, Asia-Pacific. “The 20th and 21st Century Inaugural Sales at The Henderson will epitomise a key aspect of our curatorial mission for the category in Hong Kong—to globally showcase both Eastern and Western artistry, and the dialogues between them, through exceptional masterpieces.”



As the curtain eventually fell on this momentous occasion, and with many more auctions to come at Christie’s new Hong Kong address, the house is poised to continue its tradition of excellence and innovation. The auction house’s commitment to Hong Kong remains a beacon for collectors, offering unparalleled access to the most coveted masterpieces in the world.



All images courtesy of Christie&#8217;s

Auction

Christie's

Hong Kong

Monet’s “Nymphéas” Just Sold For a Staggering HK$233 Million at Auction

A French&nbsp;maison, a Japanese artist, and a New York auction house just made history.



A <a href="https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/handbags-online-september-edition/rare-limited-edition-yellow-black-monogram-leather-pumpkin-bag-silver-60/231632" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">limited-edition handbag</a> <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/louis-vuitton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Louis Vuitton</a> created in collaboration with <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/yayoi-kusama/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yayoi Kusama</a> sold for US$151,200 (HK$1.17 million) via Christie’s New York on Wednesday, setting two new world records in the process.



Kusama first began working with LV in 2012, creating playful versions of the Keepall, Neverfull, Papillion, and Speedy that were adorned with her signature dots. Just over a decade later in 2023, the contemporary artist put her quirky stamp on more of the French fashion house’s designs. (You might remember the bonkers&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/fashion/louis-vuitton-kusama-pop-up-tokyo-1234791849/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">co-branded pop-up</a>&nbsp;that opened in Japan.) Clothing and accessories from both collections sell for a premium on the secondary market, but it was a “pumpkin bag” from the most recent drop that achieved the new records.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/LV_Pumpkin_Bag1.jpg-1024x683.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791654" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/LV_Pumpkin_Bag1.jpg-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/LV_Pumpkin_Bag1.jpg-300x200.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/LV_Pumpkin_Bag1.jpg-768x512.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/LV_Pumpkin_Bag1.jpg-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/LV_Pumpkin_Bag1.jpg-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The bag opens to reveal a co-branded badge. Image courtesy of Christie’s New York</figcaption></figure>



As the name suggests, the distinctive design was inspired by Kusama’s iconic pumpkin sculptures and prints. Crafted from grained cowhide leather, the yellow bag is shaped like a pumpkin and covered with black LV monograms and motifs. The piece is not only quirky and cute but also highly collectible. This particular example was expected to fetch between US$10,000 and US$15,000 (HK$77,835 and HK$116,755) but hammered down for roughly 10 times that to set a new record price for the model and any LV bag to sell at auction. The previous records were held by <a href="https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/handbags-online-new-york-edit/rare-limited-edition-yellow-black-monogram-leather-pumpkin-bag-silver-55/205202" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">another pumpkin bag</a> that sold for US$44,100 (HK$343,260) at Christie’s in December 2023.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/LV_Pumpkin_Bag2.jpg-1024x683.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791655" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/LV_Pumpkin_Bag2.jpg-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/LV_Pumpkin_Bag2.jpg-300x200.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/LV_Pumpkin_Bag2.jpg-768x512.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/LV_Pumpkin_Bag2.jpg-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/LV_Pumpkin_Bag2.jpg-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The bag features a removable strap. Image courtesy of Christie’s New York</figcaption></figure>



Interestingly, the pumpkin bag wasn’t the star of Christie’s inaugural <a href="https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/handbags-online-september-edition/lots/3741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Handbags Online: The September Edition</a> auction. The top lot of the sale was a rare Hermès Himalaya Retourné Kelly 25 with matte niloticus crocodile and palladium hardware that sold for US$163,800 (HK$1.27 million). Two coveted Hermès Birkins also sold for US$119,700 and US$63,000 (HK$931,715 and HK$490,375), respectively. The results highlight the fact that <a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/hermes-birkin-luxury-handbag-slingo-1234871666/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birkins</a> and <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/accessories/ultimate-fashion-collectors-item-hermes-2767515/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kellys</a> remain the holy grails for collectors, proving to be <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/accessories/luxury-handbags-are-now-the-best-investment-items-2931458/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solid investments</a> that appreciate over time. A Himalaya crocodile Retourné Kelly 28 sold for a record US$513,200 (HK$3.99 million) at Christie’s in 2021, in fact. Christie’s currently holds the record prices for the most expensive Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/handbags/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">handbags</a> to sell at auction.



Nearly all (99 per cent) lots part of Handbags Online were sold, resulting in an impressive total of US$1,931,202 (HK$15 million). Not bad for 118 bags.

pumpkin bag auction

yayoi kusama louis vuitton auction

yayoi kusama LV pumpkin bag

Yayoi Kusama’s Louis Vuitton Pumpkin Bag Just Sold for a Record HK$1.17 Million at Auction

Collectors will be in Hermès heaven at Christie’s this autumn.



The auction house is offering up an exceptional assortment of the French maison’s purses in an online sale running from October to 13 November. Fittingly titled <a href="https://www.christies.com/en/auction/unlocking-the-orange-dream-handbags-from-an-important-private-collection-23574-par/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Unlocking the Orange Dream</a>, the auction will spotlight the holy grails of one devout European collector.



The collection, which was meticulously amassed across more than two decades, includes nearly 200 luxury&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/handbags/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">handbags</a>. Brands and styles of all sorts are represented, though there is a strong emphasis on Hermès. Spanning the late 1990s to the 2000s, the lineup highlights the house’s creativity, craftsmanship, and&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/accessories/luxury-handbags-are-now-the-best-investment-items-2931458/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collectibility</a>. Coveted&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/birkin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birkin</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/accessories/ultimate-fashion-collectors-item-hermes-2767515/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kelly</a>, and Constance models will be up for grabs, along with rare limited editions and one-offs made from exotic materials.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_1.jpg-683x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791631" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_1.jpg-683x1024.png 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_1.jpg-200x300.png 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_1.jpg-768x1152.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_1.jpg-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_1.jpg-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_1.jpg.png 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A selection of orange bags. Image courtesy of Anna Buklovska</figcaption></figure>



The sale will, of course, be led by a Birkin. Named after English-French actress and singer Jane Birkin, this iconic leather tote was introduced in 1984 and is now considered the<a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/hermes-birkin-luxury-handbag-slingo-1234871666/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> most popular luxury handbag</a>. This specific Birkin is made from Nuage leather and features palladium hardware. It is expected to fetch between €60,000 and €80,000 (about US$66,900/HK$520,835 and US$89,300/HK$695,225) at the upcoming auction.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_4.jpg-683x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791632" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_4.jpg-683x1024.png 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_4.jpg-200x300.png 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_4.jpg-768x1152.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_4.jpg-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_4.jpg-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_4.jpg.png 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Several of the blue pieces. Image courtesy of Anna Buklovska</figcaption></figure>



The sale will also include pieces created under the leadership of Jean Paul Gautier from 2003 to 2010, such as the chic So Black Kelly (estimate: US$16,700/HK$130,015 to US$22,300/HK$173,610), the sleek So Black Birkin (estimate: US$22,300/HK$173,610 to US$33,400/HK$260,025), and the elegant Shadow Birkin (estimate: US$16,700/HK$130,015 to US$22,300/HK$173,610). The latter is distinguished by a distinctive monochromatic design that makes it look as if the bag was etched from stone.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_2.jpg-683x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791633" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_2.jpg-683x1024.png 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_2.jpg-200x300.png 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_2.jpg-768x1152.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_2.jpg-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_2.jpg-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Hermes_Orange_Dream_2.jpg.png 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Green and white designs. Image courtesy of Anna Buklovska</figcaption></figure>



The auction even includes a Birkin Ghillies. One of the most coveted and elusive designs, the Ghillies stands out on account of a highly decorative trim. This specific limited edition is crafted from shiny and matte burgundy porosus crocodile (estimate: US$33,400/HK$260,025 to US$40,100/HK$312,190). Other sale highlights include a Micro Mini Birkin and Kelly from the colorful Candy collection, a Birkin Touch with a “touch” of exotic skin, and a hardwearing Birkin Cargo.



It is worth noting that Birkins can’t be bought off of the shelf at a Hermès boutique. A sales associate has to offer a client the opportunity to acquire the bag. This particular collector must have forged quite a relationship with the house, then. To that point, the sale includes several exclusives and special orders, such as a Quelle Idole in orange Gulliver leather (estimate: US$22,300/HK$HK$173,610 to US$29,000/HK$225,770) and a limited-edition Kelly Doll in purple and lemon epsom nata leather (estimate: US$22,300/HK$HK$173,610 to US$29,000/HK$225,770).



Hermès heaven, indeed.

Birkin auction

Birkin online sale

Luxury handbag online sale

A Private Collection of Nearly 200 Luxury Handbags Is Heading to Auction This Autumn

Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;is delighted to announce that the first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rr1hongkong.com/leaders-of-luxury" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leaders of Luxury Summit</a>&nbsp;will be held in Hong Kong at the spectacular Regent Hong Kong from 26 to 28 November 2024 for what is expected to be the most exciting international luxury event to take place in Hong Kong this year.



