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Best of the Best 2025

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Island Shangri-La Suite

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The Best in Travel 2025, From Janu Tokyo and Loapi to Violino D’oro and Shinta Mani Mustang

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/michelin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelin</a>-starred chefs are hopping aboard the British Pullman.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/belmond/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belmond</a>’s luxury <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/sleeper-train/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleeper train</a> just announced a new <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/chef/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chef</a> dinner series that’s launching this spring. The culinary adventure will kick off in April and feature four journeys spearheaded by a rotating lineup of acclaimed UK-based icons, each bringing their take on the country’s gastronomic scene to the table. During the round-trip voyage, guests will enjoy a seasonal five-course tasting menu, paired with a Champagne reception and fine wines hand-selected by a sommelier.



The series will start on 18 April 2025, with chef Theo Randall returning to the Belmond train. Best known for his rustic Italian fare and for being awarded a Michelin star at the River Café in London, Randall will be serving up a five-course menu highlighting the best springtime ingredients. Then he’ll be handing the torch over to chef Phil Howard on 22 May. Howard, whose held two Michelin stars for nearly 20 years, has a more modern French cooking style. So, expect lots of technique complemented by balanced flavours and pristine plating.  



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1890" height="1417" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/British-Pullman-Chefs-left-to-right-Chef-Phil-Howard-Chef-Atul-Kochhar-Chef-Theo-Randall-Chef-Andrew-Wong_Photo-credit-Will-Heap.png.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794930" style="width:837px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/British-Pullman-Chefs-left-to-right-Chef-Phil-Howard-Chef-Atul-Kochhar-Chef-Theo-Randall-Chef-Andrew-Wong_Photo-credit-Will-Heap.png.webp 1890w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/British-Pullman-Chefs-left-to-right-Chef-Phil-Howard-Chef-Atul-Kochhar-Chef-Theo-Randall-Chef-Andrew-Wong_Photo-credit-Will-Heap.png-300x225.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/British-Pullman-Chefs-left-to-right-Chef-Phil-Howard-Chef-Atul-Kochhar-Chef-Theo-Randall-Chef-Andrew-Wong_Photo-credit-Will-Heap.png-1024x768.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/British-Pullman-Chefs-left-to-right-Chef-Phil-Howard-Chef-Atul-Kochhar-Chef-Theo-Randall-Chef-Andrew-Wong_Photo-credit-Will-Heap.png-768x576.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/British-Pullman-Chefs-left-to-right-Chef-Phil-Howard-Chef-Atul-Kochhar-Chef-Theo-Randall-Chef-Andrew-Wong_Photo-credit-Will-Heap.png-1536x1152.webp 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1890px) 100vw, 1890px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Four Michelin-starred UK chefs will lead a new dinner series aboard The British Pullman. Image courtesy of The British Pullman, a Belmond Train</figcaption></figure>



The British Pullman will depart for a third time on 13 June with <a href="https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/a-wong-london-michelin-2-star-chinese-restaurant-1234595914/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chef Andrew Wong</a> at the helm. Wong, a Michelin two-star chef, has made a name for himself by combining regional Chinese cuisine with local British ingredients that celebrate his cultural heritage. After making his debut, Indian chef Atul Kochhar will join the train for its final departure on 24 October. Kochhar, the chef-patron of the first Indian restaurant to earn a Michelin star, blends British flavours with regional Indian cuisine.



“We are excited to launch a new chef series which showcases the various facets of the British culinary landscape on the British Pullman, with internationally acclaimed chefs expanding its presence into new destinations and new fusion cuisines,” British Pullman general manager Craig Moffat said in a press statement. “The series is a true celebration of the fine-dining experience that has made the train a cherished icon, seamlessly blending its rich heritage with the dynamic evolution of modern British cuisine.”



Prices for the celebrity chef dinner series start at £565 (or US$689, approximately HK$5,364) per person.

Michelin chefs

sleeper train

train

train journey

Travel

The British Pullman Train Just Unveiled a New Dinner Series With Michelin-Starred Chefs

Slow travel in the luxury sphere is showing no signs of slowing down.



Luxury hospitality brand <a href="https://robbreport.hk/brands/belmond/stories" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belmond</a>, with such iconic properties as Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Splendido in Portofino, and Mount Nelson in Cape Town in its global portfolio, has announced the launch of its latest travel experience: the Britannic Explorer.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="853" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-10-1024x853.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793220" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-10-1024x853.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-10-300x250.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-10-768x640.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-10-1536x1280.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-10-2048x1707.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Set to embark on its first journey in July 2025, the <a href="https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/britannic-explorer/">Britannic Explorer</a> is a sumptuous sleeper train, the first of its kind to romp through England and Wales. Inspired by the rich heritage of British rail travel and the tradition of touring through the continent, the Britannic Explorer transcends its purpose as a mode of transportation to embody an experience that takes guests through breathtaking countryside landscapes and charming villages and cities that appear untouched by the passing of time.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="853" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-09-1024x853.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793223" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-09-1024x853.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-09-300x250.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-09-768x640.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-09-1536x1280.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-09-2048x1707.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Ensconced in an atmosphere that blends contemporary culture and elegant design, passengers will embark on three-night journeys departing from London, choosing from three routes that traverse through Cornwall, the Lake District, or Wales. Each itinerary is curated to showcase the cultural tapestry and historical significance of these regions, with guided off-board excursions and immersive activities to enrich the experience. Explore the Cotswold and its array of “chocolate-box” cottages, tour the picturesque Lingholm Estate where author Beatrix Potter spent her summers, see the seaside town of Fowey by boat, and discover art in Machynlleth, among others. Back onboard the Britannic Explorer, there is a Wellness Suite, providing serene spa treatments.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-REST-23102024-01-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793221" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-REST-23102024-01-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-REST-23102024-01-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-REST-23102024-01-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-REST-23102024-01-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-REST-23102024-01-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



London-based studio Albion Nord was tapped to infuse the carriages with distinct flair. Each of the 18 cabins, including three Grand Suites, is meticulously designed and British-made, resulting in a collection of private sanctuaries fit for roving royalty. Soft, verdant colour palettes and natural textures evoke feelings of an English country garden retreat, and all suites come furnished with en-suite bathrooms.



Exceptional gastronomy will be provided by Simon Rogan, the renowned chef who needs little introduction. (His celebrated farm-to-table philosophy has won him countless awards at L’Enclume, Aulis, and even Roganic in Hong Kong.) With eight Michelin stars and two Michelin Green stars under his belt, his menus for the Belmond train will reflect his seasonal-driven dining ethos, highlighting sustainable ingredients sourced from local producers to showcase the diverse flavours of the island nation.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-STAFF-01112024-07BEX-STAFF-01112024-07-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793222" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-STAFF-01112024-07BEX-STAFF-01112024-07-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-STAFF-01112024-07BEX-STAFF-01112024-07-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-STAFF-01112024-07BEX-STAFF-01112024-07-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-STAFF-01112024-07BEX-STAFF-01112024-07-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-STAFF-01112024-07BEX-STAFF-01112024-07-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Guests can dine across two restaurant cars, Malva and Samphire, where exquisite meals are served from sunup till sundown. In the train’s Observation Car, cosy up by the Britannic Explorer’s Bar and enjoy an artisan tipple or two in a chic, Victorian-inspired interiors—think floral patterns, botanical tapestries, and woven detailing.



Gary Franklin, vice president of trains and cruises at Belmond, affirms that the Britannic Explorer “offers something truly unique; an opportunity to discover the rugged Cornish coastline to Snowdonia’s untamed National Park and the vast expanses of the Lake District like never before. We are especially delighted to welcome the esteemed chef Simon Rogan to helm the culinary direction. His vision brings a gastronomic journey that complements the train’s spirit of adventure, celebrating British produce and highlighting the finest local specialties along the route.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-03-819x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234793224" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-03-819x1024.jpeg 819w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-03-240x300.jpeg 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-03-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-03-1229x1536.jpeg 1229w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-03-1638x2048.jpeg 1638w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BEX-INT-23102024-03-scaled.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>



Considering the formidable Belmond fleet of heritage trains and rail experiences, the Britannic Explorer should be something to behold. From the timeless Venice Simplon-Orient-Express that pulls into a number of Europe’s most glamorous cities, and the Andean Explorer cruising through Peru’s breathtaking landscapes, to the magical Eastern &amp; Oriental Express, and many more, Belmond has, in more ways than one, elevated the art of slow train travel for the modern-age voyager.



As Ralph Waldo Emerson famously wrote, “It’s the not the destination, it’s the journey.” Aboard a train as opulent as the Britannic Explorer, you’re promised one heck of a ride.



Reservations are <a href="https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/britannic-explorer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">now open</a>.



All images courtesy of Belmond.

Britannic Explorer

Luxury

Simon Rogan

train travel

Belmond Just Unveiled the Britannic Explorer, the First Luxury Sleeper Train in England and Wales. Here’s a Look Inside.

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/belmond/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belmond</a>&nbsp;is rolling out an artsy haven on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE).



The LVMH hotel brand has enlisted French artist JR to design a new sleeper carriage for the legendary, luxury locomotive. Labeled “the most exclusive and spacious accommodation type on the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/train/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">train</a>” by Belmond, the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/venice-simplon-orient-express/l-observatoire-suite-by-jr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">L’Observatoire</a> takes inspiration from astronomical observatories and Renaissance Europe’s cabinet of curiosity.



JR turned the carriage into a gallery on wheels, filling it with personal objets d’art, original photographs, and other quirky pieces that can be uncovered throughout the journey. The modern touches have been cleverly interwoven with historic features to maintain the elegant aesthetic synonymous with the VSOE.



“The carriages have traveled through countless decades and eras—so I wanted to find a new way to approach them, maintaining the connection to this deep story,” JR said in a statement.



<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/Charlotte_Abramow_LObservatoire.jpg-683x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791732" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Charlotte_Abramow_LObservatoire.jpg-683x1024.png 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Charlotte_Abramow_LObservatoire.jpg-200x300.png 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Charlotte_Abramow_LObservatoire.jpg-768x1152.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Charlotte_Abramow_LObservatoire.jpg-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Charlotte_Abramow_LObservatoire.jpg-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Charlotte_Abramow_LObservatoire.jpg.png 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">JR and the marquetry. Image courtesy of Charlotte Abramow</figcaption></figure>



Taking design cues from observatories, the carriage has two oculus-shaped skylights on the ceiling with wood pieces that rotate open to provide guests with incredible views of the stars and sky. JR and Atelier Philippe Allemand reinterpreted the signature wooden marquetry, creating new motifs such as an urban cityscape with the artist standing on a rooftop.



Each room in the suite is brimming with hidden wonders, designed to spark curiosity within travellers. The bedroom, which is covered in a green leather scalloping that resembles leafy foliage, features a plush double bed, a free-standing tub, and a stained-glass artwork depicting a surrealist tree. The adjoining bathroom provides another swish place to freshen up.



The lounge is adorned with bespoke couches that can be configured to suit the occasion. The space can double as a private dining area for five people, for instance. Guests can also sink into the cocooning day bed and enjoy the passing landscapes.



<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/Justin_Wheeler_LObservatoire_Library.jpg-683x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791733" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Justin_Wheeler_LObservatoire_Library.jpg-683x1024.png 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Justin_Wheeler_LObservatoire_Library.jpg-200x300.png 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Justin_Wheeler_LObservatoire_Library.jpg-768x1152.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Justin_Wheeler_LObservatoire_Library.jpg-1024x1536.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Justin_Wheeler_LObservatoire_Library.jpg-1365x2048.png 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Justin_Wheeler_LObservatoire_Library.jpg.png 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Tea Room. Image courtesy of Justin Weiler</figcaption></figure>



The nearby library is packed with beautifully crafted tomes and a curated selection of vinyl records that have inspired JR. Behind the library, a secret door leads to a Tea Room with a miniature train installation, small sculptures by JR, and a cozy fireplace.



“Intended as an ‘artwork in motion,’ L’Observatoire will offer an unparalleled blend of art, luxury, and immersive storytelling,” added Gary Franklin, vice president of trains and cruises at Belmond.



L’Observatoire will join the VSOE in March 2025. Stays in the carriage will include all meals with a sommelier’s choice of wine and unlimited soft drinks, along with 24-hour butler service, private in-cabin dining, transfers to and from the train, amenities, and even more surprise touches from JR.



L’Observatoire is now open for bookings via the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/venice-simplon-orient-express/l-observatoire-suite-by-jr" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Belmond website</a>.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/hotels/gallery/venice-simplon-orient-express-lobservatoire-suite-1235867923/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see all the photos of L’Observatoire.

Belmond JR suite

Sleeper carriage Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express new suite

The Most Interesting Suite in the World Might Be on This Luxury Train

When the modern globetrotters evoke the golden age of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">travel</a>, they’re usually referring to the sophisticated jet-setters of the 1950s and 1960s. And yet, even that model of luxuriantly civilised air transport pales in comparison to the extravagant trains of the Orient Express during the late 19th and 20th centuries. Operated today by <a href="https://www.belmond.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopzZXcn8YTXvtz2asI5Y1hfg9x1i0a3Mhf4oOVMUzNmzMZYESpI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belmond</a> (and not to be confused with the Accor-managed Orient Express brand), the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a study in opulence from the moment uniformed porters greet you at the station entrance to escort you to your gold-trimmed carriage. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express4-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791026" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express4-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express4-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express4-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express4.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The rail car’s sophisticated design evokes a bygone era. Image courtesy of Belmond</figcaption></figure>



With access to three dining rooms and a bar car, you needn’t worry about being confined to your suite—though once you’re ensconced, it’s remarkably easy to spend hours marvelling over the details in the captivating space. Each Grand Suite is named for cities along the route—Istanbul, Venice, Budapest—and showcase beautifully inlaid panels, delicate marquetry work, Venetian-style lanterns, and myriad hidden compartments. Large picture windows next to the king-size bed and dining table provide views of towering mountains, rivers, and quaint villages as you sip <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/champagne/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Champagne</a> and nibble on blini topped with Beluga caviar. Even the two closets are small wonders (no easy feat on a train), with lovely curved doors and enough room for shoes and three hangers, which is all you need for your eveningwear and a smart change of clothes or two. The ample marble shower boasts elegant brass fittings, and, somehow, there’s a surfeit of power outlets and USB chargers nestled within this paragon of old-world luxury. 



<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/2024/09/Orient_Express1-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790925" style="width:713px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express1.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">One of the several dining areas. Image courtesy of Belmond</figcaption></figure>



Onboard menus are designed by chef Jean Imbert, who recently earned a Michelin star at the Plaza Athénée in Paris. Lunch and dinner are served in spacious dining rooms outfitted with plush velvet, crisp white tablecloths, fine porcelain, and Italian silver. For a limited number of <a href="https://www.belmond.com/ideas/articles/solairejourneys?srsltid=AfmBOoqH9av172AhH_Z9D8WEQYGJ1IcYPNz0JNmbF3N07EbCWFa71z_-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solaire Journeys</a>, which travel east-to-west following the sun, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/belmond/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belmond</a> has partnered with <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/veuve-clicquot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Veuve Clicquot</a> to offer luxurious, Champagne-focused rail expeditions with gala dinners (both prior to embarkation and on board) paired with exquisite prestige cuvées courtesy of Veuve’s cellar master Didier Mariotti or director of winemaking operations Pierre Casenave. Breathtaking landscapes are another feature of the journey, with a focus—as the name suggests—on epic sunrises (the Champagne house’s sunshine-yellow label was an inspiration).



<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/2024/09/Orient_Express7-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790926" style="width:713px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express7-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express7-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express7-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express7-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express7-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express7.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Veuve Clicquot never stops flowing. Image courtesy of Belmond</figcaption></figure>



The first of this year’s Solaire Journeys rolled from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur via the Eastern &amp; Oriental Express, while the year’s final voyage—from Cusco, Peru, to Arequipa and Machu Picchu—will take place in October aboard two Belmond trains: the Hiram Bingham and the Andean Explorer. In July, we traveled from Vienna to Reims on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (a nod to the fact that Madame Clicquot’s first exported bottles were delivered to Venice) for an over-the-top exercise in hospitality that included a pre-trip stay at Vienna’s Hotel Imperial, a former palace that properly sets the stage for the pampering ahead.&nbsp;



<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/2024/09/Orient_Express5-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790927" style="width:713px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express5-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express5-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express5-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express5-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express5-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express5.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An enchanting Art Deco-style suite. Image courtesy of Mattia Aquila</figcaption></figure>



The opening-night dinner in the <a href="https://www.palaisliechtenstein.com/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liechtenstein Palace</a>, followed by a carriage ride around the ancient city the next morning, conjures a level of royal treatment that carries over seamlessly as soon as you set foot on the train. Vintage Veuve Clicquot and La Grande Dame flow freely the entire trip, particularly during the multi-course lunch prepared by Imbert and chef Mory Sacko during a stop at the Champagne house’s limestone crayères in Reims, ending only when you finally pull into the station in Paris three days later. In-between, there’s nighttime entertainment in the bar car featuring piano and burlesque dancers, in-suite breakfasts of caviar-topped omelette—served with more vintage Veuve, naturally—and, the closing surprise, a live DJ set paired with Champagne and sliders during the final 90 minutes of your adventure. Disembarking from such a lavish fantasy world was a difficult step down, indeed.

luxury train

luxury train tour

Michelin food

old world luxury

Orient Express

Paris

rail expeditions

Solaire Journeys

Vienna

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Veuve Clicquot Team Up for Luxe, Bubbly Train Trips

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/veuve-clicquot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Veuve Clicquot</a> and <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/belmond/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belmond</a> are serving up some more sparkling experiences to travellers. 