Organised by&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong, the leading voice in the global luxury market, the Leaders of Luxury Summit will gather luxury leaders, heads of international luxury companies, top business leaders and entrepreneurs, C-level executives, and international&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;editions to deep-dive into the dominant trends, disruptions, and direction of the global luxury industry through a series of engaging talks, thought-provoking panel discussions, and stimulating keynote speeches under the theme “Redefining Luxury Through a Global Lens.”



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://video.wixstatic.com/video/86217e_d6e7d4883e814c81904cdddb202c021e/1080p/mp4/file.mp4"></video></figure>



From exploring the Greater Bay Area and how family offices can drive luxury growth, to the impact of AI on luxury commerce, and the role sustainability plays while defining the financial forces impacting the global luxury market, a rich variety of seminal topics will explore the direction of the luxury industry and how current economic development in the region is creating opportunities for global luxury markets. 



Major tentpole topics covered by&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;pages, such as wheels, wings, and water, as well as travel, fashion, watches, and all matters of lifestyle, will be discussed at length as the Leaders of Luxury Summit represents a platform for speakers to engage, enlighten, and inform a gathering of influential guests and fellow industry players.



“I am delighted to announce that Hong Kong has been chosen as the city to host the inaugural&nbsp;Leaders of Luxury Summit,” says Tak Man, CEO and publisher of&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong. “For the first time ever in Asia, to bring this kind of event to Hong Kong is exciting on a global level—an event like this sets the stage to announce that Hong Kong is the definitive luxury hub of Asia, and we are thrilled to be the host.”



Hong Kong remains a dynamic luxury consumer hub and an all-important gateway to mainland China, one of the most significant markets for any brand worthy of its stripes.&nbsp;The Leaders of Luxury Summit sets out to zero in on Hong Kong’s position as the defining luxury hub of Asia, analysing its unique position as a leading consumer of luxury goods and services, as well as a driver of redefining luxury on a global scale.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="628" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/botb--1024x628.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790842" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/botb--1024x628.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/botb--300x184.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/botb--768x471.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/botb--1536x943.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/botb--2048x1257.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Capping off the entire event, the spectacular&nbsp;Best of the Best themed black-tie gala dinner will be held in the grand ballroom of Regent Hong Kong on 27 November 2024 to honour the finest in luxury, burnished by an exclusive awards presentation. It will be attended by top leaders of luxury and the global publishers and editors of international&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;editions.



Click <a href="https://www.rr1hongkong.com/leaders-of-luxury" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.rr1hongkong.com/leaders-of-luxury" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more information.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_-2024-09-11-at-10.49.17 AM-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791214" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_-2024-09-11-at-10.49.17 AM-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_-2024-09-11-at-10.49.17 AM-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_-2024-09-11-at-10.49.17 AM-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_-2024-09-11-at-10.49.17 AM-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_-2024-09-11-at-10.49.17 AM-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>

Leaders of Luxury

Robb Report

Robb Report Hong Kong

Summit

Robb Report Hong Kong Launches Inaugural Leaders of Luxury Summit this November

A gastronomic powerhouse is making his presence felt at Galaxy Macau this summer.



Miyakawa Maasaki, one of only six sushi masters in Japan to be honoured with three Michelin stars, has landed at <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/what-its-like-to-stay-at-raffles-at-galaxy-macau-the-groups-largest-suite-only-hotel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raffles</a> in Macau with his new restaurant, the first outside of his native Japan. Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa distils the essence of traditional Edomae-style sushi into a refined dining ritual, where the meticulous preparation of seasonal ingredients at their peak shapes the sophisticated heart of the intimate experience.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1707" height="2560" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Masaaki-Miyakawa-scaled.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789960" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Masaaki-Miyakawa-scaled.jpeg 1707w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Masaaki-Miyakawa-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Masaaki-Miyakawa-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Masaaki-Miyakawa-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Masaaki-Miyakawa-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Masaaki-Miyakawa-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w" sizes="(max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Miyakawa Maasaki is one of only six sushi masters in Japan to be honoured with three Michelin stars.</figcaption></figure>



Diners might recognise Miyakawa from Sushi Yoshitake’s Hong Kong outpost, where he had led the restaurant to achieve three Michelin stars in the mid-2010s. He later returned to Hokkaido to set up the equally lauded Sushi Miyakawa, another establishment conferred with three-star status in the 2017 edition of the Michelin Guide Hokkaido. Sushi Shin by Miyakawa in Niseko and at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo hotel soon followed, as did the acclaim and praise from guests, critics, and press alike.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1707" height="2560" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240524-Sushi-Kissho0185-v1-1-scaled.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789963" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240524-Sushi-Kissho0185-v1-1-scaled.jpeg 1707w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240524-Sushi-Kissho0185-v1-1-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240524-Sushi-Kissho0185-v1-1-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240524-Sushi-Kissho0185-v1-1-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240524-Sushi-Kissho0185-v1-1-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240524-Sushi-Kissho0185-v1-1-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w" sizes="(max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sushi Kissho’s concept is inspired by wabi-sabi, the art of finding beauty in the simple, imperfect state of things.</figcaption></figure>



Now, in Macau, Miyakawa has set yet another stage to further the art of sushi, in a simple, wabi-sabi way that celebrates this delicate Japanese cuisine through a trinity of honouring tradition, taste, and trust between chef and diner. Miyakawa is a soft-spoken conductor—a small smile is perched upon his face throughout the refined omakase dinner as he leads the gastronomic action, deftly slicing through aged otoro tuna, shaping bite-sized pieces of seasoned shari rice, and preparing a delicate nishin herring roll with shiso leaf. 



His team is equally composed, each man at his station, well-oiled cogs in a culinary machine to advance the seamless procession of the meal. Executive chefs Satake Hironori and Maeda Norihisa and their cadre of skilled sushi chefs stationed at Kissho, all trained by Miyakawa himself, are positioned across the culinary stage of the open kitchen, demonstrating every step that results in the lengthy, almost 20-course omakase menu, from mochi-pounding to unagi-roasting over a live fire.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chu-Toro-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789964" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chu-Toro-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chu-Toro-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chu-Toro-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chu-Toro-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chu-Toro-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chu-toro medium fatty tuna is one of the sushi courses on the omakase menu. </figcaption></figure>



A symphony of flavours is the result, beginning with a Hokkaido corn pudding with sea urchin that perfectly captures the essence of the season, followed by appetisers such as tender Shimane black abalone dressed in a rich liver sauce and Nagasaki beltfish, among others. 10 sushi courses follow in efficient succession, from chu-toro medium fatty tuna, delicately prepared kohada gizzard shad, and kuruma-ebi prawn to arguably the most fawned-over moment of the night: Hadate’s Murasaki uni, the highest-rated batch of sea urchin available that day, a highly sought-after item that Miyakawa had successfully secured for the day’s service. From one nigiri to another, Sushi Kissho takes diners on an oceanic adventure, hopping from prefecture to prefecture for a taste of the freshest catches and regional specialities.



Its curation of accompanying sake is just as painstaking and features rare homegrown labels including the likes of Kokuryu, Mutsu Hassen, Hakurakusei, and Tatenokawa, which boasts a 180-year-old history. Sushi Kissho is also one of the few establishments that offers a taste of Wa8, a private-label junmai daiginjo sake developed by Sumikawa Shozo Brewery and Wa Creations.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kohada-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa0-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789966" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kohada-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa0-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kohada-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa0-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kohada-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa0-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kohada-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa0-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kohada-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa0-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kohada gizzard shad. </figcaption></figure>



Guests, meanwhile, spectate the goings-on from behind an imposing 300-year-old kiso hinoki cypress slab inlaid with momiji maple-leaf motifs, crafted by a seasoned Japanese carpenter who specialises in constructing counters for sushi restaurants. Hand-installed on-site, this fine centrepiece anchors the minimalist dining space, punctuated by exquisite handmade pottery sourced from generations-old producers and workshops in Japan. Ceramics made by the Miyagawa family, specialists in the delicate art since the Edo period, and antique ikebana baskets add character to the natural setting. As expected of an experience this exclusive, Sushi Kissho seats just 10 at the main carved counter, with another 10 in a private dining room, but you really want to be close to the action to take in the meticulous artistry practised by the masters.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sushi-Counter-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa1-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789961" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sushi-Counter-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sushi-Counter-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sushi-Counter-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sushi-Counter-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sushi-Counter-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa1-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Diners spectate the preparation of the omakase meal while seated at a 300-year-old kiso hinoki cypress counter.</figcaption></figure>



As luck would have it, the restaurant recently announced that Miyakawa will return to Sushi Kissho from 1 to 4 August to offer an exclusive, limited-time omakase menu and curated beverage pairing featuring Japanese wines and spirits that will tantalise the senses. In these bimonthly visits, the chef, alongside his team, will showcase seasonal ingredients sourced from a trusted roster of farmers, foragers, and fishermen.



Run, don’t walk, to make your booking—this is one sushi dinner you don’t want to miss.



<a href="https://www.galaxymacau.com/dining/restaurants/sushi-kissho-miyakawa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa</a>



2/F, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Cotai, Macau



Tel: (+853) 8883 2221



All images courtesy of Sushi Kissho.

Japanese Cuisine

Macau

Miyakawa Maasaki

Omakase

Raffles at Galaxy Macau

Sushi

Sushi Kissho

Inside Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa, a New Edomae-Style Sushi Restaurant Helmed By a 3-Michelin-Starred Chef

What’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/four-seasons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Four Seasons</a>’s version of spreading <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/holiday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">holiday</a> cheer? Sailing around the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/caribbean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caribbean</a> on a luxury <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/superyacht/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superyacht</a>, of course. 



Four Seasons Yachts just revealed nine new voyages to the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bahamas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bahamas</a> and the Caribbean to celebrate the 2026–2027 holiday season. The portfolio expansion includes itineraries aboard its Four Seasons I ship which will set sail between 19 November 2026 and 31 January 2027. Meaning, you can escape the chill and celebrate <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/thanksgiving/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thanksgiving</a>, Christmas, and even ring in the New Year at sea.



“Building from the excitement and interest of our&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/four-seasons-first-itineraries-cruise-ship-1235561723/">initial Mediterranean and Caribbean journeys</a>, we are thrilled to unveil the final set of exceptional voyages for Four Seasons Yachts inaugural year,” says&nbsp;Alejandro Reynal, president and CEO of Four Seasons, in a press statement.



Four Seasons I will embark on a 10-night Thanksgiving journey from St John’s, Antigua, roughly one week before US travellers would normally be slicing into their turkeys. Instead, you’ll be treated to a Caribbean-inspired feast prepared by the Four Seasons culinary teams with the picturesque Saint Pierre, Martinique as the backdrop. In addition, the trip includes stops at Soper’s Hole in the British Virgin Islands and Prickly Bay in Grenada where seafarers can hang out at laid-back beach bar or check out a world-famous underwater sculpture park. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/four-seasons-holiday-yacht-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791992" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/four-seasons-holiday-yacht-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/four-seasons-holiday-yacht-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/four-seasons-holiday-yacht-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/four-seasons-holiday-yacht.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Four Seasons Yachts will offer sailings around the Caribbean for the 2026–2027 holiday season. Image courtesy of Four Seasons</figcaption></figure>



All will be merry and bright if you opt for the seven-night Christmas adventure. Guests will kick off the excursion with a stay at the sunny <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/miamis-iconic-surf-club-reborn-ultra-luxurious-four-seasons-hotel-266020/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club </a>in South Florida. Then, it’s off to Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke for <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/best-painkiller-recipe-rum-coconut-oj-pineapple-1234626579/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Painkiller </a>cocktails, which originated at the island’s iconic Soggy Dollar Bar. By the Christmas Eve, the vessel arrives in St Barths where you’ll trade animated displays for twinkling harbour lights, before zooming to Palmetto Point on the island of Barbuda for the big day. Here, travellers can dig into a beachside banquet and bask in local holiday traditions. The journey wraps on the powder-soft shores of Sint Maarten at <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/why-the-four-seasons-anguilla-transformed-into-a-massive-five-star-wellness-center-1234866470/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla</a>. 



Meanwhile, the countdown to 2027 will take place on a seven-night charter in the middle of the Atlantic with a lavish New Year’s Eve&nbsp;party that includes flowing champagne and&nbsp;a relaxing beach day in the Exuma Sound to start the year. Of course, for those looking to spend their entire Twixmas break on the open ocean, there’s an epic 14-night sailing that combines both trips.

Caribbean

Christmas

Four Seasons

Four Seasons Yachts

mediterranean

Thanksgiving

Four Seasons Yachts Wants to Take You to the Caribbean for the Holidays

In partnership with Swire Properties, social club and private members’ club 1880 Hong Kong will debut by the end of this year and span four floors at Two Taikoo Place.



A hybrid space dedicated to work, pleasure, and leisure, the idea is to build a “new category in workspace entertainment that reimagines the ‘future of work’ by seamlessly integrating work and play,” says founder Marc Nicholson. “It will serve as a place where people can come together for conversations, be exposed to new ideas, and build thriving communities.” 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="570" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L4-Members-Club-Leonies-Restaurant-3-1-1024x570.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791468" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L4-Members-Club-Leonies-Restaurant-3-1-1024x570.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L4-Members-Club-Leonies-Restaurant-3-1-300x167.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L4-Members-Club-Leonies-Restaurant-3-1-768x428.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L4-Members-Club-Leonies-Restaurant-3-1-1536x855.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L4-Members-Club-Leonies-Restaurant-3-1-2048x1140.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Leonie’s Restaurant at 1880 Hong Kong.</figcaption></figure>



Nicholson can base his idea on the success of the concept’s <a href="https://www.1880.com.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first incarnation</a>. “1880 exists to inspire conversations that make the world a better place,” says Nicholson. “With the launch of 1880 Hong Kong, we’re not just introducing our unique brand of amenities and programming. We’re creating a space and a movement that brings together agitators, creators, explorers, and adventurers to raise our collective consciousness.”



Until its awaited unveiling in the city, gorgeous renderings give us a glimpse of what the location will look like, from cleverly designed, colourful, and aesthetic workstations, leisure areas, and large spaces waiting to be filled with activities of sizes intimate and large. Even the work area isn’t as austere as expected; the state-of-the-art meeting rooms, high-spec boardroom, plush podcast studios, green-screen room, large-scale conference event space, and upscale social lounge are filled with bright furnishings, art, and vivid tones. Its top floor, for top players, has us most intrigued with its lavish dining spaces, lounge areas, a spa, a gym, and the like.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="538" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L2-Hoi-Polloi-All-Day-Dining-1024x538.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791470" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L2-Hoi-Polloi-All-Day-Dining-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L2-Hoi-Polloi-All-Day-Dining-300x158.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L2-Hoi-Polloi-All-Day-Dining-768x404.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L2-Hoi-Polloi-All-Day-Dining-1536x808.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L2-Hoi-Polloi-All-Day-Dining-2048x1077.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hoi Polloi, the all-day dining restaurant at 1880 Hong Kong.</figcaption></figure>



Unlike the elite, tacit disapproval of other private clubs, parts of 1880 will be open to the public, encouraging a community of Taikoo Place tenants, club members, and residents to mix and mingle over drinks and food, or talks and activities. However, 1880 members and social guests will be privy to more private affairs, like talks, live music performances, film festivals, and intimate gatherings with cocktails and canapés. At its heart, the notion of a hybrid space is that of fostering community as well as an air of exclusivity for premium parties and curated couplings.&nbsp;



1880 Social in Hong Kong promises dining options we have already bookmarked for a visit, such as The Double, a coffee and wine bar with a thin line that separates the two; Hoi Polloi, serving Southeast Asian cuisine; a fine-dining restaurant calle Té Bo; and an American diner concept dubbed The Sports Bar. An in-house event concierge team is on hand to deal with the nitty-gritty of every function, making 1880 Social an ideal club for professional gatherings without a hitch. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="644" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L4-Members-Club-Small-Private-Dining-Room-1024x644.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791469" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L4-Members-Club-Small-Private-Dining-Room-1024x644.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L4-Members-Club-Small-Private-Dining-Room-300x189.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L4-Members-Club-Small-Private-Dining-Room-768x483.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L4-Members-Club-Small-Private-Dining-Room-1536x966.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/L4-Members-Club-Small-Private-Dining-Room-2048x1288.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Private dining room at 1880 Hong Kong.</figcaption></figure>



“Since its inception, 1880 has been a gathering place for curious minds and passionate souls from all walks of life,” says 1880 CEO Jean Low. “The combination of warm hospitality, wonderful F&amp;B, wellness-enhancing amenities, and extraordinary programming has set a new standard for hospitality in the region that we are thrilled to bring to Taikoo Place’s 35,000-strong community. Our new concept, 1880 Social, is particularly exciting as we are also able to create a new era of living and working.”



As heard in talks and interviews, nourishing the thinkers, speakers, and doers to mix and mingle—in a rather plush environment—is key to the 1880 concept’s continued success. Now, the Hong Kong chapter, a conduit for deeper connections between people of passion mixing with people on a mission, aspires to continue that saga.



<a href="https://www.1880.com.hk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1880 Hong Kong</a> 1/F–4/F, Two Taikoo Place, 979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay

1880

1880 Hong Kong

1880 Hong Kong at Taikoo Place is the Social Club You Didn’t Know You Needed—Until Now

If you’re looking to channel your inner <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/james-bond/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Bond</a>, there may be no better place than the 007, a recently opened pop-up bar in <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/london/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London</a>’s iconic Burlington Arcade.



The space is a testament to the legacy of Ian Fleming’s secret agent, and it’s partnered with a host of Bond’s favourite brands to bring the fictional character to life. As you walk through the Burlington Arcade, overhead hang three handcrafted sculptures inspired by the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lists/best-james-bond-cars-ranked-1234862657/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston Martin DB5</a>, while underfoot is a custom carpet with famous lines from the film. Inside, you’ll find two Bond-themed <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bars</a>, with speciality cocktails featuring the finest spirits from <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/belvedere-vodka-1234895733/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belvedere</a>, Blackwell Rum, <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/champagne-bollinger-rd-08-vintage-release-1234823716/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Champagne Bollinger</a>, and <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/the-macallan-distil-your-world-mexico-single-malt-scotch-whisky-roca-brothers-1235399580/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macallan</a>, and sound throughout provided by <a href="https://robbreport.com/gear/audio/bowers-and-wilkins-30th-anniversary-nautilus-loudspeaker-1234842207/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bowers &amp; Wilkins</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/007-Exterior.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791959" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/007-Exterior.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/007-Exterior-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The entrance. Image courtesy of The 007</figcaption></figure>



Beyond the quaffs, though, is a veritable feast of Bond memorabilia and objects associated with the series, which serious collectors may enjoy. Props like Oddjob’s hat, a Fort Knox gold bar, Goldfinger’s golf shoes, and the spyhole clock from his private jet are scattered throughout, some never before exhibited to the public. On the first floor, you’ll find exclusive items to purchase, including limited-edition framed prints, and a sneak peek at the James Bond 2024 luxury advent calendar.