The two LVMH brands, which previously teamed up to create a<a href="https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/veuve-clicquot-venice-simplon-orient-express-1234662102/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> luxury train trip</a> from France to Italy, have unveiled three additional adventures aboard legendary Belmond locomotives. The new <a href="https://www.veuveclicquot.com/en-gb/solairejourneysbelmond.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solaire Journeys </a>allow travellers to follow the sun across three continents, with the most prestigious cuvées and delicacies in hand.



Taking place from 22 to 25 April, the first journey runs from Singapore to Malaysia. Guests will enjoy a Champagne brunch overlooking Singapore’s Marina Bay, then board the Eastern &amp; Oriental Express and travel through the verdant jungle to the island of Penang. The <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/train/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">train</a> itself is a highlight, too. All of the elegant wood-panelled cabins have been completely restyled for the 2024 season. The piano bar carriage also slings dishes prepared by world-renowned chefs and top-notch bubbly.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Belmond_Train3.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783013" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Belmond_Train3.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Belmond_Train3-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Belmond_Train3-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Guests will be served the most prestigious cuvées and delicacies. Image courtesy of Belmond</figcaption></figure>



Set for 4 to 6 July, the <a href="https://www.lvmh.com/news-documents/news/veuve-clicquot-invites-guests-on-board-the-venice-simplon-orient-express-a-belmond-train/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second Solaire Journey</a> begins in Austria and ends in France. The adventure kicks off with two days of culture and gastronomy in Vienna. Travellers will then jump on the historic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and head to the home of Veuve Clicquot in the famous Champagne region of Reims. After a guided tour of the historic vineyards in Verzy, guests will enjoy a tasting of the best cuvées. The journey fittingly culminates with a dinner in the house’s chalk quarries that will be crafted by Michelin-starred chefs Mory Sacko and Jean Imbert. The train will then whisk guests back to Paris.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="562" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/VeniceSimplonOrientExpress4.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234783012" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/VeniceSimplonOrientExpress4.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/VeniceSimplonOrientExpress4-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/VeniceSimplonOrientExpress4-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Grand Suite on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Image courtesy of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express</figcaption></figure>



The third and final jaunt is arguably the best. For the first time, Veuve Clicquot is offering a five-night expedition aboard two luxury Belmond trains. Running from 21 to 26 October, the itinerary will see the Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer (pictured top) chug across South America. Guests will journey from bustling Cusco through the Sacred Valley to the land of the Incas, taking in the awe-inspiring ancient sites and natural wonders of Peru such as Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. On the way, travellers will also feast on tasty fare and fabulous Champagnes selected by Veuve Clicquot’s cellar master Didier Mariotti.



The hard bit will be settling on an itinerary—though nothing is stopping you from taking all three Solaire Journeys, of course.

Veuve Clicquot Just Unveiled 3 New Champagne-Popping Train Trips Around the World

By Michael Verdon, Julie Boatman, and Jen Paolini



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Next-Gen Piloting Is Here</h2>



The fast-approaching era of electric aircraft will transform intracity and regional travel for passengers, but it will also fundamentally change the pilot experience. The new crop of electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) craft are smaller than most helicopters and conventional planes, but also potentially more complex, with multiple rotors that tilt for hovering and forward motion. That’s supplemented by the need to constantly assess flight conditions in what promise to be busy urban airways, all while managing prop and rotor pitch and adjusting ailerons, rudders, elevators, and landing gear.



How does one lessen the pilot’s burden without compromising safety? The answer, eVTOL leaders Archer and Joby agree, involves unified flight controls, adopted from military programmes such as the F-35B fighter jet. The fly-by-wire systems used by Dassault, Gulfstream, and Bombardier operate on the same principle, with a flight control computer (FCC) linked to a multi-servo digital autopilot. Unlike mechanical systems of older aircraft, where a pilot controls every aspect of flight, here the computer takes over once the pilot inputs commands.



The next generation of unified flight controls are significantly faster, smaller, and more sophisticated. BAE Systems has designed controls that relay pilot input every few milliseconds but are 40 per cent more compact than five years ago. This customised technology is designed to be intuitive for fixed-wing or rotorcraft pilots and far more simplified. 



Joby’s inceptor, or the stick that controls speed, for example, recentres after an input, maintaining the airspeed set by the pilot—similar to cruise control in a car. “If I want to go to 100 knots, I’ll kind of peg the stick,” says Joby’s Greg Bowles. “The number reaches 100, you let go, and it’s going to stay at 100. If you continue to accelerate, it’ll get to a maximum safe top speed and stop.”



“The pilot doesn’t control power,” adds Archer’s Brian Gump. “The pilot commands acceleration or deceleration, a climb or descent, or a heading change, and the FCCs allocate power as required to meet that command.” Archer’s controls include two sticks: the left regulates velocity while the right handles vertical speed and direction. 



These advances signal a new chapter for not only the eVTOL world, but also how pilots train. Flight is not so automated that the aviator is entirely removed from the equation—the pilot still dictates the direction and navigation of the aircraft’s path—but it is a fundamentally new way of flying. Not exactly a magic carpet, but closer than aviation has ever been before.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796192" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bb-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Speed</h3>



Gulfstream



G700



Breaking one record for rapid transit is remarkable enough, but what about two? Gulfstream’s ultra-large-cabin G700 did exactly that on recent trips from Savannah to Honolulu, covering the distance in eight hours and 52 minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.9 using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel, and Los Angeles to Sydney in just 14 hours and 26 minutes—that’s two more performancebased honours to swell the G700’s growing tally of city-pair speed records.



Add to that the numerous features that make Gulfstream a commanding presence in its sector—whisper-quiet noise levels, the most spacious cabin in business aviation, 100 per cent freshair ventilation technology, natural-light design with panoramic windows, layout configuration flexibility, the lowest cabin altitude in the industry, and a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.935—and the G700 stands for not only the fastest aircraft in the company’s fleet, but also the most comfortable, providing an unrivalled experience for passengers. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796193" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ee-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jet Card</h3>



Sentient



SJ25+



If there’s a gold standard for jet cards, Sentient, which launched the industry’s first in 1999, can claim the title. Despite the onslaught of competitors, its 25-hour card has remained at the top of the pack even as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The differentiators: Sentient’s new app allows clients to quote prices and book flights in under 60 seconds via text, its preferred aircraft fleet is top-tier, and the card is backed by a multi-tiered safety structure for its clients, including an independent safety advisory board. Or just consider the numbers over the past 25 years: more than one million passengers flown to over 2,500 destinations; 6,700 active card owners; and revenue growth of 549 per cent. Not to mention the company’s expanding partnerships with luxury hotels and events, which in 2024 offered perks valued at US$225,000 (HK$1.74 million), and its sustainability programme that offsets emissions 300 per cent from each flight with no cost to clients (to date, Sentient has offset 1.34 million metric tons of carbon). 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796194" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cc-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Super-Midsize Jet</h3>



Textron Aviation



Citation CJ3 Gen2



While it was no surprise that Textron Aviation would sequence through one of its most successful models for next-gen treatment, the Citation CJ3 Gen2 update still rocks, making it our pick for the best of the super-midsize fleet. Inside, the revised CJ3 looks and feels like a bigger jet than its predecessor, with an interior that its engineers are justifiably proud of—from the articulating seats to the use of eco-friendly materials throughout. On the flight deck, the updated Garmin G3000, coupled with the new GDL 60 data link, transforms the pilot’s suite into a connected cockpit. The jet has a max cruise of 416 knots true airspeed, a max range of 2,040 nautical miles, and a landing distance of 2,770 feet. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796195" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffs-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Exclusive Experiences</h3>



VistaJet



A global leader in private and business aviation, now with two decades under its belt, VistaJet knows better than most that getting travellers to and from their destination is only one part of the journey. As the demand for tailored experiences continues to rise, the company is reinforcing its commitment to its exclusive Private World programme, creating even more opportunities for VistaJet members to unlock a wealth of unparalleled adventures across the planet. 



From exploring the beautifully restored Bottega Veneta residence in Venice, witnessing spectacular wildlife on a luxury safari in the Serengeti National Park, and cruising through Costa Rica’s waters to discover humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles to highly coveted access to Formula 1 racetracks through Ferrari, VistaJet’s Private World collaborations with diverse partners are designed to offer members an everchanging calendar of activities that are personalised, unique, and exciting—not to mention completely unforgettable.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796196" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/a-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Large Cabin</h3>



Dassault



6X



Dassault recently delivered its first long-range 6X, completing a circle that began after the French aerospace firm cancelled its four-year-old 5X programme in 2017 without delivering any aircraft. It stretched the 5X’s fuselage by 20 feet to get the 6X, creating its debut wide-body configuration, which has a wider floor and taller cabin than its competitors. Despite the extra girth, the 6X’s stats are impressive: 5,500-nautical-mile range (delivering nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Geneva or S.o Paulo to London), 16-passenger capacity, and maximum speed of Mach 0.9. The customisable cabin, divided into three zones, has 30 extra-large windows, a full galley, and features such as a low-altitude pressurisation system and circadian-rhythm lights to mitigate jet lag. Fly-by-wire controls and an advanced situational awareness system called Falcon Eye are the cockpit differentiators. Plus, the 6X has paved the way for an even larger wide-body, the ultra-long-range 10X, scheduled for delivery in 2027. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796199" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ffe-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Light Jet</h3>



Embraer



Phenom 100EX



Embraer leans into the big E with its evolution of the Phenom 100EX. Choose your word: Efficiency, environment, experience—they all play a part to make it the biggestfeeling light jet on the market, which is a particularly crowded segment. Up front, the optional Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS) that enhances stabilised approaches adds an extra layer of protection during a critical phase of flight, while the Flight Stream 510 allows the pilot to connect portable electronic devices to the aircraft avionics, thus reducing workload. In the cabin, Embraer’s design team has revised every element—opening up the space, upgrading the seats, increasing workspace by 30 per cent by repositioning tables, and using new combinations of leather, Ultraleather, and veneer to dress up the interior. Stats remain best in class: a top speed of Mach 0.7, a 1,178-nautical-mile range, and a takeoff distance of 3,190 feet.

Aviation

Dassault

Gulfstream

Private Jet

Sentient

Textron Aviation

VistaJet

The Best in Wings 2025, From Gulfstream’s G700 and Dassault’s 6X to Textron Aviation’s Citation CJ3 Gen2

The private-jet world seems to be <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/private-aviation-declining-newcomers-leaving-1234792248/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">levelling off</a> from its record highs during the Covid years. The fractional and jet-card segments are still above pre-Covid sales levels, while others such as used aircraft sales and on-demand charter have declined from giddy highs in 2021 and 2022.



Sentiment for the near-term of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/business-aviation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">business aviation</a> was positive at last week’s <a href="https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Corporate Jet Investor (CJI) </a>conference in Miami, in an industry known for its cyclical highs and lows. Aircraft company CEOs, jet-card executives, aviation attorneys, aircraft brokers, and private equity reps examined different sectors of the industry during three days of interviews and panel discussions. They agreed, with some exceptions, that <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/private-jet-market-outlook-fall-2024-1235963576/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the market remains strong</a>, following those unprecedented pandemic highs.



“We’re happy as clams,” said Don Dwyer, a principal with Guardian Jet, a brokerage firm specialising in consulting and used aircraft sales. “We’re seeing an underlying optimism in people buying and selling aircraft. The market remains strong. This is our biggest year ever.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-85642743.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794823" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-85642743.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-85642743.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-85642743.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-85642743.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">High-net worth clients have largely remained in business aviation since Covid, while the sector has also seen a return of corporate travelers.  Image courtesy of Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



The re-election of Donald Trump seems to have had an immediate beneficial impact. “Our market indicators have gone up 35 points since the election,” says Rollie Vincent, director of JetNet IQ, which tracks business aviation in industry surveys. “There are a lot of signs right now that things aren’t going to slow down, at least not for the short term—barring a black-swan event.”



Business aviation is broken down across different categories, between new and used aircraft sales, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/fractional-ownership/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fractional ownership</a> (where a company or individual buys an ownership stake in a jet for three to five years), on-demand charter, and jet cards.



“It’s nuts. We saw our spring being extended beyond its usual season and then summer was really busy,” says Alan Walsh, senior vice president of client management and operations for Sentient, a jet-card maker. He explains that the company expects to sell US$100 million (around HK$778.50 million) worth of flights by the end of the year, and expects a strong year next year, “barring any unforeseen larger issues.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1.-Flexjet-Global-HQ-Exterior-Rampside.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794824" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1.-Flexjet-Global-HQ-Exterior-Rampside.jpg.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1.-Flexjet-Global-HQ-Exterior-Rampside.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1.-Flexjet-Global-HQ-Exterior-Rampside.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fractional ownership firms like <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/flexjet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flexjet</a> are seeing growth and making investments in new aircraft and infrastructure. Flexjet’s new US$50 million (around HK$389.25 million) headquarters.  Image courtesy of Flexjet</figcaption></figure>



Sentient’s sister company, Flexjet, has seen its fractional business grow during the Covid years and beyond. The company reported an 11 per cent year-to-date sales growth compared to last year, with a waiting list.



For the entire fractional segment, including fractional’s largest firm, NetJets, Flexjet, and nearly a dozen smaller companies, the number of flights was up 59 per cent in the second quarter of 2024, compared to the same quarter of pre-Covid 2019. A mix of whole aircraft owners, now selling their jets and moving into fractional, charter users, and corporate flight departments are driving the increase.



“Surprisingly, our fractional customer profile has gotten about 10 years younger,” said Kenn Ricci, the principal of Directional Aviation Capital, during the keynote address. “That’s a good thing because they’ll be with us longer. We’re also selling shares in four times as many mid- and super-mid aircraft than we do light jets. So, the jets are getting bigger. The other big change is our international growth.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-582758850.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794825" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-582758850.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-582758850.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-582758850.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-582758850.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bizav’s weak links are shortages of repair facilities, technicians and spare parts. Some aircraft can be grounded for weeks.  Image courtesy of Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



The used-aircraft market, which softened after frenzied sales activity in 2021 and 2022, seems to be stabilising in the second half of this year, according to Vincent. “Values are holding up higher and longer than we expected, and we expect values to increase in the fourth quarter of this year,” he said. Because of US tax, the fourth quarter sees a surge of business jet sales.



New business jet deliveries were valued at about US$700 million (around HK$5.5 billion) this year, said Vincent, noting there is also a backlog of unbuilt, ordered aircraft valued at about $51 billion. “It’s enough for several years of production,” he said. “That leaves the aircraft manufacturers in good shape.”



On-demand charter is the only segment of the market that is softer, according to industry analyst Argus, which reported a 5.2 per cent drop in total hours during the first half of 2024, compared to the first half of 2023. But the 14.7 per cent decline from the 2022 high is even a better indicator in the decline of on-demand charter.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-158315417-1.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794826" style="width:837px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-158315417-1.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-158315417-1.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-158315417-1.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2.-GettyImages-158315417-1.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An ongoing pilot shortage also continues to dog the industry, with many owners unable to find pilots to fly their jets.  Image courtesy of Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



The shortage of aircraft repair technicians, and not enough Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centres, along with a continued supply-chain shortage of parts, is keeping many aircraft grounded for days, or even weeks. Ricci says a third of the Flexjet fleet is undergoing repairs at any given point. Most experts expect it to continue for several years.



The conference also had panels focusing on new connectivity technologies for aircraft cabins, the use of AI toward pilot-less aircraft, and the FlyHouse app that promises a seamless, Uber-like experience for people who want to book on-demand charters. Jack Lambert, FlyHouse’s founder, said the app lets potential charterers initiate a “reverse auction” among multiple charter firms and gain the best price. “On the low end, we expect this to be a US$3 (approximately HK$23.36 billion) to US$5 billion (around HK$38.93 billion) market in five years,” he said.

Business jet

corporate jet

private

The Private-Jet World Is Optimistic About 2025, Despite a Post-Covid Slow-Down

bombardier

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Why settle for a seat when you can have a suite?&nbsp;



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/london/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London</a> Heathrow’s private terminal, the Windsor, once a well-kept secret among royals and celebrities, has undergone a major renovation unveiling eight lavish lounges and a host of exclusive amenities from British brands. The first phase of the terminal’s three-year refurbishment offers up suites by Oliver Burns Studio, in addition to door-to-plane chauffeur service, a special menu by celebrity chef Jason Atherton, and private security screenings. To get in, you’ll need to be departing or arriving either business or first class on any airline. You’ll also have to pay a one-way entry fee of £3,812 (about US$4,795/HK$37,290) for up to three guests or £7,624 (US$9,648/HK$59,290) if you want round-trip access.  



Unlike the typical airline or credit-card-affiliated lounges, Heathrow’s Windsor terminal is directly owned and operated by the airport itself. You’ll be escorted from their front door directly to the plane in an all-electric <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bmw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW</a> i7, with pickup available within a 25-mile radius. A personal porter will meet you at the entrance to take your checked luggage. If you’re travelling internationally, a dedicated Border Force will be present to manage private immigration services. Then, just hand over your passports and documents to your host, and the rest is taken care of. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-windsor.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795730" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-windsor.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-windsor-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/the-windsor-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Members of the Windsor get shuttled to and around the airport in a private BMW. Image courtesy of the Windsor by Heathrow</figcaption></figure>



Each suite is named after a prestigious London neighbourhood, such as <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/chelsea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chelsea</a> and Kensington, and sport bespoke furnishings, soft-hued Axminster carpets, Commune toiletries, and August&amp;Piers fragrances. The private terminal doesn’t currently offer showers or beds; however, each suite comes with a private bathroom and there are plans to add showers in the future, Burns told <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-20/inside-heathrow-s-private-terminal-for-vips-the-windsor?srnd=homepage-americas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloomberg</a>. The high-end art on display, which changes every two months, includes pieces from Banksy and Andy Warhol and are available for purchase via a QR code.  