Those seeking to take home something extra special can bid on a limited number of Macallan 60th Anniversary Decades whiskey sets, with the proceeds going to charity. Or if objets d’art are more your fancy, Fabergé’s Octopussy capsule collection is up for sale, including a handcrafted, limited-edition Fabergé egg.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/007-Car.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791960" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/007-Car.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/007-Car-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">One of the hanging sculptures. Image courtesy of The 007</figcaption></figure>



As much as he’s known for his exploits, Bond is also admired for his <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/best-james-bond-watches-ranked-1235590641/seiko-h357-5040-duo-display/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watch collection</a>. And while you can’t take them home with you, a couple of Omega timepieces are on display—the only two James Bond versions to be made in yellow gold. From 2017, there’s the Seamaster Diver 300M Commander’s watch, and from 2019 the Seamaster Diver 300M James Bond Limited Edition.



Open through the end of the year, the 007 is a fitting tribute upon the 60th anniversary of Goldfinger. The space is open from 10 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday and 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays, with the bar taking walk-ins only. Just remember, if you decide to order a martini, you better ask for it shaken, not stirred.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/gallery/the-007-photos-1235884327/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see all the images of the 007.

James Bond

London

The World’s First Official James Bond Bar Just Opened in London—Here’s a Look Inside

<a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/champagne-ruinart-blanc-singulier-edition-18-climate-change-1234857360/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ruinart</a> can finally raise a glass to its new brand home.



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/ruinart-champagne-2010-1234726975/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oldest Champagne house</a>, founded all the way back in 1729, debuted its revamped campus in <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/france/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">France</a> on Wednesday. From top to bottom, the space has been redesigned to merge the new with the old, and bubbly fans will have the chance to enjoy the cellars, the grounds, a new <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/champagne/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Champagne</a> bar, and more.



For the exterior, Ruinart enlisted Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto to design a pavilion that blends the property’s 19th-century facades with minimalist glass structures, mimicking the curve of a Ruinart Champagne bottle. Inside, meanwhile, interior designer Gwenael Nicolas similarly married elements such as wood and stone with modern metals and glass, helping to bring the centuries-old Champagne house further into the 21st century.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Ruinart-Pavillon.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791941" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Ruinart-Pavillon.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Ruinart-Pavillon-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The new pavilion. Image courtesy of Chloe Le Reste</figcaption></figure>



Inside the facilities, you’ll find an atrium, tasting rooms, lounges, a secret cellar, and a boutique, among other features. One particular standout is the new Champagne bar, with exclusive options and a cocktail menu curated by the house’s cellar master—yes, you’ll be able to order more than just bubbly, though you can still opt for Champagne, of course. And the cocktail bar is open to the public, no appointment or reservation needed. This is the first time Ruinart is opening its doors to the public in such a way, allowing people to take in the property without planning ahead. (Exclusive experiences are still available to book in advance.)



As for the grounds, landscape architect Christophe Gautrand has created a tree-lined walking path that welcomes you to the pavilion. Stone walls along the path nod to the ancient Roman chalk caves, or crayères, that sit underground—which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you’re interested in enjoying the outdoors as much as you are Ruinart’s bubbly, the house has built out a sculpture garden with 19 original works by artists including Andrea Bowers, Jeppe Hein, and Eva Jospin.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="681" height="383" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Ruinart-Boutique.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791942" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Ruinart-Boutique.webp 681w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Ruinart-Boutique-300x169.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The boutique. Image courtesy of Chloe Le Reste</figcaption></figure>



“4 Rue des Crayères, the quintessence of the Ruinart spirit, has been metamorphosed to embody the maison’s vision,” Frédéric Dufour, the president of Ruinart, said in a statement. “Tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously in this historic setting where nature, culture, heritage, and savoir-faire weave together.”



More than two years in the making, the Ruinart brand home is finally able to shine—just like the bubbles in the maison’s iconic Blanc de Blancs Champagne.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/gallery/ruinart-brand-home-photos-1235882081/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see all the images of the Ruinart brand home.

Champagne

Champagne House

Renovation

Ruinart

Champagne House Ruinart Just Gave Its Home a Modern Makeover

Since its introduction late last year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/rolls-royce-spectre-arrival-1234864752/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolls-Royce Spectre</a>&nbsp;has made quite some wafting ripples in the luxury EV landscape. Enough, in fact, for&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;editors to have named it the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/best-of-the-best/gallery/2024-botb-automotive-1235638998/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best of the Best&nbsp;</a><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/electric-vehicle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Electric Vehicle</a>&nbsp;for 2024. Its substantial presence and performance make it an obvious choice, with the latter every bit the equal of that found in any of Goodwood’s V-12-engined cars.



What makes the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/rolls-royce-spectre-ev-on-sale-blacklist-1235497187/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spectre&nbsp;</a>a standout among other zero-emissions models is its very EV-ness as it embodies the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/rolls-royce-facts-2900540/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolls-Royce&nbsp;</a>ethos of silent comportment and refined luxury, something to which even the most muffled&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/the-dirty-dozen-why-12-cylinder-engines-remain-magical-2747474/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">V-12</a>&nbsp;can never match. (It’s to be noted that the original 2004 Phantom did not have visible exhaust tailpipes, so discreet and elegant was its design.)



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2400" height="1600" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-w-Spectre-Semaphore-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790121" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-w-Spectre-Semaphore-5.jpg 2400w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-w-Spectre-Semaphore-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-w-Spectre-Semaphore-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-w-Spectre-Semaphore-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-w-Spectre-Semaphore-5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-w-Spectre-Semaphore-5-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The one-off <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolls-royce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolls-Royce</a> Spectre Semaphore. Image courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars</figcaption></figure>



Rolls-Royce automobiles, though, have never been shrinking violets. The automaker has been amenable to bespoke commissions from the very beginning, some of which have been remarkable in the extreme. Today, the latest one-off Rolls-Royce is the Spectre Semaphore, which pushes the creative envelope far afield. This unique Spectre features one-of-a-kind artwork on the bonnet (Brit-speak for a car’s hood), which is, according to Rolls-Royce, “a dramatic ‘Marbled Paint Spill’ requiring 160 hours of development by Rolls-Royce craftspeople, who applied silver lacquer and multiple layers of clear coat for a seamless finish.”



To us, it recalls paintings by Morris Lewis or Paul Jenkins, whose poured colour fields expressed lyrical abstract patterns across vast expanses of canvas or paper, though these were created in far less time than it takes to paint a bespoke Rolls-Royce. The Semaphore Yellow colour was “inspired by the informal elegance of coastal California,” according to the marque’s official statement, which we interpret as a romantic glance over the shoulder at the days when driftwood beaches instead of concours lawns were a destination for drivers coming up from bustling Los Angeles or down from freezing-in-the-summer San Francisco.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2400" height="1600" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-w-Spectre-Semaphore-11.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790122" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-w-Spectre-Semaphore-11.jpg 2400w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-w-Spectre-Semaphore-11-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-w-Spectre-Semaphore-11-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-w-Spectre-Semaphore-11-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-w-Spectre-Semaphore-11-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-w-Spectre-Semaphore-11-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has given the name “Marbled Paint Spill” to the abstract artistic expression adorning the hood. Image courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars</figcaption></figure>



Donovan’s hit album&nbsp;Mellow Yellow&nbsp;was all the rage in 1966, and the psychedelic patterns of the Spectre’s hood—er, bonnet—would be perfectly at home on a fluorescent Fillmore poster stapled to the wall at a Haight Ashbury love-in. Inhale (the nostalgia) deeply.



Like a field of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/auctions/christies-auction-van-gogh-1235600846/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Van Gogh</a>&nbsp;sunflowers, yellow is carried through the Spectre’s interior in a combination of Bespoke&nbsp;Lemon Yellow and Citrine Yellow leather across the seats, Starlight doors, and above&nbsp;the instrument panel. Grace White and Slate Grey leather is enlivened by Lemon&nbsp;Yellow stitching that enhances the creative vision.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-w-Spectre-Semaphore-6-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790123" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-w-Spectre-Semaphore-6-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-w-Spectre-Semaphore-6-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-w-Spectre-Semaphore-6-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-w-Spectre-Semaphore-6-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-w-Spectre-Semaphore-6-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bespoke Lemon Yellow and Citrine Yellow leather dress the interior. Image courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars</figcaption></figure>



The team at Goodwood also programmed the Spectre’s SPIRIT operating system to illuminate instrument dials in the Semaphore Yellow colourway. Highly polished wood serves as complementing trim, and is finished in Cashmere Grey paint infused with silver mica flakes that sparkle when illuminated.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4-w-Spectre-Semaphore-9-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790124" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4-w-Spectre-Semaphore-9-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4-w-Spectre-Semaphore-9-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4-w-Spectre-Semaphore-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4-w-Spectre-Semaphore-9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4-w-Spectre-Semaphore-9-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Semaphore Yellow paint colour was “inspired by the informal elegance of coastal California,” according to the marque’s official statement. Image courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars</figcaption></figure>



The Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore is infinitely rarer than even a sealed first pressing of Yellow Submarine (The Beatles, 1969). In fact, the factory is emphatic that only one Spectre Semaphore will be built for the entire global market. This one-of-one is available exclusively through authorised dealer partners of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in the United States.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/?post_type=pmc-gallery&amp;p=1235801503/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore.

Best of the Best 2024

Electric Vehicle

luxury car

Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce Spectre

Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore

Rolls-Royce Just Unveiled a Psychedelic, One-of-a-Kind Spectre. Here’s What We Know.

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/ferrari/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ferrari</a>’s electric future will be before you know it.



The storied automaker’s CEO, Benedetto Vigna, has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/ferrari-boss-sets-ambitious-brief-2025-debut-ev" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">confirmed to&nbsp;Autocar</a>&nbsp;that the company’s first EV will make its debut in 2025. He also revealed that the company’s test drivers have already put thousands of miles on test mules of the vehicle.



Vigna was careful not to reveal too much about the vehicle, but he did say it will be unveiled late next year, before going on sale sometime in 2026. That timeline isn’t all surprising since Ferrari has been spotted testing out mysterious prototypes around Maranello. The executive didn’t have to say much about that other than that the company’s drivers had already put “several thousand kilometres” on the test mules. Spy shots have shown a heavily camouflaged vehicle wearing a modified version of the Maserati Levante’s body. It remains to be seen whether the finished EV will look at all like that SUV, though. Prototypes of the Ferrari Purosangue (which is pictured above) were also based on the Levante, but the production version was significantly different.



Whatever shape the battery-powered model ends up taking, Vigna is convinced it will appeal to the brand’s most ardent supporters and tech-savvy newcomers alike. That’s because, as Vigna puts it, there’s not one thing that makes a Prancing Horse a Prancing Horse—though they are all fun to drive.



“There is not a pattern really,” Vigna told the magazine. “People buy a Ferrari because when they buy a Ferrari, they have a lot of fun. They don’t buy a Ferrari because A, B, C, D or a single element. It’s a combination of things. When we do electric cars, we will produce them in the right way.”



Although Ferrari is keeping information about the model close to the vest, there has been plenty of speculation about the vehicle. Last month, Reuters reported the company’s debut EV <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/ferraris-first-ev-will-cost-over-1235661037/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">will likely start at well over US$500,000</a> (HK$3.9 million) and that another battery-powered model is already in the works. Vigna wouldn’t comment on the report other than to say that the price likely won’t be finalized until just before launch.



An electric Prancing Horse may be on the way, but the sports car&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/ferrari-exec-says-first-ev-deliver-authentic-sound-1235650084/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remains committed to the traditional gas-powered engine.</a>&nbsp;Vigna didn’t go into much detail about the company’s future but did say it plans to offer internal combustion, hybrid-powered, and all-electric models.

battery-powered

electric car

Ferrari

gas-powered engine

Ferrari Confirms Its First Electric Car Is Coming Next Year

A new dawn for <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mclaren/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McLaren</a> supercars is fast approaching.



The British marque released the first teaser for the successor to the P1 earlier this week. We won’t have to wait too much longer for the full reveal, either. The company plans to unveil the finished vehicle, which will be named the W1, early next month.



As of now, we know next to nothing about the company’s latest model except for what it will be called. On Wednesday, the company <a href="https://youtu.be/hTkMHrSjEb4?si=WscWgKO-MyOIvS1K" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">released a video</a> about its 1 cars—a very select group that includes the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=mclaren+f1+robbreport&amp;rlz=1C5GCCM_en&amp;oq=mclaren+f1+robbreport&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg80gEINjQ2MGowajSoAgCwAgE&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iconic F1</a>, the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/15-facts-mclaren-p1-hypercar-2910319/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">P1</a>, and, soon, the W1—that included a few quick peeks at the vehicle. The short clip was short on detail, but if a quick shot of the company’s Formula 1 driver Lando Norris giggling is anything to go by, it’ll be fun to drive.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="What makes a ‘1’ car? An icon that redefines what&#039;s possible." width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hTkMHrSjEb4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Plenty of enthusiasts outside the automaker’s Woking headquarters hold the 1 cars in high regard. Because of this, there has been plenty of rumour and speculation about what to expect of its latest model. On Thursday, a <a href="https://www.autonews.com/cars-concepts/mclaren-revealing-1200-hp-halo-hypercar-phev" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report in Automotive News</a> claimed that the new model would be cross between the P1 and the Senna. It will supposedly feature an all-new V-8 engine paired with hybrid technology similar to that used by the company’s Formula 1 team. The potent setup will produce up to 1,200 horses, while still being significantly lighter than the hardware used by the brand’s other hybrids. Additionally, the car will feature an advanced aero system meant to provide plenty of oxygen for its internal combustion mill.



Regardless of what the finished vehicle looks like and is capable of doing, it has an awful lot to live up to. The F1 and P1 are two of the greatest performance vehicles of the last half-century. The former, which was conceived of and designed by the legendary Gordon Murray, created the blueprint for the modern-day <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/supercar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supercar</a> when it debuted in 1992. The latter, meanwhile, may not have been as much of a shock to the system as its predecessor, but it proved that the marque remained at the vanguard of performance engineering when it launched in 2013.



McLaren will pull back the curtain on the W1 on Sunday, 6 October. Why then, you may ask. That will mark 50 years since the company won its first Formula 1 constructor’s championship and Emerson Fittipaldi won the driver’s championship. What better time to reveal the closest road-going equivalent the brand has to a race car?

McLaren

Supercar

McLaren’s Next Supercar Is Coming Next Month

Setting a record is great and all, but what about setting one when you’re not even trying?



That’s what happened to a <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mcmurtry-speirling-road-car-planned-1234695058/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McMurtry Spéirling</a>. The electric fan car recently posted two different lap records at Laguna Seca—both with a “non-professional” driver behind the wheel. The Spéirling is now the fastest EV and production car in the track’s history.



The two marks were set during a demonstration event held during the Monterey Motorsports Reunion. The display ran for 10 minutes and featured two of the fan cars running together in public for the first time. One of the vehicles, a Spéirling Pure model driven by Philip Kadoorie, was able to circle the 2.238-mile track seven times, posting a best lap of 1:18.413 minutes.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Laguna Seca - 7 laps onboard McMurtry Speirling PURE inc. EV lap record 17/08/24 - Philip Kadoorie" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9gOs99X7-_0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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That time makes the Spéirling the fastest EV in track history, besting a mark posted by the Porsche Taycan GT this March, as well as the fastest production car, beating a Czinger 21C that had owned the record for less than a week. If all that wasn’t impressive enough, the record was set while the EV’s running power and downforce were set at just 50 per cent.



“The confidence I had with the fan assisted aero is one of the reasons we broke the EV record today without really trying,” Kadoorie, who races a Porsche 962 Group C car in historic competitions, said. “I’d love to return next year and try the more powerful fan and power settings next for the outright lap record.”



Of course, it’s no surprise to see the Spéirling break another record, something it’s been doing since making its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2021. The Batmobile-like EV has an ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque chassis—thanks to which it tips the scales at just 2,200 pounds—and a dual-motor powertrain that produces 1,000 hp. The real difference maker, though, is a set of two turbine fans that can create over 4,000 pounds of downforce, keeping the car glued to the tarmac as it rips around the track. It can rocket from zero to 60 mph in 1.55 seconds and has a top speed of 185 mph.



Interested in setting some track records of your own? The Spéirling Pure is available now through McMurtry. Pricing for the truly outrageous fan car starts at US$1.178 million (HK$9.17 million).

EV Hypercar

Hypercar

Laguna Seca

McMurtry

record

Spéirling

This Electric Hypercar Just Set the Laguna Seca Lap Record by Accident

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/lewis-hamilton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lewis Hamilton</a> isn’t the only <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/formula-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Formula 1</a> legend changing teams.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/the-7-greatest-race-cars-designed-by-adrian-newey-1235656134/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adrian Newey</a>, one of the most respected design bosses in the competition’s history, has agreed to a five-year deal to join the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/aston-martin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston Martin</a> Aramco (AMR) team.  He will now serve as the team’s managing technical partner, starting early next year.



The entire F1 world has been waiting to find out where the 65-year-old would end up after he announced he was leaving Red Bull Racing in May. Newey is F1’s foremost designer and won 25 world championships. He also designed the outfit’s first hypercar, the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/red-bulls-first-hypercar-rb17-debut-goodwood-festival-speed-1235755774/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">track-only RB17</a>, which made its public debut earlier this year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.



Since leaving Red Bull, Newey has met with a number of teams, including Ferrari and Williams,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/breaking-adrian-newey-to-join-aston-martin-as-silverstone-squad-win-race-to.4hHfMt6Z5FX1KiLDqWRV4C" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">according to Formula1.com</a>. A private tour of the brand-new AMR Technology Campus located near the Silverstone Circuit in June is said to have helped the designer decide which team was the right one for him.



The large sums of money that Aston Martin chairman Lawrence Stroll will reportedly pay Newey probably didn’t hurt, either. In addition to agreeing to serve as the team’s managing technical partner, the designer will also become a shareholder. The five-year agreement is thought to be worth £30 million per season, or around US$200 million (HK$1.55 billion) in total, according to ESPN. That would make Newey the sport’s second highest-paid figure, behind only Hamilton, its biggest star.