When it comes to the food, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/michelin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelin</a>-starred chef Jason Atherton has crafted a selection of exclusive dishes for the Windsor, including English butter shortbread with praline cream, Earl Grey tea ice cream, custard sauce, and charred mandarin. There’s also a traditional tea trolley that rolls through carrying everything from Champagne to Victoria sponge cakes.  



“The Windsor by Heathrow is more than just a rebrand, it’s a testament to our heritage in pioneering luxury travel,” Charlotte Burns, VIP lead at Heathrow, said in a press statement. “From our carefully curated interiors to our exceptional service, we provide our guests with an unparalleled experience that reflects the finest of British hospitality.”&nbsp;



Sounds like quite the upgrade.

Heathrow

London

Private Terminal

The Windsor

Inside the Windsor, the Private Terminal at London’s Heathrow Airport

<a href="https://boomsupersonic.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Boom Supersonic</a>&nbsp;hit a milestone yesterday when its XB-1 experimental jet passed Mach 1.0, the speed of sound, on its way to Mach 1.122 or 860.87 mph. The event took place over the Mohave Desert, the same location where Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier for the first time in 1947. Yesterday’s flight was number 11 of the XB-1 human-piloted test flights that started last March.



And the test also the culmination of years of work for Boom, which began operations in 2014 and, against much industry skepticism, has become the first US independent company to join the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/supersonic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supersonic</a> club. The last civil supersonic jet was the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/supersonic-jet-concorde-replaced-boom-overture-1235428265/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Concorde</a>, which flew from 1969 through 2003.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-XB-1-SSF-3.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795490" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-XB-1-SSF-3.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-XB-1-SSF-3-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-XB-1-SSF-3-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Test pilot Tristan Brandenburg before flying the XB-1. Image courtesy of Boom Aerospace</figcaption></figure>



“XB-1’s supersonic flight demonstrates that the technology for passenger supersonic flight has arrived,” said Boom’s founder Blake Scholl. “A small band of talented and dedicated engineers has accomplished what previously took governments and billions of dollars.” Boom has not received grants from any US military programmes, which some competitors considered essential to get a supersonic programme off the ground.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/supersonic-jet-test-flight-pilot-1236111411/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg</a>, Boom’s chief test pilot and a former Navy test pilot, made the flight yesterday. It followed a protocol that expanded its flight envelope through subsonic, transonic, and then supersonic speeds. It was shadowed by two former fighter jets that Boom uses to monitor the XB-1 during the test flights.



Scholl said the next step is to scale up the technology used on the XB-1 for Boom’s supersonic airliner called the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/boom-supersonic-major-steps-towards-flight-1234860127/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Overture</a>. “Our ultimate goal is to bring the benefits of supersonic flight to everyone,” he said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-XB-1-SSF-5.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795489" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-XB-1-SSF-5.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-XB-1-SSF-5-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-XB-1-SSF-5-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The first supersonic flight of a US-designed civil aircraft attracted a large crowd. Image courtesy of Boom Aerospace</figcaption></figure>



The Overture is a much larger, more complicated commercial aircraft, designed to fly at Mach 1.7 and carry 64 to 80 passengers. Boom anticipates that the first commercial Overtures will take flight in <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/boom-supersonic-jet-fly-next-months-1234889597/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2029</a>. It has begun construction of a <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/boom-opens-supersonic-factory-north-carolina-1235657781/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">production facility</a> in North Carolina and has received 130 orders and pre-orders from American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines.



Boom says, at scale, it should be able to produce 66 Overtures per year. But that is still just a business plan that many aviation experts believe is unrealistic, citing the fact that the company was forced to build its own supersonic engines after major aviation engine manufacturers turned down the project.



Still, the company proved that it has reached the first step through an experimental jet—a step that its better-funded competitor, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/aerion-shuts-down-1234615163/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aerion</a>, never reached aft 20 years of developing its own supersonic business jet concept. It abruptly shut down in May 2021, citing little investor appetite in the supersonic concept.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-Overture-4.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234795488" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-Overture-4.jpg.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-Overture-4.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2.-Overture-4.jpg-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The XB-1’s goal is to prove the technologies needed to the larger Overture commercial supersonic airliner. Image courtesy of Boom Aerospace</figcaption></figure>



As a test platform, the XB-1 tries out multiple technologies that will be applied to the much larger and more complicated Overture. They include an augmented-reality vision system, which aids the pilot in seeing the runway on takeoff and landing, and digitally optimised aerodynamics, referring to the shape of the airframe and wings for the greatest stability at supersonic speeds. The aircraft is almost entirely made from carbon-composite materials, which allowed the designers to shape it more precisely.



The company will continue testing the XB-1 going forward.

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Camus

Cognac

Hakushu

Japanese Whiskey

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Louis XIII

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Let’s set the scene. The host: Robb Report Hong Kong. Our partner: Edrington. The location: The Garden Suite at The Peninsula Hong Kong. The occasion: The grand unveiling of The Glenrothes 51, a rare and exceptional bottle so precious that only one (of five total in all of Hong Kong) was in the room, guarded by the sharpest of eagle eyes. 



Anyone with HK$363,000&nbsp;to spare for The 51 would join an elite club of just 100 worldwide, and be invited to fly down to Scotland, welcomed at the distillery, and learn about how this liquid gold is created in the finest casks for an unforgettable pour, swivel, sniff, and sip.



<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="684" data-id="1234797201" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797201" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-47-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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It was an exceptional evening as&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;played host to just a handful of VIP guests and distinguished RR1 Hong Kong members as a remarkable whisky, which has been meticulously matured for more than half a century,&nbsp;made&nbsp;its first appearance in Hong Kong, following successful unveilings in San Francisco, New York, and London.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797211" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Upon arrival, attendees were greeted by the breathtaking panorama of Victoria Harbour and the newly launched Best of the Best 2025 annual magazine by&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong, setting the tone for a night steeped in sophistication. Our by-invitation-only guests assembled, each eagerly anticipating the celebration of this extraordinary release.



Tak Man, CEO and publisher of&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong, began the evening with a warm welcome. “It is an honour to have you all here tonight for a very special occasion: to unveil the&nbsp;Glenrothes&nbsp;51, a whisky that not only boasts an incredible 51 years of maturation but also introduces a world’s-first in whisky packaging design,” he remarked to the gathering. 



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797203" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797203" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Laurie.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" data-id="1234797431" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797431" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797466" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-1024x684.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797466" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-768x513.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-127_RS-2048x1367.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797204" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797204" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-132-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797212" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797212" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-2-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</figure>



While the highlight of the evening was, undoubtedly, the unveiling of The Glenrothes 51, the reveal of the highly anticipated whisky was preceded by a spirited (pun intended) talk and engaging fireside chat led by Tak Man, featuring three esteemed whisky connoisseurs: Kam Daswani of Dram Good Stuff, Benjamin Po of Edrington, and John Laurie, head of global partnerships and private client management at The Glenrothes, who had flown in from Scotland specifically for the event. Together, they delved into the nuances of whisky appreciation, sharing insights that resonated with the gathered aficionados.



Guests raised their glasses&nbsp;to toast the occasion, and the selection of welcome drinks curated for the evening featured a range of exquisite Glenrothes, including the 18-, 32-, and 42-year-old variants—each a testament to the artistry and dedication behind every bottle.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797467" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-32_RS-1024x684.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797467" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-32_RS-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-32_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-32_RS-768x513.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-32_RS-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-32_RS-2048x1367.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797207" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797207" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-107-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797205" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-136-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797205" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-136-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-136-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-136-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-136-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-136-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797209" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-46-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797209" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-46-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-46-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-46-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-46-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-46-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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In anticipation of the excellent pours, the fine folks at The Peninsula Hong Kong crafted a menu that complemented the notes of the fine whisky. Guests started the meal with appetiser options of either Boston lobster avocado roulade or Hokkaido scallops with cauliflower and seaweed beurre blanc. For the main course, a slow-roasted Wagyu beef striploin was a solid option, and for those preferring lighter fare, there was a crispy&nbsp;amadai&nbsp;fillet with razor clam and young leek ragout. Cooling off the evening with a palate cleanser, dessert naturally had to be a Dulcey whipped ganache with the piquant tastes of mango marmalade and ginger madeleines.



This special gathering&nbsp;was not merely about unveiling a whisky—it was an homage to the shared love of exquisite craftsmanship, heritage, the bonds forged over fine spirits, and the indomitable spirit of fine whisky-making. As guests departed, they carried with them memories of an exceptional evening and the spirit of The Glenrothes and its enduring legacy.&nbsp;&nbsp;



All images shot exclusively for Robb Report Hong Kong.

RR1 event

The Glenrothes

Robb Report Hong Kong and RR1 Hong Kong Members Celebrated the Grand Unveiling of The Glenrothes 51 in Hong Kong

For those in search of an idyllic escape at the bottom of the world,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/new-zealand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Zealand</a> is offering a rare opportunity. After years of tight restrictions on foreign property ownership, a recent court ruling has opened the door for international buyers to purchase land in one of the country’s most breathtaking locations. And thanks to the foresight of entrepreneur Craig Heatley, a few select parcels of prime waterfront in the stunning Bay of Islands are now available.



<a href="https://omarino.co.nz/explore-omarino/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ōmarino</a> is the brainchild of Heatley, one of New Zealand’s most respected entrepreneurs. He and his family have owned the pristine, hilly land for nearly 24 years, and in that time, they’ve transformed what was once cattle-grazing land into a thriving, eco-friendly oasis. The over 350-acre property now comprises four fully completed homes, with five exclusive parcels still up for grabs, starting at US$8 million (approximately HK$62.15 million) per lot. Each lot spans 15 to 20 acres, ensuring owners enjoy both space and privacy. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="767" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/11.jpg-1024x767.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796686" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/11.jpg-1024x767.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/11.jpg-300x225.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/11.jpg-768x575.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/11.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The 350-acre Ōmarino community is set within New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. Image courtesy of Ōmarino</figcaption></figure>



New Zealand is known for its commitment to protecting its remarkable landscapes, and for good reason. In fact, the nation has strict laws surrounding foreign ownership, especially when it comes to its coastal regions.



“Ōmarino stands out as the premier development of its kind in New Zealand. As the only <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/real-estate-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">real estate</a> available to foreign buyers, it holds a unique distinction—only further enhanced by its breathtaking beauty,” Heatley tells Robb Report. “Ōmarino represents the pinnacle of luxury living defined by its unparalleled privacy, serenity, and exquisite Bay of Islands location.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="767" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21.jpg-1024x767.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796687" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21.jpg-1024x767.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21.jpg-300x225.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21.jpg-768x575.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/21.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There are four already built homes in the development, with another five homesites now available. Image courtesy of Ōmarino</figcaption></figure>



The Overseas Investment Act (OIA) regulates who can buy land, making it incredibly challenging for outsiders to purchase property here. The OIA requires foreign buyers to get approval for sensitive properties in New Zealand. However, Ōmarino’s special OIA waiver allows international investors to purchase land in this exclusive community while bypassing typical restrictions.&nbsp;



The development offers more than just breathtaking views and epic homesites. Residents enjoy private beach access,&nbsp;a dedicated jetty for yachts up to 75 feet, world-class fishing, diving, golfing, and a private helipad for quick trips to Auckland. Plus, a full-time maintenance team ensures everything is kept pristine. In addition, the subdivision is also a model of sustainability. Over a million trees have been planted to restore soil stability and biodiversity.&nbsp;



But with only five parcels available, there’s bound to be some stiff competition from those looking for a remote and uncommonly beautiful escape from it all.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/new-construction/gallery/omarino-new-zealand-photos-1236362717" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see more photos of the New Zealand development.

Investment

New Zealand

New Zealand property

property

Real Estate

Inside Ōmarino, the Only Properties Open to Foreign Buyers in New Zealand

Scotch whisky distillery The Glenrothes has unveiled its latest creation, the remarkable 51, and among aficionados and connoisseurs, this refined and highly anticipated edition is the talk of the town. Aged for an impressive 51 years, this release represents the distillery’s oldest and most ambitious offering to date. Founded in 1879 with a goal of crafting the most elegant whisky in the world, The Glenrothes has long been synonymous with quality and sophistication, and The 51 embodies this vision in its most rarified form.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR-2022_RS-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797024" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR-2022_RS-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR-2022_RS-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR-2022_RS-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR-2022_RS-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR-2022_RS-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



It all starts with the water: the distillery sources exceptionally pure water from its own private spring which contributes to a delicate character that evolves beautifully over time. The 51 serves as a celebration of this natural phenomenon, epitomising a “strength in fragility” akin to the wild orchids that flourish discreetly on the Speyside estate. Such flowers inspired the crafting of this exceptional single malt, which is drawn from only two casks, resulting in a whisky that boasts a complexity and vibrancy seldom encountered in such aged spirits. Moreover, the unique composition of The 51 includes one cask that imparts floral notes reminiscent of the orchids’ fragrance, while the other delivers a luxurious richness.



With only 100 bottles available worldwide, this limited whisky release is as rare as it is fragrant, positioning The 51 as the crown jewel of The Glenrothes collection. Each sip reveals new layers of flavour, from soft floral notes to profound complexity, mirroring the cyclical beauty of the orchids that bloom annually on the estate.



“The 51 is a testament to those rare moments in whisky-making when patience, nature, and craft align perfectly,” says&nbsp;master whisky maker Laura Rampling of the special Glenrothes edition. She explains that “this whisky defies expectations—elegant yet powerful, it offers a singular experience for those who truly understand and appreciate rarity.”&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" data-id="1234797025" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR_THE_51_COLUMN_CRACKED_WHITE_PORTRAIT-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797025" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR_THE_51_COLUMN_CRACKED_WHITE_PORTRAIT-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR_THE_51_COLUMN_CRACKED_WHITE_PORTRAIT-240x300.jpg 240w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR_THE_51_COLUMN_CRACKED_WHITE_PORTRAIT-768x960.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR_THE_51_COLUMN_CRACKED_WHITE_PORTRAIT-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR_THE_51_COLUMN_CRACKED_WHITE_PORTRAIT.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="682" height="1024" data-id="1234797027" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR-2023-SOURSOP_ElenaHeatherwick-3583-FINAL-sRGB-682x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797027" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR-2023-SOURSOP_ElenaHeatherwick-3583-FINAL-sRGB-682x1024.jpeg 682w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR-2023-SOURSOP_ElenaHeatherwick-3583-FINAL-sRGB-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR-2023-SOURSOP_ElenaHeatherwick-3583-FINAL-sRGB-768x1153.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR-2023-SOURSOP_ElenaHeatherwick-3583-FINAL-sRGB-1023x1536.jpeg 1023w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TGR-2023-SOURSOP_ElenaHeatherwick-3583-FINAL-sRGB.jpeg 1066w" sizes="(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px" /></figure>
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In a bold departure from traditional whisky packaging design, The 51 is encased in a solid, sustainably sourced jesmonite column—this innovative and interactive presentation necessitates the destruction of the receptacle to access the whisky, with each column breaking in a unique manner. Inside, a hidden “orchid” rewards those brave enough to unveil it. Once retrieved, owners are invited to return the remnants of the column to The Glenrothes, where a&nbsp;kintsugi&nbsp;artist will restore the pieces with precious metal, creating a bespoke vase that can nurture a real orchid, thus turning the remnants into a lasting work of art.



Jonny Fowle, global head of whisky at Sotheby’s, highlights the bottle’s appeal “for true lovers of whisky; those who interact, drink, and enjoy Scotch.” He commended The 51 for its bright tropical fruit characteristics and rare vitality, which reflect the distillery’s exceptional ability to age whisky, with each layer of flavour harmoniously integrated.



The launch of The 51 marks a pivotal moment for The Glenrothes, a bold reimagining that pays homage to the distillery’s founding story. Priced at £37,000 (approximately HK$370,655), this extraordinarily limited release offers connoisseurs a rare opportunity to experience a transformative moment in an industry poised for innovation.



Available through select whisky specialists, including Sotheby’s.



All images courtesy of The Glenrothes.

The 51

Whisky

The Glenrothes Unveils Its Oldest and Most Ambitious Scotch Whisky to Date

It might surprise you to know that one of the most in-demand Burgundy domaines (as wine estates are known in that region) is owned and run by a champion rock climber: Pierre Duroché of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.domaine-duroche.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Domaine Duroché</a>&nbsp;from the village of Gevrey-Chambertin in the Côte de Nuits. Burgundy is full of eccentric vignerons (winemakers), as well as people who have enjoyed successful previous careers (such as, Jean-Marc Roulot, the actor and owner of famed white wine domaine, Domaine Jean-Marc Roulot). So perhaps we should not be surprised to see a champion rock climber running up and down the vines either.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hot Property</h2>



As a passionate wine collector of Burgundy wines, Domaine Duroché came onto my radar around 2015. I had heard some gossip that there was a new guy making top quality wine in the small village of Gevrey-Chambertin. Eventually, thanks to my persistence, I managed to gain an audience at the estate with Pierre and his charming wife, Marianne. Having tasted the wines—stylistically focused on elegance and purity—I realised that I had to own them. Ever since, I have come back to the Domaine at every opportunity, and have seen a continual improvement in wine quality as the youthful, Pierre, learns his trade.