“I am thrilled to be joining the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 team,” Newey said in a statement “I have been hugely inspired and impressed by the passion and commitment that Lawrence brings to everything he is involved with. Lawrence is determined to create a world-beating team. He is the only majority team owner who is actively engaged in the sport.”



Although he’ll start his new job next March, the partnership won’t really begin to yield results until the next year. When Newey does officially join up with AMR, he will immediately begin work on the team’s car for the 2026 season. That is when a new set of car regulations, including a new power unit formula, are set to go into effect. It’s Aston Martin’s hope that Newey’s involvement will help give the team a leg up on the competition as the F1 enters its next era.

Adrian Newey

Aston Martin

Formula 1

Legendary Formula 1 Car Designer Adrian Newey Is Joining Aston Martin

A car like the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bentley-flying-spur-speed-robb-report-2024-car-of-the-year-runner-up-1235507638/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bentley Flying Spur</a> only changes so much, but some updates are bigger than others.



The British luxury marque has just unveiled the latest version of its Flying Spur. The ultra-luxe saloon may look awfully similar to last year’s vintage but flip up the hood and you’ll find something brand new: a hybrid V-8.



That’s right, the saloon’s vaunted V-12, a fixture since its launch in 2005, has been swapped out for a smaller electrified engine. The Flying Spur is the latest vehicle in the automaker’s lineup to go hybrid. Like the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/2025-bentley-continental-gt-speed-revealed-1235679570/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Continental GT</a> before it, it now comes equipped with the company’s new “Ultra Performance hybrid powertrain,” which pairs a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V-8 with an electric motor.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/flyingspur02.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791382" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/flyingspur02.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/flyingspur02-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/flyingspur02-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2025 <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bentley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bentley</a> Flying Spur Speed. Image courtesy of Bentley</figcaption></figure>



Sure, the vehicle may have lost four cylinders but the new <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/plug-in-hybrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plug-in hybrid</a> setup generates a combined 771 hp and 738 ft lbs of torque (592 hp and 590 ft lbs of torque from the engine, 187 hp and 332 ft lbs of torque from the electric motor) in the debut Speed variant. That makes the new Flying Spur the most powerful four-door model in Bentley’s history. It’s also the quickest since it can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, which is nearly a half-second faster than its immediate W-12-powered predecessor.



The 25.9-kWh battery pack that powers the electric motor also gives the saloon 47 miles of electric-only driving range (which ups the total range to 515 miles per tank of gas) at speeds of up to 87 mph. The car’s four battery-specific driving modes include Pure EV, Electric Boost, Regenerative Braking, and Charge. It takes under three hours to recharge the battery.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/flyingspur04.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791381" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/flyingspur04.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/flyingspur04-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/flyingspur04-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the 2025 Flying Spur Speed. Image courtesy of Bentley</figcaption></figure>



The powertrain isn’t the only new feature the Flying Spur has to offer in 2025. The exterior design has been refined in subtle ways as well. Yes, the car looks almost identical to the 2024 model, but the front end has been reworked with a more prominent grille, which looks especially aggressive on the Speed. There are also three new sets of 22-inch wheels to choose from.



The interior changes are also only likely to be noticed by the most diehard Bentley aficionados. They include a new digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, a new diamond quilt pattern for the seats, and laminated windows which make the cabin even quieter than before.



The new Flying Spur is expected to arrive at dealerships later this year. Bentley has yet to say how much the hybrid saloon will cost, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if it’s priced higher than last year’s car, which started at US$214,000 (HK$1.66 million).



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-hybrid-powered-2025-bentley-flying-spur-hybrid-1235854547" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the 2025 Bentley Flying Spur.

Bentley

Flying Spur

Bentley’s New Flying Spur Is Its Most Powerful 4-Door Car Ever

Following on the heels of <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/lists/audemars-piguet-new-watches-royal-oak-mini-1235632777/royal-oak-mini-frosted-gold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the May release of multiple Royal Oaks</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/audemars-piguet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Audemars Piguet</a> is back with a <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/41-mm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">41 mm</a> self-winding <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/openworked/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">openworked</a> offering, now in three striking case and bracelet materials. Stainless steel is going to resonate with the traditionalists, the yellow gold with those who like a louder wrist flex, and black ceramic will offer up a stealthy, futuristic vibe.



We’ve been <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/shopping-time-audemars-piguet-royal-oak-prices-are-dropping-fast-heres-5-you-can-buy-right-now-1235684745/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reporting that Royal Oaks are coming down in price</a> on the pre-owned and <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/neo-vintage-watches-how-to-collect-them-1235624589/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neo-vintage</a> market, and we’ve even just published <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/audemars-piguets-royal-oak-history-1234669410/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a brief history of the “RO.”</a> The <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/royal-oak/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Oak</a> was originally penned by acclaimed designer <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gerald-genta-2864111/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gerald Genta</a>, who singlehandedly revolutionised the sports watch market.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="555" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-Openworked-41-mm-1024x555.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789172" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-Openworked-41-mm-1024x555.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-Openworked-41-mm-300x163.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-Openworked-41-mm-768x416.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-Openworked-41-mm.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked 41 mm in stainless steel. Image courtesy of Audemars Piguet</figcaption></figure>



Audemars Piguet is sometimes said to have a hard time getting past its <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=patek+royal+oak+robb+report&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_enUS1103US1104&amp;oq=patek+royal+oak+robb+report&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyCQgAEEUYORigATIGCAEQRRg8MgYIAhBFGDwyBggDEEUYPNIBCDQzNDdqMWo3qAIAsAIA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strong association with the Royal Oak</a>, but this doesn’t seem to be hurting the brand whatsoever. As expert collector and vintage dealer at <a href="http://shift/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Analog:Shift</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/slideshow/5-dapper-vintage-timepieces-from-the-analog-shift-x-j-press-pop-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Lamdin</a>, told us last week, “The brand is still in demand, and so [the Royal Oak] is still hard to get at the boutiques.” This situation may not come as a surprise to experienced collectors of the Royal Oak, though this new iteration may be especially difficult to get one’s hands on, as it’s at what many consider a perfect size (41 mm) with just enough technology (dual-barrel calibre 3132) and flash (openworked dial) to sing on the wrist.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="555" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Royal-Oak-Openworked-41mm-Black-Ceramic-and-Yellow-Gold-1024x555.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789173" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Royal-Oak-Openworked-41mm-Black-Ceramic-and-Yellow-Gold-1024x555.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Royal-Oak-Openworked-41mm-Black-Ceramic-and-Yellow-Gold-300x163.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Royal-Oak-Openworked-41mm-Black-Ceramic-and-Yellow-Gold-768x416.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Royal-Oak-Openworked-41mm-Black-Ceramic-and-Yellow-Gold.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked 41 mm in black ceramic (left) and yellow gold. Image courtesy of Audemars Piguet</figcaption></figure>



Especially attractive here is the rose gold movement in the steel and ceramic versions. Rose gold from Audemars Piguet is especially warm due to its copper content. Against the steel, you’ve got a unique <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/two-tone-watches-are-having-a-comeback-here-are-5-worth-buying" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bi-metal</a> (or <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/two-tone-watches-1235484110/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two-tone</a>) sensibility, and against the black ceramic that rose-gold movement seems to blossom like a midnight flower. Both are very chic. But it may be the yellow gold iteration that comes closest to classic Royal Oak vibes, with the long-used 18-carat case and bracelet featuring a much quieter rhodium-plated movement that’s all smoke and shadow.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="619" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1024x619.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789174" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1024x619.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-300x181.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-768x464.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1536x929.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image.webp 1882w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The dual balance wheel mechanism of calibre 3132 helps stabilise the balance staff in its ruby mount, which improves precision. Image courtesy of Audemars Piguet</figcaption></figure>



Calibre 3132 employs a dual balance wheel, which is a unique approach to minimising the tilt of the balance staff (the axil on which the balance wheel oscillates back and forth). When the balance wheel swings, there is a tendency for it to tilt within its ruby mount, which allows gravity to have its way with it, causing timing discrepancies in different positions (known as positional variance). By adding a second balance wheel (not just a second spring, as found in some movements), Audemars Piguet has added stabilising mass to the mechanism, as well as counter-force that steadies the balance staff as it changes direction, according to Audemars Piguet.



Prices are US$76,400 (HK$596,650) for stainless, and US$101,100 (HK$789,545) for either the ceramic or yellow-gold model.

Audemars Piguet

Royal Oak

Audemars Piguet Just Unveiled 3 New Openworked Royal Oaks

Still flying under the radar, but gaining in popularity among the most discerning collectors, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/parmigiani/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parmigiani</a> Fleurier has slowly updated its sports watch catalogue since 2021 when the Swiss brand introduced <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/parmigiani-fleurier-tonda-pf-sport-1234857775/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the “PF” line of watches</a>. These PF models replaced previous versions, as is the case with the PF <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/tonda/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tonda</a> Sport <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/chronograph/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chronograph</a>, which stepped in for the <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/parmigiani-tondagraph-gt-hands-on-review-2940379/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previous Tonda GT Line</a>. This most recent refresh of the Tonda Sport Chronograph brings a fresh trio of luxurious colours.



These new models feel very much on trend with <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/from-grand-seiko-to-parmigiani-pale-green-watch-dials-are-low-key-killing-it-right-now-1235586760/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paler shades making the rounds</a> these days, as well as with the rest of<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/new-watches-watches-wonders-2024-1235570773/parmigiani-fleurier-tonda-pf-micro-rotor-_e8354c/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> the 2024 Parmigiani catalogue</a>, which blew us away at <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/new-watches-watches-wonders-2024-1235570773/a-lange-sohne-datograph-perpetual-tourbillon-honeygold-lumen-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watches and Wonders</a> this year. Parmigiani is calling these new colours Milano Blue, Arctic Grey, and London Grey, names evocative of entirely different locations united by a sense of adventure and/or sophistication. But what makes these new Tonda Sport Chronographs so special are rather subtle upgrades.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234788321" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024-300x300.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024-150x150.webp 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024-768x768.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier</figcaption></figure>



Consider, for example, the new guillouché dial, which refines the previous engraving pattern with a subtler clou triangulaire pattern. This new pattern is akin to a clous de Paris dial, also made of pyramids, which Audemars Piguet would call a tapisserie dial. But putting French semantics aside, we can agree that this Parmigiani guillouché pattern breathes more than the chunkier pyramid-grid dials out there, lending the watch a quietness that suits the desaturated colourways.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Chronograph-Tonda-Black-and-Rose-Gold-2024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234788320" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Chronograph-Tonda-Black-and-Rose-Gold-2024.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Chronograph-Tonda-Black-and-Rose-Gold-2024-300x300.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Chronograph-Tonda-Black-and-Rose-Gold-2024-150x150.webp 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Chronograph-Tonda-Black-and-Rose-Gold-2024-768x768.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier</figcaption></figure>



Further distinguishing these chronographs is the movement. Calibre PF-070 is crafted in-house, and the beat rate of five Hz lends 10th of a second precision, a smoother sweep of the seconds hand on the sub-dial as well as the central timing hand, and—most would agree—improved precision. Rather impressively, the movement still provides 65-hours of power reserve, despite burning through power at a greater frequency than most mechanical watch movements do.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024-Back-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234788322" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024-Back-1.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024-Back-1-300x300.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024-Back-1-150x150.webp 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024-Back-1-768x768.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier</figcaption></figure>



None of that may interest the person who is buying this watch to luxuriate in its immaculate elegance, and instead may turn their interest to the solid-gold oscillating weight that imitates the steering wheel of a Ferrari 250 GTO, one of the most beautiful and iconic cars of all time. A watch like the Tonda Sports Chronograph seems perfectly suited to unabashedly luxurious driving experiences, including the inevitable long lunch, glamorous destinations and high-end accommodations surely to appear on the roster when cruising in a vintage air-cooled Ferrari—or the latest electronic super car.



The watches come in satin stainless steel in the new colourways at US$30,000 (HK$234,520), or 18-carat rose gold at US$50,000 (HK$390,865).

Parmigiani Fleurier

Tonda PF

Tonda PF Sport

Parmigiani Fleurier Unveils New Tonda PF Sport Chronographs

Breitling

Georges Kern

luxury wathes

Swiss

Swiss watches

Watches

Breitling CEO Georges Kern on Celebrating 140 Years of Breitling and Expanding the Evolution of the Historical Watch Brand

<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/new-watches-watches-wonders-2024-1235570773/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watches and Wonders</a>&nbsp;will be back bigger and better than ever in 2025. A record 60 watchmakers will be at the show in Geneva next spring, with seven new brands joining an already stacked lineup.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bulgari/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bulgari</a> will be attending the four-day affair for the first time, further cementing its position as a major player in high horology. The Roman jeweller first forayed into watchmaking with the time-only Serpenti in the 1940s but has since expanded into producing more avant-garde timepieces with complicated movements. The <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/bulgari-new-watches-2024-1235571109/bulgari-2024_octo-fin-ultra-cosc_104081_02/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra</a>, for example, ranks as the world’s thinnest mechanical watch.



Bulgari has historically unveiled new creations independently around the same time as Watches and Wonders, but will now do so at the annual fair in April. Six new independent watchmakers including Christiaan van der Klaauw, Genus, Kross Studio, and MeisterSinger will also be exhibiting at Watches and Wonders for the first time next year.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WatchesWonders.jpg-1024x683.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791717" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WatchesWonders.jpg-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WatchesWonders.jpg-300x200.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WatchesWonders.jpg-768x512.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WatchesWonders.jpg-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WatchesWonders.jpg-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Collectors queue at the opening day of Watches and Wonders in 2024. Image courtesy of Fabrice Coffrini</figcaption></figure>



The upcoming show will be focused on youth, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.watchesandwonders.com/en/media-center/presskit-page/details/pdf.html/content/dam/waw/en/geneva-2025/fhh/press-assets/17-09-2024/17-09-2024---press-release/WWG25_Press-Announcement_17.09.24_EN.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;shared Tuesday. Brands will showcase not only their new collections but also their youngest talents. Apprentices, recent graduates, and craftspeople will be at booths sharing their expertise and experiences with visitors. Young professionals will also be presenting projects in Geneva. In addition, the city will host guided tours, events, discovery workshops, conferences, and panel discussions on themes related to the younger generation.



The news comes as the Swiss watch industry grapples with plummeting demand. Swiss watch exports hit a <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/swiss-watch-exports-record-high-last-year-1235492512/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">record US$31 billion</a> (HK$241.2 trillion) in 2023, but sales have <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/swiss-watch-exports-march-1235586797/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">slowed significantly</a> this year. The strong Franc is also putting pressure on manufacturers. In a joint <a href="https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/multinational-companies/swiss-watch-industry-demands-support-from-politicians/87563173?utm_source=multiple&amp;utm_campaign=swi-rss&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_content=o" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press release</a> shared on Tuesday, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry and the Confederation of Watch Industry Employers called on the central bank and the government to implement concrete measures to strengthen the watch industry and preserve the economic stability of the export industry. Some watchmakers such as Girard-Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin are already using <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-04/swiss-watchmakers-including-girard-perregaux-seek-state-aid-amid-downturn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a state programme</a> that allows them to furlough employees and reduce production without permanent job cuts. Some watch suppliers have also taken up government support after manufacturers cut orders.



The current state of the industry means that it is more important than ever for watchmakers to try and excite and entice collectors. Watches and Wonders should help with that. The 2025 edition will take place in Geneva from 1 to 7 April. 



The full Watches and Wonders lineup includes A. Lange &amp; Söhne, Alpina Watches, Angelus, Armin Strom, Arnold &amp; Son, ArtyA Watches, Baume &amp; Mercier, Bell &amp; Ross, Bremont, Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel, Charriol, Chopard, Christiaan Van Der Klaauw, Chronoswiss, Cyrus Genève, Czapek &amp; Cie, Eberhard &amp; Co., Ferdinand Berthoud, Frederique Constant, Genus, Gerald Charles, Grand Seiko, Grönefeld, H. Moser &amp; Cie., Hautlence, Hermès, Hublot, Hysek, Hyt, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Kross Studio, Laurent Ferrier, Louis Moinet, MeisterSinger, Montblanc, Nomos Glashütte, Norqain, Oris, Panerai, Parmigiani Fleurier, Patek Philippe, Pequignet, Piaget, Raymond Weil, Ressence, Roger Dubuis, Rolex, Rudis Sylva, Speake Marin, TAG Heuer, Trilobe, Tudor, U-Boat, Ulysse Nardin, Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef &amp; Arpels, and Zenith.

Bulgari Watches and Wonders

Watches and Wonders 2025

Bulgari Is Heading to Watches and Wonders for the First Time Next Year

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/chrono24/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chron</a><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/chrono24/">o24</a> has worked out what makes some wannabe horophiles tick.



The <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/chrono24-certified-authenticity-program-watches-1235576300/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online marketplace</a> for luxury watches partnered with British research firm YouGov to survey 2,100 people about purchasing their <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/lists/how-to-buy-your-first-rolex-1235609142/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first high-end timepiece</a>. The <a href="https://about.chrono24.com/en/press-release/first-time-buyer-report-part-1-luxury-watch-survey-what-makes-first-time-buyers-tick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> show that the appetite for rarified wrist candy remains strong, with more than a quarter of respondents (26 per cent) stating that they own a luxury watch or have considered buying one.



The young are the keenest to start <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gen-z-watch-spending-is-off-the-charts-1235593147/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collecting, with Gen Zers nearly twice as likely</a> as the average person to splash out on wrist candy in the next year. Some 20 per cent of respondents aged between 18 and 24 said they were likely or very likely to purchase a luxury watch in the next 12 months.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="555" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-9.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791528" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-9.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-9-300x163.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-9-768x416.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex</a> remains the biggest attraction for first-time buyers. Image courtesy of Rolex</figcaption></figure>



This is no coincidence: Many major watchmakers have implemented strategies to appeal to the younger generations, such as partnering with trendy brands and big-name celebrities. “One example of this is the collaboration between Audemars Piguet and <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/travis-scott-audemars-piguet-royal-oak-clothing-line-1235433930/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US rapper Travis Scott</a>,” Balazs Ferenczi, head of brand engagement at Chrono24, said in a <a href="https://about.chrono24.com/en/press-release/first-time-buyer-report-part-1-luxury-watch-survey-what-makes-first-time-buyers-tick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>. “So it’s not surprising that younger people are particularly interested in luxury watches.”