Born in 1982, Pierre and his wife, Marianne, make no less than 18 wines (or cuvées, as they are called) from an estate covering a mere 8.6 hectares, recently adding a new grand cru (a tiny 0.099 hectare plot) to their repertoire, Charmes-Chambertin. (They also make a few wines from buying grapes, known as négociant wines.) Indeed, to add to the workload, for the 2020 vintage, Pierre makes eight cuvées of one barrel or less (i.e. less than 300 bottles). Included is his tiny production of Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru, where he makes 85 litres (less than 115 bottles) in a mini-barrel specially made by Burgundy’s 30-year-old wizkid cooper, Pierre Cavin at Tonnellerie Cavin. Indeed, the Griotte is the smallest declared single cuvée in the whole Burgundy region, in part because very few vignerons would even attempt to make a wine from such little juice. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PHOTO-2022-08-26-14-37-03.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796976" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PHOTO-2022-08-26-14-37-03.jpg.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PHOTO-2022-08-26-14-37-03.jpg-300x225.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PHOTO-2022-08-26-14-37-03.jpg-768x576.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Aiming High</h2>



Rock climbing has been in Pierre’s blood from a very young age. His parents noticed his fascination with climbing when they took him on family holidays to Zermatt, Switzerland and found him continually wandering off to climb things, causing his parents no end of stress! At age 12, his best friend, Bertrand Dugat of Domaine Claude Dugat, introduced him to the sport. Bertrand was one of the best climbers in the Burgundy region, and Pierre naturally wanted to be better. Honing his skills, he rose through the ranks, and was then called up to the French national team to compete in the World Cup of Rock Climbing in 2004. Of the five members of the French squad, due to his inability to escape the family vineyards, he was the only amateur to compete—all of the rest were professionals. Competing at World Cups in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008, he usually ranked in the top 10 to 25 competitors individually, at a time when the French were the team to beat. Unfortunately, due to the pressures of work, he gave up competing at this level in 2013, although he still dabbles, especially on holidays; this summer, he was rock climbing with the family in Squamish, Canada.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conquering the Peaks</h2>



One claim to fame is how he conquered a particularly impassable route in the Cormot, a famed climbing area in the Burgundy region. One of the routes, graded 9A in difficulty, had never been traversed. (Difficulty levels are graded from 3A all the way up to 9B, which is the maximum.) In 2007, Pierre achieved what nobody else had previously done and nobody else has done since despite the attempts of hundreds of climbers. Chapeau, Monsieur Duroché!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Partner in Life and Wine</h2>



He has a lot to be thankful for when it comes to rock climbing: he met his wife, Marianne, at a rock climbing gym in 2007, as she had come along with her brother, another passionate rock climber, who now runs Domaine Jacques Cacheux down the road in Vosne-Romanée. (Whoever knew there were so many rock climbers in the Côte de Nuits?!) After they married in 2014, Marianne and Pierre became partners in life and at work. They run the estate together, and Marianne is involved in all aspects of the work, whether in the vineyards, cellar or office. They have even managed to build a small négociant business by buying grapes from her brother in Vosne, to make a Vosne-Romanée village and an Echezeaux Grand Cru wine. According to Pierre, Marianne is generally always right when it comes to difficult decisions—something a lot of us married men have come to appreciate about our wives!  The couple have two children: Albane, a daughter, who is six, and Edgar, a son, who is four; keeping them out of playing in the vats or on the tractor is a perennial problem. 



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">It’s in the Blood</h2>



Pierre’s journey in the wine world started from youth, growing up on the estate run by his father and mother (who passed away from cancer in May 2022). The estate has been in the family for five generations, since 1906. His father tended to sell the grapes to négociants rather than bottle the wines under his own label. Having grown up around the vines, it was natural for Pierre to study viticulture. His course consisted of one-third class study and two-thirds apprenticeship. A career away from rock climbing was a necessity in order to continue with the family business. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Taking Control</h2>



In 2003, his father asked him to come in as a partner. Pierre promptly arranged a bank loan and bought 50 per cent of the estate. From the start, his father was more interested in the administration side of the business, leaving the vineyard and cellar work to his young passionate son. Pierre’s influence led to them bottling more and more wine under their own Domaine Duroché label, until 2013, when they stopped selling grapes to négociants entirely. In 2015, Pierre bought out the remaining 50 per cent of the estate from his father, who is now retired. 



Principally self-taught, Pierre’s moment of enlightenment came in 2005, when he and his best friend, Bertrand Dugat, opened two incredible bottles together: Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru 1995 from Bertrand’s family estate and a Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Denis Mortet. It was at that moment, Pierre realised how good wine could be, and he made it his mission to try to make wines of this level from his family estate. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quality-Driven</h2>



To reach these heights, he made the decision early on to cut the amount of new oak barrels for ageing—which he felt negatively affected the elegance of the wines—as well to avoid fining and filtration entirely. In the vineyard, starting with the Cazetiers vineyard in 2014, he began to increase the size of the canopy, focusing on reducing the crop yield and increasing homogeneity through more precise pruning and de-buding work; as a result, even in the difficult 2021 vintage, there was no need for Pierre to sort the grapes. Depending on the vineyard, he has experimented with vine training techniques, such as the time-consuming Echalas system, used by Charles Lachaux at Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux and Jean-Yves Bizot at Domaine Bizot, two of Burgundy’s greatest winemakers. In his very old vineyards, where there are already a lot of smaller grapes that ripen well, there is less need to experiment with such techniques, as they would take too much energy from the old vines. Pierre’s philosophy is to be flexible and adopt the best techniques for each vineyard, rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Duroche-Pierre-IMG_0547.jpg-1024x768.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796977" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Duroche-Pierre-IMG_0547.jpg-1024x768.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Duroche-Pierre-IMG_0547.jpg-300x225.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Duroche-Pierre-IMG_0547.jpg-768x576.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Duroche-Pierre-IMG_0547.jpg.webp 1417w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pleasure Seeker</h2>



Elegance, purity, precision, and pleasure are what Pierre is aiming for in his wines. Indeed, on a recent trip together with our wives, Pierre told me about how his friend, Klaus-Peter Keller (the famed German winemaker), who had come to the Domaine to taste, commented that “when you have a sip, you always want to have another one”—proof that Pierre is achieving his goals. To confirm the theory, when arranging a trip to Château Latour for Pierre and I, Jean Garandeau, the sales and marketing director at Latour, expressed his excitement to see Pierre; I asked him if he liked Pierre’s wines, to which he responded: “What’s not to like about the Duroché wines?” (Of course, no homegrown Bordelais would have ever made that comment, but Garandeau is originally from Burgundy.)



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Great Terroir</h2>



Pierre’s job is helped considerably by the vineyards he owns, which include four Grand Crus: Griotte-Chambertin, Latricières-Chambertin, Charmes-Chambertin, and the famed Chambertin Clos de Bèze. The vine age across the estate is 70 years, but in Chambertin Clos de Bèze, it is over a hundred years old, which explains why he made a 100-year anniversary wine in 2020 in memory of his grandfather: the Hommage à Philippe. Old vines, although less productive, make very concentrated berries, which help create depth and complexity in the wines. Pierre thinks he has more millerandage in his vineyards than most estates due to the age of his vines—these are the small, shot berries that produce potently concentrated juice. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Arsenal Above All</h2>



What I like most about Pierre is that he’s an Arsenal fan. At my suggestion, he completely renovated a new cellar with an Arsenal crest logo embedded into the marble. It has become known as the “Arsenal Cellar,” perhaps the only example of its type in the world of wine!



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As a mad, passionate Gooner (as us Arsenal fans are known), there’s an instant connection with anyone who “bleeds red and white.” Pierre’s love of the world’s greatest football team came from watching Frenchman and legendary Arsenal player, Thierry Henry, play some of the most breathtaking football ever seen in the English Premiership. Our joint love of Arsenal, therefore, created an instant brotherly bond between us, despite the fact that Pierre—as he himself admits—is shy and reserved, and takes a little time to open up. Marianne, on the other hand, is naturally friendly, and her smile can disarm even the sternest of customers. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Not Enough Wine</h2>



Although he only made 20,000 bottles across the estate in 2020, he sells to 40 countries. As one of the superstars of Burgundy, Pierre isn’t short of buyers for his wines. The issue is having enough wine to sell—a familiar retort from all the top winemakers in the region. Nonetheless, despite having precious little wine, I asked Pierre to open the best three wines he has ever made so we could taste them together.  



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pierre’s Top 3 Wines</h2>



We started with the 2019 Chambertin Clos de Bèze. (He would have opened the 2020, which he thinks is better, but it’s still too young.) Despite being one of the top Grand Cru in the Côte de Nuits, he used no new oak on this wine. The tannins were super silky, the red fruit character fresh and juicy, filling the mouth and ending with a long sweet finish. The wine had all the characteristics I recognise when tasting Pierre’s Chambertin Clos de Bèze: elegance, concentration without being heavy, and a touch of sweet spice. At 13 per cent ABV, the wine has wonderful balance without the power being muted. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4901.jpg-768x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796979" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4901.jpg-768x1024.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4901.jpg-225x300.webp 225w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4901.jpg-1152x1536.webp 1152w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_4901.jpg.webp 1417w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



The 2016 Chambertin Clos de Bèze is from a vintage which suits Pierre’s winemaking style. Even purer than the 2019, with a little bit more sweet spice, the crushed raspberry nose is very complex and the sweet long finish is typical of all Pierre’s wines. A class act.



Finally, the pièce de résistance, the 2016 Griotte-Chambertin from the tiny 85 litre Cavin barrel. Simply a wow wine: darker, denser, and more mature than the Chambertin Clos de Bèze, the wine has a lot more power and concentration while maintaining an elegance and purity that defies explanation. Made from vines planted in 1923, using the whole bunch method (i.e. the grapes have not been de-stemmed), vinifying such a small quantity of grapes is an art form in itself. I have to admit that I couldn’t stop tasting the wine until I had finished the bottle, such was the pleasure I derived from it. Shame, he didn’t have another bottle with him!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best 3 Red Wines Pierre has tasted – but not made</h2>



1953 Château Cos d’Estournel



1952 Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Richebourg Grand Cru



1976 Domaine Dujac, Bonnes Mares Grand Cru



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best White Wine Pierre has tasted</h2>



1962 Joseph Drouhin Marquis de Laguiche, Montrachet Grand Cru&nbsp;



Pierre’s Death-Row Last Request:



1982 Château Lafleur in Magnum



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pierre’s Desert Island Choices</h2>



Book: L’Axe du Loup by Sylvain Tesson



Film: Les Tontons flingueurs



Music: Alain Souchon &amp; The Doors



Luxuries: Swiss Army Knife&nbsp;



Past-time: Rock climbing &amp; gardening



The 2025 edition of the Golden Vines awards will take place in Miami between 7–9 November. <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.

burgundy

Wine

Wine Column

Winemaker

Meet Burgundy’s Champion Rock Climber Turned Winemaker

Professional partnerships in the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/wine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wine</a>&nbsp;industry are far less frequent than fashion or watch collaborations. But even if they were a dime a dozen, the oenological world would likely still be fervently excited about the just-released joint effort by Penfolds Grange and La Chapelle, which blends two of the world’s finest Syrahs—one grown in&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australia</a>, where the grape is called&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/shiraz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shiraz</a>, and the other in&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/france/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">France</a>—into a single bottle.&nbsp;



It helps that Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago and La Chapelle owner and winemaker Caroline Frey are longtime friends. They came up with the idea to blend their products over—what else?—a glass of wine after meeting at the Vinexpo trade fair in Bordeaux many years ago. And though both prestigious businesses produce coveted vintages, the resulting bottling is somehow far greater than the sum of its parts.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Grange_LaChapelle_Bottle.jpg-2-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797380" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Grange_LaChapelle_Bottle.jpg-2-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Grange_LaChapelle_Bottle.jpg-2-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Grange_LaChapelle_Bottle.jpg-2-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Grange_LaChapelle_Bottle.jpg-2.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The finished collaboration bottle.  Image courtesy of Penfolds Wines</figcaption></figure>



Penfolds Grange was created in 1951 and is named for the original estate cottage Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfolds and his wife, Mary, had built in Adelaide, in 1844. Once completed, they planted cuttings of Syrah grapes transplanted from France. It is arguably the most coveted Australian wine among connoisseurs in the know. La Chapelle also takes its name from a specific structure: the chapel of St Christopher, which sits atop a granite hill on the banks of the Rhône. It has been tempting collectors since the 1920s, and several of its vintages have scored the elusive 100-point grading from critics, placing it among the most acclaimed bottles in the world. 



“The two wines, La Chapelle and Grange, the Syrah and Shiraz, have such a connection, such a long story,” Frey says. “Even if it seems a little crazy, the idea to blend them came quite naturally.”&nbsp;



Because they could legally not be mixed in France, the La Chapelle 2021 had to be air-freighted to Australia in temperature-controlled tanks before being combined with an equal amount of Grange. “They were initially oak-aged separately, then blended, and then went back to oak,” Gago explains. “That helps us with the harmony, not just of the flavours, but also the tannins.” In other words, Frey adds, “you don’t identify those two wines in the blend, but for me the interesting thing is that it shows me the powerful side of La Chapelle and the elegance of Grange.” 



<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/2025/04/Syrah_Fields.jpg-2-683x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797379" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Syrah_Fields.jpg-2-683x1024.webp 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Syrah_Fields.jpg-2-200x300.webp 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Syrah_Fields.jpg-2-768x1152.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Syrah_Fields.jpg-2-1024x1536.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Syrah_Fields.jpg-2.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Syrah fields that produce La Chapelle’s wines. Image courtesy of La Chapelle</figcaption></figure>



The result, called Grange La Chapelle 2021, is violet in the glass and offers a bouquet of black cherry, pomegranate, and eucalyptus with a pleasant touch of forest floor. After an opening burst of cranberry, slightly grippy tannins and well-balanced acidity support flavours of purple plum, blackberry, milk chocolate, mint, and black pepper, with a soft hint of baking spices that lingers into the persistent finish. 



You won’t find it on a store shelf anywhere: The tightly limited bottling is being sold directly to customers (at US$2,500/approximately HK$19,395 apiece). Those who miss out will be pleased to learn that the 2022 and 2023 vintages are already bottled and resting in the Penfolds museum under Gago’s watchful eye.

La Chapelle

Penfolds

Penfolds Grange

Penfolds Grange and La Chapelle Team Up for a Limited-Edition Wine Collaboration

Let’s set the scene. The host: Robb Report Hong Kong. Our partner: Edrington. The location: The Garden Suite at The Peninsula Hong Kong. The occasion: The grand unveiling of The Glenrothes 51, a rare and exceptional bottle so precious that only one (of five total in all of Hong Kong) was in the room, guarded by the sharpest of eagle eyes. 



Anyone with HK$363,000&nbsp;to spare for The 51 would join an elite club of just 100 worldwide, and be invited to fly down to Scotland, welcomed at the distillery, and learn about how this liquid gold is created in the finest casks for an unforgettable pour, swivel, sniff, and sip.



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It was an exceptional evening as&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;played host to just a handful of VIP guests and distinguished RR1 Hong Kong members as a remarkable whisky, which has been meticulously matured for more than half a century,&nbsp;made&nbsp;its first appearance in Hong Kong, following successful unveilings in San Francisco, New York, and London.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797211" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-3-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Upon arrival, attendees were greeted by the breathtaking panorama of Victoria Harbour and the newly launched Best of the Best 2025 annual magazine by&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong, setting the tone for a night steeped in sophistication. Our by-invitation-only guests assembled, each eagerly anticipating the celebration of this extraordinary release.



Tak Man, CEO and publisher of&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong, began the evening with a warm welcome. “It is an honour to have you all here tonight for a very special occasion: to unveil the&nbsp;Glenrothes&nbsp;51, a whisky that not only boasts an incredible 51 years of maturation but also introduces a world’s-first in whisky packaging design,” he remarked to the gathering. 



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234797203" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797203" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/RRHK-x-Glenrothes-51-Private-Dinner-94-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">John Laurie.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" data-id="1234797431" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797431" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/gl_rs-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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While the highlight of the evening was, undoubtedly, the unveiling of The Glenrothes 51, the reveal of the highly anticipated whisky was preceded by a spirited (pun intended) talk and engaging fireside chat led by Tak Man, featuring three esteemed whisky connoisseurs: Kam Daswani of Dram Good Stuff, Benjamin Po of Edrington, and John Laurie, head of global partnerships and private client management at The Glenrothes, who had flown in from Scotland specifically for the event. Together, they delved into the nuances of whisky appreciation, sharing insights that resonated with the gathered aficionados.



Guests raised their glasses&nbsp;to toast the occasion, and the selection of welcome drinks curated for the evening featured a range of exquisite Glenrothes, including the 18-, 32-, and 42-year-old variants—each a testament to the artistry and dedication behind every bottle.&nbsp;



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In anticipation of the excellent pours, the fine folks at The Peninsula Hong Kong crafted a menu that complemented the notes of the fine whisky. Guests started the meal with appetiser options of either Boston lobster avocado roulade or Hokkaido scallops with cauliflower and seaweed beurre blanc. For the main course, a slow-roasted Wagyu beef striploin was a solid option, and for those preferring lighter fare, there was a crispy&nbsp;amadai&nbsp;fillet with razor clam and young leek ragout. Cooling off the evening with a palate cleanser, dessert naturally had to be a Dulcey whipped ganache with the piquant tastes of mango marmalade and ginger madeleines.



This special gathering&nbsp;was not merely about unveiling a whisky—it was an homage to the shared love of exquisite craftsmanship, heritage, the bonds forged over fine spirits, and the indomitable spirit of fine whisky-making. As guests departed, they carried with them memories of an exceptional evening and the spirit of The Glenrothes and its enduring legacy.&nbsp;&nbsp;



All images shot exclusively for Robb Report Hong Kong.

In the battle of luxury powerhouses,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/hermes-heirs-five-billion-payout-1236228055/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hermès</a>&nbsp;has come out on top—for now, at least.



The French fashion house’s market capitalisation hit US$276.3 billion (€243.65 billion) on Tuesday, surpassing&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/lvmh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVMH</a>&nbsp;Möet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE’s valuation of US$274.5 billion (€243.44 billion). That figure places Hermès in the No. 3 spot on the list of the largest listed companies in Europe, trailing behind software brand SAP SE and weight-loss drug supplier Novo Nordisk A/S, Bloomberg&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-15/hermes-market-value-surpasses-lvmh-which-once-tried-to-buy-it?srnd=homepage-americas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>. It also makes the&nbsp;maison&nbsp;the most valuable company in France, according to the nation’s CAC40 stock index—as well as the world’s most valuable luxury company, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/luxury-stocks-fall-after-lvmh-sales-miss-expectations-f62254ba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wall Street Journal</a>.



The shakeup comes in the wake of LVMH’s poor performance in Q1, where the brand saw a 3 percent decline in sales—falling below analysts’ projected 2 percent growth over the same period, Reuters&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/lvmh-shares-slump-after-luxury-giants-q1-sales-miss-forecast-2025-04-15/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">reported</a>. The drop was the result of sluggish demand in the U.S. and China, as well as the looming threats of tariffs and their threatening presence over the luxury market. As a result, the conglomerate’s shares fell over 8 percent.



“Hermès is seen as more resilient in certain environments, which are more uncertain, and that’s exactly what is happening right now,” Jelena Sokolova, an analyst at Morningstar, told Bloomberg.



That market value is something of a victory for Hermès. In 2015, LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault sent shock waves through the luxury sector when he announced that he had acquired a stake in the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/hermes-birkin-luxury-handbag-slingo-1234871666/">Birkin</a>&nbsp;bag maker, Bloomberg reported. In response, the Hermès family came together and eventually drove&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/finance/2024-french-billionaire-losses-1236137150/">France’s richest man</a>&nbsp;to sell his shares in the company.



Something that’s helping Hermès is the exclusivity of its products. Most notable, of course, are handbags like its Birkin and Kelly, demand for which far surpasses supply.



Many high-end brands, including LVMH, have suffered over the past year in the face of a <a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/lvmh-revenue-luxury-slowdown-1235786060/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">luxury slowdown</a> that has plagued the sector—though the Arnault-helmed conglomerate did net a better-than-expected <a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/lvmh-revenue-1236185585/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US$88.27 billion</a> in 2024, a growth of 1 percent from 2023. As for Hermès, the maison has been bucking the trend, seeing an <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/fashion/hermes-beats-luxury-slowdown-1235966414/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">11.3 percent</a> increase in sales in Q3 last year and whipping up about US$15.9 billion (€15.2 billion) in revenue in 2024 overall—a 13 percent increase from the year prior.



As for how the luxury brands will fare in 2025, we’ll just have to wait and see.

Hermès

Luxury company

LVMH

news

Hermès Just Passed LVMH as the World’s Most Valuable Luxury Company

It might surprise you to know that one of the most in-demand Burgundy domaines (as wine estates are known in that region) is owned and run by a champion rock climber: Pierre Duroché of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.domaine-duroche.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Domaine Duroché</a>&nbsp;from the village of Gevrey-Chambertin in the Côte de Nuits. Burgundy is full of eccentric vignerons (winemakers), as well as people who have enjoyed successful previous careers (such as, Jean-Marc Roulot, the actor and owner of famed white wine domaine, Domaine Jean-Marc Roulot). So perhaps we should not be surprised to see a champion rock climber running up and down the vines either.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hot Property</h2>



As a passionate wine collector of Burgundy wines, Domaine Duroché came onto my radar around 2015. I had heard some gossip that there was a new guy making top quality wine in the small village of Gevrey-Chambertin. Eventually, thanks to my persistence, I managed to gain an audience at the estate with Pierre and his charming wife, Marianne. Having tasted the wines—stylistically focused on elegance and purity—I realised that I had to own them. Ever since, I have come back to the Domaine at every opportunity, and have seen a continual improvement in wine quality as the youthful, Pierre, learns his trade.



Born in 1982, Pierre and his wife, Marianne, make no less than 18 wines (or cuvées, as they are called) from an estate covering a mere 8.6 hectares, recently adding a new grand cru (a tiny 0.099 hectare plot) to their repertoire, Charmes-Chambertin. (They also make a few wines from buying grapes, known as négociant wines.) Indeed, to add to the workload, for the 2020 vintage, Pierre makes eight cuvées of one barrel or less (i.e. less than 300 bottles). Included is his tiny production of Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru, where he makes 85 litres (less than 115 bottles) in a mini-barrel specially made by Burgundy’s 30-year-old wizkid cooper, Pierre Cavin at Tonnellerie Cavin. Indeed, the Griotte is the smallest declared single cuvée in the whole Burgundy region, in part because very few vignerons would even attempt to make a wine from such little juice. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PHOTO-2022-08-26-14-37-03.jpg.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796976" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PHOTO-2022-08-26-14-37-03.jpg.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PHOTO-2022-08-26-14-37-03.jpg-300x225.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PHOTO-2022-08-26-14-37-03.jpg-768x576.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Aiming High</h2>



Rock climbing has been in Pierre’s blood from a very young age. His parents noticed his fascination with climbing when they took him on family holidays to Zermatt, Switzerland and found him continually wandering off to climb things, causing his parents no end of stress! At age 12, his best friend, Bertrand Dugat of Domaine Claude Dugat, introduced him to the sport. Bertrand was one of the best climbers in the Burgundy region, and Pierre naturally wanted to be better. Honing his skills, he rose through the ranks, and was then called up to the French national team to compete in the World Cup of Rock Climbing in 2004. Of the five members of the French squad, due to his inability to escape the family vineyards, he was the only amateur to compete—all of the rest were professionals. Competing at World Cups in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008, he usually ranked in the top 10 to 25 competitors individually, at a time when the French were the team to beat. Unfortunately, due to the pressures of work, he gave up competing at this level in 2013, although he still dabbles, especially on holidays; this summer, he was rock climbing with the family in Squamish, Canada.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conquering the Peaks</h2>



One claim to fame is how he conquered a particularly impassable route in the Cormot, a famed climbing area in the Burgundy region. One of the routes, graded 9A in difficulty, had never been traversed. (Difficulty levels are graded from 3A all the way up to 9B, which is the maximum.) In 2007, Pierre achieved what nobody else had previously done and nobody else has done since despite the attempts of hundreds of climbers. Chapeau, Monsieur Duroché!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Partner in Life and Wine</h2>



He has a lot to be thankful for when it comes to rock climbing: he met his wife, Marianne, at a rock climbing gym in 2007, as she had come along with her brother, another passionate rock climber, who now runs Domaine Jacques Cacheux down the road in Vosne-Romanée. (Whoever knew there were so many rock climbers in the Côte de Nuits?!) After they married in 2014, Marianne and Pierre became partners in life and at work. They run the estate together, and Marianne is involved in all aspects of the work, whether in the vineyards, cellar or office. They have even managed to build a small négociant business by buying grapes from her brother in Vosne, to make a Vosne-Romanée village and an Echezeaux Grand Cru wine. According to Pierre, Marianne is generally always right when it comes to difficult decisions—something a lot of us married men have come to appreciate about our wives!  The couple have two children: Albane, a daughter, who is six, and Edgar, a son, who is four; keeping them out of playing in the vats or on the tractor is a perennial problem. 



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">It’s in the Blood</h2>



Pierre’s journey in the wine world started from youth, growing up on the estate run by his father and mother (who passed away from cancer in May 2022). The estate has been in the family for five generations, since 1906. His father tended to sell the grapes to négociants rather than bottle the wines under his own label. Having grown up around the vines, it was natural for Pierre to study viticulture. His course consisted of one-third class study and two-thirds apprenticeship. A career away from rock climbing was a necessity in order to continue with the family business. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Taking Control</h2>



In 2003, his father asked him to come in as a partner. Pierre promptly arranged a bank loan and bought 50 per cent of the estate. From the start, his father was more interested in the administration side of the business, leaving the vineyard and cellar work to his young passionate son. Pierre’s influence led to them bottling more and more wine under their own Domaine Duroché label, until 2013, when they stopped selling grapes to négociants entirely. In 2015, Pierre bought out the remaining 50 per cent of the estate from his father, who is now retired. 



Principally self-taught, Pierre’s moment of enlightenment came in 2005, when he and his best friend, Bertrand Dugat, opened two incredible bottles together: Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru 1995 from Bertrand’s family estate and a Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine Denis Mortet. It was at that moment, Pierre realised how good wine could be, and he made it his mission to try to make wines of this level from his family estate. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quality-Driven</h2>



To reach these heights, he made the decision early on to cut the amount of new oak barrels for ageing—which he felt negatively affected the elegance of the wines—as well to avoid fining and filtration entirely. In the vineyard, starting with the Cazetiers vineyard in 2014, he began to increase the size of the canopy, focusing on reducing the crop yield and increasing homogeneity through more precise pruning and de-buding work; as a result, even in the difficult 2021 vintage, there was no need for Pierre to sort the grapes. Depending on the vineyard, he has experimented with vine training techniques, such as the time-consuming Echalas system, used by Charles Lachaux at Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux and Jean-Yves Bizot at Domaine Bizot, two of Burgundy’s greatest winemakers. In his very old vineyards, where there are already a lot of smaller grapes that ripen well, there is less need to experiment with such techniques, as they would take too much energy from the old vines. Pierre’s philosophy is to be flexible and adopt the best techniques for each vineyard, rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Duroche-Pierre-IMG_0547.jpg-1024x768.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796977" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Duroche-Pierre-IMG_0547.jpg-1024x768.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Duroche-Pierre-IMG_0547.jpg-300x225.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Duroche-Pierre-IMG_0547.jpg-768x576.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Duroche-Pierre-IMG_0547.jpg.webp 1417w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pleasure Seeker</h2>



Elegance, purity, precision, and pleasure are what Pierre is aiming for in his wines. Indeed, on a recent trip together with our wives, Pierre told me about how his friend, Klaus-Peter Keller (the famed German winemaker), who had come to the Domaine to taste, commented that “when you have a sip, you always want to have another one”—proof that Pierre is achieving his goals. To confirm the theory, when arranging a trip to Château Latour for Pierre and I, Jean Garandeau, the sales and marketing director at Latour, expressed his excitement to see Pierre; I asked him if he liked Pierre’s wines, to which he responded: “What’s not to like about the Duroché wines?” (Of course, no homegrown Bordelais would have ever made that comment, but Garandeau is originally from Burgundy.)



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Great Terroir</h2>



Pierre’s job is helped considerably by the vineyards he owns, which include four Grand Crus: Griotte-Chambertin, Latricières-Chambertin, Charmes-Chambertin, and the famed Chambertin Clos de Bèze. The vine age across the estate is 70 years, but in Chambertin Clos de Bèze, it is over a hundred years old, which explains why he made a 100-year anniversary wine in 2020 in memory of his grandfather: the Hommage à Philippe. Old vines, although less productive, make very concentrated berries, which help create depth and complexity in the wines. Pierre thinks he has more millerandage in his vineyards than most estates due to the age of his vines—these are the small, shot berries that produce potently concentrated juice. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Arsenal Above All</h2>



What I like most about Pierre is that he’s an Arsenal fan. At my suggestion, he completely renovated a new cellar with an Arsenal crest logo embedded into the marble. It has become known as the “Arsenal Cellar,” perhaps the only example of its type in the world of wine!



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As a mad, passionate Gooner (as us Arsenal fans are known), there’s an instant connection with anyone who “bleeds red and white.” Pierre’s love of the world’s greatest football team came from watching Frenchman and legendary Arsenal player, Thierry Henry, play some of the most breathtaking football ever seen in the English Premiership. Our joint love of Arsenal, therefore, created an instant brotherly bond between us, despite the fact that Pierre—as he himself admits—is shy and reserved, and takes a little time to open up. Marianne, on the other hand, is naturally friendly, and her smile can disarm even the sternest of customers. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Not Enough Wine</h2>



Although he only made 20,000 bottles across the estate in 2020, he sells to 40 countries. As one of the superstars of Burgundy, Pierre isn’t short of buyers for his wines. The issue is having enough wine to sell—a familiar retort from all the top winemakers in the region. Nonetheless, despite having precious little wine, I asked Pierre to open the best three wines he has ever made so we could taste them together.  



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pierre’s Top 3 Wines</h2>



We started with the 2019 Chambertin Clos de Bèze. (He would have opened the 2020, which he thinks is better, but it’s still too young.) Despite being one of the top Grand Cru in the Côte de Nuits, he used no new oak on this wine. The tannins were super silky, the red fruit character fresh and juicy, filling the mouth and ending with a long sweet finish. The wine had all the characteristics I recognise when tasting Pierre’s Chambertin Clos de Bèze: elegance, concentration without being heavy, and a touch of sweet spice. At 13 per cent ABV, the wine has wonderful balance without the power being muted. 



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The 2016 Chambertin Clos de Bèze is from a vintage which suits Pierre’s winemaking style. Even purer than the 2019, with a little bit more sweet spice, the crushed raspberry nose is very complex and the sweet long finish is typical of all Pierre’s wines. A class act.



Finally, the pièce de résistance, the 2016 Griotte-Chambertin from the tiny 85 litre Cavin barrel. Simply a wow wine: darker, denser, and more mature than the Chambertin Clos de Bèze, the wine has a lot more power and concentration while maintaining an elegance and purity that defies explanation. Made from vines planted in 1923, using the whole bunch method (i.e. the grapes have not been de-stemmed), vinifying such a small quantity of grapes is an art form in itself. I have to admit that I couldn’t stop tasting the wine until I had finished the bottle, such was the pleasure I derived from it. Shame, he didn’t have another bottle with him!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best 3 Red Wines Pierre has tasted – but not made</h2>



1953 Château Cos d’Estournel



1952 Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Richebourg Grand Cru



1976 Domaine Dujac, Bonnes Mares Grand Cru



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best White Wine Pierre has tasted</h2>



1962 Joseph Drouhin Marquis de Laguiche, Montrachet Grand Cru&nbsp;



Pierre’s Death-Row Last Request:



1982 Château Lafleur in Magnum



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pierre’s Desert Island Choices</h2>



Book: L’Axe du Loup by Sylvain Tesson



Film: Les Tontons flingueurs



Music: Alain Souchon &amp; The Doors



Luxuries: Swiss Army Knife&nbsp;



Past-time: Rock climbing &amp; gardening



The 2025 edition of the Golden Vines awards will take place in Miami between 7–9 November. <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.

Aston Martin

Bentley

Hypercar

Lamborghini

luxury car

motors

Rolls-Royce

The Best in Wheels 2025, From the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II and Aston Martin Vantage to Porsche 911 S/T

It has taken its time, but the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/aston-martin-reveals-production-valhalla-supercar-1234624583/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston Martin Valhalla</a>&nbsp;has finally made it to the finished line.



The British marque just unveiled the production version of its eagerly anticipated&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/plug-in-hybrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plug-in hybrid</a>&nbsp;supercar. The futuristic speed machine will launch as part of the automaker’s 2026 model class and is somehow more impressive than what was originally promised.



The Valhalla made its debut way back in 2019 in the guise of the AM-RB 03 concept. Five years is a significant chunk of time and it should come as no surprise that the supercar has evolved in that time, even since the production version was first teased in 2021. Sure, the finished version of the car may look about the same, but thanks to the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/aston-martins-formula-1-team-helped-develop-valhalla-supercar-1235041677/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">help of the automaker’s Formula 1 team</a>&nbsp;the hardware is different—and more powerful.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla03.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794261" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla03.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla03.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla03.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla03.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2026 <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/aston-martin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston Martin</a> Valhalla. Image courtesy of Aston Martin</figcaption></figure>



The big story with any supercar is bound to be the powertrain, and the Valhalla is no different. At the centre of the plug-in hybrid setup is a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V-8. It’s similar to the mill found in the DBX707 but has a flat-plane crank, dry-sump lubrication system, reworked pistons, and bespoke ignition system. Thanks to these changes the engine, which is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, makes 817 hp, which is 77 hp more than the brand said it was targeting in 2021.



That figure alone would make the Valhalla potent, but its powertrain also includes three electric motors, one more than was supposed to be present in 2021. Two of the motors are positioned on the front axle (which gives the car all-wheel drive) and the other is integrated into the transmission and acts as a starter generator. The trio gets its juice from a 6.0-kWh battery pack that can be recharged while decelerating. Thanks to the motors the vehicle can also operate in EV mode, in which it can cover 8.6 miles at speeds of up to 80 mph.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla05.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794262" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla05.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla05.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla05.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla05.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Aston Martin</figcaption></figure>



When the engine and all three motors are working together output comes to a combined 1,064 hp and 811 ft lbs of torque. The first figure is 127 hp more than the number quoted in 2021 (937 hp), meaning the powertrain is nearly 14 per cent more powerful than expected. Performance numbers remain the same, but it’s hard to imagine anyone complaining. Aston Martin says the Valhalla can rocket from zero to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 mph.



That last number is helped by the Valhalla’s rather aggressive aero kit. The vehicle, as is increasingly common in its class, looks like a LMDh prototype racer with slightly cleaner, more attractive lines. It sits low to the ground, has a wide-mouth grille, sculpted curves, and an active rear wing that can elevate up to 10 inches up into the air. These elements combine to produce 1,323 pounds of downforce once you reach 149 mph, helping keep the car glued to the road. It’s also equipped with a set of forward-hinted dihedral doors that open up to reveal a surprisingly minimalist interior. The cabin lacks the flare of the exterior, but the flat-bottomed steering wheel and simplified digital screen setup are nice touches.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla06.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794263" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla06.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla06.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla06.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/valhalla06.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Aston Martin</figcaption></figure>



The Valhalla is a 2026 model and because of that it won’t go into production until the latter half of next year. The marque plans to build just 999 examples of its electrified supercar, which will likely sell quick. No final price has been announced, but it’s previously been speculated that it would cost between US$800,000 (approximately HK$6.21 million) and US$1 million (approximately HK$7.77 million).