The survey also looked at the factors that influence first-time buyers. Half of all respondents stated design is the most important aspect of a big-ticket watch purchase, while 48 percent prioritised the quality of the movement and the brand. Price was one of the less important factors (36 per cent), as was history (21 per cent) and exclusivity (21 per cent). Interestingly, even those new to collecting prioritise aesthetics over cost and value.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-10.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791529" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-10.png 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-10-300x169.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-10-768x432.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak that Travis Scott helped design. Image courtesy of Audemars Piguet</figcaption></figure>



Unsurprisingly, <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-history-2900561/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">industry leader Rolex</a> is the preferred watchmaker among first-time buyers. Nearly 17 per cent of respondents headed to the Crown for their first watch. (Robb Report has published a step-by-step guide on <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/lists/how-to-buy-your-first-rolex-1235609142/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buying Rollies</a> if you’re eager to start a collection. We can also recommend excellent <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/go-buy-a-rolex-its-officially-buyers-market-1235654739/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pre-owned Rolexes to buy now</a>, and specific references like the <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/shopping-time-5-rare-collectible-160004665.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GMT Master</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/vintage-rolex-submariner-prices-are-falling-here-are-5-to-buy-now-1235811648/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Submariner</a> and <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/rolex-daytonas-buy-now-1235802949/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daytona</a>.) “Rolex watches are universally recognised as a symbol of prestige and are relatively stable in value,” explains Ferenczi. “So it comes as no surprise that the traditional Swiss brand’s models are particularly popular with first-time buyers.” <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/omega/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Omega</a> is the next most popular watchmaker among newbies, followed by Seiko (10.5 per cent), Breitling (6.2 per cent), and Tag Heuer (6 per cent).



It is worthwhile noting that survey population was predominantly German, as Chrono24 is headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany. The number of participants (2,123 people) was relatively small, too. Still, the results provide valuable insight into the minds of (some) budding collectors.

Chrono24

First-Time Watch Buyers

Rolex

Rolex Is the Go-To Brand for First-Time Watch Buyers, New Data Shows

Only seeing watches in person can suffice when it comes to meaningfully judging them. So, we recently visited the folks at&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/piaget/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Piaget</a>&nbsp;to spend some extended time with the current watch collection, which dazzled us far beyond our expectations. From amazing&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/slideshow/seeing-green-11-spring-ready-green-dial-watches/piaget-altiplano/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultra-thins</a>, to watches fully&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/best-womens-diamond-pave-releases-1235517866/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paved in diamonds</a>, to the tasteful solid-gold 35 mm time-only&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/altiplano/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Altiplano</a>, today’s Piaget watch collection&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/womens-collections-watches-wonders-1235578527/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenges horological norms</a>, just as it has since&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/piaget-watches-complete-history-1235807418/#:~:text=Like%20many%20older%20watchmaking%20concerns,movements%20with%20skill%20and%20precision." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Piaget began producing</a>&nbsp;its avant-garde, design-forward timepieces in the 1950s. &nbsp; Over the past couple of years, we have documented the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/2024-watch-auction-data-report-suggests-trends-1235637516/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent turn away from tool watches</a>&nbsp;toward&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/small-dress-watches-are-back-1235821302/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dress watches</a>. We’ve noticed&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/the-best-dress-watches-of-1235609724/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dress watches themselves shrinking</a>, sometimes to proportions that—like the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/cartier-tank-louis-mini-watches-and-wonders-1235578638/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cartier’s&nbsp;new&nbsp;Tank Mini</a>—can illicit a giggle from behind a man’s well-oiled beard. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/jewelry/men-wearing-jewelry-1235423279/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">men and broaches</a>&nbsp;are now having a little moment, as are men and&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/jewelry/initial-pendant-jewelry-marie-lichtenberg-harwell-godfrey-1235778191/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">initial-pendant necklaces</a>, and together all of this may explain why the daring, design-forward watches from Piaget—vintage and new—are also having a moment.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="671" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-1-1024x671.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791076" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-1-1024x671.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-1-300x197.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-1-768x504.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-1-1536x1007.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-1-2048x1343.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Piaget. Image courtesy of Allen Farmelo</figcaption></figure>



This softening of style and embracing of bodily luxury hasn’t done away with our manly love of the fastest, loudest cars and motorcycles, dangerous deep-sea adventures, safaris, and all the other Hemingway-esque stuff that folks who took Feminism 101 freshman year sometimes suggest might be deployed as compensation for a lack of stature in an area Freud indicated might otherwise cause envy. But look, our masculinity—OK,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/watches-fashion-gender-1235569136/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our&nbsp;gender</a>—is complex, perhaps more now than ever before, and Piaget watches seem to speak to that complexity.



I’ve been known to douse myself in Chanel Blue before hopping onto my 175 hp BMW S1000R so that I can catch a bit of sweet, romantic Paris up in my otherwise not-great-smelling helmet while doubling the speed limit. I’ve seen uncouth straight men rubbernecking as a gorgeous woman passes by, all the while fidgeting with some 31.5 mm vintage gold watch on a mesh bracelet, or puffing on a lime-green anodised e-cigarette emitting a tropical fruit scent that elicits from my middle-aged memory the Kool-Aid Man crashing through the nearest wall. Men are complicated, and for some of us the surfacing of that complication in today’s fast-changing watch fashion is a good thing. It affords us a bit of freedom to explore our identities.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-2-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791077" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Piaget Limelight watch with <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/diamonds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diamonds</a>. Image courtesy of Allen Farmelo</figcaption></figure>



The good news is that you don’t have to sell your jacked-up Ford F350 to enjoy a bit of razzle-dazzle on your wrist, and in fact it may be that such a juxtaposition is what’s chic right now. And the fast lane to insanely cool, high-quality, mechanically sophisticated, ultra-tasty wrist dazzlers is none other than the modern Piaget watch collection. Mashing these dazzling <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/how-watch-collectors-styling-piaget-timepieces-today-1235582152/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watches up with everyday fashions</a> is becoming increasingly hip.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791078" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-3-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Piaget Altiplano Ultimate. Image courtesy of Allen Farmelo</figcaption></figure>



As my esteemed colleague, Paige Reddinger, wrote of<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/piaget-brings-back-all-gold-polo-watch-from-1235500996/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> the reissued Piaget Polo</a> in April of this year: “Its release has aligned with the style zeitgeist, with ‘mob aesthetic’—think luxe track suits and fur coats—trending and flashy dress watches, the kind once worn with macho suiting and a heavy dose of cologne, now seen on guys more apt to pair them with a T-shirt and APC jeans.” James Lamdin, founder and operator of Analog:Shift, recently walked us through an <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/vintage-piaget-watches-how-to-collect-1235801897/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">incredible vintage Piaget selection</a> and told Robb Report, “I didn’t expect for men to embrace it the way [they have].”   We were also recently blown away when visiting with Manhattan-based watch dealer Gai Gohari, who showed us what is likely the<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/biggest-vintage-piaget-watch-collection-north-america-gai-gohari-1235822484/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> largest vintage Piaget collection in North America</a>, if not the world. Gohari was scooping up <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/italy-vintage-watches-1235824016/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vintage Piaget in Italy</a> years ago, well ahead of the curve, and found great value there. Gohari told us, “I mean, you have a super funky watch: gold, mechanical, all in-house, made from A to Z with a stone dial, totally unique, for like, at the time, US$2,000 to US$2,500 (HK$15,595 to HK$19,490).”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-4-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791079" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-4-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Piaget Limelight Gala watch with opal dial. Image courtesy of Allen Farmelo</figcaption></figure>



But vintage isn’t for everyone, with its inherent risks. And vintage Piaget—being less known and wildly varied compared to, say, vintage&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/omega/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Omega</a>, which adhered to the regularity of industrial production—is particularly hard to get to know (though we’ve made strides in understanding vintage Piaget watches better lately).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-5-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791080" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-5-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Piaget Altiplano Moonphase watch. Image courtesy of Allen Farmelo</figcaption></figure>



During our appointment at the Manhattan Piaget boutique at Hudson Yards last week, we were able to feel out what the modern Piaget collection has to offer. What we found was just as mind-blowing as the vintage Piaget collections we’ve seen, but with ramped-up complications of the highest order, exceptional modern sport models in the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/polo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polo</a> line, and of course the bejewelled dazzlers that are, suddenly, seeming more “unisex” than ever before.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-6-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791081" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-6-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-6-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



If there was a stand-out watch, it was unexpectedly the simplest: a 35 mm time-only watch in rose gold with a red alligator strap. This watch represents one of the very few truly vintage-sized dress watches currently available on the market today, and in so doing it seems that Piaget is, once again, ahead of the trend—or is setting it, perhaps. At around US$20,000 (HK$155,940), you’re paying quite a bit for this Altiplano, but this is a watch we’d put up against a Lange Saxonia Thin or even the modern Patek Calatrava, both of which come in at 37 mm—which really does feel large for a dress watch with a narrow bezel.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-7-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791082" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-7-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-7-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-7-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Piaget Altiplano Origin watch at 35 mm. Image courtesy of Allen Farmelo</figcaption></figure>



Overall, wearing these modern Piaget watches felt like a journey into an entirely unique corner of today’s Swiss watchmaking, a corner that is filled with unabashed luxury, complication, design, jewel-setting, and—for lack of a better word—imagination. As we continue to explore Piaget’s wonderful watches, this time spent with the Piaget collection has confirmed that no other brand has done so well what Piaget continues to do: dazzle.

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Vintage Piaget Watches May Be All the Rage, but the Brand’s Current Collection Is Utterly Dazzling