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-production-ready-2026-aston-martin-valhalla-1236116968" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the 2026 Aston Martin Valhalla.

hybrid

Supercar

Aston Martin Just Unveiled Its First Plug-In Hybrid Supercar

The&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/audi-a6-e-tron-concept-shanghai-auto-show-1234608354/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Audi A6</a>&nbsp;sedan is getting a makeover for 2026.



The German luxury marque has just unveiled the latest iteration of its long-running mid-size four-door. It isn’t just a minor refresh, either. The executive car features a sleeker exterior, a tech-packed interior, and more power under the hood.



We got our first look at the sixth-generation A6 last month when the company unveiled the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/audi-a6-avant-sedan-1236323600/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A6 Avant</a>&nbsp;wagon. The sedan and longroof look almost identical to the C-pillar, but that’s a good thing. The new A6 has a more aggressive front end, the highlight of which is a pair of razor-sharp headlights, and a smoother shape than before. Thanks to the latter, the sedan has a drag coefficient of 0.23 (compared to 0.25 for the wagon), making it the most aerodynamic gas-powered&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/audi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Audi</a>&nbsp;in history.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/a603.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797386" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/a603.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/a603.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/a603.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/a603.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2026 Audi A6 Sedan. Image courtesy of Audi</figcaption></figure>



These changes also ensure that the vehicle stands out from its electric equivalent, the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/audi-a6-etron-concept-production-vehicle-1234627346/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A6 E-Tron</a>. The two models are clearly related, but the battery-powered four-door lacks the athleticism and grace of its new ICE counterpart despite being more aerodynamic (it has a drag coefficient of 0.21).



The design of the sedan’s interior has also been reworked.  Like that of the A6 Avant, the front is dominated by a trio of displays, including an 11.9-inch instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch infotainment screen, and an optional 10.9-inch passenger display. There’s also better sound insulation, which results in a 30 per cent quieter cabin, along with a panoramic glass roof with adjustable opacity levels, and an optional Bang &amp; Olufsen speaker system. Trunk space comes out to 17.37 cubic feet, which isn’t that far off from the 17.76 cubic feet offered by the A6 Avant, though that number grows to 54.17 cubic feet when the wagon’s rear seats are folded down.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/a601.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797387" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/a601.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/a601.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/a601.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/a601.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the 2026 A6 sedan. Image courtesy of Audi</figcaption></figure>



The new A6 is built on Audi’s new Premium Platform Combustion platform and will be available with either a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.0-litre turbocharged V-6 with mild hybrid tech. Only the latter will be available in the US and it will make 362 hp, which represents a 27 hp boost, that is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In addition to more pep, the sedan also features an improved base suspension. There’s also an optional adaptive air suspension that can be controlled via voice commands.



The new A6 will launch as part of Audi’s upcoming 2026 model year lineup. The sedan is set to go on sale later this month in Europe, with a starting price of €55,500 (or roughly US$63,000/approximately HK$488,790). It’s expected to go on sale in the US during the second half of the year, but it may be some time until we know how much <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/trumps-tariffs-affect-every-luxury-automaker-1236442762/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">it will end up costing</a>.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-sleek-2026-audi-a6-sedan-1236475680/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the 2026 Audi A6 sedan.

A6 Avant

audi

sedan

The New Audi A6 Has Sleeker Skin and Even More Power

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/genesis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Genesis</a>&nbsp;unveiled its first full-scale&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/genesis-new-race-team-gmr-001-prototype-racer-le-mans-1236110595/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GMR-001 hypercar</a>&nbsp;this week in New York City, where it will go on display at the New York International Auto Show ahead of a campaign next year that will see it race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.&nbsp;



The company had&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/genesis-new-race-team-gmr-001-prototype-racer-le-mans-1236110595/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previously shown a version of the race car</a>, launched by Genesis Magma&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/racing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Racing</a>, the luxury marque’s racing team. The new prototype is for LMDh endurance racing, including in the FIA World Endurance Championship, which races at Le Mans, and the IMSA SportsCar Championship, whose most famous races are the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.



Genesis’s new hypercar is intended to show that the luxury marque can compete with the world’s very best when it comes to endurance racing, and, therefore, perhaps manufacturing performance-oriented luxury cars as well. Porsche, Toyota, and Audi have dominated the World Endurance Championship in recent seasons.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="577" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6_GMR_REAR-BOTTOM_-SAMIR-e1744813487991.jpg-1-1024x577.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234797332" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6_GMR_REAR-BOTTOM_-SAMIR-e1744813487991.jpg-1-1024x577.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6_GMR_REAR-BOTTOM_-SAMIR-e1744813487991.jpg-1-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6_GMR_REAR-BOTTOM_-SAMIR-e1744813487991.jpg-1-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6_GMR_REAR-BOTTOM_-SAMIR-e1744813487991.jpg-1-1536x865.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/6_GMR_REAR-BOTTOM_-SAMIR-e1744813487991.jpg-1.webp 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Genesis GMR-001. Image courtesy of Genesis</figcaption></figure>



The car Genesis revealed Wednesday shows a livery that the company says is inspired by the brand’s Korean heritage. The livery incorporates elements of Hangul, including the lettering for “magma,” or 마그마. A team supervised by Genesis chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke, who is perhaps best known his work on&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/drive-review-2001-lamborghini-diablo-1236144323/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Lamborghini Diablo</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/car-of-the-year-2009-winner-lamborghini-gallardo-lp5604-237055/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamborghini Gallardo</a>, designed the car’s bodywork.



“The GMR-001 Hypercar, like every race car, is a sculpture designed by the constraints of efficiency and performance—combined with the design DNA of Genesis—the brand with the Two Lines,” Donckerwolke said in a statement. “The livery is an orchestration of the tension and balance of the distinctly Korean character of the brand with gradients from Magma orange to dark red emphasising the high temperature of the powertrain. And the colour gradients from light to dark of the Magma writing in Hangeul is an optical doppler effect that expresses the glorious sound of the V-8 Twin Turbo engine in motion.”



Genesis has not released performance numbers for the hypercar, though it will conform to endurance racing regulations, including with the twin-turbo V-8. It’s expected to make around 670 horsepower.



The new car represents a big push for Genesis Magma Racing, which is Genesis’s motorsport program. That itself is an expression of Magma, which is Genesis’s new performance sub-brand for its luxury cars, in the same way that Mercedes has AMG and BMW has M. With endurance racing and a big splash at the New York International Auto Show, Genesis is hoping that in a decade or two buyers will put Genesis Magma in the same sentence as those two marques.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/genesis-gmr-001-photos-1236476504/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the Genesis GMR-001.

Genesis

le mans

Genesis Just Unveiled Its New Hypercar for Le Mans

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mercedes-benz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercedes-Benz</a>’s next generation of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/electric-vehicles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electric vehicles</a>&nbsp;is finally here.



The German luxury marque unveiled the latest version of the CLA-Class sedan on Thursday. The sleek four-door will only be available as an EV at launch and offers up a preview of what to expect from the marque’s battery-powered models going forward.



Mercedes has been teasing the new CLA since 2023, when it first appeared in concept form. That may seem like a lot of time and effort to spend hyping up an entry-level vehicle, but the sedan is also the first car built on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform. The flexible technology—it was designed to be compatible with multiple powertrain types—will provide the underpinning for several vehicles in the years to come, including the next-generation GLA and GLB SUVs.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cla01.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796645" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cla01.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cla01.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cla01.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cla01.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV Image courtesy of Mercedes-Benz</figcaption></figure>



Thanks to the new platform, the CLA is Mercedes’s most advanced EV yet. Two versions will be available at launch, the 250+ and 350 4Matic. The first has a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive setup that makes 268 hp and 247 ft lbs of torque, while the latter has a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup that makes 349 hp and 380 ft lbs of torque (both models feature a two-speed transmission designed to improve efficiency). Those aren’t exactly performance specs that get the heart racing, but they’re decent for a more accessible EV. The 250+ can accelerate from zero to 60 in 6.6 seconds, the 350 4Matic in 4.8 seconds, and both top out at 130 mph. Another version, with a hybrid powertrain, will launch in the future.



Driving range is just as important as acceleration or top speed when it comes to everyday EVs, and it’s there that the CLA shines. The 250+ travels an estimated 492 miles on a charge and the 350 4Matic 479 miles. Those numbers were reached using Europe’s more forgiving WLTP testing cycle, but the EPA estimate should be over 400 miles in both cases. The MMA platform’s 800-volt technology will also allow for DC fast charging at speeds of up to 320 kW. This would theoretically allow drivers to add up to 200 miles of range with a 10-minute charge.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cla03.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796647" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cla03.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cla03.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cla03.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cla03.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the new CLA Image courtesy of Mercedes-Benz</figcaption></figure>



The CLA’s new design is just as impressive. The production version looks almost identical to the concept, which is a very good thing. The four-door is sleek but has a more aggressive and athletic look than the company’s&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/mercedes-benz-2023-model-year-lineup-1234743820/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">current, blob-like EVs</a>. We’re especially fond of the illuminated grille, which surrounds the three-pointed star with light-up elements.



The redesigned interior is just as sharp. The front features a trio of displays—a digital gauge cluster, the infotainment system, and an optional passenger screen—that span the length of the dashboard. There’s also a standard panoramic glass roof, which provides more headroom for those sitting in the back. Because it is a Mercedes, the sedan comes with a long list of premium materials and trim options, as well.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cla02.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796648" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cla02.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cla02.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cla02.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/cla02.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Mercedes-Benz</figcaption></figure>



The new CLA is set to go on sale later this year. Mercedes has yet to announce pricing for the sedan, but something in the neighbourhood of its current US$45,000 (HK$349,675) starting price doesn’t seem out of the question, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/13/business/mercedes-cla-electric-vehicle.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to The New York Times</a>. That price would also help it be more than competitive with Tesla. The hybrid model is expected to follow sometime next year.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-2026-mercedes-benz-cla-ev-1236362796" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.

Electric Vehicle

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLA

The New Mercedes-Benz CLA Previews the Marque’s Exciting Electric Future

Mercedes is saying “auf Wiedersehen” to the hottest of hot hatches.



The German luxury marque has revealed that its discontinuing the A-Class, three years after it stopped selling the vehicle in the US, <a href="https://www.motor1.com/news/753969/mercedes-a-class-dying/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to Motor1.com</a>. Why is this such a big deal? Because that means the automaker has pulled the plug on its one and only hatchback.



Since its introduction in 1997, the A-Class has been Mercedes’s entry-level model. In the car’s fourth generation, a sedan edition was added to the lineup, but it has mainly been sold as a three- or five-door hatchback. As a true compact, it’s often been on the smaller end of the automotive spectrum, but there have also been several AMG versions over the years. The most recent, the wing-sporting A 45, came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that made 421 hp, making it the most powerful gas-powered hatchback you could buy.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/amga4501.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796729" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/amga4501.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/amga4501.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/amga4501.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/amga4501.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2023 <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/mercedes-amg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercedes-AMG</a> A 45 S. Image courtesy of Justin Leighton/Mercedes-Benz</figcaption></figure>



But the A-Class’s days as the automaker’s entry-level model are now over. Last week, that role was <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/2026-mercedes-benz-cla-ev-previews-electric-future-1236362595/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taken over by the new CLA sedan</a>, and this week, Mercedes has confirmed the older model won’t make it past this generation. The <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/news/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">news</a> comes via chief technology officer, Markus Schäfer, who <a href="https://www.quattroruote.it/news/industria-finanza/2025/03/17/mercedes_benz_schafer_la_classe_a_non_avra_eredi_.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told Italian magazine Quattroruote</a> that the company will built fewer compacts, which are mainly popular in its home region, to focus on more expensive SUVs, which sell better worldwide.



“We need models that will work around the world, including China and the US,” the executive said. “I know the hatchback is a favourite in Europe, but it was not part of the plan, and we had to make choices, including difficult ones.”



Mercedes may be getting out of the hot-hatch game, but there are still a couple of attractive options out there for compact enthusiasts—especially if they’re willing to go electric. The 641-hp <a href="https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/ioniq-5-n" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ioniq 5 N</a> has won plenty of plaudits since debuting in the summer. Renault is also bringing back the legendary <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/13-youngtimers-modern-classic-car-collectibles-1235389594/rr_new_classics_renault_5_turbo_2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5 Turbo</a> as an <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/renault-5-electric-mini-supercar-turbo-1236372284/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">all-electric “mini-supercar”</a> that it claims will make 540 hp. And, for those who crave a more traditional powertrain, there’s also the <a href="https://automobiles.honda.com/civic-type-r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Honda Civic Type R</a> and <a href="https://www.toyota.com/grcorolla/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toyota GR Corolla</a>. The cars may top out at around 300 hp, but they are both available with a six-speed manual, something that can’t be said of their more powerful battery-powered peers.

German luxury

Mercedes-AMG

Mercedes-AMG Is Getting Out of the Hatchback Game

As the Lunar New Year approaches, this is not just a time for celebration, but also for the most prestigious watchmakers in the world to unveil their exclusive, carefully crafted, limited-edition snake- and serpent-themed timepieces—an annual affair that we have come to embrace as artisans and craftspeople of note exercise their deft skillsets in creating absolutely striking (pun intended) timepieces.



Lunar New Year is always a special occasion in the world of luxury timepieces, with watchmakers unveiling exclusive designs that celebrate the rich symbolism of the Chinese zodiac. As the spotlight falls on the Year of the Wood Snake, precision meets artistry in a series of breathtaking creations. From intricate engravings to masterful enamel work, these watches embody not just a celebration of tradition but also a daring exploration of modern craftsmanship.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794971" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FRANCK-MULLER_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Franck Muller</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Franck Muller</h3>



Silhouette CX Snake



Paying homage to the transformative power of the snake, Franck Muller’s Silhouette CX Snake is a striking creation that blends serpentine allure with cutting-edge technical innovation. Its unmissable ophidian influence is complemented by the debut of the Silhouette CX case, making this piece an instant standout. With only 28 pieces available in Asia-Pacific, the watch promises to be as rare as it is captivating.



<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/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-1024x683.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794969" style="width:841px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-300x200.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-768x512.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/BREITLING-_2400x1600-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Breitling</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breitling</h3>



Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Cobra



Breitling’s latest release, the Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Cobra, features a bold take on the Year of the Snake with a striking cobra motif, with just 200 pieces available. Find the hidden-in-plain-sight snake on the nine o’clock subdial, paired with a conspicuous yellow, black, and red colour scheme. A true statement of power with a perfect fusion of watchmaking mastery and striking design, this distinctive timepiece conveys both personality and prominence.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794975" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LANGE-1-MOON-PHASE_2400-1600--2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of A. Lange &amp; Söhne</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A. Lange &amp; Söhne</h3>



Lange 1 Moon Phase



Not a snake in sight but nevertheless a special edition launched ahead of the Lunar New Year, we had to embrace this gorgeous release from A Lange &amp; Söhne. Its unique design is such that the watch captures the spirit of the new year perfectly with its off-centre design—a Lange signature, based on the golden ratio—and moon-phase display.&nbsp;Imagine experiencing this masterpiece, where the moon-phase display unfolds before one’s eyes, with a celestial disc gracefully rotating every 24 hours.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794967" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IWC-Schaffhausen-_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of IWC Schaffhausen</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">IWC Schaffhausen</h3>



Portofino Automatic Moon Phase



IWC Schaffhausen celebrates the Lunar New Year with a limited-edition Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake, available exclusively at the newly reopened boutique in IFC Mall in Hong Kong. Its 37 mm stainless-steel case is paired with a vibrant burgundy dial, symbolising the colour of fire, while the golden moon and stars create a stunning contrast. Limited to just 500 pieces, this elegant timepiece is a perfect fusion of tradition and sophistication for the festive season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794973" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Hublot_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Hublot</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hublot</h3>



Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake



Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake is a captivating tribute to the wisdom, transformation, and allure of the snake in the Chinese zodiac. Limited to just 88 pieces—a lucky number denoting good luck, fortune, and blessings in Chinese culture—this remarkable timepiece features an intricate, gold-plated snake integrated into the open dial. With the snake motif extending across the engraved bezel and strap, it flawlessly combines horological craftsmanship and artistic expression.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794977" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Tonda-PF_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Parmigiani Fleurier</h3>



Tonda PF Xiali Chinese Calendar in Rose Gold



Parmigiani Fleurier’s intricate Tonda PF Xiali Chinese Calendar made waves as the first-ever mechanical watch capable of displaying the complexities of the complete Chinese calendar, seamlessly merging Swiss watchmaking with Chinese&nbsp;cultural heritage. Now available in rose gold, the timepiece celebrates the heritage, innovation, and artistry of Chinese history, and its powerful relationship with the cosmos.



<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/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794968" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Breguet_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Breguet</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Breguet</h3>



Classique 7145 Lunar New Year 2025



Breguet’s latest creation honours the elegance and enigmatic symbolism of the serpent, showcasing trademark artisanal mastery through a gold-engraved dial in bas-relief to transform the dial into a stunning miniature sculpture. Open-tipped hands and a delicate profile make this an instantly recognisable Breguet timepiece, revealing the depth and brilliance of the&nbsp;maison’s mastery and horological expertise.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794976" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Longines_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Longines</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Longines</h3>



Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake



Conquest Heritage gets a timely new appearance for the Year of the Snake. Chinese artist Wu Jian’an collaborated with Longines on this project to create a design appropriately dressed in red and gold. On the caseback, the intricate engraving shows a serpent holding a&nbsp;lingzhi&nbsp;mushroom in its mouth, symbolising longevity.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 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="1234794974" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794974" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jaeger_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234794983" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794983" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaeger_2400-1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jaeger-LeCoultre</h3>



Reverso Tribute Enamel “Snake”



Jaeger-LeCoultre is back with another instalment of its festive Lunar New Year timepiece series, a fine addition for collectors looking to complete the zodiac. Using hand-engraving and enamelling techniques, the Reverso Tribute Enamel “Snake” features a pink-gold case with Art Deco-inspired detailing. A coiled snake motif, enveloped by clouds, stands as the main highlight, powerfully projected off the black&nbsp;grand feu&nbsp;enamel background that has become a signature for the collection.



<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/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794972" style="width:823px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Harry-Winston_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Harry Winston</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Harry Winston</h3>



Chinese New Year Automatic



Harry Winston observes the arrival of the Year of the Snake with a pair of extremely limited, 36 mm timepieces in 18-carat rose and white gold. Featuring a green-and-red colourway with a diamond-studded rose-gold case, and a blue-and-red colourway for the equally sparkling white-gold design, the mother-of-pearl dial is decorated with a lacquered snake and painted metal leaves, paired fittingly with a red leather strap.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794970" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chaumet_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Chaumet</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chaumet</h3>



Espiègleries Tresors d’Afrique



Not strictly a Lunar New Year watch, but certainly bearing a serpent motif, Chaumet’s Espiègleries Tresors d’Afrique celebrates Africa’s lush flora and fauna, highlighting the snake as the centrepiece of the dial. It features a golden snake set with brilliant-cut tsavorite garnets and yellow sapphires, decorated with enamel and enhanced with a yellow-gold frog and leaves, completing its vivid design.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794978" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/VAC_MdA_2400x1600-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Vacheron Constantin</h3>



The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac—Year of the Snake



In honour of its historic ties with China, Vacheron Constantin recently unveiled&nbsp;the latest addition to its Legend of the Chinese Zodiac series to herald the Year of the Snake. An annual exercise to commemorate Lunar New Year, the timepiece features an exquisite dial decoration crafted by a master artisan, who delicately applies enamel powder using a fine brush. Each layer of colour is fired at high temperatures to create a stunning gradient of hues from the centre to the edge.

2025 new watches

A. Lange & Söhne

Breguet

Breitling

Chaumet

Chinese New Year

exclusive watches

Franck Muller

Harry Winston

Hublot

Lunar New Year 2025: 12 Luxury Watches to Celebrate the Year of the Snake

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex</a>&nbsp;is rolling into 2025 hot with a price hike on its&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/gold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gold</a>&nbsp;models. For those who bought new models at retail last year, that’s good news, but for those still on the Crown’s seemingly eternal waitlists, that could mean paying more when the time comes to collect on your long-awaited timekeeper.&nbsp;



Hard-to-get and expensive references are becoming even more out of reach. <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/all-of-rolexs-new-watches-from-watches-wonders-1235575848/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Last year’s gold releases </a>saw price increases of around nine to 11 per cent. The Rolex Deepsea—the company’s shockingly heavy dive watch with an equally hefty price to match—went up from US$52,100 (approximately HK$405,049) in 2024 to US$58,000 (approximately HK$450,918) today for an 11.33 per cent climb. Meanwhile, Everose models, such as the Rolex Day-Date 40 Ref. 228235 and the Sky-Dweller Ref. 336935, rose 11.57 per cent and 9.26 per cent, respectively, for new price tags of US$46,300 (approximately HK$359,957) for the Day-Date and US$57,800 (approximately HK$449,363) for the Sky-Dweller. That’s almost US$5,000 (HK$38,872) more for each and that doesn’t factor in taxes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/m228235-0055-.jpg-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234794616" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/m228235-0055-.jpg-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/m228235-0055-.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/m228235-0055-.jpg-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/m228235-0055-.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



It’s not a price hike just because they’re Rolex, <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-certified-pre-owned-program-shorting-watch-market-1235779745/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and they can</a>…although they could certainly get away with it. This is due to the continuing rise of the precious metal industry globally. In 2024, gold prices rose by nearly 40 per cent with both consumers and countries betting on the investment due to varying factors from worldwide instability. At the beginning of last year, gold was roughly US$2,000 (approximately HK$15,549) per ounce and was up to US$2,800 (approximately HK$21,768) by the end of the year. According to some jewellers we’ve spoken with, they expect the price of gold to continue to rise and, given Rolex is, on its own, a pretty steady value riser, getting in on its gold models, even at higher prices than last year, is probably a pretty good idea. That is if you can get your hands on them. Pre-owned Rolex expert <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rolex-paul-altieri-bobs-watches-2723552/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul Altieri</a> of <a href="https://www.bobswatches.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAj9m7BhD1ARIsANsIIvDdxplWFHPCPwqGJk2OHAUP8fVClqoGhcjQ72i-8OiZwqNvb-gZxgcaAg1IEALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bob’s Watches</a> sees it for what is typically the driving factor in the watch world: rarity. “The Rolex price increases aren’t just an economic reaction,” he tells Robb Report. “It’s a recalibration of value in a world where craftsmanship and scarcity remain timeless currencies.” As suspected, he adds that a price increase at Rolex nearly always equates to an increase in demand.



In other words, it may be high time to follow up with your Rollie AD&#8230; again.

Gold Rolex

Gold Watches

Rolex

Watches

Rolex’s Gold Watches Just Got More Expensive

<a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/de-bethune-swizz-beatz-new-watch-season-1234820436/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swizz Beatz and De Bethune</a>&nbsp;are back at it again.



The record producer and the Swiss watchmaker just dropped an all-new timepiece, the DB Kind of Two GMT “Season 3,” marking their <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/de-bethune-dream-watch-5-tourbillion-season-1234644131/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">third collaboration</a> since 2021. And, as usual with this dream team, this release shows off some seriously inspired engineering: The watch offers up two distinct dials—one contemporary, one classic—that wearers can choose via an ultra-precise flipping mechanism.



For this vision from Beatz and Denis Flageollet, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/de-bethune/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">De Bethune</a>’s master watchmaker and founder, an extra level of mechanical wizardry was required. For the new launch, known as reference DBK2V1SB, the brand created a hand-wound movement that was entirely developed and produced in its Swiss manufacture. The calibre DB2517 is made up of 394 parts and offers up a four-day power reserve, ensured by a self-regulating twin barrel.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/debethuneDB-Kind-of-Two-GMT-Season-3.png-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796826" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/debethuneDB-Kind-of-Two-GMT-Season-3.png-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/debethuneDB-Kind-of-Two-GMT-Season-3.png-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/debethuneDB-Kind-of-Two-GMT-Season-3.png-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/debethuneDB-Kind-of-Two-GMT-Season-3.png.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The contemporary dial on the new DB Kind of Two GMT “Season 3.” Image courtesy of De Bethune</figcaption></figure>



The contemporary dial, one of two personalities you’re getting with “Season 3,” is made to show off that movement. With a black-and-gold colour scheme, the timepiece features a black open-worked deltoid bridge in its centre, mimicking the shape of a triangle. On this side, a sub-dial at six o’clock shows off the golden hour markers, while the minutes are shown around the periphery—both equipped with polished, blue-steel hands. Alongside the microlight and satin finishes, you can catch a glimpse of the dual central gold wheels of the jumping time mechanism and those silver twin barrels.



Flipping over to the other side, you’ll find the classic GMT dial, done up in silver, black, and hints of De Bethune’s signature blue. Here, you get the polished mirror-finished steel jumping seconds hand in all its glory, tracking the silver numbers around the dial’s outer edge. The hour numerals, meanwhile, are set on a wider ring, marked by blue titanium hands. A hand-guilloché central motif streaked with waves of silver and blue mark the centre of the dial.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/swizzbeatzdebethunewatchdials.png.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796827" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/swizzbeatzdebethunewatchdials.png.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/swizzbeatzdebethunewatchdials.png-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/swizzbeatzdebethunewatchdials.png-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A close-up of both dials. Image courtesy of De Bethune</figcaption></figure>



On the DB Kind of Two GMT “Season 3,” the contemporary dial is where you’ll set your home time, using the crown in position three. Then, the second time zone is set on the GMT dial by pulling the crown to its second position.



With a Nubuck strap, the new launch is also housed in a 43.3 mm case, which sits at a 11.4 mm thickness and is crafted from zirconium and satin-finished Grade 5 titanium. The floating lugs were redesigned just for this timepiece, allowing you to move with ease between the two dials. And if you’re into the Jekyll and Hyde effect, you better act fast: Limited to just 10 pieces, the “Season 3” is priced at US$235,000 (CHF 210,000/HK$1.9 million).



As we mentioned, this isn’t Beatz’s first collab with De Bethune. The duo launched <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/de-bethune-dream-watch-5-tourbillion-season-1234644131/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Dream Watch 5 Tourbillon “Season 1”</a> back in 2021, a striking, ogive-shaped timepiece that showed off a flurry of the watchmaker’s signature patents. That first drop was followed by the sleek <a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/de-bethune-swizz-beatz-new-watch-season-1234820436/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DBD “Season 2”</a> with a burgundy dial just two years later, a 43 mm number that Beatz described as “the culmination of a constant quest in which beauty meets virtuosity.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/debethunelounge1916newyork.png-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796828" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/debethunelounge1916newyork.png-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/debethunelounge1916newyork.png-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/debethunelounge1916newyork.png-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/debethunelounge1916newyork.png.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the new De Bethune lounge at the 1916 Company New York. Image courtesy of De Bethune</figcaption></figure>



And, in case you need another reason to celebrate, De Bethune is opening its first dedicated space in the US, joining two other locations in Geneva and Hong Kong. Known as the De Bethune Lounge at the 1916 Company New York, it is housed in the Big Apple’s Fuller Building on Madison Avenue. There, you can explore De Bethune’s rotating collection of timepieces, both old and new, and eventually use its upcoming custom-strap service on your favourite models from the watchmaker. You won’t have to wait long to check it out, either: The new space will start welcoming customers via private appointment starting 24 March.

collab

De Bethune

Dual-dial watch

Swizz Beatz

Watch

De Bethune and Swizz Beatz Team Up (Again) on a Bonkers Dual-Dial Watch

Few partnerships of this exalted stature resonate as profoundly as that between Richard Mille and Ferrari, and the fact we didn’t see it coming on the horizon and it simply and suddenly zoomed into view—that’s just perfect branding and timing!&nbsp;



Ferrari and Richard Mille’s RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph emerges as a highly coveted collaboration, bringing to the table the essence of both brands in peak formation: innovation, performance, and impeccable design. Limited to just 150 pieces—75 crafted from micro-blasted titanium and 75 from carbon TPT—this watch not only pays homage to the marque’s illustrious legacy but also sets a new benchmark in high-complication timepieces that Richard Mille has been perfecting for so many decades.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/5kgjQt9yXpwaXqqxJ-original-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796748" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/5kgjQt9yXpwaXqqxJ-original-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/5kgjQt9yXpwaXqqxJ-original-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/5kgjQt9yXpwaXqqxJ-original-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/5kgjQt9yXpwaXqqxJ-original-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/5kgjQt9yXpwaXqqxJ-original-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



In fact, the genesis of the RM 43-01 is a testament to the synergy between Maranello and Les Breuleux. Each watch is a canvas where engineering prowess meets aesthetic brilliance. Ferrari Centro Stile’s involvement has been pivotal, influencing everything from the watch’s silhouette to intricate details such as the crown and the strap, which features a pattern reminiscent of the Purosangue’s luxurious seats—a deliberate design choice that encapsulates the passion and precision that define Ferrari as a leading automotive giant.&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/2025/03/E6ZTrA357r67NPCzH-original-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796749" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/E6ZTrA357r67NPCzH-original-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/E6ZTrA357r67NPCzH-original-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/E6ZTrA357r67NPCzH-original-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/E6ZTrA357r67NPCzH-original-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/E6ZTrA357r67NPCzH-original-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



A striking titanium plate, laser-engraved with the iconic Cavallino logo, occupies the space left open during the movement’s development. Inspired by the rear wing of the Ferrari 499P, this detail is a nod to the marque’s automotive heritage, seamlessly blending watchmaking with the world of high-performance cars. Moreover, the RM43-01 calibre is a marvel of engineering, developed over three years to ensure optimal performance and durability. Its lightweight, skeletonised titanium baseplate is complemented by bridges crafted from both titanium and carbon TPT, resulting in a structure that is robust and aesthetically pleasing. A remarkable 70-hour power reserve is indicated at two o’clock on a 5N PVD titanium dial, while a torque indicator on a secondary dial showcases the watch’s energy efficiency.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FERR_RM_fPn74YYLiWsg2WrAT-original-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796747" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FERR_RM_fPn74YYLiWsg2WrAT-original-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FERR_RM_fPn74YYLiWsg2WrAT-original-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FERR_RM_fPn74YYLiWsg2WrAT-original-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FERR_RM_fPn74YYLiWsg2WrAT-original-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FERR_RM_fPn74YYLiWsg2WrAT-original-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FERR_RM_fPn74YYLiWsg2WrAT-original.jpeg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



At the heart of the timepiece lies an off-centre tourbillon escapement, which injects kinetic energy into the design. Enhanced by an innovative active seconds display featuring five radial blades, the watch elegantly merges complexity with functionality.



Richard Mille’s commitment to excellence is evident in every facet of the RM 43-01. As Salvador Arbona, the&nbsp;maison’s movement technical director, says, “Our work as movement manufacturers is becoming increasingly scientific,” and this philosophy drives the development of components that are not only durable but also enhance performance. Extensive testing and meticulous research underpin the integrity of each part, ensuring that every design decision amplifies the watch’s technical capabilities.



The RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari encapsulates the thrilling intersection of automotive and watchmaking artistry, marking a significant chapter in the rich narrative of both Richard Mille and Ferrari.



All images courtesy of Richard Mille.

Chronograph

collaboration

Ferrari

Richard Mille

Tourbillon

watch collab

Richard Mille and Ferrari Team Up For a Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/louis-vuitton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Louis Vuitton</a>&nbsp;watchmaking is on fire.



In 2023, the company shocked the watch world with a collaboration with <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/lists/the-greatest-independent-watchmakers-1235792096/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indie darling</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/rexhep-rexhepi-watchmaker-interview-1236118006/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rexhep Rexhepi</a> of Akrivia. His workshop makes just 50 timepieces a year—not the kind of atelier you would expect a luxury conglomerate like Louis Vuitton to bring into its fold and it’s certainly not the kind of partnership one would expect a master of horology to even consider. Now, French house has partnered with another <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/independent-watchmaking-1235367160/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">independent watchmaking master</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/a-collected-man-kari-voutilainen-1234669361/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kari Voutilainen</a>. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Louis_Vuitton_X_Kari_Voutilainen_LVKV_02_GMR_6_macro.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796735" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Louis_Vuitton_X_Kari_Voutilainen_LVKV_02_GMR_6_macro.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Louis_Vuitton_X_Kari_Voutilainen_LVKV_02_GMR_6_macro.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Louis_Vuitton_X_Kari_Voutilainen_LVKV_02_GMR_6_macro.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Louis_Vuitton_X_Kari_Voutilainen_LVKV_02_GMR_6_macro.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Louis Vuitton x <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/kari-voutilainen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kari Voutilainen</a> LKV02 GMR 6. Image courtesy of Louis Vuitton</figcaption></figure>



Earlier this year, during <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/louis-vuitton-tag-heuer-lvmh-watch-week-1236170890/rr_lv_012025_lead_aeed81/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVMH Watch Week</a>, the company released timepieces that caught the collective watch cognoscenti’s eye including a sleek gold guichet watch with barely visible branding (it also came in platinum and diamonds) and toned-down version of its highly recognisable Spin Time in muted hues like soft cornflower blue with a khaki leather strap. Even a rainbow watch was set so the gems just barely show for a discretely appealing touch on a <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/louis-vuitton-reimagines-tambour-sports-watch-integrated-bracelet-1234865162/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tambour</a> model—a line that now features serious movements and finishing.



What this all signals is that Jean Arnault, the 27-year-old watch director of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/louis-vuitton-escale-1235650279/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Louis Vuitton&nbsp;</a>and the youngest son of luxury scion Bernard Arnault, not only has a sophisticated eye, but he’s intent on making the fashion house’s watchmaking part of the conversation in high horology and high-brow collecting circles. “You just get the impression that he’s super smart and detail-oriented and thoughtful product-design-wise—the whole nine yards,” Drew Coblitz, a seasoned Philadelphia-based&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/watch-collector/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watch collector</a>, told&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/how-fashion-houses-fighting-for-watchmaking-credibility-1235953333/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robb Report&nbsp;last year</a>. “And the thing that he’s trying to do, branding-wise, is just really hard. It’s got to be one of the hardest things to do in watchmaking.”&nbsp;In other words, it’s a monumental feat to get a watchmaking arm of a fashion house to be taken seriously (some, like Bulgari and Chanel have achieved success), but it’s especially challenging at a house with so much hype surrounding it’s other, more visible and longstanding product categories.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Louis_Vuitton_X_Kari_Voutilainen_LVKV_02_GMR_6_crown.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796736" style="width:839px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Louis_Vuitton_X_Kari_Voutilainen_LVKV_02_GMR_6_crown.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Louis_Vuitton_X_Kari_Voutilainen_LVKV_02_GMR_6_crown.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Louis_Vuitton_X_Kari_Voutilainen_LVKV_02_GMR_6_crown.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Louis_Vuitton_X_Kari_Voutilainen_LVKV_02_GMR_6_crown.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Louis Vuitton x Kari Voutilainen LKV02 GMR 6. Image courtesy of Louis Vuitton</figcaption></figure>



At first glance, the 40.5 tantalum and platinum-cased Louis Vuitton x Kari Voutilainen LKV02 GMR 6 is surprising for its burst of rainbow but it has plenty of Voutilainen’s signatures. You have his masterful hand guilloché work, executed on 18th-century machines, at the centre of the dial that mimic’s the French luxury maison’s famous Damier pattern. There are his distinctive take on Breguet-style hands. And, of course, there is the finishing for which he has become known: the lug polishing and satin finishing are done by hand; the caseback engraving requires 12 hours of work; and you can see much of the master’s hand on the movement which was designed, built, assembled, and finished in Voutilainen’s workshop.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Louis_Vuitton_X_Kari_Voutilainen_LVKV_02_GMR_6_box.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796737" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Louis_Vuitton_X_Kari_Voutilainen_LVKV_02_GMR_6_box.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Louis_Vuitton_X_Kari_Voutilainen_LVKV_02_GMR_6_box.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Louis_Vuitton_X_Kari_Voutilainen_LVKV_02_GMR_6_box.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Louis_Vuitton_X_Kari_Voutilainen_LVKV_02_GMR_6_box.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Louis Vuitton x Kari Voutilainen LKV02 GMR 6. Image courtesy of Louis Vuitton</figcaption></figure>



The pops of colour are more than just an eye-catching device. The diamond-polished hour circle is the work of Maryna Bossy, an artisan in Louis Vuitton’s esteemed La Fabrique du Temps watch manufacture. It requires 28 different colours, 32 hours of hand-painting, and eight hours of firing in a kiln to achieve this kaleidoscope of hues referencing ancient stained-glass windows. But it was the Voutilainen workshop that executed the day/night indicator, which required hand-engraving the sun and moon disc in saffron yellow and cobalt blue which were then painted by hand with enamel to achieve the gradient effect. 



Images of Jean Arnault wearing the timepiece on his own wrist have circulated on social media and he makes a compelling case for the timepiece, which arguably looks more subtle and sophisticated on the wrist and comes in a perfect size. But if you’re thinking about splurging, you’ll have to start working on your VIP status at Louis Vuitton. Just five top collectors will get to take one of these GMT watches home, which means you might have to set your sights on the next partnership. Who will that be? F.P. Journe and MB&amp;F are likely ruled out since&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/chanel-invests-swiss-watchmaker-mbf-1235823975/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chanel owns a stake</a>&nbsp;in both businesses. We could see Greubel Forsey being a fit, especially with its signature 3D globe on models like the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/greubel-forsey-gmt-balancier-convexe-1234738049/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GMT Balancier Convexe</a>. But we suspect, a GMT watch won’t be a follow up to this GMT. We would love to see Japanese watch master,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/the-armoury-naoya-hida-collaboration-1234681960/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Naoya Hida</a>, pair his ultra-refined, nuanced, and traditional aesthetic to the French house. Time will tell.

collab of the year

Kari Voutilainen

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton and Kari Voutilainen Team Up on the Biggest Watch Collab of the Year (So Far)

In the lead-up to the annual <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/new-watches-watches-wonders-2024-1235570773/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watches &amp; Wonders</a> fair in Geneva in April—the horological world’s largest trade show—much ado is made about which timepieces <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/patek-philippe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patek Philippe</a> will release. But outside the hallowed halls of the sprawling Palexpo convention centre, Patek Philippe also hosts an event for its <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rare-handcrafts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rare Handcrafts</a> at its museum in the city centre. The pieces revealed here are the fruit of the handcraftsmanship that its métiers d’art artisans execute each year in stunning detail. This year, the watchmaker will unveil 78 pieces, including 23 of its instantly recognisable domed table clocks, one desk clock, 10 pocket watches, and 44 Calatrava and Gold Ellipse wristwatches.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Patek_Rare_Handcrafts_watch.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796759" style="width:838px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Patek_Rare_Handcrafts_watch.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Patek_Rare_Handcrafts_watch.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Patek_Rare_Handcrafts_watch.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Patek_Rare_Handcrafts_watch.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Patek Philippe Reference 5738/50J-011 “Yellow-Crested Cockatoo” Golden Ellipse wristwatch. Image courtesy of Patek Philippe</figcaption></figure>



Today, the revered Swiss watchmaker has offered a peek at just two of the one-of-a-kind and limited-edition creations that will debut at its Geneva salon next month: a reference 5738/50J-011 “Yellow-Crested Cockatoo” Golden Ellipse wristwatch and a reference 2019M-001 “Skiing in Days Gone By” domed table clock. Both are meticulously and painstakingly executed in cloisonné enamel. In this traditional decorative Swiss watchmaking technique, gold wires are placed in a design and filled in with enamel to create a scene. On top of this enamel, each is delicately hand-painted. The Ellipse required 90 cm of gold wire shaped by hand and 20 shades of opaque and opalescent enamel, while the table clock used over 16 m of gold wire in three different widths and 45 shades of mainly translucent enamel mixed with some semi-translucent or opaque versions of the material.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Patek_Rare_Handcrafts_clock.jpg-1024x575.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796760" style="width:842px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Patek_Rare_Handcrafts_clock.jpg-1024x575.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Patek_Rare_Handcrafts_clock.jpg-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Patek_Rare_Handcrafts_clock.jpg-768x431.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/RR_Patek_Rare_Handcrafts_clock.jpg.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Patek Philippe Reference 2019M-001 “Skiing in Days Gone By.”  Image courtesy of Patek Philippe</figcaption></figure>



Both the Cockatoo and Gstaad skiing themes recreate scenes from the past, albeit centuries apart. The bird is a Swiss take on a painting on silk by 18th-century Japanese artist Itô Jakuchi. Only 10 collectors will get to own one. The one-of-a-kind domed clock—variations of which have been produced at the house since 1958—takes its cues from vintage Swiss graphic design from the 20th century. The centre of the dial, unusually, is made from leather to mimic elements that might be found in a Swiss ski chalet. It will likely find itself at home in a chalet in Gstaad or in the home of a client who is a regular at the elite ski area.



As some collectors gravitate towards timepieces that will stand apart in a sea of sports watches (including Patek Philippe’s own <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/patek-philippe-nautilus-2024-watch-market-1236117040/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nautilus</a> and now, the Cubitus), artist-led pieces such as these may find increased interest. Regardless, those already in the know about Patek Philippe’s rare handcrafts understand they are incredibly special pieces and instant heirlooms. Those lucky enough to be in Geneva to see (and perhaps purchase) these pieces in real life will get an up-close look at some of the best Grand Feu cloisonné, grisaille, flinqué, paillonné, and Fauré enamel that Switzerland has to offer in addition to hand-engraving, hand guilloché, and gem-setting work.

designer watch

Limited Edition

luxury watch

Patek Philippe

Rare

Patek Philippe Just Unveiled a New Limited-Edition Watch and a Unique Table Clock

By Michael Verdon, Julia Zaltzman, and P. Ramakrishnan



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sailing Towards Sustainability</h2>



For a growing number of younger sailors, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but the chief driver behind their new builds. Designers and shipyards understand that their vessels must now be the bleeding edge of green technology.



“The wonderful thing about sailing is that you can move a 50-ton vessel in style across the Atlantic without using fossil fuel,” says Anders Berg of Dixon Yacht Design, highlighting sailing’s windharnessing advantage over powerboats. A younger, more tech-savvy clientele has emerged, with “different expectations that are catalysing new technologies.” 



“Our demographics changed tremendously after we started building hybrid boats,” notes Seth Hynes, president of HH Catamarans, a producer of luxury sailing cats from 44 to 88 feet. “We’re now looking at mostly younger buyers—families taking sabbaticals or first-time owners living off the grid.”



Hybrid propulsion has significantly lowered emissions compared to conventional diesel power, while solar panels designed into the exterior and lithium-ion batteries recharged by the spinning of the props are becoming integral to the latest generation of bespoke sailing yachts. Green technology is also trickling, albeit more slowly, into production sailboats.



In a reverse trend, designer Bill Tripp has seen motoryacht owners gravitate toward sailing vessels. “About a third of new clients at Y Yachts owned powerboats,” he explains, adding that the tech transfer represents a “seismic shift” during his 47 years as a naval architect: “There are great opportunities now for owners who approach this reflectively.”



One of Tripp’s clients is building a 70-foot “pure-electric” world-cruising sailboat with zero fossil-fuel components. But that remains rare. “Sailing’s still waiting for its Tesla moment, when batteries are light and powerful enough to make a boat independent,” he adds. 



Nobody believes the demand for increased sustainability will fade. “It’s accelerating,” says Berg, citing a recent clean-sheet project he designed around emerging technology rather than trying to pigeonhole alternative-propulsion components into a traditional hull. “This new generation of owners want things nobody asked for five years ago,” adds Tripp. “They want, and will eventually get, perpetual-motion machines.”



<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/2025/03/www-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796238" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/www-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/www-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/www-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/www-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/www-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Courtesy of Lürssen: Klaus Jordan</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gigayacht</h3>



Kismet



The latest and largest Kismet is the third yacht of the same name for Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan. At 400 feet, it’s 88 feet longer than its predecessor, though it shares flash features such as a basketball court on the helipad, video walls, wild chandeliers, and a silver jaguar inlaid into the bowsprit. The interior by Reymond Langton is tastefully flamboyant. The full-beam, two-level owner’s apartment is accented in gold, tempered by the fireplace, marbled bathrooms, dressing rooms, and enormous skylight above the bed. Other over-the-top features include a cryotherapy chamber, a Bogányi grand piano on the upper deck, and a “Tron Corridor” with a dance floor that flashes pink and blue. The cinema may claim the Khan prize for coolest feature: Under the 150-inch television is a Nemo Lounge, a window to whatever is swimming outside. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wb-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796242" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wb-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wb-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wb-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wb-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/wb-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Motoryacht</h3>



Wally



Wallywhy150



As the latest addition to the Wally fleet, the Wallywhy150 is a stunning 79-foot motoryacht that advances the design principles established by its predecessors. Studio Vallicelli Design was tapped to come up with the luxurious interiors, collaborating with the Wally-Ferretti Group team to create this cutting-edge vessel. Showcasing an ingenious layout that prioritises accessibility and flexibility, the Wallywhy150 features a master cabin on the main deck with expansive panoramic views and a unique split-level saloon that flows effortlessly onto an aft terrace—an embodiment of Wally’s signature “terrace-on-the-sea” concept. It also offers direct access to the sea at cockpit level, sans stairs—effectively a loft floating above the water.



Wally, a distinguished brand under the aegis of Ferretti Group, has consistently set the benchmark for innovation, seamlessly blending advanced technology with contemporary design. Engineered for stability and speed, the Wallywhy150 boasts a cruising range of 400 miles, powered by three optional Volvo Penta IPS1350 engines capable of reaching 23 knots. With its impressive interior volume and adaptability for various uses, this motoryacht promises an extraordinary experience. As founder Luca Bassani intended, the essence of Wally lies in its audacious reimagining of what a yacht can be, ensuring it resonates with discerning owners worldwide. Without a doubt, the Wallywhy150 is a zippy model to add to the collection.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="956" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w3-1024x956.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796244" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w3-1024x956.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w3-300x280.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w3-768x717.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w3-1536x1434.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w3.jpg 1714w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Megayacht</h3>



Ultra G



This Heesen, one of the fastest yachts in its class, is powered by MTU diesels with a total of 22,000 hp, connected to four water jets, that deliver a top speed of 37 knots. Speed is essential for the angling-obsessed owner to reach cruising grounds 100 miles offshore. But even with a fishing platform and an angler’s lounge (with screens showing live underwater feeds), the owner refers to Ultra G as a fast superyacht rather than a sportfisherman. That’s one reason why we chose this 197-footer—its speed doesn’t compromise comfort. The other is the Harrison Eidsgaard interior, which features a full owner’s bridge deck with an aft-facing suite, private terrace, and whirlpool. The yacht’s media room includes a cinema and games table, and in addition to the requisite sauna and steam room, the wellness area boasts a snow room. A surprising architectural highlight: the central staircase that winds through a glass-topped atrium.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w2-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796245" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Floating Residence</h3>



Ulyssia



Soon in the near future, Ulyssia, a residential yacht like no other, is set to redefine the meaning of luxury living at sea. Designed by the renowned Espen .ino and constructed by Meyer Werft with interiors by FM Architettura, this 1,050-foot behemoth will comprise 133 one- to six-bedroom residences for purchase, ranging from penthouses to duplexes and more, all with uninterrupted sea views and private terraces, and 22 guest suites for rent for visiting guests.



On board, cutting-edge technology and world-class leisure, entertainment, and health and fitness amenities further enhance the opulent experience. It would be easier to note what the Ulyssia won’t offer, as its facilities encompass a dive centre, spa, hair and beauty salon, medical centre, indoor and outdoor pools, walking track, multiple restaurants and bars, wine cellar, gourmet market, padel and pickleball courts, conference rooms, golf club and simulator, art studio&#8230; the list goes on. Residents aboard the Ulyssia can relish private voyages to iconic destinations and remote locales, making up a vibrant community of discerning individuals who can positively impact the regions they explore. (Ulyssia plans to partner with charitable organisations to introduce its residents to different marine conservation projects around the world.)



Environmental concerns are also addressed through design and engineering measures to minimise Ulyssia’s carbon footprint. With a commitment to sustainability, philanthropy, exceptional service, and unmatched lifestyle, Ulyssia is positioned as a beacon of innovation in the luxury yacht sector, inviting individuals to “live without boundaries.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sportfisherman</h3>



Special One



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234796246" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/w1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Royal Huisman’s 171-foot Special One is the largest and most heavily customised sportfisherman ever. Studio Vripack did its best to define the vessel as a serious offshore battlewagon, with a dramatically long forefoot, high bulwarks, six decks, and signature tuna tower on top. In profile, it looks like a conventional sportfisherman on steroids. In the stern is an oversized angler’s cockpit, complete with the requisite fighting chair. Four tiered aft decks give spectators a view of the action, while the tuna tower is designed for spotting pelagics many miles away. Despite the interior luxuries, this vessel is no pretender: It’s equipped with live-bait wells, rod holders, fish freezers, tuna tubes, and a bait-and-tackle room. On the foredeck, an outdoor cinema screen and studio-quality speakers provide a postcatch respite from fishing.

gigayacht

Kismet

Luxury vessels

Megayacht

Ultra G

Ulyssia

Wally

Wallywhy150

The Best in Water 2025, From Gigayacht Kismet and Wally’s Wallywhy150 to the Ulyssia Floating Residence

Steve Kozloff is making his marine dream a reality.



The California-based designer, known for penning pioneering <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/steve-kozloff-2us-sailing-yacht-1234895603/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sailing yachts</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/steve-kozloff-trimaran-trident-1234694754/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trimarans</a>, and <a href="https://robbreport.com.au/motors/boating/a-hybrid-expedition-yacht-concept-claims-11000km-on-a-single-tank/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">explorers</a>, just unveiled a new <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/submarine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">submarine</a> concept that would allow him to fulfil his dream of traversing the deep sea with his wife, Terry.



Aptly christened the Deep Sea Dreamer, the 107-footer allows two or more seafarers to explore the underwater world in complete privacy. Constructed entirely of sturdy steel, the sub features massive viewing windows and a forward observation bubble that provides cinematic vistas of the surrounding ocean. It can also function as a regular yacht should you wish to explore the world above the waves.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_3-1024x576.webp" alt="Computer rendering of a panoramic observation salon inside a submarine, with dining tables, a grand piano, and armchairs." class="wp-image-1234786638" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_3-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_3-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_3-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_3.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The panoramic observation salon. Image courtesy of Steve Kozloff</figcaption></figure>



Built for extended expeditions, the Dreamer is equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system comprised of two Cummins engines, one electric motor, and 10 directional thrusters. During long voyages, the vessel cruises just below the waterline, with a fixed dorsal providing fresh air to the interior and the genset while expelling the exhaust. Kozloff says this submerged cruising position results in exceptional range, decent speeds, and smooth conditions. The sub has an estimated cruising speed of six knots, a maximum speed of 10 knots, and a go-anywhere range of 6,000 miles.



In addition, the Dreamer can dive to 328 feet and travel up to 100 miles on silent, electric power. The sub can also remain firmly planted on the ocean floor for up to seven days, with the onboard batteries providing power for the week.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_Owner3-1024x576.webp" alt="Computer rendering of a suite inside a submarine concept, showing a bed and cabinets." class="wp-image-1234786639" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_Owner3-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_Owner3-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_Owner3-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DeepSeaDream_Owner3.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The owner’s suite. Image courtesy of Steve Kozloff</figcaption></figure>



Explorers will traverse the seas in the lap of luxury, too. The plush living quarters are akin to that of a <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/superyacht/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superyacht</a>. The two distinctive decks offer approximately 1,500 square feet of space for lounging and entertaining. Guests can easily travel between decks using the watertight elevator or ladder tube.



The interior includes an elegant dining area, a gourmet galley, a spacious salon, a forward lounge, a full-beam owner’s suite of 275 square feet, two guest cabins, and crew quarters. The panoramic observation salon is the highlight of the interior, with four recliners on the glass floor enabling guests to appreciate oceanic treasures. In addition, guests can enjoy nearly 2,500 square feet of space on the expansive exterior deck when the vessel is above water.



The sub remains a concept at this stage but Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/marine/gallery/deep-sea-dreamer-1235558165/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> to see all the photos of the Deep Sea Dreamer.

Deep Sea Dreamer

This Insane Submarine Concept Doubles as a 107-Foot Superyacht